What is it about a gentle rain that is calming, soothing, and better than a lullaby for putting a person to sleep? Rain dripping from leaves and eaves, thunder rumbling softly in the distance, September, tucking the world in, a soothing backdrop to sleep.

Nighttime rain is comforting; daytime rain is exciting. Why? Children know. The ditch alongside the street is, all of a sudden, a small river. Leaves and sticks become fearless boats that sail and swirl along with the current.

Puddles are another matter. Reflecting the watery sky, they are perfect for stomping and splashing and wading.

Frogs, ducks, and children love the rain. So do mystery writers and anyone else whose imagination is whetted and revived with the magic of September rain.