House Edge: A Spotted Pony Casino Mystery
by Paty Jager

I am pleased to welcome Paty Jager to Escape With Dollycas today!

Hi Paty,

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Howdy. I’m Paty Jager. I’ve lived my whole life in rural areas. My husband and I currently live on 280 acres in SE Oregon. Our closest neighbor is half a mile away and the closest town to purchase groceries is 40 miles away. I enjoy living rural, raising cattle and hay. Being rural gives me time to write in between all the other chores. Currently, I’ve published 53 novels, 8 novellas, and I’ve had stories in numerous anthologies. I started out writing historical western romance, added contemporary western romance, and now am writing the genre I have enjoyed reading the most, murder mystery.

What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

The research all depends on how many things I plan to put in a book that I don’t know. Like an occupation, a unique murder method, or an area I’m unfamiliar with. The way I work, I’m writing one book, while mulling over a book or two that will be the next to be written. So, while I do look up things for coming books and as I write I add something and then think, “Do I know enough about this?” and take off to research it before I write any more, there is no set time limit for how much time I spend researching before beginning a book. I’m constantly reading and checking on things. Maybe for a book that won’t be written until next year.  For this book, House Edge, I read the stories in the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla newspaper, articles online from power companies and other newspapers, and saw a documentary about breaching the dams. Yet all the information I gleaned is barely touched on in the book because it is about the murder. But I hope what I didn’t write will make people who haven’t heard about it, stop and do their own research to see how it impacts everyone.

Do you ever suffer from Writer’s Block?

Writer’s Block? No. I have a list of books to be written in the two mystery series I’m writing. I have never been unable to write due to a block. I might write myself into a corner and it takes some time away from the computer and doing something completely unrelated for my brain to figure out how to fix what I did, but I always have two or three ideas cavorting around in my head ready to be brought forth and written.

What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?

The first thing you need to do is sit down and write every day. Don’t expect to have the first thing you write be the first thing that gets published. I had written 7 books before #8 was picked up by a publisher. It took me that long to hone my writing skills and perfect my storytelling. You never write a perfect book. You write the best book you can and make sure it is edited to the best of your ability. If you are self-publishing, you get other people to read your work and pay for an editor.

When you are not writing what do you like to do?

When I’m not writing I like to ride my horse, go for walks, and sew quilt tops.

How has the COVID pandemic affected you and you’re writing.

Honestly, because we live so rural, we haven’t been affected as much as people who live in populated areas. Sure, we put on masks when we go to the stores in town or when we visit friends in Central Oregon. I do dislike having to wear a mask while visiting with my dad in a senior living facility because he can’t hear what I’m saying half the time. As for my writing, it’s still perking along. I won’t write the pandemic into my stories because readers read to get away from the real world and by putting the pandemic in my books might be the facts of what is happening now, I feel the readers would prefer a few hours each day to forget it.

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go and why?

I went to Iceland a few years ago and would love to go back and see more of it. I also would love to go to England, Scotland, and Ireland. I’ve read so many books and watched so many shows set in those countries that I would like to see things for myself.

What is next on the horizon for you?

I am currently writing book 9, Owl’s Silent Strike, in the Gabriel Hawke Novels and will be working on a Spotted Pony Casino short story for an anthology I’m participating in, then book 3, Double Down, in the Spotted Pony Casino Mysteries. As I said, I am never at a loss for something to write!

Thank you for having me on your blog!

Thank you Paty for visiting today. 

Keep reading to learn about Paty’s new book.

About House Edge

House Edge: A Spotted Pony Casino Mystery
Murder Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Oregon
Windtree Press (February 18, 2022)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 294 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 195763801X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1957638010
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09QXZF12Z

Zealous Environmentalists
Greedy Power Companies
…and a body

 

A bitter dispute over the breaching of dams in Idaho sparks emotions at a summit held at the Spotted Pony Casino. When the keynote speaker is murdered, Dela Alvaro, head of security, teams up again with FBI Special Agent Quinn Pierce.

 

The suspects are many since it appears the victim was playing both sides of the controversial environmental issue. Did someone take advantage of a marital dispute… witnessed by a crowd of casino spectators? Or did an angry wife murder her husband?

 

Book 2 in the Spotted Pony Casino Mysteries has Dela Alvaro not only trying to keep her job by discovering the killer before word spreads about the murder, but she also has to deal with FBI Special Agent Quinn Peirce butting heads with her high school sweetheart who has returned to the reservation as a tribal policeman.

About Paty Jager

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 53 novels, 8 novellas, and numerous anthologies of murder mystery and western romance. All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

Author Links
Website    Blog     FB Page     Amazon     Pinterest     Twitter    Goodreads     Newsletter- Mystery    Newsletter- Western     BookBub

Purchase Link – Amazon 

Find more books by Paty Jager here.

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Murder of Ravens (Gabriel Hawke)
by Paty Jager

I am happy to spotlight this new book/series by Paty Jager today!

About the Book

Murder of Ravens (Gabriel Hawke)
Mystery
1st in Series
Windtree Press (January 20, 2019)
Paperback: 302 pages
ISBN-10: 1947983822
ISBN-13: 978-1947983823
Digital ASIN: B07KZ612BY

The ancient Indian art of tracking is his greatest strength…

And also his biggest weakness.

Fish and Wildlife State Trooper Gabriel Hawke believes he’s chasing poachers.

However, he comes upon a wildlife biologist standing over a body that is wearing a wolf tracking collar.

He uses master tracker skills taught to him by his Nez Perce grandfather to follow clues on the mountain. Paper trails and the whisper of rumors in the rural community where he works, draws Hawke to a conclusion that he finds bitter.

Arresting his brother-in-law ended his marriage, could solving this murder ruin a friendship?

Praise for Murder of Ravens (Gabriel Hawke)
by Paty Jager

I loved the story. Halfway through the book, the identity of the perp is revealed but the ending turned out to be quite surprising.
~The Book Decoder

Murder of Ravens is a fresh and unique mystery by new-to-me author Paty Jager. This traditional mystery, book #1 in a new series, has good character depth and features a strong Native American character.
~The Power of Words

MURDER OF RAVENS is an intriguing mystery set in Eastern Oregon, in the mountains, along the rivers, and in small close-knit communities (read, everybody, knows everybody else’s business).
~Mallory Heart’s Cozies

The blend of nature tracking, clues, and the animals makes for a fascinating mystery that is hard to put down.
~Books a Plenty Book Reviews

Some interesting history is also revealed as we get drawn into the seedy underside of greed and power.
~Laura’s Interests

A solid mystery with a lovely backdrop and some dabs of romance made this one a fun read for me.
~FUONLYKNEW

About the Author

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 35 novels, 8 novellas, and numerous anthologies of murder mystery and western romance. All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Her Shandra Higheagle mystery series has been a runner-up in the RONE Award Mystery category, and a finalist in the Daphne du Maurier.

Author Links 

Website   Blog   Facebook   Amazon

Pinterest   Twitter   Goodreads   Newsletter- Mystery   Bookbub 

Purchase Links –

Amazon

Also by Paty Jager

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS
January 15 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT
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January 16 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST
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January 17 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST
January 17 – Mallory Heart’s Cozies – REVIEW
January 18 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT  
January 18 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
January 19 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW
January 19 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
January 20 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
January 20 – Mythical Books – SPOTLIGHT
January 21 – Laura`s Interests – REVIEW
January 22 – A Blue Million Books – CHARACTER GUEST POST
January 23 – FUONLYKNEW – REVIEW
January 24 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – GUEST POST
January 24 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT
January 25 – Here’s How It Happened – REVIEW
January 25 – My Reading Journeys – CHARACTER GUEST POST

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I am so happy to welcome Paty Jager back
to Escape With Dollycas!

Her latest mystery, Yuletide Slaying was released on October 31. Set at Christmas time, you can put this mystery on your holiday reading list.

My name is Sheba, I’m a Newfoundland, border collie, and no one seems to know what else, not even my veterinarian. But my owner, Shandra Higheagle, loves me even when I drool and knock over things due to my large size and clumsiness.

Her boyfriend, Detective Greer, thinks it’s funny that a dog my size is scared of loud noises and greets everyone by rolling on to my back and showing my belly. I think he shouldn’t be judging me when he appears to be afraid of Crazy Lil, the woman who works for my owner and takes care of me when Shandra is away. I like Lil, even if she does carry that worthless cat around her neck.

Shandra has had dreams since her Nez Perce grandmother died. Mostly they are clues to the murders that have been happening around her lately. I’m there to keep her company when she has these dreams. My large furry body seems to be her favorite thing to hug when she wakes from the dreams. Unless Ryan is there. Then I don’t get invited up on the bed. If he didn’t make Shandra so happy, I’d be chewing up his shoes and burying his boots in the snow.

I was excited when Shandra volunteered me to pull a sleigh full of presents for foster kids in the county Christmas parade in Huckleberry. I looked good in the red harness and pulling the red sleigh. Ryan’s nieces and nephews gave me lots of attention as I waited for Santa to arrive and lead me.

The old car in front of me made a sound like a gun, and I bolted down the street. I couldn’t move fast enough to get away from that noise. I was panting so loud I didn’t hear anything and blindly ran down the streets and through alleys. One alley had two men fighting. The smell of blood stopped me, and one man fell into the sleigh. The other man stabbed at me. I heard Shandra call my name and ran as fast as I could toward her.

I’m as good at telling stories as my creator. To find out what happens to me and who the body is, you’ll have to pick up Paty Jager’s latest book, Yuletide Slaying.  I’m on the cover and have a bigger role in this book than any of the other in the series.

Yuletide Slaying (Shandra Higheagle Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
7th in Series
Windtree Press (October 31, 2016)
Paperback: 242 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1944973254
E-Book ASIN: B01M9HPI7F

Family, Revenge, Murder

When Shandra Higheagle’s dog brings her a dead body in a sleigh full of presents, her world is turned upside down. The man is a John Doe and within twenty-four hours another body is found.

Detective Ryan Greer receives a call that has them both looking over their shoulders. A vengeful brother of a gang member who died in a gang war is out for Ryan’s blood. Shandra’s dreams and Ryan’s fellow officers may not be enough to keep them alive to share Christmas.

Buy Links:  Amazon / Nook / Apple / Kobo /  Windtree Press

About The  Author

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 25+ novels and over a dozen novellas and short stories of murder mystery, western romance, and action adventure.  This is what Mysteries Etc says about her Shandra Higheagle mystery series: “Mystery, romance, small town, and Native American heritage combine to make a compelling read.”

All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

blog / website /  Facebook / Paty’s Posse / Goodreads / Twitter / Pinterest

Find more of Paty’s books on Amazon here.
DOUBLE DUPLICITY is FREE at Amazon!

Thanks to the author I am giving away an e-copy of Yuletide Slaying!
Contest is open to anyone over 18 years old.

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My turn today to showcase Double Duplicity
by Paty Jager

Praise For Double Duplicity

I liked Double Duplicity so much I went and bought the next book in the series. It has a good mystery. Likeable characters, drama, romance and action.
~readalot

This book will have you on the edge of your seat right in the middle of the action.
~Shelley’s Book Case

Jager blends culture, small town issues, family conflict, and murder into an enjoyable read.
~Christa Reads and Writes

I loved watching the detective Ryan and Shandra spin in circles working on their relationship.
~Community Bookstop

Mystery, romance, small town, and native American heritage combine to make a compelling read.
~MysteriesEtc

Double Duplicity:
A Shandra Higheagle Mystery (Volume 1)
Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Windtree Press (January 5, 2015)
Paperback: 242 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1940064925
E-Book ASIN: B00PFWPHPQ

Synopsis:

On the eve of the biggest art event at Huckleberry Mountain Resort, potter Shandra Higheagle finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. She’s ruled out as a suspect, but now it’s up to her to prove the friend she witnessed fleeing the scene was just as innocent. With help from her recently deceased Nez Perce grandmother, Shandra becomes more confused than ever but just as determined to discover the truth.

Detective Ryan Greer prides himself on solving crimes and refuses to ignore a single clue, including Shandra Higheagle’s visions. While Shandra is hesitant to trust her dreams, Ryan believes in them and believes in her.

Can the pair uncover enough clues for Ryan to make an arrest before one of them becomes the next victim?

About This Author

Award-winning author Paty Jager and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. On her road to publication she wrote freelance articles for two local newspapers and enjoyed her job with the County Extension service as a 4-H Program Assistant. Raising hay and cattle, riding horses, and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Her penchant for research takes her on side trips that eventually turn into yet another story.

Author Links:

blog; Writing into the Sunset

her website; http://www.patyjager.net

Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/#!/paty.jager , Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1005334.Paty_Jager

twitter; @patyjag

Purchase Links

Windtree Press http://windtreepress.com/portfolio/double-duplicity/

Kobo http://store.kobobooks.com/search?Query=Double+Duplicity

Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/double-duplicity-paty-jager/1120790322

Apple https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id942249867
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Tour Participants

April 22 – readalot – Review
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April 28 – Community Bookstop – Review
April 29 – MysteriesEtc – Review
April 30 – Lori’s Reading Corner – Guest Post
May 1 – Laura’s Interests – Review
May 2 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Spotlight
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