Leslie Keller Books

Here's a list of some new cozy mysteries released in March of this year.  I hope you find some you love. I haven't read these books but they are all on my list to try. When the Grits Hit the Fan by Maddie Day. This is an Agatha-nominated author who also writes the Local Foods Mysteries and Quaker Midwife Mysteries. Tightening the Threads, a Mainely Needlepoint Mystery by Lea Wait. Lea is also an Agatha-nominated author who writes the Shadows Antique Print mystery series. Murder on Bainbridge Island, A Northwest Cozy Mystery (Northwest Cozy Mystery Series Book 1) by Dianne Harman.  I included this but you should know one of my pet peeves is authors who use three sentence titles!  This is her fifth book series. Rock-A-Bye Bones, a Sarah Booth Delany Mystery by Carolyn Haines, a USA Today bestselling author.  I counted at least twelve books in this series. Clueless in Cleveland, a Sam Carter Mystery Series Book 1 by Nelle Lewis. I did read this book and loved...

When I wrote the first book in the Jayne Stanford series, I had several books plotted out in my head. I was certain what would happen in book two (that changed) and what I wanted to write for books three and four. What is that saying about the best laid plans? Right after releasing the first book I broke my wrist and, not only was my writing delayed significantly, but I decided book two would send Jayne to Napa.  That didn't happen. I have always wanted to wrap the old western feel of Cave Creek, Arizona into the series and somewhere towards the end of the first book my favorite saloon burned down.  That event was supposed to be in book two - nope, didn't happen. A month after releasing the second book I spent a laugh-until-you-cry trip in Colorado with my good friend, Lauren. Lauren was unknowingly inspiration for the second book based on her lovely boy Tomas who she takes to spend time visiting the elderly at an assisted living facili...

At a recent cocktail party I discussed the writing process with another author. As a few guests listened in, we described where our writing ideas originate. With that in mind I'll include a few posts about my personal process. As a reader, you may not stop in the middle of your current novel to consider what force drove the author to make a character leap from a bridge, step in front of a fast moving train or murder an innocent bystander. As an author, everything that reaches my senses may trigger an event for any one of my characters. The sound of the rain pounding on the roof may cause me to write a drowning. The heat of the desert may result in a building burning to the ground. The repetition of a basketball dribbled across the street may conjure gunshots. The smell of orange blossoms may transport my character to an unexpected location. In books one and two of the Jayne Stanford series, Menu for Murder and Cocktails at Sunset, I completely changed the en...

I have a folder full of ideas for the third book in the Jayne Stanford series. I actually had the third book planned in my head before book two was done. That was before I spent a few glorious days in Tabernash, Colorado with my good friend, Lauren.  Now, there is a good possibility Jayne may spend time there and who knows what dead bodies might turn up. You'll just have to wait and see. Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website      Twitter      Instagram      Menu for Murder      Cocktails at Sunset

Donna Foley Mabry has written several series and is a best selling author, despite that body of work, and the accolades she's received, I struggle with some of her books. I started to read The Russell House on the recommendation of another voracious reader but was so disappointed I couldn't finish it. For me that is a major problem because 95% of the time when I start a book I will finish it. The Russell House was so poorly written and edited I couldn't force myself to continue. That being said, I enjoyed the first in the series, The Last Two Aces in Las Vegas. It was lighthearted and interesting but predictable. I still found errors throughout, which is very disappointing. This story focuses on Alex Merritt a former theater performer from Chicago who gets a job in Las Vegas and winds up staying on with an independent casino as the entertainment director. The casino is owned by a former hit-man from the east coast Alberto, but everyone thinks he is only an usher. I fo...

I admit I love breakfast and lunch combined into one joyous feast. It works perfectly for those times when you can't decide if you want French toast or a French dip.  Even better if you have about forty selections from which to choose! I've been to the Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale for a spa day, for dinner at their fine dining restaurant and a few times to brunch or dinner at the Wandering Horse Buffet. I've never been disappointed. If you are considering a girl's spa day, going to a performance or just especially hungry you can't miss here.  If you go on Sunday, the cost is $34.95 for adults and it includes all-you-can-eat seafood with oysters and crab legs.  If you hand your maxed out plate to the chef he will re-steam the legs so they're hot. There are carving stations with roast beef, roast turkey and all the sides. You might be tempted to fill up on the cheeses, salads or hop over to the pasta station for pizza. We thought the champagne was all-...

Since April is a popular month for weddings, my twisted sense of humor decided a Confirmed Bachelor would be an appropriate cocktail. 1 1/2 oz gin 1 teas Rose's lime juice - you could substitute fresh but I wouldn't suggest it 1 teas grenadine 1 egg white Combine ingredients in a shaker half filled with ice. Shake well Strain into a cocktail glass with ice. Garnish with a Maraschino cherry Cheers, Jayne Visit Leslie's website Twitter       Instagram       Facebook       Menu for Murder       Cocktails at Sunset