Leslie Keller Books

Here's a teaser from part of Chapter One of Menu for Murder. I hope you enjoy it. To find out what happened before or what comes after, you'll have to read the full book. =========================================== Thankfully, the last hour had kept me galloping from guest to guest so I couldn’t dwell on why my memory for peculiar details amused everyone but me. Remembering facts about people hadn’t done me much good through school but, so far, had kept me working in the restaurant business. Now, I scouted the perimeter looking for stray plates and overflowing ashtrays, crinkling my nose at the smell of leftover cigars. In the semi-darkness I took a wrong turn and jumped at the forlorn howl of a coyote somewhere nearby, which caused me to trip over my own feet and drop my full tray. The fact that nothing broke provided little consolation, since I had to crawl around on my hands and knees picking up saliva-coated cigar butts, and scout under the shrubs for a missing fork

I am frequently asked how I find the inspiration to create my characters. Often I take from the world around me - a funny story told by a friend, a person I pass in the airport, someone I'm standing behind in the grocery checkout line. These snippets may pop up as a full blown character or they may play a very small role. A good example of this shows up in Cocktails at Sunset. I was standing in line at the office supply store behind a petite older lady wearing wide legged, cotton pants embellished with American flags. I was so struck by her confidence, and the joy she exuded by her outfit, that I immediately made notations in my phone. If I hadn't thought it would have been too rude, I would have taken her picture. In one scene in Cocktails at Sunset this outfit is worn by Arlene. It epitomized what I thought she would wear. I think most writers will tell you that we spend a good portion of our time absorbing other people's lives. Writing is a solitary activity. Althoug

I can't imagine a better way to define spoiled.  Not only does Chance hog my side of the bed when I'm in it, but he likes to be under the covers if there is the least bit of chill in the air. Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website for news and book updates Twitter           Instagram           Facebook           Menu for Murder

This is the fourth installment of Tilly's story. Tilly grew accustomed to her life as days turned into weeks which became months.   Puppies were born and removed and just as quickly she was pregnant again. She didn't mind the puppies because she longed for their company. In her heart she dreamed of a real family - one who would never leave her and one she could give all of the love for which her heart ached. Tilly's second summer scorched all of the dogs at the puppy mill with a heat so intense it was unbearable.  Metal cages seared their paws and the pungent odor of feces and urine permeated their fur. Tilly was moved to a new cage as she struggled with her latest pregnancy. Her owner didn't want to risk losing the valuable income she provided. Her new enclosure was only one level above the ground and closed with a lever-type clasp. Tilly watched closely to see how it worked. One night, only weeks after giving birth to her pups, when the human closed her pen, she

More often than not, I review restaurants that are higher on the scale than Mimi's Café, however since I've dined at this place for years I thought it only fair to include it. Mimi's is a chain with a French bistro flare. The prices are reasonable, the food generally a good quality and the service is always great. If you plan to dine there periodically, join the E-Club because they will send you two for one meal coupons at least once a week.  How they make any profit doing this I don't know but it's a fantastic deal. Breakfast is consistently good but can be crowded on the weekend. Dinner is only busy during their peak period which ends by about 7PM. It's the early bird dining crowd who probably frequents the restaurant the most. Last time I dined here, there were many groups of six, mostly older than me and I'm betting they used the coupon.  Nothing wrong with that because you get a hearty meal for a reasonable price. Mimi's does have alcohol but

Here are some newly released cozy mysteries. You will see that some of these have been released with the holidays in mind. Deck the Hallways (A Fixer-Upper Mystery) by Kate Carlisle.  Ms Carlisle is a New York Times best selling author of several series. Killer Chef by James Patterson and Jeffrey J. Keys - Everyone has heard of this author but he doesn't write many short novels.  Eat, drink and be murdered might be a fun read. We Wish You a Murderous Christmas by Vicki Delany.  This looks like a cute holiday read by a prolific Canadian author. Twice Told Tail (A Black Cat Bookshop Mystery) by Ali Brandon.  Book six in the series by a new York Times best selling author. Better Late Than Never (A Library Lover's Mystery) by Jenn McKinlay.  I've heard Jenn speak a few times and she has a great sense of humor, which shows in her books. This is only one of her many series. Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue (Gaslight Mystery) by Victoria Thompson. A historical mystery set

I wanted to feature a cocktail that makes me think of chilly weather, the smell of a scotch pine decorated with holiday balls and strung with lights and something sweet.  This recipe from Sandra Lee of the Food Network met all my requirements. 1 OZ vanilla rum 1 OZ white chocolate liqueur (Godiva is a good choice) 1 OZ peppermint schnapps Candy canes for garnish Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ic. Shake well and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a candy cane. A little note - peppermint schnapps are also fantastic in a cup of hot chocolate! http://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/packages/holidays/holiday-central-cocktails/12-days-of-holiday-cocktails.html Cheers and Happy Holidays, Jayne Visit Leslie's website http://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/packages/holidays/holiday-central-cocktails/12-days-of-holiday-cocktails.html

It's obvious by the book title that this is historical fiction. I read this based on the recommendation of my mother, who reads more than even I do. There have been few works of historical fiction that I've really loved and this was one of them. The way the author tells the story reminds of One Thousand White Women, which I think was a classic in historical women's fiction. This novel addresses the horror of slavery, the treatment of Native Americans, religion and women's equality. It would seem too much to squeeze into one novel but the author does it with a gentle hand. Mary is a puritan in 1672 in the Bay Colony. She's no stranger to hard times but they haven't hardened her heart to the perils of others. Despite the fact that her husband Joseph is a minister, she helps those who have been shamed in her religious society. This is our first indication that her beliefs are stronger than what is imposed upon her by the sect. When reprimanded by her husband fo