So far about 275 people have requested a copy of my new book. I am surprised it isn’t more; for “A Simple Murder” there were many more requests. Of course it does mean that those who have put in their names have a better chance. But you can’t win it, if you aren’t in it.
Tag Archives: mysteries
Spring Clean up
I love the coming of spring but hate some of what I find. No, I don’t mean the sticks and all. I’m talking about all the plants that are winter killed.
Like my roses. I went into the winter with 11 bushes. I now have six and two of them do not look good.
I have two butterfly bushes. One is budding out very nicely. The other? Well, when the snow had melted I went out and found it lying flat on the ground. I replanted it but I doubt it will survive.
Thank goodness for the bulbs. Daffodils are blooming and now the tulips are coming up. I see the feathery spikes of the peonies and the first leaves of the daylilies. Did the azaleas survive? I don’t know. Stay tuned.
Death in Salem Goodreads Giveaway
Well, I’m excited. After the first day of the giveaway, almost 200 people requested the book. Fantastic!
Spring Gardening
With the arrival of the first nice weekend in months, many many months, I began setting up my garden.
What is the hardware cloth doing around the base of the fence? Funny you should ask. Last year I got hardly any peas or broccoli because the baby rabbits got through the fence and ate the sprouts. Not this year they won’t. After this picture was taken, I put in radishes, carrots, beets and kale. All the cold hardy veggies. (I still have at least a month before tomatoes, cukes and peppers go in.) Next weekend, if it nice, I will start laying out the plastic mulch so I can get a jump on the weeds.
While I was working, my dog ran around looking for critters that might have gotten inside the fence without her knowing. She spent a lot of time inspecting the first and largest groundhog holes.
She goes all the way in, hoping, I think, that she will find another groundhog that moved in, and all we can see is her tail.
Although we have tried to fill in the hole, I think it goes to China. It is enormous, not just from the successive groundhogs but from Shelby digging.
Maybe I should plant a tree.
New Goodreads Giveaway
I’ve barely caught my breath after the excitement of the giveaway of “the Simple Murder”. Now, beginning on April 13, my publisher, Minotaur, will be giving away twenty copies of “Death in Salem: my newest mystery. Be sure and go on Goodreads on Monday, April 13. The giveaway will go on for two weeks, until April 27.
A Shaker Service
The New York State Museum has been running a variety of programs relating to the Shakers (which settled first near Albany. The village, called Niskayuna and then Waterlviet, is so close to the airport that some of the fields now lie under runways. But I digress)
This past Saturday, the Museum held a program featuring Shaker songs and the dances – if they can be called that – that were a part of the Shaker services. Not for the Shakers did a service consist of sitting in a pew. Although the songs and movements chosen for audience participation were simple – had to be I think – it was pretty clear to me that the services must have been physically demanding. Considering they were farmers, they must have been in good shape!
The service was engaging and I did not expect to be as moved as I was.
The Museum has a number of other programs this spring. I know I can’t participate in all of them – I don’t get out of work until after 4 – I am hoping to attend some of the others. This fascinating group was so much more than furniture – as perfect as it was.
Final Goodreads number
I never dreamed I would hit such a high number. Thanks to all who participated. My final number was 1874.
Goodreads Giveaway Milestone
I am so excited I don’t think there is a word. Unless I use the slang chuffed, common in the UK. With two days to go, I have 1242 requests. Wow.
Goodreads Giveaway
I am so thrilled to announce I have broken the 1000 mark. Can I make 1100?
Audiobooks and narrators
I am very excited and happy to announce I have selected a new audio book narrator for “Cradle to Grave” and “Death in Salem”. As any librarian will tell you, audiobooks are very very popular. A good narrator can really make a story shine. I am very glad to see both these titles become audiobooks for all my patrons.