Usually the “Just a Friendly Note” series addresses the things that are perhaps not working so well—and it’s both fun and cathartic to articulate them. This week, however, I’m going to focus on the positive because many of us are feeling like we could use a lift. ☀️ Dear Packable Puffer Jackets: Thank you for the option to keep warm in a streamlined manner rather … Continue reading Just a friendly note (gratitude edition)
There’s nothing we Chicks love more than great books with a strong dose of humor (even more than coffee!). So of course we’re delighted to welcome the hilarious and massively talented Lois Winston to the blog today. Enjoy, Everyone–and take it away, Lois! Please. Continue reading Guest Chick: Lois Winston
Hi, Ellen here, and I’m so happy to be hosting one of my favorite people. Cozy mystery fans know Patricia as “Olivia Mathews,” but she also writes romantic suspense for Harlequin. She almost wound in Hawaii with five fellow Harlequin authors as research for a new series. What happened? Read on… “Pack your bags, baby! We’re going to Hawaii!” Last year, my wonderful editor at … Continue reading Guest Chick: Patricia Sargeant (aka/Olivia Mathews)
My sister’s here in Hilo for two weeks, on what has become her traditional yearly visit. Laura is five years younger than me, so when we were little kids, although we shared a bedroom, we didn’t hang out together that much. I mean, why would a mature (in her eyes, anyway) ten-year-old girl want to spend time with her dumb five-year-old sister? an occasion when … Continue reading Sisters
Today the Chicks are pleased to host the 2025 nominees for the Lefty Awards, mostly in the Best Humorous Mystery category (to be awarded at Left Coast Crime: Mountain High Jinks in Denver), with a special guest nominated for Best Mystery Novel. Hurrah that we have three nominees who are part of Chicks on the Case! We’ve asked each nominee to share a little bit … Continue reading Lefty Award Nominees-Rocky Mountain High Jinks
Cynthia Swanson is in Becky’s and Cynthia’s Sisters in Crime Colorado chapter so she comes with our seal of approval … even though she doesn’t write cozies. To make up for that tiny transgression, she is giving away a free audiobook version of Anyone But Her. For a chance to win, please answer this question in the comments: What song, artist, or album from your … Continue reading Guest Chick: Cynthia Swanson and a Giveaway!
Lately some of us Chicks have shared experiences from our childhoods that helped shape our lives. Today it’s Lisa’s turn, inspired by the recent tragedy over Washington, DC that included the loss of 14 promising young figure skaters, their families and coaches… Continue reading Flying Strong
Once Upon A Teacher Once upon a time there was a sixth grader named Jennifer who adored her teacher, Mrs. Okada. In class, Jennifer would learn all sorts of things, but her favorite subject was English. She got introduced to and crafted sonnets, haikus, and tankas. Fun bonus: Mrs. Okada, throughout the year, would invite small groups of students into her home, where they got … Continue reading Once Upon A Teacher
The Chicks are thrilled to welcome author pal Paula Charles to the blog today. She writes the Hometown Hardware Mysteries. She is kind enough to to do a giveaway of her newest book Axe Me No Questions to one lucky commenter today. And below she shares the adventure of installing her remodeled kitchen with her husband. Her DIY talents are enviable. DIY disaster The … Continue reading Guest Chick: Paula Charles plus a Giveaway
If I woke up one morning, let’s say it’s Feb. 2, and found myself living in an endless loop, what would I want to happen over and over? Would I relive a favorite day? My wedding day, for example? No. It was a lovely day. And back then my husband could, and did, actually pick me up and carry me over the threshold. But, we … Continue reading Let’s just do it — again
Star-Crossed Egg Tarts came out this past Tuesday! This is book two in the Magical Fortune Cookie series. My main character, Felicity Jin, is off to cater a wedding, bringing the dessert. It’s too bad that a dead body gets found under the cake table. But I’m not here today to talk about what’s under a cake table, but rather what’s on top of it. … Continue reading Let’s Talk about Cake
Chicks on the Case 