The Novel Art of Murder - An Interview & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome V. M. Burns to Cozy Up With Kathy today. V. M. writes the Mystery Bookshop Mystery series. THE NOVEL ART OF MURDER is the third book in the series and was released last year.

Kathy: In THE NOVEL ART OF MURDER Samantha Washington's grandmother rips into the insufferable Maria Romanov who just got the lead in the Shady Acres Senior Follies, a part that Nana Jo always got. Community Theatre can be brutal. Have you ever participated in local theatre?

VMB: I have not participated in Community Theatre, but I have friends who have participated in community theatre performances and they have stories.


Kathy: While proving her grandmother is not a murderer, Samantha continues to work on her latest book. Her newest mystery is set in England between the wars. What led you to choose that time and place in history?

VMB: I love studying history and I’ve always been fascinated by that time period before World War II, especially from the British perspective. Most of the allied nations were recovering from World War I and reluctant to engage in another war with Germany, which is probably one reason Hitler was allowed to rearm and move unchecked across Europe for as long as he did. Despite the call for appeasement, men like Winston Churchill were able to see the truth and had the courage to speak out.


Kathy: Have you considered writing a historical mystery yourself?

VMB: Absolutely, I’d love to write a historical mystery. I have ideas for at least three. Someday, maybe I’ll have the time to pursue them.


Kathy: In order to prove Nana Jo was framed, Sam gets help from her grandmother’s posse of rambunctious retirees. I love reading about fun and energetic and, dare I say, trouble making seniors. Are they as fun to write about as they are to read about?

VMB: Definitely, I love writing about, “The Girls.” They are fun to write. When writing scenes with Nana Jo and the girls, I can toss caution to the wind and let them say whatever they want to say, and do whatever they want to do.


Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

VMB: I read Nancy Drew when I was young, along with a lot of other books. However, I think Agatha Christie was the spark that started me down this trail. I remember reading, THE MURDER OF ROGER AKROYD and thinking, this is brilliant. Next, I read, AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, and that sealed my fate. That book blew my mind. I started reading every cozy mystery I could find and haven’t really stopped.


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

VMB: I have not written other genres, although I think someday, I’d like to give it a try. I don’t know that I’d be able to keep from dropping dead bodies into the mix (which would be a big problem if I ever tried to write a romance). I have an idea for a cozy/science fiction and a cozy/fantasy book. Maybe one day I’ll actually sit down and write them.


Kathy: Tell us about your series.

VMB: When Samantha Washington’s husband dies, she realizes life is short and quits her job as an English teacher to pursue their shared dream of opening a mystery bookshop. However, Samantha has another dream of writing British historic cozy mysteries. Each book in The Mystery Bookshop Mystery Series includes a story within a story. Readers have two mysteries to solve in every book.

The Dog Club Mystery Series features Lilly Ann Echosby. When Lilly’s husband, Albert, dumps her for a younger woman, she goes in search of her “happy place.” When Albert is murdered, the police think Lilly is a good candidate. Can Lilly solve Albert’s murder before she’s collared as a killer.

In the RJ Franklin Mystery Series, Detective RJ Franklin investigates murders. However, people aren’t always willing to talk to a detective, but they will talk to Mama B, RJ’s godmother. Mama B gets all of the local gossip. Between the two of them, murderers don’t stand a chance.


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

VMB: I don’t really have a favorite character. In each series, there is at least one character that I enjoy writing a little more than others. Nana Jo and the girls are fun in the Mystery Bookshop Mystery series. I enjoy writing Mama B’s character in the RJ Franklin series. In the Dog Club Mystery series, I enjoy Dixie and some of the other members of the East Tennessee Dog Club.


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

VMB: For years I dreamed of writing British historic cozy mysteries and owning a mystery bookshop. In the Mystery Bookshop Mystery Series, I get to live my dream through Samantha Washington.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

VMB: As an avid cozy mystery reader, I love reading about bookstores. I also love reading about British historic cozies. I write the type of books I want to read and I hope other cozy lovers will enjoy them too.


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

VMB: Agatha Christie, Rex Stout, J.K. Rowling, and Jane Austen would be the four authors I’d love to have to dinner. I’d invite Agatha Christie, because she is my absolute favorite mystery writer of all time. I’m also a big fan of Rex Stout. I enjoy reading the Nero Wolfe books. I would also invite J.K. Rowling. I admire what she’s done to create the Harry Potter series and would love to pick her brain. If I had to pick a favorite author (non-mystery) it would be Jane Austen. I have read Pride & Prejudice so many times I can recite most from memory. So much has changed since Austen’s first book was published, yet we are still interested in reading about The Bennetts and Mr. Darcy. I’d love to know how to create appealing characters who can stand the test of time.


Kathy: What are you currently reading?

VMB: I’m also a fan of Victoria Thompson and I’m currently reading the second book in her new series, City of Secrets.


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

VMB: I don’t have a lot of time to indulge in hobbies much. However, one of my interest involves dogs. It’s probably no surprise that I’m a dog lover. I have two toy poodles and when I and my dogs were younger, we competed in agility and obedience. We also did pet assisted therapy. I also enjoy cooking and love discovering new recipes on Pinterest and trying them out.


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

VMB: Bacon, coffee, sugar, flour and did I mention bacon? I LOVE bacon. Coffee is needed to keep me sane. If I have sugar and flour, I can create something to go with my bacon. Or, I can just put the sugar in the coffee.


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

VMB: I have a contract to do more books in the RJ Franklin series and the Dog Club Mystery Series. I hope to get to continue the Mystery Bookshop Mystery Series. I’d love to write that series through the war. I also have a Fairy Tale Mystery Series which one day I’d love to get published.


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

VMB: I am a bit of an introvert, but I’d have to say interacting with readers has been amazing. I love getting emails from readers and engaging at book signings. Writing can be a bit lonely sometimes, so it’s great to hear from real people that they enjoyed my books.

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The Novel Art of Murder (Mystery Bookshop) by V.M. Burns

About the Book

 

The Novel Art of Murder (Mystery Bookshop)  

Cozy Mystery 3rd in Series 

Kensington (November 27, 2018) 

Paperback: 256 pages

Mystery bookstore owner Samantha Washington is trying to keep her grandmother from spending her golden years in an orange jumpsuit . . .

The small town of North Harbor, Michigan, is just not big enough for the two of them: flamboyant phony Maria Romanov and feisty Nana Jo. The insufferable Maria claims she's descended from Russian royalty and even had a fling with King Edward VIII back in the day. She’s not just a lousy liar, she's a bad actress, so when she nabs the lead in the Shady Acres Senior Follies—a part Nana Jo plays every year in their retirement village production—Nana Jo blows a gasket and reads her the riot act in front of everyone. Of course, when Maria is silenced with a bullet to the head, Nana Jo lands the leading role on the suspects list. Sam’s been writing her newest mystery, set in England between the wars, with her intrepid heroine Lady Daphne drawn into murder and scandal in the household of Winston Churchill. But now she has to prove that Nana Jo’s been framed. With help from her grandmother's posse of rambunctious retirees, Sam shines a spotlight on Maria’s secrets, hoping to draw the real killer out of the shadow

About the Author

V.M. Burns was born in Northwestern Indiana and spent many years in Southwestern Michigan on the Lake Michigan shoreline. She is a lover of dogs, British historic cozies, and scones with clotted cream. After many years in the Midwest, she went in search of milder winters and currently lives in Eastern Tennessee with her poodles. Her debut novel, The Plot is Murder was nominated for a 2017 Agatha Award for Best First Novel. Valerie is a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and a lifetime member of Sisters in Crime. Readers can learn more by visiting her website at vmburns.com

Author Links:

Website: http://www.vmburns.com/  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vmburnsbooks/  
Twitter: @vmburns  

Purchase Links:
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - IndieBound: - Books-A-Million - Hudson Booksellers

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Currently Reading...

I actually just finished reading The Murder Book by Lissa Marie Redmond. This book is the second in the Cold Case Investigation Mystery series and will be released February 8, 2019.

Detective Lauren Riley is working late when she is stabbed from behind and beaten. Lucky to have survived, the only thing she knows is the person who attacked her was a cop. A police officer is never truly off duty and as Lauren recovers she also tries to investigate who tried to kill her and why. Things seem to be hinged on a cold case, but which one? With the Murder Book gone, Lauren calls on her old lieutenant for help. Unfortunately, he's not the only person from her past who's returned. In finding her attacker will she be able to see justice served, or will she become a victim once again?

A Murderous Marriage - A Review & Giveaway

Review

A MURDEROUS MARRIAGE by Alyssa Maxwell

The Fourth Lady and Lady's Maid Mystery

A wedding should be a happy event, but that's not the case in the Isle of Wight. Everyone knows it's not a love match between Lady Julia Renshaw and the viscount forty years her senior. Despite her sisters protestations that she can and should walk away, Julia marries Gil Townsend to ensure the coffers of the family home are full. The nuptials seem a hasty occasion with the reception on board the yacht named after the groom's first wife. An overly familiar secretary, an angry sister of the groom, a concerned best man, and unpleasant weather add to the dismal affair. When the groom goes missing the following morning and is soon found drowned, suspicions fall on the new bride. When her sister, Julia, is taken to the police station, Phoebe knows she can't just stand idly by. It's up to Lady Phoebe Renshaw and her lady's maid, Eva, to prove Julia's innocence and find the real murderer.

A MURDEROUS MARRIAGE looks at familial obligation and its ramifications. Julia marries to help her family and nearly destroys it as well as herself.

I really enjoyed this historical mystery which also serves as a reminder that single women didn't have the freedom I presently enjoy. I love the relationship between Eva and, not only Phoebe, but Julia as well. While Eva is a maid, her standing is much closer to one of the family and her thoughts and assistance looked to and depended upon. The characters here are a wonderful mix, with many suspects evidencing nasty behavior. While I admire Phoebe's independence and Eva's intelligence, my favorite character in this fourth Lady and Lady's Maid Mystery is Hetta, Lady Julia's new maid. There's more than meets the eye with this Swiss woman with limited English skills and I find her a fun and delightful new character.

A MURDEROUS MARRIAGE is an engaging historical mystery that illustrates the importance of family and duty by both the upper and working classes in 1920 England.

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A Murderous Marriage (A Lady and Lady's Maid Mystery) by Alyssa Maxwell

About the Book

 

A Murderous Marriage (A Lady and Lady's Maid Mystery)  

Cozy Mystery 4th in Series  

Kensington (January 29, 2019)  

Hardcover: 304 pages 

Lady Phoebe Renshaw and her lady’s maid, Eva Huntford, are preparing for a wedding, but it may not be the happy occasion everyone hopes for . . .

Since the Great War, some family fortunes have suffered, including those of the Renshaws. Despite being the granddaughter of an earl, Julia Renshaw is under pressure to marry for money—and has settled for Gilbert Townsend, a viscount and a wealthy industrialist. He is decades older than Julia, and it’s clear to her sister Phoebe—and to Eva, who has been like a surrogate mother to the girls—that this is not a love match. Nevertheless, the wedding takes place—and in a hurry.

At the reception aboard the groom’s yacht, there appears to be tension between Gil and several guests: his best man, a fellow veteran of the Boer War; his grouchy spinster sister; and his current heir, a nervous young cousin named Ernest. The bride is also less than pleased when she discovers that her honeymoon will be more crowded than expected—with Gil’s pretty secretary, among others, coming along.

That very night, Julia pounds on her sister’s door, brandishing a bandaged hand and reporting a hot-tempered outburst on her new husband’s part. Julia is feeling doubt and regret about her hasty decision, but returns to the boat. Then the next morning, before the yacht can depart the harbor, Gil’s body is found in the water below—and Phoebe and Eva must discover who pushed him over . . . before the Renshaws’ social standing is irreparably stained by Julia’s arrest for his murder . . .

About the Author

Alyssa Maxwell knew from an early age that she wanted to be a novelist. Growing up in New England and traveling to Great Britain fueled a passion for history, while a love of puzzles of all kinds drew her to the mystery genre. She and her husband reside in Florida, where she loves to watch BBC productions, sip tea in the afternoons, and delve into the past. You can learn more about Alyssa and her books at www.alyssamaxwell.com.

Author Links: Twitter – Facebook – Webpage – GoodReads - Mailing List  

Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N - Kobo - GooglePlay

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Not a Creature was Stirring - An Interview, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Christine Freeburn to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Christine writes the Merry and Bright Handcrafted Mystery series. NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING is the first book in the series and was released last week.

Kathy: Merry Winters loves to craft. Are you a crafter?

CF: Yes. Writing and crafting are two of my favorite activities.


Kathy: I love to craft, but admit that the learning curve for the Cricut was too much for me and I use a standard die cut machine. Are you as adept with the Cricut as Merry?

CF: I’m pretty good using the Cricut, the Silhouette Cameo is a completely different story. I’m going to try and find an online class or some tutorials to get better at it. If anyone has a suggestion, please share.


Kathy: Are you anywhere near to being a fan of Christmas as Merry is?

CF: Yes. My love of Christmas (and all things Christmas) was one of the reasons for writing this new series. I love Christmas stories/movies and thought it would be fun to write a book featuring a character who has made a Christmas crafting a business.


Kathy: I love Ebenezer and was so pleased to see a pocket pet featured as a companion. How did you decide on a guinea pig?

CF: With Merry’s business requiring travel and overnights for weekend craft shows, I knew she needed a pet that was portable and one she could take inside with her.


Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

CF: I loved the fact that there is a strong sense of empowerment in the stories. Ordinary people (usually women and non-law enforcement) are standing up for themselves and friends and finding a way through some horrendous situations. The main characters in the stories don’t back down no matter the odds against them.


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

CF: Yes, I also write inspirational romantic suspense.


Kathy: Tell us about your series.

CF: The Merry & Bright Handcrafted Mystery series features crafterpreneur Merry Winters, who worries that her life will be purposeless after her children leave the nest. She finds her life more than full after adopting a furry sidekick and discovering she might have a knack for solving crimes.

The Scrap This Mystery Series is a mix of crafty and crime, where country roads lead to family, friends, scrapbooking, and sometimes murder. The series features Faith Hunter whose hobbies include scrapbooking, photography, amateur sleuthing, and annoying homicide detective Ted Roget.

My New Beginnings Series is an inspirational romantic suspense series that features heroines and heroes that work in a skip tracing firm that specializes in “vanishing”/relocating abused and stalked women.


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

CF: I hate to name one of my characters as a favorite in fear the other ones will stop “talking” to me. =)


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

CF: For the Merry & Bright Handcrafted mystery series, the series came about because I was disconnected from Faith, the heroine of my scrapbooking series (Scrap This mystery). I had just become an empty nester and Faith was planning her wedding and dreaming of starting a family and I just couldn’t write from her viewpoint. I decided to start a mystery featuring a heroine who was struggling through the same issue as me, and I gave her my love for Christmas and crafting.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

CF: I mentioned the new book I was working on to my editor and Henery Press and she asked to see it, so I sent it. Henery Press like it and wanted to publish it and also asked for two others.


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

CF: Pam Andrews Hanson, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Wendy Tyson, and Terry McNemar.


Kathy: What are you currently reading?

CF: Right now, I’m reading A Curve in the Road by Julianne MacLean


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

CF: My hobbies are scrapbooking, vinyl crafts, crocheting, sewing…basically anything crafty and I love to “plan” Disney vacations. We’ve been a few times (I love it!) and even when I know we’re not planning on going any time soon, I still like to pop onto the Disney website and price vacations. I usually do that when I’ve feeling down and overwhelmed…for some reason it’s a big pick me up.


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

CF: Eggs, wine, green peppers, olive oil.


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

CF: Yes, I’m contracted for two more Merry & Bright books, number two is scheduled to come out in October 2019 and the third July 2020.


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

CF: Meeting readers, especially being able to crop/craft with my readers.

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Review

 

NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING by Christine Freeburn

The First Merry and Bright Handcrafted Mystery

Merry Winters has splurged on a new item for her Christmas crafting business-a used RV. It's perfect to transport her and all her crafting wares to various vendor events-and she got it for a steal from her step-daughter. The perfect deal turns into a nightmare when she discovers her recently divorced second husband stuffed into a storage compartment. The detective in charge is certain Merry's the murderer and her sales are plummeting as her step-daughter has arrived and is telling everyone that Merry killed her dad. Merry's adult children are doing what they can to protect and support her, including getting their dad, her first ex-husband, to be her attorney. But will that be enough to make Christmas merry again?

NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING looks at what it is to be an empty nester as well as the changing relationships as everyone ages. Merry Winters has a big heart, which gets her into a lot of trouble. While her adult children seem to be well adjusted, pleasant people, her step-daughter is an emotional mess, and a constant conflict waiting to happen. Yet Merry goes above and beyond to protect her, regardless of the damage the girl intends to cause. In fact, most of the characters aren't entirely likable.

An intriguing mystery and themes of Christmas and crafting make NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING a fun holiday read.

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Not a Creature Was Stirring (Merry & Bright Handcrafted Mystery) by Christina Freeburn
 

About the Book

Not a Creature Was Stirring (Merry & Bright Handcrafted Mystery)  

Cozy Mystery 1st in Series 

 Henery Press (January 22, 2019)

Empty nester Merry Winters loves three things: Christmas, crafting and her family. To regain purpose and joy, Merry hits the road to a Christmas vendor event with her furry sidekick Ebenezer in her new mobile crafting sleigh, aka an RV.

But it soon turns into the nightmare before Christmas when Merry unwraps her Scrooge of an ex-husband’s body in one of the RV’s compartments. Add to that his missing winning lottery ticket believed to be stashed somewhere in the RV, leading the homicide detective and Merry’s stepdaughter to believe Merry is the one whodunit.

With visions of prison dancing in her head, will Merry be able to solve this Christmas calamity before she’s locked away?

About the Author

Christina Freeburn has always loved books. There was nothing better than picking up a story and being transported to another place. The love of reading evolved into the love of writing and she's been writing since her teenage years. Her first novel was a 2003 Library of Virginia Literary Award nominee. Her mysteries series, Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery and Merry & Bright Handcrafted Mysteries, are a mix of crafty and crime and feature heroines whose crafting time is interrupted by crime solving.

Christina served in the US Army and has also worked as a paralegal, librarian, church secretary, and golf shop pro. She lives in West Virginia with her husband, dog, and a rarely seen cat except by those who are afraid and allergic to felines.

Author Links:
Webpage: www.christinafreeburn.com  
Blog: www.theselfrescueprincess.wordpress.com  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaFreeburnCraftyandCrimeAuthor/  
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristinaFreeb1  
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/ChristinaFreeburn  

Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N - Kobo

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Murder Wears a Little Black Dress - A Review

Review

MURDER WEARS A LITTLE BLACK DRESS by Debra Sennefelder

The First Resale Boutique Mystery

After a humiliating dismissal as a buyer for a New York department store, Kelly Quinn has returned home to Lucky Cove. Restyling her late grandmother's consignment shop into an upscale clothing boutique is a challenge, however. Pepper, her grandmother's best friend and Kelly's employee is not shy about voicing her displeasure about the changes Kelly wants to make. When a local psychic collapses after receiving a vision when trying on a dress in the shop, the resale boutique gets lots of publicity. People are coming to hear about the "murder dress" and visit the "haunted shop", but not buying any wares. Desperate to stop the negative publicity, matters get worse when Kelly becomes a suspect after she finds the murdered body of the psychic's cousin. Now she's determined to find the truth behind, not only the current murder, but the "murder dress" while she wonders if her decision to come home was the right one.

MURDER WEARS A LITTLE BLACK DRESS is about growing up, finding your place, and fighting for what's right. Kelly Quinn is a likeable, if somewhat juvenile protagonist. In fact, almost all of the characters are a blend of likable with notable character flaws...except for the obvious bad guys like Kelly's uncle and his new wife who are completely unpleasant. One of my favorite characters is Kelly's cousin, Frankie. A chef with an interest in the occult, Frankie is a good-natured goof and a peace-keeper in the family. I hope we get to see more of him in future books.

While the first Resale Boutique Mystery should not be classified as a paranormal mystery, I really enjoyed its paranormal aspect. The mystery here was interesting, with many angles, as was Kelly's involvement and increasing belief in Bernadette's psychic ability. MURDER WEARS A LITTLE BLACK DRESS is a good start to a new series. 

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Murder Wears a Little Black Dress (A Resale Boutique Mystery) by Debra Sennefelder

About the Book

Murder Wears a Little Black Dress (A Resale Boutique Mystery)  

Cozy Mystery 1st in Series  

Lyrical Underground (January 22, 2019)  

Paperback: 200 pages

Manhattan fashionista Kelly Quinn thought she’d left her upstate New York town far behind . . . until the Seventh Avenue expat returns home to revamp her grandmother’s consignment shop into an upscale boutique—and unwittingly sets a trend for murder . . .

After her rising career as a Manhattan buyer is derailed, Kelly has mixed feelings about relocating back to Lucky Cove, in spite of her big plans for the soon-to-be-renamed Curated by Kelly Resale Boutique. What’s left of her luck starts running out when a customer puts on a black lace dress that triggers visions of someone being murdered. As if the haunted “Murder Dress” isn’t enough to kill business, the psychic’s doppelganger cousin has just been found bludgeoned to death. Was Maxine LeMoyne the real target or was it a case of mistaken murder? With some creepy pre-Halloween bargain hunters walking the night and Kelly suddenly a person of interest, a second murder rocks the close-knit town. Now Kelly could be the one who ends up talking to dead people when she’s stalked by a killer determined to take her out in high style . . .

About the Author

 
Debra Sennefelder, the author of the Food Blogger Mystery series and the Resale Boutique Mystery series, is an avid reader who reads across a range of genres, but mystery fiction is her obsession. Her interest in people and relationships is channeled into her novels against a backdrop of crime and mystery. When she’s not reading, she enjoys cooking and baking and as a former food blogger, she is constantly taking photographs of her food. Yeah, she’s that person. Born and raised in New York City, she now lives and writes in Connecticut with her family. She’s worked in pre-hospital care, retail and publishing. Her writing companions are her adorable and slightly spoiled Shih-Tzus, Susie and Billy. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, Women's Fiction Writers Association and Romance Writers of America.  

Author Links: Website – Facebook – Goodreads 
Purchase Links Amazon B&N Kobo Google Play

Currently Reading...

I just finished reading Death by Committee by Alexis Morgan. This book is the first in the Abby McCree Mystery series and was released yesterday!

Abby McCree just inherited her favorite aunt's estate, but in addition to a lovely Victorian, she also received a somewhat moody, if hunky, tenant, a loving Mastiff mixed breed dog full of drool, and a position on numerous committees. If being volunteered to not only serve, but chair, all these groups doesn't kill her, what she found tidying up the property might. Dolly, her aunt's archrival wasn't enjoying Florida as a snowbird, she was buried under her aunt's blackberries! Abby's vowed to protect her aunt's good name, but doing so will land her right in the killer's sights!

The Specter of Seduction - A Review

Review

THE SPECTER OF SEDUCTION by Carolyn Haines

The Third Pluto's Snitch Mystery

Waverly Mansion was a marvel of architecture and a glorious old plantation until the Civil War and the actions of a Southern Belle destroyed everything. Called to the mansion to help the current owners, Raissa and Reginald travel to Mississippi. It seems the couple's daughter is acting more mature than her eight years. She also has an imaginary friend who may not be so imaginary. Dealing with college students trespassing on the property to fool around and a child acting older than her years is just the start. Raissa will have to uncover the truth of Union spy Nora Bradley. Was she really the evil temptress who wrought the destruction of the Norquist family and who still seeks to claim Waverly as her own? Or is there something older, something even more powerful, that seeks to possess not only Waverly, but Raissa, body and soul.

Set in the 1920s THE SPECTER OF SEDUCTION is a historical mystery, but it's a double historical in that Raissa has to delve further into the past, solving what for her is a historical mystery to go along with her modern one. What I found thrilling is that she spoke with two characters who were actually alive during the Civil War, one of whom was once a slave. Instead of relying on legend, Raissa talked with people who actually knew Nora and witnessed what happened, the veritable destruction of a family.

Carolyn Haines is a master of creating a Gothic ambiance in her Pluto's Snitch mysteries. Oppressive heat and bloodsucking insects add to the stifling unpleasant atmosphere that surrounds Waverly. Despite the amazing architecture and current renovations the mansion makes you want to flee. The lack of electricity and telephone service along with its remote location adds to the isolation which increases both anxiety and danger. I love old abandoned buildings and have enjoyed exploring old mental institutions and haunted locations, but I would give Waverly a wide berth! Carolyn Haines has created a house tainted by its past, possessed by its present, and I don't even care to be part of its future! It's a location I'm glad is fictional.

The juxtaposition of evil spirits versus the evil done by man is at the heart of this book. There's much more to Waverly than meets the eye and it's fascinating to see Raissa peel back the layers. While a powerful entity seems to be the root of the problems, it's much more than that. Something human is equally as evil as the demon. In order to find peace, the truth must be revealed, the whole truth.

I absolutely loved THE SPECTER OF SEDUCTION. Ingeniously plotted, it's a haunting, eerie, and pulse pounding mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Murder of Ravens - An Interview & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Paty Jager to Cozy Up With Kathy. Paty writes the Gabriel Hawke Novels. Murder of Ravens is the first book in the series and is being released today!

Kathy: I enjoy reading works with a Native American element. What drew you to give Gabriel Hawke a Nez Perce background?

PJ: I grew up in Wallowa County where this book is set. It was where the Chief Joseph band of the Nez Perce wintered and summered. They loved the area. The first treaty with the Nez Perce had this area in the reservation, then it was discovered how lush the valleys were and the reservation was cut down and the Wallowa country cut out of it. The bands that lived in the area refused to sign the treaty. They became known as the non-treaty Nez Perce and were chased to Montana where they tried to get to Canada. They didn’t make it and were forced to march to Oklahoma where many died from diseases they had never known before. After 8 years they were finally allowed to return to the Pacific Northwest, but the government and the treaty Nez Perce didn’t want them in the reservation at Lapwai Idaho. So they were disbursed among the Colville and Umatilla reservations. The Nez Perce was not allowed to set foot in the Wallowa country for many years except to be part of the Chief Joseph Days rodeo and parade. Growing up there and only learning all this history after I left, because it wasn’t taught in the schools, I use the Nez Perce characters in my mysteries to show the injustice done to a people who if the Whites had given them a choice would have lived beside them peacefully. I thought it was only right to give a Nez Perce character the ability to take care of his ancestors’ land by being a game warden in that country.


Kathy: Gabriel is a master tracker. Have you ever tried tracking?

PJ: I have a post over at Romancing the Genres about how I purchased a book on Master Tracking and while reading it tried some of the things Tom Brown talked about to learn to track. Before purchasing the book, I always watched the ground when I walked (we live in rural SE Oregon) for different animal prints. It seemed right to make a Native American lawman a master tracker. Especially after reading Tom Brown’s book on tracking and discovering he learned most of what he knew from an Apache elder.


Kathy: What first drew you to mysteries?

PJ: I have been reading mystery since I was young. My mom bought the whole set of Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books when I was young for my brother and I to read. I don’t know if he read any but I read them all several times. I went on to read the Gothic Novels in high school because they had some mystery and a bit of romance in them and they were thick books. They lasted me longer than one day. 😉 When I became a young mother and my husband was gone a lot trucking, I would go to the library and start with one mystery writer and read every book that of that author in the library and then move on to the next one. Sue Grafton’s alphabet series made me think I could write a mystery and that’s when I started writing a mystery novel. I wrote two, but they never saw the light of day. I tried to get in with a mystery writing group but back then they only let already published authors in, making it hard to learn the mystery writing craft. I joined RWA and wrote and published twenty western romance books before I decided I was ready to write mystery books. And now I have two mystery series published and am enjoying writing them.


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

PJ: See above answer. 😉 Yes, I have historical and contemporary western romance books also published.


Kathy: Tell us about your series.

PJ: Gabriel Hawke Novels– Nez Perce Fish and Wildlife State Trooper defending the country of his ancestors and solving murders.

Shandra Higheagle Mystery – Nez Perce potter whose deceased grandmother comes to her in dreams and helps her solve murders.

Halsey Brothers Series– Five brothers who find feisty self-sufficient women in the gold country of Oregon in the 1800s. (Historical Western)

Spirit Trilogy- Nez Perce spirit siblings watching over the Chief Joseph band fall in love with mortals during the time of turmoil for the Nimiipuu. (Historical Native American Romance)

Isabella Mumphrey Trilogy – A trilogy about a female anthropologist who is a cross between MacGyver and Indiana Jones. (Contemporary Action Adventure/Romantic Suspense)

Letters of Fate – Heroes receive a letter than changes their direction in life and brings them to the woman who captures their heart. (Historical western romance)

Silver Dollar Saloon – Beau Gentry owns the Silver Dollar Saloon. Due to his upbringing, he finds woman who have been beaten or thrown out and puts them to work in the saloon until they find a husband. (Historical Western Romance)

Tumbling Creek Ranch – Follows the love lives of the Wallis family. (Contemporary Western Romance)


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

PJ: Not a fair question! I like all of my main characters and many of my secondary characters. If I didn’t like them, I wouldn’t write their stories. I have to say, the one that was the most fun to write up until Hawke was Isabella Mumphrey. She’s a social outcast but has a brilliant mind. Her lacking social skills in the beginning of the series makes her a bit bumbling, but as the series progresses she grows and I loved writing that growth and showing her as well as the reader that she deserved love and recognition.


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

PJ: I could say that I love the Tony Hillerman books, but then what mystery reader doesn’t? But it wasn’t really those books that pushed me to write the Gabriel Hawke novels. It was my need to have him, a Nez Perce descendent looking over the land and animals of his ancestors. It was my need for justice (the theme in most of my books) that had me conjuring up this character. How beautiful and remote Wallowa County is and the fact the game wardens are also State troopers who have to perform both duties, made it a perfect place to have a game warden also investigate murders.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

PJ: After spending all the hours I do writing a story and getting to know characters, it seemed a shame to not share them with others.


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

PJ: Agatha Christie, LaVyrle Spencer, Nora Roberts, and Sue Grafton. They are the four writers to inspired me to give writing a try. I wanted to write stories like they did.


Kathy: What are you currently reading?

PJ: I just finished Stephanie Berget’s Rocky Road Home a contemporary western romance. And I’ve been reading in bits and pieces, Learning to Swim a mystery by Sara J. Henry.


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

PJ: I like to sew. I make bags that use when I sell books at bazaars and flea markets. I make small quilts and bags. I like to hike and ride my horse.


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

PJ: Chocolate, almonds, apples, carrots


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

PJ: Murder of Ravens is book 1 in the Gabriel Hawke series. Book 2, Mouse Trail Ends will release in February and book 3, Rattlesnake Brother will release in March. From there another Shandra Higheagle book will release in July and another Hawke before the end of the year. I will continue these two series until I can’t think of another story or the readers grow tired of them.


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

PJ: The beginning stewing and brewing, I call it, when I come up with an idea for a book and start playing with the different ways it can go and how to make it better than the last book.



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Murder of Ravens (Gabriel Hawke) by Paty Jager

About the Book

Murder of Ravens (Gabriel Hawke)  

Mystery 1st in Series 

Windtree Press (January 20, 2019) 

Paperback: 302 pages 

The ancient Indian art of tracking is his greatest strength... And also his biggest weakness. Fish and Wildlife State Trooper Gabriel Hawke believes he’s chasing poachers. However, he comes upon a wildlife biologist standing over a body that is wearing a wolf tracking collar. He uses master tracker skills taught to him by his Nez Perce grandfather to follow clues on the mountain. Paper trails and the whisper of rumors in the rural community where he works, draws Hawke to a conclusion that he finds bitter. Arresting his brother-in-law ended his marriage, could solving this murder ruin a friendship?

 

About the Author

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 35 novels, 8 novellas, and numerous anthologies of murder mystery and western romance. All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Her Shandra Higheagle mystery series has been a runner-up in the RONE Award Mystery category, and a finalist in the Daphne du Maurier.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.patyjager.net  
Blog: http://www.patyjager.blogspot.com
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/PatyJagerAuthor/  
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Paty-Jager/e/B002I7M0VK  
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/patyjag/  
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patyjag  
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1005334.Paty_Jager  
Newsletter- Mystery: https://bit.ly/2IhmWcm  
Bookbub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/paty-jager  

Purchase Link - Amazon

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