Campfires and Corpses - An Interview, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Nikki Weber to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Nikki writes the Maine Campground Mystery series. CAMPFIRES AND CORPSES is the first book in the series and was released

 

Kathy: In CAMPFIRES AND CORPSES Noelle Cooper returns to rural Maine to run her family’s campground. I admit I am not a fan of camping, only having gone a handful of times as a kid and then as a young adult. Did you grow up camping? Is it something you love?

NW: Ha! What a great question! I did grow up camping, but I’ve only slept on the ground in a tent a handful of times in my life. My parents purchased a tow-along camping trailer when I was five or six, and that is my preferred method of camping. I am not great at “roughing it”, but I do love the sense of community and camaraderie amongst campers. Also, there are always a lot of dogs around, which makes any day a good day. 


Kathy: Noelle stumbles upon the body of her high school rival. Did you have a rival in high school? Have you met as adults? Hopefully, if you did meet again you didn’t stumble over a body! 

NW: Oooh, another good question. I didn’t have a competitive rival, but there’s a guy that I really didn’t get along with in my larger friend group. Because of the group, we were always invited to the same events and in each other’s company. We’ve seen each other a couple of times in the twenty plus years since high school, and we just politely ignore one another. 


Kathy: Noelle gets help from her podcast-obsessed cousin. Are you a fan of podcasts? If so what type? 

NW: I am! I used to write a podcast recommendation and review blog called Podcast Maniac (that’s a little word play on “Maine”). The website is still live, but I don’t keep up with it these days. The podcast industry went quite “Hollywood” during the pandemic, and it’s difficult to keep up with all that’s out there these days. Some of my favorite podcasts are about books and reading (more on that in a minute), and I also enjoy a hilariously funny podcast on etiquette called Were You Raised By Wolves? 

Kathy: Noelle has an anxious rescue beagle. Why choose a beagle as her pet? Do you have pets of your own? 

NW: I had a beagle-mix growing up, and beagles are still my favorite breed. Noelle’s beagle, Corny, is actually the name I would give to a dog if I had one. The only thing I love more than dogs is traveling, and I don’t think it would be fair to any pet to be left behind so often.

Corny is actually based on many different beagles, specifically the ones who have been born and bred in research facilities. I’m a big fan of Beagle Freedom Project, a California-based organization that advocates for the release of research beagles and an end to animal testing. It’s important to me to draw attention to this practice and the wonderful work that Beagle Freedom Project does. 


Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries? 

NW: I first heard about the cozy mystery genre on a podcast! When the host started talking about the small towns and quirky characters, it just felt comforting. And familiar. I immediately imagined a murder mystery in the campground that I’ve been going to all my life.

As I started to research the genre and read a variety of different cozies, I learned that I really like ones that are fast paced, so I aimed to do that with my own series. I also love witty or sassy characters in my books, and cozies always have a few of those! 


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres? 

NW: Not at this time, but I have had a very specific seed of a story in my head for YEARS. I imagine it would fall into literary fiction whenever I figure out how to develop it. I also love a good romcom, so I may try my hand at that some day. 


Kathy: Tell us about your series. 

NW: The Maine Campground Cozy Mystery series takes place in rural Maine, far away from the craggy coast and picturesque lighthouses. It has woodsy, small town, down-to-earth vibes. The books are told from the point of view of Noelle, a down on her luck event planner who has returned to her hometown for the first time in eighteen years. She reconnects with old friends and family, and meets a lot of new, eccentric characters. 


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

NW: There’s a side character named Tom Bosse who I really enjoy writing. Tom is the campground grump. He looks like he’s been living deep in the woods without a hairbrush or clean set of clothes. He has no sense of decorum and would prefer to be left alone. He definitely doesn’t think of himself as part of the “community,” and he would never consider doing a favor for anyone.

It’s fun to write a character who is so completely different from myself and the other fictional characters that I have created. Tom isn’t based on anyone I know, and he’s not representative of most Maine folks, but someone like him could definitely exist at our campground 


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

NW: As I mentioned above, the campground and small-town setting are heavily inspired by the real town my family camps at in Franklin County, Maine. But the characters are not. And that is on purpose. I didn’t want any of the real people in my life to think that characters were based on them. I think it is a slippery slope to have even one character closely based on a real person, because then everyone who reads the book is trying to guess who the other characters are based on.

I went out of my way to ensure that the Cooper family (who is at the center of the series) has a different family unit from my own personal family (different number of siblings, jobs, connections). I also tried to create roles for the characters that are unique and not connected to the real-life version of the campground. 

Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work? 

NW: Oh, that was not much of a decision. I’m not the kind of person who writes words in private. I have never journaled. When I wanted to express my thoughts and opinions about podcasts, I started a blog and I promoted it to get as many readers as possible. So, when I decided to write a cozy mystery series, it was always with the intention of publishing it for the masses. 


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

NW: Ann Patchett, Fredrik Backman, Julie Mulhern, Nikki Erlich (This took me all of 10 seconds to answer/type.) 


Kathy: What are you currently reading? 

NW: I’m listening to the audio of HOME OF THE AMERICAN CIRCUS by Allison Larkin. Her book THE PEOPLE WE KEEP is one of my favorite books of all time.

I’m also reading a big ol’ brick of a book (576 pages) called LOS NUEVE REINOS (The Nine Kingdoms) by Santiago Diaz. It’s a historical fiction book set in Spain that my husband read and told me I must read. The last time he recommended a giant historical fiction book to me (also in Spanish), I loved it, so I had to give this one a try. 


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

NW: I took up tennis about twelve years ago and I really enjoy it. I take lessons and practice more for myself, just for the love of the game. I’m also on year thirty of trying to become fluent in Spanish. I live in Spain for half the year, so it’s sort of an essential skill that shouldn’t be treated as simply an “interest,” but when you spend your days writing and crafting dialogue in English, it’s hard to change the chip in your mind to Spanish. 


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

NW: Medjool dates, hummus, peanut butter, and soymilk.


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

NW: The second book in the Maine Campground Cozy Mystery Series is coming out in June. It’s titled WHOOPIE PIES & ALIBIS and is available for preorder now at most stores. The third book, S’MORES & SUSPICION, is due out in October. If there are enough readers out there who like the first three books, I’ll write three more. And, yes, I definitely look forward to starting a new cozy mystery series in the future.

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

NW: That all of the stories in my head actually get out, and other people get to read them! I have always had stories in my head, it’s just how my brain works. It’s not easy putting it all together the way readers expect it, but I enjoy the challenge. 


Kathy: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. 

NW: Thank you very much for having me! I love talking about reading and writing. If your readers have any other questions for me, they can contact me via my website, http://www.nikkiweberbooks.com.

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Review

CAMPFIRES & CORPSES by Nikki Weber
The First Maine Campground Cozy Mystery 

 

Camping has never been Noelle's favorite thing, but after losing her job and apartment in Nashville and with her mother going into a clinical trial in Florida, the timing is right for her to return to her family's campground in rural Maine, if only to stay and run it for the summer. Her arrival isn't off to the best start. Instead of staying in the big house, Noelle learns she's spending the summer in a small camper. Then she breaks up a volatile argument on the beach between a metal detecting camper and an old high school rival, Delilah. Not only that, her ex-boyfriend happens to be the local game warden. Fortunately, her young cousin Mandy has the campground running like a well oiled machine. But as she takes her rescue dog for a walk the next morning, Corny pulls her towards the beach and the very dead body of Delilah. With a burn ban in place and a dead body on the beach Noelle still has to keep her campers happy. And when the state trooper in charge of the investigation sets his eyes on Noelle as the killer she and Mandy will have to discover the real guilty party.

 

I have never been one for camping, but I really like virtual camping and a campground makes the perfect setting. There are new characters coming and going and it's a small accessible site with people easily in each other's space and business. I also like the summertime vibe. I can hear the screen door slamming with kids coming in the tiny office to get ice cream and hear them shrieking with laughter. I like the fact that there are three different types of law enforcement featured: game warden, sheriff, and state trooper. Adding to that dynamic is the fact that the sheriff and trooper are half brothers. Noelle is an interesting protagonist. She's a bit prickly and often speaks before she thinks. I absolutely love the fact that she adopted a beagle formerly used in a research facility and kudos to the author for bringing attention to these poor souls. Corny is a sweet animal learning how to trust and simply be a dog.

 

I enjoyed the mystery; an unpopular victim, a variety of possible motives, lots of suspects, and suspicious behavior by most of them. People lie and not everyone can be trusted. There are lots of interesting personal dynamics as well. I had a feeling who the killer was before Noelle but enjoyed seeing all of the truths come out. An exciting confrontation will have your pulse racing as Noelle and the killer face off.

 

CAMPFIRES & CORPSES provides a good dose of summer fun and danger. You'll be hankering for a Popsicle or yearning for a campfire by the end of this delightful debut!

 

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 Campfires & Corpses: A Maine Campground Cozy Mystery by Nikki Weber

About Campfires & Corpses

Campfires & Corpses: A Maine Campground Cozy Mystery
Cozy Mystery/ Cozy Animal Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - Maine
Publisher: ‎ Independently published (February 24, 2025)
Paperback: ‎ 282 pages

When the campground becomes the scene of the crime, will Noelle's peaceful summer go up in flames?

Down on her luck event planner Noelle Cooper is returning to rural Maine to do the one thing she swore she would never do: run her family’s campground. But it’s only for the summer, and the timing couldn’t be better–she’s lost her job and has nowhere to live. She hopes that a change of scenery will be the thing she needs to regroup and reinvent herself.

But Noelle’s plans go up in smoke on her first morning back when she stumbles upon the body of her high school rival. She barely has time to process this before she comes face-to-face with her ex-boyfriend, meets the handsome county sheriff, and is questioned by an intimidating state trooper who gives her the creeps.

While she’s busy dealing with a group of pushy campers who insist that the murder means she must cancel the annual bonfire, Noelle becomes the prime suspect in the murder investigation. She’s convinced that someone is feeding false information to the police and is determined to clear her name.

With the help of her podcast-obsessed cousin, her anxious rescue beagle, and a few eccentric campers, Noelle compiles a list of other suspects and pokes around to uncover the real killer.

Can Noelle prove her innocence before getting tossed in jail? Or is she playing with fire? Read Campfires & Corpses now to find out.

*** This clean, contemporary cozy mystery is set in a small town with quirky characters and lovable dogs. Cozy mystery fans will enjoy dissecting the suspects’ alibis and following the clues along with Noelle and her gang. ***

Here's what you'll LOVE about this series!

These are just a few of the reasons you'll love Campfires & Corpses:

• The story is set in Maine
• During a summer heatwave
• There's a rescue beagle (and other great dog-themed references)
• It all takes place in a campground that's in a tiny town
• There's a fast-paced, page-turning ending

About Nikki Weber

Nikki Weber was born and raised in Maine, and spent her childhood summers camping with her family and their beagle. She loves to read, listen to podcasts, travel, and play tennis. Campfires & Corpses: A Maine Campground Cozy Mystery is her first book, and there are many more in the pipeline.

Author Links: 

Website: https://nikkiweberbooks.com/  

Sign Up for Nikki's Newsletter: Join the Cozy Book Club! | Nikki Weber  

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/nikkiweber  

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/nikkiweberbooks 

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

Purchase Links Universal Book Link - Amazon - B&N - Bookshop.org - Kobo -

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Murder Likes it Hot - A Review

Review

MURDER LIKES IT HOT by Tracy Weber

The Sixth Downward Dog Mystery

Kate Davidson should be on top of the world. She's been married for a year to a wonderful man, she has a remarkable best friend, who has made it big as an entrepreneur, an incredible German Shepherd, and a Yoga studio that is doing well. But Kate is not happy. For one thing a competing yoga studio has opened a new branch right across the street from Serenity Yoga. More troubling for Kate is her infertility. She's consequently been distancing herself from her best friend, unable to see the happy mothers shopping at Infant Gratification or her own godchildren. Taking her mind off her own problems, Kate is encouraged to offer Yoga classes at a center for homeless youth. Will she find peace at Teen Path HOME, or will she find murder? 

Author Tracy Weber tackles some intense topics in her sixth Downward Dog Mystery, notably infertility and teen homelessness. Personally, I cannot comprehend women who believe they are something less if they don't have children and it boggles my mind that people are willing to go into debt in order to have a baby. Therefore, a good portion of me was shaking my head at Kate for the first portion on this book. Fortunately, as Kate got involved in another murder, my interest was again piqued and I loved getting swept away by the mystery.

Deepening characterization added dimension, but I wish that Bella would have played a bigger role. She took a decidedly back seat to all of the drama in this book. However, I was thrilled with the addition of Ed and Lonnie. I have been a rat mom for years and am delighted to see them not only added to a mystery, but portrayed in a positive light.

MURDER LIKES IT HOT is able to incorporate troubling societal issues into a compelling mystery.

Currently Reading...

I just started reading Murder Likes it Hot by Tracy Weber. This book is the sixth in the Downward Dog Mystery series and will be released January 8th.

Kate Davidson should be on top of the world. She's been married for a year to a wonderful man, she has a remarkable best friend, who has made it big as an entrepreneur, an incredible German Shepherd, and a Yoga studio that is doing well. But Kate is not happy. For one thing a competing yoga studio has opened a new branch right across the street from Serenity Yoga. More troubling for Kate is her infertility. She's consequently been distancing herself from her best friend, unable to see the happy mothers shopping at Infant Gratification or her own godchildren. Taking her mind off her own problems, Kate is encouraged to offer Yoga classes at a center for homeless youth. Will she find peace at Teen Path HOME, or will she find murder?

Pre-Meditated Murder - Review & Giveaway

Review

PRE-MEDITATED MURDER by Tracy Weber

The Fifth Downward Dog Mystery

Kate Davidson, a former commitment-phobe, is finally ready to settle down and is thrilled when she thinks that Michael's fancy special evening out is a prelude to a marriage proposal. Unable to hide her disappointment when he didn't propose Michael admits the truth; he couldn't marry her as he was already married!!!! Michael says he only married Gabriella so that she could get a green card, but she won't grant him a divorce unless he pays her off-with money he doesn't have. When Michael decides to meet Gabriella in person, he's accompanied not only by Kate and Bella, but Renee, Sam, the twins, and the two puppies. What could go wrong with this support group by his side? A lot. Now Michael's suspected of Gabriella's murder, and although Kate was ready to kill him herself, she'll do her utmost to prove his innocence. 

PRE-MEDITATED MURDER is a compelling read. Expectations of love are challenged and explored in this multilayered mystery. Fundamental beliefs in people are put to the test and certainties become doubts. Will love survive?

This fifth Downward Dog mystery tackles difficult subjects of domestic abuse, immigration, and more. However, the book isn't weighed down by these weighty subjects, not does it become a pulpit. Rather it engulfs these topics into Kate's world, and they play important roles in the mystery itself.

Bella's charm, humor from new mom Renee, and a cast of characters from Michael's past combine to make a murder mystery that will forever change Kate and her future.

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Pre-Meditated Murder - Review

Review

PRE-MEDITATED MURDER by Tracy Weber

The Fifth Downward Dog Mystery

Kate Davidson, a former commitment-phobe, is finally ready to settle down and is thrilled when she thinks that Michael's fancy special evening out is a prelude to a marriage proposal. Unable to hide her disappointment when he didn't propose Michael admits the truth; he couldn't marry her as he was already married!!!! Michael says he only married Gabriella so that she could get a green card, but she won't grant him a divorce unless he pays her off-with money he doesn't have. When Michael decides to meet Gabriella in person, he's accompanied not only by Kate and Bella, but Renee, Sam, the twins, and the two puppies. What could go wrong with this support group by his side? A lot. Now Michael's suspected of Gabriella's murder, and although Kate was ready to kill him herself, she'll do her utmost to prove his innocence. 

PRE-MEDITATED MURDER is a compelling read. Expectations of love are challenged and explored in this multilayered mystery. Fundamental beliefs in people are put to the test and certainties become doubts. Will love survive?

This fifth Downward Dog mystery tackles difficult subjects of domestic abuse, immigration, and more. However, the book isn't weighed down by these weighty subjects, not does it become a pulpit. Rather it engulfs these topics into Kate's world, and they play important roles in the mystery itself.

Bella's charm, humor from new mom Renee, and a cast of characters from Michael's past combine to make a murder mystery that will forever change Kate and her future.

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Pre-Meditated Murder by Tracy Weber. This book is the fifth in the Downward Dog Mystery series and will be released January 8th.

Kate Davidson, a former committment-phobe, is finally ready to settle down and is thrilled when she thinks that Michael's fancy special evening out is a prelude to a marriage proposal. Unable to hide her disappointment when he didn't propose Michael admits the truth; he couldn't marry her as he was already married!!!! Michael says he only married Gabriella so that she could get a green card, but she won't grant him a divorce unless he pays her off-with money he doesn't have. When Michael decides to meet Gabriella in person, he's accompanied not only by Kate and Bella, but Renee, Sam, the twins, and the two puppies. What could go wrong with this support group by his side? A lot. Now Michael's suspected of Gabriella's murder, and although Kate was ready to kill him herself, she'll do her utmost to prove his innocence.

Review - A Fatal Twist

Review

A FATAL TWIST by Tracy Weber

The Fourth Downward Dog Mystery

While training to be a doula, Kate witnesses an ugly scene involving a cheating doctor, his mistress, and a nurse. The ugly scene replays when Kate accompanies Rene and Sam to the opening of a new birthing center, where Rene will be giving birth. This time, however, the nurse in question isn't a co-worker, but his wife! Afterward, Kate nearly collides with said wife, who is also her yoga student, running from the employee break room. As Kate enters in an attempt to clean up after a culinary dispute between her friends, she discovers the murdered body of the philandering doctor.

Murder isn't the only mayhem in Kate's life, however. Michael has brought two rescued puppies into their household. Cute as anything, but just as rambunctious and destructive, the two are bent on wreaking havoc. Will Kate survive being involved in yet another murder as Michael attempts to be a puppy foster father?

Tracy Weber has once again delivered a smart, funny mystery with some down to earth realism. Animals are wonderful companions, but in reality, everything is not sunshine and roses. Issues evolve and hard, unhappy decisions must be faced. Tracy Weber does not shy away from these harsh realities while she also shines a light on the horror of backyard breeders.

I find the development of the characters fascinating, especially Tiffany and her relationship with Kate. While I would have happily called the police and had Tiffany hauled to jail in KARMA'S A KILLER, it seems Kate's actions may have been more appropriate. All of the characters are growing and I enjoy seeing the happy progression.

The mystery itself is complex with a dastardly victim and lots of suspects with plenty of motives. In addition to the murder, there is a second crime, which at first seems a totally separate issue, but eventually has readers wondering if they may be connected after all. The mystery, the characters, the humor, and the important dog and rescue knowledge imparted combine to make A FATAL TWIST a mystery not to be missed.

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading A Fatal Twist by Tracy Weber. This book is the fourth book in the Downward Dog Mystery series and was released Sunday!

While training to be a doula, Kate witnesses an ugly scene involving a cheating doctor, his mistress, and a nurse. The ugly scene replays when Kate accompanies Rene and Sam to the opening of a new birthing center, where Rene will be giving birth. This time, however, the nurse in question isn't a co-worker, but his wife! Afterward, Kate nearly collides with the wife, who is also her yoga student, running from the employee break room. As Kate enters in an attempt to clean up after a culinary dispute between her friends, she discovers the murdered body of the philandering doctor.

Murder isn't the only mayhem in Kate's life, however. Michael has brought two rescued puppies into their household. Cute as anything, but just as rambunctious and destructive, the two are bent on wreaking havoc. Will Kate survive being involved in yet another murder as Michael attempts to be a puppy foster father?

Doga Can Be Murder - Guest Post with Review and Giveaway

Doga Can Be Murder

By Tracy Weber

The first time a dog trainer/friend asked me to teach Doga (yoga for dogs) at her dog training facility, I thought she was joking. When I found out that Doga was real, I wanted to hide until she forgot I was a yoga teacher. Teaching my breath-centered style of yoga to dogs would have made me the laughingstock of the Seattle yoga community. Expecting Fluffy and Fido to inhale while lifting their paws seemed, well, ridiculous.

But as I did more research, I realized that Doga was simply a misnomer for what I would call Yoga for Humans with Their Dogs. In Doga, humans practice yoga in the presence of their dogs. Sometimes they use them as props; sometimes they throw in a few human-assisted dog stretches for good measure. That’s a completely different animal (pardon the pun) than the mind-body connection I know as yoga.

Please don’t misunderstand me. By “different,” I don’t mean “not useful.” The practice of Doga actually has many benefits. Yoga practice in the presence of dogs is calming to both man and beast. Dogs are sensitive creatures—highly attuned to human energy. Anything that makes humans more peaceful also brings calm to their canine companions.

And humans who give their dogs massage, range-of-motion exercises, and assisted stretches provide Bowser relief from sore muscles, back pain, arthritis, and hip dysplasia. The exercises can even slow down diseases that cause neurological decline.

So although I have yet to teach my first Doga class (and I still wish the practice were called something less similar to yoga), I had to include it in my third mystery, Karma’s a Killer. Of course, my yoga teacher/sleuth, Kate Davidson, doesn’t exactly have good luck. A rabbit shows up in her first-ever, overly crowded Doga class. If you want to learn more about the ensuing chaos, you’ll have to read the book. ;-)

In the meantime, for all of you dog lovers out there who want to give Doga a try, here are a few books and videos to help get you started.

· http://www.animalplanet.com/video-topics/pet-care/dog-training-videos/dog-yoga/

· http://www.amazon.com/Barking-Buddha-Simple-Soul-Stretches/dp/1594851417/

· http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615976174/

My eleven-year-old German shepherd, Tasha, has yet to do her first Downward Dog. But she does get professional massages, doggie physical therapy, and acupuncture. Who knows? Maybe Doga will also be in our future.

I hope you read and enjoy Karma’s a Killer, the third of my Downward Dog Mystery series. Doga is a small part of the book’s plot, but the book offers fun, mystery, and intrigue aplenty. If you join Kate and her German shepherd Bella on their newest adventure, please let me know what you think!

About Karma’s a Killer:

Yoga instructor Kate Davidson is about to discover that when it comes to murder, there’s no place like om. When she agrees to teach doga—yoga for dogs—at a fundraiser for Dogma, a local animal rescue, Kate believes the only real damage will be to her reputation. But when an animal rights protest at the event leads to a suspicious fire and a drowning, a few downward-facing dogs will be the least of Kate’s problems…

The police arrest Dharma, a woman claiming to be Kate’s estranged mother, and charge her with murder. To prove Dharma’s innocence, Kate, her boyfriend Michael, and her German shepherd sidekick Bella dive deeply into the worlds of animal activism, organizational politics, and the dangerous obsessions that drive them.

And if solving a murder weren't complicated enough, Kate will also have to decide whether or not to reconcile with the estranged mother who abandoned her over thirty years ago. Not to mention having to contend with an almost-bankrupt animal rescue, a cantankerous crow, an unwanted pigeon houseguest, and a rabbit in a doga class. What could possibly go wrong?

Tracy Weber is the author of the award-winning Downward Dog Mysteries series. The first book in the series, Murder Strikes a Pose, won the Maxwell Award for Fiction and was nominated for the Agatha award for Best First Novel.

Tracy and her husband Marc live in Seattle with their challenging yet amazing German shepherd, Tasha. When she’s not writing, Tracy spends her time teaching yoga, walking Tasha, and sipping Blackthorn cider at her favorite ale house.

Karma’s a Killer is her third novel. For more information on Tracy and the Downward Dog Mysteries, visit her author website: http://TracyWeberAuthor.com/

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Review

 Karma’s a Killer by Tracy Weber
The Third Downward Dog Mystery

Kate Davidson, yoga teacher with a temper, is back and in for a challenge as she is coerced into teaching a doga class as part of a fundraiser for a local pet rescue. Yes doga...yoga for dogs. A class open to any and all people and their trained, or not so trained dogs...who don't know each other. What could go wrong? Activists add fuel to the fire and create more dangerous chaos, not to mention an unexpected person from Kate's past, back from the dead. There's a lot more going on than meets the eye and secrets abound.

Tracy Weber has once again given us a very funny book which still manages to discuss very serious issues and bring controversial subjects to the attention of her readers. We witness the actions of some people, including professed animal lovers, who due to their ignorance, do more harm than good; people blinded by self importance and their own beliefs, however misguided. Yet their bad behavior is not pointed out in a demeaning critical manner. Instead, Weber uses humor so readers can laugh...then think and hopefully learn.

There are very personal issues Kate which has to deal with as well. The reappearance of the mother who abandoned her leads to difficulties with her boyfriend as Kate puts up a wall and remains secretive. Readers learn about a childhood partially forgotten, as well as the reason for Kate's loathing, near phobia, of men with beards.

Karma’s a Killer looks at animal rescue organizations, showing some good and bad aspects along with some sad truths regarding bureaucracy and wildlife rehabilitation. We are also introduced to two characters who hopefully will reappear in future mysteries, Mr. Feathers and Blackie. Mr. Feathers is a great addition to the yoga studio while I can see Blackie helping solve future murders!

I truly appreciate Tracy Weber's ability to tackle sensitive subjects with fun and humor. She's able to to raise awareness of important issues without using a sledgehammer. Instead, she melds the issues into the murder mystery storyline adding strength and veritas. By doing so readers get complex characters who continue to develop even as they amuse. Not only that, we get dogs and yoga!


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Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Karma's a Killer by Tracy Weber. This book is the third in her Downward Dog Mystery series and will be released January 8th.

Kate Davidson, yoga teacher with a temper, is back and in for a challenge as she is coerced into teaching a dogma class as part of a fundraiser for a local pet rescue. Yes dogma...yoga for dogs. A class open to any and all people and their trained, or not so trained dogs...who don't know each other. What could go wrong? Activists add fuel to the fire and create more dangerous chaos, not to mention an unexpected person from Kate's past, back from the dead. There's a lot more doing on than meets the eye and secrets abound. Hopefully Bella will help keep Kate on track as things are bound to get worse, before they get better!

A Killer Interview, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Tracy Weber to the blog today. Tracy combines a love of yoga and dogs in her Downward Dog Mystery series. A Killer Retreat, the second book in the series, was just released last week.

Kathy: I recently started taking yoga classes. I enjoy some poses (the waterfall, the corpse-obviously-, and a modified cobra are my favorites) and some I do NOT like-you can take your happy baby and that darn boat can go back to sea! What are some of your favorite and no so favorite yoga poses?

TW: Good for you for taking yoga! I don’t like the ultra bendy poses, mainly because I can’t do them. Like you, I enjoy Corpse Pose and hate Happy Baby Pose. (I call it Tortured, Screaming Baby Pose.) I like the animal poses. Up Dog, Down Dog, Eagle and Cat Pose. I guess I’m an animal lover, even in yoga.


Kathy: Bella has a unique medical condition. How did you learn about such a disease?

TW: Bella suffers from Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) as does my own German shepherd, Tasha. Like Bella, Tasha was diagnosed at about age two after she lost twenty-five pounds in a month. Luckily, we were able to get her EPI stable within six months, and as long as she gets prescription medication with every meal, she does great. Her vet has even nicknamed her Fatty.


Kathy: I have heard about reactive dogs before reading your Downward Dog Mystery series. It's so important to get the word out to the general public about this issue. Aside from writing mysteries featuring a sidekick with the disease, what are some good ways to educate well meaning, but clueless, people about these dogs?

TW: People misunderstand and misread reactive dogs all the time, which results in thousands of dogs ending up needlessly euthanized or homeless. I find that tragic, because most of them make awesome family pets if their emotional needs are respected.

There is a wonderful project called The Yellow Dog Project that is trying to help spread the word about these intelligent and sensitive dogs. People who own a reactive dog can use a yellow leash or a yellow ribbon around its collar to designate that it should not be approached. I’ve also seen people put sweaters or jackets on their dogs with the words “Give Me Space.” Hopefully through positive dog trainers, better educated owners, and books like my Downward Dog Mystery Series, people will become more aware.


Kathy: In A Killer Retreat Kate leaves her yoga classroom and travels to a new retreat center to provide yoga classes for a wedding party. Have you ever done something similar?

TW: I have led several yoga retreats in the Pacific Northwest, but none for a wedding party. Retreats are a lot of fun, but wow are they ever a lot of work. These days I’m more interested in taking retreats than leading them. But who knows, maybe I’ll need a great excuse to go to Africa, Maui, or South America someday soon. Wanna come?


Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

TW: I’ve read cozies for as long as I can remember, so I honestly don’t know what first lead me to them. However I’ve always liked Perry Mason, which has a similar feel. Cozies are a style of fun, escapism literature, in which you know that good ultimately prevails. The bad guy (or woman!) always gets caught, and you get to know and connect with the hero. These days, we don’t have enough happy endings in our world; heroes are even rarer. Cozies provide them for me.


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

TW: Not yet. I’m primarily a mystery fan, so that’s the genre I’m most interested in exploring in my writing. I am considering writing some darker mysteries, though. Stay tuned.


Kathy: Tell us about your series.

TW: The Downward Dog Mystery Series is a lighthearted, happily-ever-after human-animal love story. Murder takes center stage in my work, but the real emotion of the series lives in yoga teacher Kate, her German shepherd Bella, their relationship, and how Kate grows as a human being. Yoga, dogs and murder. What could be more fun?


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

TW: Bella, of course! Bella is based on the love of my life, my German Shepherd Tasha. How could she not be my favorite?


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

TW: I’ve was inspired to write my first book by Susan Conant’s Dog Lover’s Mystery Series. She “gets” crazy dog people like me, and her work showed me that there is an audience for lighthearted mysteries.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

TW: I’ve always known I wanted to publish my work, even before I’d written the first sentence. My goal is to share my stories with people, and a publisher can help me do that in a much broader way that I could do on my own. Besides, my yoga students were sick of listening to all of my Tasha-dog stories, so I had to expand my audience!


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

TW:· Susan Conant, because she started it all

· Stephen King, because I idolize him and his writing

· Mary Daheim, because she’s a kick and a total hoot to hang out with

· Dr. Seuss, because everybody loves him


Kathy: What are you currently reading?

TW: The Deep End, which is a wonderful debut mystery by Julie Mulhern. If you haven’t tried it yet, you should.


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

TW: I feel so dull! Between writing, running my yoga business, and taking care of my special needs dog, I don’t have much time for hobbies. Maybe I’ll have to take up spelunking.


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

TW: · Diet Mountain Dew

· Talking Rain bottled water

· Frozen pizza rolls

· A bottle of bubbly

Not all that impressive for a yoga teacher, is it?


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

TW: Definitely. The third book in the Downward Dog Mysteries, tentatively titled Karma can be Killer, has already been turned into my publisher, and I plan to start working on the fourth book soon. I also have an idea for a cozy series that would take place on Maui. Hopefully there will be more to share about that soon!


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

TW: Connecting with my readers. I feel like I’m building a whole new community of friends. My readers are a wonderful group of people, and I truly enjoy hearing from them.


Kathy: Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions.

TW: Thank you so much for having me. It’s been a pleasure chatting with you. I appreciate the opportunity to be here on Cozy up with Kathy. I hope that you and others will connect with me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/tracywe) , via my author website http://TracyWeberAuthor.com/, or by e-mail at Tracy@WholeLifeYoga.com.

I truly love hearing from readers!

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Tracy Weber is the author of the award-winning Downward Dog Mysteries series featuring yoga teacher Kate and her feisty German shepherd, Bella. Tracy loves sharing her passion for yoga and animals in any form possible. The second book in her series, A Killer Retreat, is available January 8, 2015, by Midnight Ink.

Tracy and her husband live in Seattle with their challenging yet amazing German shepherd Tasha. When she’s not writing, Tracy spends her time teaching yoga, walking Tasha, and sipping Blackthorn cider at her favorite ale house.

Visit her at TracyWeberAuthor.com

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Review

A Killer Retreat by Tracy Weber
The Second Downward Dog Mystery

Take a yoga instructor with a hot temper and a hundred pound German Shepherd, who happens to be a reactive dog, and you'll find trouble can't be far away.

Kate Davidson has agreed to leave her yoga studio in the hands of her employees and venture to Elysian Springs resort to teach yoga to a group of wedding guests. Accompanied by her boyfriend, Michael, and her dog, Bella, the trip is fraught with anxiety from the start. A monstrous woman whose crassness, bad attitude, and ignorance about her own dog wreaks havoc on the island, brings out the worst in Kate, who publicly threatens her...twice. Now Kate has found said monstrous woman...dead!

For a yoga teacher who promotes stress relief and tranquility Kate Davidson gets annoyed and frustrated almost as quickly as I do! Kate has a temper that can go from 0 to 60 especially faced with people who are ignorant about animals and responsible pet guardianship (another thing we have in common). 

This second book in the Downward Dog Mystery series gives us another well thought out mystery. A despicable victim provides plenty of suspects, including Kate, all of whom have very good reason to want this woman dead. In addition to crafting an excellent mystery, Tracy Weber sheds light on important canine issues, raising awareness about reactive dogs as well as the EPI disease.

A Killer Retreat, is the best sort of book. It's one that raises awareness of important societal issues, explores the difficulties relationships present, makes us worry about the people and other animals who inhabit its pages, and, while doing all of that, still makes us laugh! If you have even a passing interest in yoga and/or dogs this book is a must read...and, even if you don't, you'll still find this book a compelling read!


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Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading A Killer Retreat by Tracy Weber. This book is the second in the Downward Dog Mystery series. Take a yoga instructor with a hot temper and a hundred pound German Shepherd, who happens to be a reactive dog, and you'll find trouble can't be far away.

Kate Davidson has agreed to leave her yoga studio in the hands of her employees and venture to Elysian Springs resort to teach yoga to a group of wedding guests. Accompanied by her boyfriend, Michael, and her dog, Bella, the trip is fraught with anxiety from the start. A monstrous woman whose crassness, bad attitude, and ignorance about her own dog wreaks havoc on the island, brings out the worst in Kate, who publicly threatens her...twice. Now Kate has found said monstrous woman...dead!

A Killer Retreat won't be released until January 2015. In preparation for its arrival you can read Murder Strikes a Pose, the first book in the series and learn how Kate and Bella meet.

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Murder Strikes a Pose by Tracy Weber. Kate Davidson is a yoga teacher with anger issues who has to deal with running her yoga studio, a matchmaking best friend, and men with beards. When a homeless man and his dog show up and start scaring her clients, Kate takes matters into her own hands, but instead of getting rid of the pair-they become friends...and then murder strikes. Kate learns a lot about herself, dogs, and people in this great first entry.