Questions and Answers

All of my mysteries are–well–mysterious. Some could be called downright spooky. In fact, they have been called that. But, guaranteed, the spookiness has rational answers. I think they do, anyway, usually. Here are some questions to jog your memories if it has been a while since you’ve read any Manos Mysteries. Have fun! Pour another […]

And Then There Were Two

And Then There Were Two

There was life Before Kittens and there is Life After Kittens. My son, daughter-in-law and grandson decided something was lacking in their lives and that something was a kitten. As it happened, a friend was looking for a home for a little stray who had popped unexpectedly into their truck and, at great peril, had […]

Warm and Comforting

Do you ever enjoy going to some place warm and secure and comforting? I do. Sometimes, I retreat into childishness and have a doughnut (or two or three) and a cup of hot chocolate. I read or write a children’s story and there I am until I feel grown-up enough to take on the world […]

Dear Me, Santa

Mrs. Claus: Are you feeling better, Dear? How about a nice, hot cup of coffee? Santa (throwing back the quilts and rolling out of bed): Just what I need. The trip was hard this year. Mrs. Claus: Did the reindeer behave? Was the sleigh over-loaded? Did you face a head-wind? Santa: Yes, no, and no. […]

Who Was Tom?

Who Was Tom?

Tom Swifties are fun to think up. They’re also a good way to go to sleep if that’s a problem at night–better than counting sheep. This morning, I thought I’d try writing some Tom Swifties for mystery stories. Some of them are sort of a stretch, I admit. “Not a star nor the moon in […]

Fred and the New House

Fred the cat was happy in the tumbledown, comfortable house he shared with Jake. He liked the soft feel of the worn floor and the way that floor squeaked when Jake shuffled across it.  He liked the sag in the ceiling and the way the light swayed and shadows danced when the wind blew hard […]