I grew up on a small grain farm in north central Illinois . After spending a little more than ten years in the Chicagoland area, I moved to west central Illinois.

I've written most of my adult life, first as a journalist and now as a mystery writer. I've won awards for both my broadcast and print journalism efforts.

When not writing, I like to garden or spend quiet time with my cat. I'm also a quilter, an avid reader and an enthusiastic Web surfer.

My musical tastes are ecclectic--including everything from classical to country, ragtime to blues, and rock & roll.