Dillinger-style bank heists are being committed by a dangerous gang of little people wearing animal masks. Enter ursine photojournalist Thelonious T. Bear. Still smarting from his misadventures in Norfolk, he’s eager to begin his assignment in the American South. However, Thelonious soon learns that the South isn’t all fried chicken and sweet tea. In between encounters with a trigger-happy farmer and a fire-and-brimstone preacher with a snake, he’s stalked by a man in a red pickup truck and nearly bear-napped by a family of hillbillies. Thelonious’s resemblance to one of the bank bandits puts him on the radar of Sheriff Maynard Grizzle and budding reporter Nate Jessop, both of whom are convinced he’s in the gang. As the robberies gain more media attention, locals smell fame in the air. Suddenly everyone wants in on the action. And Thelonious finds himself at the heart of yet another series of crimes!
“A fanciful bank robbery in a small-town Southern community entwines a clever British bear as he suffers culture shock. Sweet tea, grits, no hold on the satire. Prepare to be tickled!”—Vicki Hendricks, author of Fur People
Mitzi Szereto (mitziszereto.com) is an American-British author, anthology editor, and short story writer whose books encompass multiple genres, most recently in true crime. She has appeared internationally on radio and television and at major literature festivals, and has taught creative writing around the world. She produced and presented the London-based web TV channel Mitzi TV, which has featured segments ranging from chatting about classic cars with Formula 1 race car driver/BBC TV presenter Tiff Needell and couture shoe designer Jimmy Choo, joining in a lively pub singalong, and covering a teddy bear festival with her ursine sidekick and co-author Teddy Tedaloo. She also plays herself in the mockumentary British film Lint: The Movie. Follow her on social media @MitziSzereto.
Teddy Tedaloo (teddytedaloo.com) is co-author of The Thelonious T. Bear Chronicles novels. A celebrity author bear, trendsetter, and world traveler, he’s popular in social media circles and known for his entertaining commentary as well as being an advocate for animal welfare. Rotten Peaches is his second novel in the cozy mystery series featuring ursine protagonist Thelonious T. Bear. Follow him on social media @TeddyTedaloo.