Dead as a Doornail Mother's Day Interview & Review

I'm pleased as punch to have Viv Lowry visit Cozy Up With Kathy today. You can find Viv on the pages of the Kenni Lowry Mystery series by Tonya Kappes. DEAD AS A DOORNAIL is the fifth book in the series and will be released Tuesday!

Kathy: Viv, I'd like to thank you so much for spending part of your Mother's Day here with us. To commemorate this holiday, do you have any special Mother's Day memories from when Kenni was little?

Viv: Oh yes. I would take her to a little boutique in Lexington and get her the cutest little ruffled dress, ruffled socks and the cutest Mary Jane patent leather shoes. Now...that's not to say she wasn't a pill when trying them on or maybe I took a nerve pill when she was trying them on, but we always looked so cute at church. At least, I thought she looked cute.


Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being a mama?

Viv: Kenni wasn't always the easiest girly girl. She liked watching all those Western movies with my dad, her Poppa. It just plum wore me out! But I knew that baking and cooking for her was a way to keep her in the kitchen. I loved talking to her and spending time with her.


Kathy: What's the thing you like most about your daughter being the Sheriff of Cottonwood?

Viv: I like that she's in charge and knows everything before the Henny Hens. I get the gossip before it gets to them, if you know what I mean.


Kathy: What's your least favorite thing about having your daughter be the sheriff?

Viv: I hate how she carries that darn gun. I tell her all the time that she could just carry some lysol and spray it at people, but she insists on that darn weapon.


Kathy: Do you think Kenni takes more after you or your husband?

Viv: Neither. She's my daddy made over. Down to the occupation.


Kathy: I freely admit to a hankering for your pot pie...but I do have a fear. I love pot pies, but I hate pees and so many pot pies have pees in them! Are there any pees in your pot pie?

Viv: A little secret, you can put any vegetables in your pot pie. You can skip the pees all together. But you do know that if you eat your pees with honey, it makes your pees taste funny, it sticks them to your knife and I've eaten them that way all my life.


Kathy: You were a prime murder suspect when I last wrote about your daughter. Has that changed your outlook on life?

Viv: Nothing! I can't worry about no little murder. I've got bigger things to do. Another little secrets. . . .I've got Kenni being a the maid of honor in the Mayor's and Polly Parker's wedding. Its' probably the closest time I'll ever see her walk down the aisle.


Kathy: What's one piece of advice you could give all the mamas out there?

Viv: No matter what dreams you have for your children, you'll be amazed at the wonderful adults they turn into.

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

Review

DEAD AS A DOORNAIL by Tonya Kappes

The Fifth Kenni Lowry Mystery

Lucy Ellen Lowell may have been an adult, but her behavior was more that of a spoiled brat. If she didn't get what she wanted when she wanted it, she was apt to not only cause a scene, but write a negative, mean spirited review in the newspaper.  When Kenni gets a call from Lucy Ellen's husband saying his wife is dead Kenni rushes to the scene to find Lucy Ellen not only dead, but murdered. It may look like a heart attack, but Poppa's presence indicates murder. Who Killed Lucy Ellen? Could it be Tina? Possibly Jolee? Or some other recipient of Lucy Ellen's hate filled rants? Kenni must solve the murder with help of her Poppa's ghost while enjoying her developing romantic relationship with her deputy. However, the Sheriff's biggest problem is filling in as maid of honor for Cottonwood's preeminent wedding in a dress right out of Gone With the Wind...the Carol Burnett Edition!

It's great being back in Cottonwood, engaging with these wonderful characters. I want to play euchre and eat those delicious goodies the ladies bring. I also want give Duke a big hug and a treat! I love seeing Kenni's relationship with Finn blossom. Finn is a perfect partner in more ways than one! Not only is he the perfect law enforcement backup, he's a fantastic boyfriend as well. I like that Kenni is now using the techniques she uses with her Poppa with Finn as they solve the case together. But she's keeping one major secret from him...will telling him destroy what they're building together?

There are always lots of laughs in a Kenni Lowry mystery and DEAD AS A DOORNAIL is chock full. Between "happy fat", bridesmaid duties, and quirky southern characters, readers will be giggling as Kenni solves her latest murder.

DEAD AS A DOORNAIL will put a smile on your face with its finely tuned mystery infused with Southern charm.

A Magick Run Amok Interview, Review, and Giveaway

I'm thrilled to welcome Merlin, yes, THAT Merlin, to Cozy Up With Kathy today. You can find Merlin on the pages of the Abracadabra Mystery series by Sharon Pape. MAGICK RUN AMOK is the third book in the series and was released May 1st.

Kathy: I'm so honored to meet you Merlin. Tell me, what was it like one moment being in Camelot, the next in New Camel, New York?

Merlin: First may I say that I am equally honored to meet you, Kathy. As you might imagine, the trip was quite jarring and disorienting, especially since I am no longer a young man. Meeting Kailyn Wilde and her aunt Matilda of the fiery red hair made the unplanned journey less upsetting than it might have been. Of course Kailyn was to some degree responsible for it, but we could go around and around that bush for a long time without getting anywhere. Although I often miss my life in Camelot and all my friends there, I’m glad to have had the opportunity to experience the many wonders of this twentieth century. Between you and me, one of the inventions I enjoy the most is being able to take care of my bodily functions indoors in comfort.


Kathy: What is the biggest challenge living in the modern world?

Merlin: My inability to do many things because I don’t have the necessary papers. According to my hosts, obtaining such papers legally is quite impossible when one has come here from another time. I am also restricted from speaking my mind, because the Wildes are endlessly worried I’ll be locked up in a ward for the mentally insane. Can you imagine?!


Kathy: What do you miss most about your own time?

Merlin: My standing. I was revered for my magickal powers. I had unfettered access to the court and to King Arthur himself, who held me in high esteem and often asked my counsel.


Kathy: If you could have one thing from your old life with you now, what would it be?

Merlin: Freedom. Freedom to do what I please whenever I please.


Kathy: What's you favorite food?

Merlin: Oh that’s a difficult question. I could say pizza, but then I think about ice cream and I’m unable to decide between them. There’s also pie and cakes and cookies of every sort. Is it lunchtime yet? I’m suddenly famished. I must go find Matilda or Kailyn and see what’s for lunch.


Kathy: What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone exploring their own magickal power.

Merlin: We are all endowed with powers, some magickal in nature and some more mundane, but no less important. If you act in accordance with your best nature, you will come to understand your particular power and find satisfaction in using it.

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

Review

MAGICK RUN AMOK by Sharon Pape

The Third Abracadabra Mystery

Merlin, yes, that Merlin, is a magician on a mission. He's determined to changed the name of New Camel back to it's original name, a mission that could do more harm than good! It also seems that Aunt Tilly has developed a new power and it's one she really doesn't want. Tilly can predict death. Sadly, her prediction is realized when Travis finds his missing journalist brother dead. And Travis doesn't think it was an accident. He's asked for Kailyn's help and the two of them are out to discover what story he was working on and if that's what got him killed!

What fun to be back in New Camel, NY! I live not too far from this fictional town and so wish I could meander the aisles of Abracadabra and pick out some products for myself! Truth be told, I'd also be popping across the street to get some of Lolly's fudge! I love the banter between Tilly and Merlin as well as Kailyn's recently dead, but not so departed, mother and grandmother. With all of the nuttiness, I appreciate how down to earth Kailyn is. It's satisfying how Kailyn uses legwork, research, and a little bit of magick to track down a killer.

While there are plenty of laughs to be found here, MAGICK RUN AMOK also touches on some more serious subjects, primarily loss and love, including the lengths you go to for a loved one. The book deals with losing loved ones, yet celebrating the family you have left, whether that family is biological or the one you create for yourself.

MAGICK RUN AMOK is delightful fun with quirky characters and a complicated mystery. 

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Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Dead as a Doornail by Tonya Kappes. This book is the fifth book in the Kenni Lowry Mystery series and will be released May 15th.

Lucy Ellen Lowell may have been an adult, but her behavior was more that of a spoiled brat. If she didn't get what she wanted when she wanted it, she was apt to not only cause a scene, but write a negative, mean spirited review in the newspaper.  When Kenni gets a call from Lucy Ellen's husband saying his wife is dead Kenni rushes to the scene to find Lucy Ellen not only dead, but murdered. It may look like a heart attack, but Poppa's presence indicates murder. Who Killed Lucy Ellen? Could it be Tina? Possibly Jolee? Or some other recipient of Lucy Ellen's hate filled rants? Kenni must solve the murder with help of her Poppa's ghost while enjoying her developing romantic relationship with her deputy. However, the Sheriff's biggest problem is filling in as maid of honor for Cottonwood's preeminent wedding in a dress right out of Gone With the Wind...the Carol Burnett Edition!

White Heat - Book Blast & Giveaway

White Heat

by Paul D. Marks

May 8, 2018 Book Blast

Synopsis:

P.I. Duke Rogers finds himself in a combustible situation in this racially charged thriller. His case might have to wait…
The immediate problem: getting out of South Central Los Angeles in one piece during the 1992 “Rodney King” riots and that’s just the beginning of his problems.
Duke finds an old “friend” for a client. The client’s “friend,” an up and coming African-American actress, ends up dead. Duke knows his client did it. Feeling guilty that he inadvertently helped the killer find the victim, he wants to track down the client/killer. He starts his mission by going to the dead actress’ family in South Central L.A.—and while there the “Rodney King” riots ignite.
While Duke searches for the killer he must also deal with the racism of his partner, Jack, and from Warren, the murder victim’s brother, who is a mirror image of Jack in that department. He must also confront his own possible latent racism—even as he’s in an interracial relationship with the dead woman’s sister.

Book Details:

Genre: Mystery, Crime, Thriller
Published by: Down & Out Books
Publication Date: May 21st 2018
Number of Pages: 340
ISBN: 9781370062423
Series: Duke Rogers #1

Check out White Heat by Paul D Marks on: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Books, & Goodreads

 

Read an excerpt:

We came to Florence and Normandie. Half a block away the cops were regrouping. Or retreating. Or hiding out. It was hard to tell. There was a swarm of them, but they weren’t doing much of anything. People were looting, throwing rocks, bottles and the like right under their noses. As we left the intersection, I glanced back. A large semi was pulling into the intersection. We continued away from the intersection. Later I learned that this was where Reginald Denny, the driver of the semi, was pulled from the truck. Beaten within an inch of his life. We were gone before it happened. But I still have pangs of guilt for having been so close and having done so little. Now I know how lucky we were.
In a sense it was a quid pro quo situation. Tiny’s black face was my passport among his people. My white face was his insurance that the cops might just leave him alone—if they knew he was with me. That might have been why he wanted to help me out. Protection. But it wasn’t an uneasy truce. I felt comfortable with him. Like we’d known each other all our lives. Maybe we had. The last thirty minutes had been a lifetime.
We crouched behind a low wall at a service station, surveying the situation. He watched two sides. I watched the other two, covering each other’s backs. We were both armed; neither of us wanted to use our guns.
Noise barked from every direction. Sirens. Shouts. Choppers hovering. Shots. Too many shots. It all blended into a cacophony of confusion. The din was ear-shattering and lifeless, inert, all at the same time.
“Why’re you helping me?” I asked Tiny as we scoped the street out. He never answered my question, though I asked several more times.
There was an explosion in the distance, then the shock wave. A new column of black smoke appeared every few minutes. Slow-motion funnel clouds.
“Man, don’t they know they’re tearing down their own goddamn neighborhoods,” he said, scanning the horizon. “Where’re they gonna get food and clothes when all this burns to the ground?
***
Excerpt from White Heat by Paul D. Marks. Copyright © 2018 by Paul D. Marks. Reproduced with permission from Paul D. Marks. All rights reserved.

 

Author Bio:

Paul D. Marks is the author of the Shamus Award-Winning mystery-thriller White Heat. Publishers Weekly calls White Heat a “taut crime yarn.” His story Ghosts of Bunker Hill was voted #1 in the 2016 Ellery Queen Readers Poll. Howling at the Moon (EQMM 11/14) was short-listed for both the 2015 Anthony and Macavity Awards. Midwest Review calls his novella Vortex “…a nonstop staccato action noir.” Marks’ story Windward, from the Coast to Coast: Private Eyes from Sea to Shining Sea anthology, has been selected for the 2018 Best American Mystery Stories (fall 2018), edited by Louise Penny & Otto Penzler.

Catch Up With Paul D. Marks On: pauldmarks.com, Goodreads, Twitter - @pauldmarks, & Facebook - paul.d.marks!

 

Tour Participants:

 

Giveaway:

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Paul D. Marks. There will be 1 winner of one (1) Amazon.com Gift Card. The giveaway begins on May 8 and runs through May 14, 2018. Void where prohibited.

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Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours

 

One Feta in the Grave - Cover Reveal

ONE FETA IN THE GRAVE

The 3rd Book in the Kebab Kitchen Mystery Series

As summer comes to an end in her Jersey Shore town, Lucy Berberian continues to manage her family’s Mediterranean restaurant. The Kebab Kitchen also has a food tent at this year’s beach festival. But now a local businessman is under the boardwalk—dead by the sea . . .

With a sand castle contest and live music, Ocean Crest bids a bittersweet farewell to tourist season. Summer will return next year . . . but Archie Kincaid won’t. The full-of-himself store owner has been fatally shot, soon after a screaming match with Lucy’s best friend. Katie’s far from the only suspect, though, since Archie had some bitter rivals—as well as some relationships no one knew about. It’s up to Lucy to look into some seedy characters and solve the case before the wrong person gets skewered . . .

Recipes included!

     

Ready . . .

                                   

Set . . .

                             

Reveal . . .

                       

Coming in March 2019 from Kensington Books!

Sign Up For Tina Kashian's Newsletter HERE to be alerted when One Feta in the Grave is available to pre-order!

 

Book 1 - Hummus and Homicide is Available Now

Book 2 - Stabbed in the Baklava will be released August 28, 2018

Pre-Order Here

About the Author

Tina Kashian is an attorney and a former mechanical engineer whose love of reading for pleasure helped her get through years of academia. Tina spent her childhood summers at the Jersey shore building sandcastles, boogie boarding, and riding the boardwalk Ferris wheel. She also grew up in the restaurant business, as her Armenian parents owned a restaurant for thirty years. Tina still lives in New Jersey with her supportive husband and two young daughters. Please visit her website at www.tinakashian.com to join her newsletter, receive delicious recipes, enter contests, and more!

You can also connect with Tina at Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Goodreads

Memories of Malice Domestic - Guest Post

I'm happy to turn over the blog to Ellen Byron today. Ellen writes the Cajun Country Mystery series.

 

MEMORIES OF MALICE DOMESTIC

By Ellen Byron

In 2012, after years of writing for theatre and television, I wrote my first mystery novel. I happened to run into a mom who was also a mystery writer and she mentioned she was going to something called Thriller Fest, a convention for fans of that mystery genre. I knew my book was more of a traditional read and thought to myself, hmm, I wonder if there’s a convention for that type of mystery. I did a Google search and discovered that indeed there was – Malice Domestic.

I just returned from my fifth trip to this fantastic convention.

Malice brings together more than 500 authors and readers over the course of a long weekend. I attended for the first time in 2013 when I won a William F. Deeck-Malice Domestic Grant for emerging authors. I didn’t know one single person at the convention, but I managed to coerce saintly Louise Penny, one of my favorite authors, into a photo opp.

 

It’s the only photo I have from my first two visits to Malice. I was too nervous to take any others. I walked around pretending to be on my cell phone so I wouldn’t look like the lost soul I was.

By my third Malice, I’d made friends in the mystery community through my local chapters of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America. I’d also joined the SinC listserv and a subgroup of the organization called the Guppies, which stands for the Great Unpublished. It’s such an amazing group that established authors like Hank Phillipi Ryan stay with it long after they’ve been published. That year, 2016, I was lucky enough to be an Agatha nominee for my first Cajun Country Mystery, Plantation Shudders, and boy, did I embrace the Louisiana theme, as you tell from these photos of me in Mardi Gras purple, green, and gold — dig the homemade necklace featuring an alligator! — and of the banquet table I hosted.

By my fourth Malice, when Body on the Bayou was nominated for a Best Contemporary Novel Agatha, I was all in. More purple! More friends! And then there’s Chicks on the Case, the MAB – which I learned stands for multi-author blog – I helped launch. Fellow mystery mavens Lisa Q. Mathews, Marla Cooper, Kellye Garrett, Vickie Fee, and Cynthia Kuhn are some of the finest women I’ve ever met, and I’m honored to post with them.

 

 

This year Malice celebrated its thirtieth anniversary and I celebrated my fifth as an attendee. Talk about coming full circle. See this photo of me and Louise Penny?

 

It was taken after we were on the panel for Best Contemporary Novel Agatha nominees, along with icon Margaret Maron and wonderful authors Annette Dashofy and Allison Brook (aka/ Marilyn Levinson).

That’s right, my li’l book, A Cajun Christmas Killing, was mentioned in the same breath as Louise’s brilliant Glass Houses. Louise won the Agatha. Did I care? Not one bit. Have I mentioned I was on a panel with her AND Margaret Maron? #DreamComeTrue.

I’ve earned my living as a writer for more years than I care to share, but I can’t find the words to express how grateful I am to Malice for launching me into the extraordinarily kind and generous mystery community. As I write this, I tear up thinking of the time I just spent there with authors and readers. They’ve become my tribe. My peeps.

If you love traditional and cozy mysteries, you must put a visit to Malice on your bucket list. I’ll be there next year – celebrating my sixth anniversary as an enthusiastic attendee.

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

Ellen Byron, author of the Cajun Country Mystery series, is perhaps best known as a former cater-waiter for the legendary Martha Stewart, a credit she never tires of sharing. A Cajun Christmas Killing and Body on the Bayou both won the Lefty Award for Best Humorous Mystery and were nominated for Agatha awards in the category of Best Contemporary Novel. Plantation Shudders, was nominated for Agatha, Lefty, and Daphne awards. Mardi Gras Murder is available for presale. Ellen’s TV credits include Wings, Just Shoot Me, and Fairly OddParents. She’s written over 200 national magazine articles, and her published plays include the award-winning Graceland. A native New Yorker, Ellen now lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband, daughter, and two spoiled rescue dogs.

 

http://www.ellenbyron.com/

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https://twitter.com/ellenbyronla

https://www.instagram.com/cajuncountrymysteries/