Fried Chicken Castañeda - An Interview, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Suzanne Stauffer to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Suzanne writes the Couriers Mystery series. FRIED CHICKEN CASTAÑEDA is the first book in the series.

Kathy: In FRIED CHICKEN CASTAÑEDA we meet Prudence Bates. Prudence is bored with her conventional middle-class life and heads West. Have you ever tried to liven your life up?

SS: Oh, my, yes. Many times. I think that I did all of the things that Prudence didn't do -- I went away to college, I moved to New York City after I got my master's in library science and lived there for ten years. I'd probably still be there, but my income wasn't keeping up with the cost of living, so I moved across country to got to school at UCLA and get my PhD. Los Angeles is a pretty exciting place to live -- but also expensive. In 2006, I went to Australia to meet a man I'd been corresponding with via email for 10 years. We got married at the Riviera in Las Vegas NV in December of that year. He continues to liven up my life! After I retired in 2024, we moved to Albuquerque and I started a third career.

Kathy: Prudence is befriended by Castañeda Hotel employees and she is invited to dances and the local hot springs. Which of these activities would you prefer?

SS: Oh, neither one. Prudence is the extrovert that I wish I were! I wish that I could dance, but it's not one of my skills. My husband loves hot springs and I tolerate them. Prudence and I share a love of Golden Age mysteries.

Kathy: Prudence follows in the footsteps of her favorite fictional detectives, Tommy and Tuppence. If you were to solve a mystery in real life, which sleuth's footsteps would you like to follow?

SS: Probably Miss Marple. I'd be watching quietly from the sidelines, gathering clues and making connections while I knitted away. Or possibly rare book librarian Helen Shandy in the Charlotte MacLeod Professor Peter Shandy series. I'd love to work at Balaclava College!

Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

SS: It's more that the mysteries I have always loved got retconned into being cozy. I started with Nancy Drew and Judy Bolton, then moved on to Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, and Marjorie Allingham. I also love the hardboiled mysteries of Dashielle Hammett, Raymond Chandler, and Ross Macdonald. I think it's the focus on character and character development that drew me to them. Human beings and their motivations are central to the story and the mystery. I don't much care for graphic descriptions of blood and guts or sex, either.

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

SS: I've written several short stories in other genres and have plans for others. Strangely enough, the two that I wrote in the hardboiled genre -- "Effie's Tale" and "Detour to Murder" -- have been published. The others are available on my Substack https://smstauffer.substack.com/ along with additional Fred Harvey recipes.

Kathy: Tell us about your series. 

SS: The Couriers Series follows Prudence from Cleveland to New Mexico, as she prepares to train as a Courier, and then on the Detours that she leads.

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

SS: I think that's like asking a parent who their favorite child is! By the time I've spent 60-70,000 words with them, it's impossible to pick. And, Prudence meets new people in each book. If I absolutely had to pick one in "Fried Chicken Castaneda," I think it would be Clara, the desk clerk. She's just so grounded and confident. She knows who she is and what she wants.

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

The Fred Harvey Indian Detours and the Couriers who led them. I learned about them on a visit to the Grand Canyon, and realized they would make a great basis for a cozy mystery series.

Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

SS: That was always the goal -- to write a book that people would read and enjoy. As you probably can guess, I've been a reader for as long as I can remember (and my mother read to me before I could even talk), so it seemed natural to someday write and publish books, as well.

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

SS: My immediate response is "The Four Queens of Crime, of course." Christie, Sayers, Marsh, Allingham. Then I think it might be more fun to invite Barbara Mertz (Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Michaels), Charlotte Macleod, Caroline Graham, and Sarah Caudwell. They all write/wrote such witty, clever, humorous books.

Kathy: What are you currently reading?

SS: I just finished the "Mr. and Mrs. North" series (all 25 books) by Frances and Richard Lockridge.

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

SS: Cooking, as you might have guessed, gardening, knitting/crocheting/embroidery/sewing, Western history, travel.

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

SS: Tea, flour, sugar, yeast

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

SS: Yes, the second book, "French Toast ala Santa Fe" is scheduled for release on October 13. Prudence goes on a 3-day Detour with 10 other tourists. Secrets are revealed. I just finished the third, "Cold Vichysoisse Cream." Prudence investigates the murder of an acrobat in a vaudeville troupe appearing at the KiMo theater in Albuquerque. In the fourth, which I'll be starting in a month or so, Prudence leads her first Detour to Taos.

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

SS: The freedom to create these new characters and new situations and see where they take me. I was a professor for 20 years and, although I did a lot of writing, my work always had to be documented and otherwise based on evidence. Writing fiction frees me from that! Of course, it all has to make sense in the end and play fair with the reader, but no one asks me to cite my sources! I do include an author's note, though, explaining where I took liberties with the facts and giving links to further information about real people and places -- I can't help myself!

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

Review

FRIED CHICKEN CASTAÑEDA by Suzanne Stauffer
The First Couriers Mystery 

Bored. There's no two ways about it, Prudence Bates is bored. Sure she enjoys her job as a librarian, helping patrons find the perfect book. But even they seem to be requesting the same boring books. But after hearing a talk about the the Southwestern Indian Detours, she's inspired. The scenery, so different from Cleveland, the different cultures...Prudence is entranced. Despite qualms from her mother and Wally, the friend, who wants to be more than just a friend, Prudence decides to do something for herself for a change and decides to head West to try to become the a courier for the touring company. Traveling alone, Prudence is quick to make friends, from the Navajo teacher she meets in the train to the staff at the Castañeda Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico where she decides to stay for a week. But, along with good food, she soon discovers prejudice and murder!

I found FRIED CHICKEN CASTAÑEDA to be fascinating, not just for the mystery, but for all of the history. I never knew there was a Las Vegas, New Mexico and I was unfamiliar with the Harvey Houses and Detours. I really appreciated the author note as the end which provided more details and resources! I can see me delving into more rabbit holes of research for fun! I appreciated the light shined on prejudice in the West in 1929. The conundrum Native peoples faced, from selling their wares to tourists to living the traditional way or a more modern one. And not only the Navajo and other Indigenous people, but the way you were treated if you were considered Spanish, rather than Mexican...or Indian.

As for the murder, Prudence is first shocked by the number of alcohol related deaths, surely considered murder. She's also seen enough of Tom's bad behavior so that his murder isn't much of a shock, but just who did it?  I liked how she quietly inserted her way into the investigation. The resolution was unique. The romance, heart stopping.I enjoyed the various characters and the whole concept of this series. I'm fascinated to see what happens on her next stop.

Stepping back to 1929 FRIED CHICKEN CASTAÑEDA provides a delicious mystery amidst a stunning Western backdrop.

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

 Fried Chicken Castañeda by Suzanne Stauffer

About Fried Chicken Castañeda

Fried Chicken Castañeda
Historical Culinary Cozy Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - Las Vegas, New Mexico, in June 1929
Publisher: ‎ Artemesia Publishing, LLC
Publication Date: ‎ May 6, 2025
Print Length: ‎ 228 pages

At the Castañeda Hotel you'll find romance, gourmet dining, bootleggers, and murder!

Bored with her conventional middle-class life, Prudence Bates escapes Cleveland by heading west to qualify as a Courier for the Southwestern Indian Detours. On the California Limited she meets Jerry Begay, a charming Navajo school teacher. They feel an instant rapport, but he's headed for Gallup, so it's but a brief encounter.

In Las Vegas, New Mexico Prudence is befriended by Castañeda Hotel Harvey Girls Martha and Anne and desk clerk Clara. They take Prudence under their wing and invite her along to dances and the local hot springs.

Four days later, Martha's brother, Tom, is found murdered. Was it because of his bootlegging activities? Or his amorous relationship with Liz Kearney, daughter of the richest man in the area and rumored mob boss? And was that really Jerry Begay whom Prudence saw meeting with Tom in secret the day before he was killed?

Following in the footsteps of her favorite fictional detectives, Tommy and Tuppence, Prudence is determined to solve the murder. But one wrong step and she may end up in the sights of the bootleggers.

About Suzanne Stauffer

 

After 20 years as a librarian and 20 as a professor of library science and library historian, Suzanne Stauffer has moved on to a third career as a mystery novelist. She currently lives in Albuquerque with her Australian husband and brown and white spotted rat terrier dogter, Treme. Her debut novel, Fried Chicken Castañeda (Artemesia Publishing, May 2025), won the CIPA EVVY Bronze Medal in Mystery/Crime/Detection and the New Mexico Book Award for Cozy Mystery.  

Author Links:  

Blog https://couriersseries1926.blogspot.com/  

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/couriers1926/  

Substack Newsletter Amuse-Bouche https://smstauffer.substack.com/  

Purchase Links: Publisher Amazon B&N Bookshop.org

Death at Rock Bottom - A Guest Post, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Kris Bock to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Kris writes the Reluctant Psychic Mystery series. DEATH AT ROCK BOTTOM is the second book in the series and was released last month.

Psychic Powers in a Mystery Novel with Kris Bock

For the Reluctant Psychic Mystery series, I gave the main character, Petra, the psychic power of psychometry. That means she can touch an object and receive impressions about the person or people who held it previously. An author can choose how to portray a character with psychic powers, and few readers are going to claim, “That’s not how it really works,” since to most of us, it’s a speculative element.

In GRAVE RESERVATIONS by Cherie Priest, her heroine has psychometry but must concentrate for a minute or two in order to get anything from an object. It’s a skill she can use, or not, as she chooses. In my series, Petra’s psychometry is constant and out of her control. She never knows what images or feelings she might receive from touching a random object. The visions can come on hard and overwhelm her.

“Her psychic ability isn’t some glamorous superpower—it’s a burden. The way Bock describes her exhaustion from touching objects, the way she braces herself before every handshake, the way she longs for silence but is constantly bombarded by echoes of violence… I’ve never read a psychic protagonist who felt this real.” – Lauren Marks on GoodReads. 

This has affected every aspect of her life. She studied geology, because rocks and minerals usually don’t hold psychic emanations. (The exceptions would be things like a worry rock a person kept in their pocket – or a rock used as a weapon, as in book one, A STONE COLD MURDER.)

“Petra’s psychometry is such a fresh take on psychic abilities. It’s not about predicting the future—it’s about being drowned in the past. The scene where she touches the fluorite crystal and is flooded with the victim’s terror? I had chills. Bock doesn’t shy away from the ugliness of this ‘gift’—the way it isolates Petra, the way it makes her question every interaction. It’s brilliant character work.” – Lesa Ruby on GoodReads. 

Petra doesn’t have friends, because she doesn’t feel right learning things about people without their knowledge and permission. Yet she doesn’t want to tell people about her gift too quickly, for fear they’ll either think she’s crazy or want her to use it on their behalf, something that destroyed several relationships with family and friends in the past. She has many pets – cats, ferrets, rats, and guinea pigs – because she craves connections and affection, which she can’t get from other humans.

Or can she? When she moves to New Mexico to start a job at a quirky museum in book one, she plans to keep a pro low profile. That’s hard in a very small town though, and her museum coworkers quickly attempt to befriend her. Besides, since she’s afraid her predecessor might have been murdered, she’s motivated to learn more about the people around her. Almost before she knows it, she has friends. But that doesn’t mean she wants to tell them her secret.

The series explores themes of friendship or “found family,” expressing one’s authenticity, and whether or not we have an obligation to use our special gifts. How would you feel if you had a psychic power? Would you tell people or keep it a secret? Would you use it for gain, amusement, or to help others?

It’s not likely most of us will ever have to answer these questions, but that’s the fun thing about fiction: It allows us to explore questions and maybe get to know ourselves a little better. Inspire interesting conversations with others as well! If you have a book club, you can get discussion questions for A Stone Cold Murder here! 

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

Review

 

DEATH AT ROCK BOTTOM by Kris Bock
The Second Reluctant Psychic Mystery 

Petra Cloch is slowly getting accustomed to life in small town New Mexico, making friends, and working in the quirky Banditt Museum. While still not comfortable with her gift of psychometry, Petra decides to practice her skill with the help of her friend and coworker, Liberty. Their practice is interrupted by a woman demanding to know the whereabouts of the rock her late husband donated. Assuring her that they know nothing about it, the widow says she believes her husband had dementia as he had begun to be forgetful, paranoid, and talking about aliens. Departing as quickly as she appeared Liberty starts to wonder. Frank was a healthy man who knew his way around the desert. And even fit people can get disoriented and die in the heat. But what's the importance of this rock? Is there more to Frank's death? It couldn't hurt to start looking for the rock and delve into Frank's last days. Haven is more than excited to start another investigation. A missing rock, a missing will, could the desert death actually be murder?

I really like Petra and completely understand being overwhelmed dealing with people. I'd rather be home with my animals too! But I like how she's venturing out and how people are welcoming her into their circle. She has friends now, even though she finds that somewhat difficult at times. I also love Liberty and her calm mature presence. Haven, however, is a bit much for me with her overexuberant eagerness. Still, she is a good counterpoint to the quieter and more sedate Petra and Liberty. I am also a bit in awe of Jenny. She really commanded a fun scene.

I liked how the mystery was a bit obscure. Was it murder, manslaughter, or a tragic accident? What's the significance of Frank's big find? Is the motive inheritance, land, fraud, or something else. I appreciated how Haven divvied up roles and assigned tasks to the members of the "book" club. I also appreciated how snacks and drinks are an integral part. Snacks, drinks, and friendship. Everyone has a task and plays an important role, no matter their abilities. I also like how they have a mind to keep the sheriff and police departments in the know. No one is running off and taking stupid risks on their own either. 

Rocks, aliens, and a death in the desert combine to make DEATH AT ROCK BOTTOM a unique and engaging mystery. The more I'm around these characters the more I love them and I can't wait to see what happens next!

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

 Death at Rock Bottom: A Paranormal Mystery (Reluctantly Psychic Murder Mystery) by Kris Bock

About Death at Rock Bottom

Death at Rock Bottom: A Paranormal Mystery (Reluctantly Psychic Murder Mystery)
Paranormal Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series
Setting - New Mexico
Publisher: ‎ Tule Publishing
Publication Date: ‎ July 30, 2025

She can touch an object and sense the emotions of the people who’ve held it before…

After solving the mystery of her predecessor’s death, geologist Petra Cloch wants to focus on her new job as the rocks and minerals curator at a quirky, small-town New Mexico museum. But her friend and colleague Liberty is suspicious of the “accidental” death of Frank Underwood, a retired petroleum engineer and rockhound who unexpectedly died while hiking. Frank acted odd and secretive in his last weeks—mumbling about an incredible find in the desert and aliens. Was he showing the first signs of dementia, or were more sinister forces at work?

Petra agrees to help excavate the truth, and soon, instead of meeting for book club, she and her friends become amateur investigators. Petra uses her gift and her brains to sort through the contradictory stories and confusing clues as she and her friends dig for answers.

Did Frank’s heirs decide to hasten their inheritance? Or did his rock shop business partner decide to go solo? Petra joins the local geological club to discover whether someone there acquired a taste for murder, because they’ll need rock solid evidence to catch a killer.

Perfect for fans of Paige Shelton’s Alaska Wild Mysteries and Heather Graham’s Krewe of Hunters!

If you love supernatural sleuths, small-town intrigue, and mysteries with a geological twist, Death at Rock Bottom is your next must-read! Grab your copy today!

About Kris Bock

Kris Bock writes mystery, suspense, and romance, often with Southwestern landscapes. In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. This humorous series starts with Something Shady at Sunshine Haven, which made Barnes & Noble's list of “Handpicked Favorites You'll Love!” Kris’s romantic suspense novels include stories of treasure hunting, archaeology, and intrigue. Readers have called these novels “Smart romance with an Indiana Jones feel.”

Learn more about Kris’s books or sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter and get an Accidental Detective short story and other freebies. Then every two weeks, you’ll get fun content about pets, announcements of new books, sales, and more. As for Kris’s romance stories, the Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series stars the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats. In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery, which causes as many problems as it solves.  

Author Links: 

Website 

Author newsletter signup  

GoodReads Author Page 

 BookBub Amazon US page or Amazon UK page  

Mastodon  

BlueSky  

Purchase Links Publisher Amazon B&N Apple Kobo Google Play GoodReads 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

A Stone Cold Murder - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

A STONE COLD MURDER by Kris Bock
The First Reluctant Psychic Mystery 

Petra Cloch has the gift of psychometry. By touching objects she can discern the feelings and even some basic thoughts of whoever previously held the items. Sometimes a gift is more like a curse. Not having complete control of the ability, nor wishing others to think she's crazy, Petra prefers to keep to herself, enjoying the company of her animals rather than trying to form friendships. But when she moves from Seattle to New Mexico to work in the Banditt Museum, replacing their recently deceased geologist, things change. While cleaning her new office she picks up a crystal specimen and is flooded with images and feelings...all negative. Perhaps her predecessor's death wasn't so natural after all. Performing his job, living in the house he rented, is it possible she could be in danger? Compelled to find out more about the man, Petra starts to wonder about new co-workers. Could these friendly people actually become friends or is one of them a killer?

Petra inherits a lot from her predecessor, mainly a lot of problems. Getting a fresh start, but not wanting to get close to others, unless maybe she does, it's no wonder Petra has doubts about her new job. Add to that her new co-workers, well, pretty much everyone she meets in town, is a bit...different. But so is Petra. Her special ability is fascinating. I love her menagerie of pets, and yes, rats are wonderful pets. I appreciate how she prefers to keep to herself and I love how the others intend to draw her out and make her part of the group.

The mystery was unique and so well done. Her psychometry gives her clues, but not enough to know what exactly is going on. I love how she slowly investigates, how she slowly begins to trust, and how she gradually starts to accept her gift. Plenty of suspicious characters and red herrings keep readers on their toes.

Quirky characters in an unconventional museum pulled me in to this captivating mystery. I loved this series debut and I can't wait to return to the Banditt Museum!

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

A Stone Cold Murder (Reluctantly Psychic Murder Mystery) by Kris Bock

About Stone Cold Murder

A Stone Cold Murder (Reluctantly Psychic Murder Mystery)
Cozy Psychic Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - New Mexico
Publisher: Tule Publishing (April 28, 2025)

Print length: ‎ 218 pages

She hates her gift – but it just might save her…

Geologist Petra Cloch can touch an object and sense the emotions of the people who’ve held it. It’s a miserable way to live. She studied rocks because they rarely ‘talk’ to her and she’s dodged friendships so she won’t need to explain her gift or feel like a voyeur. But when she takes a job as the rock and mineral curator at an unusual western history museum and picks up a jagged crystal in her new office, flashes of rage, fear and death hit hard.

Everyone says her predecessor died in a car crash, but what if he was murdered? Under normal circumstances, Petra would never become involved, but what if the previous curator died because of something he did on the job? She could be next. Petra knows she’ll need evidence, not her psychic sense she hides. Can she trust her chatty colleagues who invite her to lunch and to join a book club? And what about the far too watchful Sheriff who keeps showing up unexpectedly…

About Kris Bock

Kris Bock writes mystery, suspense, and romance, often with Southwestern landscapes. In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. This humorous series starts with Something Shady at Sunshine Haven, which made Barnes & Noble's list of “Handpicked Favorites You'll Love!” Kris’s romantic suspense novels include stories of treasure hunting, archaeology, and intrigue. Readers have called these novels “Smart romance with an Indiana Jones feel.”

Learn more about Kris’s books or sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter and get an Accidental Detective short story and other freebies. Then every two weeks, you’ll get fun content about pets, announcements of new books, sales, and more.

Author Links: 

Website https://www.krisbock.com/  

Author newsletter signup https://sendfox.com/KrisBock  

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4735592.Kris_Bock  

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kris-bock  

Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/author/krisbock  

Mastodon https://mastodon.social/@KrisBock  

BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/krisbock.bsky.social  

With hotlinks: Website Author newsletter signup GoodReads Author Page BookBub Amazon US page or Amazon UK page Mastodon BlueSky  

 

Purchase Links: 

Publisher https://tulepublishing.com/series/reluctantly-psychic-murder-mystery/  

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DT291NVL  

B&N https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-stone-cold-murder-kris-bock/1146825703  

Apple https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-stone-cold-murder/id6740542084  

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-stone-cold-murder  

Google Play https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Kris_Bock_A_Stone_Cold_Murder?id=nTI-EQAAQBAJ&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1 

 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading A Stone Cold Murder by Kris Bock. This book is the first in the Reluctantly Psychic Murder Mystery series and will be released next week.

Petra Cloch has the gift of psychometry. By touching objects she can discern the feelings and even some basic thoughts of whoever previously held the items. Sometimes a gift is more like a curse. Not having complete control of the ability, nor wishing others to think she's crazy, Petra prefers to keep to herself, enjoying the company of her animals rather than trying to form friendships. But when she moves from Seattle to New Mexico to work in the Banditt Museum, replacing their recently deceased geologist, things change. While cleaning her new office she picks up a crystal specimen and is flooded with images and feelings...all negative. Perhaps her predecessor's death wasn't so natural after all. Performing his job, living in the house he rented, is it possible she could be in danger? Compelled to find out more about the man, Petra starts to wonder about new co-workers. Could these friendly people actually become friends or is one of them a killer?

The Wilderness Trap - A Guest Post & Giveaway

I'm happy to allow Jodi Linton to take over Cozy Up With Kathy today. Jodi writes the Southwest Exposure Mystery series. The Wilderness Trap is the fifth book in the series and was released last month.

Authors and Their Day Jobs
By Jodi Linton

When I was trying to think about something to write for a guest blog post, I hit major writer’s block. Mostly, I found myself at a loss for words because I’m juggling so many balls in the air right now from work, school, and writing books. Don’t get me wrong, I love all three, but something your brain screams no more words. And that’s where I was until today when Lori, who put my blog tour together, emailed me with a list of ideas to write about. She mentioned that I should talk about my work and school, and I found the topic somewhat interesting. Not sure if you will, but I’m writing about it anyways. So read or scroll by, because either way you’re going to find out an awful lot about teaching writing classes and earning an emergency teacher’s certification.

I sometimes think when I’m writing my books do readers think authors sit 24/7 at a desk and write all the words. Are authors always talking to their characters? Are authors outlining book plots on cocktail napkins? Some might be. Me? Nope. I barely have enough time in the day to eat lunch, let alone create story plots. Most my writing happens at night after gym class, dinner, and schoolwork. Yes. You heard that right. I’m in school. Again. And at forty-something. Let me tell you—going back to college for a second degree while working fulltime is exhausting. However, I’m done in June and counting down the days until I can say, “School is out for the summer.” And I might celebrate with a cupcake.

You may be asking yourself how I came to going back to school. Well, I moved to a state with a major teacher shortage. Honestly, there’s a teacher shortage everywhere, but my state is bad. They offered emergency certification to professionals with degrees to teach a subject in a field they have work experience in. Naturally, I was hired as a writing teacher. So, all day I teach fourth graders how to write, format papers, and work on their handwriting skills. I give weekly spelling tests and grammar lessons. It’s been a different challenge, but a fun one. I can happily say my fourth graders can put together a typed, five-paragraph research paper without breaking much of a sweat. And through teaching writing classes to elementary students, I found an academic outlet I was missing by writing fulltime.

Now at night, until I graduate in June, my fingers fly across the keyboard typing up schoolwork and drafting manuscripts, and I wouldn’t have any other way.

I hope you found learning about my day somewhat interesting. If not, I guarantee Andie Sullivan’s job in The Wilderness Trap is more exciting. She solves crimes alongside you.  

 

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

About The Wilderness Trap

The Wilderness Trap (Southwest Exposure Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery 5th in Series
Setting - Bushwhack, New Mexico
Independently Published (February 28, 2024)
Print length: ‎ 164 pages

Explore nature, where the outdoors are wild, the tourists are clueless, and murder is the new adventure.

Andie Sullivan never thought her old nemesis would be running the elementary school career day. She was supposed to be discussing the wonders of nature, but when questions arise about her crime-solving side gig, some of the locals aren't impressed.

But when career day turns into an actual murder, Andie finds herself on the case. And to make matters worse, the victim is her old nemesis. With the help of her hunky boyfriend, Sheriff Zac Mars, Andie dives into the investigation, determined to find the killer before they strike again.

Can she juggle her thriving outdoor business, her budding relationship with Zac, and find an elusive killer? Or will her pursuit of the truth lead her straight into the crosshairs of a ruthless killer.

About Jodi Linton

USA Today Bestselling author Jodi Linton pens funny romances, whodunnits, and thrillers. She is the author of the Southwest Exposure Cozy Mystery Series, The Deputy Laney Briggs Series, and several standalone romances. She lives in the city with her husband and two teens. When she isn't writing her next page-turner, she teaches and hikes.

Website: jodilintonbooks.com 

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jodi-linton  

Purchase Links: The book is KU - Amazon US - Amazon UK - Amazon CA - Amazon AU 

 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Killer Outdoors - An Interview & Giveaway

I'm happy to welcome Jodi Linton to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Jodi writes the Southwest Exposure Mystery series. THE KILLER OUTDOORS is the first book in the series and was released earlier this month.

 

Kathy: In THE KILLER OUTDOORS we meet Andie Sullivan. She's the owner of Sullivan's Adventure Company. How did you choose this business for her? 

JL: I wanted to write a series set in the New Mexico mountain region. It’s a favorite vacation spot for the family and the area itself is very fascinating. I knew it would make great location for a book. And naturally my sleuth had to own an adventure company. I wanted to have a MC who rafts, hikes, camps, rock climbs, etc. And what better way to create an outdoorsy MC in the mountains than to have her own an adventure tour company.

Kathy: Andie has survival training skills. Do you? 

JL: I know how to use bugspray. Does that count?

Kathy: Do you enjoy rafting? 

JL: Very much. Every summer my family goes to Red River and Taos, New Mexico to raft.

Kathy: What do you enjoy most about the great outdoors? 

JL: If we're talking about Texas (my home state), nothing until the temperatures drop below 70 degrees. When it comes to the mountains, I love everything about it. The temps, the air, the smells, the ability to shut-off the world and just do whatever you want. There is no expectations when you’re outside hiking.

Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries? 

JL: Back in 2015, I published a mystery, romance series with a publisher. The series is similar to a cozy plot in which one MC solves clues as they piece together the breadcrumbs, but it was heavy on the romance. I enjoy writing both genres, but I find I love writing the mystery plot better, and venturing into cozies seemed natural.

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres? 

JL: I do. Romance, Romantic Suspense and Romantic Comedy. I dabble a little bit in Thrillers, but have yet to release one.

Kathy: Tell us about your series.

JL: THE KILLER OUTDOORS is set in the fictionalized town of Bushwhack, New Mexico and follows Andie Sullivan, outdoors company owner, as she solves crimes in her mountain community. THE KILLER OUTDOORS, book 1 in Southwest Exposure Mystery series puts Andie’s sleuthing skills to work—she is the prime suspect in her ex-husband’s murder and must clear her name.

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

JL: Sheriff Zac Mars. Hands down. He’s a flirt, but protective. And I enjoy writing the back and forth Zac Mars has with Andie Sullivan. Zac is five years younger than Andie, and her brother’s best friend. Andie used to babysit him when she was in High School. So their relationship is fun to write, and I love coming up with new reactions for Zac Mars regarding that relationship.

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

JL: Red River and Taos, New Mexico.

Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work? 

JL: I’ve been a published author since 2015. This is my 9th published book.

 

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

JL: My best writing buddy, Carmen Falcone. Carmen writes romance. Gillian Flynn. Kristen Higgins. Sandra Brown.

Kathy: What are you currently reading?

JL: I just finished reading LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE.

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

JL: When I’m not writing, I like to cook.

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

JL: Real Maple Syrup, Creamer, Milk and cheese.

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

JL: Yes. A plan to have at least 12 books in the Southwest Exposure Series, with the next two books already up for presale. I also have three more cozy mystery series that I will be launching on my upcoming writing schedule.

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

JL: Being able to get lost in the fictional world I create.

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

 The Killer Outdoors (A Southwest Exposure Mystery) by Jodi Linton

About The Killer Outdoors

The Killer Outdoors (A Southwest Exposure Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 1st in Series
Independently Published (October 5, 2020)
Number of Pages - Coming Soon

Welcome to Bushwhack, New Mexico: home to tourists, the great outdoors, and murder...

Tourist season has hit Bushwhack and Andie Sullivan--owner of Sullivan's Adventure Company--is ready for her town to fill up with city slickers, snotty teens, and the dollars she needs to keep her business afloat after her messy divorce from Bucky Gunn--local celebrity rafting guide and Sullivan's main competition. With all her guided tours booked, it finally seems lady luck is on her side.

But then Bucky is found dead. Not great.

And she's the prime murder suspect. Double not great.

Being framed for murder sucks worse than a rabid chipmunk bite. Andie's determined to clear her name, and this time her survival training skills won't be used to fetch an ice pack. But how long can she stay one step ahead of a killer before she becomes the final victim?

 

About Jodi Linton

 

 Hey Y’all, I’m just a girl from Texas, minus the big hair…and oh, yeah, a horse. My crew consists of two kiddos, one which inherited my makeup addiction, and a husband still living out his garage band dreams, but in our closet next to my shoe collection. I love to hang out with my readers, discussing books, recipes and just everyday shenanigans. I got started in the romance community, which you might know a few of my books from there. Now, I’m all about the cozies…and the coffee. Yeah, can’t forget that. I’d love for you to come join my reader group, Jodi’s Book Corner or come like me on Facebook to discover my books. And chat. Naturally.  

Author Links: 

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

Website: http://jodilinton.com  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JodiLinton1  

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jodi-linton 

Youtube: https://youtu.be/Y91K-Z2yhTM 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodi_linton_author/?hl=en  

Jodi's Book Corner: https://www.facebook.com/groups/JodiBookCorner/  

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/s2j2k6

 

Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N- Kobo - Apple - Goodreads 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway