Clocks, Staircases, and Curious Letters

As a youngster, I learned many things from Nancy Drew that were not written on the pages of her books. I learned that Nancy was the kind of girl I would like to be.  Nancy was a magnet who attracted mysteries. To anyone else, clocks were clocks, staircases were just what they seemed; but, not […]

That First Impression

We’ve all heard, “First impressions are lasting impressions.” A writer works hard to create a good first impression when you, the reader, crack open her book. Below are beginning sentences from each of my cozies, which, hopefully, create a good first impression. Moonlight Can Be Murder: My car’s headlights cut a yellow swath through the […]

Dry Thunderstorm

Dry Thunderstorm

Last night, we had another dry thunderstorm–the second one this month. According to what I’ve read, these are common in western states during late spring and early summer, but, for goodness sake! Arkansas is not west. I’d just as soon not have them. Caused by excessive heat and dry air, they present a lot of […]

In My Opinion…

In My Opinion…

  A message spoken quietly with a smile at the end is more powerful than shouting with a raised fist. Love means I am more interested in your well-being than I am in my own. Even if something is true, if it is hurtful, I will not repeat it. Each state should take care of […]

Autumn Rain

Autumn Rain

Autumn rain falls in the darkness of early morning. Leaves lift their thirsty heads, puddles form around the flowers, bowing under the downpour. There’s something special about autumn rain. It’s a tucking away of summer’s heat, sort of readying the earth for a new season. It is invigorating and lazy at the same time. It’s […]

Coffee Keeps the Plumber Going

Coffee Keeps the Plumber Going

Do you ever encounter a plumbing job that is small enough not to need a plumber? I do, quite often. I remember one in particular. A mysterious puddle appeared under my sink and my heart sank. Oh, no! How did water get there? Visions of plumber bills danced in my head. Determined to solve that […]