My Blog 02/20/2010
 
I have always loved reading. The first book I read at the age of six was a book about Helen Keller. I taught myself the sign language alphabet in the back of the book, which I still remember to this day. 

But the most relaxing and fun books to read were the mysteries. I started with the Bobbsey Twins, Trixie Belden, Honey Bunch and Norman, along with some books based on TV characters. First I breezed through the Annette (Funicello) Mysteries, followed by a Patty Duke mystery and I ended with intrigue at the hospital with Dr. Kildare.  

I soon moved on to the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. Before I was a teenager I had zoomed through Earl Stanley Gardner, Ellery Queen and Agatha Christie. I even meandered through a few Sherlock Holmes stories. 

Over the years I have continued to a variety of books, but I still love to read mystery stories. People often ask me what mystery writers I read and my mind always goes blank.  There are so many that I’ve read and enjoyed. 

I like P.D. James, Elizabeth George and Martha Grimes. I also like Margaret Maron, Janet Evanovich and Carl Hiaasen. My tastes run the gamut. 

So, my character Periwinkle (Peri) Mason is a nod to one of my favorite lawyers – Perry Mason.  And since I was a reporter for almost ten years, it was almost inevitable that Peri would be an investigative reporter. 

I chose the setting at North Myrtle Beach during the Society of Strander’s (SOS) fall migration because it just seemed like the perfect place for a murder. During a visit down to the event with a friend, I was amazed at all the thousands of people darting in and out of the clubs – all with the sole purpose of dancing the shag and having a good time. 

As I walked behind Fat Harold’s on that first visit, I glanced down the alley and thought: “This would be a great place to have a murder occur.”  And that’s how it all started. 

Researching and writing SOS was enjoyable.  How can you not like going to the beach?  And, the shaggers down at North Myrtle Beach converging for their shared passion for dancing were a great inspiration. They are a wonderful group of warm-hearted individuals with a penchant for dancing, listening to good music and visiting with friends.   

Peri’s first adventure is over, but I am just beginning to have the opportunity to travel to some special places throughout the Carolina’s to share her story.  

I’ll be back soon to share some of these experiences – from the coast to the foothills.
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First Post! 02/20/2010
 
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