Staff & Reader Submitted

BOOK REVIEW - MOTHER TONGUE: A MEMOIR OF TAIWAN by Linda Petrucelli

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 08:00:00 Z

Mother Tongue

A Memoir of Taiwan

Linda Petrucelli

Warm, witty, and wonderful!

Mother Tongue: A Memoir of Taiwan by Linda Petrucelli is the warm, witty, and wonderful recounting of the authors time as a missionary in Taiwan in the 1980s. Reverend Linda Petrucelli, a well-spoken, highly educated Iowa pastor, had been seeking a church placement for some time without success when she heard that the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan was seeking female ministers. After applying and much waiting, she and her husband, Gary, were accepted, leaving everyone they loved and everything familiar back home in Iowa. They eventually arrived in the small island nation to discover that instead of working with indigenous youths in a remote posting, they were to remain in the city, and rather than learn to speak Mandarin, the official language of the country, they were to tackle the much more difficult Taiwanese, the dialect most of the population grew up speaking at home, but didnt want to speak in public.

What a fascinating and satisfying story! The author and her artist husband were both in their 30s when they began their first of two tours in Taiwan. She perfectly conveys their sense of being fish out of water from the moment they land in Asia, immersed in a culture so different from their own. Many of their experiences are humorous; however, you can clearly feel their loneliness, confusion, frustration, and a sense of being completely off-balance in their early days. The authors moments of success, even the smallest incidents, became causes for elation. The author perseveres, though, and finds her purpose, working to help and improve the lives of some of the neediest people. At the same time, she learns more about herself, her faith, and how she wants to live her best life.

I thoroughly enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the settings and the people Linda met throughout her time in Taiwan. I loved the connections she made with residents, especially the random encounters that made such a big impression on her and helped her at just the right moments in her journey. While it sounds like a grand adventure, it takes a lot of courage to leave your home like this and venture into complete, 24/7 unknown territory. Well done!

I recommend MOTHER TONGUE to readers of memoirs, travel memoirs, and biographies.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through WOW! Women On Writing Book Tours.

Frist Annual Father's Remembrance Concert

Donna Miller — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 18:15:25 Z

Join us for our 1st Annual Father's Remembrance Concert where we will honor and remember fathers past and present with music, dancing, drinks, and food!

Our performer for the evening will be Renz Universal Group, @renzuniversal, a local Latin band! The night will be something to enjoy and remember! We look forward to seeing you there!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=naNFyNDosvs&fbclid=PAdGRzdgSawqJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAaeIz3sTIiZMX1uTj8FfxSPhwtYRfYzGwdstSGENfG1qhxfGCaJdNjt1TSKPhw_aem_03ktWUQUdT_-ndLIQFm9_w

For more information, please visit our website https://www.hughesftc.com/events/fathers-remembrance-concert

BOOK REVIEW: WILDWOOD EXIT by Joel E. Turner

KAREN SIDDALL — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 12:46:25 Z

Wildwood Exit

Joel E. Turner

Complex, compelling story I didnt want to put down.

Wildwood Exit is a compelling new crime thriller by Joel E. Turner, featuring an out-of-work South Philly bartender who relocates to Wildwood on the Jersey Shore to manage a restaurant there for a friend whose messy personal life soon becomes his problem. As the plot unfolds, the story proves to be fascinatingly complex, with twists and turns at every corner.

John McGinty, Ginty to his friends, has known Lou Scolletta, his wife, Concetta, and son, Davy, for a long time, and when the bar hes been working at for years is sold, he accepts a position as the manager of a restaurant Lou owns in Wildwood, down the Jersey shore. While this isnt his forte, he feels like he owes Lous family for help in his past and is willing to do his best for his friend. However, his new role soon expands when Lou asks Ginty to complete other tasks of a questionable nature, including spying on Concetta, whom Lou suspects of having an affair. To assist Ginty with these off-the-books assignments is Lous man, Pinto, a scrappy guy from the old neighborhood, who is willing to do whatever it takes to keep Lou, whom Ginty begins to realize is more connected than he knew, happy. Ginty has a soft spot for the now-grown Davy, who is estranged from his father. a drug addict and failed drug dealer, hiding from the drug dealers he owes money to. Told from Gintys first-person point of view, he narrates with an engaging, often humorous voice as he is dragged into Lous troubles with his wife, son, and the local Mexican drug cartel.

Set sometime in the 1980s, the author recreates an earlier, but not necessarily simpler, time. Gintys love interest, Pauline, a French-Canadian paralegal vacationing in nearby Cape May, doesnt have a phone in her rental, so keeping that relationship going has communication problems that are forgotten today with ever-present cellphones. The plot is complex and compelling as Gintys life becomes entangled with Lous disintegrating family and extracurricular business dealings. There are plenty of twists and clever misdirection that keep Ginty and the reader wondering about whom he can trust and where the story is headed. I didnt want to put the book down.

I recommend WILDWOOD EXIT to readers of mysteries, thrillers, and crime fiction, especially those with an affinity for the Jersey shore.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

BOOK REVIEW: ON THE BAYOU by Sean Bridges

KAREN SIDDALL — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:12:23 Z

On the Bayou

Sean Bridges

Non-stop action and desperate situations.

On the Bayou is a suspenseful new crime thriller by Sean Bridges, and the story is one of non-stop action and desperate situations. After DEA Agent Jennifer Nash becomes the scapegoat for a surveillance operation gone wrong, a high-placed mentor guides her into an oversight assignment in the Louisiana swamps in an effort to rebuild her career with a series of small, successful jobs. But once on-site with local law enforcement and headed into a major meth lab bust without fully vetted intel, Jennifer realizes that the home team may be compromised, and not knowing who she can trust may cost her and the others their lives.

Jennifer Nash is a smart and serious protagonist, and although small in stature, she is well able to take care of herself and business. Her male colleagues are hard to appreciate, with their ugly, highly sexualized comments and dismissive attitudes; they are almost caricatures of male chauvinists from decades earlier. The demarcation between federal and local agencies is clear, with mutual distrust and anger. Jenn must work to keep herself from matching their energy, but unfortunately, shes had a lot of practice.

The plot is well-paced, and the author creates a truly atmospheric setting, with the treacherous rural swamp as a backdrop. I could feel the mugginess and imagined the mosquitoes as boats laden with officers and equipment set off into the sticky, sweaty unknown.

While Jenns companions are, at times, contemptible, the bad guys are worse. The action sequences are very well choreographed but be warned: some are quite graphic. I was kept on the edge of my seat as the story unfolded, and the surprises along the way absolutely made this a bona fide page-turner for me.

I recommend ON THE BAYOU for readers of crime fiction and thrillers.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Literary Life Book Campaigns.

Senior Skip Day Takes Mustang Creek Estates Residents to Dallas Zoo

Ariel Herr — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:09:43 Z

Residents from Mustang Creek Estates Frisco, Allen and Sachse communities recently visited the Dallas Zoo for Senior Skip Day, joined by family members, staff and volunteers. The Dallas visit was one of two Senior Skip Day outings Mustang Creek Estates hosted for residents across its six communities.

Inspired by the familiar high school tradition, Mustang Creek Estates created Senior Skip Day as a lighthearted way for residents to skip the routine and enjoy a day out together. The day included sightseeing across the zoos exhibits, a picnic-style lunch and souvenir shop stops.

Events like Senior Skip Day give residents something special to look forward to and a chance to enjoy meaningful time with the people around them, said Reneé Ramsey, Owner and CEO of Mustang Creek Estates. These outings are a fun way to bring people together and create shared moments across our communities.

With around 275 employees throughout North Texas, Mustang Creek Estates has neighborhoods of homes for seniors in Allen, Burleson, Frisco, Keller, Sachse, and Flower Mound. The neighborhoods are located in more suburban areas and have five to seven unique homes with around 10 to 16 residents each. Houses are designed around an open kitchen for comfortable assisted living or memory care depending on the houses resident needs. Each offers a truly home-like environment with secure and compassionate 24-hour care at affordable all-inclusive rates.

About Mustang Creek Estates

Mustang Creek Estates provides seniors with high-quality, residential-style Assisted Living and Memory Care at an affordable price. The locally owned and operated company is redefining senior living with a friendly home-like atmosphere in its neighborhoods located in Allen, Keller, Frisco, Burleson, Sachse, and Flower Mound. Each provides personalized care, ensuring that every individual is treated like family and receives the attention they deserve without sacrificing comfort and independence. For more information visit www.mce.care.

SPARK! Presents SPARK! City, an Innovative Public Art Exhibit Highlighting Dallas Neighborhoods

Juliette DC — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:04:27 Z

SPARK! Dallas, the innovative educational nonprofit fostering creativity and empowering youth, presents SPARK! City, a first-of-its-kind public art exhibition that celebrates the unique neighborhoods of Dallas through the lens of local artists. From Friday, June 5^th through Sunday, August 30^th, SPARK! City will showcase the rich history, people, art and culture of these vibrant neighborhoods: Downtown/Uptown, Oak Cliff/Bishop Arts, The Cedars, Vickery Meadow and Deep Ellum.

Each room in SPARK! City will fully immerse guests in the energy and essence of a specific neighborhood brought to life through original works by local artists across a variety of mediums. Visitors will journey through Dallas, from the historic charm of the Cedars to the rhythms of Deep Ellum, the bold creativity of Oak Cliff, the original live/work/play neighborhood of Uptown, the variety of cultures of Vickery Meadowall connecting with the citys diverse cultural landscape.

SPARK! City is sponsored in part by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture and the South Side PID (Public Improvement District).

The Artists:

Emmett J. Conrad High School

Oak Cliff/Bishop Arts and Vickery Meadow neighborhoods

Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts

Deep Ellum and Downtown/Uptown neighborhoods

Erika Bauer, Local Artist

The Cedars neighborhood

Meg Bittner, SPARK! executive director, said, With so many visitors coming to Dallas from around the world for soccer games this summer, we wanted to create a unique art exhibit to showcase Dallas distinctive neighborhoods. This exhibit is an exclusive opportunity for both Dallas residents and visitors to discover and celebrate the citys creative heartbeat, freeing art from traditional gallery walls and placing it in the hands of the community.

SPARK! is located at Southside on Lamar (1409 Botham Jean Blvd., Suite #004, Dallas, TX 75215).

SPARK! City is open to the public now through August 30:

Saturdays: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Sundays: 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Select Weekdays 1-5 p.m. (during FIFA Family days) - June 14, June 17, June 22, June 25, June 27, June 30, July 3, July 6, July 14

SPARK! City Ticket prices:
All tickets include the SPARK! City exhibit and admission to the play sculpture areas and the Creative Corner.

Adults and children (ages 2 and up): $15
Teachers (with Teacher ID): $12
Military/Veteran/First Responders: $12
Seniors (65+): $12
Museums for All Discounts (families benefiting from SNAP, WIC and/or Medicaid, with Benefit Card): $5

All tickets can be purchased at the door. Learn more at https://sparkdallas.org/ or 214.421.7727.

SPARK! After Dark (Adults only, ages 21+):

First Fridays all summer! June 5, July 3, August 7

June 5, 6:00-10:00 p.m. - special game night featuring Inside Thoughts Productions

$40
Ticket link: https://sparkdallas.ticketspice.com/spark-after-dark-ft-inside-thoughts-productions

July 3 and August 7, 7:00-10:00 p.m.

$40, includes one drink ticket for beer, wine and soda

Ticket link: https://sparkdallas.ticketspice.com/spark-after-dark

About SPARK! Dallas:

A nonprofit founded in 2010, SPARK! Dallas provides children mostly from second grade to high school with a fully immersive creative environment with hands-on learning that develops their self-definition as creative individuals. Through an endless roster of workshops and pop-up activities and exhibits, students exercise their creativity and learn from creative experts, innovators and artists. The organizations vision is to help students acquire creative skills to excel in school and compete in the work force. SPARK! also hosts interactive camps, field trips and birthday parties. SPARK! is located in the historic South Side of Lamar building at 1409 Botham Jean Blvd, Ste. 004, Dallas, Texas 75215. For more information, visit https://sparkdallas.org/.

Lack of Affordable Childcare Costs Dallas County Families $1.63 Billion in Annual Earnings

Juliette DC — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:15:49 Z

Texas' rapidly growing and increasingly female labor force requires childcare systems that are robust, accessible and affordable, according to the Texas Women's Foundation's (TXWF) latest white paper, "Addressing the Texas Childcare Crisis." Published in partnership with Every Texan, this research report is a follow-on to TXWF's 2024 Economic Issues for Women in Texas Report.

"Addressing the Texas Childcare Crisis" explores and quantifies a crisis charaterized by gaps in access and affordability and its impact on the state's economy, with a spotlight on Dallas County as a bellwether for the issue.

Karen Hughes White, TXWF president and CEO, said The takeaway from this research is clear: Strong childcare systems provide essential economic infrastructure allowing women to participate fully, consistently and productively in the workforce, stabilizing household earnings and supporting long-term economic growth.

She added, Women represent 46% of the Texas workforce and that number is growing. Based on population projections, women will outnumber men in Texas as early as 2040, meaning our $2.9 trillion Texas* economy is increasingly dependent on women. Access to affordable childcare and out-of-school care is imperative to creating a strong and vibrant Texas for all, while ensuring the economic security, stability and success of Texas women, their families and their futures. (*https://gov.texas.gov/top-texas-touts-economy)

KEY FINDINGS

Affordability:

Center-based infant care in Texas costs more than $11,000 annually on average. In Dallas County, this represents 12.5% of the median family income.

For a Texas family with an infant and a four-year old, the annual cost of center-based childcare is significantly higher than the estimated cost of housing.

A minimum wage worker in Texas would have to work full-time for 37 weeks just to afford care for one infant.

Access:

Over half of Texas counties are considered childcare deserts, where there are three or more children for each available licensed childcare center opening.

An estimated 111,490 Texas children lack access to care within a reasonable driving distance a 7.9 percent average access gap that grows to 12.8 percent in rural areas.

In Dallas County, approximately 43,400 mothers with young children remain outside of the labor force due in large part to the lack of accessible and affordable childcare.

Economic Impact:

Based on average annual earnings, Dallas County families forego $1.63 billion in direct earnings due to the lack of affordable childcare.

This earnings loss corresponds to approximately $3.19 billion in annual Gross Regional Product (GRP) losses for the county.

If left unaddressed, the cumulative, long-term economic losses for Dallas County and the state over the next 10 years are staggering:
- Dallas County - estimated $562 million-$859 million
- Statewide - estimated $5.5 billion-$8.3 billion

Investing for Change:

Evidence presented in the report suggests that sustained, local, coordinated investment in childcare is necessary to reduce labor force constraints and strengthen regional and statewide economic resilience.

Modeled outcomes in Dallas County have shown that an investment in childcare of $100 per family per month would allow approximately 1,700 mothers to work and earn approximately $65 million annually. With a $400 monthly investment, those numbers would increase to 6,900 mothers working and earning $260 million annually.

In 2025-26 alone, Texas Womens Foundation has invested more than $250,000 to address childcare access and affordability in Dallas County and beyond. Learn more about our Childcare Access Fund HERE.

To read TXWFs full white paper, "Addressing the Texas Childcare Crisis," visit

txwf.org/research.

Policy Recommendations and Call to Action:

Policymakers should prioritize investments in childcare and out-of-school time (OST) as core economic infrastructure to shape and build labor force participation, business productivity, and economic performance.
Sustained, coordinated investment in childcare and OST should be pursued to reduce labor force constraint, support womens continued participation in the labor market, and strengthen regional economic resilience.
Counties and municipalities are well positioned to address place-based gaps in care availability and to coordinate care with housing, transportation, and workforce development.
Texas Womens Foundation has established the Childcare Access Fund to make targeted investments in access and affordability. Donors are encouraged to support this fund by visiting https://www.txwf.co/donate.
To schedule a presentation of these results for corporate, civic and community groups, contact TXWF Director of Community Engagement Chandra Matthews at cmatthews@txwf.org.

Taking Action in Dallas County:

In late May, TXWF joined forces with a coalition of local business, civic, and community leaders** to announce the Dallas Child Care Works initiative to urge Dallas County commissioners to add a proposed, modest property tax increase to the November 2026 ballot. If approved by voters, the proposal would levy an additional 3 cents per $100 of assessed property value approximately $10 per homeowner per month, to generate $132 million annually for childcare scholarships and key infrastructure investments. Similar ballot measures have been successful in Travis and Harris Counties in recent years.

To learn more about Child Care Works, email info@earlymattersdallas.org.

**The Child Care Works coalition includes ChildCareGroup, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, North Texas Early Education Alliance, Dallas Area Interfaith, North Dallas Chamber of Commerce and Early Matters Dallas.

About Texas Womens Foundation:

Texas Womens Foundation (TXWF) raises funds from a broad base of donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. These resources support nearly $5 million in investments each year to help eliminate the barriers to womens economic security, stability and success through targeted research and advocacy, intentional grantmaking and leadership programs. Since its inception in 1985, TXWF has invested nearly $90 million in grantmaking in support of Texas women, their families and their futures, and another $25 million in research, advocacy and educational programs for a total impact of $115 million over the last 40 years. As TXWF prepares for its next 40 years, the organizations vision for a strong and vibrant Texas for all will remain at the forefront of its work.

TXWFs targeted research into the issues impacting the economic security of Texas women and families will continue to guide its work. The biannual Economic Issues for Women in Texas Report provides corporate and community leaders, and state and local lawmakers with critical data to inform policies, practices and programs across the state. In addition, Texas Womens Foundation is an acknowledged leader and advocate in the mission-aligned investing movement, deploying 100 percent of its invested assets endowments, operating investments and donor-advised funds in a values-based portfolio that yields strong financial returns and social benefits that align with its mission. For more information, visit www.txwf.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram or donate now.

Southlake Shoppers Get Rare Glimpse of PlainsCapitals One-in-a-Million White Buffalo

Allison Golden — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:51:33 Z

PlainsCapital Banks live mascot, Mo, greeted customers at Central Markets Texas Folks to Texas Forks event in Southlake this weekend. The all-white buffalo drew plenty of attention as shoppers stopped for photos and a chance to meet one of the banks most recognizable ambassadors.

Mo has represented PlainsCapital since 2006, when the bank began using a live buffalo mascot to reflect its strength and momentum. The current Mo is an exceptionally rare white bison - the odds of one being born naturally are estimated at one in a million. Appearances at events such as the State Fair of Texas and the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo have made him a popular draw across Texas.

PlainsCapital Bank has served Southlake and the surrounding Tarrant County area for more than a decade, building lasting relationships with local families and businesses.

Our commitment to Southlake goes beyond banking, said Tom Pulley, executive vice president at PlainsCapital Bank Southlake. Events like this give us a chance to connect with families in a more personal way, and having Mo here really helps bring those moments to life.

When not appearing at public events, Mo lives on a ranch near Weatherford with handler Bree Worthington Clay, who has cared for him since he was three days old.

PlainsCapitals Southlake branch is located at 550 Reserve St. and serves customers with private banking, wealth management, deposit, and commercial lending services.

DQ RESTAURANTS IN TEXAS INVITE FANS TO SHARE THEIR THIS IS MY BLIZZARD STORY

Mary Jane Coker — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 08:12:25 Z

DQ restaurants in Texas are celebrating the traditions, sweet moments and one-of-a-kind memories Texans have shared over the years with the launch of the This Is My Blizzard summer campaign.

From post-game celebrations and birthday traditions to after-school treats, first dates, family road trips and summer stops on the way home, DQ restaurants in Texas have been part of generations of memories across the Lone Star State. Texans are invited to share their favorite Blizzard Treat memory for a chance to be spotlighted in the official This Is My Blizzard summer campaign.

DQ restaurants in Texas have always been gathering places where Texans celebrate milestones, continue family traditions, and make everyday moments a little sweeter, said Lou Romanus, CEO of the Texas Dairy Queen Operators Council. With the This Is My Blizzard campaign, we want to hear directly from our fans and share the fun, heartfelt and uniquely Texas stories that make the Blizzard Treat so special.

Fans are encouraged to submit their Blizzard Treat stories that may include family moments, celebrations, generational stories, quirky traditions, favorite flavor combinations or other meaningful moments connected to DQ restaurants in Texas.

Stories may be submitted by August 31, 2026 at DQTexas.com/myblizzard.

As Texans reflect on their favorite Blizzard Treat memories, DQ restaurants in Texas are also celebrating the season with the Summer Blizzard Collection, featuring the new Strawberry Angel Food Cake Blizzard® Treat, the Smores Blizzard® Treat and the Cotton Candy Blizzard® Treat.

For more than 78 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. To be the first to learn about Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram, X or Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

About Texas Dairy Queen Operators Council

There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators' Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries.

Susser Bank Appoints Daniel Voigt As Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager

Mary Jane Coker — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 08:06:07 Z

Susser Bank Strengthens Dallas Commercial Banking Team with Appointment of Daniel Voigt,

Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager

Susser Bank has appointed Daniel Voigt as Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager, joining the banks Dallas team. Voigt brings nearly two decades of experience serving middle-market companies with financing, capital planning and strategic advice.

Based at Susser Banks Dallas headquarters at Old Parkland East Campus, Voigt will focus on expanding relationships with privately held businesses and entrepreneurs across North Texas, helping clients navigate growth opportunities through the banks relationship-driven approach and comprehensive banking capabilities.

Daniel's experience advising middle-market businesses, combined with his commitment to building long-term client relationships, aligns closely with the way we serve our clients at Susser Bank, said Carl Cravens, President and Chief Banking Officer of Susser Bank. As businesses across North Texas continue to seek strategic banking partners, Daniel's perspective and expertise will further strengthen our ability to deliver thoughtful, guidance and long-term value.

Susser Bank has built a strong reputation for delivering highly personalized service and long-term partnership to its clients," said Voigt. I look forward to joining a team that shares my commitment to helping businesses succeed and supporting their continued growth.

Throughout his career, Voigt has worked with privately held and founder-led companies across a variety of industries, advising clients on commercial lending, treasury management and capital needs. His background includes leadership roles in commercial banking and corporate finance, where he partnered with business owners and management teams to support expansion, improve liquidity and achieve long-term objectives.

Voigt earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Economics from Baylor Universitys Hankamer School of Business. He is active in the community and has been involved with professional and civic organizations including the Park Cities Rotary, Dallas YMCA, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, and Highland Park Presbyterian Church.

Susser Bank is a Texas-based company, founded in 1959, offering a full suite of personal and commercial banking solutions with offices across Texas Dallas, Arlington, Austin, Bedford, Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, Garland, Houston, Plano, Round Rock and San Antonio. The company is a diversified bank with robust capital, liquidity, and leading-edge technology led by the Susser family and a legacy of six generations of Texas entrepreneurs. Susser Bank is dedicated to building long-term client relationships and providing outstanding financial solutions that make Texas stronger.

More information is available at susserbank.com.

Susser Bank Appoints Daniel Voigt As Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager

Mary Jane Coker — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 08:06:07 Z

Susser Bank Strengthens Dallas Commercial Banking Team with Appointment of Daniel Voigt,

Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager

More information is available at susserbank.com.

Fairmont Dallas Unveils Venetian Champions Club in the Iconic Venetian Room

Culver Public Relations — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:38:13 Z

Fairmont Dallas Unveils Venetian Champions Club in the Iconic Venetian Room

Legendary Dallas venue transformed into an elevated fanzone and luxury sports lounge

Fairmont Dallas announces the debut of the Venetian Champions Club, an elevated fanzone and hospitality-driven sports lounge inside the legendary Venetian Room. Known for hosting high-profile events and drawing some of the most recognizable names in entertainment, including Tony Bennett, Tina Turner, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald, the iconic 4,400-square-foot space will transform into Dallas premier destination for the worlds largest sporting event.

From June 11 through July 19, Venetian Champions Club will celebrate Dallas on a global scale. Open to the public throughout the tournament, it will offer an accessible indoor destination where fans, travelers, and locals can gather for a premium hospitality experience centered around the global game in the heart of the acclaimed Dallas Arts District.

The Venetian Room will be completely reimagined into an elevated, high-energy sports lounge featuring a massive 11-by-20-foot main screen, turf flooring, multiple flat-screen televisions, and air conditioning to beat the Texas heat for every match. Guests can enjoy a full bar program featuring specialty cocktails themed around the countries playing in the tournament, local brews on tap at three bars, and daily culinary specials inspired by the nations competing that day.

Designed to blend the excitement of a stadium watch party with the sophistication of a luxury hospitality experience, Venetian Champions Club will also feature interactive experiences, including foosball tables, cornhole, lounge seating, and communal gathering areas designed for fans to cheer on their favorite teams together.

As a cornerstone of the Dallas Arts District for more than five decades, Fairmont Dallas is thrilled to transform the historic Venetian Room into the Venetian Champions Club, said David Sher, General Manager of Fairmont Dallas. As one of the citys most iconic gathering spaces, the Venetian Room has welcomed celebrities, changemakers, and cultural icons for generations. We are excited to continue that legacy and welcome fans into an unforgettable destination where fans from our city and from around the world can gather, celebrate, and enjoy sporting matches together.

Conveniently located in downtown Dallas, Fairmont Dallas places guests steps from many of the citys most celebrated cultural destinations, including the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, and Winspear Opera House. The hotel also offers close access to Klyde Warren Park, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, American Airlines Center, and an array of award-winning dining and retail destinations. Travelers can easily walk to the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system for quick, convenient transportation throughout the city, including direct service to Fan Festival in Fair Park, all without the need for a car.

Fairmont Dallas features 545 guest rooms, a rooftop terrace with a garden and Junior Olympic-sized pool, and 70,000 square feet of meeting space. The hotel is home to the Pyramid Restaurant and an on-site Starbucks, making it the premier destination for both business and leisure travelers. In 2024, Fairmont Dallas celebrated its 55th anniversary as one of Dallas most iconic hospitality destinations.

BOOK REVIEW: UP FROM HELL (ECHOES OF THE PAST: CRIMES IN CENTRAL TEXAS, #1) by Joan Moran

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 17:29:20 Z

Up From Hell

Echoes of the Past: Crimes in Central Texas, #1

Joan Moran

A young boy comes of age in not-so-sleepy Central Texas.

Up From Hell is the first book in author Joan Morans gritty crime fiction series, Echoes of the Past: Crimes in Central Texas, featuring a young boy who was dealt a rough start in life but who has a plan to turn it all around and make the most of his dream to become a good police officer. When Neil Dixons mother goes into the hospital to treat her drug addiction, the eight-year-old is befriended by Las Vegas Police Sergeant Jordan Finch, who gets him to a safe, stable place before arranging for a more permanent solution with the boys aunt and her family in distant Jarrell, Texas. Finchs example and kindness become Neils ideal for his own future, and as he grows, he plots a course to become a police officer in his new hometown. But law enforcement in small towns in dusty Central Texas was a whole different beast at that time. Corruption was rife through the little communities, and the bad guys went unpunished while the cops took money to look the other way. Still, Neil pursued his dream, with the ultimate goal of changing the way justice was served, from the inside out.

Told from Neils point of view, his experiences and impressions from his early life are hard to read, even as Neil keeps himself together and strives for more. After leaving his life in Las Vegas behind, things improve marginally for him, but his aunt is also fighting her own battles with an alcoholic live-in boyfriend. Still just kids, Neil and his cousin, Jack, take the necessary steps toward getting her the help she needs.

One of the hallmarks of small-town living is that neighbors help neighbors, and Neil is the beneficiary of some good people who want to give the honest, hard-working kid a break, which is how he comes by his first job and first modes of transportation. Another small-town element is the undeniable familiarity; everyone knows everyone else, their families, and their business. This truth both helps and hinders Neil as he progresses toward his goal.

Because of his unbuffered childhood, Neil had to grow up quickly, but along with the hard knocks, he gained a keen sense of survival and a strong intuition that served him well. I liked how Neil could see through most peoples smokescreens of lies, half-truths, and other obfuscations to get to the heart of what was going on.

The story moves at an even pace as Neil grows to maturity, punctuated with exciting encounters with criminals, potential danger, and obstacles laid by those who should have been on his side. The young man experiences even more tragedy in his life, yet keeps rebounding even stronger than before. I look forward to more of his crime-stopping adventures.

I recommend UP FROM HELL to readers of character-driven crime fiction.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Literary Life Book Campaigns.

Healing Paws: How Sound Waves Are Helping Sick and Hurt Animals Feel Better

Douglas Stramel, DVM, CVPP, CVMA — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 09:37:34 Z

Healing Paws: How Sound Waves Are Helping Sick and Hurt Animals Feel Better

Imagine your golden retriever, Buddy, used to run and play fetch every day after school. But one morning, he wakes up and can barely stand up. His back legs hurt so much that he does not want to go for a walk anymore. Your family takes him to the veterinarian, who says Buddy has arthritis, a condition that makes his joints stiff and painful. For a long time, the only things vets could do were give dogs like Buddy pain medicine or perform surgery. But now, there is a new kind of treatment that uses something you probably hear every day sound waves to help animals heal. It is called shockwave therapy, and it is changing the way veterinarians care for pets all over the world.

Shockwave therapy might sound like something from a science fiction movie, but it is actually a real medical treatment that has been used to help people since the 1980s. Doctors first used it to break up kidney stones without surgery. Then, scientists discovered that these same powerful sound waves could do something even more amazing: they could tell the body to heal itself. Now, veterinarians have brought this technology into animal clinics to help dogs, cats, horses, and other animals recover from injuries and painful conditions without needing operations.

What Exactly Is Shockwave Therapy?

To understand shockwave therapy, think about what happens when you throw a rock into a pond. You see ripples spreading out in circles from where the rock landed. Shockwaves work in a similar way, but instead of water, they travel through the bodys tissues. These are not the kind of sound waves you hear from a stereo speaker or a guitar. They are special waves of energy that move faster than the speed of sound. When these waves travel through an injured area of the body, they create tiny bubbles and gentle pressure that wake up the bodys natural healing system.

The process is actually quite simple, even though the science behind it is very clever. A veterinarian holds a small wand against the animals skin, right over the sore spot. The wand sends focused sound waves deep into the body, reaching muscles, tendons, bones, and joints that hurt. The animal might feel a mild tapping sensation, but it does not hurt. Most pets relax and even enjoy the treatment. Each session only takes about ten to twenty minutes, and most animals need just a few sessions to start feeling much better.

Here is the really cool part: shockwaves do not just hide the pain like a medicine does. They actually help the body fix what is broken. The sound waves cause tiny, harmless changes inside the cells that tell the body to grow new blood vessels, make fresh tissue, and reduce swelling. It is like sending a wake-up call directly to the injured part of the body, telling it to start repairing itself.

Meet the Machines: VersaTron and PiezoWave

Not all shockwave machines are the same. In veterinary clinics today, two of the most popular machines are called VersaTron and PiezoWave. Even though they both use sound waves to help animals, they create those waves in very different ways, almost like how an electric guitar and a piano both make music but use completely different methods.

VersaTron: The Spark Machine

VersaTron was one of the very first shockwave machines built for animals, and it works in a way that is pretty amazing. Inside the machine, there is a small container filled with water and two electrodes think of them as tiny metal points. When the machine turns on, it creates an electrical spark underwater, just like a tiny bolt of lightning. This spark creates a powerful pressure wave that travels through the water and into a special lens. The lens focuses the wave, almost like how a magnifying glass focuses sunlight into one bright point. The focused wave then passes out of the machine and into the animals body, going exactly where the vet wants it to go.

Because the electrical spark makes a loud popping sound, similar to a cap gun, many vets give the animal a mild sedative so they stay calm and relaxed during the treatment. VersaTron is especially good at reaching deep inside the body. It can send waves up to twelve centimeters deep, which means it can treat problems in large animals like horses, where the injuries might be buried under thick muscle and tissue. In fact, VersaTron was first invented for horses, who often suffer from tendon and ligament injuries during races and competitions.

PiezoWave: The Crystal Machine

PiezoWave uses a completely different way to make sound waves, and it is based on a fascinating science called piezoelectricity. Have you ever used a push-button lighter for a grill? When you press the button, a tiny crystal inside creates a spark. That happens because certain crystals create an electric charge when you squeeze them, and the reverse is also true: when you send electricity through these crystals, they vibrate. That is exactly what PiezoWave does. Inside the machine, there are hundreds of tiny crystals arranged in a special pattern. When electricity flows through them, they all vibrate together in perfect sync, creating a powerful and very precise sound wave.

One of the best things about PiezoWave is that it is completely silent. There is no loud pop or bang, which means most animals do not need any sedation at all. The vet simply holds the wand against the animal, and the pet can sit or lie down comfortably while the treatment happens. PiezoWave also lets the veterinarian choose exactly how deep they want the waves to go, adjusting in tiny steps of just five to ten millimeters. This pinpoint accuracy makes it perfect for treating small animals like dogs and cats, where the vet needs to target a very specific spot, like a small tendon near the shoulder.

VersaTron uses a lightning-like spark. PiezoWave uses vibrating crystals. Both send healing waves deep into the body.

Table 1: Comparing VersaTron and PiezoWave

Feature	VersaTron	PiezoWave
How it makes waves	Electrical spark in water	Vibrating crystals
Does it make noise?	Yes a loud pop	Very quiet
Needs sedation?	Not typically	Usually not needed
How deep can it reach?	Up to 12 centimeters deep	Up to 12 cm
Best for which animals?	Horses and large dogs	Dogs, cats, small animals
Treatment time	3 - 5 minutes	5 - 7 minutes
Number of sessions	23 sessions, weeks apart	36 sessions, weekly

How Does It Work Inside the Body?

When the sound waves from VersaTron or PiezoWave reach the injured tissue, they set off a remarkable chain reaction inside the body. Scientists call this process mechanotransduction, which is a fancy word that means the body converts physical energy (the sound wave) into biological signals (healing instructions). Think of it like this: the shockwave knocks on the door of your cells and says, Wake up, we have work to do!

First, the sound waves activate special cells in the body called mast cells. These cells act like tiny emergency responders. When they get activated, they release chemicals that tell blood vessels to grow new branches toward the injured area. This process is called angiogenesis, and it is incredibly important because more blood means more oxygen and more nutrients delivered right where they are needed most. It is like building new roads to bring supplies to a town that was cut off after a storm.

Next, the shockwaves encourage the body to produce more collagen. Collagen is a protein that acts like the scaffolding in your body. It is what makes your tendons, ligaments, and skin strong and flexible. When an animal has a tendon injury, the collagen fibers are often torn or disorganized, like a bowl of spaghetti. Shockwave therapy helps the body lay down new collagen in neat, organized lines, making the repaired tissue much stronger and less likely to get injured again.

The waves also recruit stem cells to the injured area. Stem cells are the bodys master builders. They can transform into whatever kind of cell the body needs, whether that is bone cells, cartilage cells, or muscle cells. By calling these stem cells to the injury site, shockwave therapy gives the body the raw materials it needs to rebuild damaged tissue from scratch.

Finally, shockwave therapy helps with pain relief in two ways. It reduces the amount of Substance P, a chemical in the body that sends pain signals to the brain. Less Substance P means the animal feels less pain. At the same time, the treatment triggers the release of endorphins, which are the bodys natural painkillers the same chemicals that make you feel good after exercise. So shockwave therapy both turns down the pain signals and turns up the bodys own comfort system.

What Conditions Does Shockwave Therapy Treat?

Shockwave therapy can treat a wide variety of conditions in animals, and the list keeps growing as veterinarians discover new ways to use this technology. One of the most common reasons pets receive shockwave therapy is osteoarthritis, which you might have heard your grandparents talk about. Arthritis happens when the cushions between bones in a joint wear down, causing the bones to rub against each other. This is incredibly painful and makes it hard for animals to walk, run, or even stand up. Studies have shown that shockwave therapy can be just as effective as pain medicine for dogs with arthritis, but without any of the side effects.

Tendon and ligament injuries are another major area where shockwave therapy shines. Tendons are the tough cords that connect muscles to bones, and ligaments connect bones to other bones. When these get stretched or torn which happens often in athletic dogs and sport horses they heal very slowly because they do not have a good blood supply. Shockwave therapy solves this problem by growing new blood vessels directly into the injured tendon or ligament, speeding up the healing process dramatically.

Veterinarians also use shockwave therapy for back pain, especially a condition called kissing spines in horses, where the spinous bones in the back grow too close together and pinch the tissue between them. Dogs with back problems, such as Intervertebral Disc Disease, which is when the cushions between the bones of the spine bulge or rupture, can also benefit greatly. In fact, one study found that shockwave therapy helped improve back pain in 89 percent of dogs who received it.

Other conditions that can be treated include bone fractures that are slow to heal, chronic wounds that will not close, muscle injuries from overexertion, and even post-surgical rehabilitation. After a dog has knee surgery to repair a torn ligament, for example, shockwave therapy can help speed up the recovery and make the knee stronger than it would be with surgery alone. For cats, who are notoriously difficult to treat because they hide their pain and cannot safely take many pain medicines, shockwave therapy offers a gentle and effective option.

Why Do Pets Need Shockwave Therapy?

You might be wondering, why cannot we just give animals pain medicine like we take when we have a headache? The answer is that while pain medicines can help, they come with serious problems, especially for animals. The most common pain medicines for pets are called NSAIDs, which are similar to ibuprofen for humans. But in dogs and cats, these medicines can damage the liver and kidneys over time, and they only hide the pain without actually fixing the problem. It is like putting a piece of tape over a crack in a wall the crack is still there, you just cannot see it anymore.

Cats are especially vulnerable to the side effects of pain medicine. Their livers process chemicals differently than human livers, and many medicines that are perfectly safe for people or dogs can be toxic to cats. Since up to 90 percent of cats over the age of twelve have arthritis visible on X-rays, finding a safe treatment is incredibly important. Shockwave therapy is drug-free, which means there are no chemicals for the cats body to process and no risk of organ damage.

Shockwave therapy does not just hide the pain. It tells the body to grow new blood vessels, rebuild tissue, and heal itself.

Another reason shockwave therapy is so important is that many animals are not good candidates for surgery. Surgery always carries risks, such as infection, complications from anesthesia, and a long recovery period. Older animals, who are the ones who most often need treatment for arthritis and joint problems, are especially at risk during surgery because their bodies are not as strong as they used to be. Shockwave therapy offers a non-invasive alternative, meaning nothing cuts into the body, nothing gets removed, and there is no recovery time needed. The pet walks out of the clinic feeling better and can go about their normal day.

Perhaps the most wonderful thing about shockwave therapy is that it promotes actual healing, not just pain relief. When a dog receives this treatment, the body is literally rebuilding damaged tissue, growing new blood vessels, and reducing inflammation at the source of the problem. This means the effects can be long-lasting. While a pain pill wears off after a few hours, the healing triggered by shockwave therapy continues for weeks and months after the treatment is finished.

A Brighter Future for Our Furry Friends

The story of Buddy, the golden retriever who could not stand up, has a happy ending. After just three sessions of shockwave therapy at his veterinarians office, Buddy was back to chasing tennis balls in the park. His family was amazed that something as simple as sound waves could make such a big difference. Stories like Buddys are becoming more and more common as shockwave therapy becomes available at veterinary clinics around the country.

Scientists and veterinarians are continuing to study this technology and find new ways to use it. Some researchers are exploring whether shockwave therapy could help animals with nerve damage, heart conditions, and even certain skin diseases. The technology is still relatively new in veterinary medicine, but it has already helped thousands of animals live happier, healthier, and more comfortable lives.

So the next time you hear a loud clap of thunder or see ripples spreading across a pond, remember that those same kinds of waves are being used in veterinary clinics to heal sick and injured animals. Sound waves might be invisible, but as VersaTron and PiezoWave have shown, they have the power to do some truly visible good in the world one paw at a time.

Texas and the American Revolution Celebrate USA 250

Tom Keener — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 19:00:00 Z

Celebrate USA 250 as Texas State Historian Dr. Richard McCaslin discusses how Spanish Coahuila y Tejas played a pivotal role in helping American patriots secure independence from Great Britian at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at 300 N. Allen Drive.

A former Texas State Historical Association professor of Texas history at the University of North Texas, McCaslin has written or edited twenty-two books, including Tullis Award-winner Tainted Breeze: The Great Hanging at Gainesville, Texas, October 1862 and Pulitzer nominee Lee in the Shadow of Washington.

Dr. McCaslin observes, Without the support of several nationsmost notably France, Spain, and the Netherlandsthe United States would never have won its independence from Great Britain. Gov. Bernardo de Gálvez of Spanish Louisiana, an officer with experience in and support from Texas, contributed to the patriot cause with a successful military campaign on the Gulf Coast that led the British to return Florida to Spain, reversing a territorial loss of twenty years earlier.

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, DAR Bernardo de Gálvez and Allen Quilters Guild, the program is free. Call 214-509-4911 for more information.

Splash Into Summer at Your Quarter-Acre Corner Lot Oasis in The Trails of West Frisco

Laurie Deckert — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:44:32 Z

Welcome to 10761 Silver Dollar Drive, a beautifully updated 5-bedroom, 4-bath home with a 3-car garage, pool, spa, and outdoor kitchen in the highly desirable Trails of West Frisco golf course community. Set on a quarter-acre corner lot, this home delivers the space, privacy, and indoor-outdoor lifestyle buyers want heading into summer.

Inside, youll find a dramatic two-story living room, formal dining, and a spacious kitchen that opens to the main living area. A dedicated office with French doors and a coffered ceiling creates a polished work-from-home space, while the built-in desk area off the game room adds the perfect spot for homework, planning, or the household command center everyone claims will stay organized. Noble little fantasy.

The flexible floor plan offers 2 bedrooms downstairs and 3 bedrooms upstairs, plus game and media spaces designed for everyday living, entertaining, and comfortable separation when everyone needs their own zone.

Out back, enjoy a heated pool and spa controlled by remote, generous patio space, and an outdoor kitchen with built-in BBQ, making this backyard ready for summer cookouts, game days, pool parties, and the sacred Texas tradition of grilling while pretending its not 103 degrees.

Beyond the home, The Trails of West Frisco offers a true community lifestyle with two elementary schools within the neighborhood, two community pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, parks, and miles of winding trails that connect all the way toward Lake Lewisville.

Located in sought-after Frisco ISD and feeding into Wakeland High School, this home brings together space, updates, amenities, and location in one of West Friscos most loved golf course communities.

BOOK REVIEW: THE TERRA COTTA THEFT (SUCCULENT SLEUTH COZY MYSTERY, #0.5) by Iris March

KAREN SIDDALL — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:32:35 Z

The Terra Cotta Theft

Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery, #0.5

Iris March

Unique introduction to the series' characters as children.

When money from the register at Patty's Plant Place suddenly goes missing, how will Grandpa Will discover who the thief is among those present in the store? This is the tricky question Will Flores faces when the stack of twenties disappears, and there are plenty of suspects, both employees and customers, to consider and rule out.

The Terra Cotta Theft is a prequel to author Iris March's fun and satisfying Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery series, featuring Will's granddaughters, Molly, May, and Shannon (the twins' cousin), and their families and friends. This story introduces the main characters as children, other characters that will become recurring faces in later books, and the business that will eventually become theirs.

A short story, the plot sets up the series' background and establishes close family relationships and long-held ties with their customers and neighboring business owners. There is a cozy, comfortable hometown-family feel right away, and I was easily drawn into the story. The characters are regular people, engaging and familiar, with no one over the top. My interest was immediately piqued by the prospect of reading about their further adventures as adults.

I recommend TERRA COTTA THEFT to readers of cozy mysteries, especially fans of the SUCCULENT SLEUTH series.

Readers can obtain their own copy of the story by signing up for the author's newsletter on her website at https://irismarchbooks.com/newsletter-sign-up/.

For more reviews, visit my blog at Boys' Mom Reads!

DQ Restaurants In Texas Welcome Back The Drumstick Blizzard Treat This June

Mary Jane Coker — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:17:57 Z

School is out for summer and DQ restaurants in Texas have the perfect reason to add a sweet treat to your summer plans. This June, the fan-favorite Drumstick® Blizzard Treat returns as the June Blizzard of the Month for a limited time through June 30.

This nostalgic summer treat blends choco-covered Drumstick pieces with DQs world-famous soft serve. The sweetness from DQs signature soft serve with the salty crunch of peanuts brings those iconic flavors of a classic Drumstick cone to the next level.

Just one red spoonful of the Drumstick Blizzard Treat will have DQ fans coming back for more. This Blizzard Treat captures the ultimate feeling of summertime nostalgia, bringing back memories of neighborhood bike rides, afternoons at the pool, backyard cookouts, and all the sweet moments that make summertime the best time.

It is always exciting to bring back a fan favorite like the Drumstick Blizzard Treat, said Lou Romanus, CEO of the Texas Dairy Queen Operators Council. The sweet and salty flavor combination is hard to beat, making it the perfect treat to enjoy with friends and family this month.

For fans wanting an extra taste of nostalgia , DQ restaurants in Texas are also serving up the Breakfast Treat Collection, featuring the Choco Frosted Donut Blizzard Treat, Fruity Pebbles Shake, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch Dipped Cone.

For more than 78 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. To be the first to learn about Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram, X or Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

About Texas Dairy Queen Operators Council

Juneteenth Community Service & Celebration

Kandyce McCracken — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:00:00 Z

CARROLLTON, Texas Christ Community Connection will host a two-part Juneteenth celebration Saturday, June 13, featuring a community service project and a family-friendly festival. This years event will be held in memory of the late Reverend Rainwater and Juanita Rainwater, longtime community leaders.

The day begins with a cemetery clean-up from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Carrollton Historical First Black Cemetery, 1535 W. Belt Line Road. Volunteers are encouraged to bring basic tools to assist with grounds maintenance.

The Juneteenth Festival will follow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mary Heads Carter Park, 2320 Heads Lane. The event will include live music, speakers, poetry and family activities, along with a tribute to the Rainwaters.

Hosted by Christ Community Connection in partnership with the City of Carrollton, local churches and civic groups, the event marks Juneteenth, which commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston and announced the end of slavery in Texas.

BOOK REVIEW: THE CORPSE BY THE CREEK (SUCCULENT SLEUTH COZY MYSTERY, #3) by Iris March

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 31 May 2026 15:14:44 Z

The Corpse by the Creek

Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery, #3

Iris March

Volunteers on a stream monitoring outing find a dead body.

The Corpse by the Creek is the third book in author Iris March's fun and comfortable Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery series, featuring two twin sisters and their cousin who own and operate a small-town plant nursery they inherited jointly from their grandmother, who started the business. With the nursery's parking lot adjoining that for a trailhead of the Buckeye Trail, the women are often the first to know if there's trouble on the trail, even more so when one of them discovers the body of a murder victim while out learning to monitor the local waterways.

When Molly and her husband, Scott, are walking the route on part of the Buckeye Trail to their next stream monitoring site with their trainer, Heath Reed, they come across the body of a man in a suit lying face down and deceased. Soon, the victim is identified as a much-disliked property developer who has been riding roughshod over tenants' feelings in the commercial buildings he has been acquiring in the area, including those next door to Patty's Plant Place. Feeling somewhat invested in what happened to the man, Molly, May, and the rest of the gang at the nursery begin snooping around. But things become critical when they discover that cousin Shannon was the man's real estate agent for many of his recent acquisitions, and the police detective on the case is looking hard in her direction.

Molly is an interesting and earnest young woman, and though she runs her own business, she still finds the time and dedication to participate in worthwhile, altruistic endeavors, such as volunteering for water monitoring with Scott. They are both inspired and renewed by spending time in the great outdoors and want to make a difference. Her twin sister, May, is the busy mother of two school-age children and manages the administrative side of their business, as well as the deep dives into internet research they need to solve this crime. Although close to her sister, as one imagines, May tended to be critical of Molly's every move in this story, while Molly and Shannon, who is normally the sisters' joint antagonist, finally had a genuine moment to air their thoughts and feelings. Hopefully, this is a turning point in the cousins' relationships, and May is not stepping in as a replacement source of tension.

The story moves along at a brisk pace, with the murder victim's discovery occurring early on and the sisters deciding right away to investigate. Since May's husband, Detective Joe Sato, is not assigned to the case, they have lost their special connection to what is officially happening. They are warned off, but did a pretty good job of lifting information and clues from legitimately available sources and targeted chats with people they know who had deals with the dead man. They also were pretty good about taking another person with them whenever they went off on one of their investigatory fishing expeditions. With the victim's terrible reputation, there was no shortage of suspects to rule out, and the big reveal, while in a public place, was still a doozy.

Although this is the third book, it works well as a standalone, so readers new to the series can read and enjoy it on its own. I recommend THE CORPSE BY THE CREEK to cozy mystery fans, especially those who enjoy gardening, plants, or advocating for water quality.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.