Susan LaDue is an independent author who lives in central Massachusetts. Her first novel, "The Veranda," introduced a cast of American expat and Caribbean characters that live in Placencia, a seaside town in the imaginary country of Costa del Oro. Her Kristen Maroney Mystery Series brings those same characters to life as they stumble onto evil doers whom they’re ill equipped to stop. Kristen, the accidental sleuth, just keeps meddling until she finds a solution, often at considerable cost to herself and her loved ones. In addition to her writing, Susan is a committed dog lover. She owns a dog daycare and grooming business, and lives and works with her own dogs beside her.