Leslie Keller Books

Six years ago, Raymond and I took a long weekend and spent it on a working cattle ranch.  He fished, we shot guns (at targets only), we drove cattle and enjoyed the getaway. I'm sad to say I haven't been on horseback since. I miss it.  There is a special relationship between a horse and rider. That relationship extends beyond the time you are in the saddle. In fact, it begins the moment you meet. Horses are intelligent and sensitive to our moods, our voice, the weight in the saddle and they can respond to the lightest touch. Perhaps I'm feeling nostalgic as I've just read two books about girls and horses and the art of Dressage. To be a good rider you must spend hours in and out of the saddle. To be great, you are either born with a natural talent or you spend your life working at it - the same as any sport. If you ever have the opportunity to watch Dressage in person or on television, I hope you take it and understand the level of expertise needed...

As an author there is possibly no greater thrill than seeing your work on the shelf, whether it be the library or a chain bookstore.  I was very happy to be able to share the experience with my family when my first book, Menu for Murder hit the shelf of my home town library.  This photo is me with my lovely niece, Hannah. I think she may have the writer gene in her too. If you have always wanted to write and have your work published, I encourage you to never give up. Write those stories down and send them out to every agent and editor or publish it yourself. You may not be the next J. K. Rowling or Stephen King but maybe you will be. Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website Twitter       Instagram       Facebook       Menu for Murder       Cocktails at Sunset

I've lived in Arizona since 1994 and I never tire of the spectacular show nature puts on during monsoon season. Storms come on quickly and depart just as fast. Lightening crackles in the air and the explosion of thunder can be heard for miles. Winds, sometimes in excess of sixty miles per hour,  gust and make even walking outside difficult. Despite its beauty a monsoon can be extremely dangerous.  Flash flooding, dust storms and high winds make driving hazardous, rip roofs off houses and uproot trees.  Arizona has a 'stupid motorist law' due to the many drivers who venture into a flooded wash only to require emergency services to rescue them. When a high volume of water is dumped from the sky onto the desert it cannot be absorbed and rapidly fills formerly dry washes and streets, consuming everything in its path. It's not uncommon in the summer months to see warnings about a massive wall of dust overtaking the area.  The first image below was taken by Casa Grande...

I make no secret of my love for Arizona - the weather is amazing, the desert speaks to me and I find I've never been happier than when I'm here.  When time permits and the sun isn't toasting me to the extreme you can find me walking or hiking through the desert.  This is a hike up Tom's Thumb in the McDowell Mountains and is one of my favorite places. To get here you can take the long route from the Gateway loop in the McDowell Mountain park. That trek is more than eight miles one way. If you want to cheat just a little, drive around to the north side of the mountain and hike it from there. Be forewarned that the road to the parking area can be rough so don't drive a car with low clearance. You will still get a difficult hike but without having the same distance. The trek is worth the effort as the views on the path to the summit are almost as fantastic as the peak itself. Bring plenty of water because none is available on the route. Happy T...

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

Who knew cactus would grow on a Caribbean island? Certainly not me with my geography challenged brain. I've visited many of the more popular islands but I can't remember ever seeing cacti. If you have a chance to travel the several hours (nine from Phoenix) to visit Aruba you may see images similar to the one I'm including here. Aruba is a Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela. Due to the location it has year round temperatures staying in the 80's Fahrenheit. If you have the stamina you could walk the entire island from top to bottom as it's less than twenty miles long and approximately six miles wide. Of course it has beautiful beaches but on the rocky side (where there are no tourist hotels), you will definitely see different scenery.  With humidity vastly different from that of mid to southern Arizona, I expected plants that need moisture, so it was a pleasant surprise for me to see cacti everywhere. It's almost as if no matter where you go - ...

You might not think there are squirrels in the desert but don't tell that to this guy.  The Sonoran Desert is home to Rock Squirrels who dwell in the rocky arid canyons in boulder piles. Some find them disruptive as they will happily eat all of your flowering plants as well as some cacti. If you look closely you can see that the front half of his body is gray whereas the back half is golden. Like their counterparts, Rock Squirrels will stuff their faces until you are sure they will explode and run off to bury the treasure.  They are fast and have a keen sense of hearing. In my yard and beyond in the preserve they are welcome guests, along with the rabbits and Antelope Squirrels (which resemble a chipmunk). Happy Trails, Leslie Leslie's Website       Twitter       Instagram       Facebook       Menu for Murder       Cocktails at Sunset

There are many reasons I love living in Arizona.  Of course the weather is close to the top. Yes, it's hot in the summer but only for a couple of months and, as they say, it's a dry heat. I love the many hiking trails and the amazing sunsets.  Maybe one of my favorites things about living here is the wildlife. In this post, I'm including a few of the visitors to the water we keep filled for the critters.  Interestingly, I have never seen a rattlesnake. Happy Trails, Leslie View my Website       Twitter       Instagram       Facebook       Menu for Murder       Cocktails at Sunset

It's almost time for the Glendale Chocolate Affaire. This has been one of the events I enjoy the most and I treasure the opportunity to meet new and existing readers.  I'm your biggest fan! Happy Trails, Leslie View my Website       Twitter       Instagram       Facebook       Menu for Murder       Cocktails at Sunset

As a writer, there are many places my characters live, work and play. Occasionally I need inspiration in the form of photos. It's not unusual for me to snap a photo of a place I'm passing or to jot a quick note if I see someone I might use as a character. If I'm dining out I might check out the restaurant layout and try to get a peek at the kitchen. Unique street names, businesses or old buildings may wind up in a future manuscript. To that end, here's a few pictures I found that I use for the Jayne Stanford mysteries. This is what I picture Jayne's apartment to look like, except hers is not nearly so tidy. Jayne's living room/kitchen Jayne's patio - where she and Jonas try to enjoy a glass of wine on their first real date The outside of her building Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website Twitter       Instagram       Facebook       Menu for Murder       Cockt...

I can't believe another year has gone by already and it's time again for the Payson Book Festival.  I can't wait to see some of my readers and meet new ones.  Here's a few pictures from the first two years. Payson Book Festival 2017 I hope to see you there this year.  Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website Twitter      Instagram      Facebook      Menu for Murder      Cocktails at Sunset

I was very excited to launch the paperback version of the new book, Cocktails at Sunset at the Glendale Chocolate Affaire.  As an author, I should have the words to express the thrill of meeting all the new readers - but I don't. I can say thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you who took a chance on my character, Jayne. Thanks for spending your precious time reading my books. I hope the work captures your attention, makes you think about who the killer is and gives you a few laughs in between. Happy Trails,       Leslie Visit my website Twitter       Instagram       Facebook       Menu for Murder       Cocktails at Sunset

I took this photo after the fire which destroyed the Buffalo Chip Saloon in Cave Creek, Arizona. The "Chip", as it's known locally, was an institution and the basis for Jayne's favorite bar in the Jayne Stanford series. Personally, I have so many fond memories of this place that I couldn't fit them all in a book. It was heartbreaking that someone would take away the historic mementos which inhabited this place, not to mention the old cowboy boots which hung from the ceiling and graffiti on the posts around the original bar. Thought, it's since been rebuilt it will be years before it accumulates the same amount of dust as the original. Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website Twitter       Instagram       Facebook       Menu for Murder       Cocktails at Sunset

I stopped by the Buffalo Chip Saloon for the first time since it reopened after the fire that burned it to the ground. Sadly there were so many memories in the old place, not just for me but for many of the locals. It's an institution and the mementos can never be replaced. I'll definitely go back and check it out again when the band is playing. I couldn't resist a picture of this piece of art/entertainment that gallops at the front door. I hope it brings back memories of your childhood, as it did for me. Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website Twitter           Instagram           Facebook           Menu for Murder

I took this picture when I was in my walk at 5 am phase.  It was lovely to see the sun come up, especially when nature added the drama of a few clouds.  Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website

I took this picture on my last hike of the season, early in the morning as a storm was rolling in. Every other place, I've visited or lived, the rain is welcome but tiresome. Here, we can't seem to get enough of the show Mother Nature occasionally graces us with. Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website.