I escaped the university politics of "the ivory tower" for the much gentler world of World War II and the adventures of homicide detective Oliver Wright and his German shepherd, Harley. I live with my family in Sebastopol, California, where we have created a garden habitat for birds and bees and butterflies, and other less desirable critters. (Unintended consequences at work again.) I love dogs and books, crows and compassion, writing and writers, and all things Italian, especially Commissioner Montalbano and cannoli, not necessarily in that order. I remind myself daily of the question poet Mary Oliver asks: "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
