Dead Bodies

My friend Edite

who knows more than I do

about most subjects including

murder mysteries said

I have to put the Dead Body

front and center

if I’m trying to write one

(I am) so today I practiced

(only in writing) killing

a variety of neighbors

to see what made the most sense.

Another friend said

The Victim Has to Be Likable

so I’ve eliminated

all the unlikable people

I know including a woman

I met today at a bookstore

who said You’re Not Buying That?

She might be a good victim

although she goes against the rule.

Many years ago I was lucky enough to publish a few books by the fantastic Edward Gorey (through Edite and her friend Annabeth.) Gorey told me I didn’t look like a detective, or a victim.