Can you ever truly escape your past—or does it always find a way to haunt you? Author Elena Taylor joins me to discuss her chilling new thriller, The Haunting of Emily Grace.
Emily Grace is desperate for a fresh start and even more desperate for a job. So when locals warn her away from the isolated house and the land she’s been hired to care for, she ignores them. But as the days stretch on, unease settles in. Her employer’s wife vanished without explanation, and the house seems steeped in secrets that refuse to stay silent.
Who can you trust? That question becomes increasingly dangerous as Emily begins uncovering a past someone is willing to kill to protect.
In this episode, Elena shares the real-life house that inspired the novel’s eerie setting and the deeply personal animal connection behind the story reflected in the book’s dedication.
For more information on Elena, visit: elenataylorauthor.com
For more about my K-9 books, visit: kathleendonnelly.com
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Who Can You Really Trust? You’re former teacher? Maybe. Maybe not. In Mrs. Oliver’s Twist, Quinn McFarland is thrilled that so many of her dreams have come true. She’s been accepted into medical school, married the love of her life and has adopted some sweet pups that bring joy to her every day. But then a sinister twist happens while working at her family’s funeral home.
Quinn realizes after seeing a familiar tattoo on a deceased woman that her past may not be what she thought. Is the deceased her former teacher? Could the person who inspired her to follow her dreams be hiding dark secrets?
Saralyn reveals the inspiration behind this clever mystery, the real-life dogs that have inspired the four-legged characters in all her books and discusses her love of writing.
For more information on Saralyn, visit: saralynrichard.com
For more about my K-9 books, visit: kathleendonnelly.com
Sit. Stay. Read. is a proud part of the Authors on the Air Global Network.
In this episode, I’m joined by my friend, editor and The Writer’s Dossier blog creator, Jeff Circle to discuss Myopic Duplicity. Myopic Duplicity is a crime fiction anthology that explores moral gray areas and the deadly choices people make under pressure. We focus on They Eat Their Own, a chilling story set in an exotic animal sanctuary where survival of the fittest and betrayal collide.
Jeff shares insight into the chilling stories that push characters—and readers—to confront uncomfortable truths about a haunting question: when everything is at stake, do the ends ever justify the means?
For more information on Jeff, visit: jeffcircle.com
For more about my K-9 books, visit: kathleendonnelly.com
Sit. Stay. Read. is a proud part of the Authors on the Air Global Network.
It’s another paw-liday special! I’m joined by Paula Munier, USA Today bestselling author of the Mercy Carr Mysteries, to talk about her holiday thriller The Snow Lies Deep.
When Northshire’s mayor—dressed as Santa—turns up murdered after the town’s Solstice celebration, Mercy Carr, Troy Warner, and their K-9 partners, Elvis and Susie Bear, must hunt down the Yuletide Killer before another prominent citizen is targeted. With many surprising twists and lots of holiday cheer and tradition, The Snow Lies Deep is a thrilling holiday read.
Paula shares how her love of New England, rescue dogs, and real-life K-9 heroes inspire her stories, along with insights into blending holiday traditions with high-stakes suspense.
For more information on Paula, visit: paulamunier.com
For more about my K-9 books, visit: kathleendonnelly.com
Sit. Stay. Read. is a proud part of the Authors on the Air Global Network.
Author and K-9 handler, Sheri Lewis Wohl, joins me this week to talk Search & Rescue (SAR) and writing.
Sheri is the author of paranormal and supernatural novels including Necromantia, Twisted Screams (finalist for the 2017 Golden Crown Literary Award), and Twisted Whispers (winner of the 2016 Golden Crown Literary Award for Paranormal/Horror). Her stories blend romance, mystery, and chilling atmosphere.
For more than a decade, Sheri was a nationally certified K-9 Search & Rescue handler, working alongside her German Shepherds to help locate lost and missing persons—an experience that continues to shape her writing.
In this episode, Sheri shares one of her most memorable searches and how her love of the supernatural comes out in her stories.
For more information on Sheri, visit: sherilewiswohl.com
For more about my K-9 books, visit: kathleendonnelly.com
Sit. Stay. Read. is a proud part of the Authors on the Air Global Network.
Need a fun holiday read? Look no further than David Rosenfelt’s AND TO ALL A GOOD BITE, Book #32 in the Andy Carpenter series. When Andy receives a phone call around Christmas time that a young man he knows, Jeff Wheeler, has been accused of murder, he realizes his football games and holiday relaxation will have to wait.
Before his homicide charge, Jeff was best known for rescuing a Golden Retriever puppy from a building explosion. Andy doesn’t believe his client is guilty. Afterall, who would save a puppy and then kill someone? This could prove to be Andy’s toughest case yet.
In his typical witty writing style and page-turning fun, Rosenfelt delivers another heart-warming canine read for the holidays.
For more information on David Rosenfelt, visit: davidrosenfelt.com
For more about my K-9 books, visit: kathleendonnelly.com
Sit. Stay. Read. is a proud part of the Authors on the Air Global Network.
When K-9 Search and Rescue handler Jessica Cooper learns of a cold case involving a missing child, she knows she must help. With her K-9 Luke and six-month-old son in tow, Jessica sets out to solve the case. Is there a chance the child could still be alive? And if so, can they bring him home?
Meanwhile, Jessica’s stepdaughter Amanda is working on healing from her own trauma. Amanda’s goal is to escape to the beaches of California, but instead, she ends up at the beaches of Chincoteague Island in Virginia in February. Battling the cold and her past, she discovers that the wild ponies, a frightened horse at a rescue, and a handsome stranger may help her heal and move forward.
Linda’s beautiful story portrays recovery from trauma and what it means to find loved ones—both missing and those we’ve pushed out of our lives.
For more information on Linda J. White, visit: lindajwhite.net
For more about my K-9 books, visit: kathleendonnelly.com
Sit. Stay. Read. is a proud part of the Authors on the Air Global Network.
What happens when an archaeological dig uncovers something far darker than artifacts? This week, Skye Griffith takes us inside her suspenseful debut Bone Hash, where a “bone hash” suggesting prehistoric cannibalism leads archaeologist Aideen Connor into a maze of threats, violence, and long-hidden secrets. We explore the book’s haunting discoveries, vivid setting, and the real-life inspiration behind its buried secrets—and of course the wonderful four-legged character, Dakota.
For more information on Skye, visit: skyegriffith.com
For more about my K-9 books, visit: kathleendonnelly.com
Sit. Stay. Read. is a proud part of the Authors on the Air Global Network.
Single mom Paislee Shaw keeps busy with her sweater shop, knitting and wrangling a teenage son. She’s hoping for a day of fun at the Highland Games, but instead, accusations of cheating soon turn deadly.
Paislee is pulled into the investigation. With the help of her friends, a Scottie named Wallace and one handsome detective, she must find the murderer before they strike again.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with strong settings, lovable pups, and clever sleuthing, you won’t want to miss this conversation!
For more information on Traci Hall, visit: tracihall.com
For more about my K-9 books, visit: kathleendonnelly.com
Sit. Stay. Read. is a proud part of the Authors on the Air Global Network.
In this episode, I’m joined by award-winning author and journalist Peggy Townsend to talk about her sharp, heartfelt, and wonderful new mystery, The Botanist’s Assistant.
In The Botanist’s Assistant, we meet Margaret Finch—six feet tall, fiercely organized, lover of schedules, and proud inhabitant of a tiny cabin in the woods. Her obsessive attention to detail makes her indispensable in her university botany lab… and it may also put a target on her back when she decides a recent death is no accident.
Peggy and I discuss the inspiration behind The Botanist’s Assistant, the fun four-legged character and her unusual book reviewers on her Instagram page. Hint—they like to review books from their Hen House!
For more information on Peggy, visit: https://www.peggytownsendbooks.com/
To see the Hen House Book Reviews, visit: https://www.instagram.com/peggytownsendwriter/
For more about my K-9 books, visit: kathleendonnelly.com
Sit. Stay. Read. is a proud part of the Authors on the Air Global Network.
In this week’s episode, I’m joined by cozy author Christa Nardi. She writes multiple fun and charming mystery series including Cold Creek, Sheridan Hendley, Stacie Maroni, and Izzie Di Sante. Drawing on her background as a psychologist, Christa infuses her stories with authentic emotions, believable motivations, and strong female sleuths.
We discuss her inspiration for creating relatable, resilient heroines, incorporating canine sidekicks into her stories and the joy she finds in writing mysteries that are engaging and suspenseful—without the grit or gore. Of course, we also chat about her dogs, travel adventures, and how life experiences often spark new story ideas.
For more information on Christa, visit: https://cccnardi.wixsite.com/mysite
For more about my K-9 books, visit: kathleendonnelly.com
Sit. Stay. Read. is a proud part of the Authors on the Air Global Network.
When Melanie Travis’s six-year-old son decides he needs a Great Dane, she figures a visit to a breeder will settle things. But in Die Another Dane, that simple trip turns into another twisty murder mystery for Melanie and her pack!
Join me for a delightful chat with beloved cozy mystery author Laurien Berenson as we talk about giant dogs, family life, horses and her 31st Melanie Travis mystery. Expect plenty of laughs, a few crumbs of cake, and maybe a clue or two.
For more information on Laurien, visit: https://www.facebook.com/LaurienBerenson
For more about my K-9 books, visit: kathleendonnelly.com
Sit. Stay. Read. is a proud part of the Authors on the Air Global Network.
Joining me for the10th book celebration in the FBI K-9 series is Jen Danna who writes as Sara Driscoll. I enjoyed learning more about the story behind Deadly Trade where FBI Special Agent Meg Jennings and her handsome black Lab, Hawk must solve one of their toughest cases yet involving wildlife trafficking.
On her honeymoon Meg, Hawk and her husband Todd, stumble across a brutal poaching ring. Can Hawk help Meg, Todd and the other investigators find and stop the poachers? Or will the poachers stop them first?
Based on real life wildlife trafficking along with the threat of a volcano eruption, Deadly Trade is a thrilling read with great K-9 action.
For more information on Jen writing as Sara Driscoll, visit: jenjdanna.com
For more about my K-9 books, visit: kathleendonnelly.com
Sit. Stay. Read. is a proud part of the Authors on the Air Global Network.
In Tails From The Crypt, A Pumpkin Glow festival turnsdeadly in the small town of Twilight Cove. Georgie Johansen has kept her dogs’ magical powers secret…until now. When the murder of a new unpopular town resident happens and Georgie’s best friend becomes the prime suspect, Georgiemust rely on her sleuthing skills.
With the help of her handsome and charming boyfriend, heraunt and her special dogs, Georgie works hard to find the real killer before it’s too late.
A fun, enchanting, page-turning cozy mystery, Tails From TheCrypt is a must read for Halloween.
For more information on Sarah, visit: https://www.authorsarahfox.com/
For more about my K-9books, visit: kathleendonnelly.com
Sit. Stay. Read. is a proud part of the Authors on the Air GlobalNetwork.
I had the pleasure of chatting with the delightfulaward-winning author Marie Tierney about her book, Deadly Animals—a great read for this time of the year. Deadly Animals was the International Thriller Writers debut book of the year and won the McDermid debut award for crime fiction.
Marie and I had a fun conversation about the inspirationbehind her main character, Ava, who while out late at night discovers the body of a classmate. After an anonymous call to the police, Ava manages to stay involved in the investigation through the wonderful Detective Delahaye.
Deadly Animals is a gripping thriller, coming of age and spooky read all wrapped up into one. Check back later this week when I’ll do another Spooky Special for fun “Howl-o-ween Tails.”
For more information on Marie, visit: https://www.instagram.com/marie.tierney.971/
For more about my K-9books, visit: kathleendonnelly.com
Sit. Stay. Read. is a proud part of the Authors on the Air Global Network.
I’m welcoming back my fellow K-9 author, Margaret Mizushima, to celebrate her latest release, Dying Cry. In this 10th Timber Creek K-9 mystery, our favorite team—Mattie, Robo, and Cole—set out for a peaceful day of snowshoeing, only to be drawn into a chilling mystery when a hauntingcry echoes through the canyon.
Known for her suspense and authentic K-9 work, Margaret once again delivers a story that will keep the pages turning. Tune in as we talk about Dying Cry, ten years of Timber Creek, and what’s next for this beloved series The Denver Post calls “one of the West’s finest.”
For more information on Margaret, visit: margaretmizushima.com/
For more about my K-9 books, visit: kathleendonnelly.com
Sit. Stay. Read. is a proud part of the Authors on the Air Global Network.
New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni joins me for a fun conversation about his hit Tracy Crosswhite series and the real-life dogs who inspired canine characters Rex and Sherlock. We discuss becoming a dog owner later in life and how his beloved pups found their way into his stories. Joinus for this fun, heartfelt episode filled with wagging tails and inspiring conversation for mystery fans and dog lovers alike!
To learn more about Robert and his books, visit: robertdugonibooks.com/
For more about my K-9 books, visit: kathleendonnelly.com
Sit. Stay. Read. is a proud part of the Authors on the Air Global Network.
What do you get when you have a retired cop, podcaster andauthor? Patrick O’Donnell! I had the opportunity to speak to Patrick on the show about his amazing career as a sergeant in the Milwaukee Police Department.Find out who his all-time favorite officer was (hint—he had four-legs and was covered in fur) and learn about his own podcast, Cops and Writers.
Patrick has been a big part of the writing community helpingauthors get the details right. Now he’s also published his own book, The Good Collar. We talk about the inspiration behind the storyline and more.
Join us for this fun discussion.
To learn more about Patrick, his books and his podcast visit:copsandwriters.com
For more about my K-9 books, visit: kathleendonnelly.com
Sit. Stay. Read. is a proud part of the Authors on the Air Global Network.
What happens when you mix a talking otter, magical beasts, porpoises who need saving and a dash of mystery? You get Elle Hartford’s enchanting How to Treat Talking Beasts.
In this episode, Elle joins me to dive into the world ofSunlit Haven—a marine biologist and animal rescuer whose sanctuary becomes the center of magical (and sometimes mischievous) attention. Sunlit’s journey is one of courage, friendship, and learning to find her voice.
Elle shares the inspiration behind her delightful mix ofanimal care and cozy mystery, the challenges of writing whimsical worlds that feel real, and why readers are falling in love with the Marine Sanctuary family.
Plus, we had a special guest appearance with Elle’s turtle, William!
If you adore books with heart, humor, and plenty of magic,you won’t want to miss this conversation.
To learn more about Elle, visit: ellehartford.com
For more about my K-9 books, visit: kathleendonnelly.com
Sit. Stay. Read. is a proud part of the Authors onthe Air Global Network.
Bestselling author Bruce Borgos joins me to discuss his latest release, The Blue Horse. Set against the backdrop of Nevada’s high desert, Sheriff Porter Beck faces one of his toughest cases as a helicopter is shot out of the sky during a wild horse round up. This gripping mystery blends the untamed spirit of the mustangs with the wild heartsof those who won’t be broken.
In our conversation, Bruce shares more about his research into the wild horses of Nevada and the real-life controversies.We discuss how he balances character-driven storytelling with page-turning suspense. We also dig into his path as a writer and what’s up next for him.
This is a must read for those who love wild horses, mysteries and characters that come alive on the page.
For more information about Bruce visit:bruceborgos.com/
For more about my K-9 books, visit:kathleendonnelly.com
Sit. Stay. Read. is a proud part of the Authors onthe Air Global Network.