Uneasy Prey was another book that came from a very personal place in my heart. The story of con artists talking their way into elderly victims' homes in order to steal from them is one that hit a little too close for me. What happened to Mrs. Kroll really did happen to my mother.  But another part of the book is the introduction of Lauren Sanders, who has become a regular character in the series. I knew all along that Lauren would be back but had no idea how close she and Zoe would become. Zoe had no idea either, which you can probably guess from the hint of jealousy she exhibits in this Uneasy Prey scene.  Voices drifted in from the atrium drawing Zoe’s attention. The reporter who’d been snooping around Sylvia’s place last night appeared in the doorway. While the woman still carried the large leather bag, tonight she wore makeup. Zoe was right. She was a knock-out. Plus she wore a dark skirt, showing a flash of leg below the hem of her coat. Lauren Sanders spotted Pete and ...

Another one of my favorites of the Zoe Chambers series is No Way Home . Partly because I had a blast researching it, exploring New Mexico, learning about the Navajo people, but because the character Billy "Pony Boy" Yellowhorse really took on a life of his own. Created not by me, but by one of my dearest friends, Leta Burns of Aztec, NM, Pony Boy leaped from the page. Enigmatic, stoic, and with a super dry sense of humor, Billy left Zoe puzzling over his motives for much of the book.  “I hate to keep asking the same question,” she said, “but where are we going?” “You want to see that your friend’s son is safe. I’m taking you to him.” Allison half turned to Zoe with an eager smile. “I told you Pony Boy would take care of him.” Zoe didn’t reply and didn’t return the smile. Allison might trust the Navajo, but Zoe still did not. Here they were in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by miles and miles of nothing in a truck driven by a man who knew the area and no doubt knew where to...

Continuing this stroll down memory lane, I'm thinking back to the second book in the series. Lost Legacy remains one of my favorites of all I've written. And this scene is one of my favorites from it.  Pete tucked the phone into his pocket as Zoe and his father appeared in the doorway. She gave him a guilty grin. Pete held up a hand. “I don’t want to know.” “But—” “You didn’t lose Pop. That’s the main thing.” In fact, his old man looked almost—perky. Harry nudged Zoe. “Do I still get something to eat? I’m starved.” “Sure. What’ll you have?” “A milkshake. Chocolate.” Pete snorted. “That’s not exactly a healthy lunch.” Zoe planted her fists on her hips and narrowed her eyes at him. “It’s still too early for lunch. This is...brunch.” Harry nodded in fervent agreement. “Yeah.” “Chocolate milkshakes for brunch?” Zoe dropped her stance and leaned down to Pete’s ear. “At his age, if he wants a milkshake, I’m buying him a frigging milkshake.” Why is it one of my favorites? Simple. Th...

Two months from today, a new Zoe Chambers mystery, Fatal Reunion, will launch into the world! I'm currently working on the red line edits and have proclaimed I hate commas and hyphens. Thankfully, I have an editor who keeps me on track. I'm eager to show off my cover art. However, I haven't seen it yet, so I'm waiting and trying to be patient...not my strong suit.  So until I have cover art and pre-order links to share, I thought we could look back on the stories and characters that have brought Zoe and Pete to this point.   Remember when...   We first met Monongahela County Police Detective Wayne Baronick in  Circle of Influence ?    Detective Wayne Baronick of the Monongahela County Police Department grinned from the doorway. Young, good-looking, and cocky, Baronick was a constant source of irritation to Pete. Most annoying was the fact that he reminded Pete of someone. Himself. “Relax, Chief. I come bearing gifts.” He held out a venti Starbucks. “I know ...

For all of my audiobook fans, it's finally here! Death by Equine is now available in audio! Once again the incredible Romy Nordlinger has given voice to my characters (yes, there's a reason Dr. Jessie Cameron sounds a lot like Zoe!).   To purchase, you can click on the image to buy from Audible, or go to your favorite audiobook seller.