Mary Daheim’s Clam Wake: On Tour {+ Giveaway}

I’m delighted to be a participant in author Mary Daheim’s Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tour for her latest release, CLAM WAKE, installment #29 in her Bed and Breakfast series.

I’m sharing my thoughts on this delightful cozy murder mystery. In addition, thanks to Mary and the lovely folks at Partners in Crime, I have a print copy of CLAM WAKE to giveaway. Please see the end of the post for more details.

First let me share a bit of background on the author.

Seattle native Mary Richardson Daheim lives three miles from the house where she was raised. From her dining nook she can see the maple tree in front of her childhood home.
Mary isn’t one for change when it comes to geography. Upon getting her journalism degree from the University of Washington (she can see the campus from the dining nook, too), she went to work for a newspaper in Anacortes WA. Then, after her marriage to David Daheim, his first college teaching post was in Port Angeles where she became a reporter for the local daily.

Both tours of small-town duty gave her the background for the Alpine/Emma Lord series. Mary spent much of her non-fiction career in public relations (some would say PR is fiction, too). But ever since she learned how to read and write, Mary wanted to tell stories that could be put between book covers (e-readers were far into the future and if she hadn’t seen her daughter’s iPad, she might not know they exist). Thus, she began her publishing career with the first of seven historical romances before switching to mysteries in 1991.

If Mary could do the math, she’d know how many books she’s published. Since she can’t, she estimates the total is at least 55. Or something. At the time of her husband and mentor’s death in February 2010, David and Mary had been married for over 43 years. They have three daughters, Barbara, Katherine and Magdalen, and two granddaughters, Maisy and Clara. They all live in Seattle, too. Those apples don’t move far from the tree…literally.

For more on Mary and her writing (see how many books she has written), visit her website and connect with her on Facebook.

Now for my thoughts ……….

CLAM WAKE by Mary Daheim

With her husband off on a trip and the busy season over, Innkeeper Judith McMonigle Flynn has time on her hands. Housesitting her aunt and uncle’s retirement home on Whoopee Island sounds fun, especially since her cousin Renie will be joining her.

Things seems to be going along pleasantly until a dead body turns up. The victim was murdered and Judith and Renie appear to be prime suspects.

Reluctant but determined to clear their names, Judith begins looking for clues instead of clams. The cousins soon discover the retirement community isn't all that it appears.

Author Mary Daheim’s rich descriptions places the reader on Whoopee Island with the sea air and sand. Her characters are zany, but realistic and likable. The bantering between Judith and Renie is realistic between cousins and enhances the story. The story flows at a steady pace with twists, turns and a few red herrings to keep you guessing.

CLAM WAKE is the 29th installment in the series, but can be read on its own. This is a fun read that will have you eagerly awaiting Judith’s next adventure.

Clam Wake by Mary Daheim, Bed and Breakfast Series Book #29, William Morrow, @2014, ISBN: 978-0062317728, Hardcover, 304 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me as part of the author’s virtual book tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

CLAM WAKE can be found at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads.

To find out more about Mary and CLAM WAKE, be sure to check out the following blogs who are participating in her tour.
 

8/12 Review @ Melinas Book Blog

8/13 Review @ Wall-to-wall books

8/14 Review & Giveaway @ 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too!

8/15 Review & Giveaway @ Melissas Mochas, Mysteries and More

8/18 Review & Giveaway @ Beas Book Nook

8/19 Review & Giveaway @ Book Dilettante

8/20 Review & Giveaway @ Buried Under Books

8/22 Review & Giveaway @ Deal Sharing Aunt

8/23 Review @ fundinmental

8/25 Review @ Jersey Girl Book Reviews

8/26 Review & Giveaway @ My Devotional Thoughts

8/27 Review & Giveaway @ Bless Their Hearts Mom

8/28 Review @ Deco My Heart

8/29 Review & Giveaway @ Reading Authors

9/01 Review & Giveaway @ Marys Cup of Tea

9/04 Review @ Book Club Librarian

9/08 Review & Giveaway @ Brooke Blogs

9/10 Review @ Community Bookstop

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This giveaway is for one print copy of CLAM WAKE. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end Friday, Aug. 29. 

To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and following the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load, so please be patient. The winner from this giveaway will have 72 hours to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected. The email will have ‘Thoughts in Progress Clam Wake Tour’ in the subject line, just so you know what to watch for (in case it goes into your spam folder).

Thanks for stopping by during Mary’s tour. Have you ever housesat for anyone? Do you think you’d enjoy housesitting? 

*This post contains affiliate links. a Rafflecopter giveaway