My ‘Sound of Music’ Moment

Trouble in River City

When I was in seventh grade, we took a family trip to New York City. We had tickets to see the original Broadway production of The Sound of Music. I remember being awestruck when Mary Martin came flying down to the stage singing, “The hills are alive with the sound of music.” That was the moment when I decided I wanted to sing on stage. As luck would have it, I couldn’t carry a tune. Worse, my acting was so bad I couldn’t even get into our high school class play that had a cast of thousands. I still remember the words of the director of that play, “Linda, we think you’d do best managing the publicity for the show.” No Mary Martin and no The Sound of Music for me.

My friend and neighbor Grace Stone, who volunteered as a costumer for The Tacoma Musical Playhouse, a local community theater, said, “Linda, you have to do a mystery in a musical theater setting.” That’s why in Only the River Knows, Lykkins Lake is putting on a community theater production of The Music Man. And that’s why, when the director goes missing during tryouts, Sheriff Red is called to find her. In the search, she discovers buried secrets, an old murder, and a web of deceit. As the lyrics go, “There’s trouble in River City.”

Perhaps writing a murder mystery with a musical theater setting was my revenge for not getting the lead (or any part) in my high school play ☺.

Coming in September

Kirkus Reviews says of Only the River Knows:

With strong, interesting women characters carrying the day, this is an exciting read with suspects galore and a thrilling, convoluted ending. A fine addition to a strong series.—Danise Hoover

Only the River Knows is available for pre-order and will be out on September 22nd.

Zoom Coming Soon

Did you ever wonder how to choose a mystery to read? Join Charlotte Stuart, Roxanne Dunn, and me for an online program, “Taking the Mystery Out of Choosing a Mystery,” sponsored by Sno-Isle Library on Monday, August 24th at 6:00 pm Pacific Time. As mystery writers and readers, we’ll give you hints and suggestions on what kind of mystery you want to read. Sign up through Sno-Isle Library here.

Sprechen Sie Deutsch?

I am delighted to announce that the first three Sheriff Red mysteries are now available in German. Although my German knowledge is limited to one year in high school, I’m told it’s a good translation. Make sure to let all your German-speaking friends!

Sometimes You Need a Cat to Put the Puzzle Pieces Together

In The Secret of Ravens Valley, Goldie the cat has a role in solving the mystery simply by being a cat. In this photo, my grand cat, Mr. Biscuit, isn’t being nearly as helpful ☺

Cabin by the Lake Mysteries Available Through Harlequin

My Cabin by the Lake Mysteries are now available through Harlequin Worldwide Mysteries.

Book Signing

Thank you again to Lake Country Book Sellers for a wonderful book-signing morning. The temperature that day was in the mid-90s, but the bookshop was cool and cozy.

Review and Rate

As always, I appreciate reviews and ratings. If you aren’t a reader who likes to create reviews, simply leave a rating. More importantly, though, enjoy the book!

Happy transition from summer to fall.

Linda