My publisher,Duke Pennell, sent me the audio version of Best Left Buried. I’m to listen and give him my opinion. It’s exciting to hear Michelle Babb’s voice, as Darcy, read the first chapter. Darcy Campbell and Cub Dabbins are investigating a mysterious package lying on a ledge deep inside an old, hand-dug well. As Darcy leans over […]

Happy Birthday, Will!
·Although it isn’t conclusive, it is believed that William Shakespeare was born on this day, 1564. It is well documented that he died April 23, 1616. What a lot happened between those dates! The world of literature and, indeed, the English language is far richer than it would have been if that great playwright had […]

When the Morning is Dark
In a distant neighbor’s yard, sunlight brightens the top of a tall tree. Here, the trees are still in shadow but a cardinal sits atop a dark branch, looking down at the dampish grass as the sunlight edges ever closer. In the darkness, the cardinal is like a small, red flame. Isn’t life like that at […]

Grave Heritage and a Contest
·Remember that contest I mentioned a few days ago? You still have time to enter! Just click on this link http://www.blanchedaymanos.com/captivating-colorful-contest/ and check out what you need to do to enter. It’s really easy; just one of three choices. The contest ends at the end of April and the time draweth nigh. My publisher sent me a […]

A Quick Trip Back to Judah
The train announces its arrival downtown. I’ve gotten used to its sound now and if I moved away, I’d miss it. It’s one of those things that make a town what it is. The train on one side; the interstate on the other side, and in between the sound of early morning robins. A bluejay […]

By the Fright of the Silvery Moon
Remember you can read the first two chapters of all of my books: The Cemetery Club, Grave Shift, Best Left Buried, and Moonlight Can Be Murder on my home page. You can also listen to a sample of The Cemetery Club audio book and Grave Shift audio book on Amazon.com. The fourth Darcy and Flora cozy mystery will be out […]