Hi, everyone! I’m Abby McCree, and I recently moved to a small town in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains here in Washington State. Because of two recent major changes in my life, I guess you could say that in a lot of ways my life started over the day I moved to Snowberry Creek.
After our divorce, my ex-husband bought out my half in the business the two of us had built together. At least that left me enough money to live off of while I considered new job possibilities.
Before I could decide what to do next, my favorite aunt passed away, naming me as her principle heir. Along with her Victorian home in Snowberry Creek, I inherited Zeke, a ninety-pound mastiff mix. He keeps me company and is a great roommate—well, as long as you don’t mind a little dog hair and a whole lot of drool!
Oh, and did I mention that I also inherited Aunt Sybil’s tenant? There’s a small mother-in-law house in the back corner of the yard that she always rented to a student at the local university. The current occupant, though, isn’t your typical college student. Instead, Tripp Blackston enrolled at the school after spending twenty years in the army. That man values his privacy, but he’s handy to have around for a lot of reasons, but especially when things go wrong.
So, how does a typical day in my life go? Well, I’d like to say that I can sleep as late as I’d like, but that never seems to happen. Even if I didn’t need to get up to let Zeke out, I have new friends who think nothing of calling when the sun has barely crested the mountains to the east of where we live. The ladies all started out as Aunt Sybil’s friends, so they tend to be of the “early to bed, early to rise” generation.
After breakfast, I start on my to-do list for the day. That often means spending hours going through the stuff that Aunt Sybil and her late husband accumulated in the many decades that the house has been in the family. It’s amazing what people will hang onto just because they have room in the attic. Why keep an old set of canisters decorated with mushrooms from the 1970s? Seriously, what are the chances of those ever coming back into style? The bottom line is that it will take me a lot of time to sort through everything and decide what to do with it all.
However, I will definitely keep all the quilts that Aunt Sybil made. I’m even trying to get up the courage to finish the ones that were in progress when she died. Not sure I’ll ever be able to match her neat stitching, but I will do my best.
When I’ve finished my daily allotment of boxes from the attic, I spend time outside working in the yard. That’s where I often run into Tripp. The deal he made with my aunt was a reduction in his rent in return for doing yardwork and minor repairs around the house. Between the two of us, we’re slowly whipping the landscaping back into shape. Until her health began to decline, my aunt always took pride in her house being part of the local garden tours. I’m not sure if I’ll ever maintain the place to her high standards, but I know she’d be glad to see the yard regaining some of its old style.
I also like to bake, especially whenever something is bothering me. Luckily, Tripp has a sweet tooth. I’ve also learned that cookies warm from the oven come in handy when I need to bribe the local police chief. Zeke loves the organic treats I make for him, too. I know Tripp and I both spoil the fur ball a bit, but that’s okay. From what little I know of Zeke’s past, he could use the constant reminder that not all humans are like his previous owner.
Finally, as it turns out, I not only inherited my aunt’s home and her friends, I somehow ended up taking on her obligations to various groups here in Snowberry Creek. The downside is how much of my time gets taken up by committee meetings and other related activities. On the positive side, I’m making new friends.
I came here not sure if I was going to keep the house or sell it. However, Snowberry Creek is slowly starting to feel like home, and now I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
Giveaway: Two people who leave a comment below will be chosen to receive an ARC of Death by Committee (USA only). In addition, I think pets add a lot to the warmth and character of stories. Zeke is a particular favorite of mine, drool and all. One person who leaves a comment about one of their favorite animal characters will be chosen to receive a key chain with Zeke’s picture on it (USA only.) The giveaway ends January 30, 2019. Good luck everyone!
You can read more about Abby in Death by Committee, the first book in the NEW “Abby McCree” mystery series, coming January 29, 2019.
When Abby McCree suddenly inherits her favorite relative’s property in small town Snowberry Creek, Washington, she soon realizes that the ramshackle home comes with strings attached—one of which is tied to a dead body!
After a rough divorce, Abby McCree only wants to stitch up her life and move on. But other loose ends appear after her elderly Aunt Sybil passes away, leaving Abby to tend to a rundown estate, complete with a slobbery Mastiff of questionable pedigree and a sexy tenant who growls more than the dog. As Abby gets drawn into a tight-knit quilting guild, she makes a twisted discovery—Aunt Sybil’s only known rival is buried in her backyard!
Despite what local detectives say, Abby refuses to accept that her beloved aunt had anything to do with the murder. While navigating a busy social calendar and rediscovering the art of quilting, she launches an investigation of her own to clear Aunt Sybil’s name and catch the true culprit. The incriminating clues roll in, yet Abby can’t help but wonder—can she survive her new responsibilities in Snowberry Creek and still manage to patch together a killer’s deadly pattern without becoming the next victim?
Purchase Link
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Meet the author
USA Today Best-selling author Alexis Morgan grew up in Missouri but now lives in the Pacific Northwest. She has always loved reading and now spends her days imagining worlds filled with strong alpha heroes and gutsy heroines. She is the author of over forty-five novels, novellas, and short stories that span a variety of genres: American West historicals; paranormal and fantasy romances; and contemporary romances. She is really excited about the release of Death by Committee, the first book in her new cozy mystery series from Kensington, The Abby McCree Mysteries.
Learn more about Alexis at alexismorgan.com.
All comments are welcomed.
This is going to be a great series! I love when characters inherit houses that need fixing and along the way they have a mystery to solve! Zeke would make the best buddy, drool and all!
I love all of the mysteries with animals. Right now, I am working my way through Donna Andrews Meg Langslow series. There are always crazy happenings with animals, especially Spike, who is a nightmare on four feet!
Hi, Debbie!
Thanks for stopping by to say hi today! And you’re right about Zeke–he would be the best roommate anyone could wish for!
Alexis
This sounds like an absolutely charming cozy and Tripp, well he’s my kind of guy. Must see where this series leads. Best of luck with it and happy almost book birthday.
I’m pretty fond of Tripp myself!
This looks like a fun New series.
Thanks for stopping by today!
This sounds like a wonderful new mystery series, and I’d be delighted to win an ARC of this first book. (Plus, who wouldn’t love Zeke, the mastiff?)
I love jowly dogs so much. We have two bulldogs in the family, who were definitely the inspiration for Zeke. =o)
I am a Mama to a beautiful black cat named Romeo Luigi and yes he does live up to his name. He is always up to cuddles and he thinks he is always needed as a helper when I’m in the kitchen. He tolerates his nephew, our daughter’s ginger tabby, named Ralphie Lee. It is always a pleasure to read the first book in a new series. I must say I am not familiar with Alexis Morgan so it would be fun to get to know her and her writing
Hi, Robin–
Romeo sounds adorable, and it’s nice he tolerates his nephew! =o)
Thanks for leaving a comment today–
Alexis
Oh, this book sounds fun on many fronts. I moved from the Pacific Northwest a couple of years back in order to assist my mother-in-law. Have missed it for the wonderful scenery, hiking, etc. Stories with animals are a richer read to me. One favorite had a golden retriever named Tricks that stole the show. It was Linda Howard’s Troublemaker.
Hi, GB!
It’s a beautiful day here in the Pacific Northwest today. The mountains are out in all their gorgeous glory with huge fog banks surrounded their base. Just lovely.
Alexis
I like books with animals in them
Hi, Sandy,
I love putting animals in my stories. They always add so much to the story.
Alexis
I was drawn to this mystery first by the cover art, then the overview of the story itself as I could relate to clearing out after loved ones had died and attending too many committee meetings, and, if it’s a story featuring a dog then I am in! Dru gave this mystery in a new series a very good review, so I am anxious to read more about this gutsy heroine in a charming setting learning more about herself, her relatives, and how to quilt in a small town named Snowberry Creek. Love that name. Ready to move there!
Hi, Helen–
My publisher did a great job on the cover art. It reflects so many important elements in the story. I love that you’d like to move to Snowberry Creek!
Alexis
Massive (!) dogs do have a lot of drool. But if you can deal with it, they are wonderful companions.
Hi, Libby–
I have two granddogs that are both 50 lb bulldogs. There’s a lot of them in Zeke–drool and all. =o)
Alexis
Sounds like Abby has a lot ahead of her–it makes for a good read. As far as animal characters go, if you’re talking about literary characters, my favorite animal character is Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web–I loved that book when our teachers read it to us. Otherwise, I have 5 rescue cats at home, each with a unique story: Silver, Felix, Bramble, Hercules and Dram.
Hi, Rochelle,
That’s wonderful that you’ve adopted five rescue cats and I love the names you’ve given them, especially Bramble!
I liked Wilbur, too.
Alexis
This looks sooo good! You had me at Army veteran! As for pets in books, I am partial to Dog in the Longmire series.
Hi, Pat–
I’m glad you think Tripp sounds like an interesting character. I had great fun writing him.
Alexis
I am looking forward to this new series and liked getting to know more about Abby. A couple favorite dogs in fiction are Pongo and Perdita in 101 Dalmatians by Dodie Smith. The way they communicated with each other was fun.
Hi, Holdenj,
Thanks for sharing your favorite dogs in fiction with us today. Dalmatians are such gorgeous dogs!
Alexis
I really enjoy books featuring dogs and cats and Zeke sounds like a real character and makes me want to read the book. Two years ago, I adopted two shelter kittens, Hamilton and Jefferson. They are so much fun and have such different personalities and make me laugh every day. Looking forward to reading “Death by Committee”.
Hi, Dianne,
I love the ‘presidential’ names you gave your kitties. Seems appropriate because every cat I’ve ever had always thought they were the ones in charge of the household.
Alexis
I love pets in books, especially cats. I really loved KoKo and Yum Yum from The Cat Who… novels.
Cats make such great sleuths! I’ll have to check out the series with KoKo and Yum Yum!
Alexis
I am a dog person, but a Bull Mastiff might be a little more than I could handle. My kids have dogs (Australian Shepherd; Labradoodle; 2 Burmese Mountain Dogs, 1 German Shepherd) and although they are all well behaved dogs, they are all so strong. My last dog was a Westie! I will love reading about Zeke, and the lovely house Abbey inherits! The cover is beautiful, and the story sounds like it will be very enjoyable!
Hi, Barbara–
We have two bulldogs in our family, and those are pretty strong dogs, too. Westies are adorable dogs, but so are all the breeds you mentioned, especially the Burmese Mountain Dogs.
Alexis
Owen and Hercules in Sofie Kelly’s Magical Cats mystery series are two of my favorites.
Hi, Mary,
Thanks for telling me aboutthe magical cts. I’m aways looking for a new (to me) series to read.
Alexis
I don’t have one favorite but I prefer the cats I read in cozy mysteries!!
Hi, Linda–
I’ve enjoyed several series with cats in them. They always seem to add a lot to the story. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
Ok..I love animals and books! Looking forward to your book as well. As far as pets go, back in 96 ( that’s 19 not 18!) I was a recent college graduate at 56. I started a masters program and a placement with a local children’s agency. To make things short…we heard of a wee jack russell looking for a home. We got him, came home..and although only 10 weeks, he knew right away that he wanted me to sit and hold him. The kids still and we parental units were decorating the Chrtmas tree when I was herded by the dog ( our 12 year old named him Einstein) to chase could sit in my lap. Good thing I took the time to follow his commands. Two days later mama’s little Einstein had left me for another! Seriously, in the space of those two days, he found his boy..and never willingly left our youngest sons side again. They showered together…Russell was killed at the age of 21 by drunk drivers as he walked down the road. Einstein always waited by the back door for Russell to come home from work…he’d hear that car before we did. As Russell,came through the door, Einstein would jump into his arms. Einstein mourned for Russell….just layer by the black door …waiting. Russell’s fiancé took him to her place and a visitor let him outside and he died from being hit by a car..just 6 months after our boy died.
We will,always miss both but have learned to enjoy the memories and we are blessed with other children, grands, great grands, and their pets.
Two,uickies…Russell took Einstein to the vet because he was having problems with allergies. The doc gave Einstein a doggie dose of Benadryl. Russell took him out to the car, turned in and the air con on and went back in to pay bill. While inside, Einstein jumped at the window and pushed automatic lock and locked Russell out. Doggie proceeded to go to sleep because of Benadryl…of course triple A had to be called…the kid learned to leave an extra key with us or his fiancé…not inhis glove box!
Second story is he (son) was a certified mechanic. He was called out to work on someone’s car stranded on the interstate…so he did. The young lady followed him back to his shop, and proceeded to flirt with him. She then followed him home from work and just walked in behind him and up to his apartment on the second floor of our house. His fiancé came down stairs crying her heart out. She told us that Russell was continuing to ignore the other female but neither Russell or Abbie could get her to leave. Russell did not even talk to her again after he got her car started. She just kept following him…whilemAbbiemwas sitting on the floor, Einstein crawled in her lap and licked away her tears. I try to stay out of my kids lives and decisions unless asked…but I told Abbie that if she still wouldn’t leave to call me and I’d oust her…lol. I never got the chance. Little Einstein, who’d never had an accident in the house in all those years…stood up for Russell and Abbie. he climbed on the back of the sofa behind the young lady, raised his leg and peed right down her back….she jumped up screaming and left…as hubby and I were trying to figure out what was happening, Russell and Abbie literally rolled down stairs laughing so hard they were crying. And right behind them came Einstein… with the proudest look..just strutting away…his whole attitude shouting “I did it, I saved the day!”… by the way, fortunately the young lady didn’t stalk our son anymore…and at least the kids did not laugh until she was gone!
Hi, Renee,
Thanks for stoppong by to share your stories.
Alexis
It sounds like Abby is in for quite an adventure. This series will definitely go on my TBR list. Thank you for the chance to win and congratulations on your new series!
Hi, Autumn,
Thanks for the congratulations and for adding my story to your TBR pile,
Alexis
Sounds like a great new series! My fave fictional pet is prosac from Laura Levin’s Jaine Austen series
Johnna,
I’ll have to check out that series. Thanks for sharing!
Alexis
Sounds Great 😍💜😍
My Favorite animal characters are Big Huge Dogs 🐕 or needy little puppies 🐶
Thanks for the chance
💜😘💜
Shared on Twitter 😍❤😍
https://mobile.twitter.com/LindaMoffitt02/status/1090324086226632704
Linda,
You can never gowrong with big dogs and little puppies. =o)
Alexis
A NEW SERIES!!
Thank you for the giveaway….
Hi,
You’re welcome. Thanks for taking the time to stop by!
Alexis
This sounds like it’s going to be a fun read, I love animals in books, I agree that they add warmth and character to a story. Some of my favorite animal characters in books are the Cheshire Cat, Koko and Yum Yum from The Cat Who series, they got me started on cozies. I also love an Irish Wolfhound named Angus in the Embroidery series by Amanda Lee and a cat name Lovey who loves everyone except her owner in the Emergency Dessert Squad series by Laura Bradford. As you can see yes I love animals in stories. LOL
Hi, Debbie–
I just ordered the first book in “The Cat Who…” series. I’ll have to c heck out Angus and Lovey, too. Thanks for the suggestions.
Alexis
What an enchanting series. Don’t really have a favorite animal in a series. But I did like the big dog in Beethoven. The movie in the 90’s.
Hi, Linda–
I remember the dog in Beethoven! I think he was a St.Bernard. I enjoyed that movie.=o)
Alexis
**** WINNERS ****
Death by Committee are Renee Collins, Katrina Powers
Congratulations!