WINTER'S COMING...
And although the temperatures here in the Hill Country are dropping and the sky is overcast, the promise of the holidays keep spirits high. Here in the Texas Hill Country, community events are sprouting faster than corn stalks and the cooler weather brings my neighbors out for long walks. After our disaterous flood in July, things are returning to normal, except for ongoing dredging and cleanup. This tragedy has forged our communities into a stronger, solid force. Gratitude abounded at Thanksgiving for all the efforts from both inside and outside the community. A new year looms on the horizon and I pray it's filled with hope and promise for all. 

This year has brought its challenges, but also its rewards. My first cozy mystery in the Pine Ridge series, Fowl Deeds, was accepted by The Wild Rose Press for publication. I hope to see it released in the first half of 2026. I'll have a cover release and updates in the upcoming months. I'm excited to introduce readers to my spunky protagonist, Darby Alexander and friends in this book. Good News! Fowl Deeds: A Pine Ridge Mystery, will release on April 6, 2025. More information in the coming weeks about a chance to get a FREE advance reader's copy. 

Speaking of books, I've been catching up on reading and for those of you who enjoy reading cozies, check out an old favorite author, Joan Hess. Her Claire Malloy mysteries are well-written and keep you guessing who-done-it until the end. I'm finishing up Damsels in Distress today. Also check out Cindy Goyette's series about a probation officer with a talent for investigation. 

As far as future projects, I've completed the second book in the Pine Ridge Mystery series and am editing another romantic suspense novel, The Deadly Tide. My first novel in that genre, High Desert Heat, is still available on Amazon. 

Wanda J. McLaughlin

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