Holidays and Homicides - A Guest Post, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Lena Gregory back to Cozy Up With Kathy. Lena writes several series including the Coffee & Cream Café Mystery series. Lena has a short story with the characters from this series in the HOLIDAYS AND HOMICIDES anthology which was released last week.

Christmas Through the Years 
By Lena Gregory 

When I was young, Christmas was a magical time. I remember my mother bundling us all into the car with hot cocoa and driving around the neighborhood to look at all the decorations. My father baked tons of cookies with us each year. Every store we went into had Christmas music playing. And on the best years, it snowed! On Christmas Eve, my parents hosted a big party for all of our extended family, and we’d spend hours watching out the window to see who could spot Rudolph’s nose first. Then, when the house quieted down, I’d lay in bed listening for the sound of sleigh bells or Santa’s jolly laugh until I inevitably fell asleep before he arrived. Christmas morning would have me waking at the crack of dawn, or before, and listening for any sign that someone else was up, then throwing the covers back and bounding out of bed to run for the Christmas tree to see what Santa had brought and to pass out the trinkets I’d bought everyone at the school fair. Then, after all the presents were opened and the wrapping paper cleaned up, we’d sit down to a big family breakfast. Those memories have always stayed with me, and I’ve tried to recreate some of them for my own children.

Eventually, all four of us kids got married and had children of our own. And it was my turn to bundle my kids up and drive around town looking at decorations while Christmas music blared on the radio, though the hot cocoa mostly came from a McDonalds or Starbucks drive-thru rather than being homemade. On years that time allowed, I’d bake cookies with my kids and take them out to all the stores to shop, and Christmas tunes still filled the aisles (sometimes as early as Halloween) while we shopped for the party I’d taken over hosting. On Christmas Eve, all of our family would come over, and they’d bring friends, loved ones, often people I’d never met. And on the best years, it still snowed! I remember one year, all of us gathering outside as the snow fell, then entire neighborhood deserted, quiet, peaceful. Until my daughter and her friends came out, then not so much. But I loved every minute of it! On Christmas morning, my father would drop off a breakfast pie for us early, so once we finished opening gifts, we could all sit down and enjoy it together. And then we’d have a big Christmas dinner with family.

Since we moved to Florida, Christmas is quieter. Although last year we did have our Christmas Eve party, since we had family visiting from New York. And we still stick to some of our old traditions, like baking cookies and driving around admiring the Christmas decorations. My husband, my kids, and I all spend a special night decorating the tree with a big meal, usually pasta, and gingerbread cookies for dessert. We watch the same old Christmas movies—Year Without a Santa Claus is still my favorite! Christmas Eve is still a special night, which we all spend together, and Christmas morning is still met with anticipation and joy. Although, snow is off the table. Even though some things have changed over the years, many traditions have still passed down from one generation to the next. Now, though, the full meaning of Christmas is with me as I celebrate each year, and it’s even more joyful!


How about you? Do you have any special Christmas traditions? Have they changed over the years or do they stay the same?

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

Review

HOLIDAYS & HOMICIDES
A Short Story Collection

 

Need a break amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season? Looking for a quick read to get you in the holiday spirit? This new anthology by Gemma Halliday Publishing is just the ticket. While the book itself is long, the stories contained are short and most can easily be read in a sitting or two. There's a nice variety of authors, some familiar to me and some not. I was especially thrilled to see that Lena Gregory had a story featuring the characters from her Coffee & Cream Café Mystery series, one of my favorites and probably my favorite story in the anthology. I was also pleased to see a Catherine Bruns tale and that Christine Knapp had a modern midwife story. I also discovered new to me authors whose books I need to check out, particularly Rosalie Spielman and Kelly Rey. I must admit I did skip reading one story. I can't abide present tense and could only manage a paragraph of that particular story. It should be noted that while the title of the anthology is HOLIDAYS & HOMICIDES not all of the stories included are murder mysteries. There are plenty of other crimes that provide good puzzles and several stories show that.

 

HOLIDAYS & HOMICIDES is a delightful collection of holiday mysteries to help you wind down and relax during this hectic time of year while bringing Yuletide cheer during any season!

 

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

 Holidays & Homicides: A Short Story Collection by Rosalie Spielman, Catherine Bruns, Gin Jones, Annie McEwen, Lena Gregory, Jennifer Fischetto, Anne Marie Stoddard, Kelly Rey, Misty Simon, Christine Knapp, Jamie L. Adams, Erica Wynters

About Holidays & Homicides

Holidays & Homicides: A Short Story Collection
Holiday Cozy Mysteries
Publisher: ‎ Gemma Halliday Publishing
Publication Date: ‎ December 2, 2025
Print Length: ‎ 419 pages

From twelve USA Today bestselling and award winning authors, comes a short story collection stuffed full of mirthful mysteries, clever criminals, and holiday cheer! These short holiday bites are perfect for enjoying between rounds of wrapping or binge-reading over a cup of cocoa!

Stories include: A Hometown Christmas Caper (Hometown Mysteries) by Rosalie Spielman Gossip, Guilt & Gingerbread (Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries) by Lena Gregory Larceny & Twinkle Lights (Jamie Winters Mysteries) by Kelly Rey Holidays & Heists (Aloha Lagoon Mysteries) by Anne Marie Stoddard Ornaments, Surprise & Dead Guys (Gianna Mancini Mysteries) by Jennifer Fischetto It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Mischief (Northwoods Mysteries) by Annie McEwen You Can't see the Forest for the Christmas Trees (Modern Midwife Mysteries) by Christine Knapp Jingle Bell Rocker (Sunny Side Up Mysteries) by Misty Simon Holly, Handcuffs, and Hearsay (Camelot Flowers Mysteries) by Erica Wynters Search for the Silent Santa (Ghost Town Mysteries) by Jamie L. Adams Nothing But Truffle (Cookies & Chance Mysteries) by Catherine Bruns A Heartland Homicide (Bourbon B&B Mysteries) by Gin Jones

About the Authors

Catherine Bruns is the USA Today bestselling author of the Cookies & Chance mysteries. She lives in New York with her very patient husband, three sons, and several spoiled pets. Catherine has a B.A. in English and is a former newspaper reporter and press release writer. She also writes the Italian Chef mysteries, Cindy York real estate and Carrie Jorgenson (Aloha Lagoon) culinary series. Her book, For Sale by Killer, won the 2019 Daphne du Maurier award for Mainstream Mystery/Suspense.

Get a free ebook when you sign up for Catherine's newsletter at https://www.catherinebruns.net/contact Please feel free to connect with her on social media as well: facebook.com/Catherine-Bruns- 

Lena Gregory is the author of the Bay Island Psychic Mysteries, which take place on a small island between the north and south forks of Long Island, New York, and the All-Day Breakfast Café Mysteries, which are set on the outskirts of Florida’s Ocala National Forest.

Lena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island. She recently relocated to Florida with her husband, three kids, son-in-law, and four dogs. Her hobbies include spending time with family, reading, jigsaw puzzles, and walking. Her love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn’t sleep through the night. She works full time as a writer and a freelance editor and is a member of Sisters in Crime.

To learn more about Lena and her latest writing endeavors, visit her Website: http://www.lenagregory.com/

Sign Up for her Newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/492177/95264614748521780/share

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lena.gregory.986
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Lena.Gregory.Author/?fref=ts
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LenaGregory03
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14956514.Lena_Gregory?from_search=true
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lenagregoryauth/

 

Rosalie Spielman is a mother, veteran, and retired military spouse. She was thrilled to discover that she could make other people laugh with her writing and finds joy in giving people a humorous escape from the real world. Her cozy mystery novels are set in locales that have chickens—such as sunny Kauai and rural Idaho—writing for the multi-author Aloha Lagoon mystery series and her own Hometown Mystery series.

She currently lives in Maryland with her husband in a rapidly emptying nest. For more information on her books or to subscribe to her newsletter, go to www.rosalie-spielman-author.com, follow her Facebook page (Rosalie Spielman author), or join her Facebook group (You Know The Spiel). Rosalie strives to provide you a cozy escape...one page at a time.

Website: www.Rosalie-Spielman-author.com Bookshop storefront: https://bookshop.org/shop/YouKnowTheSpiel Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rosalie-Spielman/author/B09FP95WC8 Facebook author page: Rosalie Spielman author https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063501963689 Facebook readers group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouKnowTheSpiel

 

From her first discovery of Nancy Drew, USA Today bestselling author Kelly Rey has had a lifelong love for mystery and tales of things that go bump in the night, especially those with a twist of humor. Through many years of working in the court reporting and closed captioning fields, writing has remained a constant. If she's not in front of a keyboard, she can be found reading, working out or avoiding housework. She's a member of Sisters in Crime and lives in the Northeast with her husband and a menagerie of very spoiled pets.

 

 

Gin Jones is a retired lawyer who specialized in ghost-writing for other lawyers. She prefers to write her own books, though, since she doesn't have to worry that her sense of humor might get her thrown into jail for contempt of court. In her spare time, Gin makes quilts, grows garlic, and advocates for patients with rare disorders.

Website: https://www.ginjones.com/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ginjones.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginjonesmysteries/

 

Jamie L. Adams fell in love with books at an early age. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott opened her imagination and sparked a dream to be a writer. She wrote her first book as a school project in 6th grade.

A graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature as well as member of American Christian Fiction Writers, The Writing Desk and several critique groups, she spends most of her time writing, reading or learning more about the craft near to her heart.

The parents of three very active children, she and her husband live in the Ozarks surrounded by forest and wildlife.

 

 

Erica Wynters started as most authors do - as an avid reader. Cozy mysteries and romantic suspense offered her just the escape she was looking for! The combination of great love and great danger keeps her turning pages late into the night.

Now they keep her writing pages late into the night. Her goal is always two-fold: help you fall in love with love all over again and take you on an adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Falling in love has never been so fun...or so dangerous!

 

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.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/misty.simon.18 Instagram: @mistysimonwrites Tiktok: @mistysimonwrites Website: http://www.mistysimon.com

 

Christine Knapp practiced as a nurse-midwife for many years. A writer of texts and journal articles, she is now thrilled to combine her love of midwifery and mysteries as a fiction author. Christine currently narrates books for the visually impaired. A dog lover, she lives near Boston. Visit thoughtfulmidwife.com

Website https://www.thoughtfulmidwife.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/christine.w.knapp Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maevecw/ X https://x.com/chriswknapp Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/maevecwk.bsky.social  

Annie McEwen is the author of the Northwoods Mysteries Series, set amongst the tall pines and sparkling lakes of northern Wisconsin where she spent vacations as a kid. Because of a sweet love story between her youngest sister and a local Wisconsin boy (storyline idea!), she’s still been able to keep on visiting the beautiful place that means so much to her. Annie and her husband are empty nesters—their son is married to his high school sweetheart, and their daughter is married with two adorable toddler boys. Being grandparents is definitely the best gig ever! They also have four fur babies who just might make some special appearances in Annie's books. When Annie isn’t writing, playing with her grandsons, or tackling trash-to-treasure projects, she works as a radiological technologist, aka, she takes pictures of bones...you can’t hide much from her! Writing, though, is her first love.  

   

Jennifer Fischetto is the USA TODAY Bestselling author of the Gianna Mancini paranormal cozy mystery series, as well as a dozen other titles. She writes family-centric murder mysteries and things that go bump in the night. A lover of rainstorms and snow, she prefers fiction over reality and longs to live in a world where French fries grow on trees, chocolate appears whenever desired, and every day is October. She watches too much television and movies, which fuel her never-ending supply of plot ideas, and is a rabid fan of suspense, horror, and everything supernatural. You can learn about her next book by subscribing to her newsletter at https://jenniferfischetto.com/newsletter/ Visit Jennifer at: Website: http://jenniferfischetto.com/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jenniferfischetto.com 

 

 Anne Marie Stoddard is a USA TODAY bestselling author and former Amazon Mover & Shaker. She writes supernatural suspense and humorous cozy mysteries with an edge. Her Amelia Grace Mystery series, inspired by her years working in radio, and concert venues and music festivals across the U.S., has won several awards, including the 2012 AJC Decatur Book Festival Writing Contest, the 2013 Book Junkie's Choice Award for Best Debut Fiction Novel, and nominations for the 2014 & 2016 RONE Awards Best Mystery/Thriller Category. Aside from writing, Anne Marie loves her husband and their dog, college football, hula hoops, music, coffee, and anything pumpkin-flavored. For more details about Anne Marie's upcoming projects, giveaways, and more, visit her online and subscribe to her newsletter at http://www.amstoddardbooks.com/. Connect with Anne Marie on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmStoddardBooks Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMStoddardBooks Buy Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble Apple Kobo Smashwords

In the Blink of a Pie - A Review

 Review

IN THE BLINK OF A PIE by Catherine Bruns
The Third Maple Syrup Mystery

To prepare for the holiday season manager Leila Khoury decides to try something new to bring more business to her family's maple syrup farm. The inaugural pie baking competition at Sappy Endings turns tragic, however when the curmudgeonly Margaret Middleton dies after helping herself to a piece of pie. But was Margaret the intended victim? She wasn't even supposed to eat the pie. Leila was. As business rapidly declines, Leila decides she can't wait for the police to solve the murder and, with her good friend Heather, starts nosing around. Unfortunately, it soon becomes evident that the killer isn't through and it's more than Sappy Endings' bottom line that's in trouble.

Despite the danger the third Maple Syrup Mystery gives plenty of warm fuzzies. Leila and Noah have a wonderful relationship that's growing stronger every day. The pair compliment each other so well. I also love how Leila and Selma are repairing their relationship, growing closer, despite Jenna's infiltration. Of course Heather is the best bestie and I love Toast most of all. It's this love, familial, romantic, and friendly, that makes you care about Sappy Endings and the people who make it special.

Even though I knew who the killer was halfway though the novel, as well as the motive, it didn't dim my enjoyment in the least. I watched as Leila followed red herring after red herring and wondered when she would finally realize the truth. I also figured out Emma's issue well before Leila or even Noah...and I don't even like kids! As annoying as I found Emma's behavior, I have to commend her actions at the end of the book.

With ratcheting drama IN THE BLINK OF A PIE captures the warmth of family and the delight of good food even as an unknown person threatens everything!

Syrup to No Good - A Review

 Review

SYRUP TO NO GOOD by Catherine Bruns
The Second Maple Syrup Mystery 

 

In addition to running Sappy Endings, her family's maple syrup farm, Leila Khourey is busy preparing for her best friend's wedding. Unfortunately, this means everyone has to deal with Uncle Grant and his obnoxious wife, Monica. Finding Monica's murdered body after the bridal shower is a big shock for Leila, but an even bigger shock is discovering Heather's wedding will be postponed unless the killer is found. With a short deadline, Leila has no intention of leaving the investigation to the police. Will Leila be able to solve the murder or will Heather lose the wedding of her dreams? Or is something even worse in store? 

Weddings can be stressful, even when everything is going to plan. Dealing with family you don't like is often par for the course, but in Heather's case things are a lot worse. Not only does she have to welcome the uncle no one likes, but also his wife that no one can stand. Monica's death makes things even worse with Uncle Grant now calling all of the wedding shots. Heather's lucky she has a friend like Leila. I'd tell her to forget it and elope, but Leila decides to try and solve the murder so Heather can have a huge wedding...putting herself in the crosshairs yet again. Adding to the drama, Leila's former fiance is back in town and looking to get back together. If that weren't bad enough, her mom is encouraging him!

 

In the second Maple Syrup Mystery danger, treachery, and obnoxious family members come together in a thrilling mystery. There are plenty of surprises to keep Leila and readers on their toes. In addition to the action, Leila has to confront a lot of personal issues and does so with grace. She can be hard headed, but this dogged determination is also one of her strengths.

SYRUP TO NO GOOD is full of pulse pounding moments, not so subtle investigations, and some really awful people. Be prepared to be craving Lebanese food and maple syrup infused treats as you enjoy this delectable mystery.

Currently Reading...

I just finished reading Syrup to No Good by Catherine Bruns. This book is the second in the Maple Syrup Mystery series and will be released October 31, 2023.

In addition to running Sappy Endings, her family's maple syrup farm, Leila Khourey is busy preparing for her best friend's wedding. Unfortunately, this means everyone has to deal with Uncle Grant and his obnoxious wife, Monica. Finding Monica's murdered body after the bridal shower is a big shock for Leila, but an even bigger shock is discovering Heather's wedding will be postponed unless the killer is found. With a short deadline, Leila has no intention of leaving the investigation to the police. Will Leila be able to solve the murder, or will Heather lose the wedding of her dreams? Or is something even worse in store?

The Enemy You Gnocchi - A Review

 Review

THE ENEMY YOU GNOCCHI by Catherine Bruns
The Third Italian Chef Mystery

It's Christmastime in Harvest Park, New York and after a year of grieving the death of her husband Tessa Esposito is ready to start enjoying her favorite holiday again. She has good friends, family, and a successful restaurant where she finds joy cooking Italian dishes. The one fly in her ravioli is newcomer Mario Russo. While maligning nearly every other business is town, Mario is too friendly with Tessa. Trying to forget the man who wormed his way into playing St. Nick at the town's Festival of Lights, Tessa and her friends are enjoying the event when a scream pierces the night. Mario Russo has been stabbed. Knowing her good friend and Mario's main business rival couldn't be guilty Tessa will have to dig a little deeper to find out just who wanted the sleazy Santa dead.

Christmastime should be a time of peace, joy, and goodwill to others. In reality it's often a time of stress and frazzled nerves. In THE ENEMY YOU GNOCCHI it's a time of murder, secrets, and emotional upheaval. A victim almost everyone hated provides a surfeit of suspects from suspicious out-of-towners to many of the locals. Almost everyone is acting shifty, but is it because of the murder or something else?

My heart needed a break after reading the third Italian Chef Mystery. From having my heart strings pulled over Tessa's realization of her true feelings and how she deals with them to the pulse pounding action scenes, to the many times I was laughing over Tessa's exploits, and finally my desire to eat all of the calorie rich foods so eloquently described, this book nearly killed me!

One of my favorite books of the year, THE ENEMY YOU GNOCCHI features thrills and chills in an emotionally charged Christmas mystery.

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading The Enemy You Gnocchi by Catherine Bruns. This book is the third in the Italian Chef Mystery series and was released last month.

It's Christmastime in Harvest Park, New York and after a year of grieving the death of her husband Tessa Esposito is ready to start enjoying her favorite holiday again. She has good friends, family, and a successful restaurant where she finds joy cooking Italian dishes. The one fly in her ravioli is newcomer Mario Russo. While maligning nearly every other business is town, Mario is too friendly with Tessa. Trying to forget the man who wormed his way into playing St. Nick at the town's Festival of Lights, Tessa and her friends are enjoying the event when a scream pierces the night. Mario Russo has been stabbed. Knowing her good friend and Mario's main business rival couldn't be guilty Tessa will have to dig a little deeper to find out just who wanted the sleazy Santa dead.

A Doomful of Sugar - A Review

 Review

 

A DOOMFUL OF SUGAR by Catherine Bruns
The First Maple Syrup Mystery

Leila Khoury's father was bigger than life, a wonderful man and a staple of the Vermont community he called home. She was stunned to find out he was murdered, shot at the family maple syrup farm and shop. Returning to Vermont for the funeral, her plans to return home to Florida get sidelined when she learns her father has left her the family business. As Leila gets familiar with Sappy Endings, she discovers things aren't adding up with her father's murder. Frustrated at the sheriff's lack of progress, despite his being a close friend of the family, Leila starts to look into the matter herself. A contentious relationship with her mother, a know it all basically running Sappy Endings, and a brother under suspicion leave Leila in a sticky situation. Will she be able to solve her father's murder or will she wind up being Sugar Ridge's next victim?

I really loved the first Maple Syrup Mystery. The characters are believable, the scenic location sublime, and the mystery full of surprises. I like the friendship between Leila and her best friend, Heather and I have a feeling these two will continue to find trouble together as the series progresses. Despite the fact that Leila has her own faults, she makes hasty decisions and she's somewhat presumptuous, she is a likable protagonist who is able to admit her own mistakes. I enjoyed the variety of action scenes and the ratcheting up of suspense on several occasions. I do like the romantic angle, but feel it should have been more drawn out, not being so obvious by the end of the first book in the series that a romance was indeed on the table.

A DOOMFUL OF SUGAR is a mouthwatering mystery with twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat. A memorable start to a new series I look forward to seeing what happens next as I seek to satisfy a craving for maple syrup!

Killer View - A Spotlight

I'm happy to shine a spotlight on Killer View by Catherine Bruns. This book is the fourth in the Cindy York Mystery series and has just been re-released.

Blurb:

It’s been four years since sometime sleuth Cindy York left the real estate world behind in favor of a more fulfilling career as a stay-at-home mom. Now that her little one is starting school, Cindy fears her life is about to become dull.

She shouldn’t have worried.

An old college roommate soon surfaces and begs Cindy to sell her home, making it impossible for the former agent to say no. Pamela Hilton is going through a messy divorce and any profit will need to be split between the woman and her louse of a spouse. But when Cindy shows the home to prospective buyers and Kevin Hilton is found doing a dead man’s float in their pool, trouble starts to overflow.

Convinced of her friend’s innocence, Cindy sets out to find a ruthless killer. But will her return to the workforce and her life both be short term?

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

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/32RJc8O

Also available on KU, in print, and audiobook (coming soon)

It Cannoli Be Murder - A Review

Review

IT CANNOLI BE MURDER by Catherine Bruns

The Second Italian Chef Mystery

While Tessa Esposito is anxiously preparing to open her new restaurant, her cousin, Gabby, is worried about the survival of her bookstore. In hopes of saving her store Gabby has arranged for Preston Rigotta, a bestselling author, to come to Once Upon a Book for a book signing. Even with the surprise of an old high school nemesis being Preston's publicist and the fact that Preston turns out to be an overbearing jerk and his wife a snooty would be celebrity chef, the evening seems to be a success.The books are selling like hotcakes and everyone is devouring Tessa's cannoli. Unfortunately, the evening ends on a sour note when Daphne, the publicist, pushes Gabby too far. As bad as the evening ends, things get worse in the morning when Tessa discovers Daphne's dead body in the bookstore. With Tessa and Gabby as top suspects, Tessa realizes she's about to be involved in a murder investigation...again.

Dreams are in danger of being crushed while despicable characters rise up in the second Italian Chef Mystery. The "bestselling author" and his "better than you" wife are sadly realistic. And Daphne is the perfect victim we love to hate. The juxtaposition of Tessa realizing her dream of opening her own restaurant with Gabby's fear of losing her dream bookstore is poignant. And the fact that both could lose their dreams due to an old high school enemy is so frustrating.

I really enjoy the realistic touches in the book. From the problems that arise when starting a business to the fact that Gino and Lou can't investigate the murder, to the vivid characterizations presented, all combine to make the book more real and thus have readers more invested. I also like the fact that Tessa is not ready for romance, but two admirers are standing in the wings.

Catherine Bruns delivers another delectable page-turner in IT CANNOLI BE MURDER. I wouldn't say no to some cannoli while I wait for my reservation to Anything's Pastable and wonder what's in store for Tessa.

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading It Cannoli Be Murder by Catherine Bruns. This book is the second in the Italian Chef Mystery series and will be released next week.

While Tessa Esposito is anxiously preparing to open her new restaurant, her cousin, Gabby, is worried about the survival of her bookstore. In hopes of saving her store Gabby has arranged for Preston Rigotta, a bestselling author, to come to Once Upon a Book for a book signing. Even with the surprise of an old high school nemesis being Preston's publicist and the fact that Preston turns out to be an overbearing jerk and his wife a snooty would be celebrity chef, the evening seems to be a success.The books are selling like hotcakes and everyone is devouring Tessa's cannoli. Unfortunately, the evening ends on a sour note when Daphne, the publicist, pushes Gabby too far. As bad as the evening ends, things get worse in the morning when Tessa discovers Daphne's dead body in the bookstore. With Tessa and Gabby as top suspects, Tessa realizes she's about to be involved in a murder investigation...again.

Penne Dreadful - A Review

Review

PENNE DREADFUL by Catherine Bruns

The First Italian Chef Mystery

Tessa Esposito is coping, though just barely, after a car accident killed her husband. Hoping to get her interested in life and living, her cousin Gino suggests she take a job at Slice, the pizzeria her husband frequented. Although a far cry from her previous job as cook in a more upscale restaurant, Tessa jumps at the opportunity when Gino, who also happens to be a police detective, tells her that her husband's accident appears to be murder. Hoping to learn more about her husband's last days, Tessa is unprepared for the loathing she finds from her new co-workers. Did one of them have something to do with her husband's untimely demise? Is something shady going on there? As Tessa uncovers more surprises about her husband she wonders if she ever really knew him. Will Tessa find the truth? Does she really want to know? 

In PENNE DREADFUL we meet a grieving widow and a whole bunch of suspicious characters. There are so many shady people living in these pages! I certainly don't think I'd be picking up a pie at Slice with that staff! I appreciate Tessa's determination to discover the truth and her realistic emotions as she does. The author has placed her on a roller coaster ride of emotions. She is at times, sad, angry, stunned, and determined...sometimes all at once.

It's fascinating how the mystery in this first Italian Chef mystery unfolds. I like how Tessa peels back the layers of her husband's life almost as if she's peeling an onion for some sauce...and both will make her cry. Although grieving, Tessa never folds, no matter what comes at her...and a lot comes at her!

PENNE DREADFUL is a mystery featuring complex characters circling each other as they look for the truth or try to hide it. There are some high octane scenes that provide an adrenaline rush, as well as scenes to make you laugh. There are also descriptions of Tessa's cooking that will make your stomach rumble. All in all PENNE DREADFUL is a great start to a new series imbued with Italian food and spirit.

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Penne Dreadful by Catherine Bruns. This book is the first in the Italian Chef Mystery series.

Tessa Esposito is coping, though just barely, after a car accident killed her husband. Hoping to get her interested in life and living, her cousin Gino suggests she take a job at Slice, the pizzeria her husband frequented. Although a far cry from her previous job as cook in a more upscale restaurant, Tessa jumps at the opportunity when Gino, who also happens to be a police detective, tells her that her husband's accident appears to be murder. Hoping to learn more about her husband's last days, Tessa is unprepared for the loathing she finds from her new co-workers. Did one of them have something to do with her husband's untimely demise? Is something shady going on there? As Tessa uncovers more surprises about her husband she wonders if she ever really knew him. Will Tessa find the truth? Does she really want to know?

Meet Catherine Bruns - An Interview & Giveaway

I'm happy to welcome Catherine Bruns to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Catherine writes the Cookies and Chance Mystery series. Crumbled to Pieces is the sixth book in the series and will be released Tuesday!

 
Kathy: Not only does Sally Muccio own a bakery, you include recipes in your Cookies and Chance Mystery series. Do you like to bake? If so, what's your favorite thing to make?

CB: I love to bake, especially cookies and cheesecake, which happens to be Sally’s favorite as well. What a coincidence!


Kathy: Sally has to deal with a lovable, but decidedly kooky family. Do you have a similar family dynamic?

CB: You mean “nutsy cookie,” like Grandma Rosa would say? :) No, my family is nothing like that. Sally’s dad is modeled slightly after my own father who passed away 17 years ago but that’s where the similarities end. I do think that everyone would love to have a Grandma Rosa in their lives, though.


Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

CB: I’ve always loved writing and reading mysteries. When I wrote my first novel five years ago, I didn’t even know it qualified as a cozy until an agent told me, lol. I guess it was meant to be.


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

CB: I’ve just started work on my first non-cozy. Details are a secret for now!


Kathy: Tell us about your series.

CB: Sally runs a novelty cookie shop in Colwestern, New York with her talented and somewhat colorful best friend, Josie Sullivan. The shop’s trademark are the homemade fortune cookies they serve to customers, free with every purchase. The messages are featured in every book and all seem to come true in some shape or form. As you can see from Tastes Like Murder’s cover, they’re not always positive ones!

I also write the Cindy York mysteries about a “married with children” real estate agent who finds dead bodies while selling houses. My other series (for now) is the Aloha Lagoon Carrie Jorgenson culinary mysteries. Carrie is a waitress who flees to Hawaii to escape a bad home life. She takes a job working at the Loco Moco Café and finds her miserable boss dead on her first night of work.


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

CB: Oh wow, that’s like trying to pick a favorite child. Maybe Josie because she’s outspoken and so different than me.


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

CB: Not really. There’s lots of bakery cozies out there, such as Joanne Fluke’s series which I’ve never even read. I wanted to have a little of everything in this series—realistic and loveable characters, a touch of humor and romance, plus some suspense as well.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

CB: I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was eight years old. It was the natural next step for me after finishing my first novel, although I wish I hadn’t procrastinated about it for so many years.


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

CB: Oh, it’s so hard to pick only four! Laura Ingalls Wilder because I loved her books as a child (and still do), Agatha Christie because of her brilliant mind, Janet Evanovich for the ability to make me laugh with every Stephanie Plum novel and Sue Grafton for her amazing plots. I’m so happy I did have a chance to meet Sue before she passed away.


Kathy: What are you currently reading?

CB: Unfortunately, my reading time is very limited these days. I’m currently listening to “The Woman in the Window” on Audible and just getting to the really good part!


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

CB: I work a full-time job and spend evenings and weekends writing and editing. But when I do have free time I love to watch live theater performances, bake and read.


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

CB: Half and half, whipped cream, yogurt and eggs. Can you tell I’m a fan of dairy products? :)


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

CB: Yes! The Cookies & Chance series will have two more books out in 2019. I am also extremely excited to announce that I have a new series debuting from Sourcebooks next summer. The Italian Chef Mysteries stars Tessa Esposito, a prominent cook and recent widow along with her mischievous Tuxedo cat, Luigi. Tessa discovers that her husband’s tragic accident was, in fact, not an accident. She goes to work in the local pizza parlor to learn the truth and gets more than she bargained for.


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

CB: I love interacting with readers and the ability to create my own fictitious world.


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

Crumbled to Pieces, the sixth book in the Cookies & Chance series, releases on September 25th.

In need of some quick dough, full-time baker and sometime sleuth Sally Muccio decides to rent the vacant apartment over the bakery to a friend of her grandmother’s. Allegra Fiato is nothing like Sal’s darling Grandma Rosa, though. She’s mean, dishonest, and harboring a deadly secret.

When the elderly woman is mowed down in a hit and run, it quickly becomes obvious this was no accident. Grandma Rosa asks for Sal’s help to find the killer which involves a last-minute trip to Vegas crashed by Sal’s crazy parents, stolen fortune cookies, and a mysterious missing
locket. To add more spice to the mix, a loved one makes a startling admission to Sal that shocks her to the very core. Suddenly, Sal’s world is in danger of crumbling around her. Can she put the pieces back together in time before the killer makes her the next victim?

*Recipes Included!* Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/2tSe4jU


To celebrate the new release, Catherine’s publisher has put Tastes Like Murder, first book in the Cookies & Chance series, on sale for just 99 cents until the end of the month! Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/29tKURt

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

Places to find Catherine:

Author Page: https: //www.facebook.com/catherine.bruns5
Website: http://catherinebruns.net/
Newsletter Sign-up: http://catherinebruns.net/newsletter_bruns/newsletter.html

If you’d like to stay in touch, please check out my author page or sign up for my newsletter. I always feature lots of recipes and fun giveaways. http://catherinebruns.net/newsletter_bruns/newsletter.htmlIf you’d like to stay in touch after the party, please check out my author page or sign up for my newsletter. I always feature lots of recipes and fun giveaways. http://catherinebruns.net/newsletter_bruns/newsletter.html

Catherine’s Cozy Readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/241834706420330/

Bookbub: https://bit.ly/2BQhiLk

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2e11pas


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

Catherine Bruns has graciously offered a giveaway to one lucky reader. She will provide an ebook copy (through Smashwords) of one of the first three books in the series - either Tastes Likes Murder, Baked to Death or Burned to a Crisp. Or, if the reader prefers, they can have an audible download code for Tastes Like Murder. Keep in mind the audible codes don't work outside the U.S. In order to qualify simply leave a comment on this blog post no later than 11:59pm EDT Monday, September 24, 2018. Tell us what most interests you about the Cookies and Chance series. Be sure to also tell us which e-book you'd choose if you won, or if you'd pick the audible version. Also include an e-mail address so that I can contact you should your comment be chosen. Good luck!