Sit with me, relax over a cup of coffee, and lets catch up on some writing news!
Last month I wrote about my neighbor Grace’s challenge for me to plot a mystery in a musical theater production. I spoke about my failure to get into my high school play, even though it had a cast of thousands. What I didn’t mention was my short-term volunteer stint helping the Tacoma Musical Theater with costumes for “Elf the Musical.” I love theater, but perhaps it doesn’t love me back.
When the call went out for help with the Elf production, I made it clear I would be happy to sew on buttons and hems, but keep me away from the machines or anything complicated. The costume designer came up with a unique concept for a dance number that involved stuffing elf feet and legs and hand-sewing them onto the rest of the elf costume. I labored for several days stuffing and sewing, and when it was all done, all the little elf legs were on backward. Instead of a Christmas production, it looked more like a “Nightmare on Elf Street.” It’s possible the costume designer contemplated murder when she saw what I had done.
In Only the River Knows, Sheriff Red has a real drama when the director for the community production of The Music Man goes missing. Did the volunteer costumer have anything to do with the disappearance? Was the missing button on the band costume a clue? You’ll have to read the book to find out what the sheriff uncovers.
Find out why reviewer Stephanie Howes writes, “…this is an undeniably compelling story for fans of Karin Slaughter and Laura Griffin.”
Only the River Knows is now available in print, e-book, and audio.
Next Up
A cold case pulls Sheriff Red Hammergren into the murky depths of Hammer Lake, where money, violence, and forty years of lies collide. And the Moon Keeps Score.
The fifth book in the Sheriff Red series, The Moon Keeps Score, is available for pre-order and will be published in March of 2027. Sign up now to find out what happened all those years ago.
Taking the Mystery Out of Choosing a Book
Charlotte Stuart, Roxanne Dunn, and I had fun doing an online presentation for the Sno-Isle library system on how to choose a mystery. One of our viewers said, “This was so good that I plan to watch it again.” It’s available at no charge from the library on YouTube.
Bouchercon 2026, Calgary
I will be attending Bouchercon, a mystery readers’ and writers’ conference in Calgary in October. Guests at the conference include some of the best mystery writers, including my favorite, William Kent Krueger. I’m honored that my short story, “When Pop Crossed the Border,” will be featured in its anthology, The Lines We Cross. In addition, I will be on a panel talking about rural versus urban settings with the talented writers Craig Kingsman and Sandy Vora, moderated by Ruth Knafo Setton.
Book Clubs Always Welcome
If your book club is looking for a speaker, let me know! One of the joys of writing is sharing with readers. I will be joining the discussion with a Minnesota Book Club this month to talk about book banning and The Secret of Ravens Valley.
And with fall around the corner, I'm wishing you a colorful fall season.
Let me know if you switch to a flavored coffee (or tea) when fall rolls around. I'd love to find some new favorites to try.
All the best,
Linda