I was born precisely 9 months after Raymond Chandler died. I'm sure it's entirely coincidental that I write Chandleresque cozies.

For those who like cozy mysteries, but find they’re sometimes a bit bland, Chandleresque cozies stretch the cozy mystery concept, yet retain the good manners you expect.

For those who love Chandler and similar mysteries, but who’d like less sordid detail, thank you very much, Chandleresque cozies are convoluted as all get-out with satisfying emotional crunch, but maintain their (and your) dignity.

There are no sex scenes. No gore. No profanity, not even the mildest. Some of these things may be alluded to, but in a way which we think even the most delicate sensibilities won’t find offensive.

The stories, though, touch on darker themes. Betrayal. Our own gut-wrenching fears. Family. (Yes, family. You’ll see.) Depression.

Touch, though, not dwell. The people in my Chandleresque cozies feel real because they share the same shadows we all suffer. They’re uplifting because they shine lights, letting us see why the darkness doesn’t have to win.