New Releases For The Week Of June 27th, 2021–Part 2

Could the drive to solve a century old mystery lead to an untimely death?

Little Creek Librarian, LILY KEEGAN discovers a dragon-shaped, jewelled pendant with a ruby centre hidden in a 12th century book. Against Head librarian, Carmen’s advice, she wears the pendant which could prove to be the biggest mistake of her life when it sets in motion a string of life-threatening near misses. Fireman and Thor look alike, BRAYDEN FLETCHER makes split-second decisions every day of his life. Struggling to recover from a traumatic event; a death in a house fire he couldn’t prevent, Brayden seeks solace with his mother’s dear friend, Carmen on the other side of the country. As far away from his mistakes as possible.

Believing the pendant is the century old Cursed Dragon, Lily’s every effort to avoid disaster is failing. When her best friend is kidnapped and held at ransom for the ruby, Brayden is the only one she can trust. Using Lily’s historical knowledge to their advantage, Lily and Brayden must race against time to expose the truth and prevent a tragedy. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

Grace Penner’s safe haven crumbles when a body is found outside of town. Gifted the memory bell, a family heirloom, from her grandfather’s will, Grace’s excitement is soon squashed when the bell gets broken right after she receives it. While gluing the pieces back in place, she discovers three are still missing.

Determined to find them, she is halted when the new detective, Bennet James, investigates her family. Grace is intent on showing the detective her family isn’t capable of murder, but as the investigation deepens, and pieces of the bell show up with ominous notes, Grace soon realizes the Penners are not what they seem. Amidst the tightly knit family; dark secrets, deception, and possibly even murder unfold. Will Grace be able to save the family she loves more than anything without losing herself forever? (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

POP QUIZTrue or False: Bellissimo Resort and Casino Super Spy Davis Way Cole, her partner, Fantasy Erb, and a trivia queen named Mango Matisse are kidnapped.

The answer is true. Stuffed in the storage compartment of a motorhome, the women are abducted from a golf course and abandoned on a ravaged barrier island somewhere in the Gulf.

Fill in the blank: Did the kidnapper get it wrong? Did he kidnap Davis thinking she was__________?

The correct answer is Bianca Sanders, wife of Bellissimo Casino owner Richard Sanders.

Yes or No: Everyone in Biloxi, Mississippi is searching for them.

The answer is yes. And no. When the story goes viral, not only is everyone in Biloxi trying to find them, everyone in the Deep South and beyond goes on the lookout for the missing women.

Multiple Choice: To escape the island and find their way home, Davis, Fantasy, and Mango must:

A. Survive on mac and cheese
B. Scale a dead shark
C. Build a rescue bonfire
D. Discover the island’s secrets
E. All of the above

The answer is E. All of the above.

Bonus Question: When help finally arrives, will Davis learn he’s no help at all?

The answer is in DOUBLE WIDE. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

Music can be murder.

When the body of internationally-renowned vocalist Gareth Jones is found hanging in the tower of a church, the walls daubed in occult symbols, the world of classical music, and the local dales community in which he grew up, is shaken to its core.

With the worst winter in years sweeping through Wensleydale, the spectre of a friend’s death haunting one of his team, and a killer driven by forces darker than he could ever imagine, Grimm and his team are up against the creator of not just a masterpiece, but a symphony of pain.

And it’s up to Harry to make sure that when the curtain comes down, there’s no chance of an encore…

Death’s Requiem is the sixth book in the DCI Harry Grimm crime thriller series, set in the Yorkshire Dales, and perfect for fans of L. J. Ross, J.R. Ellis, Margaret Mayhew, Jeanne M. Dams, J. M. Dalgliesh, Roger Silverwood, J. D. Kirk, Adam Croft, Alex Smith, and Simon McCleave (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

A Cupcakes-and-Crime Capera

When cupcake-loving croupier Tiffany Black investigates the death of a local prankster, she’s pleased when she seems to have solved it straight away…

“Winters will have you giggling into your book!”

One suspect “confesses” to the crime immediately.

And then another suspect “confesses” to being the real killer.

And then another suspect confesses.

And another… and another.

Soon Tiffany and Ian find themselves back to square one, unsure of who the real killer is, and why all their suspects are intent on confessing their “guilt”.

Meanwhile, Ian joins a secret society, and Stone asks Tiffany to investigate a new acquaintance…

Praise for A.R. Winters:

“Fans of Stephanie Plum, meet Tiffany Black, A.R. Winters’s new heroine.” – Rea, Amazon.com

“You fall in love with Tiffany Black from the start, and the mystery starts immediately” – Melissa Greenberg, Amazon.com Top 1000 Reviewer

“The perfect balance of being lighthearted, but still a serious page-turning mystery.” – Jaycie D, Amazon.com

Pranks and Perplexities in Las Vegas is the twenty-sixth book in The Tiffany Black in Las Vegas Mystery Series. Though it can be read as a standalone, it’s best read in series order.

This is a lighthearted cozy mystery featuring a strong female protagonist, some unusual friends and family, and a mystery that needs solving! It has no graphic gore, bad language or sex. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

Meet Ripley Van Raden. Or Rip for short. Librarian by day. Haunted tour guide by night. When a menacing ghost starts harassing Ripley in her home, she has to hunt down the ghost’s identity and what he wants before he does irreversible damage to her life. Someone from Ripley’s past shows up in town, too, and she wonders if perhaps there’s a connection to the ghost haunting her. Does her blast from the past have bad intentions? Just when Rip thinks things can’t get worse, a couple of murders in town brings even more chaos. Now Rip must find the connections between the mysteries before the ending to this story turns out not to be a happily ever after. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

A wedding in a historic hotel that was once a haven for pirates and smugglers seemed like a romantic notion. Until the bride’s bling vanishes.

Wedding planner Annabelle Archer is off to the Bahamas to coordinate a wedding renewal ceremony and celebration for one of her best clients. Although it’s the height of summer—and feels like nearly a hundred degrees on the tropical island–she’s glad for the break from her bustling business in Washington DC. But her break is short-lived when the bride’s diamond ring disappears.

While her sassy assistant Kate and the always entertaining (and usually intoxicated) hairdresser Fern try to calm the bridal party, Annabelle and her best friend Richard Gerard search the old island hotel for clues. Can they find the ring in time for the ceremony, or will the missing bauble vanish like pirate treasure in the stormy Caribbean seas?

Jewel of the Aisle, a novella, is the 18th book in the Agatha Award-winning Annabelle Archer Wedding Planner Mystery Series. If you like hilarious-yet-deadly whodunits, charming characters, and delightfully witty tales, you’ll love Laura Durham’s cozy mystery series.

**This story originally appeared as a much shorter story in the anthology Passport to Murder, which is no longer in print. The story has been expanded into a novella. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

Medieval Crime Comedy continues unabated as Howard of Warwick refuses to be abated.

From the Best-Selling author of this very peculiar genre comes yet more medieval murder with the usual dash of nonsense.

This time, there’s murder in the air; and in the bushes, the castles, the highways and byways. And Brother Hermitage is caught in the middle of the lot; as usual.

Even though he’s expecting a murder to be dropped in his lap at any moment, the arrival of this one and the manner of its delivery take him completely by surprise.
As the tale unravels, a simple murder and an investigation to discover the culprit would be a bit of a relief.

But the Normans seem to be at the bottom of this and their intentions are wholly dishonourable. When the church puts its nose in the mix, Wat the Weaver concludes that they are completely out of their depth.

But there is a victim, or there might be, and action must be taken.

A journey to Nottingham reunites them with some old friends, well, friends-ish, but they seem as confused as everyone else. At least Cwen finds an ally, which gives Wat plenty to worry about.
When the weaver gets drunk and comes up with the most ridiculous suggestion for a murder investigation that any of them have ever heard, it’s clear that things have gone downhill very quickly.

With very important people showing a great interest in this business, Hermitage has to be very careful with his, “aha”; if he can even come up with one that makes sense.

Who did whatever it is that might have been done?
Will everyone live happily ever after?
Were they living happily to begin with?

Read A Murder of Convenience and there’s a small chance you might find out.

And then there’s the crime of Mrs Grod’s cooking.

Reviews for the previous volume continue a trend

5* Brilliant tale of mayhem and murder
5* Genius, funny, endearing and a proper page turner
5* Howard of Warwick never fails to deliver a good laugh (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

“Very entertaining. Highly recommended for the permanent library of any reader who appreciates a well-written mystery with twists and an intelligent plot. You will not be disappointed. Excellent way to spend a cold weekend!”
–Books and Movie Reviews (regarding Murder in the Manor)

A VILLA IN SICILY: ORANGE GROVES AND VENGEANCEis book #5 in a charming new cozy mystery series by bestselling author Fiona Grace, author of Murder in the Manor, a #1 Bestseller with over 100 five-star reviews (and a free download)!

Audrey Smart, 34, has made a major life change, walking away from her life as a vet (and from a string of failed romances) and moving to Sicily to buy a $1 home—and embark on a mandatory renovation she knows nothing about. She finds herself busy running the town’s new shelter, while also renovating her own problematic home—and dating again.

When Audrey gets a call to find an injured stray in an orange grove at an old estate, the last thing she expects to find is love. The estate owner is charming, handsome—and like no one she’s met before. Might he be a Mafiosi?

It seems like the surprises never end, until she finds one more thing on her way out of the grove: a dead body.

A laugh-out-loud cozy packed with mystery, intrigue, renovation, animals, food, wine—and of course, love—A VILLA IN SICILY will capture your heart and keep you glued to the very last page.

“The book had heart and the entire story worked together seamlessly that didn’t sacrifice either intrigue or personality. I loved the characters – so many great characters! I can’t wait to read whatever Fiona Grace writes next!”
–Amazon reviewer (regarding Murder in the Manor)

“Wow, this book takes off & never stops! I couldn’t put it down! Highly recommended for those who love a great mystery with twists, turns, romance, and a long lost family member! I am reading the next book right now!”
–Amazon reviewer (regarding Murder in the Manor)

“This book is rather fast paced. It has the right blend of characters, place, and emotions. It was hard to put down and I hope to read the next book in the series.”
–Amazon reviewer (regarding Murder in the Manor)

Book #6 in the series—CANNOLI AND A CASUALTY—is now also available! (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

Hush, little baby, don’t say a word. Killer’s gonna find you in Alcatraz.

Kate’s going to prison—Alcatraz, that is!

When her brother, Andrew, comes to San Francisco on a business trip, Kate takes some time off sleuthing to hang out with her family and tour the city’s best sites. She thinks the hardest part will be playing nice with her Instagram influencer sister-in-law. But then Andrew’s work rival winds up dead—and Kate, nearly seven months pregnant with twins, is trapped on Alcatraz with the killer.

The clock is ticking, and Kate’s to-do list is clear.
1.Escape Alcatraz.
2.Clear Andrew of murder.
3.Catch the real killer.
4.Find a restroom before the twins start playing kickball with her bladder.

Will Kate solve the case before it’s too late? And can the family rally together to save Andrew once Kate’s estranged father reappears on the scene?

Break out of ordinary life in the tenth book of the Maternal Instincts Mysteries, a laugh-out-loud, page-turning cozy mystery series by USA Today Bestselling Author, Diana Orgain.

“GREAT SERIEs! I love reading these books from Diana Orgain!!!:–Janet D, Amazon Reviewer

“Love these books! And yes, you can’t put them down!”–Donata M, Amazon Reviewer

“Hooked from the first book! Great reading. I highly recommend.”–Rose C, Amazon Reviewer

Clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language.
Genre: humorous culinary cozy mysteries, cat cozy mystery series/women amateur sleuth/detective mystery

MATERNAL INSTINCTS MYSTERIES
Bundle of Trouble (Book 1)
Motherhood is Murder (Book 2)
Formula for Murder (Book 3)
Nursing a Grudge (Book 4)
Pampered to Death (Book 5)
Killer Cravings (Book 6)
A Deathly Rattle (Book 7)
Rockabye Murder (Book 8)
Pram & Poison (Book 9)
Lethal Lullaby (Book 10)
Cereal Killer (Book 11) (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

A missing bride-to-be hours before a dream wedding in Provence, France, and a caterer’s worst nightmare.

Being hired to cater a wedding in Provence where the who’s who of France will be attending is a dream come true. Even better that it’s being held at the Chateau Madrigal, a winery just outside of Marseille.

Chef Dani assumes there will be plenty of time off to explore Michelin restaurants, where Van Gogh lived and painted, and Provence in all its beauty, with its flamingos, black bulls, and miles of Camargue salt flats. To say nothing of imbibing in the award-winning wines the chateau produces.

Sounds ideal, right? Not quite. Not when Amalie, the bride-to-be, goes missing hours before the wedding. Kidnapped for ransom is ruled out, but who would want to kidnap the bride-to-be? And why?

Perhaps the disgruntled maid of honor? Or the bride’s jealous sister? Or even the man who wasn’t chosen to be the new winemaker at Chateau Madrigal? Good thing the caterer’s sous-chef is a private investigator! And have you ever heard of a dog being a maid of honor?

Join Chef Dani Rosetti, her sous-chef, Arthur, and Killer, a huge Mastiff dog, as they search the wine caves beneath the chateau for Amalie. Caves that are dark and frightening. But if the chateau’s security force hasn’t had any luck finding Amalie, how can they hope to find her in time for the wedding? The wedding the French tabloids are calling “The Wedding of the Year”.

This is the 4th book in the Chef Dani Rosetti Cozy Mystery Series by a USA Today Bestselling Author. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

Welcome to Starry Hollow, where spells were made to be broken.

Misfortunes never come alone.

When a valuable jewel goes missing, Ember Rose is tasked with tracking it down. She quickly learns that the jewel wasn’t hidden away for its monetary worth but for safety because the jewel has the power to bring misfortune to its possessor. When the negative consequences start piling up, throwing one obstacle after another in her way, Ember turns to magic to find the jewel before it can wreak havoc on the entire town of Starry Hollow.

Will Ember locate the jewel in time or will the wheel of misfortune roll through town and crush the hopes and dreams of everyone she holds dear—including her own?

Magic & Misfortune is the fourteenth book in the Starry Hollow Witches humorous paranormal cozy mystery series. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

An animal loving sleuth. A shocking murder. Will Nikki, Sonia, and their clever canines track down the murderer?

Sonia is so excited when her gorgeous Chihuahua, Princess, gets picked to be featured in a dog calendar. A famous animal photographer is taking the photos at the pet expo a few towns over. So Nikki, Sonia and their lovable pooches go on a special trip. They cannot wait to enjoy the fun outing.

But their plans come to a grinding halt when someone ends up dead. Nikki and Sonia along with their lovable pups lend a helping paw to try to solve the murder quickly, so that the calendar photoshoot can go ahead and Princess can get her moment in the spotlight. But the victim was not exactly an agreeable person and had more foes than friends. Nikki and Sonia try to untangle a web of suspects and clues in order to get to the truth.

It’s a race against time to collar the murderer before all the suspects disappear.

Murder at the Pet Expo is the tenth novel in the Wagging Tail Cozy Mystery series. If you like quirky characters, loyal canines, and twists and turns that will keep you glued to the page, then you’ll love Cindy Bell’s heartwarming, tail wagging whodunits.

Buy Murder at the Pet Expo by USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Cindy Bell to unleash a gripping, page-turning cozy mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

Mona Moon goes to Washington D.C. to have lunch at the White House with Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States. While in Washington, Mona wants to take in the sights but her visit is marred by the violent death of two men who were trying to procure copper contracts with Moon Enterprises. Mona is then approached by American agents to spy for the government. Mona wants no part of that as “gentlewomen do not read other’s mail.” Mona soon realizes that she and Moon Enterprises are thrust upon the world stage of countries vying for power whether she likes it or not. All Mona wants to do is run Moon Enterprises and marry Lord Farley, but events make that impossible. Mona must make a choice. Does she fulfill her duty to her country and forget Lord Farley? Or does she forge ahead and place her country in jeopardy by selling copper to whoever wants it? It looks like 1934 is going to be a challenging year for Mona. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

WHO HAUNTS LOFTUS MANOR? For Tommie Sykes inheriting Loftus Manor in Wetumpka, Alabama, is both a blessing and a curse. The beautiful old estate holds potential as an inn, and the legend that it’s haunted may be a boon. But the whispers that it’s cursed? Not good for business or Tommie’s health.

Harley Jones has lived on the estate as groundskeeper for the past five years. He and the former owner, Samuel Loftus, found friendship and good company over games of chess and a glass of Scotch. Harley never believed Samuel’s rambling ghost stories about the manor. That is, until Samuel committed suicide and Tommie showed up to claim her inheritance. Now the strange happenings have him second guessing himself and following the lead of a strange black cat named Trouble.

Rumors of ghosts and hauntings have Trouble on red alert. A ghostie is one thing, but murder is another kettle of fish for the black cat detective. The game is afoot and he’s on the job—finding clues and pushing Tommie and Harley toward romantic awareness—with his usual flair and keen observations of the “bipeds.” (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback