Devil's Kiss - An Interview

I'm pleased to welcome Michelle Bennington to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Michelle writes the Small Batch Mystery series. Devil's Kiss is the first book in the series and will be released May 31, 2022.

Kathy: In Devil's Kiss we meet Rook Campbell who just started working at the Four Wild Horses Distillery. I love a variety of spirits with bourbon being a big favorite. Are you a bourbon fan? 

MB: I am a bourbon fan, though I rarely drink. When I do drink bourbon it's neat and straight and either Woodford Reserve or Buffalo Trace. And I'm slowly making my way through the bourbon trail, so I might find one I like more. But there's a host of sauces and foods with bourbon in them that I really enjoy. I espeically love bourbon candy. Bourbon balls are a Kentucky specialty and it's tradition in many homes every Christmas (I make a mean bourbon ball, if I do say so myself!). Rebecca Ruth's in Kentucky (the inventor of the bourbon ball) has several types of bourbon candy.


Kathy: What made you decide to set your mystery series at a distillery in Kentucky? 

MB: I was born and raised in Kentucky and I love my home state and its rugged beauty. I don't see many stories set in Kentucky or even many mentions of Kentucky. I just really wanted to highlight my home state. And when I tried to think of something distinctly "Kentucky" that most people would recognize, it was either bourbon or horses. And I think there was already a KY Derby series, so I chose bourbon. Also, I wanted to write a cozy that had nothing to do with bakeries, knitting, animals or the other usual topics. Those are fun, of course. I have nothing against those. I just wanted something a little different.


Kathy: I've been lucky to visit a few distilleries. Years ago I saw some while on vacation in Kentucky and more recently here in Western New York and the Finger Lakes. Is the Four Wild Horses Distillery based on a real distillery, or did it come purely from your imagination? 

MB: I love visiting distilleries. The process is so fascinating to me. The main one in the book is an amalgamation in both name and description. I took bits from Four Roses and Wild Turkey and since horses are a staple livestock in Kentucky, I just had to have that in the title too! The landscape of the distillery in the book is based loosely on Buffalo Trace, mixed with my imagination.


Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries? 

MB: I don't like consuming media with a lot of gratuitous sex, violence, and cursing. I do occasionally watch certain shows that have that stuff--Outlander, Game of Thrones, and Ozark come immediately to mind--but the overall story must be amazing for me to stick with it and even then it's sometimes just overwhelming. I also wanted to write books that my mom would enjoy. So I went in search of such books to read and stumbled upon the cozy genre. I admittedly am not widely read in the cozy genre. But I started with The Aurora Teagarden series, which I love, and decided to start there because I had already read Charlaine Harris' True Blood series. Then I started Susan M. Boyer's Liz Talbot series, which is great. And I'm hooked. The great thing about cozies is that they are just great mysteries without all the "junk." I really don't see myself quitting them.

 

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres? 

MB: I write historical fiction as well. I have a historical mystery series that was just picked up by Level Best Books and I'm currently researching a historical fiction based on a true crime.

Kathy: Tell us about your series.

MB: The Small Batch Mysteries is a series of three books so far. The first is Devil's Kiss where Rook lands a job at a distillery and becomes embroiled with helping solve the murder of her friend and discovering who stole the rare Devil's Kiss bourbon.

The second book, Mermaid Cove, is loosely based on a real distillery in Kentucky that is all female owned and operated (Jeptha Creed)--a rarity in the bourbon world. In this book, the mother of Rook's best friend, is a co-owner of Mermaid Cove and goes missing when her bourbon is poised to win a prestigious award and Rook is determined to find her friend's mother.

In the third book, Unbridled Spirits, Rook and the Four Wild Horses Distillery team are working a special Halloween event at a restored historical home of a former bourbon baron when people begin to die. Rook once again set out to help find the killer.

And the historical mystery series I mentioned earlier is called the Widows and Shadows series and begins with book one, Widow's Blush. Set in 1803 England on the cusp of a second war with France, a young widow, Ravenna, Lady Birchfield becomes entangled in finding who is killing the foreign secretaries and threatening England's balance of power. 

Widow's Fire is the second book and centers around a mysterious black opal, called Widow's Fire. Legend has it that the keeper of the opal will have immense power and never be conquered, making widows of their enemies wives. When the guardian of the opal is killed and the gem goes missing, Ravenna is determined to discover who has stolen it before it falls into the wrong hands.

In Widow's Peak Ravenna follows her runaway niece to the European Continent to convince her to come home. During the journey, Ravenna meets with a two-time widower and fortune hunter embarking on his third marriage. Ravenna suspects him of fortune hunting in a most despicable manner.


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

MB: I think Prim from Devil's Kiss is my favorite character, so far. She's a grandmother who has seen hard times and has come through with strength and resilience. She's wise, bold, and takes no guff.

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

MB: My primary inspiration was the real-life Pappy VanWinkle heist in Kentucky in 2014, which rocked the bourbon world. And then I attended a ghost tour at the Buffalo Trace distillery one evening and that was a light bulb moment for me. I thought, "What if someone was found murdered at the distillery?" So I wove the two ideas together into Devil's Kiss.

Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work? 

MB: I've wanted to be a published writer since the age of 13. I had many years of self-doubt and veering off the path, but since 2014 I have doggedly pursued my goal. I want to tell stories and entertain people. And, if for a moment, I can provide enjoyment or relief or escape to a reader, then I count myself successful.

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

MB: Oh gosh, there are so many authors. I can't hardly choose. Jane Austen for sure, Charlotte Bronte, CS Lewis, and Lord Byron, though he'd most assuredly drink all the wine, cause a ruckus, and be asked to leave.

Kathy: What are you currently reading? 

MB: Death by Darjeeling by Laura Childs

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

MB: I'm a member of a belly dance troupe and have danced belly dance and fusion style belly dance for over ten years. I also love to crochet and paint. I love anything artsy and craftsy so I'm always looking to try my hand at something new. I also like to travel and see new places though I don't get to do it nearly enough. And I LOVE going on ghost tours, which is really just a history tour in disguise, but as a history buff, it's one of my favorite things to do. So anytime I visit a new place, a ghost tour is usually part of the adventure.

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

MB: Coffee, tea, eggs, apples

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

MB: I do. I've already written the Mermaid Cove manuscript (book 2 in the Small Batch Mysteries) and am working on book 2 of the Widows and Shadows historical mystery. And I'll be plotting book 3 for both series very soon. In the meantime, I'm also working on a Southern Gothic cozy called Dumpster Dying. About a hoarder, Biridie Harper, who lives with a ghost and solves crimes. I plan on self-publishing that book and I envision it will be a short series. I'm really close to having the second draft of that book done. And then I have a manuscript of a historical fiction that I'll work on revising this year as well as researching and writing another historical fiction. So there's a lot of work on my plate! But I wouldn't have it any other way.

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

MB: Creating a fictional universe and filling it full of people and trying to figure out how to get those characters in and out of their problems.

********************************************************************

Blurb: 

Rook Campbell is broke, divorced, jobless, and in desperate need of steady employment, which is hard to come by in the small town of Rothdale, Kentucky. With the help of her friend and neighbor Bryan, she lands a good job at the Four Wild Horses Distillery and meets an attractive co-worker with lots of dating potential. Her life is finally headed in the right direction until a co-worker dies under suspicious circumstances and a shipment of rare small-batch bourbon goes missing. Worse, her personal life begins to unravel as her beloved grandmother falls ill. Normally she can depend on her ex, Cam, for help, but his new fiancée’s jealousy is getting in the way. As the body count rises, Rook becomes ensnared in discovering who’s committing the crimes—or she might be the next to die.

***************************************************************************

Stay tuned for my review of Devil's Kiss coming July 1, 2022.

Killer on the Court: A Review & Giveaway

 Review

MURDER, SHE WROTE: KILLER ON THE COURT
By Jessica Fletcher & Terrie Farley Moran
The Fifty-Fifth Murder, She Wrote Mystery

With her latest manuscript sent off to her editor, Jessica Fletcher is free to spend time with her favorite nephew and his family. Flying to Rockaway Beach, New York, Jessica joins the family vacationing in a bungalow courtesy of Donna's employer. While a beach retreat seems an ideal place to relax, tensions are running high with the corporate family. When Donna finds the eldest son dead on their private tennis court it appears he's the victim of a malfunctioning tennis ball machine. Jessica, however, is certain it's murder.

Jessica Fletcher manages to catch a killer while still enjoying a beach holiday in KILLER ON THE COURT. I love how her inquisitive mind allows her to puzzle through the mystery without actively putting herself in danger. She also has plenty of time to enjoy being with her family. The family business Donna works at is another matter entirely. These people are dysfunctional with a capitol D, which makes for great motives and suspects.

KILLER ON THE COURT is a great summer escape with its intricately plotted mystery, curious characters, and its well loved protagonist.

*************************************************************************

Murder, She Wrote: Killer on the Court by Jessica Fletcher & Terrie Farley Moran

About MSW: Killer on the Court

Murder, She Wrote: Killer on the Court
Cozy Mystery 55th in Series
Berkley (May 17, 2022)
Hardcover: ‎ 288 pages

Jessica Fletcher’s sunny beach vacation with her nephew’s family takes a dark turn in this new installment in the USA Today bestselling series.

Jessica is delighted when her nephew Grady invites her to spend a few days with his family in an oceanside New York bungalow. She packs her bags and heads down to the city, ready to spend some quality time with Grady, his wife, Donna, and their young son, Frank.

But the morning after Jessica’s arrival, Donna finds her boss dead on a tennis court, and Jessica’s dreams of a relaxing visit are quashed. Everyone in the small beachside community is a suspect, and the local authorities—headed by an old colleague of Cabot Cove sheriff Mort Metzger—have asked that no one leave town. Will Jessica be able find a killer and salvage the rest of her trip?

About the Authors

Along with Jessica Fletcher, Terrie Farley Moran co-writes the Murder She Wrote mystery series including Murder, She Wrote: Killer on the Court. She is the author of the Read 'Em and Eat cozy mystery series and also co-writes the Scrapbooking Mysteries with Laura Childs. Recipient of both the Agatha and the Derringer Awards, Moran has published numerous mystery short stories. The only thing Terrie enjoys more than wrangling mystery plots into submission is hanging out with any or all of her seven grandchildren.

Author Links – Webpage Facebook  

 

Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N - Kobo - IndieBound - Bookshop.org - PenguinRandomHouse -  

 

  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Danger on the Atlantic - A Review

 Review

DANGER ON THE ATLANTIC by Erica Ruth Neubauer
The Third Jane Wunderly Mystery

Jane Wunderly finally has her chance. Redvers' supervisors have allowed her to officially be part of an investigation. She and Redvers, posing as husband and wife, have boarded a ship headed to America. Their mission is to find a spy selling secrets to the Germans. Jane soon gets involved with another passenger, a woman who claims her husband has disappeared. While the crew thinks she's just a hysterical woman whose husband never existed, Jane saw the man and is determined to help, despite Redvers' misgivings. Certain she can pursue both mysteries at once, Jane's not as confident in her ability to deal with her relationship with Redvers, a prospect that's both thrilling and frightening.

An elegant cruise across the Atlantic in 1926 in first class accommodations with a dashing man who values your intelligence and instincts; what's not to love? Indeed I love everything about this book. From the detailed descriptions and the well developed intriguing characters to the finely plotted mystery, the third Jane Wunderly novel had me enthralled from start to finish. 

While the mystery, well, mysteries, are at the forefront, what's just as compelling is the character and relationship development. When doubts were cast I felt the disillusionment and heartbreak, and hoped things would right themselves. Jane is savvy and self sufficient, yet also vulnerable making her a protagonist you admire and feel for. Redvers continues to be a dashing man of mystery, but we get to learn more of what makes him tick. All of the secondary characters, and I do mean all, are finely crafted, each suspicious and worthy of note.

With memories of World War I and the sinking of the Titanic still fresh in their minds, a hunt for a spy aboard a luxurious ocean liner is at once glamorous and worrying. DANGER ON THE ATLANTIC delivers an emotionally charged, perception challenging, thrilling adventure at sea. I can't wait to see what happens next!

 

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Murder She Wrote: Killer on the Court by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran. This book is the fifty-fifth book in the Murder She Wrote series and was released last week.

With her latest manuscript sent off to her editor, Jessica Fletcher is free to spend time with her favorite nephew and his family. Flying to Rockaway Beach, New York, Jessica joins the family vacationing in a bungalow courtesy of Donna's employer. While a beach retreat seems an ideal place to relax, tensions are running high with the corporate family. When Donna finds the eldest son dead on their private tennis court it appears he's the victim of a malfunctioning tennis ball machine. Jessica, however, is certain it's murder.

Something Shady at Sunshine Haven - An Interview & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Kris Bock to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Kris write the Accidental Detective Mystery series. Something Shady at Sunshine Haven is the first book in the series and was released last month.

Kathy: In Something Shady at Sunshine Haven we meet Kate Tessler, an injured war correspondent forced to return home. Have you ever had to return home as an adult?

KB: Not like Kate does! I spent summers back home when I was in college, and that created challenges in establishing a new relationship with my parents as an adult. It might be easier if you’d been apart for thirty years, but I think many people fall back into the parent-child relationship during visits, which isn’t always healthy. It takes work and respect to establish new patterns between two equal adults.


Kathy: Kate's mom is on an Alzheimer's unit. Do you have personal experience with this illness?

KB: My grandmother had Alzheimer’s. There’s a lot of it in my husband’s family as well, although not (yet) in the people I spend time with. I know people who are afraid of that as they grow older. It can sometimes be hard to tell if an older person is getting dementia, has trouble hearing, has the normal poor memory many of us have, or simply wasn’t paying attention.


Kathy: This book is described as a cozy, but it certainly has themes conducive to a thriller. Why make it a cozy and how do you keep it there?

KB: At the most basic level, a cozy has an amateur detective rather than a police officer or private investigator, and cozies avoid swearing, sex on the page, and gory violence. Many cozies also feature crafts or cooking in the plot and might include recipes or craft instructions. Mine doesn’t have anything like that. Kate is a journalist, which is an investigator in one sense, and Kate thinks about becoming a private investigator later in the series, so maybe it’s more of a traditional mystery. But it’s not like there are really strict definitions for these things. I think readers of cozies would enjoy the series.


Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

KB: I’ve always enjoyed reading mysteries, starting in childhood. I read all the Sherlock Holmes stories in high school. I’ve even been a ghostwriter on some very well-known children’s mystery series. I shy away from cozy series that are very cutesy, but on the other hand, I don’t like too much explicit violence or gore. Series featuring main characters who are police officers, FBI agents etc. tend to be darker and more depressing. I want to feel good when I finish the book! Cozy mysteries give you the intrigue of a puzzle, the fun of interesting characters, and a guaranteed satisfying ending.


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

KB: I write fiction and nonfiction of all types for children and adults. As Kris Bock, I also write romantic suspense, often involving outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. I write sweet romance, such as my Furrever Friends series, which features the employees and customers at a cat café. (Learn more at my website or visit my Amazon US page or Amazon UK page. For other countries click here.)

In addition, I write for young people under the name Chris Eboch. I do a lot of educational publishing and have also published middle grade novels (for ages 9 to 12).

Kathy: Tell us about your series.

KB: In the humorous Accidental Detective series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty.

Book 1 is Something Shady at Sunshine Haven: When patients are dying at an Alzheimer's unit, a former war correspondent must use her journalism skills to uncover the killer and save her mother. Kate has followed the most dangerous news stories around the world, but can she survive going home?

Future books follow Kate and her quirky gang of sidekicks as they tackle new problems in the greater Phoenix area. Because Kate is a journalist, people bring her problems, so she doesn’t have to accidentally stumble over dead bodies all the time.

Something Shady at Sunshine Haven made Barnes & Noble's list of Handpicked Favorites You'll Love! Jane Porter on BookBub said, “I couldn't put it down. I loved reading a story where the heroine is so fascinating, as fascinating to me as the mystery. This promises to be an exciting series and I can't wait for the next!"


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

KB: Kate is the most like me, and since I’m writing in first person, I feel close to her. But I also adore her gentle father, her sister Jen, who is trying hard to focus her intense drive somewhere new now that her kids are older, and their father’s coffee group. I loved bringing these older characters to life, with their desire to help and their humor. I want the audience to laugh with them, not at them. Too often older characters are presented as jokes or pests.


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

KB: Kate was inspired by my own experiences. Okay, the part about turning fifty, not traveling the world as a war correspondent. I traveled a lot when younger, but not to war zones. But as I faced 50, I wanted to create a mystery lead dealing with some of the same issues: aging parents, concerns about financing retirement someday, and a body that doesn’t recover like it once did. I gave Kate the background as a war correspondent because I wanted her to be adventurous and fearless.

I didn’t necessarily intend to write humor, but early readers said they laughed a lot. That comes from how Kate sees the world, which is how I see the world. Laughter helps with the pain.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

KB: I’ve been a professional writer in one way or another for over twenty years. For this series, I landed with a great small publisher, Tule, which is really supportive and excited about the series. Four books are in the pipeline with two more under contract.


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

KB: Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers were both members of Detection Club, formed in 1930 by a group of British mystery writers. They'd be interesting. Maybe add Arthur Conan Doyle, who could grouse about the popularity of Sherlock Holmes, and PG Wodehouse, who wrote so many entertaining humorous novels.


Kathy: What are you currently reading?

KB: I’ve been rereading lately, possibly because my mind is too tired to process completely new info. Most recently I’ve been rereading some books by KJ Charles (historical mystery, paranormal and romance) and the Magic in Manhattan series by Allie Therin.


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

KB: I enjoy hiking with friends, and my husband and I try to do archery once or twice a week. We have ferrets, which are a fun pet. Most of my free time is spent reading though.


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

KB: Chocolate, tea, taco fixings, and popcorn or similar salty snacks.


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

KB: I’m writing a five-book sweet romance about cowboys who become billionaires when they win a huge lottery. The first book, which has a Christmas theme, will launch in the fall. The Accidental Detective series will have at least six books and hopefully more. I also have another mystery, set in Hollywood, but I haven’t found a publisher for it yet.

To hear about future releases, sign up for my newsletter. You’ll get a free Accidental Detective short story and bonus material, plus Lions and Love at the Cat Café, a free 30-page sweet romance set in the world of the Furrever Friends cat café, and “22 recipes from the cat café.”

I’m also writing a series with my brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama. Follow the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade before the events of the movie. Sign up for our romantic comedy newsletter and get Felony Melanie Destroys the Moonshiner’s Cabin. Or find book 1 at Amazon US or All E-book retailers.


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

KB: I get to work from home, in my small town, setting my own schedule, and I get to learn so many wildly different interesting things through my book research. Ostrich farming, the effects of strangulation, and laws about keeping big cats in America! How hackers can copy your fingerprints, license plate tracking, and small-town corruption cases! Like many writers, I just have to hope that if the FBI checks my browser history, they realize I’m a writer.

***********************************************************************

 Something Shady at Sunshine Haven (The Accidental Detective) by Kris Bock

About Something Shady at Sunshine Haven

Something Shady at Sunshine Haven (The Accidental Detective)
Cozy Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - Arizona
Tule Publishing (April 7, 2022)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 324 pages

She’s pursued the most dangerous news stories around the world. But can she survive going home?

Injured in a bombing, war correspondent Kate Tessler returns to her hometown in Arizona to recover. For the first time in her life, she's starting to feel her age of nearly fifty despite living like a teenager again: staying in her childhood bedroom with only a cat for company, trying to understand why her sister resents her so much, and running into people who still refer to her as Kitty. The hardest part? Seeing her once-sharp and witty mother stuck in an Alzheimer's unit.

When an old friend asks her to investigate suspicious deaths at the nursing home, Kate limps into action. Is a self-appointed "Angel of Mercy" killing patients to end their suffering? Are family members hastening their inheritance? Is an employee extorting money and removing the witnesses? Kate uses her journalism skills to track clues, but the puzzle pieces simply won’t fit.

If Kate can't uncover the truth quickly, her mother could be next on the killer's list.

About Kris Bock

Kris Bock writes novels of mystery, suspense, and romance, many with outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. Get a free Accidental Detective short story and bonus material when you sign up for her newsletter. You’ll also get a free 30-page sweet romance set in the world of the Furrever Friends cat café and a printable copy of the recipes mentioned in the cat café novels

Kris is also writing a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama. Follow the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade before the events of the movie. Sign up for our romantic comedy newsletter and get Felony Melanie Destroys the Moonshiner’s Cabin. Or find the books on Amazon US or All E-book retailers

Find Kris:  

Website   

Blog   

GoodReads Author Page  

BookBub  

Amazon US Author page or Amazon UK page. 

 Twitter 

 Instagram 

 TikTok Facebook 

 Pinterest  

Purchase Links - Tule Publishing Amazon Kindle - Amazon Kindle UK B&N Nook Apple Books Kobo Google Play 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Old Bones and Ice Cream Cones - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

 OLD BONES AND ICE CREAM CONES by Elizabeth Pantley

The Sixth Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Book

Concern over her missing boyfriend, Han, leads to shock when he reappears looking differently. His appearance has been enhanced and he has no memory of his missing time. As a conduit to the magic in Destiny Falls Hayden is certain that dark magic is involved. While she, along with her family and friends, attempt to get to the bottom of his transformation they happen upon another mystery. Hayden and Han discover human remains in an old boat. The skeleton has no head so identification will be challenging. Do these old bones have anything to do with Gladstone Island or Han’s mysterious disappearance? Is Han in even more danger? Will Hayden be able to save him?

 

Destiny Falls is an amazing place and I love every minute I spend on this enchanted island.  I love seeing more of Bob and the fact that he slowly getting through to Nessie. Meanwhile, the new villain is becoming even more villainous! I adore the cats and love how eager they are to get involved. I can still see the members of the SCS club dancing around and getting even more involved in investigating the mystery. Baby Lola is so sweet and I am curious to see her personality develop as she grows up. The humans are pretty wonderful too and the love they so freely share is wonderful to see, especially as today's real world is more reminiscent of Gladstone Island.

As with all the books in the series there are two mysteries-one specific to the current book and the other, the overlapping mystery encompassing all of Destiny Falls. I had my suspicions about a few Destiny Falls residents and learned even more secrets, but the conclusion was a jaw dropping spectacle. As for the overlapping mystery, I love how it cements Hayden's relationship with Han and especially how it's her destiny to rescue him. Destiny Falls and Gladstone Island are slowly revealing their secrets as we get to know more about their residents, but I know there will always be more surprises around the bend.

OLD BONES AND ICE CREAM CONES is a feel good adventure. There's drama, mystery, and plenty of laughs that had me captivated from the start and eager for the next installment.

*********************************************************************

 Old Bones and Ice Cream Cones: Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Series by Elizabeth Pantley

About Old Bones and Ice Cream Cones

Old Bones and Ice Cream Cones: Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Series
Paranormal Cozy Mystery 6th in Series
Better Beginnings, Inc. (May 20, 2022)
Print length ‏ : ‎328 Pages

A boyfriend who’s missing. Or was. . . Or is. . . A boat full of old bones. A community ice cream social. A friend in trouble, a spiteful witch, and an angry villain. The mysteries and fun abound in Destiny Falls. Hayden, Latifa, and their family and friends are up for the excitement and adventure.

Old Bones and Ice Cream Cones follows the series format of combining two stories that blend into one. A murder mystery and the island mystery.

The Island Mystery: Hayden’s boyfriend Han is missing. But she swears she saw him zoom by in his car. She’d thought it was a surprise, and that he was home early from his secret service case. She was wrong. The surprise is that his signal isn’t pinging, and no one knows where he is. There appears to be black magic behind his disappearance. Can they learn who’s responsible and bring Han safely home?

The Murder Mystery: A pile of old bones is found in an ancient fishing boat. They could be tied to the disappearance of two young women years ago, back when many of the Destiny Falls people where in high school. Many of the citizens had bad history with the missing students. Do the bones belong to them, and what happened? Were the they murdered? And could the murderer be living among them?

Hayden and Latifa’s many adventures in Destiny Falls will keep you guessing with each book in this fun and intriguing series.

About Elizabeth Pantley

Elizabeth Pantley says that writing the Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic book series is the most fun she's ever had at work. Fans of the series say her joy is evident through the stories she tells. Elizabeth is also the internationally bestselling author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution and twelve other books for parents. Her books have been published in over twenty languages. She lives in the Pacific Northwest, the beautiful inspiration for the enchanted Destiny Falls world.

Author Links: 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/24811.Elizabeth_Pantley  

Website: https://www.nocrysolution.com/books/  

Newsletter Sign-up: https://www.nocrysolution.com/mailing-list/  

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

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nocrysolution/_saved/  

Blog: https://elizabethpantley.com/  

Audiobook: https://www.amazon.com/Falling-into-Magic-Destiny-Mystery/dp/B09DTF3Y15  

Series link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MCSN2KD  

Purchase Link - Amazon -

 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fatal Flowers - A Review

 Review

FATAL FLOWERS by Jess Dylan
The Third Flower House Mystery 

Always looking to expand her business, Sierra Ravenswood is pleased at the opportunity to provide the flowers for the wedding of the mayor's daughter. Shocked that the wedding is only a few weeks away and surprised that the bride appears blasé, Sierra nonetheless is excited to join in. While the bride and her mother are gracious Taz, the wedding planner, is arrogant and condescending. A meeting of the wedding vendors turns into a crime scene when Sierra finds his body. Known for her investigative talents as well as her flowers, Sierra will try to uncover the secrets Taz had as well as who had enough of the pompous wedding planner.

An unhappy bride, an insular group of wedding vendors, as well as the status of the wedding, make the story rife with drama, like a pressure cooker ready to pop open. Adding to the drama, someone appears to be targeting Sierra and she is questioning her relationship with Calvin. I admit that I am concerned about some of his ideas.

Appalachian folk wisdom is interspersed throughout the mystery bringing a wonderful sense of place. Combined with Deena's decadent floral themed treats and a sweet dog, I long to visit Aerieville and will have to content myself to waiting for the next book to be released.

FATAL FLOWERS is a smart engaging mystery that captivates with Appalachian charm, wonderful characters, and a clever plot.

Currently Reading...

I’m currently reading Old Bones and Ice Cream Cones by Elizabeth Pantley. This book is the sixth in the Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic series and was released this week.

Concern over her missing boyfriend, Han, leads to shock when he reappears looking differently. His appearance has been enhanced and he has no memory of his missing time. As a conduit to the magic in Destiny Falls Hayden is certain that black magic is involved. While she, along with her family and friends, attempt to get to the bottom of his transformation they happen upon another mystery. Hayden and Han discover human remains in an old boat. The skeleton has no head so identification will be challenging. Do these old bones have anything to do with Gladstone Island or Han’s mysterious disappearance? Is Han in even more danger? Will Hayden be able to save him?

A Fatal Overture - A Review

 Review

A FATAL OVERTURE by Kathleen Marple Kalb
The Third Ella Shane Mystery

Forced to postpone her opera company's London run, Ella Shane is relaxing at home in New York City.  While she's disappointed not to be seeing her beau, it gives her time to consider the consequences should she marry. She's stunned when Gil's mother and aunts arrive at her doorstep. Instead of being opposed to the match, they've come to ensure the nuptials! A murdered man in their bathtub at the hotel gives Ella and Gil, who has followed his relatives to New York, pause. The trio didn't know the man, they certainly couldn't be involved, could they? They certainly seem to know something. As Ella and Gil attempt to come to an agreement about marriage, strange accidents and illnesses keep occurring, and Ella's aunt warns of fire. Will Ella overcome her doubts? Or will she lose everything, including her life?

I absolutely love this series and this third entry is a wonderful addition. There's danger, cunning, and strong women aplenty. I love how Gil's aristocratic family is accepting and welcoming, providing quite a different reception than Ella could have faced. I admire their practicality and hope to see more of them.

A FATAL OVERTURE shines a light on the plight of women in service at the turn of the century. It also shows how desperate and despicable men can be when they can't have the woman they want. Sadly, these issues remain prominent today, well into the next century.

With protection a key theme A FATAL OVERTURE combines romance and adventure in a smartly written mystery.

Cover Art - An Interview & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Vanessa Westermann to Cozy With Kathy today. Vanessa writes the Charley Scott Mystery series. Cover Art is the first book in the series and will be released this week.

Kathy: In Cover Art we meet Charley Scott an artist determined to turn her hobby into a career. Have you done the same?

VW: I think anyone who is passionate about a creative pursuit, whether writing or painting, hopes to one day turn their hobby into a career. I felt very much like Charley, while submitting my first manuscript to agents and publishers. It was a dream come true, when I received a publishing contract!


Kathy: Charley is running a summer pop-up gallery in a lakeside village in Ontario. Do you enjoy artistic pursuits of your own?

VW: I’m much better at painting a picture with words than watercolors, but I love visiting art galleries, like Port Hope’s Inuit Fine Art gallery (https://inuitfineart.com/), The Art Gallery of Ontario and the Vincent Van Gogh immersive exhibit. Pre-pandemic, the Northumberland Hills studio tours, showcasing local artists, were wonderful as well.


Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

VW: A cozy mystery is a whodunit featuring an amateur sleuth, a distinctive setting and a limited number of suspects. There’s normally a healthy dose of humour and the sleuthing focuses more on interpersonal relationships than crime scene analysis or lab results. In fact, the focus is as much on the sleuth’s world, as on the murder. I wrote Cover Art during lockdown and it was so lovely to write a mystery that has emotional resonance but also features interesting characters, some lighthearted moments and a challenging puzzle.


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

VW: At the moment, I’m focusing on writing mysteries with a hint of romance.


Kathy: Tell us about your series.

VW: In the Charley Scott Mystery series, artist Charley Scott solves murders in Canada’s cottage country with the help of chocolatier, Matt Thorn, and her dog, Cocoa.


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

VW: One of my favourite characters in Cover Art is Cocoa, Charley’s chocolate Labrador retriever. She loves eating human food, getting into trouble and opening doors, which is a dangerous but adorable combination.


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

VW: The idea of writing a mystery involving death by chocolate was actually sparked years ago. My mom took part in a workshop run by a local chocolatier about how to make truffles and Belgian pralines. She came home with recipes covered in hand-written notes, samples, a chocolate-stained apron and a ‘behind the scenes’ glimpse into a chocolatier’s workshop. We tried out the recipes in our own kitchen, chopping blocks of chocolate and tempering it to a glossy sheen. Then, later on, I thought about setting that mystery in cottage country, and the series evolved from there.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

VW: I love telling stories and write to entertain others. I can’t wait to get Cover Art into readers’ hands!


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

VW: I would invite Agatha Christie (and hope she brought one of her notebooks with, to share her plotting secrets!), Georgette Heyer, Dilys Winn, and Dorothy B. Hughes.


Kathy: What are you currently reading?

VW: I’m currently reading Find You First by Linwood Barclay.


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

VW: One of the best activities to do at the cottage is go canoeing on a quiet lake. The sound of the paddle gliding through the water is the most wonderful thing. I’m still learning how to steer though!


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

VW: Dark chocolate, Red Rose tea, maple syrup, and cinnamon-raisin sourdough bread from my local bakery.


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

VW: I do have plans for future books in the Charley Scott Mystery series! I’m grateful to have received an Ontario Arts Council writing grant, to support the completion of the second Charley Scott Mystery, which I’m working on now.


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

VW: My favourite thing about being an author is creating fictional worlds and getting to spend time with my imaginary friends. 

************************************************************************

 Cover Art (A Charley Scott Mystery) by Vanessa Westermann

About Cover Art

Cover Art (A Charley Scott Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, Canada
Cormorant Books (May 17, 2022)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 440 pages

Charley Scott is thrilled to be running a summer pop-up gallery in cottage country. Returning to the lakeside village, not on vacation but as an artist, she’s determined to turn her hobby into a career.

But, beneath the surface of this peaceful town, darkness lurks. There’s a history.

Local chocolatier, Matt Thorn, is struggling with his father’s death and his legacy of deception. As Matt plans to expose his father’s secrets, a local is found dead, the result of eating Matt’s chocolates.

Luckily, art is all about perspective and Charley’s always had a keen eye. Can she see past the obvious and find the killer?

About Vanessa Westermann

An avid reader of mysteries, Vanessa Westermann is a former Arthur Ellis Awards judge, holds an M.A. in English Literature, as well as a Bachelor of Education, and has taught creative writing. Her debut mystery, An Excuse for Murder, was published in 2019. At the heart of all of Westermann’s stories are strong female protagonists inspired by the heroines in her own life. She currently lives in Ontario.

Social media links:  

Blog: https://www.vanessa-westermann.info/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VanessasPicks 

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

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18861715.Vanessa_Westermann  

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/vanessa-westermann  

Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N - Indigo 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bear Witness - An Interview, Review, & Giveaway

I'm happy to welcome Linda O. Johnston back to Cozy Up With Kathy. As Lark O. Jensen she writes the Alaska Untamed Mystery series. BEAR WITNESS is the first book in the series and was published this week.

Kathy: Your latest series is set in Alaska and features a naturalist working as a tour boat guide. Why Alaska?

LOJ: I set the series in Alaska since I was inspired to write a mystery series involving a naturalist when I took a boat tour near Juneau while on an Alaskan cruise a few years ago and was impressed by guides who pointed out a lot of wonderful wildlife.


Kathy: Stacie Calder prefers working in the great outdoors. What about you? Do you love the great outdoors or would you prefer to stay inside?

LOJ: As a writer and former lawyer, I’m much more of an inside person. But given the opportunity, I love sightseeing where I can view animals in their own habitats, even talk to them there—not that they ever talk back.


Kathy: I love how your books include dogs and am happy to see one of my favorite breeds here in Sasha, a husky. While it seems natural to have a husky in a book set in Alaska, was there another reason to feature this breed?

LOJ: I wanted Stacie to have a very special dog who could help her in her adventures. I know that huskies are smart and caring—and Sasha’s name means “defender,” and she’s into defending Stacie when necessary.

 

Kathy: Was there a specific inspiration for this series?

LOJ: As indicated before, it was a boat tour where I got to see lots of wildlife. Not that there were any murders connected with it, but my mind always churns around how I can use a new experience in a story or series sometime.


Kathy: When it comes to writing I understand there are 2 general camps-plotters, who diligently plot their stories, and pansters, who fly by the seat of their pants. Are you a plotter, a panster, or do you fall somewhere in between?

LOJ: I tend to be a plotter. Once I get one of those ideas I want to run with, I have to figure out who my main characters will be and what happens to them, then start determining what will happen when by filling out a form I call my plot skeleton. I then will often stick it all in a synopsis, and voila! A new book will start materializing.


Kathy: Authors are required to do a lot of their own marketing, especially for a new release. What's your favorite part of marketing your work? What do you dislike about marketing?

LOJ: Hey, I love being here and part of the Great Escapes Blog Tour! I also enjoy meeting readers when I can, and joining other writers in talks or panels. I’ve done a lot less of all of that since the beginning of Covid but am glad group get-togethers are starting to return.


Kathy: Will there be additional books in your series? Will you share any other upcoming books?

LOJ: I’m currently working on the second book in the series. It’s too early to talk about it, though. You can be sure that Stacie and Sasha will have another murder to solve, for a good reason. And yes, there will be wildlife in it too.

*****************************************************************************

Review 

 

BEAR WITNESS by Lark O. Jensen
The First Alaska Untamed Mystery

Stacie Calder loves her job. As a naturalist, she's well suited to being a guide on an Alaskan tour boat, pointing out wildlife to enthusiastic tourists. One passenger is more than he seems, however. A former employee, he's now trying to create his own tour company starting by badmouthing Stacie's. When he disappears from the boat, Stacie wonders if it's a trick, another way to create trouble. But when he's found dead the next day, Stacie isn't so sure. With her trusty dog, Sasha, at her side Stacie will look to solve the murder, and if it gets her closer to the hunky state police officer also investigating...even better!

I love the concept of a mystery surrounded by Alaskan Wildlife. There are a few implausibles here, how law enforcement welcomes Stacie's assistance, being the big one. There's also the growing relationship between Stacie and Liam. With a small pool of suspects and limited avenues of investigation, it seemed that more time was spent on the romance than the mystery. But, if you can suspend your disbelief, you can enjoy the story.

While there were things I liked about Stacie, I didn't feel a great depth to her or any of the characters. Even the romance was hasty and not very romantic. I love animals and do love Sasha. Admittedly, I didn't need Stacie continually saying how great she was. Indeed I found a lot of repetition. The same basic things happening every cruise...and described every time. In fact, lots of details are included, specifically the minutia surrounding Stacie's day to day life. Details that didn't really add to the story.

With a great setting and an exciting conclusion BEAR WITNESS has lots of potential for a new series.

*******************************************************************

 Bear Witness (An Alaska Untamed Mystery) by Lark O. Jensen

About Bear Witness

Bear Witness (An Alaska Untamed Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - Alaska
Crooked Lane Books (May 10, 2022)
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages

Alaska tour boat guide Stacie Calder faces the deep freeze in this scenic cozy series debut perfect for fans of Paige Shelton.

No nine-to-five cubicle career will suit Stacie Calder—the naturalist much prefers working in the great outdoors. Specifically, the spacious and spectacular Alaskan wilderness, whose rugged charms she shares with sightseers on the top deck of the tour boat where she works. But one May afternoon, Stacie’s passengers see more than glittering glaciers, frolicking harbor seals, climbing bears and soaring seabirds…they also witness a man lying dead in the frigid Alaskan waters. And it seems likely that someone gave him a fatal push.

Stacie didn’t know the unfortunate victim, but he sure wanted to know a lot about her. He spent most of his final afternoon bombarding her with questions quite awkward to answer. And when he wasn’t in her hair, he was arguing incessantly with the boat’s beleaguered crew. Which makes for a suspect list about as long as the passenger manifest. Furthermore, as police helicopters relentlessly circle her boat in search of any clues, Stacie is shaken to find herself on that suspect list.

Before the tour boat reaches shore Stacie—accompanied by her beautiful blue-eyed husky, Sasha—must deduce just who sent the testy tourist tumbling into the turgid waters and have the authorities take custody. Because if she can’t, then the killer might aim a fatal ice-cold stare at Stacie.

About Lark O. Jensen

Lark O. Jensen is the pseudonym of Linda O. Johnston, a former lawyer who is now a full-time writer. Lark has written Bear Witness, the first Alaska Untamed mystery for Crooked Lane. Linda has written the Barkery & Biscuits Mystery series and the Superstition Mysteries for Midnight Ink and the Pet Rescue Mysteries and Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime. Linda also writes for Harlequin Romantic Suspense, and her stories often involve dogs.

Author Links: 

Website: www.LindaOJohnston.com  

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

Purchase Links Amazon Barnes & Noble

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Bear Witness by Lark O. Jensen. This book is the first in the Alaska Untamed Mystery series and was released yesterday.

Stacie Calder loves her job. As a naturalist, she's well suited to being a guide on an Alaskan tour boat, pointing out wildlife to enthusiastic tourists. One passenger is more than he seems, however. A former employee, he's now trying to create his own tour company starting by badmouthing Stacie's. When he disappears from the boat, Stacie wonders if it's a trick, another way to create trouble. But when he's found dead the next day, Stacie isn't so sure. With her trusty dog, Sasha, at her side Stacie will look to solve the murder, and if it gets her closer to the hunky state police officer also investigating...even better!

Deceived - An Interview

I'm pleased to welcome Mary Keliikoa back to Cozy Up With Kathy. Mary writes the Kelly Pruett Mystery series. Deceived is the third book in the series and today is its release day!

Kathy: In Deceived Kelly Pruett goes undercover at a homeless shelter. Is homelessness an issue you wanted to explore?

MK: It was an issue I wanted to explore for a couple of reasons. First, it’s obviously top of conversation these days. There are real problems with homelessness throughout the country and in the Portland area where the book is set. Second, I have a couple of family members that have been personally touched by homelessness in their lives and I wanted to show that not everyone gets to homelessness in the same way.

In addition, it also served the story I wanted to tell about Kelly’s journey towards finding balance in career and motherhood, and having her champion two young women that have gone missing from the shelter, married nicely into that.
 

Kathy: In this third mystery Kelly investigates missing and murdered young women. May 5th happens to be National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Did you plan this plot to coincide with this day? Why is it important to bring awareness to the subject of missing women?

MK: I didn’t plan it to work out this way. My publisher sets the dates of publication, and I debuted in May 2020, and they’ve kept to that schedule. That said – it’s wonderful that it has worked out to be in the vicinity of such an important date. While my characters are not indigenous women, I think anything that can shine a light on the real problems of women in our society to find their place, how easily they can be victimized, and the dangers they face, is very important. If my book can serve to change a perspective or expand someone’s view on the subject, then I’ve contributed in some small way and that is always important to me.

Kathy: Was there a specific inspiration for this story?

MK: Really the inspiration came from the core story that I wanted to tell. The reader finds out in the book that Kelly’s own mom has ties to the homeless shelter. Ties that she didn’t realize and it throws Kelly off. As Kelly reflects on her own maternal instincts, I also felt that bringing her into a shelter of women would bring those to the surface.

I also wanted to show the different reasons why people are homeless. There’s no quick and easy answers, but there are a lot of pre-conceived ideas of why people are on the street. And while some of those ideas might be correct…there are so many other factors that can play in. I wanted to show those women that Kelly encountered as real people and their struggles without hammering the reader over the head on the solutions.


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

MK: At this point, Kelly has completed her three-book arc. I do have many more ideas for Kelly. The wonderful aspect of writing a PI novel is that with every new book, there is a new case, and new wrongs to be righted. However, at this time, I am taking a pause in Kelly’s journey, and will return to her later as I have a new series featuring a small-town sheriff releasing in September.


Kathy: When it comes to writing I understand there are 2 general camps-plotters, who diligently plot their stories, and pansters, who fly by the seat of their pants. Are you a plotter, a panster, or do you fall somewhere in between?

MK: I would say I fall firmly into Team Panster. But I do have some ideas of the character, the crime, and the ending before I start. I often write a one or two page synopsis or back cover on the story—mostly hitting the high points.

However, I just don’t know how I’ll get to that ending necessarily, and that’s where the pantsing comes in. Since I enjoy discovering the character and the plot as I go, the process has worked great for me.


Kathy: Authors are required to do a lot of their own marketing, especially for a new release. What's your favorite part of marketing your work? What do you dislike about marketing?

MK: Well, what I like least is asking people to buy my books. I’m like most writers—we are happiest creating our stories. And I definitely love that I get to share them. But I’m not big on trying to convince people to buy. I don’t like being sold to—and I don’t like doing that to others.

Unfortunately, if you don’t try to raise your voice a little, you’ll never be seen since in today’s market the publisher does little to nothing to help you rise above the hundreds of books that hit the market each week. So I do ask mostly because I want to continue to write and publishing is a business. If you don’t sell your books, then you might not get the interest of a publisher to write future books.

Probably my favorite part of marketing though has been meeting so many wonderful people and talking about books in general! I love being on podcasts, talking on blogs like this, and just getting to talk about the story and the process of writing itself. Mystery writers and readers in particular are fascinating, and our love of good books and story is evident in every person I’ve been blessed to meet. Those conversations are definitely the highpoint of marketing for me. 

**********************************************************************

Blurb:

PI Kelly Pruett finally feels like she's coming into her own. With her personal life well on track, a gig uncovering what drove a client's granddaughter underground could be good for business. But after her undercover operation at the homeless shelter reveals rampant drug dealing, she's suddenly kicked off the case... just as another girl goes missing.

Vowing to expose the truth even if it means pro-bono work, Kelly is taken aback when her half-sister helps her hunt down answers in a tent city brimming with distrust. When her investigation doesn't move quickly enough to save a second woman from a vicious murder, Kelly doubles her efforts unwilling to accept defeat.

*****************************************************************************

MARY KELIIKOA is the author of the Lefty, Agatha, and Anthony award nominated PI Kelly Pruett mystery series, as well as the upcoming Misty Pines mystery series featuring Sheriff Jax Turner slated for release in September 2022. She has had mystery shorts published in Woman’s World and in the anthology Peace, Love, and Crime: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of the ’60s. She spent the first 18 years of her adult life working around lawyers. Combining her love of all things legal and books, she creates twisting mysteries where justice prevails.

At home in Washington, she enjoys spending time with her family and her fur-kids. When not at home, you can find Mary on a beach on the Big Island where she and her husband recharge. But even under the palm trees and blazing sun she’s plotting her next murder—novel that is. To learn more about Mary’s life and work, please visit: https://marykeliikoa.com/

Simmering with Resentment - A Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on a recent release that is on my TBR pile. Simmering with Resentment by Daryl Wood Gerber is the eleventh book in the Cookbook Nook Mystery series.

 Blurb: 

With Bride’s Dream Expo in town, it’s all things wedding in Crystal Cove, including at the Cookbook Nook, where owner Jenna Hart is preparing for her own wedding in just a few short weeks. But there’s a dark cloud hanging over the festive mood by the name of Sarita Strachline, a woman Jenna helped convict of arson who is now out of jail and bent on revenge. And when Jenna and Rhett’s intimate prenuptial dinner is rocked by an explosion that nearly takes Rhett’s life, Jenna can’t help but think Sarita is to blame.

Desperate to prove Sarita’s guilt but consumed by worries over Rhett’s condition, Jenna reluctantly lays her case out for the police and leaves the investigation in their methodical hands. Still, she can’t help piecing together the clues, and as the evidence begins to mount, Jenna realizes that revenge may be a dish best served cold, but she can cook up a scheme of her own to bring the culprit to justice—she just has to hope it doesn’t blow up in her face . . .

Recipes Included

Evil Under the Tuscan Sun - A Review

 Review

EVIL UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN by Stephanie Cole
The Third Tuscan Cooking School Mystery

With a boyfriend basking in the glow of his recent stint as a cover model, a chef desperate for attention of his own, and a decamped sous chef, Nell Valenti is left to wrangle the Villa Orlandini Cooking School’s Ziti Variations for its latest students. Philanthropist Philip Copeland has booked the school to celebrate his mother’s eightieth birthday and the trio, Philip, his mother, and her friend, are relaxed and happy guests. There’s also another new person in town, a woman who appears to cause fear and loathing amongst her companion and townsfolk alike. A woman with an agenda who appears to be up to no good. When Nell stumbles across her dead body she learns that lots of people had reasons to kill her, but her boyfriend may have had the greatest motive of all. With her world crumbling in on her, will Nell be able to save her boyfriend, the school, and her life?  

The third Tuscan Cooking School Mystery could also be titled EVIL UNDER THE TUSCAN SON. Peter making a name for himself, and the villa, unwittingly brings danger and murder. Is he trying to get out from the shadow of his famous father? Philip is the second son, perhaps the second best son, trying to do his best for his mother. Or does he have an ulterior motive? Then there are the daughters. Nell, trying to make a successful life without her parent's interference, and "la strega" daughter of the famous singer bent on wreaking havoc in Tuscany. Finding your identity apart from your family is a theme here, a concept taken on even by Annamaria.

I enjoyed the story, although I think Nell and Pete have some serious communication issues to overcome. I liked learning about the Abbey's past and the subplot of the Villa during World War II and I hope we get to see more of Sister Ippolita. I also love the friendship between Muffy and Mimi. As in the previous entries in the series there are lots of suspects with great motives, so it was fascinating to watch Nell whittle them down.

Secrets of the past and present collide in EVIL UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN creating an engrossing mystery.

 

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Evil Under the Tuscan Sun by Stephanie Cole. This book is the third in the Tuscan Cooking School Mystery series.

With a boyfriend basking in the glow of his recent stint as a cover model, a chef desperate for attention of his own, and a decamped sous chef, Nell Valenti is left to wrangle the Villa Orlandini Cooking School’s Ziti Variations for its latest students. Philanthropist Philip Copeland has booked the school to celebrate his mother’s eightieth birthday and the trio, Philip, his mother, and her friend, are relaxed and happy guests. There’s also another new person in town, a woman who appears to cause fear and loathing amongst her companion and townsfolk alike. A woman with an agenda who appears to be up to no good. When Nell stumbles across her dead body she learns that lots of people had reasons to kill her, but her boyfriend may have had the greatest motive of all. With her world crumbling in on her, will Nell be able to save her boyfriend, the school, and her life?

Crime of the Ancient Marinara - A Review

Review

CRIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINARA by Stephanie Cole
The Second Tuscan Cooking School Mystery

Nell Valenti has whipped a ramshackle Tuscan estate into shape and the newly minted Villa Orlandini Cooking School is ready to host its first students. Five intrepid Americans are eager to learn Chef Orlandini's marinara tricks, including the secret prima marinara recipe that made him famous. Despite minor issues and personality clashes, field trips to a vineyard, a hunt for truffles, and a lesson on mushroom foraging keep the workshop on track. Until someone decides to commit murder. Will Nell be able to piece together the solution? Or will this murder signal the end of the Villa Orlandini Cooking School for good?

CRIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINARA is a coming of age story set against a backdrop of murder. Nell is growing up and coming into her own in the second Tuscan Cooking School Mystery. It's not easy. There's a lot of angst. And it wasn't coming from the murder, rather the burgeoning relationships, Nell's role, and the whole Villa dynamic.

I enjoyed the mystery. There was a major clue early on and I said, "Aha! This is important." The author proceeded to lead me on several merry chases making me forget. There were plenty of surprises, going back to that angst as well as the murder, and I was well entertained. I was also shocked and upset on Nell's behalf.

CRIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINARA provides a tasty mystery flavored with humor, some feels, and multiple twists and turns, along with lots of marinara sauce!

Knit or Dye Trying - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

KNIT OR DYE TRYING by Allie Pleiter
The Second Riverbank Knitting Mystery 

 

Collinstown, Maryland is known for its seafood, but there's so much more to this quaint town. To emphasize the other delights the town has to offer they are celebrating the See More than Seafood Festival. In the same spirit Y.A.R.N. owner Libby Beckett is showcasing yarns made from plant fibers and hosting Julie Wilson, a woman made famous for her beautifully dyed yarns. Unfortunately, she's also known for her caustic attitude and vehement beliefs. Protests from shepherds along with family drama make Libby question her decision to bring this volatile woman to town, a decision she regrets even more deeply when the woman is found murdered.

 

The second Riverbank Knitting Mystery is a delight. I love the community here, good friends working together in cooperation. Well, mostly. I love the continuing battle against King George and the way Libby is handling it. I also like the way she handles the mystery. She thinks, but doesn't interfere. At least not too much. She also has a good relationship with the police. Instead of a snoopy sleuth working against law enforcement, they work together. The mystery is smart and well plotted, bringing lots of suspects and suspicions into the mix.

 

I appreciate Libby's attitude, towards friends, family, her community, and the world of yarn. She's creating a world where people can join together. A world diametrically opposed to that of the victim. Not to say everything is perfect in Libby's world. She has to navigate some familial pitfalls of her own. But she does so with grace and the help of a great cast of secondary characters, including a cute pup.

 

KNIT OR DYE TRYING is a fun mystery centered around friendship and community wrapped in comforting textiles.

*************************************************************************

Knit or Dye Trying (A Riverbank Knitting Mystery) by Allie Pleiter

About Knit or Dye Trying 

Knit or Dye Trying (A Riverbank Knitting Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series
Setting - Maryland
Berkley (April 5, 2022)
Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages

Business is booming for Libby Beckett and her fabulous Maryland shop, aptly named Y.A.R.N., but when a town festival brings a fatality with it, Libby gets all tangled up in murder.

As spring comes to Collinstown, the village launches a food festival to draw a new group of tourists. Libby, the proud owner of Y.A.R.N., has planned a yarn event to provide an alternative option to a foodie weekend. Artisan fiber dyer Julie Wilson—known for her work with animal-friendly, plant-based knitting fibers such as bamboo and hemp as well as her brilliant use of color—will hopefully draw a crowd with a special dyeing workshop.

The festival begins, but it draws more than crowds. First, a flock of sheep parades down the street, herded by farmers protesting Julie’s antiwool stance. Then Julie’s celebrity chef sister appears, and the siblings resume a long-standing rivalry. Despite all this, Julie’s workshop has sold out. Libby is thrilled, and they’re preparing for a full house. But the night before the event, Julie is found alone in the warehouse event space—dead. The witty “Watch Julie Wilson Dye” workshop title now has a terrible new meaning—and it’s up to Libby to catch a crafty killer.

About Allie Pleiter

An avid knitter, coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better,” Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four novels at a time. The bestselling author of over fifty books, Allie has enjoyed a twenty-year career with over 1.5 million books sold. In addition to writing, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on the creative process, publishing, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management for writers.

Author Links: 

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

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/alliepleiter  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allie-pleiter-6a021b139  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alliepleiter  

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/alliepleiter/  

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/453346.Allie_Pleiter  

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/allie-pleiter  

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Allie-Pleiter/e/B001H6IEUO/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1  

To subscribe to Allie’s newsletter: http://www.alliepleiter.com/subscribe/  

Purchase Links Link on my webpage Amazon (including Kindle and Audible) Barnes & Noble (including Nook) Apple Books Google Play Kobo IndieBound

a Rafflecopter giveaway