I'm currently reading Eggs in a Casket by Laura Childs. If you've been reading my posts lately, you'll know that this book is the latest in the Cackleberry Club Mystery series, released just last week.
Suzanne and Toni stumble upon a body in a grave. The only problem, the body is not one of the dearly departed resting in his coffin, but a newly murdered laying in the muddy plot. Of course, our ladies get involved, especially as a good friend is a very good suspect.
Recipes are included....and sound delicious!
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Teacup Turbulence: An Interview & Review
I'd like to welcome Linda O. Johnston back to Cozy Up With Kathy. Linda's latest release, Teacup Turbulence, was released this past Tuesday.
Kathy: In Teacup Turbulence dogs with little hope for adoption at their current shelter are flown to a place where finding a new home is much more likely. While your book is a work of fiction, the rescue work you describe is very real. You mention the group Wings of Rescue and a rescue group near me has used Pilots and Paws. Will you tell us about these types of rescues?
LOJ: I was fascinated and delighted to hear about this kind of rescue. I heard about it from several sources, including a family connection, a pilot who has participated in some of these wonderful flights. The idea behind it is to move pets who are hard to rehome in one area to a different locale where they're welcomed with open arms--and new homes. Sometimes the saved animals are flown directly from the spot where they've been rescued to the area where they're more likely to be adopted faster. Other times, it's done in relays as in Teacup Turbulence, where several pilots are involved in different smaller stages of moving the pets. It's also done via car rides or relays sometimes, too, or even combinations. In all, it's a wonderful thing that people do to save the lives of animals who are unwanted in one place but are sought and loved in another.
Kathy: Was there a specific inspiration for this story?
LOJ: Yes, both that family connection and a restaurant that I heard of but don't believe is open any longer, the Orange Dog Bar & Grill in Huntington Beach, California. In addition to serving good food, the owners of that restaurant apparently arranged for California dogs who needed homes to be flown to Canada where they were wanted. I heard that the restaurant lost its lease and was going to reopen elsewhere, but I haven't heard about its reopening. Nor am I sure if its underlying pet-rescue organization Orange Dog, Inc., is still in operation. But I loved the idea of what they did and was eager to write about the concept--in Teacup Turbulence!
LOJ: I was fascinated and delighted to hear about this kind of rescue. I heard about it from several sources, including a family connection, a pilot who has participated in some of these wonderful flights. The idea behind it is to move pets who are hard to rehome in one area to a different locale where they're welcomed with open arms--and new homes. Sometimes the saved animals are flown directly from the spot where they've been rescued to the area where they're more likely to be adopted faster. Other times, it's done in relays as in Teacup Turbulence, where several pilots are involved in different smaller stages of moving the pets. It's also done via car rides or relays sometimes, too, or even combinations. In all, it's a wonderful thing that people do to save the lives of animals who are unwanted in one place but are sought and loved in another.
Kathy: Was there a specific inspiration for this story?
LOJ: Yes, both that family connection and a restaurant that I heard of but don't believe is open any longer, the Orange Dog Bar & Grill in Huntington Beach, California. In addition to serving good food, the owners of that restaurant apparently arranged for California dogs who needed homes to be flown to Canada where they were wanted. I heard that the restaurant lost its lease and was going to reopen elsewhere, but I haven't heard about its reopening. Nor am I sure if its underlying pet-rescue organization Orange Dog, Inc., is still in operation. But I loved the idea of what they did and was eager to write about the concept--in Teacup Turbulence!
Kathy: I always enjoy the covers of your Pet Rescue Mysteries. Do you have any input in their design?
LOJ: I've loved them all, too. I've not been involved in their design but have been quite pleased with them. I especially like the cover for Teacup Turbulence. One of the dogs is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy. Cavaliers are not really teacup dogs, but I've been owned by Cavaliers for a lot of years so it's delightful to see one on my cover.
Kathy: Are you able to share any future plans for Hot Rescues and Lauren Vancouver?
LOJ: Lauren may be retiring from solving mysteries. At this point her only future plans may consist of a novella--unsure, although Lauren keeps whispering in my ear!
LOJ: I've loved them all, too. I've not been involved in their design but have been quite pleased with them. I especially like the cover for Teacup Turbulence. One of the dogs is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy. Cavaliers are not really teacup dogs, but I've been owned by Cavaliers for a lot of years so it's delightful to see one on my cover.
Kathy: Are you able to share any future plans for Hot Rescues and Lauren Vancouver?
LOJ: Lauren may be retiring from solving mysteries. At this point her only future plans may consist of a novella--unsure, although Lauren keeps whispering in my ear!
Kathy: Will you share any other upcoming books?
LOJ: I have two Harlequin Nocturnes--paranormal romances--being published in 2014, part of my Alpha Force miniseries about a covert military unit of shapeshifters: UNTAMED WOLF and LOYAL WOLF. And in September the first in my new Superstition Mystery series for Midnight Ink, LOST UNDER A LADDER, will debut.
Kathy: You volunteer with a rescue organization. What made you decide to volunteer and how do you help?
LOJ: I started volunteering with Pet Orphans of Southern California after I visited that private, pet-loving shelter while starting to research my Pet Rescue Mysteries. I really liked it and have volunteered there ever since, usually for just one afternoon a week. I'm a dog adoption counselor, which means I get to introduce visitors interested in adopting dogs to those who are available to become their family members. And when I learn that any counsel I helped with turns into an adoption, I'm always thrilled!
LOJ: I have two Harlequin Nocturnes--paranormal romances--being published in 2014, part of my Alpha Force miniseries about a covert military unit of shapeshifters: UNTAMED WOLF and LOYAL WOLF. And in September the first in my new Superstition Mystery series for Midnight Ink, LOST UNDER A LADDER, will debut.
Kathy: You volunteer with a rescue organization. What made you decide to volunteer and how do you help?
LOJ: I started volunteering with Pet Orphans of Southern California after I visited that private, pet-loving shelter while starting to research my Pet Rescue Mysteries. I really liked it and have volunteered there ever since, usually for just one afternoon a week. I'm a dog adoption counselor, which means I get to introduce visitors interested in adopting dogs to those who are available to become their family members. And when I learn that any counsel I helped with turns into an adoption, I'm always thrilled!
Kathy: I developed a new interview section-this or that. The author has to pick one of the 2 choices given.
Library or Bookstore
Library or Bookstore
LOJ: Love 'em both for different reasons. But if I have to choose one over the other, it's Bookstore. I enjoy owning books!
Expositional or Continuing Story
LOJ: Continuing story. I tend to turn nearly anything I write into a series or mini-series these days.
Editing or Marketing
LOJ: You know, years ago I'd definitely have chosen Editing. I love writing and the editorial process. But marketing is a large part of being a published author, and I've come to enjoy that, too--both in person by teaching or participating on panels, and online in blogs (Yes, like Cozy Up With Kathy!!!) and on Facebook. So... give me marketing.
TV or Film
LOJ: Once again, I love them both. But TV in all its many aspects is an important part of my life--news and drama shows, mostly. So... it's TV for me.
Chocolate or Vanilla
LOJ: No question here. I'm a chocoholic. Give me chocolate, the darker the better, and I'm happy!
Mountains or Beach
LOJ: I live in the Los Angeles area, so I'm not too far from the beach. But I live in the Hollywood Hills and have a view of the mountains that turn the San Fernando Valley into a valley, and much prefer cool air to hot--so... mountains.
Tea or Coffee
LOJ: Again no question here. Maybe it's the caffeine in both coffee and chocolate, but give me a cup of coffee--no several--each day, and I'm happy.
Cats or Dogs
LOJ: Yet again, no question: dogs. I appreciate and admire cats, but I was born loving dogs, and now particularly adore my Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Lexie and Mystie.
Summer or Winter
LOJ: As I mentioned before, I prefer cool air to hot, so winter. But remember, I live in Los Angeles and have for quite a few years. Coolness in winter here isn't like the bitter, snowy cold I grew up with in Pittsburgh. The cold didn't bother me even then, but I'm just as happy avoiding snow.
Normal or Paranormal
LOJ: I could answer this by saying either one. I like to write about things not considered to be normal, like shapeshifters, as I do with my Harlequin Nocturnes. On the other hand, rescuing pets is--and should be--normal. And dogs as family members are definitely normal. If crimes occur, solving them should be normal. So, if I really have to choose, let's just say normal--without ruling out the paranormal side! After all, are superstitions normal or not?
Vampire or Werewolf
LOJ: Werewolf. Hey, they're animals of sorts. My Alpha Force members, who shift mostly into wolves, even maintain cover dogs that resemble what they look like in shifted form to help to keep the secret military unit's existence and talents covert.
********************************************************************************
Review
Teacup
Turbulence by Linda O. Johnston
The
fifth Pet Rescue Mystery
Teacup Turbulence is the fifth entry in the Pet
Rescue Mystery series by Linda O. Johnston. Thanks to an ad campaign for Hot
Pets Bling, a line of faux jewelry dog collars, teacup dogs (those little
breeds such as Chihuahuas, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terriers) become even more
popular in Los Angeles. So popular, in fact, that local animal shelters are
adopting them out almost as fast as they come in, and yet people are clamoring
for more! Lauren Vancouver, director of Hot Rescues, enlists the help of two
new adopters to fly some little dogs newly rescued from a Missouri puppy mill
to LA, where they’d have a better chance at getting adopted. Unfortunately, our
protagonist gets more than the small dogs she expected. A thoroughly unpleasant
woman accompanies them. Nasty to everyone and making vague threats and
accusations, it’s no wonder this stranger to LA winds up murdered. But who
actually knew enough about her to want to kill her…or what did she know too
much about?
Teacup Turbulence is a solid entry in the Pet
Rescue Mystery series. Author Linda O. Johnston brings attention to many
aspects of animal rescue work and gives readers lots of insight into the rescue
community. I admit the book may give more time to this aspect and less to the
actual mystery, but the two are definitely related and I, for one, enjoy
reading about animals, shelters, and what we can do to help. For me, this didn’t
distract from the story, but just added real world relevance.
Linda O.
Johnston pens an enjoyable mystery filled with wonderful animals that also
raises awareness of pet rescue. The author gave enough twists and turns in the
story to keep me intrigued. Could there be more than one mystery here? You’ll
have to read it to find out!
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Eggs in a Casket Winners!
Congratulations to Anonymous and Dorothy Teel: you are the winners of Laura Child's Eggs in a Casket. I'll be e-mailing you for more information.
For everyone else, your egg ideas were great. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you keep visiting-there are lots of exciting posts coming up!
For everyone else, your egg ideas were great. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you keep visiting-there are lots of exciting posts coming up!
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Currently Reading...
I'm currently reading Stake and Eggs by Laura Childs. This book is the 4th book in her Cackleberry Club Mystery series. The 5th book in the series, Eggs in a Casket, was just released yesterday-so I'm trying to catch up!
Suzanne, Petra, and Toni are 3 women of a certain age who are partners in the Cackleberry Club-a cafe that specializes in egg dishes, a book store, and a knitting store, all in one location. It's a cold day in the midwest and the women are waiting for the arrival of the new bank manager for a meeting. They hear the arrival of a snowmobile, then what sounds like another, then a crash. When Suzanne goes out to investigate she finds the body of the bank manager...dead! Needless to say, her investigating doesn't end there.
Recipes are included.
Don't forget to leave a comment on Sundays blog post about your favorite egg dish for a chance to win your own copy of Eggs in a Casket. You have through today to do so!
Suzanne, Petra, and Toni are 3 women of a certain age who are partners in the Cackleberry Club-a cafe that specializes in egg dishes, a book store, and a knitting store, all in one location. It's a cold day in the midwest and the women are waiting for the arrival of the new bank manager for a meeting. They hear the arrival of a snowmobile, then what sounds like another, then a crash. When Suzanne goes out to investigate she finds the body of the bank manager...dead! Needless to say, her investigating doesn't end there.
Recipes are included.
Don't forget to leave a comment on Sundays blog post about your favorite egg dish for a chance to win your own copy of Eggs in a Casket. You have through today to do so!
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Life with a Ghost with Fire Chief Stella Griffin & Review
Life with a Ghost with Fire Chief Stella Griffin
By J. J. Cook
Maybe this should have been titled ‘Life with A Hardheaded, Stubborn Ghost’ Eric Gamlyn was a paragon while he was alive, forty years ago. Stories about him – true and not so true – ring through the mountains that surround Sweet Pepper, Tennessee.
First of all, let’s look at some of those myths:
* He built the old firehouse by himself while he was building his log cabin on the mountain close to it. I think this one is true. Maybe not totally by himself, but it was his idea and he did most of the work.
* He changed the course of the Little Pigeon River when it flooded. Not true. Come on! He’s big, but he’s not Paul Bunyan!
* He rescued many people from fires. Very true. The Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade he began was his life’s work. He died trying to protect it.
As far as Eric’s death is concerned, I’m working on it. Everyone thought he died a hero in the big silo fire. Instead, he was shot in the head and stuffed into the wall of the old firehouse. No one knew the truth until the firehouse burned down, and we found his bones and badge. Eric is mad at me, like it was my fault he didn’t die the way he thought he died! There seems to be some memory lapse for him, so he can’t remember exactly what happened. He’s not much help as I’m trying to piece it all together. And he’s got an attitude about it too! I know it’s important to him to find out the truth – he just doesn’t want to admit it. That’s fine. I can take care of it for him. Will that mean he just disappears like ghosts do in the movies sometimes when everyone figures out what happened – like The Canterbury Ghost? I hope not. He’s my best friend, despite being stubborn and hardheaded. He’s also the only hope we ever have of winning the blue ribbon in the Sweet Pepper Festival. I’m not the kind of cook that wins awards! But I am the person who won’t rest until I’ve brought Eric’s killer to justice. I can promise you that.
*******************************************************************************
Come back to Sweet Pepper, Tennessee with Playing with Fire, by J.J. Cook. There’s a lot going on in this,
the second Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade Mystery. Everyone is wondering when Stella
is going to leave Tennessee and return to Chicago, including Stella. Now that
it’s known that Eric was indeed murdered, Stella feels she should stay to
attempt to figure out what actually happened, shouldn’t she? She’s also growing
attached to the town…and her ghost is growing attached to her. To add to the
quagmire her parents have come to town, bringing along her philandering
ex-boyfriend. When another murder occurs it seems it must be related to the
former fire chief’s murder. Is it?
I love this series and I was just as pleased with this book as I was with its predecessor. I love the fact that Eric can actually cook, actually physically prepare food and that he does so when stressed. I also appreciate the fact that he’s developing feelings for Stella and I’m wondering if she will begin to reciprocate. And what can happen if she does. I know that there can be ghostly happily ever afters in romance novels…but this is a mystery. Still, I’m quite enjoying the romantic aspect…especially Eric’s reaction to Doug! But never fear, to those of you who prefer not to get sidetracked by romance and the paranormal in your mysteries there is a good solid mystery story here. More than one actually.
I was more than pleased to be back in Sweet Pepper, Tennessee and highly recommend this book. The author deftly weaves mysteries, both new and old, with a glimpse of romance, a touch of the paranormal, and a pleasant dose of humor.
By J. J. Cook
Maybe this should have been titled ‘Life with A Hardheaded, Stubborn Ghost’ Eric Gamlyn was a paragon while he was alive, forty years ago. Stories about him – true and not so true – ring through the mountains that surround Sweet Pepper, Tennessee.
First of all, let’s look at some of those myths:
* He built the old firehouse by himself while he was building his log cabin on the mountain close to it. I think this one is true. Maybe not totally by himself, but it was his idea and he did most of the work.
* He changed the course of the Little Pigeon River when it flooded. Not true. Come on! He’s big, but he’s not Paul Bunyan!
* He rescued many people from fires. Very true. The Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade he began was his life’s work. He died trying to protect it.
As far as Eric’s death is concerned, I’m working on it. Everyone thought he died a hero in the big silo fire. Instead, he was shot in the head and stuffed into the wall of the old firehouse. No one knew the truth until the firehouse burned down, and we found his bones and badge. Eric is mad at me, like it was my fault he didn’t die the way he thought he died! There seems to be some memory lapse for him, so he can’t remember exactly what happened. He’s not much help as I’m trying to piece it all together. And he’s got an attitude about it too! I know it’s important to him to find out the truth – he just doesn’t want to admit it. That’s fine. I can take care of it for him. Will that mean he just disappears like ghosts do in the movies sometimes when everyone figures out what happened – like The Canterbury Ghost? I hope not. He’s my best friend, despite being stubborn and hardheaded. He’s also the only hope we ever have of winning the blue ribbon in the Sweet Pepper Festival. I’m not the kind of cook that wins awards! But I am the person who won’t rest until I’ve brought Eric’s killer to justice. I can promise you that.
*******************************************************************************
Review
Playing with Fire by J.J. Cook
The
second Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade Mystery
I love this series and I was just as pleased with this book as I was with its predecessor. I love the fact that Eric can actually cook, actually physically prepare food and that he does so when stressed. I also appreciate the fact that he’s developing feelings for Stella and I’m wondering if she will begin to reciprocate. And what can happen if she does. I know that there can be ghostly happily ever afters in romance novels…but this is a mystery. Still, I’m quite enjoying the romantic aspect…especially Eric’s reaction to Doug! But never fear, to those of you who prefer not to get sidetracked by romance and the paranormal in your mysteries there is a good solid mystery story here. More than one actually.
I was more than pleased to be back in Sweet Pepper, Tennessee and highly recommend this book. The author deftly weaves mysteries, both new and old, with a glimpse of romance, a touch of the paranormal, and a pleasant dose of humor.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Book Spotlight - Eggs in a Casket- Giveaway
I'd like to shine a spotlight on the January 7th release of Eggs in a Casket, the 5th book in the Cackleberry Club Mystery Series by Laura Childs.
From the back cover:
The ladies of the Cackleberry Club are always ready to serve-whether they're cooking up breakfast or sniffing out a bad egg.
While Petra handles the breakfast rush at the Cackleberry Club, the cafe's other two owners, Suzanne and Toni, head to Memorial Cemetery to help prepare for its 150th anniversary celebration. But as they search the winding paths for the Historical Society tent, they discover something else out of place: the body of ex-prison warden Lester Drummond lying facedown in someone else's freshly dug grave.
In the small town of Kindred, everyone knows everyone, and Lester was no exception. Suzanne knew him as the creepy guy who made unwanted advances on her friend Missy Langston. But now it appears the man was hiding a few secrets...and at least one of them was worth killing for.
As the case cracks open, there are plenty of suspects to consider-from recent parolees to Missy herself, who Suzanne and Toni saw speeding away just before they found the body. Now, with a cemetery celebration in the offing, and the local authorities in over their heads, it's up to the Cackleberry Club to unscramble the clues and clear their friend's name.
********************************************************************************
Author Laura Childs has graciously offered 2 autographed hardcover copies of this new release! Comment on this post telling me your favorite way to eat eggs to be entered. Please, also leave your e-mail address so that I know how to contact you. You have until 11:59pm EST this Thursday, January 9th, 2014 to comment. I'll use random.org to pick 2 lucky winners.
From the back cover:
The ladies of the Cackleberry Club are always ready to serve-whether they're cooking up breakfast or sniffing out a bad egg.
While Petra handles the breakfast rush at the Cackleberry Club, the cafe's other two owners, Suzanne and Toni, head to Memorial Cemetery to help prepare for its 150th anniversary celebration. But as they search the winding paths for the Historical Society tent, they discover something else out of place: the body of ex-prison warden Lester Drummond lying facedown in someone else's freshly dug grave.
In the small town of Kindred, everyone knows everyone, and Lester was no exception. Suzanne knew him as the creepy guy who made unwanted advances on her friend Missy Langston. But now it appears the man was hiding a few secrets...and at least one of them was worth killing for.
As the case cracks open, there are plenty of suspects to consider-from recent parolees to Missy herself, who Suzanne and Toni saw speeding away just before they found the body. Now, with a cemetery celebration in the offing, and the local authorities in over their heads, it's up to the Cackleberry Club to unscramble the clues and clear their friend's name.
********************************************************************************
Author Laura Childs has graciously offered 2 autographed hardcover copies of this new release! Comment on this post telling me your favorite way to eat eggs to be entered. Please, also leave your e-mail address so that I know how to contact you. You have until 11:59pm EST this Thursday, January 9th, 2014 to comment. I'll use random.org to pick 2 lucky winners.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Currently Reading & Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! May 2014 bring us all lots of reading pleasure!
I'm currently reading An Appetite for Murder by Lucy Burdette. This is the first book in the Key West Food Critic Mystery series. I confess, I'm way behind...the 4th in the series will be published in February. I know I want to catch up as I'm enjoying this first book.
Hayley Snow picked up and moved to Key West to live with her new love. Sadly, he turned out to be a jerk who cheated on her, then kicked her out! Now she's trying to make a living in Key West and is attempting to further her food writing career by applying for a job as a food critic. That endeavor is made more difficult by the fact that the owner of the magazine with which she's trying to get a job just happens to be her ex's new girlfriend. Loveless, jobless, and sharing a houseboat...can it get much worse? Well, the girlfriend is murdered...and Hayley becomes prime suspect.
Recipes are included.
I'm currently reading An Appetite for Murder by Lucy Burdette. This is the first book in the Key West Food Critic Mystery series. I confess, I'm way behind...the 4th in the series will be published in February. I know I want to catch up as I'm enjoying this first book.
Hayley Snow picked up and moved to Key West to live with her new love. Sadly, he turned out to be a jerk who cheated on her, then kicked her out! Now she's trying to make a living in Key West and is attempting to further her food writing career by applying for a job as a food critic. That endeavor is made more difficult by the fact that the owner of the magazine with which she's trying to get a job just happens to be her ex's new girlfriend. Loveless, jobless, and sharing a houseboat...can it get much worse? Well, the girlfriend is murdered...and Hayley becomes prime suspect.
Recipes are included.
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