Posted on by Donna, sparrow falls mystery series

Just Released!

Just released!  Loosely inspired by Nick and Nora of the Thin Man movies, Dame Detective: The Third Vic is a short story that introduces the characters for my new series.  But don’t worry, the next Sparrow Falls Mystery will be released in the autumn of 2019, with a Christmas themed novel to follow.  Lots of good things are on the horizon for cozy mystery fans!  You can buy The Third Vic today on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.  Thank you for reading my books and for waiting patiently for the new titles to be released.  I really, truly do appreciate each and every one of you.  Please remember to give stars and/or leave feedback wherever you buy books, mine and other authors as well.  We appreciate it very much.  Happy reading!

DD online

Posted on by Donna, sparrow falls mystery series

This makes me so happy :)

Well.  The Sparrow Falls Mystery Box Set of four cozy mystery novels was released just a few short weeks ago, and I was tickled pink (as Ms. Tilda would say!) when I dropped by the Barnes & Noble page and saw the good company that my wee series is keeping in the “customers who bought this item also bought” category!  Thank you so much, genteel readers, for including Sparrow Falls in your reading list.  I feel quite honored to be here.

5 1 2018 also bought pg on bn site TYJ

Posted on by Donna, sparrow falls mystery series

Cookbook: Ms. Tilda’s Best Recipes

 

2 cover recipes 1600 pixels (2)

Ms. Tilda’s Best Recipes: home cookin’ from sparrow falls recently received a very nice five star review on Amazon!  Thank you, genteel reader Lifegiggles!  This is such a treat for an author.

The cookbook is available now as an ebook on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  I designed it as an homage to the ones my grandmother and favorite aunts used, as they were fabulous cooks and gracious southern ladies – rather like Ms. Tilda.  And I also used those lovely old-fashioned cookbooks as inspiration for the one that Addie finds, and ultimately uses to solve a mystery, in the Sparrow Falls novel The Butterfly Caper.  These are from my personal collection of beloved recipes that have been passed down over many generations and to which I’ve added my own unique touch, and share them with you. Included here are delicious desserts such as Ms. Tilda’s Banana Pudding, Mississippi Mud Cake with Fudgy Frosting, and Carolina Honey Cake. No southern cook can be without a tasty and easy casserole recipe for the church supper, such as Okra Tomato Casserole and Seven Layer Supper Dish. Round it all out with some of Granny Maggie’s Southern Style Spoon Bread, and you’ll be ready for summer picnics and fancy dinners alike.  Enjoy, and happy cooking!

4 divider pg

 

3 fav rec pg w recipe (2)

 

Posted on by Donna, sparrow falls mystery series

Review: The Clocks by Agatha Christie

AG Clocks
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The Clocks by Agatha Christie

Will Poirot find the killer before time runs out?

The premise: the dead body of a stranger is found in the apartment of a blind woman who was not at home when the crime occurred.  Next to the body are four clocks, not running, and all set to the same time.  Detective Inspector Hardcastle investigates with the assistance of young Colin Lamb, a secret agent of sorts, who also happens to be a good friend of renowned detective, Hercule Poirot.

This is a very complicated mystery with lots and lots (and LOTS) of things that are not as they appear. Some might call it convoluted but I prefer the phrase “skillfully plotted”. It is a refreshing change from the sort of formulaic mysteries so popular today, offering the reader/viewer a real challenge in matching wits with the detectives and coming to the right conclusion. Was the murder connected with a ring of foreign spies and stolen secrets, or is it a case of spurned love and a crime of passion?  Are the suspects who they claim to be, or does everyone have a secret or two to conceal? Every page seems to reveal a new twist in this suspenseful whodunit.

There are minor differences between the book and the Agatha Christie’s Poirot televised adaptation. A few plot lines are completely left out of the latter, but this does not alter the mystery or its conclusion in any way.  I imagine this particular Christie novel was a rather difficult story to adapt to the screen, since Poirot (deftly portrayed by David Suchet) does not come into the story until about halfway through the book, but this episode is a good adaptation and remains true to the original novel in all the most important aspects of it. Those who watch the episode first and then read the book will find that there are still some surprises left to uncover.

Possibly my favorite part of the novel is that it delves into interesting details on the life of Hercule Poirot that add to the fascination generations of readers have with this endearing and intriguing character.

The Clocks is a quick read for a Christie, and one that is perfect for a rainy weekend curled up on a couch, or a leisurely vacation take-along.

Would you like to watch Agatha Christie’s Poirot version of this novel?  You WOULD? How lovely! Please click the link to visit it on Amazon for viewing options.  

Disclaimer:  I am an Amazon affiliate. Clicking the link provided will take you to their website.

~ Donna, Sparrow Falls Mystery