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