Leslie Keller Books

Here are some recently released mysteries which are all part of a series. On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service (A Royal Spyness Mystery) by Rhys Brown This is book 11 of this series by a NY Times best selling author who has won numerous awards. I would be inclined to start with the first book as I dislike jumping into a series in the middle. In the new Royal Spyness Mystery from the  New York Times  bestselling author of  Crowned and Dangerous , Lady Georgiana Rannoch juggles secret missions from the Queen, Darcy, and her mother. But it’s all in a day’s work when you’re thirty-fifth in line to the British Crown.  When Darcy runs off on another secret assignment, I am left to figure out how to travel to Italy sans maid and chaperone to help my dear friend Belinda, as she awaits the birth of her baby alone. An opportunity presents itself in a most unexpected way—my cousin the queen is in need of a spy to attend a house party in the Italian lake country. Th...

Jayne's next adventure is underway and it looks like she'll be off to enjoy a few days in Colorado with her best friend Bailey. Up to this point, Bailey has been somewhat of a mystery. We know from the first two books she doesn't like to drive.  We know she rescues animals and also an orphaned young woman.  We know she works in computer security and has her own business. But we really don't know Bailey. As the creator of this character, it's been fascinating to discover who Bailey is. I never like to reveal too many clues but I will say that she had some significant events in her past and they will come to light in book three. Sadly, I don't know exactly where the story is going, even though I have a comprehensive outline. In the writing process I may think the story is going in one direction, only to find as the words appear on the page, that I was mistaken. As Bailey unveils herself to me, I hope her character is one that grabs your attention and makes you...

Recently I came across a local charity which rescues and rehabs former racehorses. While working with another horse rescue, founder Dannielle Marturana received calls about Thoroughbreds who were retiring from racing at Turf Paradise racetrack in Phoenix. The organization couldn't take anymore horses and recognizing the great need for these horses to continue to live a full life, she founded ATH. The average time to rehab a horse from the track to a new life is about four months. During that time, ATH treats any injuries, works with difficult personalities, trains the horse to a new career as a trail or pleasure horse and provides loving care until the horse can be adopted.  For those who cannot be placed in permanent homes, ATH provides a forever home. Not every horse comes to ATH from the track, some have been turned over to them or rescued from other places. Their mission statement says it all: "After the Homestretch-Arizona is a 501(c)(3) Arizona non-profit organiz...

I’m no Hero             I tested the wind velocity. Today was the day. No other options existed. If the mission didn’t move forward, then the fate of the world was out of my control.             A hoarse chuckle escaped my lips as I contemplated the use of such old fashioned technology.  Despite that, I knew my adversary wouldn’t expect me to arrive via a gigantic flying toad. I gave a nod and, after releasing the tie-downs, my partner Johnson leapt into the basket.             I opened the propane valve and we rose swiftly. Johnson secured himself in the corner of the basket, hands pressed over his eyes. Heights petrified him and I knew he would soon be drenched in a cold sweat.             “You know if I had another way to do this I would.” I nudged him...

Criminals come in every size, shape and intellect. Here's a few examples of people who should have stayed in school and avoided a life of crime - or at least stayed off social media. Levi Charles Reardon was wanted for theft and forgery. He was so enamored of his mug shot on the Great Falls/Cascade County Crimestoppers Facebook page that he liked it.  Next stop - jail. Christopher Wallace was arrested by police when he Snapchatted his location - he was hiding in a cupboard in his home while police searched it.  Social media strikes again. John Mogan was wanted for bank robbery. First he made the mistake of covering his face and body with distinctive tattoos.  Then he posted photos of himself and his girlfriend with the loot on social media. Renaud 'Junior' Plaisir broke into a home in New Hampshire.  While robbing the empty house, he checked out the contents of the refrigerator. Finding some leftover chicken wings, he had a snack and then fell asleep in the g...

This year's Payson Book Festival was held for the first time in the Mazatzal Casino on the outskirts of Payson.  Authors and readers alike enjoyed the air conditioned ballroom and we were fortunate that despite the heavy rains on Friday and late Saturday all the books remained dry. I don't have attendance figures at this time but based on the numbers of readers passing my table, I think this might have been the best year for the event.  Although the guitar and flute were lovely to listen to, they did interfere with everyone's ability to talk to the authors and left a few of us without a voice by day end. All in all, it was a great day and I'm happy to announce the winner of the book drawing is Sue Edwards. I hope Sue enjoys her book. Here's a few pictures from the event. Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website Twitter       Instagram       Facebook       Menu for Murder  ...

In Arizona in the small town of Payson is the world's oldest continuous rodeo. Payson is less than a two hour drive from the Phoenix metro area. Held August 17th to the 19th, it's the 133rd year this event has been held. Rodeo personifies the history of the west with bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing and, of course, the rodeo clowns. This event is sanctioned by the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) which totals more than $50,000 in prize money. Personally, although I love most things associated with the old west, the rodeo stretches the limits of what I enjoy as entertainment.  The ASPCA is opposed to all rodeo events that involve cruel, painful, stressful and potentially harmful treatment of animals, not only in performance but also in handling, transport and prodding to perform.  Many in the rodeo circuit will say their animals are treated with care but I do object to bull riding and bronc riding. Causing an animal discomfort in order for him ...

Phoenix City Grill has been located on 16th Street and Bethany Home for as long as I can remember. I dined here once years ago and it was great but for some reason I forgot it was there.  Billed as contemporary American fare, the menu is full of tempting selections, not the least of which is the Brioche Bread Pudding made with Jack Daniels whiskey lime and caramel sauce. Need I say more? I dined here for happy hour recently with a friend. There are a few selections of $6 wines by the glass and several selections of appetizers ranging from $4 to $6.  The full menu includes lighter fare such as salads, or burgers to full entrees such as bone-in rib-eye steaks. She had the Original Griddled Corn Cakes and I went for the Beef and Chicken Skewers with French fries.  So glad we shared the fries because it was a sizeable portion, and as you can see by the picture here, we loved them. We sat in the bar, which was busy, and the service could not have been better.  Our b...

Nora Roberts is probably most known for her romance writing but this book skillfully combines suspense, a serial killer and romance in one breathtaking package. Naomi Bowes is a child when she encounters a serial killer in her own family. As I don't like to give away too much about any book, I won't say who it is or what happens but it was chilling. Like dominoes falling, the impact changes not only her life but everyone she comes in contact with.  The author intermingles the criminal aspect and weaves in the lusty romance scenes to keep you turning the pages. I haven't read any of her other work but based on this book I would definitely read more with the caveat that they weren't only romance. Do be aware that there are some sexy scenes in this book so it's not PG-13. I couldn't help but sigh and wonder where the men that can do this have been hiding when I got to this sentence, "He took more, kept them both swaying on that high wire between need and...

I love punch - punch with no liquor, punch with giant dollops of sherbet or punch with sparking wine for added fizz.  So for the hottest month of the year in Arizona, I thought punch would be a fun change. Honolulu Punch 1 liter light rum 1/2 cup dark rum 1/2 cup triple sec (or Grand Marnier) 1/4 cup fine sugar 1/2 cup lemon juice - freshly squeezed is best 2 cups orange juice - freshly squeezed is best 2 cups pineapple juice - from a can is fine Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl over ice.  Garnish with orange, lemon and pineapple slices Makes approximately 15 servings. To add an extra zip, you can use club soda.  To add a touch of creaminess, use an orange sherbet. Remember to always drink responsibly. Cheers Jayne Visit Leslie's Website Twitter      Instagram      Facebook      Menu for Murder      Cocktails at Sunset