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Hi, folks.

Just wanted to give you q quick update re some recent events. I had embarked on a travel schedule but was forced to cancel all of it when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor a few weeks ago. I was just discharged from the hospital here in austin after a 7 hour emergency surgery and am on two weeks recovery until we receive the lab results back re the actual tumor itself. I’m anticipating rounds of chemo and radiation but we won’t know for sure until we get more specific information about the little gremlin who thought it would be fun to take up residence in my my frontal lobe.

But rest assured, I’m getting great care and rest. Laurie is doing a wonderful job and keeping me on track and following my nuerosurgeon’s instructions. And the well wishes I’ve received from so many of my friends and readers has been overwhelming. I can’t thank you enough. Hopefully, I’ll be back on my writing schedule soon since I have a lot of books to get written. If you would like to reach out, feel free to email me at [email protected] and I will do my best to respond in a timely fashion. I will, of course, provide additional updates as more information becomes available.

This event has certainly got my attention but I will be pushing back with everything I’ve got to make sure I’m around for a lot longer.

Take care of yourselves, keep an eye out for a pre-release date for a new book that should launch later this month and I’m sure we’ll be talking soon.

Best wishes.

Bernie

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Fifty years ago to the day, three weeks after the initial moon landing and a week before Woodstock, my father, Bernie Sr., was finally released from the ravages of the rare and debilitating neurological disorder that had turned him from a healthy adult man into a bed-ridden invalid over a period of two years. And while August 10th is a day I remember and relive each year, I couldn’t let this particular milestone pass without comment.

When we start thinking and reflecting on events from fifty years past, we’re dealing with a serious chunk of time. Perhaps not so much in the grand scheme of the universe, or the relatively brief period of human existence on the planet, but from our own personal timelines and inevitable mortality march, fifty years is a number that gets your attention.

It started when I was fourteen. The occasional loss of balance, followed by a stumble that appeared to both surprise and embarrass him. Then came the falls. At first, the doctors wondered if perhaps the problem was simply the result of some sort of inner ear imbalance or other temporary issue capable of being treated and resolved. Soon, it was obvious that whatever was afflicting my father was much more serious. And not long after that, it became perfectly clear that not only it wasn’t treatable; it was terminal.

Doctor visits galore and short stays in hospital for who knows how many different types of diagnoses and testing all proved ineffective. And within a year, my father was confined to a hospital bed in our living room. My mother, assisted by me when she needed help, provided as much care and comfort as humanly possible, but it was impossible to miss the fear and stress the situation was placing on her. And she handled it with grace, power, and like everyone else in the family, a lot of silence. None of us seemed capable of actually talking through what was happening and the implications that went along with it. We all seemed to slip into a stoicism that is revered in some cultures and perhaps the silence was the best defense mechanism available to everyone in the core and extended families. But the public silence did nothing to quell the raging torrent of questions, fears and uncertainties that filled all our heads over those two very long years.

As his condition worsened, my mother and I dealt with every imaginable situation. We would roll him over in his bed and my mother would change his pajamas, doing her best to manage what had to be painful bed sores acquired over months of simply being unable to move or shift positions. But my mother refused to let me help her with the more intimate aspects of my father’s personal needs. There were just certain things she couldn’t allow her, by then, fifteen-year-old son to deal with. And my father would watch our administrations in silence, devastated I was certain by the entire situation and of what he had become and what we had been forced to do on his behalf. I’m also quite certain that whatever pain he was dealing with from the bedsores paled in comparison to everything else he was experiencing.

He and I would spend time together in the evenings. Sometimes we would read. But when he was no longer capable of even that simple task, our focus turned to television. We were watching the news one night in the middle of the civil rights riots that were currently raging in the southern states. And we watched in horror as cops beat civilians with batons, turned dogs loose on them, and sprayed black people of all ages with powerful fire hoses that knocked them flat on their backs and rendered them helpless. He shook his head in a mixture of sadness and disgust.

“What is it?� I said.

“You know something, bud, and I want you to listen closely. As you get older, you’re gonna find a lot of reasons not to like somebody. A whole lot of different reasons. But I’m telling you, skin color doesn’t even make the list. Do you understand what I’m saying?�

“I do.�

“Good. Don’t forget it.�

I’ve always assumed his perspectives on race developed during his time in the military. But perhaps they came from some innate quality he possessed from birth about the inherent goodness of people. Regardless, his words struck a deep chord that continue to resonate within me. And I know he’d be seriously troubled by many of the problems we’re still trying to deal with as a country so many years later.

Another night, before he had lost the ability to speak, I was sitting in a chair next to his bed watching TV. And I had one of those need-to-know moments many teenagers regularly experience. I turned to him and asked softly, “What are we going to do?�

With some effort, he turned his head and made solid eye contact before responding.

“We’re going to do the only thing we can, bud. We’ll do our best to deal with whatever bowl of crap life throws at us, and keep moving forward.�

Sage wisdom from a very sick man. And right up to the end, he took every opportunity to provide me with important life lessons. This one was most definitely about how to live. And as I look back on it, it was also a very valuable lesson about how to die.

And on August 10th, 1969, after a torturous battle with the inevitable, he was gone.

And fifty years to the day, those memories remain fresh and clear. Sometimes I can’t even remember what I had for lunch yesterday, but those memories are forever burned into my soul. The emotions healed, but they remain capped and stored, capable of returning with a vengeance from a quiet conversation, a silent moment of reflection, or the deliberate, painful creation of a simple blog post. Those memories now added to from the passing of my Mom several years ago; an event no less painful or tragic, but one I was somehow better prepared to deal with.

A robust collection of memories of the two people who made me what I am today. They’re the ones who provided the foundation, encouraged and cajoled, and kicked my butt when necessary. All I’ve done is try to remember what they taught me and do my best to live up to their standards while making the most of whatever talents I’ve been given and the opportunities that have come my way. I had the easy job. They did all the heavy lifting.

In four years, my father will have been gone longer than he lived. Another milestone lurks on the near horizon. And next August 10th, I imagine I’ll start thinking about how to memorialize that particular oddity in this journey we call life. But for now, that can wait. Today is a time for reflection, of remembrance, of smiles and tears, and at some point this evening, a toast to his memory, his life, and all the joy and love he brought me in the far too short time we had together.

Be well, my friends.

(And if you’ve been holding off on making that phone call or reaching out to someone special, I can’t think of a better day for you to do it.)

Bernie

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Hi, folks,

Just a quick reminder that the new installment in my Thousand Islands Doggy Inn Mysteries series will be available this Friday. Just click the link below to order your copy if you haven’t already done so. I think you’re going to enjoy it!

Also, I want to thank all of you who have pre-ordered the book. For the 20th book in a row, it reached the #1 slot as the bestselling Dog Breed book on Amazon. I continue to be delighted and honored by your ongoing support!

For those of you who are paperback fans, the book will also be available in that format in the very near future.

Just click the link below to grab a copy.

Again, many thanks and I hope you all have a great time reading The Case of the Whimsical Weimaraner.

Have a great day!

PS � Stay tuned for the next installment in the series, The Case of the Xenial Xolo . My plan is to have the book ready to go late August/early September.

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Happy Sunday, folks!

I just wanted to let you know that the latest installment in the The Thousand Islands Doggy Inn Mysteries, The Case of the Whimsical Weimaraner, is available for pre-order. The book launches on July 26th and I have to say to all of you, that I’m very happy with it. I think you’ll find it a thoroughly enjoyable read.

**

Suzy and the gang are spending the winter at their place in the Cayman Islands, and Chef Claire has ramped up Suzy’s new exercise program. During one of their morning runs on the beach, Suzy’s grumpiness about what she considers the torture of physical fitness is put aside when they find a man washed up on shore with a suicide note in his pocket. Despite her doubts about whether it was actually a suicide or if the man was murdered, the local authorities soon decide to accept the suicide angle and officially close the case.

But when another body turns up, and it becomes apparent that one of her good friends is being set up for murder, Suzy begins trying to piece together parts of a puzzle that simply don’t fit. And with the help of the local authorities, a friend in the FBI, and assistance from an unexpected source, she embarks on her mission to make some sense of the strange situations playing out on the island, as well as clear her friend’s name.

The Case of the Whimsical Weimaraner is the latest installment in B. R. Snow’s popular Thousand Islands Doggy Inn Mysteries and is one of Suzy’s wildest rides to date. It’s a very funny look at the power of friendship, the cunning abilities of the criminal mind, and the lengths some people will go to in pursuit of money and revenge.

**

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and I hope you enjoy the book!

Bernie

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Fellow author, Peter Bartram, has released the 3rd book in his terrific Deadline Murder series. It’s a hoot and I encourage all of you to check it out when you get a chance.

The Comedy Club Mystery: A Crampton of the Chronicle adventure (Deadline Murder Series Book 3)

Murder has never been such fun�

When theatrical agent Daniel Bernstein sues the Evening Chronicle for libel, crime reporter Colin Crampton is called in to sort out the problem.

But trouble escalates when Bernstein turns up murdered. Colin discovers that any of five comedians competing for the chance to appear on a top TV show could be behind the killing.

As Colin and his feisty girlfriend Shirley Goldsmith investigate, they encounter a cast of colourful characters � identical twin gangsters, an Irishman who lives underground, and a failed magician’s assistant.

And it’s not long before their own lives are in peril as they battle to crack a code that will lead to a fortune. Join Colin and Shirley for a rollercoaster of an adventure in Swinging Sixties England � where the laughs are never far from the action.

What reviewers say about Crampton of the Chronicle mysteries�

“A fun read with humour throughout…� Crime Thriller Hound

“An excellent novel, full of twists and turns, plenty of action scenes, crackling dialogue � and a great sense of fun.� Fully Booked

“A good page-turning murder mystery, with a likeable protagonist and great setting.� The Bookworm Chronicles

“An amiable romp through the shady back streets of 1960s Brighton.� Simon Brett, Crime Writers� Association Diamond Dagger winner

“A highly entertaining, involving mystery, narrated in a charming voice, with winning characters. Highly recommended.� � In Search of the Classic Mystery Novel

“A romp of a read! Very funny and very British.� The Book Trail

“Superbly crafted and breezy as a stroll along the pier, this Brighton-based murder mystery is a delight.� Peter Lovesey, Crime Writers� Association Diamond Dagger winner

“By the end of page one, I knew I liked Colin Crampton and author Peter Bartram’s breezy writing style.� Over My Dead Body

“One night I stayed up until nearly 2am thinking ‘I’ll just read one more chapter�. This is a huge recommendation from me.� Life of a Nerdish Mum

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Hi, folks.

Just wanted to let you know that Getting Greedy, the first book in my new Doc White Adventure mystery-crime series has launched.

Doc White, now retired from his former life as a spy, has moved to St. Croix in the Virgin Islands ostensibly to get some closure with a previous relationship. However, after finding retirement unsatisfying, he sets up shop as a private investigator and recruits Felicia, a former local cop who was driven off the force through no fault of her own.

While enjoying a local festival and still discussing the prospect of Felicia working with him, a Moku Jumbie, a traditional spirit-healer, stilt walker is shot dead on the street. And when the mother of the victim hires Doc and Felicia to find her son’s killer, they are drawn into a complex web of nefarious activities going on around the island. The case also brings Doc face to face with Elle, his ex-girlfriend who is now married with a house on St. Croix. As the case unfolds, it soon becomes apparent to Doc and Felicia that something bigger than the Moku Jumbie’s murder is going on. As they peel away the layers, and meet a diverse and interesting set of characters, the action ramps up as Doc and Felicia’s relationship begins to develop.

One part compelling, one part poignant, one part thought-provoking, Getting Greedy is a smart, funny book about the search for meaning and the ability to find it without getting caught.

I think you’re going to really enjoy the book!

Bernie

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Hi, folks.

I hope you’re doing well and that things are going great for you!

I’m sorry I’ve been a bit incommunicado of late. I’ve been juggling five books and trying to stay on top of my writing schedule as well as plan out the launch date for each book.

But I am very pleased to announce � and I have to tell you that I love the first book in my new mystery/crime series, Doc White Adventures � that Getting Greedy is available for pre-order. The book will launch on May 17th and I think you’re all going to really enjoy it. And as you can see from the cover below, my cover guy, Reggie Cullen, has once again hit it out of the park.

Doc White, now retired from his former life as a spy, has moved to St. Croix in the Virgin Islands ostensibly to get some closure with a previous relationship. However, after finding retirement unsatisfying, he sets up shop as a private investigator and recruits Felicia, a former local cop who was driven off the force through no fault of her own.

While enjoying a local festival and still discussing the prospect of Felicia working with him, a Moku Jumbie, a traditional spirit-healer, stilt walker is shot dead on the street. And when the mother of the victim hires Doc and Felicia to find her son’s killer, they are drawn into a complex web of nefarious activities going on around the island. The case also brings Doc face to face with Elle, his ex-girlfriend who is now married with a house on St. Croix. As the case unfolds, it soon becomes apparent to Doc and Felicia that something bigger than the Moku Jumbie’s murder is going on. As they peel away the layers, and meet a diverse and interesting set of characters, the action ramps up as Doc and Felicia’s relationship begins to develop.

Of course, one of my books wouldn’t be complete without at least one dog playing a role. You’ll enjoy meeting Samson, a pit bull, who works his way into Doc’s life and they both end up being much better off for it.

One part compelling, one part poignant, one part thought-provoking, Getting Greedy is a smart, funny book about the search for meaning and the ability to find it without getting caught.

**

Other News

I know my fans of The Thousand Islands Doggy Inn Mysteries are patiently waiting for the next installment. And I’m pleased to announce that the next two books will be coming soon. Here’s a sneak preview of the covers. I’m shooting for June with the “W� book, hopefully launching on my birthday on the 15th, followed in July by the “X� book. I’m really happy with the progress of both books, and I have a feeling you’re going to enjoy seeing what Suzy and the gang are up to.

You’ll be hearing more about the other two books I’m working on as well as another new venture I’m about to start. I’m very excited about it and I have a feeling you’ll soon be seeing a lot of more of me.

And I hope you grab yourself a copy of Getting Greedy. It’s one of my personal favorites, and I am very proud of the way it turned it.

Be well, my friends.

Bernie

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Hi, folks.

I just wanted to thank all of you for already making The Case of the Valiant Vizsla the #1 Bestselling dog breed book on Amazon. This marks the twentieth consecutive book in the series that has hit the #1 slot.

Since its launch yesterday, the response has been overwhelming and I continue to be humbled by your ongoing support.

The book is available in both e-book and paperback and I sincerely hope you have as much fun with it as I did writing it. For those of you who haven’t had a chance to grab your copy yet, here’s the link:

Have a wonderful day and thanks again.

Bernie

PS � And stay tuned for the next book in the Doggy Inn series coming in March, The Case of the Whimsical Weimaraner.

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Hi, folks,

I just wanted to let all of you know that the new book in my Thousand Islands Doggy Inn Mysteries, The Case of the Valiant Vizsla, is available for pre-order on Amazon. The book will launch on February 25th, and I think you’re going to enjoy it.

***

Over the past month, I’ve gotten literally dozens of emails from readers asking when the new book would be available. I know you’ve had to wait a bit longer than usual for a new installment, but I think you’ll find it’s been worth the wait. After I finished the last book in the series, The Case of the Unfettered Utonagan, I sat down to begin the next book but soon realized I needed a break. I’d written the first 22 books in the series over the previous 25 months and, quite frankly, I was exhausted and needed to recharge my batteries over the holidays. My goal is to make each book in the series better than the previous one, and the last thing I wanted to do was to crank out the next installment just to meet some arbitrary deadline.

That would have disappointed all of you.

And it wouldn’t have done much for my mood either.

But I did put the time to good use working on some other projects.

The first is a new mystery series featuring Doc White from my Damaged Posse series. Doc finally left his espionage days behind and retired to the Caribbean. But he realizes that retirement comes with its own set of issues, primarily, for Doc, boredom. So he sets up shop as a private investigator and soon finds himself embroiled in a case that takes him back to his past as well as introduce him to some new challenges that promise an interesting future. The series will be a bit different from the Doggy Inn Mysteries but will contain many of the same elements. The series will be fast-paced and told primarily from Doc’s point of view, have a colorful cast of characters, and, if I have anything to do with it, funny. The first book in the series will launch sometime this summer.

The second project I worked on over my holiday ‘break� is Volume 3 of The Whiskey Run Chronicles. Also scheduled for a summer launch, the third volume of Whiskey Run focuses on Milo Razner’s plans for further expansion of his bootlegging empire. All the characters are back, except for those who came to an untimely end in Volume 2, and I’m very happy with the direction it’s taking. For those of you who haven’t had a chance to read Volumes 1 and 2, I encourage you to take a look. While different from the Doggy Inn Mysteries, the series is also set in the Thousand Islands, but during Prohibition. Whiskey Run is my take on what it was like running booze across the Canadian border during that time and Milo is one of those ‘villains� you can’t help rooting for.

Getting back to the Doggy Inn Mysteries, you can expect the final installments in the first pass through the alphabet to arrive regularly over the next four months. I’ve already started work on the next book, The Case of the Whimsical Weimaraner, and it will launch sometime in late March. And I know several of you are wondering if I’m going to continue the series after the Z book, The Case of the Zestful Zuchon, and my answer is a definite maybe. My main goal is to keep the series fresh and interesting and as long as I can do that, there’s a good chance I’ll keep it going.

But for now, let’s take a look at what Suzy and the gang are up to.

***

It’s Arts Festival time in Clay Bay and Suzy is very excited about meeting one of her favorite authors, Dianne Harman, who’s in town to participate in a couple of events. With her mother babysitting her daughter, Max, Suzy is looking forward to some rare time to herself out of the house. But when Dianne’s publisher dies in her sleep, all bets for an enjoyable time are off when it’s discovered that the woman was murdered. With a list of suspects that includes the author and her agent, the publisher’s personal assistant, the publishing house’s lead counsel and another writer who is signed by the dead publisher’s company, Suzy is immediately drawn into the situation and soon forced to defend her new friend’s reputation.

Making the case more difficult is the fact that the author and the publisher had switched hotel rooms earlier in the day of the murder, and the initial step is figuring out who the intended victim actually was. Working with the local, state and federal cops, Suzy is initially at a loss, but the smoke begins to clear when someone tries to run Dianne over in the middle of the street. The author’s life is saved by her dog, who in the process, gets hit by the car. Josie is forced to perform emergency surgery while Suzy and the cops try to piece together a complex puzzle that involves a lot of crazy behavior mingled with some very unclear motives. And before the last piece of the puzzle finally falls into place, Suzy finds herself in some hair-raising adventures as only she can.

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Hi, folks.

I want to thank you all again for making The Case of the Unfettered Utonagan the #1 Dog Breed book on Amazon. It continues to be the highest ranked New Release in that category, and I appreciate all the reviews and emails I’ve received about how much you enjoyed the book.

The next book in the series, The Case of the Valiant Vizsla, launches next month so stay tuned for more information.

I wanted to let you know that my good friend, Dianne Harman, has released a new book that is doing very well. I thought you might like to learn a bit about it and pick up a copy if you haven’t already done so.

Thanks again for your ongoing support, and I’d like to wish you and your family and friends a wonderful Holiday Season!

***

Murder in the Cayman Islands

Things aren’t always what they seem. Like, what could possibly go wrong on a vacation in the Cayman Islands � a Caribbean haven with beautiful women, plenty of rum, mouth-watering seafood, duty free shopping, and some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the world? Well, murder for one.

When DeeDee, Jake, Al, and Cassie go to Al’s home in the Cayman Islands for a respite from the string of murders they’ve had to investigate in the last year, the last thing they expect is to be involved is yet another murder. And it’s even harder when it’s Al’s longtime Mafia friend and next-door neighbor, Nicky Luchesse.

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