Crime & Culpability - A Guest Post, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to allow Elizabeth Gilliland to take over Cozy Up With Kathy today. Elizabeth is the editor and one of the authors contributing to the anthology CRIME AND CULPABILITY that was released earlier this month.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if some of your favorite characters from different books were put into the same room and had to have a conversation with each other?

That’s one of the main reasons I wanted to write my cozy mystery series, The Austen University Mysteries, featuring many of the characters from Jane Austen’s novels, put together in one modern-day university setting, with a healthy dash of mystery added in.

Yes, I love seeing how Catherine Morland might go about solving a murder (if she were obsessed with murder podcasts instead of Gothic novels) or how Emma Woodhouse might react if she were accused of a crime. I really enjoyed figuring out what might make Darcy confess to a crime that he might not have committed.

But the parts of the story I almost always enjoy the most is when two characters who wouldn’t otherwise meet (since they, you know, belong to separate novels) are suddenly forced to interact with each other. Who will get along? Who will loathe each other at first sight?

In The One Vs. The Many: Minor Characters and the Space of the Protagonist in the Novel, Alex Woloch talks about how minor characters are only minor because they’ve been edged out of the novel by the space taken up by the protagonist. If we were to give them more attention, we might discover all kinds of hidden lives and details that are never hinted at in the narrative, simply because there isn’t room for them to be as three-dimensional as the main character.

I’m not the first one to explore this idea in fiction, of course. There are so many novels written about Austen’s minor characters, and even other series like mine where the characters cross over into each other’s stories. The 2015 BBC series Dickensian features characters from Dickens’s universe overlapping with each other, and the YouTube series Edgar Allan Poe’s Murder Mystery Dinner Party features characters and authors across time interacting with each other. (That one is really fun! I highly recommend.)

Even though I wasn’t the first to have this idea, I knew it was going to be an integral part of my series. I love “straight” adaptations of classic texts as much as anyone, but I thought there might be more for me to say by mixing up the plot lines and characters. How much of our behavior depends on who we’re interacting with? How might characters behave differently depending on who they’re juxtaposed with in the story? How do things change when minor characters get to step into the spotlight? How might they surprise us?

For my short story for the Jane Austen mystery anthology, Crime & Culpability, I decided to throw together a rather unlikely pairing from Austen’s novels: Walter Eliot from PERSUASION and Lady Susan from LADY SUSAN. In some ways, these characters have a lot in common—they’re both vain social climbers who have some major main character syndrome. But they have one very key difference—one is an incompetent nincompoop, and the other one is Lady Susan.

Poor Walter. He has no idea what’s coming for him…

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To see how Walter’s and Susan’s story turns out, check out my short story, “The Beginning and the End,” in Crime and Culpability: A Jane Austen Mystery Anthology, available in ebook, paperback, and on Kindle Unlimited.

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Review

CRIME & CULPABILITY: A JANE AUSTEN MYSTERY ANTHOLOGY

Edited by Elizabeth Gilliland Rands

 

CRIME & CULPABILITY is an anthology of seven short stories inspired by the works of Jane Austen. Some are set in the time period in which she wrote, others brought into the modern world. The informative forward and introduction illustrate the myriad ways authors and filmmakers have used Jane Austen's work, either as adaptations or a jumping point to an original story, showing the timelessness of the originals.

 

Readers don't have to know anything about Jane Austen or her characters to appreciate the stories here, however, a basic knowledge of her works will increase your enjoyment. The main issue I had was that more than one story ended without a proper resolution. Though not necessarily a cliffhanger, there were too many loose ends. One author actually acknowledged that fact and apologized for leaving her short as she did. Fortunately, she plans on writing another piece addressing these unanswered questions.

My favorite stories included Order and Disorder, partially due to my knowledge of the characters, Death at the Races, a fun story with a tinge of romance, and the atmospheric Shadows at Northanger, despite my unanswered questions.

CRIME & CULPABILITY: A JANE AUSTEN MYSTERY ANTHOLOGY is a delightful set of short stories that proves once again the influence and permanence of wonderful characters written over two hundred years ago.

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Crime & Culpability: A Jane Austen Mystery Anthology by Regina Jeffers, Riana Everly, Jeanette Watts, Michael Rands, Linne Elizabeth, Emma Dalgety, and Elizabeth Gilliland

About Crime & Culpability

Crime & Culpability: A Jane Austen Mystery Anthology
Cozy Mystery Anthology
Settings - (Regency England, modern-day America)
Publisher: ‎ Bayou Wolf Press (September 10, 2024)
Print length: ‎ 176 pages

"No one can withstand the charm of such a mystery." - Jane Austen, Persuasion

Jane Austen mysteries have become a popular subgenre of Austen variations, but this is more than just a trend. Austen was a masterful storyteller who embedded clues within her stories for her readers to follow, inviting readers to read between the lines and "gather the evidence" to follow her intricate plotlines.

In this anthology, various authors who are also fans and admirers of Austen's work have taken the challenge to add some mystery to Austen's stories and characters. From Regency sequels to film noir retellings to cozy art heists, Crime and Culpability: A Jane Austen Mystery Anthology explores the many faces of Austen and all of her enigmas.

Featuring stories by Regina Jeffers, Riana Everly, Jeanette Watts, Michael Rands, Linne Elizabeth, Emma Dalgety, and Elizabeth Gilliland, with a foreword by Regina Jeffers and an introduction by Elizabeth Gilliland Rands.

About the Authors

Elizabeth Gilliland: Elizabeth Gilliland is the author of the Austen University Mysteries series, including What Happened on Box Hill, The Portraits of Pemberley, and two prequel novellas, Dear Prudent Elinor and Sly Jane Fairfax. (Look out for book three sometime next year!) She has written and presented at various academic confer‐ ences on Jane Austen and wrote her dissertation on Jane Austen adaptations, dedicating herself to watch the lake dive scene as many times as necessary for scholarly pursuit. She also writes Gothic horror as E. Gilliland and romance as Lissa Sharpe, and she is the co-founder of Bayou Wolf Press.

Author Links Website: www.bayouwolfpress.com  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/egilliland 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id= 100094046020056  

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/ 21986541.Elizabeth_Gilliland  

Blog: https://lissag7.medium.com/  

Newsletter: Signup form at https://www.bayouwolfpress.com/  

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09L HV8VKV?ingress=0&visitId=00a42e2f-c711-4615-a050- 9d2250f9f124&ref_=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1

Website - https://www.bayouwolfpress.com/

Twitter - https://x.com/BayouWolf3

 

Regina Jeffers - Regina Jeffers writes books about corsets, rakes, daring heroines, dashing heroes and all aspects of the Georgian/Regency era. She is an award winning author of cozy mysteries, historical romantic suspense, and Austenesque vagaries. Jeffers has been a Smithsonian presenter and Martha Holden Jennings Scholar, as well as having her tales honored by, among others, the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense, the Frank Yerby Award for Fiction, the International Digital Awards, and the Chanticleer International Book Award.

Author Links: Every Woman Dreams (Blog) https://reginajeffers. wordpress.com  

Always Austen (Group Blog) https://alwaysausten.com/ 

 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Regina-Jeffers-AuthorPage-141407102548455/?fref=ts  

Twitter https://twitter.com/reginajeffers  

Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Regina-Jeffers/ e/B008G0UI0I/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1479079637&sr=8-1  

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/jeffers0306/  

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/regina-jeffers  

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/darcy4ever/  

You Tube Interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= vzgjdUigkkU  

Regina Jeffers Website https://rjefferscom.wordpress.com/

 

Riana Everly: Riana Everly is an award-winning Canadian author of Austenesque fiction, both Regency and contemporary. Her historical mystery series, Miss Mary Investigates, has quickly become a favourite of Jane Austen fans and cosy mystery fans alike. Trained as a classical musician, she also has advanced degrees in Medieval Studies, and pretended to be an academic before discovering that fiction doesn’t need footnotes. She loves travelling, cooking her way around the world, playing with photography, and discussing obscure details with her husband and children. Possibly in Latin. She can be found in the usual places and loves connecting with readers, so please give her a shout!

Author Links: Newsletter: https://form.jotform.com/80367829232259  

Website: rianaeverly.com  

Facebook: facebook.com/RianaEverly 

 Instagram: instagram.com/RianaEverly  

Amazon: amazon.com/Riana-Everly/e/B076C6HY27

 

Jeanette Watts: Jeanette Watts is a dance instructor, writer, seamstress, actress, and very, very poor housekeeper. With books on historical fiction, modern romantic comedy, LGBTQ romance, Jane Austen-inspired stories, and she is contemplating writing steamier works, what do all these genres have in common? Jeanette writes about people with a secret. Secrets are fun. Keep up with the various parts of Jeanette's brain at her YouTube Channel, “History is My Playground,” and her webpages, Jeanette‐ Watts.squarespace.com and DancingThruHistory.com.

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeanetteAWatts  

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanette-watts3b212228/  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UClz5LwyUEhPYhBS6piNpBqQ  

Website 1: https://jeanettewatts.squarespace.com/  

Website 2: https://www.dancingthruhistory.com/ 

 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6967936.  

Jeanette_Watts Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/ Jeanette-A-Watts/author/B00ICRA7JC?ref=ap_rdr&isDramInte grated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

 

Michael Rands: Michael Rands is the author of the novels The Chapel St. Perilous and Praise Routine Number Four, co-author of the economic satire The Yamaguchi Manuscripts, and Kamikaze Economics (a story of modern Japan). He’s co-author of the humorous dictionary Stay Away from Mthatha. He co-created the audio drama The Crystal Set and co- hosted the podcast Detours Ahead. In South Africa he worked in television as a writer, director and producer. He taught English in Japan. He holds an MFA from Louisiana State University, and currently teaches English and Creative Writing at the college level. He is the co-founder of Bayou Wolf Press. He lives with his wife, son, and labrador, in Alabama. His new novel, When the Witch Calls, comes out in November 2024.

Author Links:  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.rands.14  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikerands  

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

Blog: https://medium.com/@notmikerands

 

Linné Elizabeth: Linné Elizabeth is an English instructor at Utah Tech University, a freelance content writer, and an award-winning author. When she's not devouring chocolate while nose-deep in a book, you can find her playing in the russet desert of southern Utah with her four incredible - sometimes feral - kids and her handsome husband. Check her out on Instagram: @library4one or on Facebook: @linneelizabeth

Author Links: 

Website: https://sites.google.com/asu.edu/ linnemarshportfolio/home  

Instagram: @Library4One 

 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ linneelizabethmarsh/  

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

Blog: https://wordpress.com/view/linneelizabeth.wordpress.com  

Emma Dalgety: Emma Dalgety grew up in Mobile, Alabama. She received a BA in Music and English from the University of Mobile in 2023. As a musi‐ cian and a writer, she has performed violin across the Southeast and internationally, finding creative inspiration and filling notebooks with story fragments throughout her travels. When she isn't writing, she is researching interdisciplinary connections in literature as she works towards an MA in English, or teaching music lessons in her private studio. Purchase Link - Amazon  

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Gone to Hot Pot - A Review

 Review

GONE TO HOT POT by Vivien Chien
The Twelfth Noodle Shop Mystery 

 

With Lana Lane at a conference in California it's up to her roommate Megan Riley to look after Kikkoman. The little pug is not taking Lana's absence well, so Megan decides to take her to Asia Village. Waylaid by Kimmy, the pair take Kikko to the Ho-Lee Noodle House, but when it's time to leave Megan discovers that Kikko is gone! This unlikely duo will have to team up in order to find Lana's missing dog-and hope that Lana will never find out!

A Noodle Shop Mystery without Lana Lee? Yes-and it's absolutely wonderful. GONE TO POT may be a short story, but there's a lot to love. Having the almost always fighting duo of Megan and Kimmy having to work together without Lana as a buffer is brilliant. As usual Kimmy has me laughing out loud, especially with her special code name for their mission! I also loved visiting the many shop owners of Asia Village. I can't wait to see more of Talia and her metaphysical shop!

GONE TO HOT POT is a fast funny read from a different point of view. Grab a bite and enjoy the hunt for Kikkoman, though you may not want a pu pu platter!

Luck of the Irish - A Review

 Review

LUCK OF THE IRISH COZY MYSTERY ANTHOLOGY
Edited by Kate Darroch and Jessica Thompson

LUCK OF THE IRISH is an anthology comprised of ten short stories all with the theme of St. Patrick's Day and luck. The stories are varied; two are historical, Gilded Age and 1960s, and all have different locales including Tennessee and outer space! All of the proceeds of this anthology go to the non-profit RAICEStexas.org who help immigrant, refugee, and asylum seeking families, especially the children.

With such a diverse group of stories, it's only logical that some I liked and some I didn't care for as much. I really enjoyed "A Caterer's Guide to Leprechauns and Lies" by Jessica Thompson, "A Tale of Fickle Fortune" by Amy Grundy, and "A Foliage Farewell" by J. R. Lancaster, even though the protagonist deems it unthinkable to have a litter box in the house and lets his cat outside. My favorite story by far, was "A Fatal St. Patrick's Day" by Kathleen Marple Kalb that featured characters from her Ella Shane Mystery series. This historical series is one of my favorites and this short story ably captures the personality of the characters as they solve another mystery in Gilded Age New York City. I also really appreciated the recipes included at the end of the book.

If you're in mind of a quick read with a St. Patrick's Day bent and want to help a charity as well, LUCK OF THE IRISH COZY MYSTERY ANTHOLOGY might be just your cup of tea.

Theft in Sleepy Hollow - A Review

 Review

THEFT IN SLEEPY HOLLOW by Nupur Tustin
The Second Sophie's Adventure Mystery 

Jeanne Sophie Poisson is ready for a well deserved vacation from her job as a police secretary in Calais. Planning on letting her hair down with her best friend in Paris, she soon learns her vacation is starting early. And she's not going to Paris. Instead she's headed to Sleepy Hollow, New York accompanied by her "Uncle Arthur". There the pair will take a painting workshop given by a devious painter...who may well be a thief. Will Sophie be able to save a Monet? 

I've always found art theft compelling. Famous paintings worth millions spirited away, most likely bought by a millionaire to be secreted away. While I admit that I'd love to have an original Degas, I'm content with the prints hanging on my walls. Going undercover to prevent such a theft-what fun! I love how Sophie made due with supplies and I giggle at her love of wigs. Sophie and "Uncle Arthur" make a great team and I appreciate how they work together.

A bit longer than the first book in the series, THEFT IN SLEEPY HOLLOW is still short, yet still packed with intrigue and fun. I admit I laughed at Sophie's ignorance about the LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW. Being from New York state, I suppose I think everyone should be familiar with this story. I also loved the surprise at the end. While not Paris fun with her bestie, Sophie still manages a little vacation fun.

With an intriguing plot and a few surprises THEFT IN SLEEPY HOLLOW is a delightful adventure.

The Pompadour Necklace - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

THE POMPADOUR NECKLACE by Nupur Tustin
The First Sophie's Adventure Mystery 

Sophie is on a mission-follow the man who stole a necklace once belonging to Madame Pompadour, patron of the arts in the 1700s. Traveling from Calais to Paris and on to London with gumption, wigs, and some unexpected help Sophie is determined to get this treasured heirloom back!

I enjoyed meeting Sophie is this first Sophie's Adventure Mystery. She's determined, smart, and dare I say, plucky! I enjoyed the surprises she encountered and ultimately rendered!

THE POMPADOUR NECKLACE is a very short story. I read the whole thing in one sitting...in the bathtub! Despite its brevity, the characters are well developed and the plot captivating. It's the first in the series, but I sense a lot of backstory. I look forward to learning more.

A delightfully quick read, THE POMPADOUR NECKLACE is an intriguing start to a new series featuring historical objects, travel, and memorable characters.

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The Pompadour Necklace and Theft in Sleepy Hollow (Sophie's Adventures) by Nupur Tustin

About The Pompadour Necklace

The Pompadour Necklace: Sophie's Adventures
Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - London, England
Foiled Plots Press (March 14, 2023)
Paperback: ‎ 60 pages

The necklace had once belonged to Madame Pompadour—mistress of the French King Louis XV.

Now it’s gone. Stolen by a clever conman. And it will take every ounce of determination and ingenuity a young woman possesses to recover it.

But can a mere girl from Calais outwit a practiced fraudster?

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About Theft in Sleepy Hollow

Theft in Sleepy Hollow (Sophie's Adventures)
Mystery 2nd in Series
Setting - New York
Foiled Plots Press (November 25, 2023)
Digital Print length: ‎ 101 pages

In Sleepy Hollow, a Monet is in danger of being spirited away. . .

But undercover art sleuth Sophie Fisher—also known as Jeanne Sophie Poisson— is on the trail of the brazen art thief.

From a Hudson River Cruise to Cold Spring to a spooky lantern-light tour of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Sophie will do what it takes to capture the thief . . .

And prevent him from spiriting away a valuable work of art.

About Nupur Tustin

A former journalist, Nupur Tustin is the author of the Joseph Haydn Mysteries set in Austria, the Celine Skye Psychic Mysteries, based on the infamous Gardner Museum theft, and the author of Sophie’s Adventures, about a French James Bond who goes on undercover missions to recover stolen art and artifacts.

Author Links

• Website: https://ntustin.com
• Blog: https://ntustin.com/blog
• Shop: https://ntustin.com/shop
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ntustinauthor
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/nupurtustin
• Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nupur-tustin

Purchase Link - The Pompadour Necklace Amazon  

Purchase Links - Theft in Sleepy Hollow Amazon B&N Nook Kobo Apple Other 

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The Library Attic Attack - A Review

 Review

THE LIBRARY ATTIC ATTACK by Iris March
A Succulent Sleuth Mini Mystery

 

Molly Green and her best friend Claudia are hosting a plant swap at the library while her husband is trying to drum up members for his real book club.  After the event they all help clean up, taking the old tables up to the attic where they find the Library Board President on the floor, barely breathing. Smelling an order that she can't quite place Molly thinks this isn't a heart attack-someone tried to murder the man. She solved a murder before so, hopefully, Molly and her friends can solve this mystery too-this time without putting themselves in danger!

THE LIBRARY ATTIC ATTACK is a short story, yet it is filled with great characterizations and a solid well plotted mystery. I enjoyed the friendships and the fact that while they befriended James, they still considered him a suspect.

The one think I didn't care for was how the suspect went from calm and cheerful, not to angry and calculating, but "maniacal" in the penultimate confrontation scene. The person had a good motive, there was no need to suddenly make the culprit crazy. Admittedly, this is a major pet peeve of mine.

If you're looking for a quick enjoyable read that's filled with characters you'd like to hang out with, a few plants, and a solid mystery THE LIBRARY ATTIC ATTACK fits the bill.

A Questionable Death and Other Historical Quaker Midwife Mysteries - A Review

 Review

 

A QUESTIONABLE DEATH AND OTHER HISTORICAL QUAKER MIDWIFE MYSTERIES
By Edith Maxwell 

A Quaker Midwife Mystery Anthology

A QUESTIONABLE DEATH AND OTHER HISTORICAL QUAKER MIDWIFE MYSTERIES takes a quick look into the rich life of Quaker Midwife Rose Carroll as she solves a variety of crimes. It is an anthology of ten historical short stories featuring midwife Rose Carroll and her friends. This delightful collection gathers previously published Quaker Midwife short stories adding two never before published stories. These quick reads take us to a time before we meet Rose, to when she was just an apprentice, and then continues as the midwife gains investigative skills, finding justice for murder victims as well as helping bring new life into the world.  

One of my favorite parts of this book was the author's note before each story. Each one shared how the story came to be and, in some cases, where it had originally been published. Having read all of the full length Quaker Midwife mysteries, it was interesting to see the genesis of some of the full length mysteries in the short stories included here.

Although these are short stories, each can easily be read in one sitting, they are all rich in detail, capturing the sights and sounds of late 19th century America. I appreciate the appearance of John Greenleaf Whittier and enjoy the juxtaposition of Quaker beliefs with the violence of murder.

Smart female characters, interesting historical facts, and ingeniously plotted mysteries with a bit of Quaker practicality make A QUESTIONABLE DEATH AND OTHER HISTORICAL QUAKER MIDWIFE MYSTERIES a delightful read.

Currently Reading...

I just finished reading reading A Questionable Death and Other Historical Quaker Midwife Mysteries by Edith Maxwell. This anthology was released last month.

A Questionable Death and Other Historical Quaker Midwife Mysteries is an anthology of historical short stories featuring midwife Rose Carroll and her friends. This delightful collection gathers previously published Quaker Midwife short stories in one place and adds one never before published story. These quick reads take us to a time before we meet Rose, to when she was just an apprentice, and then continues as the midwife gains investigative skills, finding justice for murder victims as well as helping bring new life into the world.

The Little Shop of Murders - A Guest Post, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Nikki Knight to the blog today. Nikki writes the Vermont Radio Mystery series. She is also one of the authors of THE LITTLE SHOP OF MURDERS anthology that was released last week.

SPIN ME A SONG
by Nikki Knight

“Can you play something for me?”

The first time I heard that question, I was a teenage DJ working the overnight shift in my tiny Western Pennsylvania hometown. Requests are the life blood of small-market radio. Honestly, they’re the main reason local stations still exist.

If you aren’t giving your listeners what they need, in the form of local information and those requests, you might as well turn it over to whatever kind of angry talk show the satellite mongers are offering this week. Small-town radio is all about the listeners.

It’s not cheap, and it’s not easy…and that’s why there isn’t a lot of it any more.

Which is probably part of the reason I enjoy writing the Vermont Radio Mysteries; I get to create an ideal little radio station in the perfect small town. Sure, it’s inspired by the place I worked in my first on-air job many years ago, but in fiction, you can sand off some of the edges and emphasize the warmth and connections of small-town life.

Small towns and small businesses are classic settings for cozy mysteries, of course. There’s something powerfully appealing about the idea of nefarious doings in apparently quiet communities, with a quirky cast coming together to put things right. Those small businesses, too, often offer intriguing windows into what many people consider a dream livelihood.

They’re fun for readers, who get to “live over the store” in some interesting place, without the chores of balancing the books, paying the taxes, and hiring the staff. I can’t be the only reader who follows some series simply because I enjoy spending time in the place where they’re set!

For writers, these small-town settings open up all kinds of plot opportunities. In my stories, I try to set up situations that could only happen to my characters and have them find solutions with their unique skills.

You may have read movie or TV reviews where critics say this or that plot point doesn’t feel “earned,” meaning they don’t think it was set up to suit the characters and the setting, and it’s obviously forced. It’s a point of pride for me to earn everything in my stories and books.

That’s especially true with Jaye Jordan, the main character of my Vermont Radio Mysteries. She’s a former New York City DJ, whose career and marriage hit the skids at roughly the same time. As she puts it, her husband survived cancer but their marriage didn’t, and her big radio station decided the Bully Ballers Show was a better bet than Light Rock at Work. She took her severance and her tween daughter, bought the radio station where she had her first on-air job, and started over in tiny Simpson, Vermont.

All that opens a wide variety of plot possibilities for Jaye. As a longtime DJ, she knows music, radio, and voices. As the ex-wife of a cancer survivor, she knows about medicine, divorce, and complex family relationships. And as a new small-town business owner, she’s learning about running a radio station the fast and hard way.

She also has a wicked sense of humor. That’s from me. A lifetime in newsrooms has given me a finely honed appreciation of slapstick, as well as the wry line. Nothing better than gallows humor when you’re standing on the trap door. (Yes, that is a Jaye comment.)

In “It Was Our Song,” the story in LITTLE SHOP OF MURDERS, all of this comes together. Jaye is alone in the studio, late one night, when she gets a request for a popular anniversary song: You’re the Inspiration. Days later, when she recognizes the voice of the caller, she realizes that was no ordinary spin…and her hard-won emotional intelligence comes into play.

You’ll have to read the story to find out what happens. Let’s just say this is one of my favorite Jaye stories, ever. And that you’ll never think of requests – or You’re the Inspiration – the same way again!

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Nikki Knight describes herself as an Author/Anchor/Mom…not in that order. An award-winning weekend anchor at New York City’s #1 all-news station, 1010 WINS Radio, she writes short stories and novels including the upcoming Grace the Hit Mom Mystery WRONG POISON (July 2023, Charade Media). Her stories appear in magazines including the May/June 2023 Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, online, and in anthologies including DEADLY NIGHTSHADE: Best New England Crime Stories 2022. She’s been short-listed for Black Orchid Novella and Derringer Awards. She, her husband, and son live in a Connecticut house owned by their cat. 

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Review

THE LITTLE SHOP OF MURDERS

Collected Cozy Mysteries

Little Shop of Murders is an anthology of fifteen short stories, all cozy mysteries. All the mysteries included are set in shops, although some are businesses rather than actually stores. I read about brazen thieves, missing money, a missing cat, skeevy real estate agents, vandalism, and more. There's some burgeoning romance, paranormal beings, and lots of pets. Some characters are part of established series, some will soon get their own series, and some are special to this book. Each story can easily be read in one sitting and I'm enjoying getting to know several authors who are new to me.

 

The one great thing about anthologies is that there is generally something for everyone. Such is the case here. There are stories for pet lovers, those who enjoy a paranormal slant, those who enjoy a bit of romance, and even those who enjoy seeing a bit of comeuppance. Some stories are more cozy than others, but all fit the theme.

 

A few stories really stood out for me. The most unique and my favorite of the bunch was "Nightly Nuisance" by Kathryn Mykel featuring a new quilt shop owner with a very unusual problem. A lot of great descriptions, solid likeable characters, and great storytelling makes me want to read more!

In "Always and Furever" by Eryn Scott you'll find a bookshop with cats, good friends, and a very charming tale. "Architect of a Murder" by Carlene O'Connor is a nice take on an impossible crime and "It was Our Song" by Nikki Knight is just one of the stories with a surprise ending. I also really enjoyed "Don't Toy with Me" by Diane Kelly and "Requiem for a Violin" by Geraldine Moorkens Byrne.

 

THE LITTLE SHOP OF MURDERS is a good mix of cozy mystery short stories centered around shops and businesses in the US and UK.

 

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 THE LITTLE SHOP of MURDERS (COLLECTED COZY MYSTERIES) By Millie Ravensworth, ACF Bookens, Geraldine Byrne, Rachel McLean, Diane Kelly, Nikki Knight, London Lovett, Lise McClendon, Flora McGowan, Kathryn Mykel, J. New, Eryn Scott, Debbie Young, Victoria Tait, Carlene O’Connor

About The Little Shop of Murders

The Little Shop of Murders (Collected Cozy Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery Anthology
Pigeon Park Press (April 1, 2023)
Number of Pages - 260

Book shops, boutiques and small businesses are the lifeblood of small towns but what secrets lie behind those pretty display windows and in the alleyways behind these charming streets?

Step inside for a personal retail experience like no other!

‘The Little Shop of Murders’ collects together fifteen superb cozy mysteries written by some of the finest authors in the genre.

All author and publisher profits from the sale of this book go to children’s charities, helping those most in need.

Stories include: Don’t Toy with Me by Diane Kelly A Man With No Imagination by Millie Ravensworth The Forget-Me-Not Antiques Mystery by Victoria Tait It Was Our Song by Nikki Knight Always and Furever by Eryn Scott Wild Irish Dreams by Lise McClendon Architect of a Murder by Carlene O’Connor Blooms and Blackmail by London Lovett Secondhand Murder by J. New The Lady of the House by Flora McGowan Requiem for a Violin by Geraldine Byrne Nightly Nuisance by Kathryn Mykel The Gift of Dragons by ACF Bookens Nowhere to Hide by Debbie Young Murder in the Bookshop by Rachel McLean

About the Authors

Victoria Tait

Victoria Tait was born and raised in Yorkshire, UK, and never expected to travel the world. She’s drawn on her experiences following her military husband to write cozy murder mystery books with vivid and evocative settings. Her determined female sleuths are joined by colourful but realistic teams of helpers, and you’ll experience surprises, humour and sometimes, a tug on your heartstrings.

Link to My Dotty Sayers series:- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TMJFL7L 

Carlene O’Connor

Carlene O’Connor is the USA Today bestselling author of The Irish Village Mysteries, Home to Ireland Mysteries, and the new County Kerry Mystery series. Her mysteries have been translated into German, Estonia, and UK markets thus far and the Irish Village Mysteries have been optioned for television. Readers are encouraged to get in touch via Facebook, Goodreads, Book Bub, or through the contact form on CarleneOConnor.net. An admitted wanderer, Carlene spends as much time in Ireland as possible while currently residing in California and Chicago. She is always up for joining events via Zoom or in person.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Carlene-OConnor/author/B01BJ1KOFY  

Eryn Scott

Eryn Scott is the author of heartwarming cozy mysteries. Her Whiskers and Words cozy mystery series features deep friendships, strong families, a tight-knit small town, twisty mysteries, and a whole lot of adorable cats. She and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest with a handful of beloved animals. She enjoys knitting, hiking, skiing, horseback riding, and reading.

Link to my series: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09LTWVPTG?ref_=dbs_p_mng_rwt_ser_shvlr&storeType=ebooks  

Flora McGowan

Flora McGowan is the author of the Carrie and Keith Mysteries, novels and short stories. Her stories combine a mix of mystery with the mystical and supernatural, often with an historical element as well as a touch of humour and a dash of romance. Flora was born in Dorset and has spent most, but not all, of her life there, and many of her stories are based in this locale. Flora enjoys travelling, taking inspiration from the places she visits. You can catch up with Flora via Goodreads, her blog, Facebook, Instagram or BookBub.

Flora McGowan on Amazon  

Nikki Knight

Nikki Knight describes herself as an Author/Anchor/Mom…not in that order. An award-winning weekend anchor at New York City's top all-news radio station, 1010 WINS, she writes mysteries including LIVE, LOCAL, AND DEAD, a Vermont Radio Mystery from Crooked Lane, and as Kathleen Marple Kalb, the Ella Shane and Old Stuff series. Her short stories appear online and in anthologies, and have been short-listed for Black Orchid Novella and Derringer Awards. She, her husband and son live in a Connecticut house owned by their cat.

Book link: Live, Local, and Dead (A Vermont Radio Mystery): Knight, Nikki: 9781643859453: Amazon.com: Books  

Diane Kelly Diane Kelly writes funny stories that feature feisty female lead characters and their furry, four-footed friends. Diane is the author of over three dozen novels and novellas, including the Death & Taxes white-collar crime series, the Paw Enforcement K-9 series, the House Flipper cozy mystery series, the Busted female motorcycle cop series, the Southern Homebrew moonshine series, and the Mountain Lodge Mysteries series. Find Diane online at DianeKelly.com, on Twitter and Instagram @DianeKellyBooks, and on Facebook at her Author Diane Kelly page. Link to the first book in my House Flipper series - Dead as a Door Knocker: https://amzn.to/2oE3Epb 

J New J. New is the author of The Yellow Cottage Vintage Mysteries. Immerse yourself in country house murders, dastardly deeds at English Church fetes, daring escapades in the French Riviera and the secret tunnels under London, in the award-winning series readers call, 'Miss Marple’ meets ‘The Ghost Whisperer.' She also writes two contemporary mystery series: Tea & Sympathy featuring Lilly Tweed, former Agony Aunt now purveyor of fine teas and Finch & Fischer with mobile librarian Penny Finch and her rescue dog Fischer at the helm. Jacquie lives in the North of England with her partner and an assortment of rescue animals.  

London Lovett London Lovett is a cozy mystery author and connoisseur of delicious baked goods.

Many readers have called her Port Danby Cozy Mystery series a 'new favorite'. Port Danby features a small town florist with a powerful sense of smell. Lacey 'Pink' Pinkerton uses her impressive nose to help solve crimes as an amateur sleuth alongside her detective boyfriend, James Briggs. Blooms and Blackmail is a Port Danby short story.

You can keep up with London's books and access some delicious recipes on her website: www.londonlovett.com Link to Marigolds and Murder: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075NB3B54

Debbie Young

Debbie Young writes two popular cozy mystery series featuring Sophie Sayers, set in a Cotswold village, and Gemma Lamb, set at a girls’ boarding school. One book in each series was shortlisted for the Bookbrunch Selfies Awards for the best independently-published fiction in the UK. She is founder of the Hawkesbury Upton Literature Festival, UK Ambassador for the Alliance of Independent Authors, and a course tutor for Jericho Writers. She writes in the Plotting Shed at the bottom of her cottage garden. Her novels are now published by Boldwood Books and she is represented by the Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BBQHC2G1

Here's the Amazon UK link for the whole series (the 8th book is up for preorder and will be published on 15th March): https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BGQHG246?ref_=dbs_p_mng_rwt_ser_shvlr&storeType=ebooks Here are the links for my website and social media: www.authordebbieyoung.com Facebook: @AuthorDebbieYoung Twitter: @DebbieYoungBN Instagram: @debbieyoungauthor  

ACF Bookens ACF Bookens lives in Virginia’s Southwestern Mountains with two hound dogs and a very energetic preschooler. When she’s not writing, she enjoys watching shows with teenagers who are way cooler than she ever was and cross-stitch. You can find her books at acfbookens.com Link to my first book on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XVQDQ58/  

Kathryn Mykel Kathryn Mykel is the author of the Award-Winning Sewing Suspicion - A Quilting Cozy Mystery. Kathryn is inspired by the laugh-out-loud and fanciful aspects of cozies. Kathryn Mykel aims to write lighthearted, humorous cozies surrounding her passion for the craft of quilting. Born and raised in a small New England town—Kathryn is an avid quilter. Sewing Suspicion - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09HVC4K2N  

Lise McCLendon Lise McClendon is the author of numerous novels of crime and suspense. Her bestselling Bennett Sisters Mysteries continue to charm readers worldwide. Her first mystery series was set in Jackson, Wyoming, featuring art dealer, Alix Thorssen. When not writing about foreign lands and dastardly criminals, Lise lives in Montana with her husband and has recently become a fan of sunny winters in the desert. She enjoys fly fishing, hiking, picking raspberries in the summer, and cross-country skiing in the winter. She has served on the national boards of directors of Mystery Writers of America and the International Association of Crime Writers/North America, as well as the faculty of the Jackson Hole Writers Conference. Books: Bennett Sisters Mysteries: https://amzn.to/3Iyijt8. Alix Thorssen series: https://amzn.to/3W05kmY  

Geraldine Byrne

Geraldine Moorkens Byrne is an Irish mystery writer, poet and educator. She lives with her family in Dublin where many of her stories are set, especially The Caroline Jordan series. When not dreaming up modern murder mysteries, she knits, crochets and teaches classes on Irish folk traditions. Until 2021 she owned Ireland’s oldest family owned music shop, the basis for “Requiem for a Violin.” Mrs. O’Brien and friends will return in their own series in 2023, The Music Shop Mysteries.

She also writes a magical cosy mystery series, The Old Bat Chronicles under the pen name Nina Hayes.

Geraldine Moorkens Byrne Author@celebratingwords.com Www.CelebratingWords.com  

Millie Ravensworth

Millie Ravensworth has been writing (and sewing!) for years, and it seemed like a natural step to combine the two things in a series of cozy mysteries. She lives in England and has an adorable dog who likes to be at her side when she is sewing / writing, but he'd much rather she played fetch with his favourite toy!

Izzy King and Penny Slipper who appear in the story in this collection can also be found in the Cozy Craft Mystery books that are available to read now.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Millie-Ravensworth/e/B0BP2T4SV3/  

Rachel McLean Rachel McLean is an award-winning crime author who writes UK-based police procedurals. She is best known for the Dorset Crime series and the DI Zoe Finch series set in her home city of Birmingham. Book 1 in the Dorset Crime series, The Corfe Castle Murders, won the Kindle Storyteller Award 2021. Her new McBride and Tanner series is set around Loch Lomond in Scotland. Link to Zoe books: https://geni.us/zoefinch

A full bibliography and reading order can be found at rachelmclean.com/bibliography

Purchase Link - Amazon - The Little Shop of Murder

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Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Little Shop of Murders by Lise McClendon, Diane Kelly, and more. 

Little Shop of Murders is an anthology of fifteen short stories, all cozy mysteries. All the mysteries included are set in shops, although some are businesses rather than actually stores. I've read about brazen thieves, missing money, a missing cat, skeevy real estate agents, vandalism, and more. There's some burgeoning romance, paranormal beings, and lots of pets. Some characters are part of established series, some will soon get their own series, and some are special to this book. Each story can easily be read in one sitting and I'm enjoying getting to know several authors who are new to me.

Summer Camp Culprit - A Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on Summer Camp Culprit by C. K. Fyfe. 

 

 Summer Camp Culprit: A Short Romantic Cozy Mystery by C.K. Fyfe

About Summer Camp Culprit

Summer Camp Culprit: A Short Romantic Cozy Mystery
Cozy Mystery
Setting - Michigan
Independently Published (May 11, 2022)
Print length: ‎ 66 pages

Camp Starfall is closing. But that doesn’t mean the past is going with it.

Despite her misgivings, Lindsey returns to the campground she last left as a broken-hearted teen. She’s determined to spend Camp Starfall’s farewell weekend focusing on the good memories she has of her time as a camper. But fate has other plans.

Lindsey’s teenage sweetheart Tyler shows up, stirring up feelings in her that had long lain dormant. Too bad she doesn’t have time to dwell on him. Someone is breaking into the cabins, and if she doesn’t find the culprit, more than her heart will be at stake.

About C.K. Fyfe

C.K. Fyfe has always enjoyed a good mystery. Fyfe's childhood love of Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys led to a grown-up love of writing cozy mysteries with quirky, funny, and kindhearted characters. Fyfe lives in "The Wolverine State." Much like wolverines, Fyfe's villains have vicious dispositions, but the clever sleuths know how to tame their foes' tempers.

Author Links: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CK-Fyfe-Author-100363135724130 

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21678089.C_K_Fyfe  

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/C-K-Fyfe/e/B09B1T1K6B

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Deadly Traditions: A Cozy Mystery Christmas Anthology by Justine Maxwell et al.

It may not even officially be autumn yet, but this anthology is getting me in the Christmas spirit. The book is filled with short mysteries by several authors who specialize in cozies. Set in a variety of locales, most seem to be inhabited by characters from full length books in mystery series. I've been able to acclimate quickly even though I'm unfamiliar with the characters, although some authors make it easier than others.

Sneaky's Supernatural Mystery and Other Cobble Cove Stories - A Guest Post & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Sneaky to Cozy Up With Kathy today. You can find Sneaky on the pages of the Cobble Cove Mystery series by Debbie De Louise. Sneaky's Supernatural Mystery and Other Cobble Cove Stories is the latest in the series.

Sneaky Shares Snippets from his Short Story Collection

Meow, there. It’s Sneaky, the Library Cat. I’m here to talk about my new book that’s on blog tour with Lori Caswell, a sweet lady who supports cozy mysteries and their authors. I really appreciate that, and I know my author, Debbie, does, too. We also appreciate every blogger who hosts our tour on their blog.

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m the main character of the Cobble Cove cozy mystery series. Readers who have read our books or stories might argue that Alicia, the librarian, is the main character, but take it from me, I steal the show. I’m a Siamese with a pension for solving mysteries or at least helping my human characters solve them.

In Sneaky’s Supernatural Mystery and Other Cobble Cove Stories, readers can see my thoughts, and those of the other pets. The human characters are unaware that the cats and dogs are investigating the crimes.

Let me tell you about some of the stories in this pawsome collection that’s a purr-fect read for those who enjoy clean, not-so-violent mysteries and love cats, of claws.

The book starts with my latest mystery, “Sneaky’s Supernatural Mystery,” that involves the murder of a library patron after a psychic sees darkness surrounding her. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but me and KittyKai, my gal pal who lives at the Inn, play quite an adventurous role in the climax of the story. We risk our lives to corner a killer.

Check out this snippet:

“Kit, I’m so glad you showed up tonight.”

“I couldn’t resist,” said the calico in the low whisper they both understood but that no human could hear. “When Gilly was talking to Ramsay about the psychic, I knew I had to tag along. I was sure you’d be here, too.”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” the Siamese agreed.

 

The next story, “Sneaky’s Christmas Mystery,” is one of my favorites because it won my author a Muse Medallion from the Cat Writers’ Association. This is a special award given to the best of the best in a particular category of their annual contest. A pet shop owner is found dead. The cause is believed to be accidental, but sharp readers will know better. The truth is revealed during a Christmas tea at the inn that Gilly, the inn owner and Alicia’s best friend, hosts. Again, KittyKai and I save the day.

Here's a snippet:

The next day, Sneaky was prowling around the library when he heard Gilly talking to Alicia at the Reference desk. They were whispering to one another, but his cat ears were able to pick up each word.

“Alicia, I have news. Ron is investigating Mark Fields’ death. It’s starting to look like murder.”

“Why does he think that?” Alicia was creating computer log-in passes. It was early, and the library hadn’t yet opened.

“The woman who found the body said that the back door was wide open. It looked like someone either came in or left through the rear of the store and that person could’ve pushed the cat food case off the shelf.”

 

There’s a heat wave in Cobble Cove when an air-conditioner repairman is found murdered in the library in “Sneaky’s Summer Mystery.” While Alicia and Gilly are determined to find the killer, KittyKai and I follow them to the repair shop where a secret is discovered.

Check out the snippet:

Even though the library wasn’t far and Sneaky and KittyKai raced down Stone’s Throw Road, they got there after Alicia and Ramsay. When they arrived, Alicia was outside making a call on her cell. She looked very agitated, and her eyes were red. They hid in the library’s flowerbed and listened in on her conversation.

 

I let KittyKai take the spotlight in “KittyKai’s Easter Mystery,” when a wedding ring is found during an Easter egg hunt at the Cobble Inn. The ring’s owner might just be Gilly’s missing neighbor. Here’s a snippet:

As Carol passed KittyKai some ham, Sneaky said, “What are you doing here, Kit? I’m happy you came. I was so mad when they didn’t take me to the inn today to see you.”

KittyKai smiled, continuing to purr. After she bit into the ham and swallowed, she replied, “I had to come to let you know that there may be another case for us. Carol found a ring near the inn, and Alicia said the sheriff thinks it belonged to that lady who disappeared a few weeks ago. They’re going to dig in the dirt and see if her body’s there. I hope not. She was my neighbor and was always friendly when I hopped the fence into her yard. She never ratted on me to Gilly and often gave me a bowl of some chicken. Her husband wasn’t as nice, but he didn’t report me either.”

 

Last but not least, “Barking Up the Wrong Tree” has Fido helping me and KittyKai find a missing boy and solve his teacher’s murder. Ruby, Gilly’s beagle, also gets into the act. The four of us pets do a great job of protecting Alicia and Gilly from a killer.

Check out this snippet:

“I come bearing news,” KittyKai meowed as she greeted them.

“We have news, too,” Sneaky said. “Somebody was locked inside the library when it was closed. Fido and I are trying to figure out how to get Alicia to open it and find out who’s there.”

“I wonder if it’s the missing boy or his teacher.”

“Missing teacher? What do you mean? We heard about Daryl, but we didn’t know anything about his teacher.”

Fido moved closer to the cats as he nibbled his bone. “Yeah. What’s this about a teacher? If I’m going to be part of this, I need the facts.”

 

I hope that these snippets from my short story collection will convince you to read the book. I’m on the cover, and I give it a 5-paws rating. I also hope that if you haven’t read the Cobble Cove series, these stories will make you want to check them out.

 

I should also mention that besides being in the Cobble Cove books, I also have my own blog, Sneaky the Library Cat’s blog, where I interview pet characters. I’m always looking for more guests in case any of you pet characters are interested. Just have your author contact Debbie. You can read a bunch of my interviews at https://sneakylibrarycat.wordpress.com. 

In addition, I sometimes host Debbie’s Facebook Group, Debbie’s Character Chat Group. I happen to be hosting this month. The group is free to join and can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/748912598599469.

Thanks so much to all of you reading this post and to Kathy from Cozy Up with Kathy for hosting this blog spot. 

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 Sneaky's Supernatural Mystery and Other Cobble Cove Stories by Debbie De Louise

About Sneaky's Supernatural Mystery and Other Cobble Cove Stories

Sneaky's Supernatural Mystery and Other Cobble Cove Stories
Cozy Mystery Collection
Setting - New York
Solstice Publishing
Number of Pages ~260

This collection of short stories includes four previously published Cobble Cove mysteries that appeared exclusively as ebooks along with a new story. The collection features the award-winning Sneaky's Christmas Mystery, Sneaky's Summer Mystery, KittyKai's Easter Mystery, Barking Up the Wrong Tree, and the new title story, Sneaky's Supernatural Mystery.

Each of these stories includes a note from the author explaining her inspiration for it and a cover image. If you're a fan of the series, a cozy mystery lover, and/or a feline fancier, you'll enjoy these mysteries that feature the pets in starring roles with Alicia, the librarian.

About Debbie De Louise

Debbie De Louise is a reference librarian at a public library. She’s the author of the Cobble Cove cozy mystery series featuring Alicia, the librarian, and Sneaky, the library cat. She’s also published three standalone mysteries, a paranormal romance, a time-travel novel, a romantic comedy novella, and a collection of cat poems. Her stories and poetry appear in over a dozen anthologies. Debbie also writes articles for Catster.com. She lives on Long Island with her husband, daughter, and three cats.

Author Links: 

Website/Blog/Newsletter Sign-Up: https://debbiedelouise.com  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbie.delouise.author/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Deblibrarian  

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2750133.Debbie_De_Louise  

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2bIHdaQ  

All Author: https://allauthor.com/author/debbiedelouise/  

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

 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiedelouise/ 

 Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/debbie-de-louise  

Debbie’s Character’s Chat Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/748912598599469/\  

Sneaky the Library Cat’s blog: https://Sneakylibrarycat.wordpress.com  

Purchase Links - Amazon -

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