You’ve patiently waited for this–and I’m delighted to share with you that I’m now in edits for the next book in my thriller series CUT AND BLEED #10. No, not yet available for pre-order, but soon, once I receive the new cover design. Yes, the book again will be available as an Ebook, paperback, hardcover, large print, and (eventually) audiobook.

In the tradition of the previous books, I include HERO ANIMAL CHARACTERS in each story. These are chosen by my newsletter subscribers nominating possibilities, often sharing fun pictures, touching and uplifting stories, experiences, funny quirks and descriptions. Nominees are posted here in an open POLL for the world to see and VOTE for the winning hero pet. This book not only features the regular main characters like Shadow and Macy-cat but also includes two hero pets.

The winners will have their pet name/character featured in the story as a hero, acknowledgements in the FACT-FICTION-ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS in the back and also receive a paw-tographed print copy of the published book. You can vote as often as you like–and campaign by sharing with all your friends to also vote so YOUR pick wins the coveted title of HERO PET!

Vote For Your Hero Pet! DEADLINE SEPT. 6, 2026 AT 10 pm CST

HERO CAT: Any breed or mix adult cat. Two kids (you’ll recognize Nikki from earlier stories) think he/she is a stray and try to rescue the cat. An opinionated feline that rules the RIALTO theater, and loves to lurk in hiding spots, escape through hidden passages, and jump out of pianos to surprise the bad guys. This kitty has a lot of ground to cover and he/she must be an athlete able to leap, climb, and squeak between narrow escape passages, walk across high beams, and more.  (Vote for hero cat here!)

HERO DOG: Any breed, any mix, any age, and LOVES chewing up paper and shredding it. She or he rides home from Christmas vacation with owner until the car crashes in an ice storm pileup on Heartland’s main street. The dog gets away from the car during the accident, sees a pile of mail spilled into the street from September’s car, and the dog steals a FedEx mailer and dashes away. The dog appears frequently, foils the bad guys (who want the mailer), and helps protect Nikki, September and others. Vote for hero dog below!

Pictures of Hero Dog Nominees

I’ve included pictures that were shared, and placeholders for others.

I received MANY more nominations than I could include. I’ve chosen a representative variety of wonderful canine heroes for YOU to vote for and choose the winner.

VOTE FOR YOUR HERO DOG (BELOW) BY SUNDAY SEPT. 6!

What’s CUT AND BLEED About?

Well… let’s just say this book takes September, Shadow, and Macy in a new direction in time for the New Year:

A 16th birthday celebration for Combs’s daughter Melinda gets sidetracked by:

• A broken Tiffany lamp
• An ice storm
• And a stolen FedEx mailer.

Mayhem ensues… Can September and Shadow evade this new threat with the help of chosen family and your hero pets? *evil grin!* 

As always, my promise to you, dear reader, the PETS NEVER DIE.