Leslie Keller Books

What makes a particular character stand out from others? What traits make you want to know more about the character, whether he or she is a good guy or a villain? I'll use the Wizard of Oz, because the characters are so ingrained in our minds that it's easy to see what we love or hate about them. Let's start with the Scarecrow. Who didn't fall in love with him? He was the first one Dorothy met and we all know he was her favorite. He thinks he doesn't have a brain because he's made of straw but ultimately he is able to reason and give her the best counsel.  When the monkeys attacked he literally had the straw knocked out of him but came back fighting. Is it his compassion that drew us in or his funny side? Maybe it was his vulnerability? He had so many traits it would be hard to pick just one. Next we have the tin man - man of steel who has no heart. What is more touching than the first time he cries. He has so much emotion that he risks his life by rusting

According to Amazon, the list below are the top ten cozy mysteries which were sold on their site for 2015. I'm surprised that I only recognized two of the names (Jana and Leighann).  I guess my reading has wandered off course (okay I am addicted to Catherine Ryan Hyde) so I've added these to my list for the upcoming months. I hope one day my name will be included in this list. Trust me, even with top sales on Amazon I won't be retiring any time soon. Now that I'm writing regularly it's an addiction I cannot give up. Top Selling Amazon Cozy Mysteries for 2015 1.  Fortune Hunter (A Miss Fortune Mystery)  by Jana LeLeon 2.  Probably Paws (Mystic Notch Cozy Mystery) by Leighann Dobbs 3.  Well Read, Then Dead (Read Em and Eat Mystery Book 1) by Terrie Farley Moran 4.  Trouble At the Kennel: A Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery by Dianne Harman 5.  Chai Cupcake Killer: Book 4 in the INNcredeibly Sweet Series by Summer Prescott 6. My First Murder (The Maria Kallio S

I recently participated in the Tempe Book Festival which gave me a chance to meet with more new readers and fans. The event, titled A Celebration of Books was held at the Tempe Library and featured a number of author book signings as well as sales and readings. I was thrilled to be one of only a few authors in attendance and hope they'll invite me back next year. Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website

It's probably because someone has been selling Girl Scout cookies in my neighborhood recently that this drank came to my mind.  After all, who doesn't love a thin mint cookie? 1 oz vodka 1 oz coffee liqueur 1 oz Irish cream liqueur 1 teaspoon green Creme de Menthe Combine all ingredients in a shaker half filled with ice. Shake well. Strain into an old fashioned glass (or any cocktail glass) with ice. If you want you can garnish this with a sprig of mint. If this doesn't help get over your cookie craving, I don't know what will! Drink responsibly. Cheers, Jayne Visit Leslie's website

I don't usually post many family pictures on this blog but every now and then I need to share who or what inspires me.  This is a copy of a photo of my mom as a young woman.  She's even more beautiful today than she was then. The person I am today is due to her tireless support and confidence in me. Thanks Mom!!  Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website 

I recently dined at this restaurant for the first time in years. I remembered it being a high quality establishment, good service and very similar to Houston's. I was disappointed.  The service was okay but the food was not up to the previous quality. My friend and I both ordered the Chicken Madeira - billed as grilled chicken in a savory mushroom sauce. I would almost swear the sauce came from a jar. It was thick and congealed and missed any hint of Madeira wine or any other flavor. The chicken breast was dry and also flavorless. Another of my party ordered the Chicken Enchiladas which she thought were good but not great. We ordered dessert, since it was a birthday celebration and had the French White Chocolate Bread Pudding and the Freshly Baked Apple Pie. These were both a hit. It was worth coming to the restaurant for the work of this pastry chef but not for the rest of the menu. I'm sad that the food quality on this occasion had deteriorated so much that I wouldn'

I would categorize this book as a cozy mystery. It's the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it. The story seemed slow at times but moved along well enough to keep me interested but never on the edge of my seat. This book is part of the Paige Mackenzie series. Paige is a writer for a travel magazine out of New York City. This was not the first book in the series so I felt a little lost about her romantic relationship but the author provided enough information that I could determine it was recent.  Paige travels to New Mexico to write a story about a resort that has hot springs.  The resort appears to be located on reservation land and there are some references to native American culture and artistry.  On her first night at the resort she hears a sound coming from the back of the spa and goes out to investigate. Having traveled by myself on many occasions, I would never venture out of my room in the darkness to check out a strange sound. There is no resort t

The Wickenburg Literary Festival was held on April 1st through 3rd. I was excited to participate in this event and have the opportunity to meet with more readers. The Voices of the West, included authors, storytelling, food and the opportunity to design your own book cover. For me it was a great opportunity to meet fans and new readers. As Cocktails at Sunset nears completion, I'm even more thrilled to spend a beautiful Arizona day outside enjoying comments from my readers. Thanks to the new readers who purchased their first Jayne Stanford mystery. I hope they enjoy her story as much as I've enjoyed creating it. Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website

The  Agatha Awards , named for  Agatha Christie , are literary awards for mystery and crime writers who write in the  cozy mystery  subgenre (i.e. closed setting, no sex or violence, amateur detective). At an annual convention in Washington, D.C., the Agatha Awards are handed out by  Malice Domestic Ltd , in six categories: Best Novel; Best First Mystery; Best Historical Novel; Best Short Story; Best Non-Fiction; Best Children's/Young Adult Mystery. Additionally, in some years the  Poirot Award  is presented to honor individuals other than writers who have made outstanding contributions to the mystery genre, but it is not an annual award. Malice Domestic Ltd was established in 1989, and was incorporated in 1992. It is governed by a volunteer board of directors Here are the award winners for 2015. If you haven't read these authors, you should check them out. I hope one day to be included in their ranks. BEST CONTEMPORARY NOVEL: Truth Be Told  by  Hank Phillippi Ryan BEST