As you know, the 5th book in my Meg Sheppard Mystery Series is called Dying for Money. By coincidence, a Uxbridge Writers' Circle member chose 'wallet' as the prompt for our recent ten-minute on-the-spot writing challenge.
And my first review!! From my #1 fan! (Five stars!).
I follow this with a note about money as related to my mystery series and a friendly reminder about my book launch hosted by Blue Heron Books.
Wallet
Greg wished he had a wallet. He had nothing.
He sat cross-legged on the hard sidewalk with his dog - well, she wasn't his dog - she was unwanted like him and they kept each other company. Greg gave her whatever scraps of food he could, sometimes sacrificing more of his own food than he should.
He picked up his fiddle and played again, hoping for some bills and not just toonies in the can. But he was bored with the tunes he usually played - that he thought the yuppies liked - so he switched mid-stroke to a Bach piece he loved. He put his heart and soul into it. The dog had her head on his knee.
When he finished, he looked around and saw several pairs of legs and even a few bills in the can. He now really needed a wallet!
A man tapped him on the shoulder and told him they were short a violinist for their quartet due to a sudden illness. Could he come for an audition tomorrow? They must perform next week. It would be temporary but could lead to something.
Greg nearly said 'no' because he usually said 'no', but the dog looked up at him and he said "I'll come. But if it's a fit, you'll have to find me a bedsit that takes dogs."
"Done."
And that's how Greg became a member of the Matthew String Quartet. He's been a member for five years now and Penny, the dog, lies on the stage next to him for every performance.
Vicky Earle Copyright 2023
Review of Dying for Money
Thrilling read with so many twists and turns!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on May 27, 2023
Verified Purchase
It’s clear from the start that the author knows all about horses and racing. This is book 5 in the Meg Sheppard series and I suggest reading them in order. I enjoy following the development of characters, both human and animal, throughout the books. The complex and fast-moving plot is expertly paced. There’s just enough detail to be intriguing and the storytelling is superb. Often the ‘amateur sleuth’ can seem unlikely, but, in Meg’s case, she’s a totally credible investigator. You’ll need your wits about you to follow the twists in the tale, and the ending is hugely satisfying as well as unexpected! A must read!
Money, Money, Money
Thank you so much to those of you who plan to come to my book launch at Blue Heron Books on Saturday, June 17.
Your support and encouragement are what keep me writing.
I know it isn't appropriate to say this, but while we're on the subject of money, there is no money to be made by a writer like me who self-publishes and doesn't have a marketing and promotion department.
But that's not what it's about for me (although if I was offered a movie deal, I would take it!!!).
What's important is readers like you who enjoy my books.
It gives me pleasure to know that readers look forward to the next release.
(I already have several readers who are asking if I'm working on Book 6 yet!
No, I haven't started, but I may. I'm thinking about it).
So, thank you. And I look forward to seeing you on Saturday!
PS The launch at Blue Heron Books on Saturday, June 17 is between 1 pm and 3 pm. There will be giveaways for readers who purchase books: mugs, pens, bookmarks, plants, miniature horses, and I couldn't leave Kelly out - a miniature border collie; plus lots of nibbles.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!