Veronica's Writer's Diary: October Treats!

"Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves. We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!"

Humbert Wolfe

Well, hello, October! 🍁🌻Fall has arrived, and just around the corner comes the scariest eve of the year, Halloween! Except of course if the Russian plague doesn't hit the world first with a plethora of scary eves, but I digress.

Back to Halloween prep. We've installed the purple, amber, and green lights here at the humble abode--along with pumpkins, black cat banners, and a bowl or two of sweets (taste testing the treats to make sure they aren't spoilt before the big night coming up).

I've baked our first pumpkin pie for the season and indulged in pumpkin spice creamer for my morning coffee. Chili is stewing in the cauldron. Scary movies are playing on TV. Now, if I could only find a way to whisper in El Nino's ear that it is October, the 10th month of the year, time to stop the heat waves and hurricane humidity...

 But enough about the weather... let's talk about the good stuff! September ended on a very high note. I am so happy to report that the OH and I finally made our first trip across the country this year. What better way to celebrate than to attend a wedding! Our beautiful niece Shauna married Grant on the 26th. It was a glorious day, full of sunshine and festive spirits.

Hard to believe this little one is now a stunning young lady and wife. Here's to loads of happiness to the fine couple! #XOXO

Driving across Tennessee, the OH and I made our way to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina where we visited the hallowed 175,000 sq ft halls of the Biltmore House. This not so humble abode of the Vanderbilt family never disappoints its guests!

On our tour, we were so lucky to get a sneak peak of the Christmas decor to be shown at Biltmore. They formally start the holiday tours on November 1st, but with all the rooms to be decorated, Santa's helpers are in high gear. Here are a few of the rooms with their festive finery:

Every room will be decked out for Christmas. I know it's going to be beautiful to see, especially with their nighttime tours. If you're in the area in November and December, this would be a worthwhile visit! And pssst, for all you Hallmark Christmas movie fans, there will be another fine flick airing on December 5th, A Grand Biltmore Christmas! I absolutely loved the time-traveling first movie and I'm sure this one will be a fav too. Start popping the popcorn!

And finally (again, assuming the Russian plague doesn't close the world down), I'm super excited to be traveling to Calgary for the 2026 Bouchercon mystery conference! This is a top-notch gathering for readers and authors who love all things mystery. The panels are entertaining and informative, and I love talking with the attendees. I'm excited to explore the Calgary city scene too--dare I hope for sweater and boot weather? I'll give an update next time.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful October and a spooktacular Halloween! 🎃

It's Wednesday, time for Dear Diary:

THE CROWN FOR CASTLEWOOD MANOR WINS A READERS' FAVORITE MEDAL!

I cannot tell you how thrilled I was when I received notice The Crown for Castlewood Manor had received a Bronze Medal Win in the Fiction: Mystery-Murder category! This is a huge honor--my crowns are still spinning! Here's the press release, squee!:

My first book in My American Almost-Royal Cousin Cozy Mysteries has made me extremely proud! I'm putting together a shadow box to celebrate (yes, I bought the bronze medal--I feel like an Olympian, LOL). 👇🏻

Check out the other Readers' Favorite medal winners here:

2026 Book Award Contest Winners - Readers' Favorite: Book Reviews and Award Contest

V's Reads

An inspiring memoir and mystery this month from the writers of X...

It's never too late for a dose of inspiration, and Dr. Maye Musk delivers in her latest memoir, TIMELESS. She's not just a woman mired in wishful thinking. She's proven time and time again that life circumstances can change in an instant, providing unexpected opportunities to pursue your dreams.

Her love of family and can-do attitude are heartwarming. I truly enjoyed the glimpse she gives into the relationships she has with her famous children. Their strong family ties have certainly contributed to their success.

As a woman who will be entering my seventh decade in a few years, Dr. Musk's honest conversation on the ups and downs of life and its new possibilities gives the reader an inspired mental boost. She proves that age has no limits! An uplifting read for anyone wondering what a new chapter in life can bring.

Fears of a Haley's Comet disaster have the Viscount of Tithe Hall in a dither. He's convinced a global calamity is imminent and is frantically trying to secure his stately domain, turning his household upside down in panic.

Former jailbird, now under-butler, Stephen Pike, is thrust into his new position as the hall is boarded up for the comet's arrival. He's been tasked with staying with the matriarch of the family, Decima Stockingham. She drives the other servants and family members bonkers with her foul mouth and snarky demands. The duo soon become unlikely co-sleuths solving a rather impossible murder mystery. Will they catch the killer before tragedy strikes again?

Author Montgomery weaves a clever, closed room mystery sure to delight cozy mystery fans. A highly recommended read!

The end of a fav series, or is it?

This month I've been faithfully watching the Masterpiece Mystery production of Anthony Horowitz's Marble Hall Murders. This is based on the 3rd, and supposedly final book in the Susan Ryeland mystery series. In this dual-thread tale, Susan has moved back to London (sans ex-BF Andreas (still not sure how I feel about this abrupt change, lol)) to re-start her editing career. She's offered a book she can hardly refuse--a continuation story featuring a beloved detective she knows quite well, Atticus Pund. The new author for the tale, Eliot Crace, is the grandson of renowned author Miriam Crace. She was (and continues to be) a best-selling author who has won over the hearts of millions, but she has an extremely dark past, filled with vile, family secrets.

As the series flips from 'real-life' events in London to the fictional world of Atticus Pund, situations and characters are closely entwined, and not in a good way necessarily! Mystery, intrigue, and evil deeds are plentiful, placing Susan in extreme danger. The series finale airs on October 11th. You can catch it on PBS or Amazon Prime. I'll be sad to see this series end, I've enjoyed the books very much. But never say never...there are whispers of a 4th book (which I am certain will be made into a film series if true)...Mile End Murders...dare we hope?

Welcome to my world. Enjoy the festivities of this spooktacular month of October!

Crowns and Kisses,

Veronica

P.S. We're super excited to explore Calgary during our time at Bouchercon. It could be a very interesting trip--the province of Alberta votes on the 19th on a referendum to secede from Canada. Now that will be a story to watch! News at 11... Gemma, Rikkhe, and my new Southern sassy sleuth approve (she'll be introduced soon, promise!). 💖👑