Leslie Keller Books

Here are a few new mysteries to add to your reading list. It Ends With Her by Brianna Labuskes This book was rated on Amazon as #1 in Best Sellers for Serial Killers - don't read it when you're home alone! FBI special agent Clarke Sinclair doesn’t give up easily. She’s spent years tracking serial killer Simon Cross, forced to follow his twisted clues and photographs across the country. Clarke knows that Cross selects only redheaded women and that he doesn’t target another victim until Clarke discovers the previous one. He’s never broken pattern…until now. A girl has already gone missing in upstate New York when a second one is kidnapped—a blonde. The killer’s MO has changed, sending Clarke back to the drawing board. The closer she gets to the truth, the deeper she’s drawn into an inescapable trap made just for Clarke. Whatever Cross’s ultimate game is, it ends with her. Bandwidth (An Analog Novel Book) by Eliot Peper This book was rated #1 Best Seller on Amazon for ...

I flipped the calendar pages. Ten more days until June. My life would start at exactly 6:04 pm eastern. Every detail was arranged with no possibility of error. I un-clenched my teeth and picked a minuscule piece of lint from my navy wool pants. I needed to hold it together for two hundred and forty more hours. Two hundred thirty-nine hours and fifty-six minutes. I reminded myself to breathe in and out. I heard my mother's voice in my head, "Quit picking at your nails, Margaret."  If only she were here with me right now. I tapped my finger against my chin. Would my arrangements have met with her exacting standards? Or might I have disappointed her yet again? My fingers twitched with the urge to open the antique walnut armoire and dance over the fabric. Hand beaded, mermaid-style with a fifteen foot train, it was the dress of my dreams. Samuel was the man of my dreams and I really loved him. If only he wouldn't hit me again, our life would be perfect. Happy T...

I love most things cowboy or cowgirl but especially any way I can find to relive the experience, or at least the pleasant ones, of the old West. Growing up I rode horses, raised cattle (fun) and chickens (only fun when they are chicks) and ate what we planted in the garden. Despite that, my infatuation with the West was probably more as a result of watching old western television shows than a result of my growing up. Living in Arizona there are many opportunities to celebrate the western lifestyle. For those of you with some time to vacation, the Triangle L Ranch, also known as Boot Ranch, is a historic ranch located outside of Oracle, near Tucson.  The land was once occupied by Apaches and later named not for the famous Boothill graveyard of Tombstone, Arizona but rather for the boots which were made here starting in the early 1800's. One of its most famous regular guests was Buffalo Bill Cody. The property includes individual guest cottages, some equipped with kitchenettes an...

If you read this blog, or follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you will know this little fellow. Nicknamed "The Prince", my baby boy Chance, also known as Chancey Pants, Snickerdoodle, Doodle and Baby, is one kitty who cannot be more spoiled. Chance was a rescue kitty who I selected to be a friend for our other rescue Magic. Luckily for Chance, Magic is a mild mannered boy who simply wants everyone to love him. Chance takes full advantage of his quickness to periodically practice his boxing skills on Magic, preferably when his brother is in dreamland. Pictured here with a very old and beloved stuffed animal, Chance never objects to a photo opportunity. I hope when you consider your next four legged companion you start your search for one who needs a home. Happy Trails, Leslie Leslie's Website       Twitter       Instagram       Facebook       Menu for Murder       Cocktails at Sunset

As a mystery writer I'm always searching for the next sillier than possible crimes to move from real life into fiction.  Here are two which I may need to borrow in one of my next books. From newser.com, October 25, 2017:  A Utah man who was hiding from police and fled arrest had to call 911 to be rescued after getting stuck in his hiding spot. Salt Lake City police say 46-year-old Shane Paul Owen called dispatchers for help on Tuesday, more than six hours after he accidentally locked himself in a old, vacant church's boiler room. Officers were looking for Owens on Monday because he is a suspect in a string of burglaries and had warrants out for his arrest. Police say an officer spotted him and attempted to pull his vehicle over, but Owen fled, got out of his car and ran into the church, the AP reports. Fearing that Owens was armed, police called in a SWAT team, which surrounded the church and was about to enter when the suspect called to be rescued. "They’ve had me t...

I have dined at this chain twice and can't wait to go back again. The prices slightly higher than other steakhouse chains (such as Outback) but the service and food are worth it.  Both times I dined on a Sunday for an early dinner and there was a good crowd. I would recommend making a reservation, especially if you plan to dine on a weekend. The bar area fills up quickly for happy hour so make sure you get there early if you want a table. There were four in my party the first time and two the second. Both times we shared the delicious appetizer of Lobster Spinach Queso which is served with salty tortilla chips. I had the Surf & Turf with a half pound lobster tail and 7 ounce bacon wrapped filet.  Dinners are served with your choice of loaded baked potato, parmesan mashed potatoes or seasoned fries. My friends had the Sesame Crusted Salmon, the New York Strip and the Pepper Encrusted Sirloin. For dessert we shared a slice of key lime pie and two orders of the carrot cake....

This is most definitely a cozy mystery and includes the elements required. There is a murder very early in the book, a non-professional sleuth, no graphic sex or violence and a touch of romance.  This review includes spoilers so be forewarned. The story revolves around Vanessa a forty-nine year old woman who runs a cat shelter and resale store.  The shelter also happens to be her apartment over the shop. She lives with twelve rescue cats who can not only solve crimes but apparently talk to her.  After a local barber is murdered the new detective in town recruits her (seemingly out of nowhere) to assist him on the case. "Oh, you've got the brains, all right," he told her. "How would you like to help me solve this crime?" Her eyes widened. "I couldn't do that. I'm just a lonely old cat lady." I take issue with these sentences. First, no detective is going to ask a woman he just met, who may be a suspect, to help him solve the crime. How ca...

I searched for a light cocktail recipe to give you a nudge towards Spring time. I found this from Martha Stewart and it looks delicious. Even though I'm not a gin drinker I think this might be worth a try. Lillet Rose Spring Cocktail Lillet Rose is a fortified wine blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscatel which tastes like fresh berries. Martha suggests garnishing with fresh flowers. I can't wait to serve this with a beautiful salad.  On it's own this wine is a great way to start celebrating the emergence of spring flowers after the long cold winter. For us Arizona folks, I will amend that to celebrate the beginning of our one hundred degree days. 12 ounces Lillet Rose 12 ounces Ruby Red grapefruit juice 6 ounces gin Edible flower blossoms Combine 6 ounces Lillet with 6 ounces grapefruit juice, 3 ounces of gin in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until well blended. Strain and divide into six Champagne coupes. Repeat with the remaining Lillet, juice and gi...