BLOG TOUR: NUN TOO SOON by Alice Loweecey

Synopsis:
Giulia Falcone-Driscoll has just taken on her first impossible client: The Silk Tie Killer. He’s hired Driscoll Investigations to prove his innocence and they have only thirteen days to accomplish it. Talk about being tried in the media. Everyone in town is sure Roger Fitch strangled his girlfriend with one of his silk neckties. And then there’s the local TMZ wannabes—The Scoop—stalking Giulia and her client for sleazy sound bites.

On top of all that, her assistant’s first baby is due any second, her scary smart admin still doesn’t relate well to humans, and her police detective husband insists her client is guilty. About this marriage thing—it’s unknown territory, but it sure beats ten years of living with 150 nuns.

Giulia’s ownership of Driscoll Investigations hasn’t changed her passion for justice from her convent years. But the more dirt she digs up, the more she’s worried her efforts will help a murderer escape. As the client accuses DI of dragging its heels on purpose, Giulia thinks The Silk Tie Killer might be choosing one of his ties for her own neck.

My Review:

Giulia has personality and a sense of justice that seems to bend to meet her needs and makes her life - at home and at DI - interesting. She takes the Silk Tie Killer Case but isn't too sure the accused isn't guilty. As she delves into the case, she begins to wonder a bit about his charismatic attorney as well. Her great memory serves her well as does her ability to keep silent from her convent days. But can she establish who the killer or killers are in time to save her own neck? Her husband, Frank, is back on the police force and this case is his too, so his viewpoint (and concerns) are shared in Giulia's personal life. Well written, with unique characters, more than a touch of humor, and suspense, NUN TOO SOON is a great read. I may have to back up and read the other books by Loweecey now that I have a taste of Giulia.

About the Author:

Baker of brownies and tormenter of characters, Alice Loweecey recently celebrated her thirtieth year outside the convent. She grew up watching Hammer Horror and Scooby-Doo Mysteries, which might explain a whole lot. When she’s not creating trouble for Giulia Falcone-Driscoll, she can be found growing her own vegetables (in summer) and cooking with them (the rest of the year).

Author Links:

Website: www.aliceloweecey.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alice.loweecey

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AliceLoweecey

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4166880.Alice_Loweecey

Purchase Link:
Amazon
a Rafflecopter giveaway

NEW RELEASE! THINK MURDER by Cassidy Salem

Synopsis (from Amazon)

Discovering the body of a friend and colleague was not what Adina Donati had in mind when she moved to Washington D.C. in search of excitement. An administrative assistant at a prestigious think tank, Adina is drawn into the middle of the murder investigation. The police don’t seem to be making much progress until Adina stumbles onto important clues and discovers just how dangerous life in the nation’s capitol can be.

"I could not stop reading and was disappointed that I had finished it; I wanted more. Salem captured what I call a classic detective/mystery case and I place this up there with other novels written by Agatha Christie, Henry Christopher Bailey, and Patricia Cornwell."


"This story was positively captivating. I couldn't put it down. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time."

Review

For a first mystery novel, Salem is off to a great start! Set in Washington DC at a think tank, the first things that come to mind are political scandal or theft of intellectual property, but this is much more subtle. Adina's friend, Hilary, is a research assistant working on a project when she is murdered. She's also an avid amateur photographer.  Adina is assigned to finish the project and deals with a cantankerous boss on the project. There are some questions about the project, a contact who seems a bit odd not to mention the new guy at the animal shelter. . . Are they all connected to the murder? the project? or just coincidence?  Did she snap a picture of the wrong person?

Salem has a well-developed plot. It's well-written, with enough tension to keep the pages turning. Adina is a strong, intelligent woman that has depth and doubts that make her human. Besides she loves dogs. There's a hint of possible romance that is left hanging at the end. I only hope there is a sequel. It will definitely be added to the TBR pile (near the top!).

About the Author

Cassidy Salem has always been an avid reader. She is especially fond of mysteries and historical fiction. When she's not reading, she enjoys music and spending time with family and friends, and travels with her husband and son whenever possible.

Contact Cassidy:

Twitter: @CSalem11

Blog: https://cassidysalem.wordpress.com/

Also on Facebook and Goodreads

Purchase link: AMAZON

BLOG TOUR FOR MURDER IN THE ARBORETUM JAN 5-15

 

What a great way to start off the New Year!  Great Escapes has planned a wonderful blog tour for MURDER IN THE ARBORETUM!  Complete with a rafflecopter giveaway!  As I look at the schedule, there are some wonderful bloggers/blogs lined up.  Be sure to check out the other reviews and news on their sites.  The schedule follows:

Tour Participants

January 5 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review, Interview

January 6 – Community Bookstop – Review

January 7 – Back Porchervations – Review

January 7 - readalot – Review

January 8 – The Gal in the Blue Mask – Review

January 9 – Books-n-Kisses – Review

January 10 – off

January 11 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Interview

January 12 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – Review

January 13 – deal sharing aunt – Interview

January 14 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – Review

January 15 – Omnimystery News Interview

And don't forget the rafflecopter giveaway - on every blog, but you can also get there through the main tour page: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/02887792108/

BOOK REVIEW: MAYHEM IN CHRISTMAS RIVER by Meg Muldoon

Synopsis (from Amazon):
It’s July in Christmas River, and the temperature isn't the only thing flaring out of control.
After a fire destroys her best friend’s ornament shop, pie baker extraordinaire Cinnamon Peters soon discovers that the blaze was no accident. Just days before the annual Christmas River in July Parade and Play, it becomes clear that a maniac is roaming the tourist-packed streets of Christmas River. And he’s got a flair for the dramatic.
Will Cinnamon and her sheriff's deputy boyfriend find out who’s behind the blaze before the rest of the town goes up in flames?

Review

This is the second in the Christmas River series (sequel to MURDER IN CHRISTMAS RIVER), but can be read alone.  Cinnamon owns a pie shop, lives with her wise grandfather Warren, and is dating Daniel who wants Cinnamon to stay out of the Play and not get involved in the arson investigation.  This is especially true when it seems like the arsonist is targeting the businesses of the women in the play. But Cinnamon wants to do something to bring the arsonist down as a way to avenge her friend Kara who is the first victim.  Kara's also the only reason Cinnamon is in the play - she takes over as Mrs. Claus when Kara's shop goes up in smoke. Her involvement in the arson isn't the only tension between Daniel and Cinnamon though.  She has major trust issues she hasn't come to terms with as yet. There are multiple twists and turns to the unfolding mystery and the solution is not obvious, but believable.  Enjoyable read that kept my interest.  

The main characters are well-developed with tension and romance that makes sense for the context, including the old sheriff who has a penchant for Cinnamon's pecan pie. As said, this can be read as a stand alone, but to appreciate the relationships and romantic tension, I'd recommend reading the MURDER IN CHRISTMAS RIVER first.  The other books in the series are: MADNESS IN CHRISTMAS RIVER and MALICE IN CHRISTMAS RIVER. I've added these to my very large TBR pile.  November saw the release of ROASTED IN CHRISTMAS RIVER: A Thanksgiving Cozy Mystery Novella. Meg Muldoon is also the author of the Cozy Matchmaker Mystery Series (see 9/18/2014 review of BURNED IN BROKEN HEARTS JUNCTION).

AMAZON

Book Review: UNBELIEVABLE (A Cassie Baxter Mystery Book 1) by Cindy Blackburn

Synopsis: 
Small sleuth, tiny town, unfailing fun. Welcome to Lake Elizabeth, Vermont, where the water is blue, the mountains are green, and Cassie Baxter is going nuts. Who wouldn’t go nuts in a town this size? What possessed Cassie to move in with her father? And why do they have to live next door to a mad scientist? A sexy mad scientist. Does such a thing even exist? And speaking of existing, what happened to the dead redhead? You know, the one Cassie found, and then lost? What’s up with that? Cassie Baxter intends to find out. Read Unbelievable and you will, too. The Cassie Baxter Mysteries: They’re not Cue Balls, but they are screw balls.

Review:
Saving money is one thing, but Cassie discovers that her father gets up early, and wants her to join him for breakfast, and for bingo, and may be doing a bit of matchmaking besides. Her usual escape is to take the kayak out on the lake for some alone time but this one morning that plan backfires when she finds a dead body. Nobody takes her too seriously when she reports it - after all she doesn't have a good explanation for kayaking in the early morning hours in her pajamas. Gabe says he'll look into it, but Cassie can't help but wonder which of her neighbors is a murderer and tries to figure it out for herself. 

From the quirky characters to the unusual witnesses (two goats and a dog), UNBELIEVABLE is definitely light, fun reading! But that doesn't mean there aren't mysterious twists and multiple suspects that keep you guessing. It's not easy to predict what's coming next or how all the pieces will fit together. This is a new series and it will be interesting to see what happens with Cassie and Joe and some of the other characters in future books.  

AMAZON

Blog Tour: MURDER THE TEY WAY (A Golden Age of Mystery Book Club Mystery) by Marilyn Levinson

Synopsis
Professor Lexie Driscoll is leading a Golden Age of Mystery book club discussion of Josephine Tey’s novels, when her sister arrives in a state of agitation. The sisters aren’t close, and Lexie wonders why Gayle has driven from Utah to Long Island to stay with her. The following morning, Gayle awakens Lexie to say there’s a dead man lying in her backyard. Gayle confesses she’s on the run because she witnessed a murder and the murderer is out to get her. Gayle takes off after begging Lexie not to tell the police she’s been there. This presents a problem because Lexie’s boyfriend, homicide detective Brian Donovan, is initially put in charge of the investigation. The murder victim turns out to be a minor criminal suspected of having burgled several homes in the area. Lexie wonders if her sister killed the man, believing he was sent to kill her.  

Lexie and her friend Joy Lincoln, a former FBI agent and now a stay-at-home mom, soon discover that all of the book club members either have secrets or are in situations involving the wrong side of the law. An older couple, Marge and Evan Billings, are at the mercy of the criminals they’ve hired to extricate their young granddaughter from Peru. Tim Draigon has lost his attorney’s license for illegal activities. He and Sadie Lu, a guidance counselor, owe money and have borrowed large sums from money lenders connected to the murdered man. Lexie’s neighbors, the Roberts sisters, are strange birds. Corinne dominates her slow sister, Felicity, and berates Lexie whenever she comes to Felicity’s aid. And who is this Johnny Scarvino Felicity fears? Another club member is murdered, one is knocked unconscious, and old and new secrets impact the lives of the members of the book club. Lexie must find the murderer before more lives are destroyed.

Review

Lexie continues with the book club introduced in MURDER A LA CHRISTIE, with a book this time by Tey. Lexie’s sister Gayle shows up, sure that someone is after her. Then there’s the man found dead in her backyard. Is he the one chasing after Gayle? Did Gayle kill him? There are some conflicts amidst the book club members, all of whom have secrets, and then one is murdered. Lexie has to wrestle with her own loyalties, including her relationships with Brian and her good friend Joy. With many twists and turns, the story moves along well. The characters and conflicts are well developed. The possible suspects are many and this makes it difficult to solve the mysteries before Levinson is ready.  A good read for sure. Although the second in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone without any problem. I'm looking forward to the next in the series!

About the Author
A former Spanish teacher, Marilyn Levinson writes mysteries, romantic suspense, and books for kids. Her latest mystery, Murder a la Christie, is out with Oak Tree Press. Untreed Reads has brought out new e-editions of her Twin Lakes mysteries: A Murderer Among Us, awarded a Suspense Magazine Best Indie, and Murder in the Air. Uncial Press e-publishes her ghost mystery, Giving Up the Ghost, and her romantic suspense, Dangerous Relations. All of Marilyn’s mysteries take place on Long Island, where she lives. Her books for young readers include No Boys Allowed; Rufus and Magic Run Amok, which was awarded a Children’s Choice; Getting Back to Normal, & And Don’t Bring Jeremy. Marilyn loves traveling, reading, knitting, doing Sudoku, and visiting with her granddaughter, Olivia, on FaceTime. She is co-founder and past president of the Long Island chapter of Sisters in Crime. 

Author Links

Webpage: http://www.marilynlevinson.com

Blog: Makeminemystery the first and third Monday of every month.

http://makeminemystery.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marilyn.levinson.10?ref=ts&fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarilynLevinson

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/161602.Marilyn_Levinson

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

Purchase Links:
Amazon B&N

a Rafflecopter giveaway

COUNTDOWN DEAL!!!! November 20-24!

Each year, the hype for Black Friday and holiday shopping seems to move earlier and earlier. Did you notice the Christmas decorations before Halloween this year?  When I was growing up Thanksgiving marked the beginning of the holiday season.  It was when the family got together for Thanksgiving - sometimes traveling to be there - and all could participate in the decorating.  Back then, the retail stores stayed closed until normal hours on Friday morning.  I worked part-time in retail, and Black Friday was a boom for business but hell for the sales personnel!  That part hasn't changed.  Having worked a few Black Fridays in my life, I tend to avoid the whole scene. The crowds are too big, the deals not quite as good as they sound, and no, standing in line for hours to get the "limited quantity" of the one item I might want just doesn't thrill me.

My preference?  Take it easy, relax, and bake cookies!  And, of course, curl up with a good book against the backdrop of the Thanksgiving weekend football games and holiday specials.   Care to join me?


November 20th - 24th, MURDER IN THE ARBORETUM will be on sale for $0.99!  Grab it and when you need to wind down after the holiday stress, curl up and follow Sheridan as she tries to solve the murder of Justin Blake.  He's not a student. He's not a faculty member. He doesn't live in Cold Creek.  Why is he in the Arboretum and why did someone kill him? As tensions rise, Sheridan takes a lead and becomes a target herself.

One more thing:  I avoided it as long as possible, but I now have a twitter account!  @ChristaN7777  

Blog Tour: HANDCUFFS AND HIGH HEELS by J. M. Edwards

Synopsis:
Meet Ruby Wisdom. Smart and sensible. Humorous and heroic. Tough and tender. As the only private investigator in tiny Wormwood, New York, Ruby handles a wide range of cases—everything from jewel heists and cheating husbands to stolen wedding gowns, kidnapped artwork and fraudulent heirs.

In HANDCUFFS & HIGH HEELS, Ruby is hired by the wife of a millionaire when the woman suspects her husband is having an affair. And he is—several of them. But when Ruby begins connecting the duplicitous dots, the deceitful spouse ends up in a much more difficult dilemma than being caught with his hands in Cookie’s jar. And that’s when the real investigation begins.

HANDCUFFS & HIGH HEELS is a cozy mystery loaded with humor, romance, memorable characters and a sleuth who knows her way around baked goods and sweet treats as well as crime scenes and tricky investigations.

Review:

HANDCUFFS & HIGH HEELS is the first in what will likely become a popular series featuring business executive turned PI, Ruby Wisdom.  Ruby's case includes aspects of small town, a cheating husband, Hello Dolly tattoos by Blaze, the expected police-PI interaction, and of course the real mystery that goes beyond Tripp's infidelity. There are lots of twists and turns to unravel, but the story moves at a steady pace.  

It looks like the second in the series, DEATH BY DONUT is already out.  Welcome JM Edwards to a growing group of cozy mystery authors!

About J M Edwards:
J.M. Edwards loves crime. But only when it’s fictional. A lifelong fan of mystery novels, police procedurals and thrillers, J.M. has worked as a copywriter, bartender, dog walker and newspaper reporter. When it comes to reading, she has a few favorites (Robert B. Parker, Sue Grafton, Dashiell Hammett, Robert B. Parker, Lee Child), but always enjoys learning about new authors to add to the TBR pile. In addition to writing the new Ruby Wisdom cozy mystery series, J.M. spends time gardening, traveling, spoiling a small herd of cats and dogs, doing volunteer work and taking the occasional nap.

Author Links
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22854772-handcuffs-high-heels?ac=1

Purchase Links
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
KOBO

APPLE

Tour Participants
October 21 – Christa Reads and Writes – Review
October 22 – Chloe Gets A Clue – Interview
October 23 – Lilac Reviews – Guest Post
October 24 – deal sharing aunt – Interview
October 25 – A Blue Million Books – Guest Post
October 26 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Interview
October 27 – Back Porchervations – Review
October 28 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Review
October 29 – Michele Lynn Seigfried’s Blog – Guest Post
October 30 – readalot blog – Review
October 31 – Kelly P’s Blog – Guest Post
November 1 – dru’s book musings – Guest Post
November 2 – Brooke Blogs – Review, Guest Post
November 2 – OmniMystery News – Interview

Giveaway  --  Leave a comment to be entered to receive a free e-book (format of your choice) and check back after the tour!  Be sure to check out the other stops on the tour as well!

AMAZON COUNTDOWN DEAL!!!! 9/15-9/19

Just a quick note to let you know that in celebration of the release of MURDER IN THE ARBORETUM (Cold Creek #2) earlier this month, MURDER AT COLD CREEK COLLEGE  (Cold Creek #1) will be on sale (Amazon Countdown Deal) beginning 9/15 through the morning of 9/19! Now's your chance to pick up the first one in the series (with hints of the second)!

In MURDER AT COLD CREEK COLLEGE, a faculty member, Adam Millberg, is murdered.  Who killed him?  Sheridan Hendley is a professor and psychologist.  She gets pulled into the investigation to help the State Police Detective.  She’s not a sleuth, but when her best friend becomes the prime suspect, Sheridan is motivated to help prove Kim isn’t guilty.  As she finds out more about Adam, she finds that many have a motive.  Slashed tires are the first sign that Sheridan may be asking all the right questions.  Now she's in danger.

AMAZON

Overall, I am pleased with the sales and reviews so far for MURDER IN THE ARBORETUM. Another murder in small town Cold Creek has tensions rising. Clive Johnson, the groundskeeper at Cold Creek College, is a convenient scapegoat for a police chief who seeks an easy solution. Convinced Chief Pfeiffe has it all wrong, professor and psychologist Sheridan Hendley sets out to help prove Clive's innocence. But not everyone is pleased by her enthusiastic search for the truth. Just as her life is looking up personally, it looks like she might be the next victim.  Many of the same characters return, but you could easily read these out of order. 

AMAZON

Book Review: BURIED IN CLUTTER (Tina Tales Mysteries Book #2) by Jan Christensen

Synopsis (from AMAZON):
Someone screams inside the old, neglected Victorian house next door, and Tina Shaw runs to find out what’s wrong. A woman bursts out the door saying her aunt is dead. Murdered. Tina notices that the hallway is piled high with cartons. Later when the woman begs her to help clean up the house, Tina hesitates. She’s just begun a career as a professional organizer, though, and her hands itch to start on a new job.

As Tina sifts through the clutter, she finds clues the murdered woman left behind. She learns the woman was rich, and all her relatives are suspects. But when the will is read, Tina and her family also become suspects. After her mother is arrested, Tina begins investigating in earnest with the help of her boyfriend, Hank (the Hunk). Will she find out who the killer is before her own life is put in danger? 

Review
Tina is making a career change and leaving behind psychology practice to help people organize their lives. Once again, she takes on the job of de-cluttering the house of a hoarder.  But this time, a focus is on finding the clues to solve the murder of the strange neighbor whose cookies she remembers.  And this time, she and her family members are suspects.  As she sorts and boxes, she is watched by Mickey, a policeman, while other members of the force and Hank work on other parts of the house.  She discovers a scam and a couple obviously preying on the older woman's sympathies for their own means.  Hank is concerned for her safety and she keeps stumbling on family secrets. Where will it all lead? 

I enjoyed reading more about Tina and her internal professional conflicts, family dynamics, and, yes, the budding romance.  Christensen keeps you guessing until the end but the ending makes perfect sense.  Stayed up a little too late to finish this one - a sign of good book!  I hope there is a book #3!

This is the second in the Tina Tales series.  ORGANIZED TO DEATH was reviewed on this blog on May 12, 2014.  

AMAZON