By Hook or By Crook - A Review, Excerpt, & Giveaway

 Review

 

BY HOOK OR BY CROOK by Misty Simon
The First Charmed Inn Mystery 

Roxy Gleason comes from a gifted family. Her Aunt Helen is a respected tasseomancer capable of leading seances while Uncle Vince can scry. Roxy is not as happy being a bibliomancer. Getting cryptic phrases from books she feels that her gift is passive and not always correct. The family not only share paranormal gifts, they also run the Charmed Inn. This weekend they're hosting the writers group that has been visiting annually for decades. When Roxy takes a walk before the welcoming dinner she sees one of her guests on the deck of the ferry, a place he shouldn't have been. When she tells him he needs to move, she discovers he's dead. Now the officer in charge thinks Roxy is involved, the writer's group are chomping at the bit to investigate, and Roxy is getting messages from her books. Will she be able to find the real killer, prove her innocence, all while successfully managing her inn?

A gathering of writers, a family well versed in divination, a possible lost treasure, and murder make for a delightful debut to a new mystery series. Roxy is charming, self deprecating, and an all around fun protagonist. I love how she keeps saying Dean is her best friend, but nothing else. And just when I thought things may be percolating, I got very, very worried. 

As Roxy tries to solve the murder she also tries to get to the bottom of a few other things, notably her bibliomancy and what happened between her aunt and uncle that has them always at loggerheads. The more Roxy tries to solve the murder the more mysteries pop up! 

Murder with a hint of romance and brushed with the paranormal BY HOOK OR BY CROOK is an entertaining and engaging mystery. I enjoyed getting to know the wonderful characters and I can't wait to see Roxy learn and appreciate her gift even more.

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

 

BY HOOK OR BY BOOK

by Misty Simon

June 2-27, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

The Charmed Inn Mysteries

 

Roxy Gleason, an innkeeper by trade and a bibliomancer by birth, has lived in the same small town on the Susquehanna River in Central Pennsylvania for her entire life. Tradition is strong here. Roxy understands the rules and is willing to play by them most of the time. She runs the Charmed Inn, which has been in her family for decades.

The inn is all set to host a writers’ professional business weekend that’s been planned down to the very last hand-folded napkin, and Roxy is ready for the influx of creatives. She knows she’ll have a lot of different and sometimes unusual personalities to deal with, but this is a yearly function, so she’s not expecting anything to go awry.

Her expectations are completely tanked when she finds a dead body on her daily walk by the river’s shore. Owen Schultz had checked in for the conference a few hours ago, and she’d last seen him having tea with her aunt in the dining room.

How did he get down here on the ferry, and who killed him?

Fans of Lucy Score, Melissa F. Miller, Dianne Harman, Lynn Cahoon, Deany Ray, Kathi Daley, and Merryn Allingham will enjoy Misty Simon.

Book Details:

Genre: Rom Cozy (Paranormal Cozy mystery with Romantic elements)
Published by: Rowan Prose Publishing
Publication Date: June 3, 2025
Number of Pages: 300
ASIN: B0D98KM21B
Series: The Charmed Inn Mysteries, Book 1
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub | Goodreads

Books 2 & 3 of The Charmed Inn Mysteries are due out later this year:

Learn More: Amazon & Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

Chapter 1

They called him Cheezy Rider—and with good cause.

I stood at the wide front window of the Charmed Inn with a cup of coffee in hand. I watched my great uncle toddling around the corner onto Chestnut Street, pedaling steadily on his old Beach Comber. The picture he made was something to behold. His bright orange vest perfectly matched the small caution flag waving from a tall pole attached to the back of the bike. His silver bullet helmet matched his thinning silver hair peeking out from underneath. But nothing matched his teal and red-flowered Hawaiian shirt.

His legs, covered in khakis, pumped away as he came up the block waving to anyone who happened to be on the short street in our small town on the shore of the Susquehanna River. The bicycle had a big wire basket on the front that he filled with a box of donuts from Delilah’s Donuts every day, a place that had been in the same family for seventy-five years, like so many other businesses here. Those donuts were heading right for my work and then right to my hips. But I had never said no to pastry, and I wasn’t going to start today. In fact, I needed the pick-me-up. Things were busy at the inn, with everyone checking in for the writers’ extended working weekend, and sugar was always welcome. The staff wouldn’t say no, either.

“I’m going to take a break,” I said to my Aunt Hellen as I passed her in the hallway leading to the dining room. She was technically my great aunt, and she could keep things moving for a few minutes while I stepped out into the beautiful April afternoon sunshine. What I really wanted to say was that I was trying not to break, but that wouldn’t be good for business. It had been one heck of a morning already, and I needed a moment to collect myself in the downtime before the festivities really began. Donuts were a great distraction, even if my erstwhile uncle did bring them every day.

“All righty, Ms. Mighty!” Aunt Hellen yelled back. This highly respected tasseomancer and seance-leader had a set of lungs that should never be allowed near a microphone. “I just finished having tea with Owen, so I’m free if you want to go on your walk, too. His phone rang in the middle of our tea, and it must have been important because he hightailed it out the door after making an excuse.” She situated herself behind the desk and placed her hands on the computer screen like it might fly away if she didn’t keep it locked down. “Hey, one thing before you go.”

I held steady, waiting for the inevitable question. My life seemed to be filled with questions.

“What kind of afternoon do you think we’re going to have? Should I restock the printer?”

Showing my teeth in what should have been a smile, I flipped open the book I held in my other hand, shaking my head at the ridiculousness of it all. Why, oh why, did I have to have this particular book with me? And why was my aunt always trying to force me to use my “gift”? I had no real power to do anything, just predict the future or get guidance from the text. Sometimes it was right, sometimes not. Either way, it was not high-powered magic in the least.

While poking my finger at the text, I said, “No need to stock the printer, but be prepared to deal with many irritations.” There’s nothing like trying to give a vague answer to a mundane question when the page you opened to was a spicy-hot scene between the hero and heroine in a recently released romance novel.

“I could have told you that. You have to try harder if you want to own your power, Roxanne Gleason. This is not a game.” Peering at me over her bifocals, she twitched the classic “Mom finger” in my general direction and then tsked.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, but only because I knew it wouldn’t do me any good. It would probably get me a lecture, and I didn’t have time for that today. Plus, those donuts were calling my name.

“Yes, Aunt Hellen. Sorry, Aunt Hellen.”

“Cheeky,” she said under her breath, but I still heard it and smiled.

“Is Owen’s nephew here yet?”

“No, Owen said he had to back out at the last minute, so we have a free room if we need it.”

I sighed because as much as I liked Andrew, that was one less eccentric I’d have to deal with. Owen was a character all on his own, but he knew when to rein it in, Andrew not so much. Plus, his room would still get paid for even if he wasn’t going to use it.

“Okay, thanks for letting me know. Keep an eye out for Paddy McGruver,” I said. “He hasn’t checked in yet, and sometimes he likes to come in the back door to avoid what he assumes are the paparazzi.”

“Oh my, Paddy’s coming in today? Will he be here all four days?” Aunt Hellen smoothed down the front of her shirt over what she jokingly called her shelf since it pretty much caught any crumbs she dropped while eating. She then pulled her peach cardigan closed over her stomach.

“Yes, and yes. Try to keep your hands to yourself this time. You read tea leaves, not rumps. No one is falling for that I’m-a-rumpologist-bit, no matter how hard you try to sell it.”

With that, I walked out the door and left her to primp and prime herself for one of the more problematic creatives who was going to be here for four whole days. Well, not quite four, since it was more like seventy-two total hours from check-in to check-out. But who was counting?

With ten of the writers showcasing their intelligence and posturing over who had the best book and which classes were not to be missed, it would be enough time for me to need a vacation afterward.

The hotel hosted this event every year, but this was my first as the owner of this fine establishment. I had been told to give myself the seven days following the event to only host boring people, so I could rest, relax, and restore my faith in down-to-earth people. I had taken the advice since it had come from the previous owner, my grandfather. We would have guests checking in on Sunday after everyone left, but there wouldn’t be a pen and paper or laptop in sight as far as the guest list went. I had made sure of it.

Uncle Vince was racking his bike at the side of the building and removing his helmet when I stepped out onto the wide veranda that encircled the inn. I looked forward to his visits and had for all the years he’d been in my life. I wasn’t sure exactly how far away on my dad’s family tree he was, just that he was there and always had been.

He was like a beacon in the middle of the day, everyone stopping as they strolled along the sidewalks to say hi and ask about his health. It kept him busy until I could reach him, which worked in my favor. As long as he didn’t give away any of my donuts.

“I see you got two boxes this time,” I said as I approached the old man in his loud get-up.

“Roxy, my love, my dove, how are we on this fine afternoon?” His smile was far cheekier than anything I had ever sported, and I immediately wondered what he was up to. It was almost never good. Or rather, it usually was good for someone but almost never good for me.

“What are you hiding?”

He slapped his hand to his chest and feigned hurt. “I would never -”

“You do. Always,” I shot back, but a smile was trying to come out on my lips that I did not want to give in to. If I indulged him, he always had to see exactly how far he could take it.

“I’m offended.”

“Only because I’m catching you before you can even begin. Hand over the donuts, and I might be able to see my way to just watching for any missteps instead of thwarting you before you even get started.”

At first, he looked defeated, but I knew for a fact that was a lie. He’d just figure out a different way to get around me. It was a game he liked to play, and since he was an uncle and someone who had watched over me since I was a toddler, I knew, and so did he, that I had a weak spot for him and his antics. As long as they didn’t hurt anyone.

Sure enough, that smile popped back out on his face. As I knew it would.

“I saw you in my scrying bowl this morning.”

Ack, that was the last thing I wanted him to say. I would have preferred almost anything else, even the practical jokes he sometimes liked to indulge in. He wasn’t very good at them, but I laughed, even if it was just a big fake spider on my porch. His visions were some of my biggest fears, though. Or it might be better to say his visions had brought about many of my stumbles in life.

***

Excerpt from By Hook or By Book by Misty Simon. Copyright 2025 by Misty Simon. Reproduced with permission from Misty Simon. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Misty Simon always wanted to be a storyteller…preferably behind a Muppet. Animal was number one, followed closely by Sherlock Hemlock… Since that dream didn’t come true, she began writing stories to share her world with readers, one laugh at a time.

Touching people’s hearts and funny bones are two of her favorite things, and she hopes everyone at least snickers in the right places when reading her books. She lives with her husband in Central Pennsylvania where she is hard at work on her next novel or three. She loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at misty@mistysimon.com.

Catch Up With Misty Simon:

MistySimon.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub - @MistySimon
Instagram - @mistysimonwrites
Threads - @mistysimonwrites
Facebook - @misty.simon.18

 

 

Tour Participants:

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

---

1. 06/02 Jodys Bookish Haven BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Showcase

2. 06/02 The Mystery of Writing BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Guest post

3. 06/03 Country Mamas With Kids HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

4. 06/04 Books, Ramblings, and Tea BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Showcase

5. 06/04 books_and_biewers BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

6. 06/05 Sapphyrias Books BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

7. 06/06 Miss W Book Reviews BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

8. 06/07 Bibliophile Foodie BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

9. 06/08 The AR Critique BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

10. 06/09 Nanas Book Reviews BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

11. 06/10 Cozy Up With Kathy BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Interview

12. 06/11 Celticladys Reviews BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Showcase

13. 06/12 Book Reviews From an Avid Reader BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

14. 06/13 Cozy Up With Kathy BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

15. 06/13 Its All About the Book BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

16. 06/14 Boys Mom Reads! BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

17. 06/15 From the TBR Pile BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

18. 06/16 fuonlyknew BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Showcase

19. 06/17 My Beauty My Books BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

20. 06/18 Cozy Home Delight Book Reviews BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

21. 06/19 Scrapping and playing BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

22. 06/20 Hall Ways Blog BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Showcase

23. 06/25 Novels Alive BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

24. 06/26 Tartan Teapots and Books Croft BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

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Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading By Hook or By Book by Misty Simon. This is the first book in the Charmed Inn Mystery series and was released last week.

Roxy Gleason comes from a gifted family. Her Aunt Helen is a respected tasseomancer capable of leading seances while Uncle Vince can scry. Roxy is not as happy being a bibliomancer. Getting cryptic phrases from books she feels that her gift is passive and not always correct. The family not only share paranormal gifts, they also run the Charmed Inn. This weekend they're hosting the writers group that has been visiting annually for decades. When Roxy takes a walk before the welcoming dinner she sees one of her guests on the deck of the ferry, a place he shouldn't have been. When she tells him he needs to move, she discovers he's dead. Now the officer in charge thinks Roxy is involved, the writer's group are chomping at the bit to investigate, and Roxy is getting messages from her books. Will she be able to find the real killer, prove her innocence, all while successfully managing her inn?

By Hook or By Book - An Interview, Excerpt, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Misty Simon to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Misty writes the Charmed Inn Mystery series. BY HOOK OR BY BOOK is the first book in the series and was released last week. Be sure to come back on Friday when I'll post my review.

 

Kathy: In BY HOOK OR BY BOOK we meet Roxy Gleason, an innkeeper by trade and a bibliomancer by birth. I practice many forms of divination, why choose bibliomancy for Roxy?

MS: This idea actually came to me almost twenty years ago when I was writing a different book and researching the different kinds of Mancers. Since I love to read I thought that this particular kind of divination would be a lot of fun to play with because of the wide variety of books she’d be able to access information in. 

Kathy: Roxy lives on the Susquehanna River in Central Pennsylvania where tradition is strong. Do you come from a place, or family, with strong traditions? 

MS: Yes, I do, and I love it! I’m actually related to quite a few people within a twenty-mile radius around here. When we did family reunions back in the day, there were over four hundred of us. That can’t be held at a church pavilion so we’d rent a small local amusement park. Family and the fun of living in a small town fuels so much of my writing. 

Kathy: Roxy's inn is all set to host a writers’ professional business weekend. Have you ever attended similar events? Did they influence this mystery? 

MS: I do a bunch of larger writers’ conferences but I really wanted to be able to focus down on a smaller scale, so I chose to do the business weekend. Plus, with writers you often have a wide variety of personalities and quirks. It made for wonderful mystery fodder! 


Kathy: Tell us about your series. 

MS: Oh, I don’t know if you want me to talk about all my series since there are currently seven I have running! This one though is a lot of fun in that we have Roxy who is the quintessential white sheep in a family of black sheep. Being able to watch her grow in her talent as well as in her relationships while running the inn on the Susquehanna has been a blast. 


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work? 

MS: I really wanted to be able to share my stories with people and my view of the world. I call myself Calgon (which I know totally ages me but I’m here for it) because I’m here to take you away. I love to make people laugh and sigh and play the game of whodunnit with me.

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

MS: Oh I absolutely love to make positive inspirational swag from eyeglass cleaners to Sassinator bags to yetis with swords to help you with editing. It’s a huge joy for me to watch people love the little things I make to shine some light in their world.


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

MS: Absolutely! This is the first of three contracted books in this series. I also have more books to write in the Sunny Side Up Mysteries, Horsing Around Mysteries, Tallie Graver Mysteries, and Magically Suspicious Mysteries. I’m scheduled out for quite some time but I love every second and every sleuth!

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

 

BY HOOK OR BY BOOK

by Misty Simon

June 2-27, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

The Charmed Inn Mysteries

 

Roxy Gleason, an innkeeper by trade and a bibliomancer by birth, has lived in the same small town on the Susquehanna River in Central Pennsylvania for her entire life. Tradition is strong here. Roxy understands the rules and is willing to play by them most of the time. She runs the Charmed Inn, which has been in her family for decades.

The inn is all set to host a writers’ professional business weekend that’s been planned down to the very last hand-folded napkin, and Roxy is ready for the influx of creatives. She knows she’ll have a lot of different and sometimes unusual personalities to deal with, but this is a yearly function, so she’s not expecting anything to go awry.

Her expectations are completely tanked when she finds a dead body on her daily walk by the river’s shore. Owen Schultz had checked in for the conference a few hours ago, and she’d last seen him having tea with her aunt in the dining room.

How did he get down here on the ferry, and who killed him?

Fans of Lucy Score, Melissa F. Miller, Dianne Harman, Lynn Cahoon, Deany Ray, Kathi Daley, and Merryn Allingham will enjoy Misty Simon.

Book Details:

Genre: Rom Cozy (Paranormal Cozy mystery with Romantic elements)
Published by: Rowan Prose Publishing
Publication Date: June 3, 2025
Number of Pages: 300
ASIN: B0D98KM21B
Series: The Charmed Inn Mysteries, Book 1
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub | Goodreads

Books 2 & 3 of The Charmed Inn Mysteries are due out later this year:

Learn More: Amazon & Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

Chapter 1

They called him Cheezy Rider—and with good cause.

I stood at the wide front window of the Charmed Inn with a cup of coffee in hand. I watched my great uncle toddling around the corner onto Chestnut Street, pedaling steadily on his old Beach Comber. The picture he made was something to behold. His bright orange vest perfectly matched the small caution flag waving from a tall pole attached to the back of the bike. His silver bullet helmet matched his thinning silver hair peeking out from underneath. But nothing matched his teal and red-flowered Hawaiian shirt.

His legs, covered in khakis, pumped away as he came up the block waving to anyone who happened to be on the short street in our small town on the shore of the Susquehanna River. The bicycle had a big wire basket on the front that he filled with a box of donuts from Delilah’s Donuts every day, a place that had been in the same family for seventy-five years, like so many other businesses here. Those donuts were heading right for my work and then right to my hips. But I had never said no to pastry, and I wasn’t going to start today. In fact, I needed the pick-me-up. Things were busy at the inn, with everyone checking in for the writers’ extended working weekend, and sugar was always welcome. The staff wouldn’t say no, either.

“I’m going to take a break,” I said to my Aunt Hellen as I passed her in the hallway leading to the dining room. She was technically my great aunt, and she could keep things moving for a few minutes while I stepped out into the beautiful April afternoon sunshine. What I really wanted to say was that I was trying not to break, but that wouldn’t be good for business. It had been one heck of a morning already, and I needed a moment to collect myself in the downtime before the festivities really began. Donuts were a great distraction, even if my erstwhile uncle did bring them every day.

“All righty, Ms. Mighty!” Aunt Hellen yelled back. This highly respected tasseomancer and seance-leader had a set of lungs that should never be allowed near a microphone. “I just finished having tea with Owen, so I’m free if you want to go on your walk, too. His phone rang in the middle of our tea, and it must have been important because he hightailed it out the door after making an excuse.” She situated herself behind the desk and placed her hands on the computer screen like it might fly away if she didn’t keep it locked down. “Hey, one thing before you go.”

I held steady, waiting for the inevitable question. My life seemed to be filled with questions.

“What kind of afternoon do you think we’re going to have? Should I restock the printer?”

Showing my teeth in what should have been a smile, I flipped open the book I held in my other hand, shaking my head at the ridiculousness of it all. Why, oh why, did I have to have this particular book with me? And why was my aunt always trying to force me to use my “gift”? I had no real power to do anything, just predict the future or get guidance from the text. Sometimes it was right, sometimes not. Either way, it was not high-powered magic in the least.

While poking my finger at the text, I said, “No need to stock the printer, but be prepared to deal with many irritations.” There’s nothing like trying to give a vague answer to a mundane question when the page you opened to was a spicy-hot scene between the hero and heroine in a recently released romance novel.

“I could have told you that. You have to try harder if you want to own your power, Roxanne Gleason. This is not a game.” Peering at me over her bifocals, she twitched the classic “Mom finger” in my general direction and then tsked.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, but only because I knew it wouldn’t do me any good. It would probably get me a lecture, and I didn’t have time for that today. Plus, those donuts were calling my name.

“Yes, Aunt Hellen. Sorry, Aunt Hellen.”

“Cheeky,” she said under her breath, but I still heard it and smiled.

“Is Owen’s nephew here yet?”

“No, Owen said he had to back out at the last minute, so we have a free room if we need it.”

I sighed because as much as I liked Andrew, that was one less eccentric I’d have to deal with. Owen was a character all on his own, but he knew when to rein it in, Andrew not so much. Plus, his room would still get paid for even if he wasn’t going to use it.

“Okay, thanks for letting me know. Keep an eye out for Paddy McGruver,” I said. “He hasn’t checked in yet, and sometimes he likes to come in the back door to avoid what he assumes are the paparazzi.”

“Oh my, Paddy’s coming in today? Will he be here all four days?” Aunt Hellen smoothed down the front of her shirt over what she jokingly called her shelf since it pretty much caught any crumbs she dropped while eating. She then pulled her peach cardigan closed over her stomach.

“Yes, and yes. Try to keep your hands to yourself this time. You read tea leaves, not rumps. No one is falling for that I’m-a-rumpologist-bit, no matter how hard you try to sell it.”

With that, I walked out the door and left her to primp and prime herself for one of the more problematic creatives who was going to be here for four whole days. Well, not quite four, since it was more like seventy-two total hours from check-in to check-out. But who was counting?

With ten of the writers showcasing their intelligence and posturing over who had the best book and which classes were not to be missed, it would be enough time for me to need a vacation afterward.

The hotel hosted this event every year, but this was my first as the owner of this fine establishment. I had been told to give myself the seven days following the event to only host boring people, so I could rest, relax, and restore my faith in down-to-earth people. I had taken the advice since it had come from the previous owner, my grandfather. We would have guests checking in on Sunday after everyone left, but there wouldn’t be a pen and paper or laptop in sight as far as the guest list went. I had made sure of it.

Uncle Vince was racking his bike at the side of the building and removing his helmet when I stepped out onto the wide veranda that encircled the inn. I looked forward to his visits and had for all the years he’d been in my life. I wasn’t sure exactly how far away on my dad’s family tree he was, just that he was there and always had been.

He was like a beacon in the middle of the day, everyone stopping as they strolled along the sidewalks to say hi and ask about his health. It kept him busy until I could reach him, which worked in my favor. As long as he didn’t give away any of my donuts.

“I see you got two boxes this time,” I said as I approached the old man in his loud get-up.

“Roxy, my love, my dove, how are we on this fine afternoon?” His smile was far cheekier than anything I had ever sported, and I immediately wondered what he was up to. It was almost never good. Or rather, it usually was good for someone but almost never good for me.

“What are you hiding?”

He slapped his hand to his chest and feigned hurt. “I would never -”

“You do. Always,” I shot back, but a smile was trying to come out on my lips that I did not want to give in to. If I indulged him, he always had to see exactly how far he could take it.

“I’m offended.”

“Only because I’m catching you before you can even begin. Hand over the donuts, and I might be able to see my way to just watching for any missteps instead of thwarting you before you even get started.”

At first, he looked defeated, but I knew for a fact that was a lie. He’d just figure out a different way to get around me. It was a game he liked to play, and since he was an uncle and someone who had watched over me since I was a toddler, I knew, and so did he, that I had a weak spot for him and his antics. As long as they didn’t hurt anyone.

Sure enough, that smile popped back out on his face. As I knew it would.

“I saw you in my scrying bowl this morning.”

Ack, that was the last thing I wanted him to say. I would have preferred almost anything else, even the practical jokes he sometimes liked to indulge in. He wasn’t very good at them, but I laughed, even if it was just a big fake spider on my porch. His visions were some of my biggest fears, though. Or it might be better to say his visions had brought about many of my stumbles in life.

***

Excerpt from By Hook or By Book by Misty Simon. Copyright 2025 by Misty Simon. Reproduced with permission from Misty Simon. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Misty Simon always wanted to be a storyteller…preferably behind a Muppet. Animal was number one, followed closely by Sherlock Hemlock… Since that dream didn’t come true, she began writing stories to share her world with readers, one laugh at a time.

Touching people’s hearts and funny bones are two of her favorite things, and she hopes everyone at least snickers in the right places when reading her books. She lives with her husband in Central Pennsylvania where she is hard at work on her next novel or three. She loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at misty@mistysimon.com.

Catch Up With Misty Simon:

MistySimon.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub - @MistySimon
Instagram - @mistysimonwrites
Threads - @mistysimonwrites
Facebook - @misty.simon.18

 

 

Tour Participants:

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

---

1. 06/02 Jodys Bookish Haven BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Showcase

2. 06/02 The Mystery of Writing BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Guest post

3. 06/03 Country Mamas With Kids HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

4. 06/04 Books, Ramblings, and Tea BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Showcase

5. 06/04 books_and_biewers BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

6. 06/05 Sapphyrias Books BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

7. 06/06 Miss W Book Reviews BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

8. 06/07 Bibliophile Foodie BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

9. 06/08 The AR Critique BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

10. 06/09 Nanas Book Reviews BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

11. 06/10 Cozy Up With Kathy BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Interview

12. 06/11 Celticladys Reviews BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Showcase

13. 06/12 Book Reviews From an Avid Reader BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

14. 06/13 Cozy Up With Kathy BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

15. 06/13 Its All About the Book BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

16. 06/14 Boys Mom Reads! BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

17. 06/15 From the TBR Pile BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

18. 06/16 fuonlyknew BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Showcase

19. 06/17 My Beauty My Books BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

20. 06/18 Cozy Home Delight Book Reviews BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

21. 06/19 Scrapping and playing BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

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24. 06/26 Tartan Teapots and Books Croft BY HOOK OR BY BOOK Review

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Campfires and Corpses - An Interview, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Nikki Weber to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Nikki writes the Maine Campground Mystery series. CAMPFIRES AND CORPSES is the first book in the series and was released

 

Kathy: In CAMPFIRES AND CORPSES Noelle Cooper returns to rural Maine to run her family’s campground. I admit I am not a fan of camping, only having gone a handful of times as a kid and then as a young adult. Did you grow up camping? Is it something you love?

NW: Ha! What a great question! I did grow up camping, but I’ve only slept on the ground in a tent a handful of times in my life. My parents purchased a tow-along camping trailer when I was five or six, and that is my preferred method of camping. I am not great at “roughing it”, but I do love the sense of community and camaraderie amongst campers. Also, there are always a lot of dogs around, which makes any day a good day. 


Kathy: Noelle stumbles upon the body of her high school rival. Did you have a rival in high school? Have you met as adults? Hopefully, if you did meet again you didn’t stumble over a body! 

NW: Oooh, another good question. I didn’t have a competitive rival, but there’s a guy that I really didn’t get along with in my larger friend group. Because of the group, we were always invited to the same events and in each other’s company. We’ve seen each other a couple of times in the twenty plus years since high school, and we just politely ignore one another. 


Kathy: Noelle gets help from her podcast-obsessed cousin. Are you a fan of podcasts? If so what type? 

NW: I am! I used to write a podcast recommendation and review blog called Podcast Maniac (that’s a little word play on “Maine”). The website is still live, but I don’t keep up with it these days. The podcast industry went quite “Hollywood” during the pandemic, and it’s difficult to keep up with all that’s out there these days. Some of my favorite podcasts are about books and reading (more on that in a minute), and I also enjoy a hilariously funny podcast on etiquette called Were You Raised By Wolves? 

Kathy: Noelle has an anxious rescue beagle. Why choose a beagle as her pet? Do you have pets of your own? 

NW: I had a beagle-mix growing up, and beagles are still my favorite breed. Noelle’s beagle, Corny, is actually the name I would give to a dog if I had one. The only thing I love more than dogs is traveling, and I don’t think it would be fair to any pet to be left behind so often.

Corny is actually based on many different beagles, specifically the ones who have been born and bred in research facilities. I’m a big fan of Beagle Freedom Project, a California-based organization that advocates for the release of research beagles and an end to animal testing. It’s important to me to draw attention to this practice and the wonderful work that Beagle Freedom Project does. 


Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries? 

NW: I first heard about the cozy mystery genre on a podcast! When the host started talking about the small towns and quirky characters, it just felt comforting. And familiar. I immediately imagined a murder mystery in the campground that I’ve been going to all my life.

As I started to research the genre and read a variety of different cozies, I learned that I really like ones that are fast paced, so I aimed to do that with my own series. I also love witty or sassy characters in my books, and cozies always have a few of those! 


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres? 

NW: Not at this time, but I have had a very specific seed of a story in my head for YEARS. I imagine it would fall into literary fiction whenever I figure out how to develop it. I also love a good romcom, so I may try my hand at that some day. 


Kathy: Tell us about your series. 

NW: The Maine Campground Cozy Mystery series takes place in rural Maine, far away from the craggy coast and picturesque lighthouses. It has woodsy, small town, down-to-earth vibes. The books are told from the point of view of Noelle, a down on her luck event planner who has returned to her hometown for the first time in eighteen years. She reconnects with old friends and family, and meets a lot of new, eccentric characters. 


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

NW: There’s a side character named Tom Bosse who I really enjoy writing. Tom is the campground grump. He looks like he’s been living deep in the woods without a hairbrush or clean set of clothes. He has no sense of decorum and would prefer to be left alone. He definitely doesn’t think of himself as part of the “community,” and he would never consider doing a favor for anyone.

It’s fun to write a character who is so completely different from myself and the other fictional characters that I have created. Tom isn’t based on anyone I know, and he’s not representative of most Maine folks, but someone like him could definitely exist at our campground 


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

NW: As I mentioned above, the campground and small-town setting are heavily inspired by the real town my family camps at in Franklin County, Maine. But the characters are not. And that is on purpose. I didn’t want any of the real people in my life to think that characters were based on them. I think it is a slippery slope to have even one character closely based on a real person, because then everyone who reads the book is trying to guess who the other characters are based on.

I went out of my way to ensure that the Cooper family (who is at the center of the series) has a different family unit from my own personal family (different number of siblings, jobs, connections). I also tried to create roles for the characters that are unique and not connected to the real-life version of the campground. 

Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work? 

NW: Oh, that was not much of a decision. I’m not the kind of person who writes words in private. I have never journaled. When I wanted to express my thoughts and opinions about podcasts, I started a blog and I promoted it to get as many readers as possible. So, when I decided to write a cozy mystery series, it was always with the intention of publishing it for the masses. 


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

NW: Ann Patchett, Fredrik Backman, Julie Mulhern, Nikki Erlich (This took me all of 10 seconds to answer/type.) 


Kathy: What are you currently reading? 

NW: I’m listening to the audio of HOME OF THE AMERICAN CIRCUS by Allison Larkin. Her book THE PEOPLE WE KEEP is one of my favorite books of all time.

I’m also reading a big ol’ brick of a book (576 pages) called LOS NUEVE REINOS (The Nine Kingdoms) by Santiago Diaz. It’s a historical fiction book set in Spain that my husband read and told me I must read. The last time he recommended a giant historical fiction book to me (also in Spanish), I loved it, so I had to give this one a try. 


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

NW: I took up tennis about twelve years ago and I really enjoy it. I take lessons and practice more for myself, just for the love of the game. I’m also on year thirty of trying to become fluent in Spanish. I live in Spain for half the year, so it’s sort of an essential skill that shouldn’t be treated as simply an “interest,” but when you spend your days writing and crafting dialogue in English, it’s hard to change the chip in your mind to Spanish. 


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

NW: Medjool dates, hummus, peanut butter, and soymilk.


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

NW: The second book in the Maine Campground Cozy Mystery Series is coming out in June. It’s titled WHOOPIE PIES & ALIBIS and is available for preorder now at most stores. The third book, S’MORES & SUSPICION, is due out in October. If there are enough readers out there who like the first three books, I’ll write three more. And, yes, I definitely look forward to starting a new cozy mystery series in the future.

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

NW: That all of the stories in my head actually get out, and other people get to read them! I have always had stories in my head, it’s just how my brain works. It’s not easy putting it all together the way readers expect it, but I enjoy the challenge. 


Kathy: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. 

NW: Thank you very much for having me! I love talking about reading and writing. If your readers have any other questions for me, they can contact me via my website, http://www.nikkiweberbooks.com.

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

Review

CAMPFIRES & CORPSES by Nikki Weber
The First Maine Campground Cozy Mystery 

 

Camping has never been Noelle's favorite thing, but after losing her job and apartment in Nashville and with her mother going into a clinical trial in Florida, the timing is right for her to return to her family's campground in rural Maine, if only to stay and run it for the summer. Her arrival isn't off to the best start. Instead of staying in the big house, Noelle learns she's spending the summer in a small camper. Then she breaks up a volatile argument on the beach between a metal detecting camper and an old high school rival, Delilah. Not only that, her ex-boyfriend happens to be the local game warden. Fortunately, her young cousin Mandy has the campground running like a well oiled machine. But as she takes her rescue dog for a walk the next morning, Corny pulls her towards the beach and the very dead body of Delilah. With a burn ban in place and a dead body on the beach Noelle still has to keep her campers happy. And when the state trooper in charge of the investigation sets his eyes on Noelle as the killer she and Mandy will have to discover the real guilty party.

 

I have never been one for camping, but I really like virtual camping and a campground makes the perfect setting. There are new characters coming and going and it's a small accessible site with people easily in each other's space and business. I also like the summertime vibe. I can hear the screen door slamming with kids coming in the tiny office to get ice cream and hear them shrieking with laughter. I like the fact that there are three different types of law enforcement featured: game warden, sheriff, and state trooper. Adding to that dynamic is the fact that the sheriff and trooper are half brothers. Noelle is an interesting protagonist. She's a bit prickly and often speaks before she thinks. I absolutely love the fact that she adopted a beagle formerly used in a research facility and kudos to the author for bringing attention to these poor souls. Corny is a sweet animal learning how to trust and simply be a dog.

 

I enjoyed the mystery; an unpopular victim, a variety of possible motives, lots of suspects, and suspicious behavior by most of them. People lie and not everyone can be trusted. There are lots of interesting personal dynamics as well. I had a feeling who the killer was before Noelle but enjoyed seeing all of the truths come out. An exciting confrontation will have your pulse racing as Noelle and the killer face off.

 

CAMPFIRES & CORPSES provides a good dose of summer fun and danger. You'll be hankering for a Popsicle or yearning for a campfire by the end of this delightful debut!

 

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 Campfires & Corpses: A Maine Campground Cozy Mystery by Nikki Weber

About Campfires & Corpses

Campfires & Corpses: A Maine Campground Cozy Mystery
Cozy Mystery/ Cozy Animal Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - Maine
Publisher: ‎ Independently published (February 24, 2025)
Paperback: ‎ 282 pages

When the campground becomes the scene of the crime, will Noelle's peaceful summer go up in flames?

Down on her luck event planner Noelle Cooper is returning to rural Maine to do the one thing she swore she would never do: run her family’s campground. But it’s only for the summer, and the timing couldn’t be better–she’s lost her job and has nowhere to live. She hopes that a change of scenery will be the thing she needs to regroup and reinvent herself.

But Noelle’s plans go up in smoke on her first morning back when she stumbles upon the body of her high school rival. She barely has time to process this before she comes face-to-face with her ex-boyfriend, meets the handsome county sheriff, and is questioned by an intimidating state trooper who gives her the creeps.

While she’s busy dealing with a group of pushy campers who insist that the murder means she must cancel the annual bonfire, Noelle becomes the prime suspect in the murder investigation. She’s convinced that someone is feeding false information to the police and is determined to clear her name.

With the help of her podcast-obsessed cousin, her anxious rescue beagle, and a few eccentric campers, Noelle compiles a list of other suspects and pokes around to uncover the real killer.

Can Noelle prove her innocence before getting tossed in jail? Or is she playing with fire? Read Campfires & Corpses now to find out.

*** This clean, contemporary cozy mystery is set in a small town with quirky characters and lovable dogs. Cozy mystery fans will enjoy dissecting the suspects’ alibis and following the clues along with Noelle and her gang. ***

Here's what you'll LOVE about this series!

These are just a few of the reasons you'll love Campfires & Corpses:

• The story is set in Maine
• During a summer heatwave
• There's a rescue beagle (and other great dog-themed references)
• It all takes place in a campground that's in a tiny town
• There's a fast-paced, page-turning ending

About Nikki Weber

Nikki Weber was born and raised in Maine, and spent her childhood summers camping with her family and their beagle. She loves to read, listen to podcasts, travel, and play tennis. Campfires & Corpses: A Maine Campground Cozy Mystery is her first book, and there are many more in the pipeline.

Author Links: 

Website: https://nikkiweberbooks.com/  

Sign Up for Nikki's Newsletter: Join the Cozy Book Club! | Nikki Weber  

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/nikkiweber  

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/nikkiweberbooks 

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

Purchase Links Universal Book Link - Amazon - B&N - Bookshop.org - Kobo -

 

Night of the Living Bread - A Guest Post & Giveaway

I'm happy to turn the blog over to Greer Gooder today. You can find Greer on the pages of the Sugar & Spice Mystery series by Mary Lee Ashford. Night of the Living Bread is the fourth book in the series and was released last month.

Hello Cozy Readers,

Greer Gooder here and I’m thrilled someone finally wants to hear from me. I’m not just in Night of the Living Bread as was mentioned above. I’m actually in all the Sugar & Spice Mysteries. You see, I’m Sugar’s landlady. That might sound like an old-fashioned word but I don’t know what the modern version would be so I’m sticking with landlady.

Sugar moved to St. Ignatius, Iowa and started up a community cookbook business with Dixie Spicer, whose family by the way has lived her for generations. About the same time, I got to thinking I was ready to move to a retirement community. After all I’ve been retired for a while. I don’t mind telling you my age. I’m 81, almost 82 though I sure don’t feel it at all. Inside I still feel as young as when my Louis and I bought the place. And though Louie has been gone for years now, I always thought I’d stay in our house until I kicked the bucket. But my friends Freda, Nellie, and Bunny had moved to The Good Life retirement village and they were having so much fun. Potlucks, a book club, cards, and yoga that you do sitting down. The truth is I kind of felt left out.

So the arrangement with Sugar was perfect. It allowed me to make the move and try out The Good Life and it gave her a place to live while she and Dixie attempted to make a go of their business. My new place is smaller but I’ve found I don’t mind having less space to keep up. Less time for cleaning, more time for reading, I say. And Sugar was a-okay with renting as is so I didn’t have to bother with cleaning out all the stuff in my attic. If I need something, the girl hunts it down and brings it to me. That’s the just the kind of person she is – kind, caring, and not afraid to stand up for what’s right. If I had a daughter, I’d want her to be like Sugar. I don’t have a daughter, I have a son who is a poop, but that’s another story for another time.

Back to Sugar who is one smart cookie. She and Dixie have been instrumental in helping the local sheriff with a couple of murder investigations and now it seems there’s been another one. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to kill Marla Mercer, our local Historical Society’s board chair. Everyone loved her. But Sugar went to meet her about a cookbook project and found her dead – stabbed with a bread knife. Can you imagine?

I can’t and I read a lot of murder mysteries so I’m pretty versed on possible motives. But I’m sure Sugar and Dixie will get to the bottom of things. They’re that good. And, of course, I’m available to help. 

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

 Night of the Living Bread (Sugar & Spice Mysteries) by Mary Lee Ashford

About Night of the Living Bread

Night of the Living Bread (Sugar & Spice Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery 4th in Series
Setting - Iowa
Publisher: ‎ Oliver Heber Books (May 27, 2025)
Print length: ‎ 223 pages

Sugar Calloway and Dixie Spicer are up to their aprons in community cookbook projects, but Sugar can't resist when the Jameson County Historical Society asks for their assistance with a cookbook featuring bread recipes. But they’ve barely begun when suddenly troubles are on the rise. Marla, the board’s president is stabbed with a bread knife, her best friend, Mame, is a suspect & some dough (of the money kind) is missing. As Sugar and Dixie try to save the cookbook project and help Mame, things take a twist with a second body. But what’s the connection? And who in St. Ignatius has been keeping secrets? And, mostly importantly, will Sugar and Dixie be able to figure out whodunnit before the killer catches up with them and they are toast.

About Mary Lee Ashford

Mary Lee Ashford is a national best-selling author, a lifelong bibliophile, an avid reader, and a supporter of public libraries. In addition to writing the Sugar & Spice series for Oliver Heber Books, she also writes the Pampered Pets mystery series as half of the writing team of Sparkle Abbey. Prior to publishing, Mary Lee won first place in the Daphne du Maurier contest and was a finalist in Murder in the Grove’s mystery contest and Killer Nashville’s Claymore Dagger contest.

She is the founding president of Sisters in Crime – Iowa and a former board member of the Mystery Writers of America Midwest chapter, as well as a member of Novelists, Inc., and Sisters in Crime Guppies.

She loves encouraging writers and is a frequent lecturer and workshop presenter for writers’ groups. Mary Lee has a long-time interest in creativity and teaches a university-level course on creative management. She also presents workshops and blogs about creativity and the writing craft.

She currently resides in the Midwest with her husband, Tim, and Zoey, her feline coworker. When she’s not writing, her passions are reading, travel, and time with her family, especially her six grandchildren.

Author Links: 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/maryleeashford1  

BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mary-lee-ashford  

Threads - https://www.threads.net/@authormaryleeashford  

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/authormaryleeashford/  

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17806883.Mary_Lee_Ashford

• Purchase Links

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Kobo -  

Book 1 - Game of Scones is FREE now and through this tour. 

 

 

All You Need is Love - A Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on a new release. All You Need is Love by Meg Macy.

 

Blurb:

Longtime friends Jack Riley and Juliette (aka Jules) Baxter are now partners in a new breakfast café, but they are surprised to be confronted by a wave of homophobia in a town known for its inclusive and diverse LGBTQA+ community. Their romantic lives are just as uncertain. Jack, a gay former actor and fashion model, has failed at committed relationships due to his unsavory past – until he meets Reese Baxter, his partner’s handsome, closeted cousin. Jules juggles several polyamorous relationships due to major trust issues, until she’s drawn to an intriguing artist. However his jealousy of her bestie Jack is getting out of hand. Is the vandalism against their café from conservative hate groups, or is it a focused personal attack?

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

About the Author: 

National bestselling author Meg Macy is a reader first and foremost. She loves great books in a wide variety of genres — being an introvert, she prefers pages to people. With her cat Mr. Whiskers nearby.

Meg previously wrote the “Shamelessly Adorable” Teddy Bear cozy mystery series for Kensington, several Christmas-themed romance novellas with rescue dogs and cats, and is also one-half of the writing team D.E. Ireland for the Agatha Award-nominated (2015, 2017) historical mysteries featuring Eliza Doolittle and Professor Henry Higgins.

She’s now turned her hand to writing M/M and M/F “quozy” romance — more spice, perhaps a dead body or intrigue, plus plenty of romance or a hint of it. Unique? Yep. Meg loves breaking the rules.

Visit her on Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, or her website at www.megmacy.com

A Whale of a Crime - An Interview, Review, Exceprt, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Mona Marple to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Mona writes the Yorkshire Coast Cozy Mystery series. A WHALE OF A CRIME is the first book in the series.

 
Kathy: In A WHALE OF A CRIME Ryan Kennedy returns to Flamborough—the tiny Yorkshire village he once called home to care for his ailing gran. Have you ever returned to a place you thought you'd left behind?

I actually still live in my home town where I was born and raised, so not really! 

Kathy: Ryan and his gran, Iris, have a very observant dog named Bracken by their side. I love dogs, though at the moment I only have cats. Do you have dogs? Is Bracken based on a real dog, or is he completely fictional?

Bracken is totally fictional, but my heart does belong to a dog – Coco my Labradoodle. She is loyal, affectionate and funny. My reader group on Facebook actually helped my daughter and I persuade my sweet husband to agree to getting a dog! 
 

Kathy: Flamborough is a seaside town and Iris owns a chaotic seaside bookshop. Why choose the seaside and why a bookshop instead of another type of shop?

We own a caravan on a holiday park in Flamborough and the area has become really special to my family. It’s such a beautiful part of the world and relatively unknown, so I wanted to share my love of the area!

Why a book shop? Because I love them so much and it’s my dream to open one someday, so I guess I’m living through Iris a little! 

Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

My mum, who passed away in 2022. She was a huge fan of them and as a child I would watch Murder, She Wrote and Columbo and Midsomer Murders with her. She never used the term cozy mysteries, and my dad always teased her that as soon as she’d finished a book or show she had already forgotten who the killer was! 

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

I have a non-fiction book about Time Management for Authors, and I’ve been working on a women’s fiction novel for about three years – it’s not coming easily but I hope it will be finished one day!

Kathy: Tell us about your series. 

My most popular series is the Christmas Mysteries series, set in Candy Cane Hollow, where every day is like Christmas and the Claus family are as real as your favourite festive cookie J

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

In A WHALE OF A CRIME, my favourite character is Iris. She’s quite feisty and can stand up for herself, but she’s fiercely loyal to her family and good fun too.

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

I’ve had the idea for Ryan’s character for years – a man who is very much an average person, who loved a celebrity who then died in an apparent suicide. That idea has interested me for a long time!

Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

Again, it was my mum. A few years before she passed away, she had a stroke that completely changed her life and made her disabled. I had always wanted to write but got busy with life, like we all do, and it was my mum’s stroke that made me realise none of us are promised tomorrow, so I went ahead and got started.

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

Oh wow! Elin Hilderbrand and Fredrik Backman are two of my favourites who don’t write cozy mystery, Michael Rosen is such a legend I’d have to include him and thank him for writing books and poems my daughter loves, and from the cozy mystery world I’d invite Matilda Swift because I love her books and her podcast.

Kathy: What are you currently reading?

I’ve just finished THAT'LL TEACH HER by Maz Evans. It was a fun cozy mystery about a headmistress being killed, and the parents’ message group trying to solve the crime!

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

I’m very bookish. I love buying books, reading, wandering around bookshops, listening to podcasts about reading and writing! I’m getting into cooking more at the moment – as I write this I’m baking walnut bread and I keep having to go downstairs to check on it.

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

Fizzy pop (I’m addicted!), cheese, yoghurt and olives. 

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

Yes! The second book in the Yorkshire Coast series is already available for pre-order and my next release is the eighth book in my Christmas Mysteries series!

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

Connecting with readers. It’s so fantastic to get to know my readers and hear about their lives. As a huge book lover, I know how special it is to lose myself in a book and it’s amazing to hear that people get that feeling from my books. 

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Review

 

A WHALE OF A CRIME by Mona Marple
The First Yorkshire Coast Cozy Mystery 

Ryan Kennedy left the seaside Yorkshire village of Flamborough never expecting to return. But a call from his sister had him quickly leaving London and coming home. Something fishy is going on in the coastal town. Vic Drake has returned, financial irregularities are found, and a mysterious boat has come ashore. Not one to pussyfoot about, Ryan's gran, Iris, has him accompany her to an invitation only party on the beach his first night. But when the fog rolls in it gives one of the group the perfect opportunity and Vic winds up dead. Which one of the group killed him? Everyone had motive and everyone was acting suspiciously. Iris, Ryan, and Ryan's dog, Bracken, will work together to sort out the truth...even when it appears this murder may be somehow related to the death of Ryan's husband ten years prior.

I absolutely loved this book! Flamborough is not just any village, it's a true bit of Yorkshire. The language, the down to earth proud people with grit, everything is perfectly captured on the page. The family dynamic between Ryan, his gran, big sister, and mom is a wonderful mix of care, concern, and love with a dash of stoicism and some humour. I love that Iris has her poker playing pals and a romantic interest. Bracken is such a smart sensitive dog, as much a crime solver as Iris. And don't get me started on the mother cat and kittens....and what happens at the end (don't worry, it's a good thing).  Though they may have their differences the town comes together to help each other.

I admire Iris' investigative techniques and the final reveal was brilliant! In a clever move, information about the death of Ryan's husband is provided through a message board. This overarching mystery adds depth and makes me even more eager to read the next book in the series. 

While I'm generally not a fan of multiple POVs, I wasn't bothered at all and found it important to see the mystery through two separate eyes, those of Ryan, and his gran, Iris. Chapters were labeled so it was obvious whose point of view we were seeing. In addition the story was told in third person, which really worked. 

Marine conservation, murder, and a bit of Yorkshire pluck make A WHALE OF A CRIME an outstanding series debut. Grab a nice cup of tea, or perhaps a pint, and be ready for a captivating read!

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

A Whale of a Crime (A Yorkshire Coast Cozy Mystery) by Mona Marple

About A Whale of a Crime 

A Whale of a Crime (A Yorkshire Coast Cozy Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - FLAMBOROUGH, YORKSHIRE COAST, ENGLAND
Independently Published (April 30, 2025)
Print length: ‎ 254 pages

After ten years away, Ryan Kennedy never planned on returning to Flamborough—the tiny Yorkshire village he once called home. But when his fiercely independent gran, Iris, needs him, he finds himself back behind the counter at her chaotic seaside bookshop, wrestling with jammed tills, nosy villagers, and the memories he’s spent years trying to forget.

What Ryan doesn’t expect is to be swept straight into the heart of a murder investigation.

When a mysterious boat appears on the beach and a body turns up at the exclusive Whale Watch Weekend picnic, all eyes turn to the cliffs—and to the secrets the village has been keeping. As Ryan and Iris dig into the tangled history of the victim, long-buried truths begin to surface, not just about the case... but about the night Ryan’s own husband died.

With the tide cutting them off, a killer on the loose, and a very observant dog named Bracken by their side, Ryan and Iris must work fast—because in Flamborough, the past doesn’t stay buried, and the sea has a habit of washing everything to shore.

For fans of twisty village whodunits, seaside charm, and heartfelt mysteries with a slow-burning emotional pull, A Whale of a Crime is the unforgettable first instalment in a brand-new series.

Excerpt “He hadn't expected it to feel like this—like being punched in the gut and wrapped in a warm blanket all at once.” “Welcome home, little brother.” “Because I very much doubt Vic decided to bash his own head in with a decorative whale.” “You could dress a Flamborough lad in all the fancy clothes you liked, but the salt air would always find a way in.” “They were trapped until morning. Six suspects, one murder weapon, and Iris’ grandson caught in the middle of it all.”

About Mona Marple

Mona Marple writes charming cozy mysteries filled with quirky characters, twisty whodunits, and settings you’ll wish you could visit—especially if you love a bit of seasonal sparkle. Best known for her beloved Candy Cane Hollow series, Mona creates worlds where murder meets mistletoe and sleuthing pairs perfectly with a cup of tea. When she’s not writing, Mona can be found walking her Labradoodle, Coco, plotting her next murder (on the page, of course), or hosting reader parties in her cozy online community.

Author Links: 

WEBSITE: WWW.MONAMARPLE.COM  

FACEBOOK: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MONAMARPLEAUTHOR  

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 INSTAGRAM: WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/MONAMARPLE  

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Currently Reading...

I just finished reading A Whale of a Crime by Mona Marple. This book is the first in the Yorkshire Coast Cozy Mystery series.

Ryan Kennedy left the seaside Yorkshire Village of Flamborough never expecting to return. But a call from his sister had him quickly leaving London and coming home. Something fishy is going on in the coastal town. Vic Drake has returned, financial irregularities are found, and a mysterious boat has come ashore. Not one to pussyfoot about Ryan's gran, Iris, has him accompany her to an invitation only party on the beach his first night. But when the fog rolls in it gives one of the group the perfect opportunity and Vic winds up dead. Which one of the group killed him? Everyone had motive and everyone was acting suspiciously. Iris, Ryan, and Ryan's dog, Bracken, will work together to sort out the truth...even when it appears this murder may be somehow related to the death of Ryan's husband ten years prior.

Fleet Landing - An Interview

I'm pleased to welcome Wendy Gee to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Wendy writes the Carolina Crossfire Mystery series. FLEET LANDING is the first book in the series and will be released next week.

 

Kathy: In FLEET LANDING ATF Special Agent Cooper “Coop” Bellamy is forced to work with tenacious TV reporter Sydney Quinn as fires ravage the city. What makes firefighters such interesting protagonists? 

WG: IMHO, all first responders deal with the best and worst of us. Yet their missions are decidedly different. I think Coop says it best when Dino asks him why firefighters are more popular than cops: “[We] meet people on their worst day, armed with only a water cannon [or a defibrillator], and help them. Cops show up armed to the teeth and usually arrest someone. Or worse.”

Firefighters are humble, brave, and professional. They also have a wicked sense of humor (which I gravitate toward) to deal with what they see and do. It was my intention to honor that selflessness. 

Kathy: Coop has a strained relationship with his 11-year-old daughter. Why add a tween to the mix? 

WG: Most of the firefighters I have met are family men and women. I wanted to capture that tension between work-life with all of its rewards and perils. And I chose that age so Haley would be semi-independent, yet need her dad more than Coop recognized. 

Kathy: What first drew you to thrillers? 

WG: The excitement of a “ticking clock.” The way a writer can upend an ordinary person’s life with one bad decision or an inopportune presence. Solving a problem that continues to worsen, no matter how savvy or well-intentioned the protagonist is. And I love the dilemma of the underdog who perseveres under immense odds. I have always been drawn to problem-solving. Now, I have fun creating the chaos. 

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres? 

WG: Traditional mystery, with thriller elements, best describe my work.

Kathy: Tell us about your series. 

WG: The Carolina Crossfire mystery series has three primary protagonists. Each story is intended to showcase one (the ATF agent, the TV reporter, and the police lieutenant), while the others support that lead. I am just getting started with publication, so that is my only working series. 

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

WG: I love all three of my protagonists equally, but Sydney is the aspirational “me.” My crit groups have really enjoyed the secondary characters who bring the snark and the colorful bits to the stories. I work hard on continuing to hone my craft so the antagonists are also well developed and realistic. My voice actor calls them “a hot mess.”


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

WG: I’d say the city of Charleston offered me a dynamite launching pad. The first writers I found in my local area were professional romance writers who welcomed me with open arms and encouragement. I would categorize that genre’s authors as very dedicated. They work within tight expectations, know their craft, and are willing to share what they’ve learned. Now that I hang around mystery and thriller novelists, the same can be said of that genre’s professional authors. 


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work? 

WG: I wanted the privilege of sharing my hard work with others. I was awestruck when my first copies arrived and I could give them away (and tuck one on my own bookshelf alongside the giants in my genre).

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

WG: Only four? Then, let me sup with Sara Paretsky, Sue Grafton, Janet Evanovich, and Robert Crais. 

Kathy: What are you currently reading?

WG: David Baldacci’s STRANGERS IN TIME, my newest purchase. He recently came to town on his tour. 


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

WG: I love to golf and volunteer when the opportunity permits. I’m presently working for the Friends of Lewes Public Library and Sussex County (DE) Habitat for Humanity. 


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

WG: Potato chips, mole sauce, spaghetti, and (of course) Diet Mountain Dew. Those might comprise my four favorite food groups (chocolate, carbs and Dew). Whoa boy, I better add more protein on my next trip to the grocery store.


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

WG: I hope to publish many more books in the Carolina Crossfire series. My second story (SIDE HUSTLE) features Sydney on the hunt for an audacious cybercriminal. Book three features Dino (THE PINEAPPLE), with a look at his first felony arrest and how that impacted his career. With more to come (SMELL TEST and YARD DOG—yet to be edited for publication). 


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

WG: I love, love, love when people I interview during research in a topical area are so willing to assist me (even as a pre-published writer). I think that’s because we all secretly aspire to craft the Great American Novel. It’s in our spirit—like baseball and apple pie. Those generous people who let me into their world want to help me succeed. That inherent goodness and consideration makes me try harder to be better, and honor them to the best of my ability.

Of course, those who deny my request for access (which is their undeniable choice)—well, that’s where antagonists are born (lol).

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Blurb:

ATF Special Agent Cooper “Coop” Bellamy's rigid adherence to rules has left his relationship with his 11-year-old daughter in ashes. When Charleston's fire chief calls him to investigate a series of mysterious nuisance fires ravaging the city, Coop sees a chance to redeem himself as a father and catch a dangerous arsonist. But as the fires turn deadly, he finds himself torn between family and duty.

Enter tenacious TV reporter Sydney Quinn, whose pursuit of justice for a man wrongly convicted of arson puts her on a collision course with a sinister figure known only as the Falcon. As Sydney uncovers a decades-old conspiracy, she receives chilling warnings to back off.

Forced to work together, Coop and Sydney must navigate a labyrinth of lies and corruption. Their investigation ignites a powder keg of danger, testing Coop's ironclad principles and Sydney's journalistic integrity. But when danger strikes too close to home, the stakes become personal. With time running out and lives on the line, Coop and Sydney must fight to extinguish the threat before everything they love goes up in smoke.

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About the Author:

After a successful career in the U.S. Navy, Wendy Gee now channels her boundless energy into community volunteering, leaving no stone unturned—or unpainted—at the Charleston Fire Department, Friends of the Lewes Public Library Board of Directors, and Sussex County Habitat for Humanity. A proud graduate of the University of Michigan, University of Arizona, Naval War College, and Old Dominion University, Wendy combines her academic prowess and life experiences into her writing.

Residing in Lewes, DE, she is an avid golfer, a diehard Detroit Tigers and Lions fan (even when they’re not winning, but so excited when they are), and a pickleball enthusiast who’s always ready to serve up some fun. Her work has been shortlisted with Killer Nashville and the Writer’s League of Texas. And as a lifetime member of Sisters in Crime, Wendy’s passion for the mystery genre is no secret—though she might leave a few clues lying around just for fun. Learn more at: www.wendygeeauthor.com