The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg (A Domestic Diva Mystery)
. by Krista Davis
The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg (A Domestic Diva Mystery) Cozy Mystery 18th in Series Setting – Virginia Publisher : Kensington Cozies (May 27, 2025) Hardcover : 320 pages ISBN-10 : 1496743458 ISBN-13 : 978-1496743459 Digital ASIN : B0DFRXP333
. Northern Virginia’s own Martha Stewart returns in a brand-new mystery as an interior designer clashes with a killer . . .
Stylish brunches are all the rage this autumn in Old Town Alexandria, and everyone’s posting their parties on social media. But while Domestic Diva Sophie Winston juggles her event-filled calendar, she’s approached by local designer Mitzi Lawson—who is afraid someone is following her. The very next day Mitzi loses her best friend and business partner, Denise. The two were renovating a generations-old house where Denise died unexpectedly, and Mitzi fears that it wasn’t a medical condition to blame, but murder.
It could just be the shock talking, but Sophie agrees to help Mitzi involve the police. Then she receives a panicked phone call from Mitzi, and when she rushes to the old house, Mitzi is nowhere to be found. Now Sophie’s appetite for investigation is piqued even more than her appetite for eggs Benedict and mimosas.
Could Denise’s death be connected to her viper’s nest of in-laws or the house she was working on which her husband just inherited? What of the self-proclaimed etiquette expert with some improper secrets, or the scheming mistress? Or does the old house harbor secrets of its own? There’s a generous buffet of suspects to keep the Diva scrambling for an answer . . .
Includes delicious recipes and fabulous DIY decorating tips!
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About Krista Davis
New York Times Bestselling author Krista Davis writes the Domestic Diva Mysteries, the Paws & Claws Mysteries, and The Pen & Ink Mysteries. Krista lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with a black Labrador mix, an English cream golden retriever, and two very inquisitive cats, all rescues. Her friends and family complain about being guinea pigs for her recipes, but she notices they keep coming back for more.
Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses: (A Taryn O’Kelly Mystery) by Michelle L. Clifton
Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses: (A Taryn O’Kelly Mystery) Cozy Mystery 2nd in the Series Setting – On Board a cruise ship and Cartagena, Colombia Publisher : Salty Inspirations (April 8, 2025) Hardcover : 277 pages ISBN-13 : 979-8990881730 Publisher : Salty Inspirations (April 8, 2025) Language : English Paperback : 277 pages ISBN-13 : 979-8990881747 Digital ASIN : B0F3Z14WPJ
. Trapped in a sinister plot with a vengeful drug cartel is a killer vacation.
Taryn wanted sun, cocktails, and relaxation. Instead, she and Alex found themselves tangled in yet another deadly puzzle.
After months of chaos and a near-death experience, Taryn and Alex are desperate for a break. A romantic cruise seems like the perfect escape. Adventurous excursions, tropical drinks, and uninterrupted passion. But their dream vacation takes a dark turn when a danger from the past resurfaces, and bodies start piling up.
Trapped in the middle of a sinister plot, Taryn must unravel the mystery before the killer strikes again. With a vengeful drug cartel lurking in the shadows, the stakes are higher than ever. Will Taryn’s sharp instincts be enough to outmaneuver the enemy, or will their dream getaway become a deadly nightmare?
Fans of Janet Evanovich and rom-cozy mysteries will love this fast-paced escape filled with murder, romance, and laugh-out-loud moments.
Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses is the second book in the Taryn O’Kelly Mystery series—but it can be read as a standalone. Perfect for readers who love strong female sleuths, tropical twists, and a splash of snark.
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Solve a Mystery and Sip a Spicy Bloody Mary!
When you board a cruise ship, you expect a few things: good food, warm sun, fruity drinks, and maybe a little harmless adventure. You don’t usually expect murder. But that’s exactly what Taryn O’Kelly faces in Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses. My latest mystery features amateur sleuthing, unexpected twists, and just enough danger to keep you guessing until the very last chapter.
While Taryn navigates suspicious deaths, secret agendas, and a few heart-pounding surprises, she also manages to enjoy one of cruising’s greatest traditions: the cocktail hour. And let me tell you, no drink captures the spirit of danger and vacation shenanigans quite like a Spicy Bloody Mary.
In fact, here’s a little sneak peek from Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses that shows just how important the right cocktail can be. Even when you’re investigating a murder:
“The guest service guy gave me a different number than the one he shared with Sara,” I said, sipping my Spicy Bloody Mary.“These Bloody Marys are good,” I gushed. “I need this recipe!”
“It’s spicy V8 and Sriracha vodka that makes these so good,” Robert pointed out, taking a sip of his.
“How do you know?” I questioned.
“One, I have very refined taste buds, and two, I asked the first morning I was here,” he grinned.
I started to punch him but controlled myself. He was a turd. Instead, I smiled, because turd or not, he was funny and sometimes cute.
Inspired by that scene (and a few personal adventures), I’m sharing a cocktail recipe that’s become a family tradition for me during our annual trips to Lake Powell. Every year, my husband’s family and I gather on the lake, and the Spicy Bloody Mary is the drink that gets things started. It’s become a ritual a little spicy, a little savory, and the perfect way to toast to a new adventure.
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Spicy Bloody Mary Recipe
Serves: 1
This Bloody Mary isn’t your standard Sunday brunch fare. It’s bold, spicy, and just a little bit mysterious. Perfect for chasing clues or relaxing with a good book.
Ingredients:
2 oz Sriracha vodka
4 oz Clamato juice or Spicy V8
1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
2 dashes hot sauce (like Tabasco)
Pinch of lemon pepper
Pinch of garlic salt
Pinch of regular salt
Pinch of black pepper
Pinch of celery salt
Ice cubes
Garnishes:
Lime wedge
Green olives
Instructions:
Fill a shaker with ice.
Add the Sriracha vodka, Clamato juice, fresh lime juice, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon pepper, garlic salt, regular salt, black pepper, and celery salt.
Shake gently to mix all the flavors without over-diluting.
Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with a lime wedge and green olives.
Trust me, after one sip, you’ll understand why Taryn couldn’t resist asking for the recipe. Even while untangling lies, secrets, and danger.
Why the Spicy Bloody Mary?
Choosing the Spicy Bloody Mary for Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses wasn’t random. This drink has a history. It’s classic yet endlessly customizable, much like the mysteries I love writing. It’s spicy, savory, and carries just a hint of danger. Will it be too hot to handle? Will you need another round to settle your nerves after a shocking twist?
Plus, Bloody Marys are practically a cruise tradition. There’s something about salty sea air, deck chairs, and a tall glass of spicy goodness that sets the stage for fun… or maybe a little bit of trouble. Taryn certainly finds a little of both.
A Toast to Adventure (and Murder)
So next time you’re looking for your next read and your next cocktail, consider this a sign. Mix up a Spicy Bloody Mary, curl up somewhere comfortable (preferably with a view of the water, but a backyard chair works just as well), and dive into the high-seas mystery of Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses. Because let’s be honest, everything’s better with a good drink, a juicy murder, and just a little bit of sass.
Cheers to adventures that don’t always go as planned, cocktails that might be a little too delicious and mysteries that keep you guessing long past the last sip!
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Enjoy this peek inside:
‛The other guests were fleeing the scene with their drinks still in their hands. At $10 a drink, you can’t waste those babies.’
‛That man needed coffee or something. Good grief, I barely touched him. He should not have been standing so close to my door. What right did he have to stare me down? Beginning to feel annoyed with the encounter, I took a moment to breathe and tell myself this was not worth my energy. He can not control my feelings or my day.’
‛I had never been so happy to see them standing together. My heart leaped; no one had been snatched or killed. Yay! What has my life come to?’
‛The ECS team did not want to panic the other passengers. Probably to keep the appearance that cruising is safe and people don’t die.’
“Who said anything about wasting it? If I am going to die, I am not going down without my drink. I’ll finish it. To justice!” She gulped the Aguardiente and coughed again. “It burns,” she wheezed.
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About Michelle L. Clifton
Michelle L. Clifton is the author of the Taryn O’Kelly series, which mixes laugh-out-loud humor, steamy romance, and gripping mysteries. Her books are perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich, offering a modern twist on cozy mysteries with amateur sleuth Taryn O’Kelly at the helm.
Michelle was raised in Southwest Colorado in the great valleys of the Rocky Mountains. There she married the love of her life and raised two beautiful kids, a cat, two dogs, and chickens! She has worked in the dental field, dance and theater industry, athletics, and event coordinating. She created Salty Inspirations to pursue her passion for writing.
However, her favorite job is being MOM. Her family made a major move to Cape Coral, Florida, just in time for Hurricane Ian. When not crafting tales of intrigue, Michelle can be found spending time with her family hiking and camping in Colorado and boating and beaching in Florida. Oh! And writing of course!
Six months after the events in Death in the Ozarks, Sally Witherspoon is trying to put that terrible time behind her. She books a river cruise down the Mississippi to get away and relax. Unfortunately relaxation is not to be as as she’s called on to get to the bottom of a mysterious death that occurs on board. A combination of Cheers bartender and Miss Marple, Sally Witherspoon is as determined as ever to solve it.
Praise for Murder On The Mississippi:
“An enjoyable, but deadly cruise down the Mississippi that will keep you in suspense from start to finish! A relaxing trip down the river that turns into a nightmare for main character Sally Witherspoon is a delightful mystery for readers… Lots of twists make for an entertaining read. And like Sally, once it’s over, I’m ready for the next adventure. Looking forward to more in the Sally Witherspoon series!” ~ Ivanka Fear, author of the Blue Water Mysteries and Jake and Mallory Thrillers
This isn’t my first crime solving rodeo with Sally Witherspoon. I really enjoyed the first story in Death In The Ozarks.
Now, some of you may think, how can the police and FBI want a bar owners help in solving a murder. I found it very believable. Being a bartender for many, many years, I learned to read the room and the people. To spot trouble brewing and behavior that makes someone ping your radar.
Sayyly was looking forward to a well deserved vacation. She’s on a cruise of the Mississippi River. Her holiday gets cut short when one of the guests dies under suspicious circumstances. She jumps into the investigation, knowing she’s painting a target on her back. They’re all trapped on a boat with a killer.
The cast and crew were so diverse. There’s some I wanted to kick in the seat of their pants. Fear and uncertainty doesn’t bring out the best and people. Sally was so good at keeping her temper and sifting out clues with these people.
I was so caught up in this book. And as the body count rose, so did my anticipation. There were so many suspects and I was clueless on the who and why.
Another solid winner in the series. Can’t wait to see what Sally stumbles into next.
A cross between Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple and a Cheers bartender, Sally Witherspoon, a 50-something accountant turned biker-bar owner, loves solving puzzles. Up to now, she has focused on helping neighbors and friends find lost jewelry, lost pets, and lost loves. But when she finds her best friend and business partner, Bill Arnold, dead in a dumpster behind her bar on a Saturday night, she needs all her wits and grit to find out who did it. And she won’t stop until she does.
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MY REVIEW
I love a good mystery and it’s even more fun when there’s more than one. And more than one murder. I know, doesn’t sound so good. But, it’s fiction. This book has a pile. The small Ozarks town of Berry Springs has a pile of bodies and no suspect in sight. Or maybe too many to choose from. Enter Sally Witherspoon. She owns Sally’s Smasher, a local biker bar. When a connection between the victim’s and her club is discovered all eyes to turn to her and her clientele.
I really like Sally. It’s nice to have an amateur sleuth that’s a bit more mature. Doesn’t mean she’s that much wiser in figuring out the who, what and why. But she’s determined despite warnings from the police to mind her own beeswax and maybe drawing attention from the killer or killers. Oh yes, who says there can’t be more than one.
When I reached the end I realized I’d read the book straight through. It was that fun. And if I’d had the next one, I’d have picked it up and continued reading.
4 STARS
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About Author Erik S. Meyers:
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Currently in Austria, Erik S. Meyers is an American abroad for years and years who has lived or worked in six countries on three continents, the longest in Germany. He is an award-winning author and communications professional with over twenty-five years of expertise in a variety of corporate roles. Reading and writing are his passions, when he is not hiking one of the amazing trails in Austria or elsewhere.
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In the whimsical small town of Bisque, filled with fur babies and friendly faces, lives a dapper cat detective, Sir Percival. With his keen intellect, a flair for the dramatic (and of course impeccable grooming), he believes he embodies the essence of a gentleman.
One fateful night, all seems well as Christmas lights and glittering snowflakes usher in a peaceful end to the day. But perched atop a towering Christmas tree, Sir Percival’s vigilant gaze spots a shadowy intruder lurking near a home down the street! His concern for the spirited little dog who resides there, compels him to embark on a daring nighttime escapade. But the shocking discovery in the little dog’s backyard is more than just a mischievous intruder–it’s a dead body.
Determined to solve the mystery and protect their humans, Sir Percival enlists the help of his newfound friend, Fidget. Together, they unravel clues that lead them through a web of betrayal, eccentric neighbors, and buried secrets!
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About Lucy Carol
Lucy Carol’s top priority is to entertain you, and keep you turning pages. She writes mysteries for those who like it fun, fast, and don’t mind losing a little sleep. Living and writing in the Pacific Northwest, she loves martinis, flowers, dancing, a good lipstick, and cake.
A Pawsome Summer For Murder (Samantha Davies Mystery)
. by S. A. Kazlo
A Pawsome Summer For Murder (Samantha Davies Mystery) Cozy Mystery 7th in Series Setting – New York Publisher : Adk Foothills Publishing (May 1, 2025) Paperback : 218 pages ISBN-13 : 979-8230299592 Digital ASIN : B0DXC8QFZH
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It’s summer in Wings Falls, New York and Samantha Davies is geared up for the annual trout tournament sponsored by Al Gorman, owner of the Sport’s Shop. Sam, along with her Southern Belle cousin, Candie Parker-Hogan, are determined to beat the pants off their significant others, Sam’s new fiancé, Hank Johnson, a detective on Wings Falls police force and Mark Hogan, Candie’s husband. The ladies feel they have a secret weapon-they learned from the best fisherman in Hainted Hollar Tennessee, Grandpop Parker. Sam once won a trophy for the largest fish in the Fins and Tails Fishing Derby.
To Sam’s surprise instead of reeling in the day’s biggest catch, she “hooked” into the body of the town’s most vocal activist, Luna Wheeler.
Raylene Carrigan, owner of a traveling doggie daycare Sam uses for her lovable dachshund, Porkchop, becomes a prime suspect, when it becomes known Luna tried to shut down the town’s doggie park she depends on for the pets in her care. Since Sam has successfully helped solve murders in the past, Raylene begs her for help to prove her innocent.
Sam reluctantly agrees but knows her fiancé won’t be happy with her involvement in yet another murder case.
Determined to help Porkchop’s buddy, Sam starts digging for clues only to discover that Luna, with her over-zealous demands to many of the town’s businesses to recycle, upset more than a few of her friends. Can Sam land Luna’s murderer before she gets ‘hooked’ by the killer?
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About S. A. Kazlo
Syrl, a retired teacher, lives in upstate New York with her husband and two lively dachshunds. She writes the Samantha Davies Mystery series, featuring Samantha Davies and her loveable dachshund, Porkchop. When not writing she is busy hooking, rug hooking that is, and enjoying her family. Her newest book, number seven in the series, A Pawsome Summer For Murder, was released May 1, 2025
Wednesday Wicked Ways: Friday Night Mystery Club Series
. by Joanna Campbell Slan
Wednesday Wicked Ways: Friday Night Mystery Club Series Cozy Mystery 4th in Series Setting – Decatur, Illinois/1986 Publisher : Spot On Publishing (March 23, 2025) Paperback : 230 pages ISBN-13 : 979-8314595169 Digital ASIN : B0DSCJFK42
. From bestselling cozy mystery author Joanna Campbell Slan comes a thrilling new installment in the Friday Night Mystery Club series, featuring a group of female amateur sleuths.
Decatur, Illinois/1986– In this small Midwestern town, everyone has something to hide, from Japanese business interests eyeing a piece of property to an angry sharpshooter harboring a murderous obsession. Meanwhile, working women struggle to make their way in a man’s world, and their primary opposition might well be…other women.
Cragan Collins has a lot on her plate: a demanding job as an advertising rep, a complicated love life, and an upcoming public speaking contest. But when a shooter targets a performer at one of her ad accounts, Fast Freddy’s Gentleman’s Club, and leaves a young dancer critically injured, Cragan and her mystery-solving friends spring into action. They suspect that Pru, the club’s star performer and their housemate, may be the real target — and the danger to her is far from over.
This page-turning cozy mystery features female amateur sleuths who love reading mysteries. The book blends humor, romance, and suspense while tackling themes of workplace equality and acceptance.
Perfect for fans of Wendy Delaney, Elaine Viets, and Tonya Kappes, or anyone who enjoys mysteries with a side helping of social commentary, a smidgeon of humor, and a dash of romance.
This is Book 4 in the Friday Night Mystery Club series, but can be read as a standalone novel.
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Excerpt
Pop! The sound exploded the frigid night air.
A backfire, thought Chantilly.
A firecracker, thought Pru, standing not far from her friends.
Weird, thought Taffy. She intended to get inside her car, but her legs didn’t cooperate. Instead, they buckled.
Chantilly made a diving grab and caught the other girl before she hit the ground. Being stronger and taller, Chantilly was able to ease Taffy to the pavement. While doing so, she noticed how white Taffy’s face looked. Was it a result of the sodium lamp? No, it was deathly pale.
“Taffy, you okay?” asked Chantilly, lightly slapping Taffy’s cheeks.
“Leg,” Taffy moaned.
Chantilly ran her hands down the other woman’s body. She stopped when she discovered a warm wetness. Lifting her ivory-colored leather gloves toward the parking lamp, Chantilly gasped in horror. Blood dripped down her arm.
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About Joanna Campbell Slan
Joanna is a New York Times Bestselling, USA Today Bestselling, and Amazon Bestselling author as well as a woman prone to frequent bursts of crafting frenzy, leaving her with burns from her hot glue gun and paint on her clothes. And the mess? Let’s not even go there.
Otherwise, Joanna’s a productive author with more than 80 written projects to her credit. Her non-fiction work includes how to books, a college textbook for public speakers, and books of personal essays (think Chicken Soup for the Soul).
Currently, she writes six fiction series: The Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series (Agatha Award Finalist, contemporary, St. Louis setting, crafting), the Cara Mia Delgatto Mystery Series (contemporary, Florida setting, DIY, and recycling), the Jane Eyre Chronicles (Daphne du Maurier Award Winner, 1830s England, based on Charlotte Brontë’s classic), the Sherlock Holmes Fantasy Thrillers (late 1800s, based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s books), the Tai Chi Mystery Series (featuring a mature female amateur sleuth!) and the Friday Night Mystery Series (set in Decatur, IL in 1986 with a spunky female heroine.)
A former TV talk show host, college teacher, and public relations specialist, Joanna was one of the early Chicken Soup for the Soul contributors. She won a Silver Anvil for her work on the original FarmAid concert to benefit farmers.
In her ongoing quest never to see snow again, Joanna lives with her husband and their Havanese puppy, Jax, on an island off the coast of Florida. You can email her at jcslan@joannaslan.com or visit her website at https://linktr.ee/jcslan
“This fast-paced
read, filled with twists and turns, will keep readers glued to the pages until
they reach the very satisfying ending.”
—Cindy Sample, National Bestselling Author of the Laurel
McKay Mystery Series
“Rocky Nelson is just
the kind of heroine I love: strong, smart, fierce, and yet still vulnerable.”
—Eileen Rendahl, award-winning author
“This debut mystery
delivers a one-two punch!”
—Kim Davis, author
“Phillips has
mastered the ‘whodunit’ craft.”
—R. Franklin James, award winning author
Sisters Rocky and Bridget are enjoying each other’s company
at a vintage trailerfest until they stumble over a corpse. The dead guy is none
other than the local trailer restorer Bridget was overheard threatening to
kill. Mounting evidence leads police to focus on Bridget as a person of
interest. Desperate to prove her sister innocent of murder, Rocky dons her own
deerstalker cap and goes sleuthing until she runs into police detective
Thompson who warns her off his case in no uncertain terms. But Rocky is
tenacious if not stubborn. Combined with a 78-year-old father who becomes her
sidekick, Rocky uses her courage and skills learned in boxing lessons to
protect her family and keep from becoming the killer’s next victim.
The exterior lamp cast a dim amber glow over the deck where Opal had stood earlier that day. Moths flew against the light, their suicidal efforts creating a luminescent haze.
I had decided to return to Wes’s property, desperate to find some clue as to where he hid his money. I was convinced finding the money would lead me to the killer. Even though my visit with Dad had gleaned nothing, at least I was now somewhat familiar with the lay of the land. I gained access from the farthest corner where I found a stretch of barbed wire fencing. A weathered NO TRESPASSING sign dangled. I carefully pushed the wire down and stepped over, avoiding the sharp barbs. I approached the house from the back, moving from tree to tree until I found a large oak where I could observe yet remain unseen. I hid behind the thick trunk and waited. The full moon cast everything into shades of blue. The carcasses of trailers amidst the trees created a grim and forbidding landscape. Somewhere an owl hooted, and another answered.
The kitchen light was on, and I assumed Opal was home. From my vantage point, I couldn’t tell if her car was in the garage, nor could I see if any vehicles were parked in front of the house. After a time, the sliding glass door opened, and two people stepped out onto the deck. I craned my neck to get a better look, but unfortunately, my view was partially blocked by shrubbery and branches. I only had a partial view of the deck and the stairs.
At that moment, my nose tickled, and I sneezed into the crook of my arm, in an attempt to dampen the sound.
Duke woofed, then got up and shook himself, the chain jangling. He went to the deck railing, dragging the chain behind him over the wooden boards. He put his nose through the slats and sniffed.
I froze.
The couple didn’t seem to notice. They stood close together and after a few minutes, parted.
I strained to hear what they were saying, but their voices were muffled. I changed my position and stepped on a stout twig, breaking it, the sound as loud as a firecracker.
Duke growled.
“Something . . . there,” said Opal.
The man muttered an answer.
“He doesn’t growl at nothing,” Opal said, loud enough to hear. “I’ll get a flashlight.”
The man descended the stairs.
The sliding door opened and closed. “Catch,” Opal said. “I’m letting Duke off his chain. He’ll find whatever’s out there.”
My heart jumped to my throat. I frantically looked for somewhere to hide.
A tarp covered an object sitting low to the ground. Most likely a boat. Whatever it was, it was the nearest hiding place.
The beam of the flashlight played over the terrain, too close for comfort. I dropped to the dirt and scrambled on all fours under the tarp. Acorns and pinecones bit into my palms. Cobwebs brushed against my face. I stifled a scream. I pulled myself into a tight ball and waited while images of spiders, ticks, and other creepy crawlers, filled my head. Mold and decay assaulted my senses. I breathed through my mouth. When the beam from the flashlight found the tarp, I squeezed my eyes shut. Please, please, keep going. Move on, I begged silently.
Duke rooted around, sniffing the ground in excitement, then whined.
“Ugh,” said the man.
I opened my eyes to see something black, the size of a cat, disappear under a trailer. The white stripe registered too late in my brain to react. Skunk!
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A Deadly Match
Rocky Nelson Boxing Mystery Book 2
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“A Deadly
Match packs an Oscar-worthy punch!” —Holly West, author of
the Mistress of Fortune series and Anthony Award-winning editor of Killin’
Time in San Diego
In Book 2, Raquel (AKA Rocky)
investigates family secrets and murder.
Twin sisters Rocky and Bridget soon find themselves facing
another shocking mystery when Hollywood visits the Sierra Foothills.
Their aunt and uncle, both famous movie stars they haven’t
seen since their mother’s funeral, are in town to film a movie. Forced into
family togetherness, Rocky takes them on a tour of her boxing gym, which wasn’t
supposed to include a dead body.
When her beloved coach, Cutter, is arrested for the murder,
Rocky refuses to believe he’s guilty. Driven to clear his name, she embarks on
a dangerous investigation that leads her into a web of secrets, lies, and
unexpected betrayals. As the stakes get higher and the killer’s motives become
more twisted, Rocky realizes she may be fighting for more than just the
truth—she may be fighting for her own life.
Karen A. Phillips enjoys writing mysteries, MG/YA fantasy,
and poetry. She resides in Northern California, and is a proud member of
Sisters In Crime and Willamette Writers.
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She hates her gift – but it just might save her…
Geologist Petra Cloch can touch an object and sense the emotions of the people who’ve held it. It’s a miserable way to live. She studied rocks because they rarely ‘talk’ to her and she’s dodged friendships so she won’t need to explain her gift or feel like a voyeur. But when she takes a job as the rock and mineral curator at an unusual western history museum and picks up a jagged crystal in her new office, flashes of rage, fear and death hit hard.
Everyone says her predecessor died in a car crash, but what if he was murdered? Under normal circumstances, Petra would never become involved, but what if the previous curator died because of something he did on the job? She could be next. Petra knows she’ll need evidence, not her psychic sense she hides. Can she trust her chatty colleagues who invite her to lunch and to join a book club? And what about the far too watchful Sheriff who keeps showing up unexpectedly…
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About Kris Bock
Kris Bock writes mystery, suspense, and romance, often with Southwestern landscapes. In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. This humorous series starts with Something Shady at Sunshine Haven, which made Barnes & Noble’s list of “Handpicked Favorites You’ll Love!” Kris’s romantic suspense novels include stories of treasure hunting, archaeology, and intrigue. Readers have called these novels “Smart romance with an Indiana Jones feel.”
Learn more about Kris’s books or sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter and get an Accidental Detective short story and other freebies. Then every two weeks, you’ll get fun content about pets, announcements of new books, sales, and more.
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Widow and retired realtor, Rose Fairchild, is gifted with a sixth sense. Moving from Long Island to a community in South Carolina, Rose is reluctant to leave the house she shared with her husband Harvey and her cat Moxie before they died, but a strange vision of a disappearing kitten on the community’s website intrigues her.
When Rose arrives in the Meadows Lake community, she meets two singles her age: Grant, a real estate agent and widower, and Blake, the divorced Fallsview sheriff. She also meets the orange cat of her vision who introduces herself as Soup and claims to be sent by Rose’s husband as a guide for her new life.
Soon after, a murder takes place at the clubhouse. The victim is the restaurant cook who wasn’t well liked, and Rose becomes involved in the sheriff’s investigation, only to receive a written threat to stop snooping around. Will her visions help her solve the case… or will she need help from her supernatural kitten?
About Debbie De Louise
Debbie De Louise is an award-winning author and a retired reference librarian. She is a member of Sisters-in-Crime, International Thriller Writers, and the Cat Writers’ Association. She writes two cozy mystery series, the Cobble Cove Mysteries and Buttercup Bend Mysteries. She’s also written a paranormal romance, three standalone mysteries, a time-travel novel, and a collection of cat poems. Her stories and poetry appear in over a dozen anthologies. Debbie also writes articles for cat magazines. She recently moved from Long Island to South Carolina, where she lives with her husband, daughter, and three cats. Learn more about Debbie and her books by visiting her website at https://debbiedelouise.com
Hairless Hassles (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery) by Ruth J. Hartman
Hairless Hassles (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery) Cozy Mystery 3rd in Series Setting – Indiana Level Best Books (April 15, 2025) • Number of Pages 280 Digital ASIN : B0F585MZ9Z
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When two of Cat Groomer Molly Stewart’s pet parents are framed for murder, Molly will stop at nothing to keep her octogenarian friends out of jail. The fact that the body was discovered between Florence and Lottie’s houses doesn’t bode well for the ladies, or the fact that their Sphynx cats were way too interested in pawing at the body when it was discovered. Although Molly is ready to pounce on the real killer, will she be able to help them, or has the ladies’ continual gossip and spying on others finally landed them in hot water?
About Ruth J. Hartman
Ruth J. Hartman loves a good mystery. That’s probably why she happily gave up a life of cleaning other people’s teeth to write books. With several cozy mysteries under her belt, her main problem is keeping the characters straight – sometimes they have a tendency to hop on over to a different series, just for laughs
Over forty books later, consisting of romances, a children’s book, women’s fiction, and now cozy mysteries, Ruth still enjoys the thrill of taking the thoughts and images of her characters from her imagination to her computer screen.
She lives in rural Indiana with her husband, Garry, and their family of spoiled cats. Because of Ruth’s love for felines, every one of her books has at least one cat in it. Her cats, who’ve deemed themselves her editors, act like they’re supervising her writing, even though they’re often loafing off or napping.
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