I think I've FINALLY made a choice

This is pending on my seeing it and still liking it, but I think I've FINALLY made my choice regarding the new kitchen counter: "Tuscany" which is actually called St. Cecilia:


It's not cheap - it's listed for the same price as the green butterfly, and I got a quote for that. But it's got a warmth that I like, I can coordinate with the linoleum (which isn't changing), still looks nice against the white appliances, and will work with the new stainless steel handles that will go on the cabinets. The cabinets themselves could stay the color they are, but also have wriggle room.

It's a pity that the dark wood molding in the kitchen was long ago painted white: I may paint it brown again to make the lighter colors pop.

ETA: It occurs to me that this is the coloring of the new kittens.

Book Review: Collared

OB DISCLAIMER: I've known "L.A. Kornetsky" by another name for decades. That said? I wouldn't have written this if I didn't mean it.

Collared by L.A. Kornetsky

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Collared may be written under a new pen name, but the author's previous experience shines through. The first of the Gin and Tonic mysteries -- that would be Virginia "Ginny" Mallard, private concierge and Tony Tonica, bartender -- is a thoroughly enjoyable read, establishing an excellent foundation for what will hopefully be a long series.

Self-employed Ginny is always on the lookout for a new job handling the little details that her clients just don't have the time or energy to deal with. Running errands. Finding the right summer camp. Running around finding a missing person may not quite be her usual thing, but it's not impossible for a concierge, especially not for one who stands to make a lot of money and connections just by spending a few days tracking down a missing businessman for his nephew/business partner. After all, it's not like she's being asked to play private investigator and solve a crime, is it?

Of course it is. Fortunately, Ginny has plenty of backup. Not just in the shape of Tony Tonica, her friendly neighborhood barman, but also from her dog Georgie and the bar cat Mistress Penny Drops.

Although the animals talk to each other - easily believable from anyone who's seen pets interact - they do not talk to the people around them, nor do they act like furry little sardonic humans. And that's what makes Collared stand out - it's refreshingly free of twee. The dog worries about dog things; the cat acts like a cat. The humans are equally believably human, especially Ginny. I've read far too many cozies where the author mistakes "neurotic" and "insecure" for "adorably cute." Kornetsky never forgets that a cozy is first and foremost about solving a puzzle, delivering a solid, thoughtful mystery wrapped a well-paced appealing read.



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