It has been a rough few weeks but hopefully everything is sorted out in my personal life and I can get back to blogging regularly!

Today is book #15 in the Flower Shop Mystery series by author Kate Collins.  This is a fun series and if you haven’t read them yet, of course start with book 1, Mum’s the Word.

Synopsis

Flower Shop owner Abby Knight has just returned from a romantic honeymoon with the man of her dreams. There’s no reason for the bloom to be off the rose just because she and Marco are returning to normal life. But when Marco discovers a skeleton buried in the basement of his bar, it is a bit of a mood killer.  

When the body is identified as a carpenter who went missing back in the 1970s, Abby and Marco decide to cultivate the clues to solve the cold case. What could be more romantic? But the deeper they dig, the more desperate the murderer grows. And if Marco and Abby don’t unearth the killer’s identity, they may not live to see their first anniversary.

Today I’m bringing you book #8 in the High Heels series by author Gemma Halliday.  These is such a fun series and if you have never read any of these, then start with book 1, Spying in High Heels.  Also, if you are reading this on Monday, May 5th – the whole series is $0.99 (each) on Amazon and a few other sites like Kobo and Smashwords.

Today’s highlight is the newest in the series and while I haven’t read it yet, it is on my list to read hopefully this week!

Synopsis

It’s springtime in California! The flowers are in bloom, the fashion week runways are fierce, and fans of America’s favorite pastime are filling the baseball stadiums to root for their favorite team. But when the girlfriend of the L.A. Stars rookie MVP winds up dead at a chic Beverly Hills salon, it’s suddenly up to fashion designer Maddie Springer to track down the “Tanning Salon Killer.” Armed with the help of her wacky cast of friends and family, Maddie finds herself with a list of suspects that includes the cast of the reality TV show Baseball Wives, a desperate blackmail victim, and an entire baseball team! If Maddie can brave the hot dogs and cat fights, she just might be able to catch a killer…before he strikes again!

Synopsis

Initially optioned as a screenplay, Black Lotus was subsequently selected as a semi-finalist in the Court TV nation-wide contest for best original mystery – a contest drawing more than 2,000 entries. The novel has since been labeled by more than one critic as “filmed noir in a book.”

Written in a unique style, Black Lotus diverts from traditional mystery and becomes something more like The Office TV show – except covered in blood. It uses a real-time technique with the camera always present, following the action and recording the characters as they speak.

The narrative: African American detective Lotus Williams is fired after the death of her young daughter pushes her into a downward spiral of cocaine use. An outstanding detective before her fall, Lotus is finally given another chance with a new police department, this time in New Parise – a city controlled by two drug cartels viciously battling for supremacy.

Meanwhile, a potentially “psychotic” investigative journalist believes that the powerful New Parise officials are behind much of the city’s illegal activity. Coincidentally obsessed with the gorgeous female Chief of Police, Francesca Corelli, this nosy journalist is fired from her newspaper and ordered to get out of town – or else.

It is within this mire of possible corruption and open gang-war that Lotus Williams has her second chance. But Lotus soon finds herself caught in a web of possible deceit and lies that quickly put her own life in danger.

The denouement is a total surprise, although clues are sprinkled liberally throughout the work so the astute reader may be able to solve the mystery.

The novel is slated for publication this summer. Excerpts from and pre-order forms for the novel are available at Treasure Chest Press. A contest whereby readers offer Black Lotus characters advice is now in full-swing. The most salient, practical advice will receive a $100 Amazon gift card. There is no entrance fee; and no solicitations will ensue because of initial entry.

Black Lotus excerpts

Publisher’s Website * Twitter * Facebook

About the Author

Lita Lepie is a graduate of Vassar College and was awarded a Master of Fine Arts degree from Sarah Lawrence where she was a personal student of Grace Paley. Author of ten novels, several plays, dozens of short stories and poems for the past twenty years, Lita Lepie has been represented by top NYC literary agents.

Despite only marginal success in print media, her persistence is either to be admired or pitied. She feels passionately driven to write, and, like any other addiction, numerous attempts to give up her avocation have all failed miserably.

The writer lives in NYC with her Pixiebob cat, Hunter, and her African grey Timneh parrot, Pearl. She works as a high-end trainer to private clients. On a freelance basis she is available as a body guard [she has extensive mixed martial arts training] and raconteur.

A Killing Notion: A Magical Dressmaking Mystery (Magical Dressmaking Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
Published by Obsidian (April 1, 2014)
Penguin Publishing Group
Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0451417206
E-Book ASIN: B00F9EZBXS


Amazon    B&N      Book Depository

Synopsis

Harlow Jane Cassidy is swamped with homecoming couture requests. If only she didn’t have to help solve a murder, she might get the gowns off the dress forms…. 

Harlow is doing everything she can to expand her dressmaking business, Buttons & Bows—without letting clients know about her secret charm. When she has a chance to create homecoming dresses with a local charity and handmade mums for several high school girls—including Gracie, whose father, Will, has mended Harlow’s heart—she is ready to use her magical talents for a great cause.

But when Gracie’s date for the dance is accused of murder, Harlow knows things won’t be back on course until she helps Gracie clear the football player’s name. If Harlow can’t patch up this mess before the big game, her business and her love life might be permanently benched.

Review

What can I say, another great installment in this series!  I live in Texas so everything Melissa wrote about homecomings and football is so very true…as they say, go big or go home!

So I read the previous book and was so excited because I figured out who the killer was…this book?  Not even on my radar.  The story was well written and there were enough diversions to keep me from guessing whodoneit.

We loved this book and give it 5 paws.  If you haven’t read this series, considering picking it up.

About The Author

Melissa Bourbon, who sometimes answers to her Latina-by-marriage name Misa Ramirez, gave up teaching middle and high school kids in Northern California to write full-time amidst horses and Longhorns in North Texas.  She fantasizes about spending summers writing in quaint, cozy locales, has a love/hate relationship with yoga and chocolate, is devoted to her family, and can’t believe she’s lucky enough to be living the life of her dreams.

She is the Marketing Director with Entangled Publishing, is the author of the Lola Cruz Mystery series with St. Martin’s Minotaur and Entangled Publishing, and A Magical Dressmaking Mystery series with NAL. She also has written two romantic suspense novels, a light paranormal romance, and is the co-author of The Tricked-out Toolbox, a practical marketing guide for authors.

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Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Participants

April 1 – rantin’ ravin’ and reading – Review, Guest Post, Giveaway
April 2 – Escape With Dollycas – Cozy Wednesday – Booked by Author
April 3 – Books-n-Kisses – Review, Interview, Giveaway
April 4 – readalot blog – Review, Giveaway
April 5 – Griperang’s Bookmarks – Review, Giveaway
April 6 – Melina’s Book Blog – Review, Interview, Giveaway
April 7 –Shelley’s Book Case – Review, Giveaway
April 8 – Back Porchervations – Review
April 9 – Queen of All She Reads – Review, Guest Post, Giveaway
April 10 – A Chick Who Reads -Review
April 11 – Brooke Blogs – Review
April 12 – dru’s book musing – Guest Post, Giveaway
April 13 – StoreyBook Reviews – Review, Giveaway
April 14 – Books and Bindings – Review, Guest Post
April 14 – Kaisy Daisy’s Corner – Review
April 15 – Mystery Playground – Interview, Giveaway
April 16 – A Year of Jubilee Reviews – Review, Giveaway
April 18 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Interview
April 19 – Community Bookstop – Review
April 20 –  Easter
April 21 – Traci Andrighetti’s Blog –  Review
April 22 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – Review, Giveaway
April 24 – A Blue Million Books – Interview

This week I’m featuring the first book in the Claire Rawlings series by author Carole Bugge’ (aka C.E. Lawrence) who recently obtained the rights to publish these books digitally…so they are now available for your e-reader!  This is an older series, cell phones weren’t really around and it talks about the OJ Simpson trial and the movie Forrest Gump.  There are 3 books in this series and the other two are Who Killed Dorian Grey? and Who Killed Mona Lisa?.

Synopsis

New York mystery editor Claire Rawlings spends her days scrutinizing the motives and methods of fictitious criminals—but her precocious 13 year-old friend Meredith Lawrence has a keen eye for the cold, hard facts of crime. So when Meredith comes to visit, the two mystery buffs put their heads together to sleuth out the truth about a real-life murder.

Claire’s star author, the ferociously flirtatious Blanche Dubois, is found dead after eating a poisoned apple and there’s no shortage of suspects. Many were jealous of her success, and many put off by her haughty, demanding demeanor. With the help of a detective, Claire and Meredith question Blanche’s friends, colleagues, and relatives—and discover that even in the Big Apple, the world of murder is a very small world indeed.

Review

I felt like the book had a rocky start.  The segue between the first two chapters didn’t flow well but after that it seemed to gain a rhythm.  It seemed like there was a lot of talk about Claire and Meridith and not a whole lot on the murder, even though Meridith was keen to solve the murder.  The book started getting interested when another character dies.  I had a few suspicions on who the killer might be but nothing I could put my finger on.

This story is set in 1995 since there are references to the OJ Simpson trial…and looking back, that was about 20 years ago.

We give this book 3 1/2 paws

Synopsis

Traveling secretary Hattie Davish and her trusty typewriter alight on a small town in Illinois, where the Civil War may long be over, but certain mysteries refuse to be buried…

Hattie Davish is delighted to be ably assisting her wealthy employer, Sir Arthur Windom-Greene, an English scholar who is fluent in Civil War history and hard at work putting together a definitive biography of General Cornelius Starrett. Their research takes them to Galena, Illinois, where they quickly learn that time has done little to heal old battle wounds. Distrust and betrayal seem to linger in everyone’s minds, none more so than the General’s pompous son Henry. And Hattie is certain he has something to do with a string of bizarre incidents in town–especially when he turns up dead…

Between her work for Sir Arthur, preparing for Christmas, and unscheduled visitors from her past, Hattie hardly has time to investigate a murder, but soon she is lost in a labyrinth of secrets and deceit that leads to more questions than answers. Henry had a knack for finding trouble and making enemies, and there’s no shortage of suspects–including Sir Arthur. Now, Hattie must uncover the truth while maintaining her civility in a most uncivil situation.

Review

What a great follow up to A Lack of Temperance! I still didn’t guess who did it, BUT I was closer than the first book. I knew something was up with the killer but wasn’t sure what.

I found the information about the Civil War interesting and the author does a great job with the details.

I’m not sure about Sir Arthur – he has no regard for the law and thinks he is above it all. Perhaps it was the time then? It was also more civilized when Hattie was sorting out who was the klller – no one rushed to leave the room or try and kill someone else to escape it all.

We give it 4 paws and can’t wait for the 3rd book to come out in a few months….I’m on a blog tour for that book so check back later.

About the Author

I live in a Victorian farmhouse in the Iowa countryside with my patient husband, inquisitive four year old daughter and my old yellow dog. I was born and raised in Syracuse, NY but have lived in Finland, Canada and Texas. I have a BA in Biology from Wells College in Aurora, NY and a MLIS from McGill University in Montreal. I’m a biologist, librarian, information specialist and now with the Hattie Davish Mysteries Series, a novelist.

If you want to know some more quirky and personal tidbits about me and my life, such as the fact that I once trained monkeys and drink tea every afternoon from my 19th century china collection, check out the various Q&A’s I’ve done over the past year!

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The Giveaway

I’m giving away the ARC copies of A Lack of Temperance and Anything But Civil that the author sent me.  Open to US residents only (due to shipping costs)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I’m highlighting a new series by author Anna Loan-Wilsey. She has kindly sent me the first two books and I’m going to be participating in a blog tour for book 3 in a few months. I can’t wait to dive into these books, but until then here is a sneak peek!

Synopsis

From Anna Loan-Wilsey comes the first installment of a new historical mystery series featuring Hattie Davish, a traveling secretary who arrives in a small Ozark town only to discover her new employer has disappeared. . .

On the eve of the heated presidential election of 1892, Miss Hattie Davish arrives in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, a scenic resort town where those without the scent of whiskey on their breath have the plight of temperance on their tongues.
Summoned for her services as a private secretary, Hattie is looking forward to exploring the hills, indulging her penchant for botany–and getting to know the town’s handsome doctor. But it’s hard to get her job done with her employer nowhere to be found. . .

An army of unassuming women wielding hatchets have descended on the quiet Ozark village, destroying every saloon in their path–and leaving more than a few enemies in their wake. So when their beloved leader, Mother Trevelyan, is murdered, it’s easy to point fingers. Now that she’s working for a dead woman, Hattie turns to her trusty typewriter to get to
the truth. And as she follows a trail of cryptic death threats, she’ll come face to face with a killer far more dangerous than the Demon Rum. . .

About the Author

I live in a Victorian farmhouse in the Iowa countryside with my patient husband, inquisitive four year old daughter and my old yellow dog.  I was born and raised in Syracuse, NY but have lived in Finland, Canada and Texas. I have a BA in Biology from Wells College in Aurora, NY and a MLIS from McGill University in Montreal.  I’m a biologist, librarian, information specialist and now with the Hattie Davish Mysteries Series, a novelist.

If you want to know some more quirky and personal tidbits about me and my life, such as the fact that I once trained monkeys and drink tea every afternoon from my 19th century china collection, check out the various Q&A’s I’ve done over the past year!

Website * Facebook * Goodreads

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day, are you wearing your green?!

Today’s issue of Mystery Monday features a new release from author Maddy Hunter, Fleur de Lies, which is the 9th book in the Passport to Peril series.

Synopsis

Intrepid travel agency owner Emily Andrew-Miceli is taking her group of squabbling tech-savvy octogenarians to France for a Seine River cruise from Normandy to Paris. Joining the group are father and son funeral directors Woody and Cal Jolly, three beautiful but shallow Texans who sell Mona Michelle beauty products, and Emily’s ex-husband Jack, who after gender reassignment surgery is now Jackie, and one of the Mona Michelle company’s top sales reps.

Emily’s hopes for a fatality-free trip are dashed when a tour member meets an unfortunate end. Murder? Mishap? Between visiting the D-Day museum, spending time at Monet’s stomping grounds in Etretat, and partaking of delectable eclairs and macaroons from the magnifique bakeries of Vernon, Emily has another mystery to solve.

Review

Emily finds herself in the middle of another mess, this time on a river cruise through France. It was good to see Jackie back in this book since we didn’t see her in the last one.  Etienne wasn’t present in this book, would love to see more of him!

I have to say that Maddy did a great job of leading me down the wrong path and who I thought the killer was….needless to say you don’t get all the info you need to guess until the end. This is ok, I like being surprised!  I loved the ditzy characters from Texas because while no all people from Texas are like this, we do have quite a few.

We give this book 4 paws and look forward to book 10.

Beyond Belief is the newest book in the Emily Castle series by author Helen Smith.  I have this book in my TBR pile and will get to it shortly, but this is an interesting series that I have enjoyed so far.  Definitely worth checking out next time you are looking for a mystery set in England!

Synopsis

When famed psychic Perspicacious Peg predicts a murder will occur at England’s Belief and Beyond conference, her science-minded colleagues recruit twenty-six-year-old budding sleuth Emily Castles to attend the event as a “future crimes investigator.” The suspected victim: celebrated magician Edmund Zenon, who plans to perform a daring stunt at the conference—and is offering fifty thousand pounds to any attendee who can prove that the paranormal exists.

In the seaside town of Torquay, Emily meets a colorful cast of characters: dramatic fortune-teller Madame Nova; kindly Bobby Blue Suit and his three psychic dachshunds; Sarah and Tim Taylor, devastated parents mourning their late son; and religious cult members Hilary, Trina, and the Colonel. Tensions rise as believers in science, the supernatural, and the spiritual clash with one another. But once a body count begins, Emily must excuse herself from the séances and positivity circles, and use old-fashioned detective work to find the killer.

About the Author

Helen Smith is a member of the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, the Crime Writers Association and English PEN. She traveled the world when her daughter was small, doing all sorts of strange jobs to support them both–from cleaning motels to working as a magician’s assistant–before returning to live in London where she wrote her first novel. Her work has been reviewed in The Times, the Guardian, The Independent, Time Out and the Times Literary Supplement. Her books have reached number one in the bestseller lists in the Kindle store on both sides of the Atlantic.

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Synopsis

Living on her own for her first time, Bible school student Jane cleans houses to make ends meet. But being independent brings big trials, like falling for a handsome professor, dealing with an obnoxious roommate, and then there’s the dead bodies…

Who knew being housekeeper to wealthy owners of a Roly Burger franchise would mean sweeping up clues to their death, while ministering to the needs of their heirs?

This is one big mess that Jane is intent on cleaning up before things get even worse.

Get this for FREE on Amazon (as of 2/23)

Other Books in the series:

Dirty Little Murder

Bright New Murder