Kate Collins's Blog, page 302

Dru's Cozy Report: June Reading List

Welcome to Dru's Cozy Report. This month we're visiting a fabric store and ice cream shop owner, a tattoo artist and a curator.

Dire Threads by Janet Bolin is the first book in the new "Threadville" mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, June 2011

Newly minted shopkeeper Willow Vanderling is anxious to see her embroidery store succeed. And while In Stitches is a hit with the tourists, the town's zoning commissioner, Mike Krawbach, isn't exactly a fan. After denying Willow's plan to renovate the charming cottage behind the shop, Mike attempts to trick some tourists into signing a petition to knock it down to make way for an ATV trail. Furious over Mike's trickery, Willow picks a fight with the corrupt commissioner. When Mike later turns up dead in her yard, Threadville's newest outspoken resident becomes the prime suspect. With the evidence stacked against her, Willow will have to find the murderer, or else the next thing she embroiders may be an orange prison jumpsuit.

A harmless threat in front of several people and then his subsequent death marks Willow as the one and only prime suspect in his murder. Fearing the local police will not look for the killer, Willow and her friends begin their own investigation and what follows is hilarity fit for a queen. The situations they encounter and escape from will have you in stitches as they try to seam all the pieces together to find a killer and bring justice and of course, clear Willow's name. This was a good mystery that kept me guessing as the clues diverted my attention from the real killer. This story boasts a delightful cast of characters, crisp writing, entertaining dialogue and a bonus for this quilter, envisions of crafting projects. I got so caught in the town of Threadville and their residents that I'm looking forward to my next adventure. This is a great debut in this welcoming series.

Visit Janet at www.threadvillemysteries.com

FTC Full Disclosure - The publisher sent me a copy of this book

A Parfait Murder by Wendy Lyn Watson is the third book in the "A La Mode" mystery series. Publisher: Obsidian, June 2011

Life has been good for Tallulah Jones, and nabbing a spot on the judging panel at the Lantana County Fair puts the cherry on top. But when Tally's cousin Bree spots her deadbeat ex-husband strolling the fairground with a vixen on his arm and a fat wallet in his pocket, all the fun goes cold. Bree immediately files for back child support, but then her ex's attorney is found dead at the fair, and things look more than a little sticky because Bree is standing over the body with a gun in her hand. She pleads her innocence and begs Tally to clear her sweet name. Will Tally prove Bree's innocents or will she find her cousin has committed the "parfait" crime? Either way, trouble is certain to be churned up.

What a delicious read. When Bree is found with the smoking gun in her hand, it doesn't look good, especially when all the evidence points to her, but Tally is determined to scoop out the killer before Bree is put on ice. This fast-paced, non-stop action was a delightful read filled with romance, quirky characters and mysteries left to be uncovered. With a surprising twist that I didn't see coming, the appeal of the characters will keep you entertained as you enjoy the life that is known in Dalliance, Texas. With a small town feel and great dialogue, this book is delectably appealing with tasty and yummy recipes included.

Visit Wendy at www.wendylynwatson.com

FTC Full Disclosure - The publisher sent me a copy of this book

Ink Flamingos by Karen E. Olson is the fourth book in the "Tattoo Shop" mystery series. Publisher: Obsidian, June 2011

Dee Carmichael, lead singer of the hot pop sensation, The Flamingos, has been one of Brett's most dedicated customers—or was. Dee has been discovered in her hotel room, surrounded by ink pots and needles. And a tall redhead matching Brett's description was seen leaving the crime scene. Now Brett has been branded the prime suspect. This can't be good for business. Meanwhile, a blog has been showcasing Dee's deadly tattoo. Things get worse when pictures of Brett start appearing on the site. Turns out, someone isn't merely following Brett, but impersonating her all over town. Now she must act fast to find out who's out to get her before the killer puts the dye in dying once again.

Conspiracy; Impersonation; Friendship or not, this is what confronts Brett as someone is going around town pretending to be her and left in their wake, a dead ex-client with tattoo supplies near her body and witnesses seeing "Brett". Who wants her dead? Who is framing Brett? What is going on? An unlikely alliance comes to Brett's aid as they track through Vegas looking for clues to stop this charade and bring a killer to justice. What a great mystery with non-stop action from the beginning to the end. The engaging storyline kept me on my toes and had me quickly turning the pages as I couldn't put this book down. With an avant-garde cast of characters and sparkling conversations, this was the best book in this colorful series.

Visit Karen at www.kareneolson.com

FTC Full Disclosure - The author sent me a copy of this book

Grace Interrupted by Julie Hyzy is the second book in the "Manor of Murder" mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, June 2011

Civil war re-enactors have set up camp on the grounds of Marshfield Manor. The group is very believable, especially when the unrest spills out of the barracks and inside the sumptuous mansion. Grace manages to settle a minor squabble, but loses the war when actor Zachary Kincade is found stabbed to death. Jack Embers, the groundskeeper, falls under suspicion when he's linked to the death of Zachary's brother years ago. But there were others out for Zachary, actors who can be very convincing when the coveted role of "General" is on the line. Grace feels responsible for finding the murderer…and for the sweet tuxedo kitten found on her doorstep, Bootsie. Can she come to the rescue of her friends without putting herself in danger's way?

A member of a civil war re-enactment party who became involved with two skirmishes on Marshfield Manor property leads to murder when he is later found dead. When the past comes back to haunt Jack, the groundskeeper, we wonder are the two incidents connected, especially when Jack becomes the primary suspect. Believing in his innocence, Grace yet again, begins an investigation. What a great read. The mystery of the murder opens up wounds of a past murder and we watch Grace pull it all together with help from an unlikely source. The steady-paced, action-filled story had me quickly me turning the pages as I had to know what happens next and I was doubly rewarded. This well-crafted mystery, likeable characters and fascinating dialogue was very enjoyable and I look forward to my next adventures are Marshfield Manor.

Visit Julie at www.juliehyzy.com

FTC Full Disclosure - The publisher sent me a copy of this book
Click here to see my other reads.

On the Road Again---Chicago area

Yes, I'm on the road again, folks. I'm presently staying with dear friends in Lake Barrington, Illinois (suburb of Chicago) in a beautiful area where the lovely homes are nestled in the midst of trees and gardens and wide sweeps of rolling grassy spaces. Just lovely. And a real blissful retreat for me since I've just spent the past two weeks skimping on sleep so I could finish revising the next Kelly Flynn mystery while also promoting the latest release, UNRAVELED, which came out last week, June 7th.
Good news! I just heard today that UNRAVELED was the #4 Bestselling Barnes & Noble Hardcover Mystery! I'm always humbled and gratified by the reader response to the Kelly Flynn Mysteries. Thank you, thank you, Readers. And thank you for loving Kelly Flynn and her fellow characters as much as I do.
Tonight, I had a chance to do something I simply love: be a guest speaker at an area library. Tonight, I appeared at the Wauconda Public Library in Wauconda, IL, and I had a great time. I absolutely LOVE speaking at libraries. Librarians are some of my favorite people and I will show up whenever I can to speak at their events. What fun. I also signed books afterwards, and a devoted reader actually brought me a mug he'd made w/pictures plus an adorable knitted squirrel. I've named the fuzzy one, Brazen Squirrel, after the squirrel of the same name in the Kelly Flynn books who gives Kelly's dog Carl fits. Carl tries his best to outrun Brazen, but Brazen Squirrel outsmarts Big Dog time and again. Hey. . .when you're little, you have to think fast and run faster. . .if you want to survive.
So, now I'm back at the Lake Barrington house, ready to post this blog and head to bed. The guest bedroom looks out on that luscious green sweep of grass sloping up to the hillside and this huge old barn, remnant of what was once a farming past for this land. Now, the deteriorating-but-picturesque weather-beaten barn is simply lovely to look at. I think it's beautiful. And peaceful in its silent presence. No more farm animals inside. The only living creatures are mice and the bats that fly out at night to consume as many mosquitoes as possible. Go, bats! Eat those mosquitoes before they eat me!
I find that barn so lovely and peaceful to look at, that I raise my shade at night so the huge barn literally fills my window. I open the window itself so that I can hear the night sounds. Love to hear those night creatures. I fall asleep with the full moon reflecting off that grey-white presence, shining in the moonlight. Bats swooping through the skies, silent hunters. Nightsounds singing me to sleep.
And it's the first thing I see in the morning. Sweet dreams, everyone. Good night, Moon. And good night. . .from Maggie.

Coincidence or Not? You Decide

By Kate Collins

Before I tell you my most amazing story, I need to set the stage. Those of you who follow the Cozy Chicks' blog may remember that my beloved husband/soulmate passed away last fall. Since that time, I've had quite a few remarkable incidents and coincidences happen in my life that seem a little too coincidental, if you know what I mean. (See my blog about the Tiffany box). Another one happened a few days ago.

At the urging of my family and friends, I decided to make changes to my bedroom, to make it less "ours" and more mine, as a way to move forward. My husband had brought two big armoires with him when we married, along with a gigantic oil painting that was not quite my style. My stepdaughter was the first to say that the painting and the armoires were just not me and had to go. I knew she was right.

I debated with myself for a few weeks, torn between wanting to keep the bedroom exactly as it had been during my marriage and wanting to make a new start so I wouldn't have the constant reminder of the empty armoire. I prayed and meditated, I told my husband what I was thinking, I cried, I sat and stared, and I took photographs. Then I bargained with myself. If I found just the right dresser to replace them, that would be a sign.

A week later, I found it, on sale! I tossed and turned that night, trying to decide whether to buy it. In my darkest moments, it felt as though I were trying to erase my husband's memories. And of course I wasn't, but at 3 a.m., who's logical?

Then movers came to take my daughter's furniture to her new apartment. She had stored her things with me for a month. I knew it was time to fish or cut bait, so I asked the boss if he would mind moving the armoires to the garage. If I were to sell them, I didn't want strangers in my house. He agreed, and the armoires were moved out of the bedroom that day. The dresser arrived 4 days later.

I put the armoires on Craig's List with the disclaimer that the proceeds would go to my local women's shelter. That first evening I got 4 replies. Two were obvious scams, so I deleted them. Two were inquiries, so I answered them. But I heard nothing back.

An email popped up the next day from a man who wanted dimensions. After I sent them, along with my "cash only" condition, he wrote back that his wife loved the armoires and he could drive 1 ½ hours from Chicago the next day with his brother-in-law to pick them up. I knew I'd have company at the house, so I wasn't too worried about my safety . . . But did I really want to let go of my husband's armoire? Was I 100% positive I wanted them out of my possession? No.

I called the man to see what he sounded like, and he said two things to me that swayed my opinion. First, he and his brother-in-law are cops. My dad was a cop. Second, he knew my personal email was a Greek word, and moreover, he knew what it meant because his grandparents came from Greece and taught him to speak the language. As my husband spoke it fluently, I liked that coincidence a lot.

But the best surprise came the next morning when he and his brother-in-law arrived. Not only was he Greek, but also Irish and German. Being Irish, and having kids and stepkids who are half German, (first marriages) I liked that a lot, too.

Here's the clincher. I gave them each a bookmark to give to their wives. When the brother-in-law saw it, he laughed. "My last name is Collins," he said, "and my wife's name is Katherine, but everyone calls her Kate."

I still get goosebumps thinking about it. My Greek's armoires are going to a cop's family that is Greek, Irish and German, and has Kate Collins as a close relative. I don't know how you feel, but I think it was meant to be. Those armoires could not be in a better home. I felt immensely better.

And by the way, they were the only serious buyers. The only ones.

Was that mere coincidence or maybe something more?

USPS: Mistakes? We Got 'Em. We Don't Care.

by Leann

This past Monday, my husband and I had our anniversary. One of those big, big, can you believe it? number of years married. But because of his recent surgery, we couldn't go out and celebrate. No cards, no party, no real anything going on. We did receive a giant size floral arrangement from our kids. Beautiful, really.

My daughter, however, said to be looking for an express mail envelope. With the loss of my beloved cat and the lack of family around to help us celebrate, I was pretty glum. But I looked forward to getting whatever my daughter had sent us. However we checked the mailbox starting Saturday June 4th, even Sunday June 5th, and nothing was there. But the big day was Monday, the 6th. And guess what? No envelope. Nothing. I didn't want to say anything to my daughter. Since it hadn't arrived, maybe it got hung up in NYC. After all, I'd sent my son-in-law's birthday card there two and a half weeks ago and he still hadn't received it.

But when I went to put outgoing mail in our box on Wednesday morning, June 8th, there was the express mail envelope. All by itself. No other mail. Inside was her handwritten note. I will treasure it forever, the tribute to our marriage was so beautifully said. But half of the tears I shed were for how late this had arrived. For $18, that envelope came in the same amount of time as if she'd just put a regular stamp on the envelope.

I think the lost birthday card to my son-in-law, the fact that several times I've put mail in the box only to have them toss delivered mail on top and not take the outgoing mail added to this latest screw up finally got to me. First I fired off an email online to USPS and then I called our local post office. I got the Post Mistress on the line. That's when the excuses began, but she did say she would look in to it.

She called back later to say that the express mail had been scanned on June 4th. Was delivered. No it wasn't, I told her. Then she told me that when the carrier delivered our mail on Monday morning (day of our anniversary) the express mail envelope was in our box. No it wasn't. Because when I got our mail, it wasn't there. And it wasn't there Tuesday either. It suddenly appeared Wednesday morning. See, somehow, she said, it ended up back at the post office and the carrier then delivered it (supposedly again). Her words were something to the effect that this was so bizarre, it had to be true. Huh? That's your excuse? That, of course, was also laced with implications that we missed this important piece of mail somehow. (Really, it was our fault.)

I am still boiling about this. Whatever happened to, "Someone on our end screwed up. We're sorry?" I actually might have understood if those words had been said--and they offered to refund my daughter's wasted $18. But no. Guess that's not the way the world works these days. Blame someone else, make up a story, lead with excuses and cite rules. That's how it goes. It makes me angry, sad and disappointed. The best part is that I DO have that note from my daughter, it wasn't completely lost like my son-in-law's birthday card.

How about you? Has the post office let you down lately? I'd love to hear about it! :-)

A Fat-Free Diet Really Works!

By Lorna Barrett / Lorraine Bartlett / L.L. Bartlett

Three weeks ago today, Mr. L said, "I have a stomachach."

This is significant because Mr. L NEVER gets sick.  Of course, as someone with frequent heartburn, I kind of brushed this off.  That is until he said, "I think I need to go to the ER."

That sure changed my Saturday night plans.

[image error] We were relieved to learn it was gall bladder trouble.  (Well, I was) Also, that it would take only out-patient surgery and time to "fix" this problem.  The thing is ... we've got a LOT of our plates right now (and I won't go into all that), but it's really not convenient to schedule the surgery until at least July.  Meanwhile, we're on a virtually fat-free diet.

[image error] I've been "dieting" (sort of semi-Weight Watchers) since February. It's coming off a LOT slower than I wanted. When Mr. L was forced to change his eating habits I'd lost 13.5 pounds.

Two weeks into the diet, Mr. L had lost 14 pounds.

Hmmm.  Four months vs. two weeks.

A week later, I am down 16.5 pounds.  Mr L is down 17.  (Why is it men can lose weight SO much easier than women?)  Still, I ain't getting into my goal jeans just yet.  I figure we've got at least another month to go before the surgery happens, and then adding fat to our diets will slowly start once again.  (Frozen custard is on the top of my list.)

We haven't figured out many fat-free dinner options.  For three weeks we've eaten lean pork tenderloin, skinless baked chicken, pasta, and broiled fish.  Over and over again. It's getting pretty boring.

Anybody got any ideas for a virtually fat-free dinner that tastes good?  Please--I'm hungry!


P.S.  My fifth Booktown Mystery, SENTENCED TO DEATH, is now available.  If you like the series, I hope you'll give this latest addition a try.

If Age is a State of Mind...I Might Need (Retail) Therapy

by Heather Webber / Heather Blake
Therapy because I might have a split personality. Because lately I've noticed something when I'm shopping...
The demographics in the departments I shop are decidedly split. Between nice cotton-topped old ladies and belly- (or butt or boob or all the above) baring teenagers.
Huh. This is definitely strange as I don't fall into either category. I'm somewhere in the middle. Yet, when I was looking for shirts at a local department store and saw an elderly woman eyeing the same shirt...I knew it was time to move away from that rack.
Same with when I was shopping for a new skirt. Looked to my left and saw a skimpily dressed teen looking at racks of sundresses next to me.
Not good. Not good at all. What does this mean?
Why am I shopping in the same sections as older women and young girls? Why are my tastes the same (and, gulp, what does this say about my sense of style)?
I think I need help. Or a stylist. Or both.
But for now, what I want to know is where do you women in the 30-50 demographic shop???  Because I know it's not with me. LOL!

Ellery's Mystery Cozy Contest - Answer

Last week's mystery cozy was Murder is Binding by our own Lorna Barrett. The gift card winner goes to Anna Blundell and I bet she'd love to spend it a copy of the latest Booktown mystery, Sentenced to Death. It just came out on Tuesday, along with Maggie Sefton's, Unraveled. So many books, so little time. Right?
We had three kitty key chain winners too! Congrats to Jan Weierbach, Lori Cimino, and Dave Cheever.

Have You Crossed Anything Off Your Bucket List?

By Ellery Adams
I haven't really made an official bucket list. I know that lots of folks want to see a baseball game at every ballpark in the U.S. or jump from an airplane or take a ride in a hot air balloon, but I find baseball games rather long and am skittish of heights.
I can think of a few things to add to my list:
1. The Holy Grail: seeing my name (any of my names!) on the New York Times List2. Taking a ride on the Orient Express3. Going to Egypt (again. I've been once and I'd love to return)
And the more I think about this, the more my list revolves around travel. Eating croissants in Paris, gelato in Florence, etc. Luckily, my kids have swimming with the dolphins on their bucket lists and we're going to surprise them with a trip to do just that in July.
How about you? What are some items on your bucket list?

Top Book Club Picks

by Deb/HannahYou know how much I love lists, so here's the latest:

Based on a vote by 30,000 book clubs registered at Bookmovement.com here are the top May reads:

1. Room: A Novel by Emma Donoghue
2. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
3. Water for Elephants: A Novel by Sara Gruen
4. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
5. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
6. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet: A Novel by Jamie Ford
7. Little Bee: A Novel by Chris Cleave
8. Cutting for Stone: A Novel by Abraham Verghese
9. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
10. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

And the top two risers:

Bossypants by Tina Fey (New at #29)
Heaven Is for Real by Todd Burpo (#30, up from #68 in April)

Can you believe I've only read 2 of these. I better get cracking.
Are you in a book club?
How many of these have you read?

UNRAVELED --- New Release Today!

by Maggie Sefton




At last!! UNRAVELED, the ninth in the Kelly Flynn Knitting Mysteries is in bookstores today, even as we speak. Yes, I'm excited, maybe a little more so than usual. Why? Because. . .well, because of the way the last Kelly Flynn mystery, SKEIN OF THE CRIME, ended. No happy endings at the end of SKEIN. Nope. Nada.



For those of you who've been following the series, you saw the "clues" I had put in previous books. We novelists call that "foreshadowing." And in SKEIN, you saw the conflict between Kelly and her boyfriend Steve up close and personal. Inescapable. So. . .being the Evil Author that I am. . .something had to happen. And it did. Boy, did it. And, boy oh boy. . .did I get an earful from readers! Wow!



I always send a personal email to everyone who writes me, and I was busy, busy sending emails out to readers who were upset with the ending. For those who wrote to me, I gave them a little hint of what the future holds for Kelly & Steve. And, today, I'll do the same for everyone who's reading our Cozy Chicks Blog.



Be assured---Kelly's and Steve's story is not finished yet. Stay tuned. There is definitely hope for the future. A lot of hope. UNRAVELED picks up six months after SKEIN OF THE CRIME. Kelly and Steve haven't seen each other or spoken to each other for six months. But. . .each of them has been kept fully informed about the other with regular updates from. . .who else? The Gang. Their loyal friends---Greg & Lisa, Marty & Megan, Pete & Jennifer. And everyone else in the cast for that matter.



So, does UNRAVELED provide an opportunity for Kelly and Steve to meet again? Start talking again? Deal with the "elephant in the room" (i.e. their breakup)? Does a bear sleep in the woods? You betcha. And---I'm pretty sure readers will enjoy "watching." There's also a really fun volleyball scene where Kelly and Steve find themselves right across the net from each other when they're both working for Denver companies who're having a "friendly" pickup game for morale building. Believe me, I had a blast writing that. :) Oh. . .and Jennifer and Kelly discover a dead body. . .again. They found one in NEEDLED TO DEATH (#2). C'mon! You didn't think I was gonna forget to kill someone, did you? No way. Someone has to die. It's what we mystery writers do.



And for those of you who haven't been reading the series, here's a tip: you might NOT want to start with SKEIN OF THE CRIME (#8) and certainly not with UNRAVELED (#9). Believe me, you'll understand a lot more of what's happening with ALL of the characters in the mystery cast (not just Kelly and Steve) if you read the earlier books.



Now you know why I'm so excited. I've been dying to let you guys know "what happens next." Meanwhile, enjoy everyone. . .it's summertime. Perfect time to open up one of the Cozy Chicks' books. Enjoy!