Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Death at the Scottish Broch by Rose Kerr. This book is the first in the Mia Reid Archaeologist Mystery series.

Professor Mia Reid has finished the Spring semester at Lakeview University and is ready to depart for a summer dig on the Isle of Skye. After being cut off while bicycling to work on her last day before leaving and then being called to the dean's office to be told there will only be one professor position offered in the fall Mia is more than ready to join her good friend Ethan in the field. Before she leaves Canada Ethan tells her of a great find he and his students made and warns her to be careful. When she and her student arrive at the dig site in Scotland they find it surrounded by police. Ethan has been killed. Stunned by the death she's also surprised to find another old friend on the site. Luke is now working for the Antiquities and Art Recover Team of Interpol. Could Ethan's death have been caused by a smuggling ring? With an overzealous sponsor, a sneaky dean, and mysterious strangers Mia will have to run the dig and protect the students. Will she also find a treasure and help solve a murder?

A Hush at Midnight - A Review

 Review

 

A HUSH AT MIDNIGHT
By Marlene M. Bell 

It's been a long time since chef Laura Harris has visited her mentor Hattie Stenburg. When she finally arrives at the antebellum home she finds the 93 year old Hattie more fragile, though she's still up for a pleasant visit. Laura's more shocked at the brusque, almost hostile, manner of Hattie's caregiver. The bad feeling intensifies so much on her drive home that she turns around and returns to Hattie's where she finds the elderly woman dead. Where was the caregiver who promised to stay the night? Or the groundskeeper? Certain that Hattie's death was not natural Laura demands answers only to find out that she's become a suspect. As if dealing with her mentor's death and being a suspect isn't enough, someone is maligning her friend's bakery and she's receiving threats telling her to leave Texas. Will Laura find the answers she seeks? Or will she become the next victim? 

Laura Harris' return to Texas isn't quite what she expected. Though she's happy to be close to her father, his girlfriend is another matter. And while she got to see her mentor, the visit didn't go quite as planned. I did like attorney Brent Hill and, of course, I loved Moon Pie. I found there were more characters I disliked than liked however. Duska is an odd character and I never really understood Laura's relationship with her. They didn't really act like good friends and I don't know why Laura was a silent partner. Interesting relationships and an exciting confrontation between Laura and the killer held my interest though.

An oppressive atmosphere envelops A HUSH AT MIDNIGHT highlighting an interesting mystery.

Death by Trauma - A Spotlight & Giveaway

Death By Trauma: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery by Abigail Keam

About Death by Trauma

Death By Trauma: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
Cozy Mystery 21st in Series
Setting - Kentucky
Publisher: ‎ Worker Bee Press (February 17, 2025)
Number of Pages 241

In the Bluegrass world of oak-cured bourbon, antebellum mansions, and Thoroughbred horse farms are secrets—deadly secrets!

Josiah Reynolds knows this with good reason. She’s solved many a murder, but Josiah prays that she does not stumble across another body. The stress is too much, and she is happy to be invited to a winter sledding party at Haze Corbyn’s home. Corbyn is a former syndicated critic for newspapers and magazines, who retired to the Bluegrass, dabbling in his love of horses.

The party is a kickoff for the Victoria Weathers’ film retrospective at a local theater. Miss Weathers is even coming for the showing of her first movie and Corbyn’s event. Josiah is excited to meet her movie idol, so it comes as a big surprise when Haze Corbyn turns up dead at his own party.

Kentucky is not called “the dark and bloody ground” for nothing!

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

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The Mystery in the Margins - An Interview, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome L. L. Gray to Cozy Up With Kathy today. L. L. writes the Havenwood Cozy Mystery series. THE MYSTERY IN THE MARGINS is the first book in the series and was released

 
Kathy: In THE MYSTERY IN THE MARGINS we meet Harper Sullivan, who has inherited her great-grandmother’s bookshop. Have you ever dreamed of owning a bookshop?

LLG: Oh, absolutely—though, in my dream, I don’t actually work in the bookshop. I think I dream of owning a cozy library instead, where I can curl up with baked goods, sip coffee, and pet the shop cat who magically handles all customer service. It’s the perfect business plan, don’t you think?


Kathy: Harper yearns for a place to call home, preferably with a delightful bakery nearby. Do you have a local bakery you like to visit? What are your favorite baked goodies to purchase?

LLG: I’m convinced that any bakery is my happy place. If it smells like sugar, chocolate, or bread, I’m in! Seasonal treats always catch my eye—gingerbread in winter, pumpkin anything in fall—but I’m also a sucker for a good chocolate croissant. And if there’s a caramel drizzle involved? Game over.


Kathy: The Havenwood Cozy Mystery series is a paranormal series. Why choose to add magic?

LLG: Because life is just better with a little sparkle, isn’t it? I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of hidden magic—things that feel ordinary on the surface but have this incredible depth and wonder beneath. Honestly, I think we all could use a little magic to brighten our everyday lives. Plus, who doesn’t secretly wish their bookshop could talk back to them?


Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

LLG: There’s something about the combination of quirky small towns, lovable characters, and a touch of intrigue that just feels like a warm hug. Add a bit of humor and some baked goods, and you’ve got me hooked. I’ve always loved solving puzzles, so writing cozies felt like the perfect way to bring all those elements together.


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

LLG: I do! I have a dark fantasy series called Smoke and Shadows, which is pretty much the polar opposite of Havenwood. Think grit, fire, and sharp edges. But if you’re into smart, strong, and sassy characters, it might still be your cup of tea—albeit a very dark one.


Kathy: Tell us about your series.

LLG: The Havenwood Cozy Mystery series is like Gilmore Girls meets Hogsmeade, but with less drama and more magical shenanigans. It’s full of quirky characters, cozy small-town vibes, and just enough mystery to keep you guessing. Meanwhile, Smoke and Shadows dives into a much darker world—think epic battles, morally gray characters, and magic with consequences. Both are built around strong, clever characters, and each has its own unique flavor.


Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?

LLG: Oh, it’s so hard to choose! I adore writing Luna because she says all the things I keep in my head (and throws in a sassy rabbit curse or two for good measure). But Ignatius is also a blast—he's such a cute little dragon! Also, there’s something about writing a magical shop that has its own personality. And of course, Honey is a delight, though she always makes me hungry with her treats!


Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?

LLG: Absolutely! My goal was to create a cozy, bookish community filled with quirky, relatable characters who feel like they could be your best friends. I wanted Havenwood to feel like a place readers could escape to—a town full of magic, charm, and characters you’d want to have coffee (or tea!) with while solving mysteries and getting into just the right amount of trouble.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

LLG: Honestly, I was looking for a new adventure. Writing and creating magical worlds gave me the chance to step into something exciting and share that spark with others. I wanted to bring readers along for the ride, to invite them into these stories. Plus, keeping all the bookish chaos bottled up seemed like a disservice—and to my characters would not approve. I wouldn't want to make Luna mad at me!
 

Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?

LLG: What a party that would be! I’d invite Rhys Bowen for her cozy mystery vibes, J.R.R. Tolkien for his incredible world-building (and to pick his brain about crafting magical worlds), Agatha Christie for her unmatched ability to craft mysteries, and Shayne Silvers for his absolute shenanigans and unexpected plot twists. It’d be the perfect blend of cozy, creative, and chaotic—and I’d probably spend the whole evening laughing.


Kathy: What are you currently reading?

LLG: I’m diving into Auburn Tempest’s Urban Druid Chronicles—it’s such a fun series with great characters and lots of magic. Perfect for getting lost in!


Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?

LLG: Other than writing, I’m a musician, I love to draw, and I’m happiest when I’m out in nature—preferably somewhere with trees, a good breeze, and maybe a cozy spot to read.


Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.

LLG: Coffee (because life), chocolate (obviously), apples (to balance things out), and cheddar cheese (because I'm still a Wisconsin girl at heart).


Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?

LLG: Oh, absolutely! I’ve got 17 books (and a couple of novellas) planned out for Havenwood—though knowing me, that number might grow. I also have a few other series battling for my attention, but alas, there are only so many hours in a day.


Kathy: What’s your favorite thing about being an author?

LLG: Hands down, it’s connecting with readers. Getting to chat with people who love books, magic, and mystery as much as I do is the absolute best. My readers are my kind of people!

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Review

 

THE MYSTERY IN THE MARGINS by L. L. Gray
The First Havenwood Cozy Mystery

 

It's been a long time since Harper Sullivan has been in Havenwood, Connecticut, but she's ready to settle down in the magical town. As the sole heir, Harper is looking forward to running Spellbooks, her great-grandmother's bookshop, even as she regrets not spending much time with Granny Bea before her death. But her excitement starts to fizzle when she learns that someone broke into the shop and stole several rare books. Her dreams take another hit when she learns that she is not the sole heir. Granny Bea has set a competition between Harper and her cousin to determine who will inherit Spellbooks. Harper has a lot of great ideas, but will her desire to be Spellbooks' new owner be enough to beat out the cousin she never knew existed? Perhaps if she were to discover who stole Granny Bea's books she'd have a leg up in the competition. Gathering old and new friends together Harper is determined to find the books, inherit the bookshop, and make Havenwood her forever home.

 

Welcome to Havenwood! I am in love with this absolutely enchanting town and its residents...well, most of them. Harper is a charming protagonist. She's caring, but has gumption and is not afraid to bend the rules a bit. I like that her magick is more mundane-and imminently useful! I also appreciate that she doesn't automatically trust everyone, even if she likes them, especially that certain Druid. A more than competent group of law enforcement officers are investigating and I really like each of them. I also like Harper's friends, new and old. I think my favorite character has to be Luna. This feisty rabbit with her rabbity cursing had me in stitches! 

There are no dead bodies in the first Havenwood Cozy Mystery, but there is a very well plotted intriguing mystery. Shadowy figures and a dastardly cousin, along with some shady activity bring angst. Action scenes provide excitement, but there are plenty of laughs too. 

 

Witches, vampires, werewolves, and more mystical characters come together to create a delightful series debut in THE MYSTERY IN THE MARGINS. You'll be craving some of Honey's baked goods while enjoying the love and camaraderie of good friends who are like family. I truly enjoyed my first visit to Havenwood and I can't wait to go back!

 

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 The Mystery in the Margins: A Cozy Mystery (Havenwood Paranormal Cozy Mysteries) by L.L. Gray

About The Mystery in the Margins

The Mystery in the Margins: A Cozy Mystery (Havenwood Paranormal Cozy Mysteries)
Paranormal Cozy Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - Connecticut
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Heroic Rose Publishing (August 25, 2024)
Hardcover: ‎ 258 pages Paperback: ‎ 258 pages

A quaint bookshop, a sprinkle of magic, and a dash of mystery.

Harper Sullivan yearns for a place to call home, preferably with a delightful bakery nearby. When news arrives that she's inherited her great-grandmother's bookshop in the charming town of Havenwood, Harper eagerly seizes the chance. Unbeknownst to her, the quaint bookshop carries more than just shelves of stories—it harbors inherited mysteries and a touch of magical mayhem.

But instead of the cozy haven she envisioned, Harper finds herself entangled in inheritance drama, a surprising cousin rivalry, and a daring book thief on the loose. Can she use her wits and witchy powers to untangle the mystery and safeguard her dreams from unraveling before they even begin?

Crack the case today! Grab your copy and solve the mystery!

About L.L. Gray

L.L. Gray writes warm, witty, and whimsical cozy mysteries filled with magic, mystery, and a dash of humor. Her books transport readers to charming worlds where lovable characters navigate twists and turns with a touch of magic. A lifelong lover of fantasy and myths, L.L. Gray blends humor and heart, crafting stories that feel like coming home. When she’s not writing, she’s often battling gnomes and other magical mischief-makers with her kids or connecting with readers online.

Author Links

• Website: https://llgray.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/llgrayauthor/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/llgrayauthor/?hl=en
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22508523.L_L_Gray
• Other: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/l-l-gray

Purchase Link - Amazon 

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The Golden Hour Murder - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

 

THE GOLDEN HOUR MURDER by Jeanne Quigley
The Second Robyn Cavanagh Mystery 

 

While working as an accountant is the bread and butter that keeps her solvent, Robyn Cavanagh is proud that her interest in photography has developed into a lucrative sideline. In addition to taking family portraits she's just landed a job as photographer for Linden Acres Farm. Recalling happy memories at the family farm herself, Robyn is now preserving the joy found in every aspect of the place, from its apple orchards to the Fall Fun Festival to the family itself. Given fairly free rein Robyn is excited to arrive at the farm as dawn breaks, that golden hour when the sunlight perfectly illuminates the fruit. After taking a variety of photos her session comes to an abrupt end when she discovers the body of Doug Paxton, the newly named CEO. Was this a tragic accident? Or murder? As Robyn continues to capture Linden Acres in photographs she's also making discrete inquiries to help capture a killer. 

I absolutely love Robyn Cavanagh. Robyn is smart, dedicated, and a person I'd enjoy being around. I love that she's able to show her creative side with her photography, and the fact that's she's earning money with her skill is icing on the cake. I also really appreciate her relationship with Will. They have an amazing friendship. Could it be something more? Everyone around them believes it already is. Should it be? I'm not sure, but, whatever the case they balance each other perfectly and make a great team.

 

I really enjoyed the mystery in the second Robyn Cavanagh Mystery. There were lots of viable suspects, including one I really wanted to be guilty, a lot of family drama, and more than one surprise. The manner in which Robyn and Will investigated was refreshing, a subtle kind of sleuthing. Robyn's parents had me chuckling as they helped the investigation as well. But not everything was pleasant and charming. There was some excitement too!

 

Well plotted, filled with wonderful characters and a sense of community THE GOLDEN HOUR MURDER is an absolutely delightful mystery. 

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The Golden Hour Murder: A Robyn Cavanagh Mystery by Jeanne Quigley

About The Golden Hour Murder

The Golden Hour Murder: A Robyn Cavanagh Mystery
Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series
Setting - New York
Independently Published (February 11, 2025)
Print length: ‎ 271 pages

It’s October and Mother Nature has painted photographer Robyn Cavanagh’s suburban New York hometown in rich colors of red, orange, and gold. Autumn has provided many scenic locales to shoot, but Robyn is happily preoccupied with one particular landscape. She’s landed the biggest job of her flourishing career: a contract to photograph the lush Linden Acres farm.

Her work begins with sunshine-filled days of apple and pumpkin picking and starry nights featuring a spectacular display of glowing jack-o’-lanterns. The merry mood darkens after Robyn discovers the body of Doug Paxton, the estranged husband of a member of the Linden clan.

Robyn can’t look through her camera’s viewfinder without picturing Doug’s body in the Linden pumpkin patch. Along with her friend Will Vonderlin, she plays detective to solve Doug’s murder. Will the killer be caught before the apples and pumpkins are turned into Thanksgiving pies, or will Robyn lose her best client and watch her career fade along with the autumn colors?

About Jeanne Quigley

 

Jeanne Quigley is the author of the Veronica Walsh Mysteries and the Robyn Cavanagh Mysteries. Unlike her fictional sleuths, she has never been a soap opera star, accountant, or professional photographer, but she has worked in the music industry, for an educational publisher, and in a county agency. She lives in New York’s historic Hudson Valley.

Author Links:

Website www.jeannequigley.wordpress.com  

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jeannemquigley 

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

Purchase Links: Amazon B&N Kobo Apple 

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Trap, Neuter, Die - An Interview, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Sharon Marchisello to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Sharon writes the DeeLo Myer Cat Rescue Mystery series. TRAP, NEUTER, DIE is the first book in the series.

 
Kathy: TRAP, NEUTER, DIE shines a light on TNVR, Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return. How did you learn about this concept? Why is it important to tell people about it.

SM: I learned about TNVR when I became a volunteer for the Fayette Humane Society. Prior to that, I just assumed all cats were potential pets. It's important to tell people about TNVR because it's an effective and humane way to fight the pet overpopulation crisis.

Kathy: It's a frustrating truth that archaic laws as well as uncaring and/or evil people exist making life difficult for feral and stray cats. What can people do to help?

SM: The most important thing people can do is spay or neuter their pets. And if they see a colony of free-roaming cats, contact a rescue group that can help with TNVR. If the cats have ear tips, the colony may already be managed.

Kathy: I currently share my home with 5 cats, all rescues. Do you have cats of your own?

SM: I've had cats all my life, but I don't currently own one. We lost our 17-year-old cat several years ago, and my husband hesitates to get another. So, I've gone back to fostering cats for the Fayette Humane Society. I'm hoping he'll want to foster fail (adopt your foster) but so far, he's been resistant. Nevertheless, there's usually a cat or two in my house.

Kathy: In this first DeeLo Myer Cat Rescue Mystery DeeLo is sentenced to forty hours of community service with the local humane society. Have you ever volunteered with your local humane society or other rescue organization?

SM: Yes, I have been volunteering with the Fayette Humane Society since 2007. I started out fostering cats, then helped with adoption events. I've served as Secretary on their Board of Directors since 2011 and also do the grant writing. We get lots of short-term volunteers who have to do hours for school clubs or court-ordered community service so that's what gave me the idea to make DeeLo join the organization by doing community service.

Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

SM: One of my professors at USC believed writing genre fiction was the best way to get published, and he recommended that I write mysteries. Because I don't have a background in law enforcement or private investigation, I felt most comfortable writing about amateur sleuths. And I don't like a lot of graphic sex and violence, so the cozy genre is a good fit.

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres? 

SM: My first two mysteries aren't really cozies, although I do have amateur sleuths. I also write short stories in various genres. And I self-published a nonfiction book about personal finance. (LIVE WELL, GROW WEALTH - 2018).

Kathy: Tell us about your series. 

SM: TRAP, NEUTER, DIE is the first in a 3-book series published by Level Best Books and featuring DeeLo Myer, a young woman who rescues cats and finds dead humans.

Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?

SM: Besides DeeLo, my favorite character is curmudgeon Catherine Foster, who admits she likes feral cats a lot better than human beings. She frequently makes politically incorrect comments about people who mistreat animals. I also enjoy writing Demi Myer, DeeLo's niece, who's more like a sister to DeeLo.

Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?

SM: For a long time, I wanted to feature an animal rescue group in a novel. Several years ago, several of us volunteers tried to get our county's animal ordinance changed to sanction TNVR, and drama ensued. (Some of that made it into my series.) And of course, being a mystery writer, I had to throw in a dead body.

Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

SM: I've always wanted my work to be published, but it took a long time to make it happen.

Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?

SM: I think it would be fun to invite Kurt Vonnegut, Ernest Hemingway, Agatha Christie, and Edgar Allen Poe. No idea how they'd all get along.

Kathy: What are you currently reading?

SM: I'm reading several new mysteries in ebook from Net Galley. And for my book club, we're reading Jodi Picoult's novel, BY ANY OTHER NAME.

Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?

SM: Besides reading, writing, and animal rescue, I love to travel. My husband and I have taken over 70 cruises together and visited over 100 countries. I've always loved maps and learning other languages.

Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.

SM: I always have cheese and crackers, milk for my coffee (French roast, ground from the beans), and spinach for salads. And wine.

Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?

SM: My contract with Level Best is for three books. After that, we'll see what happens. Book two, TRAPPED AND TESTED, will be out in September. In it, DeeLo helps Demi find her biological father which leads to her involvement in the murder of the CEO of an animal testing lab. I've also written a sequel to my 2019 mystery from Sunbury Press, SECRETS OF THE GALAPAGOS. MURDER AT LEISURE DREAMS - GALAPAGOS will be out later this year and my editor asked if I plan to make it a series. I need to travel back to the Galapagos to get inspiration for another book!

Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?

SM: I love writing and turning out the best book I can. I think the most exciting part about being an author is having readers tell me they loved my book. Especially if it's someone I don't already know.

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Review

TRAP, NEUTER, DIE by Sharon Marchisello
The First DeeLo Myer Cat Rescue Mystery 

After one really bad decision Delores Diane Myer-Johansson, better known as Deelo Myer, finds herself sentenced to community service. An animal lover she is serving her time with the Pecan Point Humane Society, helping with the Trap-Neuter-Return program. Her supervisor, the gruff Catherine Foster is quick to point out that it's really the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return program and that she much prefers cats to humans. As the pair set out traps behind a shopping plaza they notice Manny, the bookstore cat, running outside. Seeing the shop's backdoor open they go in only to discover the dead body of the owner. The police officer who arrives has a grudge against Catherine and barely believes them about murder. When the pair return to try to trap more cats he shows up again and arrests Catherine on an antiquated animal ordinance and suspicion of murder. Deelo vows to not only get Catherine released, but to change the outdated law. And if she has to solve a murder to do it, so be it!

TRAP, NEUTER, DIE grapples with some important societal issues, making the first DeeLo Myer Cat Rescue Mystery a little darker and a tad more realistic than most cozy mysteries. As a cat lover who supports several local rescues, and some not so local, I am impressed and grateful for all of the information about TNVR presented here, as well as showing an example of the idiotic animal laws that still exist.

I really enjoyed the story, a complex murder mystery with several subplots, lots of backstory, and some interesting possibilities raised for the future. While I really like Deelo and the irascible Catherine I can't stand Demi. I find her to be an immature self absorbed unspayed canine! Honestly, I wouldn't mind finding her a the murder victim in the next book! I also found Barry to be a bit much; a well written complicated character, but still, a bit much.

Serious issues are woven throughout TRAP, NEUTER, DIE creating an absorbing mystery that promotes feral cat welfare as it entertains.

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 Trap, Neuter, Die: A DeeLo Myer Cat Rescue Mystery by Sharon Marchisello

About Trap, Neuter, Die

Trap, Neuter, Die: A DeeLo Myer Cat Rescue Mystery
Cozy Mystery 1st of Series
Setting - Georgia
Publisher: ‎ Level Best Books (October 29, 2024)
Paperback: ‎ 286 pages

DeeLo Myer, newly transplanted from Los Angeles to Pecan Point, Georgia, gets sentenced to forty hours of community service with the local humane society. She’s paired with the judgmental Catherine Foster, a Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) guru who prefers feral cats to people. During DeeLo's first night on duty, she and Catherine are led by a cat to the strangled body of a local bookstore owner.

The cop who investigates seems less concerned with solving a homicide than with Catherine’s violation of an antiquated animal ordinance rendering TNVR illegal. The following evening, when he arrests Catherine for violating the said ordinance, and then holds her as a suspect in the murder, DeeLo vows to prove Catherine’s innocence and get the ridiculous law changed. How hard could it be? She enlists her boyfriend/boss and the resources of his law office. Her quest for justice and legislative change leads her to high-profile members of the community, some of whom have motives for murder.

About Sharon Marchisello

Sharon Marchisello is the author of the DeeLo Myer cozy mystery series from Level Best Books, starting with Trap, Neuter, Die (2024). Her two previous mysteries were published by Sunbury Press: Going Home (2014) and Secrets of the Galapagos (2019). She is an active member of Sisters in Crime. She contributed short stories to the anthologies Shhhh...Murder! (Darkhouse Books, 2018) Finally Home (Bienvenue Press, 2019) and Smoking Guns (Wildside Press, 2024). Her personal finance book Live Well, Grow Wealth (2018) was originally published as Live Cheaply, Be Happy, Grow Wealthy, an e-book on Smashwords. Sharon has published travel articles, book reviews, corporate training manuals, and a personal finance blog called Countdown to Financial Fitness. She grew up in Tyler, Texas, and earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Houston in French and English. She studied for a year in Tours, France, on a Rotary scholarship and then moved to Los Angeles to pursue her Masters in Professional Writing at the University of Southern California. Retired from a 27-year career with Delta Air Lines, she lives in Peachtree City, Georgia, doing volunteer work for the Fayette Humane Society, the Fayette County Master Gardeners UGA Extension, and the Friends of the Peachtree City Library.

Website: sharonmarchisello.com (https://smarchisello.wordpress.com/) 

Social Media Links: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SLMarchisello  

Twitter/X https://twitter.com/slmarchisello  

GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4297807.Sharon_Marchisello 

 Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonmarchisello  

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

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sharon-marchisello  

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Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading The Mystery in the Margins by L.L. Gray. This book is the first in the Havenwood Paranormal Cozy Mystery series.

It's been a long time since Harper Sullivan has been in Havenwood, Connecticut, but she's ready to settle down in the magical town. As the sole heir, Harper is looking forward to running Spellbooks, her great-grandmother's bookshop, even as she regrets not spending much time with Granny Bea before her death. But her excitement starts to fizzle when she learns that someone broke into the shop and stole several rare books. Her dreams take another hit when she learns that she is not the sole heir. Granny Bea has set a competition between Harper and her cousin to determine who will inherit Spellbooks. Harper has a lot of great ideas, but will her desire to be Spellbooks new owner be enough to beat out the cousin she never knew existed? Perhaps if she were to discover who stole Granny Bea's books she'd have a leg up in the competition. Gathering old and new friends together Harper is determined to find the books, inherit the bookshop, and make Havenwood her forever home.