Marilyn's Musings

MURDER, MAYHEM AND GHOST STORIES by Patricia Crandall

2023-10-02T01:30:00.032-07:00

Mayhem and Ghost Stories, by Patricia Crandall, published by The Troy Book Makers is available at Independent Bookstores and on Amazon.com.

“Mystery stories are meant to thrill and entice you the reader while engaging your thought process to see if you can figure out who has committed the evil deed. I invite you to such a challenge, one I’m sure is worthy of your ability and interest, to solve the crimes before the end of the various stories. Murder, Mayhem and Ghost Stories is a series of short and very short stories about murder, mayhem and ghostly happenings that I have successfully written and published over the years. Most were for a particular magazine requiring a specific number of words, e.g., 100 to 2000 words. The book is divided into categories and there is one very special story written by my Granddaughter, Nicole St. Onge, No Guts, No Gory, which will satisfy your mysterious needs.

Writing and publishing these stories have been my enthusiastic path to writing many full-length books. So, take the leap into these pages and enjoy a good read.” P. Crandall

Here's one of the short stories for your reading pleasure:

LA VITA COMINCIA DOMAM

(LIFE BEGINS AT HOME)

A Vignette

The Sipperly family of Virginia were anxious to move into an old homestead they had acquired in upstate New York. The front of the house faced a little stream of water poetically called Plakapots Killitie by early Dutch settlers. In back, ran the Hudson River.

When they arrived to claim their new home, a Husky lay possessively across the threshold. Assuming he was lost, or left by the previous owner, the family adopted him.

Etched into the wood panel of the upstairs mantelpiece in the large old-fashioned parlor, were the words La Vita Comincia Domam.

The Sipperlys were presently incorporating the original fireplace bricks to renovate the upstairs fireplace.

Ada Sipperly was shocked beyond belief when her husband, Tom, discovered the hearth had been the gravestone of Cornelius and Henrietta Yates’ daughter, Sarah, who died April 20, 1842, at the age of eleven. Ada pleaded with Tom to return the gravestone to the family burial plot located on a hill one-half mile beyond the house.

Tom looked pensively at the stone and decided he would still use the slab for the new hearth.

Ada vehemently protested even to the point where she vowed she would not step foot into the room if her husband proceeded with his original plan.

Tom relented to his wife’s wishes and the fireplace was built using local granite for the hearth.

The day after he returned the original gravestone, setting it in place in the wooded family plot, the Husky howled continuously and paced up and down the road. Just as suddenly, he disappeared . . . never to be seen or heard from again.

Patricia Crandall is the author of ten books, and a 2023 winner of the Besties of the Capital Region Awards, Author Category. Her latest book, “Murder, Mayhem and Ghost Stories” is a series of short stories the author has successfully published over the years in various magazines and newspapers. Her book “The Dog Men,” third edition was also released in the spring of 2023. Patricia is a member of Sisters in Crime (Mavens) and National Association of Independent Editors and Writers. She lives with her husband, Art, and a rescue cat, Bette, at Babcock Lake in Grafton Mountains near Petersburgh, New York. She has two children and three grandchildren who live nearby. www.PatriciaCrandall.co

Heidi Morrell, Windsor Products, Los Angeles, CA: Patricia's writing is thrilling and exceptional.

Lee Pigeon, Passages, Counselling Services: Patricia Crandall is a seasoned writer. A perfect Saturday Eve, is a breezy warm night while entering a whole other world in one of Patricia Crandall's richly written stories.

Judith Luci Writes : Love her books!

ISBN is 09/05/2023.

FRINGE BENEFITS, #3 in the RBPD serie

2023-09-06T01:00:00.009-07:00

FRINGE BENEFITS is about a bad cop--but it is also the first time we meet reader's favorite, Gordon Butler. Some of the other officers we've met in the first two books make appearances too.

Review on Amazon:

The main story in this book is about Cal Slyvester, an officer on the Rocky Bluff Police Department. He is attracted to a fellow officer's wife and begins plotting the demise of his own wife in order to collect the insurance. But this book is so much more. We see what is happening in the lives of the other police officers and also in the lives of some of the Rocky Bluff citizens. There is a Wednesday rapist, break-ins around the area where nothing much is taken, an accidental police shooting, a run-away whose parents don't even care enough to report him missing, and preferential treatment of certain citizens. The author takes all these threads and weaves them together into a tightly woven plot that will keep you guessing.

I loved this book and look forward to more visits in Rocky Bluff. Try it! I think you will love it, too.

https://www.amazon.com/Fringe-Benefits-Rocky-Bluff-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B08B8YDK4D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1GDVZ9REP0JIP&keywords=Fringe+Benefits+by+F.+M.+Meredith&qid=1693921723&s=books&sprefix=fringe+benefits+by+f.+m.+meredith%2Cstripbooks%2C214&sr=1-1

BAD TIDINGS, 2nd book in the RBPD series

2023-09-01T07:00:00.036-07:00

This book also has had 4 publishers, and the final edition was re-edited.

Some of the characters from the first book in the Rocky Bluff P.D. series appear in BAD TIDINGS, but the main character is Lt. Gilbreath. He often has to deliver bad news to relatives of accident or muder victims

Gilbreath and his wife were inspired by a couple of our friends. He was the vice-principal at the highschool my kids attended, and I spent a lot of time with his wife.

A warning: this book has some rather dark places in it.

The mysteries came from actual happenings (fictionalized, of course) I either heard about or read about in the newspaper.

I wrote this series as F.M. Meredith.

To buy: https://www.amazon.com/Tidings-Rocky-Bluff-P-D-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B08B4ZSZBR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2REBS6ZPQHBZB&keywords=bad+tidings+by+f.+m.+meredith&qid=1693576180&s=books&sprefix=bad+tidings+by+f.+m.+meredtih%2Cstripbooks%2C381&sr=1-1

Marilyn

LOOKING BACK IN TIME

2023-08-30T01:30:00.007-07:00

While trying to find a thank-you card, I found notes I'd written for a speech I gave about my writing.

The notes began with the first book I wrote--TWO WAYS WEST--an historical family saga based on my father's side of the family. It followed two families making their west in totally different ways.

I found a small publisher and was happy with the way the book turned out, but never received any royalties.

All thewhile I kept writing, encouraging other writers, and teaching writing.

I wrote another historical family saga about my mother's family coming to California, and it was publixhed by a New York publisher. It has had two differnt covers, and 3 publishers.

While I still lived in Oxnard I wrote a police procedural based on what my cop son-in-law told me about what happened each night on the job. He also took me on a ride-along. Soon I'd written three more in the series. I had an agent, but editors said: "Too hard boiled," and "Not hard boiled enough."

Then the Internet came along and I submitted i to a publisher doing electronic publishing. This was FINAL RESPECTS. Readers weren't ready for e-books. Since then it's been with 3 more publishers and is now available on Amazon for Kindle and in trade paperback. There are many more available in the series.

I aslo wrote a psychological horror called WISHING MAKES IT SO. The key thread in it is "Love doesn't cure all." It is loosely based on an experience I had with a foster child. It had other publishers too, and is now avaialable for Kindle and in trade paperback.

At the time I wrote this speech, this I was working on a series about a female deputy in a town like Springville and was trying to find an agent.

I was teaching writing on Monday nights and belonged to a writers' critique group that met on Wednesday nights. I was a member of MA, Sisters in Crime and California Writers.

I wrote a chapter for the PORTABLE WRITERS CONFERENCE called "Turning Genealogy into Fiction," which was a Writer's Digest Featured Book.

I have no idea where I gave the speech, but it obviously was a long time ago. Since st the time I aslo owned, lived in. and worked in our licensed care home for developmentally disabled women, I certainly had more energy than I do now.

Those were busy and most fulfilling times.

Marilyn

REPORT ON FREE BOOK RESULTS

2023-08-26T01:30:00.018-07:00

I enjoy offering a free book and then watching how many download it.

I used about three sites that advertise free books (they service is not free to the author), and I know the downloads went way up on the day that I'd selected for FUSSY LIBRARIAN to advertise--but they really jumped ahead on my birthday--have no knowledge why.

One good thing that happens when a lot of books are downloaded is the number goes down for how the book is categorized--in this case it was cozies and female detectives

On the last day the download total was 2,609--a goodly number.

And, two of the next book in the series, DEADLY OMEN, had been purchased.

Of course the whole idea of giving a free book away in a series is the hope that it will be read and liked and the reader will want to continue and read the next book.

One thing I noticed was some books in my other series had been purchased.

This is always an interesting thing to do.

Thank you to everyone who downloaded a copy of DEADLY TRAIL

Marilyn

Today is My Birthday--Last Day for Free E-Book

2023-08-24T01:30:00.003-07:00

This is a BIG brithday--I've managed to be on this earth for 90 years.

To celebrate, I'm offering the first in the Tempe Crabtree mystery series on Kindle, free. This is the last day.

When this book first came out it had a totally different cover, ine that didn't match the covers on the rest of the series.

Larry Collins did a great job creating this one that does have the same Indian feel as the other covers.

My hope, of course, is you will read and like DEADLY TRAIL and want to continue with the series.

To get your free book go here:

https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Trail-Tempe-Crabtree-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B07R7XF4L9/ref=tmm_kin_title_sr?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1689869140&sr=1-1

Enjoy,

Marilyn

TEMPE'S FRIENDSHIP WITH TWO JOHN

2023-08-23T01:30:00.038-07:00

This first book in the Tempe Crabtree mystery series is the beginning of Tempe's and Nick Two John's unique friendship.

Though Tempe is from the Bear Creek tribe, she didn't grow up on the reservation and doesn't know much about her heritage.

Throughout the series Nick teaches her about her culture and much of the mysticism connected with it.

The story begins with the clash of the Indians against the loggers in the Sierra, and Tempe must arrest Nick Two John.

When the owner of the Inn is murdered, Nick is the main suspect. Tempe begins her own investigation of the murder which puts her in great danger.

Do take advantage of DEADLY TRAIL being free and get started on the adventures of Deputy Tempe Crabtree.

https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Trail-Tempe-Crabtree-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B07R7XF4L9/ref=tmm_kin_title_sr?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1689869140&sr=1-1

Marilyn

Want to learn more about me?

https://www.amazon.com/Marilyn-Meredith/e/B001HPJ440?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1641572670&sr=1-1

Who is Tempe Crabtree?

2023-08-21T01:30:00.026-07:00

Tempe is the resident deputy of the mountain community of Bear Creek. She's Native American and a part of the Bear Creek Indian tribe.

She has the components of three amazing women I met when I first came to Springville.

The first was a fascinating Indian woman who grew up on the reservation.

I wrote personality pieces for the local newspaper and interviewed our female resident deputy. She revealed a lot about what her job consisted of and how she was treated by the male deputies.

The third woman was the only female officer at the time on the Porterville Police Department who I did a ride-along with. She told me all about what it was like for her working and bringing up her son.

The essence and the personalities of these three women became Tempe Crabtree.

As for her name, I borrowed it from my great-grandmother because I thought it fit my heroine perfectly.

The Kindle copy will be free until midnight on August 24.

https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Trail-Tempe-Crabtree-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B07R7XF4L9/ref=tmm_kin_title_sr?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1689869140&sr=1-1

Marilyn

Origins of the Crabtree Mystery Series

2023-08-21T01:00:00.074-07:00

When I first moved to Springville and learned we were near an Indian reservation (The Tule River Indian Reservation) of course I was intrigued.

I was hired by the local newspaper to write personality pieces, and on of my first articles was about the resident sheriff's deputy who happened to be a woman. She was not treated well by the male deputies.

While doing a book appearance I met an Indian woman who happened to grow up on the reservation. We had a great visit.

Then I went on a grave-yard shift ride-along with the only woman on the Porterville Police Department. She happened to be a single mom. We had a great time together and she told me a lot.

These three women were the models for Tempe Crabtree. I borrowed my great-grandmother's name. I thought it fit perfectly.

The Springville Inn was the inspiration for the Bear Creek Inn which I usually called it the Inn. I used the true history of the Inn. The one in the story is not quite like the real one, though similar in many ways.

Tempe's Indian friend Nick Two John is like one of the Indians I saw a lot at different events in town. The garden he created at the Inn is like one another Indain told me about. The garden is important to the plot.

When this book first came out, copies of the book were sold at the Inn--and the owner told me she wished she had the garden that is in the book.

To get your free copy of DEADLY TRAIL go to:

https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Trail-Tempe-Crabtree-Mysteriesebook/dp/B07R7XF4L9/ref=tmm_kin_title_sr?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1689869140&sr=1-1

Marilyn

THIS IS MY BIRTHDAY WEEK

2023-08-20T01:00:00.038-07:00

And for my birthday gift to all of you, this book is free on Kindle starting today and ending at the end of August 24th.

My good friend, editor, and publisher, Lorna Collins and I share August 24th as our birthday. Together we decided it would be fun to celebrate this way.

Thie is the frist book in the series--though it's listed as # 0, making it difficult for some to realize it should be #1. The publisher who took on the first four books wasn't interested in Deadly Trail--and published the 2nd through fifth in mass-market paperback. But it confused Amazon when I found another publisher who wanted the whole sereis.

To get the free e-book go here:

https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Trail-Tempe-Crabtree-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B07R7XF4L9/ref=tmm_kin_title_sr?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1689869140&sr=1-1

Blurb:

The tranquility of the town of Bear Creek in the Southern Sierra is disrupted by the suspicious death of the owner of the local inn. Investigating a murder case isn't Deputy Tempe Crabtree's job, but when the detectives don't look any further than Nick Two John as the primary suspect, Tempe begins asking questions. Putting the planning for her wedding to Pastor Hutch Hutchinson on hold, it doesn't take long for her to discover several more people who wanted the victim dead, including his wife. Tempe follows the trail of clues putting her job, her upcoming marriage, and herself in peril.

Marilyn

Bad Tidings #2 in the Rocky Bluff P.D. series

2023-08-11T01:30:00.020-07:00

This is the story about delivering and receiving bad news.

And a warning--BAD TIDINGS is bloodier than most of my mysteries.

The main character and his wife were based on friends of ours--with major changes of course.

I love these two fictional characters.

The crimes were inspired by true happenings.

One scene, where the detective visits his wife long after visiting hours and no one stops him came from one time my husband and I visited a friend of his long after visting hours and we acted like we belonged there. Not a soul questioned us.

Like all my books, the ideas come from everywhere.

And of course Rocky Bluff lives on in my imagination.

Marilyn

https://www.amazon.com/Tidings-Rocky-Bluff-P-D-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B08B4ZSZBR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2E95E4N8PUT14&keywords=bad+tidings+by+f.+m.+meredith&qid=1691676484&s=books&sprefix=bad+tidings+byy+f.+m.+meredith%2Cstripbooks%2C647&sr=1-1

FINAL RESPECTS--First book in the RBPD series

2023-08-07T01:00:00.004-07:00

The beginnings of this first book came from all the hours my police officer son-in-law, Mike, visited me when he got off his nightly shift.

Frankly, I didn't know a whole lot about writing or publishing back then even though I'd written two historical family sagas. I read a lot of mysteries and I knew the tales Mike related could be turned into a compelling mystery.

During that time period we lived in a beach community--and of course, I wanted to set this book in a similar one, though I moved it up the coast a bit and gave it a different look.

One of the local cops had been killed while investigating a domestic violence call. Mike told me a lot about what happened and different people's reactions. He also told me about one of the officers who was a publicity hound.

My youngest daughter had a friend who lived in a house behind her father's mortuary. My daughter loved to go over and spend the night. I learned that she and her friend and two sisters liked to play in the mortuary.

It wasn't long before these facts and others began to form into a story that eventually became FINAL RESPECTS.

Blurb:

Being a cop is something Doug Milligan wanted since childhood, but his wife hates his profession. He’ll have to make a difficult choice. Publicity hound, Ryan Strickland, will do anything to further his career, but his secret affair could cause him major problems. Mortician Stuart Honich dreams about sinking his teeth into the flesh of his tormentors—his boss’s daughters. The murder of the Milligan’s baby sitter begins a series of events that could lead to the destruction of the entire Rocky Bluff Police Department.

To buy:

https://www.amazon.com/Final-Respects-Rocky-Police-Department-ebook/dp/B078KFKPJX/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1539027654&sr=1-1&keywords=final+respect+by+f.m.+meredith

Do remember, this was written long before cell-phones and the Internet.

I wrote this series under the name, F. M. Meredith.

Marilyn

The Trash Harem

2023-07-31T07:22:00.001-07:00

I'm trying to be more prompt at writing new blogs.

Decided to write about one of my earlier books in the Tempe Crabtree mystery series.

THE TRASH HAREM is one of my favorite book in the Tempe Crabtree mystery series for several reasons.

1. I had fun writing it. I have two grown daughters who live in 55 plus communities, both quite different, but I combined elements of both into the fictional retirement community in THE TRASH HAREM.

2. I love the Temecula area where the story unfolds. I used many place I've visited and made up some.

3. Some of the legends and history of the Pechanga Indians fit perfectly into the story.

4. I have a special fondess for Erle Stanley Gardner, been to festivals in his name, visited the wonderful display of his life, and read lots of his books. Years ago, I was privileged to meet three of his secretaries, and having him appear to Tempe in her dreams seemed perfect.

5. Though all the residents of the retirement community are fictional, one is based on my son-in-law, Mike. He's never been a suspect in a murder case, but he does have a trash harem.

To read the book, go here:

https://www.amazon.com/Trash-Harem-Tempe-Crabtree-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B096KZDPH8/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+Trash+Harem+by+marilyn+meredith&qid=1638974453&s=books&sr=1-1

Blurb:

Deputy Tempe Crabtree has retired from her job in Bear Creek when friends, who once lived in Bear Creek and attended Pastor Hutch’s church, ask her to visit them in Temecula. The husband, Jonathan, is a suspect in what might be a murder case. The retirement community includes many interesting characters, any of whom might have had a better motive than Jonathan. There is also a connection to Earle Stanley Gardner as well as the Pechanga Old Oak. What is a trash harem? You’ll have to read the book to find out.

Marilyn

WHAT NEXT?

2023-07-26T01:30:00.002-07:00

After coming home from a wonderful conference like PSWA, there's a kind of a let down. Once everything is put away, clothes laundered, etc. I couldn't help wondering, what next?

I knew I needed to catch up on writing all my blogs, I've gotten woefully behind.

I'm supposed to be writing two blogs a month for Make Mine Mystery, but so much has happened recently I never really got around to it. So I've caught up with next month.

And I ignored my own blog, but caught up with highlights of the PSWA conference.

Before I headed to Las Vegas I talked to my publisher, Lorna Collins, and told her I wanted to do a free-book in the Deputy Tempe Crabtree series. We agreed it should be the first on, which is listed on Amazon as #0. We chose to do it during our birthday week. (Yes, we share the same birthday.)

Starting August 20th for 5 days, DEADLY TRAIL, will be free on Kindle.

Once you do that you must plan on promoting it.

I like to use Fussy Librarian which only promotes for one day--but it is effective--and Bookmarketing as it promote all 5 days on many platforms.

I also wanted to write something about the book everyday on my own blog--which I've now done.

During the week of the sale, I'll promote in various places.

The reason for doing this is the hope that readers will like the first book and want to go on with the rest of the series.

I've done this with other books and it usually works quite well.

And now I need to get busy with my work-in-progress.

Marilyn

Crafting the Story from the PSWA Conference

2023-07-25T01:30:00.003-07:00

A photo from a previous conferenc.

This was a fun panel I was on. I'm going to answer the questions I was sent my the moderator--not necessarily answered during the panel, but I liked the questions.

Mostly I've written in the modern time-period, but I've also written two historical family sagas. Because both my series began in the early 1980s there are many changes overtime.

I'm a pantser--but doing research of any kind often gives me ideas for the plot.

(Pantser means writing by the seat of your pants, rather than plotting ahead of time.)

Some of the resources to help bring the writing to life, no matter the time period is using all the senses--sight, sound, touch, smell, taste, etc.

For the question, where do you get your ideas--some of my ideas come from things that have happened that i know about, read in the paper or on the Internet,, ideas from things speakers have shared at a PSWA conference, or just popped into my head.

Using dialogue that mores the story along and develops or reveals the characters.

I've researched location both by finding out information about the place and actually going there.

Bear Creek in the Tempe Crabtree series is based on the place I live though I moved it 1,000 feet higher in the mountains. (Wanted different trees and more changes in the weather.)

Rocky Bluff in the Rocky Bluff P.D. series is fictional, though I can see it in my mind's eyes like it is real.

Both of my series are finished. I'm now working on a memoir of when I was a child during World War II.

Marilyn

PSWA HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED

2023-07-23T01:30:00.015-07:00

MANAGING MAYHEM AND KEEPING THINGS UNDER CONTOL WHEN ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE

The moderator was John Schembra. Panelists: Dave Freedland, Robert Haig, William Soldado, Bob Calkins, Jim L'Etoile. All of these men had exciting, scary experiences to talk about, including out of control fires, riots and bad guys intent on mayhem.

The panel of NON-FICTION was moderated by Michael A. Black with panelists Jim Altfeldl, Joshua Lee, John Bluck, and Mike Brandt.

They wrote non-fiction in various forms and explained how it should be done.

Frank Zafiro moderated THE ART OF REVSION, with panelists : Victoria Weisfeld, Barbara Lloyd, Kelly Peacock, Den Cobet and Jim Christ.They discussed critique groups in person and on line, having a good editor, first readers, and using Scribners, Grammerly, Marlow and AI.

And then the Awards Ceremon for the winners of the PSWA Writing Contest.

We were fed sliders and various finger foods.

The list of winners can be found on the PSWA websits.

On Sunday we had three panels.

First was CRAFTING THE STORY with Kelli Peacodk modering the panel: Ann Parker, Jim Christ, Marilyn Meredith, Steve Ditmars and Mysti Berry. We discussed doing research, keeping things real, and techniques for craftimg a story.

Next came BLOGGING AND PODCASTS AND OTHER PROMOTIONAL IDEAS with moderator Colin Conway and panelists Frank Zafiro, Camille Minichino, Ann Parker, Mysti Berry and George Cramer. They gave tips on running a successful blog, having a newsletter, and podcasts.

The last panel of the conference was called GETTING IT COVERED. Moderator Thoni Havron guided Kelli Peacock, Barbara Hodges, George Criamer and John Schembra. They talked about cover design, the covers of their own books, and using AI to create covers.

It was great conference. Always hard to tell everyone goodbye.

Marilyn

MORE HIGHTLIGHTS FROM THE PSWA CONFERENCE

2023-07-20T08:51:00.002-07:00

The next panel was about DOING SOMEONE IN PERMANENTLY. Panelists Steve Ditmar, Dave Freedland, Jim L'Etoile, J. L. Greger and Gloria Casale gave us lot os ideas for unsual means of murder.

The next panel was all abotu ways used to improve writing, from critque groups, beta readers, and various software enhancement program. Thos participating were Moderator RJ Beam, and Panelists Ellie Oberth, Colin Conway, George Cramer, Barbara Hodges, and Kierston Marquet. And yes, they discussed using AI.

STRETCHING THE LIMITS OF THE GAME was next moderated by Colin Conway and the panelists were Kelli Peacock, Barbara Lloyd, John Bluck, Johs Schembra and Thonie Hevron. It was about genres and themes that overlap one another. Such as romantic suspense, Sci-Fi Mysteries, Historical Suspense, etc.

On Saturdy the first speaker was former police officer, and retired FBI agent Pete Klismit who spoke abour profiling. He presented an actual murder and how he figured out who the murderer was.

The next panel was about publishing and had four publishers, and Barbara Hodges who prefers independetn publishing. Panelists besides Barbara were Mike Bray of Wolfpack/Rough Edges Press and his editor, Jo Wilkins of Mystic Publishing, and Jennifer Hendrick formerly of CKN Christian Publishing Press. Mike Bray is the one who wants 5 books a year from an author.

MODERN CSI SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY was prsented by RJ Beam. Wow! This one was an eye-opener with such items as new tools for gathering fingerprints that also is able to capture DNA. Most of the new tools are extremely expensive so it will take a while for most police departments to be able to afford thm. It was a great presentation.

More tomorrow.

Marilyn

18th Annual PSWA Conference

2023-07-19T07:53:00.002-07:00

The first day began with the well-attended writing workshop. I was there to help--but didn't do much.

I love to hang around the reception table as people are checking in to greet old friends and meet new attendees.

A receiption followed and I spent a lot of time chatting with RJ Beam and John and Charlene Schembra.

The first day's speaker was James L'Etolle who spoke about the prison system. Following are some of the notes I took:

He stated that inside a prison is a hidden world, a closed society with its own rules, language and culture.

He explaiend about the different types of prison and secutiry.

35 % of the prisoners are mentally ill.

James has two great books I know about: Dead Drop and Devil Within.

Next was a panel I was on: The pluses and perils of writing a series. Fun one. Moderator: Michal A. Black, Other panelists: Frank Zafiro, Bob Doer, Sally Handley, Peg Roche.

The second panel was Building a Solid Case: Moderator: Thonie Hevron. Panelists: Mike Brandt. Joe Haggerty, Bill Powers, Albert vande Steeg, Joshua Lee.

The next speaker was Jo A. Wilkins, a publisher. She discuseed readability being the key to successful writing.

Writing in an active voice. Consider your audience.

More tomorrow.

Marilyn

Getting Ready for the annual PSWA conference

2023-07-10T01:30:00.001-07:00

Over the years I've attended many writers and mystery conferences.

This is the only one I've attended in the last few years for various reasons.

My husband and I went together to many of them, but the last few years he wasn't in good enough health to attend. Now he is no longer with us, and I'll surely think of hime as I'm enjoying this one.

The PSWA conference is like no other. Those who attend are mostly involved or were involved in some public safety frield, law enforcement including police, FBI, insuranc fraud, fire, health, and mystery writers like me who want to learn more.

And also in my case since I've gone for so many years, served on the board of directors, I know so many people and love getting to mingle with them again.

When I get back home, I plan to do more promotion of my books, and of course I'll share what I learned.

Marilyn

A Longtime Sufferer of News Junkie-itis

2023-06-19T01:30:00.001-07:00

By Lois Winston

I suffer from news junkie-itis. At times, I think I must be a glutton for punishment, especially these days, given what we’re bombarded with on the nightly news and in daily newspapers. I have many friends who haven’t read a newspaper, either digital or paper, or watched network or cable news in…well, in what seems like forever. They claim it’s just too depressing. And it is. But I can’t stop.

So why do I subject myself to a constant bombardment of everything that’s going wrong in the country and the world? The simple answer is that for me, the news is plot fodder. Even though I write humorous cozy mysteries, the plots and subplots of my books have all been inspired by what’s going on in the world around me.

Anastasia, like her author, is a Jersey girl. I not only went to school with Mafia family members, but I grew up hearing stories about how my grandfather, as captain of a major county police force, brought many of the Mafia to justice. Consequently, Anastasia has had plenty of run-ins with the Mafia.

I’ve also used more recent news events as inspiration. These include a woman on trial for salt poisoning, Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme, murders that have occurred on cruise ships, serial killings in a nursing home, and The Watcher case, to name just a few. (As for The Watcher, if you’ve seen the Netflix movie inspired by the events, it’s nothing like what really happened. You can trust me on this. It took place at a home a few blocks from mine.)

A Crafty Collage of Crime is the twelfth book in my Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery Series. Even though the book is about Anastasia and Zack’s honeymoon in Tennessee wine country (yes, it really is a thing!), I was inspired by the recent implosion of FTX, the cryptocurrency exchange, and the arrest of its founder and CEO, Sam Bankman-Fried.

In addition, the subplot in the book was inspired by the popularity of true crime podcasts.

Even before I began writing about my reluctant amateur sleuth, my earlier romances and romantic suspense books were inspired by the news. Authors get their inspiration from many different sources. Mine has always been a result of my chronic news junkie-itis and probably always will be.

A Crafty Collage of Crime

An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery, Book 1

Wherever crafts editor and reluctant amateur sleuth Anastasia Pollack goes, murder and mayhem follow. Her honeymoon is no exception. She and new husband, photojournalist (and possible spy) Zachary Barnes, are enjoying a walk in the Tennessee woods when they stumble upon a body on the side of a creek. The dead man is the husband of one of the three sisters who own the winery and guest cottages where Anastasia and Zack are vacationing.

When the local sheriff sets his sights on the widow as the prime suspect, her sisters close ranks around her. The three siblings are true-crime junkies, and thanks to a podcaster who has produced an unauthorized series about her, Anastasia’s reputation for solving murders has preceded her to the bucolic hamlet. The sisters plead for her help in finding the real killer. As Anastasia learns more about the women and their business, a host of suspects emerge, including several relatives, a relentless land developer, and even the sisters themselves.

Meanwhile, Anastasia becomes obsessed with discovering the podcaster’s identity. Along with knowing about Anastasia’s life as a reluctant amateur sleuth, the podcaster has divulged details of Anastasia’s personal life. Someone has betrayed Anastasia’s trust, and she’s out to discover the identity of the culprit.

Craft project included.

Buy Links

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NX6O13

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-crafty-collage-of-crime

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-crafty-collage-of-crime-lois-winston/1143442079?ean=2940161008225

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-crafty-collage-of-crime/id6448801378

Bio: 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 twelve novels and three novellas. Lois also writes the Empty Nest Mysteries, currently at two novels, and one book so far in her Mom Squad Capers series.

To date Lois has published twenty-one novels, five novellas, several short stories, one children’s chapter book, and one nonfiction book on writing, inspired by her twelve years working as an associate at a literary agency. To learn more about Lois and her books, visit her at www.loiswinston.com where you can sign up for her newsletter and follow her at various social media sites.

DOING RESEARCH FOR BOOKS by M.E. Roche

2023-06-12T01:30:00.012-07:00

Research in writing, or so I’d guess, is little different from research in any other occupation. As a nurse, learning about a new diagnosis, a new med, or a new treatment requires spending some time reading and talking with other, more knowledgeable people. In my first three young adult novels, there wasn’t much research involved as Nora Brady—my main character—was a student nurse; I knew everything about that, didn’t I? When I wanted her to move into law enforcement, however—something about which I knew next to nothing—I knew I’d have to talk to the experts there, so I reached out to my local sheriff’s department.

The sheriff’s department was more than accommodating. I was able to interview the officers in charge, take a tour of the offices, and schedule a ride-along. I was also lucky enough to be living in one of the only counties in California—probably in the country—where the coroner’s department utilized volunteers, and their staff was part of the sheriff’s department. I wanted the experience of assisting with autopsies, but more than that, I wanted the story behind an autopsy.

While Nora Brady moved on to become a detective with the sheriff’s department, she continued to work as a per diem nurse at the local hospital. That didn’t require much research, but when I started writing my first standalone novel, BIGAMY, real research was involved. Set in the 1930s, it was based on an actual case in a state about which I knew little. (Newspapers.com subscription). There were little things like fixing peanut butter sandwiches on Wonder Bread. Did they have peanut butter and Wonder Bread in the 1930s? One character goes to jail and then to prison. What was the difference? What was it like? And last year, I took a road trip to Nebraska to begin researching the life of my great-aunt who came from Ireland (Ancestry.com subscription), worked as a servant in Chicago, and married a homesteader from Nebraska in 1918—a time of war, influenza, and the Dust Bowl.

For my recently released novel ONCOLOGY, I researched work being done with phytoplankton—a marine lifeform that sustains much of marine life and has the potential as a future food source for man. In this novel, Nora Brady leaves her position as a detective with the sheriff’s department following a personal tragedy. As a registered nurse, she takes a job in the hospital’s oncology clinic. When it’s discovered that a recently treated patient dies while on a cruise, and an autopsy shows no evidence of his having ever had cancer, Nora and her team are left to wonder if he was the only victim.

https://www.amazon.com/ONCOLOGY-Cancer-Treatment-Can-Murder/dp/B0C1JDQLRT

M. E. Roche

Bio:

While the product of a Midwest upbringing, I've lived and worked on both coasts as well as in Ireland. As a registered nurse, I've had the opportunity to work in many facets of nursing, and although retired, I continue to volunteer and enjoy working at a neighborhood clinic.

One of the first things my family did in moving to a new town was to see that each of us got a new library card. I'm a lifelong reader, and my favorite books have always been mysteries---the new and the classics. Like many writers, I thought of writing for many years before finally sitting down and doing so. My first novels were an attempt to show young readers what nursing was like today, as there didn’t appear to be anything out there beyond those series of the ’50s and ’60s. This resulted in my first three young adult novels.

At that point, I decided to take Nora into adulthood with a new mystery series for adults, beginning with The South Spit Murders, followed by a stand-alone novel—Bigamy—and my next two Nora Brady mysteries, A Haunting on Dunbar Lane and my newest novel, Oncology. In the adult series, Nora has the somewhat enviable opportunity to merge her talents for nursing with those of law enforcement.

www.meroche.com

YA Novels: Nora Brady, Student Nurse Mysteries (3)

Adult Novels: The Nora Brady Mysteries (3)

Stand Alone Novel: BIGAMY

Four Early Reviews of A FINAL GOODBYE

2023-06-09T01:00:00.002-07:00

Tempe Crabtree

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 13, 2023

Verified Purchase

I loved this series, Tempe is a relatable character. This one made me cry. If you want a good read, this series will do the trick. -- Lorene Crajan

It was a fun ride...

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 23, 2023

Said goodbye to an old friend. It's been so fun riding along with Tempe as she solved cases in Bear Creek (and a few other places). She's endeared herself to the people in town who counted on her so many times in the past and, like us (readers), are having a hard time letting her go, even that hard-nosed detective, Morrison. And don't even get me started on Nick Two John. Now that it's finished, Hallmark should make it their next TV series. We'll miss you Tempe! --Dana Van Sco

A fitting ending to a great series.

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 11, 2023

Opening this book was like getting to sit down and visit with a lot of dear old friends. The story was touching and satisfying. Tempe, I have followed you from the beginning when you were a rookie deputy., Watched you turn into a confident woman and deputy as you solved cases and explored your own heritage. and then in to retirement. Its been a heck of a ride but life moves on for al of us.. You will definitely be missed! --Linda Card

I've been a fan of Meredith's Tempe Crabtree series since I read Judgment Fire back in 2007. With this final

while ramping up suspense along the way. The more Tempe investigates, the more determined a killer is to stop her.

Meredith has made it her trademark to blend her character's personal lives and relationships into the unfolding

mystery. In A Final Farewell, Tempe and her husband Hutch, along with their friends Miqui, Claudia, and Nick Two

John, all face some sort of change in their lives.

While always keeping the series fresh with new ideas and some new characters, family, faith, and mysticism has run

through this series in every book I've read. I am sad to see the Tempe Crabtree series end, but I feel Meredith left her

beloved characters in the right place.

If you enjoy engaging, well-written mysteries set in a small community, then A Final Farewell and the other books

in the Tempe Crabtree series are for you.

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been

compensated for in any way.

--Cheryl C. Malandrinos

PUMP UP YOUR BOOK, VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR

2023-06-06T06:06:00.003-07:00

Monday, June 5

Virtual Book Tour Kick Off at PUYB Virtual Book Club

Tuesday, June 6

Book Feature Highlight at Nuttin’ But Books

Wednesday, June 7

Book Feature Highlight at The Faerie Review

· ┈┈┈┈┈┈ · ꕥ · ┈┈┈┈┈┈ ·

Monday, June 12

Interview at My Bookish Pleasures

Tuesday, June 13

Guest Post at Word Magic

Wednesday, June 14

Interview at Book Bloggin’ Princess

· ┈┈┈┈┈┈ · ꕥ · ┈┈┈┈┈┈ ·

http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2023/05/02/%f0%9f%93%9a-pump-up-your-book-presents-marilyn-merediths-a-final-farewell-virtual-book-tour-mystery/

Monday, June 19

Book Feature Highlight at Blogging Authors

Tuesday, June 20

Book Review at The Book Connection

Wednesday, June 21

Book Feature Highlight at The Writer’s Life e-Magazine

· ┈┈┈┈┈┈ · ꕥ · ┈┈┈┈┈┈ ·

Monday, June 26

Interview at Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers

Book Feature Highlight at b for bookreviews

Book Feature Highlight at fuonlyknew: Laura’s Ramblins and Reviews

Tuesday, June 27

Interview at Book Cover Junkie

Friday, June 30

Interview at Literarily Speaking

And Life Goes On--

2023-06-06T00:30:00.026-07:00

Though we haven't quite put everything away from the Celebration of Life, we're getting close.

I have lovely photos on canvas of hubby to go on the wall in the living room and many wonderful memories to cherish in my heart.

Unfortunately we found some errors in the first batch of A FINAL FAREWELL . (Not surprising since I was caring for a dying husband while I wrote and finished this one.) It's been fixed and new copies ordered.

Though I've had one small booksigning, I'm planning another. It's not finalized yet, but if all goes well will be in a nice and different venue.

Also, a blog tour is coming up for A FINAL FAREWELL. I'll have more infoamation about it soon. I've done some interesting interviews for this one, so I'm truly looking forward to it.

If you'd like to get a copy here's the link: https://tinyurl.com/t3z5w7vn

It's available for Kindle and as a paperback.

Marilyn

A List of My Series Books

2023-06-02T01:00:00.002-07:00

TEMPE CRABTREE ROCKY BLUFF P.D.

Deadly Trail Final Respects

Deadly Omen Bad Tidings

Unequally Yoked Fringe Benefits

Intervention Smell of Death

Wing Beat No Sanctuary

Calling the Dead An Axe to Grind

Judgment Fire Angel Lost

Kindred Spirits No Bells

Dispel the Mist Dangerous Impulses

Invisible Path Murder in the Worst Degree

Bears With Us Violent Departures

Raging Water A Crushing Death

Spirit Shapes Unresolved

River Spirits Tangled Webs

Not As it Seems Bones in the Attic

Seldom Traveled Not as We Knew it

A Cold Death Reversal of Fortune

Sprit Wind

End of the Trail

The Trash Harem

A Final Farewell

Just in case anyone wanted to know how many books in each series, thought I'd list them.

It amazes me that I've done so many, plus I have several stand-alones

Marilyn, the Rocky Bluff P.D. series is written under the name of F. M. Meredith.