Posts Tagged ‘cozy mystery’

Murder In Matrimony ~ A Lady Of Letters Mystery By Mary Winters

Posted: October 12, 2025 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways, Historical
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Murder in Matrimony (A Lady of Letters Mystery)
by Mary Winters


Murder in Matrimony (A Lady of Letters Mystery)
Historical Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Setting – London, 1860
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Severn House
Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 7, 2025
Hardcover Print length ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1448315492
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1448315499
Digital Print length ‏ : ‎ 248 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1448315505
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F4XCY2RX

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Countess-turned-advice columnist Amelia Amesbury has a wedding to plan alongside a new murder in this charmingly deadly historical mystery.

Countess Amelia Amesbury has her work cut out. As well as balancing her alter ego—secret advice columnist, Lady Agony—and the blackmailer threatening to reveal her real identity, her sister has also announced she’s getting married. It’s joyous news, but places all the planning for a high society wedding firmly at Amelia’s door.

Luckily, her good friend and local vicar Mr. Cross has agreed to the expedited nuptials, so that’s one less thing to worry about. Until Cross is found dead at the church. Now in between bridal arrangements, Amelia must follow the clues Mr. Cross left behind.

Clearly, he’d made some enemies during his parishioner work, as strange mishaps begin to occur wherever Amelia goes. But when the danger becomes all too real, Amelia must rely on her friends and the handsome Simon Bainbridge to help solve the murder, save the wedding, and Amelia’s life too . . .

Perfect for fans of witty historical mystery and Regency romances with a similar feel to Verity Bright and T.E. Kinsey.

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About Mary Winters

© Julie Prairie Photography 2016

Mary Winters is the Edgar Award-nominated author of the Lady of Letters historical mystery series. Book one, Murder in Postscript, was a finalist for the Mary Higgins Clark Award. Mary is also the author of two cozy mystery series and writes short fiction. Her stories have appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and Black Cat Weekly. When she’s not writing, she’s teaching, reading, or spending time with her family. She lives with her husband, daughters, and spoiled pets in the Midwest. Find out more about Mary at MaryWintersAuthor.com.

Author Links: Website / Blog / Facebook / Instagram

Purchase Links
Amaz0n
Barnes & Noble
Bookshop

 

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October 7 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

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October 16 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

October 17 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

October 18 – The Mystery of Writing – REVIEW

October 19 – Infinite House of Books – SPOTLIGHT

October 20 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

 

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Thanks For Muffin By Victoria Hamilton ~ Recipe And Giveaway

Posted: October 11, 2025 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
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Thanks for Muffin: A Merry Muffin Mystery
by Victoria Hamilton


Thanks for Muffin: A Merry Muffin Mystery
Contemporary Cozy Mystery
8th in Series
Setting – Wynter Castle, Western New York State
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Beyond the Page
Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 14, 2025
Number of Pages: 211
Paperback
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1966322240
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1966322245
Digital
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1966322238
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FMY9PQ2D


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When Merry Wynter’s festive gala takes a fatal turn, she’ll have to grill her guests to catch a killer . . .

After years of planning and hard work, Merry Wynter was finally ready to host the grand opening gala of the Wynter Woods Center for the Performing Arts. With musicians, entertainers, members of the media and even influencers on the guest list, the event went off without a hitch—until a particularly nasty journalist posted a criticism of the gala and everything Merry was trying to accomplish. Still reeling from the review days later, Merry wasn’t sure what to feel when she discovered the reporter’s dead body on the grounds of Wynter Castle.

With many of her guests staying on at the castle for the weekend, Merry realizes they’ve got a murderer in their midst. Going from celebrating to sleuthing, she discreetly questions each of them, trying to weed out the culprit. She quickly learns that the victim had heated arguments with several of the people at the gala, and it turns out those people were all connected by a tragedy in the past. Certain the killer is among them, Merry will have to unearth the final clue that nails the killer—before the killer decides she’s getting too close .

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I Say Bru-shetta, You Say Bru-sketta!

By: Victoria Hamilton

 

I love growing herbs. I have, in the garden: sage, thyme, lemon thyme, lemon balm, summer savory, oregano, chives and others. Lately I have moved to growing annual herbs in a pot. I have marjoram, rosemary (a tender perennial that doesn’t fare well this far north) and a couple of types of basil.

 

However… the basil really takes over potted herbs! What to do with all that luscious basil? Bruschetta is something many enjoy only in the restaurant as an appetizer, but I often make it, topped with cheese, for lunch, or a meal side dish.

 

Now, as to the title… well, I started seeing it long ago on menus and so pronounced it my own way, as bru-shetta, only to learn it should be pronounced bru-sketta. But it’s hard to break old habits, right? Ask me, the gal who still pronounces ‘mandarin’ with the emphasis on the middle syllable, man-DAR-in, because that’s how I thought it sounded.

 

Enjoy my bruschetta, delicious any way you say it!

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Ingredients

Two or three tomatoes

Generous handful of fresh basil, whatever kind you have.

¼ cup finely diced sweet or red onion

2 – 3 garlic cloves

2 – 3 tablespoons olive oil

Garlic butter

2 – 3 panini rolls (or whatever kind of roll or bun you like)

1 cup grated cheese – I used extra old cheddar, but use whatever you like! Mozzarella or Monterey Jack would be perfect!

*Some people use balsamic vinegar; I’m not a fan, but go ahead if you like it, a tablespoon or so!

Freshly grated sea salt and pepper.

 

Directions

Do this part a few hours before you plan to make the bruschetta:

1 – Chop tomato to a medium dice, discarding seeds and excess liquid. Throw in a bowl, and add: chopped or chiffonade of basil, finely chopped onion, chopped or grated garlic.

2 – Add olive oil and balsamic vinegar (if you’re using it) the fresh ground sea salt and black pepper to taste – not too much – and mix it all up.

3 – Set aside in a jar or covered bowl so the flavors marry. You can hold a ceremony if you like, but don’t expect the garlic to obey. It’s more strong-willed than that.

Just before meal:

4 – Split your rolls. (Don’t get confused and roll your splits). You can spread a good commercial garlic butter on the split rolls, or just brush olive oil and rub a garlic clove over it.

5 – Broil until the top is crusty but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

6 – Take buns out of oven (you should never leave a bun in the oven too long!) and pile the bruschetta mix on – I use a slotted spoon so the mixture drains and I don’t soak the buns with too much of the liquid – top with grated cheese, and broil again until bubbly and melted, or even until the cheese is browned a little on top.

 

This is a versatile dish, as you can tell by my ingredients list, and easy to stretch. It can be an appetizer, but I call it lunch!

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About Victoria Hamilton

Victoria Hamilton is the pseudonym of nationally bestselling romance author Donna Lea Simpson. Victoria is the bestselling author of three mystery series: the Lady Anne Addison Mysteries, the Vintage Kitchen Mysteries, and the Merry Muffin Mysteries. She also wrote a Regency-set historical mystery series, starting with A Gentlewoman’s Guide to Murder.

Social Media Links: Website / Facebook / BlueSky / Instagram / Goodreads / Amazon 

 Purchase Links: 
Amazon.com – Amazon.ca – Barnes & Noble – Kobo – Smashwords

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Grave Words ~ A Deadly Deadlines Mystery By Gerri Lewis

Posted: October 5, 2025 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
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Grave Words: A Deadly Deadlines Mystery
by Gerri Lewis


Grave Words: A Deadly Deadlines Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Connecticut
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crooked Lane Books
Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 10, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
Hardcover ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892421133
Paperback  ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892422482
Kindle ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DGPF9R8P
Audiobook ASIN B0F97G3PP3

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Winter Snow has had it! With her business in a death drought, her best friend Scoop implicated in a string of arsons, and an obituary listing Winter herself as deceased, her life is heating up. But just as she’s trying to cool things down, she receives her newest assignment: an obituary for Chester, a homeless man found in a burning building.

Promising the local funeral home manager that she will have the obituary by the deadline, Winter is stonewalled at every turn, failing to discover Chester’s last name, or where he came from. When it is discovered that Chester was murdered and that the fire was set to cover it up, all fingers immediately point to Scoop. Not only is Scoop a person of interest in the arsons, he was also the last person to see Chester alive.

As more nails are pounded into Scoop’s coffin, Winter’s uncle Richard hopes to help by inviting the notorious town gossips, The Nosy Parkers, to a neighborhood food fest. Unfortunately, the breadcrumbs they toss set murder in motion.

More determined than ever, Winter must figure out the twists and turns of the case to clear Scoop’s name, putting her on a deadly deadline to solve the murder and avoid meeting the same grave consequences.

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About Gerri Lewis

GERRI LEWIS is the author of The Last Word (2024) and Grave Words (June 10, 2025), the first two books in her Deadly Deadlines Mystery series published by Crooked Lane Books.  Set in her Hallmark-worthy hometown of Ridgefield, Connecticut, this cozy mystery is about obituary writer Winter Snow, who solves murders along with a cast of lovable characters.  During her career as an award-winning reporter, columnist, and feature writer, Gerri has become a go-to person in her community for obituaries. When she is not helping her protagonist solve mysteries, she writes magazine features and is the Public Information Officer for the Ridgefield Office of Emergency Management.  She lives with her husband in Ridgefield, Connecticut, the picture-perfect setting for her books.

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Instagram 

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Bookshop.org – PenguinRandomHouse – Kobo – Apple  

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Crime Quiz ~ A Cosy Mystery On A Cruise By TJ Stanley

Posted: October 2, 2025 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
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Crime Quiz: Cosy Mystery on a Cruise
by TJ Stanley


Crime Quiz: Cosy Mystery on a Cruise
Cosy (Cozy) Mystery
Setting – On a cruise from Sydney to Hobart in Australia
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Stanley Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 26, 2025
Number of Pages : 200
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FL53FVV6

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Molly should be on her honeymoon, but her husband had disappeared.

Thomas should be preaching, but the bishop had other ideas.

Lynette should be in Aspen, but her doctor refused to let her fly.

Instead, they’re sailing on a five-day round trip between Sydney and Hobart.

At 5.00am on the fourth day of the cruise, Captain Jonas Strong announces that five passengers have died overnight.

Were this a cruise with the usual guest profile, such news may have caused a temporary flutter of nerves before being forgotten. But the Oceanic Wanderer was hosting a Crime Writers’ Conference with hundreds of amateur sleuths who were now wondering, if there was more to the announcement than they were being told.

Was there a murderer among them?

CRIME QUIZ delivers a cosy-mystery caper in a cruisy setting.

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About TJ Stanley

Tracy Stanley has been in love with storytelling since she left university in 1984.

In 2017, she started publishing, and as of August 2025, Tracy has independently published fifteen books across five genres, including business books, travel memoirs, cosy mysteries, romantic suspense, and action-adventure novels. These last two genres have been written under the pen name of Jane Ellyson.

Her writing approach for novels recognises that creativity in storytelling comes from mixing the familiar with a twist, combining comfort and intrigue.

Tracy is Australian and lives in Brisbane.

Author Links – 

https://tjstanley.com/articles/

Purchase Link – Amazon 

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The Murder At Red Oaks ~ A Mosey Frye Mystery By Kay Pritchett

Posted: October 1, 2025 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
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The Murder at Red Oaks (Mosey Frye Mysteries)
by Kay Pritchett


The Murder at Red Oaks (Mosey Frye Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
7th in Series
Setting – The fictional town of Hembree, Arkansas
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wild Rose Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 22, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1509262849
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1509262847
Digital Print length ‏ : ‎ 329 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1509262854
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FH2XYQQ5

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What a chilling sight when real estate agent Mosey Frye enters her client’s grand Victorian only to find her strangled and laid out in a coffin. Clued in on the bizarre murder, the new forensic profiler in town raises the intriguing theory of “posing,” suggesting the culprit, plagued by remorse, decided to honor the victim with a grand send-off.

Meanwhile, police chief Gus Olivera, sticking to the evidence, makes a breakthrough by identifying the coffin as one that is missing from the mausoleum. It originally belonged to the victim’s young ward, tragically drowned in the lake by the house years earlier. With real and amateur sleuths baffled, townspeople fear yet another attack from the deranged killer among them.

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About Kay Pritchett

Kay Pritchett, a native of Greenville, Mississippi, lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where she taught Spanish literature at the state’s flagship university. At retirement, she threw herself into fiction writing and has wrapped up seven books in the Mosey Frye Mystery series. As a mystery writer, she delights in blending the charming wit of amateur sleuth Mosey Frye with the suave sophistication of police chief Gus Olivera. She’s all about sprinkling her mystery novels with lively banter, highlighting the dynamic interactions between Mosey and her trusty sidekick Nadia, as well as the intriguing dialogues between Olivera and sharp-witted coroner Eads McGinnis. Her goal? To transport readers into the thrilling world of an Agatha Christie whodunit, but with a delightful twist—think verandas and paddle boats! Murder in High Cotton (2022), inspired by childhood memories of the Delta, anthologizes her first three short mystery novels. Since then, she has launched four full-length novels: The Summer House at Larkspur, The Incident at Sunny Banks, The House with a Secret Cellar, and The Murder at Red Oaks.

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Goodreads

Purchase Links – Amazon    B&N      Bookshop.org      Alibris

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Essentials Of Death ~ An Aromatherapy Apothecary Mystery By Kim Davis

Posted: September 30, 2025 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
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Essentials of Death: An Aromatherapy Apothecary Mystery
by Kim Davis


Essentials of Death: An Aromatherapy Apothecary Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – California
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harbor Lane Books, LLC.
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 23, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 299 pages
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FMS643F7

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After a scandalous arrest in San Francisco, Carissa Carmichael has moved back to her small Southern California hometown to start over as she opens her Aromatherapy Apothecary shop and reflexology services. A tourist destination, Oak Creek Valley, seems the perfect place to put the past behind her, but it seems no one will let her forget, especially her high school nemesis, Lacie. When Carissa finds her frenemy murdered after having a public altercation at the town’s playwright conference and festival, she becomes the primary suspect. It doesn’t help that the tarot cards she drew earlier in the day foretold the nature of the murder weapon. Despite her father’s position as Oak Creek Valley’s chief of police, the detective assigned to the case assumes she’s guilty.

When tarot death cards begin turning up to taunt her, Carissa not only has to prove her innocence to keep her freedom, she has to make sure death doesn’t come calling for her or those she loves. With the suspects acting as slippery as the essential oils she distills, it’s up to Carissa to apply pressure and sniff out the truth before it’s too late.

Includes essential oil and reflexology tips.

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About Kim Davis

Kim Davis writes the Aromatherapy Apothecary cozy mystery series and the award-winning Cupcake Catering cozy mystery series.

She lives in Southern California with her husband and rambunctious mini Goldendoodle, Missy, who has become an inspiration for several plotlines. When she’s not spending time with her granddaughters or chasing Missy around, she can be found either writing on her next book, working on her blog, Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder as well as Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen, or baking up yummy treats to share.

Kim Davis is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Bluesky / Goodreads / Bookbub / Pinterest
 
Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen

Purchase Links: Amazon
Other online book retailers: https://books2read.com/u/38wjka

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Birds, Puppies, And Murder ~ A Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery By Joyce Proell & Brenda Whiteside

Posted: September 28, 2025 in Cozy Mystery
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Birds, Puppies, and Murder (Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery)
by Joyce Proell & Brenda Whiteside 


Birds, Puppies, and Murder (Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Setting – Arizona
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently Published
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 23, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 327 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8294753788
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FK3P31T5

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Lost puppies, endangered birds…
The sisters are birddogs on a murder most fowl.

The sisters are thriving like mountain sage in an Arizona autumn. Nicole’s yoga business is gaining a foothold in Wyatt. Emma’s first mystery novel is scheduled for release. But a proposed, expansive building project in the pristine area of the bird sanctuary has the community in an uproar. It’s Environmentalists versus Big Business, and the sisters are caught in the cross-fire.

When one of Nic’s yoga students is found dead near the planned resort, the amateur sleuths are back on the trail of a killer. Who has the most to gain from her death—the morally challenged developer, the money-grubbing boyfriend, her jealous brother, a nasty neighbor, or a co-worker with dark secrets? And where has Skittles, the dog, gone?

While the Chocolate Martini Sisters sort through the litany of villains, they’re leaving no mystery unsolved. The stakes are escalating, throwing the sisters on divergent paths that all come together at a dangerous intersection. As they unsnarl the tangled mysteries, will they expose the murderer before the killer finds a way to silence them?

About the Authors

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After hearing countless stories as a mental health professional, Joyce Proell retired to create her own tales. An award-winning author, she writes historical romance and cozy mystery where all endings are guaranteed happy. She shares her home on the prairie with a husband and a little dog with a big personality. When she isn’t reading or writing, she likes to swim and finds baking almost as relaxing as a day at the spa.

Website / Facebook / Twitter/X / Amazon / Goodreads / BookBub

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Brenda Whiteside is the award-winning author of romantic suspense, cozy mystery, and romance. She’s a born and bred Arizona native who sets fictional stories in imaginary, but recognizable, Arizona locations. She and her husband live in Central Arizona. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW fishes, Brenda writes.

Website / Facebook / Twitter/X / Facebook / Blog / Amazon / Goodreads / BookBub 

Purchase Link – Amazon 

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October 2 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

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The Vanishing Castle By Marlena Cannon ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: September 27, 2025 in Cozy Mystery, Excerpt, Fantasy, giveaways
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Marlena Cannon

by Matthew Lett

 

Publication date: September 23rd 2025
Genres: Adult, Cozy Mystery, Fantasy

A fantasy mystery with hooves and heart.

Simarron isn’t a detective, he’s just a centaur with a clipboard and a nose for trouble. He left his homeland to get a professional job in the city as a magical safety inspector. However, his new life isn’t quite as he imagined it to be and his fellow housemates at Slant Row Boarding House (which is definitely not haunted) are shadier than an enchanted forest.

When a castle disappears and an alchemist ends up dead, Simarron must choose between the cozy, safe rule-bound life he’s always dreamed of and the principles that won’t let him walk away. He is a safety inspector, after all, and the city isn’t safe with a killer on the loose.

A cozy mystery set in a richly imagined gaslamp fantasy world, The Vanishing Castle delights with magical intrigue, a quirky found family, and a centaur sleuth you won’t soon forget.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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Enjoy this peek inside:

So, you want to be a magical safety inspector?

Checking my pocket watch, I scuffed the moisture off my hooves as I entered the brick building. Inside, a framed newspaper article announced the founding of the Magic and Alchemy Safety and Health Administration just ten years ago. But the smell of dust, lamp oil, and crumbling paper told a different story, one far older. I caught a dim reflection of myself in the glass—enough to see that my auburn mane looked presentable—but I smoothed it down anyway while I waited.

My gaze restlessly traveled the shelves containing old books and magical oddities, including a globe of the world adorned with dynamic swirls of clouds that flowed over the model. The morning light streamed in from a pair of narrow, floor-to-ceiling windows, brightening the dark wood and heavy silence of the interior.

I glanced at my pocket watch again—one minute until my appointment. Inconveniently, the desk positioned outside the director’s office was unoccupied. Not a secretary in sight. Oh, no—they didn’t expect me to interview for a secretary position, did they?

An indistinct figure moved beyond the glass-paneled door. I shifted from hoof to hoof. What was I to do in this situation, knock or wait one more minute?

By the time I worked up the nerve to announce my presence, two more minutes ticked by. Dread slid its icy fingers into my chest, warning me that I was now late, and gave me the final push to act.

I reached forward to knock, pausing when I heard footsteps shuffle to a halt on the other side. I backed up awkwardly, my hooves clattering on the wood floor as the door swung outward.

“Hello, you must be Simarron! I’m Ken Moosekind, Executive Director of MASHA,” said a squinty man with a bushy mustache whose robes smelled faintly of tobacco. “Come in, lad, and mind your head.” He retreated behind his cluttered desk.

I ducked my head slightly, entering the office: a place of organized chaos. Books and files sat piled atop cabinets and shelves—even on the floor. Wood scraped on wood as I moved aside a chair and settled down on my haunches opposite the director.

Director Moosekind shifted a stack of papers aside. “So, Simarron, you want to join MASHA as a magical safety inspector, do you?”

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About Author Marlena Cannon:

Marlena Cannon grew up reading “The Cat Who…” mysteries by Lilian Jackson Braun and writing stories of her own. She kept writing intermittently over the years, eventually pursuing her dream by completing the DIY MFA program in 2023, where she drafted “The Vanishing Castle,” inspired by one of her childhood projects. She also designed the cover using her background in graphic design. Marlena lives with her husband and their rescue rabbits.

Website / Goodreads / Instagram

 

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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Psychic In Suburbia ~ The Magical Midlife Misadventures Of A Medium Mom By KC Freeman

Posted: September 27, 2025 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
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Psychic In Suburbia:
The Magical Midlife Misadventures of a Medium Mom
by KC Freeman


Psychic In Suburbia: The Magical Midlife Misadventures of a Medium Mom
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Setting – Georgia
Independently Published
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 23, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 234 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8231157518
Digital : 9798231472642

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There’s nothing magical about midlife for Abby McBride, unless dealing with pesky ghosts counts.

Between hot flashes and brain fog and the dead paying a call at all hours, she’s had her share of spirited mayhem, while trying to hold up a perfect image among her cul-de-sac crowd. Not easy! But, after decades of suppressing her psychic gift, it all comes crashing down at the annual Halloween bash and her quiet suburban life goes up in spectral smoke.

The ghosts of 125 Magnolia Lane have demands and are not opposed to dragging the living into their hellish afterlife if that’s what it takes. Can Abby finally embrace the powers she’s long denied in order to save her family and friends from eternal destruction? But at what cost to her reputation, her sanity, marriage and possibly even her freedom?

When Ghost Whisperer meets Bad Moms, haunted hijinks are inevitable among dysfunctional friendships and an intrepid heroine who’s so done playing nice. That’s right! DONE! Get set for a thrill ride that will leave readers with a tale of laugh out loud, heart-tugging midlife magic and mayhem.

About KC Freeman

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After leaving the corporate world to raise her five rambunctious children with her husband in North Carolina, KC Freeman eventually found her way back to her lifelong desire to write paranormal fiction.

First, she dipped her toes in the writing world by ghostwriting cozy mysteries and romance novels. Once confident of her creative writing skills, she struck out on her own to write urban fantasy and paranormal romance with her debut novel, Rekindled Prophecy: Greylyn the Guardian Angel Book 1. A few books later, KC added the label, “USA Today Best-Selling Author” with her paranormal romance, Renegade Angel, incorporated into the Realm of Darkness box set.

KC writes mostly urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels. She also spends a lot of time editing manuscripts with her company, Book Mage Editing, and is certified by the Professional Book Editors Association.

Now that her five children are grown and flown, KC spends her time writing, editing, reading, hiking, exercising (in an attempt to get back a semblance of her pre-menopause body), and spoiling her fur baby chihuahua, Harley.

Author Links: Website / SendFox / Facebook / Facebook Author Page

Instagram / X / BookBub / Goodreads

Purchase Links
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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

September 24 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

September 25 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

September 25 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

September 26 – Infinite House of Books – SPOTLIGHT

September 26 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – SPOTLIGHT

September 27 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

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September 28 – Baroness Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

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September 30 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

October 1 –Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 1 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 2 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 3 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 4 – Angel’s Book Nook – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 5 – Storybook Lady – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 6 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

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Murder At The Wedding By Christine Knapp ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: September 24, 2025 in Cozy Mystery, Excerpt, giveaways
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Murder at the Wedding by Christine Knapp Banner

MURDER AT THE WEDDING
by Christine Knapp
September 8 – October 3, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

 

 

Synopsis:
A Modern Midwife Mystery

 

Birth, death, mayhem, and murder…

Maeve O’Reilly Kensington loves her job as a nurse-midwife at Creighton Memorial Hospital in the quintessential New England seaside town of Langford. Nothing could bring her more pleasure than helping women usher new life into the world… except possibly having a child of her own with her husband, Will. In the meantime, she’s happy to celebrate the families of those she treats, and content to support her husband in his newly formed catering business. However when Creighton Memorial’s Chief Obstetrician suddenly drops dead at his daughter’s extravagant wedding reception, catered by Will, Maeve’s two worlds collide in the worst possible way. Suddenly murder is on the menu, and Maeve is desperate to help her husband and find out who killed the doctor. With the help of her wealthy, acerbic sister Meg and quick-witted Boston Irish mother, Maeve sets out to solve a murder and clear her husband’s name. Can she stay one step ahead of the killer? Or will they strike again… this time closer to home?

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Praise for Murder at the Wedding:

“Christine’s writing style is very entertaining with sensory laden description of the various environment, characters, and even the state of Maeve’s cookies and knitting. Clever & Entertaining Gem!” ~ Kings River Life Magazine “Readers will fall in love with this series immediately!! I highly encourage and suggest you grab your copy.” ~ Cozy Mystery Book Reviews

 

Book Details:

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Published by: Gemma Halliday Publishing Publication Date: June 10, 2022 Number of Pages: 249 ISBN: 9798835432134 (pbk) Series: Modern Midwife Mystery Series, Book 1

Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | Audiobooks.com | Gemma Halliday Publishing

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MODERN MIDWIFE MYSTERY SERIES

Check out the full Modern Midwife Mystery series: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads | Gemma Halliday Publishing

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Murder on the Widow's Walk Modern Midwife Mysteries book #2 Christine Knapp Murder on the Widow’s Walk, #2 Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads | Audiobooks.com   Murder on the Books Modern Midwife Mysteries book #3 Christine Knapp Murder on the Books, #3 Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads | Audiobooks.com   Murder at First Light Modern Midwife Mysteries book #4 Christine Knapp Murder at First Light, #4 Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads   Murder on the Green Modern Midwife Mysteries book #5 Christine Knapp Murder on the Green, #5 Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

 

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Enjoy this peek inside:
from CHAPTER TWO of
Murder at the Wedding
The parking lot at St. Andrew’s Episcopal was filled almost to capacity. Despite a recent visit to the car wash, my Jeep looked out of place next to all the Mercedes, BMWs, Range Rovers, Jaguars, and Porsches. I took out and quickly scanned the engraved linen cream invitation. It read: Matrimonial Ceremony of Charlotte Alexis Whitaker and Brooks James Hawthorne IV St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Langford, Massachusetts Saturday, the eighth of June, at two o’clock in the afternoon As I approached the massive church, I saw all the pink plantings and railings wrapped in white tulle with pink peonies at precise intervals. It was a floral tour de force that must have taken an army of gardeners and florists a few days to accomplish. Inside there were pink roses, peonies, and hydrangeas everywhere. The scene was right out of InStyle Magazine. I wondered, were there any pink flowers left on the East Coast? On the West Coast? As I squeezed into the last row, a large choir serenaded the full house in the loft above the congregation. The choir began to sing “My Spirit Sang All Day” as Mrs. Whitaker, resplendent in a strapless, rose silk Carolina Herrera with a vibrant pink cabbage rose behind one ear and a necklace of marble-sized, green South Sea pearls, was ushered to the left front pew. Really? Strapless for the mother of the bride? Well, she does look amazing. A hush fell over the crowd. The stained-glass doors closed, and the groom and his men filed to the altar. Did one have to be six feet two, gorgeous, and ripped to be in this wedding party? As the first strands of Wagner filled the air, the doors opened, and down the aisle came Anastasia Bleeker. She was one of the bride’s four-year-old charges at Miss Bloomfield’s School, where wealthy, pregnant women enrolled their offspring-to-be to claim a coveted spot. Anastasia was wearing a white tulle fairy-tale gown with a dark rose-colored sash. A circle of petite, light pink roses and baby’s breath crowned her chin length, straight, white-blonde hair. She carried a small, white wicker basket in one hand, and with the other, she started to drop pale pink rose petals down the long aisle. Channeling Lady Di, I thought. Next came the ring bearer, Barrington Cabot. He was another nursery school trust-fund-baby-in-the-making in white linen shorts and jacket and a head of black, curly hair. Then six breathtaking models, or rather bridesmaids, dressed in rose-colored tulle skirts and pale pink lace wrap blouses, floated down the aisle carrying white and pink hydrangeas wrapped in rose-colored ribbons. They looked like an upscale version of an ad for the United Colors of Benetton. After a slight pause, the stained-glass doors parted again, and Dr. Whitaker appeared in his morning suit, standing at Charlotte’s right side. She was breathtaking in a Vera Wang white silk ball gown glittering with thousands of tiny seed pearls. A deep rose satin ribbon wrapped around her bouquet of white peonies. Her Belgian lace veil trailed behind her down the aisle. The ceremony went on amid candlelight, roses, and organ music. It was like being in a dream, albeit a very, very expensive dream. Finally, vows were exchanged, there were no objections, and Charlotte and Brooks were off to the photo-taking session in a vintage, white Bentley. As they left, the guests milled about outside the church for a bit and then headed to the reception. Evelyn Greyson, the sixtyish director of Obstetric Nursing, stood at the top of the church stairs as I exited. She was dressed in a powder blue suit with a short jacket with peplum and knee-length, fitted skirt. A pearl necklace, her ever-present pearl brooch, and small pearl stud earrings completed the look. Her graying hair was, as usual, in her trademark chignon. “Beautiful wedding,” I said. “Magnificent,” Evelyn replied. “Dr. Whitaker wouldn’t have it any other way. See you at the reception, dear.” And then she strode off to her car. Evelyn always agreed with everything Dr. Whitaker said and did. She worshipped him. Did she also have an unrequited crush on him? I quickly greeted a few colleagues but didn’t linger because I wanted to see how Will was doing. The Country Club was buzzing with activity when I drove through the porte cochère, pulled up to the main entrance, and handed my keys to a valet. The grand foyer was glittering with hundreds of candles and still more massive floral arrangements in blush pink. A string quartet played Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” beside the grand staircase. Out on the veranda, the wedding party was taking pictures before an expanse of green lawn and brilliant blue sky and sea. It would be a wedding album worthy of its own issue of Town & Country. Large silver serving trays were circulated among the guests, offering tiny crab cakes topped with dill aioli, mini beef Wellingtons, smoked salmon pinwheels, and tomato and goat cheese on toast points. There were massive silver bowls of fresh shrimp on ice on round marble tables. “Maeve! Maeve! Over here!” one of the midwives called. Looking around the ballroom, which held table settings for six hundred guests, I saw that the Creighton Memorial staff was on the right side of the room while family and friends were on the left. I waved to the midwives but walked over to the table where Grand, Will’s grandmother, was sitting with Will’s parents, Will’s sister, Eloise, her husband, Taylor, and Will’s younger brother, Teddy. “Hello, Maeve.” William stood and extended his hand. Never a hug, never a kiss on the cheek, just a handshake. “Hello, so nice to see you all,” I replied, shaking his hand as I nodded to the table. I saw that Lydia, my mother-in-law, was outfitted in a mint green silk cocktail dress with a large diamond necklace and matching drop earrings. She tilted her head toward me and smiled but said nothing. “The Country Club is such a perfect wedding venue,” I offered. “Quite lovely,” she replied. “You look beautiful, Maeve,” Grand said. “Thanks, Grand.” “Sweet dress,” Lydia said. Sweet dress? What, am I five years old? Lydia was a master of the backhanded compliment, and she was not my biggest fan. Keep it together, Maeve. Eloise was in a sleeveless, pale green and cream striped dress with an emerald and diamond pendant and earrings. Like mother, like daughter. “Well,” I said, “enjoy the meal. Will has been creating a masterpiece.” I saw William’s and Lydia’s smiles tighten. They did not respond. They were not pleased with Will’s chosen profession. “I can’t wait,” Grand said. I gave a little wave and headed over to find my table. Scanning the room, I saw my sister, Meg, cross her eyes and raise her wine glass in a mock salute. Meg was the Langford real estate agent of choice for the wealthy and had been invited along with other top business leaders of the town. She knew I had just navigated a minefield with my emotionally distant in-laws. As soon as I reached my table, I quickly sat down and took a long drink of chardonnay. Herend Chinese Bouquet china in pink, Gorham Newport Scroll sterling, and Baccarat crystal decorated each setting. My gosh, they’ll have to pat everyone down before they leave. Murray Alfond, the famed orchestra leader, turned on his mic and said, “Please be seated while the bridal party arrives.” There was sustained applause as Charlotte and Brooks triumphantly paraded into the ballroom. “The bride and groom will dance to a classic personally chosen by Brooks,” Alfond announced. “The Very Thought of You” wafted through the room as Charlotte and Brooks took to the floor. They obviously had attended many ballroom dancing classes in preparation for this moment, and they danced impeccably. Then the entire wedding party sashayed to “Fly Me to the Moon.” It was like watching La La Land. They were all perfectly coiffed, dressed, and ready for filming. Plus, they could dance. When they were done and returned to their seats, Alfond intoned, “Please bow your heads while Reverend Lucas Mathers says grace.” The Episcopal pastor of St. Andrew’s, Reverend Mathers, was slightly rotund with flushed pink cheeks. He ran his hand through receding black hair, obviously feeling the weight of this moment. Then he bowed his head. “Dear Holy Father, thank you for this glorious day! What a wonderful celebration! We ask you to bless Charlotte and Brooks, as well as their families and friends, and we beseech you to grant this special couple a life together that is happy and blessed. We further ask you to bless this fabulous repast and grant your blessings on all present. Amen.” Gee, that was short. He must be hungry. A phalanx of waiters served the first course of spring green and white asparagus spears with shaved red onion. As we started in on the delicate vegetables, the best man, Ry Farmington, took the microphone and asked all to raise their glasses in a toast to the couple. “Brooks has been like a brother to me since our first day at Hollis in Harvard Yard. We’ve seen many adventures together—none of which, out of respect for your patience and his reputation, I will go into here.” He paused for applause and a few knowing hoots. “In the words of the Bard, No sooner met but they looked; No sooner looked but they loved; No sooner loved but they sighed; No sooner sighed but they asked one another the reason; No sooner knew the reason, but they sought the remedy; And in these degrees have made a pair of stairs to marriage Please rise and toast to their lives together.” Six hundred guests rose and toasted the couple. Then came truffle-scented tenderloin with dauphinoise potatoes and tender baby carrots. I snuck a look first at the Whitaker table and then at William and Lydia. They all seemed to be enjoying the meal, and I prayed that all the reviews would be excellent. For dessert, a chocolate mousse with a crème brûlée center was placed at each setting. I knew the wedding cake would be cut and served later. Just then, the wait staff re-entered the room. They set a Baccarat champagne flute filled with pink champagne at each place. A hush came over the ballroom. Dr. Whitaker was standing at the head table, staring the crowd into silence. Then he picked up his glass and smiled adoringly at Charlotte. Everyone listened as he gave a long, loving toast to his daughter. Finally, he took a moment to gather his thoughts before saying, “Charlotte, your mother and I found this magnificent champagne in France a few years ago and had it shipped in for your wedding.” Mrs. Whitaker stared at Dr. Whitaker with a huge Miss America smile. Dr. Whitaker continued, “Would everyone please rise and toast my lovely daughter Charlotte and her husband, Brooks.” He lifted his crystal flute to his lips and took a sip while beaming at Charlotte. Immediately, his cheeks turned scarlet, and he started to wheeze. The crystal dropped from his hand and shattered on the ground. He clutched at his throat while making extensive gasping attempts to pull in a breath. Then he went limp and collapsed to the floor. The room erupted into pandemonium. *** Excerpt from Murder at the Wedding by Christine Knapp. Copyright 2022 by Christine Knapp. Reproduced with permission from Christine Knapp. All rights reserved.

 

 

About Author Christine Knapp:

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Christine Knapp

Christine Knapp practiced as a nurse-midwife for many years. A writer of texts and journal articles, she is now thrilled to combine her love of midwifery and mysteries as the author of the Modern Midwife Mysteries. Christine currently narrates books for the visually and print impaired. A dog lover, she lives near Boston.

Catch Up With Christine Knapp:

ThoughtfulMidwife.com Amazon Author Profile Goodreads BookBub – @cwknapp4478 Instagram – @maevecw Threads – @maevecw X – @chriswknapp Facebook – @Christine Whelan Knapp TikTok – @maevecw

 

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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