Three Widows and a Corpse (A Food Blogger Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Kensington (October 29, 2019)
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages

Synopsis

Food blogger Hope Early finds one item not on her scavenger hunt list—a dead husband . . .

Between developing her food blog, Hope at Home, and choosing low-cal recipes for a feature in Cooking Now! magazine, Hope has a full plate. Still, she’s never too busy to compete in a Jefferson, Connecticut, tradition—the town’s annual scavenger hunt.

But as she races with her team to check off the next item, Hope discovers a grisly surprise—the body of shady real estate developer Lionel Whitcomb, shot in a parking lot. His wife Elaine, who’s also in the hunt, gasps and nearly faints. But two other women on the scene cry out that their husband is dead.

It turns out this louse of a spouse was more than a little lax in legally divorcing his former wives. Did one of them put a bullet in the bigamist? Number one suspect and number three wife Elaine begs Hope to investigate. Now Hope is on a new kind of hunt—for a cold-hearted killer and triple widow-maker . . .

Includes Recipes from Hope’s Kitchen!

 

 

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Review

It is time for a trip back to Jefferson to see what Food Blogger, Hope Early, has new in her life.  Hope finds herself knee-deep in another mystery when she stumbles across another dead body while on a scavenger hunt.  The bigger surprise comes when two other women appear in town and claim to still be married to the deceased.  Who is the true widow?  Will Hope survive the search for the killer?  You’ll have to read the book to find out those answers and much more.

I’ve enjoyed this series because I love food and I am always intrigued at a look behind the scenes of what food bloggers do to create their recipes and posts.  I love to cook but have never really created my own recipe.  I have adapted some recipes but that is about all.  Several of the recipes in this book have chocolate in them so my mouth was watering just reading about the muffins, cookies, and cakes.  Recipes are provided and a few have caught my eye.

The mystery is intriguing and the author does a splendid job of hiding the killer in plain sight.  I’m not sure I suspected this character so I was surprised when the story came to a head and the killer was revealed.  There are several potential suspects and while I would have liked it to have been one character, no such luck.

Hope has multiple sides to her – she inserts herself into the case trying to solve the murder (despite her boyfriend the sheriff asking her to stay out of the investigation), she doesn’t know how to say no, and is a little insecure when it comes to her relationship with Ethan.  But all of these pieces come together to form a likable protagonist.

Overall I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series.  We give it 4 paws up.

 

About the Author

Debra Sennefelder, the author of the Food Blogger Mystery series and the Resale Boutique Mystery series, is an avid reader who reads across a range of genres, but mystery fiction is her obsession. Her interest in people and relationships is channeled into her novels against a backdrop of crime and mystery. When she’s not reading, she enjoys cooking and baking and as a former food blogger, she is constantly taking photographs of her food. Yeah, she’s that person.

Born and raised in New York City, she now lives and writes in Connecticut with her family. She’s worked in pre-hospital care, retail and publishing. Her writing companions are her adorable and slightly spoiled Shih-Tzus, Susie and Billy.

She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, Women’s Fiction Writers Association and Romance Writers of America.

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A Legacy of Murder: A Kate Hamilton Mystery
Traditional Mystery
2nd in Series
Crooked Lane Books (October 8, 2019)
Hardcover ~336 Pages

Synopsis

American antique dealer Kate Hamilton’s Christmastime jaunt to a charming English village leads to an investigation of a missing ruby…and a chain of murders.

It’s Christmastime and antiques dealer Kate Hamilton is off to visit her daughter, Christine, in the quaint English village of Long Barston. Christine and her boyfriend, Tristan, work at stately-but-crumbling Finchley Hall. Touring the Elizabethan house and grounds, Kate is intrigued by the docent’s tales of the Finchley Hoard, and the strange deaths surrounding the renowned treasure trove. But next to a small lake, Kate spies the body of a young woman, killed by a garden spade.

Nearly blind Lady Barbara, who lives at Finchley with her loyal butler, Mugg, persuades Kate to take over the murdered woman’s work. Kate finds that a Burmese ruby has vanished from the legendary Blood-Red Ring, replaced by a lesser garnet. Were the theft and the woman’s death connected?

Kate learns that Lady Barbara’s son fled to Venezuela years before, suspected of murdering another young woman. The murder weapon belonged to an old gardener, who becomes the leading suspect. But is Lady Barbara’s son back to kill again? When another body is found, the clues point toward Christine. It’s up to Kate to clear her daughter’s name in Connie Berry’s second Kate Hamilton mystery, a treasure for fans of traditional British mysteries.

 

 

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Guest Post

 

CAN I DO IT AGAIN?

by Connie Berry

 

My agent once said that the hardest book you’ll ever write is your second. That’s probably true for many authors, but with all due respect—she’s an amazing, knowledgeable professional—no book could ever have been harder than my first. A Dream of Death took ten years and several massive revisions before it was ready for prime time. The learning curve was so steep, I often doubted I’d ever make it to the top. And this from a person with an M.A. in English Literature who’d been told from second grade on that writing was her gift. I’d read a thousand and one fine mysteries before sitting down at my computer and asking myself, “How hard could it be?” I found out.

I began writing my second book, A Legacy of Murder (a sequel) before I had an agent or a publisher. Writing was a pleasure. First of all, I didn’t have to make all those beginner mistakes again. Yay! Besides, I was writing about characters I had already learned to know and care about—plus some entertaining new characters as well. I loved my plot. And with no deadlines to pressure me, I had all the time in the world to polish, polish, polish (my favorite thing in all the world).

Then I sold two books to Crooked Lane. All of a sudden I was responsible to someone besides myself. I had deadlines. Then the other shoe fell. When A Dream of Death began getting terrific reviews, I couldn’t help asking myself, “Can I do it again?” Can I, in the next six months, produce another story people will like? After all, it took ten years for the first.

Helen Simonson didn’t help. She’s the author of the run-away best-seller Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, a sweet story of love conquering all. Then her eager fans (me included) had to wait six long years for her second novel, The Summer Before the War. Another excellent book, although she lost a star on that one. Her website gives no hint, but I hope she’s working on a third.

The bottom line was, I didn’t have six years. I had less than six months, so I got to work. And with only a month’s delay (graciously granted), I pushed send and my manuscript flew through cyberspace toward its destiny. I felt like I had when as a young mother, I watched my first son board the yellow school bus and wave goodbye as it chugged around the corner and out of sight.

Since then (as I write this, I’m working on book three in the series), I  have come to understand that just about every author asks the question, “Can I do it again?” They ask it every time they begin a new book. Here’s where fear creeps in: What if the plot never comes together? What if I need more time to finish? What if readers don’t connect with my characters? What if the pace is too slow—or too fast? What if…what if?

I love what the eighteenth-century English lexicographer, Dr. Samuel Johnson, once said: “Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be met.” That encourages me to push forward.

I’m glad to say that reviews for A Legacy of Murder have been wonderful so far. People are reading and enjoying the story. They are connecting with the characters and the wonderful Suffolk countryside setting. Now, with book three, I wonder: can I do it again?

Have you struggled with the fear of failure? What might you accomplish if instead of asking, “Can I do it again?” you asked, “What am I risking if I never try?”

 

About the Author

Like her protagonist, Connie Berry was raised in the antiques trade. After teaching theology for twenty-five years, she took up writing mysteries featuring high-end antiques and the legacy of the past. Connie loves history, cute animals, travel with a hint of adventure, and all things British. She lives in Ohio with her husband and adorable dog, Millie.

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Christmas Cupcakes and a Caper (Death by Cupcake)
Cozy Mystery Novella
4th in Series
Independently Published (November 1, 2019)
Number of Pages: 80

Synopsis

It’s all candy cane cupcakes and peppermint coffee until you find a dead elf on your doorstep.

Only the elf wasn’t a real elf, because elves don’t actually exist – not even at Christmas time. A college student dressed like an elf decided taking a nap in sub-zero winter temps was a good idea. It wasn’t. Anna, the pink-haired baker extraordinaire of Callie’s Cakes, is convinced the student’s death was not an accident. She drags Callie and Kristie along with her as she attempts to discover who killed the elf … um… student.

Will the gals of Callie’s Cakes find the killer before Christmas is ruined?

Cupcakes not included, although you’ll find recipes for all the delicious Christmas cupcakes Anna baked.

 

 

Review

I don’t think I have read anything by this author that I didn’t enjoy! This book is humorous and kept me engaged from the first page to the last.  I liked that it was a shorter read, it was just the right length to read before I went to sleep.

This series centers around three women that are good friends, they have hunky men that adore them and there is a cupcake shop involved with mouth-watering sweet treats.  All is going well until an elf shows up dead on the shop’s doorsteps.  It is then off to the races to find out who killed the elf and why.  The answer was a bit surprising to me and I truly didn’t suspect the killer.  Along with finding the killer, Callie is trying to figure out what is going on with her boyfriend Ben.  The answer is sweet but that is all I will say, you will have to read the book yourself to find out the answer.

Anna cracks me up – she is petite but a force of nature.  Let’s just say you shouldn’t mess with her.

This is the fourth book in the series and I didn’t read the first three but I don’t think that would keep anyone from enjoying this book, you just miss out on the character development.  I will have to go back and read the first three at some point to see what I missed.

Overall it was a great book and we give it 5 paws up.

 

 

 

About the Author

I grew up reading everything I could get my grubby hands on, from my mom’s Harlequin romances to Nancy Drew, to Little Women. When I wasn’t flipping pages in a library book, I was penning horrendous poems, writing songs no one should ever sing, or drafting stories which have thankfully been destroyed. College and a stint in the U.S. Army came along, robbing me of free time to write and read, although on the odd occasion I did manage to sneak a book into my rucksack between rolled up socks, MRIs, t-shirts, and cold weather gear. After surviving the army experience, I went back to school and got my law degree. I jumped ship and joined the hubby in the Netherlands before the graduation ceremony could even begin. A few years into my legal career, I was exhausted, fed up, and just plain done. I quit my job and sat down to write a manuscript, which I promptly hid in the attic before returning to the law. But practicing law really wasn’t my thing, so I quit (again!) and went off to Germany to start a B&B. Turns out running a B&B wasn’t my thing either. I polished off that manuscript languishing in the attic before following the husband to Istanbul where I decided to give the whole writer-thing a go. But ten years was too many to stay away from my adopted home. I packed up again and moved to The Hague where, in between tennis matches and failing to save the world, I’m currently working on my next book. I hope I’ll always be working on my next book.

 

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Murder at First Pitch: Ball Park Mysteries
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Pandamoon Publishing (September 4, 2019)
Paperback: 188 pages

Synopsis

32-year-old Madeline Boucher’s Grandfather instilled a love in the Boston Red Sox into her from an early age and increased that love by purchasing a local Independent League Baseball team, the Abington Armadillos.

After losing her corporate job in Boston, Madeline realizes her best option is to join the family baseball business. As the new “Social Media Director” for the team, Madeline attends her first business function and witnesses an argument between her brother Ben, and a strange man.

A few days later when walking the ballpark during her early morning hours, she finds the body of a man beaten to death with a baseball bat in the Visitor’s Dugout. It was the man her brother was arguing with at the party. Madeline is concerned that her brother would be considered a suspect. Through the local Detectives and Davis – the head of security for the ballpark she learns the victim is Christopher Dailey, a local baseball scout and prior felon.

When her brother is arrested and taken to the police station, she realizes she needs to figure out who the real culprit is, so her brother doesn’t take the fall for something she knows he didn’t do.

 

 

 

Guest Post

Happy baseball playoff season everyone!

Now that my family team, the Abington Armadillos are done for the season, I was hoping the Red Sox would be in the playoffs for some more baseball action.  Alas, they didn’t quite get there this year.  So, on to other fall sports!  (Plus, as long as the Yankees don’t win, I’ll consider that a victory).

Hi, I’m Madeline Boucher and my family owns the Abington Armadillos on the South Shore of Massachusetts.  I didn’t think I was going to like it working with my family day in and day out, but honestly?  It hasn’t been that bad.  At least the work hasn’t been bad.  I get to watch baseball all summer?  And have fun planning events and activities?  Sign me up.

The murder on the other hand?  Not great.

Of course, it would happen right before Opening Season. And OF COURSE, I would be the one to find the body. It was not the best way to start the season that’s for sure.  And then my brother being arrested for the murder?  Also not great.  I had to try and clear his name and make sure the murder didn’t stain my family name. I’m glad that’s over with.  The family and I can go back to living our life normally now.  Baseball, family dinners, and hopefully an Independent League Championship.  It’s only out of 5 other teams, but it’s still impressive!

 

About the Author

Nicole Asselin grew up a Navy Brat, and spent her formative high school years in the middle of Pennsylvania but always identified with her New England roots. Nicole’s family is originally from Connecticut, and her Grandpa Asselin introduced her into the Red Sox nation where she has been a member for her whole life and her Grandma Asselin introduced her to the world of mystery novels.

Nicole graduated from Curry College in Milton Mass with a degree in English/Creative Writing, minoring in Dance in 2004.  She also attended George Mason University and received a Master’s in Arts Management…  Now working just outside of Boston as a Technical Writer, she lives on the South Shore of Massachusetts with her three cats Julia, Jacques, and Madeline (no relation to the main character of her book).

Nicole is a current member of Sisters in Crime (National and New England) and the Mystery Writers of America.  She sits on the Board of Directors for the NE branches of both groups as Social Media Liaison.

 

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Publication Date: 10/1/19 Paperback
ISBN: 9781629726014
Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Cozy / Culinary Book Design: © Shadow Mountain
Art Direction: Richard Erickson Design: Kimberly Kay

Synopsis

This Christmas, Sadie Hoffmiller Cunningham is making a list and checking it twice. For the first time since she and
Pete married five years ago, their combined families are gathering for the holidays in Fort Collins, Colorado, for a party that would make Santa and Mrs. Claus proud.

She just has to bake the famous Cunningham Candy Cane Cake, make sure the looming snowstorm doesn’t derail everyone’s travel plans, and oh, yes, solve one teensy-tiny mystery before the big day.

At ninety-four and nearly blind, Mary, Sadie’s friend and neighbor, knows this will be her last Christmas. When Sadie learns that someone has stolen antique Christmas ornaments from Mary’s tree, she vows to find the thief, no matter what. The ornaments had been appraised at more than
$40,000, but they were worth even more to Mary, who had intended to bequeath them to her great-granddaughter, Joy, as a final gift.

With Pete in Arizona wrapping up a case of his own, it’s up to Sadie to question the residents of Nicholas House, where Mary lives, and deduce who had the means and the motive to steal heirloom ornaments during what should be the most wonderful time of the year.

When stories of other thefts surface, Sadie feels like she’s creating a “naughty” list that could rival Santa’s. Identifying the thief, recovering the ornaments, and restoring them to Mary’s tree in time will take a Christmas miracle—and maybe a few extra-special cookies.

 

 

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Praise

“A warmhearted mystery.” -Kirkus

“Sadie Hoffmiller dishes up a fresh serving of Christmas cheer. An inspirational cozy whose feel-good vibe will be perfect for fans of Julie Hyzy’s and Nancy J. Parra. Readers with a sweet tooth will be sure to enjoy Sadie’s family recipes, sprinkled throughout the book.” -Booklist

“Kilpack represents a nice range of ages in this story, and the relationships feel both real and aspirational. The clues and solution are complex enough to keep readers guessing. Recipes are included, making this a fun choice for cookbook discussion groups as well as general readers. Twelve previous “Culinary Mystery” titles precede this entry, which can be read on its own.” -Library Journal

 

Review

Sadie is back!  I thought this series was over a few years ago but was thrilled to see at least one more book in this series to give us a peek into what Sadie has been up to since she married Pete.  They are enjoying life and she has hung up her investigating shoes until someone steals some of Mary’s priceless ornaments from the tree in her room at the local nursing home.  With Pete out of town for work, she pulls out her sleuthing skills to determine who might have stolen the ornaments and why.

I have to say I did not expect the thief to be this character.  I truly had my eyes peeled another way or two and never suspected this person.  But beyond the mystery, this book was also about forgiveness and not letting those that you love stray too far from your life before it is too late.

There are many recipes in the book that made my mouth water and I’m going to have to try some of them out very soon.

We give this book 5 paws up.  If you have never read of the books in this series, you might want to start at the beginning or at least part of the way through the series to learn about the characters.

 

 

About the Author

Josi S. Kilpack is an accomplished and prolific author of nearly two dozen novels including the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series. She has won multiple Whitney Awards for Mystery/Suspense, Romance, and Novel of the Year as well as the Utah Best of State Fiction Winner. She lives with her family in Utah.

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Handmade Ho-Ho Homicide (An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
8th in Series
Independently Published
Print Length: 212 pages

Synopsis

Two and a half weeks ago magazine crafts editor Anastasia Pollack arrived home to find Ira Pollack, her half-brother-in-law, had blinged out her home with enough Christmas lights to rival Rockefeller Center. Now he’s crammed her small yard with enormous cavorting inflatable characters. She and photojournalist boyfriend (and possible spy) Zack Barnes pack up the unwanted lawn decorations to return to Ira. They arrive to find his yard the scene of an over-the-top Christmas extravaganza. His neighbors are not happy with the animatronics, laser light show, and blaring music creating traffic jams on their normally quiet street. One of them expresses his displeasure with his fists before running off.

In the excitement, the deflated lawn ornaments are never returned to Ira. The next morning Anastasia once again heads to his house before work to drop them off. When she arrives, she discovers Ira’s attacker dead in Santa’s sleigh. Ira becomes the prime suspect in the man’s murder and begs Anastasia to help clear his name. But Anastasia has promised her sons she’ll keep her nose out of police business. What’s a reluctant amateur sleuth to do?

Christmas craft projects included.

 

 

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Guest Post

 

Keeping a Series Fresh

 

Handmade Ho-Ho Homicide, is the eighth book in my Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery Series. I have always gotten ideas for my plots from actual events I’ve read about or seen on the news, and this time is no different. The plot is inspired by a murder that occurred in New Jersey last year. But as with most of my other “ripped from the headlines” stories, to say more would reveal a huge plot spoiler.

However, my series is about more than just having my amateur sleuth solve a murder in each book. Family drama and interactions play a huge role in my books, and the various supporting characters all have story arcs that move along from book to book.

Since I introduced Anastasia’s half-brother-in-law in Revenge of the Crafty Corpse, the third book in the series, readers have gotten to know Ira Pollack and his three extremely spoiled children, all of whom continue to try poor Anastasia’s patience. But for all her Jersey Girl attitude, Anastasia is a genuinely nice person. She may think nasty thoughts, but she never acts on them. The fact that she continues to allow her hateful communist mother-in-law to live with her speaks volumes to her character.

However, when Ira moves from across the state to across town and inserts himself and his kids deeper into her life, Anastasia’s patience begins to reach its limit—a fact that comes to a head in Handmade Ho-Ho Homicide.

 

About The Author

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Lois Winston writes mystery, romance, romantic suspense, chick lit, women’s fiction, children’s chapter books, and nonfiction under her own name and her Emma Carlyle pen name. Kirkus Reviews dubbed her critically acclaimed Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery series, “North Jersey’s more mature answer to Stephanie Plum.” In addition, Lois is an award-winning craft and needlework designer who often draws much of her source material for both her characters and plots from her experiences in the crafts industry.

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Serf and Turf: A Silicon Valley Mystery
BGM Press (October 9, 2019)
Paperback: 213 pages

Synopsis

He’s afraid of losing his girlfriend. But maybe he should be more concerned about the dead body she’s crying over?

Marty Golden can barely string a voicemail message together, let alone keep up with his new love. This quirky uncle’s hectic Silicon Valley lifestyle needs a reboot when a youth league soccer game becomes a murder scene. And nothing can stop him from donning his amateur sleuth uniform when he discovers his sweetheart used to have quite a thing for the dead guy …

With a not-so-helpful paw from Buddy the Labrador,  he does his best to sniff out a long list of possible suspects. But between gossipy soccer moms and the costume-clad members of a Renaissance Faire, Marty’s theories fall harder than a jousted knight.

Can Marty solve the case before the trail and his new flame grow cold?

Serf and Turf is the third book in the zany, Silicon Valley cozy mystery series. If you like laugh-out-loud comedy, dorky sleuths, and a festival of old-world fun, then you’ll love Marc Jedel’s humorous murder mystery.

 

 

Review

With all of the possibilities available for the who the killer might be, the answer came out of left field!

Marty is still a quirky engineer that helps design a driverless car for a company called Rover.  I crack up every time he has the car “stay” especially when he is in an area that getting another car would be nearly impossible.  He has two adorable nieces that are spitfires, a compassionate neighbor that helps him out especially when he doesn’t even know he needs help, a girlfriend that has many interests that confound Marty at times, and a sister that loves to drive a “loud” car when it comes to the paint color.  And we can’t forget Buddy, his sister and niece’s dog, that Marty somehow gets roped into taking care of more than he expects.

I have to laugh at how Marty thinks he is a special investigator for the police, but it is his sleuthing that usually helps solve the case and this book is no different. Detective Mace has given Marty a code name so when they type Marty’s name into the computer it pops up and the police tend to treat Marty a little differently.  I had to laugh when he learns what his codename is in the system.  Normally he has his coworker Raj helping him, but Raj is out of the country and he has a new coworker assisting, Fernando.  There are some tense situations that arise but everyone keeps their cool and escapes unscathed, at least somewhat.

I enjoy the witty banter between characters and trying to solve the mystery.  The concept of the driverless car is always fascinating and what new features they are adding to the vehicle.

At the end of the second book, we were left hanging to the color of the new car for Laney and we finally learn the color about 2/3 of the way through the book.  WOW is about all I’m going to say.

Overall we enjoyed the book and give it 4 paws up.

 

 

About the Author

For most of my life, I’ve been inventing stories. Some, especially when I was young, involved my sister as the villain. As my sister’s brother for her entire life, I’m highly qualified to tell the tale of this evolving, quirky sibling relationship.

My writing skills were honed in years of marketing leadership positions in Silicon Valley. While my high tech marketing roles involved crafting plenty of fiction, we called these marketing collateral, emails, and ads.

The publication of my first novel, Uncle and Ants, gave me permission to claim “author” as my job. And achieving Amazon Best Seller status gave me even better adjectives to use in front of “author.” This has led to way more interesting discussions than answering “marketing.”

My family would tell you that Marty’s character isn’t much of a stretch of the imagination for me, but I’m comfortable with that situation.

Like Marty, I live in Silicon Valley and can’t believe that otherwise normal people would willingly jump out of an airplane and call it fun. Unlike Marty, I have a wonderful wife and a neurotic but sweet, small dog, who is often the first to weigh in on the humor in my writing.

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Reason for Concern: Mrs. B Mystery by Anita Kulina

Publisher:  Brandt Street Press (August, 2019)

Category: Cozy Mystery, Women Sleuths

Available in Print and ebook, 240 pages

 

 

Synopsis

Mrs. B is back on the case with a new mystery to solve!

People don’t vanish into thin air.  Yet no one has seen Alice since St. Mary’s Senior Center had their Supper Club outing on Sunday.  As Mrs. B learns more about her friend, the disappearance seems to involve a burglary, an emerald necklace and maybe even a motorcycle gang.

Where in heaven’s name is Alice?

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Excerpt

Downtown Hopewell appeared to consist of three establishments. The first looked like an old-fashioned corner store. White plastic tables and chairs sat outside, apparently to allow patrons to drink the “Ice Tea” offered prominently in their signage. A large, stately oak tree shaded the building. On a telephone pole near the doorway, a poster advertised the county fair. Up above the poster sat a metal Greyhound Bus sign. The other two buildings were a doctor’s office and a bait shop.

Anne pulled up along the curb outside the store. Mrs. B pulled her purse out from under the seat.  As they got out of their car, the roar of two enormous black motorcycles made them turn and look behind them.

Two young men in leather vests parked at the curb. The shorter one, sporting a big grin and a mass of blond curls, gave a long whistle as he walked toward them. “Nine-teen sixty eight! This your car?”

“My grandson’s. He’s in the service. Afghanistan.” Anne smiled back. “I told him I’d keep it in my garage, but you have to take them out once in a while, don’t you?”

“Sure. Blow the carbon out.” He ran his hand along the fender as he circled it slowly. “Baby blue. Bay-bee blue. This is one fine car. Original upholstery?”

Anne tilted her head to consider. “I think so.”

He nodded toward Mrs. B, then held out his hand. “Haven’t seen you ladies out this way before. I’m Boom.” They both shook his hand while a large, dark man hovered over them. “This here’s Tiny.” Tiny looked at Boom, then nodded toward the ladies.

Boom said, “You ever need that Mustang serviced, you come out our way. I promise not to sneak it out for a drive. Or two.”

Anne and Mrs. B both laughed.

As the men disappeared into the store, Boom said in a loud whisper, “Matches her eyes, don’t it, Tiny? That baby blue.” Then he gave Anne a wink as the door closed.

When the bikers were out of sight, Anne whispered to Mrs. B, “What’s that say on the back of their vests?”

“M.C., it said. I’d guess it’s an insignia for a motorcycle club,” Mrs. B said. She was looking at the poster on the telephone pole. “The county fair’s today.”

“Oh, yeah. The fairground’s just over that rise.” Anne pointed. “Always had to take the kids to the county fair when they were little.”

“Me, too. Wasn’t that a long day,” Mrs. B said.

“The kids used to love it,” Anne said. “Not me, so much. All those stinky cows.”

“They did have funnel cakes.”

“Oooh, good point.”

Anne peered over Mrs. B’s shoulder at the brightly colored poster. “When I was little, I always wanted to run away to the circus, like Toby Tyler. Didn’t you?”

Before Mrs. B had a chance to answer, Boom and Tiny came back outside, each lighting a cigarette. When they got to the bottom of the steps, a woman in a white t-shirt and jeans opened the door and said, “Hey, Boom.”

He turned around.

“You going down over the hill?”

“We can,” Boom said. “Why? What do you need?”

“Tell the professor I got those solar batteries in?”

“Sure,” Boom said.

He and Tiny walked by the ladies on the way back to their bikes. Tiny was even bigger close up. Mrs. B felt like a mouse next to an elephant. As the men drove away, they both nodded toward Anne and Mrs. B. The ladies waved.

Anne said, “I can’t remember the last time I was winked at. They were good-looking young fellows, too.” She walked toward the door of the little store, then looked back at Mrs. B. “So what exactly is a motorcycle club, I wonder. Like the Kiwanis? Or do they hold races and things like that?”

“Sometimes it can be a criminals club,” Mrs. B said.

“Well, I thought those young men were nice,” Anne said.

Mrs. B had to agree. “They were very polite.”

“They were charming.” Anne wouldn’t be dissuaded. “You know, people aren’t always bad just because they’re criminals.” She opened the door and they were hit with a blast of cold air. “Remember how nice New Cannington used to be when the Mafia ran it? You never saw drug dealings or muggings or anything like that. My cousins who lived out there didn’t even lock their doors.”

 

Guest Review

Reason for Concern: Mrs. B Mystery by Anita Kulina

Review by Betty B.

When I tell you to picture a detective or a sleuth, what do you see? Probably a grizzled old, cigar-chomping, trench coat-wearing man right? The kinda guy who never sleeps, only drinks black coffee, and solves crimes by frowning at them. You probably don’t picture a little old lady who investigates mysteries in between knitting scarves for her daughter and games of pinochle at a senior center. Enter Mrs. B.

Mrs. B is just the kind of sweet old woman that you appreciate having as a neighbor. She’s friendly, thoughtful, kind and conscientious. She loves her town and her friends and doesn’t intend to give either of them up until the day she dies. This, of course, explains why she immediately feels the need to investigate when her friend goes missing. T

he story opens with Mrs. B waiting for her friend, Alice, expecting to give her a ride home. When Alice never emerges from the senior center, Mrs. B goes looking for her, only to find that no one knows where she went. Of course, Mrs. B feels compelled to find her friend, and what ensues is the main mystery of the book. Where has Alice gone? Why has no one seen her?

This novel was right up my alley in terms of a nice mystery with a good resolution and well-written, fleshed out characters. Anita Kulina’s writing is witty, interesting and the characters just feel very alive while you’re reading them. I adored Mrs. B and her inner world. So little attention is paid to older women in our society and it’s revolutionary to see one as the main character of a novel at all, let alone a mystery. It was so nice to read a story like this from the perspective of such a unique character. I can’t wait to read more by this author!

 

About the Author

Anita Kulina has been writing since she was nine years old and kneeling, pencil in hand, at the coffee table in a house very much like Mrs. B’s.  Nowadays, she writes mystery books.  When she’s not writing, she helps people tell their family stories.  Anita’s other books are Millhunks and Renegades and A Question of Devotion: A Mrs. B Mystery.

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Read and Buried: A Lighthouse Library Mystery
Cozy Mystery
6th in Series
Crooked Lane Books (October 15, 2019)
Hardcover: 325 Pages

Synopsis

Librarian Lucy Richardson unearths a mysterious map dating back to the Civil War. But if she can’t crack its code, she may end up read and buried.

The Bodie Island Lighthouse Library Classic Novel Book Club is reading Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne while workers dig into the earth to repair the Lighthouse Library’s foundations. The digging halts when Lucy pulls a battered tin box containing a Civil War-era diary from the pit. Tucked inside is a hand-drawn map of the Outer Banks accompanied by a page written in an indecipherable code.

The library is overrun by people clamoring to see the artifact. Later that night, Lucy and Connor McNeil find the body of historical society member Jeremy Hughes inside the library. Clearly Jeremy was not the only one who broke into the library–the map and the coded page are missing.

Lucy’s nemesis, Louise Jane McKaughnan, confesses to entering the library after closing to sneak a peek but denies seeing Jeremy–or his killer. When Lucy discovers that fellow-librarian Charlene had a past with Jeremy, she’s forced to do what she vowed not to do–get involved in the case. Meanwhile, the entire library staff and community become obsessed with trying to decode the page. But when the library has a second break in, it becomes clear that someone is determined to solve that code.

 

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Guest Post

Eating Shrimp and Grits on the Outer Banks

By Eva Gates

I practically know Jake’s menu by heart. I didn’t have to think hard about what to order. “Shrimp and grits please.”

“You’re becoming a true Southern woman,” Connor said.

“If Southern means shrimp and grits, then I’m in.  And a couple of hush puppies too, please.”

Reading Up A Storm by Eva Gates

 

I hadn’t even checked the menu. I didn’t need to: I know it by heart. I asked for the shrimp and grits, as I usually did. Jake’s were the best in Nags Head, if not the entire Outer Banks. Maybe all of North Carolina. Connor ordered a steak, rare, with a baked potato and Caesar salad, and we handed our unopened menus to the waiter.

“I never understand why you come to a seafood place as special as Jake’s and have steak and potatoes,” I said.

Connor just grinned at me and took a sip of his beer.

Read and Buried by Eva Gates

My dedication to accuracy in my novels is impressive if I do say so myself.

The Lighthouse Library Mystery series from Crooked Lane Books is set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  Like my protagonist, Lucy Richardson who hails from Boston, I am not a southerner.  But, like Lucy, I am keen to experience all that the Outer Banks has to offer.

Case in point: Shrimp and Grits

In a recent visit to the area, I was there for three nights. I had shrimp and grits three times.

The first night I went to Owens in Nags Head, which is something of an institution, having been in the same family for almost seventy years. That’s pretty impressive by North American standards. (In 2014 I went to the worlds’ oldest continuously operating restaurant, Botin’s in Madrid, which has been a restaurant since 1725. But I digress.) Owen’s is a beautiful restaurant, with cosy alcoves and large main rooms, beautiful furniture, and rich dark walls. The tables are set with white tablecloths, shining silver, and sparkling stemware. When I travel I like to eat locally, so I ordered the shrimp and grits.

Oh. Oh again. It was marvellous. Rich and spicy and delicious. And, I must say, not cheap.

The next night, I went to Pamlico Jacks. This is a more casual place than Owens, with a lovely outdoor dining area overlooking Roanoke Sound.  I ordered shrimp and grits again. They were cheaper than at Owens and very good, if not exactly marvellous.

Night three, I realized I had to cut back a bit on my dinner expenditure so I went to a very casual place in Nags Head. The shrimp and grits were much cheaper than the other two places, and it showed.  In fact, I didn’t even finish them.  Once I’d picked off the few shrimp and sausages and the small amount of grits that were coated in the sauce, I realized that unadorned grits aren’t particularly tasty.

So, in shrimp and grits, as in life, quality shows. And sometimes it costs money too.

The location of Pamlico Jacks (if perhaps not the pirate theme) is the inspiration for Jake’s Seafood Bar in the Lighthouse Library books. Like me, Lucy Richardson will be regularly ordering the shrimp and grits. With a side order of hush puppies. Lucy and I have both decided we love North Carolina cooking!

 

About the Author

Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most prolific and varied crime writers and a national bestseller in the U.S. She has written more than thirty books:  clever cozies to Gothic thrillers to gritty police procedurals, to historical fiction and novellas for adult literacy. She is currently writing four cozy mystery series: the Tea By The Sea mysteries for Kensington, the Year Round Christmas mysteries for Penguin Random House, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series and, as Eva Gates, the Lighthouse Library books for Crooked Lane.

Vicki is a past president of the Crime Writers of Canada and co-founder and organizer of the Women Killing It crime writing festival. She lives in Prince Edward County, Ontario.

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Haunted House Ghost: Death At The Fall Festival
(Braxton Campus Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Gumshoe Books – A Next Chapter Imprint (October 1, 2019)
Digital Edition, 275 pages

Synopsis

 

It’s Halloween, and excitement is brewing in Braxton to carve jack-o’-lanterns, go on haunted hayrides, and race through the spooky corn maze at the Fall Festival.

Despite the former occupant’s warnings, Kellan renovates and moves into a mysterious old house. When a ruthless ghost promises retribution, our fearless professor turns to the eccentric town historian and an eerie psychic to communicate with the apparition. Meanwhile, construction workers discover a fifty-year-old skeleton after breaking ground on the new Memorial Library wing.

While Kellan and April dance around the chemistry sparking between them, a suspicious accident occurs at the Fall Festival. Soon, Kellan discovers the true history and dastardly connections of the Grey family. But can he capture the elusive killer – and placate the revenge-seeking ghost.

 

 

About the Author

James is my given name; most call me Jay. I grew up on Long Island and currently live in New York City, but I’ve traveled all across the US (and various parts of the world). After college, I spent 15 years working in technology and business operations in the sports, entertainment and media industries. Although I enjoyed my job, I left in 2016 to focus on my passion: telling stories and connecting people through words. My debut novel is ‘Watching Glass Shatter,’ a contemporary fiction family drama with elements of mystery, suspense, humor and romance.

What do I do outside of writing: I’m an avid genealogist (discovered 2K family members going back about 250 years) and cook (I find it so hard to follow a recipe). I love to read; between Goodreads and my Blog, I have over 900 book reviews which will give you a full flavor for my voice and style. On my blog, there is humor, tears, love, friendship, advice and bloopers. Lots of bloopers where I poke fun at myself all the time. Even my dogs have segments where they complain about me. All these things make up who I am; none of them are very fancy or magnanimous, but they are real and show how I live every day.

Website * Blog * Amazon * Twitter * Facebook

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