New Releases For The Week Of January 31, 2021–Part 1

It’s murder most viral in this debut mystery by Olivia Blacke.

Bayou transplant Odessa Dean has a lot to learn about life in Brooklyn. So far she’s scored a rent free apartment in one of the nicest neighborhoods around by cat-sitting, and has a new job working at Untapped Books & Café. Hand-selling books and craft beers is easy for Odessa, but making new friends and learning how to ride the subway? Well, that might take her a little extra time.

But things turn more sour than an IPA when the death of a fellow waitress goes viral, caught on camera in the background of a couple’s flash-mob proposal video. Nothing about Bethany’s death feels right to Odessa–neither her sudden departure mid-shift nor the clues that only Odessa seems to catch. As an up-and-coming YouTube star, Bethany had more than one viewer waiting for her to fall from grace.

Determined to prove there’s a killer on the loose, Odessa takes matters into her own hands. But can she pin down Bethany’s killer before they take Odessa offline for good? (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback, Audiobook

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is normally an idyllic place. Until death arrives on recently widowed bookstore owner Clark Thomas’ doorstep.
When the body of a local businesswoman and environmentalist gets dumped by the back door of his shop, Clark finds himself in a unique position to investigate the crime. But should he? When it comes to murder, something else drives him he doesn’t want to admit.
As he launches his own search for the killer, Clark comes across a variety of colorful Boardwalk inhabitants who might have had reason to kill an otherwise beloved person.
Can he do it and start putting his wife’s death behind him in the process, or will it open up a fresh wound? (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback

An Idyllic Chocolate Shop. An island with dramatic weather. And a murder.

Welcome to Greetings and Felicitations! It is Felicity Koerber’s bean to bar chocolate factory/shop – and her refuge from the pain in her past. When she returned home to open it, she never imagined she’d be solving a murder – but now she will have to, to save her business’s reputation and avoid being framed as a killer.

Felicity Koerber has had a rough year. She’s moving back to Galveston Island and opening a bean to bar chocolate factory, fulfilling a dream she and her late husband, Kevin, had shared. Craft chocolate means a chance to travel the world, meeting with farmers and bringing back beans she can turn into little blocks of happiness, right close to home and family.

She thinks trouble has walked into her carefully re-built world when puddle-jump pilot Logan Hanlon shows up at her grand opening to order custom chocolates. Then one of her employees drops dead at the party, and Felicity’s one-who-got-away ex-boyfriend – who’s now a cop – thinks Felicity is a suspect. As the murder victim’s life becomes more and more of a mystery, Felicity realizes that if she’s going to clear her name in time to save her business, she might need Logan’s help. Though she’s not sure if she’s ready to let anyone into her life – even if it is to protect her from being the killer’s next victim.

For Felicity, Galveston is all about history, and a love-hate relationship with the ocean, which keeps threatening to deliver another hurricane – right into the middle of her investigation. Can she figure it out before all the clues get washed away?Cozy mystery with a little sweet romance…and a lot of chocolate.

FIRST IN A NEW SERIES

The author of the Chocoverse science fiction series brings you a brand new adventure inspired by real-life chocolate makers. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

A Premier League bad-boy murdered at his newly refurbished home; a teenage runaway’s corpse uncovered on a construction site; a gunman shoots up the premises of the local gangland boss – all of them projects run by beleaguered builder Mark Poynter. Can he fix it?

Things seem to be on the up for builder, Mark Poynter. Mark’s got himself a nice little earner taking care of the sizeable property portfolio built up from the career earnings of former Premier League bad-boy and local celebrity, Danny Kidd. But when Danny Kidd puts an interested party’s nose out of joint by using his star status to gazump them on a development site – the derelict Admiral Guthrie pub – things turn ugly and incendiary, leaving Mark to deal with the consequences. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Paperback

From debut author Mia Counts Lynch comes a lighthearted historical romance with a dash of mystery.

Andrea is thrust into Spanish society when her mother dies and her father asks her to leave Mexico and come live with him in Spain. Out of her depth, this former shopgirl is more used to selling hats to ladies than drinking coffee with them in the parlor!

Luckily, the dashing Marqués Gabriel de Silva is there to smooth her path. But he has his own agenda. King Felipe of Spain has tasked him with investigating a lost treasure, and Andrea’s father is at the top of his suspect list.

When the unthinkable happens, Andrea and Gabriel must work together to discover what truly happened before a future together unravels. Will Andrea stay in Spain with Gabriel or return to Mexico alone? (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

AN OLD FRIEND MURDERED AND A NEW FRIEND IN JEOPARDY

For fans of romantic comedy mysteries, “Veronica Mars meets Stephanie Plum” in the seventh book in The Wall Street Journal bestselling Maizie Albright Star Detective series.

“A mixture of adventure, mystery, and romcom. So like Hollywood, you’ll never figure out what is real and what is make-believe until you reach the end.” – Laura’s Interests

#DisguisedDetectiving Maizie Albright might have once played a (teenage) private investigator on TV, but she’s now living the (adult) part. Her (mother’s) name is on her business cards. Her (boss’s) appointment book is brimming with new clients. And her bank account has grown large enough to finally trade in her dirt bike for an actual new (pre-owned) vehicle.

And then there’s Wyatt Nash. Love of her life. Future father of her…

Wait.

And then there’s Wyatt Nash. Future partner in her business. Not now. Later. Right now, they’re waiting for Maizie to get her PI license and for Nash to get out of the red so they can get on with…

Just what, Maizie isn’t so sure. But she is sure about one thing. She’s ready to take on her own cases. To prove she’s more than just a (washed-up actress) assistant private eye.

When Maizie finds her costume designer friend killed during a masquerade gala, it’s the opportunity Maizie hoped she’d never get. An investigation into an old friend’s murder. But one that’s also put her new friend in jeopardy.

While the police begin their inquiries, Maizie starts her own case. She’s needling Black Pine’s wealthy do-gooders, threading through lies, stitching together clues, and ripping out false leads. Her investigation may cost Maizie her job, her relationships, and her life. But by unspooling the truth, Maizie’s darned if they stop her from catching a killer who’s sew evil, it’s shear madness. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback

When Lily Locke receives a royal decree summoning her to the Kingdom of Crystalvia, she can hardly turn down the request. However, the invitation doesn’t come without a catch. When the queen begs Lily to crack a curse that has held their village captive for three years, Lily promises to do everything she can to free them. If she doesn’t, the kingdom will eventually languish… and disappear forever.

However, as Lily digs deeper into the mystery behind the endless winter, she finds the truth is a lot more than she bargained for. And when her father becomes involved, the situation turns more dangerous than ever. Still, only one thing is for certain: If Lily can’t fix the curse before the clock runs out, someone will die… and her name is up next. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

THE DEBUT CRIME THRILLER SERIES OF THE YEAR!
Four missing children, three murdered men, and the helm of a boat with a blood-red sail, hiding a secret only he can tell.

Returning to the Broads after nearly two years at sea, John Tanner moors up next to a boat to find the body of a man whose five-year-old daughter is nowhere to be seen.

As a torrent of unwanted memories begins flooding through his mind, an attractive Broads Ranger arrives at the scene with a disturbing tale; one of children being taken by a ghostly figure, standing at the helm of an old wooden boat.

Set within the mysterious beauty of the Norfolk Broads, this fast-paced British detective series is a dark cozy murder mystery with a slice of humour and a touch of romance which will have you guessing until the very end, when the last shocking twist is finally revealed.

The Wherryman is a totally addictive gripping crime thriller, the sixth in a chilling series of serial killer books, ones which will rapidly convert followers of L J Ross, Faith Martin, Joy Ellis, Damien Boyd and J M Dalgliesh into David Blake devotees. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

The members Mystic Caravan have Georgia on their minds as they land in Savannah … and immediately find trouble.
In a city full of ghosts, Poet Parker expects a few magical things to happen, but when an evil cult sacrifices a young woman on the beach next to their camp, things take a turn nobody was expecting. Thankfully, she’s not alone for this fight.
Zoe Lake-Winters is considered the most powerful mage in existence. She’s brash, full of herself, and ready for a brawl. When she and her husband bring their daughter to the circus, Poet is immediately intrigued. She can feel the power rippling off Zoe, and it’s the sort of power that can force a reckoning.
The cult has magic, but it’s not enough to frighten Poet. It’s what they’re protecting that has everybody in a tizzy. It seems there’s a door to another plane, and the enemy trying to cross over to a world they were driven from is significant.
With Zoe and her mouthy daughter Sami on the prowl, Mystic Caravan is in a tumultuous state. On top of her normal worries, Poet also has to contend with her boyfriend Kade Denton, who is delighted to have another mage to learn from even as he struggles to trust his new abilities.
Magic is might, and there’s magic bubbling at every corner of Mystic Caravan. That’s a good thing because for the final fight they’re going to need every ounce of it they can muster.
Worlds are about to collide, and nobody will ever be the same again. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Audiobook

Kitty Underhay’s hymn book is open… at murder.

Winter, 1933. Kitty Underhay is enjoying a restorative break from sleuthing on a visit to her family at Enderley Hall. The only thing marring her peace – aside from the uncomfortable sensation she has of being watched – is the obvious history between her beau, ex-army captain Matthew Bryant and another guest, the beautiful Juliet Vanderstafen. So, when the parish clerk is found dead on her front doorstep, Kitty leaps at the chance of distraction.

The police are happy to conclude that Miss Plenderleith met her unfortunate end on a patch of ice, but Kitty isn’t convinced this was a case of bad weather and worse luck. And when the Reverend Crabtree fails to show for tea the next day, she heads to the church to speak to him. But she arrives to find the clergyman hanging from the bell rope, dead.

With Matt seemingly wrapped up with his alluring Austrian, Kitty must solve the case on her own. But as she snoops into parish affairs, she makes some less-than-saintly discoveries. Just who has broken the sixth commandment? Meanwhile the killer is preparing a churchyard grave for Kitty, and she’ll have to use all her wits to avoid falling in…

An addictive, absorbing and completely unputdownable Golden Age cozy murder mystery, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T E Kinsey and Lee Strauss.

Readers love Murder in the Belltower:

‘Unputdownable… wonderful… a totally engrossing story… I found myself reading the book through dinner and staying up way too late to finish the story.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Devious plot twists and red herrings combined with exceptional characters make this a must read. Loved it!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Delightful… fast-paced and enjoyable. I loved the characters and the storyline. Lots of twists and turns and a few red herrings. Loved it.’ My Fiction Book Review, 5 stars

‘An absolute joy to read.’ The Book Jotter, 5 stars

‘Absolutely wonderful book… a charming cozy mystery with delightful twists and turns and kept me guessing throughout.’ Blue Pink Books (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Audiobook

When the meanest man in Skeeterville drops dead at his mailbox, no one suspects foul play until Katy Cross stumbles across a skeleton from his past… literally.

Trying to be a good neighbor lands Katy in the middle of a twenty-year secret crime spree, ran by one-man-mafia, Jack Redd. Jack spent his life using the dirt he had acquired on everyone to extort whatever suited his fancy-from money to favors.

Katy is determined to stay out of the investigation-her hands are full planning her daughter’s Valentine’s Day season bridal shower. But when her future son-in-law’s mother becomes the main suspect, Katy has no choice but to get involved.

As some of Skeeterville’s deepest secrets come to light, it becomes obvious that no one will be crying at Jack Redd’s funeral. Can Katy clear the name of an innocent woman by solving the murder of the man everyone wanted dead?

A better question might be, is anyone in Skeeterville as innocent as they seem?

This humorous cozy mystery has no graphic gore, foul language, or sexual content. It is great for readers who enjoy southern charm and a Christian worldview. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

Sunni Taylor is looking forward to an easy and sweetheart filled month of February. After a few blissful months as lead reporter for the Junction Times, an unexpected shake-up at the newspaper leaves her reeling and frustrated. She finds herself once again having to cover mundane stories, like the Firefly Junction Craft Fair. She’s not looking forward to endless paragraphs about quilts, pottery and crocheted potholders, but she needs the money to help reach her true goal of opening the Cider Ridge Inn for guests.

When one of the crafters is murdered, the craft fair takes a dark turn. Sunni finds herself in the middle of an investigation. It doesn’t take long for Sunni to realize that there’s more to the town’s artists than clay, yarn and silk flowers.

Book 10 of the Firefly Junction Cozy Mystery series.

More in the series:
1. Death in the Park
2. Killer Bridal Party
3. Murder at the Inn
4. A Humbug Holiday
5. Calamity at the Carnival
6. Double Trouble
7. Havoc at Wildwood Manor
8. Fatal Feud
9. Trick or Trouble
10. A Crafty Killing
11. TBA (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

Ellie’s vacation in Florida is coming to an end but there’s barely time to savor her last days on the beautiful Gulf Coast. When death strikes a bikini contest at her luxury beach resort, Ellie must use all her sleuthing skills to find the killer. Helped by Hemingway the parrot and Mojito the resort cat—not to mention her eccentric Aunt Olive—Ellie is soon busy combing the beach for clues. And she finds that this case could be her toughest yet: there are jealous rivals with murder in their hearts, sinister spa treatments with deadly effects, and powerful men who will stop at nothing to silence others.
But the mystery isn’t the only thing on Ellie’s mind. With her time in the Sunshine State coming to an end, will she decide to return to her old life in London? And what about her “vacation fling” with handsome resort doctor Blake Thornton—does she dare follow her heart and allow the budding romance to grow into something more?

Join barefoot sleuth Ellie on her final adventure as she finds that a vacation in Florida can be deadlier than she ever imagined…

GENRE: beach mystery, cat cozy mystery series, culinary cozy mysteries, women sleuth, amateur sleuth, humorous cozy mysteries

BAREFOOT SLEUTH MYSTERIES:

Flip-Flops and Murder (Book 1)
Seashells and Murder (Book 2)
Cocktails and Murder (Book 3)
Bikinis and Murder (Book 4) (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

She’s ready to reap the rewards of her hard work, but this harvest is a killer. 

Though she’s still healing from serious injuries, Taylor Quinn’s heart is ripe with happiness. Business at Flour Sax Quilt Shop has blossomed in the early spring sun, and with it hope for the future of Comfort, Oregon. But the promise of the season is poisoned when she discovers a dead body.

Murder at the family strawberry farm uncovers a scandal she’d do anything to bury. But when her messy romantic life sullies both her investigation and her alibi, she’s going to have to dig deep to catch the killer.

Can Taylor pick the rotten fruit from this crop of suspects before she gets bagged for the crime?

Fruit Basket Upset is the sixth cozy in the heart-felt Taylor Quinn Quilt Shop Mystery Series. If you like witty dialogue, charming settings, and stitching together the truth, then you’ll love Tess Rothery’s page-turning whodunit.

Buy Fruit Basket Upset to taste sweet justice today! (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

The location looks like the perfect spot for their new bakery…right up until their landlord is shot dead in their kitchen.

Cupcake truck owner Isabel Addington and her business partner, Claire, have finally found a storefront they can afford for How Sweet It Is. But when the landlord who gave them the great deal is murdered and vandals target their store, it begins to look like they might not even be able to open their doors.

And the bitter icing on the cake is that Isabel has to divide her time between their bakery and preparing to testify at the trial for one of the murders she helped solve. A trial where her abusive ex knows she’ll be, and where vocal opponents are already calling into question her character all over social media.

If Isabel wants to hold on to her dream of opening a bakery—not to mention hold on to her life—she’ll have to dive back into investigating yet another crime. But as she starts unraveling secrets, she quickly realizes that nothing is as it seems.

A Sampling of Murder is the fourth book in Emily James’ Cupcake Truck Mysteries.

Cupcake recipe included!

This book is a “clean” read and contains no swearing, gore, or steamy bedroom scenes. While the series is best enjoyed in order, each book is a complete mystery on its own. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle