Murder Most Eastern - A Guest Post, Review, & Interview

I'm pleased to welcome Emily Harper to Cozy Up With Kathy today. You can find Emily on the pages of the Great Maine Mystery series. MURDER MOST EASTERN is the first book in the series and was released last week.

From Boston to Jasper Beach
By Emily Harper, amateur sleuth and recent inheritor of a lovely house on Jasper Beach

I didn’t move to Maine because I had a plan. I moved here because I inherited a house—and a mystery.

When my sister Becky died, everything shifted. I’d always imagined she’d be the one who settled down in some cozy coastal town, running on Dunkin’ and small-town gossip. Not me. I was the Boston one. A little too tightly wound, maybe, but predictable. Structured. Comfortable with my life in the city, at least on the surface.

Then came the phone call. And the funeral. And the house.

I’d never even heard of Jasper Beach before that week. But there it was—Becky’s house. Her cat. Her entire world tucked inside a weather-worn Victorian perched at the edge of the sea. And when I stepped inside for the first time, I felt it immediately: there was something unfinished. Something unsettled. Something that didn’t make sense.

She wanted me to stay. And at first I did, just to sort through her things. Then, to try to understand what really happened. And before I knew it, I wasn’t just sleeping in her bedroom—I was rethinking my entire life.

Becky left more behind than a house and a cat (Grayson, who is more opinionated than most people I know). She left questions. Secrets. Maybe even a trail she hoped I’d follow. And whether it was guilt, grief, or just sheer stubbornness, I couldn’t walk away.

I thought I was coming to Maine to say goodbye to my sister.

Instead, I stumbled into a murder investigation, befriended Becky’s attorney, Bill, and a retired librarian with more sass than sense (hi, Martha), and found myself navigating local scandals, secret codes, and one very nosy cat who seems to know when trouble’s afoot.

The truth is, nothing about this life was part of the plan. I’m not a detective. I’m not even all that brave. But I’ve discovered something important in this strange, windswept little town: sometimes the best parts of life are the ones you never see coming.

I still miss Becky every day. But in a way, she’s the reason I found this new purpose. She left me a home, a community, and a mystery—and I intend to honor that.

Even if it means chasing murderers in a pair of mismatched boots and figuring out how to keep a psychic cat out of the butter dish. 

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

 

Review

 

MURDER MOST EASTERN by Nellie H. Steele

The First Great Maine Mystery

 

Although they weren't close, Emily Harper is devastated to hear of her sister's death. Upon inheriting Becky's Victorian with the proviso that she live in it a year, Emily leaves Boston behind and moves to rural Maine. Once in Becky's house she is filled with a sense of foreboding that even Grayson, Becky's cat, can't dispel. Though not one to believe in the mystical, Emily finds herself having visions after wearing her sister's bracelet, visions of the man she met at the lighthouse Becky was researching. When Emily returns to the lighthouse she discovers the man has been murdered. Does his death have something to do with the secrets Becky wrote about in her journal? If that's true, was Becky's death truly accidental? Will Emily discover the truth or will she be the next to die? 

 

I found the plot of the first Great Maine Mystery fascinating: an accidental death that may not be so accidental, shifty historians, a wise cat, hidden artifacts that may have a mystical purpose all set within the beautiful backdrop of rural Maine. 

 

I'm not sure how I feel about Emily. Her attitude towards Grayson irked me. While Emily grew attached to her she thought it was odd to talk to a cat and saying that she was just a cat. I suppose non pet people may think that way, but it bothered me. I did like how she was suspicious of others, but at times her actions put her in the too stupid to live category. Bill is a great character and I really liked Martha, the plucky librarian. But the character I liked best was Grayson, the cat. Grayson is a sturdy cat. I understand that. However, it's not necessary for the author to continually use the word waddle to describe her movements. She waddled here, she waddled there, she waddled everywhere! Most annoying.

 

I enjoyed the paranormal aspect to the story. While at times it did act a bit like a deus ex machina, it added another interesting layer to the story.

 

A little bit of mystery and a little bit of magick make MURDER MOST EASTERN an intriguing start to a new series. 

 

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

 Murder Most Eastern (Great Maine Mysteries) by Nellie H. Steele

About Murder Most Eastern

Murder Most Eastern (Great Maine Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - Maine
Publisher: ‎ A Novel Idea Publishing, LLC
Publication Date: ‎ August 28, 2025
Print length: ‎ 210 pages

A seaside Victorian. A skeptical artist. A cat with secrets. And a murder that won’t stay buried…

When struggling artist Emily Harper inherits a charming but creaky Victorian on the rugged coast of Maine, she expects a fresh start—what she doesn’t expect is cryptic notes, eerie visions, and a cat with an uncanny sense for trouble.

But nothing unsettles her more than the bracelet. A striking piece of tourmaline jewelry left behind in the house, it sends shivers up her spine whenever she wears it. At first, she chalks it up to stress—until she visits West Quoddy Head Lighthouse and is struck by a chilling vision of a man begging for his life. The next day, his body is found.

With a storm brewing, long-buried secrets rising to the surface, and a killer who will do anything to keep the past hidden, Emily must embrace the unexplainable—or risk becoming the next victim.

Fans of Ellery Adams and Carolyn Hart will love this twisty, atmospheric paranormal cozy mystery full of seaside charm, ghostly intrigue, and a heroine who refuses to back down—no matter how haunted her past may be.

Read now and sleuth the clues today.

About Nellie H. Steele

Nellie H. Steele is a storyteller who doesn’t just write books—she writes the stories her characters tell her. With distinct voices and minds of their own, her characters often take over, guiding her through tales of romance, mystery, adventure, and suspense.

A lifelong bookworm, Nellie vividly recalls sitting on the concrete floor of her childhood library, eagerly devouring Nancy Drew books and dreaming of solving mysteries of her own. Now an award-winning author, she spends her days crafting immersive worlds and unforgettable characters that feel like old friends. Her house is a zoo—literally—thanks to her rescue animals who seem perfectly happy napping while she writes.

Nellie’s writing process often involves background TV she never actually watches because she’s too wrapped up in her characters’ antics. When she’s not spinning stories, she works as a professor of statistics, where students who know her as an author are often surprised to find she really does teach math.

If you love twisty mysteries, soap-opera-style romance, and thrilling adventures, dive into Nellie’s books today and discover worlds you won’t want to leave. Connect with Nellie on Facebook at @NellieHSteele—she loves chatting with readers about characters, stories, and more!

Author Links: 

Website: https://nelliehsteele.com/  

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

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19769743.Nellie_H_Steele  

Purchase Link: Amazon

Currently Reading...

I just finished reading Murder Most Eastern by Nellie H. Steele. This is Book 1 of the Great Maine Mysteries and will be released August 28, 2025.

Although they weren't close, Emily Harper is devastated to hear of her sister's death. Upon inheriting Becky's Victorian with the proviso that she live in it a year, Emily leaves Boston behind and moves to rural Maine. Once in Becky's house she is filled with a sense of foreboding that even Grayson, Becky's cat, can't dispel. Though not one to believe in the mystical, Emily finds herself having visions after wearing her sister's bracelet, visions of the man she met at the lighthouse Becky was researching. When Emily returns to the lighthouse she discovers the man has been murdered. Does his death have something to do with the secrets Becky wrote about in her journal? If that's true, was Becky's death truly accidental? Will Emily discover the truth or will she be the next to die?

Murder of Pearl - A Review

Review

 

MURDER OF PEARL by Nellie H. Steele
The First Pearl Party Mystery

 

Sisters Kelly and Jodi Silverman have scored an amazing gig for their Pearl Party business. A client is celebrating her mom, Pearl's, birthday and has invited the sisters to spend the weekend at a grand estate thinking it perfect to have a pearl party for Pearl. Taking orders from rich women with lots of disposable income, the profits from this one weekend will certainly bolster their business. One look at the estate, however, gives Kelly a bad feeling and a desire to leave immediately. After shucking a few oysters and showing the pearls to the disinterested guests, everyone sits down to dinner, where Pearl tells everyone how much she despises them. Shortly thereafter, Pearl is murdered with one of Kelly's shucking knives. With a storm trapping everyone in the mansion and preventing the police from arriving Kelly and Jodi will try to determine which guest is guilty while proving their own innocence.

The concept of MURDER OF PEARL is great. Protagonists trapped in a spooky house with a bunch of strangers while a storm rages outside and then someone is killed. Super. I've always thought it would be great to have a party based business as sleuths in a cozy mystery. After all the seller is in homes of various people, getting new people to kill and be suspects easily. I've enjoyed the first books in two other series by this author so I was expecting a wonderful read. Sadly, I was wrong. 

There were too many characters and even with the character listing at the front of the book it was hard to remember who was who along with their relationship to each other. You don't need 16 primary suspects! Then there were the servants. Who knows how many were there? The butler suggested moving the body (seriously?) and a maid brought food. We know nothing about them other than the fact that they appeared fine with the murder and police being unable to come. They could have been suspects, but were completely disregarded. One problem that compounded every other issue was that everyone was unlikable (aside from the servants who were given no personality at all) including the protagonists. Kelly and Jodi aren't even antiheros, they're just grousing, self absorbed nitwits.

The actions of everybody were ridiculous. You just eat a big meal, a woman is murdered, and after going to your room you decide to go to the kitchen to get snacks?!? Seriously? And just how big was that bag of popcorn? They were eating it for ages.

Perhaps the author was crossing genres and was writing MURDER OF PEARL as a farce. Unfortunately, it doesn't work as a written piece, although it could possibly work on film. The over the top behaviors just don't translate into the written word, merely coming off as ridiculous. There is a fine mystery here if you can overlook the personalities of the characters and when you ignore the nonsensical behaviors.

An amazing mansion and a complex mystery fail to save MURDER OF PEARL. Full of promise, the first Pearl Party Mystery fails to deliver.

Murder of Pearl - A Guest Post & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Jodi Silverman to Cozy Up With Kathy today. You can find Jodi on the pages of the Pearl Party Mystery series by Nellie H. Steele. Murder of Pearl is the first book in the series.

From quiet bookkeeper to PI
By Jodi Silverman

Hi, everyone, my name is Jodi Silverman and I’m one part of the two-part team that makes up the Silverman Sisters’ Pearls Unlimited business. If you ask me, my part is the better part. Let me explain.

A few years ago, my sister, Kelly, came to me gushing about a business idea she’d seen somewhere on the internet (where, I don’t know). People were selling pearl jewelry. Not like strings of pearls, though you can get those, but different styles of jewelry with pearls set in them.

The gig was to host “pearl parties” online. You get a big bucket of oysters and you take orders for jewelry. Once you have your orders, you go on a live video and shuck oysters, pull out the pearl, and show it to the purchaser before packaging it up and sending it to the jeweler to affix to the jewelry.

Well, to be clear, I don’t do ANY of that. I manage the orders and post the order information online during the parties. I am NOT touching those oysters. Kelly can gut them and squish around in the flesh to find the pearl. Not me. Yuck.

I can barely stand the smell from across the room. They really stink. I much prefer the quiet side of the business. No big lights making me sweat while I clean pearls and show them to the camera. No reading comments are they scroll by while I’m trying to work. No stinky oysters.

And I do my job pretty well. Kelly’s parties are fairly successful. I schedule them at the right time to encourage attendance, make sure people can easily find the order page and place an order, message them once they do to keep them in the loop, etc. And I know my party-planning skills are working because we got a call for a huge in-person party!

The party happened to be at a massive estate about forty-five minutes from us. It’s huge. Big, sprawling house. Pool. Gardens. The works. On top of that, the orders that poured in from this party made it worth it. Over one hundred and twenty-five oyster openings. That’s a lot of oysters. And a lot of orders. We’d be set for the month with this party alone!

Kelly was less than convinced, but I thought it was great. If we can get in with these high society ladies, maybe we can book a few more parties and grow the business even further. Don’t get me wrong, we do a good trade with the online parties, but this was the big time.

At least until that lady got stabbed. I did not expect that to happen. And suddenly, all my organizational skills had to be twisted into investigative skills. Especially after Kelly was accused of the crime. Thank goodness I know how to keep meticulous details straight. I’m sure it helped us solve the crime.

If you’re interested in how we did it, be sure to check out Murder of Pearl.

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

 Murder of Pearl: A Silverman Sisters Cozy Mystery (Pearl Party Cozy Mysteries) by Nellie H. Steele

About Murder of Pearl

Murder of Pearl: A Silverman Sisters Cozy Mystery (Pearl Party Cozy Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - Fictional estate of Willow Lake Estate
A Novel Idea Publishing, LLC (October 21, 2022)
Hardcover: ‎ 182 pages

The world’s her oyster…until someone is stabbed with her shucking knife.

With a struggling pearl party business, sisters Kelly and Jodi Silverman are thrilled to land a weekend long jewelry party at a large estate. But the gothic house, complete with its weeping woman fountain, gives Kelly a bad vibe.

A nasty storm strands them at the spooky mansion. And when the birthday gal is found with Kelly’s shucking knife poking from her chest, they’re not only stuck in the creepy house with a murderer roaming the halls but Kelly’s accused of the crime.

Can Kelly and Jodi piece together the limited clues, prove their innocence and stay alive? Or will this pearl party be their last?

If you love comedy mystery a la Clue, you’ll love Murder of Pearl, Book 1 in the Pearl Party Cozy Mystery series!

About Nellie H. Steele

Award-winning author Nellie H. Steele writes in as many genres as she reads.

Addicted to books since she could read, Nellie escaped to fictional worlds like the ones created by Carolyn Keene or Victoria Holt long before she decided to put pen to paper and create her own realities. When she’s not spinning a cozy mystery tale, building a new realm in a contemporary fantasy, or writing another action-adventure car chase, you can find her shuffling through her Noah’s Ark of rescue animals or enjoying a hot cuppa (that’s tea for most Americans.) Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, Bookbub, Pinterest and Tiktok. Check out all Nellie's offers at www.anovelideapublishing.com/novels or at her blog, Nellie’s Book Nook, available at www.nelliesbooknook.com!  

Author Links: 

Webpage: http://www.anovelideapublishing.com  

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NellieHSteele  

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19769743.Nellie_H_Steele  

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Moving is Murder - An Interview, Review, and Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Nellie H. Steele back to Cozy Up With Kathy. Nellie writes the Middle Age is Murder Mystery series, among others. MOVING IS MURDER is her most recent release.

Kathy: You start a new series with MOVING IS MURDER. Was there a specific inspiration for the Middle Age is Murder Mystery series?

NHS: Last year during my Christmas movie marathon, I watched A Castle for Christmas. A middle-aged Brooke Shields completely changes her life by moving to Scotland and finding love. I really enjoyed the story and loved the premise that life doesn’t “end” after 50!

It inspired me to write two series (Middle Age is Murder being one of them) with middle-aged sleuths who can show us that there’s plenty of life left to live and even some surprises in store still!

Kathy: Ellie Byrne finds herself drowning in debt after her cheating husband runs off with another woman-and the balance of her bank account, but her elderly aunt's death provides a chance at a new life. Have you ever started over?

NHS: I think we all start over in one way or another. Mine has never been as dramatic as Ellie’s (at least not thus far!), but ten years ago, I could never have predicted that I’d be a mystery writer with twenty books (and more to come!) on the market. I felt pretty settled in my career and life and didn’t see any surprises coming. But life has a way of changing when you least expect it. On a cold January day, I started jotting down ideas for my first published work, completed a creative writing certificate, and never looked back.

I’ve never had anything as bad as Ellie’s situation, but I’ve definitely “started over” on a new path!

Kathy: Ellie inherits a home along with her aunt's beloved pets, Cleo, a sassy cat, and a lovable dog named Lola. Were they based on animals you know or are they completely fictional?

NHS: Yes! Cleo is based off of one of my cats (real name Cassandra) and Lola is based off of my miniature bulldog, Lola. I changed Cassandra’s name since I’ve got another series with a Cassie (Cassandra) as a main character, but otherwise, she’s exactly what I’d expect if Cassandra could speak. Same with Lola!

Kathy: Ellie considers reopening her aunts B&B. Have you ever had the desire to be an innkeeper?

NHS: Yes! I’d love to run a big B&B (in theory). I have a sneaking suspicion my experience would be far less simple than the Hallmark-y idea I’ve got floating around in my head, but I think it could be a fun and fulfilling gig (though I’m certain it’s hard work, too!).

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

NHS: Pantser! I may have a loose outline, but for the most part, the story tells itself to me not the other way around. And sometimes my very loose outline collapses completely once the characters get a hold of the story. I’ve had characters meant to die who are still living, ex-boyfriends return that weren’t expected, and even surprise couples!


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

NHS: I like interacting with readers. I have a mystery readers’ group on Facebook and its tremendous fun to talk about the books with readers who enjoy them. The worst part for me is trying to pitch my books to people. I hate trying to make the hard sell to people!


Kathy: Will you share any other upcoming books?

NHS: I’ve got a lot planned for 2023! You can check out all my new releases in my readers’ group or by joining my newsletter. Here are a few coming up that may appeal based on your interest in Moving is Murder:

SPIRITS, TALES & A BODY BY THE BALES – Book 2 in the Lily & Cassie by the Sea Cozy Mysteries. Check out mother/daughter duo Lily & Cassie as they continue to settle into their new town and discover its secrets…including a dead body! – Coming April 4, 2023

Book 2 will be available in the Pearl Party Cozy Mystery series in early November and Book 2 will be available in the Middle Age is Murder series Christmas 2023! 

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

Review

MOVING IS MURDER by Nellie H. Steele
The First Middle Age is Murder Mystery

 

Ellie Byrne's life is in shambles. Her husband has left her for another woman, emptying their bank account beforehand. She's broke, living in a house she doesn't like and can't afford with neighbors who still think her cheating husband is the bees knees. With her husband now asking for a divorce, as well as half of the house, Ellie gets a glimmer of hope when she learns she's inherited her aunt's house; the condition being she has to live in the home and care for her aunt's beloved pets. With nothing keeping her in Winwick, Ellie moves to Salem Falls only to discover her aunt was murdered and now she's being threatened. Not one to be intimidated, Ellie vows to find the killer-but with so many suspects, will the killer find her first?

I truly enjoyed my first foray into the Middle Age is Murder series. For all the bad that life has recently thrown at Ellie, she has determination, gumption, and a great attitude. I love the Salem Falls setting, despite a lot of sketchy citizens and one nasty killer. As much as I admire Ellie, my favorite characters are Cleo and Lola, especially the sassy Cleo. I also enjoyed how Ellie uncovered the paranormal aspect to the series...and how that helps her solve the mystery. 

One issue I had with this book has to do with word choices. For some reason almost all of the characters waddled! They didn't walk, glide, or move - they waddled. They aren't obese or have knee issues, nor are they penguins, so why are they all waddling? I see a lot of possibilities with this series as Ellie turns her new home back into a B&B and as she speaks to the animals. I look forward to seeing what happens next-and once the B&B is up and running I can't wait to hear Cleo's thoughts about the guests!

Strong, independent characters in an intricately plotted puzzle make MOVING IS MURDER a solid start to a new series.

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

 Moving is Murder: A Salem Falls B&B Paranormal Cozy Mystery (Middle Age is Murder Cozy Mysteries) by Nellie H. Steele

About Moving is Murder

Moving is Murder: A Salem Falls B&B Paranormal Cozy Mystery (Middle Age is Murder Cozy Mysteries)
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Fictional town of Salem Falls
Independently Published (December 25, 2022)
Print length: ‎ 317 pages

A new hometown. A murdered aunt. Mysterious talking animals. Divorce just turned interesting.

Ellie Byrne’s pending divorce from her cheating husband threatens to leave her broke and homeless. But when she inherits a bed and breakfast in the unique town of Salem Falls, her prayers may be answered.

That is, until she finds out her aunt didn’t just die on the property, she was murdered. And shortly after Ellie arrives, she finds herself the target of threatening messages and hostile attitudes from almost everyone in town. And after someone chucks a rock through her window, she begins to fear for her life.

Can Ellie discover which one of them offed her aunt? Or will the bed and breakfast she’d hoped would provide a fresh start put her in the grave?

If you love middle-aged heroines, talking pets, and quirky small town settings, you’ll love book 1 in this charming paranormal women’s fiction cozy mystery series.

About Nellie H. Steele

 

Award-winning author Nellie H. Steele writes in as many genres as she reads. Addicted to books since she could read, Nellie escaped to fictional worlds like the ones created by Carolyn Keene or Victoria Holt long before she decided to put pen to paper and create her own realities. When she’s not spinning a cozy mystery tale, building a new realm in a contemporary fantasy, or writing another action-adventure car chase, you can find her shuffling through her Noah’s Ark of rescue animals or enjoying a hot cuppa (that’s tea for most Americans.)  

Author Links: Check out all Nellie's offers at www.anovelideapublishing.com/novels or at her blog, Nellie’s Book Nook, available at www.nelliesbooknook.com!

Webpage: http://www.anovelideapublishing.com  

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NellieHSteele  

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19769743.Nellie_H_Steele  

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

Purchase Link - Amazon 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ghosts, Lore & a House by the Shore - A Guest Post, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Cassie McGuire to Cozy Up With Kathy today. You can find Cassie on the pages of the Lily & Cassie By the Sea Mystery series by Nellie H. Steele. GHOSTS, LORE & A HOUSE BY THE SHORE is the first book in the series and today is its release day!

Moving to Whispering Manor
By Cassie McGuire

When I first saw Whispering Manor, I was a little overwhelmed. I’ll admit, I wondered if it was a bit too much house for just my mom and me. I can remember staring up at the oversized home as it rose tall in the air in front of us while we waited for the realtor.

Little did we know the history the house had. I’m not sure if I had known it would have changed my mind at all. I fell in love with it from the moment I saw it. And then when Lucy let us in, I thought it looked like something out of a movie.

The wide wraparound porch alone was inviting enough to make me want to buy the house. But then Lucy opened the door and let us inside. The generous foyer blew me away! With its rich woods and intricate carvings, it’s definitely something from a bygone era. You don’t see work like that anymore! On either side of the wide stairs leading up to the second floor were wooden carvings of two angels holding lanterns. Amazing! Wide doorways led off both sides into a living room and a library.

The library is one of my favorite spots. It was filled with books when we got there (some gothic novels, which makes for great reading on a rainy day). There’s a lovely little window seat overlooking the front drive and the porch that’s great to curl up on with a good book.

Our eat-in kitchen overlooks the back of the property which is right up against our private beach! I love eating breakfast (or dinner!) and watching the sunrise over the ocean. I’ll often crack one of the bay windows so I can listen to the ocean.

Upstairs, we’ve got a number of bedrooms. Way more than Mom and I need. My mom has one overlooking the ocean. I took one that has a view of both the ocean and the front of the house. It’s got an en-suite and another lovely window seat that looks out on the water. The house has all kinds of neat features like a Widow’s Walk and beautiful trim outside. I’m really in love with it.

One of the things I didn’t expect when we moved to Whispering Manor, though, was the amount of trouble we’d have! Whew! What a tale! I hope you’ll read all about it in GHOSTS, LORE & A HOUSE BY THE SHORE!

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

Review

GHOSTS, LORE & A HOUSE BY THE SHORE by Nellie H. Steele

The First Lily & Callie By the Sea Mystery

A tragic accident left both Lily Bennett and Cassandra Bennett-McGuire widows. Mother and daughter, unable to face homes filled with memories, decide to make a fresh start. Choosing the small town of Hideaway Bay, the pair buy an estate on the edge of town, and rent a storefront in town for their dream gift shop-Buy the Sea. They soon discover that their home has a tragic history and is supposedly haunted by more than one ghost. A ship captain lost at sea, his grieving widow jumped to her death from the widow's walk and centuries later a young girl disappears and her parents die in an apparent murder/suicide. No wonder townsfolk shudder at the mention of the house. Lily and Cassie are captivated when they find the widow's journal and discover the missing girl was researching the captain's alleged treasure. Soon odd sounds and vandalism start plaguing the pair. Someone isn't happy that they're looking into the past. But is it a ghost? Or a more worldly tormentor?

GHOSTS, LORE & A HOUSE BY THE SHORE is a unique mystery in that it has two protagonists, a mother and daughter. Written in the third person the book switches points of view, which the author handles deftly. Instead of being confusing, wondering who was thinking what, it was always clear if it is the slightly more cynical Lily versus her daughter Cassie. Both are competent women who I would like to call friends. I absolutely adore Whispering Manor and detailed descriptions make me want to live there. The multiple mysteries were ingenious, although I did figure out the modern day villain before our intrepid mother/daughter team. I figured out a few key things before they did, but, though I yelled at them, it didn't stop my enjoyment of the story. I was enthralled by Henrietta's tale and can't believe Lily stopped reading the journal at those climactic bits.

A glorious manor with mysteries spread across the ages GHOSTS, LORE & A HOUSE BY THE SHORE is a wonderful start to a new series.

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

 Ghosts, Lore & a House by the Shore: A Mother/Daughter Cozy Mystery (Lily & Cassie By the Sea Mysteries) by Nellie H. Steele

About Ghosts, Lore & a House by the Shore

Ghosts, Lore & a House by the Shore: A Mother/Daughter Cozy Mystery (Lily & Cassie By the Sea Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series Number of Pages: 306 pages

A new town. A haunting legend. New beginnings or the beginning of the end?

After Cassie MacGuire’s husband dies in a plane crash along with her father, both her and her mother, Lily Bennett, are left as widows. Looking to make a new start, they move together to the quiet seaside town of Hideaway Bay. But their new home, Whispering Manor, has a reputation stretching back centuries. Legends of ghosts, paranormal disturbances and pirate treasure are all associated with the former sea captain’s mansion, starting with the death of its first mistress, Henrietta Blanchard.

When Cassie stumbles upon Henrietta’s journal and Lily uncovers a more recent tragedy in the home, they begin to wonder if the stories may be fact instead of fiction. When the strange occurrences turn dangerous, Lily and Cassie will have to investigate to save their home and possibly even their very lives!

Ghosts, Lore & a House by the Shore is the charming first installment in this small, seaside town mother-daughter cozy mystery series by Nellie H. Steele.

About Nellie H. Steele

An Indies Today finalist for Best Book of the Year 2020 with Cleopatra’s Tomb, Nellie H. Steele made the leap from science to art with her first book, The Secret of Dunhaven Castle.

An animal enthusiast, Nellie often features a version of one of her fourteen rescue animals in her stories, though the fictional pets are usually better behaved than her own fur-babies! A literary split personality, Nellie’s work ranges from cozy mystery to supernatural suspense to riveting adventure.

She lives in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. When she isn’t writing or engaging in animal care, she enjoys teaching Statistics and Data Science at a local university.

Check out all Nellie offers at www.anovelideapublishing.com/novels or at her blog, Nellie’s Book Nook, available at www.nelliesbooknook.com!

Author Links: 

Publisher Website: anovelideapublishing.com  

Blog: www.nelliesbooknook.com 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nelliehsteele  

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nelliehsteele  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nelliehsteele1  

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nelliehsteeleauthor  

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19769743.Nellie_H_Steele  

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nellie-h-steele  

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nellie-H.-Steele/e/B07Z9PD3YN  

Purchase Link: Amazon: (eBook preorder is currently live. Book will be offered in eBook, paperback, hardcover, and audio).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Currently Reading...

I just finished reading Ghosts, Lore, and a House by the Shore by Nellie H. Steele. This book is the first in the Lily and Cassie Mystery series and will be released April 5, 2022.

A tragic accident left both Lily Bennett and Cassandra Bennett-McGuire widows. Mother and daughter, unable to face homes filled with memories, decide to make a fresh start. Choosing the small town of Hideaway Bay, the pair buy an estate on the edge of town, and rent a storefront in town for their dream gift shop-Buy the Sea. They soon discover that their home has a tragic history and is supposedly haunted by more than one ghost. A ship captain lost at sea, his grieving widow jumped to her death from the widow's walk and centuries later a young girl disappears and her parents die in an apparent murder/suicide. No wonder townsfolk shudder at the mention of the house. Lily and Cassie are captivated when they find the widow's journal and discover the missing girl was researching the captain's alleged treasure. Soon odd sounds and vandalism start plaguing the pair. Someone isn't happy that they're looking into the past. But is it a ghost? Or a more worldly tormentor?

Danger at Dunhaven Castle - An Interview & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Nellie H. Steele to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Nellie writes the Cate Kensie Mystery series. Danger at Dunhaven Castle is the fourth book in the series and was released this past week.

Kathy: In Danger at Dunhaven Castle Cate Kensie begins to slip in and out of different time periods. If you had the chance, would you travel through time? If you could pick when and where you'd visit, where and when would you choose?

NHS: I think I would, as long as I could return to this time. I’m pretty sure I’d quickly tire of the lack of creature comforts we have become accustomed to in this century! I’ve got a laundry list of times and places I’d love to visit, so in no particular order: colonial America, Victorian England, 1920s, 1940s. I’m sure there are a lot of others, but those are my top picks.

Kathy: I've always wanted to live in a castle. In fact, when I was a kid I would check out this magazine from the library which had castle and manor homes for sale. If you had the chance, and the financial ability, would you live in a castle?

NHS: Absolutely. I can’t imagine how entertaining it would be to live in a castle. I’m certain I’d spend at least a decade exploring my own home like it was a museum! I’ve always been fascinated by castles and large manor homes!

Kathy: Cate is also busy researching the castle's history. Do you enjoy doing research? Is history a favorite subject for you?

NHS: I’ve always liked history. I considered a minor in it during college, but I had a dual major (in completely unrelated topics) so I couldn’t fit it in. But I picked up history classes when and where I could and I’m intrigued by what life was like in past eras and how different things are between now and then!

Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

NHS: I love mysteries. I grew up reading Nancy Drew and graduated to Victoria Holt. I’m not too squeamish so I can read some of the more gritty mystery novels, but I truly love the easiness of cozy mysteries. They are light and fun with just enough intrigue to keep you interested. It’s a really nice blend of pleasant story with mysteries that won’t turn your stomach or make you lose sleep (unless, of course, you can’t stop reading!).

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

NHS: I do! I’m a literary split personality and love to write different types of mysteries. In addition to cozy mysteries, I also write supernatural suspense mysteries (magical realism, think Dark Shadows), adventure mysteries (like Indiana Jones), and historical mysteries!

Kathy: Tell us about your series. 

NHS: The Cate Kensie Mysteries series is my cozy mystery series following Cate Kensie as she discovers she is the heiress to a fortune and a Scottish castle. The series starts with Cate’s journey to Scotland and surprising discovery about what makes her castle unique. Cate will then use her new found time traveling ability to solve mysteries in the past.

Book 4 of the Cate Kensie series involves a few characters from my Shadow Slayers supernatural suspense series. This series follows a set of supernatural creatures and their human friends who work to prevent evil from seeping too far into the real world.

The Maggie Edwards Adventures series is a high-octane, globe-trotting thrill ride following Maggie Edwards as she solves archeological mysteries.

And last, but not least, my historical mystery series, Duchess of Blackmoore Mysteries, follows Lenora Fletcher as she solves mysteries using her unique ability: she can communicate with the dead.
 

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

NHS: Yikes, that’s hard! I enjoy most of my characters and picking a favorite is like picking your favorite child! Some I love to write, like Marcus Northcott, because he gets to say things no one else can. And Cate Kensie will always hold a special place in my heart since she was my first published character and is named after my grandmother.

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

NHS: Nothing beyond I wanted it to have a really cool castle in a beautiful setting and I didn’t want it to be your average “ghost” story.

Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

NHS: I wrote The Secret of Dunhaven Castle for my mom’s birthday. After she completed a scavenger hunt and solved a puzzle, she got the book to read. It was up to her if I moved forward to publish it. (She said yes!).

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

NHS: Since I’m an introvert, hosting a dinner party probably isn’t up my alley! But on the off-chance I decided to, I think I’d invite some of the fantastic authors I’ve encountered on my publishing journey (and there’d be a lot more than four!). I’ve met some wonderful people and made great friends on my journey and I’d love to celebrate the work we do together!

Kathy: What are you currently reading?

NHS: I’ve got a few reads on my Kindle right now. I’m reading Murder in the Christmas Tree Lot, Jack of Spades, and Laird of Drumlychtoun.

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

NHS: I’m really passionate about animals. I’ve got a rescue home for abandoned and abused animals. Right now, I’ve got 14 pets in the house. They take a good amount of care since some of them have several issues, but I enjoy doing it and seeing the difference in them from the time we begin working with them until they really settle in.

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

NHS: Eggs, bread, cheese, chocolate.

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

NHS: Yep! Cate 5 will soon be underway! Book 4 in the Shadow Slayers series is working its way through the editing channels. And I’ve got a first draft of a new series starter written. Duchess of Blackmoore 2 is also about 1/3 of the way complete. Look for all these (and more!) coming in 2022!

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

NHS: There’s so many great things but my favorite is creating characters and worlds to slip into. I absolutely love to escape into my stories and I really hope readers do, too! 

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

 Danger at Dunhaven Castle: A Cate Kensie Mystery by Nellie H. Steele

About Danger at Dunhaven Castle

Danger at Dunhaven Castle: A Cate Kensie Mystery
Cozy Mystery 4th in Series
Publisher: A Novel Idea Publishing, LLC
Number of Pages: ~400

Frightening nightmares. Aberrations in time. Who is haunting Cate’s nightmares?

Months after solving two mysteries involving her ancestors, time-traveling, castle-dwelling Countess, Lady Catherine Kensie, still suffers from haunting nightmares. Chased by a mysterious man, Cate ponders who could be haunting her dreams and disturbing her sleep. She’s also smack dab in the middle of a brand-new research project, having found journals belonging to the Scottish castle’s original owner.

As Cate digs into the castle’s history, not only do her nightmares become more frequent and more frightening, but Cate also begins to experience strange phenomena with the time portals enclosed in the castle walls. Controlled by the mysterious heirloom timepiece she received as part of her inheritance, Cate is shocked when she begins to slip in and out of other time periods despite not activating the mechanism that controls them!

Can Cate learn the secret to control the time portals and discover who haunts her dreams before she finds herself lost in time?

 

About Nellie H. Steele

 

An Indies Today finalist for Best Book of the Year 2020 with Cleopatra’s Tomb, Nellie H. Steele made the leap from science to art with her first book, The Secret of Dunhaven Castle.

An animal enthusiast, Nellie often features a version of one of her fourteen rescue animals in her stories, though the fictional pets are usually better behaved than her own fur-babies! A literary split personality, Nellie’s work ranges from cozy mystery to supernatural suspense to riveting adventure.

She lives in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. When she isn’t writing or engaging in animal care, she enjoys teaching Statistics and Data Science at a local university.

Check out all Nellie offers at www.anovelideapublishing.com/novels or at her blog, Nellie’s Book Nook, available at www.nelliesbooknook.com!  

Author Links: 

Publisher Website: www.anovelideapublishing.com  

Blog: www.nelliesbooknook.com  

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nelliehsteele  

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nelliehsteele 

 Twitter: https://twitter.com/nelliehsteele1  

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nelliehsteeleauthor  

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19769743.Nellie_H_Steele  

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nellie-h-steele  

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nellie-H.-Steele/e/B07Z9PD3YN  

Purchase Link: Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway