Kate Collins's Blog, page 249

Dru's Cozy Report: November 2012

Welcome to Dru's Cozy Report. Due to Hurricane Sandy, I was displaced and in that time, my reading mojo had suffered, but never fear, below are four debut series that are on my reading radar.

Hot Rocks by Randy Rawls is the first book in the new “Beth Bowman, P.I.” mystery series. Publisher: Midnight Ink, November 2012

South Florida private eye Beth Bowman’s latest philandering-husband case has ended with a nasty bump on the head and a smoking gun—her own. The good news is that neurologist Dr. David Rassmussen is keeping the cops off her tail . . . and charming her off her feet. The bad news? An ill-mannered thug is trying to turn Bowman into a permanent hood ornament.

Setting out to find the “client” who set her up, Bowman gets friendly with the hunky Dr. Rassmussen—and gets unfriendly with a couple of ne’er-do-well thugs for hire. As her investigation takes her closer to an enticing stash of high-priced ice, it’s up to Bowman and an army of guardian street people to save her reputation and her life.

From Kirkus - Designed, like the Spenser novels, mostly to show off how tough and smart-mouthed the detective is. On the plus side, you'll learn a dandy way to extract information from unwilling informants without leaving any marks--and without spending more than a few dollars to purchase an item commonly available from any stationery store.”


Collared by L. A. Kornetsky is the first book in the new “Gin & Tonic” mystery series. Publisher: Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster, November 2012

They rely on animal instincts.

Meet “Gin” and “Tonic.” She’s a dog person. He’s a cat person. But when these two friendly rivals team up to solve a mystery, you can bet their pets aren’t the only ones getting collared.

Ginny Mallard and her shar-pei, Georgie, are about to run out of kibble and cash, unless she digs up another client for her private concierge business. So she heads to her neighborhood Seattle bar, Mary’s, to sniff out an opportunity. Or a gimlet or two. The bartender, Teddy Tonica, is usually good for a round of challenging banter, and Georgie is oddly fond of his bar cat, Mistress Penny.

Before she can say “bottoms up,” Ginny lands a job tracking down some important business papers that have gone missing—along with the customer’s uncle. If Ginny hopes to track him down, she’ll need more than her research skills: she’ll need a partner with people skills—like Tonica.

This is one dangerous case that’s about to go to the dogs—unless man, woman, cat, and canine can work together as one very unconventional crime-solving team.

From Publishers Weekly – “Vivid descriptions of Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood are a plus in a cozy tale that will draw in even those normally skeptical of animal-centered stories.”


Cropped To Death by Christina Freeburn is the first book in the new “Faith Hunter Scrap This“ mystery series. Publisher: Henery Press. Available November 20, 2012

Former US Army JAG specialist, Faith Hunter, returns to her West Virginia home to work in her grandmothers’ scrapbooking store determined to lead an unassuming life after her adventure abroad turned disaster. But her quiet life unravels when her friend is charged with murder, and Faith inadvertently supplied the evidence. So Faith decides to cut through the scrap and piece together what really happened. With a sexy prosecutor, a determined homicide detective, a handful of sticky suspects and a crop contest gone bad, Faith quickly realizes if she’s not careful, she’ll be the next one cropped.

From Pam Hanson, Multi-Published Women’s Fiction Author - ”Christina’s characters shine, her knowledge of scrapbooking is spot on, and she weaves a mystery that’s simply cries out to be read in one delicious sitting!”


Killer Librarian by Mary Lou Kirwin is the first book in the new “Karen Nash” mystery series. Publisher: Simon & Schuster. Available November 27, 2012

FILE “M” FOR MURDER.

Champion of the mystery section at a small-town Minnesota library, Karen Nash is about to embark on a dream trip to London—a literary tour inspired by every murderous intrigue, wily suspect, and ingenious crime found in the pages of the British mysteries that she devours. But she’s clueless why the love of her mid-life, Dave, would dump her hours before takeoff—until she spies him at the airport with a young honey on his arm! She decides the best revenge (for now) is to get on that plane anyway . . . and entertain schemes for Dave’s untimely demise while crossing the pond.

After touching ground in the hallowed homeland of Christie, Sayers, and Peters, she checks into a cozy B & B run by charming bibliophile Caldwell Perkins. Soon she’s spilling tears in her pint at the corner pub, sharing her heartbreak saga with a stranger. That night, a B & B guest drops out of circulation—permanently. And when Dave and his cutie turn up in London, Karen realizes they are an assassin’s target. With the meticulous attention to detail that makes her a killer librarian, Karen sleuths her way through her own real-life mystery—in which library science meets the art of murder.

From Publishers Weekly - ” Literary allusions, from Winnie the Pooh to Ian McEwan, distinguish this from the common run of cozies.”And check out these other November releases




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The Power of Quiet

by Hannah Reed/Deb Baker

In October I blogged about introverts, and was stunned at all your responses. Until that day, I really felt like I was pretty much alone. Yup. I actually thought I was the only one. Then you weighed in and wow, there is a whole secret society of us.

You can read the original post and learn about some of the traits that bind us  here.

But we aren't going to stay hidden for long (darn) because the whole introvert/extrovert thing is growing legs.

This book for example - Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

Number 1 in Communication, Number 2 in Interpersonal Relationships, Number 2 in Self-help success, 437 reviews of which 382 are 4 and 5 stars. Suddenly we are a big topic.

Since that post and your comments, I have a much better understanding of both myself and the extroverts who surround me. Thank you all so much!!

And please, introverts and extroverts alike, if you can spare less than three minutes, please take time to watch this video.

And have a great day!


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Time For Friends

by Maggie Sefton



We're all busy, aren't we?  It seems everyone's s schedule and To Do list has gotten longer and longer.  There are simply not enough hours in the day to get everything done, right?  Most of us would agree.   But, no matter how busy my schedule is, there are some things I simply have to make time for.  The first is my cardio routine and working out six days a week.  And the other thing is----
I make time to see friends.

Friendships are So important.  As much as I enjoy the online groups and loops that I belong to and participate in, they are simply not enough for me.  I also have to have human, face-to-face time with friends on a regular basis.  Every weekend, I meet a friend or friends for dinner, usually twice.  There are so many cafes and restaurants in Fort Collins---from upscale to economical---dining out doesn't have to break the budget.  I also have other friends who prefer going to movies.  Plus, Fort Collins has a lively theatre scene, so there's a lot to choose from.

And there are other friends who like to get together regularly and catch up over coffee at one of our many different coffee shops.  Every kind imaginable from the nationwide "corporate & chrome" as my sleuth Kelly Flynn would say to "down home & funky."

I enjoy the simple coffee catch-ups as much as getting together for dinner or movies because all of them include Conversation.  I personally believe that talking with friends and acquaintances is good for us.  A healthful activity, you might say.  You can also get ideas and solve problems by talking with friends.  Remember that old saying---Two heads are better than one?  :)

Do any of you get together regularly with your friends?   Coffee catch-ups?[image error]

Hug a Vet Today

 by Kate Collins
I have to make this short because I’m in the midst of packing for the move to my new home. I’ve had a big setback in that process because a pipe burst in the powder room of my current home, flooding several rooms and the basement beneath. Fortunately, a water restoration crew was able to get to my house fairly quickly and set up giant dehumidifiers and turbo fans in addition to sealing off part of my house (including the kitchen and laundry rooms, sadly).
Needless to say, it’s been a real challenge to continue to pack while putting up with the noise and inconvenience. But then along comes Veterans Day to remind me what’s really important in this world.
I’m fortunate that I have a house to live in, which many of my East coast friends do not. I’m fortunate that I did not lose a son or daughter or even a husband to the war, too.
So instead of bemoaning my current state of bedlam, I’m going to say a big THANK YOU to all of our veterans today and send you virtual hugs. May God bless and watch over you.[image error]

The Vegans Are Coming!

by Leann

First of all, to those who have served, happy Veteran's Day. You have done this nation proud. Now, on to the topic for today! Vegans!

My side of the family suffers from food allergies and the problem has spanned four generations. My grandmother had problems with shellfish, my mother never would admit it, but her problem was chocolate, mine are too numerous to even mention and my children both have milk allergies along with several others, also too numerous to name. I seem to be getting worse as I age and my list keeps getting longer. I am happy to say, it seems my granddaughters are okay--so far.

My daughter and son-in-law decided last year to switch to vegetarian fare. Living in NYC affords lots of options plus they bought a condo and were able to put in enough counter space to do more cooking. But now, they are switching to vegan. My daughter, who has had a milk allergy all her life that she kind of denied, has now realized she feels much much better without dairy. So, have you ever had a vegan Thanksgiving?

In this little rent house with zero counter space, whipping up anything that doesn't go in a Crock-pot is a challenge. Fortunately, we have wonderful friends with a big kitchen. More good news? The vegans will be cooking! I've already heard about risotto and pumpkin and other things they plan to cook that sound exotic to me. But yummy. I figure I'm never too old to learn new ways. And others doing the cooking? Well, after many many years of putting on an enormous spread with everyone's favorite sides and a turkey that could feed a third world country, I'm happy with that. And who knows? Maybe vegan would be a good choice for me and my food allergies, too.

What about you? Any food problems? Is Thanksgiving a good time to try something new? I, for one, am looking forward to it.[image error]

The Cozy Chicks Interview Ellery Adams and Kate Collins

Congrats on your new releases, ladies! What do you do to celebrate a new book?

Kate: I usually take the afternoon off and do something I don’t usually get to do, like read a book from my TBR pile, or meet a friend for some retail therapy. My therapy also includes dinner and a nice big glass of a rich red wine.
Ellery: I get a pedicure. I figure I deserve the treat and I always get ideas for new stories during a foot massage!
Abby Knight must be a delight to write – she has so much fun! Can you give us a sneak peak about something she gets into in NIGHTSHADE ON ELM STREET?
Kate: Besides having to solve a murder mystery and prepare for her bridal shower, my feisty florist is forced to confront some heavy baggage from her past.  Readers learned in book one, MUM’S THE WORD, that Abby was dumped by her former fiancé Pryce Osborne II just two months before their wedding. The pain and humiliation from that break up have been with Abby for a year-and-a-half now and she’s never dealt with it, other than to crack a few jokes.
In this story, circumstances beyond Abby’s control bring all that pain to the surface, until she has no choice but to face it down, which she does in typical Abby style. It was interesting for me to watch her wiggle and squirm, trying to shove that baggage back down into its hidey hole and pretend it didn’t exist.
What about Olivia? What new challenges or excitement does she face in WRITTEN IN STONE?
Ellery: Oh boy, there are so many. Olivia starts out by learning that there’s a witch living across the harbor and the witch has asked for Olivia by name. Claiming to have once known Olivia’s mother, the witch gives Olivia a mysterious piece of pottery and a warning. And then she ends up dead. Suddenly, Olivia finds herself in the middle of a Lumbee Indian powwow, a decades-old crime that now threatens her and those she loves, and her blossoming relationship with Chief Sawyer Rawlings. Luckily, the Bayside Book Writers are there to help her through it.
Tell us something Abby would do that you would never do.
Kate: I’d never lead a protest march, break into a suspect’s home, or confront a killer. Otherwise, Abby and I are both fierce about justice being served.
What about Olivia? What would she do that you would neverdo?

Ellery: Olivia is much braver than I could ever be. She says the things I’d only think. I love writing her. I know she’ll do anything to set things right in Oyster Bay.
Who is most responsible for your culinary skills? What celebrity chef inspired you?
Kate: I learned my basic skills from my mother, but my recent favorite teacher/celebrity chef is Rachael Ray. I’m such a fan of her 30 minute meals. I just don’t have time to fix anything elaborate.
Ellery: My mom is an amazing cook. I consider myself more of a baker. You have to be willing to make mistakes in the kitchen. You have to just let loose and go for it. If it doesn’t come out right, then you don’t make it again. I love the Barefoot Contessa.
Kate, Is Simon the cat modeled on a real life animal? Do you have any pets at home?
Simon is named after another Simon, a white cat I had years ago, but he’s a conglomerate of the myriad felines I’ve had over the years. I lost my last pet, a beautiful calico, a few years back and have been traveling so much, I’ve decided not to replace her. I sure do miss that companionship, though.
Ellery, What about Captain Haviland the poodle?
He’s based on the dog my mom had growing up. I grew up with cats and large dogs and now am owned by four felines.  What do you think readers like most about your series?
Kate: The humor and the romantic subplot between Abby and Marco. It’s the perfect escape.
Ellery: The setting allows readers to escape to the beach any time of the year and I think readers really respond to the way Olivia is opening up and forging intimate relationships.
Kate, can you reveal a teeny, tiny secret from NIGHTSHADE ON ELM STREET —something that you’ll only share with our loyal Cozy Chick readers?
Two of the suspects in NIGHTSHADE are based on characters from the old TV show, GILLIGAN’S ISLAND. I would bet readers would be able to pick them out, but here’s a hint: think Thurston and Lovey. That’s all I’ll say, other than that it’s a fun AND suspenseful plot.
What about you, Ellery? Can you reveal a teeny, tiny secret from WRITTEN IN STONE?
This one’s kind of confusing, but it’ll make sense when you read the book. Hudson, Olivia’s half brother, believes he sees the ghost of their father. The truth? It’s no ghost…
NIGHTSHADE ON ELM STREET Available at your local bookstore or Amazon.com, Indiebound.com, Barnes & Noble
WRITTEN IN STONE: A BOOKS BY THE BAY MYSTERY Available at your local bookstore or Amazon.com, Indiebound.com, Barnes & Noble

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A Dainty Tomboy?

by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett

[image error] I grew up wedged between two brothers.  Some of my favorite toys weren't mine at all .. .they belonged to my brothers.  One Christmas my older brother got a fantastic toy gas station that had an elevator for the cars to go from the bottom floor to the parking garage on top level.  Another Christmas he received a Kenner Girder and Panel Building Set that has plastic windows that looked like the ones at Kodak Park.  My younger brother had Lego building blocks.  Yeah, I loved those "boy" toys.  Oh, I had baby dolls and Barbies, but nobody to play dolls with me.  But I could play with my brothers and their toys.

[image error] And then I got into Star Trek, and that wasn't exactly looked upon as a girl thing ... unless the girls were thinking of falling in love (ick!) with the heroes, yada, yada, yada.  So I kind of missed out on the whole "girl" experience.  At least that's the way I see it.  (But it was Star Trek that led me to think about storytelling ... and storytelling that got me into writing ...

So here I am a grown up, and the older I get the more I appreciate the more dainty things in life.  Afternoon tea.  Doilies.  Flowers in vahziz (as opposed to vases).  Chinz dishware (and fabrics) ...

[image error] Nowadays I read a lot of decorating books and magazines.  I started out with Country magazines, but have now graduated to Romantic Homes and Victoria, etc.  And I love shabby chic (except when the paint peels too much, because you know that anything painted before about 1970 had lead paint, and it's just not good to be around) ... I like repurposing old things, finding new ways for them to be relevant ... and making them look pretty once again.  It's all just so ... quaint and pretty and ... lovely...

Ahem.

[image error] And now I can indulge myself for hours on end with Pinterest.  I find myself collecting all kinds of beautiful pictures.  I tell myself it's work related because I'm doing research for my Victoria Square books.  My character, Katie Bonner, had always planned to open an upscale B&B called The English Ivy Inn.  So she collected all kinds of furniture, china, silverware, knick-knacks, etc. to fill the place.  And she was going to offer afternoon tea to her guests and for special events ... like wedding and baby showers, etc.  Therefore, I HAVE to research those kinds of things ... just so I can write about them.  (Right?)

I have boards on Pinterest for Teatime with Katie, and From Katie's Storage Unit, and even Katie's English Ivy Inn. Oh, and cupcake joy (yes, she planned to serve beautiful cupcakes).  But then, I also have a Star Trek board, too.  (Old habits die hard.)  But I figure that this is one indulgence that doesn't involve a lot of calories ... even if it is addictive.

(By the way, the Cozy Chicks also have a Pinterest account. Maybe you'd like to follow us!)

So, how do you indulge yourself?

P.S.  I'm in the middle of having my website updated.  Maybe by the time you read this, some of it will be live.  If you'd like to have a look and explore, you can go to LorraineBartlett.com. It's going to look a bit more feminine, too.  Tell me what you think.[image error]

The election is over, let's get back to reading!

by: Julie

It doesn't seem possible, but the presidential election is now history and we can all get back to our regularly scheduled lives.

Two of our wonderful Cozy Chicks, Ellery and Kate, had the bad luck to have their new books debut Tuesday. Yep, right smack dab in the middle of election day itself. With so much going on in the non-Cozy (real) world, it would be no surprise if we found out that Jennifer's and Kate's new releases got lost in the craziness.

So, let me take just a moment here to do a WOO-HOO shout-out to Ellery and Kate. Here's a little bit about their newest titles and plenty of links (natch).


Written in Stone by Ellery Adams


When Munin Cooper, known as the Witch of Oyster Bay, warns Olivia Limoges that death is coming, neither of them realize that it is the older woman herself who will soon be found dead. And Olivia’s instincts tell her that something—or someone—more sinister than a mystical force is at play…

Olivia has a lot on her plate preparing for the Coastal Carolina Food Festival. When she hears the news of Munin’s untimely death, however, finding the murderer takes priority. The witch left behind a memory jug full of keepsakes that Olivia knows must point to the killer—but she’s got to figure out what they mean.With handsome Police Chief Rawlings by her side, Olivia starts to identify some of the jug’s mysterious contents—and finds its secrets are much darker than she suspected. Now Olivia must enlist the help of the Bayside Book Writers to solve the puzzle behind the piece of pottery and put an end to a vengeful killer before any more damage can be done…

Amazon paperback
Kindle
Barnes & Noble paperback
Nook


Nightshade on Elm Street  by Kate Collins


Enjoy her wedding shower…or receive a cold dunking?In addition to running her flower shop, planning her wedding, and juggling two mothers who both want to host an elaborate bridal shower, Abby Knight is facing another complication. Her ditzy cousin Jillian asks her and her longtime beau, Marco, a private detective, to find a woman who’s gone missing from the exclusive beach house belonging to Jillian’s in-laws, the Osbornes. The missing woman is also the fiancée of Pryce Osborne, a wet noodle with a big bank account who dumped Abby just before their wedding several years ago. Merely being anywhere near Pryce makes Abby’s insecurities grow like kudzu….

Then a woman’s drowned body surfaces, and Pryce becomes a prime suspect in her death. Unless Abby and Marco can get a killer to come clean, their bridal shower will turn into a complete washout...and Pryce will be exchanging a sunny beach for a prison cell.
Amazon paperback
KindleBarnes & Noble paperbackNook

As always, you know these wonderful ladies would appreciate your support. Whether you mention the new releases on Facebook, or Twitter, or you make sure to pick up copies this first, most important week for sales, or you leave a review on Amazon or BN, or... anything that gets the word out, you are appreciated.

I know I have some fabulous reading ahead. The question is ... which one first? Tough decision!

How do you decide which book to read next? Is it dependent on your mood? And do you think that your reading time declined during the election season?

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The Day After

by Hannah Reed/Deb Baker

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.
And so opens Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities, as does this day after the election. So apropos!

Roughly half the country woke this morning to uncertainty and fear. Others are basking in the sweet glow of victory.

We’ve been a country divided for so long.

Let’s reach out to each other with kindness, understanding, faith, a dose of humor, and most of all, thankfulness for everything we have.











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A Privilege, Not Just a Duty

by Maggie Sefton




It's Election Day!

We're very fortunate to live in a country like the United States of America.  One of the most valuable and cherished privileges our country offers to its citizens is our right to vote on the people we choose to lead us.  If you have not yet voted, please remember to vote today for the candidate(s) of your choice.  It's important.

And please don't forget the people of New York and New Jersey who are still suffering the effects of Hurricane Sandy.  Thousands are without heat and power with not enough food or clothing.  Both the Red Cross and the Salvation Army are there helping these folks.  Please remember them in your thoughts and prayers and any donations if possible.