Category: Stopping By…

The Christmas Murder (Hilda Mystery Series) by Mike Nevin. Book cover with Father Christmas (aka Santa Claus) on cover of book, winking mysteriously at reader.
Stopping By...

Book Review: Christmas Murder: Book 7 (Hilda Mystery Series) (Free on Kindle Unlimited)

Peregrine Arc: An Author's Scratchwork

Please see my review for Mr. Nevin’s (HowCaring.com) next installment in his wonderful series, starring none other than Hilda. I’ve come to love Hilda and her best friend Pearl, who often accompanies Hilda (mostly unwillingly) in cleverly solving bizarre mysteries alongside hilarious adventures. They’ve become dear friends of mine and I’m sure you’d enjoy getting to know them too. Enjoy.
***

My review: 5/5 stars
Amazon Link: Purchase a copy here (also free on Kindle Unlimited)

Thoroughly enjoyed this next installment in the Hilda Murder Mysteries by Mike Nevin. As an American reader, it was fun to go back in time to post-WWII England and get to walk the foggy alleyway of the crime and see what Hilda, Pearl and Arthur were up to all those years ago. Found myself smiling at the cleverly arranged, subtle humor that’s sprinkled throughout the story, feminism smiling knowingly from behind the narrative while poking fun at some of the bumbling characters, and of course Hilda’s wonderful dancing. After all, what’s a murder mystery without some dancing to clear one’s mind to think? Get yourself a cup of hot cocoa and snuggle up. Cheers.

P.S.– And don’t worry–the real Father Christmas isn’t the one murdered in this book, as Hilda reassuringly reminds us throughout the story. The real Santa Claus is alive and well up at the North Pole.

The Christmas Murder (Hilda Mystery Series) by Mike Nevin. Book cover with Father Christmas (aka Santa Claus) on cover of book, winking mysteriously at reader.

Stopping By...

It’s A Charming Life: Cozy, Holiday Video

Peregrine Arc: An Author's Scratchwork

I’ve been following Lindsay and Jonas for some time now on YouTube and became a Patron of theirs this past year. If you like cottage core, coziness, books, nature, pumpkin carving, art, Sleepy Hollow, slow living and vintage decor–give their channel a visit and maybe a subscribe. They make truly beautiful videos that are good medicine for the soul. Jonas is also a talented artist and his Etsy shop is filled with goodies, along with special, holiday artwork here.

Take care.

Stopping By...

Poison Ivy: Election thoughts & writing updates

Peregrine Arc: An Author's Scratchwork

Like many Americans who didn’t vote for Trump, I have felt in a bit of a daze since Tuesday evening. I’ve been fluctuating between feelings of sadness, disbelief, disgust and anger. When did our country become so bigoted, so full of hatred, with such little disregard for others–particularly women, minorities, immigrants and other vulnerable humans? When did logic and truth become things we could twist and barter with ease, rape and felony convictions things we could ignore? I feel like I just watched over 74 million people pour gasoline on the country and light matches in unison. They’re gleeful, enraptured, and ready to watch it all burn. As long as their stomachs are fed, their gas is cheaper, and they’re comfortable and at ease, that’s all they seem to care about. They want to be just like their false god, the one they all but profess to worship, Trump-branded Bibles in hand. A book that is full of stories about loving your enemies, sacrificial love, humility and the dangers of idolatry. The hypocrisy is blinding.

I’m puttering around our house this weekend, reflecting on these things, while doing some cleaning and organizing . I am trying to process everything and think of ways forward. “Not enough data” my brain keeps telling me. “Nobody knows what to expect.” “Perhaps some tea would help?” I like the last one.

We are also finishing up yardwork in preparation for the Winter–I am dealing with a bad case of poison ivy currently from that endeavor. I’ve declared war on the plant and its roots system and will be donning my full camo suit and face paint soon.

I also finished my first draft of my YA Fantasy novel. I like it a lot, but need to go in and clean up a few areas and tighten a few loose screws. The motor of the story gives way a little over halfway through and sputters out erratically. Reader safety and all. I’m hoping to start sending that out en masse to agents and publishers this holiday season.

Until then, if you see a woman wandering around her backyard spraying Roundup in a biohazard suit, muttering to herself about hypocrites and Jasmine tea blends–don’t worry it’s just me. I’m talking with the guy in dusty sandals. He’s seen this all before, and He knew long ago that this was coming. He’ll refill my teacups and listen to me. He will guide me in this season and the next to come. Take care and happy writing.