Cornbread, Ribs, and Murder (Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Setting – Arizona
Independently Published (April 20, 2024)
Digital Print length ‏ : ‎ 271 pages

Synopsis

It’s a rib cookoff…with a recipe for murder.

Nicole Earp and Emma Banefield are celebrating another birthday at the Dulce Inn with the added fun of a rib cookoff in the park. Not only are chocolate martinis in their plans, Nic has her heart set on winning the cornbread contest. But as the excitement bakes, someone is stirring up trouble for the inn and its employees.

Strange occurrences at the Dulce are on the rise. Slashed tires, menacing phone calls, and unsavory characters add a vibe that threatens the sisters’ anticipated fun-filled stay. When the hot-headed hotel owner is caught wielding a bloody letter opener over a dead coworker, the sisters are embroiled in a caper to help the one person who finds their sleuthing as welcomed as a rattlesnake in her bed. But is she innocent?

The Chocolate Martini Sisters are primed to find out. First, they’ll have to eliminate a host of suspects that includes a dishonest restaurant owner, a jilted girlfriend, an ex-wife, the barkeeper, and a masseuse with a crush. If they can stay off the radar of the surly chief homicide detective long enough, they can put out the fire…unless the killer burns them first.

The third book in this amateur sleuths, cozy mystery series will have you chuckling and on the edge of your seat as the sisters solve the murder.

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Interview with Emma Banefield

How did you and your author meet?

Hi. I’m Emma Banefield. I met Joyce, my author, through my sister, Nic, and her author friend, Brenda. After getting to know one another, we decided to collaborate on a series of cozy mystery stories.

Why did this writer decide to feature you in a book?

I’m lucky, I guess. I’d like to think something in me inspired her to write my story or at least pieces of it. People are so complicated, and some parts of themselves always remain hidden. Perhaps, I reminded her of someone she enjoyed.

Do you have any friends or family helping you out?

My impetuous, fun-loving sister. Without Nic’s encouragement and fearless spontaneity, I might have held back, being the more conservative sibling, and allowed the police to handle the murder investigations. Which they did. But in the end, Nic and I proved our particular brand of sleuthing to be more successful. It was immensely gratifying to solve the crime and fun, too.  I give credit to our wonderful sources at the Dulce Inn for the insights which led us to fit all the pieces of the murder puzzle together.

Do you have a regular job and investigate on the side, or are you a full time detective?

I’m a mental health professional and see clients part-time in a clinic. The rest of my day is devoted to writing mysteries. I’ve finished my first book. With the help of my wonderful agent, I recently signed my first book contract. When not in the midst of revisions, I work on my second novel. However, with each new murder case, our reputation grows. Even Chief Detective Guthrie suggested we might want to get our investigator’s license, but I think he was only kidding. He doesn’t like the competition.

Have you solved other cases, or is this your first one?

The Chocolate Martini Sisters, as Nic and I are humorously called, have solved several other murder mysteries. Ironically, all the murders took place at the Dulce Inn, where an unfortunate guest or employee met their demise. I must say, as much as I love our birthday weekends at the Inn, I hesitate to book any further stays for fear another unsuspecting person gets whacked.

Do you have a gift or special talent?

As much as I’d like to be a genius, a wealthy financier, or even someone who isn’t afraid to parachute out of an airplane, I lack the talent and nerve. However, when it comes to sleuthing and sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong, well, the process feels as natural as slipping my feet into a pair of well-worn shoes. Like Miss Marple, who keenly observes the action around her, I shine watching people and asking the questions: Who are they and what are they about? The answers always surprise.

Who is the most important individual in your life?

My son, Liam, my joy, my hope, my love.

What is your ideal vacation?

A peaceful stay at the beautiful, tranquil Dulce Inn is ideal—though given the past murders, I’m game to try a new venue. In addition to serene getaways, I love walking my dog, Gus on the outskirts of town.

If you could change anything about your life, what would it be?

My life is what it is—the ups and downs, two steps forward, one step back, the joys and occasional sorrow, the moments of glorious quiet and the uproar of laughter and people. I wouldn’t change a thing. Contentment is acceptance.

Excerpt

“I did, and all emotions would be expected, considering they’d once been friends. He seemed embarrassed he’d missed the opportunity to reconnect with Leo. Or, if not that, embarrassed we questioned him on it. Hearing about his death shook him, and his regret was palpable.”

They’d reached the doors of the Dulce Inn. “I’m not coming in for a nightcap. I need to pack. You’ll have total peace and quiet tonight, all alone in the room.”

Em did a slow blink. “Yes, as much peace and quiet as one can have after witnessing the aftermath of a grisly murder.”

She gave her sister a one-armed hug. “Put it aside, Em. Get a cup of tea to take to the room. Work on your next great novel or read. Enjoy the lovely inn décor without listening to hammers. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Early?”

“No. Not too too, anyway. I’ll give a call when I’m on my way.”

Once Em disappeared through the inn entrance, she spun on her sandaled foot for the short hike to the parking lot. She truly hoped Em wouldn’t fixate on the vision of Leo. Instead, she could use her smarts to analyze what clues they might have unknowingly collected today. As for herself, she wasn’t sure what constituted a clue from the mishmash of sleuthing they’d achieved. Jillian? Bailey? The ex-wife? And what was Bear about? She rubbed her scar. This weekend brought more than a rib cookoff and birthday celebration. The Chocolate Martini Sisters had a mystery to solve.

About the Authors

Joyce Proell is the award-winning author of Amaryllis, Eliza and the Cady Delafield mysteries: A Deadly Truth, A Burning Truth and A Wicked Truth. Along with her husband and little dog, Nellie, she lives in Minnesota in her very own little house on the prairie. She loves to hear from readers.

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Brenda Whiteside is the award-winning author of romantic suspense, romance, and cozy mystery. After living in six states and two countries—so far—she and her husband have settled in Central Arizona. They admit to being gypsies at heart and won’t discount the possibility of another move. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW fishes, Brenda writes.

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