Key to a Murder: An Antique Hunters Mystery
4th in Series
Cozy Cat Press (August 12, 2016)
Print Length: 176 pages
ASIN: B01KD97TK6

Synopsis

A mysterious woman appears on the doorstep of Great Aunt Sybil’s Attic in the middle of the night. Owner Anne Hillstrom lets her in, only to have the woman die in her arms. With no final words, and only an old lantern clutched to her chest, the dead woman provides Anne and her partner CC precious few clues to discover her murderer or why she spent her last moments in their antique store. The two Antique Hunters search for clues, finding themselves entangled in a centuries-old mystery leading them to a cemetery in Ireland where a ghost from the past has left them a cryptic message, and a killer has left them no choice but to discover his identity before he kills again. On their journey, the two best friends encounter antiques, romance and the key to a murder.

Guest Post

I’m often asked where my ideas stem from for the antique hunters series. I have to respond everyday life. I am surrounded by ideas, only limited for time. The most recent book, Key to a Murder, includes references to a historic Chicago event and the last book, Killer Finds, involves a mystery surrounding the famous Georges Seurat painting, Sunday on La Grand Jatte.

Each year in grade school, we would take a trip to the Art Institute of Chicago and stroll among the impressionists. There I would study Seurat’s example of pointillism and marvel at his use of color, shade and texture to convey emotion. It is truly a masterpiece and deserves its place amongst the Monets, Van Goghs and Gaugins.

My entire life has been seeped in history whether it be at the Art Institute or further away from my home. Each summer, we would take a family vacation traveling around the country. We visited Concord and Lexington, the birthplace of American freedom. We wandered around Williamsburg, joining the revolutionary militia. We traveled north to Fort Henry, learning about the French trappers.

Those history lessons intertwined with visits to authors’ homes. It was in Concord where we toured Louisa May Alcott’s home, Orchard Place. Not only was she the author of the Little Women series but also a gothic novelist. It is while in Canada that we trekked to Prince Edward Island and discovered the home of L.M. Montgomery. My father bought me the complete collection of Anne of Green Gables books. All these books had strong female characters and were set in the author’s current days.

My antique hunting series has two strong female characters. It chronicles the adventures of Anne Hillstrom and CC Muller, two best friends who enjoy shopping and stumble upon murder.  They are loosely based on my two best friends, two strong women who both define themselves in different ways. Like in the books, the real life Anne loves to shop and has never met a sale she could resist. The real-life CC is an intrepid journalist who strives to share her knowledge.

Their tales intersect with my own real life adventures. My husband and I traveled to Nashville last summer, and that journey is shared in Pickin’ Murder, the second book in the Antique Hunters series. I love to combine real life locations with fictional events.

I, nor my close friends, Anne and CC, have never encountered a murder in real life, but we do share many adventures. We have attended a Downton Abbey costume exhibit at the Driehaus Museum, a barn sale in the middle of nowhere and several estate sales, including one of a long-time Illinois elected official. Bits of these adventures work their way into my stories and often provide me with inspiration.

Where will the next inspiration come from? I am always curious to find out. I love looking for  pieces of history, the more unusual the better, when I go to area estate sales, auctions or even garage sales. I stop and look, hoping to find source material for the next adventure for my two antique hunters, Anne and CC. I hope you’ll join them.

About the Author

With a passion for shopping and antiques, Vicki Vass turned in her reporter’s notebook to chronicle the adventures of Anne and CC, two antique hunters who use their skills to solve a murder case.

Vicki has written more than 1,400 stories for the Chicago Tribune as well as other commercial publications including Home & Away, the Lutheran and Woman’s World. Her science fiction novel, The Lexicon, draws on her experience in Sudan while writing about the ongoing civil war for World Relief.

She lives in the Chicago area with her husband, writer and musician Brian Tedeschi, son Tony, Australian shepherd Bandit, kittens Terra and Pixel, seven koi and Gary the turtle.

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CHAMPION OF

THE BARRIO

The Legacy of Coach Buryl Baty

by

R. Gaines Baty

  Genre: Biography / Sports / Civil Rights

Publisher: Texas A&M University Press

Date of Publication: February 9, 2015

Number of Pages: 288

Scroll down for Giveaway!

In 1947, after serving in WWII and quarterbacking the Texas Aggies during the glory days of the old Southwest Conference, Texas football legend Buryl Baty was drafted by the Detroit Lions. But, the NFL wouldn’t be where he’d create his legacy. He instead became the head football coach at Bowie High School in El Paso, where he’d inspire a team of Mexican Americans from the Segundo Barrio with his winning ways and stand against the era’s extreme, deep-seated bigotry.

Tragically, however, just as the team was in a position to win a third championship in 1954, they were jolted by news that would turn their worlds upside down.

Later, as mature adults, these players reflected on Coach Baty’s lasting inspiration and influence, and 44 years after his death, dedicated their high school stadium in his name. The El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame followed up that honor in 2013 by inducting Baty posthumously.

In this poignant memoir, Baty’s son, R. Gaines Baty, describes his own journey to know his father, portraying the man’s life and accomplishments through the perspectives of nearly 100 individuals who knew him, including many of the young men he coached and whose lives he changed. In addition to many documented facts and news reports. NFL Hall of Famer Raymond Berry provides a heartfelt and relevant foreword.

A university professor labeled this an important and historic piece of work. It is also a moving story of leadership and triumph over hardship, over discrimination, over tragedy, over one’s self.

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PRAISE FOR CHAMPION OF THE BARRIO

“The best love story I have ever read.” –William “Bill” Reed, author and retired news reporter/assistant editor at the Dallas Times Herald and Dallas Morning News.

“Champion of the Barrio is an important contribution to our understanding of the power of sports to reach, teach, and transform and a vivid portrait of an inspirational figure who was cut down too soon.” –Alexander Wolff, award-winning sports journalist, Sports Illustrated

“You could not grow up in Paris, Texas without knowing about Buryl Baty. He took on the world, and he won. This is an inspiring account and a great read.” –Gene Stallings, former head coach at Texas A&M, of the NFL’s St. Louis Cardinals and of the national champion Alabama Crimson Tide; Member, College Football Hall of Fame

“I knew Buryl Baty well. He created a glorious era and legacy for his team and school, and it was unbelievable how he captured El Paso’s heart. This is a gripping story — that brought tears to my eyes. Buryl Baty’s name lives on.” –Ray Sanchez, former writer and editor of the El Paso Herald-Post, author of seven books, member of five Halls of Fame and consultant for the movie Glory Road

“Perhaps one of Buryl Baty’s most important legacies is the hard lessons he taught a generation of Mexican Americans, who overcame so many strikes against them. El Paso owes Gaines Baty a ton of gratitude for reconnecting us with a man whose story continues to inspire.” —El Paso Times

The following image shares some of  Buryl Baty’s history – from his personal life to coaching.

 

R. GAINES BATY, Coach Buryl Baty’s son, was a “Featured Author” and panelist at the 2015 Texas Book Festival in recognition of Champion of the Barrio, He has been published or quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Dallas Morning News, Healthcare IT News, etc. Professionally, he founded and leads a nationally-recognized executive search firm, and is a career counselor, trainer and author. Previously, he was an accomplished college athlete, receiving All-Southwest Conference and All-Era honors. In 2011, he was inducted into the Garland (TX) Sports Hall of Fame.

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Synopsis

Meet the Donnigans

With the eldest Donnigan brothers adjusting to civilian life, their younger sister constantly in trouble, and their little brother clueless about life in general, falling in love is the last thing on anyone’s mind…

Can this Bossy Badass Marine…

The Marine Corps was everything Landon Donnigan ever wanted in life…until a bullet sent him home with a medical discharge. Teaching a self-defense class at the gym is old-hat for a marine, but when he meets sexy Ava Rosenthal, his combat skills are useless for protecting his heart.

Be her Mr. Right?

Ava can take care of herself and likes quiet, bookish men—not muscular warriors who think women need to be coddled. But Landon is more than he seems, and when they come together, the results are explosive.

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Excerpt

He chuckled and invaded her space, pleased when she tensed. Then he gently tucked away that strand of flyaway hair behind her ear. And man, was it soft, smelling like flowers.

“Okay, Dr. Ava.”

“Actually, it’s Dr. Rosenthal.” She lifted her pert nose.

He stroked her cheek, pleased when she trembled, yet she never backed down. “Well, Doc, I’m a Marine, or I was before a bullet took me out of commission. So you see, I live to serve and protect. Now I work for a logistics company protecting my boss’s ass from inept employees.”

“That’s…” She blew out a breath. “That’s not very flattering to your employees.”

“Not mine. I just work there.” He paused for effect. “Nah. Kidding. The guys and gals I work with are great. The ones who aren’t I already fired.”

“You have a controlling nature, don’t you?” She narrowed her eyes. “Were you an officer or enlisted in the Army?”

No doubt she said that to needle him. Army? “Marine Corps, honey.”

She glared.

“Oh, sorry. Doctor Honey. So, was I an officer or enlisted? What do you think?”

“Officer. You’re exceedingly bossy.”

“You noticed.” He sighed. “You do care.”

She shook her head at him, but she was grinning again. “You really are obnoxious. And you’re not even trying, are you?”

“Not yet. You should see me when I’m on a roll.”

The wind blew again, and her teeth chattered.

“Okay, Doc. Enough flirting. Get in your car before you freeze your fine ass off.”

She scowled, then opened and closed her mouth, as if not sure whether to be annoyed or flattered. He had mentioned her fine ass, after all. She gave a sniff, stalked around to the driver’s side, and let herself in the vehicle.

She drove away in her sensible, compact little Prius, but he’d bet money she’d looked in her rearview at him before turning the corner.

Landon blew out a breath and wondered what the hell he was doing. He had no time for woman problems. Especially not the kind with an advanced degree and trouble written all over her. But he hadn’t been able to get the gorgeous woman out of his head since seeing her at the gym. Then running into her at his favorite bar? What were the odds? It was like fate planting her in his sights. Because that dud of a date drooling all over her couldn’t keep up.

Charles I’m Boring Myself Silly had no game. Not like Landon. Marines came, saw, and conquered. And he’d just decided he had a need to see what kinds of games Dr. Honey liked to play…between the sheets.

About the Author

Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, MARIE HARTE is a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after.

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Title: How to Impress a Marquess

Author: Susanna Ives

Series: Wicked Little Secrets, #3

ISBN: 9781402283635

Pubdate: November 1, 2016

Genre: Historical Romance

Synopsis

Take one Marquess: responsible, worldly, deadly dull but concealing an artist’s soul.

Add one rebellious, brilliantly creative but lonely young lady who craves love, home and family.

Combine with ill-assorted guests at an ill-fated house party hosted by a dowager with a poison tongue and a penchant for scandal.

You’ll be shaken, you’ll be stirred, you’ll laugh and you’ll swoon—most of all you’ll be tossed into an intriguing Victorian love story that you’ll never want to leave.

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Excerpt

“George, why are you staring at me?”

He didn’t realize he had fallen down a rabbit hole of thought. A mental leather strap slapped his wrist, and he hastened to cover his slip. “I’m thinking about what kind of husband would suit you.”

“You mean what kind of husband would suit you for me? Does England have a bachelor diplomat in Siberia or Bangkok?”

“You may laugh, but now is your chance. What kind of man do you desire? What respectable man’s society would represent the pinnacle of your existence so that I may find a genteel version of him for you? Or you can leave me to my own devices. Tell me, how do you feel about musty cigars or reading religious tracts?” He casually chuckled to hide his curiosity. If she had ever fancied a man, she had never told him about it. He wondered what she found desirable.

“You’re a bachelor and a marquess. It’s more important for you to marry than me, so you can get busy creating a little marquess, and spare marquesses and daughters to barter for powerful clanlike alliances. Tell me what kind of wife you desire.”

“No more games, Lilith. It’s your future we are deciding.”

“It’s not a game. You tell me about you, and I’ll tell you about me. A fair trade.”

“Very well.” He stopped walking. Behind him, ducks skimmed along the water’s surface.

“I prefer…” He paused. On the tip of his tongue was Colette. But he wouldn’t admit he desired a fictional character. That bit of lunacy he kept to himself. “I prefer…a gentle lady possessing pleasing manners and a clear mind,” he said. “She must be charming but never vulgar. She must never embarrass me but assert herself in quiet ways.”

This was harder than he thought. He couldn’t explain that what he wanted was a woman to hold him safe to her body, soothe the restlessness inside him, say the words he couldn’t express, tell him that she loved him only and fully. Instead, he said, “She should be tasteful and understated in her appearance.”

The edge of Lilith’s mouth hiked up in a way that said Are you jesting? “I’m shocked that you are not already married. There are many eligible ladies, as well as sofas, chairs, and ornamental rugs that fit that description.”

“I answered your question,” he said hotly. “And you mocked me.”

She flinched as if he had stung her. When would he ever learn to stop playing her games? He was so busy mentally berating himself that he almost didn’t hear her speak. She was using that unsettling quiet voice again. “I prefer a man who is kind.”

“Merely kind? Not wildly romantic? Handsome in a severe Gothic manner? Brooding? Poetic—a modern Keats? A misunderstood artist?”

“You don’t know me at all.” The wind blew a strand of hair across her mouth. Again he felt the sensation that he was staring at one of those insane Impressionists’ paintings. All the beauty and light assaulted his senses.

“Kindness,” she continued, “loyalty, and a home.”

“Only kindness, loyalty, and a home?”

She thought for a few seconds more. He could see the machinations of her mysterious mind working behind her eyes. “Yes.”

“What about love?”

“I didn’t realize it was in the offering.”

“It could be. I could introduce you to a brooding poet of excellent breeding, competent accounting skills, and deep funds, and you could fall madly in love with him. And then you would have me to thank.”

She walked on. “I think your definition of love and mine are very different.”

“What is your definition?”

“You wouldn’t understand, and you would mock me if I tried to explain.”

He clasped her elbow, halting her progress. “I promise to be deadly serious.”

She clutched her book tighter. On the river, a male duck raised high in the water and beat his wings to challenge another duck. George studied her as she watched the ensuing water fight and heated pursuit across the river.

“I’ll just take kindness and loyalty in a husband,” she said, still looking out at the river. “He must pro- vide me a home, a true home, and he can’t leave me.”

“You should have told me this earlier. There are many more-than-suitable gentlemen who meet the bare requisites.”

“Are there?” she whispered, no hint of the usual derision in her voice. When she turned her head, her large eyes earnest, the tears were starting to collect in the corners. He felt her pain in his own heart again. He longed to hold her, comfort her. Good God, this woman lit up his emotions. One minute he was furious at her and the next filled with sadness.

About the Author

Susanna Ives started writing when she left her job as a multimedia training developer to stay home with her family. Now she keeps busy driving her children to various classes, writing books, and maintaining websites. She often follows her husband on business trips around Europe and blogs about the misadventures of touring with children. She lives in Atlanta.

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Print copy of Wicked Little Secrets (Book 1) by Susanna Ives

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Lost Diaries of Elizabeth Cady Stanton by Sarah Bates

Publisher: Booklocker.com, Inc. (February 15, 2016)
Category: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance
Tour Dates: Oct/Nov, 2016
ISBN: 978-1634910262
ASIN: B01D6YS52G
Available in: Print & ebook,  420 Pages

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From award winning author, Sarah Bates, Johnstown, New York, 1823: It is a time when a wife’s dowry, even children, automatically becomes her husband’s property. Slavery is an economic advantage entrenched in America but rumblings of abolition abound.

For Elizabeth Cady to confront this culture is unheard of, yet that is exactly what she does. Before she can become a leader of the women’s rights movement and prominent abolitionist, she faces challenges fraught with disappointment. Her father admires her intellect but says a woman cannot aspire to the goals of men. Her sister’s husband becomes her champion–but secretly wants more. Religious fervor threatens to consume her.

As she faces depression and despair, she records these struggles and other dark confidences in diaries. When she learns the journals might fall into the wrong hands and discredit her, she panics and rips out pages of entries that might destroy her hard-fought reputation. Relieved, she believes they are lost to history forever.

But are they? Travel with Elizabeth into American history and discover a young woman truly ahead of her time.

Praise for Lost Diaries of Elizabeth Cady Stanton by Sarah Bates

“Secrets of a suffragette.  After six years of research and writing, author Sarah Bates has published a new novel detailing the early life of suffragette Elizabeth Cady Stanton.  Bates crafted a historical novel weaving fictitious scenes around real events resulting in a story that reveals Elizabeth Cady the girl, who would become the famous suffragette. Throughout the novel, diary pages containing her innermost thoughts depict the fight for equality Cady faced in the 1800s.”-Village News

“a likely glimpse into what influenced her strong leanings for women’s rights, and for abolishing slavery. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and learning about the woman who was instrumental in forwarding the cause for women. She was a remarkable character, much before her time. This book is an encouragement to dig deeper into the history of our country and the amazing people who led the way.”- Jackie Wolfred, Goodreads Reviewer

“Reads like a novel, embraces well-researched facts like a work of non-fiction, and takes you through the early life of a woman’s suffrage pioneer. The book is an accurate and well-researched history done by a master of the descriptive word, thought and sentence.”- Dan Feltham, Amazon Reviewer

“A must read for anyone, especially those who love historical fiction. I picked up the book out of curiosity, and the author’s research and attention to historical details did not disappoint. The reader is pulled into the life of this determined young woman, and lives her triumphs and frustrations in a time where woman fought to have a voice. Very well written, and engaging until the end!”- Buyer KLR, Amazon Reviewer

“Despite the great books written about Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Author Sarah Bates has managed to soar beyond the crowd with her refreshing and poignant portrayal of the famous suffragette. Bravo!”-Amazon Reviewer

Excerpt

The Cady family is attending a pre-inaugural ball for President-elect Martin Van Buren when a commotion at the door catches Elizabeth’s attention.

“Who are those people?” Elizabeth’s mother asked.

“The tall man, with the silk top hat in his hand is James Fennimore Cooper,” she said. “I have seen a drawing of him in the newspaper. The other two are Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Their portraits appear regularly in the newspapers too.” She felt a thrill of excitement that three of America’s popular authors were in the same room as she.

“How do you know this, Lib?”

“I read the newspapers daily. Emerson’s essay Nature expressing his philosophy of Transcendentalism has just been published. There are always drawings of these men because they are so famous. That is likely why they are here.”

The men headed for a corner. They appeared enmeshed in a heated conversation. Elizabeth left her parents to push through the crowd hoping to hear what the men were talking about.

“But my dear Hawthorne, the only idealistic explanation of Transcendentalism is its application to religion and nature. And to life,” Emerson said. He paused to emphasize his remark with a gesture.

“I agree it is a new manner of thinking, like mesmerism and phrenology or homeopathy,” Cooper said. “It is new thinking that attacks established scientific beliefs. Like Graham’s doctrine and others who think vegetarianism is the road to good health. Their followers also believe they also gain greater spirituality–.” He seemed about to raise his voice.

Elizabeth stepped forward and placed her hand on the speaker’s arm, stopping the man mid-sentence.

“Excuse me, Mr. Cooper, what you’re saying is of great interest to me. I have studied phrenology and agree with you.”

The author turned to her with a quizzical expression.

“Have we met, Miss?”

“I am Elizabeth Cady, Mr. Astor’s niece.”

“You are a follower of new thinking?”

“I am. My brother-in-law Edward Bayard assisted in my early education. He presented all types of books to study, including Mr. Gall’s. And others to read for pleasure, of course. Such as yours,” she said, directing her last remarks to Nathanial Hawthorne who joined his colleagues to listen.

“And have your read my writing as well, Miss?” asked Emerson.

“Yes I have, Sir. My father, Judge Daniel Cady, purchased a copy of Nature at its first printing. He too has always encouraged my sisters and me to read everything we can. I particularly like: The eye reads omens where it goes, 
And speaks all languages the rose,” she recited.

“Is your interest in nature, Miss Cady, or affairs of the heart?” Mr. Emerson asked. “I find young ladies often quote those lines as memorable and meaningful in a romantic context.”

Elizabeth thought of Edward and she blushed.

“They are meaningful to me in a variety of ways,” she responded, reaching for composure. “Your superb writing inspires many emotions and thoughtful contemplation. I imagine both women and men reach their own conclusions.”

“Bravo, Miss Cady,” Hawthorne said. “I believe she has you there, my friend,” he added, turning to clap Emerson on his back.

“Gentlemen, I say we go meet Van Buren. Give him our regards,” Cooper said. “I am hungry and my throat is parched,” he added. “Best get the pleasantries out of the way before we share a brandy and dance with the ladies.”

He threw his arms about the shoulders of his colleagues to pull them away, but Hawthorne turned back.

“Are all your dances spoken for, Miss Cady?” he asked.

Elizabeth scanned the pages of her program.

“Do you favor a Quadrille or a Galop?” she answered with a smile, catching her bottom lip in her teeth as she waited.

“Surely a Galop suits a young lady with such an energetic mind. Add my name to that one. I shall be back to fetch you,” Hawthorne said. And with that he disappeared into the crowd.

When Hawthorne returned to claim his dance, Elizabeth’s cheeks were red from dancing the Polka with a gentleman from New York in the employ of her uncle. He had talked about the details of his job endlessly over the sound of the music, barely catching his breath and making the dance more athletic than enjoyable.

Now she gazed into Hawthorne’s wicked brown eyes as he took her hand in his warm grasp. How like Edward he appears.

“Miss Cady, I asked ‘are you well’?”

She touched her cheek. “Why of course,” she replied, shaking off the memory. “I am indeed fine and pleased to be your partner.”

Out of breath once again, Elizabeth clung to Mr. Hawthorne’s arm as he led her off the floor to a nearby chair. She pulled her fan from a pocket of her gown and waved it to cool her cheeks.

“Oh dear, I am fairly dripping.”

“No Miss Cady, you are glowing with health,” Hawthorne said then bowed. “Thank you for the dance. I regret I return to Boston in the morning. If I were not betrothed, I should like to call on you. Instead I will send you a copy of the magazine I edit. Watch the post for the American Magazine of Useful and Entertaining Knowledge. I hope you will find its contents amusing and provocative.”

When he bowed again to make his way across the room, Elizabeth could still smell the cologne he wore and watched his retreating back with mixed feelings. So few young men like Mr. Hawthorne and his fellow writers existed in her life. She missed Edward so.

 

About Sarah Bates

Sarah Bates worked as an advertising copywriter for ten years then as a freelance writer.  Her clients included a book packager, the local chamber of commerce, a travel newsletter and a weekly newspaper where she covered business and schools.

Her short fiction has appeared in the Greenwich Village Literary Review, the San Diego North County Times (now the Union-Tribune) and the literary magazine Bravura. She is the author of Twenty-One Steps of Courage, an Army action novel published in 2012 and co-author of the 2005 short story collection, Out of Our Minds, Wild Stories by Wild Women.

She is the winner of Military Category, for Twenty-One Steps of Courage, Next Generation Indie Book Awards (2013) and 2nd Place Finalist, The Lost Diaries of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Unpublished Novel- Category, San Diego Book Awards (2015)

Bates was an English Department writing tutor at Palomar College in California for ten years. She continues to privately tutor both academic and creative writing students and is writing a new novel. Sarah Bates lives in Fallbrook, California.

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Synopsis

A murder enveloped in pain and mystery…

When Canada’s retired Minister of National Defense, Leland Warner, is murdered in his home, the case is handed to Corporal Danny Killian, an aboriginal man tortured by his wife’s unsolved murder.

The suspect, 60-year-old Sally Warner, still grieves for the loss of her two sons, dead in a suicide/murder eighteen months earlier. Confused and damaged, she sees in Corporal Killian a friend sympathetic to her grief and suffering and wants more than anything to trust him.

Danny finds himself with a difficult choice—indict his prime suspect, the dead minister’s horribly abused wife or find a way to protect her and risk demotion. Or worse, transfer away from the scene of his wife’s murder and the guilt that haunts him…

Amazon.ca * Amazon.com * Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C

Excerpt

Chapter 17

Tuesday, one-thirty in the afternoon, I watch as Warner’s foyer fills with mourners. Outside, Carrigan sits in a white unmarked van with darkened windows photographing everyone entering and existing. I down two finger sandwiches without tasting them and hear Angie, inside my head.

Sorry, babe.

Four days have passed since the murder. I study the room, feeling the mounting pressure down the chain-of-command. The sandwiches do little to replace the anxiety centring inside my chest. My shrink said indigestion is my body’s way of telling me to ease up. That made me laugh. Easing up isn’t part of my job description.

“Finding your wife’s killer isn’t going to make your problems go away,” the shrink said.

“Ah,” I snapped back. “You have a lot of patients who are victims of crime, do you?”

“Yes, actually, I do.”

From hidden speakers throughout the house, the Celtic Woman singers sing You Raise Me Up. The music softens my mood and helps me refocus. I search for anyone or anything out of the ordinary. An inappropriate stare, a suspicious stance, perspiration or an unlikely flushing in the cheeks. I make eye contact with those who don’t avoid my gaze and wait for nervous tics. There are over four hundred faces to study in the house, over seventy in the foyer alone. I’ll study their photographs repeatedly before the investigation is over.

Liking no one in this specific area, I stuff my hands into my jacket pockets, look up at the high ceilings and crown moulding. It occurs to me that if the roof caves in, a lot of important people will die. Including me. Behind me, a man chuckles. Life goes on. You bet your ass it does. Annoyed by the thought, I continue to observe the surrounding elegance. How did maintaining this house impact Warner’s life? The fancy horseshoeshaped staircase takes up half the receiving hall and would make the staircase in Gone with the Wind look like a fire escape. The fifteen-foot high fireplace in the great room seems too clean to have been used. Heating the place probably costs a small fortune. Maintaining the whole house and all that involves was probably a bitch for the old man, despite his lucrative law practice.

The front living room resembles a high-end florist shop. A strong aroma of pinecones mingles with scents of gladiolas and gardenias. Almost immediately, the music stops. A second later, out of the speakers comes Celtic Woman’s rendition of Let It Snow.

Mourners warming themselves in front of the fireplace remind me of the Norman Rockwell puzzles stocked on the shelf at the grocery store. There was a time when I fell for that stuff.

The conversation centres on somebody’s kid being recruited to Prince George’s Junior A hockey team.

About the Author

When Joylene’s father died in 1983, she wrote her first full–length manuscript to channel her grief. The seven-year process left her hooked and she began Dead Witness within a few weeks of finishing Always Father’s Child. Today Joylene is the author of three suspense novels: Dead Witness, Broken But Not Dead, and the steam-punk collaboration Break Time. While she’ll admit being published didn’t fix all the wrongs in her life, she wishes her parents had lived to see her success. Dead Witness was a finalist in the 2012 Global eBook Awards. Broken But Not Dead won the 2012 IPPY Silver Medal, and its sequel Mâtowak Woman Who Cries is due for release November 1, 2016.

Joylene lives with her husband and their two cats Marbles and Shasta on beautiful Cluculz Lake in central British Columbia. They spend their winters in Bucerias, Nayarit, Mexico.

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Giveaway

This giveaway is for three (3) print copies that are available to those living in the U.S. only and one (1) eBook copy available international.

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If Words Could Kill: A First Ladies Mystery
Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Darkhouse Books (September 24, 2016)
Print Length: 220 pages
ASIN: B01LZXHEOJ

Synopsis

IF WORDS COULD KILL is a mystery. Liv owns the First Lady White House Dollhouse store in Minneapolis, and has a doctorate in American history, specializing in the First Ladies. Liv is the last person to see a Mary Lincoln impersonator who is found dead right outside of her store. The impersonator presented clues as to where the fiery speech gave by former President Lincoln, the Lost Speech, may be located. As Liv investigates, she is trailed by someone who makes a habit of murdering people once a new clue is deciphered. The whereabouts of the only copy of Abraham Lincoln’s Lost Speech, a fiery speech on abolitionism delivered in 1856, propels Liv into beating the killer to the pricey speech. Who will locate it first?

About the Author

Barbara Schlichting was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota where her First Ladies Mystery Series is set. Dolley Madison: The Blood Spangled Banner. Barbara graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1970. Later, she and her husband moved their family to Bemidji. She attended Bemidji State University where she earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in elementary education and special education.

Barbara also likes to write in other genres. Whispers From The Wind is her first poetry book which has poems for all ages.

Barbara has been known to travel too much, and read while not paying attention to her husband. However she has had an English penpal for over fifty years.

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The Christmas Project (releasing November 3rd on DVD)
Staring: JACOB BUSTER (The Christmas Dragon, Storm Rider, Christmas for a Dollar)
Run Time: 1h 32m

Synopsis

Christmastime is full of traditions, especially in the Buckley family. With their home perfectly trimmed for the Christmas season it is now time to choose a family the four Buckley brothers along with mom and dad will secretly “Elve”. This year Mom has decided on the Hagbarts, and according to the Buckley boys they are the meanest bullies at their school. Eleven-year-old Matthew can hardly stand it. By day the Hagbarts torture the Buckley brothers into submission, and by night the Buckleys drop of thoughtful Christmas gifts and treats to their sworn enemies. What will happen when Matthew is faced with a choice of ultimate revenge or doing good to others? The Christmas Project is a heartwarming comedy the whole family will enjoy.

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Review

This movie has a message you would expect to hear in a Christmas movie – love and tolerance – told from the eyes of Matthew, a 6th grader in 1986.  You may or may not remember those days, but if you do you will appreciate the lack of cell phones, video games, computers and such.  In fact, the big excitement for the Buckley Brothers is waiting on the Christmas Catalog so they can decide what they want to put on their Christmas wish lists.

The movie was good – it made me laugh, cry a little and reminded me what Christmas really means.  I liked the Buckley family and how close they were with each other (and yes the brothers did fight some).  The  mom was a crack up because she was pregnant and desperately wants a little girl after having 4 boys first.  In fact, she wears all pink in hopes that would influence the gender of the baby.

But what would a movie be without a little conflict – in this case it is Finn, the school bully.  But even he isn’t all that he appears to be, perhaps there is just a scared kid putting on a front for everyone else around him?  And of course there is young love between Matthew and the new girl across the street.

The movie moves along at a steady pace, not too fast and not too slow and many great lessons are imparted by dad and even the school bus driver.  Definitely worth the watch and we give it 4 paws up.

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THE FISHER KING

A JACK McBRIDE MYSTERY

by

Melissa Lenhardt

Genre: Mystery / Suspense / Thriller

Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing

Date of Publication: November 1, 2016

Number of Pages: 380

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When the dust settles in this Texas town, who will be left standing?

It’s been six weeks since Jack McBride’s life went to hell: the resolution of his first case as chief sparked a countywide drug war, his brother Eddie rode into town with a pocket full of cocaine and trouble on his mind, his estranged wife returned from her one-year sabbatical determined to win him back, and Ellie Martin ended their brief affair.

To the Stillwater natives, the increase in local crime can be traced directly back to the day the outsider McBride took the job, and they’re gunning to get rid of him. One particular group is led by Joe Doyle, a successful local businessman who’s running for city council against Ellie and her plan to revitalize downtown. Now Jack has discovered proof Doyle is the biggest crime lord in the county, and, with murders piling up and the drug war intensifying, Jack suspects the crimes aren’t business, but personal—and he’s the target.

The bitter election and Jack’s investigation spark old rivalries and new jealousies, making Ellie and those who love Stillwater most wonder if it’s even worth saving.

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PRAISE FOR THE FISHER KING

A fast-moving whodunit with compelling subplots and an appealing protagonist who’s likely to keep winning fans.” — Booklist

“The Fisher King is a haunting novel about different people’s claims on a place, and the power struggles, violence, and deception they use to seize it. Dark and ominous, the novel strikes the perfect mood and will be sure to appeal to fans eager for more of McBride’s adventures.” — Foreward Magazine

“[T]his combination of police procedural and romance puts the pedal to the metal and revs up the action.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Melissa Lenhardt’s Jack McBride is a complex and fallible protagonist you will root for. In The Fisher King, McBride takes on small town greed and corruption to his own peril in this sexy, gritty, and gripping thriller. A terrific new series!” —Deborah Crombie, New York Times bestselling author of the Duncan Kincaid and Gemma Jones series

“Lenhardt draws you so deep into Stillwater, Texas, you’ll think you live there and know everyone in town. In-depth characters, finely drawn descriptions, and a sure-fire plot make The Fisher King a very satisfying addition to the Texas crime fiction scene.” —Terry Shames, Macavity Award Winning author of The Necessary Murder of Nonie Blake

“Melissa Lenhardt’s second Jack McBride novel, The Fisher King, is a terrific soap opera of an East Texas noir. A riveting tale of disgrace, betrayal, and redemption. . . . Lenhardt writes a hard story with a soft hand. Evocatively descriptive and painfully believable, The Fisher King is Peyton Place meets The Godfather in small-town Texas. Top notch.” —James W. Ziskin, author of the Ellie Stone series”

 

EXCERPT – CHAPTER ONE

The Fisher King

Fred Muldoon needed new shoes.

Leaves and twigs worked their way through the hole in the sole of his right shoe as he walked the woods behind Doyle Industries. He stopped at the chain link fence and stared at the gravel lot, dreading the journey across its uneven surface to his home for the night. He hadn’t drunk enough to ignore the pain those damn rocks would put him through, lodging as they would beneath his big toe. Goddamn gout.

He patted his coat pocket for his bottle of Old Crow. He could sit here, against the fence, drink his whiskey. The night wasn’t too cold, and this was as good a spot as any. He sat down against the sagging fence, unscrewed the cap, and lifted it to his lips. A low roll of thunder interrupted him. He took a quick gulp and replaced the bottle. He hated being wet. It used to be an occupational hazard for the town drunk until Fred stole a pair of wire cutters and used them to cut a hole in a remote corner of Doyle Industries’ fence. Between sleeping in the cabs of Doyle’s trucks and earning whiskey money from telling Jack McBride innocent lies and useless information about the seedier side of Stillwater, Fred Muldoon hadn’t had it this good since 1969.

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Melissa Lenhardt writes mystery, historical fiction, and women’s fiction. Her short fiction has appeared in Heater Mystery Magazine, The Western Online, andChristmas Nookies, a holiday romance anthology. Her debut novel, Stillwater, was a finalist for the 2014 Whidbey Writers’ MFA Alumni Emerging Writers Contest. She is a member of the DFW Writers’ Workshop and vice president of the Sisters in Crime North Dallas Chapter. Melissa lives in Texas, with her husband and two sons.

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THREE WINNERS: 

1 -SIGNED PRINT COPY, 1 -DIGITAL COPY, 1 -$15 AMAZON GIFT CARD

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November 1 – 10, 2016

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check out the other great blogs on this tour

11/1	Promo	Texas Book Lover
11/2	Review	Blogging for the Love of Authors and Their Books
11/3	Guest Post	Kara The Redhead
11/4	Excerpt	StoreyBook Reviews
11/5	Review	Hall Ways Blog
11/6	Guest Post	The Page Unbound
11/7	Scrapbook	Forgotten Winds
11/8	Review	Country Girl Bookaholic
11/9	Promo	The Crazy Booksellers
11/10	Review	Reading By Moonlight

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Title: Left at the Altar

Series: A Match Made in Texas, #1

Author: Margaret Brownley

Pub Date: November 1, 2016

ISBN: 9781492608134

Synopsis

Welcome to Two-Time Texas:

Where tempers burn hot

Love runs deep

And a single marriage can unite a feuding town

…or tear it apart for good

In the wild and untamed West, time is set by the local jeweler…but Two-Time Texas has two: two feuding jewelers and two wildly conflicting time zones. Meg Lockwood’s marriage was supposed to unite the families and finally bring peace. But when she’s left at the altar by her no-good fiancé, Meg’s dreams of dragging her quarrelsome neighbors into a ceasefire are dashed.

No wedding bells? No one-time town.

Hired to defend the groom against a breach of promise lawsuit, Grant Garrison quickly realizes that the only thing worse than small-town trouble is falling for the jilted bride. But there’s something about Meg’s sweet smile and determined grit that draws him in…even as the whole crazy town seems set on keeping them apart.

Who knew being Left at the Altar could be such sweet, clean, madcap fun?

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Excerpt

Tommy grimaced. “Meg, I’m sorry, but I can’t do this. I can’t marry you.”

Meg stared at him, dumbfounded. This can’t be happening. “What are you saying?”

“I’m sayin’ I can’t be the husband you want. I can’t spend the rest of my life workin’ on watches in my father’s shop. All those hairsprings and gears and stems and— ”

“This is how you give me the news?” She gave him an angry shove. “Tommy Farrell, I’ve known you nearly all my life, and you’ve caused me plenty of grief along the way, but this takes the cake!”

“I’m sorry.” He slapped his hand to his forehead. “I’m goin’ about this all wrong. It’s not that I don’t want to marry you. I just can’t.”

“And you waited for our wedding day to tell me this?”

“I feel bad, I do.”

“You feel bad? How do you suppose our guests feel after being kept waiting all this time? And what about the town? Our fathers promised to end their feud— ”

“I know, I know.” He grimaced. “Right now, I’m only thinkin’ of you.”

“By humiliating me in front of the entire world?” She stared at him as if seeing him for the first time. For years, she’d made excuses for his lackadaisical ways and had even defended him to his own father. She’d forgiven him for forgetting her birthday— not once but twice! But this…this was by far the worst thing he’d ever done.

“I’d make you miserable,” he continued, his Texas twang even more pronounced than usual. “I’m not ready to settle down. I want to see the world. To travel to Europe and Asia and…and the Pacific Islands. I read somewhere that they’re real nice.”

“You’ve said some mighty dumb things in your life, but this has got to be the dumbest.”

“I knew you wouldn’t understand.”

“No, I don’t understand,” she cried. “I don’t understand how you could wait till today to throw me over for a bunch of islands!” She backed away from him, fists at her side. “I should have listened to Pa.”

“Meg, don’t look at me like that. It really is for the best. Maybe in a year, or two or three, I’ll be ready to marry and settle down. Maybe then we can— ”

“Don’t you dare say it, Tommy Farrell. Don’t you even think it! I’d sooner die a spinster than marry the likes of you.”

“You don’t mean that…”

“I mean every word. I don’t ever want to see you again. Not ever!”

About the Author

MARGARET BROWNLEY penned her first novel at age eleven and has been writing ever since. She’s now a New York Times and CBA bestselling author and has written thirty-five novels and one nonfiction book. Margaret and her husband have three grown children and make their home in Southern California.

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