Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours–A Midwinter’s Tail

 

I’m so excited to be a stop on the blog tour for author Bethany Blake and her new release A Midwinter’s Tail.   This is the fourth book in her A Lucky’s Paws Petsitting Mystery Series.  I read all the books in this series and I loved them all.

A Midwinter’s Tail (Lucky Paws Petsitting Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Kensington (November 27, 2018)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-10: 1496717333
ISBN-13: 978-1496717337
Digital ASIN: B07B7C8XQY

 

Purchase Links

Amazon  B&N  Kobo    Google Play   IndieBound   BookBub 

 

 

To bark or not to bark . . .

Professional pet sitter Daphne Templeton loves the holidays in Sylvan Creek, Pennsylvania. And nothing gets her into the spirit more than the town’s annual Bark the Halls Ball. The whole community will be there to wag their tails, especially this year’s special guest—Celeste “CeeCee” French, founder of a national chain of pet care franchises, who’s returning home to announce plans for a bright new flagship store.

But not everyone’s celebrating CeeCee’s homecoming. Daphne’s friend Moxie Bloom, owner of Spa and Paw, a unique salon for people and their pets, has plenty to growl about. So when CeeCee is found face down under Sylvan Creek’s town Christmas tree, stabbed with a distinctive pair of professional-grade pet shears, suspicion lands squarely on Moxie. Despite Daphne’s promises to Detective Jonathan Black, she quickly reprises her role as amateur sleuth. Ably assisted by her basset hound sidekick, Socrates, she must hurry to prove her friend’s innocence before a killer barks again . . .

Includes recipes for homemade pet treats!

 

 

 

 

This is such a great book (and series).  The characters are well rounded and well developed.  I really enjoy Moxie, she is quirky and adorable. I like the friendship that exists between her and Daphne.  Her mother irritates me, she is not a very loving person, which I am sure was the author’s intention. Things are moving along well with Detective Black, they are getting much closer.  They do not irritate each other as much, which I take as a good sign. The animals are so great in this book and add so much to the story. With their distinct personalities and their funny antics, they had me laughing out loud.  And I love the way Daphne is always talking to them and asking their opinions.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read.  With the author’s descriptions, Sylvan Creek, Pennsylvania, came to life in my mind and it is a place that I would like to visit.  The mystery was carried on well throughout the entire book and it was not easy to solve. There were enough red herrings thrown in, which made me second guess myself a few times before the killer reveal.

If I could, I would give this book more than 5 stars, I thought it was that good.  I would highly recommend this book, and series, to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery.  Read the whole series, you will be happy that you did.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

 

 

Bethany Blake lives in a small, quaint town in Pennsylvania with her husband and three daughters. When she’s not writing or riding horses, she’s wrangling a menagerie of furry family members that includes a nervous pit bull, a fearsome feline, a blind goldfish, and an attack cardinal named Robert. Like Daphne Templeton, the heroine of her Lucky Paws Mysteries, Bethany holds a Ph.D. and operates a pet sitting business called Barkley’s Premium Pet Care.

Author Links 

Webpage  BookBub    

 

 

 

 

 

When did you know that you wanted to be an author?  What things, if any, influenced that decision?

I’ve been a professional writer since graduating college, working mainly as a journalist and in public relations. I always dreamed of writing a novel, though. So I set the goal of having a book published by my 40th birthday. I was a little late, but it was close!

 

With so many cozies being written today, what makes your books stand out from the crowd?

I believe my books include more humor and more romance than most cozies. I love a good love story, along with the mystery!

 

Do you work from an outline or plot or do you just see where the characters take you?

Once I get started, the characters drive the plot. I can’t seem to work from an outline. I like to let twists develop.

 

Do you read your reviews?  Do you respond to them, good or bad?  Do you do anything special to get those reviews?

No, I don’t read reviews. I used to do that when I wrote YA novels (under the name Beth Fantaskey). Reviews either build you up too much, hurt your self-esteem – or, worst of all, start to control what you write. That said, I am so grateful to anyone who reviews my books for others. I always read reviews of other people’s works to decide what to read.

 

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Relax. This whole writing thing is supposed to be fun!

 

Do you think that the cover plays an important part in someone buying your book(s)?   Who designs your book covers?

Oh, goodness… I forget the author’s name, but she is wonderful! I don’t know how much covers drive sales, but I love the ones Kensington develops for me. We have a lot of fun deciding which elements to put in there. Oh – and if you look carefully at the cover of my first book, Death by Chocolate Lab, the tiny books all have real titles. I didn’t even notice that until my sharp-eyed daughter pointed it out. I love that attention to detail!

 

Please give us an insight into your main characters.  What do you think makes them special?

None of my characters is perfect, which is the case with some cozies. But my amateur sleuth, Daphne Templeton, is a pet sitter who never used her Ph.D. in philosophy. She’s a klutz whose curly hair is always getting out of control, and she buys her clothes at a flea market. I also take pains to make the pets in my books come to life with fully rounded personalities. They don’t talk, but they are fully integrated into the stories.

 

What have you learned about yourselves since becoming an author?

I think I’ve learned to trust my imagination. I didn’t think I’d ever figure out how to tell one story, let alone fill a bunch of novels.

 

Do you write full-time or part-time?

Right now, I’m a part-time author. I also work for two universities, as a writer and instructor.

 

What do your plans for future projects include?

Along with finishing up my next Lucky Paws Petsitting Mystery, Something Borrowed, Something Mewed, I’m at work on a new novel called A Brushstroke With Death. It’s about an artist who runs a business called the Owl & Crescent Art Barn, and who has a special ability to “read” other people’s paintings.

 

What do you think the hardest part of writing is?  What is the easiest?

The hardest part is getting started. The easiest part is hanging out with the characters, who become like friends.

 

What type of books do you like to read?  Who are some of your favorite authors?

I like to read cozies and classic novels. Some of my favorite authors are Martha Grimes, Dickens and Austen.

 

What is the one thing you would like your readers to know about you?

I very much appreciate everyone who reads my books. I am the world’s most grateful author!

 

Do you have anything specific you would like to say to your readers?

I hope my novels give you a fun escape into a cozy world, filled with good friends, pets, delectable foods, fireplaces and snow in the winter and sunshine and flowers in the summer – plus a dash of romance and murder. And thank you so much for reading!

How can readers discover more about you and your work?

    Website: https://bethanyblakeauthor.com

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethanyblakewriter

    Twitter:   https://twitter.com/bethanyblakeau1

    Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Bethany-Blake/e/B01MS3Z7KV/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

    Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/bethanyblake

 

 

 

 

To  enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway, click on the list below:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/02887792808/?

The prize for the Rafflecopter Giveaway is (1) Set of the Lucky Paws Petsitting Mysteries and some swag! U.S. ONLY

 

 

In addition to the tour giveaway, Bethany Blake is offering a print copy of A Midwinter’s Tail to someone who stops by my blog.   To be eligible, leave a comment on my blog.  Be sure to include your email so I can notify the winner,

***************BE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL***************

Prize 1 print copy of A Midwinter’s Tail – U.S. Only

 

 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 26 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

November 26 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY

November 26 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

November 27 – Here’s How It Happened – CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 27 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY

November 27 – Cozy Up With Kathy – GUEST POST

November 28 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 28 – The Power of Words – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY

November 29 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

November 29 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 29 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

November 30 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST

November 30 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT, RECIPE, GIVEAWAY

November 30 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW, GIVEAWAY

December 1 – My Devotional Thoughts – REVIEW

December 1 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

December 2 – Rosepoint Publishing – REVIEW

December 2 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT, RECIPE

December 3 – Carla Loves to Read  – REVIEW

December 3 – A Holland Reads – CHARACTER GUEST POST

December 4 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

December 4 – The Cozy Pages – REVIEW

December 4 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – GUEST POST

December 4 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

December 5 – Melina’ Book Blog – REVIEW

December 5 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

December 5 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours–Dark Corner

 

I’m so excited to be a stop on the blog tour for author Vicki Vass and her new release Dark Corner.   This is the second book in her A Witch Cat Mysteries Series.

 

Dark Corner: A Witch Cat Mystery
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Tedeschi Publishing (October 9, 2018)
Paperback: 190 pages
ISBN-10: 0998989363
ISBN-13: 978-0998989365
Digital ASIN: B07J4P2521

Purchase Link – Amazon

 

Evil has awoken in Asheville, North Carolina, and Terra Rowan must prepare the Ladies of the Biltmore Society for battle. With her familiar, Pixel, a crooked leg fluffy orange cat, and her apprentice Abigail Oakhaven, a stubborn teenage girl with a bloodline dating back to the beginning of time, she begins their journey. The witch hunters have come to the Appalachian Mountains in search of the last witch of Salem. The magic of the mountains can no longer protect her and her coven. She must travel to the one place on earth that holds the secret to save mankind – Dark Corner.

Combining elements from different cultures, Appalachian folklore, Celtic legends, Native American mysticism, Dark Corner continues its new witch mythology while staying true to the realm of cozy mystery.

Terra Rowan is a witch trapped between worlds and lost in time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vicki Vass traded in her reporter’s notebook to pursue her passion of writing cozy mysteries. Her Antique Hunter series was a finalist in the 2016 Mystery & Mayhem contest. Bloodline is the first book in the Witch Cat Mystery series.

Vicki has written more than 1,400 stories for the Chicago Tribune as well as other commercial publications including Home & Away, the Lutheran and Woman’s World. Her science fiction novel, The Lexicon, draws on her experience in Sudan while writing about the ongoing civil war for World Relief.

She lives in the Chicago area with her husband, writer and musician Brian Tedeschi, son Tony, Australian shepherd Bandit, kittens Terra and Pixel, seven koi and Gary the turtle.

Author Links – Website – Blog – Facebook 

 

 

 

 

 

When did you know that you wanted to be an author?  What things, if any, influenced that decision?

I started reading when I was four and it was at that time I realized I wanted to be an author. I wrote my first story when I was five and my mom still has it. Later reading books by women authors such as Jane Austen, Louisa May Alcott and L.M. Montgomery further influenced my decision.

 

 

With so many cozies being written today, what makes your books stand out from the crowd?

I think my books stand out because of the characters and the realistic dialogue. I also try to include near-real events in my books with a slight twist. Dark Corner has an extra dose of magic and Pixel is a most memorable characters.

 

Do you work from an outline or plot or do you just see where the characters take you?

I do not work from an outline. I try to have a rough plot so I have an idea where the story may go but I like to be taken on a journey by my characters.

 

Do you read your reviews?  Do you respond to them, good or bad?  Do you do anything special to get those reviews?

When I first started writing, I read reviews but have now stopped. I have not responded to any reviewers, good or bad, as I am not sure it is the best form to engage. I do have a mailing list and encourage readers on my list to read reviews.

 

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell myself to start writing fiction earlier. My younger days were spent working full times for newspapers. Now I feel as if I never have enough time for the stories I want to tell.

 

Do you think that the cover plays an important part in someone buying your book(s)?   Who designs your book covers?

I believe the cover can definitely influence someone to buy a book. We have had several cover designers but most recently use the Killion Group.

 

Please give us an insight into your main characters.  What do you think makes them special?  

For the Witch Cat Mystery Series, there are what I would call two main characters. Terra who is an old soul. I think she is special as she has a great deal of knowledge trapped in a tiny body. Abigail Oakhaven is a young girl with an extraordinary gift.

 

What have you learned about yourselves since becoming an author?

I have learned that I am not as disciplined as I would like to be. I have a difficult time getting started with the regular demands of my day.

 

 

Do you write full-time or part-time?

I write part time now. I have a full time job as an editor of a peer-reviewed medical journal.

 

What do your plans for future projects include?

Currently I am working on the sixth book in my antique hunters series, then I have the second book in my gem hunter series followed by a science fiction novel.

 

What do you think the hardest part of writing is?  What is the easiest?

For me the hardest part of writing is the plotting. It is challenging to sit down and map out a plotline that is believable but is also interesting. The easiest is dialogue and characterization. I love creating characters and writing their voices down.

 

What type of books do you like to read?  Who are some of your favorite authors?

I read a wide variety of books from nonfiction to fiction of all genres. My favorite authors change from time to time. Right now I am reading Family Trust by Kathy Wang to be followed by the Library Book by Susan Orlean. I have a growing pile of to-be-read books on my nightstand including a complete biography of the Romanov Dynasty.

 

What is the one thing you would like your readers to know about you?

I actually am very shy and keep to myself.

 

Do you have anything specific you would like to say to your readers?

I would like to say thank you for reading and please reach out to me with any questions or comments.

 

How can readers discover more about you and your work?

    Website: vickivass.com

    Facebook: vickivassauthor.com

     

 

 

 

To enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway, click on the link below:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/02887792802/?widget_template=56d5f80dbc544fb30fda66f0

 

 

 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 19 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT

November 20 – Jane Reads – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 21 – Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf – GUEST POST

November 22 – THANKSGIVING U.S. – OFF

November 23 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

November 24 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT

November 25 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

November 25 – Carole’s Book Corner – SPOTLIGHT

November 26 – T’s Stuff – SPOTLIGHT

November 26 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 27 – Book Babble – REVIEW

November 27 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT  

November 28 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, GUEST POST

November 28 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 29 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST

November 29 – MJB Reviewers – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 30 – Mallory Heart’s Cozies – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 30 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

December 1 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

December 1 – Varietats – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

December 2 – Readeropolis – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

December 3 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

 

 

 

 

 

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours–Ask Me No Questions

 

I’m so excited to be a stop on the blog tour for author Shelley Noble and her new release Ask Me No Questions.   This is the first book in her A Lady Dunbridge Mystery.

 

Ask Me No Questions: A Lady Dunbridge Mystery
Historical Cozy Mystery
New Series
Forge Books (October 16, 2018)
Hardcover: 352 pages
ISBN-10: 0765398710
ISBN-13: 978-0765398710
Digital ASIN: B078X2BSDR

 

Purchase Links 

Amazon     B&N     Kobo     Google Play     IndieBound

 

 

 

From New York Times bestselling author Shelley Noble, Ask Me No Questions is the first in the Lady Dunbridge Mystery series featuring a widow turned sleuth in turn-of-the-twentieth century New York City.

A modern woman in 1907, Lady Dunbridge is not about to let a little thing like the death of her husband ruin her social life. She’s ready to take the dazzling world of Gilded Age Manhattan by storm.

From the decadence of high society balls to the underbelly of Belmont horse racing, romance, murder, and scandals abound. Someone simply must do something. And Lady Dunbridge is happy to oblige.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHELLEY NOBLE is the NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling Author of women’s fiction. (BEACH COLORS, WHISPER BEACH, LIGHTHOUSE BEACH,)

As SHELLEY FREYDONT she writes cozy mysteries.(CELEBRATION BAY FESTIVAL MYSTERIES, THE SUDOKU MYSTERIES) and the Newport Gilded Age Mysteries beginning with A GILDED GRAVE an RT Reviewer’s Choice nominee for Best Historical Mystery of 2015 and Macavity Finalist.

ASK ME NO QUESTIONS is the first of a Manhattan Gilded Age series and written as Shelley Noble.

A former professional dancer and choreographer, Shelley lives at the Jersey shore and loves to discover new lighthouses and vintage carousels.

Author Links

Website https://www.shelleynoble.com

Website https://www.shelleyfreydont.com

FB https://www.facebook.com/ShelleyNobleAuthor

Twitter https://twitter.com/ShelleyNoble3

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shelleynobleauthor/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When did you know that you wanted to be an author?  What things, if any, influenced that decision?

I’ve always enjoyed making up stories, I even took a creative writing class in college, but it wasn’t until I retired from dancing and my kids were in school that a friend and I were in a museum one day deciding what we were going to do next. She said you should write a mystery. So I did. An agent took me on and sold it. So instead of me choosing to be an author, writing sort of chose me.

With so many cozies being written today, what makes your books stand out from the crowd?

I tried to do a different take on the Gilded Age, a time when American heiresses were going to Europe to snag a title. Lady Phil is an impecunious countess who decides to come to America to make her fortune. It gives her an different insight to Gilded Age culture than home grown heroines.

 

 

 

Do you work from an outline or plot or do you just see where the characters take you?

Both. It’s a constant juggling act of balancing rational investigations, with clues, red herrings, and pushy characters who all seem to want more page time.

Do you read your reviews?  Do you respond to them, good or bad?  Do you do anything special to get those reviews?

I do read reviews. I never respond to them. I do some of my own outreach to reviewers that I know personally , but mainly my publisher is in charge of sending out review copies.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Lighten up. Stop worrying about things you have no control over. It’s advice I would give to myself now. I probably still wouldn’t take it.

 

 

Do you think that the cover plays an important part in someone buying your book(s)?   Who designs your book covers?

Covers are very important. They are the window into the book. A first impression. The art department of my publishers design the cover with input from me. The cover art of Ask Me No Questions was created by Andrew Davidson.

Please give us an insight into your main characters.  What do you think makes them special?

My main characters think of themselves as modern men and women. So I tried to portray that feeling instead of creating a staid historic vision of the Gilded Age. I wanted Phil, Lady Dunbridge, to be in the thick of current events, not afraid to go out and make a place for herself. Show the bravery and make the mistakes that we in 2018 could relate to. And just like most of us, she sometimes has to put on a good front when she’s privately quaking.

What have you learned about yourselves since becoming an author?

That sometimes people are more than they appear. I hope that by getting into the motivation and circumstances of my fictional characters , it will help me and my readers to be more understanding of other people in “real life.

 

 

Do you write full-time or part-time?

Full time

What do your plans for future projects include?

I also write women’s fiction, beach reads with substance a reviewer once said. I have a new one, A Beach Wish, coming out in June, another Lady Dunbridge out next October and several more in the development stages.

What do you think the hardest part of writing is?  What is the easiest?

I think the hardest part is trusting yourself to capture what you really want the book to be about. It’s a constant balancing act sometimes fun sometimes hair tearing. But totally worth it. The easiest part is rolling up your metaphorical sleeves and jumping right into the lives of these characters who take on a life of their own. Dealing with them for six months at a time is no walk in the park.

 

 

What type of books do you like to read?  Who are some of your favorite authors?

I like reading historical novels and time slip novels, also fantasy. Susanna Kearsley, Kate Morton, Juliet Marillier, Chanel Cleeton, Jennifer Robson, Renee Rosen, just to name a few. Also Austen , Dickens, Trollope and those guys of course.

What is the one thing you would like your readers to know about you?

I always give the best that I’ve got.

 

 

Do you have anything specific you would like to say to your readers?

Most authors really try to give you the best work we can at all times. So if you like what you read, let us know. (It can get pretty isolated living 24/7 with imaginary friends.)

How can readers discover more about you and your work?

    Website: https://www.shelleynoble.com

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShelleyNobleAuthor/

    Twitter:   https://twitter.com/ShelleyNoble3

     Pinterest; https://www.pinterest.com/sfreydont/

     Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Shelley-Noble/e/B007IT925U/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1540903085&sr=1-1

     Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5560617.Shelley_Noble

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shelleynobleauthor/

 

To enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway, click on the link below:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/02887792809/?widget_template=56d5f80dbc544fb30fda66f0

 

 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 26 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW  

November 27 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

November 27 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT

November 28 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

November 29 – MJB Reviewers – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 29 – Mallory Heart’s Cozies – REVIEW

November 29 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT

November 30 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW*, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

December 1 – The Power of Words – REVIEW*

December 2 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW*, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

December 3 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

December 4 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

December 5 – Laura s Interests – SPOTLIGHT

December 5 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW

December 6 – Mysteries with Character – REVIEW

December 7 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

December 8 – Here’s How It Happened – SPOTLIGHT

December 9 – A Holland Reads – REVIEW*

 

 

 

 

New Releases For The Week Of, November 25th, 2018–Part 4

Here is a list of some of the new releases for the week of November 25th, 2018. I am going to divide the list into 4 days because there are so very many of them for this week. Today is the fourth and final day of my list for this week. Hope you find some selections for your weekly reading. Enjoy and happy reading.

 

 

 

A Christmas crime shocks the merchants of a quaint shopping district in this latest installment of The New York Times bestselling Victoria Square series.

It’s Christmastime, but not everyone is jolly–especially not Vonne Barnett. Her dead body has been found in Victoria Square. Katie Bonner, the manager of Artisan’s Alley, happens to be at the tea shop Vonne’s mother, Francine, owns when the news is delivered.

Vonne left a trail of men behind her so the suspects are many–but the clues are few. A broken teacup leads Katie to one of the suspects, but before she can investigate, she’s attacked. Katie may be closing in on a murderer, but time is ticking because the murderer is definitely closing in on her.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback, Audiobook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The only suspect to his best friend’s murder…

When Kirby Jackson’s friend Ryan is found dead in the comics and coffee shop the two co-own, Kirby quickly becomes suspect number one.

Perhaps things wouldn’t look so bad had Kirby not been planning to cut Ryan out of the business.

The only witness to the crime, Ryan’s stubborn dachshund, might hold the keys to solving the case. But his attitude toward anything and everything that isn’t his warm doggy bed is less than helpful.

With a local detective and former high school crush investigating the murder, it’s up to Kirby to put together the clues. Otherwise, he’s doing twenty-five to life.

Comics and Coffee Case Files is the perfect series for dog-loving fans of The Cat Who. Check out the first installment in this quirky series today.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Window of opportunity . . .
 
Most housecleaners don’t do windows, but Tallie Graver loves leaving a pane of glass streak-free and sparkling. After a dirty divorce from a filthy-rich jerk, she’s started her own cleaning business to make ends meet. On her latest job, prepping a renovated bed and breakfast for a grand re-opening, she’s standing outside on a ladder, wiping off a grimy pane, when she spies a man on a bed through the glass. But the B&B isn’t open for business yet—and the man’s not sleeping. Her family owns the Graver Funeral Home, so Tallie knows a corpse when she sees one.

The victim is a shady building inspector with a reputation for handing out passing grades for a greased palm. With the local police resistant, Tallie launches her own investigation, before she gets a rep as a town crank. But it’s going to take more than a squirt bottle and a squeegee to clean up this mess. With the help of her gal pal Gina, Tallie searches for a killer’s motive. But she’d better be careful, or it’ll be curtains for this window cleaner . . .

“An amusing new series with an engaging, spirited sleuth.”—Library Journal  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the winner of the Dog Writer’s Association of America “Best Fiction Book of the Year 2017”award comes this thrilling new installment in the Raine Stockton Dog Mystery series.

The annual Hansonville, North Carolina Founder’s Day Festival always draws plenty of locals and tourists alike who are eager to immerse themselves in the Smoky Mountain culture and show their support for local businesses and civic organizations. For dog trainer and Humane Society volunteer Raine Stockton, it’s a perfect opportunity to raise money for the local animal shelter. But when a stranger wanders into her fund-raising booth with his young daughter and their beautiful black Lab, the peaceful country afternoon is turned into chaos. Within moments the man is arrested for murder, his child is placed in foster care, and Raine finds herself the temporary custodian of what may well be the most valuable dog in the world.

While Raine’s ex-husband, the newly appointed county investigator Buck Lawson, tries to sort out the tangled threads of a murder case that isn’t even his own, Raine discovers that the man they’ve taken into custody is the world-famous research scientist Dr. Jason Broderick and that the Labrador, Bongo, is one of an elite group of dogs Broderick has bred and trained to detect concealed micro-technology. Raine can’t believe that someone she so admires could be guilty of murder, particularly when she learns that one of his associates is her own fiancé, Miles Young. But is her faith in both men misplaced?

It turns out that Bongo has skills that go beyond even those of his fellow scent-detecting canines—skills that are worth billions of dollars to some people, and are worth killing for to others. When the unthinkable happens and an innocent life is placed in jeopardy, Raine is forced to make a terrible choice: one that will shake her to her very core and cause her to question not only herself, but everything she has ever believed.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Complete Series: Books 1-4. Christmas. Elves. Santa Claus. Witches. Mystery. Mayhem.

The Witch of the North Pole
A heart-warming tale of Christmas, elves, Santa Claus…and a really mad witch.
There are many things Cinnamon Mercy Claus is struggling with this holiday season: the memories of long forgotten holidays when the Christmas season was about family; that she’s just found out her grandfather is Santa Claus; and that her grandmother is a witch—who is bent on destroying Christmas for them all.

---

A dose of Hallmark-warmth mixed with crazy witch mayhem! Clean read.

The Full Moon’s Slumber
Cinnamon Mercy Claus has been a witch for two years. At least that’s how long it’s been since her grandmother let her in on their little secret. She’s in the process of picking up her life and starting over, searching for something that means more to her than her mundane existence. Then a fairy drips down out of her bathroom faucet and tells her the moon’s gone all wonky and it’s up to Cinnamon to figure things out.

Since there’s nothing like a threat to the earth’s very existence to give your new life a kick into high gear, Cinnamon heads out across the country—with a talking dog and an unearthly woman who absolutely terrifies her—to figure out a mystery she doesn’t have a clue about.

Once Upon A Murderous Retreat
Cinnamon has just settled into the Aire Mansion when she opens up her doors for a writer’s retreat. With her best friend Ginger: the Christmas elf turned talking chihuahua; Mei: the giant Hawaiian consumer; a houseful of eccentric guests; an ominous storm covering the island; and a murderer on the loose; what possibly could go wrong?

The Return to the North Pole
She has returned. To the North Pole.
Time has passed and Cinnamon has done her best to deny her destiny as the next Mrs Claus–the witch who is to run Christmas. She returns to the North Pole, ready to face whatever life has in store for her. But she’s not ready in the slightest. Between avoiding being seen by Danny, juggling her meddling parents, having the daylights scared out of her every time Ginger practices a ‘quick change’ from doggy form to elf, and with another Christmas season fast approaching, Cinnamon is running out of time to figure out what it is in life that really matters to her.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The new Chief Inspector Gamache novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author.

When a peculiar letter arrives inviting Armand Gamache to an abandoned farmhouse, the former head of the Sûreté du Québec discovers that a complete stranger has named him one of the executors of her will. Still on suspension, and frankly curious, Gamache accepts and soon learns that the other two executors are Myrna Landers, the bookseller from Three Pines, and a young builder.

None of them had ever met the elderly woman.

The will is so odd and includes bequests that are so wildly unlikely that Gamache and the others suspect the woman must have been delusional. But what if, Gamache begins to ask himself, she was perfectly sane?

When a body is found, the terms of the bizarre will suddenly seem less peculiar and far more menacing.

But it isn’t the only menace Gamache is facing.

The investigation into what happened six months ago—the events that led to his suspension—has dragged on, into the dead of winter. And while most of the opioids he allowed to slip through his hands, in order to bring down the cartels, have been retrieved, there is one devastating exception.

Enough narcotic to kill thousands has disappeared into inner city Montreal. With the deadly drug about to hit the streets, Gamache races for answers.

As he uses increasingly audacious, even desperate, measures to retrieve the drug, Armand Gamache begins to see his own blind spots. And the terrible things hiding there.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to River Bluffs, Indiana, a cozy small town populated with charming homes, close-knit families, and the occasional deadly secret . . .

House-flipper Jazzi Zanders and her cousin Jerod have found their latest project. The property, formerly owned by the late Cal Juniper, is filled with debris that must be cleared before the real renovation begins. But a trip to the attic reveals something more disturbing than forgotten garbage—a skeleton wearing a locket and rings that Jazzi recognizes . . .

Tests confirm that the bones belong to Jazzi’s aunt Lynda, who everyone assumed moved to New York years ago after breaking up with Cal. Soon enough, the whole family is involved, sifting through memories and rumors as they try to piece together what really happened to Lynda—and the baby she gave up for adoption. In between investigating and remodeling, Jazzi is falling for the old house’s charms—and for her gorgeous contractor, Ansel. But with surprises lurking in every nook and cranny, a killer might be waiting to demolish her dreams for good . . .  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A letter from beyond the grave brings accountant Fae Childers face to face with murder, embezzlement, romance, and a hidden family legacy.

Certified public accountant Fae Childers is not an embezzler, despite the belief of the accounting firm that fires her for stealing.
But proving her innocence is harder than convincing an IRS agent to allow a deduction. She’s lost her mother, her job, her fiancé, and her self-respect. She’s running out of money and the lease is about to expire on her apartment.

Then the fortune-telling grandmother Fae never knew existed, whose name and psychic abilities she now learns are also hers, issues a challenge from beyond the grave—a challenge that brings Fae face to face with murder, embezzlement, romance, and a hidden family legacy.

When the mystery of Fae’s past collides with the troubles of her present, the situation veers out of control. Her very life is threatened. Who can she trust? The man she’s falling in love with? The former fiancé who has already betrayed her once? Or only herself?

With justice, romance, and her future at stake, Fae must overcome personal and professional obstacles to save herself and those she loves. And she’s going to have to do it fast, before someone else dies.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anne Jamieson and the rest of the Snoop Group are once again called into action when Fran Harrison, the former President of their writers’ group, dies in front of dozens of witnesses during a luncheon. The death was no accident. Someone knew about the victim’s severe peanut allergy. Now it’s up to Anne and her friends to find a killer.
But Fran was not a popular person and the list of suspects is long. Then Anne finds a second body. The more the women investigate, the more they put themselves in danger, and the killer will do anything to get away with murder.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To bark or not to bark . . .

Professional pet sitter Daphne Templeton loves the holidays in Sylvan Creek, Pennsylvania. And nothing gets her into the spirit more than the town’s annual Bark the Halls Ball. The whole community will be there to wag their tails, especially this year’s special guest—Celeste “CeeCee” French, founder of a national chain of pet care franchises, who’s returning home to announce plans for a bright new flagship store.

But not everyone’s celebrating CeeCee’s homecoming. Daphne’s friend Moxie Bloom, owner of Spa and Paw, a unique salon for people and their pets, has plenty to growl about. So when CeeCee is found face down under Sylvan Creek’s town Christmas tree, stabbed with a distinctive pair of professional-grade pet shears, suspicion lands squarely on Moxie. Despite Daphne’s promises to Detective Jonathan Black, she quickly reprises her role as amateur sleuth. Ably assisted by her basset hound sidekick, Socrates, she must hurry to prove her friend’s innocence before a killer barks again . . .

Includes recipes for homemade pet treats!  
“Doggone charming from start to finish!”
—Cleo Coyle, New York Times bestselling author on Death by Chocolate Lab  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback

 

 

7

 

New Releases For The Week Of, November 25th, 2018–Part 3

Here is a list of some of the new releases for the week of November 25th, 2018. I am going to divide the list into 4 days because there are so very many of them for this week. Today is the third day of my list for this week. Hope you find some selections for your weekly reading. Enjoy and happy reading.

 

 

* Includes a knitting pattern *

A mysterious woman arrives in picturesque Sea Harbor, Massachusetts, and the Seaside Knitters welcome her into their cozy world of intricate patterns and colorful skeins. Unfortunately, nothing frays a warm introduction like cold-blooded murder . . .  

With her shy manner and baggy jeans, Rose Chopra becomes an unlikely superhero the night she stumbles into Izzy Perry’s shop and inadvertently saves a shipment of yarn from water damage. When the Seaside Knitters help the enigmatic handywoman settle into town and find work at a popular real estate company, Rose proves she can fix just about anything—until a potential homebuyer is killed and she becomes entangled in murder . . .

The moment controversial entrepreneur Spencer Paxton is found dead in a pricey ocean-side house, accusations fly at the last person on the property—Rose. But the Seaside Knitters have their doubts. After all, Spencer’s political aspirations as well as his company’s plans to pave over Sea Harbor’s historic art district with luxury apartments earned him some very real enemies . . .

Now, Izzy, Birdie, Nell, and Cass must swap knitting for sleuthing as they struggle to move the needle on a twisted homicide case causing turmoil across town. As tensions build in the sleepy New England community and Rose’s secret past unravels, the ladies face an unsettling realization—true victims aren’t always the ones buried six feet under . . .  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The heart-pounding thriller of a series continues as FBI Special Agent Meg Jennings and her search-and-rescue K-9 companion confront the fury of nature—and the more dangerous nature of man . . .

In the wake of a devastating hurricane, Special Agent Meg Jennings and her Labrador, Hawk—invaluable members of the FBI’s Human Scent Evidence Team—have been deployed to Virginia Beach. They have their work cut out for them. Amid graveyards of debris, and the buried cries for help, the search and rescue operation begins. The most alarming discovery is yet to come—a teenage girl hiding in the Great Dismal Swamp. Shaken by the storm, she has reason to be scared. But this young survivor is terrified of so much more.

Her name is Emma—a disheveled runaway lost to the sordid underbelly of a Virginia sex-trafficking ring. Its leader has disappeared in the chaos—along with other victims. With so much evidence, and so many witnesses, seemingly washed away, Meg joins forces with Special Agent Walter Van Cleave to ensure no further harm comes to their vulnerable charge. They soon discover that this is no small-time localized syndicate. Its branches are rooted in some of the most influential powers in Virginia. Now as Meg’s investigation digs deeper, she’s making some very dangerous enemies. And one by one, they’re coming out of the storm to stop her.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Hardcover, Audiobook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Suzy about to give birth to her daughter, her ability to perform basic physical movement is severely limited. But her neurons are firing on all cylinders and kick into overdrive when Dr. Jeremy Peters, the eccentric ex-boyfriend of the new veterinarian they’ve just hired, is found dead at a remote hunting lodge. And when they discover a collection of wolf-dog hybrids in cages, a research-interest of the dead scientist, Suzy and Josie find themselves with another problem: What do you do with two dozen hybrids who can’t live on their own in the wild, but aren’t domesticated enough to be eligible for adoption?

As various versions of the dead scientist’s will surface, the situation turns murky as Suzy and Chief Abrams, along with Detective Williams from the state police, try to identify the murderer from a list of suspects, all potential beneficiaries of Peters’ estate, that includes the scientist’s wife, his brother, his research assistant and one of the major investors in whatever ‘research’ the scientist’s primary focus actually is. And the fact their new vet is also listed as a beneficiary adds another level of complexity and uncertainty to the question of the killer’s identity.

The Case of the Unfettered Utonagan is the latest installment in B.R. Snow’s popular Thousand Islands Doggy Inn Mysteries and contains all the elements readers have come to expect and enjoy. Set against the backdrop of one of the beautiful spots on earth, all the major characters are back and in fine form as Suzy’s latest challenge unfolds. And by the time the case is wrapped up, Suzy and the gang are left wondering about what the future holds for all of us, including the dogs.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minnie and Ben are back for more murder and mayhem!

Minnie Crockwell, recreational vehicle enthusiast and traveler, and her ghost companion, Ben, have arrived in sunny El Paso, Texas, land of cowboy boots and 1000 great Tex-Mex restaurants.

One such restaurant makes the greatest fajitas…ever. All Minnie wants to do is eat great food during her stay in El Paso, but there is no way that Minnie and Ben can get through a stay in fabulous fajita land without someone dying an untimely death at the hands of a killer.

Each story in the series can stand alone, but to avoid extensive repetition of the backstory, the books would be best read in order.

Book 1 – Trouble at Happy Trails
Book 2 – Trouble at Sunny Lake
Book 3 – Trouble at Glacier
Book 4 – Trouble at Hungry Lake
Book 5 – Trouble at Snake and Clearwater
Book 6 – Trouble in Florence
Book 7 – Trouble in Tombstone Town
Book 8 – Trouble in Cochise Stronghold
Book 9 – Trouble in Orange Beach
Book 10 – Trouble at Pelican Penthouse
Book 11 – Trouble at Island Castle
Book 12 – Trouble at Yellowstone
Book 13 – Trouble at Devils Tower
Book 14 –Trouble in El Paso  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Champagne, chocolates, and murder? That definitely wasn’t on the menu.

When Claire London hosts her first all-out New Year’s Eve Party at London Manor, the last thing she expects to find is a corpse in the closet. The discovery only leads to more questions–ones that she’s counting on her hunky (although albeit dead) hubby and her mischievous kitty helping her solve.

Can Claire crack the case before she’s charged with murder, or will her first New Year’s resolution be to get out jail?

Find out in the third installment of the Spirited Sweets Mystery Series.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bryony and Dean got the finger…literally!

Dean Jensen was just about to pop the question to amateur sleuth and professional herbalist Bryony Taylor when he receives a grisly delivery—a woman’s finger with her engagement ring still attached. All thoughts of wedding bells go silent when the woman’s body is pulled from Saxon Lake.

Two more fingers follow, sending Dean and Bryony into a scramble to find out who’s killing young brides-to-be before the next body turns up. With all these fingers arriving in the mail, will Dean ever get the chance to ask for Bryony’s hand?  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Market days in Ashfordly attract villagers from all over North Yorkshire. The spot to be for social outings, shopping, and business, the usually peaceful town springs to life. But new people and excited gatherings can only mean one thing for Constable Nick: more problems.

From a dog intent on demolishing market stalls to a live hand grenade found in a potato display, PC Nick has no shortage of small-town crises and eccentric characters to attend to. Linguistic misunderstandings, a spot of crime, and even a UFO sighting are all in a day’s work in Constable Goes to Market.

Nicholas Rhea’s delightful Constable tales paint an endearing and hilarious picture of police work in the British countryside and was the inspiration for the Heartbeat TV series.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Hardcover

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“RICH DETAILS AND INVENTIVE PUZZLES…AN UNEXPECTED TWIST, AN ACTION-PACKED CINEMATIC FINISH…” –SciFi Guy on Delilah Street noir fantasy novels “MIDNIGHT LOUIE IS AN IRRESISTIBLE BLEND OF SAM SPADE AND NATHAN DETROIT”–Mostly Murder
He’s BACK! After completing his 28-book epic Alphabet-titled series, , feline PI Midnight Louie has snagged a savvy new gal partner, Delilah Street, paranormal PI fresh from a version of Louie’s Vegas that gives Oz a run for its money. Crime and detection are booming everywhere, and Louie and Delilah are the new rock star team. Of course they get a little help from Louie’s favorite pro and amateur detecting friends, Matt and Temple, Max and Molina, Louie’s sassy daughter, Midnight Louise, and matriarch Ma Barker, the baddest Cat Pack runner off the Strip. Not to mention an unlikely trio of dogs.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Greatest Western Writers Of The 21st Century

From the bestselling masters of frontier fiction comes two tough frontier who solve the bloodiest crimes with bravado, brains, and bullets blazing…

Homicide On The Range

A killer is on the loose in the Arizona Territory. One by one, Tonto Basin ranchers are being murdered for their livestock–and the Cattle Raisers Association has hired two range detectives to catch the culprit. From the looks of them, Stovepipe Stewart and Wilbur Coleman are just another pair of high plains drifters. But with their razor-sharp detective skills and rare talent for trouble, they’re the last remaining hope for one young cowboy who’s been arrested for the murders. Stovepipe and Wilbur believe the boy is innocent. In short order the trail of clues leads to a secret canyon hideout, and the duo find themselves in the middle of an all-out range war–with the dirtiest gang of cutthroats, thieves, and outlaws the West has ever known…

There’s just one mystery left to solve: How will they get out this alive?  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Staying in character can be murder when Cat Latimer and the members of her writers’ retreat head for a ghost town . . . 
 
Cat and the members of her writers’ retreat have just arrived in Outlaw, Colorado, an “Old West” tourist town complete with inhabitants dressed up as famous figures from history. But this authentic slice of Americana takes a murderous turn when a college student masquerading as a 19th-century saloon girl becomes history herself.

Was she the intended target? Or did she take a hit meant for someone else? With a cast of suspects to choose from—including some notorious gunslingers and the sleazy town founders—Cat must unhorse the real culprit before a real-life ghost story is given a killer twist . . .
 
Praise for Lynn Cahoon

“Better get your flashlight handy, A Story to Kill will keep you reading all night.”
—Laura Bradford, author of the Amish Mysteries

“Lynn Cahoon has created an absorbing, good fun mystery in Mission to Murder.”
—Fresh Fiction  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback, Audiobook

 

 

New Releases For The Week Of, November 25th, 2018–Part 2

Here is a list of some of the new releases for the week of November 25th, 2018. I am going to divide the list into 4 days because there are so very many of them for this week. Today is the second day of my list for this week. Hope you find some selections for your weekly reading. Enjoy and happy reading.

 

 

In Gilded Age New York, heiress Prudence MacKenzie and ex-Pinkerton Geoffrey Hunter investigate crimes that take them from the slums of Five Points in lower Manhattan to the Fifth Avenue mansions of society’s elite. In the late nineteenth century, women are particularly vulnerable . . .
 
LET THE DEAD KEEP THEIR SECRETS
 
Childbirth can be dangerous even for the wealthy. So when opera singer Claire Buchanan shows Prudence and Geoffrey a postmortem cabinet photograph of her deceased twin sister and newborn niece, they express sadness but not surprise. The popular black-bordered portraits are the era’s way of coping with the devastating losses that plague every family. What makes this death different is that Claire is convinced Catherine and her child were murdered.
 
Prudence’s friend is haunted by a sense of her sister’s lingering presence, and by the conviction that her dead twin is demanding justice. Catherine’s widower, Aaron Sorensen, is a cold, controlling man who swiftly remarried. Now his second wife is already pregnant and may be in terrible danger. In order to discover the truth and find evidence of Sorensen’s guilt, Geoffrey will delve deep into his past while Prudence casts herself as his next victim—putting her own life at grave risk . . .   (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Hardcover,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Death by cannoli…

When Rosewood Gazette reporter Stuart Helm is poisoned (and murdered) by eating a cannoli from Nicole Capula’s cafe, she is determined to solve the murder and clear the name of her beloved establishment, the Cannoli Cafe. Once again, Nicole’s warm and spunky best friend Lia is ready to help solve the mystery along with Nicole’s admirer, Private Investigator Dean Coogan.

Stuart Helm ruffled many feathers over the years as he investigated his stories. Who wanted to get him “out of the way” while ruining the reputation of the Cannoli Cafe?

Was is it Business Administrator Thomas Gornick, who was vehemently angry his son could not attend a prestigious university after Stuart wrote a shameful article about him? Or was it Detective Dwight Dawkins, a man who bitterly hated Stuart for his write-up about how Nicole solved the last murder in town, effectively painting him as an inept investigator? Could it have been Danielle Pruitt, a jealous reporter at the Rosewood Gazette who was tired of getting the boring stories and no recognition? Or perhaps it was the owner of the dwindling Rosewood Coffee Shoppe, Bert Davison, or one of his mob-friend “associates.”

Join Nicole, Lia, Dean, and Nicole’s dog, Ringo, as they try to determine who murdered Stuart Helm while clearing the reputation of the Cannoli Cafe (and Nicole) in the process!

This is the second book in the new Cannoli Cafe Cozy Mystery Series by Lizzie Benton, set in a quaint town in New Jersey, in close proximity to New York City and its gorgeous skyline.

Please note that this book can be read as a stand-alone!

Enjoy this book for free with Kindle Unlimited!  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once the bakery settled down, Nova thought her life would be too. With a new baker on staff and Chief Rowan finally starting to trust her, things were looking up. But, nothing was ever easy in Temperance, RI.
When his nephew is killed, local bar owner, Nico, turns to her for help. Nova can’t turn him away. Her trusty dog Angelo, wouldn’t let her even if she wanted to. Can they find the killer, investigate the curse on the local cops, and get the chief his ganache?
Found out in the third installment of the Witch Bakery series!  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mystery bookstore owner Samantha Washington is trying to keep her grandmother from spending her golden years in an orange jumpsuit . . . 
 
The small town of North Harbor, Michigan, is just not big enough for the two of them: flamboyant phony Maria Romanov and feisty Nana Jo. The insufferable Maria claims she’s descended from Russian royalty and even had a fling with King Edward VIII back in the day. She’s not just a lousy liar, she’s a bad actress, so when she nabs the lead in the Shady Acres Senior Follies—a part Nana Jo plays every year in their retirement village production—Nana Jo blows a gasket and reads her the riot act in front of everyone.

Of course, when Maria is silenced with a bullet to the head, Nana Jo lands the leading role on the suspects list. Sam’s been writing her newest mystery, set in England between the wars, with her intrepid heroine Lady Daphne drawn into murder and scandal in the household of Winston Churchill. But now she has to prove that Nana Jo’s been framed. With help from her grandmother’s posse of rambunctious retirees, Sam shines a spotlight on Maria’s secrets, hoping to draw the real killer out of the shadows . . .

Praise for The Plot Is Murder

“Readers of Carolyn Hart and Vicki Delany will appreciate the lively seniors, the humor, and the bookstore environment.”
—Library Journal  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The ladies of the Wine Club take a break from sipping their rosé to put a cork in murder. . .

Annie “Halsey” Hall could get used to this—sitting around the pool in her backyard in Southern California, savoring the latest wine flights with the ladies of the Rose Avenue Wine Club: her best friend Sally, frozen yogurt shop owner Aimee, widow Peggy, and their newest member, journalist Mary Anne. Even Bardot, Halsey’s yellow lab, is in attendance, eyeing the pool as if contemplating a dive.

But the peaceful pleasure of the afternoon is soon shattered by the boom of a small plane crash at nearby Santa Monica Airport. Sometime later, a sour-faced detective shows up, holding a package of illegal drugs found on the plane—with Sally’s address on it! Being suspected of drug smuggling is bad enough, but when a young mechanic who works at the airport is found murdered, the club springs into action. To get their investigation off the ground, they’re going to have to wing it, but they’re determined to unmask a killer . . .  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book 4 in the Paranormal Investigation Bureau Cosy Mystery series.

When violent crime increases in Westerham, Lily and the PIB agents have to step in to sort things out. But nothing is quite as it seems, and danger lurks in every shadow.

Just when Lily thinks she can figure things out, everyone turns against her, including those she loves most. It doesn’t help that the person instigating the hate is one of the most powerful witches at the PIB—the love of Will’s life: Dana.

Can Lily use her magic to get to the source of the violence before things escalate to the point of no return? And will her friends see the truth about Dana, or will Lily lose them forever?  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The ninth book in the BESTSELLING Sandy Bay Cozy Mystery series!

I love this series and can’t wait for more.

Meghan Truman is honored to be invited to serve her signature brownies at the Governor’s ball. A night of glitz and glamour, in the company of handsome Detective Jack Irvin, is ruined for her when she experiences firsthand, the ungracious attitude of a prominent figure that she once looked up to.

Things take a turn for the worse when this insolent guest is found dead after eating a dish of ice cream. Meghan is sure she had nothing to do with it as her desserts were rejected by the deceased.

Will Megan and Jack be able to navigate this unfamiliar world of wealth and privilege to discover the truth in time to save her business?

Not all sweet things are pleasurable.

The guilty can sometimes be sweet.

Discover how Meghan helps to solve the latest murder mystery in Sandy Bay.

Book 9 in the Bestselling Sandy Bay Cozy Mystery series, which can be read in one to two hours! Perfect for a lunchtime read or on a commute to/from work. If you want to enjoy a quick light-hearted read, with an amateur female sleuth, mouth-watering culinary desserts and a gripping murder mystery with a touch of romance, then you’ll love Meghan Truman and all the quirky characters in Sandy Bay.

No cliffhanger, swearing or graphic scenes!

Buy Ice Cream and Guilty Pleasures to discover how events unfold in this cozy murder mystery.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alf has tried to banish her demons.

And her ghosts.

But memories of her recent past linger and keep her awake.

Every night it’s the same. Insomnia.

When she does eventually drift off, she’s woken almost immediately by a sobbing spirit.

He says he’s lost.

And worse than that, someone is trying to kill him.

Who is this sad specimen of a spirit? And where does he belong?

And how do you kill someone … who is already dead?

Find out what Alf gets up to next as the Wonky Inn adventures continue.

Read The Ghosts of Wonky Inn today.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restrained Crying: $50
Banshee Wailing: $100
Crying & Rolling on the Ground: $150
Threatening to Jump in the Grave: $250
Uncovering a Murder Mystery: PRICELESS

Telenovela starlet Viviana Romero had it all… until her husband stole it right out from under her nose. And gave it to another woman, no less! Angry, disgraced, and still very much in shock, Viviana goes into hiding.

Taking cover as a Professional Mourner in Asheville, North Carolina, was supposed to help ease her embarrassment. Instead it puts her in direct contact with the real reason her money went missing–and it’s much, much worse than a cheating husband. Yikes!

Drama like this was only supposed to happen in her telenovelas. Now the most far-fetched plot Viviana’s ever run across is one that’s live action and just might get her killed. Can Viviana remain safely hidden while solving the crime and regaining what’s rightfully hers?

Here’s hoping she can manage to get out of this one alive… Find out whodunit in this hilarious mystery series filled with fake tears and a very real body count… Order your copy and start reading today!

Mourning Star is book five in The Funeral Fakers series. Each book stands completely on its own, but you’ll have more fun if you read them all together!  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fake it ‘til you make it. It’s not the most conventional mantra for an antiques dealer, but Angel Drake is on a learning curve. Fair to say, once you’ve been arrested the only way is up.

Inheriting The Antiques Emporium from her Aunt gave Angel an idyllic new start, but too little experience meant big mistakes. A foolhardy deal has landed her slap-bang in the middle of the biggest string of antiques robberies the country’s ever seen. The dream’s becoming a nightmare.

Now the tranquil English village of Pook Wallop is shaken and, with Angel at the epicentre, a handful of intrigued residents soon become her new best friends: Hester Anzak (opinionated pensioner, curiously fond of party food); Nick Rivo (fellow antique dealer, far too fond of himself if you ask Hester) and Robert Cornell (local gentry, exceedingly fond of Angel) all pitch in to help and hinder.

Angel needs answers, but asking the questions is putting her life in danger.

Who’s getting away with the nation’s treasures?
Can she clear her name, before the dirt really sticks? And…
Where is Hester finding all these vol-au-vents?

Hold on tight for the rollercoaster to the truth with ‘Angel Drake is Going Solo’.

Get your copy now!

—

Overall descriptors: This story is a light cozy mystery just under 50,000 words, with a touch of minor swearing and rare mild violence (no f-bombs or gore). It is the first in a series of Angel Drake mysteries with more in the pipeline.
Great for fans of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum and Adele Abbott.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Includes A Front and Back Cover for You to Color!
 
Life is looking rosy for Florrie Fox, manager of the Color Me Read bookstore in Georgetown, Washington D.C. She’s working on an adult coloring book of gardens, her romance with Sergeant Eric Jonquille has entered a new chapter, and the bookstore’s weekly coloring club is a source of friendship and entertainment. No member is more vibrant than Dolly Cavanaugh. Dolly likes to say she was blessed with beauty and cursed with lousy husbands, but at least she has a grown daughter and a stunning brownstone to show for it!

When Dolly’s love of garage sales results in her showing up at Color Me Read with a rare book in hand, Florrie is astounded. The Florist, the earliest known coloring book, was first published in 1760. An original copy would be worth a fortune—and someone else knows it. That same evening, Florrie finds Dolly dead on the floor of her apartment, a corner of a coloring book page clutched in her hand. As Florrie delves into Dolly’s past and her personal effects, she discovers a skeleton in the closet—literally—and a whole lot of shady suspects. One of them is an expert in the fine art of murder, but can Florrie draw the right conclusion?  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback, Audiobook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREORDER SPECIAL: $0.99 (US) & £0.99 (UK) UNTIL NOV 25TH

When an extra ticket becomes available to see the dress rehearsal of King Lear, Kellan tags along with Nana D and her buddies.

When one of them dies of an apparent heart attack in the middle of second act, Nana D raises her suspicions and asks Kellan to investigate the death. With family members suddenly in debt and a secret rendezvous between an unlikely pair, Kellan learns that the Paddingtons might not be as clean-cut as everyone thinks.

But can Kellan find the killer, or will he get caught up his own stage fright?  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours–Oh Holy Fright

 

I’m so excited to be a stop on the blog tour for author Teresa Trent and her new book Oh Holy Fright.  This is the eighth book in her Pecan Bayou Mystery Series.

 

Oh Holy Fright (Pecan Bayou Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
8th in Series
Self Published (October 31, 2018)
Number of Pages: 251

 

 

It’s Christmas in Pecan Bayou, Texas. Join Betsy (aka The Happy Hinter) for a good old small-town Christmas complete with Christmas carols, over the top light displays, delicious food, loving friends and…a Christmas Creeper. One of the residents of Pecan Bayou has a secret and you’d better lock the door because that isn’t Santa out there or even a stray elf. Enjoy spending Christmas with the town and family you’ve come to know in the Pecan Bayou Series.

Recipes and helpful hints included!

 

 

 

Teresa Trent writes humorous cozy mysteries that take place in the small towns of Texas. Her Pecan Bayou series features Betsy, the town’s helpful hints columnist who seems to spend a lot of time getting out blood stains.   Teresa’s Piney Woods Series with Camel Press takes place in an East Texas hotel and features Nora, a redhead with an eye for crime.

Teresa loves to feature other cozy authors and cozy giveaways on her blog.   Join over a thousand people who follow her at teresatrent.blog.

Click here to sign up for her mailing list to find out about new releases,
giveaways and visiting authors!

Author Links

TWITTER:   https://twitter.com/ttrent_cozymys

BLOG:   https://teresatrent.blog/

WEBSITE:   http://teresatrent.com

GOODREADS:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5219581.Teresa_Trent

FACEBOOK:   https://www.facebook.com/teresatrentmysterywriter

 

 

 

 

When did you know that you wanted to be an author? What things if any, influence that decision? With so many cozies being written today, what makes your book stand out from the crowd?

I started out as a teacher and found that I enjoyed teaching the writing process. I also loved teaching literature which I guess was my way of preparing to be a writer. I always fantasized about what I thought the life of a writer would be after watching John-Boy Walton, and Jessica Fletcher. Of course, there was a little more to it, but I still love writing.

There are many cozies on the market today, so I do a couple of things to make my books rememberable. I like to make my characters very human and the kind of people we all have around us.  I have a character with a disability because I didn’t see Down syndrome people in mystery fiction and because there are some wonderful qualities I wanted to share in a character.

 

Do you work from an outline or plot or do you just see where the characters take you?

I am an obsessive outliner. Before I write a book, I usually have every scene outlined as well as research, character sketches, setting photographs. I usually go through this part of the writing for two weeks to a month. Then when I’m ready to sit down, I minimize those awful moments where I say…what next? The outline is never perfect, but it keeps me on track.

 

 

Do you read your reviews? Do you respond to them, good or bad? Do you do anything special to get those reviews?

True confession: I make it a habit to not read a lot of my reviews. I’m always delighted to find a good one and sad to find a bad one.   

For reviews, I go on blog tours like this one, but mostly rely on readers.

 

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell my younger self I had a lot to learn about writing, sticking to it, and the world of publishing. Many people think that writing a book is simple and I was no different.  My husband told me once I’m always inventing the next better way to write a book and he’s right! I still learn something every time I start a new one. So younger self, keep writing, don’t get discouraged and yes, editors are worth every penny.

 

Do you think that the cover plays an important part in someone buying your books? Who designs your book covers?

I think the cover is extremely important. I base this on my own buying habits. I also think that authors need to be aware of what covers look like in their market. My book covers have been designed by various people including myself. My cover for Oh Holy Fright came from Beetiful Designs.

 

Please give us an insight into your main characters. What do you think makes them special?

Betsy Livingston Fitzpatrick is my main character and I’ve always loved her not for her great successes but the way that she meets failure. She makes her living as a helpful hints columnist and that attention to finding remedies and “hacks” makes her a perfect candidate to think outside the box. She is a loving mother and wife but isn’t above getting frustrated with her family.

 

What have you learned about yourself since becoming an author?

There are way too many people in my head who are not actually real. Also, I am overwhelmed by the kindness of readers, my community and my family who have supported and encouraged me.

 

Do you write full-time or part-time? What do your plans for future projects include?

I write around the time I spend with my adult son with Down syndrome. My plans for the future will include more Pecan Bayou books and I have another Piney Woods Book, A Sneeze to Die For coming out in January 2019 with Camel Press.  I am also working on my first historical cozy mystery set in 1962.

 

What do you think the hardest part of writing is? What is the easiest?

Editing can be difficult because you have to go through your book over and over again. Think about when you’ve gone through something you’ve written like a letter and fixed the grammar, missing words, some of the content…now multiply that by fifty to sixty thousand words.

The easiest part for me has always been writing the first draft.  Everything is fresh, and my little world-creating brain goes to my happy place.

 

What type of books do you like to read? Who are your some of your favorite authors?

I read cozy mysteries, but also enjoy traditional mysteries, thrillers, literary fiction, Christian fiction and even some sci-fi. My favorite author is Fannie Flagg. I love her characters.

 

What is one thing you would like your readers to know about you?

Not only do I write mysteries, but I love to feature other mystery authors on my blog. I run a feature called Cozy Prizes Friday for my blog readers so that they can find out about all the new cozies and the giveaways.  You can sign up for my newsletter at…. Or just visit my blog at https://teresatrent.blog

 

Do you have anything specific you would like to say to your readers?

I hope you take advantage of my BLACK FRIDAY FREE DOWNLOAD OF OH HOLY FRIGHT. The book will be free until next Tuesday.

 

 

How can readers discover more about you and your work?

Website- https://teresatrent.com

Blog – https://teresatrent.blog

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/teresatrentmysterywriter/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/ttrent_cozymys

Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/teresa_trent/pecan-bayou-cozy-mystery-series/

Amazon author page – amazon.com/author/teresatrent

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5219581.Teresa_Trent

 

 

 

To enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway, click on the link below:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/02887792805/?widget_template=56d5f80dbc544fb30fda66f0

 

 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 23 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT

November 23 – Varietats – SPOTLIGHT

November 23 – Books Direct – GUEST POST

November 23 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

November 23 – Carla Loves to Read – REVIEW

November 24 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 24 – MJB Reviewers – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 24 – Mythical Books – SPOTLIGHT

November 24 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

November 24 – Mysteries with Character – SPOTLIGHT

November 25 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT  

November 25 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT

November 25 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 25 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 25 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW  

November 26 – Mallory Heart’s Cozies – REVIEW

November 26 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

November 26 – Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 26 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 27 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

November 27 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT

November 27 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 27 – Reading Is My SuperPower – SPOTLIGHT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Release For The Week Of November 25th, 2018–Part 1

Here is a list of some of the new releases for the week of November 25th, 2018. I am going to divide the list into 4 days because there are so very many of them for this week. Today is the first day of my list for this week. Hope you find some selections for your weekly reading. Enjoy and happy reading.

 

 

In New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams’ intriguing new Secret, Book, and Scone Society novel, Nora Pennington and her fiction loving friends in small-town Miracle Springs, North Carolina, encounter a young woman desperately in need of a new beginning . . .
 
Nora Pennington, owner of Miracle Books, believes that a well-chosen novel can bring healing and hope. But she and the other members of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society know that sometimes, practical help is needed too. Such is the case with the reed-thin girl hiding in the fiction section of Nora’s store, wearing a hospital ID and a patchwork of faded bruises. She calls herself Abilene, and though Nora and her friends offer work, shelter, and a supportive ear, their guest isn’t ready to divulge her secrets. But when a customer is found dead in an assumed suicide, Nora uncovers a connection that points to Abilene as either a
suspect—or another target.

Summer’s end has brought other new arrivals to Miracle Springs too. Entrepreneur Griffin Kingsley opens Virtual Genie, a cyber business that unloads people’s unwanted goods for cash. With the town in an economic slump and folks hurting for money, Virtual Genie and its owner are both instantly popular. A patient listener, Griffin dispenses candy to children and strong coffee to adults, and seems like a bona fide gentleman. But Nora’s not inclined to judge a book by its cover. And when a second death hits town, Nora and her intrepid friends must help the new, greenhorn sheriff discern fact from fiction—and stop a killer intent on bringing another victim’s story to a close . . .  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some new residents don’t deserve welcome baskets.

Small towns can be notoriously cliquey. Dappled Hills, however, wasn’t usually such a town. The residents ordinarily welcomed newcomers with open arms. But when Annabelle Tremont moved to town, the usual cheery greetings became angry whispers. Annabelle could be difficult and it wasn’t a big surprise to anyone when she turned up dead.

Beatrice was surprised when Annabelle moved from Atlanta to Dappled Hills … but she wasn’t surprised when she made enemies. That’s because Beatrice knew Annabelle from her days as a museum curator. Now Beatrice must find the killer … and clear her own name.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRE-ORDER NOW! The 15th book in the BESTSELLING Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery Series!

Coming November 27th 2018!Julia and Barker’s wedding day is finally here, but will everything go to plan? There’s murder afoot once again in Peridale, and this time all fingers seem to be pointing to members of the church choir!

FULL BLURB COMING SOON!

Book 15 in the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series! Can be read as a standalone but will be enjoyed more as part of the series. A light, cozy mystery read with a cat loving and cafe-owning amateur female sleuth, in a small village setting with quirky characters. Written in British English. No cliffhanger, swearing, gore or graphic scenes!

Other books in the series:
1. Pancakes and Corpses
2. Lemonade and Lies
3. Doughnuts and Deception
4. Chocolate Cake and Chaos
5. Shortbread and Sorrow
6. Espresso and Evil
7. Macarons and Mayhem
8. Fruit Cake and Fear
9. Birthday Cake and Bodies
10. Gingerbread and Ghosts
11. Cupcakes and Casualties
12. Blueberry Muffins and Misfortune
13. Ice Cream and Incidents
14. Champagne and Catastrophes
15. Wedding Cake and Woes  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s me again, Stevie Cartwright. Powerless ex-witch, pseudo medium, and amateur sleuth, reporting to you live from the case of the missing ex-British spy turned ghost/quite possibly one of the most important people to ever become a part of my life.

You read that right. As Win and I and all the gang were busy planning our big Thanksgiving bash, he suddenly disappeared (right in the middle of telling me what a Philistine I am for even suggesting Cheez Whiz and crackers), and it’s as if he never existed.

Poof—he’s just gone! No one can find him, not even Arkady, our ghostly pal and confidant on Plane Limbo.

If I ever needed to make good use of everything my British spy ever taught me about sleuthing, it’s right now. But I run into roadblock after roadblock until I’m almost sure all hope is lost, and I’ll never hear his voice again.

Worse, how will I ever live with myself if I never get the chance to tell him how I feel?  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St Bride’s College is buzzing with excitement at the prospect of reviving the traditional celebration of the saint’s day. When events get marred by murder it’s natural that Jonty Stewart and Orlando Coppersmith will get called in to help the police with their inside knowledge. But why has somebody been crawling about on the chapel roof and who’s obsessed with searching in the library out of hours?  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suddenly becoming a hero sure is handy when you’re about to lose your job…

As prosecutor Greer Galloway faces imminent unemployment due to no fault of her own, she never considered that silly write-in campaign to get her elected court clerk as a back-up plan.

But the citizens of Devil Springs had other ideas. Greer actually wins, to her utter shock. And to the utter disgust of the widely-disliked incumbent, Dirk Fulton. When he threatens to sue, Greer wonders if her new job is worth the lawsuit that will come with it.

Then Dirk turns up dead. And guess who becomes the prime suspect?

Unless the real murderer is discovered, Greer can forget about keeping her newly-won office—and perhaps her freedom.

A Devilish Election is the second book in the Devil Springs Mysteries Series.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who could object to a flower festival?  

Britta Johnston and her aunt Elin are delighted that their Portland floral boutique is part of the city’s Rose Festival, which draws thousands to the Pacific Northwest for dragon boat races, fireworks, and other attractions—capped off by a big parade. They’re building a float that’s sure to rock the judge’s boat . . . until a gang of angry protestors shows up. The group, who call themselves Dark Fusion, are decidedly not into flower power, and they want to take down the system . . . including the upcoming extravaganza.

Then their leader is strangled with a garland of violets—and Britta finds the body. With tensions running high and so much at stake, there are plenty of suspects, from the Grand Marshal to a longtime volunteer to a former Rose Queen. But before Britta and Elin can stem the violence, the case is going to get even more explosive . . .  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Holiday Market
With crafts, toys, hot chocolate
And a killer!

The Vampire Knitting Club decide to take part in Oxford’s Holiday Market, selling exquisite hand knit scarves, sweaters and gift items. Their most popular item is the hand knit Christmas stocking, brightly colored and extra long to squeeze in a few extra small gifts.

But when a sales clerk in another booth is found strangled with one of the stockings, Lucy Swift and her undead detectives are on the case, determined to find out who would do such a terrible thing. And why.

In the meantime, Lucy’s working hard at her spell book, learning to be a witch, with the help of her black cat familiar and her new assistant. Meritanum is a three thousand year old Egyptian witch and she’s having trouble with some of the concepts of modern life, such as traffic, Smart Phones and anything powered by electricity.

Life at Cardinal Woolsey’s knitting shop, in Oxford, England, is as colorful as the most garish Christmas sweater.

Join in the fun. This cozy mystery has no sex or gore, just lots of humor and fun. Grab your copy today!  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blood red is the season’s hottest color . . . 

With her wedding day mere weeks away, home stager Caprice De Luca is busy arranging every last detail for the reception at Rambling Vines Winery—a stylish venue she redecorated two years earlier. But the closer the bride-to-be gets to saying, “I do,” the more a celebration at Rambling Vines seems like a terrible mistake. As financial mishaps and unhappy customers put the winery in the red, an unidentified criminal plots to sour the business’s already ailing reputation. Worst of all, a romance from co-owner Michelle Dodd’s past could leave a permanent stain on Caprice’s best friend’s current love life. When Michelle’s aloof husband is found stabbed to death on a chaise lounge in the tasting room, Caprice vows to name the calculating culprit and set things right before her dream nuptials dissolve into a deadly nightmare . . .  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A festive tale of kidnapping, explosions, & stolen turkeys….

One should never meddle in the affairs of dragons, but someone has been doing just that. They’ve been making imitation dragon scale baubles that are nothing short of lethal, and kidnapping delivery drivers all over the Yorkshire Dales. They’ve also been leaving behind some distinctly dragon-ish traces.

Beaufort Scales, High Lord of the Cloverly Dragons, is hot on the trail – or would be, if he wasn’t having certain political problems at home. That leaves Alice and Miriam to track down the real culprits, rescue the hostages, and salvage Mortimer’s bauble reputation, all while misleading the police regarding the of existence of dragons, and hopefully without being blown up by unexpectedly aggressive Christmas decorations in the process. Luckily they have the full resources of the Toot Hansell Women’s Institute at their disposal. They’ll need it.

And then there’s the small question of who stole all the Christmas turkeys…

Dragons, the Women’s Institute, and one very suspicious cat. What could possibly go wrong?

Yule Be Sorry is the perfect Christmas cozy mystery for anyone who likes their crime funny, dragonish, and full of cake and friendship.

This is Book 2 of the Beaufort Scales Cozy Mysteries – check out Baking Bad for how it all started! (Goodreads)

Editions Available:  Paperback

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The annual Mystic Hollow Holiday Festival is right around the corner and Elly Blair is up to her elbows in gingerbread man cookies and magic spells. Running Mystic Cafe this Christmas season has Elly busier than ever, so when she’s asked to train Mildred Melton on how to add magic to tasty dishes, Elly has no idea how she’ll manage it all. Things only get more hectic when Mildred disappears after an encounter with a strange man. National Organization of Magic Detective Tom Owenton comes to investigate, but before he can solve the crime, he disappears too. Now Elly has to find Mildred and Tom. Missing magic spells and spells gone awry only add to the mayhem.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Claire Weatherly and her beau, police detective Jakob Fisher, learn that when it comes to murder, evil can hide in plain sight in this all-new addition to the national bestselling Amish Mysteries.

Jakob and Claire have been enjoying more time together in lovely Heavenly, PA. With Claire’s help, the detective is making slow progress reconnecting with the members of his Amish family who shunned him when he left to pursue a career in law enforcement. Jakob’s mentor, Russ Granger, the long-retired police chief who inspired him to become a cop, is back in town. Claire has always wanted to meet the man who changed the course of Jakob’s life. But not long after he arrives in Heavenly, Russ is murdered.

Jakob can only imagine that his old friend must have been killed by someone outside of the Amish community. He and Claire soon find that things are not as they seem–and that Russ may have stumbled into something sinister before he was killed. The answers they uncover are closer to home and more shocking than they ever expected.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback

 

 

 

 

Review of Santa Puppy

Santa Puppy
A Tourist Trap Mystery, Book #9.75
Lynn Cahoon
5 Stars

Synopsis:

’Twas the season of Christmas, and all through South Cove, California, Santa is working overtime to deliver a special gift . . .

Jill Gardner has volunteered her Coffee, Books, and More to host a Christmas adopt-a-pet party. Among the potential forever friends is a male terrier named Baby, whose owner died of a heart attack. With few clues to go on, even finding the name of Baby’s human is a daunting task. But there’s no challenge too big for Jill this holiday season.

Playing Santa’s Little Helper, Jill is determined to find out what happened —and to fulfill a long-time coming Christmas wish . . . (Goodreads)

 

 

 

Review:

This is a great novella and perfect for a quick Christmas read. I enjoyed getting to spend more time with Jill, her family and friends. Jill is so kind and caring and has a really big heart. I enjoy reading about her interactions with the other characters, including the animals.

Although someone does die, I found the fact the Jill did not discover a dead body refreshing. There is a mystery to solve, but it was not who the killer was. I enjoyed this change of pace. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and she brought South Cove, California, alive in my mind. The writing style flows smoothly and this novella is a quick easy read.

I would recommend this novella, and whole series, to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. There is a message of caring and sharing, and helping others, that we can all be reminded of. If you are looking for a quick Christmas read, pick this book up.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

 

Happy Thanksgiving

 

Thanks to everyone who follows my blog, I greatly appreciate that.  And thanks to all of the awesome authors who write all of the fantastic books that we read.   Your hard work does not go unnoticed.  You make our life’s better because of the worlds you create.