New Releases For The Week Of February 14th, 2021–Part 1

“If there’s ever been a more complex and compelling hero in crime fiction than Inspector Rutledge, I can’t think of one.”—Jeffery Deaver 

In one of his most puzzling cases, Scotland Yard Inspector Ian Rutledge must delve deep into a dead man’s life and his past to find a killer determined to keep dark secrets buried.

A peaceful Welsh village is thrown into turmoil when a terrified boy stumbles on a body in a nearby river. The man appears to have fallen from the canal aqueduct spanning the valley. But there is no identification on the body, he isn’t a local, and no one will admit to having seen him before. With little to go on, the village police turn to Scotland Yard for help.  

 When Inspector Ian Rutledge is sent from London to find answers, he is given few clues—a faded military tattoo on the victim’s arm and an unusual label in the collar of his shirt. They eventually lead him to the victim’s identity: Sam Milford. By all accounts, he was a good man and well-respected. Then, why is his death so mysterious? Looking for the truth, Rutledge uncovers a web of lies swirling around a suicidal woman, a child’s tragic fate, another woman bent on protecting her past. But where among all the lies is the motive for murder?  

To track a killer, Rutledge must retrace Milford’s last journey. Yet death seems to stalk his every move, and the truth seems to shift at every turn. Man or woman, this murderer stays in the shadows, and it will take desperate measures to lure him—or her—into the light.  (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook

** “Set in 1836, Fergus’s superior sequel . . . brings the period to life as he expertly melds setting and plot.”  Starred Publishers Weekly **

For Fans of Madeline Miller and Geraldine Brooks, and Historical Mysteries Involving Witchcraft, Second Sight, and Amish, Mennonite, and Pennsylvania Dutch Communities.

In this thrilling second in the Gideon Stoltz Mystery series that Booklist called “An appealing debut that deserves a boost from enthusiastic hand-sellers,” it’s now 1836 in the fast-growing town of Adamant. The young Pennsylvania Dutch sheriff Gideon has a new case when a beautiful woman—suspected of witchcraft and residing in a nearby German settlement—is murdered. Suffering from a head injury after a fall off his horse, Gideon can’t recall anything that happened at the time of the woman’s death. As flashes of memory return, he realizes that not only did he know the victim, he was with her the night she died. As Gideon delves into the investigation, he must include himself in the list of suspects.

When Gideon uncovers another dead body, he’s launched on a path to discover the truth, no matter the outcome. Gideon’s estranged wife, True, has her own reluctant methods of investigation. Gifted with unwelcome powers of second sight, True realizes that her husband’s life is in danger—and puts her own life on the line to save him.

Nighthawk’s Wing unflinchingly examines the  oppressed status of women in the 1830 and like the first in the series, it has “an atmospheric setting and a strong sense of place” (Library Journal). Nighthawk’s Wing  beckons all readers who crave authenticity in early American historical novels, including those intrigued by witchcraft, spells, and visions. This compelling mystery glides along the edge between the gritty reality of the early 1800s and —a parallel world of spirits and haunted souls. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Hardcover

Alene Baron doesn’t go looking for mysteries, they find her. When the highly disliked owner of a business neighboring the Whipped and Sipped Cafe turns up dead, the list of potential suspects is pretty long, including all of the members of his quarrelsome family. Missing wills, convenient accidents, and enough red herring to feed the lunch crowd spice up this tantalizing tale. As always, while pondering the evidence, Alene also comes up with creative vegan dishes to serve her customers and share with you.

Reviews:
“Smothered is in a class of its own, both in the mystery genre and beyond.” – D. Donovan, senior agent, Midwest Book Review.

“Culinary mystery collectors will want this book on their shelves.” — Kingdom Book Reviews

“5 Stars! Smothered is a cozy mystery that has a sweet and humorous tone with a grounded story, family drama, and a realistic protagonist that must balance her role as a mother with her role as a sleuth.” — Liz Konkel, Reader’s Favorite Book Reviews

About the author:
Already known for her imaginative baking and fabulous dinners, G.P. Gottlieb began writing throughout her varied career. After recovering from breast cancer, she turned to writing in earnest, melding her two loves, nourishment for mind and body in recipe-laced murder mysteries. She is also the host of New Books in Literature, a podcast of the New Books Network. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

A heart attack sends detective Rory Naysmith reeling. Too young to retire, he accepts a position in small-town Winterset, Nebraska. Handed an unsolved truck hijacking case, with the assistance of a rookie, Rory sets out to prove he is still able to go toe-to-toe with younger men. When the body of a Vietnam veteran turns up, he dons his fedora and spit-shines his shoes. But before he can solve the murder, an older woman disappears, followed closely by a second hijacking. He doggedly works the cases, following a thread that ties the two crimes together. But can Rory find the mental and physical strength to up his game and bring the criminals to justice before disaster strikes and he loses his job? (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

A secret book club. A celebrity murder. And a boss that hates books…

When Laura Lee and her club stumble on the dead body of Mrs. Fitzwater’s nephew, (famous photographer to the stars, Andy) snooping takes on a whole new meaning. Especially when one of the house staff—and member of the book club—swears they saw the nephew later that night… very much alive. From whispers of espionage to the motive of a spurned lover, the book club collective isn’t sure which way is up. Even worse, time is running out as the killer makes them the next target. Someone doesn’t want to be found out and is willing to do anything to keep their secret. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

Jackson Kelly may have been middle-aged
And the vice-president of the exclusive Oceana Resort Hotel,
But Jackson loved to surf
And he loved the ladies, who were mostly young women he referred to as his “diversions.”
When he dies on the beach while surfing with no apparent injuries, the question is: “What happened to him?”
Too bad he had an angry looking rash on his leg.

And Dani and Arthur were only at the resort to cater a dinner meeting for the resort’s stockholders! When the coroner says, yes, it was murder, they have their work cut out for them – another mystery to solve.

The owner of the resort and his family have a lot to gain financially if Jackson’s dead. But maybe it was a crime of passion. His wife or current “diversion” could have done it. A lot of interests to be protected. Greed, revenge, hatred – those are all possible motives.

This is the third book in the Chef Dani Rosetti Cozy Mystery Series by a USA Today Bestselling Author. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

There’s nothing more refreshing than mint. Except for murder…

Life at the Gossip Inn is anything but peaceful for spy-in-hiding, Charlie Mission. With kittens to herd, a vicious rogue spy ex-husband to hide from, a new boyfriend, and a case of missing mushrooms to worry about, the last thing Charlie needs is another murder investigation. Or more of the limelight—she’s trying to keep a low profile.

When an old Hollywood superstar, a close friend of her grandmother’s, comes to celebrate her birthday at the Gossip Inn, Charlies hoping to fade into the background and play the part of the help. Until she stumbles upon a dead body. With suspicions mounting, radio silence from the one contact she has in her agency, and a missing friend, Charlie’s got her work cut out for her. Luckily, she has her Gamma for support.

Charlie and Gamma must work together to figure out whodunit before the murderer escapes. Or claims another life…

Join this investigative duo for another crazy-fun cozy mystery in, Gossip, Texas. Grab your copy today! (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

Fenella has been living on the Isle of Man for a year and a half. She reckons it’s high time she took a good look at all of the properties that she inherited from her Aunt Mona. After a long day spent driving all over the island, she and her lawyer end their day in the far north of the island. Among other things, Mona owned a building there that had once been used as a candle-manufacturing plant.

After everything that has happened to Fenella since she’s been on the island, she shouldn’t be as surprised as she is to find a skeleton locked in an office inside the building. What’s even more surprising is Mona’s refusal to discuss anything to do with the building or the company that had once used it.

Can Fenella work out what Mona is hiding? Can she discover what actually happened in Bride over twelve years earlier? Will doing those things mean revealing Maxwell Martin’s big secret to the world? (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

Helicopter parents, a squirrel invasion… and murder.

All Susan wants is to get through this visit from her controlling parents without tumbling down a black hole of despair. But galactic forces are colliding at her whimsical B&B, Wits’ End, and her parents have plans of their own.

When two men die on the same day, both mysterious deaths are tied to her mom and dad. Meanwhile, a squirrel scofflaw is riling up the tiny mountain town of Doyle, and Susan realizes she’s the only person who can stop the madness. And if this B&B owner can’t put these crimes to rest fast, her carefully organized life may come crashing to earth.

This fast-paced and funny cozy mystery is book four in the Wits’ End series. Packed with quirky characters, small town charm, and murder, it’s perfect for fans of Jana Deleon, Tricia O’Malley, and Charlaine Harris.

Buy War of the Squirrels and start this hilarious caper today. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

Not everything that glitters is gold . . .

As an assistant/errand runner for the local newspaper in her hometown of Palm Shores, California, Hailey Webb has all kind of jobs. Sure, picking up dry cleaning and bringing lunch is not exactly what big dreams are made of, but if it pays rent, it’s good for now.

What’s bad is having your bank account ravished by the hottest actor to ever walk the earth while being threatened with a crowbar. That’s after said actor steals a plane and crashes it in the woods. And that is after he is accused of murdering his co-star in their latest action movie. With the weapon prop . . . that turned out to be a real gun.

Yep, Hailey’s job is way more exciting than she would have thought. Now she sets out to find the fugitive actor to get her money back, wondering if he is the real killer or not.

But if Hailey doesn’t watch her step, she inadvertently may become the lead in the next true crime reality TV show.

ACT IT OUT is a humorous, fast romp perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich, Jana DeLeon, Gemma Halliday, Liliana Hart and JB Lynn. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

An Urban Myth Come to Life and a Vinyl Record to Kill Over

Before Mary, the witch/psychic detective, has time to clean out her attic she’s tasked with another murder. The victim recently bought a rare item at a garage sale and someone decided to kill him for it. But the item is said to be an Urban Legend. So is it real, a knock-off or is the item cursed? The victim certainly feels like it’s cursed and Mary might as well as she struggles to find the person willing to kill for an old vinyl record.

Angle Man still haunts her dreams. Echo and Drucilla want to figure out how he drains her bank accounts. Can they set up a sting before he collects her niece’s soul?

***Find out in this Second Book in the Trilogy*** (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

Bad muse travels fast …

The people of Stoneybrook are worried when billionaire Victoria VanFranken moves to town. They know that much money usually brings trouble. And they aren’t wrong. After less than a month in the valley, Victoria is found murdered in her mansion.

The most surprising part is that the main suspect is one of their own. Suzanne, a local artist and Hadley’s best friend, was the last person to see Victoria alive. The evidence overwhelmingly points to Suze, who was hired to paint a portrait of the billionaire and had fought with Victoria hours before her death.

Hadley’s sure the pieces of art in Suze’s gallery aren’t the only things being framed, but can she prove it before Suze is out of options?

Recipes included: thumbprint cookies and honey-sweetened grapefruit jam (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

“Very entertaining. I highly recommend this book to the permanent library of any reader that appreciates a very well written mystery, with some twists and an intelligent plot. You will not be disappointed. Excellent way to spend a cold weekend!”
–Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (regarding Murder in the Manor)

BEACHFRONT BAKERY: A MURDEROUS MACARON is book #2 in a charming and hilarious new cozy mystery series by #1 bestselling author Fiona Grace, whose bestselling Murder in the Manor (A Lacey Doyle Cozy Mystery) has nearly 200 five star reviews.

Allison Sweet, 34, a sous chef in Los Angeles, has had it up to here with demeaning customers, her demanding boss, and her failed love life. After a shocking incident, she realizes the time has come to start life fresh and follow her lifelong dream of moving to a small town and opening a bakery of her own.

A rude tourist dies after eating his way up and down the boardwalk, and all eyes fall on Allison, as the police blame her new macarons. The macarons have a secret ingredient that is so delicious it has customers lining up and down the boardwalk—but they are not, she knows, the cause of death.

Allison, forced to clear her name and salvage her customers, has no choice but to retrace the victim’s foodie trek up and down the boardwalk, and to figure out what he ate—or who he insulted—that could have gotten him killed.

With her beloved dog at her side, it is a race against time to crack the mystery and solve the crime before she loses her bakery—and her budding romance—for good.

A hilarious cozy mystery series, packed with twists, turns, romance, travel, food and unexpected adventure, the BEACHFRONT BAKERY series will keep you laughing and turning pages late into the night as you fall in love with an endearing new character who will capture your heart.

Books #3 (A PERILOUS CAKE POP), #4 (A DEADLY DANISH), #5 (A TREACHEROUS TART), and book #6 (A CALAMITOUS COOKIE) are also available! (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle