Christa Nardi's Blog, page 71

Blog Tour: KILLER RUN : A Tourist Trap Mystery by Lynn Cahoon

Synopsis:

Jill Gardner—owner of Coffee, Books, and More—has somehow been talked into sponsoring a 5k race along the beautiful California coast. The race is a fundraiser for the local preservation society—but not everyone is feeling so charitable…


The day of the race, everyone hits the ground running…until a local business owner stumbles over a very stationary body. The deceased is the vicious wife of the husband-and-wife team hired to promote the event—and the husband turns to Jill for help in clearing his name. But did he do it? Jill will have to be very careful, because this killer is ready to put her out of the running…forever!

Review: 

Jill and her aunt try to figure out the connection between the promotion company, the diner, and vandalism to the train store. Her information is helpful to her boyfriend, Greg, who is in charge of the homicide investigation, but isn't too thrilled with her investigating. He's worried that she will be hurt - or worse.  Jill, with the help of her aunt, unravels the threads that connect people, including the "tourist" who seems a bit off. 

This is the fifth in the Tourist Trap Mystery Series. Although Jill has built a reputation for solving murders in the previous books, it can easily be read as a stand alone. The pace is steady and the characters well-developed. Not surprising, mixed in with the mystery is romance. The 6th book, MURDER ON WHEELS, is on my TBR list. 

About The Author:

New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, Lynn Cahoon is an Idaho native. If you’d visit the town where she grew up, you’d understand why her mysteries and romance novels focus around the depth and experience of small town life. Currently, she’s living in a small historic town on the banks of the Mississippi river where her imagination tends to wander. She lives with her husband and two fur babies.

Author Links

Goodreads –http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5857424.Lynn_Cahoon

Twitter – https://twitter.com/LynnCahoon

Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/LynnCahoonAuthor

Website – http://lynncahoon.com/

Amazon Author Page – http://www.amazon.com/Lynn-Cahoon/e/B0082PWOAO/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Purchase Links:
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SPOTLIGHT: Peggy Hattendorf Author of SON OF MY FATHER - A FAMILY DYNASTY

Today, it's my pleasure to have Peggy Hattendorf, author and member of Rave Reviews Book Club, as my guest:


How Did I Decide To Write My Book?
Blog



The notion of writing a book started about nine years ago with a concept of a beautiful and wealthy young woman who flitted around the world socializing in the circles of the international elite from the worlds of business, politics, sports, fashion etc. She was the “jet setting” consummate “party girl.” As I continued to conceptualize my intended protagonist – the character fell flat and I couldn’t break through and write about her seemingly frivolous existence. She was shallow and one dimensional.
The idea of writing a novel was shelved for a long time, as I surmised if I was bored with the character my potential readers too would lose interest. I still brainstormed ideas – but I couldn’t write through my blockages. Frustrated and fraught with self doubt, I figured the whole book writing process best be left to highly creative individuals. 

But I was still motivated and something continued to gnaw at me – providing a glimmer of hope that maybe this wasn’t just a pipe-dream or unrealistic pursuit.
It was still long in coming but finally I had the striking realization - to recast my main character. While not abandoning the idea of a female lead, diligently I set out to craft the character with more depth and substance. She would be armed with a pedigree education starting in Swiss boarding school and culminating with advanced degrees from Harvard and Wharton. A step into the business world brought her to the family founded multi-national worldwide conglomerate, Barrington Holdings International. Groomed for this since she was a small child – it was all she ever knew. As the only child of Elizabeth Matthews Barrington and Jonathan Robert Barrington, she’s the presumed heir apparent. With a defining career in the makings, she labors with the tensions and discord of the contentious relationship with her father. Jonathan as the antagonist provides the perfect counterpoint. This entangled relationship spills over into her personal life as well as she continues not only to meet but exceed all his expectations. For the first time, I gave my character her name - Christiana Lynn Barrington.

This was pivotal in deciding to write – Son of My Father – A Family Dynasty. From that point forward, characters and storyline started to be defined and the book was formulated.

I welcome your comments or questions and am reachable at:

Peggy@peggyhattendorf.com

Author – Son of My Father – A Family Dynasty
Travel Editor – hers Magazine

Author Bio:Peggy’s earlier careers helped cultivate and enrich her interest in writing. In her executive positions in the non-profit field, she had the opportunity to compose technical and operational handbooks for staff and volunteers for a number of name recognized organizations. Her management experience guided her to a multi-decade second career in the travel industry highlighted with the co-founding of a nationwide marketing consortium and independent contractor network. With over 5000 members, generating $180 million in annual sales, she wrote daily travel updates and news briefs distributed electronically to the membership. Today, she maintains an ambitious travel schedule and is the Travel Editor for hers Magazine where she writes travel feature articles and Hotel Review blog posts. In addition, she still serves on a number on non-profit boards. Her background with upscale and luxury travel products served as cornerstones in the character development and storyline of her first novel – “Son of My Father – A Family Dynasty.” She is currently working on her second book.




Author Contact:
Twitter: @peggyhattendorf
Facebook: www.facebook.com/peggy.hattendorf
Website: www.peggyhattendorf.com

Blog Tour: KILLER WEDDING CAKE (Daphne Martin Cake Mystery) by Gayle Trent

Synopsis:
Daphne Martin’s wedding to Ben Jacobs is only a couple of weeks away. An award-winning cake decorator, Daphne is busy designing their wedding cake. Her twin nephew and niece, Lucas and Leslie, are excited about being in the wedding party. And Daphne’s brother-in-law Jason is planning a bachelor party for Ben. Everything is going beautifully until Daphne’s ex-husband Todd shows up. Just released from prison after serving a sentence based on his shooting a gun at Daphne, Todd comes to Brea Ridge to profess his undying love for her.

Despite Daphne’s attempts to make Todd leave town, he insists on hanging around to reconnect with people he used to know. When he’s found murdered, Daphne finds herself at the center of the investigation. Now she must track down Todd’s killer before she becomes the next victim. Can she still make it to the church on time?

Review: Daphne has recovered from an abusive marriage and is about to marry Ben, the ideal husband.  Only her ex-husband shows up spouting his love after his 7 years in prison, freaking her out.  Then he's murdered and she has to identify the body. Then her wedding planner is murdered and it's beginning to look like Daphne may be a target as well.  
The description of Daphne's experiences married to Todd in contrast to her mother's perception of Todd (such a gentleman) is well done and adds an emotional layer to the story. Amidst the family turmoil, pre-wedding jitters, bachelor party planning, and baking of the wedding cake, the tension regarding the murders rises steadily.  Trent does a great job of keeping all the parts moving and coming together with unexpected (and sometimes humorous) twists and turns.  



About The Author
Gayle Trent (and pseudonym Amanda Lee) writes the Daphne Martin Cake Decorating series and the Embroidery Mystery series. The cake decorating series features a heroine who is starting her life over in Southwest Virginia after a nasty divorce. The Embroidery Mystery series features a heroine who recently moved to the Oregon coast to open an embroidery specialty shop.



Author Links
http://www.gayletrent.com

https://www.facebook.com/GayleTrentandAmandaLee

https://twitter.com/GayleTrent

https://www.pinterest.com/gayletrent/

Purchase Links
AMAZON

B&N

Blog Stop: Heather M. Gardner's MAGUIRE'S CORNER NOVELS

Already Home (A Maguire's Corner Novel - Book 1)
by Heather M. Gardner
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Books | All Romance Books
Published by: InkSpell Publishing
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Re-Release Date: May 30, 2015
Length: 176 Pages

Coffee shop owner Maggie Maguire doesn’t trust the new police chief her father hired to protect Maguire’s Corner. He’s a stranger, cold, bossy and annoyingly handsome. But, Maggie’s witnessed a serious crime and now someone’s trying to kill her. The man that aggravates her most might be the only one that can help her.

Police Chief Jack Munro likes his new job and his new town, and unfortunately he also likes the stubborn but beautiful town sweetheart. His self-imposed hands-off Maggie policy is about to be put to the ultimate test when he must keep her close to protect her while he tracks down a ruthless killer.

Determined to ignore Jack’s charms, Maggie attempts to help him unravel the mystery but when their lives hang in the balance she must decide how much she’s willing to risk to save the man she suddenly can’t resist.

One Good Catch (A Maguire's Corner Novel - Book 2)
by Heather M. Gardner
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Books | All Romance Books
Published by: InkSpell Publishing
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: March 11, 2015
Length: 173 Pages

Ignoring a recent trauma that affects her everyday life, ER Doctor Kate Maguire engages in some high risk activities, but these situations aren’t enough to feed her edginess. She needs something more. When her brother’s high school best friend comes back to town, it’s her chance for a ‘no strings attached’ fling with the man who still headlines all her best dreams.
Rhys MacGrath’s days of one-night-stands are long over. The pro-football player might be side-lined at rehab for a shoulder injury, but that doesn’t mean he can’t admire and desire the all-grown-up, so-damn-hot, version of the tomboy he once knew. His sudden interest in Kate might aggravate his best friend, but it’s her indifference that drives Rhys crazy.

Everything heats up when Kate’s nosy nature puts her in the line of fire of an arsonist forcing Kate and Rhys to deal with more than just the sparks igniting between them.

Excerpts - One Good Catch


Excerpt #1“Hi,” Rhys said.

Kate continued to stare at him, and her mouth may have been hanging open a little. She actually wished for the ability to teleport out of the room. Grey eyes, the color of a winter sky before a storm, scrutinized her. More than powerful in color, sharp and penetrating, like an X-ray.

Rhys was big, bigger than she remembered, taking up all the space behind the half-round table. His mid-length, layered dirty-blond hair and tanned face and neck made her think of sun and sand at the beach.

Rhys frowned. “Can I help you?”

His face had gone from friendly to wary as she gawked at him. No man should be this good looking, which should be irrelevant because he’d always been good looking. After all, he had been voted biggest flirt and most likely to meet you under the bleachers back in high school.

All the forgotten feelings she’d had for him slammed into her at once. Puppy love, like, lust, frustration, admiration, desire—all emotions she’d experienced at one time or another and, some, really not so long ago.

Finally, Kate took a shaky breath and decided she’d better leave to keep from embarrassing herself any further. “No. No, thanks, I’m good.”

Turning, she slammed straight into her mother, who held a full pot of coffee. The hot liquid splashed onto Kate’s chest and soaked into her shirt, steaming her skin underneath.

“Son of a—”
Excerpt #2
Kate crossed her arms. “I’m not complicated.”

“Oh yes, you are. Incredibly complicated. And off limits.”

“Look, it was just a kiss. If you can’t handle a little first base, it’s your problem, not mine.”

Rhys stopped in front of her, shaking his head. “What?”

“I’m not some kid anymore, Rhys. I can kiss whomever I want. And I do. If you want to continue living by my brother’s rules, then I suggest you head back to the bar.”

“I guess I have more respect for Steve than to try and feel up his sister after being back in town for less than a day.”

“That’s fine. Whatever helps you sleep at night.”

“Fine. I’ll sleep just fine.”

“Then, goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” he said.

Rhys reached for her, his fingers tangling in her hair. He pulled her in to kiss her again. Kate enjoyed this kiss even more than the first one. It was full of his exasperation, plus his inevitable surrender, making it incredibly hot. Her victory was intoxicating.

Excerpt #3
Moving back he caged her against the wall with his arms and body. Leaning in, his lips hovering over hers, he stopped.

“What are we doing?” he asked, his voice hushed.

“I don’t know.”

“Tell me you want this.”

Kate shrugged. “You think I’m complicated.”

“You are complicated. This whole thing is complicated. It doesn’t mean I don’t want it.”

Rhys lifted one hand from the wall and placed his palm on her chest, over her heart, which tripled in speed under the warmth and weight of it.

“Mac.”

“No,” he said, “You never call me Mac.”

“Rhys.”

“Better.”

Kate licked her lips, enjoying the way Rhys’s gaze followed the movement of her tongue. “Everyone calls you Mac.”

“You never do.”

“I didn’t know you noticed.”

“I’ve noticed lots of things.” Rhys closed the gap between them, kissing the corner of her mouth.

“Like what?”

“You taste amazing.” He kissed her lips lightly, drawing the bottom one between his own before releasing it. “Your eyes glitter in the sun.” His lips glided along her jaw. “You’re vulnerable right here.” He found the spot on her neck that had her holding her breath and biting down on her own lip.


About Heather M. Gardner

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

Heather M. Gardner's love of books began on the hand-woven rugs of her small town library where her mother worked. There she had a never-ending supply of stories to read at her fingertips. As a teen, her favorite genres to curl up with were romance and mysteries. When she started to create her own stories, they were the perfect fit.

Heather resides in New York with her best friend who is also her husband, plus her talented and handsome son. She is currently owned by four stray cats. Heather's a full-time mom, works part-time from home, a chocolate enthusiast, coffee junkie, cat addict, book hoarder and fluent in sarcasm.




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REVIEW: Murder Among Friends (Book 2 Off the Beaten Path Mystery Series) by Steve Demaree

Synopsis (from Amazon)

Thirteen people grow up in a small town and are friends in high school. After graduation, some of them leave town and head off in different directions. But ten years later, one of those thirteen is murdered, and every few weeks another one of the thirteen is either found murdered or is missing. Who is responsible? One of those thirteen, or someone else?
ReviewA variation on Agatha Christie, people who were high school friends are dying one by one, and the picture from Jennifer's 13th birthday party of her and her friends is showing up. Only, as oft is the case, all but four have moved out of the small town, scattered and no one is making the connection.  Only one detective - my favorite character - keeps going back to Jennifer's hometown, convinced there must be a reason for the photo to be left behind. There are many twists and turns and possible suspects and motives. Mixed in there is some nostalgia surrounding the drive-in and amusement park that provided fun and entertainment, previously owned by Jennifer's parents. The pace is steady and the story interesting. This is a clean read and appropriate for young adults as well as other mystery lovers.
This is the second in the series, but easily can be read as a stand-alone.  The others in the series include: MURDER IN THE DARK (BOOK 1), A BRIDGE TO MURDER (BOOK 3), and A SMOKY MOUNTAIN MYSTERY (BOOK 4).
AMAZON

Blog Tour: BEYOND A DOUBT (A Carol Childs Mystery) by Nancy Cole Silverman

Synopsis When reporter Carol Childs is called to the scene of a body dump she has no idea she’s about to uncover a connection to a string of missing girls. Young, attractive women drawn to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood via an internet promise of stardom and romance have been disappearing. A judge’s daughter leaves behind a clue and a trip down Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame reveals a connection to a high powered real estate mogul and to a cartel targeting girls for human trafficking.

Old Hollywood has its secrets, its impersonators and backdoor entrances to old speakeasies and clubs where only those with the proper credentials can go. And when Carol Childs gets too close, she finds herself politically at odds with powers that threaten to undue her career and like the very girls she’s seeking, disappear.

Books in the Carol Childs Mystery Series:
SHADOW OF DOUBT (#1)
BEYOND A DOUBT (#2)
WITHOUT A DOUBT (#3) January 2016

Review
Carol Childs gets involved when she's called to the body dump.  When someone else she knows, Gabi, is missing, she thinks there may be a connection.  Then her daughter is drugged during a pub crawl and Carol is on a mission, with a little help from her friend, Sherri.  Her corporate boss wants her to let it drop, wants a clean, homey show with lots of positives - certainly not a kidnapping/sex trafficking ring in Hollywood. 

Silverman spins a great tale here, and I for one will not have the same thoughts when I hear of (or see) a Clark Gable impersonator. The story moves quickly and Carol manages to get herself into trouble.  This isn't so much a "whodunit". The "who" is easy.  Carol's challenge is in proving it without endangering her daughter or herself.  This is the second in the series, but can easily be read as a stand alone.  I'm looking forward to the third when it comes out.

About This Author
Nancy Cole Silverman credits her twenty-five years in news and talk radio for helping her to develop an ear for storytelling. But it wasn’t until 2001 after she retired from news and copywriting that she was able to sit down and write fiction fulltime. Much of what Silverman writes about today she admits is pulled from events that were reported on from inside some of Los Angeles’ busiest newsrooms where she spent the bulk of her career. In the last ten years she has written numerous short stories and novelettes. Today Silverman lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Bruce and two standard poodles.


Author Links
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nancy-Cole-Silverman/314202208737024?ref=h

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4027978.Nancy_Cole_Silverman

Twitter: @NancyColeSilve1

Purchase Links
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SPOTLIGHT: MORGAN'S MOUNTAIN (A MONTANA SERIES NOVELLA) by Krista Ames

  Today, it's my pleasure to interview Krista Ames, author of MORGAN'S MOUNTAIN, A Montana Series Novella:
Thanks so much for having me on your blog ☺

How long have you been writing? 
Oh, I guess 8 or 9 years now, I didn’t really start writing until I moved to Florida in 2006. Believe it or not, when I was younger, I didn’t even like to read.

What inspires you to write? 
Lots of different things inspire me actually. Movies are the biggest. Just the other day I watched SWITCH (w/Jennifer Aniston & Jason Bateman) for the first time and inspiration hit me before the movie even started. It was the music and the New York skyline in the opening credits that got my wheels turning.

How long did it take you to write Morgan’s Mountain? 
I’m not even sure I know, but probably longer than I’d like. (maybe 6+ months, I know bad right?) I hope to do better in the future. I run a tour company so I get kind of busy and sidetracked  ☺

If you were casting the movie for this story, who would play Morgan? Luke?
Ooh that’s a good question… there are lots of actors and actresses out there that I love. Hmmm ok for Luke, the hair color wouldn’t match but Kellan Lutz or even Josh Lucas would make a good cowboy and for Morgan…Ashley Greene or Holly Marie Combs.

How did you happen to choose Montana for your setting?
I just love Montana. Whenever I think of Montana I think of mountains and cowboys  ☺  Unfortunately, I haven’t been there yet but I hope to in the next couple years.

What was your favorite scene to write? 
I think it would have to be when Luke goes out to cut wood. I liked writing the quarreling parts with my hero and heroine. Since Morgan is such a self-sufficient type of person, she is dead set on doing things herself so when he goes outside, harmlessly I might add, to cut some wood, she gets furious  ☺

Who designed the book cover? 
My wonderful editor at Roane Publishing was also the cover artist! We kind of worked together on the design, I found the pics and she put it all together. She has a fantastic talent!!!

This is part of a series – is it easier to write the next one in the series or harder? Is there another one coming in this series? 
You know, I really think it’s easier, especially when you mention secondary characters in the current story. Makes me more anxious to give them their own book. And actually there is another coming in the series, probably Tyler’s story but that’s all I can say  ☺

What are your favorite things to do besides writing? 
I love being a stay-at-home mom even though all my kids are now in school all day. It gives me the time to get all my mom stuff done so once the kids are home, I have time for them.

Who is your favorite author and why? 
I have lots and lots of favorites but my all-time? That would be Linda Lael Miller. She is a fantastic author and one of hers was the first romance I actually read straight through. I was hooked after that one book. I LOVE Contemporary Western and she is the queen. Of course she writes other stuff too and I like all her stuff but she’s it for me  ☺

Anything else, my readers might want to know about you? 
I guess that’s about it, I don’t think I’m a very interesting person ☺  However, if anyone gets a chance to read Morgan’s Mountain, I hope you’ll look me up and tell me what you think !!




Title: Morgan’s Mountain, A Montana Series Novella

Author: Krista Ames

Publisher: Roane Publishing

Release Date: July 13, 2015

Keywords: Romance, Western, Contemporary, Series, Novella


Blurb:On the proverbial run from another failed relationship, Morgan finds herself in the one place she always found solace. With every intention of being alone, she’s surprised when she comes across the one person she never expected.

Luke would go to the ends of the earth to figure out why Morgan ran away five years ago and make things right with her. However, a dangerous trek up the mountains to her family’s cabin might not have been the smartest choice. To say she was happy to see him would be a huge lie. Having to rescue him, mortifying for Luke.

Toss a kidnapper into the mix and their feelings for each other are brought into perspective, revealing parts of themselves they never thought would come to light.

Purchase Links:
Roane Publishing
Amazon
Amazon (UK)
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords
Bookstrand
All Romance eBooks

Krista Ames Bio:

Born and raised in Northern Indiana, Krista now resides in Northern Lower Michigan. She is married to a very supportive man who allows her to follow her true passion of writing and never complains when she is pirated away on her computer for hours. He is excellent at bouncing ideas around with and even helps the occasional writers block. He’s also a terrific “in house” editor. Krista is also a mother of four ornery children who keep her plenty busy. With an addition of 2 beautiful chocolate lab sisters and a playful kitty, there is never a dull or spare moment in her household.

Krista has always loved to read and would often sit up for hours into the night not able to put down a book until she was finished. She still reads when she can but her main focus is creating her own stories to share with the world.

She loves to communicate with her readers so please feel free to drop her a line anytime.

Ms. Ames Links:
Email: krista@kristaames.com

Website: http://www.kristaames.com/

Blog: http://www.apassionforromance.blogspot.com

Link for Morgan’s Mountain on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25643666-morgan-s-mountain
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Blog Tour: FLORA LIVELY AND A DATE WITH DEATH by Joanne Phillips

Synopsis Amateur sleuth Flora Lively is back to investigate another mystery, and this time the body count is rising …

When Flora’s best friend returns to England with a Spanish film crew in tow, Flora is thrilled to land a job on set at a glamorous country house. But when a member of the crew is brutally murdered, and the priceless Infanta Tiara stolen, suspicion falls on everyone at Hanley Manor – including someone far too close to home.

When an arrest is made, Flora is plunged deep into a puzzling mystery, with no idea who she can and cannot trust. Surrounded by suspicion and bitter rivalries, she must keep one eye over her shoulder at all times. Because the murderer is about to strike again …

A Date With Death is a cozy English village mystery, ideal for readers who love cozy reads with romance and humor, and British mysteries on Kindle.

Review
Flora Lively wants to think the best of her old friends, and well, everyone she meets, but sometimes that's hard - like when two people are murdered.  Her new friend, Marshall, an American, who helps her run her father's business warns her not to get involved and is a bit jealous of Jack. Then Marshall is framed and Flora is determined to prove to Jack that Marshall is innocent. 

The plot and characters are interesting, with many possible suspects. Phillips provides enough twists and tension to keep the story flowing. With multiple suspects, the killer isn't too obvious, but makes sense when revealed. This is Book #2 in the Flora Lively British cosy mysteries series, but can easily be read as a stand alone. There's a hint of possible romance in Flora's future and I am curious to see how that unravels in the next book.
About The Author
Joanne Phillips lives in rural Shropshire, England, with her husband and young daughter. She’s the author of romantic comedies Can’t Live Without, The Family Trap and Cupid’s Way, and the Flora Lively series of contemporary mysteries. Can’t Live Without was an Amazon top 100 bestseller in 2012 and her books regularly appear on category bestseller lists. Before becoming a writer, Joanne had jobs as diverse as hairdresser, air hostess and librarian, but now divides her time between writing and finding creative ways to avoid housework. She’s a fan of super-dark chocolate, iced coffee and Masterchef.

Author Links

http://www.joannephillips.co.uk

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/joannegphillips

Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Joanne-Phillips/e/B0083UEG86/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2862086.Joanne_Phillips

Purchase Links

US: http://www.amazon.com/Date-Death-Murder-Mystery-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00W7GUVQI/

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Date-Death-Murder-Mystery-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00W7GUVQI/


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REVIEW: SENIORS SLEUTH by Jennifer J Chow

Synopsis:

Winston Wong used to test video games but has left his downward spiraling career to follow in the footsteps of Encyclopedia Brown, his favorite childhood detective. When the Pennysaver misprints his new job title, adding an extra “s” to his listing, Winston becomes a “Seniors Sleuth.” He gets an easy first case, confirming the natural death of a ninety-year-old man. However, under the surface of the bingo-loving senior home is a seedier world where a genuine homicide actually occurred. Winston finds himself surrounded by suspects on all sides: a slacker administrator, a kind-hearted nurse, and a motley crew of eccentric residents. To validate his new career choice (and maybe win the girl), he must unravel the truth from a tangle of lies.

Review:

Winston needs a new career after a financial disaster in the dot.com industry. His sister bales him out, pays for the house he lives in, and he sets up an office as a "sleuth" - not as PI since he has no training other than his problem-solving skills from being a gamer.  He places his first ad, and in walks Cameron with her grandmother, apparently with dementia.  His first case - convince Eve that dd "Teddy's" death was not murder is seemingly more complex than it first appears. He sets off and discovers that there are more secrets among the elderly and those who work with them than he could have imagined.  As he unravels what happened, his gaming skills come in handy and somehow he might just win the girl. 

This is a well-written story that intertwines Asian culture and values, a not-so-pretty picture of what some versions of nursing homes for the elderly might look like, and very likable and unique characters like Jazzman and the Vietnam Vet. Winston is a bit bumbling but works hard and even after the easy solution, looks to be sure he has gotten it right.  He's no smooth talking PI, but Winston's got heart and after this he has lots of calls for cases to take.  This is a fun, quick beach read with hopefully more to come in the future.

AMAZON

Jennifer J Chow is Asian-American Author of:
The 228 Legacy
-Honorable Mention, 2015 San Francisco Book Festival
-Finalist, 2013 Foreword Reviews' Book of the Year Award
Seniors Sleuth
-Runner-Up, 2015 Beach Book Festival
www.jenniferjchow.com

Blog Tour Guest Post: D. E. HAGGERTY author of JACK GETS HIS MAN

Today, I'm pleased to have D. E. Haggerty as my guest with a excerpt from JACK GETS HIS MAN:
The Grey-Haired Knitting Detectives Go on Tour
D.E. Haggerty

Excerpt #1
“Hands in the air. Drop to your knees,” was shouted at them. Blinded by a flashlight, it was impossible to identify the speaker.

Martha huffed. “There is no way I’m going to my knees, young man.” She yelled at the light.

“Me either. I’ll never be able to get up again.” Ally agreed and put her hands on her hips in protest.

Jack shook his head but quickly dropped to his knees. Only he would get caught while snooping with two grandmas who refused to listen to the police. He hung his head and pretended he was somewhere else, anywhere else.

The cop lowered his flashlight and brought out a pair of cuffs. He started walking towards the group but stumbled when he took in Ally and Martha. He shook his head. “Are you ladies willing to go quietly into my squad car?” He asked.

Ally and Martha took one look at the cop and nodded. “Wherever you want to go officer,” Martha responded. Oh great. Now they were flirting with the arresting officer. Jack waited patiently on his knees until the cop reached him. He was cuffed and then dragged to his feet.

“Come on ladies,” the officer stated while pulling Jack to the cop car.

There were two squad cars in Damien’s driveway. Betty, Rosemary, and Rose were already sitting in the backseat of the other car. They waved as Jack passed with Ally and Martha in tow. Jack shook his head at them and looked for Izzy. She sat in her car and mouthed sorry but didn’t make a move to help them. Jack knew it wouldn’t help anything if Izzy got out of the car. She’d just get arrested as well but still he stuck his tongue out at her. The cop scanned the area to see where Jack’s tongue was pointed. Izzy immediately started up the car and, with a squeal of the tires, took off. Jack chuckled.

“Aren’t you going to turn on the siren,” Martha asked once the cop was back in the patrol car and they were headed to the police station. Ally bobbed her head in excitement. Jack hung his head.

The cop chuckled. “Normally perps don’t like the siren on.”

“Why not?” Ally leaned forward to get a better look at the officer.

“They don’t want to be seen being hauled to the police station,” was the officer’s perfectly acceptable answer.

Ally and Martha huffed. They leaned back and crossed their arms across their chests. “Well, that’s just boring,” Martha said to Ally. Ally nodded in agreement.

The quiet didn’t last long. “So, officer,” Martha began. “Are you single?” Jack tried to make himself disappear at this point but unfortunately closing his eyes and wishing he was anywhere else in the world but in the back of a cop car that smelled like piss with two elderly troublemakers turned matchmakers was a bust.

“I’m single ladies,” the officer readily answered. “But don’t get your hopes up for your granddaughters. I’m also gay.” Jack prayed for a hole in the floor of the sedan to open up and swallow him whole.

Ally and Martha clapped in glee. The officer turned around in surprise before quickly returning his attention to the road. The quick look was all Jack needed. It appeared that he’d been arrested by a man hot enough to be Mr. January in the police calendar. Although it was dark in the car, he couldn’t miss the curly brown hair and eyes the color of rich chocolate. He’d bet the man was made of muscles as well. He nearly sighed but caught himself just as he saw Ally and Martha looking at him for a response. He buried his face in his chest. Luckily, they had arrived at the police station.

Author Bio:

 I was born and raised in Wisconsin, but think I’m a European. After spending my senior year of high school in Germany, I developed a bad case of wanderlust that is yet to be cured. My flying Dutch husband and I have lived in Ohio, Virginia, the Netherlands, Germany and now Istanbul. We still haven’t decided if we want to settle down somewhere – let alone where. I’m leaning towards somewhere I can learn to surf even though the hubby thinks that’s a less than sound way to decide where to live. Although I’ve been a military policewoman, a commercial lawyer, and a B&B owner, I think with writing I may have finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up. That’s assuming I ever grow up, of course. Between tennis, running, traveling, singing off tune, drinking entirely too many adult beverages, and reading books like they are going out of style, I write articles for a local expat magazine and various websites, review other indie authors’ books, write a blog about whatever comes to mind and am working on my sixth book.

Purchase links:

AMAZON 

GOODREADS

Author links:

Website: http://www.dehaggerty.com

Blog: http://www.dehaggerty.com/mymusings

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dehaggerty

Twitter: https://twitter.com/denaehaggerty

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+DEHagger...

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/denahaggerty/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7210211.D_E_Haggerty

Book blurb:

  Jack’s life is awesome. His store is making money hand over fist and his best friend has found love. So what if he’s feeling a bit restless and put out about his upcoming birthday and his ex is being a pain in his fabulous behind? That’s nothing he can’t handle. But then his smoking hot new bookkeeper discovers things at the store aren’t actually as they seem. Someone is playing fast and loose with the finances. Jack’s bestie and his gal pals, the gray-haired knitting detectives, jump at the chance to solve Jack’s problems. When they aren’t re-enacting scenes from spy thrillers, they’re setting Jack up on dates and generally insinuating themselves into his love life. They’re determined to find love for Jack as well as his missing money. Will Jack catch a thief or find love? Either way Jack’s going to get his man.



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Thank you for being my guest today!  I look forward to reading JACK GETS HIS MAN!

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