Nora Goldstein sits down for a Q&A with dru’s book musings responding to twenty or more questions so that we can learn more about her. Are you ready? Let’s get to know Nora.

What is your full name?
Nora Rebecca Goldstein. Actually, this is my maiden name, which I kept every time I married. I think it’s five times. Might be more.

How old are you?
Somewhere between fabulous and fascinating. I don’t discuss numbers.

What is your profession?
I co-own 2 Sisters Pet Valet Services with my best pal Gwen. And solve murders, of course. Before that, I suppose you might say my profession was marrying “men of means”, if you get my drift.

Do you have a significant other?
Possibly. Maybe. If he doesn’t shape up, though, I definitely won’t. (Hear that, Marcus?)

What is their name and profession?
It’s Marcus Avery, and he runs his own private investigation business, financed by yours truly, who is financed by some very well-heeled exes.

Do you have any children?
None of my own, but I’ve got more ex-step-children than I can shake a stick at. You can blame that on all my ex-husbands. Or their poor wives.

Do you have any siblings?
None. I liked being an only child. My parents liked having one child, since I was a handful on my own.

Are your parents nearby?
They’ve long since passed. Great people. I miss them.

Who is your best friend?
That’s easy! Gwen Franklin is the best friend a gal can have. We met in kindergarten a few – ahem – decades ago and have been friends since.

Do you have any pets?
No. I get my fill with my business, trust me. Especially when I’ve got a crazy parrot to handle or a cat that insists on having her kittens when I’m taking care of it. Of course.

What town do you live in?
I live in Portland, Oregon, right on the Willamette River. The most gorgeous views in the state, but of course I’m biased.

Do you live in a small town or a big city?
I think Portland is a small town trying to act big. So small, I’d say. With its start as “Stumptown,” I’m not sure it’s grown out of that mindset.

Type of dwelling and do you own or rent?
I live in the town’s only high-rise luxury apartment for a certain age group, wink wink.

What is your favorite spot in your home?
Oddly enough, it’s my kitchen. I say “oddly” since I’m not big on cooking. Baking the occasional muffin, yes. Heating up takeout. Preparing full-fledged meals? Absolutely not. That’s what delivery is for.

Favorite meal and dessert?
I’m on an Italian kick lately. Love a big bowl of Bolognese or gnocchi, and I have a soft spot for cannoli. Yum!

Do you have any hobbies?
It’s enough just to keep myself looking good and running a business. Who’s got time for a hobby?

What is your favorite vacation spot?
I love Oregon. I know it’s my home state but there are so many things to do here. Have you seen Multnomah Falls? Or sailed the Columbia River? It’s absolutely breathtaking.

What music do you listen to?
When it’s just me, I like to turn on the local country station. I’m a big fan of Thomas Rhett and Florida Georgia Line.

Do you have a favorite book?
I do, but don’t laugh: it’s a kid’s book. I first read “A Little Princess” by Frances Hodgson Burnett when I was about nine, and I re-read it whenever I need an escape from life.

What is your idea of a really fun time?
Depends on who I’ll be with, if you get my drift. One of my favorite things to do with Gwen, though, is people watch. Talk about entertaining! Give me a cup of good coffee and a bench and I’m a happy gal.

If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
That’s a tough one. Let’s see – how about “One Spunky Gal?” That about sums me up.

Amateur or professional sleuth and whom do you work with?
I’m an amateur, definitely. Best friend Gwen and I started our adventures solving mysteries in “Doggone Dead,” and I can hardly wait to share our latest efforts as written in “Cat’s Meow.”

In a few sentences, what is a typical day in your life like?
I’d say my day doesn’t really begin until I get a few cups of coffee under my belt. After that, I begin my beauty ritual. That takes a while, but choosing what I’ll be wearing is easy: black yoga pants and a neon bright Lycra top, preferably with matching chunky earrings and bracelets. Slip my feet into my high heels du jour and I’m all set for the day. At this point it’s half over, but that’s all right: by this time Gwen’s at my place and we’re ready to take on a few pet valet assignments – or a murder.

What is a typical day when you are on a case?
When Gwen and I are in the middle of a case, we spend a lot of time investigating the folks closest to the crime. This could take us across town or out of state, and with some dependable employees to run the pet valet business when we’re sleuthing, we can devote our brains and time to finding the killer.

Cat’s Meow, A 2 Sisters Pet Valet Mystery #2
Genre: Cozy
Release: March 2021
Purchase Link

Retired schoolteacher Gwen Franklin has a new pet project—and a sideline in sleuthing. But this new case has a dangerous sting in the tail . . .

Gwen’s calendar has been filling up ever since she was hounded by her best friend, Nora, into starting 2 Sisters Pet Valet Services. Now they’ve been invited to attend the annual Clear the Shelter event, hosted by Portland’s very own blonde bombshell newscaster, Babs Prescott. Babs is convinced she’s top dog among local celebrities, but it’s clear that someone disagrees when Babs’ body is found following a downtown press conference.

A story this juicy would be headline news at any time, but especially once local crime reporter Shelby Tucker is arrested for the murder. Gwen was Shelby’s high school teacher, and she’s sure her former pupil is innocent. But in that case, who was itching to take Babs out of the spotlight for good? As Nora and Gwen investigate, they find personal mysteries at odds with Babs’ public persona, all leading to a killer who’s not pussyfooting around . . .

About the author
Dane McCaslin is a retired English teacher, much like her character Gwen Franklin. And like Gwen, she loves anything Agatha Christie. Her bookshelves are well-stocked with cozy mysteries and her days are filled with reading for pleasure, working on her latest book, and entertaining grandchildren. She lives in Arizona and is delighted that she doesn’t need to shovel sunshine.

All comments are welcomed.