New Post

Dear Friend,

Recent world events have rocked me to my core, and, in a way, they make a monthly newsletter seem like something petty or frivolous. On the other hand, they’ve reinforced in me a desire for normalcy, diversion, escape—even fun. These are the same joys I have from reading, and, over the years, reading has saved me from heartbreak and angst.

If you feel the same way, perhaps this newsletter will offer you a respite from whatever negative things you are dealing with. I hope it will put a smile on your face, even if temporarily.

Last week I did an author takeover at a Cozy Mystery Party site on Facebook. For two hours I conversed with mystery readers about a variety of topics. There were over two hundred quick exchanges of questions and answers, and lots of topics discussed.

In one of the posts, I showed the following famous mystery authors’ faces and asked how many each participant recognized. It’s fascinating how almost everyone knew the authors by name, but not so many by their faces. I thought it might be entertaining for you to guess who each of the seven famous mystery authors are. Can you name all seven?

As a bonus, can you match the author with his or her series protagonist? Here are the protagonists:

Miss Jane Marple

Gabriel Allon

Alex Delaware

Lord Peter Wimsey

Sherlock Holmes

Nero Wolfe

Harry Bosch

Let me know how you do with this activity.

Speaking of activities, did you know that a purchase of the children’s book, NAUGHTY NANA entitles you to a set of activities designed for youngsters at different grade levels from Pre-kindergarten through third grade? These are perfect for teachers, parents, grandparents, or anyone who wants to help build literacy skills in the children who read the book. If you’re interested in these materials, let me know when you order the book. All of my books come personally inscribed and autographed when you purchase them from the bookstore page at http://palmcirclepress.com.

On another topic, are you a grammar geek like I am? Having taught high school English for many years, I have a few opinions about correct usage of the English language, and I will rant a little about this in a blogpost on November 14 at https://www.thestilettogang.com. Won’t you join me and comment?

Things are going well with MURDER OUTSIDE THE BOX. I’ve had some excellent editing and made revisions. The manuscript is currently in the hands of several mystery authors who will read and write review blurbs for it. I can’t wait to share this next Detective Parrott mystery with you! Here’s a brief description:

A MATTER OF BIRTH AND DEATH. The serene Brandywine Valley wakes up to an intoxicating double crime: a baby abandoned on the porch of a caretaker’s cottage, and a young post-partum woman murdered on the estate of a billionaire scotch whiskey magnate. Detective Parrott races to untangle the chilling clues that implicate people who harbor secrets that even their positions of power and trust can’t protect.

One more thing—one of the groups of mystery authors I belong to is having a Halloween Flash Sale on October 28 and 29 at https://blackbirdwriters.com. MURDER IN THE ONE PERCENT will be on sale for 99 cents, and there will be lots of other great mysteries, either free or at greatly reduced prices. Take a look and feel free to share this information with other mystery readers.

I can’t wrap this newsletter up without reminding you of how much your friendship and support mean to me. Thank you for all the big and small ways that you light up my author’s journey. Until next month, I wish you health, safety, peace, and happy reading!

Much love,

Saralyn