Rolling Thunder - An Interview

I'm happy to welcome A. J. Devlin back to Cozy Up With Kathy. A. J. pens the "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery series. ROLLING THUNDER is the second book in the series and will be released this Friday!

Kathy: ROLLING THUNDER features women's flat-track roller derby. I admit I've always been fascinated by the sport and if I was younger and in shape, I'd love to give it a try. Had you been interested in roller derby before this book?

AJD: It’s a heck of a sport! Roller derby had been on my radar long before I cooked up the “Hammerhead” Jed mystery-comedy series, and for some reason it stuck in my head. When I decided that the derby world might be a good setting for the sequel to COBRA CLUTCH, I went out and attended a lot of games, before lucking out and reconnecting with a high school classmate who was a star skater in Vancouver for years and was generous enough to read my manuscript and offer feedback.


Kathy: Why did you decide to feature roller derby in your second "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery?

AJD: I didn’t give it much thought at the time but after I had Jed return to the world of independent professional wrestling during his debut in COBRA CLUTCH, I started thinking about what kind of fringe sport or unique subculture he could be drawn into for book two. It worked out that in the first book there was a strong, empowered, supporting female character who had become disillusioned with the professional wrestling biz, and it seemed to make sense that she might leave that world behind but also replace her passion for pro wrestling with roller derby as there are a lot of similarities.

Kathy: Jed and Declan wind up in a very unusual club as part of the investigation. Do you care to share any of your research about such places?

AJD: They do indeed! And Declan literally has the time of his life during that visit. I first learned of such clubs during a ride along on the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver while doing research for COBRA CLUTCH. I never went into such an establishment myself, but let’s just say that chats with cops, Google searches, and one’s imagination can help make for some distinctive visuals!


Kathy: Declan has started a unique art collection. I must ask. Is it really a thing? How on earth did you discover it? Or come up with it, if it doesn't exist?

AJD: Oh, that is 100% legit and real. I came across it during my research for the unusual nightclub that “Hammerhead” Jed and Declan visit in the novel and such artistry seemed like a perfect fit for this book, especially since Declan is such a rascal and you know he’s the kind of guy who would become obsessed with it. I truly think it’s one of those things in life that you just can’t make up. I mean, there’s no way ever I would have ever conceived of it myself. However, if one reads ROLLING THUNDER, and were so inclined, there are in fact some videos online one could watch in order to see how such “special” art is made.


Kathy: I love Napoleon. Have you ever been to a dachshund race?

AJD: Sadly, no! But I try my best to keep an ear to the ground for all things quirky and offbeat in Vancouver, as I think doing so is intrinsic to the mystery-comedy series I’m trying to grow. As a result, I’m always on the lookout for all things local and unusual. Napoleon and his dachshund racing is totally an actual annual event — let’s just say that the most outrageous parts of the book are real life events that I did not make up!


Kathy: Was there a specific inspiration for this story?

AJD: I’d say the main inspiration was that after having “Hammerhead” Jed go toe-to-toe with some physically imposing heavies in COBRA CLUTCH, I wanted to switch gears and come up with a different or perhaps more cerebral antagonist for ROLLING THUNDER. And, of course, the player names in women’s flat-track roller derby are incredible, I dare say more entertaining than professional wrestling monikers.


Kathy: Are you able to share any future plans for "Hammerhead" Jed Ounstead?

AJD: Of course! I’m almost halfway through “Hammerhead” Jed’s third adventure and in the story he’s hired for a job that brings him into the world of local Mixed Martial Arts. Being an ex-pro-wrestler, Jed is very much defined by his physicality, so I thought it might be interesting to have him work a case where for the first time he might not be the toughest guy in the room. If you take away Jed’s ability to be (or at least for him to think he is) the “Big Dog,” then who is he without that advantage?


Kathy: Will you share any other upcoming books?

AJD: Always! At the moment I’m focused on finishing book 3 in the series and am very excited to get cracking on book 4. I do have some ideas for some shared universe prequels and spinoffs, but for now my priority is establishing “Hammerhead” Jed as a hard-headed sleuth who hopefully will be around for awhile!

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Be sure to come back to the blog this Friday, May 15, 2020. Not only is it release day for ROLLING THUNDER, but I'll also be sharing my review.

Apples and Alibis - A Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on a book on my TBR pile. Apples and Alibis by Gayle Leeson is the fourth book in the Down South Cafe Mystery series.

From the back cover:

That's the last time Amy agrees to do a favor for a stranger...

Down South Cafe owner, Amy Flowers is in over her head. Operating a cafe while hosting the first Farmers' Market in Winter Garden has her swimming in apples. And when an elderly woman calls the cafe, pleading for a delivery for her upcoming party, Amy relents, feeling compelled to help the desperate customer.

But when she arrives, the woman is slumped over her kitchen table, and Amy is catapulted into the middle of a small-town crime. Guilt-ridden for not arriving earlier to save the woman, she sets out to unravel the mystery surrounding her death. Now, between running the cafe and dealing with the chaos of the farmers' market, Amy is squeezing in a murder investigation, a run-in with her boyfriend's mom, and her own mother's quirky life decisions. Life can't get any worse...or can it? This cafe owner needs a break--in the case.

Recipes Included.

A Murderous Misconception - A Book Blast!

Book Blast! Book Blast! Book Blast! 

A Murderous Misconception (Victoria Square Mystery) by Lorraine Bartlett

About A Murderous Misconception

 

A Murderous Misconception (Victoria Square Mystery) 

Cozy Mystery 7th in Series 

Publisher: Polaris Press (May 8, 2020) 

Katie Bonner loses her lunch—literally—when her social media account serves up a shocking announcement. Her boyfriend Andy’s assistant manager, Erikka, is pregnant, and apparently with his child. And when Erikka turns up dead, the Sheriff turns up the heat on Katie and Andy, certain that one of them is to blame. But Erikka wasn't pregnant after all. Was Erikka's misconception the only way she could conceive of stealing Andy from Katie?

When Katie finds planted evidence, it’s her friend and former detective, Ray, who insists on concealing it. Is it his growing affection for her that causes him to act against his training and code of ethics, or could he be responsible for Erikka’s death? Katie is afraid to find out.

About the Authors

 
Lorraine Bartlett

The immensely popular Booktown Mystery series is what put Lorraine Bartlett‘s pen name Lorna Barrett on the New York Times Bestseller list, but it’s her talent — whether writing as Lorna, or L.L. Bartlett, or Lorraine Bartlett — that keeps her there. This multi-published, Agatha-nominated author pens the exciting Jeff Resnick Mysteries as well as the acclaimed Victoria Square Mystery series and has many short stories and novellas to her name(s). Check out the links to all her works here: http://www.lorrainebartlett.com

 
Gayle Leeson

Gayle Leeson is a pseudonym for Gayle Trent. Gayle has also written as Amanda Lee. She is currently writing the Kinsey Falls chick-lit/women’s fiction series, the Down South Cafe cozy mystery series, and the Ghostly Fashionista cozy mystery series. Her book KILLER WEDDING CAKE won the Bronze Medal in the 20th Anniversary IPPY Awards. Gayle lives in Southwest Virginia with her family and enjoys hearing from readers. Find her books on Amazon here.

Website Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram

Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N - Kobo 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Currently Reading...

I just started reading Rolling Thunder by A. J. Devlin. This book is the second in the "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery series and will be released May 15, 2020.

As a former professional wrestler and new private investigator with one murder case behind him, Jed "Hammerhead" Ounstead has seen a lot. But nothing could have prepared him for the world of women's flat-track roller derby. An old wrestling acquaintance has entered the roller derby scene and calls on Jed when her team's coach goes missing. Jed will have to keep his wits and his wrestling moves sharp as he navigates the various venues of Vancouver in search of the missing man.

RIP in Reykjavik - An Interview & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome A. R. Kennedy to Cozy Up With Kathy today. A. R. writes the Traveler Cozy Mystery series. R.I.P. in Reykjavik is the second book in the series and will be released May 19, 2020.

Kathy: Naomi heads to Iceland in the second Traveler Cozy Mystery. Why choose Iceland?

ARK: I love Iceland! I’ve been three times. It’s a great first international vacation. It’s a short flight from the East Coast of the US. It’s an amazing country with an interesting history and culture with beautiful scenery.


Kathy: In R.I.P. in Reykjavik we learn that traveling with family can be murder. Have you traveled much with your relatives?

ARK: I’m an only child so there could never be a sisterly vacation like in the first book in the series, Sleuth on Safari. My mother and I have traveled domestically several times together. I’ve had a passport since I was 17 but my mother just got her passport a few years ago.


Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

ARK: They’re fun!


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

ARK: Yes, I have another mystery series, The Nathan Miccoli Mystery series. I also have a stand alone romantic suspense novel, Saving Ferris. Saving Ferris is a story that makes us consider what, exactly, pets mean to us. If you love dogs, you will love this book!


Kathy: Tell us about your series.

ARK: Naomi travels the world, while navigating difficult relationships with her travel partner of a family member, while solving a murder.

The Nathan Miccoli Mystery series starts with Gone But Not Missed, where Nathan searches for the kidnapped Lillian and her miniature schnauzer Laude. With no jurisdiction, no resources, and no witnesses, he is compelled to obsessively take up the case.


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

ARK: Picking a favorite character is like picking a favorite child!


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

ARK: My love of travel is my inspiration. I hope my series inspires others to travel. And, if they cannot travel, I hope they feel like they have taken the journey with Naomi.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

ARK: I wanted to share my stories.


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

ARK: Stephen King, Steigg Larson, Erik Larson, Agatha Christie


Kathy: What are you currently reading?

The Splendid and the Vile, Erik Larson


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

ARK: I’m a huge a baseball fan! And I miss it terribly. I usually attend over 20 games a year and I watched every game my team plays.


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

ARK: Milk, Oreos (Double Stuffed!), Coca cola, The makings of a PBJ — Peanut butter (Smooth only!), jelly (strawberry only!) and bread (Wheat usually!)


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

ARK: Yes. I’m currently writing book 3, Undone in Uluru, where Naomi travels with her father. Future travels will be with her Nan to Israel and with her brother (destination plans to be confirmed at a later date.)


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

ARK: It gets the stories that are bouncing around in my head out onto paper.

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R.I.P. in Reykjavík: A Traveler Cozy Mystery by A R Kennedy

About R.I.P. in Reykjavík

R.I.P. in Reykjavík: A Traveler Cozy Mystery 

Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series 

Independently Published (May 19, 2020)  

Print Length: 149 pages 

Traveling with your family can be murder. One wedding party + one estranged mother = another vacation that goes array for Naomi.

 

Naomi is off on another international vacation. She thinks traveling with her mother will be the most difficult part of her trip until she meets the rest of the tour group—a wedding party. It only gets worse when she finds the groom dead. Everyone’s a suspect on her Icelandic tour of this stunning country.

About A. R. Kennedy

 
A. R. Kennedy lives in Long Beach, New York, with her two pups. She works hard to put food on the floor for them. As her favorite T-shirt says, ‘I work so my dog can have a better life’. She’s an avid traveler. But don’t worry. While she’s away, her parents dote on their grand-puppies even more than she does. Her writing is a combination of her love of travel, animals, and the journey we all take to find ourselves.  

Author Links Website – Amazon – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – BookBub –  

Purchase Link – Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Botched Butterscotch - A Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on a new release. Botched Butterscotch by Amanda Flower is an  Amish Candy Shop short story.

Blurb:

A slice of intrigue. . .  

Mother’s Day is a sweet and busy time at the candy shop Bailey King runs with her Amish grandmother. This year is extra special, because Bailey’s parents are visiting Harvest, Ohio. Bailey’s father has rarely returned since leaving the Amish faith over thirty years ago, but Bailey is confident that the right treats can help sugarcoat any awkwardness. For Mother’s Day Tea at the local church, she’s whipping up her mom’s favorite: butterscotch fudge. All’s going well, until a sticky-fingered thief makes off with the money raised for a local women’s support group.

While Bailey tries to discover who stuck their fingers in the cookie jar, she encounters an assortment of suspects. It doesn’t help that Juliet, mother of Deputy Aiden Brody, is conspiring with Bailey’s mom to plan Aiden and Bailey’s wedding…though they’re not even engaged! Can Bailey find the culprit before events—both criminal and personal—boil over into disaster?
 
Recipe Included!

Perils and Lace - A Review

Review

PERILS AND LACE by Gayle Leeson

The Second Ghostly Fashionista Mystery

Always ready for a challenge, Amanda Tucker agrees to help design the costumes for the high school's production of Beauty and the Beast. While coming up with creative designs for ottomans and feather dusters, she can't help but hear the rumors about the director having an affair with another teacher and notice that the smart as a whip student stage manager is hiding something. When the director is poisoned, Amanda fears for the students and the well being of her friend Connie, who found the woman. While helping her ghostly friend Max get a social media presence, looking our for the young stage manager, and getting closer to her boyfriend, Amanda will keep her eyes and ears open and see if she can discover just who killed Sandra Kelly. 

I really love this series! Max is too much fun and I love how she's now on social media and able to interact with more people. As a theatre person, I'm always happy when books feature a theatrical production and I loved seeing Amanda's concepts come to life for the unusual costumes in Beauty and the Beast. I was thrilled to see Biscuits and Gravy back, running amok and making me laugh out loud!

Relationships are the foundation of the Ghostly Fashionista Mystery series, from Amanda's bond with her grandfather to her encounters with the other shopkeepers of Shops on Main, to her friendship with a ghost and the developing romance with Jason. It's these relationships that get readers invested in the characters lives and make the story even more meaningful.

PERILS AND LACE is a fun mystery that challenges your perceptions. Warmth, humor, and camaraderie infuse the pages making it a delightful read.