Friday, October 24, 2025

At Death's Dough - A Review

 Review


AT DEATH'S DOUGH by Mindy Quigley
The Fifth Deep Dish Mystery 

The winter cold and snow makes the offseason difficult for businesses in Geneva Bay, Wisconsin. Restaurant owner, Delilah O'Leary is evening struggling to get reservations for the Valentine's Day holiday. That's one reason she jumps on board the town council's idea of a Gangsters of Geneva Bay tour, although she knows her boyfriend Capone, yes, related to that Capone, will not be happy. She has staff to pay, however, and if that means highlighting the fact that her restaurant was a mob front for Rocco Guanciale and featuring Rocco's Guanciale on the menu, so be it. But slow business isn't the only thing worrying Delilah. Several women are aglow with new mysterious romances, even Great-Aunt Biz. And then, of course, there's the dead body she, Sonya, and Biz found while ice fishing. Not to mention Capone's ne'er do well cousin whose visit Capone's mom wants to keep quiet. Will Delilah be able to make it through the offseason without losing her business or her boyfriend? 

Pride, hope, and love make the gears grind and shift in the fifth Deep Dish Mystery. I love how the Delilah and Son family is just that, a family. They may bicker, but ultimately will do anything for each other. I love how they work together like a well oiled machine, whether it's dinner service or solving a mystery. I loved the historical aspect, a favorite subject of mine, if not Delilah and especially loved how everything came together. 

AT DEATH'S DOUGH runs the gamut from romantic, family, and business problems, community involvement, and social class treating each with varying degrees of humor and gravitas. When one of the family is taken hostage I was horrified; it's a personal nightmare for me. Thank goodness for the resourcefulness, bravery, and determination of everyone!

There's also food. I loved the descriptions, even Harold's feast of reconciliation and am pleased that there are recipes included, though not for Harold's feast. Even if you have no intention of making any of the recipes found at the end of the book, you still need to read them! Written from the point of view of different characters each recipe is a story in itself...and a very funny one at that! 

A wintry mystery filled with gangsters, good food, and great friends AT DEATH'S DOUGH is a laugh out loud mystery with heart and a special cat named Butterball. 

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading At Death's Dough by Mindy Quigley. This book is the fifth book in the Deep Dish Mystery series and will be released next week.

The winter cold and snow makes the offseason difficult for businesses in Geneva Bay, Wisconsin. Restaurant owner, Delilah O'Leary is evening struggling to get reservations for the Valentine's Day holiday. That's one reason she jumps on board the town council's idea of a Gangsters of Geneva Bay Tour, although she knows her boyfriend Capone, yes, related to that Capone, will not be happy. She has staff to pay, however, and if that means highlighting the fact that her restaurant was a mob front for Rocco Guanciale and featuring Rocco's Guanciale on the menu, so be it. But slow business isn't the only thing worrying Delilah. Several women are aglow with new mysterious romances, even Great-Aunt Biz. And then, of course, there's the dead body she, Sonya, and Biz found while ice fishing. Not to mention Capone's ne'er do well cousin whose visit Capone's mom wants to keep quiet. Will Delilah be able to make it through the offseason without losing her business or her boyfriend?

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Murder by the Millions - A Review & Giveaway

 Review


MURDER BY THE MILLIONS by Daryl Wood Gerber
The Second Literary Dining Mystery 

After the success of their Jane Austen Event Allie Catt, caterer and personal chef, and her best friend bookstore manager Tegan decide to move forward in time and host a soiree based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s THE GREAT GATSBY. Guests will dress up in jazz era inspired fashion and Allie will dream up delightful food dishes inspired by the period. When developer Jason Gardner shows up at Feast for the Eyes bookstore Tegan and Chloe are swooning, but Allie isn't so sure. The man intends to turn houses in the historic district into a mall! But his charming manner has started to thaw Allie, which makes it even more devastating when she finds his murdered body. What's even worse, her friend, Detective Zach Armstrong, considers her a suspect! Surely their disastrous kiss isn't behind this suspicion? Allie knows she'd better find him more suitable suspects, perhaps the Asheville developer known to use shady tactics or the local contractor who seemed to have a beef with the victim.

I really like the idea of literary themed events and I really love that almost the whole town of Ashevelle gets behind them too, even dressing up in period clothes. I appreciated the quotes from THE GREAT GATSBY that head each chapter and it was fun seeing Allie and Vanna come up with appropriate food. Vanna playing nice was almost as shocking as the murder!

The mystery was enjoyable, realizing Jason's ties to the town, his lost love, and the possible motives for his murder. I love how Allie and Tegan investigated while also working and preparing for their big event. Allie teasing out alibis and uncovering clues, with a little help from some friends.

MURDER BY THE MILLIONS combines classic literature and scrumptious food molding them into a delightful cozy mystery. I look forward to seeing what book the next themed party will be based on.   

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 Murder by the Millions (A Literary Dining Mystery) by Daryl Wood Gerber

About Murder by the Millions

Murder by the Millions (A Literary Dining Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series
Setting - North Carolina
Publisher: ‎ Kensington Cozies
Publication Date: ‎ October 28, 2025
Print Length: ‎ 320 pages

In a beautiful mountain community near Asheville, North Carolina, caterer and personal chef Allie Catt serves up mouthwatering, literary-themed dinner parties inspired by her clients’ favorite books. Her next event is sure to be a roaring success—if a murderer isn’t a killjoy . . .

If it were true that the best thing a girl can be in this world is a fool, then Allie Catt would be out of luck. Fortunately, Allie’s business is a smashing success. And following her Pride and Prejudice event, grander plans await . . .

Feast for the Eyes bookstore manager and Allie’s best friend, Tegan, is hosting a book club soiree and wants it to be a glittering affair based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic Jazz Age-set novel, The Great Gatsby. Soon, Art Deco table settings and visions of flappers are dancing the Charleston in their heads. Even Tegan’s prickly sister, Vanna, is on board. And surely, Allie’s tuxedo cat, Darcy, thinks it’s the cat’s meow. Amid the planning, charismatic developer Jason Gardner arrives in town to buy some historic buildings on Main Street. He, too, has plans: to create a modern mall. Allie is more than concerned. She even wants to protest. But when Jason invites her to cater a lavish party, she finds him surprisingly likable. Then she’s summoned to his estate for a meeting—and finds him dead.

Once again Allie’s landed in the middle of a crime scene. Worse, one of her earrings is later discovered near the body. And when police learn she was upset about the mall, she’s suspect #1. Allie’s blossoming sleuthing skills once cleared Tegan’s name, but can she save herself—before a killer writes her a not-so-great Gatsbyesque ending . . .

About Daryl Wood Gerber

Daryl Wood Gerber is the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling author of the Literary Dining Mysteries, the Fairy Garden Mysteries, the French Bistro Mysteries, and the Cookbook Nook Mysteries, as well as the Cheese Shop Mysteries written under the name Avery Aames. She also writes standalone suspense novels and the Aspen Adams Novels of Suspense. Prior to her career as a novelist, she was an actress with roles in television shows including "Murder, She Wrote," and she wrote for the popular TV sitcom "Out of this World." Originally from the Bay Area, she now lives in Southern California, where she likes to cook, garden, and spend time with her frisky Goldendoodle named Sparky.

Author Links

WEBSITE: https://darylwoodgerber.com  

FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/darylwoodgerber 

 BOOKBUB: https://bookbub.com/authors/daryl-wood-gerber  

YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/woodgerb1  

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/darylwoodgerber  

GOODREADS: https://goodreads.com/darylwoodgerber  

TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com/@daryl_wood_gerber 

AMAZON: https://bit.ly/Daryl_Wood_Gerber_page  

NEWSLETTER: https://darylwoodgerber.com/contact-media/  

Purchase Links AMAZON BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKSHOP.ORG KOBO MYSTERIOUS GALAXY

Monday, October 20, 2025

Death by Mistake - A Spotlight & Giveaway

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on Death By Mistake by Abigail Keam. This book is the twenty-second in the Josiah Reynolds Mystery series and was released earlier this month. 

Death By Mistake: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery by Abigail Keam


Death By Mistake: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
Cozy Mystery 22nd in Series
Publisher: ‎ Independently published
Publication Date: ‎ October 4, 2025
Print Length: ‎ 224 pages

In the Bluegrass world of oak-cured bourbon, antebellum mansions, and Thoroughbred horse farms are secrets—deadly secrets! Kentucky is not called “the dark and bloody ground” for nothing!

Josiah has resigned herself to being alone. Her boyfriend, Hunter, has left her for an old flame, and Josiah vows not to interfere in his life. She cares for the man and wants him to be happy. So, it comes as a shock when Detective Drake informs her that Hunter has been arrested for the murder of his wife, Kathy Wickliffe. Josiah simply can’t believe Hunter would harm another human being. She must uncover the truth—and fast.

About Abigail Keam

] 

Abigail Keam is an award-winning and Amazon best-selling author who writes the Josiah Reynolds Mystery Series about a Southern female beekeeper turned amateur sleuth living in the glamorous world of oak-cured bourbon, antebellum mansions, and Thoroughbred farms.

Besides loving history, Kentucky bourbon and chocolate, Abigail loves honeybees and for many years made her living by selling honey at a farmers’ market like her protagonist, Josiah Reynolds. She is an award-winning beekeeper who has won many honey awards at the Kentucky State Fair including the Barbara Horn Award, which is given to beekeepers who rate a perfect 100 in a honey competition.

Miss Abigail has taken her knowledge of beekeeping to create a fictional beekeeping protagonist, Josiah Reynolds, who solves murder mysteries in the Bluegrass. While Miss Abigail’s novels are for enjoyment, she discusses the importance of a local sustainable food economy and land management for honeybees and other creatures.

She currently lives on the Kentucky River in a metal house with her husband and various critters. She still has honeybees.

Tagline – Mystery With A Shot Of Bourbon!  

Tagline – There’s justice, and then there is Josiah’s justice!  

Official Site http://www.abigailkeam.com//  

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/author.abigailkeam/  

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abigailkeamauthor/  

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/abigailkeam/  

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Abigail-Keam/e/B0045PEGUQ  

BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/abigailkeam.bsky.social  

AWARDS 2010 Gold Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite for Death By A HoneyBee 2011 Gold Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Drowning 2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By Drowning 2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By A HoneyBee 2017 Finalist from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Design 2019 Honorable Mention from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Stalking 2019 Top 10 Mystery Novels from Kings River Life Magazine for Murder Under A Blue Moon2 2019 Honorable Mention from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Stalking: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery 2019 Top 10 Mystery Novels from Kings River Life Magazine for Murder Under A Blue Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery 2020 Imadjinn Award for Best Mystery – Death By Stalking: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery 2022 Finalist in Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Historical Category – Murder Under A Full Moon 2022 Finalist the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical Category – Murder Under A New Moon 2022 Death By Chance: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Cozy Mystery 2022 Top Ten Mystery Novel by Kings River Life Magazine for Murder Under A Bridal Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery 2022 Top Ten Mystery Novel by Kings River Life Magazine for Murder Under A British Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery Josiah Reynolds Mysteries Death By A HoneyBee Death By Drowning Death By Bridle Death By Bourbon Death By Lotto Death by Chocolate Death by Haunting Death By Derby Death By Design Death By Malice Death By Drama Death By Stalking Death By Deceit Death By Magic Death By Shock Death By Chance Death By Poison Death By Greed Death By Theft Death By Betrayal Death By Trauma Death By Mistake Death by Mail - Coming in September 26  

Purchase Links – Amazon Nook

Sunday, October 19, 2025

The Long Shadow of Murder - A Review, Excerpt, & Giveaway

 Review


THE LONG SHADOW OF MURDER by Eleanor Kuhns
The Twelfth Will Rees Mystery 

Though he'd prefer to return home to his pregnant wife curiosity propels Will Rees to help his friend Constable Rouge search for a missing man. The search for a missing man soon turns into a search for a killer as they find the man, bludgeoned to death near the Shaker Community. While Rouge is quick to believe a Shaker has done the deed, Rees is not so sure. Who would have wanted Hans Bergin dead? He was a visitor who had only recently arrived. Certainly the killer must be someone from his party. As Rees and Rouge search for clues they soon discover Bergin antagonized everyone he met in the short time he was there. Could his killer be further afield?

I enjoyed returning to Maine in the very early 1800s. Even more than working with Rouge I like how Rees engages his wife in solving the murder, and the fact that she helps while both heavily pregnant and then with  a newborn! In fact it is her insight that actually solved the crimes. The mystery was complex and I wasn't sure "who done it", especially after the third event. Like Rees, I sure hoped it wasn't Ephraim, but, also like Rees, I didn't count him out!

I appreciate that THE LONG SHADOW OF MURDER deals with complex subjects including post traumatic stress disorder, albeit not by that, or any name. Ephraim and Rees both fought in the Revolutionary War and Esther is grappling with a different, but still traumatic event. Each suffers in a different way and it's heartening to see if they can help each other.

While life is challenging in the twelfth Will Rees Mystery there's also humor. I admit getting a kick out of Mrs. Bergin, Rouge's attempts at flirting, and Ephraim's running away at the wedding! There's also the love of the Rees family that is heartwarming.

With a distinct historical setting THE LONG SHADOW OF MURDER provides a complex mystery that engages and entertains.

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The Long Shadow of Murder by Eleanor Kuhns Banner

THE LONG SHADOW OF MURDER

by Eleanor Kuhns

September 29 - October 24, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

The Long Shadow of Murder by Eleanor Kuhns

A Will Rees Mystery

 

When the body of a visitor is found in the woods by the local Shaker community, suspicion immediately falls on them. Rees is reluctant to believe anyone in this peaceful community committed murder. And Hans Bergin arrived with his wife, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law. They had their own reasons to want Bergin dead. But as Rees investigates, he discovers everyone, including a recent Shaker convert, have secrets of their own, some stretching all the way back to the Revolutionary War. Who, among the many suspects, decided to take matters in their own hands? Bergin's wife and other family? The new Shaker? Or someone else entirely?

Book Details:

Genre: Historical Murder Mystery
Published by: Indie
Publication Date: May 15, 2025
Number of Pages: 292
ISBN: 979-8312662825
Series: Will Rees/Shaker Series, #12
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle Unlimited | Goodreads | BookBub

Read an excerpt:

Chapter 1

Constable Rouge and Will Rees rode south on Surry Road, past the Shaker community, until they reached the entrance at the southern end. They pulled into the small clearing and Rees parked his wagon. When he had first gone to town for supplies, Lydia needed both flour and sugar, he had not intended to join the constable in his search for a missing man. But, hearing of the disappearance, Rees’s curiosity had driven him into joining Rouge in the search.

“I still think we should have questioned the Shakers first,” Rouge said critically as he dismounted and tied his bay to a nearby tree. “On Sunday, Mr. Bergin told his wife he was going to Zion. He might still be there.”

“Was he planning to join the Shakers?”

“No,” Rouge said with a grin. “Hardly. He came to Durham because he heard that the Shakers danced naked, and he wanted to see the ‘fair white forms’ of the women.” Rees could hear the quotation.

“Huh,” Rees said. Although aware of the scurrilous slander concerning the Shakers, he could not understand why anyone would be foolish enough to believe it. The Shakers were a modest, quiet and industrious people. “The gullibility of men constantly amazes me.”

“You should hear what I hear at the tavern,” Rouge muttered.

“Besides,” Rees continued, ignoring the constable’s aside, “if there had been a problem at the Shaker community, wouldn’t someone inform you?” Rouge shook his head. After a moment, Rees reluctantly nodded in agreement. Maybe not. The community was notoriously insular and tried to handle any issues themselves. During the smallpox epidemic last year, the one that had sickened Rouge and left him severely scarred, they had refused all offers of assistance.

“We may have to speak to them,” Rees agreed. He was not enthusiastic. Elder Jonathan was beginning to display some irritability towards Rees and his frequent requests for help. “Since you were told by Mr. Bergin’s friend that he rode this way, I suggest we begin our search here, in these woods. Maybe his horse threw him. Or,” he added, looking at the muddy track across the road, “he might have taken the lane across the street back into town?”

Rouge shook his head. “Mr. Bergin did not return to town. I’m certain of that. We looked.”

“It’s unlikely he disappeared on that path,” Rees said. It was just past midday, and the sun felt warm on his shoulders and face. They were at the end of April. Although snow from the last storm still lingered on the shadowed down – slopes of the hills and under the trees, he could see bright spring green beginning to fringe the trees. “Farms line both sides of that little road and all the farmers will be out in the fields now, beginning the spring planting. If something happened to Mr. Bergin, and his body was dumped there, most likely someone would have seen it. He disappeared during the day, yes?” At Rouge’s nod, Rees paused a moment, thinking. “Did his horse return?”

“No. That’s gone too. Of course,” Rouge added cynically, “Mr. Bergin might have

continued riding south, hoping to find a new life. His disappearance does not mean he was murdered.”

“Someone was here,” Rees said, pointing to a relatively fresh pile of horse dung. “And recently too.”

“So, Mr. Bergin stopped here,” Rouge said. “Close to Zion.”

“It wasn’t necessarily Mr. Bergin. It could be another visitor.” Rees hoped that was so but feared the constable was correct. It was still too early in the spring for many visitors.

Rees squatted to examine the soft slick mud underfoot. Although his wagon wheels had cut across the older tracks, he could see the horseshoe shaped indentations left by a shod horse. “Whoever rode in here,” he said, pointing out the marks to Rouge, “he tied up over there. See?” He pointed to a tree. “There are boot prints where the rider dismounted.” Rouge crossed the dirt and stared down at the impressions.

“Look at the toes,” he said. “Riding boots.”

“Yes. And here are the nicks left by the spurs,” Rees agreed, pointing. “Did Mr. Bergin wear riding boots? Could they be his prints?”

Grimacing, Rouge nodded.

“You were right.” Rees looked at Rouge. “Mr. Bergin went into Zion.” Rees followed the tracks to the bridge that went to Zion’s main street. When he crossed the bridge, he saw the same footprints on the other side. But, a few yards in, the riding boots were met by farmer’s boots. The riding boots turned around and returned to the other side of the bridge. “One of the Shaker Brothers prevented him from entering the village,” he said.

“He walked back out to the road.” Rouge said. “Here are the marks of those boots

here.”

Taking care to avoid the boot impressions, Rees jumped across the soft earth. He misjudged his landing, and his right foot went into a deep puddle. Cold muddy water began seeping into his shoe. Rouge laughed.

“It’s not funny,” Rees said, lifting his foot to shake it. Water flew in all directions.

“Hey,” Rouge complained, jumping back.

“Serves you right,” Rees muttered but without malice. He was too focused now on following the tracks.

The riding boots went to the road where they were joined by another pair of shoes. The soil on the edge of the road was drier, more solid, so the imprint was shallow and harder to see. “I think these are ordinary shoes,” he muttered to himself. “Do you see any signs of another horse?” he called out to Rouge.

“No,” the constable replied, adding sourly, “But I am not the great tracker you are.”

“He met someone who walked here,” Rees said.

“One of the Shaker Brothers, then,” Rouge said with the air of a man who has solved the problem.

“Perhaps not,” Rees said. He was well used to Rouge’s propensity for jumping to the easiest and most obvious solution. “The second fellow could have tied up in the lane and then walked across the street to meet him here. Or,” he added quickly to forestall Rouge’s objection, “he could have even walked down the lane.” Rouge eyed Rees for a few seconds and then nodded.

“Yes, all right. He could have seen Mr. Bergin from the lane,” he agreed. “It would have

taken no time at all to cross Surry Road from town. But then where did they go?”

Rees did not reply. Instead, he began following the tracks made by the riding boots south along the Surry Road and away from Zion. From the impressions, it seemed the man was walking slowly. Not running, not afraid, just ambling along. Every now and then, Rees spotted a footprint or two produced by the other boots. It seemed the two men were talking as they followed the road.

He found the spot where the two people paused. But when he walked further down the road, he discovered he had lost the trail. There were no discernible footprints. He turned and walked back to the last spot he had seen them. This time, when he looked around, he saw scuff marks through the leaves descending the slope into the forest.

“Here,” said Rouge, pointing to a downed tree several yards in. Muttering under his breath, Rees followed the constable further into the woods. Rouge’s path had obscured the marks left by the two men. But when Rees fought his way through the brambles and the stand of small fir trees, he saw why Rouge had summoned him. Right in front of the downed tree was a mess of overturned leaves, where the feet of the two men had disturbed them.

“They sat down to talk,” Rees said, staring at the disordered leaves on the ground. He was beginning to believe these two men had nothing to do with Mr. Bergin’s disappearance and that this entire search had been a waste of time. The absence of the horse also made him wonder if Rouge was correct and Mr. Bergin had simply chosen to disappear. Rees was disappointed. Without really articulating his desire to himself, he had been hoping for something more serious. After several months spent inside at home, he was ready for some excitement. With a sigh, he examined the disturbance in the leaves. It looked as though one of

the men had risen to his feet and begun pacing.

But, as he neared the thicket, he smelled the barest whiff of the coppery rotten smell of old blood. The odor was so faint he wondered if he’d imagined it. Pausing, he lifted his face and took a deep inhalation into his nose.

“What are you doing?” Rouge asked, staring at Rees in fascination.

Rees threw him a glance but did not reply. Instead, he plunged forward, following the disturbances in the pad of last year’s leaves. Although the oaks and maples were just beginning to show the first bright green new leaves and the sun shone through the bare branches, the tall pines kept the ground below in shadow. Rees tracked the trail around tree trunks and through slick muddy patches. But he was halted by a large expanse of flat granite. He could not tell which way the trail went: straight down the slope or to one side or another.

As he stared at the rock in consternation, Rouge toiled up behind him, puffing. “Why have you stopped?” he asked, panting for breath.

“Not sure which way to go,” Rees admitted. Nodding, Rouge joined Rees on the rock slab and for a moment they were silent.

“Wait,” Rouge said, holding up a hand. “Listen. Do you hear it? A horse.”

For a moment Rees listened. Yes, he heard the faint whickering of a horse. The sound came from below them, but he couldn’t tell exactly in what direction. Rouge started forward, moving so quickly on the muddy and leaf strewn slope that he fell. “Damn,” he grumbled, staggering to his feet and continuing down the hill.

Rees glanced at the steep gully, the bottom slick with trickling snow melt, and turned to the bare rock. He started across the granite, angling down the slope toward the distant creek. The rock was not uniformly flat. As Rees clambered over a ledge, stepping down to the slab below, he saw streaks across the gray. Dark brown streaks. Rees knelt beside them and lightly touched the stain. Blood.

***

Excerpt from The Long Shadow of Murder by Eleanor Kuhns. Copyright 2025 by Eleanor Kuhns. Reproduced with permission from Eleanor Kuhns. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Eleanor Kuhns

Eleanor Kuhns is the 2011 winner of the Minotaur/Mystery Writers of America first novel prize for A Simple Murder. The Long Shadow of Murder is the twelfth in that series. She also has written a Bronze Age Crete series.

A lifelong librarian, she transitioned to full time writing at the start of the pandemic. She lives in upstate New York with her husband and her dog.

Catch Up With Eleanor Kuhns:

www.Eleanor-Kuhns.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub - @eleanorkuhns
Instagram - @edl0829
Facebook - @writerkuhns

 

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Friday, October 17, 2025

Thanks for Muffin - An Interview, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Victoria Hamilton to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Victoria writes the Merry Muffin Mystery series. THANKS FOR MUFFIN is the eighth book in the series and was released this week!

 
Kathy: In THANKS FOR MUFFIN Merry Wynter hosts the grand opening gala of the Wynter Woods Center for the Performing Arts. If you were to host a gala and could get any artist you desired, who would be performing?


VH: It would really depend on the kind of event, I guess, but I have a few favorites that I would love to see live. I don't know if anyone has ever heard of an English artist by the name of Rumer - NOT Rumer Willis, just... Rumer. She has the voice of an angel, like Karen Carpenter, but with this lovely tone and smooth sweetness. Unfortunately she only tours in the UK, but look her up on YouTube. She did a whole album of Burt Bacharach songs, sanctioned and accompanied by Burt himself. Brilliant. Another artist is the best rock female vocalist of all time, Ann Wilson of Heart. She is still out there performing with her sister. I saw her and her band in concert in 1976 (!!! I was - ahem - VERY young!) and even though they were the opening act, they blew the main event out of the water. Would love to see her live again. 

 

Kathy: A particularly nasty journalist posted a criticism of the gala and everything Merry was trying to accomplish. Have you ever received a particularly harsh review? How did you handle it?

VH: Yes, I have had numerous nasty/harsh reviews. Every writer/musician/artist has. They're hard to handle, so in most cases I just don't read reviews. I'd love to say I'm stronger than that, but a really bad one can take me away from my writing for a full day, and I can't afford that. But when I do by chance see one, I have a specific technique that helps a bit. I go to Amazon or Goodreads and look up my favorite writers - generally Sue Grafton or Sara Paretsky - and read their one and two star reviews. If superstar writers like that can get trashed by reviewers, then I'm in good company. It helps a tiny bit. 

 

Kathy: You include delicious muffin recipes in the book. Are you an avid baker?

VH: Nope. LOL. But I used to be. I once baked a lot more than I do now, but I can't eat much of what I make, and I don't have family or friends that will take the stuff so... I bake occasionally. 

 

Kathy: I enjoy all kinds, but I do love a good blueberry muffin. What's your favorite type of muffin? 

VH: I made up a muffin recipe for one of the Merry Muffin books, Fit for the King muffins (the King = Elvis, of course) that are banana peanut butter chocolate chip muffins, and OMG, they are delicious! The blueberry sour cream coffee cake muffins in this book are also awesome! 


Kathy: Was there a specific inspiration for this story? 

VH: Not a specific inspiration, no. But I've thought a lot about the nastiness of some people in the public eye and wondered about their lives. Surely people like that would inspire enmity in a whole host of folks, and it would be complicated to investigate if they were murdered, sorting out their haters from suspects. That's where it came from. 


Kathy: Are you able to share any future plans for Merry? 

VH: Well, at the end of THANKS FOR MUFFIN I ask readers to sign up for my newsletter, because near Christmas I will be sharing CHRISTMAS AT WYNTER CASTLE, a short Christmas story set in the immediate aftermath of this book, and taking care of one character who I just couldn't fit into my plot. I hope readers enjoy it! I'll be sending it out in mid-December. 

Kathy: Will you share any other upcoming books? 

VH: Love to! I do actually have news to share. I am currently writing two books in my other series. I was planning to publish LADY ANNE AND THE WINTER WITCH (Lady Anne Mysteries #6) in spring of this next year, and MASHER OF CEREMONIES, Vintage Kitchen Mystery #13 in the fall, but given the settings of each - WINTER WITCH is set just after Christmas and MASHER OF CEREMONIES is set in late spring - I have reversed the order. For anyone who likes my Vintage Kitchen Mysteries, I've gone back to basics; MASHER OF CEREMONIES will come out in spring, as it is set at the annual May Queensville traditional Tea with the Queen event, where Queen Victoria shares tea with all who attend! LADY ANNE AND THE WINTER WITCH sees Lady Anne and her new husband Tony on their post-wedding trip north; they get snowed in at a Christmas house party where things are not jolly and bright! I'm having great fun writing the books, and hope readers enjoy them.

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Review


THANKS FOR MUFFIN by Victoria Hamilton
The Eighth Merry Muffin Mystery

After lots of hard work Merry Winter and her good friend Pish are ready for the grand opening gala of the Wynter Woods Center for the Performing Arts. Held over the long Thanksgiving weekend the attendees and performers will arrive via luxury coaches from New York City, some returning after the opening night, others remaining for the long weekend. Locals will also attend, including a reporter from nearby Ridley Ridge. Unbeknownst to Merry, the reporter is the unsavory Dan Sooner who hates everything about the castle and its caretakers. During the event he antagonizes almost everyone and is nearly escorted from the event. It also appears that many of the guests seem to know each other and there are more ties to Autumn Valley and Ridley Ridge than expected. While too much liquor is imbibed, opening night seemed a success and the reviews are positive, except for Sooner's. While Merry broods about this her husband, former sheriff and current private detective, notices Sooner's vehicle is still in their parking lot. While leading some of her guests on a tour of the property Merry finds the missing man-dead. Murder free for two years Merry knows the murder must be solved before the weekend ends and media once again decries the murder castle. While she has every confidence in the new sheriff, she knows that she and her friends will also investigate as the sooner the killer is found the better!

I love the whole vibe of the Wynter Woods Center for the Performing Arts and the fact that all genres of music are welcome with rap and opera combining for the gala as well as including Broadway stars as guests. Of course I despised Dan Sooner even before he came to the castle and before we knew about his past. A perfect victim, but sad that someone couldn't wait and took justice into their own hand thus ruining more than one life. I did catch the one very big clue left by the author, but until more facts were revealed I wasn't sure what that meant. The mystery was complex with more than one miscreant involved. I appreciated how Merry worked with law enforcement and the way Hannah's abilities were utilized. I've never been a fan of Lizzie and that continues with this book.

Artists, hangers on, and secrets from long ago combine making THANKS FOR MUFFIN and intriguing addition to this wonderful series. Hunker down as the weather cools and indulge in a delightful muffin or two. As for me, some of Pish's Thanksgiving Leftover Poutine is to die for...just not literally!

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 Thanks for Muffin: A Merry Muffin Mystery by Victoria Hamilton

About Thanks for Muffin

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

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 .

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.

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Thursday, October 16, 2025

Murder in Matrimony - A Review & Giveaway

 Review


MURDER IN MATRIMONY by Mary Winters
The Fourth Lady of Letters Mystery

Always one to go her own fun loving way Margaret Scott is a bit of a troublemaker and not one for protocol or niceties, as her elder sister Lady Amelia Amesbury can attest. It still comes as a shock when Madge announces that she and Captain Fitz are to be wed and that the wedding is to be that very month! Now Amelia will have to perform miracles, with the help of her none too pleased Aunt Tabitha, to arrange a wedding in time. In addition to arranging everything for the nuptials Amelia has something else to deal with. A reader of her Lady Agony column says they know her true identity and is blackmailing her. At least she has the friendship of her vicar, Mr. Cross. But the following day his curate comes rushes to her home to tell her that Mr. Cross has been killed. While the police declare it's a robbery gone bad, Amelia believes it's murder. But how does the newspaper clipping he sent her fit in? Amelia will have to puzzle the pieces together all while planning a wedding and dealing with a blackmailer. Fortunately, she has her good friends to help her.

I absolutely love this series and MURDER IN MATRIMONY may be my favorite entry thus far. We have humor, romance, and a brilliantly confounding mystery. I love that Amelia and Simon are finally admitting their feelings for each other. And darn Maude's timing, although things happily worked out in the end. It was such fun having Amelia's family come to London. Uncle Henry with his drink and Aunt Gert with her duck had me grinning! I also like Amelia's relationship with Lord Drake and was happy to see more of Isaac Jakeman.

I was distressed when I discovered that Mr. Cross was our murder victim. I found him to be a wise and caring man and a good person to whom Amelia could speak honestly about anything and everything. As to his replacement...ugh. The church will be much poorer. I enjoyed how his murder was just the tip of the iceberg and Amelia had to solve a variety of other mysteries to get to the bottom of his death. I also appreciated Amelia's visits to the East End, witnessing how the poorer people actually lived. It changed her and it was nice to see her grow. I also really like seeing her friendships grow even stronger with one unlikely person coming to the fore.

Love, loyalty, and family combine in a cracking good mystery making MURDER IN MATRIMONY one of my favorite, if not most favorite read of the year. 

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 Murder in Matrimony (A Lady of Letters Mystery) by Mary Winters

About Murder in Matrimony

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
Digital Print Length: ‎ 248 pages
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.

About Mary Winters

 

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.

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