Laurie Herlich
Author
Waylaid on
Whidbey Island
A Merry Irving Cozy Mystery
Book One
Merry Irving is an itinerant pet-sitter, whose job is to go where the pets are, and their owners aren’t.
Looking for a haven from events in her recent past, Merry accepts a new position on Whidbey Island. She thought the most demanding part of looking after her friends’ three dogs would be riding herd on their rambunctious hundred-pound puppy.
That is, until the dogs wake her in the middle of the night, and she discovers a Port-a-Potty at the construction site next door fully engulfed in flames. Local authorities arrive, including Dave Brady, a semi-retired police detective. The flames die down and a dead body is found.
When bodies begin to pile up like cordwood, Dave uncovers certain aspects of Merry’s past. He informs her that not only is she a material witness, but also a possible suspect. As their rapport grows, Merry, determined to prove her innocence, instead finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer.
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Merry Irving is an itinerant pet-sitter, whose job is to go where the pets are and their owners aren’t. Some jobs are more exciting than others.
Consultant Detective Dave Brady arranges for Merry to come to Potter Valley and pet-sit Sasha, a Doberman Pinscher, for some friends going on vacation. Dave plans on keeping a watchful eye on Merry in Potter Valley. She should be safe there. She should.
Merry is determined to keep Sasha safe. Curiosity gets the best of her when she finds a pair of binoculars and begins spying on the neighbors against Dave’s advice.
But when pets begin disappearing the peaceful illusion of the rural valley is shattered. And what is going on at the overgrown, dilapidated farmhouse across the way?
It seems whenever Merry Irving is looking after a big, black dog, she and trouble find each other.
A Merry Irving Cozy Mystery
Book Two
Peril in Potter Valley
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Coming Soon!
Reader Reviews
Laurie's writing style and subject matter are at once delightful. I dare you to close the book at your regular bedtime! After reading Waylaid on Whidbey Island the reader will be anxiously awaiting Book Two to learn what awaits the intrepid and amusing Meryl Irving.
"Herlich's first novel is a hit!” The Rouse-House Book Review
A reel review of Waylaid on Whidbey Island from Candace Yates.
A Review by Jan Crossen
"I love a story that includes a dog or three; and one about a responsible and much adored dog sitter, who is in fear for her life, is bound to be entertaining.
Waylaid on Whidbey Island by Laurie Herlich takes place on an island in the Pacific Northwest. Whidbey is an actual island that is very near my own home. I delight in reading about places I know, so of course, it was easy for me to relate to the setting of this story.
Who doesn’t enjoy a couple of unexpected plot twists served alongside a series of cozy murders? This story has books, a library, sweet and rambunctious dogs, small town cafes with their yummy local favorite dishes, ferry rides, the possibility of a budding romance, plus an intriguing mystery. Interested in a little get-away to an island in the Pacific? Catch this book."
Upcoming Appearances
Saturday, June 6th, 2026 11am - 4pm
Book Signing
Mr. K's Con
Holiday Inn
101 Springbrook Drive
Johnson City, TN 37604
SATURDAY, June 12th & 13th, 2026
Book Signing
Summer Book Fair & Market
Crafty, Barrel House, Zul & Next Level
Knoxville, TN
Monday, June 22nd, 2026 7:00PM
StoryTown Radio Show
The McKinney Center
Jonesborough, TN
Tickets available at the door.
Saturday, July 18th, 2026
Book Signing
Behind the Book Festival
Kingsport Public Library
2101 Fort Henry Drive
Kingsport, TN
About Laurie Herlich
Laurie Herlich spent the better part of a decade working her way up and down the West Coast as a pet-sitter, looking after dogs, cats, sheep, goats, horses, reptiles, chickens, exotic fish, and three not-so-little pigs. She fell in love with each animal character along the
way and entertained her friends with stories of their antics.
The Meryl Irving cozy mystery series is loosely based on some of her real-life adventures in pet-sitting.
Laurie followed the Lord’s leading across the country to the ‘promised land’ of rural Northeast Tennessee, where Story is everything. She writes cozy mysteries in a converted garden hut situated in her back yard.
Laurie is a regular contributor to www.christiandevotions.us. She is a Selah award winner in the online devotions category, and a Foundation award first prize winner for her novella, Waylaid on Whidbey . Laurie is also a contributor to Jonesborough, Tennessee’s StoryTown NPR Radio Show and Podcast and a storyteller with the Jonesborough Storytelling Guild.
She is hoping to have a dog of her very own someday soon.