Clues You Might Be Missing

Life seems to move at precipitous speeds. This varies by stage of life and season, but for me at the moment, days fly by in a blur. I blink and another day is gone. For many of us, managing families, work, and homes means long to-do lists and a frenzied rush to check things off. Add in the tumult of the world around us, and everything can feel dire and urgent.

As we shift into summer, perhaps we use the longer days as a chance to breath and slow down. A chance to savor the people around us, small moments of joy, and the wonders this season brings. A chance to notice the clues we might be missing — the clues that remind us about the gift of life.

Like sipping a cup of coffee as you watch a sailboat glide across the glistening water toward a rising golden sun. Or the earthy smell of cut grass floating on a warm breeze. The raucous laughter of children playing tag, or an ice cream cone on a humid afternoon and the race to eat it faster than it melts. Hot sand squishing between your toes. Lounging on your patio, lost in the pages of a good book, with a tall glass of ice tea by your side. Or the symphony of rustling leaves and serenading crickets as evening slides into a magical starry night.

Every day there are hundreds of clues that remind us about the joys of living. This summer, I'm going to do my best not to miss them.

Recent Reads

I truly enjoyed Sarah Yarwood-Lovett's A Murder of Crows, where Dr. Nell Ward, an ecologist, finds herself playing detective when she becomes the prime suspect in a murder. Using her unique skill set, Nell races to clear her name before she becomes the next victim. It's an interesting twist on British cozy mysteries, and I'm already reading the sequel.

Tom Ryan's The Treasure Hunters Club kept me riveted from start to finish. Set in a charming seaside town, this story has dual timelines and multiple points of view, and brilliantly mixes treasure-hunt adventure with a murder mystery. Combined with a great cast of characters, I can't wait for book two, Return to Breakneck Island, coming out in October this year.

Trouble Sleeping?

In these trying times, many of us struggle to get the rest we need. I find listening to relaxing stories told in a gentle voice helpful. They harken back to the days when my mom lulled me to sleep with bedtime stories.

Scientific research shows that this practice can benefit children as well as adults because they help distract the mind from anxious, repetitive, and intrusive thoughts. This reduces stress hormones and helps you fall asleep faster and into a deeper sleep state for a longer period of time.

What does this have to do with cozy mysteries?

Well, these mysteries typically take place in charming settings with characters that often feel like friends. When there isn't a murder afoot, these are great people to spend time with and comforting places to visit.

For those of you who enjoyed A Field Guide to Murder, I created a soothing sleep story with Harry Lancaster, who fondly remembers his life's travels as he sorts through a cupboard of tea.

If you are interested in the science behind this practice, relaxing with Harry, or hearing stories from other cozy mystery authors, checkout Tranquil Tales from Death’s Doorstep.

Upcoming Events

I love chatting about books and writing. If you're in the area, join me at one of my upcoming events. Since plans sometimes change, make sure you check my website for the most up-to-date details.

It's hard to believe that the second Harry & Emma Mystery, A Field Guide to Death and Deceit, will be out in less than four months. If would like to join Harry and Emma for more murder and mayhem, please consider preordering. This helps publishers plan print runs and decide on marketing investments and signals to libraries and bookstores that readers are excited, spurring orders.

If you read A Field Guide to Murder and have a moment, please share your thoughts in a review on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Bub, or whichever platform you prefer. Your feedback helps other readers find my work and helps me continue writing stories.

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