Cynthia Baxter

THE REIGNING CATS & DOGS MYSTERY SERIES

Upcoming Events

Dear Reader,

Thanks for taking the time to check out my web site! I love the fact that the Internet makes it so easy to “talk” to readers (and to hear from them, too –my email address is below).

My favorite thing to do is read – and my second favorite is to write. Since 2003, I’ve been writing The Reigning Cats & Dogs Mystery Series, which features veterinarian Jessica Popper. The books also include the antics of Jessie's menagerie: her rambunctious Westie, Max; his shy sidekick, Lou the Dalmatian; aging pussycat Catherine the Great; newcomer Tinkerbell, a tiger kitten with the personality of a diva; mouthy Prometheus, a Blue and Gold Macaw with attitude; and last but not least, the silent yet seemingly wise chameleon Leilani. The newest book in the series is MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DIE (July 2008). There are also two additional books in the works, so Jessie’s adventures will continue for some time.

I’m also launching a second mystery series, The Murder Packs a Suitcase Mystery Series, which will run concurrently with Reigning Cats & Dogs. The first book, also titled MURDER PACKS A SUITCASE (October 2008), introduces Mallory Marlowe. Recently widowed at the age of 45, Mallory is still struggling to find her old self when she falls into a new job as a travel writer. In addition to researching exciting destinations, she happens upon the occasional murder – and she can’t help getting involved in finding out whodunnit. The first book is set in Orlando, where she goes to discover whether or not the “old Florida,” with alligator farms and pink plastic flamingoes and seashell jewelry, still exists despite the proliferation of glitzy theme parks. The second book in the series, TOO RICH AND TOO DEAD, is set in glamorous Aspen, where Mallory is trying to find out if even a non-skier can have a fun vacation.

Working on two different mystery series has been an interesting challenge. I’ve tried to make the two series different – but at the same time to include the same elements in the new series that readers of the original series seemed to enjoy. That means a likeable heroine, a compelling mystery with some quirky suspects and a few surprises, a touch of romance, and lots of humor. I’m really looking forward to seeing how readers respond to my new character and her adventures!

I always enjoy hearing from readers, so please don't hesitate to write and say hello. In the meantime, I hope you continue to enjoy my books!

Best wishes, Cynthia Baxter

DEAD CANARIES DON'T SING

After finding a body in the woods at a horse farm, veterinarian Jessica Popper is determined to find the murderer - and almost becomes a victim herself.

PUTTING ON THE DOG

Jessie Popper investigates the murder of an unpopular photographer at a posh charity dog show in Long Island's celebrity playground, the "Bromptons," modeled after the chic Hamptons.

LEAD A HORSE TO MURDER

While helping a reporter investigate the murder of a dashing polo player, Jessie Popper is thrown into the world of the rich and felonious.

HARE TODAY, DEAD TOMORROW

When Jessie Popper's close friend is suspected of murder, she delves into the intrigues of Long Island's wine country to solve the crime.

RIGHT FROM THE GECKO

While attending a veterinary conference on Maui with her boyfriend Nick, Jessie Popper gets swept up in investigating the murder of an ambitious reporter.

WHO'S KITTEN WHO?

When a member of Betty's theater group is murdered, Jessie not only takes on a killer; she also takes on a role in the Port Players' latest production.

MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DIE

Investigating the murder of an old friend from vet school takes Jessie into the world of exotic animals.

THE MURDER PACKS A SUITCASE MYSTERY SERIES

MURDER PACKS A SUITCASE

Recent widow Mallory Marlowe falls into a new job as a travel writer. While visiting Orlando to find out if the “old Florida” still exists, she becomes the prime suspect when a fellow journalist is found speared to death in the Bali Ballroom of the Polynesian Princess Hotel.

TOO RICH AND TOO DEAD

While researching whether a non-skier can have fun in the glamorous mountainside town of Aspen, Colorado, Mallory looks up an old acquaintance – the girl voted “Most Likely to Succeed” in her high school class who as an adult created a magical youth serum called Rejuva-Juice. But Mallory’s trip to ski country quickly goes downhill when she is lured into investigating a murder.

I always enjoy hearing from readers, so please don't hesitate to write and say hello. In the meantime, I hope you continue to enjoy both mystery series!

Best wishes,

Cynthia Baxter

AUTHOR BIO:
I was born and raised on Long Island, on the South Shore. After going away to school in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, then living in Manhattan for ten years, I moved back to Long Island, this time living on the North Shore. Long Island is unique because it's in New York City's shadow, but it still has its own mishmash of distinct personalities - from farmland to small cities, from ugly industrial parks to wineries, from endless rows of tract houses to the luxurious mansions of the Gold Coast and the Hamptons. The variety of settings give me lots of flexibility - and it's fun introducing the different areas to readers who might not be familiar with them.

Cynthiab1@optonline.net