Posts Tagged ‘cozy mystery’

 

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Welcome to the Sunny Side Up Diner,

where the pancakes are fluffy, the bacon is crisp,

and murder should not be on the menu…

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A Pinch of Assault

Sunny Side Up Mysteries Book 3

by Misty Simon

Genre: Small Town Cozy Mystery with a dash of Romance

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Welcome to the
Sunny Side Up Diner, where the jukeboxes jive and the secrets thrive…

With things at her Sunny Side Up Diner sailing along smoothly for once, Jax
Tapman has turned her attention to her personal life. It’s time to meet the
boyfriend’s mother in person. And while Jax isn’t totally certain she’s up to
the challenge, she agrees to show Eliot’s mom around a local retirement home.
It sounds innocent enough, and it shouldn’t be too difficult to sell the woman
on the idea of moving to be closer to her son. But instead of making her case,
when Jax enters the model apartment, she and her potential in-law find one dead
body and a whole lot of secrets!

Suddenly it’s up to Jax to discover who the retirement home killer is—a task
that only gets harder when someone from Eliot’s past shows up and might know
far more about the crime than she’s letting on.

The Sunny Side Up Diner is jumping with gossip, Jax and her best friend Dani
are running interference, and Eliot’s mom is calling all the shots. But sorting
out chaos and minimizing damage is something Jax has grown accustomed to, if
she can only get a clue.

“This new series is off to a great start. Misty does an excellent job
showing readers all the details of the small town, the diner, and a cast of
entertaining characters.”

~ Kings River Life Magazine

“Readers cannot help but fall in love with this first book!!! Simon has
you laughing out loud… I, for one, look forward to more books in the
series!!!!”

~ Cozy Mystery Book Reviews

Amazon * Apple
* B&N
* Google
* Kobo * Smashwords * Bookbub
* Goodreads

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“We’re looking for the model
apartment,” I said. “If you could point us in the right direction?”

“Of course,” said a guy who came up
from behind to join the others. He was wearing a hoodie also emblazoned with
the company logo of a big, branchy oak tree with a smiling face. “Right behind
you.”

I turned around, and sure enough,
when I looked at the sign on the wall to my right, it had a big arrow and the
very helpful words “Model Home” in a polished silver that must have cost a
pretty penny. But for what they charged to live here, that was probably a drop
in the bucket of the money they made on a monthly basis.

“Much appreciated.”

“No problem,” he said, saluting me,
and then he caught up with the others.

“We have our direction now from the
guy who must not realize it’s warm enough to not need a sweatshirt.”

“Not everyone is as hot as you
are,” Eliot said with a chuckle.

“Ha!” I did appreciate that he
thought I was hot, of course, but I was fighting a blush that he’d said it in
front of his mom.

“Nicely done,” Dot said, patting
her son’s arm.

“Let’s carry on.” I cleared my
throat and prepared to make the idea of living here irresistible, or at least
get mother and son to laugh while trying. “Here we have state-of-the-art
facilities and comfort like no other place in the world. The programs and
activities are top of line, too. You will only be bored here if you want, or
actively make an effort to be bored, because we can schedule your every second
before Wheel of Fortune comes on, if you so desire.”

Dot snickered, and even Eliot
laughed at that.

“Please follow me to our version of
paradise.”

I inserted the key into the lock
and twisted, but I didn’t feel any resistance or hear the dead bolt click. I
turned the doorknob anyway, thinking maybe the door was just that well-oiled.

Opening the door into the really
beautiful suite of rooms, I was already half in love with the teal carpet and
the rose-colored walls. The tan furniture they’d chosen to place in the living
room was set off nicely with pastel throw pillows, light wood side tables, and
a coffee table. The sliding glass door to the left let in ample sunlight
without being blinding and bathed the whole area in a golden glow that warmed
the room. The effect was truly lovely.

It was obvious I wasn’t alone in
thinking so either, since Dot was already oohing and ahhing from the doorway.
As she stepped in, I moved out of the way in case she wanted to make a beeline
for the kitchen. The breakfast bar fronting the kitchen was big without being
massive and separated it from the living room while keeping the floor plan open
for entertaining.

I was hoping she’d love the space
as she moved around the end of the bar, but when she stepped into the kitchen,
she drew to an immediate halt and barked at us to call 9-1-1.

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Don’t miss the other
Sunny Side Up Mysteries!

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Find them on Amazon or
at Gemma Halliday Publishing

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Misty Simon always wanted to be a storyteller…preferably
behind a Muppet. Animal was number one, followed closely by Sherlock Hemlock…
Since that dream didn’t come true, she began writing stories to share her world
with readers, one laugh at a time.

Touching people’s hearts and funny bones are two of her
favorite things, and she hopes everyone at least snickers in the right places
when reading her books. She lives with her husband in Central Pennsylvania
where she is hard at work on her next novel or three. She loves to hear from
readers so drop her a line at misty@mistysimon.com.

Website * Facebook * Facebook * Instagram * Bluesky * TikTok * Amazon
* Goodreads

 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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Enter the A Pinch of Assault Giveaway Here

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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Mummy’s Locket (Mallory Grayson Mysteries)
by Nan S. Russell


Mummy’s Locket (Mallory Grayson Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – New York State
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Next Chapter
Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 25, 2026
Print length ‏ : ‎ 308 pages
Hardcover
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 482417029X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-4824170293
Paperback
Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 1, 2026
Print length ‏ : ‎ 306 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8195110321
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GZ8JW9P4
Digital
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GZ6XLDDB

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The truth doesn’t stay buried forever.

After losing everything, Mallory Grayson retreats to a quiet town, hoping a vintage shop and a fresh start will help her rebuild her life. But when the mummified body of her long-missing great-grandmother is discovered, Mallory is pulled into a mystery.

Clues hidden in heirlooms, a secret room, and a past lover’s return offer answers … if she’s willing to risk everything to uncover them. In a story steeped in secrets and history, her courage may be the only thing that can break the curse.

The past and present collide in MUMMY’S LOCKET, the first book in the Mallory Grayson Mysteries series by Nan S. Russell.

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About Author Nan S. Russell

With both a bachelor’s and master’s in psychology, Nan S. Russell was fired from her first professional job. Taking a minimum wage position to pay the rent, sixteen promotions later, she decided to end a successful corporate career as a Vice President of a multibillion-dollar East Coast company, to pursue a life dream to live and write from the Rocky Mountains, first in northwestern Montana and now along the Front Range of Colorado. With a desire to help others live their dreams, too, she turned her real-world experience into writing award winning non-fiction career and business books and articles, and became a speaker and consultant on leadership, trust, and culture development. But she always knew she wanted to write fiction, too. That point arrived during the pandemic pause which provided the catalyst for rethinking her writing and its purpose, sparking the decision to move towards fiction with more time to study the craft, take online classes, hone skills and work on her first novel. Now, she is living her second dream: Writing mysteries. Mummy’s Locket is her debut novel and the first in her Mallory Grayson series. More at www.nanrussell.com.

Author Links: Website / Blog / Facebook / X / Threads / Instagram

BlueSky / LinkedIn / Pinterest / Etsy / Goodreads

Purchase Links:
Universal Link to 8 book sellers: Mummy’s Locket | Universal Book Links Help You Find Books at Your Favorite Store!
Amazon     Barnes & Noble    Apple Books

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

August 17 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

August 17 – Romance Novel Giveaways – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 18 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT 

August 18 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 19 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 20 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 20 – Baroness Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

August 21 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

August 21 – Sarandipity’s – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 22 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

August 23 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 24 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

August 25 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

August 26 – Sarcastically Yours, Jen – SPOTLIGHT

August 26 – Salty Inspirations – SPOTLIGHT

August 27 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 28 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

August 29 – deal sharing aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 29 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

August 30 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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The Secret in the Sampler: A Plain Truth Mystery
by Abigail B. Hartwell

The Secret in the Sampler: A Plain Truth Mystery
Amish Adjacent Cozy Mystery with Slow-Burn Romance
1st in Series
Setting – Ohio
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Plain Truth Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 31, 2026
Print length ‏ : ‎ 358 pages
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GX372D82
Paperback Coming Soon!

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What would you do if the family heirloom hidden in your aunt’s estate could expose a stolen inheritance—and make you the next person someone needs silenced?

Two years after losing her husband, Nora Bell returns to the quiet Ohio Amish-country town of Briar Creek to settle her late aunt’s estate. She expects dusty type drawers, unpaid bills, and enough sympathy casseroles to survive a minor siege. Reopening The Bell & Quill, Aunt Lenora’s old letterpress and stationery shop, is supposed to be a temporary project—not the beginning of an entirely new life.

Then Nora discovers an antique hand-stitched sampler concealed inside a cedar trunk.

Its mismatched initials, reversed border, and nearly invisible name suggest that the sampler is more than a family keepsake. It may be the only surviving record of a child erased from Briar Creek’s history—and an inheritance quietly stolen decades ago.

Before Nora can uncover what her aunt knew, a local estate appraiser is found dead. He had been asking questions about the sampler, searching for a missing auction ledger, and meeting privately with someone determined to keep an old land transfer from being examined too closely.

Now Nora is following a trail of altered records, old letters, disputed property, and carefully guarded family secrets. Her unexpected ally is Eli Yoder, a reserved Amish widower and auction clerk who knows Briar Creek’s family histories almost as well as he knows when people are refusing to tell the truth.

Eli’s dry humor and steady presence make him useful. The grief he recognizes in Nora makes him dangerous in an entirely different way.

As suspicion spreads through the Amish farms, antique shops, auction houses, and polished tourist businesses surrounding Briar Creek, Nora realizes the sampler does not simply reveal what happened in the past. It threatens someone’s money, reputation, and future.

And the person who killed to keep its secret hidden may already know Nora has begun to unravel the pattern.

Readers will discover:

  • A clever, emotionally grounded amateur sleuthwhose knowledge of printing, paper, handwriting, and design helps her notice what others overlook.
  • An atmospheric Amish-country settingfilled with rural roads, estate auctions, quilt work, family businesses, and small-town secrets.
  • A layered, low-gore cozy mystery involving an antique sampler, a hidden heir, altered records, and a disputed inheritance.
  • A clean, chaste slow-burn romance between two widowed people rebuilding their lives through trust rather than instant attraction.
  • Warm community characters and lightly witty dialogue without turning the mystery into slapstick.
  • A satisfying standalone investigation that opens the door to more secrets from The Bell & Quill.

The Secret in the Sampler is the first novel in The Plain Truth Mysteries, a gentle Amish-adjacent cozy mystery series about old objects, hidden histories, rural grudges, and the truths people leave behind on paper and cloth.

Perfect for fans of Amanda Flower’s Assaulted Caramel, Laura Bradford’s Hearse and Buggy, and Vannetta Chapman’s Falling to Pieces.

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About Author Abigail B. Hartwell

Short – Abigail B. Hartwell, aka Abby, writes warm Amish-country-adjacent cozy mysteries rooted in rural Ohio, where handmade clues, old family secrets, quiet faith, and plainspoken women bring buried truths into the light.

Long – Abigail B. Hartwell writes gentle Amish-adjacent cozy mysteries rooted in the small towns and wooded backroads of east-central Ohio. Though she is not Amish, she lives near Amish communities and draws inspiration from the region’s quiet rhythms, close-knit families, old stories, and rural traditions. She shares a modest home on five wooded acres with her long-haul truck driver husband. They have two grown daughters and three grandchildren. When she is not writing, Abigail enjoys church activities, family time, and the peaceful beauty of the Ohio countryside.

Social Media Links: Instagram / Facebook / Website / Amazon

Purchase Links – Amazon Book  Amazon Series 

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

August 18 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea –  SPOTLIGHT

August 18 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

August 19 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

August 19 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 20 – Boy’s Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

August 20 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

August 21 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 21 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

August 22 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

August 22 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

August 23 – Sarcastically Yours, Jen – SPOTLIGHT

August 23 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 24 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 25 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 26 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

August 27 – Salty Inspirations – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 28 – Sarandipity’s – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

August 28 – Book HookUp – REVIEW

August 29 – Romance Novel Giveaways – SPOTLIGHT

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Masked Intentions: A Camera Club Mystery
by Kara Lacey


Masked Intentions: A Camera Club Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Vermont
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Level Best Books
Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 27, 2026
Print length ‏ : ‎ 270 pages
Paperback
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8898200619
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GJJKL34G
Digital
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GGM6PLJN

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It’s autumn in Vermont, and the mountains are ablaze with color, just in time for Stonebridge’s annual harvest festival. The village is swarming with leaf-peeping tourists, and the celebration is off to a jubilant start as residents gather for their favorite kick-off event: a masquerade party on the village green. But the crisp fall air turns chilling when a party guest is found lifeless and another is whisked away in an ambulance, on the verge of death.

Photographer Bobbie Brooks vows to leave the investigation to the professionals until a tearful plea from a friend causes her to shift her focus from merriment to murder. The Stonebridge Keep it Snappy Shutter Club is on another case as Bobbie plunges into the world of herbal poisons and masked motives. The truth is concealed in the details captured through her lens. But as everything comes into focus, Bobbie finds herself in danger once again. Can she unmask the killer before the killer zooms in on her?

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The Rosebud Café’s Apple Crumb Muffins

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Thank you for allowing me to share one of the recipes for Rose’s muffins, which appear in Masked Intentions.

In the fictional village of Stonebridge, Vermont, the Rosebud Café is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The owner, Rose Lavoie, is known for her baked goods and the best coffee around, which she serves with a friendly dose of banter.

Located in a Victorian-era home next door to my protagonist, Bobbie Brooks, The Rosebud is her daily hangout for coffee, chitchat, and crime-solving. As Bobbie’s best friend, Rose is always willing to lend an ear and brings her unmatched enthusiasm for any adventure Bobbie throws her way.

Excerpt below from “Taste of Stonebridge” recipe booklet (free for subscribers at https://karalacey.substack.com )

“Hey, girl,” Rose called out as I entered the Rosebud Café.

The festival crowd had turned the coffee shop into a madhouse. I made a beeline to the only empty stool at the counter.

“I’ve only got a minute,” Rose said before plunking a plate on the counter in front of me. “Apple muffins with an oh-so-yummy crumb topping. Hot from the oven, and simply to-die-for, if I do say so myself.”

The spicy scent of cinnamon wafted from the steaming muffin, and my mouth watered. “You’re a godsend.”

“Don’t you forget it.” Rose’s eyes twinkled. “Now, tell me the latest scoop.”

As I regaled my friend with all the latest from our ongoing investigation, I couldn’t help moaning—just a little—as I took a bite of the muffin. Soft and buttery with the sweetness of fresh apples. It was perfection.

Apple Crumb Muffins

Ingredients:

For the Muffins:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • ½ cup yogurt or sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 ½ cups peeled an chopped apples (1/2 inch dice)

For the Crumb Topping:

  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray or line a 12-count muffin tin

Make the Crumb Topping:

Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour together in a medium bowl. Stir in melted butter, mixing with a fork. Set aside

Make the Muffins:

Beat softened butter and both sugars on high speed until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes)
Add eggs, sour cream or yogurt, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for another minute. Then turn to high and beat until creamy.
With mixer on low, add flour and milk, alternating until all flour is incorporated.
Fold in chopped apples.
Spoon batter into each cup. Add crumb topping.
Bake for 5 minutes. Without removing the pan from the oven, reduce temperature to 350 degrees and continue baking for 15-18 minutes.
Remove muffins from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to continue cooling.

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About Author Kara Lacey

Kara Lacey is the author of the Camera Club Mysteries. Along with her husband, she lives in a tiny village nestled in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont—the inspiration for her novels. Kara is a photography enthusiast who also enjoys hiking, skiing, and getting cozy with a good book. When she’s not at her laptop creating havoc for her characters, you can find her rambling through the forest with her husband and spirited Labrador retriever, camera in hand.

Kara is a member of Sisters in Crime, Sisters in Crime-New England.

Author Links: Instagram / Facebook / Website / SubStack / Goodreads / BookBub  

Purchase Links – AmazonBookshop.orgB&NKobo

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August 12 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT 

August 12 – Sarandipity’s  CHARACTER INTERVIEW

August 12 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

August 13 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 13 – Salty Inspirations – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 13 – Sarcastically Yours, Jen – SPOTLIGHT

August 14 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

August 14 – Baroness Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

August 14 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

August 15 – Book Hookup – REVIEW

August 15 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 16 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

August 16 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 17 – Romance Novel Giveaways – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 17 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 18 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 18 – FUONLYKNEW – RECIPE

August 19 – deal sharing aunt – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 19 – Reading Is My SuperPower – SPOTLIGHT

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Sinister Remnants: (A Tori Winters Mystery)
by Anita Dickason


Sinister Remnants: (A Tori Winters Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Setting – Texas
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mystic Circle Books
Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 26, 2026
Print length ‏ : ‎ 380 pages
Hardcover
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1958464139
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1958464137
Paperback
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1958464120
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1958464120
Digital
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1958464144
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0H4X16L1M

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The Past Leaves Traces! Some Turn Deadly!

Ambushed during a press tour of the new Red Door Inn, Tori Winters is blindsided by an accusation that she doesn’t own the mansion.

The Metro reporter’s vicious rumor soon proves to be more than tabloid fodder. An attorney has the proof.

Ensnared in a ruthless legal battle, Tori’s desperate search for answers uncovers a chilling truth. Some things were never meant to be dug up. But someone had.

A remnant, long forgotten in the shadows of her inheritance, ignites a danger far deadlier than a courtroom fight.

One murder was only the beginning.

Who is the next victim?

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Excerpt

Tori gestured toward her team. “On behalf of all of us, thank you for coming. We hope you enjoyed the tour.”

Tori moved to the foyer, while Tina distributed the packets.

Holding the front door open, she smiled and thanked each reporter as they filed out.

Polaski, the last to leave, shot her a smug little look. “Too bad you went to all this effort for nothing.”

Tori kept her expression steady, but the words hit like a blow as she closed the door. A knot of unease tightened in her chest. She turned.

“For cripes’ sake! What was that all about?”

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About Author Anita Dickason 

Anita Dickason is a twenty-two-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department. Anita served as a patrol officer, undercover narcotics detective, advanced accident investigator, and Dallas SWAT tactical officer and first female sniper. Her law enforcement experience and knowledge provide an endless source of inspiration for her characters and plots.

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Pinterest / LinkedIn / Goodreads

An Author’s World YouTube

The Book Cinema Channel

Purchase Links – AmazonB&N

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August 4 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

August 5 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

August 6 – Romance Novel Giveaways – SPOTLIGHT

August 7 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

August 8 – fundinmental – REVIEW

August 8 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

August 9 – Sarandipity’s – SPOTLIGHT

August 10 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

August 11 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST WITH RECIPE

August 12 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

August 12 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

August 13 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

August 14 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

August 15 – deal sharing aunt  – SPOTLIGHT

August 16 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 17 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

August 17 – Sarcastically Yours, Jen – SPOTLIGHT

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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A MURDERER’S GUIDE TO MARDI GRAS (Vintage Cookbook Mysteries)
by Ellen Byron


A Murderer’s Guide to Mardi Gras (Vintage Cookbook Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Setting – Louisiana
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Severn House
Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 4, 2026
Print length ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
Hardcover
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1448320011
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1448320011
Digital
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0H3TD242P

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It’s cozy. It’s culinary. It’s Mardi Gras madness! It’s the fifth book in this fabulous mystery series with a vintage flair from USA Today-bestselling and Agatha Award–winning author Ellen Byron.

Step 1: join a killer krewe

It’s carnival season in New Orleans, and Ricki James-Diaz and her friends from Bon Vee are dressing up for Mardi Gras. They’ve joined the notorious krewe of Chew to support Ricki’s chef boyfriend, Virgil, who is to be crowned this year’s king. It’s all fun, throws, and over-the-top outfits until the krewe’s captain is found strangled with his own medallion.

Step 2: survive the festivities

The prime suspect is Ricki’s friend, the deceased’s wife who discovered he was cheating on her. It seems a straightforward case, but Ricki isn’t so sure. The krewe’s leader had many enemies including his mistress, his krewe co-founder who he ousted, and his college friend whose girlfriend he stole. One thing’s clear, Ricki’s at the center of yet another murder investigation. And if she’s not careful, her first Mardi Gras could also be her last . . .

Perfect for fans of Joanne Fluke, these delightful mysteries bring New Orleans to life with fun characters and delicious recipes. This series is a must-read for culinary cozy lovers!

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About Author Ellen Byron

Ellen is a bestselling author, Anthony nominee, and recipient of multiple Agatha and Lefty awards for her Cajun Country Mysteries, Vintage Cookbook Mysteries,  Catering Hall Mysteries (as Maria DiRico), and Golden Motel Mysteries. She is also an award-winning playwright and non-award-winning writer of TV hits like WingsJust Shoot Me, and Fairly OddParents, but considers her most impressive achievement working as a cater-waiter for Martha Stewart.

A native New Yorker, Ellen is a graduate of Tulane University and lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband, daughter, and a rotating crew of rescue pups. Visit her at http://www.ellenbyron.com/.

Author Links: Newsletter / Facebook / Facebook / Instagram /

BookBub / BookBub / Goodreads

Purchase Links – AmazonBookshop.org – B&N – Hudson Books – 

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

August 3 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

August 3 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT 

August 4 – @bibliophile_foodie – REVIEW 

August 4 – Deal Sharing Aunt – SPOTLIGHT

August 5 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 5 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

August 6 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

August 6 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW

August 7 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

August 7 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

August 8 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

August 8 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

August 9 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

August 9 – StoreyBook Reviews -REVIEW

August 10 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW 

August 10 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

August 11 – Carstairs Considers – REVIEW

August 11 – Romance Novel Giveaways – SPOTLIGHT

August 12 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

August 12 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

August 13 – Sarcastically Yours, Jen – RECIPE

August 13 – Sarandipity’s – SPOTLIGHT

August 14 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

August 14 – From the TBR Pile – SPOTLIGHT

August 15 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 15 – Because I said so – adventures in parenting – REVIEW

August 16 – Twirling Book Princess – SPOTLIGHT

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Where There’s Smoke . . . (A Haunted Paint Store Mystery)
by E.J. Copperman


Where There’s Smoke . . . (A Haunted Paint Store Mystery)
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Severn House
Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 4, 2026
Print length ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
Hardcover
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1448320445
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1448320448
Digital
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0H1RND6TL

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Paint store owner Laura Meehan must prove her amateur sleuthing skills (again!) when her small town’s public library starts burning in this installment of the Haunted Paint Store cozy mystery series.

Don’t mess with a paint store owner’s safe haven!

Laura Meehan has her hands full with her paint store, but also with another case (that she will definitely leave to the police to solve)! The Sea Breeze Public Library is burning and it’s clear from the beginning that it must be arson.

Who would want to burn a library down and why? Was it a group of moms protesting what they see as inappropriate book content? Maybe it was someone who didn’t like a title they lent? Or is there something more alarming going on?

As a library volunteer, Laura simply has to find out, and together with her IT-savvy husband Roy and her ex-detective father’s ghost (real or imagined still yet to be determined), she stumbles upon a lot of obstacles on her quest to find the truth—and maybe even an arsonist who might strike again!

A light-hearted cozy mystery with a paranormal twist and Copperman’s signature wit, humor, and zaniness. Perfect for fans of Copperman’s Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries and Cleo Coyle’s Haunted Bookshop Mysteries, as well as funny and cozy mysteries by Janet Evanovich, Elle Cosimano, and Amanda Flower.

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About Author E.J. Copperman

E.J. Copperman is a figment of someone’s imagination. Sometimes E.J. writes as Jeff Cohen. Where There’s Smoke is his 36th published mystery. But he says he doesn’t write mysteries; he writes comedies that have a mystery in them. It’s up to you to decide if that’s true.

Website   Instagram

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GIVEAWAY

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

August 3 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

August 3 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

August 4 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

August 4 – Sarandipity’s – CHARACTER GUEST POST

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

Agust 5 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 6 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 6 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

August 7 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 7 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

August 8 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 8 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

August 9 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 10 – Romance Novel Giveaways – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 10 – Because I said so – adventures in parenting – REVIEW 

August 10 – From the TBR Pile – REVIEW

August 11 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 11 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 12 – Sarcastically Yours, Jen – SPOTLIGHT

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Murder at the Waterfront (The Academic Mom Mysteries)
by Jacque Rosman


Murder at the Waterfront (The Academic Mom Mysteries)
Traditional Mystery/Amateur Sleuth
3rd in Series
Setting – Washington D.C.
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Speaking Volumes, LLC
Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 19, 2026
Print length ‏ : ‎ 230 pages
Paperback
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8890224279
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0H2C46SXZ
Digital
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8890224262
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0H279G98V

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She’s mastered the art of work-life balance—until murder tips the scales.

Assistant professor Cara Knight juggles raising two preschoolers, teaching social work, and chasing tenure, with a dean intent on derailing her hopes. When one of her students is arrested for murdering Washington D.C.’s chief medical examiner, and Cara inserts herself into the investigation, she risks far more than her career. Convinced of her student’s innocence, Cara stumbles into a tangle of city politics, grieving families, and secrets someone would kill to keep buried.

Can she diagnose the cause of death before she too ends up in the morgue?

Murder at the Waterfront is Book Three in the Academic Mom Mysteries. If you like clever sleuths, dry humor, and twisty whodunits, then you’ll love Jacque Rosman’s well-plotted puzzle.

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RECIPE

A RECIPE FROM THE ACADEMIC MOM MYSTERIES
Milk Chocolate
Cheesecake
A rich, no-fuss cheesecake with a marbled chocolate swirl —
the kind of dessert worth solving a mystery for.

PREP TIME
20 MIN

COOK TIME
35 MIN

SERVES
12+

Ingredients
1 pre-made crust (Oreo cookie crust
suggested)
2 packages (8 oz each) low-fat cream
cheese or Neufchâtel
½ cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 cup milk chocolate chips

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.

2. Beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Add the
eggs one at a time, beating well between each addition.
Pour the batter into the prepared crust.

3. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave. Swirl the melted
chocolate into the batter, avoiding the bottom of the crust,
to create a marbled effect.

4. Bake for 35 minutes, until the surface just starts to brown
and crack.

5. Cool completely, then refrigerate. Serve chilled.
For more recipes from the Academic Mom Mystery series, visit: HERE

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About Author Jacque Rosman

Jacque Rosman writes the Academic Mom Mystery series, featuring Cara Knight, a social work professor whose research instincts keep pulling her into investigations that are decidedly off-syllabus. With wry humor, Jacque mines the absurdity of academia and motherhood for a series that’s equal parts twisty and true-to-life, set in the nation’s capital. When she’s not plotting murders, Jacque can be found juggling her own version of the academic mom life. Join the newsletter for updates on Cara’s next case and the meals that she can get all her family to eat.

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Goodreads / LinkedIn

Purchase Links – AmazonB&NBookshop.orgKobo 

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GIVEAWAY

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Tour Participants

July 20 – deal sharing aunt – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

July 21 – Salty Inspirations – AUTHOR GUEST POST

July 22 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

July 22 – Sarandipity’s – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 23 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT 

July 23 – Baroness Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

July 24 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

July 25 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

July 26 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

July 27 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 28 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 28 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

July 29 – FUONLYKNEW – RECIPE

July 29 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 30 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

July 31 – Romance Novel Giveaways – AUTHOR GUEST POST

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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The Mysterious Case of the Missing House
(The Redemption Detective Agency)
by Michele Pariza Wacek


The Mysterious Case of the Missing House (The Redemption Detective Agency)
Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Setting – Redemption, Wisconsin, in the 1990s
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Love-Based Publishing
Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 15, 2026
Number of Pages 177
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FMT7ST5F

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Emily has a big decision in front of her. But before she can make it, Amelia Clark, one of Aunt Tilde’s friends call The Redemption Detective Agency with an emergency.

Apparently Amelia can’t get a hold of her niece, who’s been house sitting, and she’s worried that her niece forgot to water her rose bushes.

Should be fairly straight forward, right? Drive to the house, see if the niece is there, and make sure the roses aren’t dead as well.

Except…the house is no longer there. It’s now a fancy health club.

Nor is the niece.

Needless to say, Emily has no choice but to figure out what happened to Amelia’s house and her niece before she makes any decisions about her career. Or her love life.

A spin-off from the Charlie Kingsley Mystery series! The Redemption Detective Agency is a funny, twisty, romcom cozy mystery series set in the 1990s featuring silver sleuths solving cold cases, cats, dogs and an opposites attract love triangle. Great for fans of the Thursday Murder Club.

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About Author Michele Pariza Wacek

A USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author, Michele taught herself to read at 3 years old because she wanted to write stories so badly. It took some time (and some detours) but she does spend much of her time writing stories now. Mystery stories, to be exact. They’re clean and twisty, and range from psychological thrillers to cozies, with a dash of romance and supernatural thrown into the mix. If that wasn’t enough, she posts lots of fun things on her blog, including short stories, puzzles, recipes, and more, at MPWNovels.com.

Michele grew up in Wisconsin (hence why all her books take place there), and still visits regularly, but she herself escaped the cold and now lives in the mountains of Prescott, Arizona, with her husband and southern squirrel hunter Cassie.

When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, hanging out with her dog, or watching the Food Network and imagining she’s an awesome cook. (Spoiler alert, she’s not. Luckily for the whole family, Mr. PW is in charge of the cooking.)

Author Links
WebsiteFacebookInstagram

Purchase Link – Amazon

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GIVEAWAY

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

July 21 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW          

July 21 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 22 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW           

July 23 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

July 23 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW     

July 24 – Romance Novel Giveaways – AUTHOR GUEST POST    

July 25 – deal sharing aunt – SPOTLIGHT

July 26 – Sarandipity’s – CHARACTER INTERVIEW  

July 27 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT  

July 28 – Ruff Draft – AUTHOR INTERVIEW    

July 28 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

July 29 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

July 30 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW            

July 31 – Salty Inspirations.com – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 1 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – SPOTLIGHT

August 2 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

August 2 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW        

August 3 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW  

August 3 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW     

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~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.