Hi, friend! I hope you had a great weekend. I also want to thank you for stopping by to join in the celebration of the release of Dead in the Ditch, the latest book in my Elmo Simpson Mysteries series.
Isn’t that a fun cover? I love it.
Anyway, you may be wondering why this post is titled The Magic Number. It’s because Dead in the Ditch is the third book in the series. That got me thinking about the number three.
I grew up in the seventies and spent my Saturday mornings watching Saturday morning cartoons. That included the School House Rock videos, one of which was called “Three Is a Magic Number”. If you haven’t seen it before, or haven’t seen it in a while, go check it out here and enjoy the trip back in time.
Well, that got me thinking about other things related to the number three. So, let’s chat about some of them.
How about the third book in a series? There are some great ones. “Voyage of the Dawn Treader” is the third book in the Chronicles of Narnia, a series I first read as a kid. For my money, Voyage is the best book in the series.
The third Hercule Poirot novel by the legendary Agatha Christie is none other than “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd”. I think it’s an incredible story. And it happens to be her greatest novel, according to a lot of Christie experts and fans.
Let’s move to music. The third album by U2, my longtime favorite band, is “War”. Featuring the singles “Sunday, Bloody, Sunday” and “New Year’s Day” it’s the album that broke the band into worldwide fame. I think it stands among the band’s finest works.
Other great threes? Baseball legend Babe Ruth wore number three. The Magi, otherwise known as The Three Wise Men, those of the Christian faith may have heard of them. For fans of action adventure, there’s the crime-solving trio “Charlie’s Angels” from both the small screen and big screen.
We can’t forget Snap, Crackle, and Pop. Rice Krispies aren’t Rice Krispies without that fun trio. The younger crowd is represented by The Powerpuff Girls—Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup. My kids loved watching that show when they were young.
Will Dead in the Ditch ever rise to the level of a memorable number 3? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure, though. I had a lot of fun writing it and I hope you have fun reading it.
How about you? Are there any favorite threes or trios you think deserve mention? Tell me about them. After all, three is the magic number and we can all use some magic in our lives. Until next time, bubbles up!
About the author
J.C. Kenney is the Agatha Award Nominated and bestselling author of mysteries full of oddball characters in unusual settings. “Panic In the Panhandle,” book 1 of his Elmo Simpson Mysteries series, was named one of the Ten Best Cozy Mysteries of 2024. He’s also the co-host of The Bookish Hour and A Bookish Moment webcasts. When he’s not writing, you can find him following IndyCar racing or listening to music. He has two grown children and lives in Indianapolis with his wife and a cat. You can find him at https://www.jckenney.com/.
With the release of the 9th book in my Little Dog Diner series, Rolling Up Revenge, I’d like to share some interesting facts about Maine, the setting for my fictional series.
Maine, or the Pine Tree State, is a place of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unique culinary delights. With its rugged coastline, fresh seafood, and outdoor adventures, Maine offers something for everyone.
An incredible 3,478 miles of coastline, dotted with over 4,000 islands, offers plenty of unspoiled beauty. The charming fishing villages are the perfect destination to enjoy what Maine is famous for—it’s lobster roll or another delicious seafood dish, while enjoying the view of a lighthouses perched on a rocky cliff. It’s hard to beat that!
But Maine isn’t all about its shoreline. Home to miles of rivers and streams, it’s perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Or, if you love hiking, Mt. Katahdin offers breathtaking views and marks the northern end of the Appalachian Trail. You even might even be lucky and spot a moose, the state animal. But don’t get too close.
After all that activity, you’ll definitely need to make time to indulge in the state dessert—blueberry pie—or the official state treat, the sweet whoopie pie. Both are on the menu at the Little Dog Diner!
Early risers can claim bragging rights for being the first to see the sun rise from Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. You can hike or drive to the top.
And for you book lovers? Legendary horror author Stephen King calls Maine his home. I know, his books aren’t cozy but still worth a visit. The state’s eerie landscapes and quiet towns are the perfect inspiration for his books.
Maine is an unforgettable destination waiting to be explored.
If you can’t visit … grab a copy of Rolling Up Revenge and embrace the magic of Maine through my cozy mystery!
About the Author
Emmie Lyn grew up in a small town in New England, much like the towns where her female characters live—scenic, quaint and filled with colorful characters. She loves to create mysteries with twists and unexpected turns that draw readers in and capture their imagination.
Emmie lives in rural Massachusetts with her husband, a rescue terrier, and a black cat with a bad attitude. She shares twelve acres with a wide variety of wildlife including deer, bunnies, turkeys, and many songbirds. When she’s not busy thinking of ways to kill off a character (for a book, of course!) she enjoys a cup of tea and chocolate in her flower garden, hiking, or spending time near the ocean.
I’m so excited to be celebrating the release of book two in the Shepherd Sisters Mysteries, Murder On Display! These books found the most perfect publishing home with Tule, with a new book in the series dropping every other month, all year long.
Savanna Shepherd is an accidental sleuth. A former art authenticator whose job it was to detect forgeries from the real thing, Savanna has a knack for spotting clues hiding in plain sight, sometimes without even trying. When she discovers a local politician dead in his locked home, the victim of foul play, and then police arrest a good friend for the murder, Savanna and her sisters race to uncover what really happened. Ratcheting up the stakes are a mysteriously vandalized town monument, a coveted art fair now at risk of being canceled, and a wrench thrown into a budding romance a long time in the making.
So, why three sisters? Who doesn’t love a good bestie trio? I am a sucker for women helping women, girl power, soul sisters, women amplifying women. If a set of sisters, or two friends, seemed like it might be fun to write, three seemed even better. Growing up, I fell in love with Charlie’s Angels—the television series and then the fun and fabulous movies. Those women knew how to team up and kick butt when necessary. I also couldn’t get enough of the gang in Buffy the Vampire slayer—Buffy, Willow, and Xander, and sometimes Cordelia. They were stronger together than alone. And, in a non crime solving example, I also loved the friend group in the show Friends, especially the trio of Monica, Rachel, and Phoebe. They brought out the best in each other.
When Savanna Shepherd first appeared in my mind, fully formed with her own personality traits and back story, I knew she had to be the middle sister. Coming home to her small lakeside town after a decade away, she fits easily back into her family and community. She tends to be the “glue” within her sister trio, and even though Savanna is the primary female protagonist, she relies on her sisters on a daily basis, just as they do her.
Skylar, like me, is the eldest sister. She’s the most serious in the trio, a bit of a perfectionist, her type A personality serving her well in her career as an attorney. Her two younger sisters often have fun poking at serious Skylar, trying to get a laugh out of her but sometimes just causing her exasperation. But Skylar is also the person Savanna and Sydney turn to anytime they’re in need of advice or help with difficult problems—she always comes through.
The youngest sister is Sydney. Free-spirited, laid back, not to be confined by business suits or corporate schedules, Sydney runs a gourmet dog bakery and grooming salon called Fancy Tails and Treats. Sydney delights in finding new ways to tease and joke with her sisters, calms her mind with yoga and meditation, and knows the name of every dog in town. Sydney is the heart of the sister trio, happy-go-lucky, loyal, and quick to act when her sisters need her.
The series of course holds plenty of other intriguing characters: a grumpy but kind detective, a swoon-worthy cardiologist and his bad-boy brother, the sisters’ parents who are relationship-goals to their daughters, and a wealth of intriguing townspeople, some of whom are not to be trusted.
The Shepherd sisters are at the center of this cozy mystery series. They may argue now and then, they don’t always agree, but they love and protect each other fiercely. I can’t imagine a better mystery solving trio!
About the author
Tracy Gardner is an Edgar Award nominated author of two cozy mystery series, one recent novel earning a spot on New York Public Library’s Best 100 Books list. Tracy also writes book club fiction with heart and grit under pen name Jess Sinclair. A Detroit native with one foot in the sand of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tracy is a mother of three, the daughter of two teachers, and works as a nurse when not writing. She lives with her husband and a menagerie of spoiled rescue dogs and cats who inspire every fictional pet she writes. Check out Tracy’s website https://www.tracygardnerbeno.com/.
Readers and editors alike have been befuddled by some of the things that appear in my Pecan, Texas Dog Groomer Mysteries. My latest addition to the series, A Wiener Dog Wedding released today so I figured I should give y’all some insight into my Texas madness.
The Stetson Stallion cowboy hat
Worn by Mr. Williams when he was found dead in his hot tub, this is a Texas older gentleman staple. The first hats were actually created by a man traveling west from Pennsylvania but soon the cowboys of Texas took hold, with the ten gallon hat and now if you ask about Stetson Stallions to a life long Texan man, they may have a collection to show you for winter and summer wear.
Bunco
This has become a rising popular past time of women in the last few years, but no greater than church women, bringing pot luck meals and gabbing over this game. Yes the author is a frequenter to the Lutheran church round up of this dice game. It’s a simple, rolling the dice with partners to get to a certain number but it’s more about meeting about with other women and trying to beat them to 21 for the prize.
FFA or Future Farmers of America
This is more than a Texas thing but a group that focuses on agriculture. Our local chapter is also affiliated with the school and agriculture classes that aren’t just about animals but included horticulture as well.
Dr Pepper
All of the characters drink it and it’s available everywhere. That’s because Dr Pepper originated in Texas and you can still visit the Dr Pepper museum in Waco! Most restaurants will serve Dr Pepper and Diet Dr Pepper around here, which is always very upsetting when this author visits her parents in IL and can’t get said Dr Pepper.
Clay soil
It was a big thing in A Corgi Conundrum and how Texas soil is harder to grow certain crops in. Texas has clay, not red dirt clay, but this is like muddy play-doh that takes an art to growing certain things in (which is why we use fertilizer and container gardens). It’s also why houses are built more with bricks, because if you’ve ever been to Texas during a draught, you may find big holes and craters in the yard. That’s the separation of the clay and you don’t want your house separating with it! (Which is also why, yes, we do have a soaker house, to water our house every six months. You heard that right, watering our gardens and our houses).
What other Texas things from the Pecan, Texas Dog Groomer Mystery series have you been confused about? Happy to answer in the comments!
About the author
M. Alfano is a crazy dog lady from a small town in Texas. When not writing cozy mysteries you can find her as the substitute elementary school music teacher or writing contemporary romance under Magan Vernon.
Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes an exciting lineup of books you won’t want to miss! Whether you’re in the mood for heart-pounding thrillers, warm and charming cozies, or twisty mysteries that will keep you guessing, these upcoming titles are sure to keep you turning pages well into the season.
To celebrate these new releases, we’re hosting a giveaway! One lucky winner will receive an eBook of one of the upcoming releases. To enter, simply comment below and let us know: What’s your favorite mystery or thriller trope?
We can’t wait to see your answers, and good luck!
She just wants to share her delicious sweets. But a sticky surprise has this amateur detective dusting off her snooping skills.
Like many authors, I am often asked why I “became” a writer. The short answer is that I was born that way. As far back as I can remember, I was able to look at a situation, remove myself, and think about the “story” that was unfolding before me, no matter how mundane. I was always making up stories to keep my brother entertained when I was charged with babysitting him. I didn’t know that not everyone saw the world as I did until I was in college.
In English class one day the professor told us to write a short paragraph about a flower. We needed to make the description so vivid that anyone could picture it, see it. There were about twenty of us in the class. One girl raised her hand and asked, “what do you mean?” The professor repeated the assignment, but the girl shrugged and shook her head and said, “I still don’t know how to do that.” Something must have clicked for my professor as he turned to her and said, “Oh, you can’t make something from nothing, can you?” There are some people who can’t create something that doesn’t exist, don’t worry about it.” I feel sure I was not the only person in class who never knew such a thing existed. It was then I realized that is what writers do constantly—they make something from nothing.
Here is a rough idea of how I come up with story ideas and characters. I may be moved by a feeling, a look, a line of dialogue I overhear, or read, or a scene from a movie, and it lodges in my brain for use later. One day, it rises to the top and demands attention. No matter how long I ignore it, it is there, often growing, changing, and connecting with another idea. I always feel as if there is a separate part of my brain working on what I need to write next that I’m not totally aware of—yet. A friend of mine calls it the writing elves. These little creative brain elves are busy building the framework for a new book.
No two writers create in exactly the same way. All creative people can’t write a book, or have no desire to write. But most everyone will find their creative outlet. I found out later that the girl who could not envision a flower, couldn’t “build it in her mind” was a very talented quilt maker.
Why do I write? I can’t not write. It’s how I see and understand the world. Besides, I like creating something from nothing.
Thanks for stopping by the blog and congratulations on the release of your book, Retirement Can Be Murder!
