The second book in my Southern Cousins Mystery Series (Elvis and the Grateful Dead) will be in bookstores Sept. 29, and I’m already hard at work on the fourth one! That’s right. Number four! In summer it’s easy to get distracted by the house wrens and cardinals (the birds, not the baseball players) swinging on the Lady Banks rose outside my office window. But I persist because you’ve told me how anxiously you’re waiting to see what happens to Callie and Jack. Patience, dear hearts! I won’t let you down.

Don’t you love our new look? Roy recently gave the website a beauty makeover. And we’ve added some new stuff. Be sure to check out the Book Club photo album. It’s a hoot! Recently, the Happy Bookers in Linn, Missouri, had a theme party and came dressed as the characters from Elvis and the Dearly Departed. What fun!

BOOK NEWS…

My local Barnes & Noble (Tupelo, MS) is planning a HUGE book signing bash for Elvis and the Grateful Dead, complete with an Elvis tribute artist and lots of goodies to munch on. Some great new characters will join Elvis and the Valentine sleuths in this second Southern Cousins Mystery. You’re going to love them!

Book three is in production. I’m writing book four, and already plotting book five. Readers have been asking about Jack’s breakup with Callie and his profession. Books two and three will give you some answers – and open a whole ‘nother set of questions!

Additionally, I’m working with the wonderful editors at Harlequin and other talented writers as we put together a brand new NASCAR continuity series. You’re going to love it! Stay tuned for details!

BLOGGING…

I’m still blogging at www.SouthernAuthors.blogspot.com. My favorite is the April blog which was a tribute to my faithful companion, Jefferson. For fifteen years his resting spot of choice was underneath my desk. Now he rests in the garden, covered with roses.

My next blog date is around August 1. I blog every 45 days, more or less, depending on who got sick and couldn’t blog or who had something they couldn’t wait to say. Gosh, I hope that makes sense. Sort of.

BOOK CLUBS…

We’ve posted the reader’s guide to Elvis and the Grateful Dead, plus added a nifty album especially for pictures of your book parties! If you’re reading one of the Southern Cousins Mysteries, send photos (no more than two, please) and we’ll post them. Also, we’ve made it easy for your club to get free book plates and schedule a telephone conference with me. And don’t forget to Ask Elvis. Do you want to know about Lovie’s latest affair? Her tattoo? Mama’s rift with Uncle Charlie? Callie’s new manicurist? Elvis has all the answers.

BOOKPLATES….

Check out the new bookplate for Elvis and the Dearly Departed on Fun Stuff or Book Clubs. These are FREE to all my readers. If you can’t attend one of my book parties, it’s a great way to have signed copies for yourself and your friends.

MOVIE NEWS…

The movie (Driving Me Crazy) is still in the works. There have been delays, but keep your fingers crossed! As soon as we get all our ducks in a row, you’ll get to see your favorite hunk – Rainman – on the big screen!

READ EXCERPTS AND ORDER BOOKS...

Go to the Books page. It also has a printable booklist which includes current and out-of-print books. Check out the excerpts for Elvis and the Dearly Departed and Elvis and the Grateful Dead.

CHARITIES…

Thank you for supporting the wonderful charities on this page. Be sure to check out the newest addition - Faith in Practice.

CONTEST…

Coming soon! Meanwhile, pick a rose, drink green tea chai, sit on the front porch swing and listen to the birds. Anything to keep you happy while you wait for our fabulous fall contest!

EMAIL LIST…

Be sure to sign up for it. And do keep writing. Let me know who you think should star in Driving Me Crazy. Tell me what you’d love to see on the website. Tell me what you’d like to see happen to the characters in my Southern Cousins Mysteries.

And above all, keep reading! Happy summertime!