Death of an Antiquarian - A Guest Post, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Luke Forbes to Cozy Up With Kathy. You can find Luke on the pages of the Mia Reid, Archaeologist Mystery series. DEATH OF AN ANTIQUARIAN is the second book in the series and was released last year.

 
Hello, Luke Forbes here. I’m an agent with Interpol’s AART. That’s Antiquities, Art Recovery Team. I’ve been living in London, England for approximately ten years.

I attended university in Chicago and met Mia there. We hit it off immediately and lived together for the better part of two years. We fully intended to live our lives together. After our graduation, I had to return home to England, my father had been ill. While I was there, a former girlfriend showed up at the house and we went out for dinner. One thing led to another and a few weeks later, she found me and told me she was pregnant. Now, I don’t know how that happened, because when I woke up she was nowhere to be found. And I had a massive headache. Which I don’t get after one drink. I think someone slipped me a Mickey. I tried to reach Mia, but she was on a dig in the jungle and couldn’t be reached. I did the honorable thing and married the woman. Turns out she wasn’t pregnant. I tried to make it work with her, but it was an impossible situation. I was miserable without Mia.

I was working with the British Museum for a few years when I was approached by a patron who wanted to sell an artifact that he had in his possession. I suspected the artifact was stolen. I spoke with my supervisor and together we researched the artifact and learned it had been stolen. My supervisor contacted Interpol and an agent came to the museum.

We worked with the agent and were able to obtain the artifact. The patron claimed he’d been given it as a gift, but couldn’t provide proof. The patron was a wealthy aristocrat and my wife thought I should simply help him sell the artifact. My wife was furious with me and that was the last straw as you would say. We divorced shortly afterwards.

The Interpol agent spoke with me about joining Interpol and working with AART. I admit it appealed to me. Being part of repatriating missing artifacts would be satisfying. I did my training in London and in several cities on the continent. My job is very satisfying. Locating missing artifacts and repatriating them to their rightful place.

This past summer, I was working with police in Scotland when we were advised of a sudden death at an archaeology dig on the Isle of Skye. The officer I was working with had to return, I followed because there was concern artifacts might have been taken as well.

I was shocked to learn Ethan Carter was the archaeologist who was dead. Ethan was a very good friend of mine and Mia’s when we were in grad school. I was more shocked to learn Mia was enroute to the dig for the summer.

We met and reconnected. It was awkward at first to say the least. We both had work to do. Mia with the dig and the students and me with the police and trying to recover missing artifacts.

We had a few close calls on Skye that made me realize Mia was still the person I wanted to be with.

At the end of our time on Skye, Mia and I had decided our relationship deserved a second chance. We spent ten days together in London, then went to the United States for Ethan’s memorial service. After that, Mia asked if I could spend some time with her in Lakeview. I was able to reconnect with Gran and with Alex too.

We’ve decided to give our relationship time to develop. At first, it appeared it would be a challenge. Me, in Great Britain, and Mia, in Canada. When I returned to London, I spoke with my supervisor at Interpol and asked if there were opportunities for me to work in Canada. Unbelievably, there was! I was pleased to learn that I could work in Lakeview City and provide hands on training to the local and provincial police as well as the RCMP. So, I’m back in Lakeview, at least for the moment. It’s been wonderful being with Mia.

Mia’s been pulled into investigating Mr. Fraser’s death and I’m beside her, making sure she’s safe. Although she really doesn’t need me to do that. She’s a smart, resourceful woman who’s proven time and again that she can take care of herself. But I don’t like the threats that she’s been receiving against her and Gran. I don’t want to lose Mia again.

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Review

DEATH OF AN ANTIQUARIAN by Rose Kerr
The Second Mia Reid, Archaeologist Mystery 

Pleased with the progress of her exhibit of Aztec artifacts at the Lakeview City Museum, archaeologist Mia Reid is happy to accompany her grandmother to a special sales event at Timeless Treasures, a local antique store. She's even happier that Luke Forbes, her significant other will be arriving in Canada soon as Interpol has him on assignment training local police about theft of artifacts. The following morning Tim Fraser, owner of Timeless Treasures, is found dead at his desk, poisoned. With ties to his family Mia becomes involved, soon discovering that Tim appeared to be linked with  a major smuggling ring. As police investigate, with help from Luke, Mia begins to receive notes threatening both her and her gran if she doesn't back off. Will they stop a smuggling ring and catch a killer or will a murderer strike again?

I absolutely love this series and changing the locale from the site of a dig to a museum is a fun change. It's fascinating seeing the various work involved at museums, from creating exhibits and authenticating items to marketing and publicizing events, working with schools, and helping the police! And this is just what Mia does. Living just over the border I also enjoy books set in Toronto, though it's called Lakeview. 

Mia makes a fantastic protagonist. She's smart and capable, with a fulfilling life. I also appreciate how Luke compliments her. They make a great team. The mystery was intriguing, with surprises about people Gran and Mia know to the shadow of an old bad guy. There's an indescribable quality to this book; conveying a sense of intelligence, family, and a strong work ethic with steady police work, thrills, and dogged determination.

Blending antiquities, police work, and relationships DEATH OF AN ANTIQUARIAN is a captivating mystery that has me dreaming of museum visits and butter tarts.

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 Death of an Antiquarian: A Mia Reid, Archaeologist, Mystery by Rose Kerr

About Death of an Antiquarian

Death of an Antiquarian: A Mia Reid, Archaeologist, Mystery
Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series
Setting - Lakeview City, Ontario, Canada (loosely based on Toronto, Canada)
Publisher: ‎ Level Best Books
Publication Date: ‎ December 16, 2025
Print Length: ‎ 242 pages

When archaeologist Dr. Mia Reid takes a contract position at the Lakeview City Museum, she expects artifacts, exhibitions, and research notes, not murder. The death of a local antique dealer, with unexpected ties to artifact smuggling, draws Mia into a dangerous mystery.

As chatter of an international smuggling ring surfaces, Mia and Luke race to uncover the truth. The stakes rise when threats reach her—and her beloved grandmother.

With lives in jeopardy and artifacts at risk of vanishing forever into the black market, Mia must use all her skills to piece together the puzzle. Can she expose a killer before the next artifact or person disappears?

About Rose Kerr

Retired in Southern Ontario with her husband, Rose spends her days crafting mysteries featuring strong, smart women who use their resourcefulness to solve crimes. When she’s not writing, she enjoys discovering the hidden gems of the region and indulging her lifelong curiosity.

Author Links: 

Website: https://rosekerr.com/ 

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r.m.kerr/?hl=en  

Pinterest: https://ca.pinterest.com/RoseKerrauthor/  

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22146877.Rose_Kerr  

Amazon Author Central page: https://www.amazon.com/author/rose-kerr-mysteries  

Purchase Links: Amazon Barnes and Noble Kobo Bookshop.org

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Death of an Antiquarian by Rose Kerr. This book is the second in the Mia Reid, Archaeologist Mystery series.

Pleased with the progress of her exhibit of Aztec artifacts at the Lakeview City Museum, archaeologist Mia Reid is happy to accompany her grandmother to a special sales event at Timeless Treasures, a local antique store. She's even happier that Luke Forbes, her significant other will be arriving in Canada soon as Interpol has him on assignment training local police about theft of artifacts. The following morning Tim Fraser, owner of Timeless Treasures, is found dead at his desk, poisoned. With ties to his family Mia becomes involved, soon discovering that Tim appeared to be linked with  a major smuggling ring. As police investigate, with help from Luke, Mia begins to receive notes threatening both her and her gran if she doesn't back off. Will they stop a smuggling ring and catch a killer or will a murderer strike again?

Cold Snap - A Spotlight

Since we're in the midst of an Arctic blast with plenty of snow I thought I'd shine a spotlight on Cold Snap by Maureen Jennings. This book is the third in the Paradise Café Mystery series and has been patiently waiting on my TBR pile.

Blurb:

November’s rain in Toronto 1936 has turned into December’s cold snap. Charlotte Frayne escapes being hit by a mud-splattered car racing round the corner at Queen and Spadina. The stranger who saves her turns out to be the man her boss, Mr. Gilmore, has helped to escape Germany and is now a refugee in need of shelter.

In a world still recovering from the War to End All Wars and the Spanish Influenza pandemic that killed fifty million people worldwide, and still in the throes of the Great Depression, Stephen Lucas is not just any refugee from the Nazi regime; he is in possession of information that could alter the course of history — but only if seen by persons in power and if acted upon. In a surprising twist of fate, Charlotte’s estranged mother reappears, wanting assistance in locating the son she gave up at birth twenty years before. Despite her turbulent feelings about her mother, Charlotte agrees to investigate, having no idea that the two cases will connect in surprising ways.

Back at the Paradise Café, Christmas draws near and Charlotte’s beau, Hilliard Taylor, and his partners are in disagreement about the holiday concert. With her beloved grandfather in the mix, there’s no telling whether the show will end in good tidings or anarchy.

Shudder Pulp - A Review

 Review

SHUDDER PULP by Vanessa Westermann
The Second Charley Scott Mystery 

As autumn turns ever closer to Halloween things are getting spooky in Oakcrest, Ontario. Inspired by the legend of the local lake monster Charley Scott is turning her art gallery into an immersive event; a terrifying one at that. When Laura bursts in drenched saying she's been attacked by the lake monster and that it's Charley's fault, Charley is stunned. But she's more stunned when Laura's body is found dead near her brother's marina a few hours later. In her short time in town Laura managed to anger a multitude of people, but who would want to kill her? With Charley's relationship with chocolatier Matt Thorn intensifying the two will begin to investigate. But secrets are even more dangerous than lake monsters and may just destroy them.

Tension continually ratchets up in the second Charley Scott mystery as events take on a macabre nightmarish quality, in artwork, in relationships, in the very atmosphere. Everything seems to have multiple meanings and everyone appears to have a sinister aspect that is slowly being revealed.

The mystery was as unique as the cause of death and I suspected everybody! Innocent people that were suspects in the first book were acting even more shifty and I thought they could be guilty this time around. I still don't trust Kayla. The drama is not just found in the mystery, rather there is an emotional maelstrom intensifying the action.

SHUDDER PULP will have you shivering with both fear and delight in this slow burning mystery. 

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Shudder Pulp by Vanessa Westermann. This book is the second in the Charley Scott Mystery series and was released earlier this month.

As autumn turns ever closer to Halloween things are getting spooky in Oakcrest. Inspired by the legend of the local lake monster Charley Scott is turning her art gallery into an immersive event; a terrifying one at that. When Laura bursts in drenched saying she's been attacked by the lake monster and that it's Charley's fault, Charley is stunned. But she's more stunned when Laura's body is found dead near her brother's marina a few hours later. In her short time in town Laura managed to anger a multitude of people, but who would want to kill her? With Charley's relationship with chocolatier Matt Thorn intensifying the two will begin to investigate. But secrets are even more dangerous than lake monsters and may just destroy them.

Cover Art - A Review

 Review

COVER ART by Vanessa Westermann
The First Charley Scott Mystery 

 

Quaint shops and peaceful lakeside living make Oakcrest the perfect place for Charley Scott's pop up art gallery. Charley is also happy to be spending time with her sister, sharing the cottage they inherited from their grandparents for the summer. But her stay is troubled by the arrogant Andrew Clarkston who threatens to squash her gallery. Sure enough Kayla, her childhood friend and wife of Andrew, pulls out of the show. On a positive note there is a shop offering amazing chocolates and an intriguing chocolatier. Matt Thorn, the chocolatier, is equally beguiled by Charley even as he deals with the recent death of his father and the secrets he held. But when Andrew is found dead, tampered chocolates by his side, Charley and Matt are drawn in to investigate the murder, even as someone continues to warn Charley off. Will they uncover Oakcrest's secrets or will someone stop them...permanently?

Long held secrets and flaring tempers collide in the first Charley Scott mystery. While a number of characters make for interesting suspects the primary characters are fun. I enjoyed the banter and flirtation between Charley and Matt and the realistic relationship between Meghan and Alex, showing the good and not so good aspects of cohabitation. I also enjoyed Charley and Meghan's relationship, though I'd be tempted to smack Meghan on more than one occasion. But Meghan's behavior is part of her charm, I suppose, and that sisterly bond is a special mix  of love, loyalty, and annoyance. I can't forget to mention Cocoa, the sweet dog who can get into trouble. I appreciated how the story progressed and while I generally don't care for multiple points of view, the way in which Charley and Matt shared perspectives was effective and didn't take me out of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the slow revelations, secrets from the past coming into the open to the detriment of some and the healing of others.

A compelling mystery fraught with tension as well as a distinct sense of place make COVER ART is an engrossing read and a fantastic start to a new series.

Shudder Pulp - An Interview

I'm pleased to welcome Vanessa Westermann to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Vanessa writes the Charley Scott Mystery series. SHUDDER PULP is the second book in the series and will be released May 3, 2025.

Kathy: In SHUDDER PULP Charley Scott is creating an immersive pulp art installation based on the local lake monster legend. I love learning about local legends! We have several near me and not too terribly far from me is Champ-the lake monster who lives in Lake Champlain. Do you have any legends local to you?

VW: The local legends that inspired SHUDDER PULP are historical rather than recent. While researching the cottage country setting, I learned about Kingstie, the 175-foot serpent in the water near Kingston Harbour, and the monster that was seen in the Bay in Belleville, Ontario. Sightings of both lake monsters were reported in local newspapers in the 19th century.

It’s hard to entirely dismiss these legends as fiction and that’s wonderfully eerie. Marine biologists acknowledge that the Great Lakes do harbour mysteries: prehistoric fish and reptiles that have adapted to the waters and thrived for centuries. I couldn’t help but wonder what might lurk under the surface of Charley’s lake…


Kathy: Charley teams up again with chocolatier Matt Thorn to investigate the murder of the newcomer who previously she had been attacked by the monster. I wouldn't mind teaming up with a chocolatier for many reasons...including chocolate. I love handmade specialty chocolate. Sponge candy is a local treat here and a favorite chocolate shop made raspberry flavored sponge candy this year! Do you have any favorite types of chocolate?

VW: Dark chocolate is my weakness! The chocolates in the Charley Scott mysteries are inspired by Centre & Main Chocolate Co’s flavours. The Gin & Tonic chocolate bar from Cover Art can be purchased from them, and so can the chocolate-coated maple sponge toffee from SHUDDER PULP. Researching the chocolate flavours is, as you can probably imagine, a real hardship!


Kathy: Was there a specific inspiration for this story?

VW: The title and general plot were inspired by Shudder Pulp dime magazine stories. The ‘shudder pulp’ formula of horror stories had one rule: All supernatural events had to be explained away in the end as nothing more than tricks played by the villain to cover his or her tracks. Although these original pulp stories were gruesome and menacing, I thought the idea would work well for a cozy mystery. Why not have the killer try to cover their tracks with supernatural elements, and blame the murder on a legendary lake monster?


Kathy: Are you able to share any future plans for Charley?

VW: I’m currently working on book three of the Charley Scott mysteries, which is set in winter. The murder is a death by polar plunge. Charley gets drawn into a series of cottage country winter adventures that become increasingly dangerous. She must brave the elements to figure out whodunnit.


Kathy: When it comes to writing I understand there are 2 general camps-plotters, who diligently plot their stories, and pansters, who fly by the seat of their pants. Are you a plotter, a panster, or do you fall somewhere in between?

VW: I’m a plotter, but I like to leave myself some freedom to discover the story as a draft. I normally flesh out my characters and come up with key plot points before writing. The magic happens, however, when characters react to challenges. Their responses often surprise me and take the story in new directions that I couldn’t have planned in advance. One of my favourite writing quotes is from Ray Bradbury: “Remember: Plot is no more than footprints left in the snow after your characters have run by on their way to incredible destinations.”


Kathy: Authors are required to do a lot of their own marketing, especially for a new release. What's your favorite part of marketing your work? What do you dislike about marketing?

VW: I actually enjoy all aspects of marketing because I get to finally share the story I’ve been working on for so long. I have the most fun creating Instagram posts that invite readers into the characters’ world. For example, I recently posted a glimpse into Charley’s sketchbook, sharing two pages she might have created to plan her Shudder Pulp art exhibit.


Kathy: Will you share any other upcoming books?

VW: Cormorant Books is republishing my first mystery, titled AN EXCUSE FOR MURDER, along with the sequel, TURNING THE PAGE ON MURDER, in 2026. The series is set in England and features amateur sleuth and bookstore owner, Kate Rowan. This series combines elements of the cozy mystery genre with romantic suspense. In TURNING THE PAGE ON MURDER, Kate has given up on crime fiction after falling for a killer when she finds her great-aunt holding a bloody knife at a murder scene. Kate reluctantly teams up with Gary, the man who broke her heart, to find out whodunnit. Their search for the truth sends them on a high stakes treasure hunt through downtown London, from the safe deposit boxes in Selfridges department store to the Reading Rooms of the British Library.

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Author Links:

Website: www.vanessa-westermann.info

Instagram: @vanessawestermann_

Cat Got Your Tongs - A Review

 Review

CAT GOT YOUR TONGS by Victoria Hamilton
The Twelfth Vintage Kitchen Mystery 

Jaymie Müller is always willing to help out, even when she's busy. Then again when is she ever not busy? Her helpfulness leads her to care for a feral cat colony while its usual caretaker is vacationing in Florida. That decision reinforced by the fact that she and her family will be staying in Queensville itself instead of their remote cabin and the bad vibes she gets from the caretaker's nephew who demands that he should be the one caring for the cats. Feeding the animals leads her to freezing cold temperatures and the discovery of a body! Does this have anything to do with the strange lights Miss Perry has been seeing by the river? Or the obnoxiously loud new neighbors? Jaymie will just have to do what she does best, help people and find a killer!

Important societal issues, namely smuggling and feral cat colonies, blend seamlessly in the well plotted mystery found in CAT GOT YOUR TONGS. I enjoyed seeing Jaymie in action and love the support she receives from Jakob as she gets involved in a variety of things-and she certainly gets involved in a large variety in this twelfth Vintage Kitchen Mystery. One of the things I like best about this book is the multiple endeavors Jaymie finds herself in, almost all of which have bearing on the actual mystery.

I appreciate the fact that cat colonies are a focus of the mystery. Honest facts are shared including the difference between feral and stray cats. I was concerned when I saw they were using fabric bedding at the start and immensely pleased when it was changed to straw, along with an explanation. I hope readers will consider the hard life these animals face-caused by humans-and perhaps will help, or at least not hurt cats living in local colonies. 

Ne'er do wells, interlopers, and cats converge in CAT GOT YOUR TONGS creating a delectably satisfying mystery that, despite the freezing setting, will still manage to warm your heart.

Death at the Scottish Broch - An Interview, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Rose Kerr to Cozy Up With Kathy today Rose writes the Mia Reid, Archaeologist Mystery series. DEATH AT THE SCOTTISH BROCH is the first book in the series.

Kathy: In DEATH AT THE SCOTTISH BROCH we meet Dr. Mia Reid, an archaeologist. I've always been interested in archeology. Has this been an interest of yours even before writing this series?

RK: I’ve been interested in archaeology since I read Agatha Christie’s MURDER IN MESOPOTAMIA. My university studies took me in a different direction, but I still enjoyed hearing about archaeology. A few years ago, I took online courses in archaeology and in antiquity smuggling through Open Learn University. The courses helped me understand archaeology and the work of an archaeologist better. I’ve attended webinars and took more online courses. While taking the courses, I decided I wanted to write about a modern-day archaeologist, who will have to deal with artifact smuggling. It’s been fun learning about this career.

Kathy: This mystery is set on the Isle of Skye. Why choose this location for your series opener?

RK: I wanted the first book to be set outside of North America. Mia and Luke need to reconnect, and this was the way I could bring them together. I choose Scotland because the country has always fascinated me. And the Isle of Skye because it’s an island, atmospheric, and a beautiful part of the world.


Kathy: Mia and her team uncover a treasure with ties to Bonnie Prince Charlie. Were you familiar with this royal prior to writing this book?

RK: Not as much as I am now. My local librarians provided me with excellent reference materials on Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Jacobites, and his role in Scotland’s history. I read six books to gather as much information as I could about this royal and found reputable websites to find more information and photos.

Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

RK: I enjoy reading a mystery where I can solve the puzzle alongside the amateur sleuth. The supporting cast of characters often brings in many personalities that play off each other, often adding humor to the story. And there’s a satisfying ending when the criminal is brought to justice. I also like that there isn’t any violence on the page.

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres? 

RK: No, I’ve tried, but mysteries are the ones I enjoy.
 

Kathy: Tell us about your series. 

RK: Archaeologist, Dr. Mia Reid, loves digging up history. But when murder and smuggling interrupts her work, she turns her instincts and puzzle solving skills to discover who is behind the smuggling and are they the killer.


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

RK: Mia is my favorite. She’s a strong, smart, independent woman. Close second, is Mia’s Gran, Marie Tremblay. She’s been a powerful influence on Mia throughout her life.

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

RK: I wanted my series to feature a modern-day woman archaeologist. The instructor who taught the classes with Open Learn University was a woman, and she had qualities that Mia has as well.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

RK: At first, I just wanted to write a story. Then I joined a writer’s group, and we supported each other’s efforts. They encouraged me to query agents and, with every rejection (there were lots!), they continued to encourage me to keep trying. They were thrilled for me when I signed with my agent and then when I signed my contract.

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

RK: Agatha Christie, Janet Evanovich, Vince Flynn, and Robert B. Parker

Kathy: What are you currently reading?

RK: An ARC of GOATS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN, by Janna Rollins


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

RK: I like walking the trails along our waterfront and taking photos, doing Diamond Art painting, reading, and scrapbooking. My husband and I like to explore the area we live in.

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

RK: Cheese, pickles, salami, crackers

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

RK: I’m contracted for three books for the Mia Reid series. Hopefully there will be more from Mia. And I’m thinking about a new series that I’ll start working on as soon as book two in the Mia Reid series is done.

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

RK: I love meeting readers of all genres. And making up characters and locations! 

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Review

DEATH AT THE SCOTTISH BROCH by Rose Kerr
The First Mia Reid, Archaeologist Mystery 

Professor Mia Reid has finished the Spring semester at Lakeview University and is ready to depart for a summer dig on the Isle of Skye. After being cut off while bicycling to work on her last day before leaving and then being called to the dean's office to be told there will only be one professor position offered in the fall Mia is more than ready to join her good friend Ethan in the field. Before she leaves Canada Ethan tells her of a great find he and his students made and warns her to be careful. When she and her student arrive at the dig site in Scotland they find it surrounded by police. Ethan has been killed. Stunned by the death she's also surprised to find another old friend on the site. Luke is now working for the Antiquities and Art Recover Team of Interpol. Could Ethan's death have been caused by a smuggling ring? With an overzealous sponsor, a sneaky dean, and mysterious strangers Mia will have to run the dig and protect the students. Will she also find a treasure and help solve a murder?

I have long been fascinated with archaeology and was delighted to discover a new series featuring an archaeologist. I love how realistic the approach to archaeology was, from the difficulties in academia, the issues with sponsors, and the actual dig itself...not to mention the smugglers. DEATH AT THE SCOTTISH BROCH captured this reality and combined it with an engrossing mystery. 

I really like Mia, she's strong, capable, and willing to show her emotions. She's forthright and capable of speaking up for herself. I'm sad that we didn't get to engage with Ethan more, but I enjoyed Mia's reconnection with Luke. I also really like Mia's Gran and hope we get to see more of her in future books.

The first Mia Reid, Archaeologist Mystery provides a bit of suspense and some thrills along with a solid mystery. I appreciate how Mia works with the local police, and, of course, Interpol in the person of Luke. Readers are given lots of clues along with lots of sketchy behavior. 

Snippets of history, characters with depth, and a great setting provide DEATH AT THE SCOTTISH BROCH with a solid basis making it a wonderful start to a new series.

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

Death at the Scottish Broch: A Mia Reid, Archaeologist, Mystery by Rose Kerr

About Death at the Scottish Broch

Death at the Scottish Broch: A Mia Reid, Archaeologist, Mystery
Cozy Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - Isle of Skye, Scotland
Publisher: ‎ Level Best Books (November 5, 2024)
Paperback: ‎ 264 pages

Dr. Mia Reid arrives on the Isle of Skye for a summer dig. She learns her friend and trusted colleague, Dr. Ethan Carter, is dead and valuable artifacts are missing.

Interpol agent and Mia’s former lover, Luke Forbes, is working the case with the police. They suspect murder and a smuggling ring.

Mia and her team uncover a treasure with ties to Bonnie Prince Charlie. Then two students are kidnapped, forcing Mia to trade the treasure for their release. During the rescue, she finds a collection of missing artifacts.

Are the smugglers and kidnappers the same people?

Can she dig up the truth before someone else dies?

About Rose Kerr

Rose Kerr writes cozy mysteries featuring strong, smart, women protagonists who must draw on their wits and resourcefulness to solve the crime.

Rose was born in a small community in Nova Scotia and has traveled across Canada.

More recently, Rose and her husband have moved to Southern Ontario. When she isn’t writing, Rose and her husband enjoy exploring the new region.

You can find Rose at her website https://rosekerr.com/

She’s active on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest) as well.

Author Links: 

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/RoseKerrAuthor  

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/r.m.kerr/?hl=en  

PINTEREST: https://ca.pinterest.com/RoseKerrauthor  

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22146877.Rose_Kerr  

Purchase Links: Amazon US - Amazon Canada - Barnes and Noble - Kobo 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Death at the Scottish Broch by Rose Kerr. This book is the first in the Mia Reid Archaeologist Mystery series.

Professor Mia Reid has finished the Spring semester at Lakeview University and is ready to depart for a summer dig on the Isle of Skye. After being cut off while bicycling to work on her last day before leaving and then being called to the dean's office to be told there will only be one professor position offered in the fall Mia is more than ready to join her good friend Ethan in the field. Before she leaves Canada Ethan tells her of a great find he and his students made and warns her to be careful. When she and her student arrive at the dig site in Scotland they find it surrounded by police. Ethan has been killed. Stunned by the death she's also surprised to find another old friend on the site. Luke is now working for the Antiquities and Art Recover Team of Interpol. Could Ethan's death have been caused by a smuggling ring? With an overzealous sponsor, a sneaky dean, and mysterious strangers Mia will have to run the dig and protect the students. Will she also find a treasure and help solve a murder?

Bronco Buster - An Interview

I'm happy to welcome A. J. Devlin back to Cozy Up With Kathy today. A. J. writes the "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery series. BRONCO BUSTER is the and most recent book in the series. I hope you read my review, if not, click here to check it out!

Kathy: In BRONCO BUSTER Jed and Declan find trouble at the Colossal Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair. Do you enjoy going to rodeos and or country fairs? If so, what's your favorite activity?

AJD: Absolutely! The Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair is a real thing in Greater Vancouver (I added to “Colossal” for a little creative freedom ;) and I have been going there since I was a wee lad. It always had that RUSTIC vibe to it that set it apart from other annual events, as if the entire exhibition was known for being a little rough around the edges.


With regards to a favourite rodeo activity, I would have to say for spectator events it would be bronco riding, of course, but my most cherished memories at the rodeo were always the special treats like candy apples, little donuts, and maybe a deep-fried banana or two.


Kathy: We know Jed has a thing for Dairy Queen Banana milkshakes, but here he partakes in a banana snow cone. I've never heard of banana as a snow cone flavor! Have you tried it?

AJD: Oh yes. If it has anything banana in it, you can bet I’ve tried it. That’s author 101 right there. Do your research. And while it’s fun to write about European banana-flavoured milkshake syrups like those featured in FIVE MOVES OF DOOM (“Hammerhead” 3) or banana-flavoured snow cones, unfortunately the ratio of number of banana fusion flavours tried to quality ones that make it to print in my books is not in favour of my tastebuds.


Kathy: The "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery series showcases various sports that could be considered non-traditional. We've gotten behind the scene looks at professional wrestling, roller derby, and now logging sports. Why bring logging sports into a "Hammerhead" mystery?

AJD: The idea for the series was that a pro-wrestler PI would be uniquely suited to take on cases that pulled him into fringe sports and unusual subcultures. After pro wrestling, roller derby, wiener dog racing, rooftop MMA, and goat yoga, I figured the only way to ratchet up the tension was to use one. Literally.


Kathy: While uproariously funny BRONCO BUSTER also deals with some serious existential considerations. How do you find the balance?

AJD: When I was at the American Film Institute Conservatory earning my MFA in Screenwriting, one time we had special screening of the Peter Sellers classic film Being There. Talk about balancing uproarious humour with existential crises. That film is masterpiece of comedic storytelling. So if we called that the "Scooby-Doo" of deftly balanced narratives that intersect silly with smart, I like to think that might make Bronco Buster the louder, far-less-beloved, but still-hopefuly-pretty-entertaining "Scrappy Doo.”


Kathy: I adore John Steinbeck. Did OF MICE AND MEN influence the Buffalo portion of the book?

AJD: 100%. And thank goodness for my brilliant editor and awesome team at NeWest Press because I was about as subtle about that inspiration in the first draft as the bovine butt cacophony that accompanies live betting on cowpie bingo.


Kathy: Was there a specific inspiration for this story?

AJD: Trauma. That’s what this book was for me. An exploration into the after effects of devastating trauma. Just like the kind “Hammerhead” Jed endures and survives in FIVE MOVES OF DOOM. While that story was complete, the fallout from the events of that book were not. In fact, I soon realized what had occurred in book 3 was so significant it had to serve as the character arc for Jed in book 4.

And it did.

I was inspired to utilize a real-time format because of my love of the TV show 24 and the character of Jack Bauer, and also because the implementation of such a finite narrative construct like that of a ticking clock actually served as a catalyst for Jed to process his trauma — all while caught up in a rodeo adventure.

And like all great adversity in life, keeping a sense of humour amidst chaos often comes in handy as an essential coping mechanism.


Kathy: Are you able to share any future plans for "Hammerhead" Jed Ounstead?
AJD: Happy Trails, Partner!

Bronco Buster - A Review

 Review

BRONCO BUSTER by A. J. Devlin
The Fourth "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery

A routine wrestling match at the Colossal Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair becomes anything but for Jed "Hammerhead" Ounstead when the body of a lumberjack games competitor is found floating in a shallow pool with an axe buried in his head. Realizing the victim is a man he considered a friend means that Jed has a new case. With his reckless cousin Declan by his side the pair will use any means, mostly unconventional, to get to the truth before the Mounties even arrive.

BRONCO BUSTER is another journey for Jed. What starts as a simple matinee wrestling match at a country fair and rodeo turns into a quest for truth, a question of his own morality, and the ultimate decision of life or death. As usual, Hammerhead's path is more circuitous than straight and his desire to help others puts him in more danger. This path of self discovery is full of outrageous situations bringing plenty of humor from cow-pie bingo, lusty senior citizens, the unique use of an ostrich, to a guru with hardware jewelry, not to mention logging games and wrestling moves that are a bit personal! Working at breakneck speed Jed strives to right a wrong as he grapples with existential crises.

Bronco Buster is a fast paced mystery with a myriad of moving parts. Never one to shy away from unique characters and situations we soon discover many characters with things to hide. The attentive reader will find subtle clues all while being led on a merry chase as Jed and Declan investigate their new friend’s murder. Could the solution be the obvious one?

A. J. Devlin has the unique ability to blend laugh out loud comedy with heartfelt pathos. More than a mystery BRONCO BUSTER is a meaningful work about life, love, and banana milkshakes.

Currently Reading...

I just started reading Bronco Buster by A. J. Devlin. This book is the fourth in the "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery series and was released earlier this month. 

A routine wrestling match at the Colossal Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair becomes anything but for Jed "Hammerhead" Ounstead when the body of a lumberjack games competitor is found floating in a shallow pool with an axe buried in his head. Realizing the victim is a man he considered a friend means that Jed has a new case. With his reckless cousin Declan by his side the pair will use any means, mostly unconventional, to get to the truth before the Mounties even arrive.

March Roars - A Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on an upcoming release. MARCH ROARS by Maureen Jennings is the fourth book in the Paradise Café Mystery series. It will be released in September.

Blurb:

As December’s cold snap recedes and March roars in, private investigator Charlotte Frayne receives a strange letter requesting her services. The sender, Miss Olivia Brodie, is an elderly resident in the Toronto House of Industry (The Poor House) who alleges she witnessed suspicious activity from two men on a nearby street. When two Black teenagers are charged with burglary on that same street, Miss Brodie seeks out Charlotte’s help to prevent “a grave miscarriage of justice.” Meanwhile, Charlotte is hired by the affluent Mrs. Emmeline Larkin, who claims some of her precious jewelry has gone missing. Mrs. Larkin fears a member of her own social circle may be implicated and suspects the influential women’s club to which she belongs, harbors a thief in its midst. Charlotte finds herself investigating the cases brought by two women who couldn’t be more different.

Rich with historical detail, Maureen Jennings’s latest book depicts some of the grave injustices that once plagued Toronto’s history.

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Maureen Jennings is best known for the Detective Murdoch series, which have been adapted to television for an unprecedented eighteen seasons. In 2011, she was awarded the Grant Allen Award for contribution to her genre. She has been nominated eight times for awards from the Crime Writers of Canada. In 2024, she received the Crime Writers of Canada Grand Master Award. She was born in the UK and now lives in Toronto with her husband, photographer Iden Ford, and her dog, Murdoch

Murder in Vancouver 1886 - An Interview, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Marion Crook to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Marion starts a new series with MURDER IN VANCOUVER 1886.

Kathy: It's no surprise that MURDER IN VANCOUVER 1886 is set in Vancouver in 1886. What made you choose this time and place for your series?

MC: I chose 1886 as that was the year of the great fire in Vancouver and I wanted to use that as the climax of the story. That meant I had to change the Chinese riot from 1885 to 1886 but apologized for that in the Author’s Notes.

Kathy: Amy MacDonald is a schoolteacher in 1886 Vancouver, Canada. If you were a teacher, would you rather be one in 1886 or 2024?

MC: That’s a hard one to answer. Amy had 70 students. I wouldn’t wish that on any teacher. On the other hand, she had great community support.

Kathy: As a teacher in this time, Amy has to be careful of propriety in order to keep her job while morally doing the right thing. Have you ever had to walk a narrow line such as this?

MC: I’m not good at walking the line and I usually found a way to do what I wanted (when I taught nursing) without the authorities finding out.

Kathy: Historical mysteries require an extra special brand of research. What's your favorite method to research this time period?

MC: For this book, I actually went to the archives in the museum to find the newspapers and articles I wanted. It’s more efficient to read articles on line, which I do and to contact archivists and make arrangements to have them pull articles and information for me before I go to the museum. I also managed to find a real Winchester ’86 rifle so I knew exactly what they looked like.

Kathy: What first drew you to historical mysteries?

MC: A good story will pull me in to most settings, but I like discovering what is the same and what has changed since those historical days.

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

MC: Yes, I write non-fiction and recently wrote two books of my memoirs ALWAYS PACK A CANDLE:A NURSE IN THE CARIBOO-CHILCOTIN (2021) and ALWAYS ON CALL:ADVENTURES IN NURSING, RANCHING AND RURAL LIVING (2024). I also write in the traditional mystery genre. I wrote a series of contemporary mysteries called The British Book Tour Mysteries. Book 6 STORMS IN THE COTSWOLDS is due out September 2024.


Kathy: Tell us about your series.

MC: MURDER IN VANCOUVER 1886 is the first of this series, so I don’t have much to say about the next ones as they aren’t fully formed in my head. They will be set in different towns such as Victoria.

The British Book Tour Mysteries runs to six books and takes the protagonist, Claire Barclay, a travel guide, and her tourists to sites of mystery novels all over Britain. That requires research in those places, so I have enjoyed researching in Hampshire, Cornwall, Yorkshire, Scotland, Sussex and the Cotswolds. The next in the series is set in Hampshire, and I plan to be there this fall. I like the character development of Claire and her lover Mark and the various characters who appear in every book as well as the stimulation of the new characters, the tourists who are different in each book. They are my imaginary social world.

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

MC: In MURDER IN VANCOUVER 1886 my favorite character, other than Amy, is Lydia, Amy’s aunt. She is opinionated, practical, critical and loving. I love her contradictions.

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

MC: The disasters that occurred in historic towns and cities provide a good basis for drama, and since they really occurred, the story becomes more believable.

Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

MC: I published my first book in 1984, and I believe I wanted to connect with readers. I still want to connect with readers.

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

MC: Kerry Greenwood especially for her Corinna Chapman series. Dick Francis and his wife whom I suspect had a lot to do with his success. Catriona MacPherson for her hilarious sense of humor, Ann Cleeves for her brilliant plots and subtle dialogue as well as her philanthropic causes

Kathy: What are you currently reading?

MC: · Winona Kent (Jason Davey series), Faith Martin (Ryder & Loveday series) and research for a new historical biography

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

MC: Sure will. I paddle outrigger canoe with a regular crew here on the coast of British Columbia. I play violin (not well) in a chamber orchestra and fiddle with my adult fiddle group. I have a wonderful dog and a cat that has finally mellowed to reasonable behavior.

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

MC: · Chocolate, blueberries, harissa, home-made jam

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

MC: I always have plans. I have a seventh book planned for The British Book Tour Mysteries. A second to follow MURDER IN VANCOUVER 1886 tentatively called MURDER IN VICTORIA 1894, a biography of an historic woman called (at the moment) BLOOMSBURY TO BARKERVILLE, which ought to keep me working for about three years.

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

MC: I am delighted that finally I have developed the skills I need to tell the stories that inhabit my mind.

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Review

MURDER IN VANCOUVER 1886 By Marion Crook

First in a New Series

As a schoolteacher in 1886 Vancouver Amy MacDonald must be circumspect in her behavior. That doesn't completely stop her from enjoying herself though. A clandestine swim leads to the discovery of a  body of a man, dead in the bay. The murdered man raises many questions, which their provincial policeman is unlikely to answer. The town's journalist begins his own investigation with Amy adding her own thoughts and ideas. Could the death be related to the railroad or conflicts with the northern territories? While Amy enjoys the company of Frank, a successful businessman, could he somehow be involved? Or has it something to do with the Chinese workers?

It took a while for me to get into MURDER IN VANCOUVER 1886. There were a lot of historical details, which I appreciate, but there was a lot going on. There was the resentment of Chinese workers, issues with the location of the new railroad, rivalries with the city of Victoria, rebels in the northern territories and measles! These and other political issues dominated the story. Perhaps if I had better knowledge of Canadian history, Western Canada in particular, the story may have flowed more smoothly. By the end, however, I was completely absorbed and the thrilling conclusion had me on the edge of my seat!

Amy makes a wonderful protagonist. She's smart and has her own opinions, though she may be a bit too trusting. She needs to listen to her gut more. I like how she's not afraid to participate in activities she enjoys, even if she has to do them in secret in order to keep her job. I love her interactions with others, especially relationship with her brother. Lots of characters with lots of motives, including marriage and even simple survival, added interest and a glimpse into life in that 1886 town.

Political intrigue, greed, and a determined schoolteacher combine to make MURDER IN VANCOUVER 1886 a fascinating historical drama.

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 Murder in Vancouver 1886 by Marion Crook

About Murder in Vancouver 1886

Murder in Vancouver 1886
Historical Cozy Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: ‎ Epicenter Press (WA) (May 14, 2024)
Paperback: ‎ 234 pages

Vancouver, 1886, a bustling city with a growing population and tantalizing opportunities. Some of those opportunities are illegal. When Amy MacDonald, the school teacher at Hastings Mill, discovers new Win­chester '86 rifles are being smuggled through the city, she tries to enlist the aid of the earnest but slow-witted provincial policeman. She involves a curious local newspaperman, a businessman, a knowledgeable woman of the street, and her irrepressible younger brother in her efforts to prevent the contraband from flowing to the Métis re­bels in the North West.

Vancouver life is complicated by the murder of a Métis man, the persecution of the Chinese people living in the city and the intent of the mob to oust the Chinese onto boats and out of the new city. Amy manages to move between different the levels of society but not without risk of being dismissed from her teaching position. She tries to do what she believe is morally right without being discovered. All her plans and careful stratagems are disrupted suddenly and dramatically by the devastating, overwhelming fire.

About Marion Crook

Marion Crook wrote mysteries: The Susan George Mysteries for young adult readers and The Megan Mysteries for middle-grade readers. Recently she produced The British Book Tour Mysteries (Camel Press) writing under the name Emma Dakin. Shadows in Sussex (Book 5) was released in 2023. Storms in the Cotswolds (Book 6) is scheduled for September 2024. As Marion McKinnon Crook, she wrote non-fiction history Always Pack a Candle: A Nurse in the Cariboo-Chilcotin. 2022 (Heritage House Publishing) which won The Lieutenant Governor’s Community History Award. A sequel Always on Call: Adventures in Nursing, Ranching and Rural Living hit the BC Bestsellers list in its first week of release. Her interest in the Victorian era took her to research 1886 in Vancouver, Canada. Hours of reading old newspapers accounts of life in that new city, and checking archives combined with her fascination with the mystery genre produce Murder in Vancouver 1886. Marion Crook lives near the Pacific Ocean in Gibsons, BC.

Website: http://crookpublishing.com/  

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

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marion-mckinnon-crook-98542020/  

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

Purchase Links Amazon CA - Amazon US - Amazon UK 

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The Sulphur Springs Cure - An Interview & Review

I'm pleased to welcome Jeffrey Round to Cozy Up With Kathy today. THE SULPHUR SPRINGS CURE is his latest book and it was released last month

Kathy: THE SULPHUR SPRING CURE encompasses two different time periods: 1939 when Violet first arrived at the Sulphur Springs Hotel and 2009 when she returns. Was one time period easier to write than the other? Was one more enjoyable to immerse yourself in?

JR: Of the two time periods, 2009 was sometimes the harder to write because of the rapid advances in technology in this century. For instance, I had to remind myself that Facebook was then a relatively new invention and therefore something Violet (my protagonist) could legitimately claim not to know about when her niece, Claire, first mentions it. As well, I had to recall what was entailed in airport security clearances at the time. The scene where Violet’s hip replacement pin sets off the scanner is one I lived through when my mother and I travelled to Nova Scotia, just a few years later than when it occurs in the book.

The chapters set in 1939 were a joy to create. It’s this sort of writing that sets my imagination on fire because I can really invent. In an effort to be factual, however, many of the details were taken from real life, either from photographs taken at the time or actual objects now in my possession. The Marconi radio mentioned in chapter 20, for instance, was a model introduced in 1939. One of these was purchased by my mother’s family, who at the time lived in Noel Shore, Nova Scotia. It now resides in my home in Toronto. The Victrola Enid Browne plays so reverently each night after dinner was similar to one owned by my family when I was a child. Although LP records were the norm by then, I used to enjoy going through a box of 78 RPMs and playing those.

Kathy: Violet and her parents originally came to the hotel for the waters’ restorative properties. Many places through the centuries have touted healing waters. Have you ever availed yourself of any?

JR: Good question. I am recently back from a trip to the La Fortuna region in Costa Rica. During a three-week period, I visited three different thermal springs, the waters of which are heated by the Arenal volcano. And yes — I am sold on their restorative qualities!

Kathy: What first drew you to mysteries?

JR: My friends, the Hardy brothers, Frank and Joe. We were best buddies from the time I was ten to around the age of twelve.

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

JR: I like to say that each book is its own genre and try not to force books into categories. I am also a playwright, poet and songwriter. I think it’s more interesting to explore a story in whatever way it wants to unfold and then let people tell me what they see or hear in each work.

Kathy: Tell us about your series. 

JR: Violet McPherson is not yet a series, as this is her debut story. She is eighty-four when the story opens, and is clearly haunted by something that happened when she was fourteen. I explore her story in both timelines. I have sketched out a sequel, but one with an independent storyline that takes place on a vacation resort in Havana. We will see where it leads.

I have two other characters who can legitimately claim to be in a series — one is four books in total, to date, while the other is seven. The Bradford Fairfax mystery series is a sort of cozy, because there are always murders to be solved, although Bradford himself is a secret agent. These books are comedies. Again, there is that crossing of genres that makes them hard to define. The second is the Dan Sharp series, for which I won a Lambda Award. These are more hard-hitting and closer to what a noir mystery series entails.

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

JR: Strangely — or perhaps not — I don’t have a favourite character. Or, rather, my favourite happens to be the one I’m writing at the time.

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

JR: Generally, they involve travel. THE SULPHUR SPRINGS CURE started as the result of a day trip to the ruins of the former Sulphur Springs Hotel in Dundas Valley, near Ancaster ON. As I walked along, I felt as though the grounds were talking to me. I stopped to listen to what they had to say, and this book was the result.

The first Bradford Fairfax book, THE P-TOWN MURDERS, came about as the result of a vacation to Provincetown, MA. While there I came across many quirky, real-life characters who I felt deserved to be in a book. So I put them in one.

The first Dan Sharp book, LAKE ON THE MOUNTAIN, came about as the result of a sailing trip. While passing through the Bay of Quinte in Prince Edward County, I looked up at the ridge of a promontory and felt a shiver when I was told it was called Lake On The Mountain. When I returned home I began to research the area.

Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

JR: THE SULPHUR SPRING CURE had been sitting on my desktop for a while when I got a message from Cormorant’s publisher, Marc Côté, asking if I had anything along the lines of the Bradford Fairfax books. I hadn’t, but it put me in mind of this book and I offered it to him instead. It was Marc’s suggestion that I focus a bit more on the book’s literary qualities that gave me the final push to polish it.

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

JR: Shakespeare would be first on the list. I recall saying this while on a panel of mystery writers and being labelled pretentious as a result. But who better to discuss murder, mayhem, and devious characters? I would also love to talk with John Le Carré, whose books enthral me even when I want to chide him for writing so many awkward sentences. Of living authors, I would invite Kate Atkinson, with whom I once had dinner and found her personality to be sparkling, and Pat Barker, author of the extraordinary “Ghost Road Trilogy.” They would all give good lip.

Kathy: What are you currently reading?

JR: This question would take up a lot of space, since I can take years to complete a book, but I’ll give you the short list:

1: AS YOU LIKE IT by William Shakespeare — the first of his plays that comes fully alive for me

2: INSOMNIA by Stephen King — dreadfully overwritten, but the characters are compelling

3: PROUST'S DUCHESS by Caroline Weber — an impressively researched book about the women on whom Proust based his Duchesse de Guermantes

4. THREE-WAY RENEGADE by Keith Garebian — poems about the early gay activist Samuel Steward

5: THE FOURTH COURIER by Timothy Jay Smith — a political thriller I discovered through an on-line podcast hosted by author Brad Shreve

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

JR: I had to pause to think. I don’t have hobbies because I take everything too seriously. It’s all or nothing. I am a nature lover and gardener, however. Does that count?

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

JR: I am stuck on the Cs: cheese, chocolate, chillies and cilantro are mainstays. Perhaps I should add cooking — another C word — to my list of hobbies.

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

JR: The Dan Sharp series is probably complete at seven books. I have four more volumes sketched out in the Bradford Fairfax series. As for Violet, she will let me know when she wants to pay another visit. She is always welcome.

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

JR: Good reviews! Not for the ego boost, but as an affirmation that I am doing my job as a writer. It’s a nagging feeling most of us get. Also, I love hearing from people about my books. It doesn’t happen often enough. It doesn’t always have to be a compliment. I learn from people’s reactions. In fact, I have probably learned more from well thought-out criticism than outright praise. I think writers need to stay in touch with what informed readers are saying. 

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For more information click here!

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Review

THE SULPHUR SPRING CURE
By Jeffrey Round 

 

Violet McAdams knows she's coming to the end of her life. Her husband dead, her body slowing, she's preparing to sell her house and move into a home for seniors. But memories are bothering her, the dead reminding her of her past and the secret she kept from that time seventy years ago. The time spend at the Sulphur Springs Hotel. The time she was involved in murder. With the dead becoming more insistent she decides to take one last trip. Accompanied by her youngest niece Violet heads back to Dundas, Ontario to discover the truth once and for all.

 

Part mystery, part coming of age story THE SULPHUR SPRINGS CURE is a unique and beguiling book. I appreciated the melding of the two time periods, the more recent past of 2009 and that of 1939. The historical part of the novel was fascinating with references to the upcoming war and compelling details of life at the Sulphur Springs Hotel. Invalids who nevertheless dressed for dinner, nightly dancing, the fact that personal time pieces weren't allowed, as well as the freedom given to the young girls all added to the ambiance and made it seem as if you were actually there, smelling the sulphur in the air, feeling the heat of the summer, and witnessing a girl growing up.

 

I really like Violet. She's a precocious youth and a headstrong senior. She knows her own mind and isn't afraid to speak it. Yet she's also naive and somewhat vulnerable. I enjoyed seeing Violet as both a fourteen year old and an elderly woman, how she's changed and adapted as well as how much she remained the same.

The author's use of foreshadowing lent a heaviness, a quietly oppressive atmosphere to the time spent in 1939. Knowing that before long something very wrong would happen, but not knowing exactly what kept me enthralled. So many mysteries, what was actually wrong with Violet's mother, what was Willoughby up to, and more. I was also captivated by the way the eighty-four year old determined the truth of what happened that fateful summer. It's interesting to note the use of tenses chosen by the author, with the modern section written in the present tense. I'm not a fan of present tense, but it did provide a notable change from Violet's past.

With wry humor and a distinct sense of time and place THE SULPHUR SPRINGS CURE is not only a mystery, but an intriguing story of a woman's search for truth and redemption.

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading The Sulphur Springs Cure by Jeffrey Round. 

Violet McAdams knows she's coming to the end of her life. Her husband dead, her body slowing, she's preparing to sell her house and move into a home for seniors. But memories are bothering her, the dead reminding her of her past and the secret she kept from that time seventy years ago. The time spend at the Sulphur Springs Hotel. The time she was involved in murder. With the dead becoming more insistent she decides to take one last trip. Accompanied by her youngest niece Violet heads back to Dundas, Ontario to discover the truth once and for all.

Murder, She Wrote: Murder Backstage - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

MURDER, SHE WROTE: MURDER BACKSTAGE
By Jessica Fletcher & Terrie Farley Moran
The Fifty-Eighth Murder, She Wrote Mystery

It's always exciting for an author to finish her manuscript, but it's doubly exciting for Jessica Fletcher as it allows her to accept her fun loving cousin's invitation to see her in a new theatrical review. Soon Jessica, along with friends Seth Hazlitt and Mort and Maureen Metzger arrive in Edmonton, Canada ready for a fun vacation. While the friends are able to see some of the wonderful sites, they are also plagued by lost items, surly and pushy people, and theatrical drama. When Jessica accompanies Emma for an after hours costume fitting they also find a murdered body! Who could have killed the part time stage hand who also worked as a bartender at their hotel? While the Canadian police have matters in hand, Jessica can't help but look into things as well. Jessica's vacation has become a working holiday in more ways than one!

Jessica Fletcher is one of the best cozy mystery sleuths of all time. She isn't reckless, she works with the police, and she notices everything! In MURDER, SHE WROTE: MURDER BACKSTAGE Jessica spends most of her time sightseeing, as she should when vacationing. When murder happens, she observes and her investigation is primarily a trip to the library and discrete inquiries. And yet, due to her acute observations, she solved the crime! Perfection!

I love the camaraderie between Jessica and her friends, as well as the effervescent Cousin Emma. Seeing Seth and Mort so enthusiastic about meeting their childhood idol was a welcome change from their more serious professions and it was fun seeing Jess and Maureen simply shake their heads at the men's antics. I also enjoyed the glimpses of Jess as a child as she and Emma reminisced. 

The mystery was finely plotted with several things occurring in the book I thought for certain played a major role. I later discovered I was somewhat led astray and I enjoyed a few surprises along the way. I also really liked learning about Edmonton and was grateful for the opportunity to be an armchair traveler as well as armchair detective!

MURDER, SHE WROTE: MURDER BACKSTAGE combines the beauty of Edmonton, the drama of theatre, and a finely crafted mystery along with wit and friendship in a delightful mystery.

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 Murder, She Wrote: Murder Backstage by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran

About Murder, She Wrote: Murder Backstage

Murder, She Wrote: Murder Backstage
Cozy Mystery 58th in Series
Setting - Edmonton in Alberta, Canada
Publisher: ‎ Berkley (April 2, 2024)
Paperback: ‎ 272 pages

The newest entry in the USA Today bestselling Murder, She Wrote series.

Jessica Fletcher’s British cousin, Emma MacGill, will be traveling to Edmonton in Alberta, Canada, to perform with internationally famous star of stage, screen, and television Derek Braverman in an old-fashioned musical review. Emma would love for Jessica to join her there and suggests she bring along some friends. Having just finished her latest book, Jessica is ready for a vacation and is delighted to agree. Dr. Seth Hazlitt and Sheriff Mort Metzger are huge fans of Braverman, so they are eager to tag along, and their fanboy behavior gives Jessica and Mort’s wife, Maureen, more than occasional cause to roll their eyes.

Upon arrival in Edmonton, Jessica is quickly outed as mystery writer J. B. Fletcher, and despite numerous protests, a hotel staffer arranges a book signing for her. This and touristy adventures arranged for the group make for a much busier trip than Jessica was expecting. When a hotel bartender, who also happens to be a stagehand for Emma’s play, turns up dead backstage at the theater, Jessica’s fun and relaxing vacation quickly becomes anything but.

About the Authors

 

Along with Jessica Fletcher, Terrie Farley Moran co-writes the Murder She Wrote mystery series including Murder, She Wrote: Killer on the Court. She is the author of the Read ‘Em and Eat cozy mystery series and also co-writes the Scrapbooking Mysteries with Laura Childs. Recipient of both the Agatha and the Derringer Awards, Moran has published numerous mystery short stories. The only thing Terrie enjoys more than wrangling mystery plots into submission is hanging out with any or all of her seven grandchildren.  

Author Links – Webpage Facebook  

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Bookshop.org – PenguinRandomHouse –

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