Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Karen Phillips mixes it up with boxing and... in her debut A DEADLY COMBO

HALLIE EPHRON: There's a special pleasure that comes with getting to introduce a writer publishing a debut novel. For them, it's only going to happen once... and for us here at Jungle Red Writers, it's what we do, pass along what our sisters in crime did for us.

So today I'm welcome Karen A. Phillips. She's a dab hand at short stories, but is making her debut with A DEADLY COMBO. She mixes it up, featuring boxing and... something you'll never expect to go with boxing.

Welcome, Karen!

KAREN A. PHILLIPS: Thank you for having me on Jungle Red Writers. I’m excited to be here!

I especially want thank Hallie for publishing WRITING AND SELLING YOUR MYSTERY NOVEL, as this book has been my guide throughout my writing journey. I also had the pleasure of attending a writing retreat where Hallie taught craft. I learned so much during those invaluable four days!

My debut mystery is titled A DEADLY COMBO - a blend of traditional and cozy genres.

The inspiration for my story came from attending my first vintage trailerfest at a winery. Spread out over a carpet of green grass were about fifteen trailers in all colors and styles. The owners – trailerites – invited the public inside their vintage trailer. They loved to talk about how they found their trailer (typically abandoned in a field somewhere) and how they restored the trailer to its former glory. Stepping into each trailer was like stepping back in time.

I had so much fun, and then the thought occurred to me, “Wouldn’t this be a great place to find a dead body?” And thus A DEADLY COMBO was born!

I must admit I caught the vintage trailer bug and did purchase my own trailer.

I mean, I needed to have first-hand knowledge for my book, right? 

I quickly learned, however, how much of a money pit owning a vintage trailer can be. Alas, I sold my trailer after a couple of years. If I ever get rich, I will buy a Airstream Bambi. The Airstream is a classic and the Bambi is a compact model, so easier to haul.

The title of my book, A DEADLY COMBO, is a shorter version of A Deadly Combination. The title hints at how the victim dies and is a nod to the sport of boxing. 

My protagonist takes boxing lessons. I thought it would be a unique hobby for the amateur sleuth and could come in handy in a number of ways. 

Believe it or not, I take boxing lessons. The trainer in my story is patterned after my own coach.

Boxing is a great way to stay in shape and I highly recommend it.

Have you ever been to a vintage trailerfest or owned a vintage trailer? Have you ever taken lessons in a pugilistic sport?

HALLIE: I confess, NO to both here. But I love vintage trailers and I wish I had the courage to take boxing lessons.

ABOUT KAREN

Karen A. Phillips enjoys writing mysteries, MG/YA fantasy, and poetry. She resides in northern California, and is a proud member of Sisters In Crime and Willamette Writers. . . . and yes, she does take boxing lessons.
Visit her at https://karenaphillips.com/
Facebook: KarenAPhillips/Author
Instagram: kannphillips
Twitter: @phillips_writes

91 comments:

  1. Congratulations, Karen . . . your debut mystery sounds quite intriguing.

    I've never owned a trailer and I've never been to a trailerfest [but it does sound like the perfect place to leave a body].
    No boxing lessons, either, but a good, solid punch is sure to be an asset!

    Perhaps you could tell us a bit about your book and your story's protagonist?

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    1. Hank Phillippi RyanApril 5, 2023 at 9:42 AM

      Great idea , Joan!

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    2. It does indeed seem like a perfect place to drop a body. I remember once passing through a Hotel 6 that was hosting a dog show of St. Bernards. HUGE cages. Dogs on platforms getting their fur blow dried. And I thought ... good place to drop a body.

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    3. Thank you for asking, Joan! My book is a blend of traditional and cozy genres. My protagonist, Raquel AKA Rocky, is kind of like me, a retired woman who takes boxing lessons. She and her twin sister,Bridget, stumble across a dead body and when Bridget becomes a person of interest in a murder, Rocky vows to prove her sister innocent of the crime. The story takes place over seven days. It is very fast-paced and I'm happy to say, garnering rave reviews!

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    4. A twin! I love books about twins!

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  2. Congratulations Karen on your new mystery series.

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  3. Congratulations, Karen, on your new series and on being a guest on JRW - one of my favorite blog sites ever. (I read and consulted often Hallie Ephron's book, Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel, too, and found it so helpful.)

    How cool that you took (and continue to take) boxing lessons and that you owned a vintage trailor for a while. I have never done either, but I totally get the lengths one will go to to get into the world of the book. Like Joan, I think a trailer fest is the perfect place to leave a body. I can't wait to read this book.

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    1. I have a harder time imagining the boxing than the trailer. And I keep wondering, don't you get HURT?

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    2. Hi Elizabeth! Chiming in all the way from Portugal! Do they have vintage trailers there?

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    3. Hallie - yes, you can definitely get hurt taking boxing lessons. But you wear protective headgear and wrap your hands before you put on the boxing gloves for added protection. To be honest, I don't like hitting people. Especially not in the face. So I would not last one round in the ring! LOL

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  4. Those are both perfect - and unique - hooks to put into a cozy mystery, Karen! I can imagine the money it would cost to keep up and drive around a vintage trailer. And I agree about Hallie - she's the best.

    I went to a gathering of tiny houses a few years ago (because one of my protags lives in one). They are all built on a trailer base. Inside I'm sure it's similar to a vintage trailer - it's so small, everything has its own hidden storage space.

    I studied/practice karate in my long-ago past. About fifteen years ago I signed up for a kick-boxing class and absolutely loved it. My body remembered how to do the moves but I wasn't in quite good enough shape for it anymore and did something unfortunate to a hamstring. I haven't been back.

    Best of luck with the new book and series!

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    1. Edith, you're amazing. Kickboxing! And I love the idea of a mystery with a protagonist who lives in a tiny house.

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    2. Edith, I keep thinking I should add kick-boxing to my workout. But I'm afraid of doing something like you did. There is too much spinning involved!

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    3. Hallie, they are my Cozy Capers Book Group mysteries! I'm 2k into book #6 now.

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    4. Edith, terrific series! I just finished reading MURDER IN A CAPE COTTAGE.

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  5. From Celia: a unique place for you Karen. Enjoy this time and congratulations. Never had a trailer, or a caravan as us Brits call them, experience but it sounds a lot of fun. However I have done a little boxing practice as one of my trainers had a bag hanging in her studio. Plus I did a beginners video class during the pandemic. Not sure I would want to box a person but I loved learning the moves and footwork.

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    1. Yes boxing a person feels a lot more intense than boxing a bag.

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    2. Thank you, Celia. Yes, this is a fun time for me. I had no idea publishing a book would be so much fun!

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  6. Welcome Karen, and congrats! I'm not going down the boxing rabbit hole, but salivate over those little Airstreams! I can't however get my hub on board:)

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    1. Lucy, imagining you w your husband, cat, and dog in a mini Airstream. Yikes. I can't imagine baking in one of those.

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    2. Lucy, there are campgrounds with Airstreams you can stay in. Did you know that? At least that way you don't have to buy it or tow it! LOL

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  7. Karen, congratulations on your debut mystery. It is wonderful to have a mentor like Hallie to guide your process. Like Joan, I'd love to hear more about your book and your plot.

    I studied Karate when I was a young woman (almost 50 years ago) and kept the preparation workout as my workout for years. I wish that I could do more of it now but injuries prohibit most of the moves. I admire your choice of boxing for fitness and mental health. Karate was excellent for both.

    As for the little trailers, I was fascinated by them when I was a child. I envied the people who drove down the highway dragging them behind. That looked like the best kind of adventure.

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    1. We are past-karate twinsies, Judy!

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    2. Yes, fascinated when we were kids, too - anyone else remember the vintage Mickey Mouse/Donald Duck cartoon in which the pair go on a trip in an Airstream. Classic!

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    3. Judy, Karate is impressive! Did you learn to chop through a stack of bricks? And Hallie, I don't remember the Mickey Mouse/Donald cartoon. But another bit of nostalgia, I mention the movie "Long, Long, Trailer" with Lucy and Desi. There is a scene in the book that is like their crazy winding ride in that movie!

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    4. Karen, didn't break bricks, but yes to boards with my hands and my feet. There is a technique...

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  8. First, congratulations, Karen! What a unique and, may I add, smart mix of interests to give an amateur sleuth.

    The whole vintage camper thing is what author T. Taylor calls a universal fantasy ... getting away from it all, travel, a tiny house that's an Airstream, which has sort of a glamping image. The boxing keeps her fit and helps even the odds for those inevitable Act III last-ditch "reactions" from the villain.

    Plus, I wanna know how that big dog on the cover fits into a camping trailer. ;)

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    1. Rhonda, what a great point you make about a universal fantasy. My book does have that! Including solving the murder! And the big dog is in the story, but he doesn't go for a ride in a camping trailer. :-)

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  9. I confess, I always wanted to take boxing lessons. Or maybe just get good with a speed bag!

    Your book sounds delightful. Those vintage trailers bring up so many memories of the trips between New Jersey and Florida back in the 1950s. We traveled by car and hotel, but I always wanted to go by trailer.

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    1. Sleeping in the trailer sounded good... But actually driving one, around those curves on the way to the Grand Canyon for instance? Or in a high wind? Not for the faint of heart.

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    2. When we moved back to Maine we rented an RV - it was July 2020 - not staying in hotels. It was a delightful way to travel, but I never took the wheel. There's a benefit to having superb navigational skills!

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    3. Thanks for commenting, Kait. My family only took road trips in a station wagon. What fun that your family trailered! On the way to Arizona once, my dad pulled over in the desert to take a nap, and we all slept in the wagon.

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  10. Congrats, Karen! Never taken boxing lessons. My father-in-law owned a vintage trailer but his was not nearly in as good shape.

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    1. OOh, Liz - Love to hear more about your father-in-law's trailer! Did he lend it to you (for you honeymoon?? - Now there's a novel)

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    2. Liz, many trailers are made with very thin plywood. They don't last long and are very expensive to restore.

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  11. Congratulations on the debut, Karen! Back in my college days, I took a couple of karate lessons at a women-only karate studio. It was really a good workout, but I didn't continue and have never really wanted to box.

    I've never had a desire to own a trailer, vintage or otherwise. I think my experience with a sailboat as a young adult turned me off the idea of expensive toys. I have a friend who owns a beautifully restored 1940s-era Willys Jeep that he likes to drive around at the Troutdale airport on nice days.

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    1. I'm with you on averse to expensive toys. But I can see how one could get sucked in...

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    2. Gillian, yes, there are expensive toys out there for just about any and every whim!

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  12. Congratulations, Karen! Interesting combo, but why not? When I was growing up, my father who could do or make almost anything, built a series of truck campers, each one bigger and better than the one before it. Then he bought a travel trailer. This was 50 years ago, so I'm not sure if that makes it vintage now or not, but it was new then. Finally he went whole hog and bought an RV. He must have got the bug from his parents who had a tiny teardrop-shape trailer I only saw parked on their lawn, but I assume they had traveled with it. Interesting to me now that I was never curious to see what it looked like inside. I'd love to see in there now.

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    1. It really is a wonderful element fora crime novel.

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    2. Judi, those teardrop trailers do seem the easiest to tow and an affordable option! I highly suggest you (and everyone) attend a vintage trailerfest some day. They have days they open to the public. It is fun to go inside each trailer and talk to the owners.

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  13. Congratulations, Karen! I like your 'combo' for your series--it doesn't sound gimmicky. With the popularity of downsizing-mobile tiny homes-etc., it seems like you've hit upon a good foundation for lots of different mysteries to occur. As for boxing, I grew up with four brothers and I learned a few moves for self-preservation :-).

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    1. I agree - good foundation for a series.

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    2. Flora, you made me laugh! I had three brothers and yes, you learn to defend yourself! Luckily they beat each other up so left me alone for the most part.

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  14. Congratulations, Karen. Boxing and vintage trailers -- unique and intriguing. And I can tell by your interest and enthusiasm about them that your story is going to have that ring of authenticity that readers love.

    No vintage trailer, here, but last summer hub and I did by a 19 foot camper and took a trip through Delaware and Virginia. What fun to set up camp in various gorgeous settings and settle into our tiny house at the end of each sight seeing day. We've got a few more years to enjoy it, I think.

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    1. What a great adventure, JC! Imagining camping in Shenandoah National Park or Bryce...

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    2. JC - how fun for you! I wish you many happy trips with your 19-foot camper.

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  15. Hank Phillippi RyanApril 5, 2023 at 9:40 AM

    This completely hilarious! Brilliant. And congratulations.
    As for trailers. Um. When they are traveling, do you ride in the back? What’s that like? Thinking now—I’m not sure I have ever been inside a traveling one.
    And my boxing question :-)—does it hurt?

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    1. That's my question, too. And I'd be terrified riding in the back. Do you buckle into the dining room chair?

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    2. Hank and Hallie - you two are killing me! If you watch the movie Long, Long Trailer with Desi and Lucy, she makes the mistake of riding in the back while Desi drives. You'll see how that turned out! And as for boxing, like any sport, it can hurt if you overdo it, but my trainer knows when to take it easy. He can see when I get tired.

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  16. I love the sound of your combination, Karen. I have often wondered about boxing as a fitness activity -- but have never gotten beyond the thinking stage. Congratulations on your debut novel!

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    1. People swear by it for fitness. But I'd rather take up cheerleading.

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    2. Amanda, that is too funny. And Hallie, I am not the cheerleader type. I guess that's why I box. LOL

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  17. I love the storyline and your camper looks like so much fun. I too love the Airstream Bambis but they are so expensive.

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    1. Thank you, April. And, yes, those Airstreams are pricey

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  18. Welcome to JRW, Karen Phillips! I have been thinking of writing a novel with a blend of traditional and cozy mystery genres.

    Wanted to ask if it is boxing or kickboxing?

    Congratulations on your Debut novel!

    Diana

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    1. Hi Diana - just boxing. I have not tried kickboxing. And do try writing your novel with a blend of traditional and cozy. I certainly don't think I'm the first. And there is a new term coined for a dark cozy - it is "cozy noir."

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  19. congrats! An intriguing mix of boxing and trailers. Looking forward to reading it.

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  20. What a clever idea for your debut, Karen! Put me on the "I love vintage trailers" list - I have been known to watch YouTube videos of people restoring theirs. The amazing interiors the owners put in those things - often using thrifty materials - makes me wonder why standard RVs are so ugly and boring. Alas, I don't see one in my future since I'm neither handy, nor have enough $$$ to hire someone to do the work. Also, I'm not sure my Honda Accord is good for towing!

    Best of luck on your new boxing mystery series!

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    1. Hi Julie - I recommend you stay at a campground with vintage trailers. And yes, it is fun to watch those restoration videos. Amazing what people can do!

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  21. As a child. I often wanted to go on vacation in a trailer. It sounded so exciting to be driving along in your home, or towing it along behind you! As an adult, I would be terrified to drive one. I’ve always owned small cars.
    I would love to take kickboxing lessons! I’ve had a variety of orthopedic issues over the years, and have frequently needed physical therapy. The place where I go for PT has a punching bag. I once asked my physical therapist if kickboxing could be part of my therapy. He laughed and laughed. I guess the answer is no!

    I didn’t know that there were trailer fests or vintage trailer fests, but it doesn’t surprise me, now that I think of it. I might look for one now!

    DebRo

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    1. Deb, taking boxing lessons to help you regain your balance might be a good idea. And I hope you find a trailerfest near you. They are all over the world!

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  22. Karen, I am so honored to know and extremely proud to see all your hard work paying off. I CANNOT WAIT to read this book as I know it’s going to be a KNOCKOUT😉🥊🔥

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    1. Sammy! Thank you for visiting Jungle Red Writers. I am in good company here. These women are the cream of the crop! For those of you who don't know, Sammy "The Heat" Worthington is making a name for herself in women's boxing.

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    2. I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for A DEADLY COMBO. It's a wonderful mystery with multiple twists and turns and a very relatable protagonist. I can't wait for the sequel. And while I don't want to own a trailer of any size, I sure want to check out one of those trailerfests.

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    3. Thank you, Cindy, for being one of my beta readers!

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  23. I've never taken boxing lessons. Since I void pain as much as possible, it just doesn't appeal to me.

    However, I grew up camping, and my parents have owned multiple trailers over the years. Now, the first might be a vintage trailer, although probably needs to wait another 20 years or so for that distinction. I'm always on the lookout for a good camping hook for a mystery, so that definitely has me interested in your book.

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    1. Mark, I am sure you will enjoy my book. It has humor and is a quick read.

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  24. What a fun combination for a mystery, Karen. Congratulations on your first novel! Some of those travel trailers are adorable, but a little claustrophobic for long term.

    Along with a firearms class I also took Judo for a year, as part of my first year of college. Loved everything about it, once I got over being incredibly sore for three days after the first class. Even used it once for self-defense in my 20's.

    For a couple years I also did kickboxing, which is really fun, and doesn't require a partner that fights back. These days, alas, Tai chi is more my speed.

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    1. Hello Karen! I have never taken Tai chi. That would be fun to explore some day.

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  25. Karen,
    What an exciting journey for you! I think you “hooked” me on page one of A Deadly Combo” with the fight scene. What an enjoyable read!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Danna! I am glad you were hooked with the fight scene.

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  26. Karen, congratulations on your debut novel! What a thrill that must be. I am a big fan of books that introduce me to new subjects (for me). Although I'm not a fan of watching boxing matches, I am interested in an individual boxing for fitness, the feet and hand moves involved. Kick-boxing is something I think would be especially fun, with the feet becoming even more an active part.

    Vintage trailers are something I love, the before and after in restoring them fascinates me. I think one would make a wonderful writing/reading/loafing studio, but I'm not sure I'd want to travel and stay in one, except maybe at the beach. I enjoy the comfort and convenience of a hotel room, along with a food source fixed by other people. And, needing to find a place to camp or put the trailer seems a bit of a hassle. My idea of roughing it has always been a Holiday Inn instead of a lovely hotel. However, I still would love to own a vintage trailer. I'm returning now from the rabbit hole I went down looking for vintage trailer resorts, and while they might not be luxurious resorts like the word resort might imply, they are cute and cozy, and I might check them out even more.

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    1. Kathy, I think you are on to something! Restoring a vintage trailer for your "she shack" or writing retreat is a great idea!

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  27. I’m so delighted that Deadly Combo has seen the light of day! This is just the beginning,

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    1. Thank you, Anonymous, for your support! Book Two will be available in the spring of 2024 and I hope you enjoy it as much as Book One.

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  28. Congratulations, Karen! What a fun combination. I love to see how people fix up those vintage trailers but I'm terrified of towing one!

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    1. Hi Anonymous, I was also afraid of towing a trailer, but you get used to it.

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  29. Karen, having had the privilege of reading Deadly Combo, I know people are going to enjoy it. I loved that part about the tiny trailers. I must admit I never wanted to live in one. But we've had boats for many years, and some of them are like trailers on the water! As for boxing, when I see people sparring with a bag at my gym, I want to run the other direction. Best of luck on your launch!

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    1. LOL, Terry! Thank you for the humorous comments.

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  30. My RVing days are sadly over, but we sure had fun. The "communities" that pop-up every evening as folks roll in will definitely make for some fun fictional mystery opportunities for your next stories. And, as I can attest, those darn dogs do take up way more than their share of space. I can't wait to read how you fit a dog into a story already filled with clever elements. Good luck!

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    1. Cherie - very nice to know you have wonderful memories of RVing. And as you are a dog lover, I can't imagine your RV without one!

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  31. Hi Karen, and congratulations on your debut! A Deadly Combo sounds like a blast. My daughter and son-in-law have a big RV and love their weekend getaways, so I will recommend the book to my daughter, too. And I can't wait to see where the dog comes in!

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    1. Thank you, Deborah! I would think everyone with a camper trailer will love this story.

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  32. Hi Karen, I so enjoyed your story. It was a pleasure to read and I hope I Rocky gets a return match real soon. It's a KO, Karen. I had to send copies to my kids and sisters. Kudos!

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  33. Hi Rick! I sure hope it's a knock-out with your family. Thanks very much for your support!

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  34. Great post, Hallie and Karen! I agree with Rick. I really enjoyed Rocky and her family in A Deadly Combo and look forward to more rounds.

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