Voice-recognition mistake of the week: “Perhaps mining colonies in space would mean fewer destructive minds on Earth." I meant mines rather than minds, but sure, let's send the destructive minds to space!

Reality Check: In Something Deadly on Desert Drive, The Accidental Detective Book 2, Kate and the gang want to hijack someone's phone:

“He uses fingerprint access on his phone," [his ex-wife said.]

“We can get around that,” Mackenzie said. “Do you have something with his fingerprints on it? Smooth glass would be best.”

Jen stared at her. “Don’t tell me that thing they do in the movies where you put a piece of tape over someone’s fingerprints to lift them actually works.”

“It’s more complicated than that, but if we can get a good copy of the print, I can use the 3D printer at the makerspace to print a slightly raised copy on a fingerprint sleeve.”

Would that actually work? MythBusters season 2 episode 20 has the team testing ways to beat a fingerprint sensor. Here’s a clip with their conclusions. (Short answer—yes, it works!)

Get The Accidental Detective series in print or ebook from all retailers.

Ferret News: If you've gotten this newsletter for a while, you've seen and hopefully enjoyed pictures of Panda (lighter brown) and Bear Bear. We had to say goodbye to Panda. We miss her greatly, but she isn't struggling any longer. Bear is doing okay. Thank you for sharing our enjoyment.

Cowboy Talk: Have you heard about Artificial Intelligence programs taking over the world, or at least putting writers out of business? I'm not worried, as the creativity level generally isn't high, but it’s fun to play with the programs, as when I asked it to revise the book description for The Billionaire Cowboy's Proposition to "sound more like a cowboy":



“But Mallory weren't gonna be just another hanger-on beggin' fer the scarred cowboy's attention; instead, she offered up a deal that if Cody put his money into the theater, she'd pretend to be his fiancée to keep away all those gold diggers.”

Entertaining, but I won’t be asking it to write any books for me.

Get  the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys romance series. (No AI involved!)

Books on My Radar:

The Case of the Deadly Truffles (Annie Archer Paranormal Mysteries Book 1), by Daisy Landish: "When Annie Archer and Sheriff Adam Parker attend the grand opening of the new flower shop, Annie spots vases of flowers that could be toxic when consumed in powdered form. The owner of the shop wants to give a box of truffles to the mayor, but Annie suspects the truffles are laced with poison. Will Annie manage to use her suggestive powers to prevent the mayor from consuming any of the truffles? Could the store owner be a “bad witch”?" Readers call it cute and quick, for 99 cents or free in KU.

The Fungo Society, by Jeff Stanger: "Jonathan Quick is a savant when it comes to sports relics and a complete failure in relationships. He has a moral code when it comes to antiques and a complete lack of one for anything else. Quick takes a call from a mysterious group of old ballplayers named the Fungo Society. They’re convinced one of their own has been murdered, although the police have ruled it a suicide. Quick takes the case, but he’s competing against both a vindictive real estate developer and his nemesis in the auction trade, while the geriatric Fungo Society begin an unintentionally hilarious campaign of revenge." Readers call it funny, and it's only 99 cents.

In Love in London, by Sophie Sweet: "Can a modern-day marriage of convenience turn into true love? Curvy single mom Clementine Kennedy never wanted to sell herself as a mail-order bride. But when she receives the massive hospital bill for the procedure that saved her daughter’s life, she’s out of options. She’s not happy about this turn of events…until she meets young British billionaire Charlie North, her husband-to-be. He’s dark, protective, and so darn handsome. Her marriage of convenience just might be the beginning of everything she’s ever longed for… if Charlie’s family doesn’t destroy everything." It's from a series; book 1 is free.

Cat Massage Therapy, by Haru Hisakawa: "A full-color manga about purrfectly professional massage therapists: fluffy cats who knead your troubles away." How cute is that?!

Cat fans should also check out the Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series, featuring the workers and customers at a small-town cat café, and the adorable cats and kittens looking for their forever homes. Each book is a complete story with a happy ending for one couple (and maybe more than one rescued cat).

Find More New Books and Authors!

Rom-coms to Tickle Your Fancy: Over 25 romantic comedy stories featuring small towns, teen love, Southern charm, and more!

Romance pre-orders and new releases: Tired of seeing the same titles? Check out this group of 75 new romances! Find heat levels from sweet to spicy, with some romantic comedy and sci-fi. (Or just check out all the sexy cover models!)

The “Say It Isn’t So” Retirement Party for romance author Lyz Kelley is a one-time Facebook party with lots of authors doing giveaways on May 21. Join the group now and mark your calendar for May 21 so you can grab some goodies!

Finally, here's a recent scene from New Mexico, where spring is not bringing showers but it is bringing interesting clouds.

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PS: If you don’t have “The Case of the Missing Monkey and other short mystery stories,” Lions and Love at the Cat Café, or “22 of the recipes mentioned in Kris Bock’s Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series,” go here (free).