I've worn a number of hats, including those of corporate analyst, business systems programmer, independent computer consultant , and pet store employee (the one who cleans the cages), but my writer's hat is by far the most comfortable - and most satisfying - of them all. I've been a mystery fan as long as I can remember, which may have had something to do with growing up in a converted turn-of-the-century funeral home.I've been involved with computers most of my life. In my consulting career, I focused on improving the quality of patient care through computerized clinical applications. Conducting business with clients around the country from my home office, I was a pioneer of telecommuting before the word was commonplace.As Shirley Kennett, I write the PJ Gray series of suspense/police procedural novels and short stories. As Dakota Banks, I write the Mortal Path series of paranormal thrillers. I'm a St. Louis native and a member of the Mystery Writers of America, the American Crime Writers League, Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America,Horror Writers Association, and International Thriller Writers. My hobbies are reading (not surprising), gardening, and photography.