Friday, January 2, 2015

Feta Attraction {+ Giveaway}



Feta Attraction - Thoughts in ProgressChristmas may be over but the gift giving continues. I’m delighted to welcome author Susannah Hardy here today to talk about her new series and debut mystery, FETA ATTRACTION.

Thanks to Susannah and the lovely Danielle at Penguin Group, I have a copy of FETA ATTRACTION to giveaway in celebration of the release next week. Please see the end of the post for more details.

Now, let’s give Susannah a warm welcome and learn more about her intriguing new series.

Wanna hear a not-so-secret Secret? I love cozy mysteries. That’s why I’m so thrilled to be able to present to you my debut novel, FETA ATTRACTION. Since you’re here reading this blog, my sleuth-like senses tell me you probably love cozies too. So what’s the appeal? Here’s why I love ‘em:

- The heroine/sleuth (not there aren’t some guy cozy sleuths out there, but for the most part it’s the ladies doing the investigating) is someone with whom you could hang out. You’d like to sit down with her over coffee or a cocktail and discuss your home life. If you have a problem, she’s the first one you’d go to. She isn’t perfect, but she’s a good friend and you can trust her—unless you’re guilty of something, then all bets are off.

- The neighborhood the sleuth lives in feels familiar, like home. Oh, not everyone can live in Florida or Alaska or New York City, of course, but the supporting characters and the physical settings seem real to us. We can picture ourselves living and being happy there. As a series progresses, we start to feel as if we know our way around and could make it to the grocery store or post office without asking directions. 

- The cozies appeal to our natural nosiness, our need to know what our neighbors are up to and what they’re guilty of. Fortunately, publishers understand that readers want to see how the whole cast of characters—not just the heroine/sleuth—changes and grows over time, so these stories are published in series. Hooray! There’s nothing I love better than a new story about familiar characters. 

- While there is nearly always a murder, it happens off stage. No overblown descriptions of blood, gore, violence, or sex. Violence in the name of self-defense is acceptable, but again, no graphic descriptions. The murder in a cozy mystery is elegant, civilized, and restrained. No multiple stab or gunshot wounds—in the cozy world, it takes only one thrust of the knife or one bullet, or perhaps a gentle dose of poison administered over time, to do someone in.
 
- The resolution is satisfying. I have yet to walk away from any cozy mystery feeling uncomfortable, or that the villain did not get his/her just desserts. Unlike real life, in a cozy the reader can always count on justice being served. And in a scary real world, that reassurance goes a long way.

Wishing each and every one of you peace and prosperity in the New Year,

Susannah

Susannah, thanks for joining us today and sharing your not-so-secret secret. I agree with all the points you made. I especially like a series that makes me wish I lived in the town portrayed in the story.

Here’s a bit of background on Susannah.

Susannah Hardy is the author of the Greek to Me Mysteries, coming January 6 from Berkley Prime Crime. If you like your mysteries cozy, culinary, and a little bit crazy, you’re going to love Georgie and the gang at Bonaparte Bay. It’s available for preorder now! Click here. Please!

Suze is a member of the New England Chapter of Sisters in Crime, the Romance Writers of America and the Connecticut Chapter of RWA. Susannah is originally from Northern New York State (Way north! Only a few miles from the Canadian border), graduated from St. Lawrence University, and now lives in Connecticut with her husband, teenaged son, and Elvira the Wonder Cat.

For more on Susannah and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Twitter.

The first mystery in a new series overflowing with Greek flavor…
        Georgie Nikolopatos manages the Bonaparte House, a Greek restaurant and historic landmark in beautiful upstate New York rumored to possess ghosts and hidden treasure. But when her husband disappears and her main competitor is found dead, it’s up to Georgie to solve a big fat Greek murder.
        With her husband, Spiro, inexplicably gone for days, Georgie has her hands full running the restaurant and dealing with the crew of the TV show Ghost Squad, called in by Spiro to inspect the house for haunting. So when she has a chance to take a boating excursion on the St. Lawrence River with her friend Keith Morgan, she jumps on it. But their idyll is quickly ruined when they discover the body of rival restaurant owner Domenic “Big Dom” DiTomasso floating in the water.
        When the police start asking questions, it doesn’t help that Spiro can’t be found—and with Georgie on their suspect list, it’s up to her to find her missing husband and find out who killed Big Dom before someone else’s order is up.
Includes delicious Greek recipes!

Now for my thoughts on FETA ATTRACTION.

Author Susannah Hardy has crafted an intriguing new series that has a fresh setting with eccentric characters and a suspenseful plot. A blend of twists and turns featuring these likable characters holds readers’ attention from the first paragraph until the last line.

The story flows smoothly and draws you into a comfortable setting. The mix of a historical haunted landmark, tasty dishes and quirky family situations makes for a fun read.

The protagonist, Georgie Nikolopatos, is one that feels like a friend. She’s strong and determined, but shows flaws readers can related to. 

FETA ATTRACTION is a nice blend of all things cozy mysteries should be. Looking forward to the next dish Georgie serves up.

Feta Attraction by Susannah Hardy, A Greek to Me Mystery Book #1, Berkley Prime Crime, @2015, ISBN: 978-04252716050, Paperback, 304 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher 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.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This giveaway is for one print copy of FETA ATTRACTION. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end at 12 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10.

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 Susannah Hardy’s Tour’ in the subject line, just so you know what to watch for (in case it goes into your spam folder).

Thanks so much for joining us today. Hope 2015 is off to a good start for you. Do you like cozy mysteries that have unique settings? Do you have any favorite books that feature a Greek theme?

*This post contains affiliate links.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

46 comments:

  1. Susannah, thanks again for visiting with us. I also like your take on the heroine/sleuth. Georgie is a fun heroine. Wishing you much success.

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    1. Thanks so much for having me here today!

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  2. This would my first cozy with a Greek setting, I believe. Not a fan of feta, but I do think I would be a fan of this book.

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    1. Barbara, as far as I know this is the only cozy series with a Greek restaurant setting. Sorry you don't like feta. That's okay. I'll bet you like baklava!

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  3. A new to me author, a new series, an historic landmark with ghosts and treasures - sounds like a terrific way to start the new year!

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    1. I'm new to everybody, Karen! Feta Attraction is my first novel. I hope you like it!

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  4. Hi Mason .. love Greek food .. so these cosy mysteries Susannah has written definitely appeal - Happy New Year and good luck to one and all with their books et al ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Everybody loves Greek food, Hilary. What's your favorite dish? I hope 2015 is your best year ever!

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  5. Love the title; looks fantastic and I hope to get a chance to read it - happy new year!

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    1. The titles and the beautiful covers are one of the absolute best things about cozies! Feta Attraction was going to be the title for the second book in the series (this first book was originally titled Rest in Greece), but the publisher liked Feta Attraction better, so that's what we went with. Happy New Year to you, too!

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  6. Mason - Thanks for hosting Susannah.

    Susannah - There are definitely some good reasons to love cosies. I wish you much success with your new series!

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    1. Oh, well, I could go on and on about why I love this kind of mystery so much, but I had to keep it somewhat brief, LOL! Thanks for your well wishes, and I hope you have a lovely 2015.

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  7. Cozies with food, what could be better!

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    1. Hi, Gram! The cozies with recipes are my favorite ones. I love to cook, and now I get to read cookbooks and write my own recipes and I don't even have to feel guilty about it, LOL!

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  8. Congratulations on your first book, Susannah!

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    1. Thanks, Alex! It's a dream come true to hold my book in my hands.

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  9. I love the setting already! Congrats Susannah!

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    1. Thanks, Southpaw! My husband is a lefty :) Have you ever been to the Thousand Islands or St. Lawrence River? Or do you just like Greek food, LOL?

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  10. A new series! And it involves Greek food!

    lag110 at mchsi dot com

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    1. Yup, brand spanking new series. And Greek food--what's not to love?

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  11. Greece has long been one of my favorite places to visit. I love everything about it, including the delicious food. Thanks for the chance to win Feta Attraction. carlscott(at)prodigy(dot)net(dot)mx

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    1. I have only been to Greece once, Carl, but I thought it was the most beautiful place I'd ever seen. I can't wait to go back someday! Good luck in the drawing.

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  12. My aunt married a Greek American so I am very excited about this series. I like feta in salads. Very excited about this series. There is so much Greek culture to highlight in a cozy series!

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    1. Is he very handsome and charming, Carol? Because every Greek man I've ever met I've fallen a little bit in love with (don't tell my German-American husband!). Feta goes with almost anything, except maybe desserts. Although if I looked hard enough I'll bet I could find one. Hope you like the Greek to Me Mysteries!

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  13. I do not have any books about Greek food.
    CABWNANA1@bellsouth.net

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    1. This would be a good one, Charlotte, LOL! Maybe you'll win!

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  14. I am anxious to read this book since it is a different avenue than what I've read before. robeader53@yahoo.com

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    1. Good luck! It's always fun to try something new, isn't it?

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  15. I have not as yet read anything by this author but I would love to—thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of Feta Attraction (what a great title!)!

    skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net

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    1. I'm a debut author, skkorman, so this is the first thing of mine anyone has read. I love this title too. It's so much fun to make up crazy cozy mystery titles. Whenever one pops into my head I have to write it down immediately so I don't forget!

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  16. I don't recall ever having read a cozy with a Greek setting, I did read a romance many years ago set in Greece, it sounded beautiful. I do love a Greek salad and you can't beat baklava. I love cozies set some place different, I like to be able to expand my horizons a little. Thanks for the chance to win.

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    1. Hi, Debbie! As I mentioned in a prior reply, as far as I know the Greek To Me Mysteries are the only Greek-themed mystery series out there. If you ever get the chance to go to Greece, definitely do it! It's so beautiful there. And if you can't go to Greece, you could try the Thousand Islands in New York State. It's beautiful there too!

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  17. What a great intro to a new series! Georgie sounds great. I don't have any experience with Greek mysteries. Thanks for the chance to win.

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    1. I just love Georgie. She really steps out of her comfort zone in Feta Attraction. But there are some even bigger family surprises waiting for her in book 2. Good luck!

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  18. I love cosy mysteries! In fact, I love them so much, I'm writing one. Feta Attraction sounds like a really good one! (I love Greek-themed books and would love to go to Greece someday. I go to the Greek Festival here in Sacramento evey year.)

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    1. Ooh, Elizabeth, that's wonderful! Is this your first manuscript? Can you tell us anything about it, like where it's set and who your heroine is? (Don't give too much away!) You might want to see if there is a chapter of Sisters in Crime near you, if you haven't already. Definitely go to Greece if you can--but Greek festivals are fun too! We have several of them here on the East Coast. If you want to chat privately about your mystery feel free to message me through my website, susannahhardy.com

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  19. You are determined to make me want to emigrate aren't you? I have a huge weakness for cosies, love feta and am addicted to books. Don't live in the US though...
    Drat you (and thank you) Mason. Another series and author I am going to have to track down. Thank you for introducing Susannah to us.

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    1. There are always ebooks, Elephant's Child! And I'm thrilled to meet you and Mason and all the other wonderful commenters here today. I hope you are someplace warm and exotic--because it's pretty gloomy and cold where I am! Thanks so much for stopping by.

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  20. Sounds like fun! Cozies are always fun :)

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  21. They are fun to read and fun to write! I love putting together all the connections and clues and figuring out whodunit.

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  22. Such a catchy title! This sounds like a good book.

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  23. This sounds like a good debut novel

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  24. Please enter me in the giveaway. Always happy when an author's novel-series is debuted.

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  25. I would love to read this book!!!
    already added to my Wish List!!

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  26. I enjoy all different types of settings but I can't think of a story set in Greece.

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  27. Thanks for this delightful and interesting giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's post. Thanks for dropping by.