Musings - Cozy, Traditional, and Amateur Sleuth

When I tell people I'm an author they inevitably ask what I write.  When I reply cozy mysteries they either light up and mention their favorite series or they stare blankly and ask what is a cozy.  Somehow when I simply answer I write mysteries, the broad term ends up confusing them.  Every genre has subgenres that further narrow the field.  A cozy fan will know exactly what they expect, but they too will get confused by the differences an amateur sleuth or a traditional mystery.  There are certainly many elements in common, but there are distinct difference between the three.  

Are the following categories absolute?  No, they aren't.  But they are a good guideline, particularly if you are a reader trying to stay away from hard core violence or other sensitive content.  If you are a writer, this helps you know your audience and how to classify what you've written.  What I have included here actually took some research because some views vary.  This is a fairly good guideline, but amatuer sleuths and traditional mysteries seem to have more wiggle room.

Cozy mysteries: almost always have an amateur sleuth with an occupation (baking, crafting, innkeeping) or hobby theme that's a hook for a segment of readers.  Cozies invariably include colorful friends and frenemies, pets, no bad language, no explicit sex on the page, no gory descriptions, and take place in a small town or a tight community in a larger city.

The cozy focuses on the relationship between the characters as much as, if not more than, solving the mystery.  As I like to put it, cozies are the kinder, gentler murder mystery.  They have a more positive outlook and the murder disrupts the peace and sense of safety and the hero(ine) seeks to heal the community by bringing the killer to justice.  Examples:  "Murder, She Wrote: Trick or Treachery" by Jessica Fletcher, "The Cat Who Saw Red" by Lillian Jackson Braun, "Strawberry Shortcake Murder" by Joanne Fluke, and "On What Grounds" by Cleo Coyle 

Amateur Sleuth:  Although all cozies feature an amateur sleuth, not all amateur sleuth mysteries are cozies.  They may contain a few swear words sprinkled throughout and may have a stronger sense of sex without it being explicit, and may have more violence on the page.  It is more common to have a larger city but still have a tight pool of suspects for an amateur to identify and snoop around, although I've read several that were in small towns.  Amateur sleuth novels can have an emotional environment between the tight cohesiveness of a cozy to a slightly more jaded outlook.  Examples:  "The Crossing Places by Ruth Galloway", " The Woman in the Library" by Sulari Gentill, "One for the Money" by Janet Evanovich [Stephanie Plum isn't a trained police official or investigator for hire so she is an amateur sleuth].

Traditional mysteries:  Can be a lot like a cozy if you strip away the themed hook of cooking etc. occupation or common hobby.  The focus is definitely more on the mystery than building a close-knit community.  Drop the eccentric or kooky friends and provide more developed and deeper characters.  There may be a similar jaded outlook like the amateur sleuth but likely more twists and turns plus blood than a cozy.  The hero(ine) may have a tougher background that makes them good at understanding criminals, but their ability to understand the dark side of human nature is most important.  The small cast of characters includes the villain and a confined setting such as a small town or an isolated mansion. The plot focuses on solving the murder and “fair play” ( all clues are provided for the reader to solve the murder) is emphasized.  Examples:  "The French Powder Mystery" by Ellery Queen, "One by One" by Ruth Ware, and "The Mirror Cracked From Side to Side" and "Then There Were None" both by Agatha Christie.  

Each of these can have elements of other genres.  A cozy paranormal will have a fun witch or such. Example: "First Bite" by Avery Daniels and "Witch and Famous" by Angela Sanders.  A historical cozy or amateur sleuth will meet all the specifications mentioned but be placed in a historical setting.  Example: "A Body in the Garden" by Katharine Schellman and "A Lady's Guide to Ettiquette and Murder" by Dianne Freeman.

I hope you enjoyed this foray into the cozy, traditional, and amateur sleuth genres.  May this guide you in increasing your TBR stack!  You're welcome *wink*.

Review - Witch And Famous

I reviewed the first in this series of witchy mystery fun.  I didn't review the second but here is the third in the series and it doesn't disappoint. 

1) Bait and Witch

 

Author: Angela M. Sanders

Copyright: July 2022 (Berkley) 274 pgs

Series: 3rd in Witch Way Librarian Mystery series

Sensuality: Mature topics

Mystery Sub-genre: cozy paranormal mystery, amateur Sleuth

Main Characters: Josie Way, librarian and newfound witch 

Setting: Contemporary, small town Wilfred, Oregon 

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Book Blurb:  "For a tiny town, picturesque Wilfred, Oregon, has everything, including an impressive library housed in a Victorian mansion, a touch of magic in new librarian and fledgling witch, Josie Way, a visiting movie star—and a curious tendency toward murder . . .

 

Josie and all of Wilfred are buzzing with excitement. A-list movie star Daphne Morris has chosen to interview Roz, assistant librarian and novelist, for her book club. But when the glamorous actress quickly charms both Roz’s long-time love and sheriff Sam, the object of Josie’s unrequited affection, Josie turns to the whispers from her beloved books for ideas on revising the plot. Yet soon there’s another twist . . .

 

At a party to celebrate the interview, Daphne’s personal chef is found dead in a scene that all too closely echoes one in Roz’s novel. It’s clear to Josie that someone’s idea of a happy ending means framing her friend. She’ll have to read between the lines with the help of the library’s enchanted stacks, guidance from her magical grandmother’s letters, and her cat familiar, Rodney, to solve this murder before someone decides to stage a deadly sequel . . ." 

My Thoughts:

Josie Way is a fun character learning to control her witchy powers.  She cares about her neighbors and movie star Daphne Morris is turning the town upside down.  Rodney, the cat familiar, is a delightful sidekick.  Josie looks into the murder while navigating the town drama in Daphne's wake, including her romantic interest being swept up by the star.  The plot had enough meat to keep my interest and serve up some twists.  The climax provided some good thrills to top off a solid mystery.  This is a fun mystery with humor and a satisfying plot. 

Rating:  Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list 

Review - Silence in the Library

This is the second outing for the new Lily Adler Mystery series.  I read the first in the series, A Body in the Garden (click here) and fell in love with the characters.  Let's see how the crucial second book held up.

Author: Katharine Schellman

Copyright: July 2021 (Crooked Lane Books) 349 pgs

Series: 2nd in Lily Adler Mysteries

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical cozy, historical amateur sleuth

Main Characters: Lily Adler, still grieving society widow

Setting: 1815 London, England

Obtained Through: Library

Book Blurb: "Regency widow Lily Adler didn't expect to find a corpse when visiting a family friend. Now it's up to her to discover the killer in the charming second installment in the Lily Adler mysteries.

Regency widow Lily Adler has finally settled into her new London life when her semi-estranged father arrives unexpectedly, intending to stay with her while he recovers from an illness. Hounded by his disapproval, Lily is drawn into spending time with Lady Wyatt, the new wife of an old family friend. Lily barely knows Lady Wyatt. But she and her husband, Sir Charles, seem as happy as any newly married couple until the morning Lily arrives to find the house in an uproar and Sir Charles dead.

All signs indicate that he tripped and struck his head late at night. But when Bow Street constable Simon Page is called to the scene, he suspects foul play. And it isn't long before Lily stumbles on evidence that Sir Charles was, indeed, murdered.

Mr. Page was there when Lily caught her first murderer, and he trusts her insight into the world of London's upper class. With the help of Captain Jack Hartley, they piece together the reasons that Sir Charles's family might have wanted him dead. But anyone who might have profited from the old man's death seems to have an alibi... until Lily receives a mysterious summons to speak with one of the Wyatts' maids, only to find the young woman dead when she arrives.

Mr. Page believes the surviving family members are hiding the key to the death of both Sir Charles and the maid. To uncover the truth, Lily must convince the father who doesn't trust or respect her to help catch his friend's killer before anyone else in the Wyatt household dies."

My thoughts:   Lily Adler is a delightfully intelligent, witty, and independent young widow taking her life into her own hands. In this addition to the series, she faces a few emotional issues head-on.

Lily's father, George Pierce is a male chauvenist and has always been critical of Lily.  He moves in as if the house is his to command and instantly attempts to reorder her life.  He sends her to represent him in a congratulatory call to an old friend who has remarried, which he disagrees with so he refuses to meet the bride. I usually don't like such family characters because the heroine typically acts too submissive, but in this case Lily stands up for herself often with her horrible father.  

Captain John (Jack) Hartley challenges prejudices as he is half Indian from New Delhi, which furthers angers Lily's father.  Jack is growing fonder of Lily with each day, but is conflicted since she is the widow of his dear friend.  

Lily's friend Ofelia is back from her honeymoon to an influential society man.  She presents herself as the quintessential era well bred lady.  Therfore, Lily's father likes her better than his own daughter.  

The Bow Street Runner, Mr. Page, would rather keep Lily out of the investigation but admits she gets information from society members when he can't.  

I have to give particular kudos for including a character who is on the autistic spectrum and demonstrate how misunderstood the condition was and how families were ashamed of such an afflicted.  

Jem, an industrious messenger boy who Jack pays to be his eyes and ears, is a favorite and makes several appearances.  

The mystery can be read as a standalone, but it does continue with character threads from the first book like any good series.  It is a well plotted mystery with some twists that kept me up reading.  The characters are well rounded and their thoughts, actions, and dialogue are natural and entertaining.  This is a slow-burn and developing romance, which I particularly like.  The setting is primarily the homes of the wealthy and influential, which works for this outing.  This is on the lighter side of the historical mysteries which I especially enjoy.  I highly recommend.

Rating:  Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend. 

Here is the virtual book launch for your viewing pleasure: 

Review - Death of an Italian Chef

 I usually like to start with the first, maybe second book in a series.  But this time I am jumping into a well established series from Kensington Cozies.  In fact, I didn't realize how far into the series this book was and but I had no problem not having read the prior books.  Please check out my latest review.

Author: Lee Hollis

Copyright: June 2021 (Kensington Cozies) 222 pgs

Series: 14th in Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy mystery, amateur Sleuth

Main Character: Hayley Powell, food and cocktails columnist for the Island Times 

Setting: Contemporary - Bar Harbor, Maine

Obtained Through: Netgalley for honest review

Book Blurb: "As the food and cocktails columnist for the Island Times, it’s Hayley Powell’s job to stay on top of the latest eateries in town. Just in time for the summer tourist season, Chef Romeo, a successful restaurateur from New York City, has opened an establishment called—naturally—Romeo’s. But between his over-the-top temperament and his no-holds-barred diet, Chef Romeo may not live through the grand opening.

 When the chef actually does suffer a mild heart attack, he ends up sharing a hospital room with Hayley’s brother Randy, who’s there for gall bladder surgery. Chef Romeo has tasted Hayley’s cooking and asks her to take over his restaurant while he’s laid up. But this temporary gig may turn permanent, after the chef dies from complications. Only thing is, Randy tells a different story. He might have been sedated, but Hayley’s bro swears he saw someone come into their room and put Romeo out of his misery. Now it’s up to Hayley to find the person who had no reservations about killing the chef . . ."

My Thoughts:  Chef Romeo is quite the character and had a lot of potential, that sadly didn't get utilized.  He is rather a stereo-type of a big and loud Italian.  Hayley is a well developed character that was easy to relate to.  Hayley’s brother Randy came across spoiled and I'm sad to say, complaining. I found his flirting with a nurse when he is in a relationship not cool.  The mystery itself had plenty of suspects and the reader is along for the ride, piecing it together pretty much the same time as Hayley with the way motives and information are doled out.  The killer reveal was exciting, which I always love.  There was one feature in the book I didn't care for.  Interspersed throughout are little micro-stories, unrelated to the current mystery, that introduce a recipe.  I found that practice would distract me from the main story and it didn't work well for me. If you are looking for something light, this is a good bet.  Overall I would say it was enjoyable, enough so that I will probably go back to the first book in the series and catch up.

Rating:  Good - A fun enjoyable read. Maybe read an excerpt before buying.

Book Review - God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen

One more holiday themed mystery, just in case you are missing all the holiday movies and such!  You have to ween yourself!

"Georgie is back and hanging the stockings with care when a murder interrupts her Christmas cheer in this all-new installment in the New York Times bestselling Royal Spyness series from Rhys Bowen."  See what I thought of the newest in this historical cozy mystery series.

Here are the reviews I have posted of prior books in the series. 

#14 The Last Mr. Summers (click here)

#8 Queen of Hearts (click here) 

#7 Heirs and Graces (click here)

#6 The Twelve Clues of Christmas (click here)

#5 Naughty in Nice (click here) 

#4 Royal Blood (click here) 

Author interviews and guest posts:

2017 (click here) 

2016 (click here) 

2010 (click here) 

Author: Rhys Bowen

Copyright: Oct 2021 (Berkley) 302 pgs

Series: 15th in Royal Spyness Mystery series

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: historical Cozy, amateur Sleuth

Main Characters: Lady Georgianna, 35th in line for the throne, cousin to the prince 

Setting: 1935, Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England

Obtained Through: Netgalley for an honest review

Book Blurb: "Georgie is excited for her first Christmas as a married woman in her lovely new home. She suggests to her dashing husband, Darcy, that they have a little house party, but when Darcy receives a letter from his aunt Ermintrude, there is an abrupt change in plans. She has moved to a house on the edge of the Sandringham estate, near the royal family, and wants to invite Darcy and his new bride for Christmas. Aunt Ermintrude hints that the queen would like Georgie nearby. Georgie had not known that Aunt Ermintrude was a former lady-in-waiting and close confidante of her royal highness. The letter is therefore almost a royal request, so Georgie, Darcy, and their Christmas guests: Mummy, Grandad, Fig, and Binky all head to Sandringham.

Georgie soon learns that the notorious Mrs. Simpson, mistress to the Prince of Wales, will also be in attendance. It is now crystal clear to Georgie that the Queen expects her to do a bit of spying. There is tension in the air from the get-go, and when Georgie pays a visit to the queen, she learns that there is more to her request than just some simple eavesdropping. There have been a couple of strange accidents at the estate recently. Two gentlemen of the royal household have died in mysterious circumstances and another has been shot by mistake during a hunt. Georgie begins to suspect that a member of the royal family is the real target but her investigation will put her new husband and love of her life, Darcy, in the crosshairs of a killer."

Georgiana is still self-conscious as she tries to be more mature as a married woman, but she can't change her sleuthing ways. Especially when the Queen asks for her to investigate.  Darcy and his rather carefree single days raise a specter that he and Georgie must deal with in this addition to the series.  Georgiana's brother "Binky" and his wife "Fig" invite themselves along and Fig is still insufferable.  Darcy's Aunt Ermintrude is an eccentric artist and was once part of the Queen's retinue and close confidante who has fallen on hard times since her husband's death.  Georgiana's mother, a former actress who is now the steady girlfriend of a German businessman, joins the festivities and has less of a role than usual.  Queenie, the walking disaster zone, is working in the kitchen for the most part when she isn't ruining some lady's dress or other mishap.  The Prince (Georgiana's cousin) and Mrs. Simpson, the American Divorcee, are present and part of the reason why Georgie and her group have been invited.  

My Thoughts:  

I enjoyed this addition to the series.  The accidents that were really murders are well done for creating a suspicious environment where everyone could be the killer.  Were the victims the intended target, or were they mistakes trying to kill the Prince?  This kept me reading and guessing.  The 20,000 acre Sandringham estate (where the royal family spends every Christmas) was a great location and felt isolated and eerie at times.  Georgie has developed well in her deductive skills and that is tested as well as how secure she feels with Darcy.  The characters are all real-feeling, the setting is shared faithfully, the mystery isn't easy to figure out, and I didn't realize who the killer was until Georgie did and it will surprise many.  This is a delightful mystery that provides a great escape with an interesting tableau and puzzle to solve.

Rating:  Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list 

Here is a short video of Sandringham House 

from a tourist.

Review - An Eggnog to Die For

I'm just now getting into some holiday themed mysteries that I had planned on reviewing a few weeks ago.  I am just going to roll with it, which means even after the 25th I will probably still be reviewing some to stretch out the holiday season!  First up is a foodie themed holiday cozy mystery, check this out.

Author: Amy Pershing

Copyright: November 2021 (Berkley) 320 pgs

Series: 2nd in Cape Cod Foodie mystery series

Sensuality: mild, kissing

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy mystery, Amateur sleuth

Main Characters: Samantha Barnes, chef turned restaurant critic for Cape Cod Clarion

Setting: Contemporary, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Obtained Through: Netgalley for honest review

Book Blurb: "Professional foodie Samantha Barnes has a simple Christmas list: a quiet holiday at home with her dog and a certain handsome harbor master; no embarrassing viral videos; and no finding dead bodies. Unfortunately she’s got family visiting, she’s spending a lot of time in front of the camera, and she’s just stumbled over the lifeless body of the town’s Santa Claus.

 

Plus, Sam’s plans for Christmas Eve are getting complicated.  There’s the great eggnog debate among her very opinionated guests.  There’s the “all edible” Christmas tree to decorate.  And there’s her Feast of the Five Fishes prepare. Nonetheless, Sam finds herself once again in the role of sleuth. She needs to find out who slayed this Santa—but can she pull off a perfect feast and nab a killer?"

Samantha is 6-foot tall, extroverted, clever, sarcastic, and easily relatable with a relentless curiosity-but she does some risky things.  She has an overly large dog name Diogi, always a hit.  Friends include Helene Greenberg, her nextdoor neighbor and the town librarian, Jenny Snow Singleton is a friend since childhood,  Miles Tanner is an old high school friend and local organic farmer, and Krista Baker is the publisher of the Clarion and old friend.  Her parents, Robert and Veronica Barnes, were the prior Clarion editor in chief and senior journalist, burst into town for the holidays.  Dad is secretive about something he spends time on and Mom is asked to do an article on the murder who thinks there is promise in a mob angle--further complicating Sam's holiday.  Introverted Jason Captiva is her old and new boyfriend who is the town harbormaster.  Sam's extroverted ways are struggling with Jason's introverted tendencies.

The main plot is finding the killer who killed Santa.  There are several subplots including keeping her mother out of trouble as she writes an article on the murder for the local paper, hosting and cooking a multiple-course Christmas Eve dinner, and navigating her confusing relationship with Jason.  Bad Santa knew a lot of people's secrets and had plenty of victims lined up to stop with his sanctimonious "doing the right thing" ways.  So there were plenty of red herrings.  Sam takes risks with her suspected killer suspects, which is out of character for an otherwise smart woman.  She goes through a few people she is convinced is the killer before she hits on the real killer. 

 

The killer confrontation is an example of best laid plans going awry (Sam was going to confront the killer safely). This provided a few tense moments that I enjoyed.  The wrap up finished up with family and friends.  It left me feeling a bit empty without all the characters that filled the book

My thoughts: If you enjoy cozies with lots going on outside of the sleuthing, then this will be a good book for you.  There is the still developing relationship with the harbormaster and her visiting parents to juggle, holiday errands, baking cookies and decorating them for the tree with her friend and three boys.  Additionally, her working for the paper and trying to keep her mother from investigating the mob angle while planning the details for a big holiday feast with friends invited keeps her busy.  Then her parents are going through her house and attic cleaning and rearranging etc.  Foodie talk with cooking tips/hacks are interspersed throughout the book, which I suspect most readers will enjoy.  

The characters are well drawn and portrayed with a mystery that keeps you guessing who did it.  The only downsides are how I found I didn't like that Sam refers to her parents as her ‘rents which is very annoying to me.  Am I the only one who doesn't like "sich/sitch" short for situation and 'rents short for parents etc?  Sam does do some risky things with who she suspects as the killer, but I still enjoyed her character.  Overall, I am glad to have discovered this new series and I'm looking forward to the next installment.  

Rating:  Excellent - Fun and entertaining holiday mystery, give it a try.

Review - Bait and Witch

 “Zippy and fun, with just enough ambiance to satisfy readers seeking spooks and humor.”

—Kirkus Reviews

In my search for some paranormal mysteries for Halloween, I found this new cozy series.  Librarian Josie Way moved to small-town Oregon to lay low. Instead, thanks to newfound magic abilities—and a killer on the loose—she’s leapt out of the frying pan and into a cauldron of trouble . . .

Author: Angela M. Sanders

Copyright: Dec 2020 (Kensington Cozies) 338 pgs

Series: 1st in Witch Way Librarian Mystery series

Sensuality: Mature topics

Mystery Sub-genre: cozy paranormal mystery, amateur Sleuth

Main Characters: Josie Way, librarian and newfound witch 

Setting: Contemporary, small town Wilfred, Oregon 

Obtained Through: Library

Book Blurb: "Josie Way loved working among the Library of Congress’s leather-scented stacks—until she uncovered corruption and made herself a target. As Wilfred, Oregon’s new librarian, Josie can stay undercover until the case goes to court. But life in this little town isn’t as subdued as she expected. The library, housed in a Victorian mansion, is slated to be bulldozed. Still digesting the news that her safe haven is about to become scrap lumber, Josie discovers a body in the woods . . .

 Almost as shocking, Josie learns that she’s descended from a long line of witches—and her powers have suddenly sprung to life. With help from a spoiled alley cat who just may be her familiar, Josie’s thumbing through a catalog of suspects, hoping she can conjure a way to save her library—and her life . . ."

Josie Way is a strong willed gal who suddenly has magic powers as she is hiding for her life. She was easily likeable and relatable.  Rodney is the black cat that has adopted Josie and seems too smart for the average cat.  He steals the show and I can't get enough of Rodney! Darla is the Library Trustee who hired Josie and the owner/operator of Darla's Tavern and Diner as well as owner of the Magnolia Rolling Estates Trailer Park.  Sam Wilfred is the only living descendant of the "Wilfred family" the town was named after. His ancestor's abandoned the town and mill that supported the entire town, so the town hates the family.  Roslyn "Roz" Grover is Josie's right hand gal at library with a secret.  Sheriff Bert Dolby and sister are ever present in the story.  Lyndon Forster is the minimal-talk caretaker of the grounds and library.

The library grounds include a caretaker's cottage and the Big House that are the primary setting with Magnolia Rolling Estates Trailer Park and the Kirby river added.  I love the Library building, but living upstairs was a little unsettling at night. Great use of the old mansion/library. 

The mystery is fairly straight forward, who killed the woman found behind the library and who was she anyway?  Was the victim an assassin after Josie or did somebody mistake the woman for Josie?  Is Josie safe or not?  Is the killer a local? As the story unfolds, things get complicated.  Along with the subplots around Sam acting suspiciously, Roz's secret, the fight to save the library, and Josie's fear of her own powers, the pages flew by.

 The climax was somewhat tense and I had only begun suspecting the villain a couple chapters before the reveal, so great job there.  The wrap-up was great and solves a big problem unrelated to the murder.  

I found this debut of a new paranormal cozy series very enjoyable. The witchy aspects are well done for added oomph to the story. I was surprised at the level of development for the supporting cast. The mystery was well done with a great surprise killer that I really appreciated.  There was an added bonus of a hidden crime being solved in the midst of all this as well.  I also found the economic hard times of the town more true to life for small towns than the rosy image portrayed in most cozy mysteries while still keeping it charming.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author and series on your watch list

New Covers and Writing New Book

Just to let you know what I have been doing.  I am redoing all of my existing cozy mystery book covers.  I have two covers completed from the illustrator and one in process.  Of course getting them switched out on all the various outlets is quite the chore, so if your online book selling outlet doesn't reflect the new covers, it will happen soon.  You get to see them here first.
Below are book 1 and 2 of the Resort to Murder Mystery series.  Book 3 cover is in the works.  I am loving these new covers.  What do you think?

A celebrity pastor is murdered and Julienne is the prime suspect.

     Julienne has her ideal job as an event planner at a prestigious resort. During a luncheon event she coordinated, a renowned celebrity pastor is killed next to the buffet. All eyes turn to her as the suspect. If she wants to stay out of jail or even keep her job, Julienne needs all the help she can get to solve the crime.       She has her work cut out for her with a vengeful high school rival now reporter, the public demanding she be fired, plus family who knows what's best for her, and a boyfriend who doesn't understand her. She turns to friends and a new ally to uncover who wanted to put the pastor on ice.  

     Julienne goes undercover and investigates a local swingers group as she follows the trail of clues before they go cold. Can she gather enough suspects and motives to convince the police to widen their investigation? Can she do it before the killer sets his murderous sights on her? Will her personal life ever be as simple as unveiling a murderer?

 Amazon || B&N || Kobo || Apple || IndieBound

Julienne is snow bound in the middle of the Rocky Mountains with a killer striking at will.

     Julienne LaMere gets to attend a Resort Management conference at a prestigious ski resort in the Colorado Mountains. What should be an enjoyable getaway attending workshops by day and shopping and enjoying the resort by night comes to a screeching halt when a loud-mouthed guest is murdered plus the roads and town shut down for an epic blizzard.

     In addition to attending the conference, dodging a smitten teen boy, and seeking clues among the gossiping - and increasingly tense - guests, her best friend’s heart has warmed to an unlikely man and may get broken. As if her mind isn’t already fully occupied, Julienne and her new boyfriend Mason are skiing down troubled slopes in their relationship. Will Julienne put the scant clues together and unveil the culprit before a murderer gets away?

Amazon || B&N || Kobo || Apple || IndieBound

I will post the new cover for Spiked as soon as it is finalized as well.  

I am finally writing the 4th in the Resort to Murder mystery series, ARROWED.  It takes place at a health and wellness resort just outside Santa Fe.  I'm loving the southwest environment for this story.  

I hope to have it completed and through edits and beta readers to be published in the Jan or Feb of 2021.  Be looking for that cover reveal in about a month, when I will set it up for pre-orders.  

It feels so good to get back into writing again, and with Covid I've finally focused on getting it written.  It gives me a great escape writing it, and I hope you will have a fun escape reading it.

Review - Murder at Morrington Hall

I'm not sure how I heard of this book, but I am so glad to have discovered it. But when I read "You will love this delightful debut novel to what promises to be a winning series... I couldn’t put it down!” from one of my favorite authors, Victoria Thompson, I had to see for myself.  Read on for my assessment of this debut novel in a new series.

Author: Clara McKenna

Copyright: Jan 2017 (Berkley) 298 pgs

Series: 1st in Stella and Lyndy Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Cozy

Main Characters: Stella Kendrick, America Heiress, thoroughbred breeder

Setting: 1905, Hampshire England

Obtained Through: Personal find

Book Blurb:

"Spring, 1905:  Free-spirited like the Thoroughbreds she rides across the Kentucky countryside, Stella takes adventure by the reins when she’s asked to attend a mysterious wedding in rural England. But once she arrives at the lush Morrington Hall estate, her cold and ambitious father confesses that he won’t only give away his best racehorses as gifts—he has also arranged to give away his daughter as bride to the Earl of Atherly’s financially strapped son . . . 

Stella refuses to be sold off like a prized pony. Yet despite a rough start, there’s something intriguing about her groom-to-be, the roguish Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst. The unlikely pair could actually be on the right track with each other . . . until they find the vicar who was to marry them dead in the library. 

With culture clashes mounting between families, a scandalous murder case hangs over Morrington Hall. Now, Stella and Lyndy must go from future spouses to amateur sleuths as they team up to search for the truth—and prevent an unbridled criminal from destroying their new life together right out of the gate "

Stella Kendrick, free spirited, proud, stubborn, and independant with scars from her father's ill treatment of her.  Mr Elijah Kendrick, Stella's cold hearted father and self-made millionaire, is uncouth and rude.  Viscount Lord Lyndhurst, Lyndy, is the intended groom who is marrying out of duty - until he meets Stella and thinks he may enjoy her company.  The Earl and Lady Atherly, Lyndy's parents, are insufferable snobs that financially have to welcome the unladylike American heiress into the family, but they make their displeasure well known.  Lord Hugh, second son of the Duke of Tonnbridge is Lyndy's best friend, and a prime suspect.  The stiff British nobility clash with brash Americans for many tense scenes throughout.

The setting of New Forest, the former royal hunting grounds for King William the Conqueror centuries prior with its legendary ponies roaming free, is an idyllic setting.  Several scenes contain Epsom Downs Derby and it brings out the excitement of the race.  It all provides the background to spotlight the differences between the rigid social rules of British upper class and the uncultured manners of the Americans of the era.

Of course the simple question of who would kill a Vicar gets more complicated as the story unfolds.  It had to be somebody who could make their way around the mansion without really being noticed much, which narrows the field of suspects.  

The climax highlights Stella's intelligence and independence to prove a point about who the killer was, which replaces a suspenseful killer reveal.  Although I love the tense and suspenseful killer reveal, this creative unveiling was quite enjoyable and well executed.

I loved the characters of Stella Kendrick and Lyndy and how they come to accept and appreciate each other.  The writing style is engaging, drew me in immediately, and had me sympathize with Stella and Lyndy.  The aspect of an unsuspecting heiress essentially being sold off is a great setup for this series - and is based on historical realities such as Consuelo Vanderbilt being in that exact situation.

Rating:  Near Perfect - Couldn't Put it down. Buy two copies, one for you and one for a friend. 

Here is a short video about the marrying off of 

Consuelo Vanderbilt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk-lRsrj9Eg&list=RDQMcbBsdB8VdOA&index=2

Here is a short video about The New Forest.

https://youtu.be/7haA7ZozB-8

Thank you for joining me!

Guest Author Post - Jenn McKinlay & Review: Dying for Devil’s Food

Please welcome Jenn McKinlay, the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Happily Ever After romances, the Bluff Point romances, the Library Lover's mysteries, the Cupcake Bakery mysteries, and the Hat Shop mysteries.

Developing a Character Who is a Bully

Bullies. No one likes a bully. When I started writing Dying for Devil’s Food and I knew Melanie Cooper was going to be confronted with the opportunity to face down her old nemeses, I had to think for the first time about why her school tormentors were they way they were. What made them so vicious and mean? This is Character Development 101 – figure out your character’s motivations because no one is a jerk for no reason. At least, I hope not.

Cassidy Havers and Dwight Pickard were the two students most responsible for Mel’s misery in high school. Cassidy nicknamed her “Melephant” and did everything she could to torture Mel about her weight, her looks, and her shyness. But why? Why would someone go out of their way to make another person so miserable?

I didn’t have much of a frame of reference for this because I was pretty lucky in school in that I can’t remember being bullied. Oh, sure, at six feet tall, I was teased just like the kid with the sticky out ears, the girl with the super thick glasses, and the boy who was so skinny he looked like he was made of string. But while I was teased for my height I never felt bullied, not like Mel did, so what made Cassidy so mean to her?

“Hurt people hurt people.” I read this sentence in a discussion about bullying awhile ago and it’s always stuck with me. It’s true, a person who is hurting will strike out and hurt other people. Knowing this, I thought long and hard about why Cassidy had wanted to hurt Mel so much back in high school. To my surprise, this added all new twists and turns to the plot that I hadn’t expected but was delighted to explore. I’d say more, but I don’t want to give away too much.

The other element of the story that surprised me was a surprise reconciliation with one of her former bullies. When one of her former tormentors grudgingly helps Mel track down the killer, it was an opportunity for the characters to discover each other beyond the persona of bully and victim. But after so much pain, could two people actually find friendship? Again, I can’t say too much but how does a person forgive someone for making them miserable during the most vulnerable years of their life? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

Here’s a longer description of Dying for Devil’s Food to whet your appetite: Melanie Cooper has zero interest in catering her fifteen-year high school reunion, but Angie insists it's only right that they bask in the success of Fairy Tale Cupcakes--and Mel's engagement to the delicious Joe DeLaura is the cherry on top! Everything is going better than expected until Cassidy Havers, resident mean girl and Mel's high school nemesis, picks a fight. No longer willing to put up with Cassidy's bullying, Mel is ready to tell the former homecoming queen to shut her piehole and call it a night. But as Mel and Joe prepare to depart, Cassidy is found dead in the girl's bathroom, next to a note written in lipstick that points right to Mel--making her the prime suspect. Now, Mel must follow the clues to find the real killer and keep her reputation from being frosted for a crime she didn't commit.

My Review

Author: Jenn McKinlay

Copyright: May 2019 (Berkley) 297 pgs

Series: 11th in Cupcake Bakery Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy

Main Characters: Melanie Cooper, owner of the Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery

Setting: Modern day, Scottsdale, Arizona

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review, NetGalley

Melanie Cooper faces the high school bullies of her nightmares, making her character stronger and a beacon for victims everywhere.  Angie, best friend and co-owner is a cheerleader type. Joe DeLaura, fiance and brother of Angie who is also the DA.  He escorts Mel to the reunion and makes a point of letting everyone know how lucky he is to be marrying her.  I loved him for that!  Tate Harper, Mel's other best friend and business partner who is married to Angie now stands by Mel as a fierce friend.  Uncle Stan is a police detective and provides the police connection to get information rather than the usual cop boyfriend.  I liked Stan and how it worked.  Marty Zelaznik, the spunky octogenarian counter-help, and Oz, the young tattooed pastry student that is her kitchen backup are gems for additional characters.

The plot was a basic cozy who-dunnit with a cast of suspects around the cupcake business theme.  The pacing had a little bit of a rough start for me with the drama filled reunion, but it picked up quickly. The investigation moved along smoothly and before I knew it we were at the end, so the pacing sped along.

The killer reveal wasn't necessarily a surprise, since many characters had solid motives to kill the mean girl.  But, I will say the killer wasn't obvious. The reveal was suspenseful and seemed natural-to a point. The wrap-up provided some character depth to the mean-girl victim and to another bully.  

I had not read any of the previous books in the series and had no problem picking up the book and enjoying it.  Dying for Devil's Food is a light read and addresses the bullying topic from Mel's tortured memories which keeps it both at arm's length while putting a face to it.  It shows how vicious just words can be and how it devastates the spirit while keeping the story overall still breezy. I liked the boyfriend being a DA rather than a cop, nice twist on that cliche.  


Rating: Good - A fun lite read.

Review - Death Distilled

I reviewed the first in this series, Single Malt Murder (click here).  I was in the mood to read the next and finally got around to it in my TBR pile.  If you want an escape to Scotland at a whisky distillery, read on and see my thoughts.  

Author: Melinda Mullet

Copyright: Sept 2017 (Alibi-Random House) 240 pgs

Series: 2nd in Whisky Business Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild, some sprinkled language

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy

Main Characters: Abigail Logan, photojournalist who inherited Abbey Glen distillery

Setting: Modern day, Scottland

Obtained Through: Personal purchase

Cover blurb: "It’s been three months since Abi Logan last checked in on Abbey Glen, the celebrated whisky distillery she inherited. With her oversize wheaten terrier, Liam, by her side, Abi returns to the quaint Scottish village of Balfour. But her relaxing Highland homecoming takes a stressful turn when she unearths an unseemly bit of village history, welcomes a group of Japanese whisky enthusiasts, and becomes shepherdess to an unexpected flock of sheep—all within the first twenty-four hours. Still, nothing’s more stressful than murder. . . .

Local celebrity Rory Hendricks is the hotheaded, hard-rocking former frontman of the Rebels—and Abi’s girlhood crush. After meeting him in person, Abi can’t say no to anything he asks, like photographing his upcoming show . . . or figuring out who’s trying to kill him. Turns out someone’s been bumping off his old bandmates, with the drummer dead under mysterious circumstances and the keyboardist in a coma following a hit-and-run. Now a series of threatening messages leads Rory to think he’s next on the chopping block. And the band has a devil’s share of broken hearts and bitter disputes in their past, leaving Abi a huge batch of suspects to sift through—all before the killer takes another shot."

Abigail is a stubborn and gutsy character who is struggling with her photojournalist career versus the inherited distillary and her avoidance of dating versus her growing attraction to Grant MacEwan.  Abbey Glen manager Grant MacEwan is very reserved and a great romantic interest for Abi, although it won't be a smooth ride between these two.  Best friend Patrick Cooke  is one of those friends who always has a new job or project and gets everyone in his sphere involved.  Rory Hendricks, lead singer from rock group Rebels, claims his bad boy hard partying rocker reputation was primarily just publicity, but maybe not. Rory's adult daughter Summer has tremendous father issues and decides to seduce Grant.  Then there is the wheaten terrier Liam, a loyal and sweet friend for Abigail, probably the best relationship she has.

I love the Scottish setting of Balfour, the small nearest town, Grant MacEwan's castle-like home, and Rory's isolated house he is renting.  These each provide such a sense of place that I felt I had taken a little vacation to Scotland.  

The main plot of danger to Rory and/or his daughter Summer develops suspense and the subplots of Japanese whisky businessmen visiting the distillery, Abigail and Grant's wary attraction to each other, and Abi's adoption of a herd of sheep to save their lives, plus renovations to the pub in town uncovering local history and old mysteries kept me completely enthralled.  

The killer confrontation was blood pumping and unique.  I loved it, great job.  The wrap-up was also well done.  some threads tied up and others still in progress for the next book.  I can't wait to read the third in the series.

The story got me into a Scotland mood with its great sense of place.  I appreciate the complexities to Abigail and her life and how it isn't over the top or too drama filled.  The building towards a romance is spot on and deftly handled.  At first I wasn't enthusiastic to read it from cover blurb, but I was very quickly wrapped up in the story and couldn't put it down.  This was a great second book for the series and I am already eyeing the third.  

Rating: Excellent - Loved it, it had a good grip on me! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list.