Babs Hightower's Blog, page 15
March 26, 2019
Deadly Deception (The Deadly Series) by Kate Parker
Deadly Deception
(The Deadly Series)
by Kate Parker
About the Book
Deadly Deception (The Deadly Series)
Historical Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
JDP Press
Everyone hides secrets. Some provoke murder.
Olivia Denis discovers her father kneeling over the body of a man…a man who supposedly drowned in the Channel years before. Olivia wants to ring for help, her father wants to hide the body, but a mysterious phone call brings Scotland Yard to the murder scene.
Olivia can’t stand by and let her maddening, disapproving father hang. To prove his innocence – and learn his secrets – she must work with a master spy. The search for clues takes Olivia to the continent and the Kent countryside, Hastings and London, pushing her deeper into the world of danger and deception.As war between Germany and Britain stalks closer, the hunt for a Nazi collaborator intensifies. With a mounting death toll, Olivia knows she must unmask the killer or be the next to die.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About the Author
Kate Parker grew up in Washington, D C, spent several years along the Carolina coast, and now finds herself in the Colorado front range. All the time, she has been busy plotting to spend more time in her favorite city, London, where her books are set. So far, she hasn’t been able to build a time machine, so she has to visit historical sites and books to immerse herself in the details of life in bygone days.
2019 will see the publication of her fourth Deadly Series book, Deadly Deception, as well as a novella, The Mystery at Chadwick House. Chadwick House will both be for sale at the usual retailers plus given away to the readers of her newsletter. It is her first contemporary mystery. Later in the year, Kate plans on publishing the second Milliner Mystery. Her daughter has informed her this year she will also become the servant of a large, exuberant dog.
Author Links:
Website: www.KateParkerbooks.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Author.Kate.Parker/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/KateParkerbooks
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7123001.Kate_Parker
Purchase Links – Coming Soon
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
March 27 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT
March 28 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – GUEST POST
March 28 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
March 29 – Here’s How It Happened – SPOTLIGHT
March 30 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT
March 31 – A Blue Million Books – GUEST POST
April 1 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW
April 2 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
April 2 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST
April 3 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT
April 3 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
April 4 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW
April 5 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT
April 6 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
April 7 – Laura’s Interests – GUEST POST
March 25, 2019
The Hidden Corpse (A Food Blogger Mystery) by Debra Sennefelder
The Hidden Corpse
(A Food Blogger Mystery)
by Debra Sennefelder
About the Book
The Hidden Corpse (A Food Blogger Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Kensington (March 26, 2019)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-10: 1496715934
ISBN-13: 978-1496715937
Digital ASIN: B07F5YS5XR
Former reality TV baking show contestant and recent divorcée Hope Early is trying to find her recipe for success as a food blogger—but murder keeps getting in the mix . . .
When Hope’s elderly neighbor perishes in a home fire, she can’t help but feel somewhat responsible. Only the day before, Peggy Olson had called her over, having burned a pot on the stove while she was sleeping and filling the house with smoke. In fact, she couldn’t even remember cooking. Clearly, it was dangerous for the woman to live alone.
But it turns out she wasn’t alone. When a second body is discovered in the basement of the burned house, suddenly what appeared to be a tragic accident is beginning to look like premeditated murder. As rumors spread like wildfire, Hope is determined to sort out the facts and smoke out a killer, but she might be jumping from the frying pan straight into the fire . . .
Includes Recipes from Hope’s Kitchen!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About the Author
Debra Sennefelder, the author of the Food Blogger Mystery series and the Resale Boutique Mystery series, is an avid reader who reads across a range of genres, but mystery fiction is her obsession. Her interest in people and relationships is channeled into her novels against a backdrop of crime and mystery. When she’s not reading, she enjoys cooking and baking and as a former food blogger, she is constantly taking photographs of her food. Yeah, she’s that person.
Born and raised in New York City, she now lives and writes in Connecticut with her family. She’s worked in pre-hospital care, retail and publishing. Her writing companions are her adorable and slightly spoiled Shih-Tzus, Susie and Billy.
She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, Women’s Fiction Writers Association and Romance Writers of America.
Author Links:
Website – Facebook – Goodreads
Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Google Play – IndieBound
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
March 26 – A Holland Reads – REVIEW*
March 26 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT
March 27 – The Montana Bookaholic – REVIEW
March 28 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW*
March 29 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW*
March 30 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT
March 31 – Community Books – REVIEW*
March 31 – Lisa Ks Book Review – REVIEW
April 1 – Literary Gold – REVIEW
April 2 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – REVIEW
April 2 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – SPOTLIGHT
April 3 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
April 4 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
April 5 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW*
April 6 – Carla Loves To Read – REVIEW
April 6 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW*
April 7 – Elle G. Reads – REVIEW*
April 7 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW
April 8 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW
April 8 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
April 9 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW*
April 9 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
April 9 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT
March 24, 2019
Chutes and Ladder: A Silicon Valley Mystery by Marc Jedel
Chutes and Ladder:
A Silicon Valley Mystery
by Marc Jedel
About the Book
Chutes and Ladder: A Silicon Valley Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
BGM Press (March 12, 2019)
Print Length: 195 pages
ASIN: B07NFDYZX8
Dead friend. Free fall. Girl Scouts. Can Uncle Marty untangle the mystery before things really get out of control?
Juggling a budding relationship, demanding job, and mischievous nieces, Marty Golden struggled to keep his head above water — even before his friend’s death. Trying his best to be a good boyfriend and fun uncle, Marty had his own ideas for the weekend until his cunning sister tricked him again.
Convinced his friend’s death was no accident, Marty tries to summon superhero powers but merely manages to bumble along as an amateur sleuth. When Marty’s cousin shows up, she wreaks havoc with his plans and pulls him into yet another mystery.
As threats blossom, Marty doubles down now that his family’s involved. Besides, it’s poor manners to let your friend’s death go unsolved.
Can Marty figure out what happened before a killer, or his imagination, gets to him?
Chutes and Ladder is the second novel in a refreshingly modern mystery series set in Silicon Valley. If you like clever humor and wacky side characters, you’ll love this twisty mystery.
Giveaway https://kingsumo.com/g/rc4quz/win-a-signed-copy-of-chutes-and-ladder-a-silicon-valley-mystery
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About the Author
For most of my life, I’ve been inventing stories. Some, especially when I was young, involved my sister as the villain. As my sister’s brother for her entire life, I’m highly qualified to tell the tale of this evolving, quirky sibling relationship.
My writing skills were honed in years of marketing leadership positions in Silicon Valley. While my high tech marketing roles involved crafting plenty of fiction, we called these marketing collateral, emails and ads.
The publication of my first novel, Uncle and Ants, gave me permission to claim “author” as my job. This leads to way more interesting discussions than answering “marketing.”
My family would tell you that Marty’s character isn’t much of a stretch of the imagination for me, but I proudly resemble that remark.
Like Marty, I live in Silicon Valley and can’t believe that otherwise normal people would willingly jump out of an airplane and call it fun. Unlike Marty, I have a wonderful wife and a neurotic but sweet, small dog, who is often the first to weigh in on the humor in my writing.
Author Links
Email: marc@marcjedel.comWebsite: www.marcjedel.comFaceBook: www.facebook.com/MarcJedel.AuthorLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mjedel/GoodReads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/18403497.Marc_JedelBookBub: www.bookbub.com/profile/marc-jedel
Purchase Link: Amazon
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
March 25 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT
March 25 – The Journey Back– REVIEW
March 25 – Mallory Heart’s Cozies – REVIEW
March 26 – My Reading Journeys – CHARACTER GUEST POST
March 26 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW
March 26 – Teresa Watson – REVIEW
March 27 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
March 27 – Jane Reads – GUEST POST
March 27 – Here’s How It Happened – GUEST POST
March 28 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST
March 28 – Carla Loves To Read – REVIEW
March 28 – Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews – REVIEW
March 29 – I’m Into Books – CHARACTER GUEST POST
March 29 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
March 30 – 4covert2overt ☼ A Place In The Spotlight ☼ – SPOTLIGHT
March 31 – ⒾⓃⓉⓇⓄⓈⓅⒺⒸⓉⒾⓋⒺ ⓅⓇⒺⓈⓈ – SPOTLIGHT
March 31 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW
April 1 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT
April 1 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 2 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 2 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW
April 3 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT
April 3 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 4 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 4 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW
April 5 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
April 5 – Literary Gold – REVIEW
April 5 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW
April 6 – ❧Defining Ways❧ – GUEST POST
April 7 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
April 7 – Readeropolis – GUEST POST
March 19, 2019
An Au Pair to Remember: A Male Housekeeper Mystery by Stephen Kaminski
An Au Pair to Remember:
A Male Housekeeper Mystery
by Stephen Kaminski
About the Book
An Au Pair to Remember: A Male Housekeeper Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Cozy Cat Press (January 27, 2019)
Paperback: 260 pages
ISBN-10: 1946063703
ISBN-13: 978-1946063700
Digital ASIN: B07NCBZ23L
From the author of the award-winning Damon Lassard Dabbling Detective series comes the Male Housekeeper Mysteries, focusing on charming characters, snappy dialogue, eclectic murders, and cunning confidence schemes. To his mind, Cam Reddick has failed—as a husband, as a father, and as a professional. After recognizing that his vanilla credentials didn’t stack up in a big city brimming with overachievers and toiling in drudgery for half of a decade, an emotionally raw Cam returns to his childhood hometown—the quaint and quirky village of Rusted Bonnet, Michigan. He’s determined to resuscitate relationships marred by youthful immaturity, most importantly those with his ex-wife Kacey Gingerfield (who doubles as the village’s Deputy Chief of Police) and their first grader, Emma. Armed with striking looks and an endearing proclivity for mixing metaphors, but saddled by “momma’s boy” tendencies, Cam takes the helm of his mother’s housekeeping business—Peachy Kleen. Access to homes across the village facilitates Cam’s penchant for amateur sleuthing as Kacey’s aide-de-camp. Surrounded by Kacey, his sophisticated mother Darby, garrulous senior housekeeper Samantha, and recuse fish cum confidant Bait, Cam’s circuitous journeys to solving murders and unravelling complex cons hasten his struggle down the path of self-healing to self-respect. And there’s hope that—just maybe—he can rekindle the romance he once had with Kacey.
In An Au Pair to Remember, Cam’s plan for a quiet return to Rusted Bonnet is dashed when a beautiful German au pair, Greta Astor, is found dead in Dutch McRae’s foyer with all signs pointing to a hastily disassembled trip wire at the top of the stairs. When Kacey learns that Cam was cleaning the McRae home the previous afternoon, she confides to him that Chief Bernie Leftwich is set on arresting Dutch for the murder—either alone or in tandem with Greta’s bartender boyfriend. But she worries that Bernie’s been duped. And later, when his mother Darby becomes a suspect, Cam inserts himself into the investigation and stumbles through a series of ostensible incongruities—a thief swallowing a cache of stolen diamonds, a snack food distributor laundering money, and a Cash-for-Gold scam. Meanwhile, Peachy Kleen’s young African housekeeper has disappeared with one of the company vans. All the while, Cam finds himself flirting with his new neighbor and struggling with his complicated feelings for Kacey.
About the Author
Stephen Kaminski is the author of An Au Pair to Remember, the first installment of the Male Housekeeper Mystery series. He also writes the award-winning Damon Lassard Dabbling Detective books. Stephen is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and Harvard Law School and serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the trade association representing the United States’ poison control system and its fifty-five centers. He lives with his daughter and rescue kitty in the Washington, DC area.
Author Links
GoodReads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43834065-an-au-pair-to-remember
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DamonLassard/
Purchase Links – Amazon Kindle – Amazon Paperback
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
March 18 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT
March 18 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
March 19 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
March 19 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
March 20 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
March 20 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT
March 21 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT
March 21 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
March 22 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 23 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT
March 24 – My Journey Back – REVIEW
March 25 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 26 – Books Direct – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT
March 27 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 28 – Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews – REVIEW
March 28 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT
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March 18, 2019
Wild Montana Winds A Montana Gallagher Novel
What happens when a mountain man tries to tame the heart of a Highland lass?
Ainslee McConnell turns down every eligible bachelor who asks for her hand, for she knows none can quiet her adventurous spirit. When she travels from Scotland to visit family and seek new experiences, she discovers a life more rewarding than she could have imagined.
Raised in the wilds of the Montana mountains, Colton Dawson lives as rancher, mountain man, and tracker. He is content . . . until one day a spirited Scottish lass crosses his path on her way to Hawk’s Peak. When a moment in Colton’s past revisits him, he fights to keep safe those he loves most.
Return to Briarwood and Hawk’s Peak to experience a timeless western romantic adventure that will sweep you away on the wild Montana winds.
The Montana Gallagher Series (historical romantic western adventures):
Gallagher’s Pride
Gallagher’s Hope
Gallagher’s Choice
An Angel Called Gallagher
Journey to Hawk’s Peak
Wild Montana Winds
Buy Links
E-Book: AMAZON ~ AMAZON UK ~ AMAZON CA ~ AMAZON AU
Paperback: AMAZON ~ B&N ~ BAM ~ INDIEBOUND ~ LARGE PRINT
Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9deYq9cKn4
Excerpt: Read Excerpt Online
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Praise for the MONTANA GALLAGHERS
“Journey to Hawk’s Peak by MK McClintock is one of the most gripping and thrilling western novels that anyone will ever read. This is probably the best novel that I have yet read as a reviewer. It clicks on all cylinders—grammar, punctuation, plot, characterization, everything. This novel is a serious page-turner, and for fans of western fiction, it is a must-read.” —Readers’ Favorite
“The Montana Gallagher Collection is adventurous and romantic with scenes that transport you into the wild west.” —InD’Tale Magazine, Crowned Heart for Excellence
“Any reader who loves westerns, romances, historical fiction or just a great read would love this book, and I am pleased to be able to very highly recommend it. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it certainly won’t be the last. Do yourself a favor and give it a chance!” —Readers’ Favorite on Gallagher’s Pride
“A story of love, honor, and tradition. I have fallen in love with all of the Gallagher family, their experiences, hardships, and enjoyed the love they share with each other. Her readers had hoped she would find love and a lifelong companion for Colton, and in Ainslee … we did. If you love adventure, romance, thrillers, mysteries, you will find all of these in a MK McClintock book.” —M.L. Sullivan on Wild Montana Winds
“This series is spell-binding. Once you start it you cannot put it down.”
—Amazon Reviewer
“A good story can have a little bit of romance, a little bit of adventure, and a little bit of mystery all rolled up into one. Ms. McClintock’s Gallagher’s Hope delivers all that and more.” —A Book Lover’s Library
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A note from the author . . .
Dearest Reader,
Whether you have been with us from the beginning or are meeting us for the first time, it brings me great joy to have you here, for you are now a part of the Gallagher family. I do not know what I had once imagined would happen to this delightful group of people when I first met them, but with each story came new ideas and characters with whom I was not ready to part. Wild Montana Winds experienced many changes over the course of its writing. I always knew the story would be about Colton Dawson: ranch hand, tracker, mountain man, and of course a member of the Hawk’s Peak family.
However, the woman meant for him changed a few times in my mind. All the others in this series had met their perfect match, and I could not rest until Colton found his. Ainslee McConnell proved to be that match—and then some. I love them together and I love them as individuals, proving once again that Hawk’s Peak is one of my favorite places to spend time.
This book has been written to stand on its own. You will meet previous characters and read mention of events from the first five Montana Gallagher books. They are here to enhance Colton and Ainslee’s story, for neither would have his or her own tale without those who came before.
I hope you enjoy reading this romantic western adventure as much as I did writing it.
Be well, be kind, and stay bookish!
~MK McClintock
AUTHOR BIO
Award-winning author MK McClintock is devoted to giving her readers books laced with adventure, romance, and a touch of mystery. Her novels and short stories take you from the rugged mountains of Montana to the Victorian British Isles, all with good helpings of daring exploits and endearing love stories. Her works comprise multiple series, including: Montana Gallaghers, British Agents, Crooked Creek, and Whitcomb Springs. She enjoys a peaceful life in the Rocky Mountains where she is writing her next book.
Learn more at www.mkmcclintock.com.
MK also writes contemporary romance and romantic thrillers as McKenna Grey.
Genres: historical romantic westerns, historical romantic mysteries, western short stories
Contact & Connect
Facebook.com/mkmcclintockbooks
March 17, 2019
The Gimmal Ring by Karen Kosk & Giveaway
Book Details:
Title: The Gimmal Ring
Author: Karen Koski
Page Count: 124
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Adventure, Middle Grade
Publisher: Mirror World Books
(https://www.mirrorworldpublishing.com/)
About The Gimmal Ring:
Gwendolyn Gimmal desperately wants an invitation to the mysterious Gimmal Gala where her family’s coveted ring is bestowed upon new inductees. It’s not that she particularly likes bling, but because she knows it will unlock exciting secrets and reveal what she believes will be her true life’s path. Her younger brother, Gage, also wants to attend the party, but mostly for the food.
After finding her way into the hidden gala, Gwen learns that The Gimmal Ring is not only a piece of jewellery, but also a secret society of people. Things go awry when their parents are kidnapped from the Gala and held for ransom. Gwen and her brother must solve the clues and find the hidden formula the kidnappers have demanded by midnight, or they will never see their family members again.
Their newly discovered enhanced abilities, while fun, are not completely reliable. Cracking newspaper codes, deciphering invisible maps, and playing a high stakes game of Enigma Machine Twister, are just some of the challenges they must overcome if they are to succeed in time. The adventure starts when they flush themselves in The Tele-Potti, a teleporting commode, and it all goes down the drain from there.
Read an Excerpt:
The hair on her arms stood at attention. She lay on her stomach in the dark, peering through a gap in the curtains, her body rigid with anticipation. Today was the day. Gwendolyn Gimmal was sure of it. She could feel it in her bones…or maybe it was just the hard floor? She had finally learned to slow her breathing to an undetectable level without passing out. Gwen would not be caught off guard. When it arrived, she would be ready. She was stealth, a statue, an invisible ninja.
“She knows we can see her, right?” a voice asked.
Gwen jumped. Her body hovered above the floor for a split second before it thudded down. Her boney hips hit first, breaking her fall. Gwen rolled over and glared at her brother Gage. She wiped at the black paint under her eyes. It was the third time he had snuck up on her…this week. Clearly, she was not ready for the life-changing event to occur.
“You know Gwen, it’s like waiting for Santa Claus. If he sees you, he won’t come to give you gifts,” Gage said, very matter of fact.
Back to practicing my belly crawl down the hallway at 3 am, she thought.
“Ahh, hi,” a voice said.
Just then Gwen realized there was someone standing beside her brother.
“Sorry to interrupt…whatever it is that you’re doing,” said Josh, a boy from her class, “but I forgot to get those math notes from you.”
Gage munched noisily on crackers. “Oh ya, I let Josh in the back door when I came home.” He shoved more in his mouth. They watched as crumbs fell to the floor.
“Really good hiding spot,” Josh said. Gwen just looked at him. “Yup, really, reaally good.” Josh rocked back on his heels and whistled faintly. “The uhh, black make-up is umm, interesting,” he said making swiping gestures under his eyes with his index fingers.
“Awkward,” Gage said.
“Ugh.” Gwen groaned and flipped back over onto her stomach, covering herself with a blanket. Back to square one. “I’m not worthy!” she moaned.
“What is she doing?” Josh whispered.
Gage shrugged. “Waiting for an invitation to a party.”
Josh pondered that for a moment. “Weird.”
“Welcome to my world,” Gage said and left the room.
Gwen knew this wasn’t just any party. It was the Gimmal Gala, where she was sure wonderful, secretive, life altering things happened.
Purchase Links:
KOBO:
https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-gimmal-ring/9781987976519-item.html?ikwid=Karen+Koski&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0
MW paperback:
https://mirror-world-publishing.myshopify.com/collections/juvenile/products/the-gimmal-ring-ebook
MW Ebook:
https://mirror-world-publishing.myshopify.com/collections/juvenile/products/the-gimmal-ring-paperback
Amazon:
https://amzn.to/2ERGIaG
Meet the Author:
Karen Koski writes stories set in magical Windsor and Essex County, Ontario where she was born and raised. Karen’s love of a good mystery inspired her to become a licensed Private Investigator. She is intrigued by anything that is not what it appears to be.
Karen resides in Windsor, Ontario with her husband, two daughters and a Moose.
Enter the Giveaway:
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March 15, 2019
Prussian Counterpoint: A Joseph Haydn Mystery by Nupur Tustin
Prussian Counterpoint:
A Joseph Haydn Mystery
by Nupur Tustin
About the Book
Prussian Counterpoint: A Joseph Haydn Mystery
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Publisher: Foiled Plots Press (March 1, 2019
Paperback: 270 pages
ISBN-10: 0998243043
ISBN-13: 978-0998243047
ISBN-13: 9780998243047
Digital BN ID: 2940156243365
ASIN: B07N8MQ4GX
When an enemy makes overtures of friendship, is anyone safe?
An unexpected invitation from wily King Frederick causes composer Joseph Haydn to fear he’s walking into a trap. After all, the Prussian King has never had any use for Haydn’s music. His Majesty seems more intrigued at Haydn’s being the son of a market-judge.
Worse still, the invitation appears to stir up suspicion in the highest quarters in Vienna. So much so that a mysterious, cloaked lady visits Haydn’s Music Room and issues a thinly veiled threat.
Now Haydn is convinced there’s mischief afoot. But not even he can foresee that he will stumble upon the corpse of the imperial ambassador a day after his arrival in Frederick’s Prussia, along with evidence that His Lordship may have been a common thief.
Can Haydn salvage the imperial ambassador’s reputation—and find his killer?
Praise for the Joseph Haydn Mysteries
“A standout in the genre of historical mysteries. An encore is requested!”
Midwest Book Review“Tustin occupies a unique niche in the historical mystery world.”
Edith Maxwell, Agatha-nominated Author, Quaker Midwife Mysteries“Wonderful read for fans of historical cozy mysteries. . .The characters are strong and the writing is smooth. . .”
Books a Plenty Book Reviews“An interesting journey and Haydn is a likable main character.”
Christa Reads and Writes“Vivid historical descriptions, intricate details, and a fascinating central character kept me turning the pages. Bravo!”
Amanda Carmack, award-winning author of The Elizabethan Mystery Series
Introduction: Subplot character Rosalie first met Gerhard, a tavern-keeper, in Minor Deception. Their relationship develops in Aria to Death, and now the two are engaged. Rosalie along with her friend, Greta, provide a downstairs dynamic to the Haydn Mysteries and also furnish Haydn with key clues. This is an aspect of the series that was influenced by one of my favorite mystery writers, Emily Brightwell, author of the Mrs. Jeffries series.
Excerpt
Rosalie Szabó allowed Gerhard to sweep her roughly into his arms. “Take care of yourself, lass,” he said, clasping her so close to his chest, she could hardly breathe. “And do not forget you are now an engaged woman.”
“I won’t,” Rosalie promised. How could she, when he never gave her an opportunity to do so?
She watched him climb onto his rack-wagon and maneuver it out of the Haarhof, the narrow alley on which the wine cellar for the Esterházy Palace, where she worked, was located. There had been no wine deliveries to make. Gerhard had simply come to see her.
To check on her, the palace maid corrected herself. If only he could bring himself to trust her a little more. But Gerhard Heindl, the tavern-keeper from Kleinhöflein, seemed perpetually afraid Rosalie would betray him the way Marlene, his first fiancée, had done.
If Rosalie so much as glanced at another man, Gerhard read her a lecture on the impropriety of her behavior. At first she had secretly reveled in the jealousy he betrayed, seeing it as a sign he was over his infatuation with Marlene. But now. . .
She sighed. It was more than any woman could be expected to bear. She fidgeted with the gold band on her finger. Sometimes the urge to take it off was simply irresistible.
And unaccountable. Gerhard was a good man. And she, the most fortunate woman in Austria, as Mama never failed to remind her.
“Not ready to be tied to one man, are you?” A low, throaty voice jogged Rosalie out of her thoughts.
A woman clad in muted tones, almost entirely covered in a deep indigo cloak, stood by her side. Her lips wore an amused smile; her dark blue eyes had an air of knowing that seemed out of place in one so humbly dressed. She tipped her chin at Rosalie’s ring.
“A little soap will ease it off, and for a few hours you may be free of him.”
“I don’t wish to be free of him,” Rosalie said, resenting the woman’s too-ready assumptions about her feelings.
“No?” The woman’s smile widened. “I must have been mistaken, then.”
Her gesture and tone infuriated Rosalie. “Yes, you were.” she swiveled around.
“Wait!” The woman’s fingers gently touched Rosalie’s arm. “I did not mean to offend you—”
“What is it you want?” Rosalie snapped. “If it is a position at the palace, there is none to be had at the moment.”
“I merely wish to speak with Herr Haydn. Is he within?” The wind, icy in the gray morning, swept the hood off her head, revealing a broad forehead and lustrous, corn-colored hair. She pulled it back up with a quick glance around the alley.
“Then you should go around to the front.” Rosalie gestured toward Wallnerstrasse at the end of the alley.
The woman took a deep breath. “It is a matter of some sensitivity, and I do not wish anyone to know I have been here. Please, I beg of you.”
* * *
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About the Author
About the Author
A former journalist, Nupur Tustin relies upon a Ph.D. in Communication and an M.A. in English to orchestrate fictional mayhem. The Haydn mysteries are a result of her life-long passion for classical music and its history. Childhood piano lessons and a 1903 Weber Upright share equal blame for her original compositions, available on ntustin.musicaneo.com.
Her writing includes work for Reuters and CNBC, short stories and freelance articles, and research published in peer-reviewed academic journals. She lives in Southern California with her husband, three rambunctious children, and a pit bull.
3 Free Stories on: http://bit.ly/Haydn_Taste_of_Murder
Webpage: http://ntustin.com
Blog: http://ntustin.com/blog
Free Haydn Mystery at Taste of Murder: http://ntustin.com/tasteofmurder
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ntustinauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8616151.Nupur_Tustin
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nupur-tustin
Purchase Links
Kobo: http://bit.ly/PrussianKobo
Nook: http://bit.ly/PrussianNook
Apple: https://apple.co/2Sbja9i
Kindle: https://amzn.to/2TCYJiX
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
March 13 – My Reading Journeys – EXCERPT POST with SPOTLIGHT
March 14 – Mysteries with Character – REVIEW
March 15 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW*, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 16 – Babs Book Bistro – EXCERPT POST with SPOTLIGHT
March 17 – Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
March 18 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 18 – CelticLady’s Reviews – EXCERPT POST with SPOTLIGHT
March 19 – StoreyBook Reviews – EXCERPT POST with SPOTLIGHT
March 19 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – EXCERPT POST with SPOTLIGHT
March 20 – Readeropolis – EXCERPT POST with SPOTLIGHT
March 21 – Here’s How It Happened – REVIEW
March 21 – Ruff Drafts – EXCERPT POST with SPOTLIGHT
March 22 – I’m Into Books – SPOTLIGHT
March 13, 2019
Saving Farris by A.R. Kennedy
Saving Ferris
By A.R. Kennedy
ISBN-10: 1718150709
ISBN-13: 978-1718150706
Independently published
Paperback: 394 pages
September 23, 2018, $9.99
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Also available for Kindle
After Cecilia’s husband dies, she’s forced to become Ferris’s caregiver, something she does not immediately warm to. But when his life is threatened by an intruder, she shoots the intruder to save the golden retriever. Police Chief Holden Owens thinks Cecilia acted lawfully, but few agree. The prosecutor feels that Cecilia has committed murder, not self-defense. In the eyes of the law, one can use lethal force to protect themselves and others, but not property. Pets are considered property. Holden loses his fight with the prosecutor and is now in a new fight—his undeniable attraction to Cecilia. Celebrity defense attorney Wyatt Sewell identifies a sympathetic defendant, a case he can win, and a way to garner more acclaim. When he learns of Cecilia’s motive, to save Ferris, he sees a blockbuster case that can set legal precedent. He forces the jurors to ask themselves— Is your pet property or family? Will saving Ferris’s life cost Cecilia her freedom? And a second chance at love?
Excerpt
Cecilia woke up. She’d never get used to the darkness of country nights. She rolled over to return to sleep and heard the noise that must have been the cause of the early wake-up call. A small yip from the window. She mumbled her displeasure and slapped her husband’s side of the bed.
“Joey, wake up.” No response. “Joey.” She reached for him again and found nothing but his cold pillow. A small yip again. “Dumb dog,” she mumbled. She was fully awake now, remembering why her husband’s side of the bed was empty. Why it would forever be empty.
Cecilia sat up at the edge of the bed and hung her head. She no longer wanted to be in the empty bed. A low growl emanated from the dog. “Okay, Ferris. I’m coming.”
She snapped on a nightlight and shielded her eyes from the small, yet bright, light. In the city, she could have seen the bedroom without such an aid. Some people called it light pollution. Cecilia called it the life of the city.
She could make out the profile of Ferris, staring out the window onto their backyard. He stood tall enough that his head rested on the windowsill. She often found the golden retriever looking out any window of the house like this. Waiting for Joey to return, she assumed. She had done it for weeks too.
But tonight, he stood at alert.
“Do you want to go out or what? Remember, I’m not the one who likes you, so hurry up.”
He turned his head briefly and looked at her, then returned his attention to the backyard. “I am not taking you out in the middle of the night to chase a squirrel.” The backyard’s motion sensor light was on and she cursed the squirrel that must have triggered it.
She started to lie back down and return to her dreamless sleep. The dreams, in reality and in sleep, had disappeared with Joey. The call of nature diverted her and she headed to the bathroom instead.
With the door to the hallway open and the rest of the house now available, Ferris took off and ran down the stairs. “I’ll take that as I got to go now too, woman.”
Putting Ferris’s bathroom needs before her own, she followed him downstairs to the kitchen’s sliding glass door, his exit to the spacious backyard. It was far more likely he’d have an accident than she and she didn’t want to spend the rest of the night cleaning up his mess.
She snapped on the kitchen light. Now that she was fully awake, the light no longer caused discomfort. She doubted she’d return to sleep again tonight anyway.
“Calm down,” Cecilia told the dog as she struggled to put on his leash. “I know Joey lets you run around but I’m not chasing you at two in the morning.” It was no surprise that Ferris continued to move. Listening was not his forte. It was how he got homed here.
Cecilia finally got the camouflage leash on Ferris’s collar and opened the sliding glass door. Ferris squeezed through before she had it fully open, pulling her through as well. An alarm beeped and she reached for the doorframe to stop her momentum. “Ferris, come on!”
Ferris had a lot of flaws but pulling her on their walks was not one of them. Holding the leash in one hand and firmly placing her foot over the doorframe, she quickly punched in the alarm code. The incrementally louder and faster beeping stopped. She stepped onto the patio and Ferris pulled her onto the backyard’s grass. “You really are a pain in the tush tonight.”
The motion light flicked on as Ferris pulled her into the middle of the yard. He stopped and surveyed what Cecilia figured he imagined as his kingdom. Again, he was in high alert.
She looked around the yard but could only see as far as the backyard’s light illuminated. She couldn’t see the fence that ran around the acre of land. She couldn’t see her closest neighbor’s home. She couldn’t see anything but Ferris. And her breath in the cool night air.
“What’s wrong with you?” She patted him on his back. Usually when she petted him on his back, he squirmed in glee. Tonight, she didn’t think he even noticed the touch.
With the damp grass soaking through her socks, Cecilia wished she had put on shoes. The chill ran up her body and she regretted not putting on a jacket as well. Joey’s T-shirt and boxers did little to keep her warm. Hoping to generate a little warmth, she told Ferris, “Come on, one lap and we’re back in.” Several pulls on his leash yielded no movement. With no motion, the yard’s light flipped off. Suddenly engulfed in darkness, Cecilia let out a short scream.
Ferris twirled around, yanking Cecilia with him. As the light flipped back on, Cecilia screamed again.
A R Kennedy was born and raised on Long Island, New York. (And no, she doesn’t have that Long Island accent). The finale of her Nathan Miccoli Mystery series, the 8th in the series, is expected in 2019.
When not working on her next novel, she works full time in healthcare to feed (and sometimes clothe) her two little dogs. Both are named after her favorite fictional characters from British entertainment, which few friends and neighbors understand.
The Nathan Miccoli Mystery series is her debut series.
Her next book, Saving Ferris, is expected September 2018.
March 12, 2019
Death by Association: A DIY Diva Mystery by Paula Darnell
Death by Association:
A DIY Diva Mystery
by Paula Darnell
About the Book
Death by Association: A DIY Diva Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Cozy Cat Press (January 1, 2019)
Paperback: 271 pages
ISBN-10: 1946063681
ISBN-13: 978-1946063687
Digital ASIN: B07MQ73LJQ (215 Pages)
DIY Diva Laurel McMillan learns that the high walls and guarded gates of Hawkeye Haven can’t protect her community. When Laurel takes her pampered, chocolate Labrador retriever, Bear, for an early morning walk, she finds her friend, security guard Bessie, bleeding and unconscious at her guardhouse post. If the attack on Bessie isn’t enough to set the residents’ nerves on edge, the murder of Victor Eberhart, the unpopular president of the powerful homeowners’ association, certainly does the trick. Despite teaching DIY classes and writing project instructions for her latest book, DIY for Dog Lovers, Laurel manages to squeeze in time for some DIY detective work. But as she gets closer to the truth, Victor’s killer would like nothing better than for the DIY Diva to take a dive.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About the Author
An instructor at five colleges over the years, Paula Darnell most often taught the dreaded first-year English composition classes, but she’s also been happy to teach some fun classes, such as fashion design, sewing, and jewelry making. Paula has a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, and a Master’s degree in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.
Like Laurel, the main character in Death by Association, Paula enjoys all kinds of arts and crafts. Some of her memorable projects include making a hat and a cape to wear to Royal Ascot, sewing wedding gowns for both her daughters, exhibiting her textile and mixed-media artwork in juried art shows, and having one of her jewelry projects accepted for inclusion in Leather Jewelry, published by Lark Books. She sells some of her jewelry and hair accessories in her Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/PaulaDJewelry.
Paula’s interest in DIY craft projects and fashion led to her writing hundreds of articles for print and online national publications.
Living in a guard-gated community governed by a homeowners’ association gave Paula the idea for the setting of Death by Association. She finds that residing in an HOA community can be both a blessing and a curse. A Happy-New-Year greeting from her community association called on residents to “start the new year by reviewing your Rules and Regulations booklet,” something unlikely to top anyone’s list of New Year’s resolutions.
Paula lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her husband Gary and their 110-pound dog Rocky, whose favorite pastime is lurking in the kitchen, hoping for a handout
Author Links
Author’s website – https://www.pauladarnellauthor.com/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/PaulaJDarnell
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18782445.Paula_Darnell
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/paulad0057/
Etsy shop – https://www.etsy.com/shop/PaulaDJewelry
Purchase Links – Amazon Amazon Paperback
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
March 11 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT
March 12 – CelticLady’s Reviews – RECIPE POST
March 13 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 13 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT
March 14 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – GUEST POST
March 15 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
March 16 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT
March 17 – Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews – REVIEW
March 18 – Books Direct – GUEST POST
March 19 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
March 20 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW
March 21 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – REVIEW
March 22 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
March 23 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 24 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 24 – Laura’s Interests – GUEST POST
March 24 – I’m Into Books – SPOTLIGHT
Stranger Than Fiction by Catherine Dilts
Excerpt
Aubrey shot a withering look Grant’s way that was completely wasted. He was too busy closing the door on a gray Camry someone had carelessly left open. That was Grant, Pinon Pine troop leader. Always helping people in need. People other than his wife.
“Grant didn’t explain to me we’d be camping.”
“I know,” Madison said. “He made me keep it a secret. How romantic is that? I hope we can be on the same team.”
“Team?” Aubrey asked.
“Yes. We’ll be competing to win treasure chest keys, just like on the old show.”
Sotheara Sok stepped into their circle before Aubrey could explode. The short Cambodian woman was almost unrecognizable without her powersuit and heels. She clutched the straps of a pink backpack that draped over her shoulders. Dressed in summer clothes, her bare feet dusty, Sotheara didn’t look much older than Aubrey’s teenage daughter.
“Hi, everyone. Which way is camp?”
“I’d guess that way.” Madison pointed.
Aubrey turned to see Frank Hardy march under the Survive or Die banner. Grant ran to him and pumped his hand like he was attempting to draw water from a well.
“Glad you finally made it.” Frank could have modeled for an outfitter’s catalog with his close-cropped salt and pepper hair, tanned and craggy face, and woodsy camouflage vest covered with bulging pockets. “Any other stragglers?” He scanned the parking lot. “We’re ready to start.”
“Start what?” Grant asked.
“Strategizing. Ted jumped the gun on us. He’s already formed a team of all the runners in the company.”
“Hang on a second.” Grant loped back to Aubrey. “How about it, honey?” He kept his voice low. “Are we leaving?”
Madison clutched Aubrey’s arm. “You’ve got to stay,” she whispered. “I need an ally. These people will eat me alive.”
“They’re never bringing Survive or Die back to television,” Sotheara said. “This is our only chance to play.”
So it wasn’t the comfy marriage retreat Aubrey had hoped for. Still, a week away from the kids had been a bear to arrange. Surely they could hit the romantic reset button on their fragile marriage as easily at a rugged camp as at their honeymoon B&B.
And then there was Madison, over a decade younger than Aubrey. She couldn’t imagine how the computer geek city-girl had been convinced to go camping, but Madison was right. She needed an ally.
Aubrey sighed with more drama than necessary, letting her shoulders slump. “Okay. I’ll stay. But if it’s as terrible as I think—”
They didn’t wait for her to finish. Frank grimaced as they unloaded luggage.
“I hope you packed the right gear. This isn’t a leisurely weekend at the country club.”
“Had I known,” Aubrey said, “I would have packed differently.” Speaking just loud enough for Grant to hear, she added, “I would have left the silk lingerie at home.”
“Time’s wasting.” Frank studied his elaborate wristwatch, no doubt waterproof, shock proof, and bear proof. “We’re on a schedule here.”
“Hold on.” Grant dropped a suitcase in the dirt. “There’s something on Mr. Bender’s windshield.” He stretched to snatch a scrap of paper from under the Humvee’s windshield wiper.
“What is it?” Frank asked.
“A flier.” Grant studied the paper. “This entire week is Going Batty Days in Lodgepole.”
“How fitting,” Aubrey muttered.
“It’s a fundraiser for bat habitats,” he continued. “Sounds fun.”
Sotheara clapped her hands together. “Bats!” A delighted smile lit up her face.
“Ew.” Madison grimaced as she scanned the afternoon sky, clutching the goofy orange sunbonnet tight over her curly brown hair.
“There’s no flier on my truck,” Frank said. “Edna and I arrived before Bender.”
“There’s something on the back,” Madison said.
Grant flipped the paper over. His green eyes opened wide. Aubrey looked over his arm at the hand-written note.
“Somebody’s not happy.” He handed the note to Frank.
“Bender,” Frank read aloud, “you think you’re gonna Survive, but you’re gonna Die. Die. Die.”
Birdsong and the sigh of the breeze through the pines punctuated the silence as the group huddled around Frank, staring at the scribbled threat. Frank handed it back to Grant.
“Let the games begin,” he muttered.
Madison smiled. “I knew this was going to be fun.”
Guest Post
Stranger Than Fiction by Catherine Dilts
When I first started writing fiction, one piece of advice I encountered was Write What You Know. In my case, I thought that would make for a very boring tale. I was stuck in a dead-end job. There were days when I was certain the hands of the clock were moving backward.
Slowly it dawned on me that although I took my life experiences for granted, most folks had never been inside a factory, worked in a laboratory with scientists, known a real cowboy, or run a marathon. My life was actually kind of interesting. Especially if I threw in a mystery.
I sold my first short story to Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine. When it hit the periodical shelves, I couldn’t celebrate too vigorously, because the core of the tale involves the violent death of an annoying coworker. The real-life inspiration for the murder would be none too pleased if she realized I had killed her off. Fictionally speaking.
After this success, I was encouraged to further explore my life for ideas. The seed for my newest release, Survive Or Die, sprouted many years ago when I learned the executives of the company by which I’m employed were going on a team building exercise. Lacking imagination, they borrowed from Billy Crystal’s movie City Slickers and opted for a cattle drive in the Colorado mountains.
While rank and file workers may have seethed with jealousy – okay, maybe that was just me – I also realized things hadn’t gone all that smoothly for characters in the movie. One of our company executives in particular, the one who got hammered at the company holiday party and fell off a chair, might have been headed for disaster. A cattle drive was ripe with hazards.
Eventually I envisioned a story involving a dysfunctional company holding a team building exercise, but I decided to blend in a little more fiction with the facts. What if factory floor employees were included? What if the team building exercise took place at a camp that once was a survivalist reality TV show setting? What if they went on a field trip to a cannibal museum? What if playing at survival suddenly became real, and participants had to fight for their lives?
In the end, I wrote a book that has been called The Office meets Bear Grylls. I’ll let the reader guess which characters are based on real people, and which events might have actually happened. Keep in mind that real life can be stranger than fiction.
Catherine Dilts is the author of the Rock Shop Mystery series, while her short stories appear regularly in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine. She takes a turn in the multi-author sweet cozy mystery series Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library with Ink or Swim. With a day job as an environmental regulatory technician, Catherine’s stories often have environmental or factory-based themes. Others reflect her love of the Colorado mountains. The two worlds collide in Survive Or Die, when a manufacturing company holds a team building exercise in the wilderness. You can learn more about Catherine’s fiction at http://www.catherinedilts.com/
