Toby Speed

In The Remembering Scarf and Other Curious Tales (ages 8-12), a scarf made of leftover wool holds more than memories. A pepper shaker bird dreams about flight. A delectable ice cream flavor soars out of reach. A seamstress cooks up a sticky wink-catching brew. A pesky shadow interrupts the daydreams of a wind listener. Five slightly oddball tales comprise my new collection for middle-grade readers. Available exclusively through Kindle and KDP Select.

On the eve of her 35th birthday, going quietly nuts in her safe but dull life, freelance editor Emma Trace wonders if that's all there is. She is determined to keep both feet on the ground as she tries to win a bet against her dad and uncles: find the birthday present they've hidden near her cozy North Shore village, or pay the price with an aerobatic airplane flight.

But when the short order cook at her favorite breakfast spot is found face down in the pancake batter, Emma is under suspicion after police learn that the murder victim stole her ex-boyfriend. Forced to look for clues to clear her name, Emma becomes the target of a vicious killer when she happens upon an elaborate blackmail scheme involving folks in her small community.

Using her improv acting skills, Emma uncovers a grisly crime more than 20 years old as she tracks the murderer from bowling alley to pool hall, laundromat to library, and even into the chilly waters of the Long Island Sound. And although she’s terrified of flying, Emma enlists the help of her pilot uncle and takes to the skies in what might be her only chance to prevent further killings—including the man she loves.

I learned how to fly an airplane to write this book. Read more. Sign up for publication updates.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Toby

Copyright © Toby Speed 2012. All rights reserved.