A couple years ago my editor asked me if I would consider writing a mystery novel for middle readers. At the time had no ideas for the story, characters, setting, etc. But, now I do. I have to finish a long overdue picture book deadline and then I can concentrate on writing the mystery. It took me about two hours to come up with the idea, the plot, the characters, the title, the setting, etc.

I have written the Overview as well as the thirteen chapter headings and basic progression of the story in each chapter.

Because I am too well known as the author/illustrator of the Gossie & Friends books I will write the mystery novel under a different name—just to prevent confusion.

Here are a few front cover layouts that I did just for fun: