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 TRICK OR TREAT #9. 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 three hero pets.

The three 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. 28, 2025 AT 10 pm CST

HERO CAT: Any breed or mix adult cat. An escape artist, able to open lever doors, likes hiding in knapsacks, climbing high levels. He or she belongs to Lia, and makes several appearances, including opening Shadow’s kennel door when September’s under attack–and also attacking/defending from the same bad guy at the end of the book. (Vote for hero cat here!)

HERO HORSE: Lia’s horse from her youth–as you remember, her grandparents raise horses. This hero horse helps defend Lia when she’s attacked and carries her to help when Lia’s injured. Any breed, any age, any description–but must still be fit enough for Lia (an adult) to ride. (Vote for hero horse here!)

HERO DOG: Any breed, any mix, any age (not a pup but could be adolescent). He was abandoned at Lia’s boarding kennel and temporarily stays with Lia’s grandparents. This dog also has many appearances, loves to dig out of the fenced back yard, and tries to protect Lia (and others) when attacked. Vote for hero dog below!

Pictures of Hero Dog Nominees

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

VOTE FOR YOUR HERO DOG (BELOW) BY SEPT. 28!

What’s TRICK OR TREAT About?

THE GHOSTS ARE REAL…

Past injustice haunts the present. To uproot the rot and banish the ghosts, a canine hero must protect his family before a killer destroys their future.

Exhausted from dealing with fallout from her birth father’s crime connections, September Day focuses on healing her soul. She relies on the support of chosen family, friends, and her service dog Shadow and cat Macy.

But when she agrees to track her friend Lia’s missing cat September also discovers a murder victim. And a traumatized child with secrets. Guarding her wellbeing, she keeps her distance and turns over the case to the police.

When the killer strikes again, and Lia named as a suspect, she’s terrified the deaths have something to do with her family’s vicious legacy. Determined to stop the killer from terrorizing more family and friends, September depends on Shadow to keep them all safe.

Can September and Shadow brave the burning truth before everything she loves turns to ash?