Sunday, July 27, 2025

Puzzles and Premieres - A Guest Post, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Dr. Atticus Papadopoulos to Cozy Up With Kathy today. You can find Atticus on the pages of the Magical Mystery Book Club Series by Elizabeth Pantley. PUZZLES AND PREMIERES is the tenth book in the series and was released


Atticus Talks about Jigsaw Puzzles 

By Elizabeth Pantley, author of PUZZLES AND PREMIERES 
Book 10 of the Magical Mystery Book Club Series

Good afternoon and thank you for hosting me today. I am Dr. Atticus Papadopoulos. I’m a professor and doctor of astrobiology; my major area of interest is extraterrestrial technology. I’m a member of a fascinating book club that journeys into cozy mystery books that are part of a massive collection held in an enchanted library. I am often sharing a bit of knowledge with our book club group about the various places to which we travel.

In this particular book journey, PUZZLES AND PREMIERES, jigsaw puzzles take center stage as they provide the clues to solving the murder mystery.

Assembling jigsaw puzzles is a very popular pastime. One study found that over 70% of adults in the United States enjoy puzzles. There are very few hobbies that have such a high percentage of interest.

In addition to providing relaxing entertainment, assembling a puzzle is an outstanding way to develop connections between the dendrites in your brain cells. It challenges your mind to recognize subtle differences in colors, patterns, and shapes. Its effects are so powerful that incorporating a puzzle routine into your life can even increase your IQ by a few points and stave off memory loss in your senior years.

Puzzles are also known to increase the production of dopamine, a chemical that regulates mood, memory, and concentration, giving you a jolt of that powerful chemical with every successful piece placed on the board.

Puzzles are far more than a game, they are an excellent addition to a healthy lifestyle, and they were an outstanding supplement to this murder mystery story.
 
**********************************************************************
Review

 PUZZLES AND PREMIERES by Elizabeth Pantley
The Tenth Magical Mystery Book Club Mystery
 
After a fun time making a snowman with snow swirling around them and members of the Magical Mystery Book Club are ready to choose a book to dive into for their next adventure. After everyone picked a few possibilities they're surprised to see Bob, the olm and Snapdragon Inn librarian, waiting for them. Following his suggestion they choose a cozy mystery set in a ski town that's hosting a film festival and are soon snuggled up in stylish snow gear with the Snapdragon Inn transformed into a chalet. Bob has provided them with treats, movie tickets, and most importantly jigsaw puzzles which provide clues. Soon the gang are meeting up with movie starts, publicists, and even a ghost from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Between enjoying the excitement of film premieres and eating plenty of snacks the crew will have to figure out what exactly the mystery is and how to solve it in order to get to The End!

It's always fun getting together with the Magical Mystery Club gang. From down to earth Paige to the outlandish Zell, talking cat, Frank, Mollie the ghost, and everyone else, the group has an exuberant dynamic and work together well. While they meet and interact with a lot of characters, PUZZLES AND PREMIERES also has them meet another ghost, Gloria. Were they there to solve her "accidental" death? Or will their mystery have something to do with the surprise announcement at the big premiere? As they complete jigsaw puzzles, the solutions send them to various locations around Jigsaw Valley where they work their magic to solve the mystery.
 
There wasn't as much emphasis on food in this tenth Magical Mystery Book Club Mystery and I found I sort of missed it. Some of the characters seemed more subdued and Moonglow was even a bit prickly! It's interesting to see a possible romance bloom and I loved how Mollie was able to share her ghostly knowledge with Gloria. All of the insider information about film festivals was fascinating and I enjoyed seeing everyone join in the fun of the festival as well as the investigation. After the mystery came to its conclusion there was a major surprise. While similar things have happened in the past the characters had extraordinarily good reasons for their choice, this one seemed much more arbitrary. Still, I enjoyed the book.
 
Grab your popcorn and dim the lights. Jigsaw puzzles, ghosts, and the excitement of a film festival make PUZZLES AND PREMIERES a fun mystery no matter the season!  
 
************************************************************************* 

Puzzles and Premieres: Magical Mystery Book Club ) by Elizabeth Pantley

About Puzzles and Premieres

Puzzles and Premieres: Magical Mystery Book Club
Paranormal Cozy Mystery 10th in Series
Setting - In a ski town at a film festival
Better Beginnings, Inc. (July 15, 2025)
Number of Pages: 290

When this club selects a book, magic happens!

This book club does more than read their books – they are absorbed right into the story to become the amateur sleuths! To exit the book and get back home, they need to solve the mystery and reach The End.

In this journey, they travel to a mountaintop ski town to experience the enchanting setting of a famous film festival. They’ll meet movie stars, producers, and directors. They’ll watch a film premiere, go skiing, and eat at fancy restaurants. It’s all very glamorous and exciting – until a famous actress disappears.

The book club is on the case! They discover clues in the most unusual way - by putting together enchanted jigsaw puzzles.

As usual, the club finds plenty of time to enjoy the unique setting of their journey, as they put together the mystery – one puzzle piece at a time.

About Elizabeth Pantley

 

Elizabeth writes well-loved cozy mysteries in two series: The Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic book series and the Magical Mystery Book Club series. Elizabeth lives in the Pacific Northwest and Arizona, two very different places. Both are rich, gorgeous, natural places, and inspire the settings in many of her books. 

Author Links: 

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

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/series/345907-magical-mystery-book-club  

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elizabeth-pantley  

Website:  https://elizabethpantleyauthor.com/ 

Purchase Link: Amazon  

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Friday, July 25, 2025

The Ignoble Lie - A Review, Excerpt, & Giveaway

 Review


THE IGNOBLE LIE by Matthew Peters
Of Gods & Men Book I 
 
A bombing at the pyramids of Giza is just the start of troubles for former Jesuit Scott Larson. Working with Aleister Mabrey and his two nieces, Zady and Brynn, the delivery of a religious artifact doesn't go as planned. When Brynn is kidnapped Scott and Zady begin a global treasure hunt for the ransom with vague clues. Who's pulling the strings? ISIS who claimed the bombing and promised more? The Roman Catholic Church? The United States government? Just who can they trust? With time running out will they be able to decipher the clues and find the treasure even if it will disrupt the entire Judeo-Christian world? Or will Brynn pay the ultimate price?
 
I am fascinated by Ancient Egypt and biblical archaeology so THE IGNOBLE LIE had me intrigued from the start. I love the manner in which historical fact, theory, and fiction meld together. Multiple connected story lines kept my interest high and also impacted the tempo. The book is fast paced, made even more so by the short chapters that urge you to continue reading. There are twists, turns, and surprises throughout and not everyone lives...and not everyone dies.
 
The first Of Gods & Men book is incredibly timely. Politicians blatantly violating the constitution, the rich and powerful sowing the seeds of discontent and doing whatever they can no matter the cost to maintain their supremacy, at times the book reads more like the news than a work of fiction.  
 
The characters are intriguing, some likable, some despicable, most painted in shades of gray. I really like Scott Larson, Senator Madge Roberts, and Masika. In a surprising comedic bit, the Mother Superior gave me a giggle with her brief appearance. 
 
Combining politics, religion, and conspiracy THE IGNOBLE LIE is a fast paced thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat, eyes wide open, and jaw dropped.

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

The Ignoble Lie by Matthew Peters Banner

THE IGNOBLE LIE

by Matthew Peters

July 7 - August 1, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

The Ignoble Lie by Matthew Peters

Of Gods & Men Series

 

What if the Ark of the Covenant isn’t a reference to the chest containing the Ten Commandments God revealed to Moses atop Mount Sinai?

What if it refers to the tomb of an Egyptian pharaoh whose contents would revolutionize religious history?

As ex-Jesuit Scott Larson and adventuress Zady Jones learn, such a discovery can be deadly.

A terrorist attack on the Great Pyramid of Giza ratchets up the tension in Washington, D.C., where President John Jenkins has been impeached for an order declaring the U.S. a Judeo-Christian nation. The terrorists threaten more attacks in Egypt and the U.S. unless their demand is met—and it’s something only Larson and Jones can give them. When the efforts to meet the terrorists’ demand goes awry and Zady’s sister is kidnapped, Larson and Jones race to save her. Along the way, they receive a series of mysterious clues that point to the existence of a shocking historical secret, one that could not only topple Jenkins’ presidency but upend Judeo-Christianity.

Praise for The Ignoble Lie:

"This fast-paced religious thriller will especially appeal to fans of The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Unlike that book, though, The Ignoble Lie digs deep into Biblical lore and ancient history, back to the origins of the historical Moses in ancient Egypt. If you like your thrillers seasoned with Church conspiracies, Egyptian archaeology, and murderous mercenaries, look no further. You won't be able to put it down."
~ Chris

"The Ignoble Lie by Matthew Peters is a sophisticated geopolitical thriller that intertwines religious history, political intrigue, and clandestine warfare... I loved the characters in The Ignoble Lie — believable and thoroughly explored. The prose, the sparkling dialogue, and the deft plotting are the elements that captivated me, together with the suspenseful storytelling. 5 Stars"
~ Christian Sia for Readers’ Favorite

Book Details:

Genre: Political/Religious thriller
Published by: Mélange Books
Publication Date: May 12, 2025
Number of Pages: 368
ISBN: 979-8886533712 (print)
Series: Of Gods & Men, Book 1
Book Links: Amazon | Apple Books | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | Mélange Books

Read an excerpt:

SUNDAY

Chapter 1

Under a spring sunset, the pyramids of Giza stood like pointed stone islands in a timeless sea of desert sand. At the northeast corner of the plateau, several armed guards perched atop camels at the base of the Great Pyramid of Khufu. The leader of the security force nodded as three lean bearded men garbed in long, white robes and carrying cameras and other electronic equipment approached. The trio formed a loose line and then trudged up the massive beige limestone blocks to the main entrance on the north face of the pyramid.

When they stepped inside, the cool air moved slightly like a palm frond breeze fanned by ancient servants. The men could still hear the hum of the generator outside as they made their way down a long, sloping, cramped corridor in the pale glow of the electric lighting. Following the metal conduit from the generator, they began climbing a longer passage. Their stated job was simple: set up the cameras needed to film the contents of the recently discovered room behind the west wall of the King’s Chamber, one of only two known chambers in the vast structure. Official filming by an international team would commence in the morning and the world would soon learn of the contents.

An hour later, one of the men burst out of the pyramid’s entrance covered in blood. Sweat drenched his brow as he bent over, his hands on his knees, trying desperately to suck oxygen into his lungs. Fortunately, the guards were not in sight. After a few moments, he raised himself to a fully standing position and wiped blood from his hands onto his dove-colored djellaba. He looked up at the sky beseechingly. The setting sun was glorious: red, orange, bronze. The scene was somehow new and final: the first sunset and the last. The celestial canvas suddenly looked like an unfolding scroll and for one fleeting moment on that scroll he saw painted what he’d glimpsed in the hidden room.

A golden rectangular chest with two winged lions with human heads on a peaked, shiny lid. Four gold rings were set into the bottom four feet, through which golden poles were placed for carrying. It was—

No, it couldn’t be...

Could it?

It was almost impossible to believe, but what if it was? After all, it looked exactly as it was described in the Torah, though that source couldn’t entirely be trusted.

But if there was even a chance that it was, no matter how small...

At least, that’s what they’d told him. And in the end, that was all that really mattered: what they had told him. Because the money that would go to his family was more than he could ever make in a whole lifetime.

With shaky hands, he fumbled for his cell phone and punched the #1 button.

“Yes?” a voice said after one ring.

“It’s as you feared.”

“Now is the time,” the voice responded.

“Allahu Akbar,” the man whispered and ended the call.

He took a deep breath, the kind a long jumper takes just before the approach, then punched the code on his phone.

He held his breath until the explosive detonated.

Then there was nothing but blackness that stretched into forever.

***

Excerpt from The Ignoble Lie by Matthew Peters. Copyright 2025 by Matthew Peters. Reproduced with permission from Matthew Peters. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Matthew Peters

Matthew Peters has a B.A. from Vassar College and an M.A., and Ph.D. from Duke University. He is a member of International Thriller Writers and currently resides in North Carolina. He is passionate about exploring religious, political, and socioeconomic issues from a variety of different perspectives and especially values the views put forth by marginalized groups or people. His writing involves a good deal of research, and he is committed to writing plausible novels, in the hope of giving readers food for thought.

Catch Up With Matthew Peters:

www.MatthewPetersBooks.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub - @matthewpeters
Instagram - @matthewpetersbooks
BlueSky - @matthewpetersitw.bsky.social

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!

Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

 

Enter Now for Your Chance to Win!

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Matthew Peters. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

Can't see the giveaway? Click Here!

 

 

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

 

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading The Ignoble Lie by Mathew Peters. This is the first book in the Of Gods & Men series.

A bombing at the pyramids of Giza is just the start of troubles for former Jesuit Scott Larson. Working with Aleister Mabrey and his two nieces, Zady and Brynn, the delivery of a religious artifact doesn't go as planned. When Brynn is kidnapped Scott and Zady begin a global treasure hunt for the ransom with vague clues. Who's pulling the strings? ISIS who claimed the bombing and promised more? The Roman Catholic Church? The United States government? Just who can they trust? With time running out will they be able to decipher the clues and find the treasure even if it will disrupt the entire Judeo-Christian world? Or will Brynn pay the ultimate price?

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

The Ignoble Lie - An Interview, Excerpt, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Matthew Peters to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Matthew writes the Of Gods & Men series. THE IGNOBLE LIE is the first book in the series and was released earlier this year.

Kathy: In THE IGNOBLE LIE ex-Jesuit Scott Larson and adventuress Zady Jones receive a series of mysterious clues that point to the existence of a shocking historical secret. What makes historical secrets and treasure hunting so intriguing?

MP: I think we, as humans, are curious about secrets. There is something very appealing about historical secrets, especially those involving conspiracies, that never seem to lose their allure. Life seems so incomprehensible, unbelievable, and/or irrational at times that people look for explanations outside the mainstream, especially when conventional answers seem unconvincing or trite. I think treasure hunting strikes a deep chord in most people because it fills us with a childlike hope that we will discover something that has eluded everyone else, something that is inherently valuable and perhaps life-altering. 

Kathy: I've always been interested in both Ancient Egypt and biblical archaeology. Did you have an interest in these subjects before writing this book? 

MP: I’ve been fascinated with ancient Egypt since I was a child. Both the architecture and the longevity of the pyramids have always amazed me. As I got older, I was struck by the sophistication of Egyptian culture—a culture so old, and so advanced just fascinated me. I became interested in biblical archaeology later in life, especially when I tried to understand the Bible as a series of historical documents. 

Kathy: I've read interesting stories about Moses, mainly that it can't be proven if he was a historical person or not. One theory holds that he was an Egyptian pharaoh. Do you have an opinion? 

MP: I do have an opinion. It’s one that’s explored in the book, so I’ll leave it at that for now 😊 

Kathy: Some of the political ideation of your fictional president seems to be true of some current politicians. Did today's political climate influence your thriller? 

MP: Absolutely. I’m a political scientist by training and so I’ve been inundated with the political climate for most of my adult life. One of the issues I’m particularly interested in is the intersection of politics and religion in American society. I know the old adage is not to discuss either of these topics in mixed company, but we live in an age in which I don’t think they have ever been more important. 

Kathy: What first drew you to thrillers? 

MP: I was drawn to thrillers because it’s the genre that best suits my research interests. I love researching my novels extensively, and I firmly believe that you should write what you love, topics that interest you enough to spend a long time with them, the time it takes to write a book. 

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres? 

MP: I’ve written another book in a different genre. It is literary fiction, with an element of magical realism. When it comes to reading fiction, it’s the type of book I enjoy most—with or without magical realism. I took the book, CONVERSATIONS AMONG RUINS, out of print with the intention of making it longer, but I haven’t done so yet. The book explores two topics that are very important to me: mental health and substance abuse. I’d very much like to work on it again, and hope I have the opportunity to do so in the not-too-distant future. 

Kathy: Tell us about your series. 

MP: Currently the series is about an ex-Jesuit and an adventuress who are trying to solve the mystery behind a series of violent events that seem connected, and involve a combustible mix of politics and religion. 

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

MP: That’s so hard to answer 😊 I really like the male and female protagonists who are interesting in different ways, but I also like a female senator who plays a large role in THE IGNOBLE LIE.

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

MP: I loved THE DA VINCI CODE, so I have to say that. 

Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work? 

MP: I thought the story was interesting and important enough to hopefully resonate with a number of different readers.

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

MP: I love this question! Dostoevsky, Hesse, Thomas Mann, and Truman Capote. Can you imagine?! 
 

Kathy: What are you currently reading? 

MP: A wonderful book on writing by the inimitable Brenda Ueland called IF YOU WANT TO WRITE. I’m rereading it for the umpteenth time because it never fails to inspire me when I’m writing a new novel. 

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

MP: Besides reading, movies, movies, and more movies. My wife and I own over 5,000 titles (both movies and TV shows)—we’ve essentially resurrected Blockbusters. My favorite genre is horror, but my interests are wide-ranging and include foreign films, musicals, and true crime. I also have to mention music. I listen to many genres, from classical to heavy metal. Right now, I’m really into Joy Division and Sigur Rós.

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

MP: Food: yummy. Crunchmaster crackers, smoked gouda, Hershey kisses, and Lays Kettle potato chips (plain). But my wife makes me eat healthy for lunch and dinner ☹ 

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

MP: I do. I’m currently writing the second book in the “Of Gods & Men” series. It should be available later next year. I’d love to continue the series for a while.

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

MP: I love doing research before I start writing, and I love exposing people to different perspectives, especially those outside the mainstream.

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

The Ignoble Lie by Matthew Peters Banner

THE IGNOBLE LIE

by Matthew Peters

July 7 - August 1, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

The Ignoble Lie by Matthew Peters

Of Gods & Men Series

 

What if the Ark of the Covenant isn’t a reference to the chest containing the Ten Commandments God revealed to Moses atop Mount Sinai?

What if it refers to the tomb of an Egyptian pharaoh whose contents would revolutionize religious history?

As ex-Jesuit Scott Larson and adventuress Zady Jones learn, such a discovery can be deadly.

A terrorist attack on the Great Pyramid of Giza ratchets up the tension in Washington, D.C., where President John Jenkins has been impeached for an order declaring the U.S. a Judeo-Christian nation. The terrorists threaten more attacks in Egypt and the U.S. unless their demand is met—and it’s something only Larson and Jones can give them. When the efforts to meet the terrorists’ demand goes awry and Zady’s sister is kidnapped, Larson and Jones race to save her. Along the way, they receive a series of mysterious clues that point to the existence of a shocking historical secret, one that could not only topple Jenkins’ presidency but upend Judeo-Christianity.

Praise for The Ignoble Lie:

"This fast-paced religious thriller will especially appeal to fans of The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Unlike that book, though, The Ignoble Lie digs deep into Biblical lore and ancient history, back to the origins of the historical Moses in ancient Egypt. If you like your thrillers seasoned with Church conspiracies, Egyptian archaeology, and murderous mercenaries, look no further. You won't be able to put it down."
~ Chris

"The Ignoble Lie by Matthew Peters is a sophisticated geopolitical thriller that intertwines religious history, political intrigue, and clandestine warfare... I loved the characters in The Ignoble Lie — believable and thoroughly explored. The prose, the sparkling dialogue, and the deft plotting are the elements that captivated me, together with the suspenseful storytelling. 5 Stars"
~ Christian Sia for Readers’ Favorite

Book Details:

Genre: Political/Religious thriller
Published by: Mélange Books
Publication Date: May 12, 2025
Number of Pages: 368
ISBN: 979-8886533712 (print)
Series: Of Gods & Men, Book 1
Book Links: Amazon | Apple Books | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | Mélange Books

Read an excerpt:

SUNDAY

Chapter 1

Under a spring sunset, the pyramids of Giza stood like pointed stone islands in a timeless sea of desert sand. At the northeast corner of the plateau, several armed guards perched atop camels at the base of the Great Pyramid of Khufu. The leader of the security force nodded as three lean bearded men garbed in long, white robes and carrying cameras and other electronic equipment approached. The trio formed a loose line and then trudged up the massive beige limestone blocks to the main entrance on the north face of the pyramid.

When they stepped inside, the cool air moved slightly like a palm frond breeze fanned by ancient servants. The men could still hear the hum of the generator outside as they made their way down a long, sloping, cramped corridor in the pale glow of the electric lighting. Following the metal conduit from the generator, they began climbing a longer passage. Their stated job was simple: set up the cameras needed to film the contents of the recently discovered room behind the west wall of the King’s Chamber, one of only two known chambers in the vast structure. Official filming by an international team would commence in the morning and the world would soon learn of the contents.

An hour later, one of the men burst out of the pyramid’s entrance covered in blood. Sweat drenched his brow as he bent over, his hands on his knees, trying desperately to suck oxygen into his lungs. Fortunately, the guards were not in sight. After a few moments, he raised himself to a fully standing position and wiped blood from his hands onto his dove-colored djellaba. He looked up at the sky beseechingly. The setting sun was glorious: red, orange, bronze. The scene was somehow new and final: the first sunset and the last. The celestial canvas suddenly looked like an unfolding scroll and for one fleeting moment on that scroll he saw painted what he’d glimpsed in the hidden room.

A golden rectangular chest with two winged lions with human heads on a peaked, shiny lid. Four gold rings were set into the bottom four feet, through which golden poles were placed for carrying. It was—

No, it couldn’t be...

Could it?

It was almost impossible to believe, but what if it was? After all, it looked exactly as it was described in the Torah, though that source couldn’t entirely be trusted.

But if there was even a chance that it was, no matter how small...

At least, that’s what they’d told him. And in the end, that was all that really mattered: what they had told him. Because the money that would go to his family was more than he could ever make in a whole lifetime.

With shaky hands, he fumbled for his cell phone and punched the #1 button.

“Yes?” a voice said after one ring.

“It’s as you feared.”

“Now is the time,” the voice responded.

“Allahu Akbar,” the man whispered and ended the call.

He took a deep breath, the kind a long jumper takes just before the approach, then punched the code on his phone.

He held his breath until the explosive detonated.

Then there was nothing but blackness that stretched into forever.

***

Excerpt from The Ignoble Lie by Matthew Peters. Copyright 2025 by Matthew Peters. Reproduced with permission from Matthew Peters. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Matthew Peters

Matthew Peters has a B.A. from Vassar College and an M.A., and Ph.D. from Duke University. He is a member of International Thriller Writers and currently resides in North Carolina. He is passionate about exploring religious, political, and socioeconomic issues from a variety of different perspectives and especially values the views put forth by marginalized groups or people. His writing involves a good deal of research, and he is committed to writing plausible novels, in the hope of giving readers food for thought.

Catch Up With Matthew Peters:

www.MatthewPetersBooks.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub - @matthewpeters
Instagram - @matthewpetersbooks
BlueSky - @matthewpetersitw.bsky.social

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!

Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

 

Enter Now for Your Chance to Win!

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Matthew Peters. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

Can't see the giveaway? Click Here!

 

 

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

 

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Icing on the Murder - A Guest Post, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Madison Montgomery to Cozy Up With Kathy today. You can find Maddy on the pages of the Baker Street Mystery series by Valerie Burns. ICING ON THE MURDER is the fourth book in the series and will be released next week.


My name’s Madison Montgomery, but everyone calls me Maddy. It’s been close to a year since I was dumped by my fiancé during our livestreamed wedding. At the time, I thought that was the most humiliating thing that ever happened to me. So, I was thankful when I learned that I’d inherited a house in New Bison, Michigan from my great aunt Octavia. I’d never heard of New Bison and figured it would be a great place to hide out for a while. Turns out my inheritance came with strings. Sure, I got a house. It’s lovely with views that overlook Lake Michigan. But, I also inherited my great aunt’s bakery, and her 250 lb English mastiff, Baby. Oh, and I have to live in the house, run the bakery and keep the dog for one year, or I lose everything. The only problem with this, is that I can’t cook. I can’t even boil water.

Thankfully, Great Aunt Octavia had two bakers who were willing and able to help keep things going, Miss Hannah and Leroy Danielson. I quickly crowned Leroy as my head baker, and thanks to my social media skills, Baby Cakes Bakery is #thriving. Miss Hannah’s grandson, Michael Portman, is Baby’s vet. He’s tall, dark, handsome, kind, and my dog loves him. He’s also the love of my life. So, when he proposed, I said YES. Now, I’ve got to plan another wedding. No way am I willing to do the livestream thing again, but I struggle with making decisions. Should I go with the ladderback chairs or the Chiavaris? I need help. Michael’s wonderful, but he has me on a tight budget which doesn’t leave room for a wedding planner. However, when I learn that famed wedding planner, Seraphina, is going to be giving her wedding planning services to one lucky couple at the New Bison Bridal Expo, I’m determined to win by any means necessary. When Seraphina is murdered, I need to figure out Whodunit or I’ll be wearing black and white stripes to my own wedding.

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

ICING ON THE MURDER by Valerie Burns
The Fourth Baker Street Mystery

Social media influencer and bakery shop owner Madison Montgomery is excited that a huge bridal expo is coming to New Bison, Michigan. Not only will she and her crew promote Baby Cakes Bakery, she'll also be able to check out all the nuptial possibilities for her own wedding. The biggest news is that Serafina, the hottest wedding planner in the world, is having a contest for one lucky bride to have a Serafina planned wedding. Afraid of too many bridal decisions Maddie is determined to win. Unfortunately, Serafina is a horrible woman who goes out of her way to make people miserable. Before a winner can be chosen Serafina is murdered, by Baby Cakes' skewers. Trooper Bob is ready to accuse Maddy, but with the expo and subsequent murder occurring at the casino, there's a question of jurisdiction.With little time for the Baker Street Irregulars to solve the crime, the friends divvy up the suspects. Will they solve the murder before it's too late?

I must admit I was behind in this series. I'm generally a stickler for reading series in order, but thought I'd jump in. Consequently, I was a bit confused at the start; Maddie getting married?! However, I soon got caught up and the mystery itself required no prior knowledge, so even if this is your first Baker Street Mystery you'll quickly get into the swing of things.

Perhaps because I'm older I have an issue with social media influencers. But what was really annoying me about Maddie was her inability to trust her own decisions and a need to have another influencer plan her own wedding, despite what her friends and fiancé said. Who cares about the types of chairs or how napkins are folded?! However, this series is one of growth and Maddie does have the ability to develop and grow. For all her insecurities she is smart and likable, although not as likable as Baby. Baby is a wonderful, slobbery, giant ball of love who is a valiant protector as well. The one thing I discovered that I did not like is that Maddie intends to use him as a stud. There are too many healthy animals who are killed as there are not enough homes and promoting breeding, even in a work of fiction, is wrong. Baby is one in a million, but Maddie should not see breeding him as a way to earn money!

I enjoyed the mystery. With a tyrant such as Serafina there were so many suspects. I enjoyed seeing the Baker Street Irregulars work their magic and find the killer. I also loved how the team worked together, not only in solving the crime, but also watching Maddie and Leroy working together to create new cake concepts! 

Bridal options, delicious food, and a 250 pound love bug make ICING ON THE MURDER a delectably fun mystery.

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 Icing on the Murder (A Baker Street Mystery) by Valerie Burns

About Icing on the Murder 

Icing on the Murder (A Baker Street Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 4th in Series
Setting - Michigan
Publisher: ‎ Kensington Cozies
Publication Date: ‎ July 29, 2025
Print length: ‎ 272 pages

Influencer-turned-bakery-owner Maddy Montgomery has sold plenty of wedding cakes before, but before she turns one out for her and her fiancé’s wedding, she’ll have to solve a little case of murder . . .

Aunt Octavia would be so proud! Maddy has turned Baby Cakes Bakery—named for her 250-pound English Mastiff, Baby—into a runaway success, and she’s marrying the love of her life, veterinarian Michael Portman. #DreamWedding! Plus the timing couldn’t be better: the country’s biggest bridal expo has come to New Bison, Michigan, and Maddy has secured a spot for Baby Cakes to showcase their cakes. She’s also entered a contest for an all-expenses-paid wedding extravaganza offered by world-renowned wedding planner Serafina.

Unfortunately, supremely nasty Serafina truly takes the cake—she makes the worst bridezilla seem like a shy flower girl. But there’s one thing the wedding planner didn’t plan on—being impaled by one of the skewers Baby Cakes uses on their tiered wedding cakes.

While Maid of Honor Sheriff April Johnson rounds up suspects at the expo, Maddy and her aunt’s friends, the Baker Street Irregulars, and even Baby join forces to unveil a killer hiding in plain sight . . . before wedding bells start to chime.

About Valerie Burns

Valerie (V. M.) Burns is an Agatha and Edgar Award-nominated author. She is the author of the Mystery Bookshop, Dog Club, RJ Franklin, and Baker Street Mystery series. As Kallie E. Benjamin, Valerie writes the Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery series. She is an adjunct professor in the Writing Popular Fiction Program at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA, and a mentor in the Pocket MFA program. Born and raised in northwestern Indiana, Valerie now lives in Northern Georgia with her two poodles. Connect with Valerie at vmburns.com.

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/  

Website: vmburns.com  

Purchase Links : Amazon - Apple - Books A Million - Barnes & Noble - Bookshop. Org - Google Play - Hudson Booksellers - KOBO - Target - Walmart   

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Friday, July 18, 2025

Death and the Runaways - A Review

 Review

DEATH AND THE RUNAWAYS by Heather Redmond
The Third Mary Shelley Mystery 

On a hot June day in 1814 most of London is celebrating the peace treaty with France with parades and an influx of dignitaries. Mary Godwin and her step-sister, Jane, are surprised to see their brother Charles with Winnet Davies who works in the cheese shop. They also overhear her trying to get him to buy her a dress! Charles who is as poor as the entire family! By the next day Miss Davies is dead and Charles is missing. Mary and Jane, encouraged by Mrs. Godwin and with help of Percy Shelley start the search for Charles and an investigation into the life of Miss Davies. Trouble looms as Mary and Percy grow closer. A Bow Street Runner has designs on Mary and a killer has only begun. 

Drama ramps up even higher in this, the third Mary Shelley Mystery. We not only have a murder and a missing brother, but the increased intimacy between Mary and Shelley and the subsequent familial fallout. I'm still astonished at the family dynamics with the Godwins. I find it intriguing and makes me want to delve deeper to learn more. The manner in which Mary was treated by her step mother as well as the way Mary idolized her own mother makes it easy to see why Mary was so drawn to Shelley and makes their subsequent actions reasonable. It's also fascinating to see his desire and need to be a hero, "rescuing" both of his wives. It was also curious adding a fictional suitor into the mix for Mary and everyone's reactions.

There were many intriguing layers to the mystery in DEATH AND THE RUNAWAYS. I enjoyed seeing how Mary, Jane, and Shelley investigated and seethed at Mrs. Godwin's behavior. With the story again alternating between Mary and Jane's points of view I find myself pondering the differences between these two young women. Jane has several issues and I must say I'm not overly fond of her. I'm curious as to how true this fictional Jane is to her real life counterpoint. I've always been fascinated by Shelley and once again I'm inclined to do even more research on Mary.

A lecherous cheesemonger, a villainous street hustler, and a devious enterprise bring Mary and Shelley closer in DEATH AND THE RUNAWAYS a riveting historical mystery that will have you at the edge of your seat while providing a unique reason for the trio to leave London. I can't recommend this series enough, especially if you'd like to take a deep dive in the real lives of Mary and Percy Bysshe Shelley. 

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Currently Reading...

I just finished reading Death and the Runaways by Heather Redmond. This book is the third in the Mary Shelley Mystery series and will be released next week.

On a hot June day in 1814 most of London is celebrating the peace treaty with France with parades and an influx of dignitaries. Mary Godwin and her step-sister, Jane, are surprised to see their brother Charles with Winnet Davies who works in the cheese shop. They also overhear her trying to get him to buy her a dress! Charles who is as poor as the entire family! By the next day Miss Davies is dead and Charles is missing. Mary and Jane, encouraged by Mrs. Godwin and with help of Percy Shelley start the search for Charles and an investigation into the life of Miss Davies. Trouble looms as Mary and Percy grow closer. A Bow Street Runner has designs on Mary and a killer has only begun.

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

A Death on Corfu - A Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on a book that's been waiting patiently on my TBR pile. A Death on Corfu by Emily Sullivan is the first book in the Minnie Harper Mystery series and was released at the end of April this year.

Blurb: 

Minnie Harper isn’t used to putting herself first. Not after she moved away from England only to be left raising two children alone on the Greek Island of Corfu following her husband’s unexpected death. But with her daughter begging to be sent to school abroad and her son grasping at his own independence, Minnie realizes she must prepare for the next stage of her life.

When famous mystery author Stephen Dorian settles into a neighboring villa to escape writer’s block and hidden scandals, she is intrigued at first by the handsome Londoner—until he proves to be nothing more than a boorish grump. Determined to avoid the man as much as possible, Minnie is shocked when he offers her a well-paid job as his typist. She isn’t in a position to turn down work, even from a man she has sworn to hate.

But before Minnie can fully regret her decision to take the job, she makes a horrifying discovery that changes everything. A young maid has been murdered, and local authorities aren’t moving fast enough to bring justice to the terrible crime. Unwilling to allow the death to fade into obscurity like the stories of so many other women deemed unworthy by society, Minnie launches an investigation of her own—and reluctantly accepts Stephen’s help. As she embarks on a dangerous search for answers that reveals another side of Corfu, unsettling questions take shape about her employer-turned-confidant and the culprit who just might do whatever it takes to strike again . . .