Sunday Salon: Opal Fire And A Surprise

Another week has past as we once again gather for Sunday Salon and share our thoughts on books we’ve read.

The cozy mystery genre comprises such a vast array of subjects that all most everyone can find something they enjoy. Pull up a comfortable chair, relax and let’s talk books. You can reach for your favorite beverage as we talk, but when you read the book I’m spotlighting today you might want to leave it off, otherwise there could be liquid sprayed everywhere because this story has some laugh out loud moments.

Be sure to check at the end of the post as the author has offered a special surprise.

OPAL FIRE by Barbra Annino

A fire at her cousin’s bar changes Investigative Reporter Stacy Justice’s life in more ways than she could ever image.

The insurance company doesn’t want to pay and even suggests her cousin torched her own business. It will take all of Stacy’s investigative skills, along with a few family traits she’s not so sure of, to find out who really started the fire and why.

Stacy begins to dig into the cause of the blaze despite objections from the local police chief, who also happens to be her boyfriend. Soon she discovers a mummified body sealed in the bar’s basement wall.

The closer Stacy gets to finding answers, the more danger she encounters. From an exploding chicken to a car wreck to a mysterious stranger stalking her to an icy plunge in a lake, Stacy remains determined to solve the case and help her cousin.

Stacy’s personal life is also on a bumpy road when her ex-boyfriend and her current boyfriend join together to try and protect her. Her divorced grandparents go on a marriage retreat just when she needs her grandmother’s advice the most. Stacy is also torn between trying to be ‘normal’ or following in the footsteps of her grandmother and aunts and embrace herself as a witch.

OPAL FIRE is filled with suspense and intrigue, along with a host of quirky characters that will have you laughing out loud. Stacy Justice is a delightful protagonist that is both enchanting and loyal to her family and friends. She also has a Great Dane that will have you shaking your head in amazement at his antics.

Author Barbra Annino keeps you guessing ‘whodunit’ until the end. And just when you think all is calm, she throws in a new twist that will have Stacy racing to her grandmother for answers. You don’t have to be a fan of the paranormal to enjoy OPAL FIRE, just a lover of fascinating cozy mysteries.

Author Barbra Annino’s website is http://www.barbraannino.com/

Opal Fire by Barbra Annino, A Stacy Justice Gemstone Mystery, Vanilla Heart Publishing (has since changed publishers), @2010, ISBN: 9781935407904, Hardcover, 236 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Now for the surprise….I can offer a book giveaway that is international. Author Barbra Annino has graciously offered 3 copies of OPAL FIRE to 3 lucky visitors who comment on today’s review. The winners will have a choice - if they live in the U.S. or Canada, they can select either a printed ARC (Advanced Reader Copy, uncorrected) of the book or a Kindle e-book and if the winner(s) live outside these areas, they will receive the e-book version. Be sure to include your e-mail address with your comment if it’s not included in your profile. The deadline to comment and be entered in the giveaway is 8 p.m. (EST) on Thursday, March 31.

What is your thoughts on bits of the paranormal and humor being included in a murder mystery? What was on your reading list this week?