Recapping 2016

Well, it’s been an “interesting” year.

We had an election. I don’t think anyone on the planet could’ve missed that fact. It felt like the longest campaign in history, to me. You couldn’t turn on the TV or the radio or visit Facebook without being inundated. I scrolled past all of the political posts online without commenting. You see, my Dad was a wise man and he taught me never to argue religion or politics.

On a more personal note, I finished my fifth Malone mystery, making the decision to end the series – at least for now. If everything goes according to plan, Marnie Malone will be released in the next couple of months. I’m in the process of writing a standalone romantic suspense novel, something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time. It’s exciting; a new adventure.

And I made another decision. I’ve posted weekly for well over five years now. I’ve written numerous posts, mostly about writing, and I’ve featured lots of authors and their books on my blog. But writing a weekly post takes time and I've decided I need to use that time to work on my new book.

So, starting January 1st, I’ll post a monthly newsletter instead. I’ll let readers know what’s going on in my life, personally as well as professionally, and I’ll post news about books I’ve read and enjoyed, new releases by other authors, etc. I’ll update the post regularly and I’ll encourage comments from writers who have books coming out and readers who have questions about any facet of writing.

My publisher has extended the 99 cent sale for the books in my Malone mystery series through the end of the year. (See left side of page.) So, if you haven't read one or all of them, here's your chance to catch up before the fifth novel is published.

Happy New Year! 

Christmas Memories

We all have lots of Christmas memories. Some stand out in our minds more than others. As a writer, I've included a few of mine in my second Malone mystery, Unfinished Business.

My Dad, Mom, brother, me (with Cathy) and my maternal grandfather

The book takes place at Christmastime and there’s a scene where the main character, Ann, and her older sister, Marnie, are remembering a Christmas from their childhoods: the year they decided to search their parents’ house, looking for their presents. 
More than anything, Ann wanted a Cabbage Patch doll for Christmas and, in a hidden compartment in the closet of the master bedroom, she found it. At first, she was thrilled but, as you can imagine, finding the doll put quite a damper on her Christmas. She ruined her own surprise.
That scene was a fictionalized version of what happened to me when I was a child. I wanted a Patty Play Pal doll more than anything in the world and, like Ann, I searched our house and found the doll hidden in my parents’ closet. 
On Christmas Day, I had to pretend to be surprised when I unwrapped the doll but I’m pretty sure my mom and dad knew the truth. Needless to say, that was the first and last time I ever went looking to see what Santa (or my parents) had gotten me for Christmas. (By the way, since my name is Patricia, I named the doll Cathy.) 

The Westwood Strangler is dead. Or so everyone believes.

Ann Kern is busy preparing for her favorite holiday. She’s especially looking forward to her sister’s annual Christmas visit. But, several things threaten to ruin her festive mood.

The National Weather Service issues a severe winter storm warning for the Cincinnati area, predicting blizzard conditions, and Ann worries that her sister and her new boyfriend won’t be able to make the drive from South Carolina.

Then, a woman is found strangled in Ann’s neighborhood and everyone, including the police, assumes it’s the work of a copycat killer. However, when two more women are murdered in their homes, the police announce their conviction that the Westwood Strangler is responsible.

When Ann hears the news, the sense of safety and security she’s worked so hard to recapture since her attack on Halloween night, shatters. If the intruder who died in her apartment wasn’t the Westwood Strangler, who is? And, who will be the next victim?

To read more about the book and/or to order it in print or eBook: 

http://tinyurl.com/qah7lzj

I hope everyone makes some wonderful Christmas memories this year! Merry Christmas!