New Releases For The Week Of June 13th, 2021–Part 1

Summer flowers, warm sunshine, a maypole dance and… is that another murder? A tricky case is afoot for Lady Swift!

Summer, 1921. Lady Eleanor Swift, the best amateur sleuth in the country, is delighted to be in charge of the prize-giving at her village summer fair. But the traditional homemade raft race takes a tragic turn when the local undertaker, Solemn Jon, turns up dead amongst the ducks. Jon was the life of any party and loved by the entire village. Surely this was simply an awful accident?

But when a spiteful obituary is printed in the local paper, Eleanor realises there may be more to Jon’s death than first thought. Despite handsome Detective Seldon giving her strict instructions not to interfere, Eleanor owes it to Jon’s good name to root out the truth. So with her partner in crime, Gladstone the bulldog, Eleanor starts digging for clues…

When another local dies in a riding accident, the police refuse to believe he was murdered. But a second vindictive death notice convinces Eleanor of foul play. Solemn Jon’s assistant, a bullish banker and a majestic marquess make her suspect list, but it isn’t until she finds a dusty old photograph that she knows the true culprit behind both crimes. Then another obituary appears – her own! Can Eleanor nail the killer before she too turns up dead among the ducks?

An utterly compelling and charming cozy mystery! Pure delight for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss.

Readers are totally addicted to Verity Bright!

‘What a great cozy mystery! I am hooked! This is the best book, bar none, that I have read this year… An extremely witty, fast-paced mystery… I love the heroine, intrepid adventuress… A most enjoyable read!’ Reviews by Carol in Tallahassee ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Can I give it six stars please?… Pretty much perfect… Bright has the amazing gift of bringing the reader into that world where the characters are alive.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘What a wild ride it is!… Gripping… This book is what would happen if Downton Abbey and Agatha Christie had a baby. Fun, fast-paced read with lots of charm!’ The Literary Wife

‘I was literally on the edge of my seat until the last page trying to figure out the mystery. It’s an adorable, captivating book.’ Washington Life Magazine

‘OMG! What an incredible read!… When I devour a book this quickly it only means one thing: I was so enraptured that I couldn’t put it down!’ Celebrating Authors ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Oooh I loved this book… I wanted a book which would be absolutely soothing to read with a murder in it and this was it. The book was everything I wanted in these troubling times. I loved it.’ Book Reviews by Shalini

‘A sparkling heroine and perfect partner-in-crime… Every bit as compelling a couple as Bertie Wooster and Jeeves and the series is both entertaining and eminently readable… The perfect light reading for a summer day. An added bonus is the delightful dog Gladstone who is indolent, gluttonous and totally adorable.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘I am head over heels for Lady Swift and her investigative adventures. This book is perfect for Sunday afternoon reading to escape into a fabulously written English mystery story. Cannot wait for more Lady Swift.’ Sarah in Readerland ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Audiobook

No good deed goes unpunished.

The Whitby Library is a hive of activity. The basement of the old building is under construction and there are smaller projects on the main floor, too. The work is being done practically pro-bono by Cornelius, a Friends of the Library member who’s a local real estate investor and builder and now a philanthropist.

Then Cornelius is found dead in an elevator shaft under mysterious circumstances. The focus falls on his family after his will is read and the amount of his fortune is realized.

 Can Ann track down the killer before he strikes again? Where there’s a will, there’s a way. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

Something unusual is going on with the dementia patients at Pleasant View Nursing Home.

Dr. Jim Bob Brady, Houston orthopedic surgeon and amateur sleuth, finds himself in the midst of a different type of medical mystery. His friend and colleague, Dr. James Morgenstern, refers him a series of dementia patients with orthopedic problems from Pleasant View Nursing Home. Each patient dies, irrespective of the treatment, a situation that Doc Brady is unaccustomed to.

Each death prompts an autopsy, performed by another Brady colleague, Dr. Jeff Clarke, who discovers unusual brain pathology in each patient. Some of the tissue samples show nerve regeneration, a finding unheard of in dementia patients.

Doc Brady, enraged by the loss of his patients and obsessively curious about the pathologic findings, begins to investigate the nursing home, as well as its owner and CEO, Dr. Theodore Frazier. This leads Brady and Clarke on an adventure to discover the happenings at Pleasant View—an adventure that sees them running for their lives. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

Another classic collection of mysteries from the Golden Age of British crime writing, by the author of The Scarlet Pimpernel

It has been twenty years since Polly Burton last saw the Teahouse Detective, but one foggy afternoon she stumbles into a Fleet Street café and chances upon the cantankerous sleuth again. The years have not softened his manner, nor dulled his appetite for unravelling the most tortuous of conspiracies, shedding light on mysteries that have confounded the finest minds of the police.
How did Prince Orsoff disappear from his railway carriage in-between stations? How could the Ingres masterpiece be seen in two places at once? And what is the truth behind the story of the blood-stained tunic that exonerated its owner?
From the comfort of his seat by the fire, the Teahouse Detective sets his brilliant mind to work once more. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

Fans of Marie Kondo and mysteries will love this series!

Professional organizer Charlotte Adams is reminded that appearances can be deceiving, and disorder can be deadly . . .

On her first visit to her new client’s immaculate home, professional organizer Charlotte Adams can’t imagine why she’s been called in to help—until the woman reveals her outrageously large collection of stuffed animals. But before Charlotte can even begin to tame the plush menagerie, a nasty neighbor who’s been making her client a nervous wreck is found murdered, and her client has confessed to the crime!

Certain that the frazzled woman couldn’t have committed the deed, Charlotte can’t help snooping to learn why she confessed and who the real culprit might be. No sooner does she begin investigating, though, than her car tires are slashed, her home is broken into, and a close friend is nearly run over. Charlotte knows she’s on the right track, but she’ll have to act fast before the killer decides to straighten her out for good . . .

Organizing Tips Included!

Praise for the Books of Mary Jane Maffini:

“A comedic, murderous romp . . . Maffini is a relaxed, accomplished, and wickedly funny writer.” —The Montreal Gazette

“Mary Jane Maffini provides a first-rate, well-organized whodunit . . . A new series that is fun to read.” —Midwest Book Review

“Maffini’s new series . . . is off to a brilliant start with this fast-paced mystery!” —Romantic Times

“Deserves top marks for creating an entertaining, fast-paced thriller filled with witty one-liners, snappy dialogue and crackling suspense.” —The Strand Magazine

“I’ll look forward to a long life for this series.” —Deadly Pleasures

“Plenty of twists and turns that kept me turning the pages until the last sentence.” —Dru’s Book Musings

“Maffini is a relaxed, accomplished and wickedly funny writer . . .” —The Times Colonist

About the Author:

Agatha and RT Award winner Mary Jane Maffini is the author of three and a half mystery series and two dozen short stories. Along with the Charlotte Adams professional organizer mysteries, she’s the author of the Camilla MacPhee Mysteries and the Fiona Silk comic capers. As Victoria Abbott, she collaborated on five collector mysteries with her daughter, Victoria. Mary Jane lives and plots in Manotick, Ontario, with a cluster of mischievous dachshunds at her feet. You can read more about her books and sign up for her newsletter at maryjanemaffini.com. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

A LIE IS A WELCOME MAT FOR THE DEVIL…

Kate had high hopes when she moved to her husband‘s hometown, but her domestic bliss was short-lived. Blindsided by her spouse’s public affair with his high school sweetheart, Kate’s determined to hold onto custody of her kids and pull herself together. When Kate’s struck in the head by a drone at her son’s soccer game and face-plants in the grass, it’s more than her self-esteem that’s shattered. The drone’s footage reveals that someone is stalking her. And though the handsome detective she’s falling for vows to protect her, Kate knows to be wary of any man making vows.

With things spiraling out of control, she tells a lie. It was only One Little Lie, but her grandmother always said, a lie is a welcome mat for the devil, and with the one she told, Kate just rolled out the red carpet. Everything she worked for begins to unravel, along with her sanity. Confused, alone, and afraid, can Kate untangle the web of lies and unmask her stalker, or will she lose everything—including her life?

Grab your copy of One Little Lie today!

Power-packed with love, greed, and betrayal, One Little Lie is a riveting suspense novel set in an idyllic town where money talks, gossip flows, and the court of public opinion rules. Jump on for a fun, fast-paced ride with a book you can’t put down. From multi-award-winning Wall Street Journal bestselling author Christopher Greyson comes this spellbinding tale with jaw-dropping secrets, a colorful ensemble of characters, and a female protagonist you’ll root for from the first page to the last.

Christopher Greyson’s novels have been read by millions of readers and counting. Look for other standalone novels by the Wall Street Journal bestselling author.

The Girl Who Lived
And Then She Was Gone (Prequel)
Girl Jacked
Jack Knifed
Jacks Are Wild
Jack and the Giant Killer
Data Jack
Jack of Hearts
Jack Frost
Jack of Diamonds
Pure of Heart

Christopher Greyson’s novels weave tales full of mystery, action and suspense with laugh-out-loud humor and sizzling romance. His unique stories and no-nonsense style of writing will take you on a page-turning roller coaster ride of emotions right to the very end. Visit ChristopherGreyson.com to find out more about your favorite characters, giveaways, and updates on new book releases. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

August 1926

After a long slog of dark days, Vi and friends buy a yacht and go for some time on the sea. It’s what they need. Their nightmares come to an end along with the gray days too many of them have been fighting. They stop in at Monaco and, to their surprise, find old school friends. A few days of revelry, an evening party, and–of course—a body.

Once again, they’re pulled into another round of questions and investigations. This time, they’re the suspects. Forced into working to solve another murder, will they lose the peace they’ve found? Or will they find a way to navigate the murder and maintain a level of happiness? (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

“When you think that life cannot get better, Blake Pierce comes up with another masterpiece of thriller and mystery! This book is full of twists, and the end brings a surprising revelation. Strongly recommended for the permanent library of any reader who enjoys a very well-written thriller.”
–Books and Movie Reviews (re Almost Gone)

VENGEANCE IN VIENNAis book #3 in a charming new cozy mystery series by USA Today bestselling author Blake Pierce, whose #1 bestseller Once Gone has received 1,500 five-star reviews. The series (A YEAR IN EUROPE) begins with book #1 (A MURDER IN PARIS).

Diana Hope, 55, is still adjusting to her recent separation when she discovers her ex-husband has just proposed to a woman 30 years younger. Secretly hoping they would reunite, Diana is devastated. She realizes the time has come to reimagine life without him—in fact, to reimagine her life, period.

Devoting the last 30 years of her life to being a dutiful wife and mother and to climbing the corporate ladder, Diana has been relentlessly driven, and has not taken a moment to do anything for herself. Now, the time has come.

Diana never forgot her first boyfriend, who begged her to join him for a year in Europe after college. She had wanted to go so badly, but it had seemed like a wild, romantic idea, and a gap year, she’d thought, would hinder her resume and career. But now, with her daughters grown, her husband gone, and her career no longer fulfilling, Diana realizes it’s time for herself—and to take that romantic year in Europe she’d always dreamed of.

Diana prepares to embark on the year of her life, finally turning to her bucket list, hoping to tour the most beautiful sights and sample the most scrumptious cuisines—and maybe, even, to fall in love again. But a year in Europe may have different plans in store for her. Can A-type Diana learn to go with the flow, to be spontaneous, to let down her guard and to learn to truly enjoy life again?

In VENGEANCE IN VIENNA (Book #3), Diana travels to Vienna, hoping to fulfill her bucket list dream of being moved to tears by music. She is overwhelmed by the beauty, history and culture of the city and wonders if she’s finally settling into her trip in Europe—when an unforeseen catastrophe turns her plans upside down. Can Diana investigate her way out of this one?

A YEAR IN EUROPE is a charming and laugh-out-loud cozy mystery series, packed with food and travel, with mysteries that will leave you on the edge of your seat, and with experiences that will leave you with a sense of wonder. As Diana embarks on her quixotic quest for love and meaning, you will find yourself falling in love and rooting for her. You will be in shock at the twists and turns her journey takes as she somehow finds herself at the center of a mystery, and must play amateur sleuth to solve it. Fans of books like Eat, Pray, Love and Under the Tuscan Sun have finally found the cozy mystery series they’ve been hoping for!

Books #4-#9 are also available! (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

US Marshal Jack Dillon, assigned to An Garda Síochána, Special Branch is just about to settle into an enjoyable evening with his neighbor Tara when his phone rings. Against his better judgment, he answers… Good thing he does. It’s his boss, Detective Chief Inspector McCabe. There’s been a shooting in Dublin and it’s all hands on deck. Turns out two police officers have been murdered. US Marshal Jack Dillon and Detective Inspector Paddy Suel begin an investigation that seems to be going nowhere— and yet…  It’s bad enough two officers have been murdered, but apparently, that’s just the beginning. The bodies begin to pile up and Dillon and Suel can’t seem to get ahead of the game or find out who is responsible.

The Jack Dillon Dublin Tales series is written by Mike Faricy and was originally released under the pseudonym, Patrick Emmett. Faricy also writes The award-winning Dev Haskell series, the award-winning Corridor Man series, and the Hotshot series. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

Love is in the salty, sea air of Sarasota, Florida.

But so is murder.

The Concordia sisters, owners of the One Woman’s Junk consignment shop are up to their eyeballs in trouble as they try to help their friends, solve a murder and plan a wedding. All while managing not to kill each other, offend any of their wacky clientele, or wreck their own love lives. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

A dangerous tornado. A clever crime. Can this psychic sleuth sift through the rubble to find a murder?

Mitzy Moon longs to embrace the warmth of summer at a community-wide celebration. Enjoying a midsummer sailboat regatta, strawberry cake, and bonfires on the beach sounds divine. But when dark skies unleash a superstorm, the festivities turn deadly…

While everyone pitches in to rescue stranded friends and neighbors from the wreckage, Mitzy senses evil in the debris. Her entitled feline is missing and the handsome sheriff is in no mood for her hunches. But she refuses to buy into his black cloud of skepticism, because she’s sure one of the bodies didn’t die of natural causes.

Can Mitzy catch a killer before the clues are washed away?

Castaways and Longer Days is the fourteenth book in the hilarious paranormal cozy mystery series, Mitzy Moon Mysteries. If you like snarky heroines, supernatural misfits, and a splash of romance, then you’ll love Trixie Silvertale’s twisty whodunit.

Buy Castaways and Longer Days to sink an assassin today! (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

A rookie teacher and her ditzy dog.
A school for young supernaturals.
A dead body in the wardrobe.
Will Hecate Jones solve the mystery, or will her first days at St Morrigan’s turn out to be her last?

Ever wondered where supernatural kids go to school before they get those letters? Welcome to St Morrigan’s Preparatory School for the Arcane, and meet its new teacher, Hecate Jones. She’s a human, by the way.

Hecate’s been in the doldrums since her boyfriend left her, but she hopes for better when she finds the Humanities teaching post advertised for a private school in Nohallows, a village in the back of beyond. Setting off to St Morrigan’s with her dog Diva, her fresh start is thrown into chaos when she learns that she’s replacing Bernie Prendergast, and he’s dead. Dead and in her wardrobe, in fact.

On top of that, she’s got a job as a human teacher in a school for supernaturals. Fellow human teacher Toby could be a potential new friend ( if he didn’t have secrets), and Cam would make a great cure for her broken heart ( if he wasn’t such a grouch) but are they both what they seem? Hecate’s not sure that all the questions have been answered. She’s convinced that someone is covering up a murder, and she wants to know why. Drawn into her first investigation by plain and simple curiosity, it’s obvious that if Hecate doesn’t figure out who killed Bernie before too long, she might be the next body in her wardrobe.

For fans for Adele Abbott, Annabel Chase, A.A Albright and Kennedy Layne, comes the first in a new series of paranormal mysteries to cozy up with! Join Hecate, Diva and a cast of quirky characters when you start your first time at St Morrigan’s today! (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

Once grand and gorgeous, the castle-like Baycourt Hall is now on the brink of closing. If business stays steady for the party venue, newly hired event manager Anna Glenn might be able to help the owners—handsome handyman Sean and his bubbly grandma Ruby—save it from failure.

A wedding reception starts on a rocky note, but when the party wraps up, it turns downright deadly. Before the guests can depart, Anna discovers Father Asher stabbed in the foyer. Baycourt isn’t only crumbling, it’s a hotbed of peril.

Asher won’t be missed, not with his habit of stealing church funds. But with the fresh scandal of his death, the townsfolk recall previous trouble Baycourt has weathered—typical drama that comes with idiots gathering. Despite the current unsolved murder, Anna and her aunt Pru are focused on another Glenn sister, Josie, who disappeared after attending a funeral there many years ago. When Anna learns Josie wore a family heirloom Aunt Pru wishes to have back, Anna attempts to search for clues at Baycourt.

Just as she finds a clue that suggests Josie’s locket might have gone missing at the hall, another reception begins. Hopefully, nothing further puts anyone in peril, or there’s no chance of saving Baycourt Hall—and Anna won’t be able to solve the mystery buried in her family history. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

Who killed Alice Nells?

Ollie Ivers is on a book tour and Ellie Baye is excited that he’s coming to her bookstore to read from his newest book. He’s a popular author and draws big crowds. But things go terribly wrong at the book signing when the police burst in and arrest Ollie for murder.

Ellie agrees to help him, but when she digs into Alice’s murder she starts to uncover a web of secrets and lies.

As she begins to untangle the web, Ellie is drawn into her own nightmare when she finds herself the target of a stalker. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle