Campground karaoke nights in Kentucky always start with country music, folding chairs, and somebody swearing they’re only staying for “one song.” 🎤🏕️😂 But in Normal, Kentucky?
That’s usually right before the gossip starts…or a body turns up. Kerosene, Karaoke, & Kleptos is packed with:
✨ campground life
✨ small-town secrets
✨ Southern sass
✨ meddling friends
✨ karaoke chaos
✨ and one twisty murder
Honestly? Mae West Sharp never stood a chance of having a quiet night.
👀 ✨ Kerosene, Karaoke, & Kleptos releases June 28 in Kindle Unlimited!
I hope y’all enjoy my twangy, southern accent as I read out loud chapter one of my books!
While hiking in Appalachia a year ago, I spotted this beauty—a natural tree burl growing out from the trunk like a secret knotted into the bark. I couldn’t help but stop and think about Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Mystery Series, where burl wood plays a quiet but meaningful role in Cussy’s memories of her uncle and the land she’s fighting for.
(Image Description: I’m in Appalachia now and this is how it looks today with the fog and wet weather. Also this is where the photo of the tree I took on my hike.)
In the book, Cussy remembers standing beside a tree just like this, her uncle resting his big calloused hand on the burl and telling her how the wood’s twisted grain comes from struggle—but that it makes the finest, most beautiful lumber you’ll ever see.
He wasn’t wrong.
Burl wood, formed when a tree undergoes stress or damage, creates stunning, intricate patterns that are prized by furniture makers and woodworkers. It’s used in high-end tables, instruments, and art pieces—but for Cussy, it meant something even more valuable: a promise that no matter how far she went, a piece of home would always be with her.
Seeing this on the trail felt like a little nod from Uncle Amos himself.
