You know how some people are a little envious of their best friend? They wish they could sing as well, or draw, or looked as good in a pair of skinny jeans? That’s just never been how I roll. Cam Harris and I have been best friends for more than twenty years and we’re just way too opposite for me to think about being jealous. For starters, Cam really can’t sing a note, and while she does rock a pair of skinny jeans, I find them tight and binding. I’d rather wear a flowy skirt or a pair of yoga pants anyway. Besides, Jake loves my curves. But I do have one thing I’m pretty envious about. Cam really won the jackpot in the Daddio Lottery.
I mean I love my dad, but… he’s always wanting me to do things I hate. Like behave. See, he’s a former senator, always in the public eye. He says I reflect on him. Well poo. That’s his issue. What I really want to talk about though, is all the ways Mr. H. really rocks.
For starters, he has saved my bacon (not literally—I’m a vegetarian) more times than I can count. He’s bailed me out of jail twice (both times wrongly… well… unjustly accused). There is no way I could call my own dad for that—he’d be mortified. But Mr. H. just believes in me because he’s known me since I was a girl. He doesn’t ask too many questions—just waits for me to explain in my own time.
And he asks me for relationship advice, which is a hoot. He’s a total babe magnet—age-appropriate of course—and his daughters get uncomfortable hearing about it, so he likes to run things by me. And if I were twenty years older I totally get it. He’s funny and charming in that ‘aw, shucks’ kind of way. Plus he’s handy—never hurts to have your guy be handy!
Finally though, he is mostly just really good company. Half of high school I was avoiding home—my dad was still trying to mold me, and by mold, I mean make rotten. The Harrises always welcomed me, but Cam and her mom had all these activities, so sometimes I just hung out. He taught me enough carpentry to build book shelves and I got him hooked on strange TV shows like Twin Peaks and The X-files. Cam still doesn’t know that he taught me how to beat her at Cribbage.
So if any of you are looking for good role models on how to be a great dad… or even a good friend… just look to Mr. H. He’s got it down.
You can read more about Annie, Mr. H. and Cam in Keeping Mum, the third book in the “Garden Society” mystery series, published by Berkley Prime Crime. The first book in the series is The Azalea Assault. Books are available at retail and online booksellers.
Book Blurb: Cam and Annie are simultaneously roped into organizing a political fundraiser, so Annie suggests they have fun with it and hold a murder mystery supper. There is nothing that could go wrong with that… but when someone other than the intended victim turns up dead and an important guest goes missing, they have some sleuthing to do.
GIVEAWAY: Comment on this post by 6pm EST on March 22, and you will be entered for a chance to win a copy of Keeping Mum. One winner will be chosen at random. Unless specified, U.S. entries only.
Meet the author
Alyse Carlson is the pen name for Hart Johnson. Alyse writes books from her bathtub. A social scientist by day, Hart spends her evenings plotting grand conspiracies and murdering people on paper. You can learn more about her at her blog: waterytart23.blogspot.com
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My TBR list is growing by leaps and bounds, but I’m adding this series to it!
Another fun-sounding series. Thanks.
I enjoy reading this series.
That is such a pretty cover! I can’t wait to start reading this series!
sounds like a fun read!
I love this series ! Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
This sounds like a really good book.
Thanks so much for having me, Dru! Your readers are making me feel all warm and fuzzy!
This sounds like a great series! Thanks for the chance to win!
This book sounds wonderful , would love to read it
Another one to add to my list! Looking forward to reading it!
Glad that the main charactet is a vegetarian! New series! Woo hoo! Thank you for the chance to win!
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
Would love to read this book. I enjoy covers and this one is very good. One of those that might jump off the shelf into your hand. LOL
This sounds like a father-daughter relationship that should be interesting to follow. Please enter me in your drawing.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Sounds like a great series.
This sounds like a book I would love to read. Family dynamics are always fascinating.
I always enjoy a new-to-me series.
Looks Good!!!
Thanks for the synopsis and review. It sounds as if I would enjoy.
The cover looks like spring is here! Writing from the tub, eh? Like to read the result 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway.
Having a reasonably high profile grandmother I can empathize with Annie. I got dragged to more then one board dinner in various counties. I think I’d like to add this book to my home library.
Dru, toss my hat in please.
Hart/Alyse seems to have come up with a new kind of story including younger people and an older generation too and how they can work together. Then toss in a good murder mystery into this mix and it sounds like a book that I would really enjoy reading. So glad that you introduced us to the author, Dru, and, as always, I loved your comments. Please include me in the giveaway. Thanks so much.
Cynthia
Another series I’ve missed and now added to my list. I love the cover, so colorful. I like the sound of the blurb, dead body at a murder mystery, my kind of book.
Sounds charming
I have enjoyed the series so far. This entry also looks like a winner.
New to me! Sounds great!
I have this on my TBR list. I just love the cover!
almost missed this giveaway!!!! thank you for the chance!!!
I would like to know more of how this relationship plays into the story.
Thank you Dru Ann for another new to me author. The story line sounds very interesting. Please enter me in the Giveaway. Ruth Nixon
It’s on my TBR list.
I have been enjoying this series.
This sounds so good. Another added to my ever growing TBR pile.
I love this series, a good cozy.
kaye.killgore@comcast.net
I love this series. enter me.
I have the first in the series so I’m interested in this one. Bring on the spring flowers! I like the cat on the cover, too.
contest is closed.