Category: First in Series

Front Page Murder – A Homefront News Mystery – by Joyce St. Anthony

Front Page Murder (A Homefront News Mystery)
by Joyce St. Anthony

About Front Page Murder


Front Page Murder (A Homefront News Mystery)
Historical Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Crooked Lane Books (March 8, 2022)
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 164385898X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1643858982
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B096WWNSKR

In this World War II-era historical mystery series debut by Joyce St. Anthony, small-town editor Irene Ingram has a nose for news and an eye for clues.

Irene Ingram has written for her father’s newspaper, the Progress Herald, ever since she could grasp a pencil. Now she’s editor in chief, which doesn’t sit well with the men in the newsroom. But proving her journalistic bona fides is the least of Irene’s worries when crime reporter Moe Bauer, on the heels of a hot tip, turns up dead at the foot of his cellar stairs.

An accident? That’s what Police Chief Walt Turner thinks, and Irene is inclined to agree until she finds the note Moe discreetly left on her desk. He was on to a big story, he wrote. The robbery she’d assigned him to cover at Markowicz Hardware turned out to be something far more devious. A Jewish store owner in a small, provincial town, Sam Markowicz received a terrifying message from a stranger. Moe suspected that Sam is being threatened not only for who he is…but for what he knows.

Tenacious Irene senses there’s more to the Markowicz story, which she is all but certain led to Moe’s murder. When she’s not filling up column inches with the usual small-town fare—locals in uniform, victory gardens, and scrap drives—she and her best friend, scrappy secretary Peggy Reardon, search for clues. If they can find the killer, it’ll be a scoop to stop the presses. But if they can’t, Irene and Peggy may face an all-too-literal deadline.

About Joyce St. Anthony

Joyce was a police secretary for ten years and more than once envisioned the demise of certain co-workers, but settled on writing as a way to keep herself out of jail. As Joyce St. Anthony, she is the author of the Homefront News Mysteries. The first in the series, Front Page Murder, will be (or was, depending on the blog date) released on March 8, 2022. Under her own name–Joyce Tremel–she wrote the award winning Brewing Trouble cozy mystery series. She is a native Pittsburgher and lives in the beautiful Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania with her husband and two cats–Hops and Lager.

Author Links

Website http://www.joycetremel.com

Website http://www.joycestanthony.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JoyceTremel

Twitter https://twitter.com/JoyceTremel

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Kobo – IndieBound

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

March 8 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

March 8 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST

March 8 – Nellie’s Book Nook – REVIEW

March 9 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

March 9 – Brooke Blogs – CHARACTER GUEST POST

March 9 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 10 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

March 10 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW

March 11 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

March 11 – Novels Alive – GUEST POST

March 12 – Just Another Teen Reading Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 12 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

March 13 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 13 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT

March 14 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 14 – Girl with Pen – SPOTLIGHT

March 15 – Connie’s History Classroom – REVIEW

March 15 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 15 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 15 – Here’s How It Happened – SPOTLIGHT

March 16 – Tea Book Blanket – SPOTLIGHT

March 16 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

March 16 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

March 17 – The Mystery Section – SPOTLIGHT

March 17 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

March 18 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT

March 18 – I Read What You Write – CHARACTER GUEST POST

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Body and Soul Food – A Books & Biscuits Mystery by Abby Collette


Body and Soul Food (A Books & Biscuits Mystery)
by Abby Collette

About Body and Soul Food


Body and Soul Food (A Books & Biscuits Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Timber Lake, Washington (Near Seattle)
Berkley (November 9, 2021)
Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593336178
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593336175
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08YWW1DCH

In this page-turning new mystery series, fraternal twins Keaton and Koby will pull double duty when they take down a killer while preparing to open their new bookstore and soul-food café, Books & Biscuits.

When Koby Hill and Keaton Rutledge were orphaned at age two, they were separated, but their unbreakable connection lingered. Years later, they reunite and decide to make up for lost time and capitalize on their shared interests by opening up a well-stocked bookstore and cozy soul-food café in the quaint Pacific Northwest town of Timber Lake. But this new chapter of their lives could end on a cliffhanger after Koby’s foster brother is found murdered.

The murder, which occurred in public between light-rail stops, seems impossible for the police to solve. But as Keaton and Koby know, two heads are always better than one, especially when it comes to mysteries. With just a week to go before the grand opening of their new café, the twins will use their revitalized connection with each other to make sure this is the killer’s final page.

About Abby Collette

Wall Street Journal bestselling author Abby Collette loves a good mystery. She was born and raised in Cleveland, and it’s a mystery even to her why she hasn’t yet moved to a warmer place. As Abby Collette, she is the author of the Ice Cream Parlor mystery series, about a millennial MBA-holding granddaughter running a family-owned ice cream shop in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and the Books & Biscuits mystery series, starring a set of fraternal twins who reunite and open a bookstore and soul food café. Writing as Abby L. Vandiver, she is the author of the Logan Dickerson Mysteries, featuring a second-generation archaeologist and a nonagenarian, as well as the Romaine Wilder Mysteries, pairing an East Texas medical examiner and her feisty, funeral-home-owning auntie as sleuths. Abby spends her time writing, facilitating writing workshops at local libraries and hanging out with her grandchildren, each of whom are her favorite.

Author Links – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram– Website –

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Google Play – IndieBound – Alibris – Penguin Random House –

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

March 1 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 1 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

March 2 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 2 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW*, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

March 3 – Author Elena Taylor’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

March 3 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

March 3 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

March 4 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW*, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 4 – Miss W Book Reviews – REVIEW*

March 4 – Baroness’ Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

March 5 – Just Another Teen Reading Books – REVIEW*, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 5 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

March 6 – The Book Diva’s Reads – SPOTLIGHT

March 6 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 7 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

March 7 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 8 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

March 8 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

March 9 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – REVIEW*

March 9 – I Read What You Write – SPOTLIGHT

March 10 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

March 10 – Diane Reviews Books – REVIEW

March 11 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

March 11 – Books Blog – SPOTLIGHT

March 12 – Tea Book Blanket – REVIEW*

March 12 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

March 13 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

March 13 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT

March 14 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT

March 14 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW*

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Hippie Wagon Homicide – Twister Sisters Mysteries by Mildred Abbott


Hippie Wagon Homicide (Twister Sisters Mysteries)
by Mildred Abbott

About Hippie Wagon Homicide


Hippie Wagon Homicide (Twister Sisters Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Small farming/tourist town in the Missouri Ozarks
Wings of Ink Publications, LLC (February 1, 2022)
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 474 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8408091980
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 626 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8795278049
Digital Print length ‏ : ‎ 476 pages
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09K4ZPZ93

Cordelia Davis lives with no regrets, despite her life changing drastically a half century ago when a tornado altered the destiny of the little Ozark town of Willow Lane. The town grew back stronger and more beautiful, and Cordelia, her sister, Pamela, and her best friend, Wanda, built a life to treasure.

As Willow Lane honors the memory of those lost and celebrates all that has been achieved, tragedy refuses to remain in the past. News of murder rocks the pastoral countryside when Cordelia discovers a body on her farm, beneath her beloved willow tree. And while the police make an immediate arrest, Cordelia finds herself untangling a web of lies and long-ago secrets.

With suspects in every nook of her cozy town—and an old flame knocking on her door—it will take all Cordelia’s tenacity to face the past and to weather the mysteries of Willow Lane.

About Mildred Abbott

Preoccupied with everything found in cozy mysteries: Puppies, Books, Cozy Mountain Towns, and Baked Goods. Although not obsessed with murder, however. At least not in real life (No contract killing here). But since childhood, starting with Nancy Drew, trying to figure out who-dun-it has played a formative role in everyday life. Author of the Cozy Corgi series and the Twister Sister series.

Author Links

Website: http://www.mildredabbott.com

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2AWmqNt

Patreon: https://bit.ly/MildredAbbottPatreonPage

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MildredAbbottAuthor/?ref=bookmarks

Facebook Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/421718101651414/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mildredabbott/

Audible Audiobooks: http://bit.ly/cozycorgiaudiobooks

Newsletter Signup: http://www.mildredabbott.com/contact-mildred.html

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17347095.Mildred_Abbott

Purchase Link – Amazon

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

March 1 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST

March 1 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 2 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

March 2 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

March 3 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW

March 4 – Mythical Books – GUEST POST

March 5 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

March 6 – Cozy Up With Kathy -AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 7 – I Read What You Write – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 8 – Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting – REVIEW

March 8 – Tea Book Blanket – SPOTLIGHT

March 9 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 9 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

March 10 – The Mystery Section – SPOTLIGHT

March 11 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

March 12 – Reading Authors Network – GUEST POST

March 13 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST

March 14 – Girl with Pen – GUEST POST

March 14 – eBook Addicts – REVIEW

March 14 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT

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Earth 7 by Summer Whitton and Emily Walker – Science Fiction, Action and Adventure – A Review, Excerpt and Giveaway!

Welcome to the US launch tour for Earth 7 by Summer Whitton and Emily Walker! Read on for details and a chance to win a signed copy of the book!

FrontCover

Earth 7

Publication Date: November 9th, 2021

Genre: Science Fiction/ Action/ Adventure

El is stuck with no way home and no way to apprehend the madman responsible for destroying his own planet. She is close to losing all hope, until her tracker goes off. An ancient artifact has been activated and it can get her off the planet…

…But only if she gets to it before he does.

Archaeologist, Quaid Daniels has never recovered from the humiliation of his last Mayan archaeological discovery. He keeps the downfall of his career in his living room—a mediocre petrified box. When he and his daughter accidentally turn it on and realize Quaid was not crazy, they embark on a journey to redeem his reputation.

This story has answers to the secrets of this planet, ancient technology, and a chosen race billions of years older than the world we know. It’s everything you want in a fast-paced science fiction novel and more.

Excerpt

Quaid put his hands in front of him and pushed through the brush. He was surprised to find they’d arrived in another clearing. There was something on the ground in front of Zoe, covered in brush and dirt. He could make out what looked like a path made of rock. Zoe and Jaxon bent down to start clearing away the debris.

“What is it?” Quaid said. He was cautiously excited. His past trauma with fake artifacts had given him some PTSD when it came to new discoveries.

“It looks to be some sort of floor,” Zoe said. “There are blocks and some of them, well, just come look. There’s a symbol. I’m pretty sure it’s the Mayan symbol for fire.”

Quaid walked over, careful not to trip on some vines strewn across the ground, and looked down at the square slabs of rock in front of him. It did look like a floor. The design Zoe spoke of was shiny, like there was something liquid inside of it.

“Is that…Mercury?”

“I don’t know. It kind of looks like it, but maybe a little shinier. But this is crazy. You would think someone would have found this, exploring out here.”

“How many people do you really think would be out here looking?” Spencer asked.

“A lot, why wouldn’t you want to explore?”

“Because it’s in the middle of a crazy-ass death jungle that no one wanted to venture into,” Jaxon said, sounding as though he had enjoyed this hike about as much as Quaid had.

“How big is it?” Quaid asked. They had cleared an area four blocks wide, but he couldn’t tell how far into the woods it stretched.

“Only one way to find out,” Zoe said.

The four of them worked on revealing more stones and Quaid pulled out his knife to cut away some of the more stubborn vines.

When they were done, they looked down at five more blocks with the same symbol making it six in all. They had clearly found something, but it didn’t make sense. It didn’t seem to tie into the artifact, or the Mayan calendar. The fear he’d been experiencing was replaced with adrenaline now. He found himself intrigued.

“What do you make of this, Zoe?”

“I don’t know yet,” she said, “I’m not sure what kind of element this is. The symbol for fire could be a clue.”

“Maybe it represents something else,” Jaxon said. “Something you’re not thinking of.”

“These look like torches,” Spencer said, pointing at large rock posts on the sides of the floor. “Lucky thing I have matches.” He produced a match box and, removing one, struck it quickly on the side.

“Spencer be careful, we don’t know if there are any sort of traps,” Zoey said.

At that moment, Spencer dropped the match and it landed on the rock beneath him.

A few of the blocks went up in flames and Spencer, despite his agility, barely managed to jump out of the way fast enough. “What the hell?” He yelped, patting his shirt to make sure he wasn’t on fire.

“Magnesium,” Quaid and Zoe said at the same time.

Look.” Jaxon pointed to the block beside the burning one. The liquid substance previously filling the square had drained out and the block lowered into the ground around a single piece of rough stone. It looked like a lever.

“What the hell?” Spencer said again, even more distressed.

Quaid couldn’t help the smile spreading across his face. “Zoe, it’s a puzzle.”

She smiled back. “You’re right. Burn them all!”

Earth 7 is available on Amazon!

Gina’s Review

I really enjoyed this book and got through it pretty quickly because I just couldn’t put it down. I was so intrigued by the concept of multiple Earths and the notion of our histories, both cultural and religious, possibly being an illusion.

There’s also something about the cover that is really striking and it, along with the prologue, instantly pulled me into the mystery of this new world the authors have created – or rather, worlds.

There was a cliffhanger at the end so I’m looking forward to reading the next in series, but if you hate cliffhangers just be aware that this book has one. I did find the reading flow to be a bit off at times but it wasn’t bad enough to deter me from reading the whole novel in a few days.

If you’re like me and enjoy science fiction, action, and archeology, then I think you’ll like this book. There were parts of the story that reminded me of Stargate, other parts Indiana Jones, and other parts various mixes of other wonderful science fiction elements which all added up to a very unique story line all its own.

I wish to thank the publisher for providing a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest opinion.

About the Authors

image0

Summer grew up in the small town of Bellingham WA. Soccer was his life until he started his first of 5 businesses at the age of 25. Sci-fi has always intrigued him, like in when he was in high school there was a documentary about crop circles that he thought was compelling.

But it wasn’t till ancient aliens on the history channel and all the information showing up on the internet, that his imagination and thoughts of writing a book or a screen play came to life. He has always wondered; wouldn’t it be cool if there was other life somewhere else in the universe and even cooler if they weren’t out to kill us lol. Summer hopes to bring a whole new way of seeing what could possibly be out there in all that space and he also hopes he brings fun and imagination to many. Because who knows what’s really out there and it is fun to imagine right?

image1

Emily lives on top a mountain and writes a little of everything, creating new worlds and stumbling around in them. She is constantly losing her chap-stick and is obsessed with the color pink. Science fiction has always been an important part of her life since she read her favorite author, Robert Heinlein at a young age.

Her small family consists of her red-bearded other half and an adorable daughter.

For your chance to win a signed copy of the book, click the link below! US only.

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Dead Messages – Texts from Beyond Book 1 – A Paranormal Cozy Mystery by Kristen Brand

Today I’m happy to announce the release of Dead Messages by Kristen Brand, which is book 1 of the new Texts from Beyond series.

She texts dead people…

Sydney Farina, full-time baker and cynic, is having a bad enough week when her boss forces her to go into work on her day off. When she arrives to find her boss’s corpse on the floor, her week gets a whole lot worse.

She’s shocked to learn it was murder—though maybe not too shocked. Her short-tempered boss, Glenda Whitaker, made more enemies than she did sprinkled cupcakes.

Then the texts start coming.

They’re from Glenda’s number, demanding Sydney find out who murdered her. Sydney thinks the
messages are a bad joke at first, but when they reveal things only Glenda would know, she’s forced to accept the truth:

She’s getting texts from a dead woman.

Glenda’s ghost wants justice, but Sydney doesn’t know the first thing about solving murders. As she investigates her coworkers, can she find out who killed Glenda? Or will she join her grouchy boss on the other side of the grave?

Dead Messages is a cozy mystery novella with a touch of the paranormal. If you like quirky characters and fun whodunits, then dive in and start reading today.

Excerpt

She didn’t want to spend all day worrying about whether the messages were a glitch or not. She picked up the phone.

Sydney

Who is this?

She’d expected no response, but three little dots appeared to indicate Glenda was typing. The bathroom spun, and Sydney had to put a hand on the counter to steady herself.

How could Glenda be typing? Her corpse was lying in the morgue.

Glenda

It’s Glenda. I need your help.

Sydney

Glenda’s dead.

Whoever you are, you’re seriously messed up. This isn’t funny.

Glenda

I’m not trying to be funny. I was murdered. There’s absolutely nothing funny about this situation.

Sydney

Screw you.

Stop texting me, or I’m going to the police.

Glenda

This isn’t a joke. I’m trapped in some kind of foggy purgatory, and my phone is only letting me send messages to one person—you.

I don’t know what’s going on, but you need to help me.

It’s your responsibility.

Nope. No way was Sydney falling for whatever the heck this was. Some creep must have gotten ahold of Glenda’s phone and decided to play a sick joke. There were some seriously pathetic losers in the world who had way too much free time. Sydney should just treat the texter like an internet troll and ignore them.

She took another shower and then made coffee and oatmeal for breakfast. She was looking through her closet for something to wear when she realized she’d forgotten to text Faith, distracted by the messages from the Glenda impersonator. When she picked up her phone, more waited for her.

6:07

Glenda

Will you reply already? You’re acting incredibly immature.

6:12

Glenda

You can’t just ignore me.

6:13

Glenda

I have been murdered. Whatever you’re doing, it’s not more important than what I’m going through.

6:15

Glenda

Stop being selfish. You’re the only person who can help me get to the bottom of this.

6:22

Glenda

Please.

Dead Messages is available on Amazon or at these other book retailers. You can learn more about Kristen Brand here.

On Skein of Death – A Riverbank Knitting Mystery by Allie Pleiter – First in Series!

On Skein of Death (A Riverbank Knitting Mystery)
by Allie Pleiter

This post may contain affiliate links. If you follow these links and make a purchase, myself or my blog tour partners may get a small commission at NO extra cost to you.

About On Skein of Death


On Skein of Death (A Riverbank Knitting Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Publisher: ‎ Berkley (June 1, 2021)
Mass Market Paperback: ‎ 304 pages
ISBN-10: ‎ 0593201787
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0593201787
Digital ASIN: ‎ B08H15VG1T

For Libby Beckett, opening her charming yarn shop, and introducing customers to the joys of knitting and crochet, is the work she was meant to do. Until the yarn she loves is used for murder….

 

Libby has come home to Collinstown, Maryland to live her dream and open her own yarn shop, aptly named Y.A.R.N., along the Chester River. To Libby, Y.A.R.N. stands for “You’re Absolutely Ready Now.” But the acronym changes whenever inspiration strikes, and customers add to the list of suggestions that fill the blackboard wall in a shop stuffed with color, fiber, and comfort.

 

Libby is thrilled when she lands famous Norwegian knitting celebrity Perle Langager for a series of events at Y.A.R.N. Libby’s English bulldog, Hank, has been modeling one of Perle’s doggie sweaters, and customers just can’t wait to see Perle in action. The mayor of Collinstown even decrees a Collinstown Yarn Day to celebrate. But once Perle arrives in town, she seems distracted and on edge. And when she’s found strangled with a skein of red yarn, Libby knows she has to solve a knotty mystery before her new life unravels.

 

About Allie Pleiter

An avid knitter, coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better,” Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four novels at a time. The bestselling author of over fifty books, Allie has enjoyed a twenty-year career with over 1.5 million books sold. In addition to writing, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on the creative process, publishing, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management for writers. Visit her website at www.alliepleiter.com to learn more.

Author Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliepleiterauthor/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/alliepleiter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allie-pleiter-6a021b139

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alliepleiter

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/alliepleiter/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/453346.Allie_Pleiter

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/allie-pleiter

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Allie-Pleiter/e/B001H6IEUO/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1

To subscribe to Allie’s newsletter: http://www.alliepleiter.com/subscribe/

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Google Play – IndieBound

 

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

August 2 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 2 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

August 3 – Novels Alive – GUEST POST

August 3 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT

August 4 – Novels Alive – SPOTLIGHT

August 4 – Brianne’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

August 5 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

August 5 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 6 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

August 6 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW

August 7 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

August 7 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW

August 8 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 8 – I Read What You Write – SPOTLIGHT

August 9 – Dear Reader – REVIEW

August 9 – Tea Book Blanket – SPOTLIGHT

August 10 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 10 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

August 11 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT

August 11 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – GUEST POST

August 11 – Reading Is My SuperPower – SPOTLIGHT

 

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!

 

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The Mountain View Murder – A Wintergreen Mystery by Patrick Kelly – First in Series with Excerpt!

Today I’m thrilled to spotlight a new cozy mystery series by Patrick Kelly called The Mountain View Murder. Get a sneak peak into the story by reading chapter 1 below.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you follow these links and make a purchase, myself or my blog tour partners may get a small commission at NO extra cost to you.

Publisher’s Summary

Guess who cries at Lou Thorpe’s funeral…

No one. His wife, grown children, and best friends all attend the service, but no one sheds a single tear. Poor Lou. He goes out for his morning walk, and a crazed driver knocks him out of life. Crazed? With no car, no driver, and no witnesses, it’s difficult to say. Was it an accident or intentional?

Until that morning, Bill O’Shea is living the dream. After a career of fighting crime in the big city, Bill buys a condo in the beautiful mountain resort community of Wintergreen, Virginia. When he meets his attractive new neighbor, Bill knows his retirement is off to a great start. But then the short-staffed police department asks Bill to help them investigate Thorpe’s death.

Soon, Bill falls into an old routine. Interviewing suspects. Checking alibis. Everyone has a secret to hide, but Bill lacks evidence to tie any of the suspects to the crime. He is missing something–like he has an itch he can’t reach to scratch.

Will Bill and his new friends solve the case, or will the murder of Lou Thorpe remain a mystery forever?

If you love beautiful mountain settings, a charming cast, and intriguing plot twists, you’re going to love this new series!

Clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language.

Author Biography – Patrick Kelly

Award-wining author of The Joe Robbins Thriller Series, Pat has now written The Mountain View Murder, a clean traditional mystery set in the beautiful mountain resort of Wintergreen, Virginia.

Pat is a member of Sisters in Crime — Heart of Texas Chapter. He lives and works with his family in Austin, Texas and Wintergreen, Virginia. When not writing or marketing novels, he can be found hiking the hills of Central Texas or the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Pat is winner of the Beverly Hills Book Award for best thriller (A Siren’s Love) and a silver medalist for the Wishing Shelf Book Awards for adult fiction.

Join his Readers Club and read The Curse of Crabtree Falls for free. Find Pat on Facebook and Instagram.

Book Excerpt – Chapter One

In the dead of the summer night, harsh winds blew from the north into the Shenandoah Valley. The cold front passed through Winchester and New Market and Harrisonburg, bringing relief from the steamy July heat that had gripped the valley for weeks. The chilling weather marched through the smaller cities of Staunton and Waynesboro. From Waynesboro, the front spread into a finger valley to the south and then through cornfields and chicken coops. Cows huddled together for warmth. Windows rattled on old farmhouses. The wind hit the east side of the small valley, sang through the forests of oak and hickory and maple, and rolled over the rounded tops of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

At fifteen minutes after three o’clock in the morning in the mountaintop resort community of Wintergreen, a seventy-four-year-old man woke in bed next to his slumbering wife. No more sleep for him that night. Insomnia. Wind whistled through an unlocked window in another room. He rose, stopped briefly in the bathroom, and dressed for his morning walk down to the Mountain Inn. The old man prided himself on maintaining his physical condition long after most of his contemporaries had given up. They were lazy and allowed wine and steaks and desserts to add to their figures year after year until they could no longer enjoy the greatest thrills life had to offer. Though the sun rose early that time of year—before six—he often returned from his exercise in time to make coffee and observe the day’s dawning from his back deck.

The old man exited through the summer home’s front door carrying a flashlight, but he kept it turned off. Even though clouds had rolled in, there was enough ambient light to distinguish the forest from the paved road. He lumbered a quarter mile up Hemlock Drive and crossed Devils Knob Loop into the Westwood Condos. At the end of the parking lot, he cut through the woods on an asphalt trail. Close-set trees snuffed out the remaining light, and he flicked on the flashlight to pick his way through wet spots on the path. He cursed the intermittent showers that had plagued Wintergreen for a week now—they mucked up the golf course roughs and made the greens slow.

He crossed Wintergreen Drive and soon came to the fitness center parking lot. Next to the mail hut on the left, two sports cars with weather covers waited for their owners to return to the mountain. On the right, a lone SUV sat parked under the branches of an oak tree. The shadows were dark, so he couldn’t tell for sure, but the SUV’s outline resembled that of a Honda Pilot.

At the far edge of the lot, the old man cut back onto Wintergreen Drive and began to make his way down the steep decline of that side of the mountain. At that early hour, he was more likely to see a raccoon or an opossum than a passing car; even so, he kept to the left side of the road. A gust of wind rustled leaves on the hardwood trees at his side. The exercise kept his core warm, but his neck and face and hands were exposed to the chill, so he zipped his windbreaker to his chin and tightened the Velcro straps at his wrists.

Back at the parking lot, the Honda Pilot engine turned over, and the headlights illuminated the mail hut. The driver engaged the transmission and pulled out. Then the Honda Pilot turned left on Wintergreen Drive, passed Devils Knob Loop on the right and Blue Ridge Drive on the left, and headed down the hill.

The old man heard a vehicle approaching from a distance. Who could be out this early other than another poor insomniac? Perhaps a worker with an early shift down in the valley? No. Few workers lived up here on the mountain. Maybe a Wintergreen patrol officer making the rounds? Yeah. That was more likely. Headlights appeared behind him, and though he stayed on the safe side of the road, the old man drew comfort from knowing he wore a bright reflective vest.

The engine came closer, disturbing the peaceful darkness of his routine. The old man would be glad when the car was gone. His heart beat faster, and he subconsciously touched his chest. No worries there. Not yet. Not like many of his buddies—high cholesterol, hypertension—who lugged with them everywhere a ticking disaster in waiting.

Headlights swerved into the trees on his left. Why? The vehicle’s engine raced. It was insane to speed down this road, for the shoulders were narrow and the ditches deep. The old man turned to the uphill slope, and the headlights blinded him. He raised a hand to his eyes. The vehicle turned crazily to the other side of the street and then back toward the old man. His heartbeat thrashed in his ears. Signals rushed to his brain, and he clutched his chest. A terrifying noise of screeching tires pierced the air.

The grille of the Honda Pilot struck the old man, and he took flight. His body shot across the ditch toward the forest and hit the thick trunk of an old hickory. A sickening thwack echoed among the trees and down the nearby ski slope. The old man fell to the ground, and blood seeped from his skull onto dead leaves from the prior season.

The Honda rested three feet past where the old man had stood. The driver stepped from the SUV and shined a powerful flashlight into the ditch. Not seeing the old man, the driver stepped off the road and onto the muddy ground. The flashlight panned slowly across the area beyond the ditch until it found the reflective orange of the vest. There he was. A dark and shiny wet patch stained the ground beneath him.

Dead. Definitely dead.

The old man’s face was turned up. His mustache and upper lip had been torn from his face, leaving his mouth open in a sickly grin.

Not so handsome now.

The driver searched the road in both directions. No cars approached, and the driver climbed back into the Honda and drove down the mountain.

Thank you for reading Chapter One of The Mountain View Murder. In Chapter Two, you’ll meet Bill O’Shea, a retired police detective who is drawn into the investigation of a hit and run homicide.

The paperback and Kindle version are available on Amazon now at this link.

Add it to your Goodreads Want to Read list now.

Boarding with Murder (A Sierra Pines B and B Mystery) by Kathryn Long – New Cozy Mystery Series with Character Guest Post


Boarding with Murder
by Kathryn Long

About Boarding With Murder


Boarding with Murder (A Sierra Pines B&B Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Publisher: Camel Press (March 9, 2021)
Paperback: 220 pages
ISBN-10: 1603817301
ISBN-13: 978-1603817301
Digital ASIN : B08SHLHD2D

Take one quaint B&B, two kind but quirky caretakers, a dead aunt, a murdered friend, and you have mystery. Ali Winston finds she’s inherited trouble along with her aunt’s B&B, but can she reveal the killer before the curtain closes?

About Kathryn Long

Retired teacher, Kathryn Long now spends her days plotting and writing mysteries. Her most recent credits are romantic suspense novel, A DEADLY DEED GROWS and mystery, BURIED IN SIN. She’s a member of Sisters in Crime as well as of International Thriller Writers. Under the pen name, Bailee Abbott this author writes the Paint by Murder cozy series, starting with A BRUSH WITH MURDER soon to be released. Kathryn lives with her husband and furry friend Max in the quiet suburbs of Green, Ohio.

Author Links

Author website: https://www.kathrynlongauthor.com

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KathrynLong.Books

Twitter: https://twitter.com/klongauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4203129.Kathryn_Long

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathylong7487/

Product Links:

Character Guest Post – Gladys Bellwether

Hello from Sierra Pines! My name is Gladys Bellwether, and I work at the B&B, along with my brother Ollie. We were lifelong friends with Julia Winston, the one who started the business when we all came to Sierra Pines. We had some high times during Hollywood’s golden years, through the thirties and forties. I played bit parts but mostly helped with odds and ends on movie sets while Ollie landed jobs as a stuntman for such greats as Errol Flynn. Julia started out acting but didn’t like it much. She was a clever gal and found her calling as a prop designer. A true pioneer in a field that hired mostly men. She was darn good at it too! Even won a couple of Oscars. Anyway, those days are gone, along with Julia, bless her soul. However, her great niece, Alexis Winston runs the B&B now. She’s such a sweetheart. Reminds me of a young Julia in so many ways. 

Life is much more peaceful and easygoing here than in Los Angeles. I love getting to know my neighbors and the townsfolk. And belonging to the Sierra Pines Alliance of Cultural Activities gives me so much pleasure. We do all sorts of fundraisers and help out the community, put on plays, and organize festivals. Such great work! Yes, this little town is a happy place to live…well, most of the time. There’s just a tiny incident that had to go and ruin it all. 

A dead body in a bed and breakfast is definitely an unpleasant thing. Not good for business either. I should’ve known something bad would happen after Julia died. I felt it in my bones. Her death didn’t seem right, like it wasn’t her time. And that leads to suspicion, which I had plenty of at the time. So, when I discovered that body, it was like one of those moments. You know the kind. Sort of like when Ollie spouts off his favorite expression. “Saint Genesius!” He’s the patron saint of actors, you see. I just knew we were about to become knee deep in trouble. Who would ever think planting a dogwood tree could be so incriminating? But I’ll save that story for another day. 

Right now, I’m worried about Alexis. She’s in a pickle trying to decide what to do about the B&B. Should she stay or should she go? How does a person know what the right decision is? Not easy when your whole future depends on it. It’s like in the movie, To Have or Have Not. Slim, played by Lauren Bacall, must make a decision of whether to use the ticket Harry Morgan—Bogart played him, you see—and leave town, or stay to be with him. Romance wins out. And did you know in real life Bacall and Bogart got hitched after filming the movie? 

Okay, Ollie is griping at me to stop getting off topic. Fine. Here goes. I think Alexis should stay. She lost her job as a screenwriter in New York. And I can tell there’s a spark between her and Sheriff Quint Sterling. I have a gift for sensing these things, you know. I never got married myself. Show business was always in my blood and took up most of my time. Ollie got close to putting a gold ring on a gal’s finger, once or twice, but then a job would come luring him back to Hollywood. Besides, there was always drama with actors becoming husband and wife. Most ended up divorced. Not Bob and Dolores Hope though. That union was meant to last. Such a lovely couple. All right. Ollie’s giving me the evil eye again. 

Oh dear, would you look at the time? It’s late, and I have to organize supplies for tomorrow’s breakfast. Can’t disappoint Mr. Emory. He’s asked very nicely for my cheese souffle. It’s one of my specialties. Maybe while I’m at it, I’ll check in with Alexis. She might agree to join me for hot toddies and some girl talk. It’s such a lovely evening. We should sit outside on the screened porch. I enjoyed our time. If you’re ever up this way, stop by for a visit, spend the night if we have a room available. We always love company and meeting new folks. 

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Anna Romano Mystery Series, Cats, Cannolis, and a Curious Kidnapping by Cheryl Bannerman – Audiobook 1

Author: Cheryl Denise Bannerman

Narrator: Robin Waters

Length: 2 hours 42 minutes

Publisher: Cheryl Denise Bannerman

Released: May 21, 2020

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Continue reading “Anna Romano Mystery Series, Cats, Cannolis, and a Curious Kidnapping by Cheryl Bannerman – Audiobook 1” →

Interview with Cozy Mystery Author Amanda Flower by BeachBumBookworm

This is so exciting! My friend Tiffany at the beachbumbookworm recently conducted a fun interview with THE Amanda Flower.

Click the video below to watch on YouTube and be sure to subscribe to Tiffany’s channel for more interviews and cozy mystery chat.

Video interview courtesy of beachbumbookworm

Find Amanda Flower at her website, on Twitter, and Instagram.

Check out Amanda Flower’s new Farm to Table cozy mystery series! Book 1, Farm to Trouble, was released in February 2021.

This page may contain affiliate links. If you follow these links and then make a purchase, myself or my blog tour partners may get a small commission at NO extra cost to you.

First in a new cozy mystery series from USA Today bestselling author Amanda Flower!

Coming home to a run-down farm, gossipy neighbors, and a shady investor is a lot to handle… but a murderer on the loose is the final straw!

Shiloh Bellamy cashed in her big city job and 401K to return home to Michigan to save the family farm, but turning Bellamy Farms into a sustainable, organic operation is no small feat. Especially when her new investor is found dead at the farmers market not long after the contract is signed, a contract that the whole town knows her father was wholeheartedly against.

Now, Shiloh must clear her family’s name and track down the real killer before her farm dreams wilt before her very eyes. But with her father trying to stop any progress on his land, her cousin belittling her every effort, and the whole town believing her family at fault, Shiloh has to carry the investigation on her shoulders or risk all her dreams drying up before they begin.

book summary provided by the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press

Have you read any books by Amanda Flower? What are your favorites?