Leslie Keller Books

Last month I posted the top ten selling cozy mysteries from 2015. This month I'm going to give you the sampling of the New York Times best sellers, some of which you may have seen in the movies as well. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn The Girl on the Train - not out yet but in production I hear - by Paula Hawkins The Martin by Andy Weir Other top sellers of last year: Gray Mountain by John Grisham All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. This was a very well written book about two young people who go through the world war on opposite sides but eventually their paths cross. Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee. I'm told this book does not come close to her prior work, To Kill a Mockingbird See Me by Nicholas Sparks. My guess would be that there will be a movie coming for this one since so many of his others have been released. Tricky Twenty-Two by Janet Evanovich. Yet another Stephanie Plum novel?  I loved this character through twelve books but twenty-two is defini...

This book was a cute cozy mystery by an author with five series available -  The Patisserie Mysteries, The Emma Wild Holiday Mysteries, The Wonder Cats Mysteries, and The Cape Bay Cafe Mysteries. Francesa has returned to her small hometown to take over the family bakery after her mother's death. She grew up in the bakery which leads credence to her ability to bake and make upscale cappuccinos. The town is small enough that everyone seems to know everyone else. On her way home from work, she spies her elderly neighbor dead on his back porch. She is a suspect in the murder and sets out to find the true killer with the help of his son, her childhood friend. Romance blossoms (of course) and there are a few twists. This is a very light read and I would probably try this author again. In the true spirit of a cozy, there is some humor, murder and romance without much nail biting drama. It won't keep you up late at night turning the pages but will take your mind off your daily c...

The following is a snippet of an interview by an unknown investigative journalist with the now deceased mayor of Cave Creek, Arizona, Franklin McArthur. I was fortunate to discover this interview while trolling the internet. Reporter: "Mayor McArthur, you've experienced much success in the small town of Cave Creek in a short period of time. Can you tell my readers how you accomplished this?" Franklin: "Hard work and heavy lifting. As I boy, I always dreamed of entering politics so that I could help the little people." Reporter: "You grew up back east, what made you decide to run for office here?" Franklin: "Cave Creek is a charming town with many influential people. I knew I could make a difference." Reporter: "Can you expand upon how you have made a difference?" Franklin:  "I was the impetus behind the idea for the first women's shelter in the town. I've met with my constituents who want land opened up for ...

In honor of the upcoming heat wave (for you non-Arizona people that means anything over 105 degrees), I've included a special drink. Heat Wave 1 1/2 oz light rum 1/2 oz peach flavored brandy 1/2 oz coconut cream 2 oz orange juice 2 oz pineapple juice 1/2 oz grenadine Pour all ingredients except grenadine into a high cocktail glass or if you have a martini shaker, that's even better Add ice Stir well or shake Top with grenadine Garnish with a slice of orange It's also fun if you have a slice of orange, pineapple and a cherry Remember to always tip your bartenders and servers and drink responsibly. Cheers, Jayne Visit Leslie's website

I'm very excited to announce that Menu for Murder has been nominated for an Anthony Award as best first novel. The Anthony Awards are literary awards for mystery writers presented at the Bouchercon World Mystery Convention since 1986. The awards are named for Anthony Boucher (1911–1968), one of the founders of the Mystery Writers of America . [1] Among the most prestigious awards in the world of mystery writers, the Anthony Awards have helped boost the careers of many recipients. It's a honor to be included with many other great first novel authors and I am truly thrilled to just be nominated.   Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website

I recently dined at Olive & Ivy in old town Scottsdale. I had been here years ago but not had a chance to return.  This restaurant is part of the Fox Restaurant group, known locally for the many successful restaurants they've opened. The restaurant didn't disappoint for the food quality or service but I also don't feel compelled to rush back As I was part of a large group, we dined in a private room, with a lovely circular table that had doors which closed it off from the rest of the dining areas. I started with the garden salad followed by the bacon wrapped pork tenderloin. It was delicious. In fact, everything I tasted and my dining companions had was great except for - the most important part of the meal to me - the dessert. I had a dark chocolate cake that I actually didn't even finish. That in itself should tell you a lot. Although the food was good and the service excellent, there was something missing in the experience that I can't nail down. With s...

I couldn't resist getting several shots of this dragon at Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West. It's an interesting tour if you have a chance to take it when in Arizona.  I've lived here more than 20 years and I'm glad I finally got around to it. Happy Trails,  Leslie Visit my website