I’ve received compliments on the title of my story, so I think I should explain. It’s not mine. It’s a title of a Shivaree song which, along with “Goodnight Moon”, helped inspire this need in me to write a mystery. My character’s name is, therefore, Fiona Black and what happens is her own little mess to deal with – dead bodies, black mail, intrigue, things that make you wear something other than pajama pants and leave the house. Which is not something that happens to me a lot right now.

Here is the song and lyrics. I hope Shivaree doesn’t mind. Buy their music. They rule. Have I ever posted “Goodnight Moon?” I can’t remember, I cannot find it anywhere on the blog.

“Little Black Mess” by Shivaree

I should try to be good

Forever and ever, amen

So I’ll touch wood

And hope I don’t get caught again

Without my lines

And off the mark

Looking for signs

I can’t see here in the dark

My opening won’t be a great success

Till you come get me out of

This little black mess

I’ll play my part

And say never ever again

Then cross my heart

Cry until you say when

A little cheat while you turn away

Things we repeat one more time

Day after day

I’ve lost my appetite so nonetheless

It fits like a glove now

My little black mess

Who’s to say if we’ll know

When it’s time for this old thing to go

And so if I’m good

Could you forgive how I’ve been?

You misunderstood

Now if you’d just let me begin

To put on my face

I’ll put on the room

Go take my place

One more time

Then we can resume

It’s true I’m sure to die out here unless

You come help me out of

This little black mess