Paint the Town Dead releases on Tuesday, Sept. 6, and I couldn't be more excited! I've included another excerpt for your reading pleasure, and I hope to see you at one of the blogs I'll be doing, or in San Diego or in Magnolia, Arkansas for a book signing at the Columbia County Library. Details are below!

Berkley and NAL Book Signing
Romance Writers of America Annual Conference
San Diego, CA, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
333 West Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101

Thursday, October 6, 2016, 4-7 pm
Mix, Mingle, Meet the Author
Columbia County Library
2057 North Jackson Street 

Magnolia, AR 71754 

Blog Appearances - More Blog Tour Info in August!

September 2016

Dru's Book Musings, Date TBA

Get Lost in a Story, Date TBA

Thursday, September 8 - Handbags, Books...Whatever

Monday, September 12 - Killer Crafts and Crafty Killers

Since I'll be gone so much of July, I won't hold a drawing this month. However, the August drawing will be for a $20 gift e-card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Meantime, you can find me on

Facebook  

Twitter: @tikinancy or @nancyhaddock 

Goodreads   

Just a reminder that my second Silver Six Crafting Mystery, formerly known as Goodbye, Gourdgeous, is entitled Paint the Town Dead. The book is available for pre-order if you're so inclined, and will be available in multi online stores. Here's a look at the new furry characters in Paint the Town Dead!

ERIC KNOCKED AT THE ALLEY DOOR that led to Fred's workroom at eight sharp, just as I was flipping the deadbolt.

"Good morning," he said with a bright smile and an odd twinkle in his brown eyes.

"Good morning. Let me open the service door."

"Do you know you have visitors?"

"Besides you?"

He pointed down and to the side of the doorway. I stepped out and stopped short.

A dog and cat sat on their haunches, gazing at me with soulful eyes. The dog reminded me a bit of a Doberman a friend had owned except this one was much smaller. Not a miniature, but more the size of a beagle our neighbor in Tyler had when I was a kid. This dog was black with tan markings, and its coat gleamed with apparent health. Floppy ears framed its face as it blinked at me with intelligent golden eyes.

Uh-oh.

The cat made a sound between a meow and a chirp, its mesmerizing green eyes steady on my face. Its short-haired coat was tiger striped in browns and golds, and it had a white chin. They were both adorable, but-

"How did they get here?"

"Walked would be my guess."

His sarcasm untied my tongue. "I mean why are they here here? You think someone dumped them?"

"I doubt it." He hunkered down to pet them, first the dog, then the cat, who leaned in for a scratch under its chin. "They both seem to be in good health."

"So they can leave anytime they want?"

He slanted me a look. "You don't like animals?"

"No. Yes. I mean, I like animals. I played with my friends' dogs and cats when I was a kid. We just never had animals because my dad was allergic. After he died, well, I was in college, and I guess my mom never felt the urge to get a pet."

"These two are small, but they're out of the young puppy and kitten stage. They may have been the runts of their litters."

"Maybe they belong to one of the shop owners."

Eric shook his head as he stood. "I've never seen them, but I can ask around. The thing is, our county animal control will pick them up if they're running loose."

"You don't have a rescue shelter? I could take them there if they don't leave on their own."

"We have a small one, but last I heard, it was full. Tell you what. Let's get the banner up. Now that these two have had some attention, they may go on home."

"Except they don't have collars or tags." I murmured the comment more to myself than Eric. They could've slipped out of their collars, but chances were just as good they were strays. With super soulful eyes.

With a sigh, I caved and stooped to offer the back of my hand for each of them to smell, first the dog, then the cat. The dog sniffed my knuckles and gave them a shy lick. The cat sniffed, then rubbed its cheek against my fingers. Okay, I was charmed, and I scratched them behind their ears. Cute and sweet as they were, though, I did not-repeat not-have time for pets right now. Besides, the dog probably wouldn't be happy in my apartment.My apartment with its freshly stained floors and white furniture...

I had a feeling they'd stick around, and a strong one that they'd become part of my family.