Death for Sale - A Review, Excerpt, and Giveaway

 Review

DEATH FOR SALE by Erik S. Meyers
The Third Sally Witherspoon Mystery 

Thanksgiving is Sally Witherspoon's favorite holiday and she's excited to spend the day with the majority of  Berry Springs, Arkansas at the Grand Hotel. With Joanna catering the dinner the buffet is jammed packed with delicious food - roast turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, the works! Sally and her crew, along with some temporary bartenders, are serving the drinks while also enjoying the scrumptious spread. After the satisfying event Sally is woken in the early morning hours by a phone call from Sergeant Soder. Several party goers seem to have gotten food poisoning and some have even been hospitalized. Was there something wrong with the food? Could the fruit in some of her cocktails have been tainted? When one person dies and the police consider the death suspicious Sally once again gets out her pen and notebook determined to help solve another murder. 

Who would be cruel enough to kill, not only taking a life, but taking the joy of the holiday season from the whole community? With motive murky at best Sally has her work cut out for her in the third Sally Witherspoon Mystery. One of the things I like best is that the mystery isn't solved in a matter of days. Generally speaking, murder investigations take time and time is given here. The book starts just before Thanksgiving and goes through Christmas and New Year's Eve and Day, sadly with more deaths as time goes by. I enjoyed reading about the festivities and appreciated how everyone tried to celebrate even as the number of deaths increased.

DEATH FOR SALE is the best Sally Witherspoon Mystery yet. The mystery was perplexing, the characters developed, and the emotions real. The story flowed naturally and kept me interested and engaged.

With a puzzling crime and a holiday season turned horrible DEATH FOR SALE is a compelling mystery you won't want to miss.

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DEATH FOR SALE

by Erik S. Meyers

April 13 - May 8, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

A Sally Witherspoon Mystery

 

It's holiday time in Berry Springs, where many come together to enjoy good food, drink, and the company of friends. Unfortunately, death is among the mix as people get mysteriously ill at the town's Thanksgiving dinner. Deaths follow, and Sally must race to discover the truth before more people die off.

Coupled with worry for her aging parents, she is overwhelmed with the pressure and emotions, but she'll push through to solve the crimes and restore peace to the town.

Praise for Death For Sale:

"It’s always a delight to accompany amateur sleuth Sally Witherspoon as she takes time from her bar-owner job to bring murderers to justice. You’ve got to love a spunky middle-aged single woman who runs a biker bar and does a side hustle helping the local law enforcement solve serious crimes. The holiday setting of this third book in the series brings a touch of charm and festivity to the sadness the small town of Berry Springs experiences as some of their older citizens succumb to what appears to be intentional poisoning. Leave it to Sally to get answers in this difficult-to-solve murder case.
If you’re looking for a fun, holiday-themed cozy mystery, Death for Sale fits the bill perfectly. You’ll love spending time with lovable Sally Witherspoon as she restores peace and calm to her beloved town of Berry Springs. "
~ Ivanka Fear, author of the Blue Water Mysteries and Jake and Mallory Thrillers

Book Details:

Genre: Cozy Mystery with Grit
Published by: Level Best Books
Publication Date: January 20, 2026
Number of Pages: 244
ISBN: 979-8898201258
Series: Sally Witherspoon Mystery Series, Book 3 || Amazon, Goodreads, Level Best Books
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads

Mystery Series

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads

Read an excerpt from DEATH FOR SALE:

 

 

Author Bio:

Originally from Connecticut, I am an American abroad who has lived or worked in six countries on three continents, currently living in Vienna.

The author of the Sally Witherspoon murder mystery series, an award-winning adult LGBTQ Jewish historical fiction novel "Caged Time," a short story anthology "Connections," and a business book "The Accidental Change Agent." I also have written several short stories and a thriller/horror script.

I am represented by Cindy Bullard at Birch Literary.

Oh and I survive on coffee and hiking.

Catch Up With Erik S Meyers:

www.ErikMey.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads - @erikmey
BookBub
Instagram - @erikmeyauthor
Facebook - @ErikSMeyersAuthor

 

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Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Death for Sale by Erik S. Meyers. This is the third book in the Sally Witherspoon Mystery series and was released earlier this year.

Thanksgiving is Sally Witherspoon's favorite holiday and she's excited to spend the day with the majority of  Berry Springs, Arkansas at the Grand Hotel. With Joanna catering the dinner the buffet is jammed packed with delicious food - roast turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, the works! Sally and her crew, along with some temporary bartenders, are serving the drinks while also enjoying the scrumptious spread. After the satisfying event Sally is woken in the early morning hours by a phone call from Sergeant Soder. Several party goers seem to have gotten food poisoning and some have even been hospitalized. Was there something wrong with the food? Could the fruit in some of her cocktails have been tainted? When one person dies and the police consider the death suspicious Sally once again gets out her pen and notebook determined to help solve another murder.

Thanks for Muffin - An Interview, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Victoria Hamilton to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Victoria writes the Merry Muffin Mystery series. THANKS FOR MUFFIN is the eighth book in the series and was released this week!

 
Kathy: In THANKS FOR MUFFIN Merry Wynter hosts the grand opening gala of the Wynter Woods Center for the Performing Arts. If you were to host a gala and could get any artist you desired, who would be performing?


VH: It would really depend on the kind of event, I guess, but I have a few favorites that I would love to see live. I don't know if anyone has ever heard of an English artist by the name of Rumer - NOT Rumer Willis, just... Rumer. She has the voice of an angel, like Karen Carpenter, but with this lovely tone and smooth sweetness. Unfortunately she only tours in the UK, but look her up on YouTube. She did a whole album of Burt Bacharach songs, sanctioned and accompanied by Burt himself. Brilliant. Another artist is the best rock female vocalist of all time, Ann Wilson of Heart. She is still out there performing with her sister. I saw her and her band in concert in 1976 (!!! I was - ahem - VERY young!) and even though they were the opening act, they blew the main event out of the water. Would love to see her live again. 

 

Kathy: A particularly nasty journalist posted a criticism of the gala and everything Merry was trying to accomplish. Have you ever received a particularly harsh review? How did you handle it?

VH: Yes, I have had numerous nasty/harsh reviews. Every writer/musician/artist has. They're hard to handle, so in most cases I just don't read reviews. I'd love to say I'm stronger than that, but a really bad one can take me away from my writing for a full day, and I can't afford that. But when I do by chance see one, I have a specific technique that helps a bit. I go to Amazon or Goodreads and look up my favorite writers - generally Sue Grafton or Sara Paretsky - and read their one and two star reviews. If superstar writers like that can get trashed by reviewers, then I'm in good company. It helps a tiny bit. 

 

Kathy: You include delicious muffin recipes in the book. Are you an avid baker?

VH: Nope. LOL. But I used to be. I once baked a lot more than I do now, but I can't eat much of what I make, and I don't have family or friends that will take the stuff so... I bake occasionally. 

 

Kathy: I enjoy all kinds, but I do love a good blueberry muffin. What's your favorite type of muffin? 

VH: I made up a muffin recipe for one of the Merry Muffin books, Fit for the King muffins (the King = Elvis, of course) that are banana peanut butter chocolate chip muffins, and OMG, they are delicious! The blueberry sour cream coffee cake muffins in this book are also awesome! 


Kathy: Was there a specific inspiration for this story? 

VH: Not a specific inspiration, no. But I've thought a lot about the nastiness of some people in the public eye and wondered about their lives. Surely people like that would inspire enmity in a whole host of folks, and it would be complicated to investigate if they were murdered, sorting out their haters from suspects. That's where it came from. 


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

VH: Well, at the end of THANKS FOR MUFFIN I ask readers to sign up for my newsletter, because near Christmas I will be sharing CHRISTMAS AT WYNTER CASTLE, a short Christmas story set in the immediate aftermath of this book, and taking care of one character who I just couldn't fit into my plot. I hope readers enjoy it! I'll be sending it out in mid-December. 

Kathy: Will you share any other upcoming books? 

VH: Love to! I do actually have news to share. I am currently writing two books in my other series. I was planning to publish LADY ANNE AND THE WINTER WITCH (Lady Anne Mysteries #6) in spring of this next year, and MASHER OF CEREMONIES, Vintage Kitchen Mystery #13 in the fall, but given the settings of each - WINTER WITCH is set just after Christmas and MASHER OF CEREMONIES is set in late spring - I have reversed the order. For anyone who likes my Vintage Kitchen Mysteries, I've gone back to basics; MASHER OF CEREMONIES will come out in spring, as it is set at the annual May Queensville traditional Tea with the Queen event, where Queen Victoria shares tea with all who attend! LADY ANNE AND THE WINTER WITCH sees Lady Anne and her new husband Tony on their post-wedding trip north; they get snowed in at a Christmas house party where things are not jolly and bright! I'm having great fun writing the books, and hope readers enjoy them.

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Review

THANKS FOR MUFFIN by Victoria Hamilton
The Eighth Merry Muffin Mystery

After lots of hard work Merry Winter and her good friend Pish are ready for the grand opening gala of the Wynter Woods Center for the Performing Arts. Held over the long Thanksgiving weekend the attendees and performers will arrive via luxury coaches from New York City, some returning after the opening night, others remaining for the long weekend. Locals will also attend, including a reporter from nearby Ridley Ridge. Unbeknownst to Merry, the reporter is the unsavory Dan Sooner who hates everything about the castle and its caretakers. During the event he antagonizes almost everyone and is nearly escorted from the event. It also appears that many of the guests seem to know each other and there are more ties to Autumn Valley and Ridley Ridge than expected. While too much liquor is imbibed, opening night seemed a success and the reviews are positive, except for Sooner's. While Merry broods about this her husband, former sheriff and current private detective, notices Sooner's vehicle is still in their parking lot. While leading some of her guests on a tour of the property Merry finds the missing man-dead. Murder free for two years Merry knows the murder must be solved before the weekend ends and media once again decries the murder castle. While she has every confidence in the new sheriff, she knows that she and her friends will also investigate as the sooner the killer is found the better!

I love the whole vibe of the Wynter Woods Center for the Performing Arts and the fact that all genres of music are welcome with rap and opera combining for the gala as well as including Broadway stars as guests. Of course I despised Dan Sooner even before he came to the castle and before we knew about his past. A perfect victim, but sad that someone couldn't wait and took justice into their own hand thus ruining more than one life. I did catch the one very big clue left by the author, but until more facts were revealed I wasn't sure what that meant. The mystery was complex with more than one miscreant involved. I appreciated how Merry worked with law enforcement and the way Hannah's abilities were utilized. I've never been a fan of Lizzie and that continues with this book.

Artists, hangers on, and secrets from long ago combine making THANKS FOR MUFFIN and intriguing addition to this wonderful series. Hunker down as the weather cools and indulge in a delightful muffin or two. As for me, some of Pish's Thanksgiving Leftover Poutine is to die for...just not literally!

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 Thanks for Muffin: A Merry Muffin Mystery by Victoria Hamilton

About Thanks for Muffin

Thanks for Muffin: A Merry Muffin Mystery Contemporary Cozy Mystery
8th in Series
Setting - Wynter Castle, Western New York State
Publisher: ‎ Beyond the Page
Publication Date: ‎ October 14, 2025
Number of Pages: 211 Paperback

When Merry Wynter’s festive gala takes a fatal turn, she’ll have to grill her guests to catch a killer . . .

After years of planning and hard work, Merry Wynter was finally ready to host the grand opening gala of the Wynter Woods Center for the Performing Arts. With musicians, entertainers, members of the media and even influencers on the guest list, the event went off without a hitch—until a particularly nasty journalist posted a criticism of the gala and everything Merry was trying to accomplish. Still reeling from the review days later, Merry wasn’t sure what to feel when she discovered the reporter’s dead body on the grounds of Wynter Castle.

With many of her guests staying on at the castle for the weekend, Merry realizes they’ve got a murderer in their midst. Going from celebrating to sleuthing, she discreetly questions each of them, trying to weed out the culprit. She quickly learns that the victim had heated arguments with several of the people at the gala, and it turns out those people were all connected by a tragedy in the past. Certain the killer is among them, Merry will have to unearth the final clue that nails the killer—before the killer decides she’s getting too close .

About Victoria Hamilton

Victoria Hamilton is the pseudonym of nationally bestselling romance author Donna Lea Simpson. Victoria is the bestselling author of three mystery series: the Lady Anne Addison Mysteries, the Vintage Kitchen Mysteries, and the Merry Muffin Mysteries. She also wrote a Regency-set historical mystery series, starting with A Gentlewoman’s Guide to Murder.

Visit her website at victoriahamiltonmysteries.com and sign up for Victoria’s newsletter.

Social Media Links: 

Website: http://www.VictoriaHamiltonMysteries.com (Sign up for her newsletter for all the latest!)  

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaHamiltonMysteryAuthor  

On BlueSky: @mysteryvictoria.bsky.social 

Check out my 'Cozy Mystery Authors' Starter Pack on BlueSky!  

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysteryauthorvictoriahamilton/  

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/598635.Victoria_Hamilton 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Victoria-Hamilton/e/B007T7LGAU  

Purchase Links: Amazon.com – Amazon.ca - Barnes & Noble - Kobo - Smashwords

Pleats and Poison - An Interview & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Lucinda Race to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Lucinda writes the Dress Designer Cozy Mystery series. PLEATS AND POISON is the third book in the series and was released last month.

Kathy: In PLEATS AND POISON Claudia Grant is hosting Thanksgiving dinner for seven guests—and one ghost, making her famous mac and cheese. Mac and cheese was never part of my Thanksgiving Day dinners. Was it on your Turkey Day menu? What's your Thanksgiving specialty?

LR: It wasn’t a part of mine either, but my son-in-law said it was on his table every year, so I thought it’d be fun to incorporate that into this story. Also I plan on making macaroni and cheese next Thanksgiving. I love traditions. 

Kathy: Claudia is a fashion-savvy psychic. Do you believe in psychics and mediums? Have you met any? 

LR: I have talked with a medium. She seemed to know a lot about me and my future, most of which came true. But I guess Claudia is more of a ghost whisperer and less psychic in that sense. 

Kathy: I am decidedly not fashion savvy? Are you? Do you follow fashion trends or even sew yourself? 

LR: I have sewn a lot in my life, from tailored jackets to Halloween costumes and Christmas stockings. As far as fashion is concerned, I don’t follow the trends, but I love classic looks and comfortable clothes. Give me a great pair of jeans, a soft blouse and blazer and comfortable cowboy boots and I’m happy. 

Kathy: Claudia has a best friend and a ghostly sidekick. Do you believe in ghosts? Have you ever had a ghostly encounter? 

LR: I do believe in ghosts and angels. When I purchased my current home, my daughter was home alone and swore she heard heels clicking on the living room floor. It popped out of my mouth that it was George making sure she was doing her homework, and it stuck. 

Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries? 

LR: I’ve devoured mystery books since I could read. I’ve loved Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, and of course Agatha Christie books are a perennial favorite. I never thought I could write one. I don’t plot books, I’m what’s called a pantser and I thought to write a great cozy I’d have to change how I write. But I gave it a try and found a method that works for me. It’s a blast! 

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres? 

LR: I write small town contemporary romance and I have three connected series. 


Kathy: Tell us about your series. 

LR: The McKenna Family Romance Series” Strong Women and the Strong Men who love them. 

The Price Family Romance Series: Family, wine and second chances—the perfect vintage for happily ever afters.

The Cowboys of River Junction: Welcome to the small-town cowboy romance series where fans call these sweet romances: "stories chock-full of emotion.".

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

LR: Having a favorite character is like asking if I have a favorite kid. I love them all, but each main female characters in my books have snippets of my daughters. 

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

LR: Life inspires me. My favorite pastime is to sit and observe the smallest action or detail while people and daily activities swirl around me. It’s from those experiences that my stories are crafted. 

Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work? 

LR: I love a challenge, and my husband asked, Why not? So I did and now 45+ books later, here I am. 

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

LR: Agatha Christie: Mystery

Nora Roberts: Romance and Suspense

Jane Austen: Romance/ Literary Realism

Dan Brown: Suspense 

Kathy: What are you currently reading? 

LR: The Vampire Knitting Club Mystery Series and a book on golf.

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

LR: I adore gardening, flowers and veggies. I love to read and my TBR list is HUGE and I love cooking and baking for family and friends. Oh and I just took up golf again after 2- years away from the links.

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

LR: Light cream, Coke, Salsa, and chocolate in the meat keeper. J
 

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

LR: For the Craft and Ghost Cozy Mysteries series, there will be more books, if I had to say now, at least 9 more. I also have a non-paranormal series I’m writing and another spin- off to the Bookstore Cozy Mystery Series, the Witches of Robins Pointe. 

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

LR: Meeting and talking with readers who may have enjoyed my books or who are interested in trying one for the first time. I love talking books with others, it makes me very happy.

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 Pleats & Poison: A Craft and Ghost Cozy Mystery (A Dress Designer Cozy Mystery Series) by Lucinda Race

About Pleats & Poison

Pleats & Poison: A Craft and Ghost Cozy Mystery (A Dress Designer Cozy Mystery Series)
Cozy Mystery 3rd in Series
Setting - Coastal Town of Drakes Bay
Publisher: ‎ MC Two Press
Publication Date: ‎ August 6, 2025
Digital Print length: ‎ 222 pages

Enjoy this humorous, small-town, psychic, cozy mystery by best-selling and award-winning Lucinda Race. A fashion-savvy psychic, one haunted Thanksgiving, and a pleated skirt that’s dressed to kill. Hosting Thanksgiving dinner for seven guests—and one ghost—is all in a day’s work for Claudia Grant. Between whipping up her famous mac and cheese and debuting her boutique’s latest fall fashion, Claudia’s ready to impress her visiting mom and stylish grandmother. Her cozy coastal town of Drakes Bay is the perfect backdrop for family, food, and fresh starts—especially when Gram falls in love with a pleated skirt and sweater ensemble from Claudia’s shop. But when a spilled glass of orange juice leads to a shocking discovery—a guest at the neighboring Whistlers Inn is found dead, and the very same pleated skirt wrapped around her neck—Claudia's holiday cheer unravels fast. Now, with her best friend Beth and a ghostly sidekick in tow, Claudia must piece together a tangled mystery before the killer skips town... and before the secrets hidden in the folds come back to haunt them all. She’d rather be sewing hemlines than following clues—but if Claudia can’t stitch together the truth in time, someone else might be the next to check out… permanently. Pleats & Poison is the third book in the A Dress Designer Cozy Mystery series from award-winning author Lucinda Race. Cozy up, settle in, and prepare to be haunted… in the best possible way!

About Lucinda Race

Award-winning and best-selling author Lucinda Race is a lifelong fan of fiction who fell in love with cozy mysteries and romance novels as a young girl. While her childhood friends dreamed of becoming doctors and engineers, Lucinda was already dreaming of crafting captivating novels filled with heart, hope, and happily ever afters.

Though her writing journey began with nonfiction, her passion for storytelling never wavered. She returned to her true calling—creating the beloved McKenna Family Romance series and the Paranormal Cozy Nook Bookstore Series—writing the kinds of stories she loves to read. Whether she’s weaving a heartwarming romance or a cozy mystery, her fingers practically fly across the keyboard.

Lucinda lives in the rolling hills of western Massachusetts with her little dog— a shih tzu mix rescue—who is always by her side. When she’s not immersed in writing mystery, suspense, or romance, she’s curled up with a book, devouring everything she can get her hands on.

Social Media Links: https://twitter.com/LucindaRace  

Website https://lucindarace.com  

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

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Goodreads – Lucinda Race- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10174985.Lucinda_Race  

YouTube Lucinda Race https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=lucinda+race+author  

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

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

Universal Link https://books2read.com/ap/xyYO2g/Lucinda-Race  

Bookbub Lucinda Race https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lucinda-race  

Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Lucinda-Race/e/B00Q0MMNUM 

Lucinda’s Heart Racers Reader Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/118597305361578  

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucinda-race-947099140/  

Purchase Links Amazon Kobo Barnes & Noble Smashwords Google Play Goodreads BookBub

In the Blink of a Pie - A Review

 Review

IN THE BLINK OF A PIE by Catherine Bruns
The Third Maple Syrup Mystery

To prepare for the holiday season manager Leila Khoury decides to try something new to bring more business to her family's maple syrup farm. The inaugural pie baking competition at Sappy Endings turns tragic, however when the curmudgeonly Margaret Middleton dies after helping herself to a piece of pie. But was Margaret the intended victim? She wasn't even supposed to eat the pie. Leila was. As business rapidly declines, Leila decides she can't wait for the police to solve the murder and, with her good friend Heather, starts nosing around. Unfortunately, it soon becomes evident that the killer isn't through and it's more than Sappy Endings' bottom line that's in trouble.

Despite the danger the third Maple Syrup Mystery gives plenty of warm fuzzies. Leila and Noah have a wonderful relationship that's growing stronger every day. The pair compliment each other so well. I also love how Leila and Selma are repairing their relationship, growing closer, despite Jenna's infiltration. Of course Heather is the best bestie and I love Toast most of all. It's this love, familial, romantic, and friendly, that makes you care about Sappy Endings and the people who make it special.

Even though I knew who the killer was halfway though the novel, as well as the motive, it didn't dim my enjoyment in the least. I watched as Leila followed red herring after red herring and wondered when she would finally realize the truth. I also figured out Emma's issue well before Leila or even Noah...and I don't even like kids! As annoying as I found Emma's behavior, I have to commend her actions at the end of the book.

With ratcheting drama IN THE BLINK OF A PIE captures the warmth of family and the delight of good food even as an unknown person threatens everything!

Murder, She Wrote: A Killer Christmas - A Review & Giveaway

Review

MURDER, SHE WROTE: A KILLER CHRISTMAS
By Jessica Fletcher & Terrie Farley Moran
The Fifty-Ninth Murder, She Wrote Mystery

Cabot Cove, Maine is gearing up for the holidays, but this year, instead of the usual events, they're going all out. As Cabot Cove tries to be named the state's best holiday destination Jessica Fletcher finds herself on more than one committee! But holiday planning is interrupted when real estate agent Eve Simpson tries to sell the old Jarvis place to Boston tycoon John Bragdon and his wife, Rose Marie. Not only do the rich couple arrive in town, but so does long lost Kenny Jarvis. It's not long after Kenny threatens Rose Marie, saying she'll never live in his house that death comes to Cabot Cove. Was it natural causes, an accident, or murder? Jessica will have to add solve a mysterious death to her holiday to do list.

It's always a treat to visit Cabot Cove, a charming town with fun characters we know and love and murder! The majority of MURDER, SHE WROTE: A KILLER CHRISTMAS concentrates on providing a holiday atmosphere. From the Thanksgiving preparations and meal to the organization of multiple holiday events there was a hint of mystery with the long lost Kenny and sale of his childhood home, but no dead bodies until halfway through the book. That didn't bother me, however, as I enjoyed hanging around town with Jessica and getting into the holiday spirit.

There were a few mysteries going on in this fifty-ninth Murder, She Wrote Mystery. Where is Kenny and what is he planning to do? Are the judges for the Christmas contest coming to town? Just what's going on with this power couple and their entourage? The murder itself was curious; was it even a murder? It was. And a unique one at that. I love how Jessica goes about solving the case, quietly and unobtrusively, all the while preparing for the holidays.

If you're looking for a charming holiday themed mystery MURDER, SHE WROTE: A KILLER CHRISTMAS might just be your perfect cup of tea.

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 Murder, She Wrote: A Killer Christmas by Jessica Fletcher & Terrie Farley Moran

About Murder, She Wrote: A Killer Christmas

Murder, She Wrote: A Killer Christmas
Cozy Mystery 59th in Series
Setting - Maine
Publisher: ‎ Berkley (October 8, 2024)
Hardcover: ‎ 272 pages

It’s Christmastime in Cabot Cove, but there’s more homicide than ho-ho-ho in the newest entry in the USA Today bestselling Murder, She Wrote series. Christmas is not an easy time to sell a house, but in Boston tycoon John Bragdon, Cabot Cove Realtor Eve Simpson has found a buyer for the old Jarvis homestead. Unfortunately, Eve gets a lump of coal in her stocking in the form of Kenny Jarvis, who has been missing for years and presumed dead but has now come back to stop his sister from selling their childhood home. Eve presses on, organizing a welcome dinner for Bragdon and his wife, Marlene, to meet the leading citizens of the town, including Jessica Fletcher. Dinner is interrupted by an uninvited guest—not Santa but Kenny, who threateningly promises Marlene she will never live in his house. When Marlene is found dead a few days later, Kenny is the natural suspect. But Jessica isn′t so sure he′s on the naughty list . . .

About the Authors

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

Author Links – Webpage Facebook  

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

 

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Currently Reading...

I just finished reading Murder, She Wrote: A Killer Christmas by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran. This is the fifty-ninth book in the Murder, She Wrote Mystery series and was released yesterday!

Cabot Cove, Maine is gearing up for the holidays, but this year, instead of the usual events, they're going all out. As Cabot Cove gears up to be named the states best holiday destination Jessica Fletcher finds herself on more than one committee! But holiday planning is interrupted when real estate agent Eve Simpson tries to sell the old Jarvis place to Boston tycoon John Bragdon and his wife, Rose Marie. Not only do the rich couple arrive in town, but so does long lost Kenny Jarvis. It's not long after Kenny threatens Rose Marie, saying she'll never live in his house that death comes to Cabot Cove. Was it natural causes, an accident, or murder? Jessica will have to add solve a mysterious death to her holiday to do list.

Mrs. Claus and the Trouble with Turkeys - A Review

 Review

MRS. CLAUS AND THE TROUBLE WITH TURKEYS by Liz Ireland
The Fourth Mrs. Claus Mystery 

 

While Christmas is the holiday around which Santaland revolves, April Claus is slowly trying to introduce other holidays. What better than Thanksgiving, a day to be grateful, as well as indulge in turkey, stuffing, and a variety of desserts. Elves adore a celebration and have taken the idea and run with it. Instead of one day of thanks, a whole week of festivities is planned. April has even ordered a live turkey, that the family will feast on. But April has more to worry about than learning to march while drumming. Gobbles has been stolen, a Claus cousin has been murdered, and April is a suspect! Will she be able to find the missing turkey and solve a murder before Thanksgiving Day?

 

Once again Liz Ireland has given us a rollicking good time in the frozen North. A bird-napping, a murder, and a wild elf on the loose make Santaland's first Thanksgiving memorable. I love how April is sharing the customs from down South by bringing other holidays to Santaland. I especially love how the elves embrace these celebrations. A parade replete with marching band, twirlers, along with a special surprise, Thanksgiving songs (well, song), and plenty of food to feast on make a celebration more grand than those in the USA! Of course, no holiday with April runs smoothly. I'm still agog at her culinary contribution to Amory's table...that makes her a murder suspect. I am delighted by the police float and enjoy the misfit reindeer getting a chance to shine. Multiple mysteries, the missing Gobbles, the murdered cousin, and the weird best friend behavior, kept me enthralled.

Funny and heartfelt MRS. CLAUS AND THE TROUBLE WITH TURKEYS is an entertaining holiday read, even if it makes you reconsider eating turkey on Thanksgiving.

 

Mrs. Claus and the Trouble with Turkeys - A Spotlight

It's Thanksgiving week so I thought I'd shine a spotlight Mrs. Claus and the Trouble with Turkeys by Liz Ireland. This book is the fourth book in the Mrs. Claus Mystery series. I had hoped to have read it by now...hopefully I'll be able to read and review before Christmas. In the meantime, enjoy this sneak peek.

 Blurb:

At Castle Kringle, the elves are excitedly arranging their first ever Thanksgiving day feast. April’s husband, Nick—the real Santa—has some misgivings, since it’s tough to get ready for Christmas when everyone is obsessed with helium balloons and pie recipes. Chaos erupts when Gobbles, the live turkey imported for the castle feast, is bird-napped. That crime is quickly overshadowed at a pre-Thanksgiving potluck when Nick’s cousin, Elspeth, face-plants into her mashed potatoes—dead.
 
Someone poisoned Elspeth, and April believes Constable Crinkle is hauling the wrong suspect off to jail. An ominous message, written in what seems to be blood and urging April to stop investigating, only convinces her more. But who’s really to blame? Where is Gobbles the turkey? And can April solve a double helping of mystery in time for everyone to sit down to a non-deadly dinner together?

Overdue or Die - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

OVERDUE OR DIE by Allison Brook
The Seventh Haunted Library Mystery

After a trying renovation, the new addition to the library is finally opening. In addition to providing much needed programming space, the library is also kicking off an art exhibit with paintings on loan from the debonair Victor Zalinka. With the grand opening overshadowed by a woman claiming the building actually belonged to her and worry that one of her employees is about to be poached by a local art gallery librarian Carrie Singleton barely has time to plan her wedding to Dylan. But when Dylan spots a forgery among Victor's paintings and gallery owner Martha Mallory winds up dead, murder becomes Carrie's main concern.

Art forgery, affairs, and one rotten family dominate the seventh Haunted Bookshop Mystery. I love how Dylan's expertise marries with Carrie's as they work to solve the mystery together...along with the Sheriff, of course. I also really like how Carrie has grown since her arrival in Clover Ridge. And honestly, I'd be as possessive as she is about the new library wing. 

There were plenty of people to distrust and dislike in OVERDUE OR DIE, with a crime boss even making an appearance-and he was a character I liked! The plot skillfully weaved around art fraud, murder, and wedding preparations with some characters proving to have more depth than I'd originally thought. The ghostly Evelyn didn't make much of an appearance in this entry, but never having cared for her, I didn't miss her, although the haunted library wasn't very haunted.

With overlapping crimes OVERDUE OR DIE is an engaging and entertaining mystery that will keep you on your toes!

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Overdue or Die (A Haunted Library Mystery) by Allison Brook

About Overdue or Die

Overdue or Die (A Haunted Library Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 7th in Series
Setting - Connecticut
Crooked Lane Books (October 10, 2023)
Hardcover: ‎ 304 pages

Carrie Singleton has a wedding to plan, a killer to catch, and a conspiracy to uncover in this charming seventh novel of Agatha Award-nominee Allison Brook’s Haunted Library mysteries.

Carrie Singleton has more than her fair share on her plate: her job at the Clover Ridge Library, preparing for her wedding to Dylan Avery, and hoping that the local art gallery doesn’t steal away one of her part-time employees. Her fiancé Dylan accompanies her to the beautiful home of Victor Zalinka—art collector and successful businessman—to select paintings for an art show at the library. While Carrie muses that Victor's home would be the perfect wedding venue, Dylan spots a forgery among the paintings in Victor's collection. Then Martha Mallory is found murdered in her art gallery. With the assistance of Evelyn, the library ghost; the resident cat, Smoky Joe; and the office manager of Dylan’s private investigation company, Carrie comes up with a suspect list long enough to rival the size of an encyclopedia. During her investigation, Carrie stumbles across a terrible truth: Martha’s murder was part of something far bigger and more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. And it all leads back to the art gallery. How far will Carrie go to find the killer and uncover the truth? If the killer finds her first—will Carrie finally be taken out of circulation?

About Allison Brook

A former Spanish teacher, Marilyn Levinson writes mysteries and novels for kids. Her books have received many accolades. As Allison Brook, she writes the Haunted Library series. Death Overdue, the first in the series, was an Agatha nominee for Best Contemporary Novel in 2018. Other mysteries include the Golden Age of Mystery Book Club series and the Twin Lakes series.

Her juvenile novel, Rufus and Magic Run Amok, was an International Reading Association-Children's Book Council Children's Choice and has recently come out in a new edition. And Don't Bring Jeremy was a nominee for six state awards.

Marilyn lives on Long Island, where many of her books take place. She loves traveling, reading, doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku, and chatting on FaceTime with her grandkids.

Author Links: 

Website and Sign Up for My Newsletter: http://www.marilynlevinson.com  

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Purchase Links : Amazon B&N Bookshop.org Kobo Penguin Random House (has links to many sellers) 

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Hot Pot Murder - A Review

 Review

HOT POT MURDER by Jennifer J. Chow
The Second L. A. Night Market Mystery 

Yale Yee was looking forward to a nice Thanksgiving dinner with her father and cousin, but her plans got derailed by the Asian American Restaurant Owners Association. Instead of a quiet turkey dinner with family, everyone's going to Ho's for Hot Pot to brainstorm with members of the association. Before the group even begins to eat, AAROA president Jeffery Vue suffers an immense shock. Detective Strauss believes it's murder and considers Mrs. Ho a good suspect. Confident after recently solving a murder at the Night Market and believing Auntie Ai innocent, Yale and her cousin, Celine, decide to track down the real killer.  

In the second L. A. Night Market Mystery the characters immediately drew me in. I love the dynamics between the older generation and the younger. When another table had to be added to accommodate everyone at the Thanksgiving event I had to laugh as the younger people were relegated to a kids' table. It was fascinating to discover more about Celine's relationship with her parents as well as uncovering more about Yale's grief and fears after the loss of her mother.

The mystery itself was intriguing and I enjoyed how Yale and Celine investigated, playing on each other's strengths and having each other's backs. Suspicious behaviors, police dealings, and association politics make for a fun and intriguing read.

HOT POT MURDER highlights family and relationships while providing a tasty mystery filled with good food.

Cold Drip - A Review

 Review

COLD DRIP by Heather Day Gilbert
The Sixth Barks & Beans Cafe Mystery 

It's Thanksgiving week and Macy Hatfield is excited as her boyfriend, Titan, is coming into town for the whole week. Touring the area, the couple go on a self guided tour of the nearby caverns. When the lights suddenly go out a scream pierces the darkness. Apparently one of the socialites fell down a chasm while taking a selfie. When the woman's body isn't found, despite search and rescue efforts, Macy starts looking into the rich woman's social circle. Will Macy be able to enjoy the holiday and time with her family and friends? Or will her search for the truth put her life in jeopardy? 

Snobbishness, cliques, and the rich generally aren't in Macy Hatfield's wheelhouse, but in the sixth Barks and Beans mystery she gets pulled into that set. I enjoyed seeing Macy navigate this world, while also spending time with Titan as well as the wonderful shelter dogs who visit the cafe. There were plenty of suspects to dislike and I enjoyed the surprising twists and turns the investigation took.

COLD DRIP is a well plotted mystery filled with wonderful characters in a charming setting with the added bonus of promoting the adoption of shelter dogs.

Currently Reading...

I just finished reading Cold Drip by Heather Day Gilbert. This book is the sixth in the Barks and Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery series.

It's Thanksgiving week and Macy Hatfield is excited as her boyfriend, Titan, is coming into town for the whole week. Touring the area, the couple go on a self guided tour of the nearby caverns. When the lights suddenly go out a scream pierces the darkness. Apparently one of the socialites fell down a chasm while taking a selfie. When the woman's body isn't found, despite search and rescue efforts, Macy starts looking into the rich woman's social circle. Will Macy be able to enjoy the holiday and time with her family and friends? Or will her search for the truth put her life in jeopardy?

Trapping, Turkeys, & Thanksgiving - A Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on a Thanksgiving themed mystery released just last week. Trapping, Turkeys, & Thanksgiving by Tonya Kappes is the twenty-eighth book in the Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series.

Blurb:

Mae West is bound and determined to stay in shape for her wedding day and with all the delicious southern dessert Mary Elizabeth is serving for Thanksgiving Mae has joined the local running group to race in Thanksgiving’s annual Turkey Trot.

She never figured murder would be on the menu and a couple of people she loves have a perfect motive.

The list of suspects isn’t exactly brief especially when one of the governor’s recently pardoned prisoner is at the top of the list. Mae has a pretty full plate between trying to plan a wedding that will satisfy everyone, keeping Dottie in line as well as trying to get a long with her future mother in law.

So what’s a little investigation to keep her mind off things? If Mae’s not careful, she may find herself served up as a last-minute course with all the trimmings.

 

The Angels' Share - A Spotlight

There are times I get behind in mystery series, even favorite series I really enjoy. Such is the case with the Wine Country Mystery series by Ellen Crosby. So today I'd like to shine a spotlight on its most recent release, The Angels' Share.

THE ANGELS' SHARE by Ellen Crosby
The Tenth Wine Country Mystery

 

Blurb:

 

When Lucie Montgomery attends a Thanksgiving weekend party for friends and neighbors at Hawthorne Castle, an honest-to-goodness castle owned by the Avery family, the last great newspaper dynasty in America and owner of the Washington Tribune, she doesn’t expect the festive occasion to end in death.

During the party, Prescott Avery, the 95-year old family patriarch, invites Lucie to his fabulous wine cellar where he offers to pay any price for a cache of 200-year-old Madeira that her great-great-uncle, a Prohibition bootlegger, discovered hidden in the US Capitol in the 1920s. Lucie knows nothing about the valuable wine, believing her late father, a notorious gambler and spendthrift, probably sold or drank it. By the end of the party Lucie and her fiancé, winemaker Quinn Santori, discover Prescott’s body lying in his wine cellar. Is one of the guests a murderer?

As Lucie searches for the lost Madeira, which she believes links Prescott’s death to a cryptic letter her father owned, she learns about Prescott’s affiliation with the Freemasons. More investigating hints at a mysterious vault supposedly containing documents hidden by the Founding Fathers and a possible tie to William Shakespeare. If Lucie finds the long-lost documents, the explosive revelations could change history. But will she uncover a three hundred-year-old secret before a determined killer finds her?

 

 

Reflections on a Small-Town Life - A Turkey Basted to Death Guest Post & Giveaway

I'm happy to welcome Jolie Tucker to Cozy Up With Kathy today. You can find Jolie on the pages of the Cast Iron Skillet Mystery series by Jodie Rath. Turkey Basted to Death is a novella, making it the second and a half book in the series. It was released on November 15, 2019.

Reflections on s Small-Town Life

Hi all, I’m Jolie Tucker, and I live in Leavensport, Ohio—born and raised here. I’ve grown up with a crew of interesting friends that still live here too. My best friend, Ava Martinez, and I co-own a restaurant called Cast Iron Creations. She runs the front of the house, and I stay in the kitchen and cook and test out new recipes. Most of the recipes come from my Grandma Opal, and they were passed down from generations in our family.

I’m finding the longer I live, the more things from my past I need to deal with. A few years back, I would not have felt this way. Last year, a new detective came to work in the village—he’s ten years older than me—and, well, yeah, a lot of things have changed in my life since then. I’ve always struggled to trust people in general, but especially men. When Mick Meiser showed up, that all changed . . . until he lied about a huge situation in his life.

Recently, I started some therapy sessions to get to the core of my trust issues. These sessions have helped me remember some things from my past while helping me understand who I am and why I’m the way I am. I’m finding that I’m more involved in the politics of our village life lately, too. Urban sprawl has been an issue that popped up recently—and I will soon learn more about gentrification as well.

I’ve always felt that even though I come from a small town, the villagers and myself are all open-minded and tolerant people. With time, I’m learning that I need to broaden my horizons in understanding how society works and find better ways to communicate effectively when issues arise.

This Thanksgiving is going to be a wild ride! Ava’s family is back from Santo Domingo, and the entire village is gathering at the community center to celebrate the holiday together. Ava and I are in charge of most of the catering for a holiday. I’ve been warned that things will not go as planned, and I have a horrible feeling in my stomach. The last year has brought more crime to our little village, and I’m hoping I don’t find myself smack in the middle of another murder investigation!

Welcome to Leavensport, OH, where DEATH takes a DELICIOUS turn!

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Turkey Basted to Death (The Cast Iron Skillet Mystery Series) by Jodi Rath

About Turkey Basted to Death

 

Turkey Basted to Death (The Cast Iron Skillet Mystery Series)  

Cozy Mystery 2.5 in the Series - A Holiday Book 

MYS ED LLC (November 15, 2019) Number of Pages 133 pages

Thanksgiving is here, and Jolie Tucker has had quite the year! She is ready to sit back and relax with family and friends. But this is Leavensport, OH—so get ready for intense therapy sessions, dysfunctional family holiday gatherings, uninvited guests, and an inner-city teen advocate found DEAD—stabbed in the ear with the turkey baster!

Welcome to Leavensport, OH, where DEATH takes a DELICIOUS turn!

About the Author

Moving into her second decade working in education, Jodi Rath has decided to begin a life of crime in her The Cast Iron Skillet Mystery Series. Her passion for both mysteries and education led her to combine the two to create her business MYS ED, where she splits her time between working as an adjunct for Ohio teachers and creating mischief in her fictional writing. She currently resides in a small, cozy village in Ohio with her husband and her seven cats.

Author Links: 
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