I absolutely adored this book. I would never have picked it up based on description, but since YOU wrote it, yeah, I gave it a shot. It ticked A LOT Of my boxes!

To those of you who haven't read it, DO IT.

Thanks for the testimonial, Meg. I think of Low Lords as one of those true-to-life apocalyptic stories. Not because it might happen but because everybody screws everything up. There's a bit of that going on now.

This email arrived on time! And anyone who hasn't read it, you need to go get it. Then go visit Mammoth Cave.

Just checking on you. Hoping you are well in these troubled times. World's gone to hell in a hand basket. I could stomach it a bit better if I knew you are thriving. Kat

Hi Kat,

I'm doing ok. I'm currently taking care of my parents who are 93 and 96 years old and still live in the house I grew up in. Since they've temporarily lost all their home help, that's my new gig. And it's a little too full-time.

I hope you're well, and I thank you for thinking of me.

Hello there Mr. Pearson.

Recall a short piece you wrote long ago titled "When We Used to Go Where We Went"? Thank you for it.

I have yet to read it through to the end without crying like my dog just died, so I don't read it too often. But it's beautiful.

If you don't know, that cottage is one of the few of its type that's still around (last I checked a few months back).

Hi David,

Most of the year, I live only a couple of miles from the Pink Perfection in Southern Shores. I'm away from OBX just now -- for viral reasons-- but I drive by that house every so often and get a pang myself.

I'm glad you enjoyed the essay. Happy reading and thanks for checking in.

Greetings from the Great White North. Glad to see you're still kicking around. Getting caught up on what I've missed. Finished Sleepaway last night and started Serpent of Old. Looking over your past posts, I see the significance of Sleepaway, and I'm sorry about Stella. I suspect right about now that seems like ages ago, given where we are now. Anyway, thought I'd stop by and say hi, hope you are well. Afraid to ask about your parents.

Hi Cynthia,

My parents are fine, and I'm planning on sticking it out with them until the end of summer. Otherwise, I'm sure I'm sick of everything everybody else is sick of, though I've come to love the smell of Germ-X. Go figure.

Yes, Stella died a year ago this month, though Louie is trying very, very hard to take her place (part hound, part boxer, part maitre d). I'm trying to finish a novel. Slow going. And my parents' Trumpy neighbor finally took down his big, blue Trump flag. I guess there are lines and that they can be crossed.

I hope you're well, and I'm delighted you checked in. Happy remote learning! (I suspect that's not possible).

T.R. wrote: "Hi Cynthia,

My parents are fine, and I'm planning on sticking it out with them until the end of summer. Otherwise, I'm sure I'm sick of everything everybody else is sick of, though I've come to lo..."

No, remote learning is a poor substitute, and I am grateful to have retired at the end of this school year and moved to a remote spot on the Maritimes coast where my primary responsibility is to stare at the open Atlantic. Having trouble kicking my U.S. news addiction, though, and am compelled to track the latest atrocities committed by that talking yam in the White House. I am heartened your parents' neighbor has regained some sense. Wonderful news about your canine friend having a go at stellar stardom. Great name. I'm relieved your parents are faring well, too. You're a good son. Looking forward to your latest novel when it's ready. In the meantime, the tide still comes in and goes out. What a relief.

Nova Scotia? PEI? That's quite a move. Life must be virtually normal up there. Good for you.

I get back to OBX and the tidal flow in September. Living for it.

Southwestern Nova Scotia where there are more boulders than people. Getting used to the rural accent--no easy task. "I'm sorry, say that again?" Locals are soft-spoken, hard-working, and curious [read: gossipy]. Half the pace of New England but much more humane and thoughtful. Even the fog has the decency to know when to lift. Three mournful foghorns keep watch. Glad someone or something is. Let September come quickly.

That sounds lovely. Severe boulder/human imbalance where I am.

TR I hope you and your parents are weathering the situation well. I haven’t written a review for a long time and m hoping you will give me a reason to write one soon....

Hi Stephen. I'm back on OBX and trying to finish up a novel I've been struggling with for a while. I'll keep you posted. I hope you're well.

Those are the best kind of novels. I’ll keep the reading light on.

Hi Thomas, Its Kathryn. Checking on you and your parents. In this scary world of mutating viruses and social sadness it helps me greatly to know that my favorite author is still well and happy, Are your parents well? I mentioned I lost my beloved Babette? Do you have a new dog? Help me decide what is the next novel to purchase, You are cherished, TR. Stay safe. Kathryn

Hi. I just finished Low Lords after having gotten it a while back. I *love* it. I’m rereading the Neely books as I’m rehabbing a new knee. Well, not just those books! All the others as well. But I almost made myself sick laughing so hard at the description of Miss Pettigrew’s funeral when I was reading today. Thanks for that.
Hope you and yours are well.

Sorry you're having knee trouble, but maybe laughter is good medicine. Thanks for reading, and I'm delighted you're enjoying the books.