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Essence of Foul Play By Daryl Wood Gerber: Review/Giveaway/Guest Post
& Daryl Wood Gerber
Emma Brennan is ready to open her new spa. There are other spas in town but Emma’s offerings differ since they focus on the mind as much as the body. Of course, there’s always one person who has to be offended at everything. Willow, the owner of Mystic Waters, offers massages, scalp treatments, and seaweed wraps but Emma’s spa offers an eatery full of healthy foods and drinks, a gift shop, sound baths, and more.
Jackie Dale-TheCatMother/Cat Trapper: TNR & Kittens Galore
This past month I have been focusing largely on TNR before the doctor leaves on her vacation in mid-May. I had a list and began with an elderly lady in the next town over. I had TNRed several cats for her the previous year and needed to round up the stragglers. The woman’s backyard was severely overgrown so a volunteer from her church was kind enough to come over and clean it up so that I could trap.
Great Food Search: Old Favorites
I’ve lived in Fresno County since 1980 (plus three years at Fresno State). I’ve been to a lot of restaurants, and I’ve been to some restaurants lots. I’m going to share a few of my go-to places where I ought to earn frequent-flyer discounts.
Hound of the Bonnevilles By Nikki Knight: Review/Giveaway
Hound of the Bonnevilles is book two in Nikki Knight’s Grace "the Hit Mom" mystery series. A fast-paced plot and lots of humor await readers. This reads well as a standalone, although I’m anxious to get my hands on book one, Wrong Poison, so I can learn more about the ancient order that Grace belongs to as a “hit mom,” doling out justice to evil men.
The Four Queens of Crime By Rosanne Limoncelli: Review/Giveaway/Interview
It’s 1938 in London and the “four queens” of British crime fiction, Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, and Margery Allingham, are hosting a gala to raise money for the Women’s Volunteer Service to help Britain prepare for war.
Queer Mystery Coming Attractions: May 2025
Felice Picano died March 12, 2025. He was well beloved, respected, talented, and will be missed. I’ll let those more eloquent than I say how much Picano will be missed.
The Shellshock Murders: From WWII Hero to Unlikely Serial Killer, Part 2
by Sarah Peterson-Camacho
They say that fate is written in the stars, and if this is true, then Rayna Tom Carmen’s fate was sealed the night he slid into the passenger side of his friend Warren Kinsman’s automobile—for he would never be the same again.
Which Home Replacements Should You Prioritize This Year?
Maintaining a home can be a never-ending task, but knowing which replacements are crucial can help keep your living environment comfortable, efficient, and safe. As the year progresses, it's essential to focus on updates that can significantly impact your home's functioning and value.
What Modern Homes Get Right—And How to Follow Suit
Ever walk into a newly updated space and think, “This just feels right”? That’s no accident. From layout to lighting, modern designs are all about creating rooms that actually work for your lifestyle—not just for show. And the good news? You don’t need a brand-new house to get that feel.
How to Prep Your Home for Summer Guests
Summer’s almost here, and if your calendar is filling up with visits from family or friends, you’re not alone. Hosting people in your home can be fun, but it also takes a little effort. You want your space to feel clean, inviting, and ready—without having to scramble the night before guests arrive.
Bringing the Arts to Rural Communities: The Story of Laton Arts Central CA
Nestled in the heart of California’s Central Valley, Laton is a small rural town with a big dream—one that’s becoming a reality through Laton Arts Central CA. This nonprofit ensures that everyone, no matter their background, has a chance to experience the arts in a place where opportunities like this have been hard to come by.
Is Your Pet Helping You More Than You Think?
If you’ve ever come home after a stressful day and been greeted by a wagging tail or a gentle nudge from your cat, you’ve felt the calming power of a pet. For many people, pets aren’t just companions. They’re family. They offer comfort, stay close when we’re down, and bring joy in quiet, meaningful ways.
San Joaquin Valley Bookfest
The second annual San Joaquin Valley Bookfest is taking place in Fresno on May 3! It should be a fun time for book lovers and a chance for them to get to know local authors. Recently, we spoke with Danielle R. Shapazian, Director, The San Joaquin Valley Bookfest to learn more.
Bridal Shower Murder By Leslie Meier/Written in Stone By Paige Shelton: Reviews/Giveaways
& Sarah Erwin
This week we have reviews and giveaways of another pair of fun cozy mysteries-Bridal Shower Murder by Leslie Meier and Written in Stone by Paige Shelton.
Essence of Foul Play By Daryl Wood Gerber: Review/Giveaway/Guest Post
& Daryl Wood Gerber
Emma Brennan is ready to open her new spa. There are other spas in town but Emma’s offerings differ since they focus on the mind as much as the body. Of course, there’s always one person who has to be offended at everything. Willow, the owner of Mystic Waters, offers massages, scalp treatments, and seaweed wraps but Emma’s spa offers an eatery full of healthy foods and drinks, a gift shop, sound baths, and more.
Jackie Dale-TheCatMother/Cat Trapper: TNR & Kittens Galore
This past month I have been focusing largely on TNR before the doctor leaves on her vacation in mid-May. I had a list and began with an elderly lady in the next town over. I had TNRed several cats for her the previous year and needed to round up the stragglers. The woman’s backyard was severely overgrown so a volunteer from her church was kind enough to come over and clean it up so that I could trap.
Great Food Search: Old Favorites
I’ve lived in Fresno County since 1980 (plus three years at Fresno State). I’ve been to a lot of restaurants, and I’ve been to some restaurants lots. I’m going to share a few of my go-to places where I ought to earn frequent-flyer discounts.
Hound of the Bonnevilles By Nikki Knight: Review/Giveaway
Hound of the Bonnevilles is book two in Nikki Knight’s Grace "the Hit Mom" mystery series. A fast-paced plot and lots of humor await readers. This reads well as a standalone, although I’m anxious to get my hands on book one, Wrong Poison, so I can learn more about the ancient order that Grace belongs to as a “hit mom,” doling out justice to evil men.
The Four Queens of Crime By Rosanne Limoncelli: Review/Giveaway/Interview
It’s 1938 in London and the “four queens” of British crime fiction, Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, and Margery Allingham, are hosting a gala to raise money for the Women’s Volunteer Service to help Britain prepare for war.
- Books & Tales
- Mysteryrat's Maze
- Coming Attractions!
- Every Other Book
- Fantasy & Fangs
- Terrific Tales
Essence of Foul Play By Daryl Wood Gerber: Review/Giveaway/Guest Post
Emma Brennan is ready to open her new spa. There are other spas in town but Emma’s offerings differ since they focus on the mind as much as the body. Of course, there’s always one person who has to be offended at everything. Willow, the owner of Mystic Waters, offers massages, scalp treatments, and seaweed wraps but Emma’s spa offers an eatery full of healthy foods and drinks, a gift shop, sound baths, and more.
Essence of Foul Play By Daryl Wood Gerber: Review/Giveaway/Guest Post
Emma Brennan is ready to open her new spa. There are other spas in town but Emma’s offerings differ since they focus on the mind as much as the body. Of course, there’s always one person who has to be offended at everything. Willow, the owner of Mystic Waters, offers massages, scalp treatments, and seaweed wraps but Emma’s spa offers an eatery full of healthy foods and drinks, a gift shop, sound baths, and more.
Queer Mystery Coming Attractions: May 2025
Felice Picano died March 12, 2025. He was well beloved, respected, talented, and will be missed. I’ll let those more eloquent than I say how much Picano will be missed.
How I Failed My Way into Writing Books
March 24, 2021. My family and I were enjoying dinner after a show. I was working two jobs at the time, plus making my first feature film. After years of planning, I had shot most of it with the best cast anyone could have asked for, and magic had been made. I had brought my laptop and hard drive with me, hoping I could get some more editing done in the three-and-a-half-hour drive both to and from the show, but we were all in the moment and enjoying each other's company, so no editing had been done thus far on the trip.
Monster By Roh Morgon: Review/Giveaway/Interview
Sunny Collins—single mom, working mom, college student mom—is she being stalked? Attacked, dragged from her car, kidnapped, forcibly bitten, drained of blood, forced to drink the coppery liquid from the captor who feeds from her. She becomes . . . Monster by Roh Morgon, a prequel to the Chosen series of fantasy/vampire suspense novels.
Mystery Short Story: With A Little Help From Her Friends
Flexing her fingers encased in leather gardening gloves, Betty Birdsall leaned back and admired her freshly-weeded rock garden. Now that it was mid-June, the fuchsia creeping phlox had faded, but purple rock cress and blue star creeper were in full flower, complementing the pink hydrangeas in bloom against the house.
- Arts & Entertainment
- Theatre
- Movies
- Music
- Podcasts
- Rogue Festival
- Web Series & Vlogs
Bringing the Arts to Rural Communities: The Story of Laton Arts Central CA
Nestled in the heart of California’s Central Valley, Laton is a small rural town with a big dream—one that’s becoming a reality through Laton Arts Central CA. This nonprofit ensures that everyone, no matter their background, has a chance to experience the arts in a place where opportunities like this have been hard to come by.
Bringing the Arts to Rural Communities: The Story of Laton Arts Central CA
Nestled in the heart of California’s Central Valley, Laton is a small rural town with a big dream—one that’s becoming a reality through Laton Arts Central CA. This nonprofit ensures that everyone, no matter their background, has a chance to experience the arts in a place where opportunities like this have been hard to come by.
It’s Scary On The Surface Promises a Spooktacular Evening For the Whole Family
Mark your calendars for October 11 and prepare for a night filled with music, community, and Halloween spirit. It’s Scary On The Surface Part 3 is entering its third year, featuring live local music, food and drink, trick-or-treat bags for kids, face painting, and more. This Halloween-themed event will be hosted at the Selma Arts Center in downtown Selma on Friday, October 11. With tickets priced between $12 and $15 (children 10 and under get in free), this night promises fall fun the whole family can enjoy.
Rogue Festival Reviews: The Barn Identity & 90 Lies an Hour
“How many times have I told this story?” Erika MacDonald asks this question repeatedly in her Rogue Festival show The Barn Identity. Each time she tells it, another tiny piece of the story falls into place. Is it about swirling leaves? Barns falling down? Going to a movie? An old woman in a bed? Losing identity? Architecture? Poetry?
New Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast featuring Pleasant Drive
Here is your weekly reminder that there are also new articles up on our other website KRL News & Reviews! Every week there will be book reviews and giveaways, plus sometimes pet articles, theatre articles, and more! And listen to our new podcast!
Rogue Festival Reviews: The Barn Identity & 90 Lies an Hour
“How many times have I told this story?” Erika MacDonald asks this question repeatedly in her Rogue Festival show The Barn Identity. Each time she tells it, another tiny piece of the story falls into place. Is it about swirling leaves? Barns falling down? Going to a movie? An old woman in a bed? Losing identity? Architecture? Poetry?
Missing Persons: A Ghost Short Story
I handed my friend Graham a print out of the portrait I’d just taken of him and he burst into tears. He was sitting in the tapestry chair with his elbows resting on the wooden, carved lions head armrests, gazing into the near distance, exactly as I’d asked him to pose.
- Pets
- Animal Rescue Adventures
- Feral Paws Rescue
- Rodent Ramblings
Jackie Dale-TheCatMother/Cat Trapper: TNR & Kittens Galore
This past month I have been focusing largely on TNR before the doctor leaves on her vacation in mid-May. I had a list and began with an elderly lady in the next town over. I had TNRed several cats for her the previous year and needed to round up the stragglers. The woman’s backyard was severely overgrown so a volunteer from her church was kind enough to come over and clean it up so that I could trap.
Jackie Dale-TheCatMother/Cat Trapper: TNR & Kittens Galore
This past month I have been focusing largely on TNR before the doctor leaves on her vacation in mid-May. I had a list and began with an elderly lady in the next town over. I had TNRed several cats for her the previous year and needed to round up the stragglers. The woman’s backyard was severely overgrown so a volunteer from her church was kind enough to come over and clean it up so that I could trap.
Feral Paws Rescue: Princess
Princess came to my attention in early November 2024. Our rescue normally only takes in cats from high-kill shelters. Until Princess. One of our volunteers told me about her. She is a senior about 16 years of age. She was born deaf and blind, and has a condition abbreviated CH that can affect motor skills, balance, and coordination. She lived outside with a person’s other cats.
Rattie Ratz: Two Chaos Potatoes and the Women Who Love Them
In June of 2023, a woman reached out to Rattie Ratz Rescue when she discovered that her female rat was pregnant. She had accidentally gotten a male and female from the pet store. Once the babies arrived, she asked Rattie Ratz to help find homes for them.
ARTICLES
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Food
The Great Food Search, Food Fun
LatestGreat Food Search: Old Favorites
I’ve lived in Fresno County since 1980 (plus three years at Fresno State). I’ve been to a lot of restaurants, and I’ve been to some restaurants lots. I’m going to share a few of my go-to places where I ought to earn frequent-flyer discounts.
Education
Education
LatestThe Role of Practical Training in Healthcare Education
Healthcare education plays a vital role in preparing professionals to deliver high-quality care. While theoretical knowledge is crucial, it is practical training that bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world application. Without hands-on experience, healthcare professionals may struggle to apply concepts effectively in real-life scenarios.
Going Green
Going Green
LatestUCCE Master Gardeners of Fresno County Spring Garden Tour 2025
What do you do when the news of the world is getting you down? Go to a movie? Log into social media and vent your frustrations? Eat ice cream by the pint? Well, movies can be expensive (especially when you add popcorn), ranting online isn’t going to do much for your blood pressure, and consuming large quantities of sweets ... we’re not even going to go there. It’s time to put down your phone, close the refrigerator door, and get outside for some fresh air and sunshine.
Reedley News
Reedley News
LatestJackie Dale-TheCatMother/Cat Trapper Updates, Cats to Rescue, TNR Time
I left off my last column with an incoming cat from a winery a few miles from my home. The 10- pound male cat was incredibly beat-up and smelled REALLY bad. It was, of course, the unmistakable smell of hormone-charged urine. Obviously, the dude, now named, Cotton, needed to have outside accommodations. Even then the smell was permeating the entire area.
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