Dear friendly readers,

Life's been busy and chaotic in my world over the past month! We made the trek from Key West to Connecticut, and fortunately have no unpleasant incidents to report. Even so, it’s a long drive and kind of a shock to arrive in the midst of spring. The flowers and trees are gorgeous, but the ticks that Lottie has been sporting on a daily basis are a major nuisance.

We also took a trip into New York City last week to attend the Edgars, the major award ceremony for Mystery Writers of America. I was honored to have read for and announced the prize for the Mary Higgins Clark award. This is me with my Jungle Red Writer pals, Rhys Bowen and Hank Ryan, and below that, the MHC nominees Sulari Gentill, Carol Goodman, Rhys Bowen, Katie Tietjen, and Michelle Chouinard. I recommend all of their books! (Gentill's The Mystery Writer was the winner.)

Other than that, I’m working hard on Key West Food Critic Mystery number 16. It’s coming along well though I have no idea what the title will be. When I can describe it a little better, I will be asking for your always wonderful ideas.

I’m also setting up dates to celebrate the release of THE MANGO MURDERS, coming August 12 to a bookstore near you. The launch party will be held at RJ Julia‘s in Madison Connecticut on August 12. I still can’t believe this is my 25th book, because the publication of SIX STROKES UNDER in 2002 feels like it happened only yesterday. (The photo is of me with my traveling pals Deborah Donnelly and Libby Hellmann in 2003—we were babies.) What an amazing ride and I’m so grateful to all of you for taking the journey with me.

One more thing about events—save the date for November 14, when the good ship Argo Navis will be hosting a book talk and book signing brunch sail for THE MANGO MURDERS. I’ll let you know as soon as the link is up as I suspect this will sell out quickly. In case you’re curious, the Argo Navis was the model for the boat that explodes in chapter one of THE MANGO MURDERS (that’s a spoiler, sorry).

You’ll be seeing a variety of mango recipes to celebrate the new book, but let's start with a mango upside down cake good for any occasion.

Thanks for reading—don’t forget if you use Netgalley, THE MANGO MURDERS is available there now. Pre-orders are greatly appreciated!

Love,

Lucy

Coming August 12th