Author Interview - Victoria Thompson

Today we welcome Agatha and Edgar® nominated author of the Gaslight Mystery Series, Victoria Thompson. Her latest is Murder on Amsterdam Avenue.

Q: For those just joining Gaslight--tell us about it a bit! Where'd the initial idea come from?

A: Oddly enough, the idea was generated by Berkley. They did that a lot in the early days at Berkley Prime Crime. My agent called me one day to tell me she’d just had lunch with a Prime Crime editor who was looking for someone to write a series set in turn-of-the-century New York City where the heroine was a midwife. My agent thought of me, since I’d recently written a book set in that time period and I had been putting mystery subplots in my historical romances for a while. They sent me their ideas for the series. I liked some of them and threw out a few others. Then I realized that my midwife, Sarah, would need a male cohort, preferably someone who would logically be solving murder mysteries, so I created Police Detective Frank Malloy. Berkley had suggested that Sarah be a poor relation of a rich family, but I made her the rebellious daughter of a rich family, which would give her entre into all levels of society.

Q: The Gaslight Mystery Series has been going on for a long time now. Isn’t this the 17th book in the series? Do you even remember your life before Gaslight?

A: I remember it only vaguely! Before I started writing the Gaslight Series, I published 20 historical romances. I’ve been around since just after Gutenberg invented moveable type!

Q: Well, maybe not that long! Was it hard making the transition from romance to mystery?

A: Not as hard as I thought it would be, except for one thing. I had created two wonderful protagonists for the Gaslight series, Frank Malloy and Sarah Brandt. They were about as opposite as two people living in New York City in that time period could be, so naturally they were the perfect protagonists for a romance novel. They should have spent the entire first book overcoming everything that kept then apart, fallen in love, and lived happily ever after.

Q: And why didn’t they?

A: Because everyone told me (and told me!) that mystery readers don’t like romance in their mysteries. My editor and my agent and other mystery writers all warned me. This is why I put so many barriers between Frank and Sarah. They could never get together, so I made it impossible for them to get together. Then a strange thing happened. I started getting fan letters. They would say something nice about the book and oh, by the way, when are Frank and Sarah going to get together?” Everyone wanted to know about a romance between Frank and Sarah. So obviously, mystery readers don’t mind a little romance in their mysteries at all! And after fifteen years of keeping them apart, the fans were getting angry! So I knew something had to happen. The problem was that I’d put up so many barriers between them, I couldn’t figure out how to get them married without ruining the series. Fortunately, one of my writer friends, who

had never read a single one of the books, came up with the perfect solution, which I won’t mention in case somebody hasn’t read that book yet.

Q: Is it a spoiler to ask if they finally get married in this book?

A: I don’t think so. They’ve been engaged for two books now, so it’s certainly time! Of course they solve a mystery first and it’s a dandy, but then they finally do tie the knot.

Q: What's the secret to your series longevity?

A: An excellent question! I actually teach mystery writing in the Seton Hill University’s MFA program in Writing Popular Fiction, and I cover this very topic. I always tell my students that readers will pick up your book because they want a good mystery, but they’ll keep coming back to your series time and again because they care about your protagonists. I learned this secret from fans themselves. They write me letters, saying how much they loved this or that about a particular book, but they always ended by asking when Frank and Sarah would get together. That was when I realized they really cared about Frank and Sarah as people, so I have tried to make their personal journeys as interesting as the mysteries they solve. So far so good! I just hope they’ll be equally as interesting now that they’re married.

Q: And is this the end of the series?

A: Not at all! In fact, the next book is already written, and I’m contracted for at least two more after that (that’s me signing the contract in the picture!). Frank and Sarah will keep solving mysteries as along as readers keep buying the books. What I want to know now is, were all those people right or wrong to warn me against putting a romance in my mysteries? Tell me your opinions.

Murder on Amsterdam Avenue

Frank and Sarah put their family business on hold to investigate the death of an old family friend. As they unravel secrets that reach back to the War Between the States, they also discover that they are in the company of a very present danger…”

Meet the author:

Edgar® and Agatha Nominated author Victoria Thompson writes the Gaslight Mystery Series, set in turn-of-the-century New York City and featuring midwife Sarah Brandt. Her latest, MURDER IN MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS, is a May 2016 release from Berkley Prime Crime. She also contributed to the award winning writing textbook MANY GENRES/ONE CRAFT. Victoria teaches in the Seton Hill University master's program in writing popular fiction. She lives in Indiana with her husband and a very spoiled little dog. You can find Victoria at www.victoriathompson.com. Follow her on Facebook at Victoria Thompson.Author or on Twitter @gaslightvt.

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Thank you Ms. Thompson for this interview, I enjoyed every bit of it.

Review - Murder on Amersterdam Avenue

 I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the novel in this series that I read a few years ago, #12 Murder on Lexington Avenue (click here for review). I decided to get back into this series with this offering.  This is the seventeenth book in the series, and let's see how well these characters have stood the test of time.

Author: Victoria Thompson

Copyright: May 2016 (Berkley) 304 pgs

Series: 17th in Gaslight Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Cozy

Main Character:  Midwife Sarah Brandt

Setting:  Victorian New York City

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

"In the midst of Sarah and Frank’s wedding preparations, Sarah accompanies her mother on a condolence call to the Upper West Side, where Charles Oakes, the son of family friends, has died unexpectedly after suffering from a mysterious disease. But Charles’s father believes his son was poisoned, and would like Sarah and Frank to look into the matter with the utmost discretion.

Putting off their own personal affairs, Sarah and Frank soon learn that not everyone wants to know more about Charles’s death, particularly if he was murdered. As they unravel secrets that reach back to the Civil War, they also discover that they are in the company of a very present danger."

Sarah Brandt is being compelled back into society by her mother inspite attempts to thwart her. 
Frank Malloy has come into substantial money and had to leave the police force.  I need to find the book where his luck so drastically changes and read it pronto.  He is trying to adjust and finding it difficult.  Their children: Sarah's daughter and Frank's deaf son get a little more page time and I love them both.  Maeve and Gino have a slow burn attraction developing that gets to simmer a bit this outing.  Gino is back from the war and unsure about returning to the police station so he helps Frank out on the case.


The setting of New York city is given a different illumination on its culture and citizens in light of the Civil War tie-in.  What you find is a northern city that was filled with prejudice despite what you might think.  It is natural to the story and not forced, but certainly does provide prime conditions for murder.

The plot is somebody, likely close to the young Charles, poisoned him over a few days with Arsenic.  Probably somebody in the family.  Charles is the son of a northern man who took in a southern bell who had lost her family and plantation, had married her and sent her north to his family.  There is plenty of animosity in the family back and forth even thirty years later, but the puzzle of just who was poisoning him...and why is hard to see. 


The killer reveal is a bit startling in the manner it occurs.  The story wraps up wonderfully and shows that Sarah and Frank will be around for more adventures as a private investigator now. 

The series is still going strong with clever plots and realistic characters you want to spend more time with.  I have to go back and start reading the series from the beginning I am so won over.

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

Author Guest Post - Victoria Thompson

I will have a review of Murder on Amsterdam Avenue shortly, so please stay tuned that front.  Edgar® and Agatha Nominated author Victoria Thompson writes the Gaslight Mystery Series, set in turn-of-the-century New York City and featuring midwife Sarah Brandt. Her latest, MURDER IN MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS, is a May 2016 release from Berkley Prime Crime.  Please welcome Ms. Thompson to our slice of mystery heaven.

What's new in the series?
Murder on Amsterdam Avenue is the Gaslight Mystery readers have been waiting for! Frank and Sarah finally get married. Of course they solve a mystery first and it’s a dandy, but then they finally do tie the knot.

What took them so long? The answer is that I had been a romance writer for 20 books before I switched to mystery. When I switched, everyone told me (and told me!) that mystery readers don’t like romance in their mysteries. My editor and my agent and other mystery writers all warned me. This is why I put so many barriers between Frank and Sarah. They could never get together, so I made it impossible for them to get together.

Then a strange thing happened. I started getting fan letters. They would say something nice about the book and oh, by the way, when are Frank and Sarah going to get together?” Everyone wanted to know about a romance between Frank and Sarah. So obviously, mystery readers don’t mind a little romance in their mysteries at all! And after fifteen years of keeping them apart, the fans were getting angry! So I knew something had to happen. The problem was that I’d put up so many barriers between them, I couldn’t figure out how to get them married without ruining the series. Fortunately, one of my writer friends, who had never read a single one of the books, came up with the perfect solution, which I won’t mention in case somebody hasn’t read that book yet.

Fans are already asking if this is the end of the series, and the answer is: Not at all! In fact, the next two books are already written, and I’m contracted for at least one more after that. Frank and Sarah will keep solving mysteries as along as readers keep buying the books. What I want to know now is, were all those people right or wrong to warn me against putting a romance in my mysteries? Tell me your opinions.


THANK you Ms. Thompson for joining us today!

Ms. Thompson has contributed to the award winning writing textbook MANY GENRES/ONE CRAFT. Victoria teaches in the Seton Hill University master's program in writing popular fiction. She lives in Indiana with her husband and a very spoiled little dog. You can find Victoria at www.victoriathompson.com. Follow her on Facebook at Victoria Thompson.Author or on Twitter @gaslightvt.

Review - When Falcons Fall

I have been following this series for a little bit.  I have reviewed Who Buries the Dead (click here), Why Kings Confess" (click here), "What Darkness Brings" (click here), "When Maidens Mourn" (click here), and "Where Shadows Dance" (click here).  We were also honored to interview C.S. Harris (click here.)  Let's see how the series doing now that we are into the eleventh book? 

Author: C.S. Harris

Copyright: March 2016 (NAL) 368 pgs

Series: 11th in Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild. clinical discussion of body and death

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Private Investigator

Main Character: Sebastian St. Cyr (Viscount Devlin) a veteran of the Peninsula wars with Napoleon and a nobleman.

Setting: Ayleswick-on-Teme, England 1813

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest opinion

Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, has come to this seemingly peaceful Shropshire village to honor a slain friend and on a quest to learn more about his own ancestry. But when the body of a lovely widow is found on the banks of the River Teme, a bottle of laudanum at her side, the village’s inexperienced new magistrate turns to St. Cyr for help.

Almost immediately, Sebastian realizes that Emma Chance did not commit suicide. Less easy to discern is exactly how she died, and why. For as Sebastian and Hero soon discover, Emma was hiding both her true identity and her real reasons for traveling to Ayleswick. Living nearby is Napolean's estranged brother Lucien, being held under the British Government's careful watch. Could Emma Chance's death be tied to Napoleon?  But then they discover that Emma was not the first young woman to die in the village.  Could it be a well hidden serial killer in the seemingly peaceful village?

Besides Sebastian and Hero in this outing, there are many villagers populating the pages. Sebastian in searching for answers to his parentage.  He gets a tidbit, but not full answers.  I appreciate how Hero is right there helping him in his personal quest. But, the most notable is the local magistrate (lawman) Archie Rawlins.  Archie is in over his head and doesn't want the easy answer.  If it weren't for this careful and earnest man, another woman would have been murdered but officially written off as a suicide.  This young man is somewhat an unassuming hero in the story and really stands out.

The idea that several murders over many years could have gone without detection because people were so willing to think the worst of the girls who died is truly sad, but rather true to life.  The township has many eerie ruins that the victim, Emma, had been sketching.  Each of the ruins added a slight gothic touch and set quite the backdrop.  The climax was fast moving and both Hero and Sebastian face the killer.  The wrap up was satisfactory and ties up all the loose ends with a few bittersweet notes.

Although this was a story the slowly picked up steam, it was well worth it. This book is a great addition to the series that is consistently well written and immersive.  I have become a fan and begun back with the first book to fill in what I was missing in the series. 

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

Author Guest Post - Peg Cochran

Please welcome Peg Cochran to our little slice of the web.  Peg grew up in New Jersey suburbs 25 miles outside of New York.  Her greatest love though as always been writing - particularly mysteries! She has two cozy mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime: The Gourmet De-Lite series set in Connecticut and featuring Gigi Fitzgerald, who provides gourmet diet meals to a select group of clients, and the Sweet Nothings Vintage Lingerie series, written as Meg London, set in Paris, Tennessee with Emma Taylor who finds murder and mayhem in this quiet country town.  She has a new series, Cranberry Cove, and the newest book is titled Berry the Hatchet.  Please welcome her!

 

Write Your Own Cozy Mystery in Ten Steps

 

1. Decide on the locale of your story. Is it going to be a real town or fictional? City or country? If it’s a big city, you’ll want to limit the action to a particular neighborhood that almost feels like a small town. Make it somewhere your readers would like to live.

2. Create your “hook.” A hook is what sets your series apart from others. It can be an occupation for your sleuth like librarian, caterer, bookseller, etc. Or your hook can revolve around a hobby—knitting, scrapbooking, needlework, etc.

3. Pick your victim. This is the fun part! Is there someone you would like to kill on paper? A disagreeable co-worker or an annoying neighbor? Be careful to change names and appearances but you can certainly borrow their irritating or despicable traits and make them your victim’s own.

4. Pick your killer. Why does this person hate the victim enough to kill? They need a good motive for the crime. They can be a decent, upstanding citizen on the outside but evil on the inside.

5. Decide on a murder method. Now that you have your killer, what would be a likely murder weapon? A gun or knife? Poison? The proverbial blow to the head with a blunt object? Something exotic like a snake bite?

6. Create your amateur sleuth. You’ll already know a little bit about this person once you’ve created your hook but now is the time to flesh them out. Make them intelligent, inquisitive and clever.

7. Gather a group of suspects together. Hide your killer among a number of people who also had reason to wish the victim dead. One-by-one your sleuth uncovers their alibis until the only one left standing is the murderer.

8. Plot clues and red-herrings. Clues lead your sleuth closer to the killer while red herrings send her on a wild goose chase.

9. Add a touch of romance. Create a love interest for your sleuth. Better yet, create two or more! When she’s not busy tracking down suspects, she’ll be busy weighing the relative merits of each of the men in her life.

10. Write the book! And have fun immersing yourself in this idyllic world where justice always triumphs in the end. 

 

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Thank you Ms. Cochran for your tips on writing a mystery. 

 

Review - A Useful Woman

Inspired by the novels of Jane Austen, this new mystery series set in 19th-century London introduces  resourceful Rosalind Thorne, a woman privy to the secrets of high society—including who among the them is capable of murder.  Yep, that hooked me and I had to read this new historical mystery.  The author visited us and you can read her guest blog (click here.)

Author: Darcie Wilde

Copyright: May 2016 (Berkley) 368 pgs

Series: 1st in Rosalind Thorne Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Cozy

Main Characters: Rosalind Thorne, former heiress

Setting: Early 1800s, London

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review


Rosalind Thorne (Rose Thorn!) is the daughter of a baronet and minor heiress who was nearly ruined after her father abandoned the family because of loosing his fortune in bad investments. To survive in high society - the only world she knows, she began to manage the affairs of some of London society’s most influential women, who have come to rely on her wit and discretion.

So, when aristocratic wastrel Jasper Aimesworth is found dead in London’s most exclusive ballroom, Almack’s, Rosalind must use her skills and connections to uncover the killer from a list of suspects that includes Almack’s powerful patronesses (that includes her godmother) and her former suitor Devon Winterbourne, now Lord Casselmaine. Torn between her old love and a growing attraction to a compelling Bow Street runner, Rosalind must unravel the mysteries surrounding Jasper’s death.

Rosalind Thorne is a memorable character, a proper British version of True Grit's Mattie Ross came to my mind.  She is a survivor and has more substance than most society ladies.  Devon Winterbourne, now Lord Casselmaine, was Rose's old flame but I still wonder about his true character.  Adam Harkness is a Bow Street detective who has more compassion than even modern police are portrayed, although ever so subtle.  I enjoyed Ms Wilde's depiction of one of England's historic early detectives who were privately hired.  Although I find the "cop boyfriend" very cliche, this raises class tensions between Rose and Harkness as well as society's fanatical avoidance of even a hint of scandal, so being chummy with a cop is out-of-the-question and introduces a forbidden element to their attraction.  Honoria Aimesworth, spoiled and dislikes Rose personally, but begs Rose to find her bother's killer - is a society hot potato.  Alice and George Littlefield are the break out characters.  Dear friends of Rose's who lost their fortunes but took to newspaper employment to make their way in life and stay close to Rose.  All the characters jump from the pages.

London's class struggles are depicted brilliantly, and the exclusivity of Almacks and and even life-impacting influence are demonstrated and illuminated clearly.  Regency romance portrayals of Almack's pale in comparison to this "insider's behind-the-scenes" look that this book provides.
The plot is intricately layered and the motive remains hidden until Rosalind figures out the scheme that killed the society boy.  The sophistication and polite society of the story is a veneer hiding a sinister killer and dark ambition.  In line with this theme of a dark underbelly, the climax is taut and displays the ugly killer who is one of the shinning high society ton in stark and scary contrast.  The wrap up completes the story but leaves enough hanging to continue in the next book. 

I have a new favorite in my historical go-to list.  The writing is deft with delicate touches that build to a masterful tapestry of character, setting, and plot.  As Oliver Twist said, "May I have some more please?"  Soon, very, very soon please.

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

Guest Author Post -Darcie Wilde

I am currently in the process of finishing the debut novel in a new historical mystery series.  The Rosalind Thorne mysteries fascinated me from the cover blurb.  I will have a review shortly, but today we have the author of this new series with us as she introduces herself and little about her series.  Please welcome Darcie Wilde.

Introducing Darcie Wilde and Her New Series

Hello, my name is Darcie Wilde, and I write mysteries. Specifically, mysteries set during the English Regency.

I got my introduction to the Regency the way most people do; via the work and world of Jane Austen. From the Incomparable Jane, I discovered the warm, witty, wonderful works of the great Georgette Heyer. Between the two of them, they kindled a fascination in me for all things Regency — the dances! The genteel manners, the snobbery, and the witty banter! And, oh! Those clothes! I mean, what’s not to love? It’s a lush, intricate and magnificent time period.

But the more I read about the history, the more I came to realize it was a deeply complicated time as well. Not only was Napoleon running roughshod across the Continent, at home, the royal family which was still very much the heart and center of government, was falling apart in all sorts of interesting ways. The banks and the stock market were careening along full tilt in the modern boom-and-bust cycle. Drinking and gambling were epidemic among the upper classes. The middling and lower classes were agitating for better and fairer living conditions, and a debt of as little as five pounds could land a man in jail for the rest of his life.

Oh, and did I mention there was no police force? Having a crime investigated and prosecuted was largely left to the private individuals who were directly victimized. It frequently involved having to pay a professional thief-taker or one of the very few police officers to look into the crime and find out whodunit.

And of course, nothing could possibly go wrong with that, now could it?

It was this contradiction — the idea that this glittering high society skated on very thin ice that led to the creation of Rosalind Thorne. Rosalind was a minor heiress. She had every advantage, until she didn’t. Her father abandoned the family before his creditors could catch up with him, and Rosalind was left to make do on her own. She became what the writers of the time called, “a useful woman.” 

These women were gentry who had fallen on hard times. They would manage to stay on the fringes of society by helping their friends out by arranging balls and dinner parties and handling other social and domestic chores. In return, those better off friends would do things like loan the women the use of their carriage, or invite them to dinner, or to stay in the country, or give them little gifts, even money, and so could keep living something like their old lives, on the surface anyway.

This is what Rosalind does, and she’s actually very good at it. As a result, she knows all the people who make things actually happen in the glamorous world of the haut ton, and how their lives all mesh together. She’s overlooked, because she has neither power nor money. In fact she’s pitied. Which means she’s underestimated.

Which means no one really wonders what’s going on when she makes polite conversation on topics of recent interest, or is seen doing a favor for a “friend,” or is standing in a corner gossiping about that shocking thing that occurred last week at the dance…

Even when that shocking thing is the discovery of a very dead body. 
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THANK You Ms. Wilde for that fun introduction.  

 

Review - The Conspiring Woman

I reviewed the debut novel in this new series, The Vanishing Thief (click here),  the second book The Counterfeit Lady (click here), thrid book The Royal Assassin (click here), and was so fortunate to get an author interview (click here) as well.  In this book Georgia faces a killer determined to stop her.

Author: Kate Parker

Copyright: Nov 2015 (JDP Press) 302 pgs

Series: 5th in Victorian Bookshop Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Amateur Sleuth, Private Investigator

Main Character: Georgia Fenchurch, bookshop owner and member of Archivist Society

Setting: Victorian era - after 1851, London

Obtained Through: Personal purchase

"When Georgia Fenchurch of the Archivist Society is called in to find Sir Edward Hale's missing son, she's soon embroiled in multiple mysteries. After discovering young Teddy's been taken by his mother, her worry lessens. But further investigation reveals other well-to-do women have disappeared. Have they been kidnapped? Killed? Or is there something even more sinister going on? To muddle the mix further, the Duke of Blackford has asked to speak to Georgia when he returns to England. It's almost enough to distract any woman.

Once Lady Hale is found dead, Georgia knows the Archivist Society must focus their efforts on finding the truth behind her disappearance and rescuing her son. But then a villain from Georgia's own past resurfaces..."

Georgia is a favorite character, in a time period where your social class determines your fate in life, she is unapologetic of her working class status - even if it means she can't be with the Duke.  She must face the ultimate dilemma of doing what the law says is right when she believes it may not be the ethically right thing to do.  If possible, Georgia takes more risks than ever before in this investigation.  She is also feeling very alone as Emma is honeymooning, Lady Phylidia has moved out, and Duke Blackford is traveling in the United States checking business concerns.  Duke of Blackford arrives in the story later and Georgia's life may never be the same.  Lady Imogene is a scandalous women who is intricately involved in the disappearance of the women.  Count Farkas, the man who murdered Georgia's parents, makes an appearance in search of his treasure again. 

The fog of London was used several times to great effect. The time period is a critical part of the setting and plot, as much revolves around how difficult it was for women of that time to escape an abusive husband with any money, let alone their children.  The dangers for women in precarious situations was vivid.  The plot begins simply enough but quickly develops layers and complications masterfully managed.  The pacing was steady and I hated putting it down. 

The killer confrontation is a good nail biting scene--kudos.  The wrap-up is bitter-sweet and promises that no matter the changes in Georgia's life she will continue her investigations.

This fifth outing for Georgia shows the author comfortable with the characters and mastering the rich layering of the plot to accentuate the characters and the suspense while raising personal stakes ever higher.  Bravo.

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

Review - An Unhappy Medium

Hard to believe that I had not read the precious three installments in this series!  Too many books and so little time. But I am jumping in on the fourth in the series and had no trouble understanding the characters and town.  Read on for more about murder during a zombie run in the woods!

Author: Dawn Eastman

Copyright: April 2016 (Berkley) 304 pgs

Series: 4th in Family Fortune Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy (slightly paranormal)

Main Character: Clyde Fortune, a former cop and novice psychic

Setting: Modern day, Crystal Haven, Michigan

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

All of Crystal Haven, Michigan, is psyching up to participate in a Zombie Fun Run organized by Clyde’s nephew Seth, but Clyde is fretful about the upcoming event. Her estranged sister, Grace, has unexpectedly returned to town after fifteen years. Plus, Clyde has the nagging feeling that something is about to go wrong.

When one of the zombie runners is found murdered in the same costume as Grace's husband Paul...then both disappear it seems Grace's business troubles she mentioned have caught up with her. Clyde realizes her grim premonition is dead-on. Now, she and her police detective boyfriend Mac must find the murderer.

I really enjoyed Clyde Fortune as the main character. She didn't sugar-coat her issues with her sister - which are beyond sibling rivalries. Mac is very understanding of everything that takes place and sticks by Clyde. I like Mac and want to go back and read their meeting, which is saying a lot for me since I am tired of the cliche cop boyfriend. Clyde's family are all well realized and nephew Seth is a positive element.

The zombie run was spine-tingling atmospheric and the hints of trouble following Grace to town built suspense without being obvious. The plot has several layers for a more intricate story than usual (A+ there). The pacing was finely tuned and had me hooked chapter after chapter. The climax had a good killer reveal and some thrills. The wrap-up tied up most loose ends with a thread left to carry into the next book.

I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. A well executed and layered plot alongside engaging characters with some touches of goose-bump worthy settings makes for a strong cozy.

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

Guest Post - Elaine Viets

Please welcome Elaine Viets to our little slice of the web today.  She is the author of 29 mysteries in three series, both hard-boiled and cozy: the Dead-End Job mysteries, the Josie Marcus Mystery Shopper mysteries, and the Francesca Vierling mysteries. She has won the Anthony, Agatha and Lefty Awards. 

The Art of Living

I don't enjoying looking at rich people's art and old furniture, so I'm not a fan of most house museum tours. There's only one exception:

Fort Lauderdale's Bonnet House Museum & Gardens.

I can't wait for you to read The Art of Murder, my May Dead-End Job mystery. The Art of Murder opens at Bonnet House, where I worked as a volunteer greeter.

Bonnet House was the colorful home of artists Evelyn and Frederic Clay Bartlett. Evelyn took up collecting miniature orchids at age 101, and lived to be 109. Their house was filled with light, life and color.

Bonnet House was Frederic's idea of a Caribbean plantation house. It's built around a courtyard sheltered by feathery palms and bright with flowers. The house has whimsical touches: gilded baroque columns swirl around the drawing room doors, balconies are frosted with New Orleans wrought iron, and Evelyn's collection of brightly painted wooden animals, including giraffes and ostriches, are everywhere.

Evelyn loved animals, and Bonnet House still has swans and a troupe of adorable monkeys living on the grounds. The monkeys, the last of Evelyn's pets, escaped from a bar.

Frederic built Evelyn the charming Bamboo Bar and Shell Museum as a birthday present. Most men won't even fetch their wives a drink, but Evelyn had a custom-built bar. Evelyn drank exotic Rangpur lime cocktails, made from maple syrup, rum, and Rangpur limes she grew in the gardens.

Vibrant Bonnet House seemed the perfect place to start Helen's fifteenth adventure. Helen and Margery are touring the mansion-turned-museum when they see Annabel Lee Griffin, a young, talented artist, at a museum painting class. Later, they also see Annabel's deadly end. Helen is hired to investigate her death. Was Annabel killed by her jealous husband? Her best friend? A lover from her bohemian past? Helen has her own brush with death as she searches for this artful killer.

Next time you're in Fort Lauderdale, visit the Bonnet House museum at bonnethouse.org. It's even prettier than these Website photos. See how Frederic and Evelyn mastered the art of living.

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THANK You Ms. Viets for joining us today.  Reminder, you can follow her at www.elaineviets.com, ElaineVietsMysteryWriter on Facebook and @evmysterywriter.