Marilyn's Musings

First, a friend suggested the title, Murder in the Worst Degree, and I started writing. I had no idea how the story would tie into the title until the last few chapters--when it all fell into place. There are several true life events that became part of the plot. One is the group of men who hang out at McDonald's. While I was writing this book, hubby and I ate breakfast often at McDonald's before heading out to do errands and the same group of men was always there. And of course, all the Seabee stuff came from the fact that hubby was a Seabee for 20 years. One of the major events in the story is a major earthquake--and I've experienced a couple and remember them vividly. And yes, Officer Gordon Butler holds a prominent place in this book too. Murder in the Worst Degree  has the best first sentence of any of my books, you'll have to read it to find out what it is. Available on Amazon for Kindle and in paper: https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Worst-Degree-Rocky-Mysteries-eboo...

What  I've mostly been writing about in this blog series about the RBPD books is the research I had to do for each of the Rocky Bluff P.D. mysteries. For Murder in the Worst Degree  I didn't have to do much, I relied on memories and things happening around me. First, though, you might be interested in the fact that the title was given to me by a friend. I liked it, but wasn't sure how I was going to tie it into the plot until I was nearly finished writing the book. I do think this book has the best first line of any book I've written. You'll have to read it to find out what it is. A group of men who meet every day at McDonald's came from the group of men who gather at one of our local McD's. Hubby and I used to go there for breakfast and we saw these fellows a lot, and most of them were veterans.  An earthquake plays a big part in Murder in the Worst Degree , I've experienced several, but I did do some research into the damage a big one might cause in a ...

This is the last day for Murder in the Worst Degree to be available on Kindle for only .99 cents. Grab it now before this sale is over: https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Worst-Degree-Police-Department-ebook/dp/B086JC8PSJ/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=9781938436765&qid=1585659161&s=books&sr=1-2 I love the title of this book and I'm not the one who thought it up. An author friend, Wanda Porter, put a comment on a Facebook post I'd written, that I should give one of my Rocky Bluff P.D. mysteries that title. I loved it. Before I even started writing, I put that title on the first page. The ideas flowed for the book as I'd already been thinking about things I wanted to do. When you have an ongoing cast of characters, I always want to create events that effect each one--both good and bad things, much like what happens in real life. The plot flowed along easily, but something kept nagging at me. How was I going to tie in the title with what I'd writte...

Three important characters in Murder in the Worst Degree  are old friends of the murder victim who hang out in McDonald's. They are based on a group of men we used to see gathered together every time we went to McDonald's. We saw them so often, they greeted us like friends. Since that time, I'm stopped in several McDonald's for a quick breakfast and noticed other such groups of men gathered. Of course, right now, during this period when we all must shelter in place, these old guys are out of luck for their morning get-togethers. You can get the book for your Kindle here: https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Worst-Degree-Police-Department-ebook/dp/B086JC8PSJ/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=9781938436765&qid=1585659161&s=books&sr=1-2 Here's another review of Murder in the Worst Degree. Murder in the Worse Degree is the latest novel in the Rocky Bluff Mystery Series. While I haven't read all of them, I have read quite a few and they we...

The sale for Murder in the First Degree officially begins tomorrow, but if you'll hop over to Amazon, you'll see it's already priced at .99 cents. https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Worst-Degree-Police-Department-ebook/dp/B086JC8PSJ/ref=tmm_kin_title_sr?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1587300945&sr=8-1 A little bit about the Rocky Bluff P.D. mystery series: It's about a small police department in a fictional beach town located between Santa Barbara and Ventura in Southern California.  It's as much about the police officers and their families as it is about the crimes that confront them. As the creator of this place and the people who inhabit it, I keep on writing because its the only way I can find out what is happening to these people and the town. I hope you'll try it and then go one to find out more about Rocky Bluff and those who live there by reading other books in the series. Marilyn who writes this series as F. M. Meredith

Because I've lived through a lot of these kinds of disasters, I've used different ones in my books. Fires have been used the most. Everywhere I've lived in California, there have been big fires all through the years. Fires have played a big part in several of my books. My favorite is probably Seldom Traveled where Tempe is trapped in forest fire with a fugitive from justice. I'm particular fond of the Native American touch in this one. My friend, Brent Gill, who has a lot of experience as a fire fighter helped me a lot on this one. Early in the series, house fires become a major part of the mystery and the answer to a big question that has been in Tempe's life for years, in Judgment Fire . There is also a fire that is part of a murder in Kindred Spirits. A brush fire heightens the suspense in the latest Rocky Bluff P.D. mystery, Bones in the Attic. A devastating earthquake is a major factor in another Rocky Bluff P.D. mystery,...

MURDER IN THE WORST DEGREE  will be free on Kindle through April 5 . The title for this mystery came before I had any idea what the plot would be. Of course there were some ongoing plot lines from the previous book since many of the same characters appear, but I had no idea what the main mystery would be. One of my author friends sent me a Facebook message and gave me this title. I began writing the book without any idea how I would tie in the title. In fact, I was nearly finished and still had no idea how the title would fit into what I'd written.  Then came the "Ah ha!" moment and I knew exactly why Murder in the Worst Degree  was the perfect title. You'll have to read it to see why it worked. You can order it here:  http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Worst-Degree-Rocky-Bluff-ebook/dp/B00JFKAH9A/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1456873370&sr=8-1&keywords=murder+in+the+worst+degree+by+F.M.+Meredith F. M. Meredith aka Marilyn

No, it isn't an April Fool's joke. Starting today, Murder in the Worst Degree  is free on Kindle--and will continue to be free through April 5. Book Blurb:The body that washes up on the beach leads Detectives Milligan and Zachary on a murder investigation that includes the victim’s family members, his housekeeper, three long-time friends, and a mystery woman. Things to look for: Probably the best first sentence I've ever written for a book. The three old guys at McDonald's. A crisis for Officer Rick Strickland. A natural disaster. If you haven't read Murder in the Worst Degree yet, by all means get your free copy now. http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Worst-Degree-Rocky-Bluff-ebook/dp/B00JFKAH9A/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1456873370&sr=8-1&keywords=murder+in+the+worst+degree+by+F.M.+Meredith Marilyn aka F. M. Meredith

Yep, tomorrow I'll be going to Burbank to appear on a panel with L.A. Sisters in Crime. Time: 7 p.m. Place: Buena Vista Branch of the Burbank Library Topic: Cozies As most of you know, I write two series, both police procedurals. So how did I get on a cozy panel? With the Deputy Tempe Crabtree series, though she is in law enforcement, she serves and protects in a small town. Most, not all, cozies take place in small towns. The Rocky Bluff P.D. series also takes place in a small town--though there are different characters who play important parts. Yes, there is usually a murder, one that always gets solved by the end of the book. There is no bad language in either series, though I'm sure my characters may let loose with a swear word now and then, I don't quote them. I figure my readers have heard enough bad words to supply them if they want. I always close the bedroom door. Well, at least I do now. In the earlier Rocky Bluff P.D. mysteries...

Anyone who reads my blog has already figured out that hubby and I love to travel over to the coast. Because I belong to the Central Coast Sisters in Crime, I have opportunities to join them in various events. We are traveling over to Santa Maria June 27th and staying overnight in the Santa Maria Inn. Also one of our favorites. Last time I went was with our daughter Lisa and we stayed in the newer part of the Inn. I'm hoping this time we'll get to be in the older and more historical part--the haunted part. On Saturday, June 28th, we'll drive down to the Lompoc Library where I'll be on a panel with other SinC members talking about different phases of publishing. My topic will be e-books. I'm sure I was chosen for this one because I've been published in e-books long before most anyone had a clue what that meant. Things have changed so much since I first started talking about e-books and how they would change the way people read. (I was right.) I've never...

My blog tour for Murder in the Worst Degree is nearly over--and I'm sure some of you are happy to hear that I won't be urging folks to follow along to the next blog. As usual, I've learned some things along the way with this blog tour. Next time, if there is a next time, I may skip the weekends. There are some blog hosts who only post guest blogs on the weekend, so that's something I'll have to weigh. Some blogs are far more popular than others and I've been fortunate to be on several of those. Some bloggers promote their blogs when a guest is there, many others don't bother. Next time I'll avoid those bloggers who moderate comments--it makes it far too difficult to respond to people's comments.  I won't avoid those who use captcha codes, though that is a pain, but too many use them these days. I do know that there are some people who just can't decipher them and won't bother to leave a comment. I had fun put...

April 20 Cora Ramos http://coraramos-cora.blogspot.com   How romance plays a part in the book April 21 Pamela Mason http://thoughtsinprogress.blogspot.com/ Review April 22 Morgan Mandell http://sweetnotspicy.blogspot.com/ Several Romances April 23 Shelley Guisti   http:// shelleyreadsandreviews .blogspot.com/    Review April 24 Mary Welk http://www.marwelk.com/ Social Issues April 25 Chris Redding http://chrisreddingauthor.blogspot.com/   How I Do My Research April 26 Writers Who Kill   http://writerswhokill.blogspot.com/ Ways I’ve Murdered People April 27 Jackie Vick http://jacquelinvickauthor.blogspot.com/ April 28 Cheryl Malandrinos  http://thebookconnection.blogspot.com/   Review April29 Kathleen Kaska http://kathleenkaskawrites.blospot.com/ Choosing Names for Characters and April 29 Mike Orenduff  http://thepotthief.blogspot.com/   How My Books Have Changed April ...

Everyone always remarks about all my energy and I've been accused of being a work-aholic. Neither is true. When you get to be my age, or at least in my case, my energy only lasts so long. I rise early and get started right away. Unlike others I've read about, I always shower and dress first knowing that if I didn't, I might not get dressed all day. Besides, it's what I've done all my life.  After straightening the kitchen and making a cup of Chai latte, I sit down at my computer where I do my Bible study, Email and a quick check of Facebook come next. And because I'm on a blog tour right now, I promote whatever blog I'm visiting on Facebook, Twitter, all the Facebook groups and lists that I belong too. During the day I'll be checking to see who has commented and reply to them, keeping a list of who comments for my contest. I always have an ongoing to-do list which will include working on the three newsletters I'm responsible for: mine (mon...

On Monday, April 14, 10 a.m., I'll be at the Porterville Public Library, 41 West Thurman Ave., Porterville CA, as part of the celebration for National Library Week. My topic will be about writing two mystery series. However, I'm always open to questions of any kind--about writing, getting published, etc. I'll have my four latest books in my two series available for sale and signing: Deputy Tempe Crabtree series: Spirit Shapes Raging Water In the Rocky Bluff P.D. series: Murder in the Worst Degree Dangerous Impulses For all the events going on this week: http://www.ci.porterville.ca.us/depts/Library/documents/nlw.pdf Hope to see some of you there, Marilyn aka F. M. Meredith

On the last day of March my month long Blog Tour for Murder in the Worst Degree Begins: Here are the first eleven days: March 31    http://wp.me/p3nHH-4Pb A Day in the Life of Officer Stacey Milligan April 1    http://thoniehevron.wordpress.com/   Cop Culture Researched April 2    http://mmgornell.wordpress.com/ Gordon Butler April 3   http:// www.gumbojustice.blogpsot.com/   Old Guys at McDonald’s April 4   http://cncbooksblog.wordpress.com/    My Life as an Author April 5    http://gdcramer.com/   Mother Nature and Her Influence of my Writing April 6    http://evelyncullet.com/blog   Short Excerpt and Review April 7    http://jwillsbooks.com/    Interview April 8   http://pat-writersforum.blogspot.com/   Why My Characters Won’t Let Go April 9   http://judys-stew.blogspot.com/      GreatGrands...

Left Coast Crime is going to be in Monterey this year from March 20-23. The very first LCC I ever attended was in Monterey and it was wonderful. The same couple who organized that first one are in charge this year too, do I know it will be spectacular. Of course Monterey is always a great place to visit, but going there for LCC is an added bonus. What's so good about Left Coast Crime? It's a gathering of readers who love mysteries and mystery writers (who are also readers). I've been to enough of these mystery conventions that I've met many fans and writers and in some ways attending LCC will be a bit like going to a big family reunion. My roommate to be is Madeline Gornell--a fellow mystery writer and a friend. We've roomed together before and the only downside is we tend to talk too late into the night. I've gone over the list of registered attendees and recognized names of many of my favorite mystery writers as well as those I've met before a...

This is the cover and I think it's terrific! I love the title too, but I can't take credit for that. Friend and fellow author, Wanda Porter sent the title to me and said I ought to use it. So without an idea for a plot, I started writing. This is the first line of Chapter 1: Except for the dead body washed up on the sand, conditions were perfect for surfing. I really had a good time writing this book. And the winner of the contest to be a character in my next book has a most important part. I hope she likes it. I've been really busy working on my blog tour. Right now I'm sending the posts and all that goes with them to my blog hosts. It all takes time. When March comes and the book is available, I hope some of you will take the time to read it.

I sent out 11 copies of the uncorrected Advance Reading Copies of Murder in the Worst Degree for review. Unless you're an author you have no idea how scary that is. Waiting to hear what people think about your latest book, is most nerve wracking. But here are the first three reviews and I'm happy to say they are both wonderful! Review: F.M. Meredith has outdone herself with Murder in the Worst Degree. I have enjoyed this series ever since I read my first one, but this is the very best one yet. All the familiar characters return. their lives continue to change and progress. When an elderly man’s body washes up on the beach at Rocky Bluff, the police begin their investigation, only to discover he was already dead before his body went into the water. In addition, a rapist strikes. As always, all the plot lines are completed, and the ending is very satisfying. This is a great read and highly recommended. --Lorna Collins This is my first review ever. I receive...

 This is the cover for the ARC for Murder in the Worst Degree , number 10 in the Rocky Bluff P.D. series. When the book comes out the Rocky Bluff P.D. police badge will be in the space where the oval is. This is the blurb for this latest entry in the Rocky Bluff P.D. series: The body that washes up on the beach leads Detectives Milligan and Zachary on a murder investigation that includes the victim’s family members, his housekeeper, three long-time friends, and a mystery woman. Of course the cover depicts the wave that brings in a body. These ARCs will go out to reviewers. The book is due to surface in March. Marilyn aka F. M. Meredith

This could easily be a neighborhood in Rocky Bluff, California as it climbs the hillside. No two houses alike. In this photo, the sky is blue, what fog there was in the early morning has burnt off b the sun. What a pleasant place to live. That is until the body comes ashore in the surf. Yes, that's how Murder in the Worst Degree begins. The pub date for the book is March of 2014, but I'll be dropping little hints about it right here on my blog between book reviews and guest author posts. Stay tuned. And if you haven't read the latest yet, Dangerous Impulses , be sure and get it an catch up with what's going on with the Rocky Bluff P.D. and their loved ones. http://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Impulses-Rocky-Bluff-Volume/dp/1610090608/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1386254600&sr=1-1 Marilyn aka F. M. Meredith