Barks and Clues: A Canine Cozy Mystery by Sharon Michaels
About Barks and Clues
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.
About Sharon Michaels
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, BelievableCrafting Cozy
Mysteries: My Journey Behind the Pages
Ever 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
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