Sunday, December 30, 2018

Book Review: MARKED MASTERS : A Bodies of Art Mystery Book 2 by Ritter Ames


Synopsis

Laurel Beacham made working solo a personal success story and is known for her nerve, instincts, and ability to do whatever necessary to return each priceless masterpiece safely intact. As the world’s leading art recovery expert, she’s thwarted more heists than the average law enforcement professional. Museums applaud her skills. Thieves admire the cunning way she operates.

Her last job landed her the head position over the London branch of Beacham Foundation, but bringing one case to a close only opened a bigger one. More importantly, the new case inextricably ties her to Jack Hawkes, a man smart enough to be her equal but who keeps her trust meter firmly in the red zone. Trying to stop a rumored heist of the century, the pair leap headlong into a plot that gets more dangerous and illusive by the minute. The clock counts down as the bodies and forgeries stack up.

Review

Laurel is an art critic with a very interesting sideline - she reclaims stolen art but not through the usual channels. She much prefers to work alone, but she is forced to work with Jack, who infuriates her. He wants it all his way and that is an obvious trait she can take issue with, but she also has developed feelings for him. Laurel has some trust issues that are great for her job, but not so great for building relationships. And Jack is as slippery and cunning as can be.

Ames has created a complicated plot with twists and turns taking the reader from Florida to London and on to Florence. This could be read as a stand alone, however, there are references to the first in the series so you might want to start there. Bottom line? If you like other works by Ames, you will definitely like Marked Masters and likely the others in this series. 

The Bodies of Art Mystery Series by Ritter Ames:
COUNTERFEIT CONSPIRACIES (#1)
MARKED MASTERS (#2)
ABSTRACT ALIASES (#3)
FATAL FORGERIES (#4)

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Book Review: THE P.I. WHO FOUND CHRISTMAS : A Billie Bly Christmas Mystery by Don Weston

Synopsis

P.I. Billie Bly is stressed out.

Thieves are stealing Christmas Decorations in her neighborhood’s business district and a seven-year-old’s mother is missing. Her assistant, Angel’s, Christmas addiction is cluttering her home and when Angel’s loopy boyfriend begins poking his nose and other body parts into her business, something has to give.

The little girl is counting on Billie to find her mother and the police think her father is somehow involved.

She has five days to bring Christmas back for a young girl and learn who is stealing life sized Santa and Snowmen statues.

Review

Billie Bly doesn't really have time to figure out where   has disappeared, never mind whether it is voluntary or not. She has a bigger case and, as part of the business association, an investment in maintaining good relations to find the missing snowmen. After all, there was a lot of money invested in these decorations to light up the businesses. Billie enlists the help of a dog in training to check out her suspicions, at the same time trying to find the missing mother. In fact she gets the whole town involved in finding the missing women.

This was a fun, Christmas read. I like Billie Bly and her attitude.  This is the 4th in the series, but easily read as a stand alone. Short read, but lots of spirit.

Friday, December 14, 2018

Blog Tour & Review: NC-17 by Larissa Reinhart

Synopsis

#StillDetectiveing

As an ex-star of a hit teen detective show, Maizie Albright gets the youth demographic. Or so she thought. Now that she’s adulting, today’s kids make Maizie feel out of date. At least the youth she meets while doing community service at Black Pine’s exclusive healing resort, the Wellspring Center. When these teens aren’t vlogging their attempts to track down Big Foot, they’re trying to prove the Center is up to no good. Starting with the disappearance and possible murder of their not-as-young commander. A murder the police find as likely as Big Foot.

Maizie has her own suspicions about the new celebrity retreat. Particularly when she learns her ex-fiancé has been hired to run the Center. Kind of an issue when she thought Oliver was in prison. Kind of an issue when Nash, the man of her dreams, is out of commission.

Wait, not man of her dreams.
Boss of her fantasies. Professionally speaking, of course.

While Maizie’s helping adolescent Youtubers detect a disappearance, she’s wrangling her mother’s wedding, assuaging an overzealous probation officer, and struggling to keep Nash Security Solutions solvent. Conspiracy theories collide with real-life catastrophes beginning with murder and possibly ending with Maizie’s life.

Review

Maizie's running around in circles with her past, present, and wished for future with Nash keep colliding. Add in Lamar, donuts, and three teens who are in search of Big Foot and their missing friend, and Maizie's got a very long to do list. Maizie's attempt at investigating Chandler's disappearance and the bank bomber's accomplice, intersect in interesting ways with her probation officer, mandated therapy, and Oliver, who is the reason she's on probation to begin with - and her mother who is marrying her other ex-boyfriend. No wonder she keeps having panic attacks. 

It's hard to read this story and not feel for Maizie and her attempts to please Nash and find Chandler for the teens. This is well written and another fun read by Larissa Reinhart with interesting characters and tension that keeps the pace steady.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
About the Author

https://i1.wp.com/www.escapewithdollycas.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/closeup.jpeg?resize=213%2C320&ssl=1Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author, Larissa Reinhart writes humorous mysteries and romantic comedies including the critically acclaimed Maizie Albright Star Detective, Cherry Tucker Mystery, and Finley Goodhart Crime Caper series. Her works have been chosen as book club picks by Woman’s World Magazine and Hot Mystery Reviews.

Larissa’s family and dog, Biscuit, had been living in Japan, but once again call Georgia home. See them on HGTV’s House Hunters International “Living for the Weekend in Nagoya” episode. Visit her website, LarissaReinhart.com, and join her newsletter for a free short story.

Author Links

Website: http://larissareinhart.com/

Newsletter: http://smarturl.it/larissanewsletter

Official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLarissaReinhart/

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

Facebook fan/reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mysteryminions/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/larissareinhart

Amazon page: http://smarturl.it/LarissaReinhart

Bookbub page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/larissa-reinhart

Goodreads page: http://smarturl.it/LarissaGoodreads

Purchase Links

Kindle: http://smarturl.it/17Amazon

Nook: http://smarturl.it/17Nook

Kobo:http://smarturl.it/17Kobo

iBooks: http://smarturl.it/17iBooks

Other stores: books2read.com/NC17


Friday, December 7, 2018

Blog post & Review: ONE TASTE TOO MANY : A Sarah Blair Mystery by Debra H. Goldstein


SYNOPSIS

For culinary challenged Sarah Blair, there’s only one thing scarier than cooking from scratch—murder!

Married at eighteen, divorced at twenty‑eight, Sarah Blair reluctantly swaps her luxury lifestyle for a cramped studio apartment and a law firm receptionist job in the tired hometown she never left. With nothing much to show for the last decade but her feisty Siamese cat, RahRah, and some clumsy domestic skills, she’s the polar opposite of her bubbly twin, Emily—an ambitious chef determined to take her culinary ambitions to the top at a local gourmet restaurant . . .


Sarah knew starting over would be messy. But things fall apart completely when her ex drops dead, seemingly poisoned by Emily’s award-winning rhubarb crisp. Now, with RahRah wanted by the woman who broke up her marriage and Emily wanted by the police for murder, Sarah needs to figure out the right recipe to crack the case before time runs out. Unfortunately, for a gal whose idea of good china is floral paper plates, catching the real killer and living to tell about it could mean facing a fate worse than death—being in the kitchen!

Includes quick and easy recipes!


REVIEW:

Sarah's had a a lot of bumps in her life thus far and is starting over, back with her twin, Emily. She can't seem to escape her past and Emily becomes the suspect to Sarah's ex-husband's poisoning. There's lots of small town interactions and conflicts, some within the swanky restaurant where Emily is moving up. Sarah's doing her best to use her new investigative skills to help out her sister, both to prove her innocence and on stage. 

Emily and Sarah are twins, yet their personalities complement each other in many ways. Both are likeable in their own way; you can't help but pull for Sarah's new life to be successful, as well as Emily's. There are any number of suspects and some are being eliminated but then something else happens. In the end the silent and not so silent partners and connections come out with an unexpected killer. The story was well-written and enjoyable to read. This is the first in a new series and I look forward to reading more about Sarah.


FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Judge Debra H. Goldstein’s new Sarah Blair cozy mystery series debuts from Kensington Press debuts with One Taste Too Many. She also is the author of Should Have Played Poker: a Carrie Martin and the Mah Jongg Players Mystery and the 2012 IPPY Award-winning Maze in Blue. Besides novels, Debra writes short stories. Her short story, The Night They Burned Ms. Dixie’s Place, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine (May/June 2017) is an Agatha Award Short Story Nominee. In addition to being the Sisters in Crime Guppy President, Debra serves on the national Sisters in Crime board and is Vice-President of the Southeast Region of Mystery Writers of America.

Website http://www.debrahgoldstein.com 


Blog http://www.debrahgoldstein.com/blog

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

Twitter @DebraHGoldstein 


Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-h-goldstein-72473a11/

GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4906340.Debra_H_Goldstein

Purchase Links

Amazon B&N Kobo Google Play

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR PARTICIPANTS
December 3 – Book Babble – REVIEW
December 3 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT
December 4 – Mallory Heart's Cozies – REVIEW, GUEST POST
December 5 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf - CHARACTER GUEST POS
December 6 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
December 6 – My Reading Journeys - REVIEW
December 7 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW
December 7 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
December 8 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
December 8 – Here's How It Happened – SPOTLIGHT
December 9 – Cozy Up With Kathy - REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
December 9 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
December 10 – StoreyBook Reviews - REVIEW
December 10 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT
December 11 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
December 11 –A Wytch's Book Review Blog – CHARACTER GUEST POST
December 12 – Moonlight Rendezvous - REVIEW, GUEST POST
December 12 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, GUEST POST
December 13 – MJB Reviewers - REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
December 13 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT
December 14 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW
December 14 – Cinnamon, Sugar and a Little Bit of Murder – REVIEW, RECIPE
December 15 – Cassidy's Bookshelves – REVIEW
December 15 – Socrates' Book Reviews – REVIEW
December 16 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW
December 16 – Bibliophile Reviews - REVIEW, GUEST POST






Sunday, December 2, 2018

IT'S ALL ABOUT SALES IN DECEMBER

I don't know about you, but all the sales in December are oh, so tempting. Many years ago I worked retail (hence, I don't do Black Friday ever) - more money was spent in December than several months combined.  

I've been including sales - yes, mine, but also others - in my monthly newsletter.  This month? It would be a very long newsletter.  So instead of a spotlight or guest post or book review, this post is all about sales.  I'll update it periodically ... so be sure to check back often.  Keep reading, and Happy Holidays!


Enjoy 60+ free ebooks through my bookcave - Mystery plus Romance until December 23rd... https://mybookcave.com/g/1c0f61b6/






VIEW TO A CHILL
(A CHERRY TUCKER AND MAIZIE ALBRIGHT MYSTERY NOVELLA)
LARISSA REINHART
$0.99 THROUGH 12/30








BIG TOP TREACHERIES (CIRCUS COZY MYSTERIES)
CEECEE JAMES
$0.99 ALL DECEMBER








CHRISTMAS IN VENICE
MARIA GRAZIA
$0.99 ALL DECEMBER








SLEIGHING IT IN KINSEY FALLS
GAYLE LEESON
$0.99 ALL DECEMBER







THE DISCOMBOBULATED DECIPHERERS
(BRILLIANT MINNESOTA #2)
JULIE SEEDORF
$1.99 THROUGH 12/25




MURDER AT THE GRILL
CHRISTA NARDI
$0.99 12/10-12/16










BURIED BONES (SARAH BOOTH DELANEY MYSTERY #2)
CAROLYN HAYNES 
$1.99 12/4-12/10








THINK MURDER 
(ADINA DONATI MYSTERY)
CASSIDY SALEM
$0.99 12/6-12/12







THE MISPLACED DOG
(A HANNAH & TAMAR MYSTERY)
CHRISTA NARDI & CASSIDY SALEM
$0.99 12/6-12/12








JUST LOST AND FOUND
A LUCY FONG AMATEUR PI MYSTERY
ANNE R. TAN
$0.99 THROUGH DECEMBER





GUSTY LOVERS AND CADAVERS
A RAINA SUN MYSTERY
ANNE R. TAN
$0.99 THROUGH DECEMBER






a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, December 1, 2018

SPOTLIGHT on ALPACA MY BAGS : Dying to Leave the Oasis (A Desert Oasis Cozy Mystery Book 1 by Violet Patton


Alpaca My Bags: Dying to Leave the Oasis (A Desert Oasis Cozy Mystery Book 1) by Violet Patton

Cozy Mystery
First in Series
Amazon Digital Services (December 1st, 2018)
 231 pages
Digital ASIN: B07JX5WHB5


Murder? Romance? Intrigue? The Desert Oasis runs rampant with gossip and secrets.

Sweetie Bastard told Hunny Bunny—pack your bags we’re moving to lovely Tucson, Arizona. She didn’t have a choice. He sold her house and bought a park model online sight unseen in the Desert Oasis 55 plus community.

The park was more asphalt than oasis—hot—dry—terrible.

The trailer was a wreck. No air-conditioning. No beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay.

There’s an Arizona room to build. A golf cart to buy. Dances, crafts and funerals to attend.

Bunny agrees to take water aerobics. She hates water.

First lesson—the park’s ladies’ man athletic director was found weighed down and dead at the bottom of the swimming pool. Who killed philandering Dan? And why?

The last tenant in their new home, Wanda, left behind her clothes, knickknacks and dishes. The place gives her the willies. Bunny can’t stand an unsolved mystery, and she’ll dig deep and wide to solve Wanda’s case.

Download Alpaca My Bags today. Will Bunny agree to live happily ever after in the Oasis, or will she make Sweetie Bastard move to posh Scottsdale?

Amazon   99 cents

The Desert Oasis series:
Alpaca My Bags
Wool Over Your Eyes. February 4, 2019 Pre-order now
No Prob-Llama
Ain’t No Llama Drama

Giveaway

About the author

I grew up in Arkansas, just a few miles from Louisiana. Violet Patton was a grandmother. I took her name as a pen name in her honor. She didn't read much and when she did it was True Confessions magazine. She married a man twice her age at 18 and she did not have romance in her life, but she longed for it. She was tough, picking cotton, milking cows and tending a garden to keep her family alive. Behind her toughness was a sweet tenderness which showed through her beautiful blue eyes. Now as I age, I miss her more and more. Her photograph graces my desk, and I often ask for her advice or read my stories aloud to her. I can hear her laugh as I read my stories and I remember that spirit she never lost despite her adversities.

Thank you for giving me everything you had.

Catch Violet at the following places.

Amazon

Goodreads 

Facebook

Facebook Group





Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Blog Tour & Review: A BODY IN THE ATTIC : A Body in Mystery by Judi Lynn




About the Book:

Welcome to River Bluffs, Indiana, a cozy small town populated with charming homes, close-knit families, and the occasional deadly secret . . .

House-flipper Jazzi Zanders and her cousin Jerod have found their latest project. The property, formerly owned by the late Cal Juniper, is filled with debris that must be cleared before the real renovation begins. But a trip to the attic reveals something more disturbing than forgotten garbage—a skeleton wearing a locket and rings that Jazzi recognizes . . .

Tests confirm that the bones belong to Jazzi’s aunt Lynda, who everyone assumed moved to New York years ago after breaking up with Cal. Soon enough, the whole family is involved, sifting through memories and rumors as they try to piece together what really happened to Lynda—and the baby she gave up for adoption. In between investigating and remodeling, Jazzi is falling for the old house’s charms—and for her gorgeous contractor, Ansel. But with surprises lurking in every nook and cranny, a killer might be waiting to demolish her dreams for good . . .


Review:

Jazzi, Jerod and Ansel are a great team - reconstructing homes to flip them or buy for themselves. Cal Juniper's home is beautiful but renters and the nephews who inherited didn't take care of it, not to mention a lot of missing antiques and art. They work well together despite the skeleton and the detective who keeps asking Jazzi to help him - people like her and open up to her. The best character though is grandma who isn't always lucid but knows more than is good for her. There are lots of suspects for Lynda's murder and things get complicated - all seemingly connected to the decades old crime. 

This is well-written, well-paced, and a good break. Lynn has captured the dysfunctional sides of some families and people, as well as the potential for happiness. I hope we see a lot more of Jazzi and her family in the future. Like mystery, romance, and great characters? You'll like this one.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

About the Author:

Judi Lynn received a Master’s Degree from Indiana University as an elementary school teacher after attending the IPFW campus. She taught 1st, 2nd, and 4th grades for six years before having her two daughters. She loves gardening, cooking and trying new recipes.

Readers can visit her website at www.judithpostswritingmusings.com and her blog writingmusings.com.

Purchase Links:
Amazon B&N Kobo

TOUR PARTICIPANTS:

November 26 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf - AUTHOR INTERVIEW
November 26 – The Montana Bookaholic – REVIEW
November 27 – Mallory Heart's Cozies – REVIEW
November 27 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW
November 27 – Rosepoint Publishing – REVIEW
November 28 – My Devotional Thoughts – REVIEW
November 28 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
November 29 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
November 29 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT
November 30 – Varietats - REVIEW, GUEST POST
November 30 – Here's How It Happened - REVIEW
December 1 – A Holland Reads – CHARACTER GUEST POST*
December 1 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
December 2 – Laura's Interests – SPOTLIGHT
December 2 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW
December 3 – Moonlight Rendezvous - REVIEW, GUEST POST
December 3 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT
December 4 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW
December 4 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog - REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW
December 5 – The Avid Reader REVIEW
December 5 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT



Thursday, November 22, 2018

Thanksgiving Rambling



This is the time of the year to reflect on the good things in life - something that often is difficult to do. Whether in America, on Thanksgiving, or elsewhere, remembering what we can be thankful for - or as the song goes "Counting our blessings" (yup, getting in the holiday mood here!) is always uplifting.

I am thankful for my husband who supports me in all my craziness and stressful times, for my sisters and brother, and my extended family. I'm thankful for the "children" I gained when I married my husband, and three grand-daughters we get to spoil and who make us laugh on a regular basis. Never would have gone to see "Frozen" on ice without them. 

Relatively new to the writing thing, I'm very thankful to the many people in various groups who offer support, suggestions, and constructive feedback. And, of course to my friends who may not read my books, but ask about my writing and support my efforts. Finally to all my readers - thank you for the good words and feedback. 

Whether you celebrate this American holiday or not, remember to be thankful for every kindness and to be kind.

Sunday, November 18, 2018

Blog Tour and Book Review: KILL A LOT : An Ivy Meadows Mystery by Cindy Brown

About the Book
A jouster, a playwright, and a detective walk into a faire…but it’s no joke when one ends up dead.

Actress and part-time PI Ivy Meadows is thrilled when she learns that the famous playwright behind Hello Dolly Madison is in Arizona. Not so much when she realizes he’s a suspect in the murder of a Renaissance faire jouster.

As is her friend Riley. And about a thousand other people, all disguised in Renaissance costume during the fatal jousting match.

When Ivy is hired to investigate the killing, she goes undercover as a Cockney belly dancer at the faire and finagles her way into the playwright’s Kennedy-inspired version of Camelot—as Marilyn Monroe, no less.

Then, in the midst of her toughest case ever, Ivy has to solve another dilemma: Will she follow her lifelong dream of being an actor or settle down with the love of her life?

The murder investigation, the play, and real life come together in a twist that begs the question: Is there a happily-ever-after for anyone?


Review

Ivy Meadows, part time PI and would be actress is in her element and out of her element at the same time. A renaissance festival is a world all its own and a jouster has been killed, an acquaintance - Riley - accused of the murder. Then there is the illusive and quite famous Thomas Roberts accepts her bid to play Marilyn in his newest play. The hitch?  Matt has just suggested they take the next step and live together. Love or acting career? And what about Uncle Bob?

If you've ever been to a Renaissance Festival, you will be able to relate to the sights and sounds Ivy is exposed to and, as she goes undercover as a mime belly dancer, the fine distinction between bawdy and crude at the Ren. This is a fun mystery, in a unique setting, with interesting characters. To add to the mystery, it appears that Angus, the deceased, is not particularly a popular fellow - in fact, nobody seems to miss him or mourn his passing in the least. 
I've been to a Ren fest and had to chuckle at Ivy's descriptions - right on. The pace is steady and the personal tension adds to the story rather than detracts. If you like a cozy mystery, this is a good one.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

Books in the Ivy Meadows Humorous Mystery Series:

MACDEATH (#1)

THE SOUND OF MURDER (#2)

OLIVER TWISTED (#3)

IVY GET YOUR GUN (#4)

The Phantom of Oz (#5)

KILLALOT (#6)

About the Author

Cindy Brown has been a theater geek (musician, actor, director, producer, and playwright) since her first professional gig at age 14. Now a full-time writer, she’s lucky enough to have garnered several awards (including 3rd place in the 2013 international Words With Jam First Page Competition, judged by Sue Grafton!) and is an alumnus of the Squaw Valley Writers Workshop. Though Cindy and her husband now live in Portland, Oregon, she made her home in Phoenix, Arizona, for more than 25 years and knows all the good places to hide dead bodies in both cities.
Author Links

Website & Blog: www.cindybrownwriter.com

Twitter handle: @friendlybrown

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cindy-Brown-author/288210721356802?ref=hl

Purchase Links

Amazon B&N

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 14 – Mallory Heart's Cozies – REVIEW

November 14 – Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 15 – Carstairs Considers – REVIEW

November 15 – Ruff Drafts – GUEST POST

November 16 – The Editing Pen – REVIEW

November 16 – StoreyBook Reviews - CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 17 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

November 17 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

November 18 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

November 19 – Brooke Blogs - SPOTLIGHT, Renaissance Recipe

November 20 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 20 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf- SPOTLIGHT

November 21 – Carla Loves To Read – REVIEW

November 21 – The Ninja Librarian – REVIEW


Blog Tour & Review: UNCLE AND ANTS A Silicon Valley Mystery by Marc Jedel



Synopsis

Mysterious attacks. Mischievous nieces. Can a clueless uncle catch a tech-savvy killer … and be home before bedtime?

When a freak accident hospitalizes Marty Golden’s sister and condemns him to babysitter duty, he thinks it’s just another case of hardwired bad luck in Silicon Valley. Until a suspicious murder suggests the mishap was no mere coincidence. Something must be done.

Too bad this quirky, fashion-backward uncle isn’t exactly hero material.

Convinced his sister is in mortal danger, this amateur sleuth follows clues to an oddball array of suspects. Armed with nothing but an eye for detail and powers of self-delusion, Marty tangles with gangsters, a cantankerous school secretary, and a perplexing woman he can’t help but fall for. Glitches in his investigation seem like a piece of cake compared to dinner-prep and bedtime stories with his two precocious, pre-teen nieces.

Can Marty catch the culprit, save his sister, and get his life back in order before he gets unplugged?

Uncle and Ants is the first novel in a refreshingly modern mystery series set in Silicon Valley. If you like clever humor, sassy side characters, and average Joes facing extraordinary circumstances, then you’ll love this twisty mystery.

Buy Uncle and Ants to login to a fresh, funny mystery today!

Review


In this first in series, the main character, Marty,bumbles a bit with real problems and family challenges. On the plus side, he is able to use humor, sometimes silly, to get him through. And sometimes, he gets through by sheer luck.  He never planned on being an amateur sleuth, but he's determine to to find out who killed his sister.

With Uncle and Ants, Jedel manages to intertwine humor with the sometimes obtuse techie environ of the Silicon valley. Marty isn't the typical hero and the villain isn't the obvious perp. With humor and bumbling, the story has unique twists and a steady pace. If you're looking for something different in a cozy mystery, you'll want to keep your eye on this new series.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

About the Author

In my family, I was born first — a fact my sister never lets me forget, no matter what milestone age she hits.

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 the evolving, quirky sibling relationship in Uncle and Ants: A Silicon Valley Mystery.

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.
My family and friends would tell you that Marty's character isn't much of a stretch of the imagination for me, but I proudly resemble that remark.

Author Links - Website - http://www.marcjedel.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarcJedel.Author

Purchase Link
Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway


TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 5 – Mallory Heart's Cozies – REVIEW

November 6 – Babs Book Bistro – GUEST POST

November 6 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 7 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

November 8 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

November 8 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 9 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 10 – My Reading Journeys - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 10 – Mysteries with Character – GUEST POST

November 11 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

November 12 – Readeropolis – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

November 13 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

November 14 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

November 15 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 16 – Jane Reads - REVIEW, GUEST POST

November 17 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

November 18 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW


Thursday, November 15, 2018

Blog Tour & Review: PAST CRIMES by Lauren Carr


Synopsis

It’s a bittersweet reunion for Mac Faraday when members of his former homicide squad arrive at the Spencer Inn. While it is sweet to attend the wedding of a late colleague’s daughter, it is a bitter reminder that the mother of the bride had been the victim of a double homicide.

The brutal slaying weighing heavy on his mind, Mac is anxious to explore every avenue for a break in the cold case—even a suggestion from disgraced former detective Louis Gannon that one of their former friends is the killer.

When the investigator is brutally slain, Mac Faraday rips open the cold case with a ruthless determination to reveal which of his friends is a cold-blooded murderer.





Review

The little girl he made a promise to so many years ago is getting married and Mac hopes to finally fulfill his promise.  His half brother David is dealing with another crisis, and trying to support Mac at the same time. There are lots of suspects, all of them with means, and many with motive. The problem facing Mac is that the body count rises, and along with that the tension and need to identify the killer or killers before more people are killed.

The pace is quick and the tension is palpable. There's the usual crew, headed by Mac, Archie, David, and Gnarly, along with all the guests for the wedding. Although this is part of a series, there is enough information for both the returning characters and the new characters to guess at who the killer is, but be prepared to be wrong. This is a great series and Carr continues to weave a great tale with unique characters. 

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

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Meet the Author:

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Now, Lauren has added one more hit series to her list with the Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries. Set in the quaint West Virginia town of Harpers Ferry, Ice introduces Chris Matheson, a retired FBI agent, who joins forces with other law enforcement retirees to heat up those cold cases that keep them up at night.
Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.

​Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, and three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

​Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram
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Sunday, November 11, 2018

Blog Tour and Review: A DIFFERENT KIND OF REUNION (A Gilda Greco Mystery) by Joanne Guidoccio

About the Book

While not usually a big deal, one overlooked email would haunt teacher Gilda Greco. Had she read it, former student Sarah McHenry might still be alive.

Suspecting foul play, Constable Leo Mulligan plays on Gilda’s guilt and persuades her to participate in a sĂ©ance facilitated by one of Canada’s best-known psychics. Six former students also agree to participate. At first cooperative and willing, their camaraderie is short-lived as old grudges and rivalries emerge. The sĂ©ance is a bust.

Determined to solve Sarah’s murder, Gilda launches her own investigation and uncovers shocking revelations that could put several lives—including her own—in danger. Can Gilda and the psychic solve this case before the killer strikes again?


Review

This was a fun read as Gilda returns to the small town where she spent 7 months teaching and impacted on the lives of at least a small group of them. Several years later, she is contacted by Sarah, who is then found dead. The flirty Constable believes she died at the hand of one of the others in that group. He asks Gilda to come and has Cassandra, one of the other students Gilda taught, to help using her psychic powers.

This was well-written and had a quick pace. The discussion of alpha and beta men (and women) was interesting as was the reflection on how individuals change from 8th grade to adulthood. The killer was not obvious, though the conclusion made sense. I enjoy reading this series and Gilda and each can be read as a stand alone mystery. If you enjoy a cozy mystery, with only a slight paranormal bent, you'll enjoy this one. 

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

About the Author


In 2008, Joanne Guidoccio took advantage of early retirement and decided to launch a second career that would tap into her creative side and utilize her well-honed organizational skills. Slowly, a writing practice emerged. Her articles and book reviews have been published in newspapers, magazines, and online. When she tried her hand at fiction, she made reinvention a recurring theme in her novels and short stories. A member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and Romance Writers of America, Joanne writes cozy mysteries, paranormal romance, and inspirational literature from her home base of Guelph, Ontario.

Where to find Joanne...

Website: http://joanneguidoccio.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joanneguidoccio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanneguidoccio
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanneguidoccio
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jguidoccio/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7277706.Joanne_Guidoccio

Buy links:

Amazon (Canada)  Amazon (United States)    Kobo   Indigo   Barnes & Noble    iTunes   The Wild Rose Press

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 30 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT

October 29 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 29 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT

October 31 – A Holland Reads – CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 1 - Mallory Heart's Cozies - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 1 - My Reading Journeys – SPOTLIGHT

November 2 - Readeropolis – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 2 - Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW

November 2 – Rosepoint Publishing – SPOTLIGHT

November 3 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST

November 3 – Varietats – REVIEW  

November 4 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 5 – Island Confidential – GUEST POST

November 5 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW

November 6 – Jane Reads – GUEST POST

November 7 – MJB Reviewers – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 8 – Laura's Interests – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

November 8 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

November 9 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 10 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 11 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 11 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW