Archive for the ‘Cozy Mystery’ Category

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Olive and Let Die
by Susannah Hardy

Olive and Let Die is a great cozy mystery that I was able to read over the weekend. It was almost impossible for me to put the book down at any point – …
~Sapphyria’s Book Reviews

I like the author’s writing style and how she keeps the story moving right along.
~Griperang’s Bookmarks

This is a great mystery and anyone who loves mysteries will love it.
~3 Partners in Shopping; Nana, Mommy, &; Sissy too

First let me tell you that this is a series you shouldn’t miss.
~A Chick Who Reads

…a complex mystery, growth and added depth to the characters, as well as a thought provoking look at what it means to be family.
~Cozy Up With Kathy

OLIVE AND LET DIEOlive and Let Die
(A Greek to Me Mystery)

Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (November 3, 2015)
ISBN-13: 978-0425271667
ASIN: B00SI027QY
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Synopsis

The second Greek to Me Mystery from the author of Feta Attraction…

As manager of the Bonaparte House, a historic landmark and Greek restaurant in upstate New York, Georgie Nikolopatos knows her local legends—and her traditional Greek recipes are to die for.

Between her soon-to-be ex-husband Spiro coming out of the closet and her budding romance with Captain Jack Conway, Georgie’s life is beginning to feel like a soap opera. And that’s before a surprise visit from her estranged mother Shirley, better known as soap star Melanie Ashley. But the dramatic family reunion takes a chilling turn when another long-lost relative turns up dead.

Just outside Spiro’s new restaurant, Georgie and Melanie find the body of Doreen Webber—a cousin Georgie never knew she had. With Spiro’s partner Inky on the list of suspects, Georgie begins to wonder what else her mother may be hiding. Is the dead-broke diva capable of murder? She’d better find out before someone adds a new twist to the family plot.

Includes delicious Greek recipes!

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My Review

Even though I haven’t read the first book in this series, that didn’t stop me from enjoying this book. The author sprinkled bits of previous events throughout so I quickly got clued in.

Georgie has so many eggs in her basket. She lives with her soon to be ex-mother-in-law, Sophie. What will happen after the divorce is final? Will she have to move?

And her romance with sexy Captain Jack Conway is taking off. What will happen if her mother-in-law finds out?

A sticky situation, as Sophie took her in when her mother took off and Georgie wants to buy the restaurant.

Then the humdinger. Famous soap opera star Melanie Ashley visits the restaurant. It doesn’t take long for Georgie to figure out Melanie is her mother, last seen riding away on a motorcycle over 20 years ago.

Things get crazy when a body is found outside Spiro’s restaurant. His partner, Inky, is suspect number one. Georgie and Spiro may be getting a divorce, but they’re still friends, and she’ll do what it takes to prove Inky innocent.

I thought it was funny that Georgie’s mother was a star on a soap opera. This book felt like one. So much going on. So many people connected to each other by blood or friendship.

Plenty of secrets, suspicions, and misdirection keep you guessing who killed Georgie’s cousin and why.

And a lot of food is mentioned in this book. Georgie manages Bonaparte House, a Greek restaurant. I had to look up some of the dishes and they sound delicious. There are several recipes at the end of the book. I especially want to try Glady’s Banana Bread. I didn’t know you could freeze bananas.

I did it again, started a series somewhere besides the beginning. I’ll be grabbing Feta Attraction now. As I mentioned earlier, you can read this without having read the first book, but why miss all the fun. I need to know how this all began.

4 Stars

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Author Susannah Hardy

Susannah

Susannah Hardy thinks she has the best job in the world: making up stories and inventing recipes to go along with them. A native of northern New York, where she attended St. Lawrence University, Susannah now lives in Connecticut with her husband, teenaged son, and Elvira the Wonder Cat.

Author Links Website / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links 

Amazon B&N

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I have one print copy to give away.

US Only. Sorry to my International friends.

To enter, please leave your email address so I can contact you if you win and answer this question:

“What’s your favorite thing about cozy mysteries?”

Inquiring minds want to know! LOL

Giveaway ends November 16th.

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Tour Participants

November 3 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – Review

November 4 – Melina’s Book Blog – Guest Post

November 5 – Community Bookstop – Review

November 6 – Back Porchervations – Review

November 7 – Griperang’s Bookmarks – Review, Interview

November 8 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy,  &, Sissy, Too ! – Review

November 9 – A Chick Who Reads – Review

November 10 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Review, Guest Post

November 11 – fuonlyknew – Review

November 12 – Books Are Life – Vita Libri – Review

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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A Dickens of a Murder
by Joyce and Jim Lavene

A DICKENS OF A MURDER by authors Joyce and Jim Lavene, is one of their most fun and original books to date!
~Lisa K’s Book Reviews

First in a brand-new series, the popular cozy authors Joyce and Jim Lavene bring life to a small and quiet community as eccentric bibliophile Simon Canterville and business partner, long-time librarian Lisa Wellman…
~Mallory Heart Reviews

Interesting cozy mystery with a paranormal element. Well written with a good story
~MysteriesEtc

I’m hooked on this new series.
~Cozy Up With Kathy

A Dickens of A Murder is a charming whodunnit that will please the bibliophile that lives in all of us.
~Moonlight Rendezvous

I was so captivated by this book. Lisa Wellman and Simon Canterville are strong characters that really pull you in to the story.
~Shelley’s Book Case

I loved the book. It has so many of the story elements that I truly enjoy: mystery, a book store, and a struggling author who just happens to be a former librarian. It’s one of my dream worlds.
~Booklady’s Booknotes

A Dickens of a Murder
(Canterville Book Shop Mystery 1)

Cozy Mystery
Print Length: 208 pages
Publisher: J. Lavene (November 3, 2015)
ASIN: B015269QSI

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My Review

A new cozy mystery by some favorite authors. Joyce and Jim Lavene have enchanted me yet again.

The combination of a librarian turned book shop owner is especially fun. I love books in all shapes and sizes and often dreamed of working in a library or owning my own book store. Imagine it, surrounded by millions of printed words, all those books begging to be read. I’d never get any work done. LOL

The main characters are Lisa Wellman and Simon Canterville. There are many others too. These authors fill the pages with colorful characters that add dimension and bring the small township of Olde Town, Portsmouth, Virginia to life, and give us a few suspects.

Lisa left her job as librarian at the public library to pursue her dream of owning a book shop and trying to write that book she’s got in her head. In partnership with Simon Canterville, a quiet, shy man who has a penchant for vintage suits, the dream is finally happening. Their store, The Canterville Book Shop, is opening soon and just wait until you step inside.

The three story Victorian mansion, owned by Simon, is filled with beautiful antiques. The original architecture and design is glamorous and the rooms, named after different authors, contain thousands of books in all your most loved genres, especially mysteries. Who wouldn’t love to spend hours browsing all of them.

The new owners are in a pickle when a man is found dead, hanging on the roof of the book shop. Suspicion is squarely on Lisa and Simon when the body is discovered to be one Ebeneezer Hart. He’s been fighting the opening of their shop, claiming there are too many already.

Now you have it. The stage for the mystery has been set. Next comes a fun complication.

The responding officer at the crime scene is none other than Deputy Chief Daniel Fairhaven, who happens to be Lisa’s ex-husband.

Now you’ll be wondering about Lisa and Daniel. Will he believe her innocence? Will old flames be rekindled? Nothing like a little romance to sweeten things up.

Watch for the surprise ghost, I mean guest. The books not called A Dickens of a Murder for nothing. The two D’s have Lisa going this way and that.

While this story takes place in the present, you can’t help but feel tones of the past, of a Victorian era. For one, there’s the title. Then there’s the mansion and Simon’s penchant for the old style suits. The timing did it too. Two weeks before Thanksgiving, a chill of snow is in the air. People are giddy with anticipation of the holidays to come. I felt like I could step into the past.

I’m always excited to start a new book by these two talented authors. I started reading A Dickens Of A Murder and was soon smiling in delight, meeting new characters, exploring a new town, and puzzling over the mystery.

Joyce and Jim did it again. Took me away from the humdrum of real life, allowing me to escape, if but for a brief time, through there writing.

5 Stars

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Synopsis:

Christmas at Canterville!

Lisa Wellman and Simon Canterville are surprised to find a dead man on their roof in the midst of rushing to open the Canterville Book Shop in time for the holidays. And not just any dead man – Ebenezer Hart – the man who opposed the book shop opening in Olde Town, Portsmouth, Virginia.
What might be more surprising is when Daniel Fairhaven – Lisa’s ex – turns up at the door of the three-story Victorian house to head the police investigation. She hasn’t seen him in years but the sparks start to fly as soon as they are in the same room together.

Simon and Lisa are obviously the best suspects for the murder. Each of them had something to gain by Hart’s death. Then an attempt on Simon’s life throws that theory into a tailspin.
But the biggest surprise yet comes when the ghost of Charles Dickens turns up to help Lisa with the murder investigation – and writing the mystery novel she has been working on for years.
Without a doubt, Daniel and Dickens in Lisa’s life means trouble. And there’s still the matter of trying to get the book shop open with a killer on their heels.

Authors Joyce and Jim Lavene

I just love this picture of Joyce and Jim

Joyce and Jim Lavene write award-winning, bestselling mystery fiction as themselves, J.J. Cook, and Ellie Grant. They have written and published more than 70 novels for Harlequin, Berkley, Amazon, and Gallery Books along with hundreds of non-fiction articles for national and regional publications. They live in rural North Carolina with their family.

Author Links

Website / Facebook / Amazon / Twitter

Purchase Link

Amazon

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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The Stitching Hour
by Amanda Lee

I like how the author likes to give you just enough clues so that you think that you know whodunit but then gives you another clue to let you know that wait a minute it may not be that person after all. She likes to keep you guessing.
~Griperang’s Bookmarks

A full 5 stars for this addition to the Embroidery Mystery series.
~Laura’s Interests

The Stitching Hour:
An Embroidery Mystery

Cozy Mystery
9th in Series
Publisher: NAL (November 3, 2015)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0451473844
E-Book ASIN: B00S75OKKQ

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My Review

Some time ago I won a book from this series and had such fun reading it. After that I kept my eye out for more. While I’m all over the place in the series, reading books out of order, it’s nice to grab this new one. That shows, you can jump into these anywhere and easily catch up on past events. The author does a good job of cluing you in quickly in the right places so the story doesn’t become bogged down in the past.

It’s great to be back in Tallulah Falls, visiting Marcy and seeing what’s brewing now. She’s offering all kinds of fun Halloween themed stitching kits and business is brisk.

Then, a new business opens up next door to her shop, The Seven Year Stitch. It’s a haunted house run by an odd couple. The noise is bad for her business. And a murder isn’t any better. A waitress is found dead, one of Marcy’s Halloween key rings discovered under her body, and strange marks on her neck.

Looks like Marcy’s putting on her sleuthing cap again. She’ll need to use all of her wits to solve the murder and clear her name, while not becoming a victim herself.

I love this series. Marcy is independent, determined, and such a genuinely kind woman. Her dog, Angus , a giant Wolfhound, is such a sweetie. And her shop sounds like a place I could spend hours in.

Tallulah falls is a small town and reminds me of the one I live in. Small business owners all work together, supporting each other, and everyone knows all the latest gossip. This connection brings the story to life.

Lots of cherished characters are back, along with some new ones.

The mystery is a fun one with a weird twist. Perfect for a Halloween themed who-dun-it. The culprit isn’t quickly evident, and I had a lot of fun following Marcie around as she dug for clues.

An exciting new chapter in this series and one for all cozy fans.

4 Stars

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Synopsis:

In the latest mystery from the bestselling author of Wicked Stitch, the future of Marcy Singer’s embroidery shop is dangling by a thread…

Marcy’s shop, the Seven-Year Stitch, is one year old this October so it’s time to party in little Tallulah Falls, Oregon. Aside from the Halloween decorations and festive stitching kits and patterns, Marcy’s got all sorts of celebratory swag, including Seven-Year Stitch key rings and goodie bags.

Unfortunately, her new neighbors might spoil the revelry. An eccentric couple has opened a haunted house next door, and all that screaming will certainly scare off customers. But there’s even more to be frightened of after a local waitress is found dead on the sidewalk with mysterious markings on her neck—and one of Marcy’s key rings beneath her. With no time to hem and haw, Marcy must act fast if she hopes to restore the peace to Tallulah Falls…

Gayle

About This Author

 Gayle Trent (and pseudonym Amanda Lee) writes the Daphne Martin Cake Decorating series and the Embroidery Mystery series. The cake decorating series features a heroine who is starting her life over in Southwest Virginia after a nasty divorce. The Embroidery Mystery series features a heroine who recently moved to the Oregon coast to open an embroidery specialty shop.

Author Links

Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links:

Penguin Random House / Amazon / Booksamillion / B&N

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Follow The Tour

November 3 – Griperang’s Bookmarks – Review

November 4 – Laura’s Interests – Review

November 5 – Melina’s Book Blog – Review

November 6 – Tea and A Book – Review, Guest Post

November 7 – A Chick Who Reads – Review

November 8 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review, Guest Post

November 9 – fuonlyknew – Review

November 10 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy,  &, Sissy, Too ! – Review

November 11 – readalot – Review

November 12 – View from the Birdhouse – Review

November 13 – Books Are Life – Vita Libri – Review

November 13 – Bubble Bath Books – Review

November 14 – WV Stitcher – Review, Guest Post

November 15 – Book Babble – Review

November 16 – Back Porchervations – Review

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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I love cozy mysteries.

The clever titles.

The quirky, colorful cover art.

And the characters and towns I meet and come to know.

Check this out!

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

Claws For Alarm

A Nick & Nora Mystery

by T.C. LoTempio

ClawsNBA High Res

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Synopsis

Since inheriting her mother’s sandwich shop, Nora Charles is more about hot grilled paninis than cold-blooded murder—until her sister Lacey is arrested. The victim, an esteemed art collector and Lacey’s bullying professor, was stabbed in the heart. Apparently, all over a lousy grade.

Off campus, things were just as dicey. The prof had an ex with secrets, a trophy wife set to inherit a fortune in masterworks, and a scorned student mistress. Going undercover, Nora realizes that investigating this crime is the biggest test of her sleuthing career. Because if she fails, even Nick’s animal instinct won’t be enough to rescue Lacey from a perfectly executed framing.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Praise for the Nick and Nora

“Nick and Nora are a winning team.”—Rebecca Hale, New York Times bestselling author of How to Paint a Cat

“Nick and Nora are the purrfect sleuthy duo!”—*Victoria Laurie, New York Times bestselling author of the Psychic Eye Mystery series

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Author T.C. LoTempio

Born in New York City, T. C. LoTempio is the national bestselling author of Meow If It’s Murder, the first in the Nick and Nora Mystery series. She has been a staff reporter at the young adult magazine Susabella Passengers and Friends for more than a decade. When she isn’t reporting or writing novels, she and her cat Rocco fundraise for Nathan Fillion’s charity, Kids Need to Read.

Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook

 

 

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$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 11/30/15

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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Short & Tall Tales in Goose Pimple Junction

26229157

Genre – Cozy Mystery
File Size: 2120 KB
Print Length: 127 pages
Publisher: Southern Ink Press
An imprint of Blue Publications
Publication Date: September 4, 2015
ASIN: B014XIMXOK

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My Review

Reading these short tales was like hanging out with friends. I live in a small Single Tax Colony on the Gulf Coast and I swear I recognized some of these characters.   Their accents, use of words, and mannerisms all rang true.  And Goose Pimple Junction could be my home town.

Right from the start I was laughing. There’s a scene in the local diner where some ladies are gossiping. It reminded of when I managed a full service gas station. Remember those?

The owner and a bunch of his buddies would hang out at a small table in the corner and gossip. They were worse than any woman.

From what I gather, this book falls between the first and third book in the series. For those of you wanting to learn more about some of the characters, some details about how things came to be, these would be a special treat.

And for those of you who haven’t read the series yet, you’ll want to after visiting Goose Pimple Junction.

The characters are so genuine, the town so familiar, and the laughs so numerous, you can bet your bottom dollar I’ll be following this series now.

4 Stars

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Synopsis:

This is not your average Southern town. With a hint of mystery, a lot of laughs, and unique charm, you’ll catch a glimpse of everyday life in Goose Pimple Junction in this short story compilation. Short & Tall Tales occurs chronologically between Murder & Mayhem, book 1, and
Heroes & Hooligans
, book 2, in the Goose Pimple Junction mystery series. Book 1.5 is a fun escape that will answer questions readers may have about the residents of this quirky small town.

How did Johnny Butterfield become police chief?
How did Tess and Jack get engaged?
How did Ima Jean come to live with Louetta?
How do you celebrate an Apple Day?

These questions and more are answered in Short & Tall Tales in Goose Pimple Junction. Five short stories, one novella, and three recipes will give you more of life in Goose Pimple Junction, make you laugh, and have your mouth watering. If you want a feel-good read, you’ve come to the right place. Grab some sweet tea and escape to Goose Pimple Junction.

Author Amy Metz

AmyMetz

Amy Metz is the author of the Goose Pimple Junction mystery series. She is a former first grade teacher and the mother of two sons. When not actively engaged in writing, enjoying her family, or surfing Facebook or Pinterest, Amy can usually be found with a mixing spoon, camera, or book in one hand and a glass of sweet tea in the other. Amy lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

Author Links

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
Purchase Link:
Amazon

Other books in the series.

 

 

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I have one Ebook copy to give away.

Entry is easy. Please leave your email address so I can contact you if you win and answer this question:

“What is your favorite place to read?”

Giveaway ends October 29th.

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Follow the tour for more fun posts!

October 15 – Back Porchervations – Review

October 16 – Babs Book Bistro – Review

October 17 – Christa Reads and Writes – Review

October 18 – Laura’s Interests – Review

October 19 – Frankie Bow – Interview

October 20 – Community Bookstop – Review

October 21 – fuonlyknew – Review

October 22 – deal sharing aunt – Interview

October 23 – Queen of All She Reads – Review

October 24 – Girl with Book Lungs – Interview

October 25 – Jane Reads – Review

October 26 – Chloe Gets A Clue – Interview

October 27 – THE SELF-TAUGHT COOK – Review

October 28 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – Spotlight

October 29 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Review

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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Happy Homicides – 13 Cozy Holiday Mysteries
by Joanna Campbell Slan and 12 more Cozy Authors

Doesn’t this sound awesome. You’ll probably recognize many of these authors, as I did, and find some new ones too!

Come on in, cozy up, and enjoy my review.

And don’t forget to enter the awesome giveaway!

Happy Homicides Cover Final   Happy Homicides Bonus Final

 

Happy Homicides & Happy Homicides Bonus

Not Available for Sale or Pre-Order Yet.

My Review

Thirteen stories for the holidays. How great is that!

Some of my favorite authors contributed to this anthology along with some new ones for me.

Each story, though not a full length novel, was so well written it felt complete. That shows the talent of these authors, giving you a beginning, middle, and end, in a limited amount of words.

Spend the holidays meeting new characters, falling in love, and solving some murders.

Each new story brings that feeling of wonder. You are entering a new world, going on a new adventure.

After I finished one story, I couldn’t resist starting the next one. And so it went until I finished them all.

With weather cooling down, these stories would be great companions while curled up with a snug blanket and a hot cuppa tea.

5 Stars

Synopsis:

A holiday bonanza! A collection of traditional mysteries to celebrate the holidays, written by thirteen bestselling and award-winning authors. Heartwarming, brain puzzling, craft-centered, and character driven reads that’ll keep you entertained for hours. Nearly 800 pages of reading material, plus a special Recipe and Craft Bonus.

Included are:

Kiki Lowenstein and the Rowan Branch – (Joanna Campbell Slan) When Horace Goldfader is accused of murder, Kiki learns how difficult it can be to maintain peace on earth—and to keep her deathbed promise to her late friend, Dodie.

Cara Mia Delgatto and the Misdirected Gifts  — (Joanna Campbell Slan) Two waylaid items cause Cara to take a break from her booming retail business and follow her heart. Can a sprinkling of holiday magic create a “happily ever after” ending for all involved?

The Christmas Dog — (Joyce and Jim Lavene) A woman running from her deadly past finds hope, and a dog, at Christmas.

and more.

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joanna campbell slanAbout This Author

Joanna Campbell Slan is the award-winning author of the Kiki Lowenstein Mysteries (an Agatha Award Finalist) and two other mystery series. Her stories in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series has been read and loved by millions. Her books reviving the classic heroine Jane Eyre have won the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award. In her past life, Joanna was a television talk show host, an adjunct professor of public relations, a sought-after motivational speaker, and a corporate speechwriter. She is married to David Slan, CEO of Steinway Piano Gallery-DC. The Slans make their home on Jupiter Island, Florida. Visit Joanna’s website at www.JoannaSlan.com

Author Links

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Pinterest

Purchase Links
Amazon
B&N

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There are two giveaways today!

First Giveaway

Win an eBook copy!

Entry is easy. Please leave an email address so I can contact you if you win, and leave a comment.

What do you think of the covers? Do you love mysteries? Show some love!

Giveaway ends October 29th.

 Second Giveaway!

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Click on the links below to follow the tour for more fun stops.

Tour Participants

October 15 – Michelle’s Romantic Tangle – Guest Post

October 16 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy,  &, Sissy, Too ! – Spotlight, Giveaway

October 16 – Mallory Heart Reviews – Review

October 17 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – Review, Guest Post, Giveaway

October 18 – Community Bookstop – Review, Giveaway

October 19 – THE SELF-TAUGHT COOK – Review, Giveaway

October 19 – MysteriesEtc – Review, Giveaway

October 20 – fuonlyknew – Review, Giveaway

October 20 – Book Babble – Spotlight

October 21 – A Year of Jubilee Reviews – Review

October 21 – Griperang’s Bookmarks – Interview, Giveaway

October 22 – readalot – Review, Giveaway

October 23 – A Fold in the Spine – Review

October 24 – Booklady’s Booknotes – Review, Interview, Giveaway

October 25 – StoreyBook Reviews – Review, Giveaway

October 26 – Cassidy Salem Reads & Writes – Review, Giveaway

October 27 – Laura’s Interests – Review, Giveaway

October 27 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Guest Post, Spotlight

October 28 – Bubble Bath Books – Review

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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TheDevilsHook banner

Lots to share today!

Looking for a thrilling romantic suspense? Check out The Devil’s Hook.

Enjoy my interview with the author.

Catch a glimpse inside the book.

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

TheDevilsHook book cover

Genre: Cozy Mystery

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Synopsis

Jairus Twombly’s familial intuition is faltering and his new personal assistant seems to be trying to replace his wife, Amy.

On the Twombly College campus, someone is breaking into the dorm rooms of female students leaving things instead of taking things: red colored objects including a red golf ball, a red ribbon and a tiny red stuffed dog.

When a recipient of some of the red objects goes missing and is returned after being told, “You’re not her”, and the personal assistant turns up dead with Amy Twombly’s elegant Bloodwood crochet hook in her eye, things heat up for Emory Crawford and her chemist and forensic scientist husband, Dr. Jebbin Crawford.

Emory, along with the Twombly’s Nancy Drew-like daughter, Madison, once more turns to her amateur detective skills and intuition to solve the mysteries.

Enjoy this fun excerpt

“Get it out! Get it out! Get it out!”

Amy was screaming the words over and over, hands held to either side of her face like Edvard Munch’s painting “The Scream.”

There was a body on the floor at the far end of the table on my side. I heard doors sliding. I swung my head to look at the doors into the main hall.

“What on earth is . . .”

“Iga,” I yelled to be heard above Amy’s hysterics. “Get Amy and Madison out of here, now!”

I heard her rounding up the two Twomblys and taking them somewhere else. My attention was on the body on the floor.

A couple of steps closer and I could see what Amy was screaming about. There lay the display pedestal surrounded by mangled flowers and a porcelain vase in shards, some of which were resting in the blood on the floor as it bled into the water the flowers had been in. Despite knowing there had been an argument in here a short while before, despite the overturned furniture and broken vase that could have been knocked over for a very different reason than the one Amy gave us, even though Amy’s bloodwood crochet hook was protruding from Resie’s left eye, I knew with every shiver running through my soul that Amy hadn’t done this. And, since Resie wasn’t writhing in agony, I also knew she was dead.

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My interview with Author Pearl R. Meaker

  • What genre would you describe The Devil’s Hook as and who is your target audience?

The Devil’s Hook is a cozy mystery, like Agatha Christie’s mysteries. So if you like Christie, Carolyn Hart, Miranda James and other authors like them, you will like The Devil’s Hook.

Everyone who likes cozy mysteries. Hahaha! More specifically, women, usually 30 yrs. old to 60 or so – although I’ve been reading cozies since I was nine years old and still do and I’m 61. People who do some crafts would like The Devil’s Hook as well.

  • Will this be a series or is it a stand alone?

Actually, The Devil’s Hook is the second book in the Emory Crawford Mysteries Series. The first book, The Devil’s Music, was released spring of 2015 and the third book is slated for release fall of 2016.

  • Who would be your choice of actors if your book were made into a movie?

Emory Crawford = Tiffany Thiessen

8559520 Actresses Miranda Cosgrove, Tiffani Thiessen and Dolly Parton visit the "Today" show on January 12, 2012 in New York City, NY. FameFlynet, Inc. - Santa Monica, CA, USA - +1 (818) 307-4813

Dr. Jebbin Crawford = A mix between Jake Johnson & David Krumholtz (Jake’s height and David’s face 😉 )

DH_Jebbin1  DH_Jebbin2

AnnaMay Langstock = Emma Thompson

DH_EmmaT

Dr. Nibodh Chatterjee (Chatty) = Kunal Nayyar

G

Aine McAllister = Siobhan Fallon Hogan

DH_Aine McAllister

  • Did you always want to be a writer?

No. I initially wanted to be an artist/art teacher. When that didn’t work I took a year-long dental assisting course and became a dental assistant. When that didn’t work out I became a “whatever job I could get.” When that didn’t work out I got married and became a wife/mom/homemaker.

That worked out.

I didn’t start writing until I was 49 years old in 2003.

That worked out too.

  • Are you working on anything new?

Yes!  Thank you for asking.

Due for release in the fall of 2016, the third Emory Crawford Mystery has the working title The Devil’s Flood.

The past and present of the town of Twombly and surrounding Golden County meet in two flood years bound together by mystery and murder. Add to that – moonshine. The old illegal liquor business is alive and well in the area, and it’s getting into the hands of underage citizens. Will Emory and Madison, with help from Jebbin, AnnaMay and others, be able to deal with the dirt and mire and solve the cases?

Five fun shorts:

  • Your favorite holiday?

Christmas

  • As a youngster, were you a Barbie girl or a tomboy?

I was a both. I happily played with my Barbies in the winter and on rainy days. When I was outside I wanted to climb trees with my pastor’s son (they had a great climbing tree in their back yard) or catch grasshoppers in empty lots with a girl friend of mine, and then we would trade them to little boys who were on their way to trade in pop/soda bottles at the candy store. Then we’d go to the candy store.

  • Ever been on a blind date?

Honestly, I don’t remember if I ever did or not. If I did, it must not have been all that bad or all that great, or you’d think I’d remember it.

  • Going on vacation: campfire or hotel?

Both. I’d like a nice comfy cozy travel trailer with a campfire a few yards away from it.

  • Name a phobia.

Hmm . . .

You mean one I have? Mild arachnophobia.

Just name any old phobia? How about Mythophobia- Fear of myths or stories. – Good thing I don’t have that one!

Or name, as in give a name to, a phobia?

Footinmouthaphobia – I have this one since I have a tendency to do this.

LOL! Thanks so much for sharing with us today, Pearl!

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About Pearl R. Meaker

TheDevilsHook author pic

Pearl R. Meaker is an upper-middle-aged, short, pudgy homemaker, mother, and grandmother who in 2002 became a writer. Initially writing fanfiction she soon tried original fiction at the encouragement of her regular readers. She has been a life-long lover of mystery stories and

automatically went to that genre for her first book, The Devil’s Music. She and her husband of nearly 40 years live in central Illinois. They both love bluegrass music, playing fiddle and banjo and singing. Pearl also does many crafts – when she’s not reading or writing – knitting, crochet, origami, needlepoint, and cross-stitch among them. She also enjoys birding and photography and is a former fencer.

Visit Pearl here:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

Buy The Devil’s Hook:

Amazon / B&N / Chapters-Indigo

Buy The Devil’s Music:

Amazon / B&N / Chapters-Indigo / Books-a-Million

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Welcome to my tour stop for Bread of the Dead, the first book in the Santa Fe Cafe series by Ann Myers. This is a cozy mystery and the tour runs September 28-October 23 with reviews, interviews, guest posts and excerpts. Check out the tour page for the full schedule.

Bread of the DeadBread of the Dead (Santa Fe Cafe Mystery #1)
Release Date: September 29, 2015 by William Morrow
368 pages

About the Book:

The Day of the Dead is approaching in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and cook Rita Lafitte is busy decorating sugar skulls, taste-testing pan de muerto (bread of the dead), and refashioning her post-divorce life. She loves her job at Tres Amigas Cafe and feels like she’s found a good home for herself and her teenage daughter…until her kindly landlord is found dead next door, seemingly from suicide.Although Rita discovers evidence of murder, the police aren’t convinced, especially one of the lead detectives who’s also Rita’s ex-husband. To uncover the truth behind her friend’s death, Rita teams up with her octogenarian boss Flori, the town’s most celebrated snoop. Soon, their investigation encompasses other crimes, including break-ins and the murder of their number-one suspect. Rita won’t feel safe until the killer is caught. But when she unearths a long-buried secret, will she become the next victim?

————–
Here’s an excerpt for you.
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My eyes kept returning to the bride and groom. Bony elbows linked, they raised champagne flutes, gazing at each other starry-eyed.

“This whole holiday is kind of sad,” I muttered, my gaze fixed on the skeletal couple. If they’d found true love, they discovered it too late. A familiar anxiety prickled through my chest. Nearly three months ago, my best friend Cass and I raised margarita glasses to celebrate my divorce from Manny Martin, Santa Fe’s busiest philandering cop. I was the one to ask for the divorce, and I’m certain I did the right thing. Since then, however, I haven’t worked out a new me to celebrate. I am once again Rita Lafitte. I am once again single. I am also forty-one, living on a café cook’s income, and sharing a 700-square-foot cottage with a teenage daughter wrestling with her own emotions. It’s not exactly the inspiring stuff of women’s magazines.

Flori smiled up at me. “People will know you’re not a local if you talk like that, cariño. Dia de los Muertos is a holiday for the dead, but it’s made for the living. It’s a time of joy, a reminder that death comes to us all and we must enjoy our time in this world.” She gave my arm a squeeze. “And I would be enjoying too, if Gloria wasn’t such a sneaky cheat.”

My eighty-year-old friend had re-launched her rant: her nemesis, Gloria Hendrix, and her alleged cheating at Santa Fe’s Day of the Dead baking contest.

I tried to assure her, but I knew I might be fibbing. “You’ll win this year,” I said, shifting my box of skulls to the opposite hip. “Your pan de muerto is the best.”

That part was true. Flori’s pan de muerto, or bread of the dead, is utterly delicious, and I should know. I’ve eaten loads of it over the last several weeks, readily ditching dieting aspirations for the sake of taste testing. Imagine a French brioche, soft and golden with sinful amounts of butter and eggs. Then imagine that same pillowy bread scented with orange zest and anise seeds and shaped in the form of a toothy skull. That’s Flori’s pan de muerto. Our customers at Tres Amigas Café beg for it, and Flori has taken home blue ribbons in baking contests from Taos to Albuquerque.

The last two years, however, Flori has lost to Gloria Hendrix. That’s where my fib came in. I feared that Flori might be defeated again, and I didn’t like it any more than she did. I wasn’t upset because Gloria was a relative newcomer like me. I didn’t mind that she was from Texas, a state that native New Mexicans like Flori love to loathe. I didn’t even care that she was a flashy socialite who threw around her money and influence. What bugged me was Gloria’s boasting, her bragging about a bread which—if the rumors were true—she didn’t make herself. Word in my culinary circles was that Gloria’s housekeeper, Armida, baked the victorious loaves. So far, I hadn’t sifted out the truth. However, Armida flees across the street whenever she sees me or Flori coming. This, in my mind, is evidence enough of Armida’s co-conspirator guilt.

Flori wasn’t fooled by my words. “I might not win, Rita, and I wouldn’t mind being beaten by Armida if she entered in her own name. She’s comes from a cooking family. Her mother did a fry bread that could make grown Navajos weep.”

She picked up her bag and took off down the street. I had to jog to avoid being bested by a petite octogenarian with bad knees. Flori, however, wasn’t carrying around a dozen extra heads at 7000 feet above sea level.

“It’s the principle,” I agreed, siphoning air through my teeth to hide my panting. “Gloria shouldn’t be bragging about something she hasn’t done.”

“Exactly.” Flori’s mica eyes had a dangerous sparkle. She slowed and looked furtively over her shoulder, as if checking for Gloria and her spies. “I have a plan,” she whispered. “A way for us to catch Gloria and Armida in the act.”

.

About the Author:

Ann Myers, her husband, and extra-large housecat live in Colorado but, like Rita, feel most at home in Santa Fe.

 

GIVEAWAY:
Three (3) copies of Bread of the Dead by Ann Myers (US)
Ends Oct. 28
Prizing is provided by the publisher, hosts are not responsible.
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Click on the rafflecopter link below to enter.

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This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

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Scrapbook of the Dead
by Mollie Cox Bryan

This series just keeps getting better and better with every book, and SCRAPBOOK OF THE DEAD is the cream of the *crop.
~Lisa K’s Book Reviews

The Cumberland Creek Mysteries are one of my favorite cozy series. Scrapbook of the Dead by Mollie Cox Bryan is her best book yet!
~Jane Reads

…one of those books I read in one sitting–I just couldn’t put it down!
~Book Babble

Scrapbook of the Dead
(A Cumberland Creek Mystery)
(Book 5)

Cozy Mystery
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Kensington (September 29, 2015)
ISBN-13: 978-0758293589
ASIN: B00RRT30J0

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My Review

I was looking for a fun Halloween cozy and found this book. It couldn’t have worked out better. It appears I’ve bumped into these characters before. It was on a cruise ship, and yes, there was a murder for these good people to solve.

Now, we’re back on dry land in Cumberland Creek and there’s been yet another murder. There’s a human popsicle in the walk-in freezer at Pamela’s  Pie Palace. And not long after, the murder victim’s sister is found next to the creek, dead of an apparent drowning. And both victims had a page from a scrapbook clutched in their hands. Coincidence? I don’t think so.

I had such fun sleuthing with this gang again. The characters ages ranged from young to senior and they kept me laughing and flipping pages to find out who the surprise villain was.

Yep, I was kept guessing as to who the bad guy was.

I’d have loved to have been a fly on the wall when these scrapbook fiends gathered together, pasting and cutting. The gossip flies and the clues emerge.

It’s the countdown to All Hallows Eve and everyone is looking at each other with suspicion. Spooky times in Cumberland Creek.

I hope you give this book and series a read. I sure had fun and plan to continue reading more about these crafty characters.

4 Stars

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Synopsis

Halloween means spooky scrapbooks for the Cumberland Creek Scrapbook Crop, but what’s been happening around town is truly frightening. First a dead woman is found in the freezer at Pamela’s Pie Palace, and the next day a second woman is found murdered by the river. Reporter Annie Chamovitz learns the victims were sisters and is certain their deaths are linked. Most bizarre of all, both women were found clutching scrapbook pages.

As their Saturday night crop quickly becomes an opportunity to puzzle out the murders, the ladies begin to wonder if Pamela is hiding more than her secret recipes for delicious pies–or if the crimes are related to the startling discovery that there are gangs in Cumberland Creek. As All Hallows Eve approaches, the crafty croppers must cut and paste the clues to unmask a deadly killer.

Includes tips and a glossary of terms for the modern scrapbooker!

Click HERE to read my review of, another Cumberland Creek Mystery. A perfect read for Christmas!

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MOLLIEAbout The Author 

In addition to the Cumberland Creek mystery series, Mollie Cox Bryan wrote the regional bestseller Mrs. Rowe’s Little Book of Southern Pies and Mrs. Rowe’s Restaurant Cookbook: A Lifetime of Recipes from the Shenandoah Valley . An award-winning journalist and poet, she currently blogs, cooks, and scrapbooks in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia with her husband and two daughters. Scrapbook of Secrets was nominated for an Agatha Award for Best First Novel.

Author Links Website / Goodreads

Purchase Links
Amazon B&N
Shop Indie Bookstores

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 Follow the tour for more fun posts!

October 1 – Chloe Gets A Clue – Interview

October 2 – Jane Reads – Review, Guest Post

October 3 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – Review

October 4 – Book Babble – Review

October 5 – Queen of All She Reads – Review

October 6 – A Fold in the spine – Review

October 7 – Brooke Blogs – Spotlight

October 8 – fuonlyknew – Review

October 9 – Booklady’s Booknotes – Review, Interview

October 10 – Melina’s Book Blog – Review

October 10 – readalot – Review

October 11 – shelley’s book case – Review, Guest Post

October 12 – Back Porchervations – Review

October 13 – Laura’s Interests – Review

October 13 – LibriAmoriMiei – Review

October 14 – Kaisy Daisy’s Corner – Review

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Floral Depravity
(A Bridal Bouquet Shop Mystery)

Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Publisher: Berkley (October 6, 2015)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0425264997
E-Book ASIN: B00SI027LY

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My Review

Business is blooming, I mean booming at the Rose In Bloom Flower Shop and it just got busier. Co-owner, Audrey, is tasked with putting together the wedding bouquet for Ramble, Virginia’s elite couple. They want a themed wedding. A Middle Age wedding. It’s going to be a huge event, with everyone required to dress in authentic attire.

I’d like to say the wedding went off without a hitch, but sadly, I can’t. There’s this nasty scene when the doves are released and a hawk swoops in. Then, the groom’s father collapses and is pronounced dead at the hospital. Some say stroke, but it turns out to be death by poisoning.

There are too many suspects to name so the sheriff impulsively deputizes Audrey, enlisting her aid.

It’s a prickly time for Audrey. She just bought her late grandmother’s old cottage and the roof is literally falling in. She’s juggling two beaus, one long distance, who turns up at the wedding, and one local guy who’s working at the encampment. And now she’s donning her sleuthing hat, dodging road apples and blood thirsty mosquitos.

I learned some new trivia in this cozy. Did you know, in the Middle Ages, they used men’s urine to get the yellow dye for their clothing? “Shudders!” Makes you glad you live in this century, doesn’t it?

Ever wonder where the title sheriff came from. In the Middle ages each shire would have a reeve. Shire-reeve became sheriff.

It was fun getting to know Audrey and all of the characters in the small town of Ramble, Virginia.

When Audrey bought her grandmother’s neglected cottage, despite her friends many warnings, I just knew there would be some funny misadventures once she moved in.

It was also fun to learn the meaning behind the different flowers. It’s not just the type of flower, but the color that has different meanings. I now know I bought innapropriate flowers for some occasions. Good thing no one knew.

Learning about life in the Middle Ages was fascinating but I was convinced quickly that I wouldn’t want to live in those times. Too hard.

There are lots of colorful characters, even the ones not involved in the wedding. A love triangle but not really a love triangle. And a surprise villain. I didn’t have a clue who was behind the murder or why.

A sweet romance, lots of chuckles and surprises, and a tangled mystery. One I recommend to cozy fans.

4 Stars

Synopsis

In the latest Bridal Bouquet Shop mystery, florist Audrey Bloom creates an arrangement for a one-of-a-kind wedding, but ends up pruning a one-of-a-kind criminal…

As the co-owner of the Rose in Bloom Flower Shop, Audrey knows how to put together unique wedding bouquets, but this one takes the cake. The daughter of a local historian is getting married in a medieval-themed, hand-fasting ceremony, and Audrey is responsible for providing period-accurate blooms.

But making sure she gets her roses right turns out to be the least of Audrey’s problems. Shortly after the vows are exchanged, the father of the groom suddenly drops dead. When Audrey discovers the man’s death stems from monkshood poisoning, it’s a clear-cut case of murder. Now, faced with a suspect list that rivals the guest list, Audrey needs to root out the toxic killer…

Author Beverly Allen

Barbara Early1

 Beverly Allen writes cozy mysteries with a healthy dose of comedy and sometimes a splash of romance. When not reading or writing, she enjoys cooking, crafts, home-improvement projects, and spending time with her family and four naughty, but adorable cats. She grew up and still lives, in the suburbs of Buffalo, NY.

Author Links:

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

Purchase Links
Amazon     B&N      Penguin/Random House

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I have 1 PRINT Copy to give away – U.S. ONLY  

Entry is easy. Just leave your email address so I can contact you if you win and leave a comment.

You can ask the author a question. Tell us something you like about the book or cover. Let’s talk!

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Follow the tour for more fun posts!

October 6 – fuonlyknew – Review, Giveaway

October 7 – Lisa Ks Book Review – Review, Guest Post, Giveaway

October 8 – Booklady’s Booknotes – Review, Interview, Giveaway

October 9 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Review, Giveaway

October 9 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Interview

October 10 – Brooke Blogs – Review, Giveaway

October 11 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review, Guest Post, Giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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