Murder, She Wrote: Killing in a Koi Pond (+ Giveaway)

I’ve long been a fan of Murder, She Wrote (especially love the TV series with Angela Lansbury) so I’m delighted today to be participating in the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for MURDER, SHE WROTE: KILLING IN A KOI POND by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran.

Murder, She Wrote: Killing in a Koi Pond
Cozy Mystery
53rd in Series
Publisher: Berkley (June 8, 2021)
Hardcover: 288 pages
ISBN-10: 0593333594
ISBN-13: 978-0593333594
Digital ASIN: B08FH8NM6R

When a friend’s husband dies while Jessica Fletcher is in town visiting, Jessica’s vacation turns into a murder investigation in this latest entry in the long-running USA Today bestselling series. 

After traveling to Bethesda for a mystery writers’ conference, Jessica Fletcher decides she’s earned a vacation and takes a train to Columbia, South Carolina, to visit her old college friend Dolores, who has recently married her third husband, Willis Nickens, a wealthy and cutthroat businessman. They’ve moved into an opulent historic home with plenty of space for guests, and Jessica is ready for a week of shopping, gossiping, and relaxing at the grand estate. 

But the morning after she arrives, Jessica discovers Willis facedown in the koi pond, and despite what the police think, she’s sure foul play is involved. She hadn’t known Willis long, but it’s clear to her that he didn’t concern himself with making friends. The question isn’t if her friend’s husband was murdered but by whom.

MURDER, SHE WROTE: KILLING IN A KOI POND is available for purchase at the following links: Amazon - B&N - Penguin Random House - Kobo - Google Play - IndieBound 

Meet the Authors:

Jessica Fletcher is a bestselling mystery writer who has a knack for stumbling upon real-life mysteries in her various travels.

Terrie Farley Moran is the author of Murder She Wrote: Killing in a Koi Pond, the latest in the long-running Jessica Fletcher series, to be followed in autumn 2021 by Murder She Wrote: Debonair in Death. She has also written the beachside Read 'Em and Eat cozy mystery series and is co-author of Laura Childs’ New Orleans scrapbooking mysteries. Her short stories have been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. Terrie is a recipient of both the Agatha and the Derringer awards.

Terrie's Links

Website: http://www.terriefarleymoran.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terriefarleymoran

 

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Be sure to enter the giveaway below. If the Rafflecopter widget doesn’t show up, you can still enter by clicking HERE.

 

Are you a fan of Murder She Wrote? Doesn’t a koi pond sound like an intriguing spot for a murder mystery?

 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

June 7 – Novels Alive – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

June 7 – Baroness' Book Trove – REVIEW

June 8 – Literary Gold - SPOTLIGHT

June 8 – The Editing Pen – REVIEW

June 9 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

June 9 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW

June 10 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW

June 11 – Books to the Ceiling - REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

June 11 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

June 12 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW

June 12 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews - SPOTLIGHT

June 13 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

June 14 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 14 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW

June 15 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

June 15 – The Book's the Thing – REVIEW

June 16 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 16 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT

June 17 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

June 17 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

June 18 – Diane Reviews Books – REVIEW

June 18 – Author Elena Taylor's Blog – REVIEW

June 19 – Brooke Blogs - SPOTLIGHT

June 19 – Here's How It Happened – REVIEW

June 20 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT  

 

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Murder, Just Because (+ Giveaway)

I am beyond thrilled to welcome author Yolanda Renee to Thoughts in Progress today so we can talk about her latest release, MURDER, JUST BECAUSE.

This mesmerizing thriller is the fifth installment in the author’s Detective Quaid Mysteries series. If you’d like to learn more about the book (and the author) you can follow along on her virtual Blog Tour at MCBook Tours.

The author is offering an awesome tour-wide international giveaway. More information on the giveaway is listed below.

MURDER, JUST BECAUSE
by Yolanda Renée

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
◊ Publisher: Yolanda Renee
◊ Series: Detective Quaid Mysteries
◊ Paperback: 291 pages
◊ Print & eBooks
◊ ISBN-10: 0985820632
◊ ISBN-13: 978-0985820633
◊ Contains explicit sex & graphic violence

"While this book does contain explicit sexual language and graphic violence, it could easily be taken from the daily headlines. The content is plausible and realistic as we look at the world around us. The events in the book are not overly done but give a pragmatic look at the terrifying actions killers can and sometimes do take."

It was a matter of beginner’s luck, but rookie detective Steven Quaid’s career and reputation as an elite investigator skyrocketed when he captured one of the most sadistic serial killers in Alaskan history: Stowy Jenkins, AKA the Snowman. But that was ten years ago.

And now…Jenkins is back. Escaped from prison and on the move, his bloodlust is stronger than ever, and his methods of torture are even more horrifying than before. As his bloody rampage continues and the number of mutilated bodies mounts, terrified Alaskans increasingly doubt Quaid’s ability to catch the killer again. The detective’s reputation is on the line, and he’s going to need a lot more than luck, because this time, Jenkins is driven by more than the thrill of a random kill.

This time, it’s more personal. He’s out for revenge…and his ultimate target is Quaid. In a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, Jenkins starts picking off the people in Quaid’s life…slowly, gradually tightening his circle of corpses and drawing ever closer to the most important person in Quaid’s life...his wife. Can Quaid do the impossible again? Can he outmaneuver the killer, or has the detective's luck finally run out?

Now I’d like to share my thoughts on this captivating story.

While we are faced with a real global pandemic the likes of which might have been envisioned by Stephen King or the late Michael Crichton, we can still enjoy a gripping murder mystery.

Events throughout MURDER, JUST BECAUSE easily relate to daily real-world headlines where a killer preys on unsuspecting victims. The author does an excellent job of putting the reader in the middle of the action. Her vivid descriptions can cause the readers to feel the emotions of the events for both the victims and the killer, as well as the detective.

The story moves at a good pace holding your attention from beginning to the chilling end. The author blends bits of humor and touches of romance throughout the story giving readers a chance to catch their breath before the next surprise. The rich details of the setting bring the story to life and paints a beautiful picture of the area as the tale unfolds.

MURDER, JUST BECAUSE reminded me there are monsters in the real world and how easy it is for them to target people (especially women) even when we think we’re being careful. This story is violent, graphic, and terrifying but not overly done. While it may not be a read for everyone, it will be an eye-opener for those who do. All the elements included are necessary and make for a realistic, heart-pounding story. It will keep you on the edge of your seat holding your breath as you anticipate the next move.

This story is one of those you don’t want to read at night when you are alone, but you can’t put it down because you are drawn into it. You can’t stop yourself as you say, ‘just one more page’ or ‘just one more chapter’ hoping to see who wins – killer or detective.

Author Yolanda Renee

For those who aren’t familiar with the author, here’s a bit of background on her in her own words.

At one time Alaska called to me, and I answered. I learned to sleep under the midnight sun, survive in below zero temperatures, and hike the Mountain Ranges. I’ve traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and the memories are some of my most valued. The wonders, mysteries, and incredible beauty that is Alaska has never left me and thus now influences my writing.

Despite my adventurous spirit, I achieved my educational goals, married, and I have two handsome sons. Writing is now my focus, my newest adventure!

For more on Yolanda and her writing, you can connect with her here:

Blog    *     Facebook     *     Twitter     *     Pinterest     *     Email

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This tour-wide giveaway is for a complete set of the Detective Quaid Mystery series books for one winner, paperback copies of MURDER, JUST BECAUSE for five winners, and a Kindle copy of MURDER, JUST BECAUSE for 10 winners.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. If the widget doesn’t show up, just click HERE and you’ll be directed to the widget.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to follow Yolanda on her month-long tour HERE. You never know what you might find out. Have you ever found a book that you liked so much you didn’t want to stop reading but at the same time it made you so scared you couldn’t read it when you were alone or at night?

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Regency Romance and Murder Mystery

The pairing of regency romance and murder mystery leads to some intriguing stories and author Anya Wylde has just the ticket in her recently released box set.

The box set contains three of Anya’s regency books. PENELOPE is a romantic comedy while the other two are cozy mysteries with a dash of romance. 

Here’s a brief look at what’s contained in the box set.

Book 1: PENELOPE

Leaving behind the rural charms of Finnshire, Miss Penelope Fairweather arrives in London with hope in her heart and a dream in her eye. The dowager, no less, has invited her for a season in London, where she will attempt to catch a husband.

Thus, begins our heroine’s tale as she attempts to tackle the London season with all her rustic finesse. Unfortunately, her rustic finesse turns out to be as delicate as a fat bear trying to rip apart a honeycomb infested with buzzing bees.

What follows is a series of misadventures, love affairs, moonlit balls, fancy clothes, fake moustaches, highwaymen, sneering beauties, pickpockets, and the wrath of a devilishly handsome duke.

Book 2: THE WICKED WAGER

The infamous rake, Lord Richard Hamilton, has finally chosen his bride—the very appropriate Miss Emma Grey.

The ton approves, Lord Grey is pleased, Lady Grey delighted, and Emma is over the moon, but her uncle, (the blasted) Duke of Arden opposes the match, and Emma is ordered to move to the duke’s estate to think things over.

Richard Hamilton refuses to take things lying down and concocts a plan. A plan that should have brought the lovers together and had them married within a month. It was a simple matter of masquerading as the duke’s gardener, compromising the lady, and then having the duke rush them off to Gretna Green.

Alas, he underestimates the duke’s intelligence and the tangled situation on the estate—never had he imagined that compromising a lady could be so difficult.

His endeavours lead to a comedy of errors, charades, and knotty love affairs. Yet he forges ahead in spite of pesky house guests, a flea-bitten mattress, his lovesick best friend, and a blackmailer.

Just when things seem to be going well, someone is murdered (very inconvenient), and he happens to be one of the suspects (extremely inconvenient). 

His simple plan for winning the wager suddenly becomes … a tad complicated.

Book 3: MURDER AT RUDHALL MANOR

A murder and a theft have been committed at Rudhall Manor. A box of jewels has vanished and Lord Sedley, a lusty old aristocrat, has been stabbed six times in the chest.

It is all very mysterious, and the Sedley family and the servants have decided that Miss Lucy Anne Trotter, a recently employed governess, is to blame for the unfortunate events.

The legendary and wickedly handsome Marquis, Lord William Adair, learns of the matter and decides to uncover the truth.

Lucy, however, has little faith in blue blooded creatures—even if they possess dashing good looks— and, accompanied by two naughty pugs and a moody raven, decides to investigate and unmask the killer herself.

But the hunt for the killer turns out to be far more complicated than she anticipates—what with snooty servants, warts in odd places, mixed up love affairs, agitated chickens and dreadful disguises ruining her plans.
Soon she begins to wonder if, for once, she is in over her head….

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Anya, here’s a bit of background on her.

Anya Wylde lives in Ireland along with her husband, an adorable baby boy and a fat French poodle (now on a diet). She can cook a mean curry, and her idea of exercise is occasionally stretching her toes. She holds a degree in English literature and adores reading and writing.

Thanks for stopping by today. Do you enjoy a mix of murder mystery and regency romance? Are you a fan of box sets?

Pekoe Most Poison {+ Giveaway}

◊ PEKOE MOST POISON by Laura Childs

◊ Series: A Tea Shop Mystery, Book 18

◊ Hardcover: 320 pages

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

◊ Publisher: Berkley (March 7, 2017)

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN-10: 042528168X

◊ ISBN-13: 978-0425281680

SYNOPSIS:

         

In the latest Tea Shop Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Laura Childs, Theodosia Browning attends a “Rat Tea,” where the mice will play...at murder.
 

When Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is invited by Doreen Briggs, one of Charleston’s most prominent hostesses, to a “Rat Tea,” she is understandably intrigued.  As servers dressed in rodent costumes and wearing white gloves offer elegant finger sandwiches and fine teas, Theo learns these parties date back to early twentieth-century Charleston, where the cream of society would sponsor so-called rat teas to promote city rodent control and better public health.
          But this party goes from odd to chaotic when a fire starts at one of the tables and Doreen’s entrepreneur husband suddenly goes into convulsions and drops dead. Has his favorite orange pekoe tea been poisoned? Theo smells a rat.
          The distraught Doreen soon engages Theo to pursue a discreet inquiry into who might have murdered her husband. As Theo and her tea sommelier review the guest list for suspects, they soon find themselves drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse...

INCLUDES RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS

Author Laura Childs continues to share some of the most unique events relating to tea through her Tea Shop Mystery Series.

This time around Childs has her protagonist, Theodosia Browning, attending a ‘Rat Tea’ with her friend and tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley. As it turns out, someone turns up dead and Theodosia can’t help but get involved.

The author places the reader in the middle of the action (and unusual setting) through her rich descriptions and eye for detail. She explains about a ‘Rat Tea’ and its history. Readers can also almost smell the delicious aromas from the dishes prepared by chief baker Haley at Theodosia’s Indigo Tea Shop. The sights and sounds of Charleston come alive through the pages as well.

The story moves at a good pace with some twists and turns and a few misdirections to keep you guessing. The characters are well-developed and likable. The characters continue to grow with each new installment in the series, but new readers won’t be left in the dark.

PEKOE MOST POISON is a delightful and entertaining cozy murder mystery you’ll find hard to put down once you begin. The author’s blend of murder, mystery, suspense, humor, and friendship combine well with a touch of romance, a dollop of history, and a sampling of tasty recipes and tea time tips.

You don’t have to be a tea lover to enjoy this tantalizing tale.

Pekoe Most Poison by Laura Childs, A Tea Shop Mystery (Book #18), Berkley, @2017, ISBN: 978-0425281680, Hardcover, 320 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks to the wonderful folks at Penguin Random House, I have a print copy of PEKOE MOST POISON by Laura Childs to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Friday, March 17.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends to make sure the notification email doesn’t end up there. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decided for whatever reason you don’t want to win (which is fine), once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Had you ever heard of a ‘Rat Tea’ before this? If so, have you been to one and if not, would you go to one?

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