Archive for the ‘Cozy Mystery’ Category

Mystery Of The Eight Islands ~ A Trouble In Paradise Mystery by Terry Ambrose

Posted: November 18, 2021 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
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Mystery Of The Eight Islands

A Trouble In Paradise Mystery

by Terry Ambrose

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Mystery of the Eight Islands (Trouble in Paradise)
Cozy Mystery
11th in Series
Independently Published (November 2, 2021)
Length: 325 pages
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09HK1BBRY

If you love senior sleuths in cozy mysteries, you’re going to love McKenna and his pal Chance Logan

 

Apartment manager and amateur sleuth McKenna wants a break from solving murders. Too bad his best friend, wannabe PI Chance Logan, doesn’t feel the same. Chance has found a case he thinks McKenna’s going to love—the death of prominent attorney Julian Carr, and the theft of a 125-year-old necklace that’s worth a quarter of a million dollars. Before long, McKenna’s feeling pressured from all sides—find the necklace, solve the murder. Sure. Why not just add save the world?

 

McKenna’s sure something fishy is going on when he and Chance meet with Julian’s granddaughter about the case. She’s created her own murder board with five suspects. The list includes an unstable, art-collecting veterinarian, a convicted felon, a disbarred attorney, a suspected art thief, and Julian’s new business partner.

 

As the investigation ramps up, McKenna and Chance see their leads drying out faster than laundry in the tropical sun. The really bad news is they’re not sure they can even find the Eight Islands or solve the murder. For once, McKenna’s worried they just might fail.

 

Why you might love this book
Tired of the same old cozy mystery fare? Then cozy up with male amateur detective McKenna and his PI wannabe pal Chance Logan in this Hawaii murder mystery. When it comes to senior sleuths in cozy mysteries, McKenna’s as sharp as they come, but with a fun dose of snarky attitude thrown in. Enjoy the ambience of Hawaii while you’re savoring a little murder in paradise.

 

About Terry Ambrose

Once upon a time, in a life he’d rather forget, Terry Ambrose tracked down deadbeats for a living. He also hired big guys with tow trucks to steal cars—but only when negotiations failed. Those years of chasing deadbeats taught him many valuable life lessons such as—always keep your car in the garage.

Terry has written eighteen books, several of which have been award finalists. In 2014, his thriller, “Con Game,” won the San Diego Book Awards for Best Action-Thriller. His series include the Trouble in Paradise McKenna Mysteries, the Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast Mysteries, and the License to Lie thriller series.
You can learn more about Terry and his writing at terryambrose.com.

Author links: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / BookBub / Goodreads / Amazon

Purchase – Amazon

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS  

November 15 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 15 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

November 16 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

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November 21 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

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Nightmare On The Bike Trail ~ A Southwest Exposure Mystery by Jodi Linton

Posted: November 17, 2021 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
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Nightmare On The Bike Trail

A Southwest Exposure Mystery

by Jodi Linton

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Nightmare On The Bike Trail (A Southwest Exposure Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Independently Published (November 9, 2021)
~180 Pages
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08L2JFWDW

Welcome to Bushwhack, New Mexico: home to tourists, the great outdoors, and murder…

 

Andie Sullivan, adventure guide in the mountain community of Bushwhack, NM, is gearing up for the annual bicycle race hosted by her tour company. When a ghost from her and sheriff Zac Mars’ past registers to participate—her suspicions are raised.

 

And then a gun goes off deep in the wooded forest along the trail, leaving her and Zac to fight for their future by revisiting past grievances. With lives at stake and secrets opening old wounds, Andie must piece together the clues to solve a decade old case she thought was closed.

 

But time isn’t on her side and sometimes even the best sleuth can miss a piece to the puzzle. Especially a cold case clouded with jealously and pain. Will she spot the clue this time or is it too late to make amends?

 

About Jodi Linton

Jodi Linton is an author of several romance novels and cozy mysteries. She pens funny, romantic, whodunnits during her days in between being a carpool mom. She lives in Texas with her husband, with who she runs the family day business with and two kids. When she isn’t writing her next page turner, she likes to delve into her hobby of finding all the cool, new makeup products to buy.

Author Links: BookBub / Amazon / Goodreads / Website / Facebook

Newsletter / Facebook Reader Group

Purchase Link: Amazon  B&N    Kobo     iBooks

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November 14 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW

November 15 – Nellie’s Book Nook – REVIEW

November 16 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 17 – Novels Alive – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 17 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

November 18 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

November 19 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

November 20 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 21 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 22 – Nellie’s Book Nook – REVIEW

November 23 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT  

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

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Witches, Spiders And Schemes ~ A Magical Cozy Mystery by Elizabeth Pantley

Posted: November 14, 2021 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways, Magic
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Witches, Spiders, and Schemes

Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Series Book 4

by Elizabeth Pantley

Genre: Magical Cozy Mystery

A magic mirror to an enchanted world. A mysterious ghost. A hilarious, perpetually annoyed witch. A brave, sassy cat. Two unexplained deaths and a mysterious community filled with secrets. Can Hayden and the people of Destiny Falls solve the mystery and return the community to its peaceful, enchanted existence?

Hayden’s adventures in Destiny Falls continue in book four of the Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic series. Starting with a strange old woman at a cave and her father’s mysterious ferry journey, there are secrets to be unwound.

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The enchantments in Destiny Falls are showing cracks, and Hayden suspects that it’s tied directly to her family, which has a history that’s more complex than she realized. When two bodies are found floating in the bay it’s clear that the mysteries surrounding Gladstone and the ferry are more dangerous than people realize.

Luckily, Hayden and her sassy sidekick, Latifa have developed a group of family and friends in this enchanted place who are all ready and willing to help solve the mystery, and release Destiny Falls to resume its normal, amazing, enchanted existence.

Hayden’s many adventures in Destiny Falls will keep you guessing with each book in this intriguing series.

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Goodreads * Amazon

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CHAPTER ONE

 

I stared at the old woman. She was sitting on a rock in the mouth of a cave in front of us. She gawked at me as she sipped from a bottle of green Gatorade. How had a romantic hike up to the mountain lake taken such a strange turn? She told Han and me that her name was Mnemosyne, but that she was called Nemmy.

Nemmy? Could she be the woman from the stories I’d been told? Was that even possible?

Gaspar, the ghost who’d been telling me tales, had a daughter called Nemmy. She was King Gaspar Reuben’s youngest daughter of three. The one who had been tutored in black magic by an evil crone witch and bestowed with dark powers. She had lived a century ago but had partaken of the rumored fountain of youth found on the sinister island of Gladstone. Was this her? If it was, why did she look so old and frail? And how was she here?

I shivered and took a step closer to Han. He put his arm around my shoulders and the weight of it allowed me to exhale.

We had hiked for hours to reach the alpine lake. It was baffling to find an elderly woman sitting this far up. She didn’t look to be the type who’d be able to climb a set of stairs, let alone a mountain. She had no hiking supplies with her, and she wasn’t dressed for it either, in her long dress that seemed more suited for a carriage ride in the Middle Ages. When I asked her if she had hiked up here by herself, she laughed at my question, saying that no, she didn’t get here by herself, but then she changed the subject. As if that wasn’t crazy enough, she told us her name. I’m almost sure she said Nemmy. Her strange appearance, plus that familiar name, made it possible that she was the witch from the stories the ghost had told.

 

“You are the recently discovered Caldwell relative who fell through the mirror into Destiny Falls,” she said. It wasn’t a question. It was clear that she knew who I was. “How kind of you to deliver yourself right to my front door. I have something especially for you, Helen.”

“It’s Hayden.” I corrected her automatically.

“Ah, right. Hayden.” She made an effort to stand up but was struggling, so Han and I helped her. As soon as she was upright, she raised her arm and pointed her bony finger inches from my face. With her other hand, she pulled a handful of herbs, dust, and dirt from a pocket and tossed it at me. “Ostend mee-hi virtute!” she shouted.

In a flash, Han tugged me by my arm and pushed me behind him. It was a sweet protective gesture that I appreciated in the face of this deranged old woman.

The woman did a panicky little jig, shook her hands wildly, then grabbed in her pocket for more of the mixture. She tried to throw it around Han and into my face. She repeated what she had just said. Only much more exuberantly. Then she stomped her feet in frustration and repeated loudly, “Virtute! Virtute!”

I coughed at the dust and squinted at her. “What is she doing?” I whispered out of the side of my mouth to Han.

“I have no idea. But it sounds like some kind of spell,” he side-whispered back. “Slowly back away.”

The woman who could be Nemmy rolled her eyes. “I’m not a superhero, but you know I can still hear you,” she whispered back to us out of the side of her mouth.

We both turned to look at her. She laughed heartily and we heard her mumbling, “A spell! What will they think of next?” Then her laughter abruptly stopped. Her face sagged and she growled at us to leave her alone.

What if she was just a random senior citizen and her name a coincidence? Maybe I misunderstood her, and she said her name was Emmy. “Are you sure you don’t want us to wait until your hiking partners come back . . . Emmy?” I asked.

She pursed her lips and shook her head. “Your benevolence is exhausting, young woman, and you’re more than I anticipated. Just leave me in peace.” She waved her arm and turned away from us. “Go! Go away!” she yelled. Then she stepped into the entrance of the cave, leaving us standing there gaping at the cavernous opening.

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The Ghost Camper’s Tall Tales

Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Series Book 3

A mysterious old man keeps popping up to tell Hayden a series of tall tales. Who is he? And is he actually glowing? Are his stories fiction, or is he telling her the history of her family, the enchanted islands, and the witch? And why did a dead body show up . . . of someone who is already dead? Can Hayden and her quirky sidekick, Latifa unscramble this mystery before someone else shows up dead?

Hayden’s adventures in the magical world of Destiny Falls continue in this gripping story that answers your questions about the mysterious world she entered through a mirror in book one, Falling into Magic. We learn more about her missing mother, whose story begins in book two, The Disappearance of Emily.

“A captivating read! I couldn’t put it down.” ~ Goodreads
“My favorite series in the whole wide world.” ~ Elza Reads
“Will blow you away!” ~ Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
“I felt transported to Destiny Falls…I miss it already.” ~ Julie, One Book More
“A mix of unique characters, romance, mystery, and magic.” ~ Goodreads
“I had a fun time reading this one.” ~ Lola’s Reviews
“Just when I thought I knew who the killer was, BAM, a twist.” ~ Leslie, Storeybook Reviews
“Generously seasoned with sass, class, and a dose of spunk. Delish!” ~ Pages & Paws

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Goodreads * Amazon

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Just as the town is magical, the home is enchanted, too. It changes over the day, the years, and the decades to suit the people who live in it. Rumor had it that the home was originally built as a castle in the 1800s, but it looked like it was built yesterday.

I ran my hand along the glistening black granite countertops as I made my way to the corner where the makings for tea were kept. To the left of the pantry, my eye caught on a new door that I had never seen before. To be precise, it was a door that never existed before.

Doors that suddenly appeared like this tended to hide surprise rooms. Case in point, the door that appeared in my bedroom recently which led to a yoga and meditation room that included a private deck overlooking the bay. It was a room I used almost daily since I’d discovered it. The home had apparently understood my stress and provided a calming room for me to retreat to. As I said, the home takes care of its occupants, of which I am now one.

The other thing that I’d learned about this house, is that a door’s appearance is an invitation. If there is a secret, the door simply would not appear to you.

This door had no doorknob, as it was a free-swinging door, so I gave it a gentle push and stepped through. There was a sudden blast of deafening noise. I stumbled backwards into the kitchen, falling through the swinging door, and landing with a plop on the floor. I was met with the gentle quiet of the sleeping house. My brain took a moment, but I realized that the sound I had heard was music, albeit extremely loud music.

I stood up and tentatively stepped in through the door. My senses were bombarded by the blaring music once again. I stepped backward into the kitchen. Total quiet. Forward through the door: loud music. I kept my body still this time and just listened. It was a song I recognized. Eminem and Rihanna singing about not being afraid of the monsters under the bed.

My eyes darted around the room. My mouth dropped open. I was standing in a large, immaculate restaurant-style kitchen. It had gleaming stainless steel appliances and a large stove and grill station. A massive prep island dominated the middle of the room, a rack of pots hanging above it. Pans, bowls, and serving platters of all sizes and types were neatly lined on shelves.

The walls that were bare of shelves were painted with bright, colorful messages: “Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” – Harriet Van Horne. “One cannot think well, love well, or sleep well if one has not dined well.” – Virginia Woolf. “I never met a meal I didn’t like.” – Miss Piggy. 

I heard a man’s voice singing along with Eminem in perfect harmony. It was coming from an adjoining room that appeared to be a large pantry.

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The Disappearance of Emily

Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Series Book 2

Hayden fell through a mirror and was thrust into an alternate, magical place. Destiny Falls is not on any map and is home to a family she never knew she had. The town is enchanted and charming, but something is amiss. She gets an ominous warning, and the promise of a package. Once it arrives, someone turns up dead and there are too many other suspicious episodes to call them coincidences. All signs point to the mysterious disappearance of her mother – way back when Hayden was just two days old. Can she identify and eliminate the threat before another person in her life is stolen away?

“A magical, delightful tale that held my attention.” ~ Dru Ann, Dru’s Book Musings

“A captivating read! I couldn’t put it down.” ~ Linda C., Goodreads
“I felt transported to Destiny Falls…now that I’ve finished, I miss it already.” ~ Julie, One Book More
“A mix of unique characters, romance, mystery and magic.” ~ Charlene Q. Goodreads
“I had a fun time reading this one.” ~ Lola, Lola’s Reviews
“Just when I thought I knew who the killer was, BAM, a twist.” ~ Leslie, Storeybook Reviews
“Really stretched my imagination!” ~ Betty, Reading is my Passion
“Funny, fluffy, far-fetched, and fabulous!” ~ Elza Reads
“Generously seasoned with sass, class, and a dose of spunk. Delish!” ~ Pages & Paws

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**Kindle Countdown Deal only $1.99 Nov 15 – 21!!**

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Goodreads * Amazon

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Chapter 1

 

The mountain trail was tricky. I was moving slowly through the deep snow. I knew the lake had to be nearby. It was important to find it, but I could barely see ten feet in front of me. It was steep and slippery, and I was making my way using trekking poles to assess where I should step next. My hands and feet were cold. I heard Latifa calling out to me. Where was she? What was she saying?

“Good morning, Sunshine!” Her lilting voice woke me from my dream. “Happy one-month-a-versary!” It’s amazing how accustomed I’d grown to my cat’s telepathic voice in my head.

I squinted at my fluffy Himalayan sidekick. She was sitting beside me on the bed. I stretched out my arms and gave an extra-loud yawn in her direction, hoping she’d get the hint that she had woken me up.

“Message received. Woke you up. So sorry. Got it.” She squinted at me and whispered, “Not sorry.”

I yawned at her again.

“Bet you forgot today is one month from the earth-shattering day we arrived in Destiny Falls.” Her big baby blues were focused on me, and her whiskers were twitching. “I have appointed myself Keeper of Your Calendar. You can be so forgetful about celebratory dates.” She shook her furry head as if it were impossible to believe.

I gave another exaggerated stretch and reached over to the bedside table. With a flourish, I presented her with a small, gift-wrapped package.

“Squeeee! You remembered!” She head-butted my face and spun a little circle on the bed, then turned to tear open the package. There was more squealing as she discovered her new, feathered cat toy.

I patted my sidekick’s head and tossed my legs over the side of the bed. A glance at my phone confirmed that Latifa-the-alarm-clock was right on time. I needed to get changed and meet Axel downstairs for a morning jog into town. He was often too busy with work to join me in the morning, so it was a wonderful treat to have some extra time with my newfound brother.

My brother. How I loved the sound of that. After a lifetime as an only child in a tiny three-person family, finding out that I had siblings and a large hidden family was monumental. Add to that a mysterious, magical new world, and I was floating on cloud nine.

The only dark spot was missing my family and my best friend, Luna. I was still trying to figure out how to tell them about Destiny Falls. I’d have to sort this out soon, since my cover story of a working trip to Denmark was nearing its expiration. A month overseas was feasible, but as the timeline continued, I’d need to address my disappearance.

My Nana and Granana would be happy that I was happy. They’ve been my biggest cheerleaders my entire life. They always said my happiness mattered most to them. Both my parents disappeared the week I was born, so my grandmother and great-grandmother jumped into raising me. They were dedicated to the job, with an enthusiasm that was a complete contrast to their tiny, delicate appearances. Luna and I referred to them as the Mighty Minis, which was an apt description.

Figuring out how to explain that I wasn’t really in Denmark, but in a magical, hidden town in an unknown location was a whole new ball of wax. Especially since the town was finicky about who it revealed itself to. Any e-mails or texts I attempted to send, explaining my location, disappeared into the ether in a wisp of bounces— undeliverable, message not sent, connection lost. Even phone calls suddenly lost the signal. Maybe Axel, my brother (deep sigh of joy), could help me solve this problem.

I turned on the movie channel for Latifa, my furry little movie buff, tucked my ponytail through the back of my baseball cap, and headed out. I strolled slowly down the hallway, so I could absorb the beauty of this amazing home.

Hmm. That was odd. Where was the window seat? It was usually somewhere in my hallway, but it was oddly absent. There was a glorious swatch of sunlight, which is where it normally would be lounging. I snickered. Imagine that. A window seat that can lounge in the sun. Magic touched the Caldwell Crest home in the most interesting ways.

Caldwell Crest is a masterpiece of design. It could be described as a cozy, mansion-sized mountain cabin. I felt embraced by the sweeping staircase made of polished wood. I loved the plank wood floors and ceilings and the gorgeous but understated chandeliers. I adored the stone fireplaces that soared all the way up to the tall ceilings. The earthy colors of the décor were soothing. Even after a month, I was still adjusting to the fact that it was now where I lived.

The home was enchanting. I could almost believe the rumors that it was originally built as a castle back in the 1800s and magically remodeled many times. It’s difficult to understand Caldwell Crest and the mysterious place that was Destiny Falls, especially since the definition seemed to always be changing.

It had been a wild ride of a month since I’d been thrown through a portal and landed here.

Destiny Falls is different from any place I’ve ever known before. I had to let go of my preconceived notions of what defines a town. I still can’t quite wrap my head around the fact that the town isn’t on any map and isn’t accessible by normal means.

You must be called here by either the home or the town. Then you whoosh through time and space, to the accompaniment of a flash of brilliant light, as you tumble through a mirror. It’s a one-way trip. Once you’re here, you are, well . . . “trapped” is a harsh word for such a lovely place. However, it’s accurate. I cannot choose to leave. Destiny Falls controls the comings and goings.

I feel a bit like Alice falling through the mirror into wonderland. Albeit a much nicer wonderland than Alice had to deal with.

I’ve figured out that’s it’s easier if I just go with the flow and don’t try to understand all the nuances of this place.

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Falling Into Magic

Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Series Book 1

When Hayden was a child, she lost her cat. Adults told her the cat ran away, but she knew the truth. The mirror had taken her.

She knew because the mirror had given her a glimpse of an alternate world and had nearly pulled her in, so she was certain the cat had suffered that fate.

Twenty years later Hayden discovers the secret of the mirror when she is thrust into it. She learns of a world she never knew existed, and a family she never knew she had.

But danger brought her here, and it followed her. Now, Hayden is on a mission to remove the threat, so that she can begin her magical, meaningful new life in this enchanted world.

 

“A magical, delightful tale that held my attention with a quirky cast of characters, engaging dialogue, a pleasantly appealing universe, and an intriguing plotline that I could not put down. I can’t wait to see where we go with Hayden’s next adventure.” — Dru Ann, MWA Raven Award winner, www.drusbookmusing.com

“What a captivating read! . . . I couldn’t put it down. A great story, full of interesting people and places to get to know, with surprises around every corner.” — Linda C. Goodreads reviewer

“The world-building and magic system is fascinating. Destiny Falls is a wondrous place that seems to cater to citizens’ wants and needs. I love that it is almost a character in its own right, and I was intrigued by the constantly changing world. Vivid imagery paints a clear picture of Destiny falls and its inhabitants. Falling into Magic is a dynamic introduction to the Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic series.” — Julie Petitbon www.onebookmore.com/

“Finally! An author who manages to pin the Disney/Hallmark magic down on paper.” – Mareli & Elza, https://elzareads.blogspot.com/

“This is no run-of-the-mill paranormal book! Unique ideas. You will be glad this is a series!” – Susan G., Amazon reviewer

**Get it FREE Nov 10-14!!**

Goodreads * Amazon

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Prologue

 

It all began when I was six and lost my cat.

Fluffball was a Himalayan rescue, the softest ball of fur I’d ever seen. I found her at the shelter and fell in love with her amazing blue eyes. I begged Nana and Gran to let me take her home. I promised I’d take good care of her, so they finally gave in and the cat joined our family.

I’d only had her a few weeks, but I loved Fluffball. Then one day, she was gone. Snap. Just like that.

They said, “Hayden, she snuck out a door and ran away.” But I knew what happened. It was the mirror.

 

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Twenty Years Ago

Nana and Gran always told me I could figure anything out. They said I had a sharp mind and an abundance of curiosity. I knew I could make the drawbridge work on the castle I was building. Just a few more hinge pieces and maybe a rubber band and a paper clip. I found the pieces and worked to connect them.

I stepped back to look at my creation and caught a glimpse of it in the mirror above my dresser. I stepped closer. It was my castle I was seeing. But it wasn’t. The reflected version was glowing and floating on carpet that looked more like a cloud.

I turned around, squinted my eyes, and spied my castle. My non-glowing, non-floating castle, sitting on the beige carpet. I giggled. Nana was always saying I let my imagination run away with me. I shrugged my shoulders and turned my back to the mirror.

I added a few more pieces and was pleased to see my drawbridge could go up and down. Success!

“Look at that, Fluffball! I made a real drawbridge!” My new pet rubbed against my legs and meowed. It was fun to have a friend. Growing up with no brothers or sisters sometimes made me lonely. A cat wasn’t exactly someone to build with, but it was someone to talk to, and I liked that.

I placed my favorite piece on top—a flag I had painted. It was my castle’s crest: a shield with a waterfall and an old-fashioned goblet like the one on our bookcase.

Standing up, I took a slow trip around my creation. As I moved around the back, I saw the mirror-version castle. It was still glowing, still floating—and now, it had a small flag with my crest on top. But the flag was waving in the breeze from the open window overlooking the sea. The sea? I lived in the city and could see only the other homes in our neighborhood from my bedroom window.

As I moved closer to the mirror, I saw a child’s arm wave over the structure, and then, suddenly, a boy came into view. His eyes popped open and his mouth made a wide, soundless “O.” He was about my age, maybe a little older. He stepped closer to the mirror, tilting his head to the side, and reached out toward me. I sucked in a breath and spun around to look behind me. There sat my castle, my bedroom, my bed. The same as always. I very slowly turned back to the mirror and gasped. The boy had his face pressed up against the other side, looking directly at me!

He smiled and waved. I smiled and waved back. He pointed at his castle and then pointed at mine and gave me a wild, dancing two-handed thumbs-up. I laughed at him. He laughed, too. I could see the happy crinkles by the corners of his eyes, but there was no sound. My real bedroom seemed to fade, and the mirror room was becoming clearer.

“Hayden, time to go to the park. Come on downstairs!” Nana’s voice startled me, and I jumped back.  My own room snapped back into focus. The boy looked confused. Then he smiled brightly and motioned for me to come over to his side of the mirror to play.

I stepped forward and reached toward the reflection. My hand should have been touching the surface of the mirror, but there was no surface to touch. Nana called me again to come downstairs. My bedroom seemed wavy now, in the same way that things looked when I swam underwater in the pool. Yet the castle in the mirror was crisp and colorful.

Fluffball meowed and jumped up onto the dresser. At that exact moment, a bright flash came out of the mirror. I grabbed Fluffball, jumped backwards and landed on the floor with a thump. Then I ran downstairs and went to the park with Nana.

Two weeks later, when I came home from school, Fluffball was gone. We waited for days, hoping she’d return. We put up posters in the neighborhood. But after a while, we had to admit that my cat was gone for good. Nana and Gran tried to tell me that Fluffball must have snuck out when the front door was open. But I knew the truth. The mirror had taken her.

After that day, I didn’t trust mirrors. They even had to take the mirror out of my bedroom. Even as I grew up, I remained uneasy around them. As a teen, I learned to put on my makeup and do my hair in the reflection of the shower door or in my small compact mirror. Sometimes, when I walked by a mirror, I would swear I saw a man in there, looking at me. I came to understand that it could be any mirror, but not every mirror. It was unpredictable. Over time, I convinced myself it was a good image that I saw–like a guardian angel. He even became a welcome sight.

If anyone questioned me, I explained away my unease by saying I was superstitious, breaking a mirror means seven years of bad luck and all that, because the truth is harder to believe.

 

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. . . Twenty years later Hayden discovers the secret of the mirror. She learns of a world she never knew existed, and a family she never knew she had.

But danger brought her here, and it followed her. And now, Hayden is on a mission to see that the threat is removed so that she can begin her wonderful new life.

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Elizabeth Pantley is the international bestselling author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution and thirteen other books for parents. She is also the author of The Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic book series. Her books have been published in over twenty languages. She lives in the Pacific Northwest and is the mother of four and Nana to one.

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
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Choice of any 2 ebooks from the Destiny Falls series AND a set of 6 cat coasters!,

$20 Amazon giftcard,

-1 winner each!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Wild Dog Revenge ~ A Kenya Kanga Mystery by Victoria Tate by

Posted: November 14, 2021 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
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Wild Dog Revenge

A Kenya Kanga Mystery

by Victoria Tait

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Wild Dog Revenge: A Page-Turning Cozy Murder Mystery (A Kenya Kanga Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
6th in Series
Setting – Kenya
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kanga Press (November 12, 2021)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 237 pages
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09B66WXJ4

A high-stakes match. An inexplicable death. As the players take their positions, can an amateur sleuth solve the mystery before the final whistle blows?

 

Mama Rose just wants to enjoy a local polo tournament and care for any injured horses. But when a polo player is found dead in a stable, there’s all to play for if our silver-haired investigator is to discover the deadly truth.

 

Intrigued by tales from a late-night party, Rose unearths multiple suspects all with motives to harm the victim. But when her enquires lead to dead ends, she begins to doubt her intuition that there’s been foul play.

 

With the tournament drawing to a close, and the dead man’s influential father demanding answers, the police are on the losing side.

Can Rose unravel the clues before the umpire calls full time?

 

Wild Dog Revenge is the absorbing sixth novel in the Kenya Kanga cozy mystery series. If you like ingenious whodunits, diverse characters, and fascinating African settings, then you’ll love Victoria Tait’s page-turning tale.

 

Buy Wild Dog Revenge to score a victory for justice today!

 

About Victoria Tait

Victoria Tait is the author of the enchanting Kenya Kanga Mystery series.  She’s drawn on 8 years’ experience of living in rural Kenya, with her family, to write vivid and evocative books.  Her readers feel the heat, taste the dryness and smell the dust of Africa.  Her silver-haired sleuth, “Mama Rose” Hardie, is Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple reincarnated and living in Kenya.

Like all good military wives, Victoria follows the beat of the drum and currently lives in Sarajevo, in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  She has two fast growing teenage boys and enjoys horse riding and mountain biking.

You can find Victoria at VictoriaTait.com, on Bookbub and in her readers’ Facebook group, Victoria’s Voracious Readers (with her cat Izzy)

Author Links – Website  –  Facebook  – Blog/News  – GoodReads – Pinterest – BookBub – Twitter

Purchase Links:
Amazon – Kobo – Barnes & Noble – Apple – Google Play – Books2Read –

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GIVEAWAY

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 12 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

November 12 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

November 12 – Baroness’ Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

November 13 – Here’s How It Happened – REVIEW

November 13 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 14 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

November 14 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews

November 15 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 15 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

November 15 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – SPOTLIGHT

November 16 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

November 16 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

November 17 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

November 17 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

November 17 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

November 18 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT  

November 18 – Mysteries with Character – GUEST POST

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

Death On A Shelf ~ A Haunted Library Mystery by Allison Brook

Posted: November 13, 2021 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
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Death On The Shelf

A Haunted Library Mystery

by Allison Brook

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Death on the Shelf: A Haunted Library Mystery
Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crooked Lane Books (November 9, 2021)
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1643857800
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1643857800
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08WCB3SBN

Librarian Carrie Singleton sleuths a murder at her best friend’s wedding in Agatha Award nominee Allison Brook’s fifth Haunted Library mystery.

Clover Ridge librarian Carrie Singleton is thrilled to attend her best friend Angela’s wedding, but Angela’s family can be a bit…much. Angela’s wealthy cousin Donna hosts an extravagant bridal shower at her resplendent home, but the celebrations turn to gossip as the guests notice Donna’s surgeon husband, Aiden, spending a bit too much time with Donna’s cousin Roxy. At the wedding reception, the sweet occasion turns darkly bitter when Aiden topples into the chocolate fountain–dead.

The suspect list is as long as the guest list, and as difficult to sort out as the seating chart. A few of the top contenders on Carrie’s suspect list are the flirtatious Roxy, emotionally unstable since her recent divorce; Angela’s grouchy brother, who feels Aiden betrayed him; and Roxy’s scorned ex-husband. Even Donna may have had reason to want her husband dead. And Aiden’s gossipy office manager has plenty to say about them all.

Then another member of Angela’s family is murdered, making Carrie more determined than ever to find the killer. Can library ghost Evelyn and library cat Smoky Joe help Carrie solve the murders before she becomes the next of Angela’s wedding guests to head to the grave?

About Allison Brook 

Library series. DEATH OVERDUE, the first in the series, was an Agatha nominee for Best Contemporary Novel in 2018. Other mysteries include the Golden Age of Mystery Book Club series and the Twin Lakes series.

Her juvenile novel, Rufus and Magic Run Amok, was an International Reading Association-Children’s Book Council Children’s Choice. And Don’t Bring Jeremy was a nominee for six state awards.

Marilyn lives on Long Island, where many of her books take place. She loves traveling, reading, doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku, and chatting on FaceTime with her grandkids.

Author Links: Website / Amazon / Facebook / Goodreads / Twitter / Pinterest

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

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 9 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

November 9 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 9 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 10 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

November 10 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

November 11 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 11 – This Is My Truth Now – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

November 11 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW

November 12 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

November 12 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

November 12 – Carla Loves To Read – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

November 13 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

November 13 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

November 13 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

November 14 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 14 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 15 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

November 15 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 15 – Baroness’ Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

November 16 – ebook addicts – REVIEW

November 16 – Diane Reviews Books – REVIEW

November 17 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 17 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

November 18 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT  

November 18 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

Fleece, Navi, Dead ~ A Kiki Lowenstein Mystery by Joanna Campbell Slan

Posted: November 11, 2021 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
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Fleece, Navi, Dead

A Kiki Lowenstein Mystery

by Joanna Campbell Slan

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Fleece, Navi, Dead: Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series
Cozy Mystery
16th in Series
Setting – Missouri
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Spot On Publishing (October 31, 2021)
Number of Pages: EST. 320
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09D9T6WLF

The BIGGEST Kiki book yet!
Introducing the Miss Fits, ordinary women who do extra-ordinary things!
Every holiday season, Kiki Lowenstein plans 12 days of classes, her Holiday Craft Extravaganza. And every year, it nearly kills her.

This year is no exception. As the holiday season approaches, Kiki over-schedules herself and winds up running herself ragged. To make life even more stressful, she must fend off a stalker, a man determined to possess the object of his affection. But that’s only one problem.

Kiki’s ace full-time employee, Clancy, has HUGE decisions to make. How do you put aside your hurt and disappointment when you’ve been betrayed? Why should you upend your whole life because of another person’s mistake? Is it selfish to think of yourself first? As Clancy ponders questions, Kiki stands on the sidelines, knowing this is not her choice to make. And yet…Kiki feels Clancy’s agony.

Meanwhile, both of Kiki’s older kids are having problems with teachers. Kiki wonders, “At what point does being an involved parent tip over into being a helicopter parent?” There’s also a staff shortage that leaves Kiki in the lurch, both at home and at the store. Kiki might have found an answer to that dilemma when a mysterious woman applies for a job. Her name is Nona, and she claims to be an old friend of an old friend. But is she?

Nona seems too good to be true. Sadly, that might be the least of Kiki’s problems with the woman. Because Nona isn’t what she seems to be. Nona is a Miss Fit.

About Joanna Campbell Slan

Joanna Campbell Slan is an Award-Winning, National Bestselling, and USA Today Bestselling author. Her personal essays appear in five of the New York Times Bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and one was adapted as a television segment for the PAX TV network. Joanna has penned seven scrapbooking technique books, and she has written for Creating Keepsakes, Memory Makers, and PaperKuts magazines. Joanna has traveled around the world to teach scrapbook journaling.

Joanna has also written more than 30 works of fiction. RT Reviews has called her “one of mystery’s rising stars.” Her first mystery in the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series—Paper, Scissors, Death—was shortlisted for the Agatha Award. Joanna’s series featuring Charlotte Brontë’s classic heroine Jane Eyre began with Death of a Schoolgirl, which won the 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence for historical romantic suspense. As the editor and publisher of the Happy Homicides anthologies, Joanna has been on Amazon’s list of Top 100 Mystery Authors.

Joanna’s college textbook—Using Stories and Humor—has been endorsed by Benjamin Netanyahu’s speechwriter as his favorite resource and has been endorsed by Toastmasters.

The Public Relations Society of America honored Joanna with a Silver Anvil (their highest award) for her work on the first FarmAid. Joanna has been accredited by PRSA as a professional public relations practitioner. She is a certified teacher of Zentangle® and certified in Personal Profiles. Slan founded the Best of British Scrapbooking and Cardmaking contest.

In her past life, Slan was a television talk show host, an adjunct professor of public relations at Illinois State University, a sought-after motivational speaker, and a corporate speechwriter. Sharing Ideas Magazine named Joanna “one of the top 25 motivational speakers in the world.” She has spoken in Australia, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and all over the United States, to audiences of all sizes.

Joanna is married to David Slan, CEO of Steinway Piano Gallery-DC and Steinway Piano Gallery-St. Louis, and a professional poker player.  The Slans have one son, Michael, and a daughter-in-law, Chelsea Edwards. They live with their Havanese puppy Jax on Jupiter Island, Florida.

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Facebook Group / Twitter / Amazon 

Instagram / Goodreads / Bookbub / LinkedIn / Pinterest

Purchase Link – Amazon 

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 11 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

November 11 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

November 12 – Novels Alive – GUEST POST

November 12 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 13 – Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers – GUEST POST

November 14 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 15 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

November 16 – Valerie’s Musings – REVIEW, GUEST POST

November 16 – Baroness’ Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

November 17 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 18 – Brooke Blogs – CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 19 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

November 20 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 21 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

November 22 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT

November 23 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 24 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT  

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

The Notorious Noel Caper by Sally Carpenter

Posted: November 8, 2021 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways, Holidays
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The Notorious Noel Caper

A Sandy Fairfax Teen Idol Mystery

by Sally Carpenter

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The Notorious Noel Caper (Sandy Fairfax Teen Idol Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cozy Cat Press (August 18, 2021)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 235 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1952579317
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1952579318
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09CN1W7V1

It’s Christmastime in Tinsel Town, and there’s plenty of ho-ho-homicide at the soon-to-open Santa’s Magic theme park, where bodies are dropping like snowflakes. Former pop star Sandy Fairfax has a killer job—he’s the emcee for the televised Miss North Pole beauty contest–er, scholarship pageant. But will the beautiful contestants make his girlfriend jealous? Or will she join him in his sleuthing? The deadly Christmas season begins at a celebrity bowling tournament when a pinsetter plops down a body instead of the pins. Throw in surfing Santas, a seductive executive’s wife, a sleazy tabloid editor, an egotistical movie rival and a gift-wrapped death trap, and it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

About Sally Carpenter

Sally Carpenter is a native Hoosier living in Southern California.

She has a master’s degree in theater from Indiana State University. While in school, her plays “Star Collector” and “Common Ground” were finalists in the American College Theater Festival One-Act Playwrighting Competition. “Common Ground” also earned a college creative writing award. “Star Collector” was produced in New York City and served as the inspiration for her Sandy Fairfax series.

Sally also has a Master of Divinity and a black belt in tae kwon do.

She’s worked as an actress, college writing instructor, jail chaplain and tour guide/page for Paramount Pictures.

Her first book, The Baffled Beatlemaniac Caper, was a 2012 Eureka! Award finalist for best first mystery novel. She has published five books in the Sandy Fairfax Teen Idol series and two books the Psychedelic Spy series, Flower Power Fatality and Hippie Haven Homicide.

She penned chapter three of the group mystery Chasing the Codex.

She has short stories in three anthologies: “Dark Nights at the Deluxe Drive-in” in Last Exit to Murder; and “Faster Than a Speeding Bullet” in Plan B: Omnibus as well as a Sandy Fairfax adventure, “The Puzzling Puppet Show Caper,” in Cozy Cat Shorts.

Social media links: Website / Facebook / Goodreads

Purchase Link – Amazon

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GIVEAWAY

I have one eBook copy to give away.

To enter, tell me something funny that happened to you on Christmas.

Giveaway ends November 18th.

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 8 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

November 8 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

November 9 – Here’s How It Happened – SPOTLIGHT

November 10 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 10 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 11 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

November 11 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 12 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW, GUEST POST

November 13 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

November 14 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 15 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

November 15 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – GUEST POST

November 16 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 16 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT

November 17 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT

November 17 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

 

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

Murder She Wrote: Debonair In Death by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran

Posted: November 6, 2021 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
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Murder, She Wrote: Debonair In Death

Murder She Wrote

by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran

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Murder, She Wrote: Debonair in Death (Murder She Wrote)
Cozy Mystery
54th in Series
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (November 2, 2021)
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593333624
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593333624
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08W1XCZH4

When a local art shop owner is murdered, Jessica Fletcher is surprised to once again be working alongside her old friend MI-6 agent Michael Haggerty to solve the case in the newest mystery in this USA Today bestselling series.

When Nelson Penzell, co-owner of a local art and treasure store in Cabot Cove, is murdered, the nail tech from Jessica Fletcher’s favorite beauty parlor is the main suspect. After all, she’s the one who ran out of the store screaming, covered in blood, and holding the murder weapon. Jessica is positive that despite the circumstances, Coreen can’t possibly be guilty, and is determined to prove it.

When Michael Haggerty, handsome MI-6 agent and Jessica’s old friend, is caught snooping around the victim’s home, it’s quickly apparent to her that she was right. Nelson has always had a bit of a reputation for being a rake, but Haggerty is sure his sins go far beyond what anyone in town imagined. If she wants to clear Coreen’s name, Jessica will have to work alongside Michael to find out who killed Nelson—and maybe help bust a crime ring in the process.

About the Authors

Terrie Farley Moran is co-author, along with Jessica Fletcher, of the Murder, She Wrote series. Terrie is also the author of the beachside Read ‘Em and Eat cozy novels, and is co-author of Laura Childs’ scrapbooking mysteries. Her short mystery fiction has been published in numerous venues. Terrie is a recipient of both the Agatha and the Derringer awards.

Author Links – Webpage / Facebook

Purchase Links   Amazon –  IndieBound    Barnes and Noble 

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 1 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

November 1 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW  

November 2 – Here’s How It Happened – SPOTLIGHT

November 2 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

November 3 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW

November 4 – Novels Alive – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 4 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 5 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW

November 5 – Books to the Ceiling – REVIEW

November 6 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

November 6 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

November 7 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

November 8 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 9 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

November 9 – Christa Reads and Writes – SPOTLIGHT

November 10 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

November 10 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

November 11 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW

November 12 – Author Elena Taylor’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

November 13 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 14 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT  

November 14 – Dear Reader – REVIEW

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Murder by Maria DiRico

Posted: November 4, 2021 in Cozy Mystery, Excerpt, giveaways
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It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Murder

A Catering Hall Mystery

by Maria DiRico

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It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder (A Catering Hall Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington Cozies (October 26, 2021)
Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496725360
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496725363
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08VFBT9B2

Astoria, Queens, is decorated within an inch of its life for the Christmas season, and Mia Carina is juggling her job at the Belle View catering hall with a case of murder . . .

 

Mia’s busy with a full schedule of events at the family business—among them an over-the-top Nativity-themed first birthday party and a Sweet Sixteen for a teen drama queen. But her personal life is even more challenging. Her estranged mother has returned—and her lifelong friend Jamie has discovered a shocking secret about his past. He’s so angry that he starts hanging out with Lorenzo, who claims to be his long-lost brother—even after it becomes clear that Lorenzo’s story is as fake as a plastic Christmas tree.

 

Then a body turns up among the elves in a Santa’s-workshop lawn display, and amateur sleuth Mia has a buffet of suspects to choose from. Amid the holiday celebrations, she intends to find out who’s the guilty party . . .

 

Italian recipes included!

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Donny took Mia’s hands in his and squeezed them.

“Mille grazie, Mia. All we ask is that you keep this news to yourself until we meet together to tell Jamie. You can share it with your father. I trust him with my life. But no one else.”

Mia nodded her agreement. A thought occurred to her.

“Does Donny Junior know?” Jamie’s older brother, a textbook goombah who barely made it out of high school, lived to tease his more cerebral little brother and give him grief.

Donny Senior shook his head. “We’re not saying a word to Little Donny until we talk to Jamie.”

“Good. I’m worried he might throw this in Jamie’s face.”

A bookcase suddenly rotated out of place and Donny Junior burst into the room from a secret location, eliciting startled screams from the office occupants. “I would never do that,” Donny Junior declared with passion.

“Donny, what were you thinking?” his angry mother scolded. “You know your father has high blood pressure. You could have given him a stroke.”

“Or me,” Mia said, pouring herself a small shot of Strega. “I know you have a hidden bar, but what the hell is that?” She pointed to a small room behind the faux bookcase.

“It’s a panic room,” Donny Senior said. “We’ve got a few around the place. This one was a birthday present from Aurora.” He glared at his son. “You got a lot of nerve, sneaking up on your family like that.”

Donny Junior returned his father’s glare. Even though he had half a foot on his father, he was often referred to as Little Donny by friends and family. He and “Big Donny” shared the same coloring, muddy brown eyes, and fleshy facial features, making it impossible for anyone to deny that Little Donny was a biological Boldano. “I’ve seen how you all been whispering to each other and shutting up the minute I came into the room. When I heard Mia was coming over by herself, I knew something was up and if you weren’t gonna tell me, I was gonna do whatever it took to find out what was going on.” His expression softened. “Jamie is my brother. I know we’re always on each other, but I love him. And I should be part of this conversation.”

His father began to protest, but Aurora cut him off.

“You’re right, son,” she said. “You should be. We’ll tell Jamie tomorrow night. At Piero’s restaurant. Jamie loves Piero’s mushroom pasta alla carbonara. It’ll make the news go down easier.”

That’s so typically Italian, Mia thought. If there’s a problem, a dish of homemade pasta will solve it. But as far as she was concerned, there wasn’t a pasta dish in the world that would ease Jamie into this revelation.

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About Maria DiRico

Maria DiRico is the pseudonym for Ellen Byron, author of the award winning, USA Today bestselling Cajun Country Mysteries. Born in Queens, New York, she is first-generation Italian-American on her mother’s side and the granddaughter of a low-level Jewish mobster on her father’s side. She grew up visiting the Astoria Manor and Grand Bay Marina catering halls, which were run by her Italian mother’s family in Queens and have become the inspiration for her Catering Hall Mystery Series. DiRico has been a writer-producer for hit television series like Wings and Just Shoot Me, and her first play, Graceland, appears in the Best Short Plays collection. She’s a freelance journalist, with over 200 articles published in national magazines, and previously worked as a cater-waiter for Martha Stewart, a credit she never tires of sharing. A native New Yorker who attended Tulane University, Ellen lives in Los Angeles with her husband, daughter, and two rescue dogs.

Author Links – Website – Chicks on the Case – Facebook –  Twitter

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

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 1 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT

November 1 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 1 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – RECIPE

November 1 – Christa Reads and Writes – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT

November 2 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

November 2 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

November 2 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW, RECIPE

November 2 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 3 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

November 3 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW

November 3 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

November 3 – My Journey Back – RECIPE  

November 4 – Novels Alive – GUEST POST

November 4 – Brooke Blogs – RECIPE

November 4 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

November 4 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT

November 5 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW, EXCERPT

November 5 – Author Elena Taylor’s Blog – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 5 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT

November 5 – This Is My Truth Now – REVIEW

November 6 – StoreyBook Reviews – RECIPE

November 6 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT

November 6 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

November 6 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST,

November 7 – Celticlady’s Reviews – RECIPE

November 7 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT  

November 7 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

November 7 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

Punkin Strudel Mayhem ~ A Cast Iron Skillet Mystery by Jodi Rath

Posted: November 1, 2021 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
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Punkin Strudel Mayhem

A Cast Iron Skillet Mystery

by Jodi Rath

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Punkin Strudel Mayhem (The Cast Iron Skillet Mystery Series)
Cozy Mystery
7.5 in Series
Publisher ‏ : ‎ MYS ED LLC; 1st edition (October 29, 2021)
Approximately 150 Pages
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08MBGVFQS

It is a Spooktacular time for Jolie and Ava as they have their hands’ full catering Leavensport’s annual Halloween Pumpkin Bash. When Ava convinces Jolie to get their fortunes told by a visiting psychic, they receive an ominous prediction.

 

“Masks–literal and figurative, chaos, deceit, betrayal, death. The cards have spoken.”

 

Madame Esme Emerald’s fortunes are looking more like premonitions of doom. It seems that someone in Leavensport received a reading that did not sit well because Madame Emerald is found dead, and it looks like her crystal ball is the murder weapon—or is something more supernatural going on?

 

Bounty-Full Investigative Services is on the case, or is it more of a paranormal manifestation? This could be a first for the girls as they take on the underworld’s spirits.

 

Welcome to Leavensport, OH, where DEATH takes a DELICIOUS turn!

About Jodi Rath

Moving into her second decade working in education, Jodi Rath has decided to begin a life of crime in her Cast Iron Skillet Mystery Series. Her passion for both mysteries and education led her to combine the two to create her business MYS ED, where she splits her time between working as an adjunct for Ohio teachers and creating mischief in her fictional writing. She currently resides in a small, cozy village in Ohio with her husband and her nine cats.

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