#Cozy mystery novella

[biandlesbianliterature]

A sapphic Sherlock Holmes book, but in space, and with an F/F second chance romance. If you’re looking for a quick but engaging read, The Mimicking of Known Successes is a great choice. Whether you’re a sci-fi fan who thinks you could use a little mystery or a mystery fan who thinks you could possibly branch into sci-fi, I think you could come into this book from either angle and be satisfied.

The Mimicking of Known Successes by Malka Older was reviewed at the Lesbrary

[chrisodonline]

I have been thinking about the show and you guys a lot more, not just because we're approaching the anniversary of the end but because...it seems like LA ties keep popping up everywhere!

I know I haven't been active, but I do like coming back to see you guys on my dash even if I have no idea what you're posting about because I'm not part of those fandoms. I've been debating on coming back more -- or going back to that LOL, Z blog I started just to make sure I keep writing and staying in touch. So, we'll see.

Work has been crazy, and I just took the first actual day(s) off in a good while. I had some rough losses near the end of last year, and then huge project after huge project has meant not just working without days off but also working on my days off. Finally actually took a couple days off and did nothing. And I actually got a good amount of writing done, so now I don't want to go back. (I find I actually do get going a lot quicker if I start by hand, but my joints cramp up soooo quickly. It's always been annoying. ANYWAY.)

What finally prompted this was I was watching last night's SNL, and NCIS:LA got a mention, despite being off the air. (There was a joke about character actors and appearing on arcs on shows with titles that are only letters. There were four spots, and LA was the fourth. IT IS STILL REMEMBERED! But holy crap, how about that Hawai'i turn? Wow. Anyway.)

In the past year, small things have made me think about LA:

-Waking up to an old episode from a syndicated outdoors show (I sleep with the TV on, don't judge me) that featured Gerald McRaney talking about his acting career -- filmed years ago -- and doing outdoors stuff -Spotting Medalion in a small spot on New Girl -Being addicted to Disney Dreamlight Valley when I was redirecting my impulse shopping addiction into cozy gaming (that was basically ADHD-crack because of all the tasks you just have to complete!). How is this relevant? Because the only fish I could seem to catch most of the time? COD! -Todd popping up in new commercials all the time -Getting into Elsbeth and watching CBS shows on Paramount and hearing the little logo music after or before a show and remembering watching LA on the platform a lot towards the end

And I know there are many more, but age + too may back-to-back storms and natural disasters have made my memory even wonkier. (We currently have a joke about our "weekly tornadoes" here. It's funny because it's not completely a joke. Lololol.)

Anyway, I won't lie to say there wasn't some freedom and relief that came with the show's ending. But there are definitely parts of it I miss like you guys.

[dartumbles]

Review: Gingerdead House by Nancy Warren

Gingerdead House by Nancy Warren My rating: 4 of 5 stars After the month it took me to read the Complete Oz book, I needed something light and short. This one was available to listen to on Libby just when I needed it. Do you need a fun little who-done-it with a fun character who happens to be a witch? It took three hours. The bad side is that it created a crazy desire for gingerbread cookies.…

[tamiveldura]

Friday Update!

Brief! Because I am Le Tired.

For the Anthology Workshop, I have skipped assignment #1 last week so that I could finish writing Vampire Mated, the novella I also happened to start just last week. I wrote 23k in six days and it's 50% kinky sex and it's also the fastest thing I've ever written and I LOVE it.

It's due to the editor first week of July and I need to do some formatting for that.

Hold on to that, more of Mated to come.

This week the Anthology Workshop assignment #2 (of six) was a cozy mystery set at a beach. On my YA/fantasy penname S.T. Lynn (long time fans will recognize the Cinder Ella trilogy, now in paper and hardback https://www.tamiveldura.com/product/black-trans-fairy-tales-omnibus/) I have a short story series called the Mischief Mysteries. They're a set of cozies from the point of view of a pet rats (based on my own rats years ago).

None of the Mischief Mysteries are available anywhere. I'm holding them for now until I have enough for a substantial collection OR I can find a good trade/small press market for them.

All that to say I wrote a Mischief Mystery for the cozy assignment and turned it in today. I think it's a strong story and I have all my fingers crossed that the editor buys it (but I won't know until the workshop in August!)

Sorry to leave you in suspense 😂

The third assignment next week is MilScifi, which I love, with two incredible, intimidating editors. I have a MilScifi short story series (check out the Boundary Shock Quarterly magazine, I'm in every issue starting at 14: https://www.boundaryshockquarterly.com/), but I'm not dedicated to using that world if the call for subs doesn't fit. I'll know on Monday!

I'm going to take a break this weekend and play the crap out of APICO. Save the bees.

[danielleurbansblog]

Meet This Author: Courtney Davis

Q: When did you first begin writing the Fawn Malero Mystery series?I started the series in the fall of 2020. After a rather long period of at home time and evaluating what I wanted and when I was going to go do it, I decided to get back on the writing train and I started that by writing the first two Fawn Malero books in a rather short period of time. Q: Who are the main characters?The main…

[60s-heartshaped-chevrolet]

SPECIFIC MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS #1

🌙✨ Gothic Fairy-Tale Films with Strong Female Leads ✨🌙

🍒❤️‍🔥Hey lovelies,

If you're like me find endless inspiration in the aesthetics of gothic fairy-tales, then you're in for a treat! I've created a list of enchanting atmospheric films, perfect for a cozy evening with your favorite tea.

To start with, of course, an absolute classic: a folk horror, menstrual tale with possibly the most aesthetically beautiful frames I've ever experienced in cinema. I constantly post something from this film on my blogs.

Valerie and Her Week of Wonders (1970): This surreal Czechoslovakian film follows young Valerie as she discovers a dreamlike world filled with vampires and magic. It's a visually stunning exploration of adolescence and awakening womanhood.

2. Daughters of Darkness (1971): This cult classic Belgian horror film features a mysterious, seductive countess who preys on young lovers in a deserted hotel. it’s a hypnotic blend of gothic allure and vampiric intrigue.

3. Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979): Werner Herzog's remake of the classic silent version. The film captures the gothic essence with stunning visuals and a chilling, melancholic tone. It's a mesmerizing exploration of fear and beauty.

4. The Vampire Lovers (1970): This Hammer Horror classic stars Ingrid Pitt as the alluring vampire Carmilla, who preys on young women in a secluded 19th-century village. it’s a captivating blend of horror and sensuality.

5. Beauty and the Beast (1978): This dark fantasy film, directed by Juraj Herz, offers a unique and eerie retelling of the classic fairy tale.Ideal for those who love a blend of dark romance and fairy-tale magic.

6. Viy (1967): This Soviet horror film, based on Nikolai Gogol's novella, follows a young priest who must spend three nights watching over the body of a witch in a haunted church. With its eerie atmosphere, stunning special effects, and deep roots in Slavic folklore, it's a captivating blend of supernatural horror and gothic fantasy.

That's all for today. I have many more films like these saved on my watchlist, so once I find some gems, I'll make another list. You can also look forward to a list of my favorite old fairy tales adaptations.

Kisses 💌💌

[lilyprettyremy]

How to Get Out of a Reading Slump:

Let’s be real—reading slumps happen to the best of us. One day you’re devouring novels like snacks, and the next, the thought of picking up a book feels like climbing a mountain. But don’t worry, this isn’t permanent! Here’s how you can reignite your love for reading with practical advice (and a little personal touch).

1. Start Small and Easy

Sometimes, the thought of diving into a big, heavy novel can feel overwhelming. Instead, reach for something light, fun, or even familiar. What Worked for Me: When I hit a slump, I re-read my favorite childhood book. The nostalgia pulled me in, and before I knew it, I was back in the reading groove.

Try This:

A novella, poetry collection, or short story.

A feel-good romance or an easy thriller that keeps you hooked.

2. Switch Formats

Who says reading has to be on paper? Shake things up with audiobooks, eBooks, or graphic novels. Sometimes, a new format is all you need to make stories exciting again. What I Loved: Listening to an audiobook while walking felt like having a friend tell me a story. It’s low-pressure and immersive.

Try This:

Download an audiobook for your commute or chores.

Explore comics or manga—they’re visually engaging and quick to finish.

3. Create a Cozy Reading Ritual

Make reading feel like a treat, not a task. Set the scene: grab a warm drink, snuggle up in a cozy blanket, and turn reading into a moment of self-care. What Helps Me: I light a candle, sip some tea, and read for just 15 minutes. Even if I don’t feel like continuing, I’ve created a moment of peace for myself.

4. Ditch the Guilt

If a book isn’t grabbing your attention, it’s okay to put it down! Life’s too short to force yourself through something you’re not enjoying. What I Do: I keep a “second chance” stack of books I didn’t finish but might come back to later. It takes the pressure off and lets me move on guilt-free.

Pro Tip: Give yourself permission to stop at any time. The right book will find you when you’re ready.

5. Set the Mood with Your TBR

Sometimes a slump happens because you’re not in the mood for what you’ve been reading. Change it up with books that match your current vibe. My Recent Trick: When I wanted cozy, wintery vibes, I picked up a snow-filled mystery, and it fit the season perfectly. It felt like I was part of the story.

Try This:

If it’s cold, go for a winter romance or mystery.

Feeling adventurous? Pick up a fast-paced fantasy.

6. Buddy Up

Reading doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Share the experience with someone who loves books as much as you do. What Worked for Me: My friend and I read the same book and texted each other our reactions. It made the whole process so much fun, and we got to geek out together.

Pro Tip: Join a book club, even if it’s online! Goodreads or apps like Fable make it easy to connect with other readers.

7. Take the Pressure Off

Sometimes, we fall into slumps because we set unrealistic expectations for ourselves. Forget about reading “x” number of books or finishing by a certain date—just read what you love. My Perspective: I stopped tracking my reading goals for a while and focused on enjoying the stories. That shift in mindset made all the difference.

8. Revisit Your Why

Ask yourself: Why do you love reading? Is it the escape, the knowledge, the way stories make you feel? Reconnecting with that "why" can reignite your passion. 💡 What I Remind Myself: Reading isn’t a chore—it’s a gift. When I focus on that, it stops feeling like something I “should” do and starts feeling like something I want to do.

9. Explore a Different Genre

If you’ve been stuck in the same genre, it might be time for a change. Trying something new can surprise you and pull you right back in. My Experiment: I went from contemporary fiction to fantasy and felt like I’d rediscovered the magic of reading all over again.

Pro Tip: Ask for recommendations in genres you don’t usually explore!

10. Go Easy on Yourself

At the end of the day, slumps happen. Don’t stress about it—it’s just a phase. The books will always be there when you’re ready. My Advice: Take it slow, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. Sometimes, stepping away from reading for a little while can also recharge your love for it.

Getting out of a reading slump is all about finding what sparks your interest again—whether it’s a cozy atmosphere, a gripping audiobook, or a change of genres. Be patient with yourself, and remember, it’s not about the number of books you read but the joy you find in them. So go ahead, grab that book, and take it one page at a time. You’ve got this!

[seraphinitegames]

Christmas in Wayhaven.

It’s magical.

…Quite literally.

--

Christmas has come to Wayhaven, and you and Unit Bravo have been thrown into another mystery with a little more sparkle than usual!

Upside-down Christmas trees, toys springing to life, and an army of waddling plastic Santas are just some of the magical festive pranks being cast on townsfolk and places alike.

To find whoever is casting these supernatural antics, you and the team of vampires are sent chasing around town in search of the merry Christmas culprit before magic is revealed to everyone in Wayhaven.

But the festive spirit brings with it a dreamy air that makes all too easy to get distracted by just how romantic Christmas can be with a vampire at your side…

-

Grab it on Itch.io, or join our Patreon Community for exclusive epilogues* and goodies and enjoy this short, novella-style interactive side-story set within the world of Wayhaven, where you are the main character! It’s a Christmas tale filled with cozy festive fun and plenty of fluffy romantic moments.

(This game can be played as a Stand-Alone story away from the main series of The Wayhaven Chronicles. But it should be noted that it does involve characters and relationships that have developed already during the main games, but extra explanation is provided throughout where needed to help you enjoy it to the fullest!)

*Holiday Magic will be part of the Crow Quill tier and up and the Epilogues are available on the Swan Quill tier and up. Stock media provided by ikoliks / Pond5 Stock media provided by Canva

[wormwoodandhoney]

Do you have any recommendations for any cozy or spooky (not scary) autumn book?

sorry this has lived in my inbox for 45 years, i have been ~*depressed*~!! here are my recommendations for spooky not scary and cozy books! if you have triggers, please check for them before diving in, as even cozy spooky books might sneak something in!

the shady hollow series by juneau black: literally soooo cozy. a mystery series set in a beatrix potter-type world in which an intrepid fox reporter solves various murders in her small woodland town.

spirit hunters by ellen oh: a middle grade spooky story about a young girl with the ability to see ghosts, and how she must save her younger brother.

garlic and the vampire by bree paulsen: a sweet graphic novel about an anxious anthropomorphic bulb of garlic who must save her friends in the garden from a vampire.

cackle by rachel harrison: more "adult" than the other books on this list, this is about a woman who, after a bad breakup, moves to a small town and befriends a mysterious older woman who has untold powers. note: this is not sapphic and it should have been!!

the strange case of the alchemist's daughter by theodora goss is about the daughters of jekyll and hyde and the club they form with other historical horror daughters.

the butcher of the forest by premee mohamed: definitely the darkest on this list, but i wanted to give you a darker option without gore (or at least without much gore). this is a novella about a wild, dangerous forest that has taken the king's young children, and the older woman tasked to save them, as she is the only person to have ever made it back out.

on my own cozy tbr this october: practical potions and premeditated murder, chaos at the lazy bones bookshop, the village library demon-hunting society

[wearethekat]

Best Books of 2024

All of my favorite reads from last year!

The Tainted Cup, Robert Jackson Bennett. A Sherlock Holmes-style political mystery about a woman investigating a murder in a truly original secondary fantasy world.

The Warm Hands of Ghosts, Katherine Addison. Haunting story about a woman looking for her missing brother who's trapped in a pocket realm on the battlefields of World War I.

The Square of Sevens, Laura Shepherd Robinson. An ingeniously twisted historical fiction thriller about a woman who was brought up as a fortuneteller in the 1730s recounting her past.

Someone You Can Build a Nest In, John Wiswell. Sapphic body horror gore monster romance that commits to the bit while also somehow being cozy.

Necrobane, Daniel M. Ford. Bisexual necromancer and all-around menace Aelis engages in pulp DnD like adventures as the protector of a rural village. Book 2 of a series.

The Reformatory, Tananarive Due. A Southern Gothic where the real horror is racism about a young boy sent to a prison reform school in the fifties.

Triple Sec, TJ Alexander. Poly romance about a bartender falling in love with a woman—and then realizing that she's into the woman's partner too.

Lady Eve's Last Con, Rebecca Fraimow. Space opera romcom heist about a woman getting revenge on the man who jilted her sister.

Running Close to the Wind, Alexandra Rowland. An absolute souffle of poly pirate shenanigans. Strong character voice a la Gideon the Ninth that you'll either love or hate.

Rakesfall, Vajra Chandrasekera. Let me be honest, I'm not sure I have any idea what happened in this fever dream of a novel, but it was really good.

The West Passage, Jared Pechacek. A deeply strange and original monk book along the lines of Susanna Clarke's Piranesi.

The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System, Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. The most devoted hater of a popular webserial dies mad about it and ends up in the world of the book. A masterpiece of dramatic irony, made me feel insane for at least four months.

Asunder, Kerstin Hall. Another excellent installment in the guy stuck in your head genre in a wild and original fantasy setting.

Dark Breakers, CSE Cooney. A gorgeous collection of interlinked fairy tale novellas set around the same Gilded Age mansion.

Swordcrossed, Freya Marske. An absolute delight of a gay romcom with a large amount of detail about the fantasy wool industry.

[aroaessidhe]

aro & ace books: autistic aspecs!

The Many Half Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester - YA paranormal, an autistic acespec MC, aroace side character

Compound Fracture - thriller, MC figures out he's autistic & arospec

The Tale That Twines - fantasy, autistic grey-aro love interest (MC is also demi & neurodivergent and says it's been suggested e's also autistic)

Convenience Store Woman - contemporary novella. not explicit, but the MC is pretty clearly aroace and autistic coded, most of the story is about these experiences

Kea's Flight - scifi with a bunch of autistic characters, one major character is an ace lesbian

Poisoned Primrose - cozy mystery, autistic bi-ace MC

Party of Fools - high fantasy, one of the MCs is an autistic ace lesbian (+ other aroace / autistic characters)

Odd Blood - paranormal romcom, autistic demisexual MC

Earthbound Hearts - YA contemporary/fantasy, autistic ace lesbian MC

How To Sell Your Blood and Fall In Love - urban fantasy - 1/2 MCs is demi/greyaro

The Reanimator's Heart - historical paranormal - 1/2 MCs is demi

The Summer Love Strategy - YA contemporary, the love interest is an autistic demi-aroace trans girl

See also: The Mariah Mission - YA contemporary, the love interest is ace, and autistic coded (mentioned in author's note),

#aspec books / aspec database / tumblr masterpost

[writeblrfantasy]

have you been wanting to get both of my cozy queer fantasy novellas?

they're available for a combined price of 3.99 on kofi! that's about 100 pages worth of an easy, loving read that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. two easy stories and a smile on my face <3

blurbs below the cut!

Prince Sternard has never wanted the throne. He’s spent a few happy few years away from home as the head of the kingdom's army, and he wants nothing more than to never return to awful childhood memories and his tyrant father. However, when the palace falls to disease and his father dies, Sternard must return home and face the ghosts he's running from.

At the palace, he meets the only survivor of the epidemic, an uptight but bright secretary named Cecil.

As Sternard and Cecil work alone to rebuild the palace from tragedy and the echoes of his father’s tyranny, Sternard finds himself settling into his new life with much more ease than he anticipated-–and all because of the brilliant secretary with an increasing hold on his heart.

⭐⭐⭐

Lord Serian of Blackwood Hall is a healer of fame and legend. In his hidden home, he heals the sick and injured and asks for nothing in return except that they keep the location of the Hall a secret. After they've healed, they leave, and Serian passes quiet days with just his staff for company. Such has been his life for years.

When a stranger shows up half dead at Blackwood Hall one stormy night, Serian is instantly intrigued. As the stranger Adar recovers, Serian learns of his kindness and wandering ways, though Adar remains cagey about what led him to Blackwood Hall.

As they grow closer, and Serian forms a growing attachment to his mysterious stranger, he's forced to confront the reminder that Adar will have to leave just as every patient does.

GENERAL TAGLIST: @worldbuildng @muddshadow @nikkywrites @47crayons @directionoftime

@chayscribbles @magic-is-something-we-create @rodentwrites @notwritinganyflufftoday

[aurumacadicus]

Book Club Schedule

Beloved followers! Have you made a resolution to read more in the new year? Do you want to have someone to talk books with? Do you need someone to lovingly peer pressure you into opening that book? Perhaps you'd like to join a book club! We set out a list of books for Tumblr in general to vote on, then vote on the top three in our Discord. Every month, we vote on our next month's book, and our schedule is as follows:

January: Debut Books --We're starting the first month of the year with any author’s first book. It could be a new author, or it could be an established author’s first foray into publishing. February: Romance --The bar is on the floor in terms of romance. If there is a romantic relationship taking place in the text, it counts. We also allow books with sex in them, so long as there is overarching plot. March: Banned Books --With the number of banned books on the rise, we need to read their words and think about broadening our horizons and celebrating freedom of expression. April: Adventure --From traipsing into Mordor, to traveling 10,000 leagues under the sea in the Nautilus, to crossing Mars for the chance to go home, the books will be about going on an adventure! May: Mystery --Any mystery of any kind! Can range from edge-of-your-seat thrillers to the beginning of cozy serial mysteries. June: Pride --June is all for queer-themed books. We accept all orientations under the queer umbrella. July: Free Month/Queer Non-fiction* --This month you can just chill, catch up on unfinished previous books, or read an optional queer non-fiction book! August: Translated Books --Books translated from their original language. More and more books are being translated these days, we just need to take the chance! September: That book you've had for over a year that for some reason you are intimidated by --Listen, starting books is hard! But we can make it easier by peer-pressuring each other into it. We’ll help get that one book off your TBR list! October: Horror --The bar is on the floor in terms of horror. If it’s even slightly scary, we’ll accept it. Thrillers count! November: No book or Novella* --This is another month to chill, catch up, or read our optional bonus book! December: Cozy Classics --There are so many books that are classics for a reason. It’s time to swaddle in with a good classic and end the year out with something easy!

(*Free month bonus books will be decided via Discord only.)

If you'd like to join the book club, feel free to send me a message!

[literary-illuminati]

2024 Book Review #49 – The Mimicking of Known Successes by Malka Anna Older

I originally had aspirations of reading every Hugo nominee for best novella as well as best novel before the actual voting, but in retrospect that was always something of a bad joke. But a few weeks too late, my library hold on this did come in – I read it over a few days of lazy summer morning’s at a friend’s cottage, which was basically the ideal circumstances. It’s hardly high art, and not really my favoured subgerne of mystery regardless, but does accomplish its aspirations of being a cozy low-tension mystery-romance with style.

The story is set on Jupiter, some time after the environmental situation on Earth became sufficiently dire that humanity fled en mass to a life aboard rail-connected platforms floating in Jupiter’s (now ‘Giant’s’) skies. Mossa is one of the Investigator’s charged with solving crimes and disappearances, most pressingly the disappearance of a scholar in classical Earth ecosystems from the easternmost platform on a line. Expecting a suicide, she nonetheless travels to the University and calls upon Pleiti, her old university ex and now an established scholar in a similar field. From there, the two of them unravel the mystery together and things go basically as you’d expect them to.

Which is to say, this is billed as ‘cozy Holmesian murder mystery’, and each part of that description is much, much more important than the one that comes after. There is maybe two pages of what might be considered tension in the whole affair, and in general the reading experience is just the relaxing experience of watching a narrative travel along well-oiled tracks without anything much in the way of surprises and reversals. As Holmes-alikes go, Mossa isn’t bad. Not amazing, probably more of an archetype than a character, but the archetype and the dynamic of Holmes-and-Watson-but-they’re-lesbians-who-dated-in-college is handled as elegantly as the conceit really allows. The murder mystery largely exists to provide a structure for everything else – and I do viscerally dislike the fact that the actual villain is only introduced on the page at the same time the whole scene is revealed in the final confrontation. Feels like cheating.

The biggest part of ‘everything else’ is the setting. The vision of Jovian life was clearly worked out with a lot of love and care, and rather more effort is spent on the details of day-to-day life and academic bureaucratic politics than is on the specifics of the ostensibly driving mystery. I can’t speak to the plausibility of any of it, but that’s hardly the driving motivation here – it does successfully feel like a real world lived in by real people (if, perhaps, mostly improbably gentle and polite ones). Society is familiar and domestic enough to still fit the comfy label, but different enough to still feel plausibly alien. Though the fact that ‘conservative’ is an actual slur does kind of verge into self-parody of the whole genre of cozy progressive sci-i, here.

The romance is fine, I suppose? I’m hardly the target audience. That the two of the would get together in the end was absolutely never in question, and the book didn’t even pretend otherwise. And so it never really becomes an object of dramatic tension – the whole romance plot basically boils down to Pleiti lightly angsting over whether Mossa is sending mixed messages on purpose, only to eventually have her reveal she was awkwardly wondering she reciprocated before asking her out. There are lots of cute moments and no conflict to speak of.

This is a quick novella (fewer than 200 slight pages, in my copy), so there’s only so much it can be expected to do – but where it fell apart for me is actually the points where its ambition reached beyond just being a cozy murder mystery. There’s this light dusting of themes – of a conflict betwee nthe classisits who are so determined to perfectly recreate the pre-apocalyptic environment of earth in one go that they will study and plan for an eternity while humanity’s exile continues, versus the villains being desperate to return to a world with flowing water and solid ground that they’re willing to take drastic, independent action. The book acts like this was a real conflict the book explored and welt upon, patting itself on the back with a hopeful conclusion about Pleiti being the perfect woman to start a new synthesis of things – but honestly I just don’t buy it. It’s implicit but only barely touched on until literally the villains big monologue in the third act, which is a shame because you could get some really good ideological and political meat off that bone. Fees like wasted potential.

But yeah on the whole, not at all my genre, but fun lazy summer read.

[transman-badass]

So come January, I'm gonna write a new Cthulhu Mythos novella - an affectionate/horror parody of the 'cozy mystery' genre, set in modern day Arkham with all the cosmic horror that involves. But I'm having trouble choosing my protagonist. I've got two trouble magnets options right now:

Wes: A 19yo trans redhead from Alabama, he comes to Arkham on a scholarship to Miskatonic U, and to work part-time as a security guard on campus. He is determined to keep the good parts of the South with him, especially the food, even though the bad parts are a big reason for why he left. But not the biggest. He’s a very typical small town kid - friendly, big-hearted, and all too trusting.

Ryan: A [also probably trans] 20 or 30 something with mismatched eyes and a strange accent. While officially a photographer, he's really in town to chase his passion for occult knowledge and new experiences. Calm and bright-eyed, he looks forward to his future in Arkham, away from the shadows of his past he can’t bear to think about. Turns out he has a knack for magic and can talk to cats.

If one or both of these characters sounds familiar to you, well, there's a reason for that ;)

[danielleurbansblog]

Review: A Desperate Cat Lady

Synopsis: Illegal guns. Dangerous old-ladies. Now a dead body. Angela’s life is getting more complicated by the minute. A boring life is not in Angela’s future, with her being a black market guns dealer. Tripping over a dead-body is now bringing a lot more attention from law enforcement than she cares to have. If only she could get control of the Silver Hair Gang, and their quest to find the…