High society sleuth Mona Moon and her husband, Robert Farley, Duke of Brynelleth, are on the last leg of their honeymoon. They are island hopping in the sunny Mediterranean Sea, sightseeing all the ancient archaeological ruins before returning home to Mooncrest Farm in Kentucky. They find it odd that they keep running into old friends like Agatha Christie and associates along their trip. A sixth sense is telling Mona that danger is slowly closing in, but she has no idea how it will manifest itself. Will Mona’s dream honeymoon turn into a nightmare?
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About Abigail Keam
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Award-winning author Abigail Keam writes the Mona Moon Mystery Series—a rags-to-riches 1930s mystery series, which weaves real people and events into the story. “I am a student of history and love to insert historical information into my mysteries. There is an addendum at the end of the mystery to give more information. My goal is to entertain my readers, but if they learn a little something along the way—well, then we are both happy.”
Miss Abigail currently lives in a metal house with her husband and various critters on the Palisades bordering the Kentucky River.
AWARDS
2010 Gold Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite for Death By A HoneyBee
2011 Gold Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Drowning
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By Drowning
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By A HoneyBee
2017 Finalist from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Design
2019 Honorable Mention from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Stalking
2019 Murder Under A Blue Moon voted top ten mystery reads by Kings River Life Magazine
2020 Finalist from Readers’ Favorite for Murder Under A Blue Moon
2020 Imadjinn Award for Best Mystery for Death By Stalking 2022 Finalist in Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Historical Category – Murder Under A Full Moon
2022 Finalist the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical Category – Murder Under A New Moon
2022 Death By Chance: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Cozy Mystery
2022 Top Ten Mystery Novel by Kings River Life Magazine for Murder Under A Bridal Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery
2022 Top Ten Mystery Novel by Kings River Life Magazine for Murder Under A British Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery
. The Rest of the Series
. Murder Under A Blue Moon Murder Under A Blood Moon Murder Under A Bad Moon Murder Under A Silver Moon Murder Under A Wolf Moon Murder Under A Black Moon Murder Under A Full Moon Murder Under A New Moon Murder Under A British Moon Murder Under A Bridal Moon Murder Under A Western Moon Murder Under A Honey Moon Murder Under A Cold Moon
After a mysterious stranger appears at his isolated cabin door, Jack’s life is forever changed. The stranger’s cryptic message sets off a chain of events that lead Jack on a harrowing journey to uncover the true meaning of his own existence. As a series of unexplained fires threaten to consume everything he holds dear, Jack is forced to confront his deepest fears and question everything he thought he knew about himself. Set in the aftermath of the Centennial Olympic Park bombing, Jack’s search for the truth takes him to the edge of sanity and puts him on a collision course with a dark and powerful force that has been lurking in the shadows. Join Jack on a gripping and thought-provoking quest for answers in this thrilling and suspenseful tale of self-discovery and redemption.
Praise for MUZZLE THE BLACK DOG:
“Muzzle the Black Dog takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and family secrets. The slow reveal is creepy many times but you still want to read page after page. I loved the combination of thriller, drama, history and mystery.” ~ Erik S. Meyers, author of The Sally Witherspoon Mystery Series “A mystery whose plot will transfix you and whose finish will stun you, Muzzle the Black Dog is simply superb. A stranger enters narrator Jack Pate’s life and proceeds to upend it through his bizarrely intimate knowledge of Jack’s past. In determining the identity of the visitor, Jack solves a deeper mystery within himself, but doing so provokes demons in his soul, demons he’d been holding at since childhood. Author Mike Cobb provides that rare combination of masterly prose, passion, and insight, in an atmosphere dark and chilling as a Georgia winter.” ~ Charles Philipp Martin, author of the Inspector Lok novels Rented Grave and Neon Panic “The pages just fly by in this quick-moving, compelling and stunningly unique psychological thriller about a man searching for answers to a deadly crime who uncovers long-buried secrets about himself and his own troubled past. Muzzle the Black Dog takes the reader on a wonderfully wild roller coaster of a ride filled with plenty of twists, thrills and tension. Mike Cobb has written a terrific book – read it!” ~ R.G. Belsky, author of the Clare Carlson mystery series “Mike Cobb’s Muzzle The Black Dog, is a fast-paced, unputdownable thriller that will leave you guessing until the very end.” ~ Westley Smith, author of Some Kind of Truth and In The Pale Light “Intriguing doesn’t begin to describe the appeal of this book’s premise: a mysterious stranger on the doorstep of recluse Jack Pate, offering friendship and help. Despite Jack’s surprise (he has no need of aid) and suspicion of the disheveled man—who looks more like a vagrant than any friend he would choose—Jack is fascinated. Who is this man, and how did he find Jack’s secluded cabin? And why does he seem to know things about Jack’s uneasy past? Just as suddenly as the stranger appears, he vanishes, leading Jack on an odyssey, beginning as a physical search but quickly morphing into self-preservation as reports of heinous local crimes trickle in. Arson and murders begin to stain the remote countryside, and the suspects are few and far-between. Sneaky clues, well-drawn characters, and swift plotting propel the story forward as the author deftly explores the many ways the past affects the present—and how it might endanger the future. I highly recommend this one.” ~ Jennifer Sadera, author of I Know She Was There “A slow burn of a story revealing the power of deeply held secrets. Secrets so earthshaking that Jack Pate questions everything he believed when a mysterious stranger knows everything about him. Moody and atmospheric.” ~ James L’Etoile, award-winning author of River of Lies and the Detective Nathan Parker series
I enjoy character driven stories. And I like secluded settings. When you combine the two, things can get real interesting.
So, here you have Dr. Jack Pate. He’s moved to a remote cabin in the North Carolina woods. He’s left his dental practice and his family behind. Why, I ask myself. Then, late one night, someone comes knocking on his door. He gives an odd reason for why he’s there. Who is he? And is he dangerous? Fires have been cropping up in the area. Is the stranger responsible?
All of these questions. The most important being who were these men? As the layers were peeled back, I became laser focused, not wanting to miss anything vital to the plot. I wish I could talk about the ending. I was caught completely by surprise.
5 STARS
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Enjoy this peek inside:
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About Author Mike Cobb:
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Mike’s body of literary work includes both fiction and nonfiction, short-form and long-form, as well as articles and blogs. He is the author of three published novels, Dead Beckoning, The Devil You Knew, its sequel You Will Know Me by My Deeds, and Muzzle the Black Dog, a novella. He is also working on Kathleen, a fictionalized account of a cold case murder from 1970. While he is comfortable playing across a broad range of topics, much of his focus is on true crime, crime fiction, and historical fiction. Rigorous research is foundational to his writing. He gets that honestly, having spent much of his professional career as a scientist. A native of Atlanta, Mike splits his time between Midtown Atlanta and Blue Ridge, Georgia.
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Publication date: May 22nd 2025
Genres: Adult, Historical Romance
She desires his heart. He longs for her love. Can they find common ground when he returns forever altered by the war.
In a world turned upside down by World War I, all Sarah Richards desires is to love Brett Rawlings and build a future together. After graduating high school a year early, she’s ready to dive into her dreams of college and a home filled with laughter and love. But one impulsive decision threatens all her aspirations—as well as her relationship with Brett.
As the war rages on and men head off to fight, sixteen-year-old Brett reluctantly follows his twin brother, Ben, sneaking off to France to join the American Expeditionary Forces. As the months pass, Ben thrives amidst the chaos of battle, while Brett finds himself haunted by the girl he left behind and the uncertainty of his own heart. When Ben reveals a life-altering secret, the bond between the brothers is shattered, forcing Brett to grapple with betrayal as he faces the brutal realities of war.
Brett returns home a changed man, burdened with memories too heavy to bear, yet yearning to mend the fractures of the past. Will Sarah still be waiting for him, or have time and truth forged an unbridgeable chasm between them?
Find out in this heartfelt historical romance that weaves a tale of hope, grace, forgiveness, and sweet, enduring love.
“You have feathers for brains,” Sarah berated herself as Brett closed the distance between them. She accepted the hug he gave her as the impact of how deeply Ben—and inadvertently she—had betrayed him abruptly hit her. The realization of what she’d done made her head begin to pound.
“I’m so glad you came, Sarah. I stopped by to see you earlier, but your mother said you were out, although she didn’t seem to know where. I looked around town and in our usual spots but couldn’t find you,” Brett said, pulling back and giving her a curious glance.
“I’m sorry. I had a busy day,” she said. It had been busy. Sneaking around, being deceived, and making the biggest mistake of her life had taken the entire day.
Brett offered her a smile of such tender warmth, she wanted to burst into tears and confess what had happened. Only she couldn’t. It would ruin the trip, if not cancel it, and Brett had been excited about spending the summer with his grandparents. There would be time enough to sort out all the complicated details when the twins returned in August.
Three months away from Ben might be long enough for her raging wrath to reach a simmering point instead of teetering on the edge of it boiling over at any second.
“I couldn’t let you leave without saying goodbye. I hope you,” she emphasized the word and cast a withering glare at Ben before looking back at Brett, “enjoy your time with your grandparents this summer.”
A shadow passed over Brett’s face, but it was there and gone so quickly, she began to wonder if she’d simply imagined it.
“I’m sure we will. I hope you have a wonderful summer, Sarah Beth.” Brett was the only one who called her that, and every time he said it, her insides felt warm. He leaned down and placed his lips close to Sarah’s ear, making her heart pound in her chest. “No matter what happens, don’t ever forget how much I love you.”
“I won’t. Remember I love you, Brett,” she said, speaking around the sudden tightness in her throat. How could she profess her love to him after what she’d done with Ben? If a bolt of lightning shot out of the sky to strike her down where she stood, she knew she deserved it.
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About Author Shanna Hatfield:
USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes sweet romances rich with relatable characters, small town settings that feel like home, humor, and hope.
Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
When this farm girl isn’t writing or indulging in rich, decadent chocolate, Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller. She also experiments with recipes, snaps photos of her adorable nephew, and caters to the whims of a cranky cat named Drooley.
To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her website http://shannahatfield.com or find out more about her here: linktr.ee/ShannaHatfield
Publication date: May 8th 2025
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Historical
In the shadow of war, a young woman must choose: deny her magic or wield it to stop a traitor before Britain falls.
England, 1939. A young witch. A nation at war. A spy hiding in plain sight.
As war looms over Britain, Eliza MacLean wants nothing more than an ordinary life. Raised on the Isle of Mull, she’s spent years denying her gifts—just as her mother insisted. But her grandmother taught her differently, whispering ancient knowledge of herbs, charms, and spells.
When her grandmother dies, Eliza seeks refuge in Cambridge with her cousin and the women of the WVS. But beneath its spires and blacked-out streets, Cambridge hides more than just scholars and soldiers. A secret network of witches is working to protect Britain from an enemy who knows magic is real—and seeks to weaponise it.
Drawn into the fight, Eliza is thrust into a world of espionage, deception, and occult warfare. Her rare abilities catch the attention of MI5 agent Alex Fletcher, who needs her help to unmask a deadly spy before it’s too late.
As she learns to harness her power, Eliza finds herself torn between duty and love, risking everything for Jim, a fighter pilot whose fate seems written in the stars. But war is ruthless, and magic has a price.
With the spy closing in and the war reaching new heights of peril, Eliza’s only hope of saving those she loves is to embrace the very magic she’s spent a lifetime hiding—no matter the cost.
But some powers were never meant to be used.
Perfect for fans of A Discovery of Witches and The Rose Code, Her Darkest Hour blends historical fiction with supernatural intrigue in a gripping tale of war, witchcraft, and sacrifice.
The Witches Who Went to War: The Real History Behind Her Darkest Hour
When I started writing Her Darkest Hour, I wasn’t just inspired by the idea of witches in wartime—I was captivated by the real, historical belief that magic could be used to defend Britain.
In researching the book, I discovered a lineage of magical resistance stretching back centuries. In 1588, when the Spanish Armada threatened England, tales emerged of magical circles cast to summon storms. During the Napoleonic Wars, rural communities quietly turned to cunning folk—herbalists, charmers, and wise women—to protect them from invasion.
But perhaps most fascinating of all is the rumour that during WWII, a group of witches gathered in the New Forest to perform a ritual known as the Cone of Power. Their aim? To stop Hitler from setting foot on British soil. It sounds like folklore—but it’s part of Britain’s strange, often forgotten magical undercurrent. The war wasn’t just fought on beaches and battlefields. It was fought, too, in glades and gardens, by those who believed the spiritual realm had a part to play.
That hidden history became the beating heart of Her Darkest Hour. Eliza Maclean, a young Scottish witch, is drawn from her quiet life on the Isle of Mull into a war she never expected to fight. Recruited by MI5, she finds herself hunting a German spy in Cambridge—but with magic, not guns.
I wanted to honour both the women who stepped into wartime roles and the lesser-known stories of those who used ancient knowledge to protect what they loved. Eliza’s magic is not flashy or cinematic—it’s rooted in emotion, empathy, and intuition. And that, perhaps, is what made it so powerful.
In the end, this book is a tribute to the quiet guardians of our past—those who lit candles, traced symbols, whispered prayers to old gods, and believed, fiercely, in their country’s protection.
What if those rituals worked?
Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy discovering Eliza’s journey in Her Darkest Hour.
Suzy Henderson
Author of Her Darkest Hour
#HerDarkestHour #HistoricalFantasy #WartimeWitches
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About Author Suzy Henderson:
Suzy Henderson is the author of The Beauty Shop, Madame Fiocca, and SPITFIRE, novels which are set during the turbulent times of World War Two. She also writes romance and recently released a novella, Christmas in the Highlands, a best seller on Amazon UK.
Her debut novel, The Beauty Shop, was awarded the B.R.A.G. Medallion. It is based on the true story of pioneering plastic surgeon, Sir Archibald McIndoe, and the Guinea Pig Club – an exclusive club for RAF pilots and airmen who required plastic surgery as a result of their war injuries and were under the care of this enigmatic New Zealander.
Madame Fiocca is also based on a true story. This gripping adventure follows the tempestuous life of SOE heroine, Nancy Wake before and during the Second World War.
Suzy lives with her family on the edge of the Lake District, where she can be found rambling around lakes, country lanes or roaming the fells. Armed with a pen, a love of reading and a growing obsession with military and aviation history, she is often lost in the 1940s, writing historical fiction.
To receive all Suzy’s latest book news, do join her reading group here & claim a free story: https://www.suzyhenderson.com
The Girl of Many CrownsbyD.H. Morris Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 305 pages Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: New Classics Publishing Release date: October 4, 2024 Content Rating: PG due to some mature subject matters, but no graphic violence, language, or sexual content.
“The Girl of Many Crowns offers a riveting glimpse into the tumultuous life of Judith, the first princess of France, against the richly detailed backdrop of medieval Europe. D.H. Morris masterfully blends history and human drama, making Judith’s struggles both personal and profoundly symbolic of the era’s precarious politics.” – review by Gina Rae Mitchell
“D H Morris’ talent shines through in this debut. She no doubt did extensive research to bring this story to life. I loved how they were able to portray Judith. The historical details were so vivid, I felt as though I was transported back in time and living in the medieval times.”– review by Amy Campbell, Locks Hooks and Books.
“The book sent me down the rabbit hole of reading more about Baldwin Iron Arm, which itself was a super exciting bonus activity (and yes, a bonus – the author is a descendant of Baldwin Iron Arm and Judith – can you even imagine finding your ancestors back to… years 837 – 879?).”– review by @this.human.reads
Book Description:
The true story of a powerful Knight and a runaway Queen who unite to defy an empire.
The Kingdom of Francia – 856
Thrust into the political intrigue surrounding the throne of Francia, young Princess Judith loyally supports her father, King Charles. She strengthens his kingdom by marrying twice for political alliance.
But, when Judith refuses to marry a third time at her father’s command, King Charles imprisons her in one of his palaces.
Baldwin “Iron Arm” is a trusted knight and companion to Princess Judith’s brother, Prince Louis. Baldwin helps protect Francia and the king’s family from Vikings, rebel Lords, wars, and assassinations plots.
When Judith and Baldwin fall in love without the blessing of the king, will they be able to hold on to their faith and each other after unleashing the fury of an empire?
Even as a child I saw history as a form of time travel. However, my life-long love affair with history makes it frustrating to read historical fiction that includes anachronisms. My quest to avoid including anything out of place in the world of The Girl of Many Crowns led me to read forty books and numerous articles about the Ninth Century. The timeline and the plot for The Girl of Many Crowns came from the annals kept by ninth-century monks at the abbey of St. Bertin. But fleshing out the events mentioned in the annals is where the research happened. Most of that research took place during the writing process. Here are several examples:
In the ninth century kings were itinerant. They had multiple palaces and moved often from one to the next to keep an eye on their nobles, listen to legal matters, and to avoid overburdening the resources of any one region. Immediately, I was faced with the question of what these moves entailed. How many people would move in one company? How far was the distance between palaces? Did they use carts, wagons, etc.? Did they have luggage or just pack everything in straw? Striving for historical accuracy, I paused writing until I had read books on early medieval European royal courts and how they traveled. I learned about the duties of the various members of the court during such endeavors, including the role of the court jester in entertaining weary travelers.
The Girl of Many Crowns is also a book of many places as indicated by the maps included. However, I could not write about those places without researching how they looked twelve hundred years ago. What buildings were there at the time that the characters were there? What were those buildings made of and what history was behind each building or city? Of course, not all of my research made it into the book. But it was important for me to know it in order to write confidently about that time period.
Finally, not being a Catholic, myself, and finding that religion was an enormous part of the characters’ story meant that I needed to delve deeply into early medieval Catholic beliefs, controversies, popes, celebrations, as well as the order and content of the ninth-century mass.
My research started by reading the works of early medieval historian Janet L. Nelson. Her books are filled with footnotes and bibliographies leading to long lists of other scholarly sources. Wikipedia is also useful for finding sources, with one caveat. You should not rely on the opinions written in the body of any given Wikipedia article without reading the original sources cited. The primary sources for citations in Wikipedia are where the real value lies.
The Girl of Many Crowns is heavier on the “historical” rather than the “fiction” part of Historical Fiction. I hope you will enjoy entering my time machine and traveling back with me 1200 years to a dangerous, fascinating, and adventurous period in European history.
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Meet Author D. H. Morris:
A native of San Diego, California, D. H. Morris has lived on four continents and traveled through many countries. She has four children and eleven grandchildren and currently lives in Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Choral Music education and pursued graduate work in English at USU and law at the University of Utah. She is also a published playwright.
As a descendant of Judith and Baldwin, the author discovered their intriguing story while doing a genealogical project. This journey inspired her to research everything about the 9th Century – including food, politics, travel, war, education, clothing, jewelry, religion, holidays, marriage customs, and medicine. She loves talking about this remarkable time in history when the European countries we know today were being formed and fighting for their very existence.
Ten summers ago, victory brought peace and prosperity to Southern Ériu. Danu and Brighid were celebrated as heroes and saviours. The queens
scaled the heights, and there was only one way to go.
One twin became overbearing, the other resentful. Pride dug a pit filled with
blackthorns between them. They became tyrants, and the kingdom was sundered.
The people were left bitter, divided and afraid, and the lush farmlands fell
barren. Stripped of their powers, the Dog
Roses were no more. Each blamed the other, and neither took
responsibility.
Angry parents gave the twins’ brothers an army and tasked them to bring law to
the kingdom. An embittered veteran and a beautiful assassin accompany them.
Whose gold is in the assassin’s pouch, and what are her orders?
In the Halls of the Aes Sídhe, Draighean is chastised and
commanded to return to her wards. “Guide them, support them, or kill them.
Just finish what you started.”
An evil philosophy grows, and another army gathers. Can the sisters be
reconciled? The people need the Dog Roses, but can they forgive them? Yet, do
Danu and Brighid want the responsibility? Do they want their powers returned?
Being normal is very tempting.
The Dog Roses: Resolution contains
scenes of sex, violence, and language appropriate to the historical period (400
B.C.) and locations in which the story is set. It is not recommended for those
under 14 without parental consent.
5-Star Editorial Review (Literary Titan)
The Dog Roses: Resolution is a bold,
blood-soaked dive into a myth-soaked world of ancient Ériu, dripping with power
struggles, family betrayals, and queens who rule with both sword and seduction.
It’s the second book in Millar’s Dog Roses series, and it doesn’t pull any
punches. At the heart of it are two sisters, Brighid and Danu, daughters of
legendary rulers who were meant to lead with wisdom but fell into tyranny and
chaos. When their father sends their brothers to clean up the mess, all hell
breaks loose. You’ve got ancient gods, cunning assassins, ruthless politics,
and enough battle scenes to make a Roman general blush.
If you’re into Celtic fantasy that
doesn’t tiptoe around darkness, The Dog Roses: Resolution will grip you and not
let go. I’d recommend it to fans of Bernard Cornwell, lovers of Irish
mythology, or anyone craving epic family drama with bite. — Literary Titan
You have no weapons, striapach.” “I am the weapon, tuilí.”
It is 400 B.C. The mist clears,
and three triremes glide into the calm waters of the bay in Southern Ériu. On a
grass-topped dune, a young girl dances gleefully at the Goddess’s gift.
The warrior princesses, Brighid and Danu, leap over the vessels’
sides into the cold waters and look north towards their ancestral home—the fort
of Ráth Na Conall. The clash of
weapons is not a good omen.
From his throne in Caher Conri,
the depraved Uallachán rages
at the sight of the red shield embellished with a swooping black raven and the
memories it provokes. He swears vengeance on the daughters of his old
adversary.
Draighean, a demi-goddess of the
mystical Aes Sídhe, stands
alone on the mountain peak. She bites full maroon lips, unhappy at her mission.
Yet, does she have a choice? Evil must be confronted and defeated.
Uallachán’s idea of peace is to crush all dissent, but is he no more than a
puppet of the powerful kings of the Connachta?
The twins know they must defeat the invasion and stop the enslavement of their
people. Still, even with the help of Draighean, the odds are daunting.
The Dog Roses contains
scenes of sex and violence and uses language appropriate to the period it is
set in, i.e., 400 B.C. It is not recommended for those under 14 without
parental consent.
5- Star Editorial Review & Gold Book
Award (Literary Titan)
David H. Millar’s The Dog Roses: Na
Feirdhriseachais an
exhilarating historical fantasy that plunges the reader into a world of ancient
Gaelic warfare, mysticism, and political intrigue. The novel follows
the twin sisters, Brighid and Danu, as they navigate their birthright, destiny,
and the brutal conflicts that define their world. From the stormy shores of
Ériu to the blood-soaked battlegrounds of their homeland, the sisters must
harness their strength, wit, and the mystical bond of the feirdhriseacha—the
dog roses—imprinted on their chests. Their journey is one of leadership,
betrayal, and resilience, all set against the backdrop of Celtic mythology and
the harsh realities of Iron Age survival.
The Dog Roses: Na Feirdhriseacha is a
gripping read that will appeal to fans of historical fantasy, especially those
with an interest in Celtic mythology and ancient warrior cultures. The
depth of world-building, the complexity of the characters, and the sheer
intensity of the storytelling make this a novel worth savoring. If you enjoy books like The Mists of Avalon
or The Last Kingdom, this one should be on your list. — Literary Titan
Hot-headed and impulsive, Brighid (BREED) is twenty-eight years old and is the fire to Danu’s (DAH-noo) ice. Disenchanted by her sister’s continual disregard for her counsel, Brighid left their stronghold for a stone headland fort. Like a younger version of her mother, Brighid has a dark streak and a talent for terror. Thus, while Danu chose to rule by bedroom intrigue, Brighid chose conquest, an iron fist and fear.
The twins’ chosen path leads the demi-goddess and custodian, Draighean (DRYNE), to strip them of their powers. For the first time, the Dog Roses are truly alone.
Like Danu, Brighid has her mother’s deep emerald eyes and her father’s auburn hair and is above-average height. Her body is swathed in swirling indigo-blue designs on her face and arms. Born as the sun rose, Brighid’s long tresses have highlights of summer gold.
Danu (28)
Twenty-eight years old, Danu (DAH-noo) is the twin daughter of Conall (KON-ul) and Mórrígan (Moe-rig-gAHn) and is marginally the eldest. Danu is introverted and keeps her thoughts to herself, but she is also domineering. She is a pragmatic, strategic thinker, aloof, and prone to making decisions without consulting Brighid (BREED). This ultimately causes friction between the sisters, leading to their break-up and a divided kingdom. Danu rules her kingdom as a tyrant, using sex to forge powerful alliances.
The twins’ chosen path leads the demi-goddess and custodian, Draighean (DRYNE), to strip them of their powers. For the first time, the Dog Roses are truly alone.
Danu is above-average height; she has her mother’s deep emerald eyes and her father’s auburn hair. Born before dawn, her long tresses have highlights of silver blue. Danu’s body is swathed in swirling indigo-blue designs on her face and arms, which are energised by the sun and appear in constant motion.
Draighean (Ageless)
Draighean (Blackthorn, DRYNE)) is a powerful demi-goddess of the Aes Sídhe (ASH SH-ee). Her domain is the winter and, with it, snow, hail, ice, northerly winds, and rain. She reluctantly assumes custody of Danu and Brighid. Their descent into despotism appears to justify Draighean’s low opinion of humans. She is furious with their behaviour and removes their Dog Roses’ powers. However, a more powerful Sídhe chastises her for failing her wards and commands her to return.
Draighean is ageless and a startling beauty, even for a demi-goddess. She is taller than most men and women. Pale hands, with nails painted dark red. Long, thick tresses of black rest over pale shoulders. Contrasting thin, auburn braids accent her hair and are perfectly coordinated with maroon lips and fingernails. In the rising sun, Draighean’s skin takes on an attractive, if faint, pink hue; in the moonlight, her skin changes to a faint blue tone. No one can determine her eye colour because it is so deep as to appear obsidian. Dark swirling designs cover her body.
Tisiphone (26)
Tisiphone’s name means “voice of revenge” after one of the Greek Furies. Born in the Mediterranean port of Massalia (Marseille), she is the outcome of the brief liaison of an Etruscan sailor and a Greek whore. As a child, she never knew her father. Likely, if he knew of her existence, he had no ambitions to accept the role. Her mother was inattentive rather than neglectful.
At fifteen summers, Tisiphone is the whore over whom men and women lusted. As an adolescent, she becomes the assassin everyone fears. Yet she remains addicted to the ephemeral desire in men’s eyes and never deserted whoring.
Age increased Tisiphone’s sensual beauty. Brown eyes sit in a field of honey-almond skin. Thick tresses of long, chestnut-brown hair tap her ass cheeks as they rise and fall with the upward roll of her hips. She is taller than average, and her voice holds a seductive huskiness or an edge of steel as sharp as the blades she wielded.
Lonán (50)
Plain-spoken and unimaginative, Lonán (LUH-nawn) is a man of few words who does not suffer fools. Once a trusted, battle-scarred veteran and efficient killing machine who fought at Conall’s (KON-ul) side, he is bitter at being repeatedly passed over for higher office due to his age. Injured at the battle for Rome, he needs a staff to walk. His injury removed his ability to show his anger, making him furious.
Lonán misinterprets, perhaps deliberately, Conall’s orders. He has no love for Danu (DAH-noo) and Brighid (BREED) and is prepared to assume the burden for their deaths.
Physically, Lonán is a mountain of a man whose body is built from granite and scar tissue. His demeanour is that of a disgruntled, resentful man who has seen his plans shatter and is not cunning enough to disguise his anger.
Calman Mor (30)
At thirty summers old, Calman (CAL-man) is a tyrant and the most successful raider among the Mhór Midhe, a tribe he sees himself as its king. His demeanour is almost Druid-like, yet all know his reputation for brutality is well-deserved. He is an animal but like a wolf, not a boar. He is a monster who places no value on human life and fears neither death nor the Goddess.
A ruthless, dishonourable leader fond of violence, Calman is also astute and observant. He delights in violence, and his goals are simple: accumulating power, territory, and wealth. Like many despots, he is cruel and does not take criticism kindly. Of average height and muscular, he sports a scruffy beard. His cold, dark eyes seem devoid of humanity.
Aodán (26)
voice was quiet, but the iron it held was as good as a punch to the gut
chin set in a remarkable semblance of his father
reddened and his jaw set
blue eyes
well-endowed in one particular area
uncharacteristic smidgen of anxiety, which did little to quell his younger brother’s rising apprehension
Honest
Beard
smiled disarmingly
saw a glint of steel in Aodán’s blue eyes and watched his jaw stiffen.
Astute
Barra (24)
cavalry tactician and horseman; better tactician for mounted manoeuvres.
young but not stupid
a brawler
Barra took after his adopted father, Torcán. Hence, he was a brawler
Humour
Impish
Manhood, well-endowed in one particular area
Barra had many admirable qualities, but subtlety could never be described as one
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Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, internationally published and award-winning
author David H. Millar is the founder, owner, and author-in-residence of A Wee
Publishing Company—a business formed to promote Celtic authors and literature.
David is the author of the five-volume, ancient Celtic-based Conall series and
the spin-offs The Dog Roses, The Dog Roses: Resolution, The
Blood Queen and Brianag: A Blood Queen Novel.
David resides in Houston, Texas, with his family and two recent family members,
tuxedos Beau and Stiletto.
After finding herself in the middle of murder investigation in her last two secretarial jobs, Dot finds the only place that will hire her is her local funeral home.
Why not? At least there all the clients are safe from what the town calls her murderous “Curse of Camden”. It is 1965 and Dot is planning her wedding with a Twiggy like mini-bridal gown, but secretly she’s not so sure it’s a good idea. If she really is cursed, what might happen to the one she loves? Is she willing to put him in danger? She and Ben put wedding planning on the back burner when one of the town’s teenage girls gets hit by a drunk boater who gets away. The closer they get to the answers, the more Dot feels the curse is coming for Ben.
Book Details:
Genre: Cozy Historical Mystery
Published by: Level Best Books Publication Date: February 2025 Number of Pages: 215 ISBN: 978-1-68512-870-8 Series:The Swinging Sixties Mystery Series, Book 4 | Each is a Stand Alone Novel
I’ve never been one to shy away from jumping into a series without having read some of the previous books. Especially if I’ve enjoyed other books from an author. Teresa Trent is one of those authors. She writes fun cozies with characters that are so genuine I feel like I recognize them. So, being the fourth in the series, I had no hesitation on taking that leap.
This is a Swinging Sixties Mystery series. I was just a young lass in the sixties and lots of memories came flooding back. Teresa put me in the era. I remembered metal cups that had that metallic taste when you drank water from them. The big hair-dos, the bold colored clothes, and don’t get me started on the music.
Dot was a woman after my own heart. She had a mind of her own but had lots of thoughts in her head. She really did think things through. Especially since she’s earned the moniker, ‘the Curse of Camden.’ She seems to attract dead bodies through no fault of her own. Figuring if you can’t beat em, join em, she becomes something of a detective.
Starting her new job at a funeral home, the curse rears it’s ugly head. Lo and behold, another dead body. Time to put on the sleuthing hat, and this time Dot’s not going it alone. Her fiancee is right in the thick of things and this puts both of them in the killer’s crosshairs. Cross your fingers that they make it to the altar alive.
4 STARS
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Enjoy this peek inside:
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After leaving Oliver, I decided to speak to the marina owner one more time to try to figure out who took the boat used in Henry’s murder. Grabbing a sandwich at my apartment, I called Ben to see if he would like to go along with me. He was covering court this week for a reporter on vacation, so I was lucky to catch him at his desk.
“Yes, I’d love to go with you, and as luck would have it, the judge rescheduled the court case.”
Even though some people might think a reporter’s life is glamorous and full of intrigue, Ben was covering a case of stolen pigs for The Camden Courier. Shorty Wyckoff, a pig farmer, claimed Bill Wheeler, another pig farmer, snuck up in the cloak of darkness and loaded up an 1100-pound sow into the back of a pickup truck. What made her so valuable was her nickname, Fertile Myrtle. It was reported that she could get pregnant with only one try, and the results were dozens of little piggies. The newspaper had dubbed the case “Makin’ Bacon Caper.” It was a popular series of articles, considering it was one step up from the farm report and featured the sex lives of pigs.
“I’ll pick you up, but I have to warn you, ol’ Bernice isn’t doing too well. I think she’s on her last breath.” “Ol’ Bernice, a 1955 Oldsmobile, had several dents, bald tires, and a constant wheezing coming out from under the rusty brown hood. “Should we take my car?” “Nice of you to offer, but I want to take Bernice today. I have plans for her.” Besides setting her on fire or pushing her off the nearest cliff, I wasn’t sure what he had in mind. I knew Ben had arrived when I heard the familiar wheezing and sputtering of Bernice in my driveway. Ben and I returned to the marina, but this time the marina owner was nowhere to be found. The marina office and residence stood atop a small hill overlooking the glistening waters of the bay. Selma, the guard dog Shep had praised, did not bark or even growl, but playfully nudged her snout against my hand, her tail wagging vigorously in excitement. We knocked on the glass panes of the marina office, and after not getting an answer, I clasped my hands around my eyes and, leaning on the glass, looked inside. As I drew closer, I could hear the low rumble of jazz, heavy on the bass. It created a melodic backdrop with the gentle lapping of the waves. “I think he must be farther back in the house. I hear a stereo.” Ben put his ear to the glass and then turned around to face the parking lot. “Hmmm. How many cars do you see parked here?” I turned back and scanned the parking area. “Three.” “Right. Ours, his, and whose is that?” He pointed at a wood-paneled station wagon. It was the kind of car a family with children would use. “I don’t know. I didn’t see anyone else around here. Maybe someone has taken their boat out.” “Maybe, but when we were here last, there were twelve boats in twelve boat slips. Today I only see eleven. Considering Bubba Jenkins’s boat – was just impounded for a murder investigation. I would say all the remaining boats are here.” “Which means whoever is driving that station wagon is inside, listening to jazz with Shep. Let’s try knocking at the backdoor,” I said. We made our way around, and as we did, the sound of the music grew louder, along with a few other sounds. Ben smiled and blushed a little as we heard rhythmic moans coming from an open window. “They must be big music lovers.” I giggled. “Regular jazz nuts.” There was no doubt about what they were doing, and from the sounds of it, things were going quite well. Ben raised his hand to knock, but then stopped. “Not the best time.” “Yeah. Maybe we can figure this out on our own. I don’t think I could erase a memory of hot and sweaty Shep, but I am curious about who he has in there with him.” “Let’s go look at the boats.” We walked around the house to the parking lot. Selma followed along, her tail still wagging. As the jazz and the sound of other things faded in my ears, I asked Ben, “What exactly are we looking for?” “I’m not sure, just something out of the ordinary. Maybe Henry’s killer left something important on the dock.” “You mean like his I. D.? That would make things easier. Do you know a lot about boats? We didn’t do much boating at our house, although I have been waterskiing with friends.” “A little.” He shrugged. “Not much. We need to concentrate, and hearing about you in a bathing suit is not making my thoughts flow.” I giggled. “Billie Holiday will do that to a person.” We walked on the wooden pier as the surrounding water was still. There was little call to take a boat out on a weekday. The boats were in a variety of sizes, but most were small speedboats, with a pontoon moored at the end. Inside a few boats, there were remnants of beer bottles and sandwich wrappers. “Not very tidy, these boat people, and from the looks of the empty beer bottles, there are several drunk drivers out on the lake at the same time. No wonder Betty Weaver got hit,” I said, walking to the end of the pier. The pontoon was covered with a canvas drape. Looking underneath, the insides were as neat as a pin. “Look at this,” Ben said, crouched down by the tip of a small speedboat. “It looks like they’ve sustained some damage here.” On the side of the boat, a scrape had cut through the sleek paint, making a line through the boat name, Lucky Me. Not as lucky as the boat owner might have thought. “So, somebody isn’t very good at putting the boat back into the dock. I hardly think that has anything to do with boat thefts.” Ben nodded. “You’re probably right, but we know there has been a boat thief out here. What’s to say this person only used one boat?” “You mean like a serial boat thief?” Could a person get away with stealing different boats periodically from the marina? Was starting one boat as easy as starting another? “Think about it,” Ben said. “Just how many days a week are Romeo and Juliet in there playing Billie Holiday on the stereo?” The boat dock was at least fifty yards from the combined house and office. Someone could be out here starting a boat, and if the marina owner was busy, he would hear nothing. “He wouldn’t hear it, and Selma, the guard dog, gets put outside on occasions, so happy for a visitor, she doesn’t even bark.” Ben snapped his fingers. “Bubba Jenkins is Al’s friend, right? We need to talk to him. He might be sitting on information.” “You know, Al has mentioned him, but I’m not sure what he does.” “Then we’ll have to ask him.” As we turned to head back to Ben’s car, the sound of a screen door opening peeled through the air. Shep, his cheeks rosy and his shirt half on, edged around from the back of the house and immediately spotted Ben’s car. His gaze shifted to the dock. “Can I help you, folks? How long have you been standing out here?” I walked forward. “We tried knocking, but there was no answer.” “Yes, you must have been busy,” Ben said. Shep lifted his chin slightly. “Working on the books. Guess I got involved. Numbers are not my thing.” We knew just what his thing was. Ben walked forward and extended his hand. “Ben Dalton, Camden Courier.” Shep reached out with a measured amount of enthusiasm. “I remember you. What can I do for you this time?” “We were wondering if you could provide a list of the boat owners here at the marina. I would also like to get in touch with Bubba Jenkins. Ben said this with such efficiency. Shep let go of his hand and stepped back. “Why would I do that?” Ben swept his hand back toward the boats. “In the interest of the investigation. Two deaths on the water don’t exactly put the security of your marina in a good light.” Shep raised a single finger in the air and shook it at Ben’s face. “Lookie here, son. If I hand over a list like that, it will be to the police, and only the police will get it. Hear me? You and your lady friend need to quit nosin’ around here. If I see you again, I’ll call the cops on you for trespassing. Get me?” “This is public property. There’s not much you can do.” “Watch me.” “You seemed more than willing to let people nose around and steal other people’s boats. I think you’re a little late with your righteous indignation,” I said. “Yeah, well, a tiger can change its spots. I don’t need a lot of folks here getting into my business.” He glanced up at the house. “Talking to you has been a mistake, and now I’m fixing it. Out with you.” As we made our way to the car, Ben turned and spoke. “We’re leaving, but remember, if you ever want to talk…” “Out!” *** Excerpt from I Can’t Get No Satisfaction by Teresa Trent. Copyright 2025 by Teresa Trent. Reproduced with permission from Teresa Trent. All rights reserved.
About Author Teresa Trent:
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Teresa Trent started out teaching English in Colorado, but life and children intervened, and with all that new spare time, she began writing. Besides The Swinging Sixties Series, Teresa has penned the Pecan Bayou, Piney Woods and Henry Park Mystery Series and always has a little idea in the back of her mind for the next one. She is also the author of several short stories and is teaching writing at her local library encouraging new writers. Teresa lives in Houston, Texas with her husband and son. Her podcast, Books to the Ceiling, features authors with new mysteries on the market.
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Murder on Oak Street (A South Shore Mystery) by I. M. Foster
Murder on Oak Street (A South Shore Mystery) Historical Cozy Mystery 1st in Series Setting – New York Publisher : Inez M. Foster (November 12, 2022) Hardcover : 503 pages ISBN-10 : 173333758X ISBN-13 : 978-1733337588 Paperback : 503 pages ISBN-10 : 1733337571 ISBN-13 : 978-1733337571 Digital ASIN : B0BFMT4WL2
. New York, 1904. After two years as a coroner’s physician for the city of New York, Daniel O’Halleran is more frustrated than ever. What’s the point when the authorities consistently brush aside his findings for the sake of expediency? So when his fiancée leaves him standing at the altar on their wedding day, he takes it as a sign that it’s time to move on and eagerly accepts an offer to assist the local coroner in the small Long Island village of Patchogue.
Though the coroner advises him that life on Long Island is far more subdued than that of the city, Daniel hasn’t been there a month when the pretty librarian, Kathleen Brissedon, asks him to look into a two-year-old murder case that took place in the city. Oddly enough, the case she’s referring to was the first one he ever worked on, and the verdict never sat right with him.
Eager for the chance to investigate it anew, Daniel agrees to look into it in his spare time, but when a fresh murder occurs in his own backyard, he can’t shake his gut feeling that the two cases are connected. Can he discover the link before another life is taken, or will murder shake the peaceful South Shore village once again?
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Enjoy this peek inside:
“This is it, sir.” Caleb Croser, the young stable boy, tugged on Daniel’s coat and hopped out of the buggy, leading him up the path to the large house set amongst enormous maple and oak trees. Well kept, it’s blue siding and gray roof stood out against the leafy backdrop that surrounded it. So this was where Kathleen Brissedon lived? It seemed to fit her perfectly, the color almost matching the shade of her eyes.
Letting out a sigh, he knocked on the wooden frame of the etched-glass door. Too bad he had to visit under such sinister circumstances. He would much rather be coming to call with a bouquet of flowers for the lovely librarian. He scrubbed a hand across his face and was just about to knock again when the door opened.
“Good morning, sir.” A tall man wearing a tailored black suit stood gazing at him, clearly distraught and most certainly the butler. “May I help you?”
“He’s Doc Sam’s assistant,” Caleb said, sticking his head out from behind Daniel. “The doc’s out on calls, so he came instead.”
“Thank you, Caleb,” the butler said. “You’d best return to the stables. Mrs. Quinn is too upset for cookies today.”
The boy fiddled with his hat a moment. “I was sorry to hear, sir.” Without another word, he slapped the cap back on his head and ran off toward the stables.
“Thank you for coming, sir,” the butler said. “I do remember seeing you with Doctor Tennyson at Mrs. Brissedon’s funeral. I’m the butler, Forbes. Do come in. The younger Mr. Brissedon is awaiting your arrival. It’s a terrible state of affairs, I’m afraid.”
Daniel followed the butler into a well-appointed parlor, much like his parents’. Whoever had decorated it had impeccable taste, and he couldn’t help but wonder if it had been Miss Brissedon.
Colin looked up from the sideboard and frowned. “Where is Doctor Tennyson?”
“He’s making his rounds, I’m afraid, but I’m his assistant.”
“Assistant?” Colin looked over to Kathleen. “Perhaps we should wait for the doctor. We need someone who knows what they’re doing.”
“Colin.” Kathleen took a moment to blow her nose before continuing. “Dr. O’Halleran is a physician and more than qualified. He used to work for the coroner’s office in the city before coming to assist Dr. Tennyson.”
“Oh, I’m terribly sorry,” Colin said. “Yes, I do remember seeing you at the funeral now. Thank you for coming so quickly. My father appears to have been murdered. Cut down in his sleep, it would seem. Why, or by whom, I’m afraid I have no idea.”
“He’s upstairs, then, I gather?” Daniel shot a look at Miss Brissedon, who sat staring at the floor, another, younger man’s arm around her shoulders. Patrick, if he remembered correctly. Her beautiful eyes were puffy and red, and it was all he could do to keep from going to comfort her himself.
Forbes cleared his throat, and Daniel looked over to see the butler standing with Sergeant Owens from the local constabulary.
“Glad you’re here, Doc,” the man said. “I’ve never had to deal with anything like this before.” He tilted his head before adding, “From what Doc Tennyson says, you have, though, right?”
“Sadly, on a number of occasions.”
Colin put his glass down and wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. “Yes, well, if you and the sergeant will follow me, I’ll take you up.” The others remained in the parlor while Colin led the way to his father’s rooms. “In there,” he said, clearing his throat, “just beyond the sitting room. If you don’t mind, I’ll wait out here. It’s quite a gruesome sight.”
Daniel nodded, then suggested Sergeant Owens stay with the man while he went into the bedroom. Colin had been right: the ashen corpse that lay before him was a grisly sight indeed. Rigor mortis had already begun to set in around the neck and jaw muscles, though the rest of the body remained flaccid. His skin, however, was still warm, and his wide eyes had already completely clouded over, telling Daniel that he could not have been dead more than four or five hours at the most.
“Dear God!” Sam Tennyson stopped short as he came to stand beside Daniel. “I got your message and came straightaway.”
“I’m glad you did. This is clearly a murder.” Daniel hesitated for a moment, reluctant to say what was on his mind but feeling he must. “But then I don’t suppose we’ll need to know any more than that.”
“This isn’t the city, Danny. We don’t have many murders out here, but when we do, we find out who’s responsible—rich or poor. I’ve sent word to District Attorney Smith. I told him you were investigating and that we’ll give him a progress report in a few days.”
“Will the sergeant and his men . . . ?”
“I’ve also contacted the new chief. The sergeant and his men are at our disposal. Though from what your uncle Timothy says, you’re quite an investigator yourself.”
“You know Uncle Timothy as well as my father?”
Sam smiled. “One of these days, lad, you’ll learn the world’s a much smaller place than you think it is. Now, tell me how Mr. Brissedon died.”
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Other books in the series.
Murder On West Lake
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Murder On West Main
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About I. M. Foster
I. M. Foster is the pen name author Inez Foster uses to write her South Shore Mystery series, set on Edwardian Long Island. Inez also writes historical romances under the pseudonym Andrea Matthews, and has so far published two series in that genre: the Thunder on the Moor series, a time-travel romance set on the 16th century Anglo-Scottish Borders, and the Cross of Ciaran series, which follows the adventures of a fifth century Celt who finds himself in love with a twentieth-century archaeologist.
Inez is a historian and librarian, who love to read and write and search around for her roots, genealogically speaking. She has a BA in History and an MLS in Library Science and enjoys the research almost as much as she does writing the story. In fact, many of her ideas come to her while doing casual research or digging into her family history. Inez is a member of the Long Island Romance Writers, the Historical Novel Society, and Sisters in Crime.
The morning after a blowout birthday celebration in Atlantic City, crime reporter and party girl Tess Mancini wakes up in an unfamiliar place—1955. Bread is eighteen cents a loaf, Ike occupies the White House, and the Boardwalk is crawling with vintage cars and vintage wise guys. A bewildered Tess is sure of only two things: One, she’s not crazy, and two, the clothes are fabulous. Somehow, she’s living the life of her Great-Aunt Theresa, who disappeared decades before Tess’s birth.
In her 1950s existence, Tess is a reporter at the local newspaper, living at a boarding house owned by her Zia Antonetta, an Italian immigrant with a big secret. It turns out Theresa has a kid brother, teenaged troublemaker Val Mancini—aka Tess’s paternal grandfather. Though determined to return to her own time, Tess’s curiosity takes over. What happened to the first Theresa Mancini? And is Tess’s trip through time connected to her aunt’s fate?
But when young Val is accused of murdering a boarding house guest, a Nazi in hiding, Tess ends up with two investigations on her hands—and is now stuck in time until she can prove Val’s innocence. As she searches for answers, she finds allies in a dishy police detective and a suspiciously charming fellow reporter. The clock is ticking for Tess to find a way home, but first, she has to keep her grandfather off Death Row.
Because before Tess can get back to the future … she needs to make sure she has one.
About Rosie Genova
Proud Jersey girl Rosie Genova is a multi-genre author. Her work includes a Jersey shore cozy series, The Italian Kitchen Mysteries, and The Tess Mancini Time Travel Mysteries, set in 1955 Atlantic City. She is also the author of standalone suspense and a couple of rom-coms that presently live in her computer files (but are longing to be released into the wild). A former teacher and journalist, Rosie’s non-fiction has appeared in a variety of publications, including Entrepreneur magazine and The New York Times. The mother of three sons, Rosie still lives in her favorite state with her husband, too many dusty antiques, and a charming mutt named Lucy.
A not-always-sentimental vacation to the ’50s, ’60s, ‘and
’70s. Bring your swimsuit.
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Downeyoshun
by Art Young
Genre: Recent Historical Family Fiction
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Sally Osterhoff is a
genius. When she grows up, she wants to be a mathematician, a teacher, and a
carpenter; and she plans to swim in the 1968 and 1972 Olympics.
Her mother has other ideas, and will emotionally and
physically abuse Sally to fit them. After all, she only wants what is best for
her child. But between her father trying his best, the family next door who
practically adopts her, and her Aunt & Uncle down in Ocean City where she
spends her summers, Sally just might have the support and love she needs to
make all of her dreams come true.
Set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights struggles, the
Vietnam War, and the early Feminist movement, the story explores the power of
found family, and how unconditional love can come from the least expected
places. Downeyoshun is a not-always-sentimental vacation to the ’50s, ’60s, and
’70s. Bring your swimsuit.
Praise about
the book:
“Arthur Young will introduce you to a special world, East
Baltimore, and its vacation spot, Ocean City, with his
warm Downeyoshun. Not that life is perfect – not all mothers are
kind, and the VietNam war casts a shadow. But you’ll feel as if you’ve met new
friends as you follow his characters through the challenges of growing up. In
his skillful telling, the fabric of a family and a neighborhood comes to life.
You may even find yourself becoming a Baltimore Hon!”
–Pamela Zerba, Contributor Atheists
in America, Writer, Creative York Contest Winner
“Be prepared to fall in love with one of the most
endearing literary characters of the century thus far. Ultimately, this is a
book about family, the one you’re stuck with and the one you make. By the end,
Sally will feel like part of yours. You will thoroughly enjoy your trip
Downeyoshun.”
For the first day of school, Mother laid out the clothes I would wear: a yellow and white dress, black Mary Janes, white anklet socks with tiny flowers, and added what looked like a small briefcase in a gray and white plaid. “What’s that for?” I whispered.
“That”, Mother said, ” is for carrying your schoolbooks and your lunch. It has your name inside here.” She raised the flap. “Do not lose it or let it get it dirty.”
“Yes, Mother”, I whispered.
“Look at me”, she commanded. “You will speak to no one except your teacher. And all that she needs to know is your name. Do you understand me?”
“Yes, Mother.”
“You will especially not speak to that child next door if she is there. Is that understood?”
“Yes, Mother.”
I really hoped Marie would be there.
After breakfast, Mother pulled me along down several blocks until we got to school. She stopped at the office to get directions to the classroom and marched me past a row of other kids and their mothers and through the door. Marie and her mother were at the front of the line. A smiling woman at a large desk said “We’re not quite ready -”
Mother ignored her. “I am Mrs. Osterhoff. This is Sally Osterhoff. You will see to it that she stays clean and neat and away from the other children, especially that child just outside the door.”
The teacher looked confused and annoyed. “Don’t they get along?”
Mother stared at the teacher. “I do not want them to ‘get along’ at all. Keep them apart. I will return at 3 o’clock.”
“Just a moment, Mrs. …?” The teacher did not look happy.
“Mrs. Osterhoff.”
“Mrs. Osterhoff. All the children in this class will learn together and play together – NO EXCEPTIONS.” She caught Mother in mid-word. “They will also learn common politeness, if they haven’t learned it at home.” Mother’s jaw was clenched. “One last thing, Mrs. Osterhoff: Kindergarten is half-day. You will be here at 11:45 to pick up your daughter.”
I recognized the look Mother was giving the teacher, but the teacher ignored it as if it wasn’t there, and walked past Mother, opened the door, and smiled. “And good morning to you, Mrs. Osterhoff.”
An alarm bell rang and made me jump. The other kids and their mothers came in, and Mother fought against the tide and left. The teacher walked over to Marie and her mother. “Hello, I’m Mrs. Harris, and you are?”
“Carmella Giametti. And this is Marie.” Marie smiled over to me and wiggled her fingers in a wave. I smiled back.
“Well, now, it looks like these two would like to sit together, don’t you think?” asked Mrs. Harris.
Miss Carmella laughed. “Yeah, that’s fine with me.” She patted Marie on the shoulder. “Go say hi to her.”
Marie rushed over, grabbed my hand, and shook it. “Hi Sal!”
“Hi Marie.”
“I got an uncle named Sal”, she told me.
“It’s really Sally. Mother didn’t let me finish.”
Mrs. Harris clapped her hands together and we all looked at her. “Now, everyone choose a desk to sit at, and then it will be time for all the Mommies to go home until lunchtime.” One boy started to cry and grabbed his mother. She turned pink and rolled her eyes.
After the mothers had left, I looked around me. I had never been with other kids before except Billy. Some were neatly dressed; others were a little rumpled. Two of them were very busy picking their noses. We were all quiet, and waiting to see what would happen next.
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Art Young is a Baltimore-born U.S. Navy / Vietnam / Agent
Orange veteran and cancer survivor. He was once a carny in a traveling gadget
show, and has worked as a fire-extinguishing-system installer and serviceman, a
brewery’s route delivery salesman, flexographic press operator, licensed
boiler-plant engineer, and a storyteller. He much prefers the last.
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