I’m proud to announce the release of the first Soup, the Supernatural Kitten cozy mystery, Murder at Meadows Lake Clubhouse.
BLURB
Widow and retired realtor, Rose Fairchild, is gifted with a sixth sense. Moving from Long Island to a community in South Carolina, Rose is reluctant to leave the house she shared with her husband Harvey and her cat Moxie before they died, but a strange vision of a disappearing kitten on the community’s website intrigues her.
When Rose arrives in the Meadows Lake community, she meets two singles her age: Grant, a real estate agent and widower, and Blake, the divorced Fallsview sheriff. She also meets the orange cat of her vision who introduces herself as Soup and claims to be sent by Rose’s husband as a guide for her new life.
Soon after, a murder takes place at the clubhouse. The victim is the restaurant cook who wasn’t well liked, and Rose becomes involved in the sheriff’s investigation, only to receive a written threat to stop snooping around. Will her visions help her solve the case… or will she need help from her supernatural kitten?
EXCERPT
Rose knew someone was at the door before she heard the knock. It wasn’t a salesperson. It was Diane who, having had no response to her phone call,
was visiting in person. Rose wanted to ignore the knock when it came, but she knew Diane wouldn’t give up, so she put on her slippers and her robe and answered the door.
“Rose, I’ve been worried. Please let me in. I have something important to tell you.” Diane stood there in her tailored pantsuit and high heels, her short dark hair framing her heartshaped face.
“It’s about moving, right? You’ve found a place for me.”
Diane’s green eyes flashed an angry spark, but then it fizzled out. “I hate when you do that, Rose. You’re right, of course, but please let me “I’ll fill in the details.”
“I already told you I’m not going anywhere. This was the home I shared with Harvey and Moxie. Their memories are here.”
“Their memories will always be with you, but you need to move on with your life. I’m your friend. I want what’s best for you. Just hear me out.”
Rose stepped back. “Okay. Come in.”
While Rose knew Diane was there to suggest she move away again, her sixth sense was limited to the general idea. She didn’t know exactly what Diane was proposing.
As Diane entered, Rose noticed she was carrying her laptop. “I need to show you something. A house just came on the market. I think it’ll be perfect for you.
It’s in a lakeside community that caters to 55+ residents, but other ages can live there too. You’ll make friends there and maybe a boyfriend.”
“Diane, stop!”
“Sorry. I know it’s way too soon, but you’re young. You have to think of the future. Harvey wouldn’t want you to spend your life mourning him. Please, just take a look at this place.”
Diane walked over to the sofa and opened her laptop.
Rose knew she had no choice but to at least look at the screen. She sat next to Diane and glanced at the photos Diane was browsing through.
“These are shots of the community. It’s called Meadows Lake. There’s a clubhouse with a gym, pool, pickleball courts, and social activities. They have a book club, craft club, and a wonderful restaurant.” Diane kept scrolling through the photos. Rose nodded but didn’t make any comments.
Diane ended with a photo of the house for sale.
“Although most of the homes have been built, the buyers dropped out of this one at the last minute. I think it’s perfect for you.”
When Rose recognized the end of Diane’s sales pitch, she said, “I agree that it’s nice, but you left out one piece of important information.”
“Oh, the cost. It’s very reasonable. In fact, when you sell this place, you’ll have enough money to buy it with money left over. I know Harvey left you enough for your living expenses, and you also have your pension.”
“I’m not talking about the cost. You haven’t said where this place is located.”
“Ah, that.” Diane smiled. “It’s in sunny South Carolina. You’ll never have to worry about snow, you’ll have all the benefits of the four seasons, and taxes are much lower than here.”
“South Carolina? That’s so far away. I thought you were only licensed in New York. Couldn’t you send me something nearby?”
“Sorry, honey. This isn’t my listing. It’s from an agent in our South Carolina office. He knows about your situation and is going to contact you.”
Rose stood up. “I know you mean well, Diane, but I can’t make this type of change at my age. I can’t even think about moving.”
“You don’t have to worry about that. I’ll help. I know a good moving company, and I’ll help you pack up, too, but you need to make a decision soon, or this place will be gone.”
Diane was about to close her laptop when something caught Rose’s eye. It was a photo of the house. “Can you zoom in on that photo, please?” she asked.
“Of course.” Diane zoomed in, and Rose saw the image on the step that she had missed the first time she’d viewed the photo.
It was a small orange cat with a white triangle marking on her nose.
“What is it?” Diane asked.
“The cat. Is it lost?”
“What cat?” Diane looked at the photo.
“Don’t you see the orange kitten on the doorstep?”
“No, I don’t, but I’m sure there are plenty of cats in that community.”
Rose looked again, but the image of the cat was gone.
Learn more about my new release, my other upcoming release, A Mystery Box of Cat Tails, as well as my other series and standalone titles at my Zoom presentation for the Center for the Book at the South Carolina State Library on Friday, March 28 at 3 p.m. EST. Register at https://statelibrary.sc.libcal.com/event/14157203
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