Show Business for Shy People - Guest Post, Giveaway, & Cat Got Your Secrets Review

Show Business for Shy People 

By Julie Chase

It’s been said that writing is show business for shy people. I feel like that couldn’t be more accurate, and I started writing for this very reason. Because I love people, but am endlessly uncomfortable with them…usually. Unfortunately, I’d finished my BA in psychology and registered for graduate coursework with the intention of becoming a motivational speaker before I realized one problematic thing: I’m an introvert.

I’d never heard the term until then, but the moment I did, I felt the truth of it in my core. It was like a light had been ignited and all the little challenges of my life made more sense. THIS was why I panicked in crowds, hated parties and most social interaction unless I knew everyone and was able to leave at any point without question.

So, knowing I had this issue, this personality type that meant being physically with people drained me of energy, how could I possibly help anyone?

I didn’t know, so I let the dream go.

Until ten years and three kids later, when I watched an author interviewed on Oprah. The author had penned a book that I’d recently read, and the story had given me so much escape and pleasure that I wanted to hug her, and I’m not a hugger. So, when she explained to Oprah that she was “no one special” just a “stay at home mom of three little kids,” I thought…..I, TOO, am a stay at home mom to three little kids. Maybe I could do what she had done.

She’d had a story to tell, and she told it. I wanted to do that too. My busy mind quickly took the shiny new concept a few steps further, and I wondered if maybe I could use my stories to help other people like I’d originally wanted to do. Of course, the way I helped them would be different. I wouldn’t write motivational or self-help books. I would write humor and provide readers with a much-needed escape. Stories that could give them a respite, a reprieve from their daily chaos and turmoil. Maybe I could be an author.

And then it hit me. Just because I couldn’t meet the people in real life and become their friend or confidant didn’t mean I couldn’t dream up the kind of friend they needed, then share that character with them.

So, I did.

In the eight years since I saw that fateful Oprah interview, I have never stopped trying to make people smile. I’ve published two short stories, three novellas and nineteen novels in four unique genres. I have contracts in place for seven more titles to be released in 2018 & 2019, as well as two this fall, beginning with this week’s new release, Cat Got Your Secrets. If you’re looking for an upbeat, happy new read, or are in the market for a fun new friend, I hope you’ll give Lacy and her gang in New Orleans a try. The Kitty Couture Mysteries are near and dear to my heart, and I can’t wait to share the latest installment with you.

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Cat Got Your Secrets, Kitty Couture Mystery, book 3

Lacy Marie Crocker has settled into a comfortable groove back home in New Orleans, and with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, she’s busier than ever running a thriving pet boutique, helping her mother organize the upcoming National Pet Pageant, and untangling her complicated love life. But when delivering a king-sized order of dreidel-shaped doggy biscuits for a Saint Berdoodle’s bark-mitzvah, Lacy stumbles into yet another murder scene―and the last person to see the victim alive was her own father.

It’s up to Lacy to clear her dad’s name from the suspect list before Detective Jack Oliver has to cage him for good. But just when she starts pawing at the truth, she receives a threatening letter from a mysterious blackmailer bent on silencing her with her own secrets. And Lacy’s not the only one with bones in her closet.

Time’s running out in this deadly cat-and-mouse game in Cat Got Your Secrets, the delightfully funny third novel in Julie Chase’s Kitty Couture mystery series, perfect for “all those feline fanciers who love to read Rita Mae Brown” (Suspense Magazine).

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About the author:

Julie Chase is a mystery-loving pet enthusiast who hopes to make readers smile. She lives in rural Ohio with her husband and three spunky children. Julie is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), and Sisters in Crime (SinC). She is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. Julie also writes as Julie Anne Lindsey.










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Review

CAT GOT YOUR SECRETS by Julie Chase

The Third Kitty Couture Mystery

Lacy Marie Crocker is back at Furry Godmother whipping up organic treats and outfits for pets of all types. But when she stops to deliver some driedel-shaped doggy biscuits for a St. Berdoodle's Bark-Mitzvah she discovers a crime scene. The victim is Wallace Becker, the owner of the Cuddle Brigade, a popular pet sitting business. The problem is that Wallace is also a friend of Lacy's dad. The dad who's acting strange...and the last person to be seen with the victim! Now Lacy's bound and determined to prove her father's innocence, with or without the help of a certain hunky homicide detective or a charming lawyer. But will Lacy wind up in a killer's sights yet again?

The Kitty Couture Mystery series is a cute cozy series and the third book in the series fits right in. Although Lacy has struggled to make it on her own and be her own person, she does have a Cinderella like aura which the villain describes perfectly, "you bounced down the driveway like little blue birds followed you through life". Lacy is a perky cheerful soul, albeit nosy and a bit immature. Fortunately she's also quite a bit likable. She's a caring person who genuinely wants to help others, animals and people alike. I enjoy watching the relationship between Lacy and her mother grow and develop, as well as Lacy's relationship with her two possible beaus, Chase and Jack.

CAT GOT YOUR SECRETS is a cute cozy filled with ever evolving characters, a great location, and an in-depth mystery. Julie Chase gives readers plenty of wonderful visuals, such as the apparel Lacy creates. But, my favorite visual is that of Penelope regally riding Spot, cat atop a robotic vacuum, priceless and memorable!

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Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Cat Got Your Secrets by Julie Chase. This book is the third in the Kitty Couture Mystery series and will be released September 12th.

Lacy Marie Crocker is back at Furry Godmother whipping up organic treats and outfits for pets of all types. But when she stops to deliver some driedel-shaped doggy biscuits for a St. Berdoodle's Bark-Mitzvah she discovers a crime scene. The victim is Wallace Becker, the owner of the Cuddle Brigade, a popular pet sitting business. The problem is that Wallace is also a friend of Lacy's dad. The dad who's acting strange...and the last person to be seen with the victim! Now Lacy's bound and determined to prove her father's innocence, with or without the help of a certain hunky homicide detective or a charming lawyer. But will Lacy wind up in a killer's sights yet again?

What Makes a Cozy Mystery Cozy, Anyway? - Guest Post, Review, & Giveaway

What Makes a Cozy Mystery Cozy, Anyway? 

By Julie Chase

Popular as the cozy subgenre of mystery is, and as fast as the love is growing, there are still plenty of readers who have no idea what I’m talking about when I tell them I write cozies. I imagine they think the little word is thrown in there to describe something else like an emotion I’m feeling as I write. Maybe they just think that I think mysteries in general are warm and comfy. I’m not sure. But I get that wrinkled nose or slow blink, and I know they’re hearing the term for the first time. Hopefully not for the last.

Cozies are making stride in popularity these days, reaching lots of new readers, and sometimes breaking away from the mold, but at the heart of every cozy, we will always find these six things:

1. Murder. There will always be a central murder to catapult the heroine into action. After all, this is a mystery. In Cat Got Your Cash, my heroine, Lacy, is excited to meet her hero, a local fashion designer who made it BIG, but when she arrives at the appointment, her hero is dead, and she’s accidentally picked up the murder weapon. Yikes!

2. An amateur sleuth. It used to be that the sleuth was always a woman. That’s no longer true, and honestly, I’m seeing some former PIs and not-so-amateurs slipping into the list, but traditionally, the heroine is busy living her life until the body drops.

3. The heroine has a fun job or hobby. Cozy heroines do fun things, either for work or play, and the story centers around them. Maybe she owns a bead shop, a tea shop or yoga studio. Maybe her dog helps her solve the crimes, or her bakery is enchanted. Whatever it is that is unique to the heroine, readers love coming back for more. In Cat Got Your Cash, Lacy runs Furry Godmother, a pet boutique and organic treat bakery in New Orleans. A cozy heroine’s pastime is guaranteed to be fun and original. Something the reader enjoys learning about as much as the murder. My cozies include Lacy’s recipes for homemade pet treats!

4. The setting is delightful. Cozies are set in closed communities. A small town, or neighborhood, so that readers can get to know your heroine’s people. Regular reoccurring characters often become reader favorites. They might frequent the heroine’s shop, be related to her, a neighbor of hers or the instructor at her favorite art class. Regardless of how often the heroine leaves the area on business or pleasure, we can count on the local cast to pop up and make us smile.

5. Humor. Humor is the thread that pulls it all together and ties the adorable bow. Cozies aren’t focused on police procedure or the down and dirty of crime. They follow an amateur sleuth, someone like you or me, through the chaos of her life while also trying to clear her name (or a loved one’s – or trying to bring justice to a murdered friend etc) by solving a murder. Imagine yourself attempting this task in your spare time…..funny, right?

6. A PG-rating. Despite the central story line of murder, cozy mysteries can be trusted to keep it clean. There is no blood, guts or gore. The language is kept to church standards (I was recently asked to change the word ‘crap’ in a cozy because it could be perceived as distasteful). You might read about how a character swore under his breath or uttered an oath, but you’ll have to use your imagination on what that was exactly. Also, cozies often have romantic chemistry brewing between the heroine and a local detective or other reoccurring character, but you won’t see them being romantic. Maybe some squeezing of their hands, a hug goodbye or cheek-kiss hello, but anything unbecoming will be off the page or simply not present. The relationship, after all, is a side dish to the main course. And the main course is Mystery!

If you’re in the mood for a new cozy series, I hope you’ll give my Kitty Couture Mysteries a try. Lacy and her gang in New Orleans are just waiting to draw you in, pour you a cup of sweet tea and fill you with crawfish and beignets. See you there!

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Cat Got Your Cash: A Kitty Couture Mystery

Lacy Marie Crocker’s whimsical pet couture has gained a following in New Orleans’s cozy Garden District, and word of mouth has traveled all the way to her favorite fashion designer, Annie Lane. Lacy’s thrilled when Annie schedules a private session at her home to discuss a companion line for her evening wear, but when Lacy arrives for the appointment, she enters the kitchen to two mewling Siamese cats--and one very dead Annie.

Lacy takes the kittens home to care for them until they can be properly claimed by Annie's family or friends, but after a busy day of work, she returns home to find them missing. And when Lacy learns the cats are set to inherit Annie's fortune, she begins to wonder if the killer was after the kittens all along. Now Lacy will stop at nothing to save the Siamese and find justice for Annie--if the killer doesn’t sink his claws into her first.

Luckily, Lacy has the help of handsome NOLA PD homicide detective Jack Oliver to help her catch the cat-napper before its too late in Cat Got Your Cash, the endearing second Kitty Couture mystery from Julie Chase.

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About the Author:

Julie Chase is a mystery-loving pet enthusiast who hopes to make readers smile. She lives in rural Ohio with her husband and three spunky children. Julie is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) and Sisters in Crime (SinC). She is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

Julie also writes as Julie Anne Lindsey. Learn more about Julie Anne Lindsey here.

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Review

CAT GOT YOUR CASH by Julie Chase

The Second Kitty Couture Mystery

Lacie Crocker, who has declined financial assistance from her family, is making a go of it at her Furry Godmother shop, but barely. She now has a chance get her big break by partnering her pet couture with the famous designer Annie Lane. Yet instead of discovering a new opportunity, Lacie finds Annie's dead body. Unwilling to let Annie's two Siamese kittens be taken to the pound, she assumes responsibility for them until Annie's will is probated. That decision puts her in the cross hairs of angry animal activists, a mad ex-husband, and a mysterious stalker. But nothing can stop this self admittedly nosy designer from trying to figure out the truth and help solve the murder.

Filled with memorable characters, the Kitty Couture Mystery series is a fun, feel good escape. The ongoing battle between the Jazzy Chicks and the Llama Mamas showcase part of the personality that is the New Orleans Garden District. Steeped in tradition and money, its citizens generally try to do good and make the world a better place. Detective Jack Oliver, Chase Hawthorne, and newcomer Henri LaSalle, provide enough testosterone to ignite some swoonworthy moments while Imogene gives a healthy dose of comfort and realism, with a dash of the unknown. Lacie Crocker is an endearing protagonist, even though she made me sigh at her ignorance of proper cat introductions and makes me want to smack her to realize Jack's feelings toward her! But Lacie is real. Trying to make it on her own, yet knowing when she needs to call for help. Admitting her faults, yet accepting them and trying to do better, for herself, her friends and family, and the community itself.

CAT GOT YOUR CASH is an engaging mystery with a heart stopping climactic scene that will leave you breathless. I thoroughly enjoyed my second trip to New Orleans via the Furry Godmother and eagerly await my next visit.

Pet recipes included.

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Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Cat Got Your Cash by Julie Chase. This book is the second in the Kitty Couture Mystery series and was released last week.

Lacie Crocker, who has declined financial assistance from her family, is making a go of it at her Furry Godmother shop, but barely. She now has a chance get her big break by partnering her pet couture with the famous designer Annie Lane. Yet instead of discovering a new opportunity, Lacie finds Annie's dead body. Unwilling to let Annie's two Siamese kittens be taken to the pound, she assumes responsibility for them until Annie's will is probated. That decision puts her in the cross hairs of angry animal activists, a mad ex-husband, and a mysterious stalker. But nothing can stop this self admittedly nosy designer from trying to figure out the truth and help solve the murder.

Pet recipes included.

Cat Got Your Interview + Review & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Julie Chase to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Julie writes the Kitty Couture Mystery series. Cat Got Your Diamonds, the first book in the series, was released November 15, 2016.

Kathy: Lacy Marie Crocker opens Furry Godmother, an upscale pet boutique and organic treat bakery. Is this store based on a real shop, or is it purely a creation of your imagination?

JC: The shop is purely from my imagination, but it's been fun running into readers who know someone with a relatable shop in their town. I think I should go on a tour, visiting as many of these places as possibly and taking selfies with the awesome owners.


Kathy: I have a large furry family including cats, rats, and a horse. Do you have furkids of your own? Have they inspired any of the offerings at Furry Godmother?

JC: Many of my animal scenes in this series were inspired by the pets I grew up with. My parents are huge animal lovers, and there was always at least one pet in the house. As an only child, the pets were my friends, my confidants and my companions. Some of my favorite childhood memories are of me and a furry sibling.


Kathy: You include recipes for pets. How do you develop these recipes? Do you have an eager testing panel/ Do you enjoy cooking for humans too?

JC: I stopped loving to cook after my kids were old enough to snub my meals. With three of children between the ages of 8 and 13, I only make two dishes that no one complains about and one of those is cereal. Cooking for pets is so much more fun. Pets love anything you offer them. They accept the food with enthusiasm and gratitude. I would cheerfully cook for a pet over a child any day. Though, I will say that my kids have loved baking and testing the pet recipes on pets. We're planning pet treats for the neighbors' pets now and will deliver them with the humans' cookies at Christmas.


Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

JC: I fell in love with Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books and wanted to recreate the fun and frolic I found there. She was my gateway to the cozy world. Cozy heroines feel like old friends that I can't wait to sit down and catch up with. I wanted to write those.


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

JC: I've published some YA and sweet romance in the past, but the last seven manuscripts I've written have been cozy mysteries. Also, I've just signed a contract to write romantic suspense for Harlequin's Intrigue line, so I'll be switching gears for a few months, but I'll always come back to cozy.


Kathy: Tell us about your series.

JC: Lacy's from a wealthy New Orleans family, but she's trying to carve her own path in life. That path took her away from home for nearly a decade, but now she's back, licking her wounds and making lemonade...or in her case making pet costumes and organic treats for furbabies. When a man is killed outside her pet boutique, Lacy is the main suspect. She must fight to clear her name and save her new business.


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

JC: I love Lacy because she's so determined. About everything. She's fiercely loyal. Dedicated to the success of her business, to finding a place in her mother's world, to healing their sometimes difficult relationship. Lacy does everything with heart, and I admire that.


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

JC: No. I just love pets in costumes and the New Orleans Garden District. I wanted to share both with readers.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

JC: I want to reach people, the way my favorite authors reach me. I want to make a stranger smile, and hopefully give them an escape from their busy lives, even if it's just a few hours.


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

JC: Janet Evanovich, Stephen King, Stephenie Meyer and Emily Bronte.


Kathy: What are you currently reading?

JC: The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware


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

JC: I'm a bit of a snore. Mostly, I read and write, or I hang out with my husband and kids. We like television and movies. We endure karate classes, swim meets, gymnastics events and everything from chess competitions to girl scout ceremonies together. If one of us is involved, then we're all involved. We call ourselves Team Lindsey.


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

JC: Bottled water, peanut butter & jelly, string cheese and coffee.


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

JC: I've written three books in the Kitty Couture series so far and have a proposal out there for books 4-6. So, fingers crossed, the publisher accepts the proposal, and I'll be taking Lacy and her crew on adventures for years to come.


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

JC: I love the idea of making someone else's day brighter. It's the reason I started writing, and it's my goal every time I sit down at my computer.

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Review

CAT GOT YOUR DIAMONDS by Julie Chase

The First Kitty Couture Mystery

After a nasty breakup with her louse of a fiance Lacy Crocker returns home to the Garden District of New Orleans. Lacy's followed her dreams and opened Furry Godmother, a pet boutique and organic treat bakery. She not only bakes all of the delicious treats, but designs the pet clothing as well. Several burglaries have been occurring in the neighborhood, but Lacy feels relatively safe-the thieves are after high end jewelry, not glittery tutus or liver treats, no matter how well made. When a disreputable man scopes out her shop, Lacy is a bit unnerved and downright terrified when she finds him inside after hours! When the police arrive they find the man dead and consider Lacy Suspect #1! Now her investor has pulled his backing and Lacy is desperate to clear her name and keep her business going. Despite the continued growling of a good looking detective to let the police handle matters, Lacy doggedly investigates all while trying to keep her business afloat, dealing with her high society mama, trying to get her cat back from her ex, and not getting killed!

Julie Chase has brought the Garden District of New Orleans alive. Bringing together the wealth and society demands of this exclusive district to a hardworking woman determined to make her own way without the help of her family's money or name Chase has created a likeable new protagonist and a world of well developed, interesting characters. I am thrilled to discover Furry Godmother! While Lacy's custom designed clothing may not be on my shopping list, I certainly would love to visit her store to buy some Tiny Tuna Tarts. Since that trip to a fictional store is not possible, Chase graciously shares the recipe so that my furkids, and yours, need not be deprived!

Filled with humor and fun CAT GOT YOUR DIAMONDS provides an intriguing mystery and great start to a new series. Chase ingeniously ends the book with a perfect segue to her next Kitty Couture Mystery, and now I'm dying to see what happens next!

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