By Oline H. Cogdill

Al Roker; NBC photo

I always tune in to see what’s going on with Matt and Meredith, Al and Ann.

My day doesn’t really begin until I watch NBC’s Today show for the features and news — at least until 9 a.m.

I still can’t quite make that leap to the 9 to 10 a.m. segment with Kathie Lee and the likable Hoda Kotb. Besides, by then it’s time to get to work and that means turning off the TV unless I am reviewing a DVD.

So what does this have to do with mysteries?

Today’s weatherman and all-round nice guy Al Roker has written a mystery – the aptly named The Morning Show Murders (Delacorte Press).

 Roker always seems like someone you’d love to have as a neighbor and a friend. Of course, that’s the appeal of the NBC morning show – you want to invite these people into your homes. And do. Roker’s interview with The Hills non-talent Spencer and Heidi is a terrific way of showing dumb people for who they are without losing your cool. Way to go, Al.

  So I was interested to see how Roker would discuss his new novel The Morning Show Murders. 

Too many times when celebrities “write” a book they “write” that book with a co-author. But seldom do they give that co-author credit.

  Not Roker. Roker make a point of saying that he wrote The Morning Show Murders with Dick Lochte and he also complimented this prolific writer. Way to go, Al.

  Naturally, there was a clip.

  Book trailers are, as I have written before, one of the most popular ways for an author to promote his or her book. And the trailer that introduces Roker’s book is quite funny. It’s on the Today Web site. Of course it’s one of the most professional. After all, Roker had the expertise of NBC behind him; anything less than first class would not be acceptable.

Below is an interview with Roker on YouTube in which praises other mystery writers.

Way to go, Al.