Monday, September 10, 2012

Raging Water Tour ~ Marilyn Meredith






MY TAKE ON ANIMALS IN MYSTERIES

Though many mystery authors include animals in their novels on a regular basis, I’m not one of them. There have been a few exceptions. In my previous Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery, Bears With Us, much of the plot was built around bears. And there was a big dog named whose name, Killer, certainly didn’t fit him.

In my latest, Raging Water, two little dogs play an important part in what goes on.

First, I should explain that a good friend of mine and a fan of the Tempe Crabtree series asked if I would put her into my next book. I agreed, and though the character has a different name, my friend’s essence  is a definite part of the character’s personality. My friend has two little dogs, Cleopatra, a black and white mixed terrier, and Blondie, a long-haired doxie mix.

Of course I used Cleo and Blondie’s real names—and definitely their distinct personalities. In hopes that you’ll read the book, I won’t tell you what they do, but they definitely “save the day” to use a fitting cliché.

My friend hasn’t read the book yet, but I’m hoping she’ll like the part she plays in the mystery, and even more, that she’ll enjoy Cleo and Blondie’s appearances.
I had a great time writing this book and including someone who is my friend, something I’ve never done before.
Marilyn

Raging Water Blurb: Deputy Tempe Crabtree’s  investigation of the murder of two close friends is complicated when relentless rain turns Bear Creek into a raging river. Homes are inundated and a mud slide blocks the only road out of Bear Creek stranding many—including the murderer.

Contest: The person who leaves comments on the most blogs will have his/her name used for a character in my next book—can choose if you want it in a Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery or a Rocky Bluff P.D. crime novel.



Bio: Marilyn Meredith is the author of over thirty published novels, including the award winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series, the latest Raging Water from Mundania Press. Writing as F. M. Meredith, her latest Rocky Bluff P.D. crime novel us No Bells, the forth from Oak Tree Press. Marilyn is a member of EPIC, three chapters of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America. Visit her at http://fictionforyou.com and follow her blog at http://marilymeredith.blogspot.com/

Marilyn borrows a lot from where she lives in the Southern Sierra for the town of Bear Creek and the surrounding area.

I know there are some people who like to read a series in order, but let me reassure you that every book is complete. Though the characters grow through each book, the crime is always solved. Here is the order of the books for anyone who wants to know: Deadly Trail, Deadly Omen, Unequally Yoked, Wing Beat, Intervention, Calling the Dead, Judgment Fire, Kindred Spirits, Dispel the Mist, Invisible Path, Bears With Us, Raging Water.


Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Agnes and Eleanor sound off!


Dorothy Alton listened intently to Eleanor and I as we were exercising at the County Medical Center in Tawas, MI. Sure we could always go to the YMCA, but as luck would have it, not a one near Tawas. 

I knew a busy body when I saw one and knew Dorothy had best mind her P's and Q's is she didn't want to tangle with Eleanor today. It's bad enough the pair could barely stay in a room together without fighting. I just hoped to be spared the hassle of explaining to Sheriff Peterson what happened and why. If he had his way he'd lock El and I in a jail cell permanently. It's not my fault I happen to be great at sleuthing. Then there was Miss Fancy Dancy Administrator to deal with. She had it in for El and I ever since the last bake sale. Again, totally not our fault. How was I to know what were in the brownies or what uproar it would all turn out to be.

Eleanor picked up the weights, nearly bending to the ground and gave me more of a view of her backside than I cared for. That's just Eleanor. I think she does it on purpose.

I cleared my throat, I hated that I was the one that had to share the news with her. 

"Did you hear what Madison Johns is doing now?"

"Agnes Barton, why on earth are you picking on poor Madison like all the times. She gave birth to us or did you forget?"

"Of course not! It's just that," looking around to make sure nobody was within earshot. 

"She's telling everyone that we're giving it away for free."

"Well we do that already."

"You might, but I certainly don't." I straightened my back which caused a stitch in my side. 

"Why do you try and act all dignified, you know you ain't, right? I mean, what kind of woman your age drives around in a red hot Mustang?"

"Why do you always harp on me about my car?" I pushed a loose strand of hair from my eyes, changing the subject. "She's giving the whole damn book away!"

"Why is that a bad thing? Just think about how many more people that will be able to read about our escapades."

"Maybe she should just write the sequel already."

"Oh Aggie, just calm down."

"I can't. People will start to talk." 

"Again, they already do that. We live in a small town and that's what folks do for entertainment."

"They will spread rumors I tell you!"

"Will you two just exercise," Madison said. "You're gonna need all your energy for the sequel."

"Oh God, I don't like the sounds of that," Aggie said.

Madison smiles. "Don't worry, I promise that the two of you will have many adventures to come, okay?" She coughs. "I'm doing a free run on Amazon of Armed and Outrageous Sept 5th - 9th."

"I guess, it's not like I have a choice is it?"

"No Agnes, unless you want to be written out of the sequel. I could always let Eleanor run the show for awhile."

Eleanor rubbed her hands together. "I'm loving the sounds of that."

"Please don't encourage her!"

Madison walks away shaking her head. "Don't forget to snap up your free copy of Armed and Outrageous on Sept 5th - 9th!

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