A Baker's Dozen: 13 Tales of Murder and More

“A Baker's Dozen: 13 Tales of Murder and More” is a compilation of short stories created over 30 years, written by a former journalist and including contributions by her mother, a professional proofreader. From murder in the mountains of Tennessee to the adventures of an all-woman air conditioning repair crew in Northern Virginia, to the terrible secret that comes to light in the aftermath of a violent tornado, to the antics of a popular television master chef, this page-turner is a blend of murder mystery, psychological suspense, surprise endings, satire, tearjerkers, and just plain, laugh-out-loud fun.

Stories include: “Dog's Best Friend,” where a farmer's wife has to make the ultimate decision between life and death; “Mrs. Gallagher,” when you will learn not to underestimate a determined 85-year-old; “The Sampler,” the co-author's award-winning short story about a happy retired couple with a really big secret; “Exit 36,” a surprising tale of ongoing revenge, and “Burying Toby,” a touching yet humorous story of two teenagers who help their beloved younger sister stage a funeral for her recently deceased favorite pet.

Also included are a rollicking satire of the Nancy Drew Mystery series, a tongue-in-cheek piece on soap operas and game shows, a trip down the runway of a senior citizen's beauty pageant, a fantasy built around a young boy's trip to the local convenience store, and a first-person account by a very intelligent house cat who witnesses a brutal murder and lives to tell the tale.