Hi, everybody! My name is Winnie Hackleshack. It’s really Winona, but the only time I’m called that is when I’m getting yelled at. Which seems to be a lot, even at forty-five. For most of my life, things were typical. Normal, I guess. I grew up in an average home in Madison, Wisconsin, went to college at the University of Wisconsin, majored in journalism, and took a job at the local newspaper. After twenty years, what did I have to show for it? I was unemployed, divorced, and living back in my mom’s house. You can bet I heard Winona often.

I knew I needed a change. So, I purchased a used RV and spent several months restoring it. Along the way, I found the cutest rescue dog ever, Patches, who trained me as well as he could. I even smoothed things over with my mom—sort of, anyway. At least she didn’t call me Winona as much.

You can’t miss my RV. A friend painted it to match the electric blue color of my Mini Cooper, and she embellished it with my likeness on each side. To say it’s a standout is an understatement. And if you find me behind the wheel, you can bet I’ll be singing a Christmas tune, even in July. Patches is hard of hearing, and that’s a good thing, because my singing is…off-key. Well, that’s a bit generous. Most people can’t recognize the song I’m singing, even if they do unplug their ears long enough to listen.

In what seemed a blink of an eye, it was time to take on the biggest challenge of my life—living in my RV full time while traveling around the country. My world was upended the day I pulled out of Madison, and it hasn’t been the same since. It’s been better. Mostly, anyway. I’ve met some great friends, seen sights I couldn’t have imagined, and ate foods I never dreamed of. Unfortunately, I’ve also developed quite a sweet tooth, and my pants, well, let’s just say I like the stretchy kind now. But I started yoga again, and that seems to help with the battle of the bulge. And Patches keeps me active during our frequent walks.

Speaking of Patches, I found him at the Dane County Rescue Society. A Rat Terrier/Jack Russell mix, he’s getting old and is mostly deaf. But he’s still a bundle of energy, and he always seems to know what I need. Whether it’s wag of the tail or a nudge, he’s my confidant, and currently the only male in my life. What about the rest of my family? I already told you about my mom, Sabrina. She’s overbearing and bossy, but I know she means well. My younger sister, Lexi, is every mother’s dream. A doctor, with two kids and a loving husband. My father died several years ago. He was the glue that kept everything together, and I miss him terribly.

A day in my life is anything but constant, which is good because I bore easily. One day I’ll be hiking up a mountain, enjoying the vistas. I might be back in time to meet up with other campers for drinks or a barbecue. Or I might run into a bear along the trail. It’s happened. And, as confident as you might feel with a can of bear spray strapped to your side, bravado flies away when a four-hundred-pound grizzly steps in front of you. Other days are travel days, or just a day of quiet reflection beside a lake.

I still work, but I do it on my terms. I’ve developed a freelance writing business, mostly corporate brochures and flyers. It pays the bills, and it keeps me occupied, a definite plus when it’s pouring outside. Not that it keeps my mother off my back. Especially when I find myself getting caught up in a murder investigation, like I did at Yellowstone. Bears were the least of my problems. While I visited most of the tourist spots, I also got to see places few people go. I met some new friends, and some people I hope I never see again. It was some adventure. I swear, that case was so interesting, I could write a book about it.

No Stone Unturned, A Happy Camper Mystery #1
Genre: Cozy
Release: February 2022
Purchase Link

Bears aren’t the only predators in Yellowstone.

After twenty-one years of being overshadowed by her ex-husband, Winnie Hackleshack never had the opportunity to explore her adventurous side. But what does a forty-something divorced woman do to revitalize her spirit? She gets a rescue dog, buys a motorhome, and sets off for adventures unknown. Except the adventures include getting mixed up in a murder investigation.

Arriving at Yellowstone, Winnie anticipated bubbling geysers, buffalo, and scenic views. But on her first night there, she befriends a young woman being bullied, and when the young woman is found dead the next morning, with Winnie’s business card, Winnie finds herself looking for clues to solve the woman’s death.

The clues lead her to an illegal gold mine, and when the killers suspect Winnie stole their mined gold, they come after her. But Winnie’s not backing down. With the killers on the loose, it’s up to Winnie to find them before they get away.

Meet the author 
M. S. Peke is the alter ego of Mike Klapheke. A frequent traveler to national parks, he enjoys the outdoors as much as he does writing. Look for him the next time you’re at a park. He’ll be the one with the Happy Camper flag in front of his RV.

All comments are welcomed.