As the new year begins I thought we could do with some advice for the year ahead. I posed the question to several characters from mystery series and this is what they said:
“Happiness in life is not about getting what you want, it’s about loving what you get.”
~ Zell, eighty-one-year-old amateur sleuth in the Magical Mystery Book Club series by Elizabeth Pantley. CAROUSELS AND CHARACTERS will release January 15th. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGVX668R
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Advice from Ella Shane's hard-working Irish Aunt Ellen:
"When in doubt, do something constructive."
Mentioned in A Fatal Reception, the most recent Ella Shane mystery, recently named to the 2024 Reviewer Favorites list at Aunt Agatha's, available here: A Fatal Reception: An Ella Shane Mystery a book by Kathleen Maple Kalb
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The new year is a chance to refresh and recharge. Like a well-balanced meal, make sure to nourish every part of yourself—your mind, body, and spirit. Cook a meal that brings you joy, share it with those you love, and savor every moment. Food, like a good book, has the power to bring people together and create lasting memories.
Allie Katz from the Literary Dining Mysteries by Daryl Wood Gerber
https://darylwoodgerber.com/
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Advice from Jitty from the Sarah Booth Delaney series by Carolyn Haines --
"Don't come a knockin' if the van is rockin'."
https://carolynhaines.com/
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Until recently, I haven't had many successes in my life, unlike my twin sister, Allie. Oddly, I never give up hope. At New Year's, I like to remind myself, as Scarlett did, "Tomorrow is another day." Anything can happen - in love, at the wine bar I manage, or with solving the occasional homicide that presents itself - and it might be something good.
Cece Barton
DEADLY CRUSH by Edith Maxwell, which released in November, is the second Cece Barton Mystery from Kensington Publishing.
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Advice for 2025 from Jocie Müller, Age 10, from Vintage Kitchen Mysteries by Victoria Hamilton:
"You can never make too many puns. Did you know that there's this kid in my class who collects candy canes? They're all in mint condition! Do you know what I use to write my puns? A pun-cil! So... make more puns in 2025. It's going to be a particularly punny year."
Watch for Jocie and the whole family in the latest Vintage Kitchen Mystery, 'Cat Got Your Tongs' coming from Victoria Hamilton Mysteries in March, 2025!
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Declan from the "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery series by A. J. Devlin has this to say:
“At least I ain’t afraid o’usin’ me balls!”
This is what Declan says to get Jed to take the case in
Bronco Buster — it’s also a pretty spot on take on his outlook on life —
“quit being’ a wanker and ‘man up’ might be the take away underneath
the Irish slang.
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Hello and Happy New Year! My name is Lucy Berberian. I’m taking a break as manager from my family’s Mediterranean restaurant, Kebab Kitchen, to ponder my New Year’s resolution. This year, after a lot of thought, I decided to try something different. Instead of my typical “eat healthier and lose extra pounds” resolution (because working in a restaurant is too tempting), I decided to pick a cause that’s special to me and regularly volunteer to help others. I wish you all a happy and healthy 2025!
The Kebab Kitchen Mysteries by Tina Kashian
http://tinakashian.com/
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"Last year was a bit rough in Watchogue, but tough years always end, and new years always begin, bringing their own share of ups and downs, their own challenges and successes. My advice would be, remember the good times and celebrate your victories, even the small ones."
--Danika Delaney -
The Coffee & Cream Mystery series by Lena Gregory
http://www.lenagregory.com/
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If I were to recommend the cultivation of any one virtue in the New Year, it would be the practice of mindful listening. I think there's always a temptation to be the speaker, the entertainer, the one soaking up the limelight, but it is in the practice of listening to others that we gain understanding and empathy of our human nature. It's aided me tremendously in my writing, opened the door to many new friendships, and even helped me solve a murder or two along the way.
Jessica Fletcher and Barbara Early
Murder, She Wrote: Snowy with a Chance of Murder by Jessica Fletcher, Barbara Early: 9780593820049 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
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“Survive everything—and do it with style.”
~ With love from "Madame" of The Coffeehouse Mysteries by Cleo Coyle
New Release Coming April 2025: No Roast for the Weary
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Pay attention to your dogs and cats. They sense things that we don’t.
From Holly Miller, the protagonist in THE WAGTAIL MURDER CLUB by Krista Davis, coming on February 4th.
https://www.kristadavis.com/
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My mom Eileen always tells me, “Don’t borrow trouble, Kate.” I have no idea what she means—with our family, trouble is on permanent loan!
—Kate Buckley, THE JIG IS UP by Lisa Q. Mathews
https://www.lisaqmathews.com/
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As for me, I'll encourage you to take time for yourself, enjoy life as best you can, and to paraphrase Declan-use your balls!
