Dog of Deliverance: A Golden Retriever Mystery by Neil S. Plakcy
Dog of Deliverance: A Golden Retriever Mystery
Cozy Mystery
21st in Series
Setting - Pennsylvania
Publisher : Independently Published
Publication date : June 30, 2025
Print length : 246 pages
Paperback ISBN-13 : 979-8287443207
Digital ASIN : B0FCD4DRD2
When his golden retriever Rochester discovers a body behind the bounce house at Stewart's Crossing's first Purim carnival, Steve Levitan finds himself juggling two dangerous investigations that will test both his computer skills and his courage.
Eastern College President Babson asks Steve to use his hacking expertise to investigate Austin Graynor, a star academic whose impressive credentials might be hiding a darker past. What Steve discovers about the professor's history with female colleagues creates an urgent dilemma about academic power and deadly consequences.
He’s distracted, though, by the murder of Yakov Shmerler, a diamond dealer who was supposed to marry eighteen-year-old Hadassah Schildkraut. Hadassah fled her restrictive Orthodox community to stay with friends of Steve’s. As he helps his detective friend Rick Stemper investigate Yakov’s murder, they uncover secrets that reach from Pennsylvania to the isolated community of Kiryas Lev in New York's Catskill Mountains.
Hadassah's escape has made her a target. Her blog exposing corruption in her hometown threatens powerful men who've built their authority on others' silence. As both investigations converge on themes of hidden identities and the courage to challenge corrupt authority—echoing Purim's ancient story of Queen Esther—Steve must protect those speaking truth to power while helping bring dangerous men to justice.
Neil S. Plakcy is the author of over 70 novels in mystery, romance, and adventure. His golden retriever mysteries are inspired by his English Cream goldens, Brody and Griffin, who are constantly sniffing around for food or affection.
Guest Post
Here's a 500-word guest post about dogs in mysteries compared to Lilian Jackson Braun's cats:
Following the Leader: What Lilian Jackson Braun Taught Me About Animal Sleuths
When I first conceived my Golden Retriever mysteries featuring Steve Levitan and his dog Rochester, I had one clear goal: to do for dogs what Lilian Jackson Braun had brilliantly accomplished for cats in her beloved "Cat Who" series. Braun showed us that animals don't need to be anthropomorphized or given supernatural powers to be compelling mystery solvers—they just need to be authentically themselves.
In Braun's novels, Koko and Yum Yum didn't speak or perform impossible feats. Instead, they exhibited perfectly normal feline behaviors that their observant human, Jim Qwilleran, learned to interpret as clues. When Koko knocked books off shelves, it wasn't random mischief—he was highlighting important information. When he sat on specific letters while Qwilleran was reading, he was literally pointing to clues. These weren't magical cats; they were cats being cats, but cats whose natural instincts and behaviors provided crucial insights.
This approach fascinated me because it respected both the animals' intelligence and their essential nature. Braun understood that cats are naturally curious, observant, and drawn to things that are out of place. She simply channeled those authentic traits into mystery-solving gold.
I wanted to capture that same authenticity with Rochester, but through distinctly canine behaviors. Dogs experience the world primarily through scent, so Rochester's nose becomes his greatest detective tool. When he finds a piece of plastic near a murder victim, it's not because he's been trained to look for evidence—it's because something about that scent intrigues him. When he paws at a medallion hidden in grass, he's following his natural instinct to investigate interesting smells and textures.
Dogs are also pack animals with strong protective instincts. Rochester's ability to sense when people are threatening or deceptive isn't mystical—it's the same skill domestic dogs have used for thousands of years to protect their families. His body language, his growls, his decision to position himself between Steve and potential danger, all stem from normal canine behavior.
Perhaps most importantly, dogs are empathetic creatures who naturally comfort those in distress. When Rochester seeks out grieving relatives or sits quietly beside frightened witnesses, he's not following some detective protocol—he's doing what golden retrievers do best: providing emotional support to humans who need it.
What Braun taught me is that the most compelling animal characters don't need to be turned into furry humans. They're most powerful when they remain true to their species while their human partners learn to "read" their natural behaviors. Qwilleran became a better detective by understanding how cats think. Similarly, Steve becomes more observant by paying attention to what Rochester's nose tells him, where Rochester's protective instincts kick in, and which people Rochester trusts or distrusts.
The magic isn't in giving animals human abilities—it's in recognizing that animals already possess remarkable skills that can complement human investigation. They notice different things, process information differently, and respond to situations in ways that can reveal truths we might miss.
Braun showed us that cats could be perfect mystery companions without losing their essential "catness." I hope Rochester proves that dogs can do the same while remaining authentically, joyfully canine.
Sometimes the best clues come not from what we think, but from what we instinctively know—and animals are the masters of instinct.
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Seams Like the Perfect Crime (An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery) by Lois Winston
Seams Like the Perfect Crime (An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 14th in the Series
Setting - New Jersey
Independently Published (February 4, 2025)
Print length : 285 pages
Digital ASIN : B0DNRBGVSQ
When staffing shortages continue to hamper the Union County homicide squad, Detective Sam Spader once again turns to his secret weapon, reluctant amateur sleuth Anastasia Pollack. How can she and husband Zack Barnes refuse when the victim is their new neighbor?
Revolutionary War reenactor Barry Sumner had the odd habit of spending hours mowing a small patch of packed dirt and weeds until his mower ran out of gas. He’d then guzzle beer on his front porch until he passed out. That’s where Anastasia’s son Nick discovers his body three days after the victim and his family moved into the newly built mini-McMansion across the street.
After a melee breaks out at the viewing, Spader zeroes in on the widow as his prime suspect. However, Anastasia has her doubts. There are other possible suspects, including a woman who’d had an affair with the victim, his ex-wife, the man overseeing the widow’s trust fund, a drug dealer, and the reenactors who were blackmailing the widow and victim.
When another reenactor is murdered, Spader suspects they’re dealing with a serial killer, but Anastasia wonders if the killer is attempting to misdirect the investigation. As she narrows down the suspects, will she jeopardize her own life to learn the truth?
Craft projects included.
USA Today and Amazon bestselling author Lois Winston began her award-winning writing career with Talk Gertie to Me, a humorous fish-out-of-water novel about a small-town girl going off to the big city and the mother who had other ideas. That was followed by the romantic suspense Love, Lies and a Double Shot of Deception.
Then Lois’s writing segued unexpectedly into the world of humorous amateur sleuth mysteries, thanks to a conversation her agent had with an editor looking for craft-themed mysteries. In her day job, Lois was an award-winning craft and needlework designer, and although she’d never written a mystery—or had even thought about writing a mystery—her agent decided she was the perfect person to pen a series for this editor.
Thus, was born the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries, which Kirkus Reviews dubbed “North Jersey’s more mature answer to Stephanie Plum.” The series now includes fourteen novels and three novellas. Lois also writes the Empty Nest Mysteries and has written several standalone mystery novellas. Other publishing credits include romance, chick lit, and romantic suspense novels, a series of romance short stories, a children’s chapter book, and a nonfiction book on writing, inspired by her twelve years working as an associate at a literary agency.
Guest Post:
Wil They/Won’t They? Should They/Shouldn’t
They?
by Lois
Winston
Happy Valentine’s Day! Let’s talk sex. (That got your attention, didn’t it?) Years ago, I began my writing career penning romance and romantic suspense novels. For romance writers, unless you’re writing for one of the inspirational imprints or “sweet” romance lines, it’s pretty much expected that your book will contain a sex scene or two. Or three. Or more. Sex sells.
However, after the release of my second novel, my agent called one day and asked if I’d be interested in writing a mystery series. I’d never given mystery a thought, but she knew an editor looking for a humorous crafting mystery series, and my agent thought I was the perfect person to write that series. In my day job I designed needlework and crafts for kit manufacturers, magazines, and craft book publishers. She also knew I could write humor. Talk Gertie to Me, my first published book, was a humorous fish-out-of-water story about a Midwesterner who goes off to the big city and the mother bent on dragging her home to marry the boy next door.
The result of that conversation was Assault with a Deadly Glue Gun, the first book in my Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery Series, currently at fourteen novels and three novellas.You won’t find any hot and heavy heaving bosoms in the series. Mystery readers, especially cozy mystery readers, don’t generally care for sex in their books. They’re interested in solving the mystery. Most don’t mind a relationship between the protagonist and whomever, just as long as it doesn’t get in the way of the whodunit.
Fair ‘nuff. I never really liked writing sex scenes anyway.
However, the last few years have seen a trend toward adding more romance into mysteries. The windows are definitely fogging up in some series, but for the most part, cozy mystery readers still want the bedroom door firmly closed with no graphic descriptions of what’s actually going on between the sheets.
My series opens with Anastasia recently widowed. Her husband has dropped dead at a Las Vegas casino. She thought he was at a sales meeting in Harrisburg, PA.She soon discovers her entire marriage was based on lies. She’s now faced with massive debt, a loan shark demanding fifty thousand dollars, and her communist mother-in-law as a permanent houseguest. And that’s before she stumbles across a dead body in her office. Romance is the furthest thing from her mind.
I had other ideas, though. Enterphotojournalist (and possible spy) Zachary Barnes who rents the apartment above Anastasia’s garage.Sparks start flying, but propriety wins out over hormones, at least in the first book.
Death By Killer Mop Doll, the second book in the series, opens three months later, and there’s a definite tug-of-war developing between propriety and those hormones.
Sexual tension drives romance novels. Once the hero and heroine have their happily-ever-after, though, they wander off hand-in-hand into the sunset. If there’s a sequel, it usually involves secondary characters who become the primary characters in the next book.
In an ongoing mystery series, the protagonist remains the protagonist throughout the series. Consummating a relationship often sinks a series. Although sexual tension doesn’t drive mysteries the way it does romances, it still plays a part in driving the characters’ internal goals, motivations, and conflicts. However, dragging out the will-they/won’t they for too long can also spell disaster. Readers get bored with the same old/same old. Relationships need to grow in much the same way characters need to grow. If they don’t, each book becomes a clone of the one before, and no author wants that to happen.
Our characters’ relationships become a balancing act, one where we have to determine what’s too much and what’s not enough. Get it wrong, and readers will be quick to let us know.
Seams Like the Perfect Crime is the latest book in my series. Twenty months have passed since the start of the series, and Anastasia is now in a far better place in just about every way. No spoilers, though, except to say, she’s still stumbling over dead bodies. After all, I am writing a mystery series.
Author Links Website:http://www.loiswinston.com
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Death at the Scottish Broch: A Mia Reid, Archaeologist, Mystery by Rose Kerr
Death at the Scottish Broch: A Mia Reid, Archaeologist, Mystery
Cozy Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - Isle of Skye, Scotland
Publisher : Level Best Books
(November 5, 2024)
Paperback : 264 pages
ISBN-10 : 1685128025
ISBN-13 : 978-1685128029
Digital ASIN : B0DK89D1R9
Dr. Mia Reid arrives on the Isle of Skye for a summer dig. She learns her friend and trusted colleague, Dr. Ethan Carter, is dead and valuable artifacts are missing.
Interpol agent and Mia’s former lover, Luke Forbes, is working the case with the police. They suspect murder and a smuggling ring.
Mia and her team uncover a treasure with ties to Bonnie Prince Charlie. Then two students are kidnapped, forcing Mia to trade the treasure for their release. During the rescue, she finds a collection of missing artifacts.
Are the smugglers and kidnappers the same people?
Can she dig up the truth before someone else dies?
Rose Kerr writes cozy mysteries featuring strong, smart, women protagonists who must draw on their wits and resourcefulness to solve the crime.
Rose was born in a small community in Nova Scotia and has traveled across Canada.
More recently, Rose and her husband have moved to Southern Ontario. When she isn’t writing, Rose and her husband enjoy exploring the new region.
You can find Rose at her website https://rosekerr.com/
Author Guest Post Rose Kerr
Behind the Scenes of Death at the Scottish Broch
Hi there, thanks for having me a guest blogger. Today, I’d like to chat about some of the behind-the-scenes moments with Death at the Scottish Broch.
I knew I wanted my main character to be an archaeologist. I’ve been fascinated with archaeology since reading Murder in Mesopotamia, by Agatha Christie.
I knew the career my character would have, and I decided to set the book on the Isle of Skye, in Scotland.
I’d originally thought to set it in Edinburgh and use Edinburgh Castle as the setting for the dig. But it didn’t feel right. After talking about it with an author friend, I decided the Isle of Skye would be better. It’s a little remote, atmospheric, and a truly magical place.
I’m not an archaeologist and wanted to learn as much as I could about archaeology before I began writing.
I took several courses in archaeology. The courses were taught online through Open Learn University and the lecturer was an archaeologist. There were lectures, class notes, class discussions, and tests/quizzes along the way.
The subject was fascinating, and when I learned Open Learn offered a course on the challenges with artifact smuggling, I knew I had to take it. The lecturer was the same person who had lectured for the archaeology courses, and it was excellent. She brought real-life experiences to the course and provided us with information I could use in my book.
I connected with an archaeology student who had been on a dig in Pompeii, and she brought her experiences to me as a student.
There are many resources available online from reputable organizations and I was fortunate to be able to attend webinars offered through the AIA (Archaeological Institute of America), the OAS (Ontario Archaeological Society) and to watch videos of archaeologists working at different historical sites.
For information on Bonnie Prince Charlie, who plays a minor role in my book, I headed to my local library. The reference librarian provided me with excellent reference books. I read a lot of material. However, Bonnie Prince Charlie is only mentioned in three or four paragraphs in my book. But I wanted to get it right.
To make sure I had the information right about the Isle of Skye, I asked for beta readers who were familiar with the island. I was fortunate that my beta readers provided excellent feedback and made suggestions that helped me with some descriptions. I had photographs of different locations on the Isle of Skye to provide inspiration.
People ask if I listened to music while I was writing. I did, soundtracks of Scottish instrumental folk music helped set the mood for the book.
I had a lot of fun writing this book, getting to know my characters, and doing research.
**photos of reference material borrowed from library and photos of the Isle of Skye and a broch.
She’s active on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest) as well.
Author Links
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The Haunted World of West Virginia’s Grannies
West Virginia, the place generations of
my people have called home. Wild, wonderful, and possessed of an undeniable
beauty. But sometimes... the place just ain't right.
Maybe it's the narrow roads snaking
through claustrophobic forests. Maybe it's the looming presence of the
mountains, equal parts shelter, and constraint. Or maybe it’s the tight-lipped
locals, wary of strangers and burdened by the weight of tales passed down since
before their kin left the Old Country. Whispered stories that tell of all
manner of...other. Either way, it's hard to shake the feeling that my beloved
mountains are hiding secrets best left alone. That's the world that birthed the
Granny, or white witch; wise women, workers of poultices, charms, and yes -
when called for - curses. And it is the Granny that inspired my Coal Mountain
series. Only seems right to share a bit about them with you.
The origins of the Granny lie in the
isolation and desperation of mountain life, in a time and place far removed
from modern medicine when the nearest doctor could be a day or more away. When
folks there got sick, they turned to the Grannies, whose reputations were
rooted in their understanding of herbalism and the preparation of natural
remedies; the ability to “stir a boil” and make a sick child well. It was a
short hop from a tea to cure a fever to a poultice to catch the eye of the one
you loved. And when the shadows grew long and the veil between worlds thinned -
as it’s said happens each Halloween - it's no surprise that folks turned to the
Grannies again, this time to keep that darkness at bay.
To their communities, the Grannies were keepers of ancient knowledge passed down through generations; both revered and feared for the knowledge they possessed. Their practices were a New World blend of Celtic, Native American, Germanic, and African traditions, all interwoven with a dose of Christian beliefs and survive still among the region's followers of Celtic Christianity.
Grannies - including my own - professed the ability to craft powerful charms and perform rituals that could protect against the things unseen that haunted the West Virginia wilderness. They were known to craft hex signs – a practice drawn from Germanic and Pennsylvania Dutch traditions – and utilized these colorful symbols to guard a place from evils known and unknown. While many of these wards were small works of art, some were simplicity incarnate. Among the latter was the simple use of "haint blue," a soft, bluish-green color often seen on doorways, windowsills, and even porch ceilings. Tradition maintained that "haints" - or restless spirits – were unable to cross water. The color - mimicking water as it does – was thought to create a protective barrier at doors and windows.
And then there were the curses—dark incantations spoken in secret, sometimes to seek justice, other times to exact revenge. While not every Granny dabbled in curses, there is no shortage of tales telling if a wronged woman who sought out a Granny to set things right. As a teenager, I heard firsthand the tales of dead livestock, blighted crops, or families plagued by mysterious illnesses after someone crossed a Granny. It was plume foolish to doubt ht. It was the certainty of the belief in the power of a Granny’s curse that led them to be treated with a blend of respect and caution. Their power both admired and approached with trepidation.
The folks of southern West Virginia being of primarily Scots and Irish decent, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Halloween, or Samhain as it was once known, was a time of great significance for the Grannies of the region. Folks had no doubt that on that night the boundary between the living and the dead was at its weakest; spirits walked freely among the living. So, the living turned to the Grannies as gatekeepers, looking to them to perform ancient rituals – often Christian and pagan in equal measure – to honor the dead, protect the living, and keep the darkest of forces at bay. Bonfires – with deep roots in Celtic tradition - played a role in these ceremonies. The Grannies would gather their communities around these fires, where they burnt sage, rosemary, and other herbs believed to cleanse the area of evil spirits.
The legacy of the Grannies remains tightly woven into the fabric of mountain folklore, contributing to an all too familiar sense of unease that hangs about the darkest corners, especially at Halloween. While many in the Mountain State have forgotten the truth of their own stories, you can count on Halloween to breathe new life in old tales, filled with strange occurrences, eerie encounters, and supernatural events that defy explanation. And you can find signs of the past without looking to hard. Children carve pumpkins having no knowledge that they are practicing an ancient ritual meant to ward off evil. Candles burn in darkened windows absent even the most distant remembrance of nights when they were lit to guide the ancestors home on Halloween night.
As Halloween approaches and the nights
grow longer, folks in my neck of the woods aren’t strained by the idea that the
world of the Grannies remains. The world of the Grannies – that blend of
ancient wisdom and supernatural wonder – hasn't faded with time. No, it’ll
never be truly lost. It floats through the hollers like a whisper on the wind.
It’s etched into the stone of the mountains themselves. So, when the wind
carries a distant howl to your ears, or the moon casts grasping shadows across
the ground, and you sense something off in the world... remember that the
ancient magic of the Grannies remains, just out of sight, but still in reach.
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Excerpt
"You all right, Buck?" He set his coffee on the small table there as he took more of my weight than I intended.
"Yeah," I lied. "Bit of a headache." I couldn't look him in the eye. "I need to check on something. Be right in."
"Sure you're gonna be all right?" Dad picked up his coffee as I took my weight again.
“I’ll live.” I nodded and started toward the sitting room. I steeled myself against the pain I knew was coming and pushed my senses into the Curtain once again.
The little room off the chapel was packed with overstuffed couches and an ottoman which could double for a bed. I could see just clearly enough to avoid tripping, but it made finding the cat a challenge. I moved from piece to piece, looking behind and under each. There was no sign of it. It could have left through the chapel but I wasn't ready to accept that it had. It was bothersome enough it was inside the church. I didn't want to consider what it would mean if the thing could move across the consecrated ground of the chapel.
"Lose something?" Bonnie asked from the doorway.
Frustrated and defeated, I gave her a weak smile and let go of my view into the Curtain.
"Hello, Bonnie."
She stepped into the room, her coat and purse left behind somewhere. She wore a pained smile on her lips. "That the best you have for me?"
There were people in this town I didn't care to spare a kind word, Bonnie wasn't one of them. She'd done nothing but love me.
I stopped fighting the smile she had always put on my face and replied, "Well if it isn't Bonnie Blankenship, the prettiest girl at Pineville High. How are things, Ms. Blankenship?"
"Much better,” her smile touched her eyes and she stepped in close.
The Haunted World of West Virginia’s Grannies
West Virginia, the place generations of
my people have called home. Wild, wonderful, and possessed of an undeniable
beauty. But sometimes... the place just ain't right.
Maybe it's the narrow roads snaking
through claustrophobic forests. Maybe it's the looming presence of the
mountains, equal parts shelter, and constraint. Or maybe it’s the tight-lipped
locals, wary of strangers and burdened by the weight of tales passed down since
before their kin left the Old Country. Whispered stories that tell of all
manner of...other. Either way, it's hard to shake the feeling that my beloved
mountains are hiding secrets best left alone. That's the world that birthed the
Granny, or white witch; wise women, workers of poultices, charms, and yes -
when called for - curses. And it is the Granny that inspired my Coal Mountain
series. Only seems right to share a bit about them with you.
The origins of the Granny lie in the
isolation and desperation of mountain life, in a time and place far removed
from modern medicine when the nearest doctor could be a day or more away. When
folks there got sick, they turned to the Grannies, whose reputations were
rooted in their understanding of herbalism and the preparation of natural
remedies; the ability to “stir a boil” and make a sick child well. It was a
short hop from a tea to cure a fever to a poultice to catch the eye of the one
you loved. And when the shadows grew long and the veil between worlds thinned -
as it’s said happens each Halloween - it's no surprise that folks turned to the
Grannies again, this time to keep that darkness at bay.
To their communities, the Grannies were keepers of ancient knowledge passed down through generations; both revered and feared for the knowledge they possessed. Their practices were a New World blend of Celtic, Native American, Germanic, and African traditions, all interwoven with a dose of Christian beliefs and survive still among the region's followers of Celtic Christianity.
Grannies - including my own - professed the ability to craft powerful charms and perform rituals that could protect against the things unseen that haunted the West Virginia wilderness. They were known to craft hex signs – a practice drawn from Germanic and Pennsylvania Dutch traditions – and utilized these colorful symbols to guard a place from evils known and unknown. While many of these wards were small works of art, some were simplicity incarnate. Among the latter was the simple use of "haint blue," a soft, bluish-green color often seen on doorways, windowsills, and even porch ceilings. Tradition maintained that "haints" - or restless spirits – were unable to cross water. The color - mimicking water as it does – was thought to create a protective barrier at doors and windows.
And then there were the curses—dark incantations spoken in secret, sometimes to seek justice, other times to exact revenge. While not every Granny dabbled in curses, there is no shortage of tales telling if a wronged woman who sought out a Granny to set things right. As a teenager, I heard firsthand the tales of dead livestock, blighted crops, or families plagued by mysterious illnesses after someone crossed a Granny. It was plume foolish to doubt ht. It was the certainty of the belief in the power of a Granny’s curse that led them to be treated with a blend of respect and caution. Their power both admired and approached with trepidation.
The folks of southern West Virginia being of primarily Scots and Irish decent, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Halloween, or Samhain as it was once known, was a time of great significance for the Grannies of the region. Folks had no doubt that on that night the boundary between the living and the dead was at its weakest; spirits walked freely among the living. So, the living turned to the Grannies as gatekeepers, looking to them to perform ancient rituals – often Christian and pagan in equal measure – to honor the dead, protect the living, and keep the darkest of forces at bay. Bonfires – with deep roots in Celtic tradition - played a role in these ceremonies. The Grannies would gather their communities around these fires, where they burnt sage, rosemary, and other herbs believed to cleanse the area of evil spirits.
The legacy of the Grannies remains tightly woven into the fabric of mountain folklore, contributing to an all too familiar sense of unease that hangs about the darkest corners, especially at Halloween. While many in the Mountain State have forgotten the truth of their own stories, you can count on Halloween to breathe new life in old tales, filled with strange occurrences, eerie encounters, and supernatural events that defy explanation. And you can find signs of the past without looking to hard. Children carve pumpkins having no knowledge that they are practicing an ancient ritual meant to ward off evil. Candles burn in darkened windows absent even the most distant remembrance of nights when they were lit to guide the ancestors home on Halloween night.
As Halloween approaches and the nights
grow longer, folks in my neck of the woods aren’t strained by the idea that the
world of the Grannies remains. The world of the Grannies – that blend of
ancient wisdom and supernatural wonder – hasn't faded with time. No, it’ll
never be truly lost. It floats through the hollers like a whisper on the wind.
It’s etched into the stone of the mountains themselves. So, when the wind
carries a distant howl to your ears, or the moon casts grasping shadows across
the ground, and you sense something off in the world... remember that the
ancient magic of the Grannies remains, just out of sight, but still in reach.
Excerpt
"You all right, Buck?" He set his coffee on the small table there as he took more of my weight than I intended.
"Yeah," I lied. "Bit of a headache." I couldn't look him in the eye. "I need to check on something. Be right in."
"Sure you're gonna be all right?" Dad picked up his coffee as I took my weight again.
“I’ll live.” I nodded and started toward the sitting room. I steeled myself against the pain I knew was coming and pushed my senses into the Curtain once again.
The little room off the chapel was packed with overstuffed couches and an ottoman which could double for a bed. I could see just clearly enough to avoid tripping, but it made finding the cat a challenge. I moved from piece to piece, looking behind and under each. There was no sign of it. It could have left through the chapel but I wasn't ready to accept that it had. It was bothersome enough it was inside the church. I didn't want to consider what it would mean if the thing could move across the consecrated ground of the chapel.
"Lose something?" Bonnie asked from the doorway.
Frustrated and defeated, I gave her a weak smile and let go of my view into the Curtain.
"Hello, Bonnie."
She stepped into the room, her coat and purse left behind somewhere. She wore a pained smile on her lips. "That the best you have for me?"
There were people in this town I didn't care to spare a kind word, Bonnie wasn't one of them. She'd done nothing but love me.
I stopped fighting the smile she had always put on my face and replied, "Well if it isn't Bonnie Blankenship, the prettiest girl at Pineville High. How are things, Ms. Blankenship?"
"Much better,” her smile touched her eyes and she stepped in close.
Barks and Clues: A Canine Cozy Mystery by Sharon Michaels
Barks and Clues: A Canine Cozy Mystery
Cozy Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - Small Town USA
Publisher : Independently published (May 22, 2024)
Paperback : 105 pages
ISBN-13 : 979-8326299345
Digital ASIN : B0CVVD5Y67 (February 29, 2024)
If you like a cozy mystery that has… A fun, clean whodunit with twists and turns. Three generations of one family sleuthing together. Dog detectives sniffing out clues and bad guys. A small town with hidden secrets. A close-knit community coming together to solve crime. … then this is the short read book for you.
Retired police detective Maya Thompson is living a quiet life in the small town of Sunridge Junction with her son, Ethan, and her granddaughter, Lily. When their peaceful neighborhood is hit by a string of break-ins, Maya suspects there might be more to these crimes than meets the eye. Together, Maya, Ethan, Lily and their three clever and adventurous dogs, Digger, Dash, and Daisy, begin investigating the burglaries.
The dogs follow their noses, and the humans follow the dogs to an old fishing shack and a mysterious inventor. The man claims his innocence and insists he is being framed for the break-ins. The reclusive inventor explains that someone is trying to sabotage him and steal his inventions. He pleads with the crime-solvers to help prove his innocence and bring the true culprits to justice. Maya reluctantly agrees, finding it difficult to let go of her desire for justice.
With its quirky characters, fun plot twists, and a sprinkling of canine charm, this book is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and anyone who believes that heroism has no age limit.
Bestselling author Sharon Michaels writes sweet, clean, and fun cozy mystery short reads about mature, smart women and men who know how to enjoy life. Small towns, close friends, a hint of romance, and a fur-baby or two makes solving mysteries fun and exciting.
Today I happily write in the cactus filled desert of the southwest United States. My extremely supportive husband and I love exploring the beauty of our country. As I travel, I write fun and interesting things in my notebook so I can share these memories with you in stories and books.
* Short, Sweet Cozy Mysteries * Keeps You Guessing Stories * Smart, Mature, BelievableEver since I penned my first detective story as a child, my love for mysteries has been as enduring as my passion for storytelling. It wasn't long before I dove headfirst into the world of cozy mysteries, a genre that perfectly combines intrigue with a warm, inviting atmosphere. I invite you to join me on a journey through my creative process, as I develop my characters, select my canine detective companions, and maintain the suspense and interest needed for an exciting series.
The Spark of Inspiration
My inspiration for my current series, A Canine Cozy Mystery, began with an idea that tickled my imagination. I envisioned a friendly small town, with charming houses and quirky residents - all with secrets to unravel. The beauty of this genre lies in its ability to create relatable characters and endearing settings that feel like home. I drew from my experiences in my own community and my travels, observing the little quirks that make each place unique. In the Canine Cozy Mystery series, Sunridge Junctionisn’t just a fictional world; it’s a reflection of the comfort we often find in the familiar.
Once I had the framework of my world, I began thinking about my main character—a mature sleuththat we would want to follow on multiple adventures. I wanted her to be someone who could inspire a sense of camaraderie, empathy, and love of family.
Enter the Thompson family. Maya Thompson was a retired police detective in her seventies, Ethan a widower and computer whiz in his mid-forties, and Lily a young investigative reporter in her twenties. A close-knit family who has a knack for solving crime.
As I contemplated Maya Thompson’s traits, I realized I wanted her to be a dog lover. This decision was pivotal because it led me to choose a canine detective sidekick for each family member. Seriously, what could be cozier than a dog helping solve mysteries?
The Trio of Canine Detectives
I spent hours brainstorming traits for my canine detectives.
Each dog would bring their own personality, skills, and quirks to the table.
After much deliberation, I finally settled on three distinct breeds that not
only complemented each other, but also embodied the essence of the cozy mystery
genre.
The first, a beagle named Dash, would represent warmth and
loyalty. She is the quintessential hero, always ready to lend a pawin pursuing
justice. Her kind, lovable personality and instinctual problem-solving skills
make hera leader in the pack.
Next, I introduced Digger, a cunning and resourceful mini
dachshund known for his incredible sense of smell and curious nature. He is the
detective who sniffs out the clues often overlooked by others. Given his
inclination to stick hislong nose where it doesn’t belong, readers can’t help
but admire his never give up spirit.
Finally, I created a feisty chihuahua named Daisy. She may
be small, but her bravery and sharp wit add depth to the group dynamic. Daisy’s
skepticism regarding the larger-than-life events keeps us engaged and allows
for lighter moments amidst the tension of mystery.
Developing the Characters and Their Relationships
As I thought aboutDash, Digger, and Daisy, I concentrated
not only on their individual personalities, but also on their relationships with
one another. In cozy mysteries, character dynamics play a crucial role in
captivating our hearts. Dash, being the optimistic leader, often takes it upon herself
to encourage Digger and Daisy in times of doubt. Digger’s inquisitive nature
complements Dash’s calm demeanor, and his ability to pick up subtle clues often
catches Dash off-guard in humorous ways.
Daisy, the feisty sidekick, brings a gutsy energy that
drives the triofurther into their escapades. Their dialogues came alive on the
page, often filled with playful banter, whether it was about a missing treat or
cracking the case open.
Building a series is not just about creating engaging human
and canine characters; it’s about developing them over time. As the plot
unfolds through subsequent books, I deepen their backstories, presenting
personal challenges and growth while maintaining their core traits.
Keeping the Momentum Going
As I wrap up one book, I’m already dreaming up ideas for the next. This process of creation feeds my passion, and I find that the world of my cozy mystery series is an endless source of inspiration.
Maintaining your interest is a priority, especially in a series. I enjoy using subtle cliffhangers, unanswered questions, and creating both human and canine characters that grow and blossom over time. I also invite my readers to invest in the lives of these characters through my Chatting with Sharon Facebook Group. I engage with the members by asking for their opinions on plotlines orvoting on character names. The group’s members are a big part of my creative process. All readers are invited to join my Chatting with Sharon Facebook Group.
Something additional I’ve added to this series is using the names of actual pets of the members of my Facebook group. Members nominated their pets to be guest sleuths in the Canine Cozy Mystery series. Each new release features different pets. You’ll find cats, dogs, a hamster and even a lizard helping our three canine detectives fight the bad guys and solve crime.
Keeping the characters evolving, the small town growing and using guest stars to liven up the story, is a great fun way to keep the series exciting.
The Future Awaits
This current cozy mystery series, A Canine Cozy Mystery, is
a labor of love. It reflects my belief that mystery and fun can coexist, and
that laughter, friendship, and, of course, canine companionship can lead to
uncovering the truth. I invite you to join Dash, Digger, Daisy and the Thompson
familyon their crime solvingadventures. There’s always a mystery waiting to be unraveled
in Sunridge Junction. Who knows what secrets the next book will reveal? The
possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to turn the page!
Sharon Michaels
Here are my social
media links:
Sharon
Michaels Author Website:https://SharonMichaelsAuthor.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/sharonmichaelsauthor
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/oscar_the_doxie_detective
Amazon:https://author.to/AmazonSharonMichaels
Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2691207.Sharon_Michaels
BookBub:https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sharon-michaels
Links to Purchase: A Canine Cozy Mystery Series Series Links
Barks and Clues
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
October 2 – Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense – SPOTLIGHT
October 2 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT
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October 3 – Reading Is My SuperPower – AUTHOR GUEST POST
October 4 – Cozy Up WIth Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
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October 7 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 7 – Novels Alive – REVIEW
October 8 – Christy's Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST
October 8 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
October 9 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
October 9 – Socrates Book Reviews - SPOTLIGHT
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