2023 - The Year in Review

It's hard to believe that today is New Year's Eve. I thought I'd take time to look back over the books I've read in 2023.

The book I was reading when 2023 began was A TRACE OF POISON by Colleen Cambridge. This was the second Phyllida Bright Mystery. The first book I started in 2023 was THE ACCIDENTAL SPY by David Gardner while my first review of the year was MOVING IS MURDER BY Nellie H. Steele. The last review I wrote in 2023 was for MURDER ON MISTLETOE LANE by Clara McKenna. The last book I finished was MASTER OF ILLUSION by Nupur Tustin and the book I am reading to finish out the year is MURDER IN A CUP by Lauren Elliot. 

I read 100 books in 2023 and wrote 97 reviews-and I still have 4 to write! The moment that made me most proud was when I learned that my review of BULLETPROOF BARISTA by Cleo Coyle is quoted in the Penguin Random House Catalog!

Things were also busy on my Cozy Up With Kathy Party Page on Facebook. In addition to the big Welcome to Winter and Halloween Spooktacular parties, I had a few smaller parties throughout the year. I plan on doing the same in 2024.

So, what were my favorite books of 2023? As I say every year, I hate to make lists as I'm sure I'll forget someone, and books read earlier in the year are harder to remember off hand.

Favorite ongoing series include, The Deep Dish Mystery series by Mindy Quigley, The Mrs. Claus Mystery series by Liz Ireland, The Phyllida Bright Mystery series by Colleen Cambridge, The Deadly Series by Kate Parker, The Rita Calabrese Culinary Cozy Mystery series by Maureen Klovers, the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series by Dianne Freeman, and the Jane Wunderley series by Erica Ruth Neubauer, to name just a few.

Several new series also introduced great new characters and stories. Some of my favorite new series in 2023 include Murder in Postscript by Mary Winters, Take the Honey and Run by Jennie Marts, Paw and Order by Chris Abernathy, A Grave Roast by A. N. Sage, and Miss Morton and the English House Party Murder by Catherine Lloyd.

I enjoyed many books in 2023 and I hope you did as well. Wishing you all a wonderful 2024 filled with lots of great reads!

Murder on Mistletoe Lane - A Review

 Review

MURDER ON MISTLETOE LANE by Clara McKenna
The Fifth Stella and Lyndy Mystery

It's her first Christmas as Lady Lyndhurst and Stella longs to bring holiday joy and some of her American traditions to her new home. Unfortunately, neither her mother-in-law, nor Mrs. Nelson, the housekeeper, or Mrs. Cole, the cook are much interested. With not very pleasant Christmas guests and missing personal items, keeping spirits bright is a bit of a challenge. Things become even more difficult when Mrs. Nelson takes ill and then is found dead. Was it a tragic accident, or something more? Stella is determined to get to the bottom of it all and ensure a very happy Yuletide at Morrington Hall.

I love the Stella and Lyndy Mystery series and really enjoyed this holiday offering. Stella is strong willed, intelligent, and caring. I'm finding I appreciate her much more than Lyndy, who is still a bit of a weak willed toff, although he is growing.

Numerous threads weaving through MURDER ON MISTLETOE LANE make for a complex mystery. Shifty characters, secrets, missing items, and more had me trying to puzzle out what was relevant to the murder...if it was a murder. There were red herrings galore and lots of surprises along the way to the conclusion. Some scandal, excitement, and scares kept the story moving.

MURDER ON MISTLETOE LANE is a craftily composed holiday mystery full of good cheer and second chances.

Currently Reading...

I just finished reading Murder on Mistletoe Lane by Clara McKenna. This book is the fifth in the Stella and Lyndy Mystery series.

It's her first Christmas as Lady Lyndhurst and Stella longs to bring holiday joy and some of her American traditions to her new home. Unfortunately, neither her mother-in-law, nor Mrs. Nelson, the housekeeper, or Mrs. Cole, the cook are much interested. With not very pleasant Christmas guests and missing personal items, keeping spirits bright is a bit of a challenge. Things become even more difficult when Mrs. Nelson takes ill and then is found dead. Was it a tragic accident, or something more? Stella is determined to get to the bottom of it all and ensure a very happy Yuletide at Morrington Hall.

A Furry Little Christmas - A Spotlight

Keeping with the holiday spirit, today I'd like to shine a spotlight on a Christmas themed omnibus. A FURRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS by Laurien Berenson is a collection of two Melanie Travis mysteries in one volume (the 21st and 24th books in the series).

A FURRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS by Laurien Berenson
A Melanie Travis Collection

 

Blurb: 

 

WAGGING THROUGH THE SNOW
With a demanding teaching job and five poodles scampering around the house, Melanie Travis barely has energy for the upcoming Christmas rush. When an unexpected business venture leads to a dead body, Melanie must run through a flurry of likely suspects and muzzle a dogged murderer in time—or she’ll be next on someone’s deadly list.

HERE COMES SANTA PAWS
As Melanie attempts to deck the halls in a house overrun by pampered Poodles, her event planner friend, Claire, is busy playing Santa for the wealthiest clientele on Connecticut’s Gold Coast. But when Claire’s stylish stint uncovers a dead body, Melanie and her nosy Aunt Peg dash into a dizzying investigation to rein in a sinister Kris Kringle before they’re the next ones on someone’s deadly wish list . . .

Murder Under the Mistletoe - A Review

 Review

MURDER UNDER THE MISTLETOE by Erica Ruth Neubauer
The Fourth and a Half Jane Wunderly Mystery 

It's Christmastime and Redvers has decided to bring his fiance, Jane, to his ancestral home to meet his father. While Jane is well aware the two aren't close, the couple are surprised to learn that his father is engaged and plans to wed the widow Evelyn on Christmas Day. Evelyn runs hot and cold, but there's no mistake that Redvers' aunts dislike the woman. The aunts also intimate that the deaths of the widow's previous two husbands may not have been entirely natural. After Jane and Redvers start asking questions an accident occurs followed by a murder. Coincidence? The couple must get to the truth to save Redvers' father and possibly their own future wedding. 

It's always a challenge meeting the family of your significant other, especially when your fiance isn't close to his father, there's a surprise woman in the wings, and energetic aunts are nearby. I loved the glimpses we got of Redvers childhood and the boy he once was. I absolutely adore Redvers' aunts and hope we get to see more of them. I also love how they mesh with Aunt Millie!

I love everything about the Jane Wunderly Mystery series and this Christmas novella is the sprig of holly on the plum pudding! It's delightful in every way. The relationship, dare I say partnership, between Jane and Redvers is wonderful and I enjoy the manner in which they work together.

MURDER UNDER THE MISTLETOE is a delightful holiday novella featuring a house full of relatives, surprises, and Christmas cheer.

Public Anchovy #1 - A Review

 Review

PUBLIC ANCHOVY #1 by Mindy Quigley
The Third Deep Dish Mystery

 

Tourist season is over and chef Delilah O’Leary needs to figure out how to get her restaurant through the cold winter months, earning enough to keep her and her employees afloat. On this cold blustery day the entire staff is headed to a prohibition themed fundraiser for the Geneva Bay Library, hoping to make a great impression in order to garner even more catering gigs. Guests have barely started munching on appetizers when a body tumbles down the stairs.  With the sudden death the party may have ended, but the intense storm has trapped everyone in the secluded mansion. Tensions are running high and the killer is getting desperate. Will Delilah and her crew survive the night or will this be the end of their deep dish pizzas?

Tempestuous is a word that truly describes this book. Weather, characters, all tempestuous! I love so much about the third Deep Dish Mystery. What makes this series so special are the relationships between characters. These relationships can be messy and difficult, and thus real. I have almost as hard a time dealing with Biz as Delilah does. I feel Delilah's frustration with Capone. And I truly love the relationship the restaurant family has with each other! This book also explores relationships between the possible suspects as well as possible suspects and our restaurant family and Capone.

A closed circle mystery, PUBLIC ANCHOVY #1 brings humor, spice, and suspense. There's drama and I loved learning more about our characters. Aside from the main story, there are even more laughs in the recipe section. I love that the characters themselves share their recipes. Even if you don't cook and never intend to attempt a recipe, you need to read them! Trust me.

A high end party, squabbling couples, rare books, a late autumn storm, and murder make for a fantastically chilling tale. PUBLIC ANCHOVY #1is a cunningly crafted mystery spotlighting relationships that will make you both gasp and smile.

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Murder Under the Mistletoe by Erica Ruth Neubauer. This book is the fourth and a half book (it's a novella) in the Jane Wunderly Mystery series. 

It's Christmastime and Redvers has decided to bring his fiance, Jane, to his ancestral home to meet his father. While Jane is well aware the two aren't close, the couple are surprised to learn that his father is engaged and plans to wed the widow Evelyn on Christmas Day. Evelyn runs hot and cold, but there's no mistake that Redvers' aunts dislike the woman. The aunts also intimate that the deaths of the widow's previous two husbands may not have been entirely natural. After Jane and Redvers start asking questions an accident occurs followed by a murder. Coincidence? The couple must get to the truth to save Redvers' father and possibly their own future wedding.

Coded to Kill - An Interview

I'm pleased to welcome Marschall Runge to Cozy Up With Kathy today.

Kathy: In Coded to Kill Drexel Hospital’s cutting-edge Electronic Health Records system is about to become the national standard and revolutionize health care. Is this based on real world technology?

MR: Yes and no – this is fiction, so I got to make some stuff up! As most people know, hospitals and doctor’s offices have adopted Electronic Health Record systems during the last 10 to 15 years – it’s why a doctor visit nowadays can seem like a tennis match, as the physician goes back and forth between looking at the patient and a screen containing the EHR. While most patients are told about the wonders of these system – which do allow doctors to input and review a wealth of information – I wanted to highlight some of the current and potential future dangers of EHRs in Coded To Kill. As some of my fictional doctors note in the novel, the paperwork and distractions caused by EHRs are an important contributor to physician burnout, which is a real crisis in healthcare. EHRs and other technology have also led to the rise of ransomware attacks on hospitals, in which hackers, like those in Coded To Kill, steal patient information which they typically hold for ransom or sell on the dark web. Where I took some liberties was in imagining the rise of a national EHR that would gather and store every medical record in real-time; the moment your physician makes a notation it appears both in your personal record and the national database. Knowledge is power and I believe such a database is possible because this tsunami of information would certainly help the medical community identify emerging threats and devise better treatments for many ailments. But, as Coded To Kill makes clear, it would also raise grave privacy concerns and create even greater jackpots for criminal hackers.


Kathy: Hugh Torrence is a former NSA honcho who sees the system as a tool for unimaginable and unaccountable power. Tell us about that.

MR: The writing I like operates on two levels, the literal and the symbolic, and I tried to do both with Mr. Torrence. On the one hand, he is the straightforward villain of the novel – and not merely because he attended Michigan’s rival, Ohio State. He is, to put it bluntly, a stone-cold killer who wants to hijack the national EHR for power. But he is also convinced of the righteousness of his cause; he truly sees himself as a force for good. Through this conflict – how we see him and how he sees himself – I also tried to make him a symbol of our relationship to technology. It is almost always created by people with the best of intentions – it’s all upside in their book – when, in fact, there is almost always a darker side at play. The airplane, for example, was seen as a tool of freedom, until it was quickly used as an instrument of death during World War I.


Kathy: What first drew you to thrillers?

MR: Thrillers are a form of controlled excitement; they allow you to leave your normal life and go on wild and dangerous adventures with heroes you can root for and villains you can watch out for and then return to your normal life. They are like taking a trip without all the hassles of the airport and jet lag!

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

MR: I write many emails, op-eds and a few prescriptions. I hope they are all nonfiction. The closest prior writing I’ve done to Coded To Kill, is probably the patient medical histories I’ve taken down as a cardiologist. They require you to enter into the lives of other people, to figure out who they are, how they live, where they are coming from. At their best, they require a deep level of empathy which is also the basic challenge in trying to create believable characters that feel like flesh and blood on the page.


Kathy: Tell us about your book.

MR: Springboarded by my own observations as a physician and hospital administrator and my love of thrillers, Coded To Kill explores the promise of peril of cutting-edge medical technology. It raises urgent questions about the vulnerability of our healthcare system to hackers and threats to patient privacy through a fast-paced story filled with mayhem, murder and even a little romance.


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

MR: Ouch, that’s like asking me to name my favorite child. While I love my main hero, Dr. Mason Fischer, in no small part because he got to live my boyhood dream of playing football for the University of Texas, I would probably have to go with Dr. Carrie Mumsford, Mason’s romantic interest and eventual ally, because she is the most conflicted character. She cares deeply for Mason, but also for her father, the president of the hospital where the action takes place, Derrick Mumsford, who suspects Mason of being responsible for the deaths taking place at Drexel Memorial. It was quite a challenge to depict her inner battles, between her heart and her mind as she wrestled with fundamental questions of loyalty.


Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for this book?

MR: Two emotions: aggravation and imagination. Like many physicians, I found the transition to electronic health records to be problematic because they increased our paperwork and diverted some of our attention from patients. As a hospital administrator, I became aware of more systemic problems, especially how EHRs could lead to medical errors and weaken patient privacy. With these ideas swirling in my mind, and having read too many thrillers, it occurred to me that a novel hinged on the promise and perils of emerging medical technologies would be a fun and effective way to share my concerns with the public.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

MR: I began writing the book just for fun, with no expectations. Once I got going on the book, the creative process was intoxicating. I usually write in the evening and once I got going, I couldn’t stop. I loved the characters and believed the premise about the promise and perils of technology was important. Once I shaped it into a novel, I thought Mason, Carrie and the others deserved an audience who, I hoped, would care about them as much as I do.


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

MR: I would invite: Michael Crichton, John Grisham, Frederic Forsyth and Tom Clancy (all thriller writers). Though I never met them, I have had a long, one-sided relationship with each of them. At first, I was just a fan, happy for them to take me on their spine-tingling adventures. Then, as I got the writing bug, they became my teachers. I started reading their books with an eye toward how they got it done – the twists and turns of their craft. They also pushed me to stretch my imagination in the impossible hope of somehow matching them. I would start the evening with a toast, thanking them for inspiring me. Then I would let them take the conversation wherever it would lead, as I once again became a star-struck reader and placed myself in their able hands.

Kathy: What are you currently reading?

MR: I often read two books at the same time – alternating depending on my mood. I’m currently reading The Hellfire Club by Jake Tapper and The Mustangs by J. Frank Dobie.
 

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

MR: My main hobbies/interests revolve around my family – I’m married and have 5 adult children and in-laws and 5 grandchildren. One of my most favorite things to do is go off with my family to a very isolated ranch in Texas – which has been in my family since the 1850s. There’s lots to do with the grandkids and it is very peaceful – very limited phone and internet availability. Actually, this location is not too far from the ranch scene described at the end of Coded To Kill.

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

MR: As a cardiologist I know what I ought to eat and I’d say about 80% of the time I follow the doctor’s orders. 1) fruit – my favorites are summer fruits (cantaloupe, watermelon, grapes, etc.) 2) pita bread and hummus; 3) cheese (not my healthiest habit); and 4) canned soup (our favorites are Progresso “light” soups).

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

MR: Of course! I have outlined several other books in this series with many of the same characters. I believe that I have just scratched the surface of who they are, their strengths, weaknesses, motivations and complexities in Coded To Kill.


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

MR: It is very similar to the pleasures of being a doctor. At bottom, writing and caregiving are all about human relationships, getting outside yourself to know and serve others. It is no surprise that many doctors – including Anton Chekhov, William Carlos Williams, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Robin Cook and Michael Crichton – were also writers. When I write, I try to serve my characters, to help them be the best they can be, just as I do with my patients.

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

Blurb: 

Is medicine’s greatest breakthrough also the world’s most efficient killing machine? After a decade of development, the cutting-edge Electronic Health Records system is about to become the national standard. Housing the real-time medical records of every American, the EHR system will enable doctors to access records with a keystroke and issue life-or-death medical orders with a finger swipe.

No one wants the EHR to succeed more than Hugh Torrence, a former NSA honcho who sees the system as a tool for unimaginable and unaccountable power. The only thing standing in his way is a loose-knit group of Drexel employees with conflicting agendas and questionable loyalties. While they search for answers, the suspicious patient deaths keep mounting…and the target on their back grows larger.

Theft in Sleepy Hollow - A Review

 Review

THEFT IN SLEEPY HOLLOW by Nupur Tustin
The Second Sophie's Adventure Mystery 

Jeanne Sophie Poisson is ready for a well deserved vacation from her job as a police secretary in Calais. Planning on letting her hair down with her best friend in Paris, she soon learns her vacation is starting early. And she's not going to Paris. Instead she's headed to Sleepy Hollow, New York accompanied by her "Uncle Arthur". There the pair will take a painting workshop given by a devious painter...who may well be a thief. Will Sophie be able to save a Monet? 

I've always found art theft compelling. Famous paintings worth millions spirited away, most likely bought by a millionaire to be secreted away. While I admit that I'd love to have an original Degas, I'm content with the prints hanging on my walls. Going undercover to prevent such a theft-what fun! I love how Sophie made due with supplies and I giggle at her love of wigs. Sophie and "Uncle Arthur" make a great team and I appreciate how they work together.

A bit longer than the first book in the series, THEFT IN SLEEPY HOLLOW is still short, yet still packed with intrigue and fun. I admit I laughed at Sophie's ignorance about the LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW. Being from New York state, I suppose I think everyone should be familiar with this story. I also loved the surprise at the end. While not Paris fun with her bestie, Sophie still manages a little vacation fun.

With an intriguing plot and a few surprises THEFT IN SLEEPY HOLLOW is a delightful adventure.

The Pompadour Necklace - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

THE POMPADOUR NECKLACE by Nupur Tustin
The First Sophie's Adventure Mystery 

Sophie is on a mission-follow the man who stole a necklace once belonging to Madame Pompadour, patron of the arts in the 1700s. Traveling from Calais to Paris and on to London with gumption, wigs, and some unexpected help Sophie is determined to get this treasured heirloom back!

I enjoyed meeting Sophie is this first Sophie's Adventure Mystery. She's determined, smart, and dare I say, plucky! I enjoyed the surprises she encountered and ultimately rendered!

THE POMPADOUR NECKLACE is a very short story. I read the whole thing in one sitting...in the bathtub! Despite its brevity, the characters are well developed and the plot captivating. It's the first in the series, but I sense a lot of backstory. I look forward to learning more.

A delightfully quick read, THE POMPADOUR NECKLACE is an intriguing start to a new series featuring historical objects, travel, and memorable characters.

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The Pompadour Necklace and Theft in Sleepy Hollow (Sophie's Adventures) by Nupur Tustin

About The Pompadour Necklace

The Pompadour Necklace: Sophie's Adventures
Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - London, England
Foiled Plots Press (March 14, 2023)
Paperback: ‎ 60 pages

The necklace had once belonged to Madame Pompadour—mistress of the French King Louis XV.

Now it’s gone. Stolen by a clever conman. And it will take every ounce of determination and ingenuity a young woman possesses to recover it.

But can a mere girl from Calais outwit a practiced fraudster?

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About Theft in Sleepy Hollow

Theft in Sleepy Hollow (Sophie's Adventures)
Mystery 2nd in Series
Setting - New York
Foiled Plots Press (November 25, 2023)
Digital Print length: ‎ 101 pages

In Sleepy Hollow, a Monet is in danger of being spirited away. . .

But undercover art sleuth Sophie Fisher—also known as Jeanne Sophie Poisson— is on the trail of the brazen art thief.

From a Hudson River Cruise to Cold Spring to a spooky lantern-light tour of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Sophie will do what it takes to capture the thief . . .

And prevent him from spiriting away a valuable work of art.

About Nupur Tustin

A former journalist, Nupur Tustin is the author of the Joseph Haydn Mysteries set in Austria, the Celine Skye Psychic Mysteries, based on the infamous Gardner Museum theft, and the author of Sophie’s Adventures, about a French James Bond who goes on undercover missions to recover stolen art and artifacts.

Author Links

• Website: https://ntustin.com
• Blog: https://ntustin.com/blog
• Shop: https://ntustin.com/shop
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ntustinauthor
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/nupurtustin
• Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nupur-tustin

Purchase Link - The Pompadour Necklace Amazon  

Purchase Links - Theft in Sleepy Hollow Amazon B&N Nook Kobo Apple Other 

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Currently Reading...

I just finished reading Theft in Sleepy Hollow by Nupur Tustin. This book is the second in the Sophie's Adventures Mystery series and was released last month.

Jeanne Sophie Poisson is ready for a well deserved vacation from her job as a police secretary in Calais. Planning on letting her hair down with her best friend in Paris, she soon learns her vacation is starting early. And she's not going to Paris. Instead she's headed to Sleepy Hollow, New York accompanied by her "Uncle Arthur". There the pair will take a painting workshop given by a devious painter...who may well be a thief. Will Sophie be able to save a Monet?

Killing Grinds - A Guest Post, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Stella  Rutherford to Cozy Up With Kathy today. You can find Stella on the pages of the Orchard Hollow Mystery series by A. N. Sage. KILLING GRINDS is the third book in the series and was released last month.

Ghost Couture: Tips for Dressing to Impress at Your Own Funeral

Hi, darling. Stella Rutherford here. After the tragic demise of my fabulous earthly existence, I've been stuck in Orchard Hollow with nothing to do but perfect my ghostly glam. That and help my witch Piper solve some murders, but that is not the good time you’d think it was. So, let me spill the ectoplasm on how to slay the afterlife runway at your own funeral.


Accessorize with Ethereal Elegance:

Who says death can't be accessorized? A floating veil adds that touch of mystery, plus it's perfect for those days when you just want to go incognito among the living.


The Perfect Ghostly Gown:

Choose a gown that screams "I died, but make it fashion." Opt for fabrics that flow: tulle, silk, and the occasional hint of gossamer for that added touch of celestial chic.


Glow-in-the-Dark Manicure:

Don't forget your nails, darling! Now when I say, glow-in-the-dark, I don’t mean literally. We’re all adults here, let’s act like it. No, you want a stylish manicure on those claws that will last you for, well, ever. A nice French mani is your best friend.


A Haunting Headpiece:

Top off your look with a celestial headpiece. It's essential to remind everyone that, even in the great beyond, your style reigns supreme.

Séance-Ready Stilettos:

Just because you're floating doesn't mean you can't rock a killer pair of stilettos. Opt for a pair that complements your ghostly ensemble, and remember, you can never go wrong with a red bottom.

Remember, my spectral sisters, death is just another runway. So, embrace your afterlife with style, flair, and a touch of supernatural sass. Who says you can't be the best-dressed ghost in town? Cheers to the afterlife, where the fashion never dies!

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Review

KILLING GRINDS by A. N. Sage
The Third Orchard Hollow Mystery

Piper Addison is putting the research into her odd brand of magick on the back burner. Her ghostly familiar has finally started to open up about her death. Sarah wants details and, since Piper has been successful at figuring out murders, despite nearly getting killed herself, she asks Piper for help. But someone doesn't want Piper poking into the past.  Will Piper discover what really happened to Sarah Rutherford? Or is she more likely to become a ghost herself?

KILLING GRINDS is a story of friendship. Even though uncovering the truth may lead to Stella moving on and Piper losing her familiar and best friend, Piper follows through. She even follows through when threats are made against her life. And even when Sarah doesn't want her following certain avenues. I also like Piper's friendship with Celia...who puts a certain coven leader in her place after she badmouths Piper and, of course, Piper's developing relationship with Joe.

The third Orchard Hollow Mystery is laugh out loud funny, while it also touches your heart strings. Piper's clumsiness, especially when it comes to her romantic encounters, had me in stitches, as did her dealings with Harry. And when the mystery was solved, the very ending had me gasp! I can't wait to see what happens next!

Funny and intriguing KILLING GRINDS is a fast paced magickal adventure. 

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 Killing Grinds (Orchard Hollow Mystery) by A.N. Sage

About Killing Grinds

Killing Grinds (Orchard Hollow Mystery)
Paranormal Cozy Mystery 3rd in Series
Oliver-Heber Books (November 28, 2023)
Paperback: ‎ 274 pages

Piper Addison is in it deep. Turns out, finding out how your ghost familiar met her doom is not as easy as it sounds…

Tourist season is over and Orchard Hollow is as peaceful as ever. Piper Addison, the town witch and cafe owner, finally gets to kick back her sneakers and relax. The weather is glorious, her dusty love life has been resurrected, and she’s all caught up on binge watching shows. Nothing can be better!

Well, except for one slight problem.

Piper promised her ghost familiar she’d help find out what landed her in the land of the non-living.

It wouldn’t be so bad if the ghost didn’t have a case of amnesia and a serious need of an attitude adjustment. One thing is for certain, Piper’s familiar didn’t kick the bucket by choice.

Between figuring out the mystery of Stella’s demise, battling a raccoon for cookies, and tracing her mom’s steps hoping to reunite with a father she never met; Piper has her hands full. And this time, even her strange magic might not be enough to get her out of this bind.

Killing Grinds is a paranormal cozy mystery complete with an unlucky witch, a ghost familiar, and a feisty raccoon with a talent for getting into sticky situations.

About A.N. Sage

A.N. Sage is a bestselling, award-winning author of young adult fantasy and mystery. She has spent most of her life waiting to meet a witch, vampire, or at least get haunted by a ghost. In between failed seances and many questionable outfit choices, she has developed a keen eye for the extra-ordinary.

A.N. spends her free time reading and binge-watching television shows in her pajamas. Currently, she resides in Toronto, Canada with her husband who is not a creature of the night and their daughter who just might be.

A.N. Sage is a Scorpio and a massive advocate of leggings for pants.

Author Links: 

Website https://ansage.ca/ 

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/a.n.sage/  

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/945090619339423  

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/ANSageWrites  

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@ansagewrites  

Purchase Link – Amazon  

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Sniffing Out Murder - An Interview, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Kallie E. Benjamin to Cozy Up With Kathy today. You may also recognize Kallie as V. M. Burns and Valerie Burns. As Kallie, she writes the Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery series. SNIFFING OUT MURDER is the first book in the series and was released Wednesday.

Kathy: In SNIFFING OUT MURDER we meet Priscilla and her bloodhound, Bailey. Pris is a children's book author. Have you ever been tempted to write children's books? 

KEB: The first book I ever wrote was a children’s book. I had just gotten a toy poodle, Coco, and I wrote several books about dogs. The books were intended to be entertaining and educational. Unfortunately, I never found a publisher. 

 

Kathy: When Pris returns to her hometown she learns former high school mean girl has become the newly elected school board trustee. Have you ever had to deal with a mean girl from your youth as an adult? 

KEB: Most of the mean girls from my youth have mellowed with age. However, I recently met someone who called herself a “mean girl.” She lives up to the name. Fortunately, I’m at an age where I’m better able to cope without getting involved in drama.

Kathy: It makes me so mad when arts and social programs are deemed frivolous. Also makes me want to smack that Whitney. Where you involved in these types of programs when you were in school? 

KEB: When I was young, I learned how to play the violin in a music program offered at my elementary school. It was a great program to introduce kids to the arts. To this day, I’m sure I could play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, if I still had my violin.

Kathy: I love that Pris and Bailey have a pet-assisted reading program. I know that there's a similar program at my local humane society. Have you ever been involved with one? 

KEB: When I lived in Indiana, my poodles, Coco and Cash, were registered therapy dogs with Therapy Dogs International. We did not participate in pet-assisted reading programs, but we used to visit nursing homes and hospitals monthly. These programs are great and I enjoyed them as much as my dogs did.
 

Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries? 

KEB: I love puzzles and I love to read. When I was a kid, I lived 3 blocks from my branch library. I used to go to the library several times each week. That’s where I read my first Agatha Christie, THE MURDER OF ROGER AKROYD. It blew my mind. It was a Whodunit, which combined my love of puzzles and my love of mysteries. After that, I read every Agatha Christie I could find and other similar books. That’s where I discovered my love of cozies.

 

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres? 

KEB: Not yet. One day, I’d love to try my hand at writing other genres, but so far I have only written mysteries.

Kathy: Tell us about your series.  

KEB: Bailey the Bloodhound is a cozy series that features elementary schoolteacher and children’s book author, Priscilla Cummings, and her three-year-old bloodhound, Bailey. Bailey has an exceptional ability for scents and tracking and an even greater ability for getting them both into trouble.

 

Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? 

KEB: If so, who and why? I think Bailey is my favorite character. Dogs have personalities (at least my dogs do), and I love trying to find ways to show Bailey’s without words.

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

KEB: Each of my series features a little bit of me. This series is set in Northwestern Indiana, which is where I was born and raised. Pris does pet-assisted therapy with Bailey. I also did therapy when I lived in Indiana. This series, like my others, touches on specific parts of my life.

Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work? 

KEB: I’ve read cozy mysteries for decades. Over the years, I kept a list of books I wished someone would write. Eventually, I came to the conclusion that no one was writing those books, and perhaps I should try my hand at it. If I wanted to read a book about a woman who did pet-assisted therapy with her dog and solved mysteries, perhaps someone else would be interested in reading it, too.

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

KEB: Agatha Christie, Rex Stout, Sue Grafton, and Jane Austen. These are all favorite authors. I would love to pick their brains and learn how to create books that will inspire and entertain for generations.

Kathy: What are you currently reading? 

KEB: When I’m writing, I usually read familiar books (old friends). I just finished THE CLOCKS by Agatha Christie.

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

KEB: I enjoy baking, reading, and spending time with my poodles, Chloe and Kensington. I also still enjoy puzzles.

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

KEB: Coffee, pasta, peanut butter, and pecans.

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

KEB: Yes. I have recently signed a contract for two more books in my Mystery Bookshop Mystery series, which I write as V. M. Burns. This will be books 10 and 11 in the series. My publisher has offered a contract for three more books in my Baker Street Mystery series, which I write as Valerie Burns. That will be books 4, 5, and 6. I have just turned in the second book in the Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery series. Fingers crossed readers will enjoy it and my publisher will want more.

 

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

KEB: I love writing. I love sitting down and seeing where the characters will go. Taking something that has just been in my head and putting it on the page makes it feel real. Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Thank you so much for having me on your blog today. 

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Review

SNIFFING OUT MURDER by Kallie E. Benjamin
The First Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery

With the success of her first children's book, Priscilla Cummings has returned home to Crosbyville, Indiana with the hero of her story, her bloodhound, Bailey. The thought that she'd have plenty of time to write after quitting her teaching job goes out the window when she and Bailey find the body of Whitney Kelley. The same Whitney Kelley with whom Pris had a very public confrontation with the day before. Pris will have to convince the new Chief of Police that she's innocent and there are plenty of more viable suspects out there. Will she be successful or will she and Bailey have to sniff out the killer themselves?

 

There's a lot of conflict and drama as SNIFFING OUT MURDER begins. Whitney and her sister are two absolutely awful people! And what Whitney did to Bailey in the diner?!?! Fortunately, there are some wonderful people in the book too, namely Pris's best friend, Marcie, and her Aunt Agatha. And of course, Bailey! I enjoyed Pris's clumsiness and how it led to several humorous moments, I also loved her intelligence and how she was able to take care of herself, with a little help from her BFF. While I knew the identity of a villain early on, I didn't know the whole story and it didn't diminish my enjoyment as I watched things play out.

With strong characters, plenty of wit, and an amazing bloodhound SNIFFING OUT MURDER is an enjoyable start to a new series.

 

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 Sniffing Out Murder (A Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery) by Kallie E. Benjamin

About Sniffing Out Murder

Sniffing Out Murder (A Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - Indiana Berkley (December 5, 2023)
Paperback: ‎ 352 pages

When a murder unleashes a widespread investigation through Crosbyville, children’s book author Pris and her trusty bloodhound, Bailey, must sniff out the truth before the whole town goes to the dogs.

After deciding that life as a teacher wasn’t right for her, Priscilla found inspiration for her first children’s book in her three-year-old bloodhound’s nose for truth, and so The Adventures of Bailey the Bloodhound was born. After the book’s massively pawsitive response led Pris to move back to her hometown of Crosbyville, Indiana, to continue the series, she’s surprised by how things have changed in the town, but even more so how they haven’t.

Pris is frustrated to discover that newly elected school board trustee Whitney Kelley—a former high school mean girl—is intent on making Crosbyville more competitive by eliminating “frivolous spending” on the arts and social programs, including Pris and Bailey’s beloved pet-assisted reading program. A minor altercation between them isn’t anything unusual, but after Bailey sniffs out Whitney’s body in a bed of begonias, locals start hounding Pris and Bailey as suspects for the crime.

With Bailey’s sharp senses and Pris’s hometown know-how, can they prove to the community that they’re all barking up the wrong tree?

About Kallie E. Benjamin

Kallie E. Benjamin (Valerie Burns) is the author of the Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery series. The first book, Sniffing Out Murder releases on December 5, 2023. Valerie is an Agatha, Anthony, Edgar, and Next Generation Indie Book Award finalist. Writing as V. M. Burns she is the author of the Mystery Bookshop Mystery, Dog Club Mystery, and RJ Franklin Mystery series. Writing as Valerie Burns, she is the author of the Baker Street Mystery series. Valerie is also an adjunct professor in the Writing Popular Fiction Program at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA. Born and raised in northwestern Indiana, Valerie now lives in Northern Georgia with her two poodles.

Author Links: 

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/v-m-burns  

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

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16534140.V_M_Burns 

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

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

Website: vmburns.com  

Purchase Links Amazon Apple Books-A-Million Barnes and Noble Bookshop.org Google Play Hudson Booksellers Powells Target KOBO Walmart  

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Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Sniffing Out Murder by Kallie E. Benjamin. This book is the first in the Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery series and was released yesterday.

With the success of her first children's book, Priscilla Cummings has returned home to Crosbyville, Indiana with the hero of her story, her bloodhound, Bailey. The thought that she'd have plenty of time to write after quitting her teaching job goes out the window when she and Bailey find the body of Whitney Kelley. The same Whitney Kelley with whom Pris had a very public confrontation with the day before. Pris will have to convince the new Chief of Police that she's innocent and there are plenty of more viable suspects out there. Will she be successful or will she and Bailey have to sniff out the killer themselves?

Knitmare on Beech Street - An Interview & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Peggy Ehrhart to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Peggy writes the Knit and Nibble Mystery series. Knitmare on Beech Street is the tenth book in the series and was released last month.

Kathy: In Knitmare on Beech Street a reclusive widow's death sets gossip and ghostly speculation flowing. Do you believe in ghosts? Have you ever had a ghostly encounter?

PE: I don’t believe in ghosts, though I wouldn’t swear to that if I had to spend the night alone in a spooky house. I’ve never had a ghostly encounter, but I have friends whose good sense I respect and who are convinced that non-corporeal beings dwell among us. Conversations with these people led to the ideas that turned into Knitmare on Beech Street.

Kathy: Tassie Hunt who inherited the widow's old Victorian had a career debunking paranormal phenomena. Have you ever been on a ghost hunt or watched shows about ghostly investigations?

PE: No to both questions.

Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

PE: I was drawn first to mysteries in general. The cozy mystery wasn’t yet a “thing,” but the form I enjoyed was the traditional mystery—the Agatha Christie style from which the cozy developed. When I was in grad school, one of my friends was an avid mystery fan and she introduced me to the genre. After a day spent reading Beowulf or Paradise Lost, it was really a treat to relax in the evening with an engaging story that could sometimes even keep me up beyond bedtime because I just had to find out who did it!

When I decided to try my hand at writing fiction, I thought it would be easier to find a publisher for a mystery than for more serious fiction because mysteries are so extremely popular. My first few attempts at writing mysteries—never published—were in the traditional mystery style, as were the two mysteries I published with Five Star Press, a small press that was willing to consider unagented manuscripts—in other words, submitted directly by the author. They were set in the world of a struggling blues band, so not exactly cozy.

I realized that if I wanted to attract an agent and sell my work to a larger publisher, I should cultivate a style more in line with what was popular—and cozies had obviously become very popular. I’ve always enjoyed cooking and crafts, which make up a large part of the cozy universe, and I’ve lived in a pleasant small town for half my life—so I was well acquainted with the typical cozy setting.

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

PE: I haven’t written anything but mysteries for many years, but I devoted much of my earlier writing life to nonfiction writing on topics relating to medieval literature, which was my specialty in grad school. I enjoyed those projects too, and that experience certainly gave me good writing habits—basically, just sit down and do it!

Kathy: Tell us about your series.

PE: In my Knit & Nibble mysteries Pamela Paterson, an attractive widow in her forties and founder of a knitting club in charming Arborville, NJ, uses her knowledge of yarns and fiber arts to solve murders that baffle the police.

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

PE: My favorite character is Bettina Fraser, Pamela’s friend and co-sleuth. Bettina is a composite of friends I’ve loved over the years—warm, outgoing, and loaded with personality. She’s quite the contrast to the more reserved and cerebral Pamela.

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

PE: I love the British mystery series like Midsomer Murders and, though it’s not exactly cozy, watching it gave me a lot of ideas for the Knit & Nibble series—the beautiful houses and gardens, the frequent scenes involving tea and goodies, the villages inhabited by eccentric people unaware of their eccentricities. Cozies are fun when they include humor, and I try for a very subtle sort of humor that pokes fun at the foibles of characters who are set in their ways.

The knitting club, nicknamed Knit and Nibble, is composed of six people—the same six people since almost the start of the series. At this point, we know them quite well and can predict who will be chatty, who will be grumpy, who will complain that people eat too much sugar, who will argue with whom and what they will argue about . . .

Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

PE: I was actually recruited to write the Knit & Nibble series, by an agent who sells a lot to Kensington and had been told by an editor there that Kensington would like to acquire a series set in the world of a knitting club. A writer friend of mine gave him my name, for which I will be forever grateful. I learned to knit as a teenager, so I definitely had the background to take on such a project.

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

PE: Jane Austen, George Eliot, Raymond Chandler, and Dorothy Sayers

Kathy: What are you currently reading?

PE: I usually read non-fiction when I’m actively writing because I don’t want to get another fiction writer’s voice in my brain. My sister gives me books related to fashion and fiber arts and crafts, with the idea that they can inspire topics for the articles my protagonist edits in her day job as associate editor of a craft magazine. I just finished The Pocket: A Hidden History of Women’s Lives, by Barbara Burman and Ariane Fennetaux. Next on the list is The Fabric of Civilization: How Textiles Made the World, by Virginia Postrel.

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

PE: I’ve always loved to cook—all kinds of things. I have a big collection of cookbooks and I’m always trying new recipes. I knit and crochet and do needlework. Instead of going to the mall these days, I go to estate sales and rummage around through the often very nice things that people no longer need. I often find lovely yarn-relayed craft items that someone made by hand and I often buy them and repair them if they need tender loving care.

Each of my Knit & Nibble mysteries includes a recipe and a knitting project at the end. I have a lot of fun creating recipes and knitting projects for these “bonus features.” Each of the books has its own page on my website and pictures of the bonus feature food and knitted creations appear there. A separate tab, “Yarn Mania,” opens a blog where I record photos and descriptions of my estate-sale finds: https://peggyehrhart.com/category/yarn-mania/

I also play the guitar.


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

PE: Olive oil, good cheese, pasta of all sorts, tomatoes.

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

PE: I’m just now writing a Knit & Nibble novella to be included in Kensington’s 2025 St. Patrick’s Day-themed novella collection, Irish Soda Bread Murder. My novella will be called An Irish Recipe for Murder. When I finish that, I’ll start Knit & Nibble #12.
 

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

PE: I like the fact that I can reach people beyond my immediate circle of family and friends with my ideas. Many—even, maybe, most—writers grow up as bookworms, quite shy and self-contained. They may be surrounded by people who aren’t interested in the things they’re interested in and don’t even understand why a person would be interested in those things.

Writing is like enclosing a message in bottle and tossing it on the waves hoping it reaches a receptive reader.

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 Knitmare on Beech Street (A Knit & Nibble Mystery) by Peggy Ehrhart

About Knitmare on Beech Street

Knitmare on Beech Street (A Knit & Nibble Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 10th in Series
Setting - Charming fictional town of Arborville, in northern New Jersey
Kensington Cozies (November 28, 2023)
Mass Market Paperback: ‎ 320 pages

Knit and Nibble member Pamela Paterson, and her best friend, Bettina, stumble on a body in a once grand Victorian house when they join a group welcoming new residents to Arborville—and must figure out if old secrets killed the new neighbor . . .

When Pamela, Bettina, and their friends show up at the Voorhees House to greet its new owner, they’re met with a most unwelcome sight: a dead body on the kitchen floor. Tassie Hunt just inherited the old Victorian, which had been occupied by a reclusive widow for many years and had a reputation for being haunted. But Tassie would have been unlikely to be spooked since her career involved debunking such paranormal phenomena.

Her demise sets off a new flurry of gossip and ghostly speculation in the New Jersey town, of course—and it’s tempting to think spirits were indeed involved considering there’s zero evidence so far of foul play. A nosy neighbor reports strange lights and sounds, and a man obsessed with the Victorian era starts photographing the place from the street. But it won’t take long before Pamela and Bettina are moving in on a killer . . .

Excerpt

Pamela led the way down the steps, down the narrow concrete path, and along the sidewalk, until they reached another concrete path. From this path, steps led up to another porch, smaller and with a plainer railing, onto which the back door opened. Saying “I’ll try again,” Marlene hefted the gift basket and headed up the steps. As she pressed the doorbell, the rest of the group joined her on the porch one by one. Marlene turned away after a few minutes and much enthusiastic pressing of the doorbell. “No answer,” she murmured. “And I was sure ANGWY was clear about the date and time.” She shrugged, edged past the others, and started down the steps. Bettina, however, stepped closer to the door and tipped her head to peer at the doorframe. “I’m not sure it’s closed all the way,” she said and gave the door a tentative push. The door swung open easily. After a shrug and a glance at the other women, Bettina raised a stylishly shod foot and stepped over the threshold. “Tassie?” Her voice rang out with a cheerful lilt. “Hello? It’s the ANGWY committee.” She disappeared inside, but a moment later she was back in the doorway. Her cheer had vanished, leaving her face a wan canvas that made her careful makeup appear garish. Ignoring her heart’s sudden lurch, Pamela took a few quick steps and joined her friend in the doorway. Bettina backed up against the door, anchoring it in a fully open position, and Pamela slipped past her into the kitchen. A woman lay sprawled on the ancient linoleum, a slender blonde woman wearing a light cotton robe printed with small flowers in shades of blue and lilac . . .

About Peggy Ehrhart

Peggy Ehrhart is a former English professor with a doctorate in Medieval Literature. Her Maxx Maxwell mysteries, Sweet Man Is Gone (2008) and Got No Friend Anyhow (2011), were published by Five Star/Gale/Cengage and feature a blues-singer sleuth.

Peggy is currently writing the Knit & Nibble mysteries for Kensington Books. Her amateur sleuth, Pamela Paterson, is the founder and mainstay of the Arborville, New Jersey, knitting club, nicknamed Knit and Nibble. Knitmare on Beech Street is book #10 in the series. Peggy herself is an avid crafter, dating from her childhood as a member of the 4-H Club in rural Southern California.

Peggy is a longtime member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. She regularly attends mystery-writing conferences and participates in conference panels. She also gives talks on mystery fiction at libraries and other venues in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey.

Author Links: 

Website: www.PeggyEhrhart.com  

Yarn Mania Blog on my website: https://peggyehrhart.com/category/yarn-mania/  

Goodreads Blog: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/534678.Peggy_Ehrhart/blog  

Purchase Links - Amazon - Barnes & Noble Bookshop.org Kobo 

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Grounds for Murder - A Guest Post, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Gwen Rothberg to Cozy Up With Kathy today. You can find Gwen on the pages of the Coffee & Cream Cafe Mystery series. GROUNDS FOR MURDER is the second book in the series and was released last month.

A Day in My Life
By Gwen Rothberg

Until recently, my days were spent styling hair and engaging in gossip at the only salon in Watchogue, New York. I dressed the part, with long blonde hair waving around my shoulders and a fringe of bangs framing my big blue eyes, conforming to Watchogue’s expectations. But it’s all a lie. Beneath my demure exterior lies the truth—I haven’t changed much since high school when I’d varied my hair color and style just about every other week, ranging anywhere from long pink curls to a short blue pixie cut, and my wardrobe choices mostly consisted of miniskirts and spandex that hugged my Amazonian stature. To be honest, I was content but a little bored.

Then, my best friend from school, Danika Delaney, returned home. Of course, before I even ran into her, the rumors were flying. Danika had fled Long Island amid gossip about her catching her boyfriend, Luca, cheating on her at prom with Heather Teague, whom he later married. Upon her return, rumor had it, Heather caught Luca and Danika together in Jimmie’s Ice Cream Shop. My first thought was, “you go girl.” But then Heather turned up dead in Jimmie’s basement, and the gossip turned ugly. In my heart, I knew Danika would never have killed anyone. So, then I spent my days trying to help her prove her innocence—and maybe giving her a not so gently nudge toward the steamy detective handling the case.

I thought solving murders would be a one-time experience. I was wrong. When Danika asked if I’d take a few days off to help her ready the newly converted Coffee & Cream Café for its grand reopening, I was all for it. Then she said she was going to have an author event and book signing. Okay, sounds easy enough. Except it’s not. The evening starts with the author’s assistant insisting we rearrange all of the furniture we just finished arranging, moves onto another author showing up and accusing him of plagiarism, a super-stalker fan, and somehow ends in murder. So much for my life being boring.

 

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Review

 

 

GROUNDS FOR MURDER by Lena Gregory

The Second Coffee & Cream Cafe Mystery

After a few bumps in the road Danika Delaney is ready for the grand opening of her Coffee & Cream Cafe, formerly her Uncle Jimmie's ice cream shop. With an updated look, Dani decided to branch out and have best selling author, Fletcher Stone, autograph books at the opening event. Unfortunately, the mystery author brings nothing but drama. With an over exacting assistant, stalkery superfan, and a writer claiming Fletcher plagiarized his novel, the opening wasn't exactly what Dani was hoping for. Deciding to apologize for the fracas of the previous night, Dani goes to his inn only to find the author dead. With missing suspects and lots of questions Dani finds herself involved in murder once more. 

 

There are lots of thrills and chills in the second Coffee & Cream Cafe Mystery-enough to make Dani decide not to investigate. That is, until she's pushed too far and becomes even more determined to get to the bottom of things. I love the simmering heat between Dani and Jake and hope she forgets about starting over with Luca and concentrates on the dishy detective. I absolutely love the addition of Eli to the series. What a great fun guy and an amazing new friend.

 

The mystery was complex, the danger higher than usual, but the laughs were still there in spades making a fun page turning read. Nasty characters make a great juxtaposition to our good friends and family and there is more than one surprise to be found.

 

With a devious mystery, wonderful friendships, and a good many laughs GROUNDS FOR MURDER is an absolute delight.

 

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 Grounds for Murder (Coffee & Cream Cafe Mysteries) by Lena Gregory

About Grounds for Murder 

Grounds for Murder (Coffee & Cream Cafe Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series
Setting - Watchogue, Long Island, New York
Gemma Halliday Publishing (November 21, 2023)
Number of Pages: 226

From author Lena Gregory comes a tasty new mystery with a killer twist...

Danika Delaney is thrilled to have taken over her uncle Jimmie's old fashioned malt shop on eastern Long Island and is working hard to make it her own. In an effort to increase business, Danika invites a mystery writer to the Coffee & Cream Café for a discussion and book signing. Things seem to be going well, until a guest shows up and confronts the author, accusing him of plagiarizing his work. Embarrassed by the incident, Danika goes to the inn where the writer is staying the following morning, hoping to apologize and offer him another chance to return. What she finds instead is his dead body—beside a cup of poisoned coffee! Now it's up to Danika to find out who wanted to silence the author... before the killer decides to write Danika a not-so-happy ending!

About Lena Gregory

Lena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, but she recently traded in cold, damp, gray winters for the warmth and sunshine of central Florida, where she now lives with her husband, three kids, son-in-law, and four dogs. Her hobbies include spending time with family, reading, and walking. Her love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn’t sleep through the night. She works full time as a writer and a freelance editor and is a member of Sisters in Crime.

Author Links

• Newsletter: http://lenagregory.us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9765d0711ed4fab4fa31b16ac&id=49d42335d1.
• Website: http://www.lenagregory.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lena.gregory.986
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Lena.Gregory.Author/?fref=ts
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LenaGregory03
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14956514.Lena_Gregory?from_search=true
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lenagregoryauth/

Purchase Links Amazon - B&N - Kobo 

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Mrs. Claus and the Trouble with Turkeys - A Review

 Review

MRS. CLAUS AND THE TROUBLE WITH TURKEYS by Liz Ireland
The Fourth Mrs. Claus Mystery 

 

While Christmas is the holiday around which Santaland revolves, April Claus is slowly trying to introduce other holidays. What better than Thanksgiving, a day to be grateful, as well as indulge in turkey, stuffing, and a variety of desserts. Elves adore a celebration and have taken the idea and run with it. Instead of one day of thanks, a whole week of festivities is planned. April has even ordered a live turkey, that the family will feast on. But April has more to worry about than learning to march while drumming. Gobbles has been stolen, a Claus cousin has been murdered, and April is a suspect! Will she be able to find the missing turkey and solve a murder before Thanksgiving Day?

 

Once again Liz Ireland has given us a rollicking good time in the frozen North. A bird-napping, a murder, and a wild elf on the loose make Santaland's first Thanksgiving memorable. I love how April is sharing the customs from down South by bringing other holidays to Santaland. I especially love how the elves embrace these celebrations. A parade replete with marching band, twirlers, along with a special surprise, Thanksgiving songs (well, song), and plenty of food to feast on make a celebration more grand than those in the USA! Of course, no holiday with April runs smoothly. I'm still agog at her culinary contribution to Amory's table...that makes her a murder suspect. I am delighted by the police float and enjoy the misfit reindeer getting a chance to shine. Multiple mysteries, the missing Gobbles, the murdered cousin, and the weird best friend behavior, kept me enthralled.

Funny and heartfelt MRS. CLAUS AND THE TROUBLE WITH TURKEYS is an entertaining holiday read, even if it makes you reconsider eating turkey on Thanksgiving.