This month, we decided to put our characters to the test with a question about the changing of the seasons. Since they’re from all different parts of the country, you might imagine they’ve got some different ways of handling this.

• Terry Ambrose:

  The Beachtown Detective Agency’s Jade Cavendish says, “May usually gray in Southern California, so it’s a time to enjoy those foggy mornings and mild afternoons. The surf is good, so it’s a good time to hit the beach and enjoy the ocean before all the tourists flock into town once school is out. I’ve always loved the ocean, so those of us who are locals like to enjoy what we’ve got before everything gets busy.

• Nancy J. Cohen:

  Nancy J. Cohen’s hairstylist sleuth Marla Vail says, Since I live in South Florida, May is the month when we prepare for hurricane season that starts on June 1st. We check all the flashlights and portable lanterns around the house. I think my husband and I must win the award for having the most flashlights in the neighborhood. We even keep them in the bathrooms for sudden power outages. Batteries and non-perishable foods are also on the buy list as needed. The motto is: Be Prepared, Not Scared.

• Debra H. Goldstein:

  RahRah the Siamese Cat (Debra H. Goldstein): May brings sunshine and warmth as opposed to the cold days of winter. That means I enjoy stretching out for longer periods in my special spot in the kitchen. I also roam the neighborhood a bit more than I had because many of my friends are easier to connect with as they, too, take advantage of the fine weather to be outdoors. When it comes to my commanding relationship with Sarah, there are no changes. — 

• Cheryl Hollon:

  Hi, I’m Savannah Webb, proud owner of Webb’s Glass Shop in sunny downtown St. Petersburg, FL. When my author decided I should pinch-hit for an ailing glassblower on a cruise ship, I said, “Twist my arm!” I mean, who says no to glassblowing at sea, tropical breezes, and quality time with my boyfriend’s family? As a bonus, his cousin Ian was coming along for the ride—until he mysteriously didn’t. One minute he’s there, the next…poof. So much for smooth sailing! Looks like I’ll be swapping sunscreen for sleuthing gear as I dive into yet another mystery.

• Maggie Toussaint:

  Tabby Winslow, the amateur sleuth in the A Magic Candle series written by Maggie Toussaint as Valona Jones, loves May. It is not too roasting hot yet in Savannah, GA, where she lives and works in her family’s candle shop. She changes her attire to beach colors instead of her usual navy blue and tan, and she loves sunrises and sunsets at Tybee Island beach. She fondly remembers her mom on Mother’s Day and wishes she was still around. Now that Tabby and her twin Sage have learned so much about their magic, they no longer feel so isolated and alone. Of course, Tabby’s husband has helped her a lot with becoming more mainstream in Savannah’s paranormal community. Life is good!

• Lois Winston

  Lois Winston’s Anastasia Pollack, reluctant sleuth of the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries: In the series about me, May occurred in-between books 11 (Guilty as Framed) and 12 (A Crafty Collage of Crime). During that short break, my author gave me a respite. No dead bodies the entire month! Of course, she made up for it when June rolled around in A Crafty Collage of Crime.