Father Brendan Goes on Vacation!

        One of the greatest joys of being an author is hearing from readers who take my characters along

on their adventures—and this week, Mary G. absolutely made my day! Mary packed not one, but two books from my series, A Priest, a Rabbi, and a Baptist Minister, for her beach vacation: The Murders at Saint Charles Seminary and The Murders That Made the Podcast.

        Apparently, the beach wasn’t the only place to relax!

        One morning, she texted me, “Taking a break from the beach today”. I couldn’t help but smile. Imagine my beloved clergy trio getting equal billing with the sun, sand, and ocean!

Then came another message after she had finished The Murders at Saint Charles Seminary: “Well, I'm done with the seminarians and moving on to the podcast. I was screaming at the seminarian, Aiden... DON’T GO WITH NATHAN!” You’ll have to read the book to understand her meaning!

        As an author, that's music to my ears! When readers start talking to the characters (or yelling at them!), I know they’re completely invested in the story.

        But Mary wasn’t finished.

        On the trip home, flight layovers left her bored at the airport. While many travelers were grumbling, she simply picked up the next book and sent another update: “Starting Chapter 15...wonder if I’ll be done before we land.”

        Now that’s making the best of an airport layover!

        Moments like these remind me why I love writing this series. Knowing that Father Brendan, Rabbi Ezra, Reverend Langdon, Detective Maureen McNeely, and the rest of the Porter Mills gang can entertain someone on the beach, in an airport, or curled up at home is the greatest compliment an author could receive.

        Thank you, Mary, for taking my books on vacation with you—and for sharing your hilarious play-by-play along the way! Your messages had me smiling, and they reminded me once again that the best part of writing isn’t publishing a book…it’s sharing the journey with wonderful readers like you.

        Now I’m left wondering...where will the Porter Mills gang vacation next?