Christa Nardi's Blog, page 23
July 11, 2021
Blog Tour and Review: MOUNTAIN VIEW MURDER - A Wintergreen Mystery by Patrick Kelly
About the Book
Guess who cried at Lou Thorpe’s funeral
No one. His wife, grown children, and best friends all attended the service, but no one shed a single tear. Poor Lou. He was out for his morning walk when a crazed driver knocked him out of life. Crazed? With no car, no driver, and no witnesses, it’s difficult to say. Was it an accident or intentional?
Until that morning, Bill O’Shea was living the dream. After a career of fighting crime in the big city, Bill bought a condo in the beautiful mountain resort community of Wintergreen, Virginia. When he met his attractive new neighbor, Bill knew his retirement was off to a great start. But then the short-staffed police department asked Bill to help them investigate Thorpe’s death.
Soon, Bill fell into an old routine. Interviewing suspects. Checking alibis. Everyone had a secret to hide, but Bill lacked evidence to tie any of the suspects to the crime. He was missing something–like he had an itch he couldn’t reach to scratch.
Will Bill and his new friends solve the case, or will the murder of Lou Thorpe remain a mystery forever? If you love beautiful mountain settings, a charming cast, and intriguing plot twists, you’re going to love this new series! Clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language.
Review
As reluctant as Bill was to get involved, the pull was still there and he had to find the answers. With little information to start, he pursues any and all possibilities. In the process, he got in a lot of hiking and trying to figure out who could have killed Lou and gotten home unseen and he isn't buying the idea that it was a hiker who just decided to take Lou out or killed him accidentally and took off. It didn't help that Lou was not liked by anyone.
The plot moves along steadily, with the expected dead ends, a bit of humor, and a budding romance between Bill and Cindy. The characters were likable, even the killer, and I'm guessing Bill will be staying in Wintergreen for some time. If you like a good mystery and characters who have genuine feelings, you will like this one. I certainly did.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
About the Author
Pat Kelly was raised in the idyllic suburb of Yorktown, Virginia, where children ran barefoot through the grass and fished in the York River. After graduating from UVA, he left the state to pursue a career in finance. He settled in Texas, married a wonderful woman (Susie), and together they raised two daughters in Austin.
With the girls now grown and gone, Pat has pursued a lifelong love of writing stories. Countless hours at the keyboard have produced the Joe Robbins Thriller Series, two book awards, and four standalone novels. A few years ago, Pat and Susie bought a summer home in the bucolic mountaintop resort of Wintergreen, Virginia. The beautiful vistas there inspired Pat to write a cozy mystery series featuring the reluctant detective Bill O’Shea. Join Pat’s newsletter to follow Bill’s adventures as he dodges irrepressible bears, pursues romance, and solves mysteries.
Author Links
Webpage: https://www.patrickkellystories.com/ Blog: https://www.patrickkellystories.com/blog FB page: https://www.facebook.com/patrickkellywriter Twitter handle: https://twitter.com/pkfiction Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/patrickkelly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pkellystories/
Purchase Links
Amazon Paperback – Amazon Kindle – Coming Soon
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July 8, 2021
Book Review - WHISPERED LIES (Web of Lies #1) by Kathleen Brooks
Another romantic suspense...
Synopsis
When danger lurks in the shadows… Government secrets are being sold and the newly sworn in President of the United States already feels out of options. Without knowing the full scope of the scandal, the president decides to turn to the one person he knows he can trust—former FBI Agent, Elizabeth James. Her deep distrust of the system is rooted in her unfair discharge from service. Now she sees a chance to restore her reputation and send a message to those that would use their power to destroy others' lives.
Elizabeth James is ordered to do whatever it takes to end a criminal organization pulling the strings of the worlds’ governments to do their bidding. She's also been told that this is completely off the books. If caught, the government will deny all knowledge of her and the mission. Elizabeth was ready to go it alone until a man with a chip on his shoulder mysteriously helps her when she’s under fire.
Dalton Cage had led his small group of elite Air Force Pararescuemen into the most dangerous parts of the world to rescue civilians and soldiers alike. He thought his time spent evading enemy fire was over after he was booted for ignoring an order he believed to be wrong. But enemy fire was nothing compared to the dangers he faced when he was offered a chance at redemption. All he had to do was provide back up to an undercover agent and he’d get a chance to rejoin his pararescue team. Danger strikes early and often as Elizabeth and Dalton begin their mission and find their hearts becoming involved. Now every decision could cost them their freedom . . . or their lives.
Review
Elizabeth has an ulterior motive - a desire to set the record straight. Off the books, she undertakes the mission, only to be aided by Dalton, who also was removed from service for ignoring an order. Both of them want to address the President's concern and restore their positions. Only they need to keep themselves alive.
This was an engaging read and, as with many of Brooks' books, I had a hard time forcing myself to stop reading, even in the wee hours of the morning. I liked both Elizabeth and Dalton - they weren't perfect, had secrets and ulterior motives, but were committed to the mission. The ending was satisfying. This was my first in this series by Brooks, but I will definitely be reading the rest - when I have plenty of time and no need to sleep.
Web of Lies
Whispered LiesRogue LiesShattered Lies
Synopsis
When danger lurks in the shadows… Government secrets are being sold and the newly sworn in President of the United States already feels out of options. Without knowing the full scope of the scandal, the president decides to turn to the one person he knows he can trust—former FBI Agent, Elizabeth James. Her deep distrust of the system is rooted in her unfair discharge from service. Now she sees a chance to restore her reputation and send a message to those that would use their power to destroy others' lives.
Elizabeth James is ordered to do whatever it takes to end a criminal organization pulling the strings of the worlds’ governments to do their bidding. She's also been told that this is completely off the books. If caught, the government will deny all knowledge of her and the mission. Elizabeth was ready to go it alone until a man with a chip on his shoulder mysteriously helps her when she’s under fire.
Dalton Cage had led his small group of elite Air Force Pararescuemen into the most dangerous parts of the world to rescue civilians and soldiers alike. He thought his time spent evading enemy fire was over after he was booted for ignoring an order he believed to be wrong. But enemy fire was nothing compared to the dangers he faced when he was offered a chance at redemption. All he had to do was provide back up to an undercover agent and he’d get a chance to rejoin his pararescue team. Danger strikes early and often as Elizabeth and Dalton begin their mission and find their hearts becoming involved. Now every decision could cost them their freedom . . . or their lives. Review
Elizabeth has an ulterior motive - a desire to set the record straight. Off the books, she undertakes the mission, only to be aided by Dalton, who also was removed from service for ignoring an order. Both of them want to address the President's concern and restore their positions. Only they need to keep themselves alive.
This was an engaging read and, as with many of Brooks' books, I had a hard time forcing myself to stop reading, even in the wee hours of the morning. I liked both Elizabeth and Dalton - they weren't perfect, had secrets and ulterior motives, but were committed to the mission. The ending was satisfying. This was my first in this series by Brooks, but I will definitely be reading the rest - when I have plenty of time and no need to sleep.
Web of Lies
Whispered LiesRogue LiesShattered Lies
June 28, 2021
Book Review: SPRING CLEANING MURDERS (An Ellie Haskell Mystery) by Dorothy Cannell
Synopsis
When the ever-scrupulous and ever-caustic Mrs. Roxie Malloy leaves her employ in tears, Ellie Haskell—busy mother of twins—is forced to find another cleaning person. As she searches for someone who can at least aspire to taking Mrs. Malloy’s place, Ellie turns the household topsy-turvy, overcome with spring-cleaning fever. But when members of the Chitterton Fells Charwomen’s Association (C.F.C.W.A.) start biting the dust, Ellie swaps scrubbing for sleuthing to find out what dark secrets have been swept under the rug.
With the help of her husband, Ben, her feckless cousin Freddy, and an assortment of homemade cleaning solutions, Ellie joins the C.F.C.W.A.’s roster and embarks on a brief stint as a mercenary maid—just long enough to snoop through her neighbors’ things and find out which one has more than dust bunnies and dirty dishes to hide.
Review
An English cozy, Ellie and Ben Haskell take care of their own, including their hired help. This becomes more evident with the murder murders. Ellie jumps right in with the ladies to find the killer, including going undercover.
Readers get a slice of English culture, with its mannerisms and everyday comings and goings. The characters are likable and funny, especially Roxie.
This is seventh in a series of at least twelve books by Cannell. It was an enjoyable escape and can be read as a stand-alone mystery. It might be even better though if you started with the first one. At a time when travel is somewhat testy, take a trip to England with Ellie and Ben and forget the daily stressors.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
AMAZON
When the ever-scrupulous and ever-caustic Mrs. Roxie Malloy leaves her employ in tears, Ellie Haskell—busy mother of twins—is forced to find another cleaning person. As she searches for someone who can at least aspire to taking Mrs. Malloy’s place, Ellie turns the household topsy-turvy, overcome with spring-cleaning fever. But when members of the Chitterton Fells Charwomen’s Association (C.F.C.W.A.) start biting the dust, Ellie swaps scrubbing for sleuthing to find out what dark secrets have been swept under the rug.
With the help of her husband, Ben, her feckless cousin Freddy, and an assortment of homemade cleaning solutions, Ellie joins the C.F.C.W.A.’s roster and embarks on a brief stint as a mercenary maid—just long enough to snoop through her neighbors’ things and find out which one has more than dust bunnies and dirty dishes to hide. Review
An English cozy, Ellie and Ben Haskell take care of their own, including their hired help. This becomes more evident with the murder murders. Ellie jumps right in with the ladies to find the killer, including going undercover.
Readers get a slice of English culture, with its mannerisms and everyday comings and goings. The characters are likable and funny, especially Roxie.
This is seventh in a series of at least twelve books by Cannell. It was an enjoyable escape and can be read as a stand-alone mystery. It might be even better though if you started with the first one. At a time when travel is somewhat testy, take a trip to England with Ellie and Ben and forget the daily stressors.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
AMAZON
June 26, 2021
Book Review: MURDER WITH STRINGS ATTACHED by Mark Reutlinger
Synopsis (from Amazon)
Sometimes even the most carefully conceived burglary can take an unexpected turn. Florence Palmer has her eye on concert violinist Aaron Levy's priceless violin.
Unfortunately, she finds it's already been stolen. Her surprise doubles when the virtuoso she'd planned to burgle offers to hire her to help him steal it back.
But they're not the only ones looking for the missing violin. When Flo inadvertently becomes the prime suspect in a case of murder, she and Aaron need to clear her name. Will they find the real killer and get the violin back to its rightful owner without anyone else, especially themselves, being killed?
Review
This was a fun read with a twist. First, there's Flo, previously a domestic worker who discovered it was more profitable to be a thief. Then you have Aaron Levy, famous violinist, who plays a priceless Stradivarius. Flo does her homework, maps out his habits, and is set to steal the priceless violin. Only the one in his hotel room is a fake and she's caught in the act. Aaron surprises Flo by hiring her to steal back his precious violin and replace it with the fake. Then the fun begins.
This was an enjoyable read with great characters, humor, a steady pace and surprises to keep my interest. I'll be looking for more books from Reutlinger.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
AMAZON
Sometimes even the most carefully conceived burglary can take an unexpected turn. Florence Palmer has her eye on concert violinist Aaron Levy's priceless violin.
Unfortunately, she finds it's already been stolen. Her surprise doubles when the virtuoso she'd planned to burgle offers to hire her to help him steal it back.
But they're not the only ones looking for the missing violin. When Flo inadvertently becomes the prime suspect in a case of murder, she and Aaron need to clear her name. Will they find the real killer and get the violin back to its rightful owner without anyone else, especially themselves, being killed?
Review
This was a fun read with a twist. First, there's Flo, previously a domestic worker who discovered it was more profitable to be a thief. Then you have Aaron Levy, famous violinist, who plays a priceless Stradivarius. Flo does her homework, maps out his habits, and is set to steal the priceless violin. Only the one in his hotel room is a fake and she's caught in the act. Aaron surprises Flo by hiring her to steal back his precious violin and replace it with the fake. Then the fun begins.
This was an enjoyable read with great characters, humor, a steady pace and surprises to keep my interest. I'll be looking for more books from Reutlinger.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
AMAZON
June 21, 2021
Review: WHISKEY SECRETS (Whiskey Lies Book 1) by Carrie Anne Ryan
A bit of romantic suspense today... need to change things up some times....
Synopsis from Amazon
Sparks fly between a former cop-turned-bartender and his new innkeeper in the first installment of a Montgomery Ink spin-off series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan.
Dare Collins is a man who knows his whiskey and women—or at least that’s what he tells himself. When his family decides to hire on a new innkeeper for the inn above his bar and restaurant, he’s more than reluctant. Especially when he meets the new hire. But he’ll soon find that he has no choice but to work with this city girl and accept her new ideas and the burning attraction between them.
Kenzie Owens left her old life and an abusive relationship behind her—or so she thought. She figures she’ll be safe in Whiskey, Pennsylvania but after one look at her new boss, Dare Collins, she might still be in danger, or at least her heart. And when her past catches up with her despite her attempts to avoid it, it’s more than her heart on the line. This time, it might mean her life.
Review
Dare Collins took over the bar and restaurant when he retired from the police force, and he's quite happy running the whole enterprise. His family has other feelings and the next thing he knows, they've hired Kenzie Owens. She not only invades his space but threatens his heart. By the time her past catches up, his protective instinct doesn't have a chance.
This was a good read and kept me interested. It is a "spin-off" of another series, but I never read that series. This is my first read by Ryan and easily could be read as a stand-a-lone. It is well-paced and the push and pull of Dare and Kenzie, on both sides, for similar but different reasons, is well orchestrated. A word of warning to my cozy/clean read readers, there is adult content.
Whiskey Secrets is the first of three in the Whiskey Lies Series. Although I can attest to being able to follow this one without reading the previous series, I always recommend you start with the first book in a series.
The Whiskey and Lies Series
Book 1: Whiskey Secrets Book 2: Whiskey Reveals Book 3: Whiskey Undone
Synopsis from Amazon
Sparks fly between a former cop-turned-bartender and his new innkeeper in the first installment of a Montgomery Ink spin-off series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan.
Dare Collins is a man who knows his whiskey and women—or at least that’s what he tells himself. When his family decides to hire on a new innkeeper for the inn above his bar and restaurant, he’s more than reluctant. Especially when he meets the new hire. But he’ll soon find that he has no choice but to work with this city girl and accept her new ideas and the burning attraction between them.
Kenzie Owens left her old life and an abusive relationship behind her—or so she thought. She figures she’ll be safe in Whiskey, Pennsylvania but after one look at her new boss, Dare Collins, she might still be in danger, or at least her heart. And when her past catches up with her despite her attempts to avoid it, it’s more than her heart on the line. This time, it might mean her life.
Review Dare Collins took over the bar and restaurant when he retired from the police force, and he's quite happy running the whole enterprise. His family has other feelings and the next thing he knows, they've hired Kenzie Owens. She not only invades his space but threatens his heart. By the time her past catches up, his protective instinct doesn't have a chance.
This was a good read and kept me interested. It is a "spin-off" of another series, but I never read that series. This is my first read by Ryan and easily could be read as a stand-a-lone. It is well-paced and the push and pull of Dare and Kenzie, on both sides, for similar but different reasons, is well orchestrated. A word of warning to my cozy/clean read readers, there is adult content.
Whiskey Secrets is the first of three in the Whiskey Lies Series. Although I can attest to being able to follow this one without reading the previous series, I always recommend you start with the first book in a series.
The Whiskey and Lies Series
Book 1: Whiskey Secrets Book 2: Whiskey Reveals Book 3: Whiskey Undone
June 18, 2021
Guest Post: AUDIOBOOKS - FROM A NARRATOR'S PERSPECTIVE by Shaina Summerville
There's an increasing demand for audiobooks and many questions about the process. Today Shaina Summerville is my guest to fill us in on the process from the perspective of the narrator.
Greetings! My name is Shaina Summerville and I am an audiobook narrator with 50+ audiobooks available on Audible. I have narrated for indie authors in addition to publishers such as Simon and Schuster, Harper Audio, Houghton Mifflin, Tantor Media, and Hachette. You will often find me narrating YA and middle grade fiction…but I also adore narrating (and reading) cozy mysteries! Thus far I have narrated cozy mysteries for three different authors: The Taylor Quinn Quilt Shop Mysteries by Tess Rothery, Asbury High and the Thief’s Gamble by Kelly Brady Channick, and the Paige Mackenzie Mystery Series by Deborah Garner (soon to be released!).
When I asked members of a cozy mystery audiobook group what they want to know, many questions came up about the audiobook creation process, so that is what I will address today.
What does the audiobook creation process look like? The first thing to keep in mind is that one hour of audio takes many hours of work. The general estimate bandied about in the narration world is that one finished hour of audio can take up to six hours of work. This includes: • Prep: I pre-read the book prior to recording, taking notes of important events, words or names I need to get pronunciations for, and character or vocal descriptions in order to prepare my character voices. • Preproduction sample: I record a small portion of the book for approval by the author. This is also where we will collaborate on character voices. • Narration: Once my sample has been approved, I begin narrating the book. It typically takes about two hours to record one single hour. • Post Production: This includes the proofing, editing, and mastering process. During this point the audio is compared to the manuscript for errors and corrections are made. The audio is also “prettied up” to make it sound its absolute best. While some narrators perform their own post production, many outsource this to a professional sound engineer as it a) guarantees the best possible sound and b) frees us up to spend more time on narration.
How do I get chosen as a narrator? Typically, the first thing I do is record an audition sample for the authors to make sure my voice fits the vision in their heads of the character. Assuming that’s a go, we come to an agreement on our terms, sign a contract, and off we go!
How do you handle character voices? Character voices are one of the first things I nail down with my authors. I’ll typically ask them to describe their characters for me—preferably describing vocal qualities rather than looks. I can often glean a lot about a character from what is written in the text, but sometimes an author will have a specific idea. I ask them to describe all of their characters, but often I’ve found that an author will want to nail down a small number of key characters who will appear throughout the series and they give me free reign on smaller characters.
As a female narrator with a higher pitched voice, male voices can be a bit of a challenge at times! However, the important things about male voices is to note that they don’t have to be low and deep! Many times, male voices are not all that different in pitch from many females but there are other characteristics of their voice to consider. Men typically use a smaller range of pitches when they speak. They are often more staccato in rhythm. The placement of their voice in their mouths is different as is their diction. As with my female characters I will take a large number of vocal qualities and combine them to create differing characters. I love cozy mysteries because there is such a large range of characters and I can sometimes make slightly larger choices on character voices than I might in say a typical romance.
And that’s the narration process in a nutshell. I hope this has provided answers to questions you may have had about audiobooks. You can always feel free to reach out to me on social media or contact me at my website www.shainasummervillenarration.com if there is anything else you would like to know!
Thank you, Shaina, for demystifying a process that is new to me and, I suspect, to other authors and readers.
An important thing to note is that when audiobooks are released, authors and narrators usually get free promo codes for the new audiobook in hopes of garnering reviews quickly. Interested? Here are some sites where available promo codes may be posted, and possibly reviews as well:
Cozy Mystery Audiobook Lovers Audiobook Promos For Authors and Readers of All Genres Everything Audiobook . . .E.A.R.S.
Stay tuned. . . Next month (7/19) Diane Weiner will share perspectives on the process from the author's perspective.
Here's some other cozy audiobooks available from your favorite authors:
Granny Snows a Sneak by Julie Seedorf (Author) and Priscilla Finch (Narrator)
Murder at the St. Regis by Dianne Harman (Author) and Anna Wheeler (Narrator)
Glad One by Margaret Lashley (Author) and Sarah Pesek (Narrator)
A New Place, Another Murder by Christa Nardi (Author) and Jeanne Pilgrim Mayo (Narrator)
Mind Your Manors by CeeCee James (Author) and Jennifer Groberg (Narrator)
Playing with Poison by Cindy Blackburn (Author) and Caroline Miller (Narrator)
June 14, 2021
New Release! LOVE AND MONEY, ANOTHER MURDER (Sheridan Hendley Mystery Book 6) by Christa Nardi
Synopsis
No one wants to believe murder can happen in their neighborhood.
Murder is nothing new for Sheridan Hendley, amateur sleuth, or her husband, Detective Brett McMann. Still, shots fired add a layer of tension to babysitting and being neighborly. This time the murder is too close for comfort. There are no witnesses and no verified identification of the victim, not to mention the car accident prompting Sheridan to be next door. Questions are raised about an investment company and business practices. Could a kitten have the key to the motive and killer?
As Sheridan works with the police to identify the murdered victim, she discovers investment scams that target the elderly with fake promises and visits a towering conglomerate in the middle of nowhere. What kind of company requires employees to sign a nondisclosure agreement, arranges for them to live in a designated subdivision, and plants listening devices in their homes? Was the victim killed because of what she discovered? As more information is revealed, Sheridan may be in danger.
AMAZON
It's always best to start a series at the beginning. The Sheridan Hendley Mystery series is a spin-off from the Cold Creek Cozy Mysteries. And the most exciting news is that the first in the Sheridan Hendley series is now available through Audible. Soon, the rest of the series will be as well.
Read an excerpt from Love and Money, Another Murder:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
No one wants to believe murder can happen in their neighborhood.
Murder is nothing new for Sheridan Hendley, amateur sleuth, or her husband, Detective Brett McMann. Still, shots fired add a layer of tension to babysitting and being neighborly. This time the murder is too close for comfort. There are no witnesses and no verified identification of the victim, not to mention the car accident prompting Sheridan to be next door. Questions are raised about an investment company and business practices. Could a kitten have the key to the motive and killer?
As Sheridan works with the police to identify the murdered victim, she discovers investment scams that target the elderly with fake promises and visits a towering conglomerate in the middle of nowhere. What kind of company requires employees to sign a nondisclosure agreement, arranges for them to live in a designated subdivision, and plants listening devices in their homes? Was the victim killed because of what she discovered? As more information is revealed, Sheridan may be in danger. AMAZON
It's always best to start a series at the beginning. The Sheridan Hendley Mystery series is a spin-off from the Cold Creek Cozy Mysteries. And the most exciting news is that the first in the Sheridan Hendley series is now available through Audible. Soon, the rest of the series will be as well.
Read an excerpt from Love and Money, Another Murder:
As I got ready to meet my colleague and friend, Leah Buxbaum, at the mall, my step-daughter, Maddie, came into the kitchen. Her nose wrinkled, brows knit.
“What’s up? Something wrong?” She wrung her hands. “Mrs. Hamilton called just now and asked if I could babysit for Holly. I said yes and she hung up. I think she wants me to babysit now, but I’m not sure.”
I opened my mouth and closed it, opting to go with a solution instead of chastising her for not getting the details. “Get your stuff and we’ll walk down to their house and find out what she wants.”
She grabbed her backpack and phone. “Let’s go.”
Nodding, I grabbed my stuff and we went outside. The Hamiltons lived in the same subdivision we did, four houses down. Maddie had babysat for them before, usually in the evening so the two young parents could enjoy a night out.
The last minute request in the morning concerned me. I hoped everything was all right. “Did Heather say why she needed you today?”
“No. She asked if I was available and then hung up. Something’s wrong, isn’t it?”
We walked up to the door and Maddie didn’t even get to knock when the door opened.
“Hi, Maddie. I’m so glad you were available.” She turned and walked into the house, Maddie and I following. She stopped, turned around, and stared at me. “Sheridan?”
“Everything all right, Heather? I was worried with the short notice and Maddie didn’t get any information on how long you expected to need her.”
She teared up and Holly decided to provide the background music. I moved closer and touched Heather’s arm. “Maddie, please try to calm Holly while I talk to Heather.” Maddie followed my directions.
Between sobs, Heather blurted out, “The hospital called. Hank was in an accident. I need to get there. Please let Maddie watch Holly. I’ll call and let her know what’s happening….” Her sentence was cut off by what sounded like a gunshot.
Maddie grabbed Holly and moved away from the windows. I stopped Heather as she moved toward the front picture window. There was another shot and I spotted somebody in baggy sweats and a hoodie running out of the house next door. “I’m calling 9-1-1.”
I tapped on my phone. “Hello. Shots fired next door and someone is running down the street.” I gave them the address and ducked out the door, hiding behind Heather’s car in the driveway. She joined me and I relayed the message from the dispatcher. “Police are on their way. It looks like the front door is wide open.”
Heather started for the house and I pulled her back. I peeked over the hood as sirens approached. Whoever it was had gotten away. As the sirens grew louder and the first police vehicle arrived, doors opened and our neighbors stepped out onto their porches or steps. And my phone pinged. It was my husband, Brett McMann, Detective with the Virginia State Police.
“Hi. You calling about the shooting?”
“How’d you know about it?”
“I called it in, Brett. Maddie and I are at the Hamilton’s. I was about to leave to meet Leah and Heather needs to get to the hospital. Hank was in an accident.”
“He all right?”
“She got a call from the hospital. She’s not sure. Officers have arrived. I’ll check in later.”
I yelled in to Maddie to stay in the house with Holly. Pulling Heather with me, I approached the officers as they got out of their car.
“You the lady who called this in?” I nodded. “We heard shots fired and then saw someone run out of the house.”
“Stay here.” He signaled to his partner and they approached the house. Although the door was open, he yelled, “Anyone home? Everything okay in here?”
More officers arrived while we waited by the car. The newcomers worked to set up a perimeter, keeping the gawking neighbors at a distance. I recognized some of them, but not all. We stayed by the first car on the scene and waited. Paramedics arrived and disappeared into the house. Heather kept bouncing on her feet.
Excerpt from Love and Money, Another Murder. Copyright © 2021. All rights reserved.
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June 13, 2021
Blog Tour and Review MURDER IN THE FAMILY : A Eve Appel Mystery by Lesley A. Diehl
About the Book
The past comes back seeking vengeance. To save her family and friends, Novice PI Eve Appel, pregnant with her second child, must outwit the bad guys in a final act of desperation, risking her life and that of the man she’s asked to help her, her mob boss friend, Nappi.
Someone is targeting the friends and family of Eve Appel Egret, owner of a rural Florida high-end consignment shop and part-time private investigator. The intimidation includes stealing the horse of one of Eve’s rancher friends, forcing her car off the road, attempting to kidnap her daughter and leaving messages on her phone threatening more dreadful acts to come. Eve almost succumbs to gas inhalation when someone enters the consignment shop and cuts the gas line while she is in the shop. And just when Eve could use the help of her mob boss friend, Nappi, with his far-reaching resources, she discovers he has gone into hiding, himself a target. By the time she finds him, he has lost all his financial assets and his influence, but not his determination to help Eve. It’s clear to Eve that someone from the past has returned to seek vengeance on her and those she loves. Her hunches lead her to believe she can bring the person responsible for the threats into the open by setting a clever and desperate trap. She knows the bad guy will come with reinforcements, but she never counted on who they would be.
Review
Initially concerned with Nappi's disappearance, Eve's propelled into action when she receives threats and those close to her are in danger. It's obvious to her that the motive is revenge and that prompts her and Nappi to revisit previous involvements in crime.
There are twists and turns as threats escalates and possible people behind the problems are eliminated. Family dynamics threaten to get in the way of the investigation and add an extra level of tension. The plot is quick and the characters are vibrant with realistic tensions, especially as Eve tries to both run a consignment shop and be and apprentice PI.
There are several other books in this series, and the details needed as Eve and her friends try to identify the person behind the threats are provided. It can easily be read as a stand-alone mystery. Another engaging ready by Lesley Diehl.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
About the Author
Cows, Lesley learned growing up on a farm, have a twisted sense of humor. They chased her when she went to the field to herd them in for milking, and one ate the lovely red mitten her grandmother knitted for her. Determining that agriculture wasn’t a good career choice, instead she uses her country roots and her training as a psychologist to concoct stories designed to make people laugh in the face of murder. “A good chuckle,” says Lesley,” keeps us emotionally well-oiled long into our old age.” She is the author of several cozy mystery series and numerous short stories. Author Links
Website www.lesleyadiehl.com Blog www.lesleyadiehl.com/blog Facebook www.facebook.com/lesley.diehl.1 GoodReads www.goodreads.com/3414925.Lesley_A_Diehl Amazon www.amazon.com/author/lesleydiehl
Purchase Links
Amazon Kindle – Amazon Paperback – B&N Nook – B&N Paperback
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May 31, 2021
Blog Tour and Spotlight: FLEA MARKET FELONY The Mattie & Mo Mysteries by Tricia L. Sanders
About the Book
These new retirees have just hit the road. Will their first campsite’s shenanigans land them both in handcuffs?
Mattie Modesky’s been hankering to start retirement right. Even if it’s in an RV. The sassy senior believes there’s no time like the present after her policeman husband hangs up his badge and they hit the road.
When they reach their first RV park, the yoga instructor hitting on Mattie’s man turns her peaceful vacation sour. In an effort to stand her ground and confront the sneaky resident, Mattie finds a new friend, a stiff corpse, and her husband as the prime suspect.
She is shocked to her core when her man’s newly purchased pocketknife is the murder weapon. But when the real killer makes the fatal mistake of dognapping her beloved pooch, the silver-haired sleuth sets her sights on solving the crime herself and proving her lawman’s innocence.
Can Mattie clear her hubby’s name and reclaim their pup before the villain turns their golden years into iron bars? Or will the killer roll away in a motor home with Mattie’s dog in the passenger seat?
Flea Market Felony is the adventure-packed first book in The Mattie and Mo Mysteries series. If you like irresistible characters, fun surprises, and captivating whodunits, then you’ll love Tricia L. Sanders’s clever read. Buy Flea Market Felony to catch a dastardly devil today!
About the Author
Tricia L. Sanders lives in the Austin, Texas area and writes about women with class, sass, and a touch of kickass. A former instructional designer and corporate trainer, she traded in curriculum writing for novel writing, because she hates bullet points and loves to make stuff up. And fiction is more fun than training guides and lesson plans.
When she isn’t writing, Tricia is busy crossing dreams off her bucket list. With all 50 states checked, she’s concentrating on foreign interests. She’s an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, so don’t get between her and the television when a game is on. Currently, she is working on a mystery series set in the fictional town of Wickford, Missouri. Another project in the works is a women’s fiction road trip adventure. Her essays have appeared in Sasee, ByLine, The Cuivre River Anthology, and Great American Outhouse Stories; The Whole Truth and Nothing Butt. She is a proud member of The Lit Ladies, six women writing their truths into fiction.
Author Links
Website: www.triciasanders.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/authortricialsanders/ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tricia-l-sanders Cozy Clique Reader Group Twitter: www.twitter.com/tricialsanders Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/tricialsanders/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXRJSRSmTjg Newsletter Sign Up
Purchase Links Amazon – Books2Read
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May 30, 2021
Book Review: HARD LANDING (Hope Landing Romantic Suspense Book 1) by
Another romantic suspense for you...
About the Book (from Amazon)
Two wary souls get a second chance at love…if a killer doesn’t find them first.
When a stalker turns to murder, pilot Kelli Spencer needs protection. What she doesn’t need is her old love Jack Reese returning to stir things up, but the former Navy SEAL and his team of protection specialists are the best of the best. Trust him with her life? If she has to. Trust him with her heart? No way. The last time Jack left, he made it clear married life held no appeal. Ten years later, he wastes no time letting her know he hasn’t changed.
Not that she’d be fool enough to hope. As the commander of Knight Tactical, Jack jumps at the chance to protect Kelli and take down a killer, but as soon as she’s safe, he plans to shake the dust of the small mountain town off his feet again…until he realizes he never should have left the first time. Can he convince Kelli to give him another chance, or will a devious killer destroy his plans for a happily ever after?
Welcome to Hope Landing, a small town full of big secrets…and deadly lies. Join the action as the former SEALs of Knight Tactical Protection battle danger and tests of faith on the road to lasting love. A series of clean, inspirational action adventure romances, each guaranteed to lift your heart.
Review
This first in the series, introduces the reader to the former SEALs of Knight Tactical Protection and Hope Landing. As expected, the small town of Hope Landing has its secrets and lies, and a stalker. Kelli Spencer has tried to ignore the stalker but the stakes are getting higher and she needs protection. Her father makes the call to Jack Reese. Jack may not be safe for her heart, but she trusts him with her life. In order to neutralize the stalker, Jack and Kelli need to look deeper into the people of Hope Landing, people they thought they knew.
Well-written, the tension surrounding the stalker continues to build throughout, competing only with the tension between Kelli and Jack. It is fast-paced, with twists and turns. Unlike many series featuring former SEALS, this is a clean read with an occasional Christian sentiment, and HEA. If you like suspense, romance, and small towns, and like to keep it clean, you'll enjoy this book, and likely the rest of the series.
AMAZON
About the Book (from Amazon)
Two wary souls get a second chance at love…if a killer doesn’t find them first.
When a stalker turns to murder, pilot Kelli Spencer needs protection. What she doesn’t need is her old love Jack Reese returning to stir things up, but the former Navy SEAL and his team of protection specialists are the best of the best. Trust him with her life? If she has to. Trust him with her heart? No way. The last time Jack left, he made it clear married life held no appeal. Ten years later, he wastes no time letting her know he hasn’t changed.
Not that she’d be fool enough to hope. As the commander of Knight Tactical, Jack jumps at the chance to protect Kelli and take down a killer, but as soon as she’s safe, he plans to shake the dust of the small mountain town off his feet again…until he realizes he never should have left the first time. Can he convince Kelli to give him another chance, or will a devious killer destroy his plans for a happily ever after?
Welcome to Hope Landing, a small town full of big secrets…and deadly lies. Join the action as the former SEALs of Knight Tactical Protection battle danger and tests of faith on the road to lasting love. A series of clean, inspirational action adventure romances, each guaranteed to lift your heart.
Review
This first in the series, introduces the reader to the former SEALs of Knight Tactical Protection and Hope Landing. As expected, the small town of Hope Landing has its secrets and lies, and a stalker. Kelli Spencer has tried to ignore the stalker but the stakes are getting higher and she needs protection. Her father makes the call to Jack Reese. Jack may not be safe for her heart, but she trusts him with her life. In order to neutralize the stalker, Jack and Kelli need to look deeper into the people of Hope Landing, people they thought they knew.
Well-written, the tension surrounding the stalker continues to build throughout, competing only with the tension between Kelli and Jack. It is fast-paced, with twists and turns. Unlike many series featuring former SEALS, this is a clean read with an occasional Christian sentiment, and HEA. If you like suspense, romance, and small towns, and like to keep it clean, you'll enjoy this book, and likely the rest of the series.
AMAZON
