Book Review: DEATH ON A DEADLINE (A Homefront News Mystery Book 2) by Joyce St. Anthony

 

Synopsis

As World War II rages in Europe and the Pacific, the small town of Progress is doing its part for the soldiers in the field with a war bond drive at the annual county fair. Town gossip Ava Dempsey rumors that Clark Gable will be among the participating stars. Instead of Gable, the headliner is Freddie Harrison, a B-movie star. When Freddie turns up dead in the dunk tank, Irene Ingram, editor-in-chief of The Progress Herald, starts chasing the real headline.

There are plenty of suspects and little evidence. Ava’s sister Angel, who was married to the dead actor, is the most obvious. The couple had argued about his affair with the young starlet Belinda Fox, and Angel was the last person to see Freddie alive.

Irene discovers there’s more than one person who might have wanted Freddie dead. As Irene draws on her well-honed reporter’s instincts to find the killer—nothing is what it seems in Progress, and now her own deadline could be right around the corner.

Review

This is the second in A Homefront News Mystery series, featuring Irene Ingram as editor of the Progress, PA newspaper. It's time for the town fair and the goal this time is to sell war bonds to support the war effort. To add a push to the effort, celebrities are expected. Only instead of Clark Gable, it's a B-movie actor, who's married to one of Progress' own, Angel. When Freddie is killed, Angel is the prime suspect. Irene investigates and passes on the information she gathers to the Chief of police, her father-in-law. 

As with the first in the series, St. Anthony infuses the historical context into the mystery with references to the issues facing those who remain at home and those fighting the battles overseas. Her depiction of her characters is true to form, with Irene a strong lead at a time when women took on jobs previously reserved for men. Although the second in the series, this can easily be read as a stand alone.

For those who enjoy historical cozy mysteries, this should be a "must read." With engaging characters, the historical backdrop, and the home town feel, this will appeal to cozy mystery fans.

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

Joyce St. Anthony was a police secretary for ten years and more than once envisioned the demise of certain co-workers, but settled on writing as a way to keep herself out of jail. In addition to the Homefront News Mysteries, she is the author of the Brewing Trouble Mysteries and the upcoming Cider House Mysteries written under her own name, Joyce Tremel. She lives in the beautiful Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania with her husband.

Author Links 

http://www.joycetremel.com

https://www.facebook.com/JoyceTremel

https://twitter.com/JoyceTremel 

Purchase Links 

Amazon - B&N - Kobo - Penguin Random House 

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Blog Tour and Book Review: WRONG SIDE OF MURDER - A Nikki Bryant Cozy Mystery Book 2 by Lauren Carr

The Wrong Side of Murder is another wonderful cozy mystery by author Lauren Carr. It has all the elements that draw me in - an intelligent female lead, an equally smart boyfriend who partners to help her, a complicated plot where clues are slowly revealed, people who aren't what they seem to be, comedic moments to balance the darker ones, and several quirky pets full of personality.  

It's a wonderful book to escape into at the end of the day. And get ready to read into the wee hours as, if you're like me, you won't be able to stop reading until the mystery is revealed.  - Marilyn R. Wilson, Olio by Marilyn

Nikki's an intense individual who makes the perfect investigative journalist. She wants answers yesterday and she is willing to dig in to get them. She might get it wrong at the beginning but with the help of her family and close friends, she'll get the answers she wants and needs. – review by Blooming with Books

Book Description:

Nikki Bryant’s Next Case Takes Her to the Wrong Side of Murder

One spring morning, Jodi Gibbons got up and went to school as she did every day. Her young life went sideways though when the police found that her mother had been brutally killed during the night.

Twenty years later, many in Pine Grove believe Jodi got away with murder. After all, how could she have possibly slept through her mother’s violent death in the very next room?

After decades of silence, Jodi accepts investigative journalist Nikki Bryant’s invitation to tell her side of the story. However, before the interview can take place, someone silences Jodi permanently.

Now it is up to Nikki Bryant and her friends to uncover the secret that Jodi Gibbons has been protecting—a secret someone believes is worth killing to keep from being revealed.

Review

Nikki Bryant hasn't seen many of the people she went to school with in several years and is still adjusting to being back in her small home town. She doesn't remember much about when Jodi's mother was killed, but Jodi reminds her when they run into each other. Nikki's curious and looks into the still unsolved murder, officially at least. She wonders what secret Jodi is hiding that could clear her of the beliefs that still prevail. When Jodi is killed, Nikki is determined to clear her name and uncover the secrets that would have implicated the killer.

Once again, Lauren Carr spins a story filled with feelings, intrigue, humor, and great characters. Nikki is smart and determined, assisted by Ryan. There are twists and turns as Nikki uncovers bits and pieces, leading up to the finale. As the tension rises, it's hard to put this one down. Start early or you'll be up late. I've read most, if not all, of Lauren Carr's books, and this is another winner. 

This is the second in the Nikki Bryant Cozy Mystery series, but can easily be read as a stand alone. Be sure to check out the stops on the blog tour for Killer Deadline, the first in the series. my review of Killer Deadline can be found HERE.

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.

Meet the Author

Selling over half a million books worldwide, Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—thirty titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor. 

The owner of Acorn Book Services and iRead Book Tours, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.  

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 two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. 

Connect with the author: 

website ~ blog ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ twitter ~ pinterest

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Tour Schedule:

Aug 1 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / guest post / giveaway
Aug 1 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 2 – She Just Loves Books – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 3 – Bound 4 Escape – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 3 - Chit Chat with Charity - audiobook review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 4 – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 4 - Cover Lover Book Review – book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 5 - Cover Lover Book Review – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 8 - Review Thick And Thin – book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 8 – Kam's Place – book review of KILLER DEADLINE
Aug 8 - Blooming with Books - audiobook review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 9 – Olio by Marilyn – book series spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Aug 9 – Olio by Marilyn – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 10 – Kam's Place – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER
Aug 10 - Chit Chat with Charity - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 10 - The Momma Spot – book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 11 – Literary Flits – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 11 - Blooming with Books - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 11 - Books for Books - audiobook review of KILLER DEADLINE
Aug 12 - Book Corner News and Reviews - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 15 – Stephanie Jane – book series spotlight / giveaway
Aug 16 – The Momma Spot – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 16 - Books for Books - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER
Aug 17 – Paws.Read.Repeat – audiobook review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 17 - Older & Smarter? – book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 17 – fundinmental – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 17 - Ebook addicts – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 18 – Christa Reads and Writes – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 18 - Pause for Tales – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 19 - Paws.Read.Repeat –book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 19 - Bigreadersite - book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 19 - Older & Smarter? – book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 22 - Review Thick And Thin – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 23 - Splashes of Joy  - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 23 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER
Aug 24 - Splashes of Joy  - book series spotlight / giveaway
Aug 24 – Books Are Love – book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 24 - My Reading Journeys – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 25 - I'm Into Books - book series spotlight / giveaway
Aug 25 – Books Are Love – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 26 - Bigreadersite - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 26 – Books and Zebras – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER
Aug 26 - Adventurous Jessy - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 26 - Reading Excursions - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER

Enter the Giveaway:

THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDR Book Tour Giveaway

Blog Tour and Review: CHARLESTON CONUNDRUM - A Liz Adams Mystery by Stacy Wilder

 

About the Book:

A Cozy Mystery With a Twist...

Liz Adams never imagined when she moved to Charleston with her truth sniffing Labrador retriever, Duke, that she would use her skills as a private investigator to avoid winding up on Death Row. 

 

Liz’s life is upended when her best friend, Peg, is murdered and she becomes a suspect.Liz’s gun was the murder weapon. Tensions flare between Liz and the cops as she rises to the top of their suspect list. 

At the request of Peg’s father, Liz agrees to take on the investigation. Riding a roller coaster of emotions, Liz uncovers many secrets Peg kept from her despite their being best friends. The suspects include a cast of characters: the ex-husband, the boyfriend, a coworker, several neighbors, and family members. 

Charleston Conundrum takes the reader from Charleston, South Carolina, to Paris and back in the emotional unraveling of Peg’s life and death to a killer ending.  

Review:

Liz is in mourning, fighting guilt over giving her friend the gun that killed her, and doubting even her friends. Her mentor in the PI business, Gunner, helps her out with words of encouragement and reminders to not let her relationships with the possible suspects get in her way.  Hard to do for sure.

An engaging cozy mystery, Wilder does a great job of depicting Liz's feelings and thoughts - as a reader you have to like Liz and empathize with her mixed emotions as she uncovers secrets Peg kept from her and the motives for all her suspects. The plot is well-paced and the murder isn't resolved until the end. The delightful setting of Charleston adds to the story - wonderful place. Then there's a quick trip to Paris to meet Peg's secret boyfriend. If you like a good cozy mystery with southern side, you'll enjoy Liz's story and her quick trip to Paris to meet a possible suspect. A great start to what promises to be an enjoyable 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 Stacy Wilder

Stacy writes mysteries, children’s stories, short stories, and poetry. Her debut novel, Charleston Conundrum, is the first in the Conundrum mystery series.

Stacy’s mission is to deliver a delightful story to readers of all ages while benefiting a larger community. She donates a portion of the proceeds from the sales of her books to causes that support wildlife conservation, and the homeless, both people and pets. A portion of the proceeds from Charleston Conundrum are donated to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). 

She and her husband live in Houston, Texas with a totally spoiled Labrador retriever, Eve. As well as writing, Stacy is passionate about her faith, family, Labradors, the causes that she supports, the beach, art, and reading books.

Author Links:

Website - www.storystacy.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilderstacy   

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/authorstacywilder/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j63f0qJdJYE

Purchase Links: 

Amazon - B&N - Google 

Blue Willow Bookshop - 

Murder by the Books 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS:

 

August 15 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT 

August 15 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW 

August 16 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

August 16 – The Mystery Section – SPOTLIGHT WITH RECIPE August 16 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews - REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW 

August 17 – I Read What You Write – GUEST POST 

August 17 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT 

August 17 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT 

August 18 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT WITH RECIPE August 18 – Christy's Cozy Corners – SPOTLIGHT WITH PLAYLIST August 18 – Nellie’s Book Nook – REVIEW 

August 19 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT 

August 19 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

August 20 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT August 20 – Carla Loves To Read - REVIEW, GUEST POST 

August 20 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW 

August 21 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT 

August 21 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT 

August 22 – Books Blog – SPOTLIGHT 

August 22 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT 

August 22 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW 

August 23 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW August 23 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW 

August 23 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

August 24 – BookishKelly2020 - SPOTLIGHT 

August 24 – Reading Is My SuperPower - REVIEW   

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Blog Tour and Book Review: DEATH A SKETCH - A Paint & Shine Mystery by Cheryl Hollon

 

In eastern Kentucky, Miranda Trent runs a unique tour company called Paint & Shine, but sometimes the peaceful mountains play host to murder . . .

 

Miranda’s business—combining Appalachian adventure tours with art and a bit of moonshine—is the perfect place for an outdoor sporting goods company to hold an employee retreat. It’ll be a challenge, but the money they’re paying will definitely help with building her new distillery.

Miranda has lots of teamwork-fostering activities planned, from sketching classes to Southern cooking, but the executive running things prefers a more competitive spirit. In fact, after the workers are split into teams, they’re told that only the winners will keep their jobs, and tensions begin to spike. Even after a participant is found dead, the contest continues—while Miranda starts drawing her own conclusions about the ambitious attendees. Now she just has to find the proof . . .

Review:

Miranda's on a mission - make enough money with her tour company to building her new distillery. Only there's a deadline on that. The combination of great scenery, art, and moonshine for her usual tours isn't enough. Hence her venture into the corporate world with what she envisions as a team-building experience. Unfortunately, the people in charge of the company have very different ideas, pitting the employees against each other. The silver lining is reconnecting with her old friend, Rowena, only Rowena is obviously fearful of losing her job if things don't work out.

If it had been her choice and she didn't need the money, Miranda would have cancelled the mess especially after the murder. Only the people in charge insisted it continue. Unfortunately, the misfortunes continued as well with an interesting cast of suspects. The bright spot is the forest ranger, Austin Morgan, with more than a passing interest in Miranda.

The characters are well-developed, especially Miranda, Austin, and others in the town. The plot played out with twists and turns, and a surprising ending. Hollon has done a great job of combining eco-themes with art and mystery, a cute dog named Sandy, and a budding romance. I look forward to reading more in this series, and have already bought the first one. Although this is the third  in the series, it can easily be read out of order. If you like cozy mysteries with a strong female MC, 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 Cheryl Hollon

Cheryl Hollon now writes full-time after she left an engineering career designing and building military flight simulators in amazing countries such as England, Wales, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, and India. Fulfilling the dream of a lifetime, she combines her love of writing with a passion for oil painting and creating glass art. 

Cheryl and her husband live in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. Visit her online at http://cherylhollon.com, on Facebook or on Twitter @CherylHollon.

Purchase Links Amazon - B&N - Kobo - Google Play - IndieBound - Kensington  

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Blog Tour and Book Review: SHIELDING HER SON (West Investigations) by K.D. Richards

 

About the Book

She thought she’d escaped her past…

Has it caught up with her?

Erika Powell has lived in hiding for years to protect her son from his wealthy, tyrannical grandfather. Wary of strangers, she’s suspicious of James West, who’s renting a neighboring cabin, despite their sizzling chemistry. But when attempts are made on Erika’s life, James fears he may have endangered her—because the undercover PI’s investigation of Erika may have led someone dangerous right to her. 

From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.

Review

James West's job is to verify that Erika is the "lost" daughter-in-law to a wealthy man, now deceased. Only she's "lost" by choice, to protect her son from becoming like his father, and his father before him. She's raising him with good manners and kindness toward others. Although it's been years since she ran away, given the wealth and need for control, she's sure the family will find her in this small town. She's wary of James West, yet attracted to him. His conflict is his job, and loyalty to his brothers, and his attraction to her.

K.D. Richards is a new author to me, and I'm impressed with her writing style and plot. Her main character, Erika is both wary and strong, ready to run if need be, to protect her son. James is a veteran trying to figure out what to do with his life now that he's left the military, helping his brothers at West Investigations as he considers options. As tension rises, the townspeople show support. Although the 4th in the series, this can easily be read as a stand alone mystery. I look forward to reading the earlier books in this 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. 

Discover more action-packed stories in the West Investigations series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following order:

Book 1: Pursuit of the Truth 

Book 2: Missing at Christmas 

Book 3: Christmas Data Breach 

Book 4: Shielding Her Son

About the Author

K.D. Richards was born and raised in the Maryland suburbs just outside of Washington, D.C. A writer since a young age, after college Kia earned a law degree and worked as an attorney and legal instructor for fifteen years but never stopped writing fiction. 

She currently splits her time between Toronto and Maryland with her husband and two sons.

Author Links 

Website  

Facebook  

Instagram  

GoodReads  

Purchase Links 

Harlequin Amazon Kobo B&N  

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Blog Tour and Book Review: DECEIVED (A Kelly Pruitt Mystery #3) by Mary Keliikoa

Synopsis 

In the third thrilling book in the Kelly Pruett mystery series–Her world was falling into place. Then women started dropping off the map. 

PI Kelly Pruett finally feels like she’s coming into her own. With her personal life well on track, a gig uncovering what drove a client’s granddaughter underground could be good for business. But after her undercover operation at the homeless shelter reveals rampant drug dealing, she’s suddenly kicked off the case… just as another girl goes missing. 

Vowing to expose the truth even if it means pro-bono work, Kelly is taken aback when her half-sister helps her hunt down answers in a tent city brimming with distrust. When her investigation doesn’t move quickly enough to save a second woman from a vicious murder, Kelly doubles her efforts unwilling to accept defeat. 

Review 

Kelly Pruitt is trying to establish herself as a PI, as good as her father was, with the compassion of her mother. But she doesn't want to talk about her mother's death. She's thrilled when the highly placed attorney asks her to find out what's going on at the homeless shelter and hopefully find his granddaughter. Only then he decides she needs to stop, only Kelly is worried that his granddaughter and Robin aren't the only ones missing. She's no longer getting paid, but she's determined.

As a main character, Kelly is complex. Over the course of solving the mystery, she comes to terms with a number of issues. The focus on homeless women, including Ruth, who mistakes Kelly for her mother, is well done. The tent community and the loyalty of homeless girls to each other provides a unique setting. The story is well-written, well-paced, and Keliikoa hooks the reader early. I had my suspicions as to the person behind it all, but there are multiple suspects. This is the third in the series. It can be easily read as a standalone. 

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 

Mary Keliikoa is the Shamus finalist and Lefty, Agatha and Anthony nominated author of the PI Kelly Pruett mystery series, and the Misty Pines mystery series featuring former Portland homicide detective turned small-town sheriff. Her short stories have appeared in Woman’s World and in the anthology Peace, Love and Crime. 

A Pacific NW native, she spent years working around lawyers and admits to being that person who gets excited when called for jury duty. When not in Washington, you can find Mary on the beach in Hawaii. But even under the palm trees and blazing sun, she’s plotting her next murder—novel that is. 

Author Links 

Website   

Facebook 

Twitter  

Instagram  

Bookbub  

Goodreads  

Purchase Links 

SIGNED COPIES ARE AVAILABLE THRU VINTAGE BOOKS 

Amazon  –  B&N – Bookshop.org – Apple – Kobo 

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Blog Tour and Book Blast: AN EYRE OF MYSTERY - A Literatia Novel by G. Leeson

 

About An Eyre of Mystery

Classic literature is at risk of disappearing from the world…

When Gia accepts a job as a library archivist at a manor house in North Carolina, she has no idea what she’s in for. On day one, she finds herself outside her comfort zone when she accidentally travels through a magical portal to the world of Jane Eyre. She finds Edward Rochester imprisoned as he awaits his death sentence for killing his wife. But Gia has read the book, and she knows Edward is innocent of murder.

Soon, she realizes that there are sinister mystical forces working to rewrite the narrative, hoping to destroy the manuscript altogether. To restore order and reset the book to its original state, Gia must discover who actually killed Bertha Rochester and framed her husband for the crime.

But few of the people she meets are who they claim to be and they all have secrets...including Edward.

About G. Leeson

Gayle [G. Leeson, for this book] has taken a real leap of faith with An Eyre of Mystery and the world of Literatia. She decided to explore what would happen if a reader--or in this case, an archivist--actually got lost in a great book. But when she travels through the portal into the world Jane Eyre, she finds it to be a topsy-turvy mess. Edward Rochester is facing a death sentence, and Gia has been tasked with finding out who really killed his wife so that Edward can go free, the book will reset to its original form, and Gia may return home. 

If you'd like to get a sample of the book, please check out this extended sneak peek (first five chapters) at https://BookHip.com/SFPWRLD.

Author Links Gayle Leeson: 

Website  

Facebook

FB Reader Group 

Twitter  

Instagram

Purchase Links 

Amazon 

Books2Read 

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Blog Tour and Book Review: MARGARITAS, MAYHEM & MURDER (An Andi Anna Jones Mystery) by Mary Cunningham

 

Synopsis

Andi Anna Jones, so-so travel agent and amateur sleuth, puts aside her resentment of her father's widow and books a sixtieth birthday cruise to Cancun for Ruby and three friends. Never does Andi imagine the cruise will include the murder of a has-been lounge singer—or that Ruby might be the main suspect. 

Flirting with more than danger after arriving in Mexico, Andi connects with charming local sheriff, Manual Gonzales. An embarrassing night involving the sheriff, too many margaritas, and a Mariachi band, can't quell her determination to clear the name of her ex-stepmother.

 
While gathering clues and interviewing witnesses, however, she suspects dear old step-mom isn't the only one in jeopardy.

Review

Andi is not a fan of her step-mother, Ruby, or her sleezy lawyer, but she promised her dad she'd help Ruby. Now she sees Ruby as more than a bit dramatic and impulsive. When Ruby is arrested and held in a jail in Cancun, Andi flies down to straighten things out. The best thing she finds when she arrives is the local sheriff, Manuel Rodriquez. Ruby is another story, more concerned with the ugly orange jumpsuit than the murder charges.

Manuel takes her out for a bite to eat and Andi gets tipsy, but flirts past her embarrassment. Manuel shares the evidence against Ruby and arranges for Andi to board the cruise while it's in dock at its next stop. That in itself is an adventure with a series of twists and turns that necessitate Manuel coming on board and Andi having a harrowing time getting back to Cancun. 

With Ruby released to the hotel, but needing a babysitter, it's no surprise Andi decides her lawyer should be the one to remind Ruby she can't leave the hotel. Andi flies to Las Vegas to chase down a lead with a few more twists and turns. Murphy's Law seems to apply to everything Andi does.

This was a fun, light read and exactly what I needed after a stressful day. Mary Cunningham has created some quirky and interesting characters and uses humorous scenes to keep the story going. This is the first in this series, and I'm sure both Ruby and Manuel will return as Andi returns home. This is my first read by this author, but will not be my last. If you enjoy lighthearted cozy mysteries, 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

Author, Mary Cunningham, grew up on the northern side of the Ohio River in Corydon, Indiana. Her first memories are of her dad's original bedtime stories that no doubt inspired her imagination and love of a well-spun "yarn."

Through the author's horrifying stint as a travel agent, Andi Anna Jones sprang to life. The adult/mystery series gives extra meaning to the phrase, "Write what you know." Cunningham has several books published, including Cynthia's Attic, a five-book middle-grade fantasy, women’s lifestyle/humor book, WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty, Ebooks, Christmas With Daisy and Ghost Light. A biography of an army brat, turned UConn and WNBA basketball player, will be published in the spring of 2022.

She is a member of Sisters In Crime, Sisters In Crime-Atlanta Chapter, International Thriller Writers, Inc., and the Carrollton Writers Guild.

When she gives her fingers a break from the keyboard, Mary enjoys golf, swimming, and exploring the mountains of West Georgia where she makes her home with her husband and adopted, four-legged, furry daughter, Lucy.

Author Links

• Website: http://www.marycunninghambooks.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marycunninghambooks
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/MaryCunningham
• Amazon Author Page: com: Mary Cunningham: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle
• Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/author/show/367223.Mary_Cunningham
• GoodReads Link - Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder by Mary Cunningham | Goodreads

Purchase Links 

Amazon 

B&N   

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Blog Tour Cover Reveal: MURDER IS NO PICNIC (A Cape Cod Foodie Mystery) by Amy Pershing

Murder Is No Picnic (A Cape Cod Foodie Mystery) by Amy Pershing

COMING JUNE 7, 2022

When a celebrity chef is found dead,

                     

Samantha Barnes, the "Cape Cod Foodie,"

           finds her search for the world's best blueberry buckle

               

turning into a search for a killer . . .

                           

READY!

                              

SET!!

                                 

REVEAL!!!

Murder Is No Picnic (A Cape Cod Foodie Mystery)

Cozy Mystery 3rd in Series Setting – Cape Cod, Massachusetts Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (June 7, 2022) 

Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 336 pages 

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593199189 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593199183 Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09K66BGZF

The Fourth of July is coming, and for professional food lover Samantha Barnes, it’s all about the picnic. Okay, and the fireworks. And the parade. But mostly the picnic. What could be better than a DIY clambake followed by the best blueberry buckle in the world? Sam has finally found the perfect recipe in the kitchen of Clara Foster, famed cookbook author and retired restaurateur, and she’s thrilled when Clara agrees to a buckle baking lesson.

But when Clara dies in a house fire blamed on carelessness in the kitchen, Sam doesn’t believe it. Unfortunately, her doubts set in motion an investigation pointing to the new owner of Clara’s legendary restaurant—and a cousin of Sam’s harbormaster boyfriend. So, in between researching the Cape’s best lobster rolls and planning her clambake, Sam needs to find Clara's killer before the fireworks really start....

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Amy Pershing, who spent every summer of her childhood on Cape Cod, was an editor, a restaurant reviewer and a journalist before leading employee communications at a global bank. A few years ago she waved goodbye to Wall Street to write full time. Murder Is No Picnic is the third of the Cape Cod Foodie mysteries featuring Samantha Barnes, a disgraced but resilient ex-chef who retreats home to Cape Cod where she finds herself juggling a new job as the local paper’s “Cape Cod Foodie,” a complicated love life, a posse of just-slightly-odd friends, a falling-down house, a ginormous dog and a propensity for falling over dead bodies. 

Elizabeth Gilbert called the first book in the series, A Side of Murder, “the freshest, funniest mystery I have ever read,” and Kirkus Reviews gave the second book, An Eggnog to Die For, a starred review, saying, “A delightful sleuth, a complex mystery, and lovingly described cuisine: a winner for both foodies and mystery mavens.”

Website: AmyPershingAuthor.com 

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Blog Tour and Book Review: FRONT PAGE MURDER (A Homefront News Mystery) by Joyce St. Anthony

Synopsis: ‎

In this World War II-era historical mystery series debut by Joyce St. Anthony, small-town editor Irene Ingram has a nose for news and an eye for clues.

Irene Ingram has written for her father’s newspaper, the Progress Herald, ever since she could grasp a pencil. Now she’s editor in chief, which doesn’t sit well with the men in the newsroom. But proving her journalistic bona fides is the least of Irene’s worries when crime reporter Moe Bauer, on the heels of a hot tip, turns up dead at the foot of his cellar stairs.

An accident? That’s what Police Chief Walt Turner thinks, and Irene is inclined to agree until she finds the note Moe discreetly left on her desk. He was on to a big story, he wrote. The robbery she’d assigned him to cover at Markowicz Hardware turned out to be something far more devious. A Jewish store owner in a small, provincial town, Sam Markowicz received a terrifying message from a stranger. Moe suspected that Sam is being threatened not only for who he is…but for what he knows. 

Tenacious Irene senses there’s more to the Markowicz story, which she is all but certain led to Moe’s murder. When she’s not filling up column inches with the usual small-town fare—locals in uniform, victory gardens, and scrap drives—she and her best friend, scrappy secretary Peggy Reardon, search for clues. If they can find the killer, it’ll be a scoop to stop the presses. But if they can’t, Irene and Peggy may face an all-too-literal deadline.

Review

The setting is World War II era, with limited supplies, women taking jobs in the work force as men are called to war, and German sympathizers. Irene Ingram's father goes off to the Pacific as a journalist and she takes over the local paper. Some are not to happy about it, especially her cousin, Donny, and even her mother. St. Anthony captured the tensions and conflicts that ultimately changed social norms for women. 

One part of Irene's job is keeping up with the local manufacturing plant producing bolts and other parts for the war effort. She also covers the Freedom Garden and metal scraps efforts. When anti-semitism rears its head, she sends Moe Bauer to meet with the victim. The next she sees Moe, he's dead. She doesn't believe it was an accident. 

Determined to prove it wasn't an accident, she goes after information, most leading to back to the plant. A boarder who works at the plant, Katherine, and Irene's best friend, Peggy, gather information. Headstrong and determined, Irene's actions place her in danger.

St. Anthony's research on the era is evident, even in the dialogue and attitudes of many. The plot is interesting and Moe's "big story" fits the time and place. Irene is a strong protagonist. Although the pace is slow, those who enjoy historical cozies will not be disappointed.

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

Joyce was a police secretary for ten years and more than once envisioned the demise of certain co-workers, but settled on writing as a way to keep herself out of jail. As Joyce St. Anthony, she is the author of the Homefront News Mysteries. 

The first in the series, Front Page Murder, was,  released on March 8, 2022. Under her own name--Joyce Tremel--she wrote the award winning Brewing Trouble cozy mystery series. She is a native Pittsburgher and lives in the beautiful Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania with her husband and two cats--Hops and Lager.

Author Links 

Website http://www.joycetremel.com 

Website http://www.joycestanthony.com 

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Twitter https://twitter.com/JoyceTremel 

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