People tend to ignore you when you’re old. I know that because at 85 years of age, I’ve seen my caretakers and even some of my friends simply refuse to believe my family heritage. Oh, most are polite about it. They nod and smile in that patronizing way that says be kind to this enfeebled old coot with fantasies about her grandpa. I can assure you that my mind is in-tact and my memories are vivid. That’s why when Persephone Morgan joined the Therapy Dog group at the Falls, I was thrilled. She has a solid track record for solving crimes and her partner—that’s what youngsters call their beaus these days—is none other than investigative reporter, Wing Pruett. Wing’s exploits fill the internet. I’m confident that he has the instincts and expertise to complete this task. I’m quite proficient at research and I’ve read his books and exposes. Somehow. I must convince both of them to suspend disbelief to join my quest.

I know I’m babbling so here’s the point: My grandfather, who went by the name Sebastian Melmoth, was none other than that great, much maligned genius, Oscar Wilde. I have the documents to prove it. After he fled to Paris, Grandpa assumed the name Sebastian Melmoth and married Grandmother. My father was their only offspring. During that time, Grandpa produced his finest work, a sequel to the novel, “A Picture of Dorian Gray.” It’s title “Sybil Vane” refers to the woman who almost saved Dorian from a life of dissipation. Naturally such a find would be priceless, and somebody might kill to obtain it. Before I pass from this earth, I need Perri and Wing to uncover the manuscript and share it with the world.

Until recently, life at The Falls has been pleasant enough. The fees cost quite a packet and the amenities are commensurate with them. But since word leaked out about my heritage, strange things have happened. Mistakes with my medicine, strange sounds in the night, and most tragically, the murder of our chief Nurse. Poor soul. She was poisoned after eating chocolates intended for me. Despite all that I’m determined to be brave and to persevere. I pray that I can live to fulfill my mission but for the first time in my life I am frightened.

Perri and her dogs have brightened my life. I love animals. Always have. They’re far more trustworthy than most of the humans I’ve encountered, and therapy dogs are a tonic for what ails one. Of course, her colleague Babette Croy, is a joy as well. She makes me laugh which around here can be quite a rarity. As for Wing Pruett—at my age I can get away with saying just about anything–and that man is something special. With their aid, I will help to rewrite history. Oscar Wilde was badly treated by a world that ignored his genius and punished his proclivities. If “Sybil Vane” gains the recognition it so richly deserves, the literary establishment will take notice. My family’s heritage will be recognized. I pray that I can survive to see it.

Murder at the Falls is the third book in the “Creature Comforts” cozy mystery series, coming July 14, 2020.

Army vet Persephone “Perri” Morgan has found a second career handcrafting leather pet accessories—and a satisfying sideline in training therapy dogs. But there’s no cure for a cold-blooded murderer. . .

Perri and her BFF Babette Croy team up to bring their therapy dogs to an upscale senior living facility. But The Falls’ pleasant façade hides some unpleasant secrets. Valuables are missing, feuds fester, and one resident even fears for her life. Sprightly senior Magdalen Melmoth swears she’s being targeted because her grandfather was none other than Oscar Wilde, and her legacy includes an unpublished novel by the literary genius.

Convinced it’ll take more than calming canines to sniff out the truth, Perri enlists the help of her beau, hotshot reporter Wing Pruett. When a nurse is poisoned by chocolates sent to Magdalen, and a physician is brutally murdered, the case takes a deeply troubling turn. Perri, Babette, and their furry friends race to bring a killer to heel, but can they outsmart an enemy who’s simply bad to the bone?

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About the author
After her days as a Senior Executive with one of those Alphabet govt. agencies, Arlene Kay redirected her energy to plotting fiendish murders laced with snarky dialogue and humorous asides. She is the published author of -ten mystery novels including the Creature Comfort Series from Kensington Publishing. Like all good mystery writers, Arlene firmly believes that there are no natural deaths, and everyone is a suspect. Check out her website at arlenekay.com.

All comments are welcomed.