Firefly Beach by Meira Pentermann

Genre:
Cozy mystery, paranormal

Format:
EBook

Publisher:
CreateSpace

Release Date:
March 2012





Beth LaMonte is in an emotional turmoil. Her beloved mother passes away and then her husband leaves her. She needs time to be on her own and away from her troubles. She pursues her dream of being an artist and rents a cottage on the coast of Maine. It appears to be the perfect place for peace and quiet, but she soon learns that’s not to be.

The townspeople are definitely an eccentric group. Her landlord is the town grouch, the jeweler is a recluse and her new friend is the local gossip. Then there’s the firefly…yes, a firefly who is desperate to make a connection with Beth. The bright light seems to be leading Beth on a mission which takes her to a secret beach. She discovers a hidden diary belonging to a woman who went missing in 1975. Beth becomes so obsessed with the young girl’s story that she sets out to learn what became of the woman.

Beth begins to unravel the story and even learns a few things about herself along the way. This story takes us on a journey using flashbacks from 1975 and mixing it into the present day.

At first I wasn’t sure I would like Beth. She seemed to be wrapped up in her own issues and oblivious to anyone else’s. Then, when she begins delving into the mystery, she grew as a person and readers began to understand her more. I became fascinated with this story and I couldn’t stop reading. It’s not often that I will stay up late to read a book, but I had to know how this was all going to turn out.

This is a great beach read with some heartbreaking moments along with some happy ones. It’s a fast read and the author’s writing is so smooth, each word flows beautifully on each page. Readers will truly care about the characters and their outcome.



FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

For reading challenges:

E-Book Reading Challenge

Pies and Prejudice by Ellery Adams (Book Giveaway and Review!)

Genre:

Cozy Mystery

Format:
Paperback

Publisher:
Berkley Prime Crime Mystery

Release Date:

July 1012

After catching her husband cheating on her, Ella Mae LeFaye leaves New York and heads to her hometown of Havenwood, Georgia.  She intends to start over in a place that’s familiar to her, surrounded by her beloved aunts and her mother.  Ella Mae’s dream is to bake pies in her own pie shop. 

With financial help from her family, Ella Mae opens “The Charmed Pie Shoppe” and it’s an immediate success.  She is stunned when she realizes she has her own special talent when it comes to baking pies.  Somehow she manages to pour her own feelings into each pie, which effects each person who eats one. 

When her old childhood foe, Loralyn Gaynor, wants to buy the same shop as Ella Mae, their old rivalry heats up and Loralyn’s fiancé ends up murdered.  Ella Mae is more than a little shocked to discover that the murder weapon is her own rolling pin.  She has a tough time convincing the police she has no motive to kill someone she didn’t even know.

However, all evidence points in Ella Mae’s direction and it’s up to her to figure out who really committed this crime.  With the help of her Jack Russell terrier, Charleston Chew “Chewy”, Ella Mae sets out to find a killer.  Along the way, she finds herself facing some possible romantic entanglements from her soon-to-be ex-husband to an old childhood classmate to the son of the victim.   Mix this all together and you get a yummy cozy pie!

Ellery Adams gets off to an amazing start with this series.  I loved it right from the start.  She gives us a crazy, fun, and wacky secondary cast that will have readers smiling and giggling.  This cat lover even adored the Jack Russell terrier.  What a cutie!  This is what cozy mysteries are all about and what keeps me coming back to read them.  The best thing I can say is that I absolutely could not put this book down.  I was sad when I finished this book and I actually miss the characters.  They’ve already become my friends. I’ll definitely be looking for the second book in the “A Charmed Pie Shoppe Mystery” series.

Lately, I’ve been so lucky in the cozies I’ve been reading.  They’ve all been so good and have given me the lift I’ve needed these past few weeks.  To the cozy authors out there:  Keep ‘em coming!

FTC Disclosure: Berkley Prime Crime Mysteries provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!!!!

Now, for a book giveaway.  Would you like to win a paperback copy of this book for your own?  Thanks to Kayleigh at Berkley, I have one copy to offer.  

To enter leave a valid email address in the comment section and follow these simple rules:

1) The contest runs from midnight (est), July 14th to midnight (est) on July 21st.

2) Entrants must leave a valid email address to enter the giveaway.

3) US Residents only.

4) For an extra entry - follow this blog either through GFC or subscribe through email. Yes, longtime followers count, just tell me how you follow.

5) For an extra entry - Leave a comment telling us what your favorite pie is.

6) For an extra 2 entries blog about this contest on your blog.

7) For an extra 2 entries, check out the post for this book at my Socrates' Cozy Cafe blog and comment on it.

8) For an extra 2 entries, follow my other blog Socrates' Cozy Cafe and let me know how you follow it. Yes, longtime followers count, just tell me how you follow.

I will notify the winner once one is chosen by List Randomizer. The winner will have 48 hours to claim their book or a new winner will be chosen.

Good luck everyone!

For reading challenges:

2012 Cozy Mystery Reading Challenge

2012 A to Z Reading Challenge

Where are you reading challenge? (Georgia)

Cruisin’ Thru The Cozies Reading Challenge

Beef Stolen-Off by Liz Lipperman (Book Giveaway, Review, Author Interview!)

Genre:
Cozy Mystery

Format:
Paperback

Publisher:
Berkley Prime Crime

Release Date:
July 2012




Jordan McAllister still can’t believe she was given the food columnist position at the Ranchero Globe newspaper. She knows nothing about food. Her goal is to be a sportswriter, but she’ll take what she can get for now.

Invited by a local cattle baron, Lucas Santana, to attend the Cattleman’s Ball, in the hope that she give it a good review, Jordan attends with Santana’s sexy cowboy foreman Rusty Morales. She is more than happy to attend with the handsome hunk since her own on again/off again boyfriend is out of town and she’s not exactly sure where they stand anyway. So, why not take the opportunity for a night on the town with a good looking escort?

The ball is all glitter, glamour, champagne and good food until the night takes a tragic turn. Jordan’s date suddenly takes ill and dies in her arms. Not sure what exactly happened to Rusty, she finds herself in the middle of a high profile death which turns out to be murder. Being the last person with Rusty, Jordan becomes one of the prime suspects.

Jordan is surprised when her brother shows up on her doorstep. He’s working on an investigation of cattle rustling which just happens to center around Rusty Morales. The investigation is now a homicide and Jordan has a personal interest in this case.

When Rusty’s mother pleads with Jordan to help her, she jumps right into the investigation – much to her brother’s dismay. She’s not exactly sure what Rusty’s mother wants help with, but Jordan is sure finding out who killed her son would be top of the list.

Jordan vows to find out exactly what happened the night of the Cattleman’s Ball. However, her snooping puts her own life in danger. She finds herself entangled in a plot of greed, betrayal, and murder.

This is the second book of Liz Lipperman’s “A Clueless Cook Mystery” and I loved this one more than the first (and I adored the first one).

I felt as if I was re-visiting old friends and I always love that in series books. Readers were given a chance to get to know the characters, especially Jordan better. Throwing her brother into the mix was an excellent opportunity to see her interact with her older brother. I hope we get to see more of this relationship in the future. The camaraderie Jordan has with her friends is so sweet and touching. They'd do anything for each other and sometimes reminds me of the group from the "Friends" TV show.

The story took the readers on many twists and turns. Just when I thought I figured it all out, the story went in another direction.  The book even features several recipes that we read about in the book. 

Liz gave us just the right amount of mystery, humor and romance to create a captivating story. It was a well written, fast-paced, quick read that I was sad to see come to an end. I’m already looking forward to the next one in this series.

I do love my cozies – another 5 kitty read and a Socrates’ Great Book Alert.

Disclosure: A review copy was provided by Berkley Prime Crime in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

For reading challenges:

A to Z Reading Challenge
2012 Cozy Mystery Reading Challenge
Cruisin' Thru the Cozies Reading Challenge


And now…stick around for an interview with the author and a book giveaway!

We’re happy to welcome Liz Lipperman to Socrates’ Book Review Blog and Cozy Café.  Liz visited us when her debut cozy mystery, Liver Let Die, was released and she’s back with the second book in the series, Beef Stolen-Off.

Welcome to our blog, Liz – we have a few questions to ask  :)

1)         Since our last interview, Liver Let Die has done very well.  What kind of response have you received? 

First of all, thanks, Yvonne, for having me back. I love this blog. Now to the question—I am overwhelmed at how many people have read the book and took the time to tell me how much they loved it. It has made me a better reader now since I have promised myself to always leave a review when I love a book.

2)         How has the fan experience been?  Have you done many book signings, received fan mail, etc.?  

Mostly terrific. There are those few who didn’t like the book for one reason or another, but I still appreciated their taking the time to review it. The book signings are fun since I love meeting readers. I especially love blogs like yours because I no longer have the kind of time I used to have for my own personal reading. I count on you and others like you to point me in the right directions for books to read when I do find the time.

3)         Besides writing cozy books, you also do suspense and thrillers that aren’t cozies.  Is it difficult writing between the two different genres?  Does it take a different mindset?  Do you do anything differently?  

Here’s something you may not know. I thought I was a romance writer for a lot of years, so I loaded my stories with strong heroes and heroines falling in love. I got rejected a lot because I broke all the romance rules. The fact that there were always dead bodies and guns in my stories didn’t help. LOL. When it finally dawned on me that I was a mystery writer (and it wasn’t a light bulb moment. My agent had to break the news to me!!) I had 2 completed manuscripts. One of those, MORTAL DECEPTION, is available on Amazon now, and I call it a romantic thriller. The next book I wrote was a ghost story about 5 sisters  and one of them dies and comes back to help the girls solve her murder. It’s a bigger mystery with multiple points of view and multiple subplots. It also has language and sex in it. When my editor at Berkley read it, she fell in love with it but said she’d have to ruin it to make it a cozy. She asked if I could write a cozy series for her. I said. “Absolutely. What’s a cozy?” So, you see, it’s the cozies that I’ve had to learn to write, not the mainstream mysteries and the thrillers, and yes it does take a different mindset.

4)         Your cozy series is called “A Clueless Cook Mystery series”, so I must ask… do you cook?  Do you have any favorite foods?

I am one of 9 children, and I grew up on casseroles. Not only do I love to cook, but I am pretty good at it. (Most of the recipes in the back of my books are from my personal collection.) The catch here is that I hate fancy food and eat very little red meat (except for cheap streak and ground beef.) Sounds like my heroine, right?? I eat a lot of chicken, but I have to admit that my favorite food is Baked Steak and Gravy. My father was sick when I was young and my mother had to work three jobs to keep us off Welfare. One of those jobs was cooking at a motel that catered to truck drivers. Those truckers used to come from all over on the nights she cooked this. It’s her own made up recipe and it’s in the back of BEEF STOLEN-OFF.

5)         What made you decide to use food as the setting for your series? 

The Berkley editor was looking specifically for a “foodie” since she had a series like that and it had just been cancelled. I did a little research and found that most of the foodies out there were about gourmet food or gourmet wines (my knowledge of wines is limited at best—I ask for the pink stuff!!)  Given what I’ve already admitted about my preference for casseroles, I knew there was no chance I could pull something like that off. I almost told my agent I couldn’t do it. In the middle of the night I woke up with this great idea about a girl who can’t cook and loves all sports and is thrown into a job that requires her to know gourmet food. I wrote three chapters and got a three book deal.

6)         Do you have an idea of how many books will be in the series?

I love writing this series and will continue doing so until somebody tells me to stop. When BEEF STOLEN OFF releases, that will make two out there with MURDER FOR THE HALIBUT coming in January and CHICKEN CACCHIA-KILLER set to release in the fall of 2013.

7)         What is your best or favorite experience since becoming a published author?  

Without a doubt, it is meeting readers like you. I love your enthusiasm for my stories. And there is something to be said for seeing my books on a bookshelf in a library and at the bookstores after so many years of rejections.

8)         Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?  

Never, ever quit writing no matter who tells you to keep the day job (and trust me, they will.) Somewhere out there someone is waiting to read your story. Look at me—I had three completed stories and sold 3 that weren’t even written yet. It can happen if you believe.

9)         Any plans for any booksignings coming up? 

I am signing at several bookstores in the area and at a charity tea for literacy. I would like to offer any of your readers a really cool signed bookmark if they want to send me their snail mail address at liz@lizlipperman.com

10)       Can you give us any sneak peeks of some of your future releases?  

First off, I’m happy to announce that Midnight Ink just bought the first two books in that ghost story I mentioned earlier. As I said, that is a mainstream mystery and is not to be confused with a cozy (it’s not PG.) The first one will release in May, 2013, and is tentatively titled HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE. MURDER FOR THE HALIBUT (coming January 2013) puts Jordan and her wacky band of friends on a Caribbean cruise where she is judging a big cooking contest (think Chopped on Brava TV.) CHICKEN CACCHIA KILLER (coming in the fall of 2013) takes place at the Italian Festival where Jordan’s boyfriend’s sister gets charged with the murder of an Italian playboy.

Within the next few months, the very first book I ever wrote (a romantic thriller) will be available. It’s titled SHATTERED DREAMS and involves a young nurse who ends up in the middle of a botched kidnapping attempt and smuggled into Colombia where she eventually takes up arms with her captors.

I also have a romantic suspense (special ops) proposal sitting on the desk at a publishing house as we speak. Aren’t you glad you asked?????

Thanks so much, Liz, for coming back to see us!

It has been my pleasure.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!!!!

Now, for a book giveaway.  Would you like to win a paperback copy of this book for your own?  Thanks to Kayleigh at Berkley, I have one copy to offer.  

To enter fill in the form below and follow these simple rules:

1) The contest runs from midnight (est), July 3rd to midnight (est) on July 14th.

2) Entrants must fill out the form below to enter the giveaway.

3) US Residents only.

4) For an extra entry - follow this blog either through GFC or subscribe through email. Yes, longtime followers count, just tell me how you follow.

5) For an extra entry - Leave a comment telling us what your favorite food is.

6) For an extra 2 entries blog about this contest on your blog.

7) For an extra 2 entries, check out the post for this book at my Socrates' Cozy Cafe blog and comment on it.

8) For an extra 2 entries, follow my other blog Socrates' Cozy Cafe and let me know how you follow it. Yes, longtime followers count, just tell me how you follow.

I will notify the winner once one is chosen by Rafflecopter. The winner will have 48 hours to claim their book or a new winner will be chosen.

Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Corpse in the Crystal Ball by Kari Lee Townsend (Book Giveaway! Review, Guest Blog)

Genre:
Cozy Mystery

Publisher:
Berkley Prime Crime

Release Date:
June 2012

Format:
Paperback




Sunny Meadows moved to the quaint upstate New York town of Divinity in hopes of living a quiet life away from the hustle and bustle of her parents’ New York City lifestyle. She is finally away from their conservative ways and can live the life she wants as the town’s psychic. Unfortunately, things didn’t quite turn out the way she expected when she found herself in the middle of a murder investigation and she was the main suspect. Fortunately, she has been cleared of all murder charges and is now free to begin her new life. Of course things don’t always go as planned…

Sunny’s parents send Granny Gert to live with her temporarily while Granny’s home is being repaired. Granny loves Divinity and especially loves Sunny’s cat Morty. During the day she dresses him in a new handmade bowtie everyday, at night she puts him in nightclothes complete with a night cap. Morty is tolerant of the older woman, but Sunny knows this won’t last forever. Besides, Morty is a mystical cat and just being nice.

Sunny is all set to rekindle her relationship with the sexy detective Mitch Stone, but his beautiful ex-girlfriend, Isabel, shows up in town and she’s sure she has no chance with him now. When Isabel disappears and is later found dead, Mitch becomes the prime suspect in her murder.

Against Mitch’s wishes, the police use Sunny’s psychic abilities to solve the case, while Mitch is suspended and has to sit back and watch. Not the best situation for either of them. As more twists and turns are thrown their way, Sunny is convinced she can never have Mitch’s love but that doesn’t stop her from wanting to prove his innocence. She knows he is no killer.

As the evidence piles up against Mitch, Sunny does some of her own investigating which leads to her own life being put in jeopardy. With the help of her disappearing cat, wacky grandmother and a town firmly on her side, she can’t lose or can she?

Corpse in the Crystal Ball is the second book in Kari Lee Townsend’s “A Fortune Teller Mystery” series and it’s even better than the first, which I loved. You can read my previous review here. I absolutely love the addition of Sunny’s Granny Gert. What a hoot! I love everything about this series from the quaint town to the crazy characters to the mystery to romance. It’s so much fun watching as it all unfolds. I can’t wait for the next one!




and...







Disclosure: A review copy was provided by Berkley Prime Crime in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

For Reading Challenge:

2012 Cozy Mystery Challenge
Cruisin’ thru the Cozies Reading Challenge
Where are you reading challenge?

National Bestselling Author, RT Reader’s Choice Award & Agatha Nominee Kari Lee Townsend lives in Central New York with her very understanding husband, her three busy boys, and her oh-so-dramatic daughter, who keep her grounded and make everything she does worthwhile…not to mention provide her with loads of material for her books. Kari is a longtime lover of reading and writing, with a masters in English education, who spends her days trying to figure out whodunit. Funny how no one at home will confess any more than the characters in her mysteries!
Kari writes fun and exciting stories for any age, set in small towns, with mystical elements and quirky characters as Kari Lee Townsend. Kari also writes romantic comedies and women’s fiction with the same sense of humor and quirky characters as Kari Lee Harmon.
To find out more about Kari and all her books go to www.karileetownsend.com or click on the links below:

Kari Lee Townsend (Website & Newsletter & Facebook & Twitter)
National Bestselling Author of The Fortune Teller Mysteries
TEMPEST IN THE TEA LEAVES 4 1/2 Starred RT Review
Best Amateur Sleuth of 2011 RT Reviewers' Choice Nominee
Best First Novel Agatha Award Nominee
CORPSE IN THE CRYSTAL BALL - June 2012 (preorder now)
DIGITAL DIVA: TALK TO THE HAND (Kindle & Nook)
DIGITAL DIVA: RISE OF THE PHENOTEENS (Kindle & Nook)
DESTINY WEARS SPURS (by Kari Lee Harmon) (Kindle )
PROJECT PRODUCE (by Kari Lee Harmon) (Kindle )

Now...a great interview from the author with her hero Mitch Stone...

 

Kari Lee Townsend gets the Scoop from Mitch

Kari: Alright, Detective Stone, I have to ask. Do you still have feelings for Isabel or not?

Mitch: Isabel and I go way back, but our romantic involvement has been over with for a long time. We were kids when we were together. Why do you ask?

Kari: Well, because, I just talked to Sunny.

Mitch: I don’t like the sound of this already.

Kari: Why do you say that?

Mitch: Hey, she’s the one who said we could only be friends. That wasn’t easy for me to hear. I was kind of into her, you know what I mean? But a man’s ego can only take so much. I accepted it, but I’ll be damned if I’ll play nice in the sandbox now.

Kari: You men, you’re so stubborn. Can’t you see home base is ready and waiting for you to slide into?

Mitch: What are you talking about? I don’t even like baseball. I’m more of a football sort of guy.

Kari: Okay, then tackle her. Whatever. Just do something or you’re going to lose her?

Mitch: Who?e home base is dbox now. of into her, you know what I mean? But  for a long time. We were kids when we were together.

Kari: Well, you don’t have to shout. If you don’t know “who,” then you have bigger problems than I thought. Just because I’m the author doesn’t mean I should have to spell everything out for you.

Mitch: Isn’t that your job?

Kari: You of all people shouldn’t be telling people how to do their jobs. No wonder Sunny gets so frustrated with you.

Mitch: Oh, so now we’re back to her?

Kari: We never left “her,” you numbskull. I think it’s time I revisited my character sketches.

Mitch: You do that. In the meantime, I’ve got a case to solve.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!!!!

Now, for a book giveaway.  Would you like to win a paperback copy of this book for your own?  Thanks to Kayleigh at Berkley, I have one copy to offer.  

To enter fill in the form below and follow these simple rules:

1) The contest runs from midnight (est), June 21st to midnight (est) on June 29th.

2) Entrants must fill out the form below to enter the giveaway.

3) US Residents only.

4) For an extra entry - follow this blog either through GFC or subscribe through email. Yes, longtime followers count, just tell me how you follow.

5) For an extra entry - Leave a comment telling us if you ever had your fortune told.

6) For an extra 2 entries blog about this contest on your blog.

7) For an extra 2 entries, check out the post for this book at my Socrates' Cozy Cafe blog and comment on it.

8) For an extra 2 entries, follow my other blog Socrates' Cozy Cafe and let me know how you follow it. Yes, longtime followers count, just tell me how you follow.

I will notify the winner once one is chosen by Rafflecopter. The winner will have 48 hours to claim their book or a new winner will be chosen.

Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giving up the Ghost by Marilyn Levinson

Genre:
Cozy Mystery

Publisher:
Uncial Press

Format:
EBook

Release Date:
April 2012




English teacher Gabbie Meyerson gets a temporary job at a high school in Chrissom Harbor, Long Island. She moves into a rental cottage above the Long Island Sound, but is shocked to discover she’s not alone. Her roommate is Cameron Leeds. A citizen of Chrissom Harbor whose death was ruled an accident after he fell over a cliff, drunk. Cam doesn’t agree with the ruling and begs Gabbie to find out the truth. He can’t rest in peace until the truth about his death is revealed.

Gabbie begins questioning everyone in the small town and is stunned to learn that many people were more than happy to see the last of Cam. She’s convinced that one of them murdered him, but she has her work cut out for her as she tries to convince the local police that this was a murder and not an accident. Police Chief Darren Rollins is more than happy to cooperate with Gabbie. After all, Cam was his best friend and Gabbie is one woman who has more than caught his eye.

As the town’s local bullies scare Gabbie, and she makes friends with most of the town, she also finds that this town isn’t as quiet and quaint as she thought. The townspeople all have their secrets and gossip that they try to keep to themselves, but that isn’t all that easy. Especially when there’s a local ghost taking residence in your home.

The book kept me at the edge of my seat from page one. I loved all the characters. Each one was well crafted and well developed. The book reminded me very much of the older gothic genre, complete with an old house and a resident ghost. The character were all likeable, except for the obvious villains of course.

The murderer was a big shock to me. I love my mysteries, so to be able to shock me, is a big deal. I didn’t see it coming at all. The book is chock filled with twists, turns, and great characters. Who could want anything more than that?




and it gets...




FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

For reading challenges:

2012 Cozy Mystery Challenge

Quilt or Innocence by Elizabeth Craig (Book Giveaway, Review and Interview!)

Genre:
Cozy Mystery

Publisher:
Obsidian Mystery

Release Date:
June 2012

Format:
Paperback





Retired museum curator Beatrice Coleman moves from her busy and noisy home in Atlanta to the quiet, serene town of Dappled Hills, North Carolina. Not only will she get to spend time lying in her hammock, reading a book and sipping from a mint julep, but she’ll be living closer to her daughter, Piper. Everything seems perfect. Or does it?

Beatrice is quick to learn that Dappled Hills is anything but quiet. She’s immediately dragged into the Village Quilters guild and put to work. The problem is, she has no idea how to do quilting and no great desire to learn. It’s only adding to her stress level while she’s supposed to be relaxing.

When a prominent member of the quilting guild turns up dead, Beatrice becomes more and more suspicious about her new home town. There’s no shortage of suspects, starting with every member of the quilting guild. In an effort to keep all her new found friends happy, Beatrice does some undercover work on her own as she tries to sniff out a killer. 

This is a cozy mystery at its best. I loved getting to know all the wonderful and zany citizens of Dappled Hills.  And, yes, there's even a hint of romance in the air. It’s a one-sitting read that sucks you in from page one. It’s the first of a new series and I’m so glad to get in on the ground floor. It’s a must read for all fans of the genre. This is what cozies are all about!

No doubt it gets 5 kitties from me along with my Socrates Great Book Alert!

FTC Disclosure: The publisher, Obsidian Mystery, provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.


For reading challenge:

2012 Cozy Mystery Reading Challenge

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

I would like to welcome author Elizabeth Craig to Socrates’ Cozy Café and Socrates’ Book Review Blog.  Elizabeth is the author of a brand new cozy mystery series “A Southern Quilting Mystery”, with the first book “Quilt or Innocence” recently released.  Her other series, “The Memphis Barbeque Mysteries”, is written as Riley Adams.

Welcome to our blogs, Elizabeth.  Let the questioning begin…

1.     When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

Like a lot of writers, I knew really early.  I know I was thinking about it in second grade, but I was absolutely convinced it was the path for me in fourth.  I really don’t think I had a lot of choice! I’m sort of a one-trick pony when it comes to talents…but I do think it’s a neat trick.

2.     How did it feel when you first found out you would be published and what was your first published work?

My first published work with a large publisher was Pretty is as Pretty Dies.  I was thrilled!  I’d been sending out query letters and manuscript partials for years and I was so happy that the story was going to get into readers’ hands.

3.     How do you come up with the ideas for your books?

A couple of times, the ideas just come to me.  I get lots of little ideas all the time—usually when I’m driving around town doing errands.  The big ideas used to come to me pretty frequently, too…but now I have to work at them more.  I sit down and brainstorm. I also look over some of the feedback from my readers on previous books—I like to see what they liked and make sure I provide more of it.

4.     Do you have a favorite series or book from your books?

I always love hearing the answer to that question from other writers and it’s disappointing when they’re coy about it!  So I’ll answer. J  From the Myrtle Clover series, I think I’m partial to Pretty is as Pretty Dies.  For the Memphis Barbeque series, I enjoyed writing Finger Lickin’ Dead the most—I just laughed all through that book.  So far I’ve written two books for the Southern Quilting series and I like both of them almost equally well, but I’ll say Quilt or Innocence has a slight edge because I was getting to know the characters and that’s fun for the writer.

5.     Who is your greatest writing influence?

Mystery writer M.C. Beaton is the writer who has influenced me the most…in particular her Hamish Macbeth series.

6.     Do you write any other genres?

Currently, I’m only writing mysteries, although I’d love to branch out some day.

7.     What types of books do you read?  Do you have any favorites?

I’m a mystery reader, actually—I love many different kinds of mysteries from psychological thrillers to noir.  My favorites to read are police procedurals, since they’re a little different from what I write (and I’d rather not read cozy mysteries while I’m writing them.)  Deborah Crombie is one of my favorites and I’ve always loved Elizabeth George, too.  But I read a little of everything—from poetry to literary fiction to fantasy to romance.

8.     Your newest series is based on quilting.  Do you quilt?

I’ve tried, y’all—and I’m hopeless.  I think that’s why I must have written Beatrice as someone who is trying to learn and frustrated at her own progress!  I have huge admiration for the art of quilting and I’ve had quilters in my family…and lovely heirloom quilts.  But no, the talent or patience or both just isn’t there.  Shame on me.

9.     Is Dappled Hills, North Carolina a real place?  Is it based on any specific place?

Dappled Hills is a fictional town.  But observant North Carolina residents might notice an amazing similarity between Dappled Hills and  Blowing Rock, North Carolina (aside, of course, from the omnipresent murders!)

10.  Can we get a sneak peek on your upcoming books?

Absolutely! The next book in the Southern Quilting mysteries will be Knot as it Seams, which comes out next year.  The Dappled Hills mail carrier (and quilt show judge) comes to an untimely demise while on her mail route.  Beatrice investigates—with the help of her neighbor, Meadow, of course!  And I’m currently working on the fourth Memphis Barbeque book, which will also release next year…and it involves a murder of an unscrupulous contractor at the famous Memphis in May festival.  Unfortunately, Lulu’s friend Cherry had a huge argument with the victim right before his death…and Lulu wants to help clear her name.  Although Cherry is rather fond of her new “bad girl” persona!

Thank you so much for visiting with us, Elizabeth.

Yvonne, it was my pleasure!  Thanks so much for hosting me today.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!!!!!!

Now, it's time for you to win your very own copy of this book! Thanks to Obsidian for providing this paperback book for a giveaway.

To enter fill in the form below and follow these simple rules:

1) The contest runs from midnight (est), June 8thth to midnight (est) on June 15th.

2) Entrants must fill out the form below.

3) US Residents only.

4) For an extra entry - follow this blog either through GFC or subscribe through email.

5) For an extra entry - Leave a comment telling us if you do anything like quilting, crocheting, etc.

6) For an extra 2 entries blog about this contest on your blog.

I will notify the winner once one is chosen by Rafflecopter. The winner will have 48 hours to claim their book or a new winner will be chosen.

Good luck everyone!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Desert Intrigue by Linda Weaver Clarke

Genre:
Mystery

Publisher:
Red Mountain Shadows Publishing

Release Date:
March 2012

Format:
EBook (also available in paperback)





Julia Evans’ brother, Kelly, inherits the family property in Arizona and opens a dude ranch. He does quite well with it, but suddenly, things take a turn for the worst and mysterious things happen. The guests believe the ranch is haunted and business takes a huge nosedive. Julia, her husband and their twin daughters take a trip to Arizona to help out, but it’s not as easy as they thought it would be.

The mysterious incidents become downright dangerous, especially when Julia’s life becomes the target. All signs point to someone on Kelly’s ranch being the culprit. A possibility that tears Kelly apart since he trusts the men implicitly, but obviously one of them has betrayed that trust.

A secondary storyline involves April, Julia and John’s daughter. She’s in the midst of planning her wedding and the one person she needs by her side is her mother. However, April understands that Julia needs to be in Arizona for her brother, but that doesn’t stop her from nearly having a nervous breakdown when the wedding plans go up in smoke.

Meanwhile, fear of going broke is leading Kelly to want to get rid of the precious family land. Julia has no intentions of sitting on the sidelines and allowing this to happen. With the help of her family, she intends to catch the person behind these horrible threats.

I loved the first three books in this series, but I actually loved this one even more. I didn’t think that was possible. The characters are so well written and I absolutely adore each member of the Evans family. The love and concern they have for each other is apparent with each page. They grab at your heartstrings and won’t let go. You can’t help but cheer for them.

As for the story, talk about a fast-paced story. Desert Intrigue is that and more! It’s an easy, quick read. I’ve been having a tough time this week and this book certainly lightened my mood. It’s a book that will leave you with that “warm fuzzy” feeling.

This can be read as a standalone book, but I suggest you treat yourself and read them all. Linda Weaver Clarke has outdone herself with this book!

Would you like to win a copy of this wonderful book for yourself? Visit Linda Weaver Clarke’s blog and enter for your chance by clicking here.


Since I'm gushing all over the place about this book, I'm sure it comes as no surprise that it's getting 5 kitties and my Socrates' Great Book Alert.

FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

For Reading Challenges:

A to Z Reading Challenge
EBook Reading Challenge
Merely Mystery Reading Challenge
Where Are You Reading Challenge? (Arizona)

Blog Tour: Titanic 2012 by Bill Walker (Review and Guest Blog)

Genre:
Fiction

Format:
EBook (also available in print)

Publisher:
Cemetery Dance Publications

Release Date:
January 2012




Mystery author, Trevor Hughes has no intentions of attending his 20th class reunion at Harvard until his girlfriend, Julia, convinces him to go. They have no idea how it will change their lives forever.

An old classmate of Trevor’s, Harlan Astor, tells him about his latest idea. He’s planning to rebuild the legendary ship, Titanic, and set sail with a select group of passengers on the 100th anniversary of Titanic’s tragic end. Trevor is concerned about his friends’ idea, but he’s also intrigued by it. Harlan invites him to travel on the ship and write a book about it.

Trevor convinces his editor to allow them to write the story, but Julia is less than pleased with the entire plan. Trevor and Julia break up, leaving Trevor to prepare to set sail on the Titanic.

Feeling as if he’s part of James Cameron’s hit movie, Trevor prepares to interview his fellow travelers and find out why they are all interested in making this trip. He learns that many were fans of the movie, others had relatives who died on the original Titanic, while some are suffering from a fatal illness and looking to make this their final wish.

Trevor is intrigued with all of it and then he meets Madeline. She changes his life in ways he never expected. They instantly fall in love. Maddy teaches him what true love is all about.

Then, Trevor learns the true reason Harlan rebuilt the ship and what the future holds in store for the 2012 version of Titanic.  It's not pretty. Trevor races against the clock to stop the craziness and finds himself fighting against his best friend and the woman he loves. If Trevor fails, the new Titanic will find itself facing the same tragic ending that took down the original Titanic.

This story is a blend of actual events with fiction. The characters are both realistic and tragic. Readers’ will find their hearts torn to shreds in this poignant drama. Titanic 2012 is guaranteed to be one of those books that you just can’t put down. Readers will anxiously be awaiting the fate of these people who become more and more lifelike as the story continues.  I loved every minute of this book and absolutely hated to see it come to an end.  I want more!


5 out of 5 kitties


FTC Disclosure: The author and Partners In Crime Tours provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

And now...a guest post from the author...

When it comes to mixing fact with fiction, the methods are as varied as there are writers and stories. For me, when writing Titanic 2012, it wasn't so much making my story dovetail with actual historic facts, so much as wanting to give my modern story the flavors of the past these characters were recreating.

That involved, first and foremost, having descriptions of the ship as accurate as possible. Now, for me, I find research to be a daunting experience. I mean, where does one start? And once one has started, how does one know they have enough? For me, it comes down to the facts serving the story. To some extent one can use dramatic license, but when it comes to describing the decor of a stateroom or the intricacies of the Marconi Wireless, it's best to use the facts. By doing so, a writer will give his or her story a much richer feel.

Now, I mention the Marconi Wireless for a good reason. When the first edition of Titanic 2012 was published in 1998, the Internet was in its infancy and there just wasn't as much access to or the volume of information there now is. And trying to find information in the library can be a long and involved process. Since I couldn't find that much information about the Marconi, I ended up making some assumptions that were wrong. The thermionic valve (vacuum tube) was invented in 1906 by Lee deForest, so I quite logically thought the Marconi had at least a couple of tubes somewhere in its workings and that removing one of them would disable the system. This was necessary for a key point in the plot. The problem was, as I later found out: the Marconi has no tubes.

Years later, when I was starting to gear up to revise and update the manuscript I was able to learn that the Marconi works on something called a "sparking coil." Removal or destruction of that coil would render it useless.

So, all things considered, one should never make assumptions about a fact without doing the research to back it up. That being said, some lessons are only learned the hard way.

Next stops on the blog tour...

Sunday: (04/29) Elizabeth @ Silver's Reviews

Monday (04/30): Kathleen @ Jersey Girl Book Reviews

Bookgiveaway/Review/Guest Blog Post: Copycat Killing by Sofie Kelly (A Magical Cat Mystery #3)

Genre:
Cozy Mystery

Publisher:
Obsidian Mystery

Format:
Paperback

Release Date:
May 2012





Mayville Heights is having major rain storms causing a huge flood in the small town’s local artists’ co-op. Librarian Kathleen Paulson is desperately trying to help her friends save their art work from being destroyed by all the water. She’s more than a little stunned when she discovers the body of one of the artists floating in the basement. The questions begin starting with why was he down there in the first place.

Kathleen stumbles upon a few clues that make her think the artist’s death is more than an accidental drowning. She’s devastated when the clues lead to her best friend, but she knows Maggie is innocent of any wrongdoing. Kathleen is determined to clear her friend’s name, as well as discover what really happened to Jaeger Merrill.

Kathleen gets quite a bit of help in her search for the truth starting with her two magical cats, Owen and Hercules. Their mystical powers come in handy in cracking this case, along with the help of the handsome detective, Marcus Gordon.

I absolutely love this series! It’s the third book and I’ve loved each book a little more than the previous one. I’ve come to love and care about all these characters. Kathleen is a strong character and her two best friends, Maggie and Roma, are equally as strong. Not to mention those two cutie pie cats – one disappears whenever he wants and the other walks through walls. The best part is when Kathleen has conversations with her cats. Mine aren’t magical, but I have conversations, too, and I’m sure they understand every word I say 

This is a fast–paced book with a cozy setting, loveable characters and more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. An excellent cozy!

Yep, it gets 5 kitties from me and my Socrates’ Great Book Alert…

FTC Disclosure: The author and publisher provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

For reading challenges:
2012 Cozy Mystery Reading Challenge
Merely Mystery Reading Challenge
Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge
What an Animal Reading Challenge

And now a guest blog post from the author, followed by an opportunity to win a copy of this book for yourself!

On May 1st the third book in the Magical Cats mysteries, Copycat Killing, will be released. Librarian, Kathleen Paulson, lives in Mayville Heights, Minnesota with Owen, a tabby with a love for catnip chickens and sardines, and Hercules, a tuxedo cat who adores Barry Manilow music and hates getting his feet wet. The boys aren’t exactly typical cats. Owen has the ability to disappear at will, while Hercules can walk through walls. They use their unique skills to help Kathleen—and Detective Marcus Gordon—solve crime in Mayville Heights.

So are you more like thoughtful Hercules or charming Owen? Take the Magical Cats quiz and find out.

1. Your mother brings your dinner. You:

a. Sniff each item on your plate and then move it to your place mat because who knows how clean those dishes really are.
b. Eat it. It is suppertime after all.
c. Yell, “Nummy, nummy, nummy! I love you!” Then eat directly from the plate without using a fork.

2. You discover a pan of brownies on the kitchen table. You:

a. Eat the entire pan before someone else comes in and you have to share.
b. Eat half the pan and hide the rest.
c. Yell, “Nummy, nummy, nummy! I love you!” Then sit on the counter and eat directly from the pan.

3. You read in the TV Guide that there’s a Barry Manilow concert on PBS this weekend. You:

a. Bury the remote in the back yard and disconnect the cable where it comes in to the house just in case.
b. Stock up on snacks, look for your platform shoes and hot pants in the attic, and walk around humming Mandy for the rest of the week.
c. Yell, “Nummy, Nummy, Nummy! I love you!” And then run around and around in circles.

4. Your partner wants you to help with chores. You:

a. Vanish.
b. Hide in the closet.
c. Yell, “Nummy, nummy, nummy! I love you!” Then lick his face.

5. You’re going out for the evening. To get ready you:

a. Do nothing. You’re naturally adorable
b. Wash your face and hands.
c. Yell, “Nummy, nummy, nummy! I love you!” Then get a drink from the toilet.

6. When you meet new people you:

a. Bask in the attention. Everyone loves you.
b. Stand back and watch them suspiciously.
c. Yell, “Nummy, nummy, nummy! I love you!” Then pee on their feet in your excitement.

Answer Key:

Mostly A’s
Congratulations! You are Owen. You are charming, confident and cuddly. You think everyone adores you—and they do.

Mostly B’s.
Bravo! You are Hercules. You are thoughtful, dependable and kind. You make a great friend.

Mostly C’s.
You’re a dog. What the heck are you doing here?

BOOK GIVEAWAY!!!!!

Now, it's time for you to win your very own copy of this fun book! Thanks to the author for providing this giveaway.

To enter fill in the form below and follow these simple rules:

1) The contest runs from midnight (est), April 16th to midnight (est) on April 23rd.

1) Entrants must leave a valid email address.

2) US and Canada residents only.

3) For an extra entry - follow this blog either through GFC or subscribe through email.

4) For an extra 2 entries blog about this contest on your blog.

I will notify a winner once one is chosen by Rafflecopter. The winner will have 48 hours to claim their book or a new winner will be chosen.