Christa Nardi's Blog, page 67

Spotlight: JORDAN WELSH and EDDIE MARINO SERIES by Sally J Smith and Jean Steffens

Jordan Welsh and Eddie Marino Series Stealing the Moon & Stars ~ Book 1Stealing the Golden Dream ~ Book 2Sally J. Smith & Jean Steffens
Stealing the Moon & Stars , A Jordan Welsh and Eddie Marino Novel by Sally J. Smith and Jean SteffensScottsdale, Arizona, where the Wild West meets Beverly Hills--home of the rich and famous as well as the calculating and criminal. PIs Jordan Welsh, maverick heiress, and Eddie Marino, a graduate from the school of hard knocks, are hired to find out who’s embezzling from the Moon & Stars Children’s Foundation and stop him. But the two have stumbled onto an agenda darker and more complicated than they ever suspected. The bodies are piling up, and there’s no one Jordan can trust, not even her mysterious partner, Eddie, who’s hotter than a chili pepper and may be a killer.

Buy Links:   Amazon    Camel Press    B&N


Excerpt: He hadn’t said a word since they got in the car. Jordanhated the silence between them.
When she couldn’t take it anymore, she turned to him. “Youmad?”
“No.” It was very matter-of-fact. “Can’t be mad at you.”
“I’m sorry.” She laid her hand on his thigh. “I just—”
“Don’t be sorry, love.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Itis what it is. In the end, it’s all good.”
She leaned her head against the headrest and relaxed, lettingthe mellow haze of the evening’s liquor woo her. Chet Bakercrooned “Someone to Watch Over Me,” his voice low, sexy, andas intimate as a Sunday morning snuggle in bed.
A thrilling sensation blossomed until it was all aroundher, everywhere. Seduction. The romantic lure of the song,Eddie’s virile presence so close beside her, the way his handsslid smoothly over the wheel, his strong profile in the subduedlight, his tongue moistening his lower lip, and the rhythm ofhis shallow, even breathing. Something stirred inside her anduncoiled like a slithering serpent.
Stop the car, Eddie. Pull over. Make love to me. Right here.Right now. She was suddenly so filled with desire, she caughther breath.
I need you. I can hardly stand it. She couldn’t bring herselfto say it. Why not? What stopped her? It wasn’t as if she werea virgin. Maybe she was expecting too much from sex withEddie. But what if he let her down? What if she let him down?That’s dumb. It would just be another sexual encounter. Wrong.
With Eddie Marino, it would never be just another anything.Maybe she was afraid of going full throttle. Maybe she wasafraid of him. Yes? No? Ah, hell.
*    *    *    *    *
Stealing the Golden Dream is second in the Jordan Welsh and Eddie Marino series, which began with Stealing the Moon & Stars.
Scottsdale PIs Jordan Welsh and Eddie Marino of Shea Investigations are hired to guard the multi-million dollar Dahlonega Golden Dream Coin Collection. The collection is stolen out from under them. A loved and trusted colleague is murdered. Eddie is being framed to take the fall for both crimes. His freedom’s at stake, their business is on the line, and the lives of their loved ones are in deadly peril.
How far to the dark side is Jordan Welsh, society girl, willing to go to save Eddie from his own criminal past? Will the scheme she concocts with family and colleagues find the golden coins? Restore the reputation of Shea Investigations? And will she be in time to stop the killer from murdering the man she loves?
Buy Links:   Amazon   Camel Press    B&N

Excerpt: Stealing the Golden Dream
The image of Eddie with Sofia Vercelli was imprinted on her brain. But she had it in mind to put it aside until Eddie was in better shape. Piling more stress on top of all he was already dealing with would not only be cruel and insensitive, it would also be stupid. He was much better at a good rousing argument than she. Better to wait until things had settled down to bring up the subject—but it was definitely a matter she intended to learn more about.
Jordan made her way through the house, opened the patio door, and followed Sadie outside. She stood by the pool staring at the half-moon mirrored in the inky water. Jordan shivered in the cool breeze that rippled the reflection. March days in Scottsdale were perfect—warm, in the upper seventies, low eighties. But the evenings cooled down to the low fifties. The desert air was clean, seasoned with the faint scent of mesquite, creosote, and the chlorine in the pool.
She rubbed her bare arms. Eddie moved up behind her, slipped off his jacket and draped it around her shoulders.
He put his arms around her. “You know I wasn’t with her that night.”
“Why would she say it if it wasn’t true?”
“I’m pretty sure she figures if she does this I might take her back.”
Jordan looked up, trying to see his face, but it was cloaked in darkness.
“It’s never going to happen. I told her I’m with you now. While I don’t want anything to do with her, if her story gets me off the hook, I’ll run with it. I can’t revenge Muggs if I’m sitting in a jail cell.”
“You think I don’t know that?” Jordan said. “She’s willing to lie for you? To the cops? She must want you back real bad.”
Eddie moved his hands to her shoulders and turned her around. “It’s all one-sided. Don’t pretend you don’t know that.” He pulled her close and kissed her hard, long, and smoking hot as Louisiana pepper sauce. It burned all the way to her toes.
Eddie, the man she was born to love. She threw herself into the kiss, and before she really knew what was happening, they’d made their way into the house and were pulling at each other’s clothes.
He took hold of one of her legs behind the knee and lifted it. She wrapped it around him as he reached under the dress and caught the edge of her panties with the curl of a finger.
*    *    *    *    *
Sally J. Smith and Jean Steffens Author Info
Sally J. Smith and Jean Steffens, are partners in crime—crime writing, that is. They live in the Valley of the Sun in Arizona, awesome for eight months out of the year, an inferno the other four. They write bloody murder, flirty romance, and wicked humor all in one package.Website:  http://www.smithandsteffens.comEmail: smithandsteffens@cox.netFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Smith-and-Steffens/406147242823342?fref=tsTwitter:  https://twitter.com/search?q=SmithSteffens&src=typdStealing the Moon & Stars Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZIQAn1U00cStealing the Golden Dream Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSyyh...
*   *   *   *   *Giveaways:
To celebrate the New Year and the Camel Press promotion of STEALING THE MOON & STARS, Jean and Sally's January giveaway is an Arizona gift basket containing Sonoran Desert Honey, an adorable flour-sack tea towel with Arizona quail & cactus design, two yummy flavors of tea bags to brew in your bright & shiny ceramic Scottsdale mug.Sign up for drawing before the end of January!Visit smithandsteffens.com and use the form on the Giveaway page!
+$25 Amazon GCVia rafflecoptera Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog tour and Review: GUNFIGHT AT GRACE GULCH (A Dressed for Death Mystery Book 1) by Darlene Franklin

Gunfight at Grace Gulch(Christian Cozy Mystery)(A Dressed For Death Mystery Book 1)Forget Me Not RomancesA Division of Winged Publications (February 28, 2015)Paperback: 216 pagesISBN-13: 978-1508946991E-Book B00U4XPROWSynopsis
The feud between the Graces and the Gaynors is still going strong more than a century after its inception in the 1891 Oklahoma land run. Newspaper editor Penn Hardy is murdered during the reenactment of the most famous gunfight in the history of Grace Gulch, Oklahoma. Cici Wilde, owner of a vintage clothing store, feels compelled to investigate when police suspect people close to her. She soon discovers her talent for sleuthing equals her flare for wearing period clothing. Theater director Audie Howe never expected the reenactment to end in a real murder. He cares too much for the future of the Magda Grace Mallory Theater – and the charming Cici Wilde – to let her face danger alone. Cici and Audie take a dangerous gamble to nail the killer – and lay their lives on the line.


ReviewHistorical re-enactment of a feud between two families turns deadly during the shoot-out. Cici's involvement starts out as the vendor for the costumes, but she is determined to solve the crime when her sister Dina or special friend Cord are the prime suspects. Audie gets involved, hoping to win Cici's heart.

Readers who enjoy historical contexts will enjoy this cozy mystery. Not only does the mystery have a historical bent, but Franklin supplements the story line with letters from the 1890s to help set the stage and provide the "history" for this community and the feud. This book will also appeal to those who like a Christian theme.

This is the first of three in the Dressed for Death Series. The other two are A STRING OF MURDERS and PAINT ME A MURDER.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review as part of this blog tour. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

About the Author
Best-selling author Darlene Franklin’s greatest claim to fame is that she writes full-time from a nursing home. She lives in Oklahoma, near her son and his family, and continues her interests in playing the piano and singing, books, good fellowship, and reality TV in addition to writing. She is an active member of Oklahoma City Christian Fiction Writers, American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Christian Authors Network. She has written over forty books and has written more than 250 devotionals. Her historical fiction ranges from the Revolutionary War to World War II, from Texas to Vermont.

Author Links
http://www.amazon.com/Darlene-Franklin/e/B001K8993A/https://www.facebook.com/darlene.franklin.3
www.darlenefranklinwrites.com
@darlenefranklin

Purchase Links
Amazon
A Book Excerpt
The gigantic black hands on the town clock atop our municipal building inched toward twelve o’clock. Audie put a cell phone to his ear.

Cord and Penn, reprising their roles as Bob Grace and Dick Gaynor, burst through the saloon doors, shouting insults.

My heart stuttered a bit, worried for Cord. Penn sounded really angry.

“You can’t get away with it. You’re a scoundrel and a cheat.” Penn’s face was set into deep lines, hatred aging him prematurely.

“I’m not a cheat. I arrived first, fair and square. You have to accept it.”

Tension twisted my shoulders. I held my breath.

“That’s what you think!” Penn pulled out a Colt and fired.

A flash of light—popping sounds—two men fell to the ground.

Blog Tour and Review: THREAD AND GONE (A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery) by Lea Wait

Thread and Gone(A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery)3rd in SeriesMass Market Paperback: 304 pagesPublisher: Kensington (December 29, 2015)ISBN-13: 978-1617730085E-Book ASIN: B00VQFKH8I
Synopsis
When a priceless antique is stolen, murder unravels the peaceful seaside town of Haven Harbor, Maine…

Angie Curtis and her fellow Mainely Needlepointers know how to enjoy their holidays. But nothing grabs their attention like tying up loose threads. So when Mary Clough drops in on the group’s Fourth of July supper with a question about antique needlepoint she’s discovered in her family Colonial-era home, Angie and her ravelers are happy to look into the matter.

Their best guess is that the mystery piece may have been stitched by Mary, Queen of Scots, famous not just for losing her head, but also for her needlepointing. If they’re right, the piece would be extremely valuable. For safekeeping, Angie turns the piece over to her family lawyer, who places it in her office safe. But when the lawyer is found dead with the safe open and ransacked, the real mystery begins. . .

ReviewAngie grew up in Haven Harbor and returned to the quiet town and take up needlepoint, but she is no stranger to investigating murders. Needless to say, the local and not-so-local police are quick to discourage her part. In THREAD AND GONE, Angie reasons that she is not investigating the murder, but trying to find the possibly valuable needlepoint piece that was stolen from the safe. At the same time, the Mainely Needlepoint members are searching to find the provenance of the piece and solve the mystery of the Mary's for Mary Clough. 
History buffs, particularly those interested in Mary Queen of Scotts and Marie Antoinette will like the historical bent as Angie, Mary, and others search through the historical documents Mary has to determine how the needlepoint made it from France to Haven Harbor. Wait's two plots move forward in parallel and intersect nicely at the end. Although this is the third in the series, it can be read as a stand alone.  For those who like to start at the beginning, the first in the series is THREADS OF EVIDENCE with Angie's return to Haven Harbor, followed by TWISTED THREADS.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review as part of this blog tour. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

About The Author

Lea Wait lives on the coast of Maine. A fourth generation antique dealer, and author of the Agatha-nominated Shadows Antique Print mystery series, she loves all things antiques and Maine, and she’s learning to do needlepoint. She also writes historical novels for young people set in (where else?) nineteenth-century Maine. Lea adopted her four daughters when she was single; she’s now the grandmother of eight, and married to artist Bob Thomas.
Author Link
WEBPAGE
GOODREADS
Purchase Links
Amazon
INDIEBOUND
B&N

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Spotlight: SKIING IS MURDER by Carolyn Arnold

Skiing is Murder(McKinley Mysteries Series)Cozy Mystery10th in SeriesPrint Length: 116 pagesHibbert & Stiles Publishing Inc. (January 28, 2016)
ASIN: B017UIZQAS
Synopsis
They’re ready to hit the slopes when things go downhill…

Sean and Sara were supposed to have a relaxing vacation in Vail, but it all goes up in a puff of powder when there’s a suspicious death on the mountain. And the deceased is not just anyone; it’s Adrian Blackwell, a two-time Olympic skiing gold medalist.

Rumor has it that Adrian died in a skiing accident, but he was too skilled for Sara to accept it as fact. Though she’s convinced Adrian was murdered and she’s itching to find the killer, she doesn’t want to disappoint Sean by ruining his ski trip.


Sean has never had the ability to say no to Sara before, but this time he comes close. It takes a call from their PI firm back in Albany to change his mind. A job’s come in to investigate Adrian’s death, and his agent is the one footing the bill, leaving Sean with more questions than answers.

Yet one major problem remains: their New York State PI licenses hold no legal authority in Colorado. But they still can’t help but look into Adrian’s death on the sly. This case will definitely involve some underhanded tactics, all while trying to dodge the local police during the course of the investigation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
CAROLYN ARNOLD is the international bestselling and award-winning author of the Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher, and McKinley Mystery series. She is the only author with POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.

Carolyn was born in a small town, but that never kept her from dreaming big. On par with her large dreams is her overactive imagination that conjures up killers and cases to solve. She currently lives outside Toronto with her husband and two beagles, Max and Chelsea. She is also a member of Crime Writers of Canada.

Author Links:
Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter

Purchase Links:
Amazon US Amazon UK Barnes & Noble Apple iBooks Kobo

Yes, the TBR list just keeps growing!

Spotlight: SWEET PEPPER HERO by J. J. Cook

Today, it's my pleasure to spotlight SWEET PEPPER HERO - I've enjoyed this series, so it is on my TBR list for sure!  

Sweet Pepper Hero: A Sweet Pepper Fire BrigadeCozy Mystery4th in SeriesA Berkley Prime Crime MysteryPublished by Penguin Random House, LLC.Release Date: January 5, 2016Mass Market Paperback: 304 pagesISBN-13: 978-0425279236E-Book ASIN: B00W2ZKNZ8
Synopsis
Old rivalries heat up in the fourth Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade mystery from the national bestselling author of In Hot Water.

Fire chief Stella Griffin has been put in charge of judging the annual recipe contest, but Eric—her resident ghost and true culinary genius—has vanished. 
Before she can track down his latest haunt, she’s called in to investigate a local moonshine distillery that was set ablaze, making her realize there’s more than pies and cakes cooking in Sweet Pepper.
As rumors of a revived whiskey war ignite, Stella turns to the town’s elders to help her find answers. The past might have some clues as to what has sparked the present fires. But when following a lead lands her in buried rubble, Stella realizes she must extinguish this case fast or she might be going down in flames.
About The Authors
J. J. Cook is a pseudonym for a married couple who writes mysteries, mostly set in the South, with a touch of paranormal and romance.

Author Links:
Webpage Facebook Twitter

Purchase Links:
Amazon B&N Google Play
Giveaway!!!One (1) print copy will be given away (US addresses only, sorry)! Leave a comment to be entered - random drawing.  

Book Review: BLOOD BROTHERS by R Weir

Synopsis:

Still recovering from his last case, which brought painful injuries and heartache, Jarvis picks himself up to help family out of a dire situation. A call from his sister-in-law leads him back to where he grew up. Big brother, Flynn, has dug himself a hole he can't climb out of, one filled with lies and deceit. Jarvis lends a hand, and is soon caught between Feds and gangsters, leading to peril for all involved.

With sharp tongue, nerves of steel, and fierce determination, Jarvis comes to his brother’s reluctant assistance. But can Jarvis save him from the depths to which he has fallen without getting them all killed? Coming to terms with his life growing up, and how he became who he is, Jarvis faces his past, present and future, and confronts an evil worse than anything he’s encountered before, one that may leave Jarvis, and all those he holds dear, dead. 

Review:

In this 4th installment of the Jarvis Mann series, Weir doesn't disappoint. Jarvis is personally involved and conflicted as he tries to ferret out the trouble his brother is in. He hasn't returned to his hometown in years and his memories are not of the happy kind, except for the girl who got away. When his brother is killed, it gets more personal. He calls in favors, but at what risk?

The story moves along at a good pace, the characters are well-developed. If you like a good mystery reminiscent of PI classics, you'll enjoy the latest addition to this series. Although necessary for the story, there is some sexual content and violence that may be offensive to same. Both Jarvis and his brother have some problems with infidelity. This is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone. Weir provides the necessary background from the previous book. On the other hand, reading this one first will spoil some of the fun from the first three. I've read all four and just want to know when to expect #5.

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.

Books in the Jarvis Mann Series:
THE CASE OF THE MISSING BUBBLEGUM CARDTWICE AS FATALTRACKING A SHADOW

Links:
AMAZON
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Reflections on 2015 and Looking Ahead to 2016

New Year's Eve is always a time for looking back and looking ahead. As a writer, 2015 has been a good year and I accomplished a lot:

I "met" some great fellow authors and learned a lot from them through Clean Indie Reads, Rave Reviews Book Club, and twitter - their knowledge and support has been wonderful!The number of followers on the blog has increased and I receive many more requests for book reviews as well as continuing to participate in blog toursI changed out the covers with professional ones - thank you Victorine Lieske!I finished and published the third book in the Cold Creek series - MURDER AT THE GRILL (released 11/15/2015)I improved my marketing skills as evidenced by increased sales - my royalties for 2015 are more than for 2014 though I need to keep my day jobI became a tweeter and it amazes me how many followers I have and how many tweets I have tweetedWhat do I plan for 2016?I plan to continue to support my fellow indie authors on twitter, FB, and the blogI have a blog tour scheduled for MURDER AT THE GRILL - Great Escapes once again - and I'm excited about that!I have blog tours scheduled, but cutting back to about once per week to focus my efforts on writingBook 4 of the Cold Creek series is started with hopes to complete it (draft, editing, beta readers, editing, more editing) by November 1, 2016 I have an idea for a new series (young adult) and started the first -- my hope is to finish that one as well by November 2016The last two mean less time gaming online and more time spent writing 
On a personal note, of course the usual - eat better, exercise more, and find something positive every day I liked the suggestion of some unknown person to write down something positive that happened each each week in the coming year and then read them all next New Year's Eve...  I'm going to give that a try!

How about you? What are your hopes and dreams for 2016? I hope it is a happy, healthy and productive 2016!

Guest Post: SUZANNE BURKE Author of LOGAN'S SECRET

Today I am pleased to have Suzanne Burke, author of a children's book trilogy, as my guest.  If you are a dog-lover like me, you will enjoy this post (and probably the books!)

A Dog Inspires a Children’s Book Trilogy, by Suzanne Burke
I never planned to be an author, but a greyhound changed all that ten years ago! In 2002 I decided to adopt a “rescue dog” and remembered Zeus, a greyhound who had crossed my path on Thanksgiving day years earlier in a most unusual way as an escaped greyhound. I helped a young girl safely capture Zeus hours after escaping from his backyard. This event inspired me to look more into the greyhound as a pet. I did some research on the Internet and found a local adoption group in Dallas, Texas, Greyhound Adoption League of Texas, and met my first greyhound, Allie who I eventually adopted.

After experiencing this wonderful intelligent, regal and docile breed, I became hooked. I jumped into volunteering and fostering with the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas to help retired racing greyhounds. I never anticipated that a dog would change my life so dramatically, but a greyhound named Sam entered my life in 2005 in the most unexpected way and what he taught me was so life changing that I had to tell others so, they too, would know a secret that would lead to a much more abundant and happy life.
Sam was a large, sweet fawn colored male greyhound with a positive and confident air. He loved everyone! In the Spring of 2005, Sam escaped from his foster home through an open backyard gate. I became involved with his search and rescue effort that would last six weeks. This effort was a true test of patience and faith for many volunteers who spent countless hours posting missing dog flyers, and searching through woods and brush in a lake community in Dallas, Texas. It was amazing to watch a community come together through this lost dog. Everyone knew of Sam. Volunteers searching for him never gave up hope of finding the beloved greyhound.

As a last resort, five weeks into the search a huge humane trap was set up at the edge of a wooded area in the lake community in hopes of capturing Sam. Volunteers were scheduled to replenish the trap with the most alluring food possible morning and night only to find wild animals caught each morning. One morning a raccoon and her babies were caught and of course released. It was a true test of patience, ending in frustration each morning when Sam did not appear.

One evening a volunteer and I were scheduled to bait the greyhound trap. As we finished our chore and took a rest on a park bench to watch the sun set, we noticed a unique formation of a large fluffy cloud in front of the sun. It wasn’t just any formation, but one I will never forget. The cloud shaped before our eyes in the form of a greyhound’s head with its unique long needle nose and relaxed ears. We wondered if the cloud image had significance and both of us walked away that evening with a feeling that something was about to change.

The following day at noon, I received a phone call from the volunteer screaming in my ear that Sam had been found safe – on a ranch, thirty miles from the lake where the trap had been set up. How in the world would a greyhound end up thirty miles from the area where we consistently received sightings?
Logan’s Secret tells of this true-life story told from the canine’s perspective. It is about a dog that wanted nothing more than to know a home filled with love, warmth, and happiness. Sam experienced unbelievable challenges and odds to find his forever home. And it was his story that inspired me to begin writing. This is a delightful book with a happy ending where a greyhound with one wish for a loving forever home comes true and is given the new name of Logan. Through the illustrated story, Logan teaches readers about the art of positivity, decision making, and perseverance like no human or dog before. 

The book became popular with dog lovers and children and I was asked to write another story about Logan. An idea was formed, and I started a book series teaching children (and adults) about the different historical periods in which greyhounds held importance. The stories are illustrated time travel historical adventures to periods such as Ancient Egypt and Medieval Europe to peak the interest of readers to not only teach important social issues, but also history lessons. 
Logan and the Mystical Collar which is the second illustrated book in the series, teaches not only lessons about bullying and courage, but also historical facts about Ancient Egypt in an interesting and fun way for children and adults. In August, 2015, Logan and the Mystical Collar was awarded dual medals in the 2015 Global E Book awards, one of which was for “best illustrated children’s story”.

Book three in the trilogy, titled The Rise of the Phoenix, is in production and is expected to launch the first quarter of 2016. The Rise of the Phoenix, set in Medieval Europe, is an exciting adventure that includes Logan, a wizard, a large imposing dragon, and Tess, a royal greyhound, who are brought together to save a kingdom from an evil black mist that has plagued the countryside and threatens all of humanity. There are clues on Logan’s collar that lead the team to unlock the mystery of a 500 year old secret – the phoenix, which is their only hope to annihilate the killer black mist. Look for this richly illustrated story to be launched on Amazon.

More stories are on the horizon to teach important life lessons and history for readers. Logan’s Secret and Logan and the Mystical Collar are available on Amazon.com in both print and Kindle versions. To learn more about the stories, the greyhound’s history, and about this breed as a pet, visit http://www.greyhoundstories.com.
Brief bio and links for Suzanne Burke

Suzanne Burke, a native of Richmond, Virginia currently lives in a suburb of Dallas, Texas, with her retired racing greyhounds. She has more than ten years’ experience working with the greyhound breed as a volunteer for the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas. Suzanne also has more than 15 years’ experience in the information technology field in project management and technical writing.

http://greyhoundstories.com/

@LoganGreyhound

Buy links:

Logan’s Secret http://www.amazon.com/Logans-Secret-Greyhounds-Survival-Greyhound/dp/1478325380/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429203089&sr=8-1&keywords=logan%27s+secret

Logan and the Mystical Collar http://www.amazon.com/Logan-The-Mystical-Collar-Adventures/dp/1490992421/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y

Blog Tour: Interview with TERESA A LARUE, author of A TALENT FOR MURDER

Today it is my pleasure to have Teresa LaRue as my guest.  She agreed to answer some questions...

How long have you been writing?

Since I’m holding at twenty-nine, I can’t give you an exact number of years. Let’s just say, it’s been awhile. I started writing as a hobby, something to occupy my mind while raising three rambunctious kids. I managed to publish a few items, which gave me the courage to tackle a novel. A Talent for Murder is my third novel. The other two are gathering dust in my file cabinet.

What inspires you to write?

I think stories are in my DNA. Growing up, I often wrote little skits for my girlfriends to perform. We needed an audience, so we bribed the neighborhood boys to attend with promises of food.

How long did it take you to write A TALENT FOR MURDER?

I only work two or three hours a day, and I did extensive rewrites, so it took me about four years to complete.

What was your favorite scene to write?

The scene where Kate sneaks up on Happy and Lula Mae while they’re breaking into a house. They’re so frightened, they begin squealing like a couple of pigs, then try to attack her.

The subtitle, A Flower Patch Mystery, suggests this is a series. Is that the plan? If so, when do you expect the next one to come out? How do you anticipate your characters growing and changing as the series progresses?

I’m already working on a second book. Whether it’s picked up by my publisher - I guess that depends on how well A Talent for Murder does.

I’m sure Kate will eventually marry and set up housekeeping with her new husband. As they grow older, they’ll face new challenges. One thing you can be sure of: Happy, Lula Mae, and Kate will find themselves in the middle of another murder investigation.

How similar are you to Kate Spencer?

Physically, we’re nothing alike. She’s tall - five eight. I’m short - five two. She has curly brown hair; mine is brown and ruler-straight. But like her, I understand what it’s like to deal with a strong-willed mother. But I’m pretty sure my love of chocolate far exceeds hers.

What are your favorite things to do besides writing?

I love to watch movies and work in my garden. But my favorite pastime is reading. Mostly, mysteries and thrillers.

Who is your favorite author and why?

I love so many authors it’s hard to narrow it down to one. I suppose my favorite would be Carolyn Hart. I’m a big fan of all three of her series: Annie Darling, Henri O, and Bailey Ruth. Her main characters are strong women, who don’t wait around for someone else to solve their problems. She does a great job of bringing her settings to life. And there are enough plot twists to keep me guessing.

Anything else, my readers might want to know about you or your new series?

I got the idea for A Talent for Murder from my daughter, who stormed into the living room one afternoon and declared she was never going anywhere with her grandmother again. That she and her sister were just too embarrassing! (I believe that was the time one of them sprayed her dress with an anti-static spray in the middle of the store.) Which got me to thinking . . . what if a thirty-some-year-old woman got caught up in a murder investigation, only her mother and aunt kept bumbling around in her way, and her ex-cop-boyfriend got assigned to the investigation . . . .
Thank you so much for sharing with my readers. I, for one, hope it doesn't take another 4 years before the second book in the series comes out!

About the AuthorTeresa A. LaRue grew up in a small town along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She fell in love with the mystery genre in fourth grade. She’s worked as a secretary, assistant manager of an audio book store, and manager of a fashion jewelry store. She is an avid reader, gardener, and movie buff. She lives across the lake from New Orleans with her family, which includes a dog named Bones and a cat named Chloe.Author LinksWebpage – http://tlarueauthor.wordpress.com
GoodReads – https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/29539778-teresa-larue
Synopsis of A TALENT FOR MURDER

A Talent for Murder is a cozy, southern mystery filled with humor and colorful characters, with a touch of romance thrown in for added fun.

When Kate Spencer learns her aunt’s fiancé is two-timing her with an old rival, she has no choice but to pass along the information to her mother. They are as shocked as the rest of the town when the rival turns up dead and the two-timing fiancé disappears.

Making matters worse, the lead investigator happens to be Kate’s old boyfriend. If her aunt has any hope of being cleared, the trio must conduct their own investigation. Even if they have to alienate a few friends and tell a few lies to discover the truth.Purchase LinksAmazon B&N
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Blog Tour: THE BODY IN THE LANDSCAPE by Larissa Reinhart

Synopsis:
“Anyone who likes humorous mysteries will also enjoy local author Larissa Reinhart, who captures small town Georgia in the laugh-out-loud escapades of struggling artist Cherry Tucker.” –Fayette Woman Magazine
“Cherry is a quirky spitfire who lights the match that sets her little town on fire.” – Dru’s Book Musings
When Cherry Tucker’s invited to paint the “kill portrait” for the winner of Big Rack Lodge’s Hogzilla hunt, it seems like a paid vacation. Back home in Halo, a Hatfield-McCoy-style standoff builds between Luke and Cherry’s families. She’s ready for a weekend away, hobnobbing with rich and famous hunters, where she can forget her troubles and nobody knows her name.
As Georgia sunshine turns to bleak December rain, Cherry’s R&R goes MIA when she finds a body in the woods. While the police believe the local drunk took an accidental spill, Cherry has her doubts, particularly when a series of malicious pranks are targeted at the rifle toting contestants. With loyal companions at her side—sort-of-ex-husband Todd and a championship bayer named Buckshot—Cherry tracks suspects through a forest full of pitfalls and perils. And all the while, a killer’s stalking the hunt party with a bead on Cherry.Review: Cherry Tucker's life is anything but boring. The family feud continues to thwart the rocky relationship between Cherry and Luke, but at least she has a painting ordered. What sounds like a dream job - hang out while the hunters do their thing and then paint the winner - turns sour when Cherry finds a dead body. Her interactions with the man are at odds with what townsfolk and police say about him. They are all willing to accept an accident, but not Cherry. And the hunt goes on, despite pranks and near misses. 
As with the other books in this series, Cherry's personality shines and her antics bring a smile.  The characters are well-developed, especially Todd. The story progresses at a good pace with twists, turns, and quirky personalities. All in all, Reinhart has once again managed to spin a humorous who-dun-it sure to please. Although this is the fifth in the series (and I've read them all), this can be read as a stand-alone. I hope the sixth is not far behind.
Books in the Cherry Tucker Humorous Mystery Series:

• QUICK SKETCH (Novella prequel to PORTRAIT in HEARTACHE MOTEL)
• PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY (#1)
• STILL LIFE IN BRUNSWICK STEW (#2)
• HIJACK IN ABSTRACT (#3)
• DEATH IN PERSPECTIVE (#4)
• THE BODY IN THE LANDSCAPE (#5)

About The Author:

After teaching in the US and Japan, Larissa enjoys writing, particularly sassy female characters with a penchant for trouble. She lives near Atlanta with her family and Cairn Terrier, Biscuit. Visit her website or find her chatting on Facebook. THE BODY IN THE LANDSCAPE is the fifth book in the bestselling Cherry Tucker Mystery series. The first, PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY, is a Daphne du Maurier finalist, Emily finalist, and Dixie Kane Memorial winner.


Author Links:

Website: http://larissareinhart.com/

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1qMwr29

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RisWrites

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/RisWrites

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5806614.Larissa_Reinhart

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/LarissaReinhart/

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