Happy 2023!

This year instead of resolutions, I’m simply striving to return to normal…or at least a version of normal that I can recognize. I’ve been playing “catch-up” for too long. Haven’t the last few years felt like we had no choice but to “wing it?”

My hope for all of us is to make 2023 the year we find joy in the normalcy of our lives.  The everyday bits and pieces, even the smallest of joys like enjoying a cake doughnut with chocolate frosting.

At the top of my JOY list is always my Westie pack. They make me laugh every single day. Their backyard is almost an acre, and yet, they nag and pester for their daily morning walk.

However, Deb and I welcomed in the New Year with the flu (the morning after Christmas for me) and a really bad cold (for Deb – first one in 10+ years). Which of course, resulted in NO MORNING WALKS and “cabin fever” for the Westies. Here’s the three of them, making the best of it.

Getting sick and other unpredictable delays have made me throw out the original calendar for MIDNIGHT CREED. That’s why I haven’t announced the publication date yet. But not to worry, I’m estimating it will still be late spring or early summer.

And of course, I’ll announce it here first just as soon as I know.

Speaking of MIDNIGHT CREED, Finn has been such a diligent helper. He’s fascinated by my research. I wonder if I should be worried that he’s so interested in Amtrak? LOL!

Here’s a research tidbit I just learned. Did you know when you take Amtrak you can take your car along with you? You check it like luggage at the beginning of your trip and pick it up at the end, so you can drive during your vacation.

The mystery crime writer in me suggests you check your trunk. What a great place to dump a dead body!

On to some other fun and interesting things.

NEW EDITIONS COMING OF MAGGIE AUDIOBOOKS

I recently got the audio rights reverted for six of my Maggie O’Dell titles. It’s been an interesting journey. The narrator I hired completed production in November. She’s brilliant and talented and has narrated over 1,000 novels. I think you’ll really enjoy her.

We’re still working on cover designs, so it will be a few more months. It will be exciting to share them with you. They’ll be available to buy and download everywhere including on my WebShop.

K9 FINDS LOST BOY’S HOME

Usually, it’s the other way around. K9s are asked to find missing people, and often they start at the person’s place of residence to get the scent.

In Nashville, North Carolina, construction workers saw a little boy running down the middle of a street. No one was with him. The boy told them his first name and that he was four years old. He knew his house was green, but he didn’t know where it was.

Law enforcement canvased the area. They still couldn’t find the boy’s house. Finally, K9 Renzo was brought to the scene. He picked up the scent and led them to the boy’s home in less than fifteen minutes. An older sibling was supposed to be watching the boy when he slipped out on his own.

Good dog, Renzo!

 

ALEX AND DEB RECOMMEND

My recommendations this month are from my fellow Rogues (Rogue Women Writers). Tracy Clark and Tosca Lee have new books. Tracy’s HIDE was released this month, and it’s the beginning of a new series introducing Detective Harriet Foster. Find out more here: https://tracyclarkbooks.com. Tosca’s THE LONG MARCH HOME will be published in May, but there’s a special pre-order that offers a 40% discount along with a free audiobook and free shipping. Check it out here: https://www.thelongmarchhomebook.com

HIDE by Tracy Clark (January 2023) A page-turning mystery featuring hard-boiled Chicago detective Harriet Foster, who’s on the hunt for a serial killer with a deadly affinity for redheads.

THE LONG MARCH HOME by Marcus Brotherton and Tosca Lee (May 2023) The Bataan Death March. Inspired by true stories, The Long March Home is a gripping coming-of-age tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the power of unrelenting hope.

Deb’s recommendation this month:

THE CLUB by Ellery Lloyd

The Home Group is a glamorous collection of celebrity members at a closely-guarded, ultra-luxurious resort, just off the English coast—and its three-day launch party is the most coveted A-list invite of the decade.

But behind the scenes, tensions are at a breaking point. As things get sinister and the body count piles up, some members will begin to wish they’d never made the guest list. Because at this club, if your name is on the list, you’re not getting out.

LOOKING FOR MORE GREAT READS?

Deb posts new book recommendations every Friday on my VIR Club’s Facebook page. If you’re not already a member, please consider joining. This is a private FB page (A NO TROLL ZONE). You can submit a request to join HERE.

ENTER TO WIN THIS MONTH’S CONTEST

The winner from the last eNewsletter giveaway is: Marilyn Odland, from South Dakota.

Over the holidays I discovered a new obsession: jigsaw puzzles! I loved this one. It’s so cute, but wow, was it difficult. So, I bought an extra one for our monthly giveaway. Enter to win by emailing [email protected] and tell us what you’re hoping for in 2023.

Look for another email soon. We’re putting together a WINTER BOOKLOVER DEAL to help catch you up on the Ryder Creed series before MIDNIGHT CREED comes out. I’ll give you hint, there’s chocolate included.

In the meantime, I hope you find many bits and pieces of joy in the coming days!

As always, thank you for reading my books.

Take care,