When someone mentions Santorini, most people immediately think of shades of blue— the blue domed white buildings overlooking the cobalt sea as it meets the azure sky. But in Santorini, there is so much more beyond the tourist shops, beautiful vistas, and delicious food. The Prehistoric Village of Akrotiri, the Pompeii of the Aegean, lies on the southwest coast of Santorini.

An important and enjoyable part of my writing process is research. I’ve just hit 40,000 words into Book #4 of the Mariposa Café Mystery Series, which continues the Devereaux Gallery’s ghost story. In Mistletoe and Missing Persons, our heroine, Libby, and a newcomer in town, Steve Devereaux, uncover a skeleton while renovating the art gallery. As a result, the Mariposa Beach Tourist Commission, in partnership with a local tour company, wants to bring a ghost tour to town. 

Today is National Ice Cream Day. Ice Cream and the Michael’s Ice Cream famous Bubble sundae are at the foundation of the Michael Family