Lorie Lewis Ham's Blog
June 3, 2025
The Tower District Mystery Series by Lorie Lewis H...
The Tower District Mystery Series
by Lorie Lewis Ham
Book 2 One of You & Book 1 One of Us!
Order here:
Signed Copies of both books are available at the Book Barn in Clovis, CA, Bookish in the Tower District, Judging By the Cover in Downtown Fresno, and The Book Nook in Downtown Visalia.
Universal Link to purchase One of Us on Amazon, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble.com: books2read.com/u/bxDBzd
Universal Link to purchase your copy of One of You on Amazon, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble.com: books2read.com/u/m0eWAy
Roxi Carlucci’s new life in Fresno, CA is starting to cometogether. She has a new podcast, works as a part-time P.I. with her cousinStephen Carlucci, and is helping local bookstore owner Clark Halliwell put onthe first-ever Tower Halloween Mysteryfest! To top it all off, her favoriteauthor, the Queen of Cozy Mysteries, Marilyn Bradford, will be there!
The brutal summer heat is gone and has been replaced by thedense tule fog—perfect for Halloween! While Roxi misses her life as achildren’s author living on the California Coast, she is beginning to feel athome in the Tower District—the cultural oasis of Fresno—where she lives withher cousin Stephen, her pet rat Merlin, a Pit Bull named Watson, and a blackcat named Dan.
She just wishes everyone would stop calling her the “JessicaFletcher” of the Tower District! Even if there will be murders on the page atMysteryfest, there’s no way there will be another real murder like when shefirst arrived! But when one of the authors is found dead, she fears she jinxedherself! The Carlucci’s are hired to find the killer before they strike again!Will Mysteryfest turn into a murder fest? How is the local gossipwebsite back, and what does it know about the death of Roxi’s parents?
Listen to the prologue and first chapter of One of You on Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast:
Here are links to a few of my video and audio events in case you missed them:
I was interviewed by DP Lyle and Kathleen Antrim on theOutliers YouTube channel about my writing and it is now up! outlierswritinguniversity.com/post/new-on-the-outliers-youtube-channel-get-to-know-author-lorie-lewis-ham
Interviewed onShawn Reilly Simmons Podcast spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/TfLFQLcFhRb
Had a fun conversation with Misty Simon about writing and mybooks on her video podcast youtu.be/w7HF6A81xWM?si=7lXgrHcsvQG8rdx3
I was a guest on The Bookish Hour with Sarah Burr and J.C. Kenney and we also had a lot of fun youtube.com/live/1dKXg1lWa5o?si=j6qpo79p0Cb5_vy6I was recently interviewed by the podcast Crimewave about mylatest book "One of You" which is set during Halloween, and thatinterview is now up! Hope you will check it out. It was a lot of fun https://on.soundcloud.com/VNzJ7Lg3UUmBtzFB8
Highlights from my blog tour:
If you have ever wondered how my Tower District Mysteryseries came to be, be sure to check this guest poston the Boys' Mom Reads! blog.
Blog post by my main character Roxi on how she doesn't want to be called Jessica Fletcher, over on Christy's Cozy Corners!
Up on Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book a post about the important role thatentertainment has played in my life and in my books.
Check out my event page for other past & future events and guest posts.

Reviews for One of You:
One of You (A TowerDistrict Mystery) by Lorie Lewis Ham
Rating: 5 stars: One of You is the2nd book in A Tower District Mystery series and it was even better than thefirst book!
ShortSweet And Cozy, Holly Pirtle
With a few Halloween tricks One of You is aHalloween treat with a solid mystery showcasing friendship in a uniqueCalifornia enclave. -- Katreader, Goodreads
D.Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review-
LorieLewis Ham excels in crafting a cozy mystery that brings to life not just Roxi’spersonality and family relationships, but the Fresno community.
Herinjection of whodunit tips, attention to shifting writer’s relationships (bothpsychological and political), and especially her ability to build tension basedupon not just evolving revelations, but astute methods of connecting the dots,gives readers a satisfying, thoroughly engrossing experience.
Libraries(and readers) seeking cozy mysteries that layer events with action and inspections thatprompt readers to think about many possible outcomes will find One of Youan outstanding series of twists and turns. It will keep readers delighted withthe plot, characters, and especially the strongly realistic setting of Fresno’sTower District.
This was such a great read for so many reasons! First, the mystery itselfwas well thought out and plotted. I loved following along as Roxi and her PIcousin Stephen investigated the murder, especially as they found themselvesuncovering all sorts of information that led to many twists and turns. I had myguesses, but was never sure until the end, which, as someone who reads a lot ofmysteries, I love it when I’m stumped!
Review of One of You from mystery author Kim Davis:
ONE OF YOU is the second book in theTower District Mysteries by Lorie Lewis Ham. The setting is the artsy TowerDistrict in the large city of Fresno, during Halloween festivities, and theauthor effectively captures the essence of the spooky season. As theprotagonist, Roxi Carlucci, and her friends prepare for the Tower HalloweenMysteryfest, the feeling of a small-town community is forefront. I greatly enjoyedthe close comradery Roxi has with her cousin (who is also her roommate andworks together as private investigators), as well as local business owners andfriends. There’s a nice banter that brings the characters and theirpersonalities to life and makes you want to hang out with them. There are a lotof characters to keep track of because of the Mysteryfest, and early on itslowed me down a bit. But, as the book progressed, each character’s valuebecame apparent, and I became invested in what happened.
With the Mysteryfest the focal point of the book, thereare many people to consider as a suspect when the Queen of Cozy Mystery ismurdered at the local bookshop. Roxi is meticulous in tracking down clues, andwith her job as a private investigator, she’s more thorough than the averageamateur sleuth. Yet she still works together with her cousin and her friendsand doesn’t go it alone, which adds to the appeal. Ms. Ham weaves in severaltwists and turns—I wasn’t even sure if the victim was the intended target—andkept me on my toes as clues were uncovered. Amongst the investigating, thecommunity Halloween and Mysteryfest events continued as secrets wererevealed…and boy were there secrets! I found myself reading faster and fasteras the story headed toward the conclusion. This is a strong addition to theseries and gives the reader a taste of the Tower District while celebratingHalloween!
Review by Kathleen Costa on Goodreads:
Lorie Lewis Ham has invited us back to the now fog shrouded Fresno in California’s Central Valley in her newest book, “One of You,” as the community celebrates Halloween with Mysteryfest. Along with artistic and seasonal activities and a theater production of Poe’s “Murder in the Rue Morgue” to keep tourists and residents engaged, an eclectic group of authors arrive for a meet and greet and book signings. But, murder?
Roxi Carlucci, Ham’s delightful young “snoop,” lover of Sherlock mysteries, King Arthur’s Excalibur, and four-legged creatures like Merlin the rat, joins Stephen, her PI cousin, to look into the shocking crime. Together they uncover personal connections, professional jealousies, and secrets and rumors courtesy of a reemerged local “gossip” monger on social media. This creates a plethora of suspects requiring close scrutiny. But, the investigation is not without its missteps, misdirection, and mistakes that includes some personal peril. From an ecelectic cast first introduced in book one, “One of Us,” to the artistic hub known as the Tower District, the story has a true air of realism bringing the reader a familiar small town vibe, more professional investigative methods, recognizable multi-generational personalities, and reasonable actions and reactions to keep one interested to the last page. Ignore the urge to leap forward to learn the killer’s identity, the journey is exciting all by itself.
This second installment has it all from entertaining personalities to an intriguing murder mystery. But, Lorie Lewis Ham also includes some fascinating quirks from Roxi’s replica sword and little menagerie to theater/movie-themed mugs and Stephen’s t-shirt collection. Mental health issues are included, but treated with respect. Romance? Well, there are inklings, but nothing overt … it’s all endearing friendships. No recipes included, but lots of visits to coffee shops, cafes, and of course, pizza delivery for the busy detectives. I highly recommend this standalone book, but do not overlook book one!

A woman starting over. A gossip website. A handsome playwright with a dark side. A director with an explosive temper. And a murder without a motive. It’s a mystery set in the historic Tower District—Fresno's dining, arts, and entertainment hub.
One of Us is available on Amazon.
And on Kobo
You can follow me on Goodreads, BookBub, Instagram!
Purchase Tower District Mystery merchandise on RedBubble.
Praise for One of Us
Lorie Lewis Ham hits one out of the park with her first book in the new Tower District Mysteries series. Literary Liz
I just love Roxi, her cousin Stephen, and thesetting of the book in the Tower District. I'm already looking forward toRoxi's next adventure. CleoCoyle, author of The Coffeehouse Mysteries
Well-written, Ham walks you through the twists, turns, and surprises that face Roxi and Stephen as they work with the local police to solve the murder.
~Christa Reads and Writes
I loved how the author maintained a consistent focus on the plot. After a brief introduction to the protagonist, the plot starts to move and never stops until the end.
~Mysteries with Character
An utter delight, ONE OF US captures a unique neighborhood and introduces us to interesting well developed characters while providing an eminently intelligent and enjoyable mystery.
~Cozy Up With Kathy
More praise for One Of Us-
An entertaining mystery with a unique setting—the Tower District in Fresno. And an adorable pet named Merlin. He's a rat. Trust me on this -- you'll love clever Merlin.
-- Elaine Viets, author of the Angela Richman, Death Investigator mysteries
In her new novel Lorie Lewis Ham brings the Tower District of Fresno charmingly alive. Seeking a new life in a new town, Roxi Carlucci immediately gets involved in local amateur theatre and pet rescue activities and her cousin’s private investigator business. Before long she stumbles over a dead body at rehearsal.
I loved the charming, quirky, instantly endearing Roxi with her love of all things King Arthur and Sherlock Holmes, her pet rat Merlin, her intense curiosity about everything and her eagerness to plunge into her new life. That plus the Mafia family she’s trying to disassociate from, the circle of new friends, and a fast-paced mystery makes One of Us a treat for mystery readers and a fab start to a promising new series.
Vicki Delany/Eva Gates, One Woman Crime Wave, 2019 Derrick Murdoch Award for Contributions to Canadian Crime Writing
In this mystery, One of Us, the Tower District of Fresno is as important as the characters. A close-knit community, with ties to the theater and arts, it add layers of originality and depth to the plot. When a member of a theater group is murdered, Roxi Carlucci, newly arrived to the area, is immediately drawn in to the investigation. Roxi, along with all the other characters in this new mystery, is well drawn with a unique personality. Because of the location, and the interesting characters who inhabit the neighborhood, this is a great start to a promising mystery series.
--Marilyn Meredith, author of the Deputy Tempe Crabtree mysteries.
Welcometo my closet, so to speak, where I "unpack" my writing for you. Ihave been writing mysteries since I was a teenager and I have published 7 ofthem. Four of those 7 featured gospel singing amateur sleuth Alexandra Walters.Most of them are now out of print. For the past 14 years I have been focusingmy attention on my online magazine Kings River Life, and more recently also oursister site KRLNews & Reviews. Since May of 2018 a lot of my attention is alsogoing to our mystery podcast, Mysteryrat's Maze, which features mystery shortstories and first chapters read by local actors.
After many years, I finally released a brand new mystery in 2021, One of Us, which debuteda brand new series, featuring podcaster and part time P.I. Roxi Carlucci (Ifyou read my other books-she is the cousin of Stephen Carlucci). And now I am releasing the second book in the series, One of You. The books arebased in Fresno, CA, and more specifically in my favorite part of that towncalled The TowerDistrict. The photo in the background of this website is a photo Itook of the Tower Theatre in the Tower District!
Happyreading,
Your Mysteryrat Lorie!
January 16, 2024
Book 2 in the Tower District Mystery Series, One o...
Book 2 in the Tower District Mystery Series,
One of You is out!
Order here:
Signed Copies are available at the Book Barn in Clovis, CA
Universal Link to purchase your copy of One of You on Amazon, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble.com: books2read.com/u/m0eWAy

Roxi Carlucci’s new life in Fresno, CA is starting to cometogether. She has a new podcast, works as a part-time P.I. with her cousinStephen Carlucci, and is helping local bookstore owner Clark Halliwell put onthe first-ever Tower Halloween Mysteryfest! To top it all off, her favoriteauthor, the Queen of Cozy Mysteries, Marilyn Bradford, will be there!
The brutal summer heat is gone and has been replaced by thedense tule fog—perfect for Halloween! While Roxi misses her life as achildren’s author living on the California Coast, she is beginning to feel athome in the Tower District—the cultural oasis of Fresno—where she lives withher cousin Stephen, her pet rat Merlin, a Pit Bull named Watson, and a blackcat named Dan.
She just wishes everyone would stop calling her the “JessicaFletcher” of the Tower District! Even if there will be murders on the page atMysteryfest, there’s no way there will be another real murder like when shefirst arrived! But when one of the authors is found dead, she fears she jinxedherself! The Carlucci’s are hired to find the killer before they strike again!Will Mysteryfest turn into a murder fest? How is the local gossipwebsite back, and what does it know about the death of Roxi’s parents?
Listen to the prologue and first chapter of One of You on Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast:



Highlights from my blog tour:
If you have ever wondered how my Tower District Mysteryseries came to be, be sure to check this guest poston the Boys' Mom Reads! blog.
Blog post by my main character Roxi on how she doesn't want to be called Jessica Fletcher, over on Christy's Cozy Corners!
Up on Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book a post about the important role thatentertainment has played in my life and in my books.
More Events coming soon!
Check out my event page for other past & future events and guest posts.
Reviews for One of You:
One of You (A TowerDistrict Mystery) by Lorie Lewis Ham
Rating: 5 stars: One of You is the2nd book in A Tower District Mystery series and it was even better than thefirst book!
ShortSweet And Cozy, Holly Pirtle
With a few Halloween tricks One of You is aHalloween treat with a solid mystery showcasing friendship in a uniqueCalifornia enclave. -- Katreader, Goodreads
D.Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review-
LorieLewis Ham excels in crafting a cozy mystery that brings to life not just Roxi’spersonality and family relationships, but the Fresno community.
Herinjection of whodunit tips, attention to shifting writer’s relationships (bothpsychological and political), and especially her ability to build tension basedupon not just evolving revelations, but astute methods of connecting the dots,gives readers a satisfying, thoroughly engrossing experience.
Libraries(and readers) seeking cozy mysteries that layer events with action and inspections thatprompt readers to think about many possible outcomes will find One of Youan outstanding series of twists and turns. It will keep readers delighted withthe plot, characters, and especially the strongly realistic setting of Fresno’sTower District.
This was such a great read for so many reasons! First, the mystery itselfwas well thought out and plotted. I loved following along as Roxi and her PIcousin Stephen investigated the murder, especially as they found themselvesuncovering all sorts of information that led to many twists and turns. I had myguesses, but was never sure until the end, which, as someone who reads a lot ofmysteries, I love it when I’m stumped!
Review of One of You from mystery author Kim Davis:
ONE OF YOU is the second book in theTower District Mysteries by Lorie Lewis Ham. The setting is the artsy TowerDistrict in the large city of Fresno, during Halloween festivities, and theauthor effectively captures the essence of the spooky season. As theprotagonist, Roxi Carlucci, and her friends prepare for the Tower HalloweenMysteryfest, the feeling of a small-town community is forefront. I greatly enjoyedthe close comradery Roxi has with her cousin (who is also her roommate andworks together as private investigators), as well as local business owners andfriends. There’s a nice banter that brings the characters and theirpersonalities to life and makes you want to hang out with them. There are a lotof characters to keep track of because of the Mysteryfest, and early on itslowed me down a bit. But, as the book progressed, each character’s valuebecame apparent, and I became invested in what happened.
With the Mysteryfest the focal point of the book, thereare many people to consider as a suspect when the Queen of Cozy Mystery ismurdered at the local bookshop. Roxi is meticulous in tracking down clues, andwith her job as a private investigator, she’s more thorough than the averageamateur sleuth. Yet she still works together with her cousin and her friendsand doesn’t go it alone, which adds to the appeal. Ms. Ham weaves in severaltwists and turns—I wasn’t even sure if the victim was the intended target—andkept me on my toes as clues were uncovered. Amongst the investigating, thecommunity Halloween and Mysteryfest events continued as secrets wererevealed…and boy were there secrets! I found myself reading faster and fasteras the story headed toward the conclusion. This is a strong addition to theseries and gives the reader a taste of the Tower District while celebratingHalloween!
Review by Kathleen Costa on Goodreads:
Lorie Lewis Ham has invited us back to the now fog shrouded Fresno in California’s Central Valley in her newest book, “One of You,” as the community celebrates Halloween with Mysteryfest. Along with artistic and seasonal activities and a theater production of Poe’s “Murder in the Rue Morgue” to keep tourists and residents engaged, an eclectic group of authors arrive for a meet and greet and book signings. But, murder?
Roxi Carlucci, Ham’s delightful young “snoop,” lover of Sherlock mysteries, King Arthur’s Excalibur, and four-legged creatures like Merlin the rat, joins Stephen, her PI cousin, to look into the shocking crime. Together they uncover personal connections, professional jealousies, and secrets and rumors courtesy of a reemerged local “gossip” monger on social media. This creates a plethora of suspects requiring close scrutiny. But, the investigation is not without its missteps, misdirection, and mistakes that includes some personal peril. From an ecelectic cast first introduced in book one, “One of Us,” to the artistic hub known as the Tower District, the story has a true air of realism bringing the reader a familiar small town vibe, more professional investigative methods, recognizable multi-generational personalities, and reasonable actions and reactions to keep one interested to the last page. Ignore the urge to leap forward to learn the killer’s identity, the journey is exciting all by itself.
This second installment has it all from entertaining personalities to an intriguing murder mystery. But, Lorie Lewis Ham also includes some fascinating quirks from Roxi’s replica sword and little menagerie to theater/movie-themed mugs and Stephen’s t-shirt collection. Mental health issues are included, but treated with respect. Romance? Well, there are inklings, but nothing overt … it’s all endearing friendships. No recipes included, but lots of visits to coffee shops, cafes, and of course, pizza delivery for the busy detectives. I highly recommend this standalone book, but do not overlook book one!

A woman starting over. A gossip website. A handsome playwright with a dark side. A director with an explosive temper. And a murder without a motive. It’s a mystery set in the historic Tower District—Fresno's dining, arts, and entertainment hub.
One of Us is available on Amazon.
And on Kobo
You can also purchase it at Clovis Book Barn, in Clovis, CA (they have signed copies)
You can follow me on Goodreads, BookBub, Instagram!
Purchase One of Us merchandise on RedBubble.
Praise for One of Us
Lorie Lewis Ham hits one out of the park with her first book in the new Tower District Mysteries series. Literary Liz
I just love Roxi, her cousin Stephen, and thesetting of the book in the Tower District. I'm already looking forward toRoxi's next adventure. CleoCoyle, author of The Coffeehouse Mysteries
Well-written, Ham walks you through the twists, turns, and surprises that face Roxi and Stephen as they work with the local police to solve the murder.
~Christa Reads and Writes
I loved how the author maintained a consistent focus on the plot. After a brief introduction to the protagonist, the plot starts to move and never stops until the end.
~Mysteries with Character
An utter delight, ONE OF US captures a unique neighborhood and introduces us to interesting well developed characters while providing an eminently intelligent and enjoyable mystery.
~Cozy Up With Kathy
More praise for One Of Us-
An entertaining mystery with a unique setting—the Tower District in Fresno. And an adorable pet named Merlin. He's a rat. Trust me on this -- you'll love clever Merlin.
-- Elaine Viets, author of the Angela Richman, Death Investigator mysteries
In her new novel Lorie Lewis Ham brings the Tower District of Fresno charmingly alive. Seeking a new life in a new town, Roxi Carlucci immediately gets involved in local amateur theatre and pet rescue activities and her cousin’s private investigator business. Before long she stumbles over a dead body at rehearsal.
I loved the charming, quirky, instantly endearing Roxi with her love of all things King Arthur and Sherlock Holmes, her pet rat Merlin, her intense curiosity about everything and her eagerness to plunge into her new life. That plus the Mafia family she’s trying to disassociate from, the circle of new friends, and a fast-paced mystery makes One of Us a treat for mystery readers and a fab start to a promising new series.
Vicki Delany/Eva Gates, One Woman Crime Wave, 2019 Derrick Murdoch Award for Contributions to Canadian Crime Writing
In this mystery, One of Us, the Tower District of Fresno is as important as the characters. A close-knit community, with ties to the theater and arts, it add layers of originality and depth to the plot. When a member of a theater group is murdered, Roxi Carlucci, newly arrived to the area, is immediately drawn in to the investigation. Roxi, along with all the other characters in this new mystery, is well drawn with a unique personality. Because of the location, and the interesting characters who inhabit the neighborhood, this is a great start to a promising mystery series.
--Marilyn Meredith, author of the Deputy Tempe Crabtree mysteries.
Welcometo my closet, so to speak, where I "unpack" my writing for you. Ihave been writing mysteries since I was a teenager and I have published 7 ofthem. Four of those 7 featured gospel singing amateur sleuth Alexandra Walters.Most of them are now out of print. For the past 14 years I have been focusingmy attention on my online magazine Kings River Life, and more recently also oursister site KRLNews & Reviews. Since May of 2018 a lot of my attention is alsogoing to our mystery podcast, Mysteryrat's Maze, which features mystery shortstories and first chapters read by local actors.
After many years, I finally released a brand new mystery in 2021, One of Us, which debuteda brand new series, featuring podcaster and part time P.I. Roxi Carlucci (Ifyou read my other books-she is the cousin of Stephen Carlucci). And now I am releasing the second book in the series, One of You. The books arebased in Fresno, CA, and more specifically in my favorite part of that towncalled The TowerDistrict. The photo in the background of this website is a photo Itook of the Tower Theatre in the Tower District!
Happyreading,
Your Mysteryrat Lorie!
Book 2 in the Tower District Mystery Series, One of ...
Book 2 in the Tower District Mystery Series,
One of You, will be released June 4, 2024!
Preorder the ebook versions here:
Amazon Kindle amzn.to/4bv68ZxBarnes and Noble.com ebook tinyurl.com/4trwukbb Kobo kobo.com/us/en/ebook/one-of-you-3

Roxi Carlucci’s new life in Fresno, CA is starting to cometogether. She has a new podcast, works as a part-time P.I. with her cousinStephen Carlucci, and is helping local bookstore owner Clark Halliwell put onthe first-ever Tower Halloween Mysteryfest! To top it all off, her favoriteauthor, the Queen of Cozy Mysteries, Marilyn Bradford, will be there!
The brutal summer heat is gone and has been replaced by thedense tule fog—perfect for Halloween! While Roxi misses her life as achildren’s author living on the California Coast, she is beginning to feel athome in the Tower District—the cultural oasis of Fresno—where she lives withher cousin Stephen, her pet rat Merlin, a Pit Bull named Watson, and a blackcat named Dan.
She just wishes everyone would stop calling her the “JessicaFletcher” of the Tower District! Even if there will be murders on the page atMysteryfest, there’s no way there will be another real murder like when shefirst arrived! But when one of the authors is found dead, she fears she jinxedherself! The Carlucci’s are hired to find the killer before they strike again!Will Mysteryfest turn into a murder fest? How is the local gossipwebsite back, and what does it know about the death of Roxi’s parents?
There are a lot of events coming up over the next several months including an official book launch at the Book Barn in Clovis on July 20 from 1-3! I will be giving away some swag that day and have a giveaway for a One of You mug! There will also be a blog tour in July and many more events coming up! And the first chapter of the new book will be featured in June on Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast!
But before these events for One of You, I will be doing 2 joint events with mystery author Jennifer J. Chow on June 22 and 23 in Visalia and Fresno! Details on the fliers below! Hope to see you there!




A woman starting over. A gossip website. A handsome playwright with a dark side. A director with an explosive temper. And a murder without a motive. It’s a mystery set in the historic Tower District—Fresno's dining, arts, and entertainment hub.
One of Us is available on Amazon.
And on Kobo
You can also purchase it at Clovis Book Barn, in Clovis, CA (they have signed copies)
You can follow me on Goodreads, BookBub, Instagram!
Purchase One of Us merchandise on RedBubble.
Praise for One of Us
Lorie Lewis Ham hits one out of the park with her first book in the new Tower District Mysteries series. Literary Liz
Well-written, Ham walks you through the twists, turns, and surprises that face Roxi and Stephen as they work with the local police to solve the murder.
~Christa Reads and Writes
I loved how the author maintained a consistent focus on the plot. After a brief introduction to the protagonist, the plot starts to move and never stops until the end.
~Mysteries with Character
An utter delight, ONE OF US captures a unique neighborhood and introduces us to interesting well developed characters while providing an eminently intelligent and enjoyable mystery.
~Cozy Up With Kathy
Check out my event page for other past & future events and guest posts
More praise for One Of Us-
An entertaining mystery with a unique setting—the Tower District in Fresno. And an adorable pet named Merlin. He's a rat. Trust me on this -- you'll love clever Merlin.
-- Elaine Viets, author of the Angela Richman, Death Investigator mysteries
In her new novel Lorie Lewis Ham brings the Tower District of Fresno charmingly alive. Seeking a new life in a new town, Roxi Carlucci immediately gets involved in local amateur theatre and pet rescue activities and her cousin’s private investigator business. Before long she stumbles over a dead body at rehearsal.
I loved the charming, quirky, instantly endearing Roxi with her love of all things King Arthur and Sherlock Holmes, her pet rat Merlin, her intense curiosity about everything and her eagerness to plunge into her new life. That plus the Mafia family she’s trying to disassociate from, the circle of new friends, and a fast-paced mystery makes One of Us a treat for mystery readers and a fab start to a promising new series.
Vicki Delany/Eva Gates, One Woman Crime Wave, 2019 Derrick Murdoch Award for Contributions to Canadian Crime Writing
In this mystery, One of Us, the Tower District of Fresno is as important as the characters. A close-knit community, with ties to the theater and arts, it add layers of originality and depth to the plot. When a member of a theater group is murdered, Roxi Carlucci, newly arrived to the area, is immediately drawn in to the investigation. Roxi, along with all the other characters in this new mystery, is well drawn with a unique personality. Because of the location, and the interesting characters who inhabit the neighborhood, this is a great start to a promising mystery series.
--Marilyn Meredith, author of the Deputy Tempe Crabtree mysteries.
Welcometo my closet, so to speak, where I "unpack" my writing for you. Ihave been writing mysteries since I was a teenager and I have published 7 ofthem. Four of those 7 featured gospel singing amateur sleuth Alexandra Walters.Most of them are now out of print. For the past 14 years I have been focusingmy attention on my online magazine Kings River Life, and more recently also oursister site KRLNews & Reviews. Since May of 2018 a lot of my attention is alsogoing to our mystery podcast, Mysteryrat's Maze, which features mystery shortstories and first chapters read by local actors.
After many years, I finally released a brand new mystery in 2021, One of Us, which debuteda brand new series, featuring podcaster and part time P.I. Roxi Carlucci (Ifyou read my other books-she is the cousin of Stephen Carlucci). And now I am releasing the second book in the series, One of You. The books arebased in Fresno, CA, and more specifically in my favorite part of that towncalled The TowerDistrict. The photo in the background of this website is a photo Itook of the Tower Theatre in the Tower District!
Happyreading,
Your Mysteryrat Lorie!
Book 2 in the Tower District Mystery Series, One of You, ...
Book 2 in the Tower District Mystery Series,
One of You, will be released June 4, 2024!
Preorder the ebook versions here:
Amazon Kindle amzn.to/4bv68Zx
Barnes and Noble.com ebook tinyurl.com/4trwukbb

Roxi Carlucci’s new life in Fresno, CA is starting to cometogether. She has a new podcast, works as a part-time P.I. with her cousinStephen Carlucci, and is helping local bookstore owner Clark Halliwell put onthe first-ever Tower Halloween Mysteryfest! To top it all off, her favoriteauthor, the Queen of Cozy Mysteries, Marilyn Bradford, will be there!
The brutal summer heat is gone and has been replaced by thedense tule fog—perfect for Halloween! While Roxi misses her life as achildren’s author living on the California Coast, she is beginning to feel athome in the Tower District—the cultural oasis of Fresno—where she lives withher cousin Stephen, her pet rat Merlin, a Pit Bull named Watson, and a blackcat named Dan.
She just wishes everyone would stop calling her the “JessicaFletcher” of the Tower District! Even if there will be murders on the page atMysteryfest, there’s no way there will be another real murder like when shefirst arrived! But when one of the authors is found dead, she fears she jinxedherself! The Carlucci’s are hired to find the killer before they strike again!Will Mysteryfest turn into a murder fest? How is the local gossipwebsite back, and what does it know about the death of Roxi’s parents?
There are a lot of events coming up over the next several months including an official book launch at the Book Barn in Clovis on July 20 from 1-3! I will be giving away some swag that day and have a giveaway for a One of You mug! There will also be a blog tour in July and many more events coming up! And the first chapter of the new book will be featured in June on Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast!
But before these events for One of You, I will be doing 2 joint events with mystery author Jennifer J. Chow on June 22 and 23 in Visalia and Fresno! Details on the fliers below! Hope to see you there!



A woman starting over. A gossip website. A handsome playwright with a dark side. A director with an explosive temper. And a murder without a motive. It’s a mystery set in the historic Tower District—Fresno's dining, arts, and entertainment hub.
One of Us is available on Amazon.
And on Kobo
You can also purchase it at Clovis Book Barn, in Clovis, CA (they have signed copies)
You can follow me on Goodreads, BookBub, Instagram!
Purchase One of Us merchandise on RedBubble.
Praise for One of Us
Lorie Lewis Ham hits one out of the park with her first book in the new Tower District Mysteries series. Literary Liz
Well-written, Ham walks you through the twists, turns, and surprises that face Roxi and Stephen as they work with the local police to solve the murder.
~Christa Reads and Writes
I loved how the author maintained a consistent focus on the plot. After a brief introduction to the protagonist, the plot starts to move and never stops until the end.
~Mysteries with Character
An utter delight, ONE OF US captures a unique neighborhood and introduces us to interesting well developed characters while providing an eminently intelligent and enjoyable mystery.
~Cozy Up With Kathy
Check out my event page for other past & future events and guest posts
More praise for One Of Us-
An entertaining mystery with a unique setting—the Tower District in Fresno. And an adorable pet named Merlin. He's a rat. Trust me on this -- you'll love clever Merlin.
-- Elaine Viets, author of the Angela Richman, Death Investigator mysteries
In her new novel Lorie Lewis Ham brings the Tower District of Fresno charmingly alive. Seeking a new life in a new town, Roxi Carlucci immediately gets involved in local amateur theatre and pet rescue activities and her cousin’s private investigator business. Before long she stumbles over a dead body at rehearsal.
I loved the charming, quirky, instantly endearing Roxi with her love of all things King Arthur and Sherlock Holmes, her pet rat Merlin, her intense curiosity about everything and her eagerness to plunge into her new life. That plus the Mafia family she’s trying to disassociate from, the circle of new friends, and a fast-paced mystery makes One of Us a treat for mystery readers and a fab start to a promising new series.
Vicki Delany/Eva Gates, One Woman Crime Wave, 2019 Derrick Murdoch Award for Contributions to Canadian Crime Writing
In this mystery, One of Us, the Tower District of Fresno is as important as the characters. A close-knit community, with ties to the theater and arts, it add layers of originality and depth to the plot. When a member of a theater group is murdered, Roxi Carlucci, newly arrived to the area, is immediately drawn in to the investigation. Roxi, along with all the other characters in this new mystery, is well drawn with a unique personality. Because of the location, and the interesting characters who inhabit the neighborhood, this is a great start to a promising mystery series.
--Marilyn Meredith, author of the Deputy Tempe Crabtree mysteries.
Welcometo my closet, so to speak, where I "unpack" my writing for you. Ihave been writing mysteries since I was a teenager and I have published 7 ofthem. Four of those 7 featured gospel singing amateur sleuth Alexandra Walters.Most of them are now out of print. For the past 14 years I have been focusingmy attention on my online magazine Kings River Life, and more recently also oursister site KRLNews & Reviews. Since May of 2018 a lot of my attention is alsogoing to our mystery podcast, Mysteryrat's Maze, which features mystery shortstories and first chapters read by local actors.
After many years, I finally released a brand new mystery in 2021, One of Us, which debuteda brand new series, featuring podcaster and part time P.I. Roxi Carlucci (Ifyou read my other books-she is the cousin of Stephen Carlucci). And now I am releasing the second book in the series, One of You. The books arebased in Fresno, CA, and more specifically in my favorite part of that towncalled The TowerDistrict. The photo in the background of this website is a photo Itook of the Tower Theatre in the Tower District!
Happyreading,
Your Mysteryrat Lorie!
April 21, 2021
Book 2 in the Tower District Mystery Series, "One of You"...
Book 2 in the Tower District Mystery Series, "One of You" will be released this spring!

Roxi Carlucci’s new life in Fresno, CA is starting to cometogether. She has a new podcast, works as a part-time P.I. with her cousinStephen Carlucci, and is helping local bookstore owner Clark Halliwell put onthe first-ever Tower Halloween Mysteryfest! To top it all off, her favoriteauthor, the Queen of Cozy Mysteries, Marilyn Bradford, will be there!
The brutal summer heat is gone and has been replaced by thedense tule fog—perfect for Halloween! While Roxi misses her life as achildren’s author living on the California Coast, she is beginning to feel athome in the Tower District—the cultural oasis of Fresno—where she lives withher cousin Stephen, her pet rat Merlin, a Pit Bull named Watson, and a blackcat named Dan.
She just wishes everyone would stop calling her the “JessicaFletcher” of the Tower District! Even if there will be murders on the page atMysteryfest, there’s no way there will be another real murder like when shefirst arrived! But when one of the authors is found dead, she fears she jinxedherself! The Carlucci’s are hired to find the killer before they strike again!Will Mysteryfest turn into a murder fest? How is the local gossipwebsite back, and what does it know about the death of Roxi’s parents?

A woman starting over. A gossip website. A handsome playwright with a dark side. A director with an explosive temper. And a murder without a motive. It’s a mystery set in the historic Tower District—Fresno's dining, arts, and entertainment hub.
One of Us is available on Kindle and in paperback on Amazon.
And on Kobo and Indiebound
You can also purchase it at Clovis Book Barn, in Clovis, CA (they have signed copies)
You can follow me on Goodreads, BookBub, Instagram (this one I share with Kings River Life & Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast), and Twitter!
Purchase One of Us merchandise on RedBubble.
Praise for "One of Us"
Lorie Lewis Ham hits one out of the park with her first book in the new Tower District Mysteries series. Literary Liz
Well-written, Ham walks you through the twists, turns, and surprises that face Roxi and Stephen as they work with the local police to solve the murder.
~Christa Reads and Writes
I loved how the author maintained a consistent focus on the plot. After a brief introduction to the protagonist, the plot starts to move and never stops until the end.
~Mysteries with Character
An utter delight, ONE OF US captures a unique neighborhood and introduces us to interesting well developed characters while providing an eminently intelligent and enjoyable mystery.
~Cozy Up With Kathy
Check out my event page for other past & future events and guest posts
More praise for One Of Us-
An entertaining mystery with a unique setting—the Tower District in Fresno. And an adorable pet named Merlin. He's a rat. Trust me on this -- you'll love clever Merlin.
-- Elaine Viets, author of the Angela Richman, Death Investigator mysteries
In her new novel Lorie Lewis Ham brings the Tower District of Fresno charmingly alive. Seeking a new life in a new town, Roxi Carlucci immediately gets involved in local amateur theatre and pet rescue activities and her cousin’s private investigator business. Before long she stumbles over a dead body at rehearsal.
I loved the charming, quirky, instantly endearing Roxi with her love of all things King Arthur and Sherlock Holmes, her pet rat Merlin, her intense curiosity about everything and her eagerness to plunge into her new life. That plus the Mafia family she’s trying to disassociate from, the circle of new friends, and a fast-paced mystery makes One of Us a treat for mystery readers and a fab start to a promising new series.
Vicki Delany/Eva Gates, One Woman Crime Wave, 2019 Derrick Murdoch Award for Contributions to Canadian Crime Writing
In this mystery, One of Us, the Tower District of Fresno is as important as the characters. A close-knit community, with ties to the theater and arts, it add layers of originality and depth to the plot. When a member of a theater group is murdered, Roxi Carlucci, newly arrived to the area, is immediately drawn in to the investigation. Roxi, along with all the other characters in this new mystery, is well drawn with a unique personality. Because of the location, and the interesting characters who inhabit the neighborhood, this is a great start to a promising mystery series.
--Marilyn Meredith, author of the Deputy Tempe Crabtree mysteries.
Welcometo my closet, so to speak, where I "unpack" my writing for you. Ihave been writing mysteries since I was a teenager and I have published 6 ofthem. Four of those 6 featured gospel singing amateur sleuth Alexandra Walters.Most of them are now out of print. For the past 13 years I have been focusingmy attention on my online magazine Kings River Life, and more recently also oursister site KRLNews & Reviews. Since May of 2018 a lot of my attention is alsogoing to our mystery podcast, Mysteryrat's Maze, which features mystery shortstories and first chapters read by local actors.
After many years, I finally released a brand new mystery in 2021, which debuteda brand new series, featuring podcaster and part time P.I. Roxi Carlucci (Ifyou read my other books-she is the cousin of Stephen Carlucci). The books arebased in Fresno, CA, and more specifically in my favorite part of that towncalled The TowerDistrict. The photo in the background of this website is a photo Itook of the Tower Theatre in the Tower District!
Happyreading,
Your Mysteryrat Lorie!
Awoman starting over. A gossip website. A handsome playw...

Awoman starting over. A gossip website. A handsome playwright with a dark side.A director with an explosive temper. And a murder without a motive. It’s amystery set in the historic Tower District—Fresno'sdining, arts, and entertainment hub.
I am thrilled to say "One of Us" has been getting some great reviews over on Goodreads! I hope you will check them out.One of Us is now available on Kindle and in paperback on Amazon.
And on Kobo and Indiebound
You can also purchase it at Clovis Book Barn, in Clovis, CA (they have signed copies)
You can follow me on Goodreads, BookBub, Instagram (this one I share with Kings River Life & Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast), and Twitter!
Purchase One of Us merchandise on RedBubble.

This event will take place here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770201103796610
Check out my interview on the Sisters In Crime Podcast that just went up! I talk about my books, KRL and Mysteryrat's MazePodcast www.sistersincrime.org/page/podcast

Praise for "One of Us"
Lorie Lewis Ham hits one out of the park withher first book in the new Tower District Mysteries series.
Literary Liz
Well-written, Ham walks you through the twists, turns, and surprises that face Roxi and Stephen as they work with the local police to solve the murder.
~Christa Reads and Writes
I loved how the author maintained a consistent focus on the plot. After a brief introduction to the protagonist, the plot starts to move and never stops until the end.
~Mysteries with Character
~Cozy Up With Kathy
You can now check out my interview with Book Warriors on YouTube!
Check out my event page for other past & future events and guest posts
Listen to an excerpt from "One of Us" on Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast
More praise for One Of Us-
An entertaining mystery with aunique setting—the Tower District in Fresno. And an adorable pet named Merlin. He's a rat. Trust me onthis -- you'll love clever Merlin.
-- Elaine Viets, author of the AngelaRichman, Death Investigator mysteries
In her new novel Lorie Lewis Ham brings the Tower District of Fresnocharmingly alive. Seeking a new life in a new town, Roxi Carlucciimmediately gets involved in local amateur theatre and pet rescue activitiesand her cousin’s private investigator business. Before long she stumbles over adead body at rehearsal.
I loved the charming, quirky, instantly endearing Roxi with herlove of all things King Arthur and Sherlock Holmes, her pet rat Merlin, herintense curiosity about everything and her eagerness to plunge into her newlife. That plus the Mafia family she’s trying to disassociate from, the circleof new friends, and a fast-paced mystery makes One of Us a treat formystery readers and a fab start to a promising new series.
Vicki Delany/Eva Gates, One Woman Crime Wave, 2019 Derrick Murdoch Award for Contributions to CanadianCrime Writing
In this mystery, One of Us, the Tower District of Fresno is as important as the characters. A close-knit community, with ties to the theater and arts, it add layers of originality and depth to the plot. When a member of a theater group is murdered, Roxi Carlucci, newly arrived to the area, is immediately drawn in to the investigation. Roxi, along with all the other characters in this new mystery, is well drawn with a unique personality. Because of the location, and the interesting characters who inhabit the neighborhood, this is a great start to a promising mystery series.
--Marilyn Meredith, author of the Deputy Tempe Crabtree mysteries.
Welcome to my closet, so to speak, where I "unpack" my writing for you. I have been writing mysteries since I was a teenager and I have published 6 of them. Four of those 6 featured gospel singing amateur sleuth Alexandra Walters. Most of them are now out of print. For the past 11 years I have been focusing my attention on my online magazine Kings River Life, and more recently also our sister site KRL News & Reviews. Since May of 2018 a lot of my attention is also going to our mystery podcast, Mysteryrat's Maze, which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors.
After many years, I finally released a brand new mystery (see above), which debuted a brand new series, featuring podcaster and part time P.I. Roxi Carlucci (If you read my other books-she is the cousin of Stephen Carlucci). The books are based in Fresno, CA, and more specifically in my favorite part of that town called The Tower District. The photo in the background of this website is a photo I took of the Tower Theatre in the Tower District!
Happy reading,
Your Mysteryrat Lorie!
A woman starting over. A gossip website. A handsome pla...

A woman starting over. A gossip website. A handsome playwright with a dark side. A director with an explosive temper. And a murder without a motive. It’s a mystery set in the historic Tower District—Fresno's dining, arts, and entertainment hub.
I am thrilled to say "One of Us" has been getting some great reviews over on Goodreads! I hope you will check them out.One of Us is now available on Kindle and in paperback on Amazon.
And on Kobo and Indiebound
You can also purchase it at Clovis Book Barn, in Clovis, CA (they have signed copies as well)
You can follow me on Goodreads, BookBub, Instagram (this one I share with Kings River Life & Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast), and Twitter!
Purchase One of Us merchandise on RedBubble.
Check out my event page for past and upcoming online events for "One of Us"
Praise for "One of Us"
Lorie Lewis Ham hits one out of the park with her first book in the new Tower District Mysteries series.
Literary Liz
Well-written, Ham walks you through the twists, turns, and surprises that face Roxi and Stephen as they work with the local police to solve the murder.
~Christa Reads and Writes
I loved how the author maintained a consistent focus on the plot. After a brief introduction to the protagonist, the plot starts to move and never stops until the end.
~Mysteries with Character
~Cozy Up With Kathy
Listen to an excerpt from "One of Us" on Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast
More praise for One Of Us-
An entertaining mystery with a unique setting—the Tower District in Fresno. And an adorable pet named Merlin. He's a rat. Trust me on this -- you'll love clever Merlin.
-- Elaine Viets, author of the Angela Richman, Death Investigator mysteries
In her new novel Lorie Lewis Ham brings the Tower District of Fresno charmingly alive. Seeking a new life in a new town, Roxi Carlucci immediately gets involved in local amateur theatre and pet rescue activities and her cousin’s private investigator business. Before long she stumbles over a dead body at rehearsal.
I loved the charming, quirky, instantly endearing Roxi with her love of all things King Arthur and Sherlock Holmes, her pet rat Merlin, her intense curiosity about everything and her eagerness to plunge into her new life. That plus the Mafia family she’s trying to disassociate from, the circle of new friends, and a fast-paced mystery makes One of Us a treat for mystery readers and a fab start to a promising new series.
Vicki Delany/Eva Gates, One Woman Crime Wave, 2019 Derrick Murdoch Award for Contributions to Canadian Crime Writing
In this mystery, One of Us, the Tower District of Fresno is as important as the characters. A close-knit community, with ties to the theater and arts, it add layers of originality and depth to the plot. When a member of a theater group is murdered, Roxi Carlucci, newly arrived to the area, is immediately drawn in to the investigation. Roxi, along with all the other characters in this new mystery, is well drawn with a unique personality. Because of the location, and the interesting characters who inhabit the neighborhood, this is a great start to a promising mystery series.
--Marilyn Meredith, author of the Deputy Tempe Crabtree mysteries.
Welcome to my closet, so to speak, where I "unpack" my writing for you. I have been writing mysteries since I was a teenager and I have published 6 of them. Four of those 6 featured gospel singing amateur sleuth Alexandra Walters. Most of them are now out of print. For the past 11 years I have been focusing my attention on my online magazine Kings River Life, and more recently also our sister site KRL News & Reviews. Since May of 2018 a lot of my attention is also going to our mystery podcast, Mysteryrat's Maze, which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors.
After many years, I finally released a brand new mystery (see above), which debuted a brand new series, featuring podcaster and part time P.I. Roxi Carlucci (If you read my other books-she is the cousin of Stephen Carlucci). The books are based in Fresno, CA, and more specifically in my favorite part of that town called The Tower District. The photo in the background of this website is a photo I took of the Tower Theatre in the Tower District!
Happy reading,
Your Mysteryrat Lorie!
December 12, 2016
Poirot and Me By David Suchet
Review by Lorie Lewis Ham
I have been a fan of Agatha Christie ever since I was ateenager. Her books were among the first mysteries I ever read. And while Ilove all of her main characters, I have always had a special place in my heartfor Hercule Poirot--he is just so different from most of the other privatedetectives in mystery fiction.

I now love Poirot and David Suchet even more! He is anabsolutely brilliant actor, and I can't ever watch any of the past Poirots everagain. David Suchet IS Hercule Poirot. He managed to portray him in every oneof Agatha Christie's Poirot stories, all the way to the final one, “Curtain.”
If you are an Agatha Christie fan, and especially a Poirotfan, you have to read this book!
September 13, 2016
Mr. Holmes: Movie Review
It is post WWII. Long retired tohis Sussex farmhouse and suffering from the onset of ‘senility,’93 year-old Sherlock Holmes (Ian McKellen) is greeted by his housekeeper Mrs.Munro (Laura Linney) and her son, Roger (Milo Parker). He has returned from Hiroshima with a questionable treatment using a prickly ashmixture to stave off his mental and physical decline. Dr. Watson is long goneand with a failing memory, he is compelled to pen his last investigation, TheCase of the Dove Grey Glove, before his memory will not allow it. A closerelationship unfolds between Holmes and young Roger often soliciting an opinionabout the case as a mentor would with an apprentice along with sharing the responsibilities for caring for hisapiary. Dr. Watson may be absent, but Roger appears to fill that void ascompanion and caregiver.

With troublesome symptoms of senility,Holmes flashes back to his final case and sets out to pen his version of theinvestigation. He recalls, thirty years long gone, a husband Thomas Kelmot(Patrick Kennedy), distraught over the changes he observes in his wife Anne(Hattie Morahan), who is struggling in the wake of two devastatingmiscarriages. The husband is very uneasy with her behavior after she takes aninterest in the glass harmonica…did he hear her call out the names of herdeparted children? As Holmes follows her, he sees evidence of her darkintentions. Approaching her and divulging his conclusions, she asks that theyshare in the strain of their loneliness. His reaction suggesting she return toher husband has devastating results leading to his self-imposed exile.
Seeking a treatment for his mentaldecline, Holmes flashes back to his travels to Japan where he is greeted by Mr.Umezaki (Hiroyuki Sanada) who confesses he and his mother are fans of hislegendary personae and is eager to find the prickly ash he is sure willsuccessfully manage his symptoms. Mr. Umezaki and his mother are surprised thatmany of the characteristics they were interested in from Watson’s stories hadbeen “created by his imaginative license.” He indicates, “Deerstalker? I neverwore one,” and “I prefer a cigar.” Showing Holmes a letter, Mr. Umezakiexplains that his father went to England many years ago and sadly never returnedhaving indicated in a ‘Dear John’ style letter he sought Holmes’s counsel andadvice. Holmes says he has no recollection of his father saying that he mayhave “wanted a new life.” They part, the young man crushed by Holmes’s words.
Although honesty is the ’bestpolicy,’ Holmes curmudgeon-style can be a brutal pill to swallow, sometimeswith unforeseen consequences, and when young Roger mirrors this style Holmes looksdeeper into his own behavior and that of those around him. He concludes hisstory, has a revelation about Watson’s motives for some of his literaryembellishments, and tries to settle feelings with a truth about Mr. Umezaki’sfather. Life is uncertain for Holmes, but he seems secure in the idea that heis not alone.
This film was the perfect end to alustrous life. Ian McKellen was the epitome of the iconic figure, and MiloParker, as Roger, emulated well Watson’s caring companionship and delight in learningfrom Holmes. The added focus on Holmes’s ‘bees,’ prickly ash, and royal jellyled me to seek out more information wondering if there is a natural therapy formy own occasional lapses in memory. I teared up when Holmes created his own‘circle of stones’ similar to that which he observed in Japan, and Roger goes off to teach his mother about thebees.
As a ‘Sherlock Holmes’ fan,this movie earned a 5/5 pots of honey and royal jelly!
Be a Fan!www.mrholmesfilm.com
May 5, 2010
Rats in my closet!

Time to venture into the rat side of my closet lol. Yes I did say rats which may send some of you scurrying for the table. But actually domesticated rats are wonderful pets-trust me I used to be part of the table scurrying crowd so I understand. And actually for me the mystery side of my closet and the rat side are now connected as my main character in the new series will end up befriending an adorable blue dumbo rat against her better judgement-but that's a whole other story.
I'd like to take a moment and share with you my introduction to rats as a pet. Like many I was scared to death of all rodents and would have screamed had any come near me. However when my daughter was in 4th grade her class had rats and she begged to have some of her own. After much arguing I gave in with the stipulation that she and her father would take care of them and I would not have to have anything to do with them at all.
Well this lasted all of maybe 24 hours. We brought home a pair of baby female rats and one of them quickly became ill. Somehow any creature in your home that is ill immediately becomes the duty of the mother in the house-I'm not sure why. I took a deep breath and forced myself to care for the ailing creature-within a couple of days I was hooked. This tiny tan baby was so sweet and loving and her fur so very soft she drew me in and made me fall in love with her. Perhaps rats are magical in some way lol. My love for rats was sealed though when I had to return her to the pet store to be put down :( That broke my heart so much that I brought home a replacement and fell immediately in love with a white rat named Hermione.
Hermione was the best example of a rat anyone could ever find and the best first rat anyone could ever have. Not only was she as friendly and loving as a puppy she was smart! She quickly learned her name and if you let her out to play she would come running when you called her and never got into any trouble.
Now keep in mind if you should venture into the rat owning world that just like people each rat is different and most will get into things and chew them and only a few will come running whenever you call. Many tend to have more cat characteristics in them and are very stubborn looking at you when you call them like they're saying to you "what me? Um I don't think so." I'd say rats are an interesting combination of cat and dog traits-they also clean themselves just like cats.
I'm sure I probably haven't sold most of you non rat people on rats yet, but beware if you ever let them in the door you may be won over by their magical powers :)
If you would like to learn more about rats as pets there are many wonderful websites you can check out one of my favorite being RMCA http://www.rmca.org/
One of my favorite rat related movies is Ratatouille! I would never let my rats cook but come on isn't he cute?