From the Desk of J.M. Poole

Just yesterday, I put the finishing touches on Case of the Hobbit Heist (CCF#19). This mystery takes place at a Comic-Con, namely the first southern Oregon has seen in a few years. Who’s the headliner at the convention? None other than a good friend of mine, actor Michael Biehn. I thought it might be fun to have Zack and the gang meet up with the celebrity and help solve a crime that has befallen Michael, namely the theft of the plasma rifle he used in Aliens. Well, after doing some research online, I realized that I had better reach out to Michael first, before I started writing. Clearly, since I just finished the story, he said yes. Actually, he really loved the idea of being in a book, and agreed to write a Foreword to the story. This title is the second Corgi Case Files adventure I’ve finished that hasn’t been published. The next, due out next month, I believe, is Case of the Ice Cream Crime. This one, the Hobbit Heist, will more than likely be scheduled for a Fall release.

What’s next? Well, currently on my plate is to finish the edits for ToL4, Thoughts for a Portal. My publisher is in the midst of going through all my fantasies and polishing them up for re-release. New covers, new editing, and new promos are in the works for all of them. The Bakkian Chronicles were first, and have been cleaned up and given new covers. The first five Tales of Lentari titles will be released this summer, so I’ve got to get going!

Next up for me is a return trip to the Tales of Lentari series. Blast from the Past (ToL10) is slated for a Fall/Winter release, and then it’ll be back to Andela for Nuri’s tale in Clear the Water (DoA3).

Busy, busy, busy! Hope everyone is having a great Spring! Be safe and happy reading!

J.

Secret Staircase Books has taken over all my fantasies in addition to my mysteries, so as a result, they’re went through another editing process and received new covers. My first three fantasies are the Bakkian Chronicles, which are The Prophecy, Insurrection, and Amulet of Aria. As you can see, they’ve got absolutely gorgeous new covers and are presently up for pre-order. Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo … they’ve all got ’em, so if you are a fan of fun, light-hearted adventure stories, please give them a try. They were released 12/28, so they’re now at all major online retailers!

This particular series is set in the magical kingdom of Lentari, and continues with my Tales of Lentari series. It currently has nine titles, and on my writing schedule for 2023 is Blast from the Past (Tales of Lentari #10)! If you haven’t started the series, now would be a great time to dive right in!

Yeah, I know. Day of the Dead actually isn’t observed on Halloween, but from November 1st through the 2nd. Originally, I didn’t know too much about this holiday, but since I was asked to write a short story – set in PV – which was set on the Day of the Dead, I figured I’d better do some research.

The story, The Case of the Secret Staircase, was a lot of fun to write, plus it allowed Zack to show off his comedic side as he is now forced to confront whoever or whatever is responsible for stealing various things from around Highland House.

Currently only availbe in the Holiday Mysteries anthology, it is now available at virtually all online retailers. Grab your discounted copy today!

NaNoWriMo is set to begin tomorrow. I’ve entered every time since I learned of it, in 2015, and have only missed it twice. Last year was one of the misses. Then again, I was derailed by the sudden passing of my father, and I don’t know about the rest of you writers, but for me, I need to be in a good mood in order to maintain my light-hearted, fun-filled cozy mysteries. I was not in any position to write last November. This time? I’m ready. If you’re also going to participate, then don’t hesitate to look me up. We can be writing buddies!

Ok, I’ve got lots to do, so I’ll be off. Stay safe out there and happy reading!

J.

Just in time for the holidays! Myself, and four other talented authors, including USA Today bestselling author Connie Shelton, have written short stories featuring the characters from our ongoing series. With holidays ranging from Halloween to New Years, come with us to see what your favorite characters are up to, and perhaps you’ll meet some new ones!

If you’d like to know a little about my contribution, I’ll throw a few tidbits your way. Here’s the small blurb about my story, taken from Amazon:

The Case of the Secret Staircase from J.M. Poole, the bestselling author of The Corgi Case Files. A family celebration for Dia de los Muertos gets interrupted by a series of thefts, small items intended to honor the ancestors. Does it have something to do with Highland House, the venue that’s suspected of harboring a few of its own ghosts? At once, the smart and lovable corgis are on the case. Sherlock and Watson, along with their human helpers, Zack and Jillian Anderson, will unravel the mystery, clue by clue.

Available only in this special collection, Secret Staircase Holiday Mysteries will be available 10/17 with a price of $4.99, but if you pre-order now, you’ll be able to lock in the special rate of $0.99! You won’t want to miss this, so reserve your copy today!