I wrote “Leftovers” to explore the possibility of writing a new mystery series featuring an empty-nest woman who loses her dull job and her narcissistic husband at the same time. Forced to adjust, she accepts the unlikely job of invigorating a thrift store established to raise funds to help abused women.

“Leftovers” would not be a chapter in the book. It provides backstory for the protagonist, a view of a setting, and a glimpse of some ongoing characters.

Currently the series consists of nothing more than a vague plan for the first book, a collection of newspaper clippings, notes in a folder on my computer, and occasional thoughts of plots and characters.