Bryony - Mandrake

In Malice Stalks the Leopard, Ysabella pulls mandrake from her apron pocket to escape her lecherous captor. Also called bryony, mandrake is related to deadly nightshade, henbane and belladonna. It is common in southern Italy and Sicily. It has long been used in magic, wicca, and ritual due to its hallucinogenic properties and its ability to induce sleep. It is said to increase physical passion when mixed with red wine, but emotional love when mixed with white wine. The mandrake plant is said to scream when it is pulled, and for the safety of the harvester, s/he should dig around the plant and then let a dog tied to it by rope actually pull it. Mandrake causes vomiting, diarrhea, and with enough, asphyxiation. A dose carefully calculated could be used as a narcotic for surgery, but watch out for its power to cause insanity!

Mystery Book Club - Stella's in Taos - great fun!!

So this last Wednesday we met for great Italian food at Stella's in Taos with the Taos Mystery Book Club.  What terrific readers and people!  Good questions, perceptive observations.  I hope to see them again soon.  Then off to Moby Dickens - one of the great area independent book stores.  If you haven't been there - on Bent Street in Taos, I advise you to visit.  It's wonderful.  Say hi to Betty when you browse around.

Learning poker

Okay, this afternoon I did something NOT medieval - I learned how to play poker.  So every Friday afternoon, I'm on it!  Love cards and card playing.  what kind of cards did they play in the Middle Ages???

Mystery Book Club in Taos - at Stella's Italian restaurant

OK mystery fans, on to Stella's Italian Restaurant in Taos tomorrow to talk about Murder at the Leopard.  Will they serve arancini?  Remains to be seen but we will certainly ask the best Italian restaurant in Taos if they have a recipe for it!  Otherwise, you'll be stuck with mine - historical mysteries and recipes.  I'm bringing my ginger almond biscotti - yummers.  See you there!

Malice Stalks the Leopard

And of course, the Vespers Trilogy continues in Book #2 - Malice Stalks the Leopard, when our tavern owners again become embroiled in a political secret affecting Palermo, Sicily, and a Mediterranean dynasty. 

Flyer for Taos Book Signing

Check out the flyer for our book signing in Taos on Wednesday, April 16 at 12 noon. If Stella lets me, I'll even bring some biscotti for everyone to nibble on with their espresso!

Book Signing in Taos!!!

For lovers of murder mysteries and historical novels - Murder at the Leopard is the featured book for The Mystery Club of Taos! Come join us at 12 noon at Stella's (fabulous Italian food) on April 16 for Q & A and a good time in general!