willowdot21

Book Review : The Museum Murders. By Dan Antion.

I was delighted when a copy of the new Dan Antion Masterpiece,”The Museum Murders” arrived at my house via Amazon! Yes I was lucky to receive an early copy to review! I was not disappointed. So here is my unbiased review.

First up let’s hear what Dan has to say about his main protagonist Rachael Todd.

For those who don’t know who Rascal Todd is, this is what Dan says about her in the series blurb:

We met Rachael (Rascal)Todd — plucky reporter at The Courier-Reformer — in the final book of The Dreamer’s Alliance series when she sought to unravel the unsolved murder of a corrupt FBI agent but ended up becoming a target. She has been solving mysteries ever since — cases that the police and others have given up on or not considered crimes. She is aided and supported by friends and family, including her boss, Bernie, her parents, her boyfriend Terry, and a curiously perceptive tuxedo cat, Bonkers.

Dan also goes on to say. “If anyone wonders why I chose to spell Rachael this way as opposed to the way(s) more acceptable (to Word and other spell-checkers), it was my maternal grandmother’s name.”

For those who are familiar with Rascal Todd but remain curious about this book, here’s what it says on the back cover of the paperback. Actually, there’s a little bit more here because space wasn’t an issue:

The blurb

This time, Rascal has been given an assignment in the Arts & Entertainment section of the paper. She attends a public meeting at a niche museum where she overhears a heated discussion that piques her investigative instincts.

The Skylark Museum is housed in a mansion that once served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, near the entrance to a tunnel that was part of the Pennsylvania canal. The trustees argue over the value of the connection to slavery and the canal, the necessity to retain the building, the long-rumored Skylark fortune, and the untimely deaths of several members of the board. Some people consider those deaths to have been murders. The police either don’t agree or don’t have enough evidence to act. Rascal can’t shake the idea, and she can’t ignore several encounters with a man she considers to be the prime suspect. In addition to the activity at the museum, her boyfriend volunteers her to help Hildegarde Barsan, a woman whose sister has gone missing and is presumed dead.

Is Henrieta Barsan dead? Did Walter Phineas Skylark pass down a fortune? Did Theodore Skylark keep the fortune hidden in the Skylark Museum? How many trustees have been murdered? Who’s next?

The Museum Murders is a mix of historical fiction, suspense, and mystery. It’s a character-driven story with rich and often humorous dialog. There’s also some troubling emotions on display in reaction to a complex series of clues, all pointing to murder.

For those who have followed Rachael and her friends since we met them in Secrets Held Against Evil, rest assured the bulk of the Pittsburgh and Chicago based characters are all represented. There’s even a cameo appearance by a well-known, albeit fictional author in Rochester, NY. If that scares first time readers, don’t worry, there’s enough explanation to bring you up to speed, and you don’t have to read these books a specific order. However, don’t blame me if you find yourself wanting to know more about these people.

Here is my review

Well this book certainly does not disappoint. It is peopled with characters who if you have read the previous books you will know and love. I can also assure you that if you are a first time reader you will soon get to know and love these people. They are the main stay of the story and of the stories before this one. Consistency is the key to Dan’s writing and these people are lovable and real and having read all Dan’s books, and even having contributed to one, I can say he has a real talent for people.

The story is fast moving with many a twist and tern and a few cleverly strewn red herrings! It certainly keeps you interested and at times scratching your head. There is so much going on, missing persons, murder, subterfuse, history and legends, slave escape trails and even buried treasure! But no pirates unless I missed them in the melee.

I enjoy this fast moving book and read it in three sittings . I was satisfied with the ending though I could happily read more. I guess I will have to wait patiently for the next Rascal Todd Mystery.

Where to buy The Museum Murders

Kindle US link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HJQXLT5Y/

Kindle Universal link: relinks.me/B0HJQXLT5Y

US Paperback link: https://www.amazon.com/Museum-Murders-Rascal-Todd-Mystery/dp/B0HJRQ2RG9/

Paperback Universal link: relinks.me/B0HJRQ2RG9

The Museum Murders, as well as the six previous books, are enrolled in KDP Unlimited. Audiobook format — yes, yes, created with Amazon’s virtual voice since I can’t afford a voice actor, don’t hate me — will be available soon.

About The Author .

Dan Antion was born outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He grew up and attended college in the area around western Pennsylvania. Dan has written and published the popular No Facilities blog since 2011. A lifelong interest in writing became a reality after he retired from a successful 42-year-long career in information management. His first book Knuckleheads was published in June 2022 the rest is history.

Dan lives in Connecticut with his wife, a few pets and all the wildlife they can feed.

One -Liner Wednesday: We’ll Take That.

Last week whilst out walking in town with my friend we jumped out of our skins as we passed a car playing very loud music, it was stationary in traaffic.We both looked at each other then we were going to tell the driver off but when we looked at him he disarming smiled and waved and shouted… “Hello 👋 Pretty Ladies” Well what could we do …we smiled and waved back… Totally disarmed? I said to my friend… “Well we’re in our 70’s let’s take that that at face value” She laughed and said “yes let’s take that”

Part of LindaGHill’s One Liner Wednesday

#TankaTuesday Poetry Challenge No. 82, Celebrating Heritage! – 9/15/26

Today for Tanka Tuesday our host is Yvette ! She tells us that today marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. This year’s theme is “Unidos Somos Mas: Together, We are More.” The purpose of this celebration is to honor the history, culture, and contributions of American citizens with ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Today is also the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

Yevette thought we could focus our poems on the theme, Celebrating Heritage. Since our poets come from all over the world, she wanted to expand the theme to include any heritage we want to celebrate, though virtual bonus points will be given to anyone who includes Hispanic heritage. 😉

Our prompt this week is :

For this week, write a poem about celebrating one’s heritage. You could focus on Hispanic heritage since we are beginning National Hispanic Heritage Month in the USA, or you can write about your own heritage. Use a syllabic poetry form that works for you, and let your inspiration flow. Need help finding a form? Click here.

I am of mixed heritage , Celtic on my father’s side and Saxon on my mother’s side. They were not only from two different countries but worse still from two different religions and classes. My Mum from a middle class Protestant English family,my Dad an Irish immigrant from a poor Catholic family. ..This was back in the days when these things were insurmountable barriers. My Dad was low on the lists…signs in windows would read… No blacks, no travellers, no dogs, no Irish. My Mum lived in a nice house and owned her own hairdressing salon. When she married my Dad her family disowned her for years. … So my mixed heritage is of two nationalities and two religions and two classes. I have written a rensaku about this. A rensaku is more than one Tanka on the same subject.

MIXED BLOOD

Spiritual Celtic and Saxon warriors without houses

Two bloods flow through me
The Irish Celt wild and free
Mixed with old England
A mixed breed often at odds
Like sun and moon opposites

Red hair and blue eyes
Proud of who I am, dual.
My parents love, conquered all
Why can’t the whole world unite.

We are all one race
Be proud of your heritage
Be kind show some grace.
Remembered we’re human
All children of the planet

Orange and Gold.

Terri Webster Schrandt over at Sunday Monthly Colour Stills has asked for photos from our Library of Orange 🧡🍊 and Apricot! Here is a mixed from me … the photos of the grands are very old ones but I love them. to… they are very grown up now!

All that talk of glorious Gold and Apricot put me in mind of Halloween… here is a throwback story about Merlin and Morgana..from the days of K.L.Caley’s writephoto.

For visually challenged writers, the image shows an orange pumpkin in its patch.

Pumpkin in a pumpkin patch — Pumpkin – Image by KL Caley

The pair landed back in the Lab, Morgana still giggling and Merlin hanging on to his box of skulls.
“What are you going to do with those old bones Hun” Morgana asked mockingly.
” None of your business” was Merlin’s terse reply as he headed off to his room Morgarna’s laugh ringing in his ears. As he entered his room he heard the click and smelt the smoke as Morgana lit up another cigarette and poured herself a Bacardi and Coke, shutting his door he thought “she’s an alcoholic chain smoker ” shaking his head he heard her shouting back,in his head “Yes and proud of it’ .

After they had finished dinner Morgana waved her hand casually and the table cleared itself and the dishes put themselves into the dishwasher.
“What are you playing at” asked Merlin looking a tad surprised. “The rules were no un- necessary magic”
“Well Hun I made the rules and as it’s ‘All Hallows Eve’ I thought I would treat myself to some saucery feel free to join in just for tonight.”

At about 7pm they both dressed up in their finest, Merlin as a grey wizard and Morgana as a sorceress. A black dress with an apricot sash. They’d not worn these clothes for years and were delighted to find that they fitted perfectly.
It was a cold dark night and as they stepped through wall of their lab on to the street they gave a gang of young lads the fright of their life’s.
“We need a nice pumpkin” Morgana announced, “Come on let’s get over to the allotments and see if there is a nice one there.” Laughing like children as they ran across the road their feet only just touching the ground as though they wanted to fly they had decided not too draw too much attention to themselves! There were children running around dressed up as all-sorts, some traditional, some contemporary but none as good as Morgarna and Merlin.

“Over here Morgana I found the perfect one… Not too large nor too small”
“Yup that one is perfect” Morgana took the pumpkin and ran her nails over it producing a terrifying face then lighting a cigarette she also produced a lit, tea light to make pumpkin man more scary!
They found a cane and attached the head to it and marched off towards the nearby housing estate to “scare the bejesus out of as many unsuspecting children as possible.

“Oh I need a drink” laughed Morgarna “That woman’s face was a picture when you turned her horrid little boys into three sprites”
” Not half as bad as when you turned them back and told her to take more water with it” chuckled Merlin, “pour me one while you are at it , I’ll have whatever you are having”
Morgana and Merlin both slumped down on to the sofa, Bacardi and Coke and fish and a chips supper on their laps. “Anything good on box” asked Merlin.
“Halloween” Morgarna smirked.

Do check out Terri’s and everyone else’s entries at Terri’s place.

Song Lyric Sunday: Let the music flow.

Good morning all! It’s time for Song Lyric Sunday 🎶🎶.This week our Gallant host Jim Adams has asked us to find our favourite segues in music. Well that is a huge subject and there are so many great great segues .. Beatles, Pink Floyd,Killers, Queen,Van Hallen the list goes on…. I am going back to 1974 , we were in the process of moving back to London from Devon with hubby’s job. He was working in London so I only saw him at the weekends…he was tired from work and travelling back and forth and I was tired from being a single parent of a baby (as good as)… things were not easy.. I was also pregnant….. The Diamond dogs Album was a great distraction…. along with Queen and Pink Floyd…I believe I educated our elder boys well in music !

© willowdot21. Me back in the early 70’s looking tired.

I don’t think I will be alone in picking the two opening tracks on David Bowie’s Diamond Dogs Album. But here goes.

About the segue.

The Transition: “Future Legend” sets a post-apocalyptic, dystopian tone with spoken narrative and a chilling wolf howl. As it ends, the track blends straight into the screeching guitar riff that opens the title track “Diamond Dogs”

The Hidden Exclamation:

Tucked into the sampled audience noise during the start of the “Diamond Dogs” guitar intro, you can hear Rod Stewart shout out the exclamation, “Hey!”

About the Album

Diamond Dogs is the eighth studio album by the English musician David Bowie, released on 24 May 1974 through RCA Records. Bowie produced the album and recorded it in early 1974 in London and the Netherlands, following the disbanding of his backing band the Spiders from Mars and the departure of the producer Ken Scott. Bowie played lead guitar on the record in the absence of Mick Ronson. Diamond Dogs featured the return of Tony Visconti, who had not worked with Bowie for four years; the two would collaborate for the rest of the decade. Musically, it was Bowie’s final album in the glam rock genre, though some songs were influenced by funk and soul music, which Bowie embraced on his next album, Young Americans . Read more Here. Believe me it’s an interesting read!

Lyrics in the video.

Happy Sunday Everyone 💜💜💜💜

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS September 12, 2026

Ping went my phone … It was LindaGHill with her prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday. Here is what she says :”Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “reason.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!”

🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

“Reason! what reason could you possibly have for doing that behind my back”
“You are not listening to me are you …let’s reason this out“
“Why there is no reasoning with you , you know it all! You have an answer for everything!”
“There is no reason to get aggressive, I was just trying to surprise you”
“Well if that was your reasoning why did you use my credit card”
“I had the perfect reason for that mine is maxed out”
“That’s a shit reason…. if you don’t have the money you don’t spend it”
“I reasoned that you’d be pleased that I used my initiative”
” What? how could you reasonably think I would not get annoyed”
” Well I think you are being unreasonable about this!”
“What me? being unreasonable… really?
Yes indeed you are! Give me one reason why I should stay with you?“
“One reason? …. you love me”
” That’s no reason, I loved you once”
“Now who’s being unreasonable “
” Me? Your reasoning is way off! I have had enough. I am off now!”
” Why what reason do you have for saying that?”
” By my reasoning you are taking me for a fool… Give me back my card now I am off”

“Be reasonable… I was reasonably sure you’d be impressed”

Haiku Fridays with J -Dub#20

Here is Jilly’s Friday Haiku Prompt for this week.

🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

shadow to the right

les mis or morton salt girl

beauty in asphalt

Exact date unknown. One of my all-time favorite photos taken on my in-law’s driveway one random day. I am easily enamored when outdoors taking pleasure from the minutiae that never ceases to amaze me. How the heck did those bluebonnets survive? Perseverance! I am inspired by their fortitude.

🌻🌻🌻🌻

My Haiku.. Nature’s Determination

A floral heart growing out of a wall. © willowdot21

determination

its against all the odds

nature wins the day

#TankaTuesday Poetry Challenge No. 81, Pi-Ku, 9/8/26

This week it’s Melissa, from Mom With a Blog. turn to be hosting our poetic prompt for Tanka Tuesday.

Melissa has chosen the Pi-Ku which is a tiny three-line poetry form derived from the first three digits of π=3.14. Whoever first wrote using this form is a mystery.

It goes something like this:

Line 1: 3 syllables

Line 2: 1 syllable

Line 3: 4 syllables.

Melissa then goes on to say, “For our purposes today, let’s write pi-ku similarly to many haiku, and write about whatever season is happening now in your part of the world. I wrote about autumn (mostly), since it is quickly approaching.

You may write one pi-ku (a slice), or go for the gusto and write two or more. How many is a whole pi? (3? 4?) Whatever you do, don’t write about math or pie! Don’t forget: if you write a free verse poem, you must include this syllabic form with it.”

PLEASE NOTE:

Our hosts spend a lot of time creating these challenges. Follow the directions carefully. Please create your poetry using the prompt suggested by the host. Remember, this is a challenge for you to create a syllabic poem using the prompt instructions. If the prompt doesn’t inspire you, that’s okay. Please don’t submit a poem that doesn’t meet the criteria of the prompt. Thanks for your consideration. ~Colleen~

Thank you Melissa this is a fabulous challenge and as Autumn is my most favourite season I am using Autumn as the basis for my Pi.Ku . 🍂 🍂 🍂 🍂 🍁 🍁 🍁 🍁

Autumn 🍂 🍁 days
Chill
Nights draw in

Smoke curls up
From
Evening Bonfires

Sentient
Souls
Drift endlessly

Song Lyric Sunday: Two fa One Birthday.

Good morning everyone how are you all today. This week for Song Lyric Sunday We need to showcase a Musician, Singer, Singer Songwriter, producer ect.

There are plenty to choose from and if you head over to Our Brilliant Host Jim Adam’s page he has some really interesting facts not only about September Babies, of which I am one, but interesting history and how the change from the Julian calendar to the more accurate Gregorian calendar cause havoc in 1752 when Great Britain and it Colonies finally caught up with the rest of the world who had mostly changed over in 1582.. Jim explained it so well.

Well back to the job in hand, I love Rock and Roll and I love long haired men so this week I am in heaven. I chose Mathew and Gunner Nelson….a “two fa one” as they are twins.

Nelson, 1990. Image: Geffen Records.

Nelson is an American hard rock duo consisting of brothers Matthew and Gunnar Nelson. They are the twin sons of Rick Nelson and Kristin Nelson. The duo achieved success during the early 1990s with their debut album After the Rain, which included “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection“.

Born on September 20, 1967, Matthew and Gunnar Nelson are the twin sons of Rick Nelson and Kristin Nelson, and were involved in music from an early age. In an interview, Gunnar once said that he and Matthew had been writing songs since they were six years old.

The band are listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as part of the only family to reach number one record status in three successive generations

Ozzie and Harriet Nelson Their Grandparents.

Ozzie Nelson Big band leader, actor, and musician. Reached No. 1 in 1935 with the song “And Then Some” (Ozzie Nelson and His Orchestra). He later married his band’s vocalist, Harriet, and the couple starred in the long-running television and radio hit The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.

Ricky Nelson their Dad.

The son of Ozzie and Harriet, who grew up on the family show and became a teen idol and rock and roll icon. Topped the charts with “Poor Little Fool” in 1958 and “Travelin’ Man” in 1961.

Then Gunner and Mathew twin sons of Ricky Nelson.

My Favourite song by the boys is AFTER THE RAIN.

Look in the mirror, girl
By now you should know
You’re living in a fantasy
And you can’t let go

He never really loved you
From the start
The only thing he ever gave you
Was a broken heart

Don’t be afraid to lose
What was never meant to be

Whoa, after the rain
Washes away the tears
And all the pain
Only after the rain
Can you live again

I know the emptiness
You feel inside
You’re thinking if you break away
You’ll never survive

I’m waiting as my heart
Beats just for you
Come on and take my hand
And I’ll pull you through

But things will never change
Until you want them to

Whoa, after the rain
Washes away the tears
And all the pain
Only after the rain
Can you live again

Look in the mirror, girl
By now you should know
You’re living in a fantasy
And you can’t let go

Lyrics at Genius.com

The band tried to find a record deal, they settled with Geffen Records and began approaching A&R executive John Kalodner. According to Gunnar, they met with Kalodner “every month for a year”, during which he filtered the songs they brought him until they had enough for an album. They were also introduced to Marc Tanner, who helped them polish their songwriting skills.

During this time, Nelson was also approached to contribute a song to the film Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. Matthew and Gunnar then co-wrote a song with Dweezil Zappa called “Two Heads are Better than One”. Since the band was in the process of being signed up to Geffen, Kalodner recommended them not to use their names for the song, so they were billed as Power Tool instead. The song eventually became the film’s theme song.

Absolutely great film and an amazing theme by Power Tool, AKA Nelson .

Well, I remember the sparks that flew
In the summer of ’79
My brother went wild
For a pretty girl’s smile
But he didn’t care that she was mine

We fought each other
Like never before
And beat till we were black and blue
And when we told her it was time
She’d made up her mind
She said, “I’ve had it with the both of you”

That was when the pact was made, uh
No woman could sever
We swore it brother for the rest of our lives
We would stick together forever

‘Cause
Two (two) heads (heads) are better than one
(Woo hoo hoo)
It’s double the pleasure babe
It’s triple the fun
I said
Two (two) heads (heads) are better than one
(better than one)
It’ll make you come undone
Two heads are better than one

Well we found ourselves in Vegas
The city of sin
We were restless and looking to play
When this little blonde dolly
In the hotel lobby
Blew a kiss as she walked our way
She said, “I’m feelin kind of lonely”
And gave us a wink
Feeling bold we expressed our intentions
We said, “you gotta have both”
She said, “That’s a joke.”
“It takes two, just to get my attention”

Both to share and share alike, uh
That’s a part of our lifestyle
So I’m gonna tell you baby
Just where we stand
If you won’t love us both
It ain’t what’s wild

Because
Two (two) heads (heads) are better than one
(woo hoo hoo)
It’s double the pleasure
Triple the fun
I said
Two (two) heads (heads) are better than one
It’ll make you come undone
Two heads are better than one

We’ve come this far together
It’s too late for turning back
But it’s only fair to warn you
That when you rock with the boys
You never come back
(oh no)
Hey!

Two (two) heads (heads) are better than one
(woo hoo hoo)
It’s double the pleasure
Triple the fun
I’ll tell ya
Two (two) heads (heads) are better than one
(better than one)
It’ll make you come undone
Nothing’s better than

Two (two) heads (heads) are better than one
(woo hoo hoo)
It’s double the pleasure babe
I’ts triple the fun
Two heads
Are better than one
(better than one)
It’ll make you come undone

Two heads are better than one (one)
Two heads are better than one (one)
Two heads are better than one (one)

Whoa whoa whoa, baby
Two heads are better than one (one)
Two heads are better than one (one)
Two heads are better than one (one)

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Dweezil Zappa / Gunnar Nelson / Matthew Gray Nelson

Well there are loads more facts on these talented and there fabulous family to be found on Wikipedia so dive in 💜💜

HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE 💜💜💜

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS September 5, 2026

Ping went my phone, yes it’s LindaGHill, with her prompt for SoCs . Here is what she said: “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “motion.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!“

WHY.

db34979fb33859351b34771dcbc0c25a — image found here

This is me here I stand motionless,
Do you want my heart.
Take it and crush it in your hand.
Words are cruel, they beat me down
All heart you watch me drown.
In my own blood you see me thrash,
Get your mates lay bets as to when I’d crash!
Beat me, slap me with your words
I’ve gagged myself not to be heard.
Cut me carve me it is nothing I have not done myself.
I’m a lost wrecked of emotions.
Abused to sate your need

My heart you’ve broke in two
It is pinned on my sleeve for you .
It beats still in motion.
There is no more you can do.
I stand here screaming silently
Emotion in motion
A pitiful hopeless case.
I cannot win this race.
Here comes the huge and vicious mouth
I can’t bear it and stumble south
You motion for me to go
The final wounding blow.