The Diva Serves High Tea {+ Giveaway}

◊ THE DIVA SERVES HIGH TEA by Krista Davis

◊ Series: A Domestic Diva Mystery

◊ Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages

◊ Genre: Cozy Murder Mystery

◊ Publisher: Berkley, Reissue edition (June 7, 2016)

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN-10: 0425282651

◊ ISBN-13: 978-0425282656

SYNOPSIS:

          The New York Times bestselling author of The Diva Steals a Chocolate Kiss serves up a new mystery steeped in murder...
 
          When The Parlour opens up in town, domestic diva Sophie Winston finally has a place to satisfy her cravings for all things tea and crumpet related. And the shop serves as the perfect place for the ladies of the town to gather and gossip, especially since it’s conveniently located right across the street from the new antique store run by the handsome and charming Warren Smith.
          But speculation around Warren really boils over when he’s found dead—a victim of poisoning after attending a literacy fundraiser at The Parlour the night before. What Sophie learns about the man leaves a bitter taste in her mouth, and she’ll have to strain out a killer from a strange brew of suspects...

Includes delicious recipes and entertaining tips!

THE DIVA SERVES HIGH TEA will have you laughing at the bantering among friends and on the edge of your seat as the suspense plays out. Moving at a steady pace, the story will hold you captive from the beginning page to the end.

Author Krista Davis has a talent for making you feel you’re a part of the scene through her rich descriptions and eye for detail. As the dialogue flows among the characters, you fit right in searching the clues with them for the killer.

The setting is charming with a friendly and inviting atmosphere. You don’t have to be a domestic diva to enjoy this story, but you’ll find entertaining tips and tasty recipes as an added bonus.

The characters are a bit quirky, but well-developed and quite likable. Their interactions come across as real and easy flowing. Protagonist Sophie Winston is a force to be reckoned with, but a softy where friends and family are concerned.

This is a delightful installment in a fascinating series, but can be read on its own.

The Diva Serves High Tea by Krista Davis, A Domestic Diva Mystery (Book #10), Berkley, @2016, ISBN: 978-0425282656, Mass Market 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.

Thanks to the wonderful folks at Penguin/Random House, I have a print copy of THE DIVA SERVES HIGH TEA by Krista Davis to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Monday, June 20.

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. Are you a fan of the Domestic Diva Mystery series? I’ve been hooked since the first installment. Are you or someone you know a domestic diva?

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Braking for Bodies {+ Giveaway}

Quiet Mackinac Island is the perfect setting for author Duffy Brown’s Cycle Path Mystery series.

In the latest installment in the series, BRAKING FOR BODIES, the tranquil atmosphere of the island is disturbed when Peephole Perry, the editor of a sleazy L.A. rag, gets off the ferry. Perry is the former boss of Fiona, who’s upset to see him arrive. When Perry is later found dead, Fiona turns to her best friend, Evie Bloomfield, for help.

Evie has her hands full helping with the bike shop, but she’s determined to track down the real killer. She may be speeding into trouble, but she’ll do all she can to help clear her friend.

This is a charming story that moves at a steady pace with twists and turns. The setting is quaint and wholesome, while the characters are contagiously likable and well-developed.

The blend of mystery and mayhem with friendship and a touch of romance makes for a well-balanced tale. The story quickly draws you in and take you on an entertaining mystery ride.

Braking for Bodies by Duffy Brown, A Cycle Path Mystery (Book #2), Berkley Prime Crime, @2016, ISBN: 978-0425268957, Mass Market 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.

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Thanks to the wonderful folks at Penguin/Random House, I have a print copy of BRAKING FOR BODIES by Duffy Brown to giveaway. In addition, the book will come with a tote bag that will contain some goodies inside such as postcard, notepad and brochure about the book. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Thursday, April 14.

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. I hope I’ve enticed you to check out this delightful cozy mystery. Are you a bike rider? Have you visited an area where cars aren’t allowed?

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Blood Orange {+ Giveaway}

It never fails when I read a China Bayles Mystery by Susan Wittig Albert, I want to go work in my garden.

The author combines mystery and suspense with the world of herbs in a smooth and easy flowing fashion. You don’t have to like herbs to enjoy her books, that’s just an added bonus.

In her latest release, BLOOD ORANGE, protagonist China Bayles has rented her guest cottage to Kelly Kaufman, who is in the midst of a nasty divorce. A short time later it appears Kelly has been kidnapped from the cottage only to contact China requesting her help with a possible murder.

On her way to see China, Kelly is forced off the road and critically injured. Now China has to find out if Kelly’s plea for help had to do with the brewing company she co-owns with her husband or the local hospice she was abruptly let go from.

As she handles her day-to-day business duties, cares for her daughter and looks into Kelly’s problems, China also wonders about her marriage and what her own husband, McQuaid, is up to during his extended out-of-town business trip.

The author has developed likable characters that are well-balanced and realistic. The core characters are unique and the supporting cast of characters adds depth to the story. 

The small town setting of Pecan Springs, along with the herb shop location, makes this a pleasant atmosphere that draws readers in. The mystery and suspense is woven in such a manner to keep you guessing. The mix of herbal information and recipes is blended in seamlessly making for a well-rounded story.

BLOOD ORANGE is the 24th installment in the China Bayles Mystery series. While this story can be read on its own, a deeper understanding of China and her actions will come from reading the series in order.

A well-plotted mystery with a determined sleuth, this tale will hold you spellbound until the end where you’ll find delicious recipes from the story. Don’t be surprised if you also learn a great deal about herbs along the way.

Blood Orange by Susan Wittig Albert, A China Bayles Mystery (Book #24), Berkley Prime Crime, @2016, ISBN: 978-0425280003, Hardcover, 320 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:

Thanks to the wonderful folks at Penguin/Random House, I have a print copy of BLOOD ORANGE by Susan Wittig Albert to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Tuesday, April 12.

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. I appreciate your visit. Are you a fan of books that contain recipes at the end? Have you ever or do you try your hand at growing herbs?

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Just Killing Time {+ Giveaway}

A clock ticking can be very dramatic in a mystery and author Julianne Holmes uses clocks successfully in her debut cozy murder mystery, JUST KILLING TIME, the first installment in her Clock Shop Mystery series.

Ruth Clagan loves her grandfather, but hasn’t seen him since her grandmother died and he remarried. Before she can reconnect with him, she learns he has died and she inherits the family business, the Cog & Sprocket clock shop.

Arriving in Orchard, MA, Ruth discovers there may be more to her grandfather’s death. He and his long-time friend had been working together to save City Hall, wanting to preserve the historical look of their town. Before his friend died, he had deeded the property to Ruth’s grandfather. Now with his death, the deed to City Hall can’t be found. Time is running out as Ruth tries to find out what really happened to her grandfather and his friend, while making some difficult decisions about her own future.

A small town atmosphere is described in vivid detail by the author enhancing the story. The characters are warm, likable and well-developed. Re-connecting with the past gives more depth to the protagonist and those she cares about.

Moving at a steady pace, the story holds your attention as twists and turns unfold. The suspense draws you in as the charming characters makes you want to know more and more. The bond of friendship adds a nice touch to the story.

JUST KILLING TIME is the first in hopefully a long line of installments for this delightful new cozy murder mystery series. The time is perfect for a sit down and read of this book.

Author Julianne Holmes can be found blogging HERE.

Just Killing Time by Julianne Holmes, A Clock Shop Mystery Book #1, Berkley, @2015, ISBN: 978-0425275528, Mass Market 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:

Thanks to Danielle and the wonderful folks at Berkley, I have a print copy of JUST KILLING TIME to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

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. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Just Killing Time 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. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decide for whatever reason you don’t want to win, once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks so much for stopping by for my review of this intriguing mystery. Do you think of clocks as being a bit scary? Can clocks lend themselves to enhance a scene?

*This post contains affiliate links.

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The Man Who Fell From the Sky {+ Giveaway}

It’s a pleasure to tell you about THE MAN WHO FELL FROM THE SKY by Margaret Coel, the latest installment in the fascinating Wind River Mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime. 

To celebrate the release, Berkley is giving away a print copy of THE MAN WHO FELL FROM THE SKY to a lucky visitor to Thoughts in Progress. Be sure to see the end of the post for more details on the giveaway.

Here’s my thoughts on this intriguing story.

THE MAN WHO FELL FROM THE SKY by Margaret Coel

Combining history, Arapaho culture and mystery is what author Margaret Coel does best.

THE MAN WHO FELL FROM THE SKY is a great example of how she blends all these elements, and much more, into an enthralling murder mystery that will hold you captive from beginning to end.

Coel’s eye for detail and vivid descriptions quickly draw you into the story. Her well-developed characters are likable and realistic adding layers to the story. It’s Coel’s way of relating history and Arapaho traditions with fiction that enhances the story making it come alive.

In this latest installment, Coel draws on the legend of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to heighten the intrigue. Her main characters, Arapaho attorney Vicky Holden and Father John O’Malley, deal with murder and secrets as a lost treasure of Butch Cassidy’s plays a key role in a murder on the Wind River Reservation.

It appears Robert Walking Bear may have died accidentally when his body is found in a lake in the Wind River mountains. However, the victim had been searching for Butch Cassidy’s buried loot and he was using a map believed to have been drawn by the legendary Hole in the Wall gang leader himself. It seems there’s a lot of people who want to find that treasure too.

Weaving the present with the past, Coel takes readers on a wild ride filled with suspense, secrets and historical tidbits. She also mixes in a dash of romantic undertone.

THE MAN WHO FELL FROM THE SKY is a fascinating mystery that moves at a quick pace. This is a story that will be hard to put down once you turn that first page.

Author Margaret Coel’s website can be found HERE.

The Man Who Fell From the Sky by Margaret Coel, A Wind River Mystery Book #19, Berkley, @2015, ISBN: 978-0425280300, Hardcover, 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 THE MAN WHO FELL FROM THE SKY and is open to residents of the U.S. The deadline will end at 12 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23.

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.

Thanks so much for visiting today. Do you enjoy books that have Native American traditions and cultures blended in? Do you enjoy stories where the author weaves bits of history in?

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The Cozy Cookbook {+ Giveaway}

I’m thrilled today to tell you about a new cookbook featuring numerous cozy murder mystery authors and recipes from their bestselling series that releases tomorrow (April 7).

In addition, thanks to the lovely Danielle at Penguin Group, I have a copy of the cookbook to giveaway to a lucky visitor. Please see the end of the post for more details. Now let me share my thoughts on this fun book.

THE COZY COOKBOOK: More Than 100 Recipes from Today’s Bestselling Mystery Writers

If you love good food and enjoy an intriguing murder mystery, then there’s a new cookbook perfect for you.

THE COZY COOKBOOK: More Than 100 Recipes from Today’s Bestselling Mystery Writers is filled with delicious recipes, as well as excerpts from New York Times bestselling authors and Berkley Prime Crime favorites.

The tasty recipes are from numerous cozy murder mystery series you love. The cookbook is divided into the following categories: Breakfast; Breads, Muffins, and Other Baked Goods; Soups, Salads, and Sandwiches; Drinks; Appetizers; Main Courses; Side Dishes; and Desserts. Sprinkled throughout the recipes are tasty morsels from these favorite series to whet your mystery taste buds.

THE COZY COOKBOOK also includes a list highlighting the series featured in the book with all the books in the series listed. There is also a section featuring the bios of all the authors participating in the cookbook. The authors include: Avery Aames/Daryl Wood Gerber, Ellery Adams, Connie Archer, Leslie Budewiz, Laura Childs, Cleo Coyle, Victoria Hamilton, B.B. Haywood, Julie Hyzy, Jenn McKinlay, and Paige Shelton.

This delightful cookbook will reunite you with some of your favorite mystery characters and hopefully introduce you to a few new ones. The delectable recipes are written in an easy-to-follow format making the preparing process more fun. The only downside to this charming book is there are no photos of the prepared dishes to drool over.

THE COZY COOKBOOK is a perfect addition to the mystery/food lovers’ kitchen collection.

The Cozy Cookbook: More Than 100 Recipes from Today’s Bestselling Mystery Writers, Berkley, @2015, ISBN: 978-0425277867, Paperback, 384 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 THE COZY COOKBOOK. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end at 12 a.m. on Monday, April 13. 

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

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Do you collect recipes? Have you jotted down or made note of recipes from mystery series you follow? Do you have a favorite recipes from a series?

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Horse of a Different Killer {+Giveaway}

It’s a pleasure to welcome author Laura Morrigan to Thoughts in Progress today to talk about her new release, HORSE OF A DIFFERENT KILLER, and cute animals.

Laura’s latest release is the third installment in her Call of the Wilde Mystery series. With a protagonist that is an animal behaviorist, Laura joins us today to talk about cute animals. In addition, thanks to Laura and the delightful Danielle at Penguin Group, I have a print copy of HORSE OF A DIFFERENT KILLER to giveaway. Please see the end of the post for more details.

Please join me in giving Laura a warm welcome to Thoughts as she tells us about five adorable animals.



Laura, thanks for visiting with us today and sharing this look at those cute animals. I’ve not heard of these before so it fun learning about them.

Now for those who aren’t familiar with Laura, here’s a brief background on her.

Spending the first years of her life on a Costa Rican coffee farm blessed Laura Morrigan with a fertile imagination and a love for all things wild.


Later she became a volunteer at a local zoo, helping out with everything from “waste management” to teaching an elephant how to paint. Drawing from her years of experience with both wild and domestic animals and her passion for detective novels, Laura created the Call of the Wilde series. 

She lives in Florida with her husband and far too many cats, loves the Blue Angels, wearing flip flops in November, and thunderstorms. For more on Laura and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Here’s a description of HORSE OF A DIFFERENT KILLER:

Animal behaviorist Grace Wilde’s psychic ability gives her insight into the minds of all kinds of creatures. If only humans were as easy to read…
        Dead men may tell no tales, but they can screw up your life with a few phone calls. Grace’s abusive ex-brother-in-law, Anthony Ortega, needs her help—at least that’s what he said on the messages he left before his sudden death. Grace is inclined to let the matter rest in peace, but when her sister is named a suspect, Grace decides to get to the bottom of the cryptic calls.
        Her only lead is Ortega’s fiancée, who believes that he had arranged to surprise her with the purchase of a Frisian gelding named Heart. The horse was being stabled at the R-n-R Ranch—but was taken in the middle of the night. Now, with her sister in trouble and a missing horse on her hands, Grace hopes the information harnessed from her psychic skills will be enough to rein in the killer…
 

Now for my thoughts on this fun new cozy….

Stories involving animals quickly draw me in and author Laura Morrigan’s HORSE OF A DIFFERENT KILLER is a good example of just such a tale.

Morrigan’s protagonist, Grace Wilde, has a deep connection with animals. The author conveys that respect and love Grace feels through her writing so the reader also feels it. While you don’t have to be an animal lover to enjoy this book (and series), those who appreciate animals will feel the connection.

The characters are charming and likable. The secondary characters enhance the story and form an interesting group of friends for Grace.

Moving at a good pace, HORSE OF A DIFFERENT KILLER is an intriguing mystery that will hold you spellbound as you follow this unwavering amateur sleuth on her journey to find a killer.

Horse of a Different Killer by Laura Morrigan, Call of the Wilde Mystery Book #3, Berkley (Prime Crime), @2015, ISBN: 978-0425257210, Mas Market 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 HORSE OF A DIFFERENT KILLER. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end at 12 a.m. on Thursday, March 26. 

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

I appreciate you stopping by today during Laura’s visit. Do you sometimes you can talk to your pets and understand what’s going on with them?

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Author Leslie Budewitz: The Nose Knows {+ Giveaway}

My delighted today to welcome author Leslie Budewitz to Thoughts in Progress to talk about ASSAULT AND PEPPER, first installment in her new Seattle Spice Shop Mysteries series from Berkley Prime Crime.

Leslie is joining us today to talk about an experience we’ve all had at one time or another. In addition, thanks to Leslie and the lovely Danielle at Penguin Group, I have a print copy of ASSAULT AND PEPPER to giveaway after I share my thoughts on this fun new release. Please see the end of the post for more giveaway details.

Now, please join me in giving Leslie a warm welcome to Thoughts. Welcome, Leslie. Tell us what the nose knows.

You’re sitting in a classroom—or a conference room, or a darkened theater—and all of a sudden, you find yourself thinking about your college boyfriend. You think Good heavens, I haven’t thought of him in years, but you look around anyway, more than half expecting to see him. The new arrival notices your puzzlement and you mention that you thought you smelled a familiar cologne. “Oh, Grey Flannel by Geoffrey Beene,” he says. “I’ve worn it for years.” And you think, that’s it—that was his cologne, too.
 
It’s an experience we’ve all had. As Pepper Reece, the protagonist of ASSAULT AND PEPPER puts it, 

“My staff turned thoughtful, summoning their own ideas of fall. They say the sense of smell is the most intimately linked of all our senses to memory, and I believe it. One whiff of a familiar scent, even one we haven’t encountered in years, can transport us to a time and place long forgotten, even before we consciously recall the memory.”

The smell triggers the feeling of being back in the past—in that place, with that companion. It’s called olfactory memory, and it’s very real. Scientists believe that the olfactory nerve—the one responsible for our sense of smell—was one of the first cranial nerves to develop, perhaps because the sense of smell is critical to personal safety, especially in those early days of homo sapiens. I suspect that primacy may explain why we often make the jump—we look around for the old boyfriend—before consciously noticing the triggering scent.
 
Smell, of course, is an essential part of cooking and eating. It’s a safeguard—we smell the rotten meat or deadly berry, or the moldy cottage cheese, and know it’s dangerous. It’s a clue that the food is ready to eat—a ripe cantaloupe has a distinctive aroma, as does the perfectly grilled steak. And we all know the acrid odor of a pot left on the stove too long!

Smell is inviting. Real estate agents often tell their clients to bake cookies or light a scented candle before a showing, to evoke the sense of home. 

Would we enjoy eating so much if not for the aromas? The senses of taste and smell are closely linked. There is probably not a functional nose on the planet that doesn’t perk up at the smell of bread baking. The mouth waters and the tummy starts to rumble as the digestive juices get ready to go to work. Many a spouse has been drawn out of bed by the aroma of coffee brewing, those tiny molecules more powerful than the thought of more sleep. And I don’t know about you, but one whiff of a brownie and I’m starving, even if I’d just sworn I wasn’t hungry. 

People who lose their sense of smell often lose interest in food. Conversely, an old adage says “Beware of the old cook”—a worn or overused sense of smell can lead to a heavy hand with spices.

And for readers like us, the aroma of a favorite tea—the smoky-bergamot of Earl Gray or the citrus and cinnamon of Pepper’s Seattle Spice Shop tea—sets the mood for a good long read.
 
Have you had the experience of being transported by an aroma? Do tell!
 
Leslie, thanks so much for joining us today. The sense of smell does play such a large part in our daily lives even though we sometimes take it for granted. 

Here’s a brief description of ASSAULT AND PEPPER from the cover:

        Pepper Reece, owner of the Seattle Spice Shop, thinks she can handle any kind of salty customer—until a murderer ends up in the mix…
        After leaving a dicey marriage and losing a beloved job in a corporate crash, Pepper Reece has found a new zest for life running a busy spice and tea shop in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Her aromatic creations are the talk of the town, and everyone stops by for a cup of her refreshing spice tea, even other shopkeepers and Market regulars.
        But when a panhandler named Doc shows up dead on her doorstep, a Seattle Spice Shop cup in his hand, the local gossip gets too hot for Pepper to handle—especially after the police arrest Tory Finch, one of Pepper’s staffers, for murder.
        Tory seems to know why she’s a suspect, but she refuses to do anything to curry favor with the cops. Convinced her reticent employee is innocent, Pepper takes it on herself to sniff out some clues. Only, if she’s not careful, Pepper’s nosy ways might make her next on the killer’s list… 

INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES!

Here’s also a bit of background on Leslie for those who aren’t familiar with her.

Leslie Budewitz is the author of the Spice Shop Mysteries and the Food Lovers Village Mysteries, both from Berkley Prime Crime. She is the only author to win Agatha Awards for both fiction and nonfiction—the 2013 Agatha Award for Best First Novel, for Death al Dente and the 2011 Agatha Award for Best Nonfiction, for Books, Crooks & Counselors: How to Write Accurately About Criminal Law & Courtroom Procedure (Quill Driver Books). 

She lives in northwest Montana with her husband, a musician and doctor of natural medicine, and their cat Ruff, a cover model and avid bird-watcher.
For more on Leslie and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

Now for my thoughts on this entertaining new mystery….

If you enjoy being transported to a different area while you’re reading, then author Leslie Budewitz’s ASSAULT AND PEPPER is the perfect read. The author gives you an intriguing murder mystery to solve while also taking you on a trip to Seattle and the Pike Place Market.

Budewitz’s eye for detail and vivid descriptions places the reader in the middle of the area where you can practically smell the aromas and hear the activities bustling about. She keeps the story at a steady pace with twists and turns to hold you captivate until the end.

The protagonist, Pepper Reece, is a well-developed, likable character that has realistic traits readers can relate to. The protagonist is strong and determined with a soft side for her friends. The secondary characters are varied and engaging adding depth to the story.

Highlighted with facts and quotes at the beginning of each chapter, ASSAULT AND PEPPER is a delightful start to what promises to be a charming series readers will eagerly look forward to revisiting time and time again.

Assault and Pepper by Leslie Budewitz, Seattle Spice Shop Mystery Book #1, Berkley, @2015, ISBN: 978-0425271780, Mas Market 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 ASSAULT AND PEPPER. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end at 12 a.m. on Monday, March 23.

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 Leslie Budewitz’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 stopping by during Leslie’s visit. Remember what Leslie asked, “Have you had the experience of being transported by an aroma? Do tell!”

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Author Fran Stewart: Why I Write Murder {+ Giveaway}

I’m delighted today to welcome author Fran Stewart to Thoughts in Progress to talk about her latest release, A WEE MURDER IN MY SHOP, the first installment in her new ScotShop Mystery Series from Berkley.

Fran will be joining us to talk about why she writes murder and I’ll share my thoughts on this fun new series. In addition, thanks to Fran and the lovely Danielle at Penguin Group, I have a print copy of A WEE MURDER IN MY SHOP to giveaway. Please see the end of the post for more details on that.

Now please join me in giving a warm welcome to Fran. Welcome, Fran. Tell us why you write murder.

Years ago, I attended a dinner where people exchange cards and talk about the sort of business referrals they’d like to get. It was all very friendly. Until someone asked what sort of work I did. 

“I write murder mysteries.”

She glowered at me. “Humph. You looked like a nice person.” She turned away and refused even to acknowledge my presence for the rest of the evening. Now, why is it dangerous to ignore a mystery writer?

Well, we immediately wonder about your hidden agenda—possibly you’ll end up as an innocent bystander in our next book, but more likely as victim. Or murderer. I’ve held this particular woman in reserve so far, but someone who looks like her experiences a rather sorry fate in one of my upcoming mysteries.

I should have answered better, though, telling her that the mysteries I write don’t dwell on blood and gore. The bad guys lose; the good guys win, although I admit to putting my characters through some difficult situations before they triumph.
 
You see, I deal with specific social issues in each of my books. In the Biscuit McKee series, my characters grapple with bipolar disorder, suicide, and/or the long-term effects of childhood abuse. In my new ScotShop mysteries, a 14th-century ghost has to learn to deal with the intricacies of today, and his questions about so many things we take for granted will, I hope, help us understand where we are and how we got to this point, to question some of the attitudes we take so for granted.

I should have stressed the importance of community in cozy mysteries. Seldom will you find a “loner” protagonist. No, our characters have friends and family—just like the authors who write them and the people who read them. I try to show the role of community in supporting the victims of crime, although sometimes that support is less than effective.
 
Just think: What will you do if your neighbor is murdered, a friend slugs someone or is shot in the abdomen, or your entire community loses power during an ice storm?

Will your response be “cozy”?

Fran, thanks for visiting with us and sharing why you write murder. I enjoy the fact that your books deal with specific social issues. It adds another touch of realism to them.

Now for those who aren’t familiar with Fran, here’s a little background on her.

Fran Stewart is the author of the Biscuit McKee Mysteries – GRAY AS ASHES is the seventh book in that series – as well as a standalone mystery – A SLAYING SONG TONIGHT. Her new ScotShop Mystery Series from Berkley Press begins with A WEE MURDER IN MY SHOP.

Fran lives quietly with various rescued cats beside a creek on the other side of Hog Mountain, Georgia.

She sings alto with a community chorus and volunteers at her grandchildren’s school library. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America.

For more on Fran and her writing, visit her website.

Here’s a brief description of A WEE MURDER IN MY SHOP:

Hamelin, Vermont, isn’t the most likely place for bagpipes and tartan, but at Peggy Winn’s ScotShop, business is booming…
        While on a transatlantic hunt for some authentic wares to sell at her shop, Peggy is looking to forget her troubles by digging through the hidden treasures of the Scottish Highlands. With so many enchanting items on sale, Peggy can’t resist buying a beautiful old tartan shawl. But once she wraps it around her shoulders, she discovers that her purchase comes with a hidden fee: the specter of a fourteenth-century Scotsman.
        Unsure if her Highland fling was real or a product of an overactive imagination, Peggy returns home to Vermont—only to find the dead body of her ex-boyfriend on the floor of her shop. When the police chief arrests Peggy’s cousin based on some incriminating evidence, Peggy decides to ask her haunting Scottish companion to help figure out who really committed the crime—before anyone else gets kilt…

Now my thoughts on this entertaining new cozy…….

Author Fran Stewart blends a number of intriguing elements together and adds in a dose of fascinating characters for a well-rounded new cozy murder mystery series.

The Scotland setting is magical in itself, but the author enhances the story by having the ghost of a fourteenth-century Scotsman travel to Vermont. Add in a cheating boyfriend that turns up dead, a hunky police officer and numerous friends and family for an all-out entertaining story.

The story flows at a steady pace with only a few minor slow points. The suspense will hold your attention and keep you guessing as the mystery unfolds.

A WEE MURDER IN MY SHOP is an entertaining beginning of what promises to be a delightful new series. Those with Scottish heritage will find the series charming.

A Wee Murder in My Shop by Fran Stewart, A ScotShop Mystery Book #1, Berkley, @2015, ISBN: 978-0425270318, 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 A WEE MURDER IN MY SHOP. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end at 12 a.m. on Friday, March 20. 

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

Thanks so very much for stopping by during Fran’s visit. What would you say if someone told you they wrote murder mysteries? Any thoughts on having a Scottish ghost hanging around you? Isn’t the cover of this book so intriguing?

*This post contains affiliate links.

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All the President’s Menus {+ Giveaway}

With the President’s State of the Union address this week, it’s a perfect time to welcome author Julie Hyzy to Thoughts in Progress to talk about her current release, ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MENUS, the latest installment in her White House Chef Mystery series.

Julie is joining us today to share ten tidbits about the White House Chef Mystery series. I’ll share my thoughts on this fun book and thanks to Julie and the lovely Danielle at Penguin Group, I have a print copy of ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MENUS to giveaway. Please see the end of the post for more giveaway details.

Now let’s give Julie a warm welcome as she share her Ten Tidbits. Welcome, Julie.

1. If you’re a regular reader of the White House Chef Mystery series, you already know that the First Family is required to cover all expenses for personal meals, but that fact still amazes me and I feel the need to include it here. State dinners and official events are covered by the White House budget, but the family must cover its own expenses when it comes to food. And, because there are extra steps and higher costs involved in procuring ingredients, those bills can be pretty high.

2. The White House doesn’t respond well to direct questions about the residence. Before I even began writing the first book, State of the Onion, I called the White House to ask some questions about staff hours, kitchen layout, colors on the floor and walls, etc. I was looking for details not usually found in books. This would have been in 2006, I think. They were uneasy, but asked me to fax them a list of questions. I did. Never heard back. I followed up. Still never heard back.

3. Later, in 2010 or so, I was able to give a couple of books to a friend who knew a friend who was related to a White House kitchen staff member. I’d hoped the staff member would either read the books, or pass them to someone else in the kitchen¾or … dreaming now… the First Lady¾who would enjoy them and say something positive in the media. Nope. The lesson here: The White House is a hard nut to crack. (Unless you’re racing past the Secret Service that is… <grin>)

4. Although Hollywood loves the idea of a White House Chef solving mysteries, the Powers That Be don’t love it enough.

5. Ollie has a mind of her own. I have often set her up to walk into a trap, or to do something sketchy, and she refuses. Not kidding. She puts her foot down and says “No.” It isn’t until I revise, change the circumstances, increase her motivation, or reset the stage that she complies.

6. Speaking of Ollie’s strong-mindedness, whenever I’m uncomfortable or awkward (usually social situations where I know no one) I pretend I’m Ollie. Asking myself “What Would Ollie Do?” helps me banish my nervousness.

7. My friends tell me they see me in Ollie’s role when they’re reading the books. I see America Ferrera. 

8. I’ve had a couple of different “ghost chefs” assist me by coming up with the fabulous recipes for the books. My favorites include the stuffed cherry tomatoes, the bacon-wrapped green beans, the brownie bites, the cucumber slices with pine nuts (I substitute goat cheese for feta), and the hummus.

9. There are a couple of “oops” moments in the stories. A misnamed monument, a mis-identified landmark, a cell phone that mysteriously reappeared—and more. I appreciate readers letting me know when they spot these mistakes, and I generally thank the first to let me know by sending him or her a signed copy of a book from my other series. Unfortunately, I’m unable to do so for every sharp-eyed reader, but please know that I’m delighted that you care enough to point these things out.

10. I would LOVE a personal tour of the White House. They don’t have to feed me (though I wouldn’t turn down a dinner invitation), just let me roam a little. Secret Service can accompany me if that makes them feel better. All I want is to explore every inch of the building, from the bottom-est basement to the snipers on the roof. And take pictures¾lots of pictures¾to refer to as I write the next book. Can you imagine how much fun that would be?

Julie, thanks for joining us today and sharing these tidbits. Now that you mention it, America Ferrera would make a good Ollie.

Now for those who aren’t familiar with Julie, let me share a bit of background on her.

Julie Hyzy is a New York Times Bestselling author with two award-winning series: White House Chef Mysteries and Manor House Mysteries. Her first experience with food included flipping burgers and chopping onions at a neighborhood hot dog stand. She traded that experience for a job as a singing waitress at Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour—but gave that up when she started college (and because she couldn't carry a tune). 

Over the years, she's acted in community theater productions, appeared in television commercials, and crashed a previously all-male fraternity to become one of the first female brothers in Loyola University's Chapter of Delta Sigma Pi. Julie had dreams of becoming a writer, but family, friends, and frat brothers convinced her otherwise. Having held positions as junior officer at a downtown bank, office manager at an architectural firm, and financial advisor at a prestigious wealth management company, she realizes that the business degree was probably a good choice—but fiction is truly her passion. Now, with some well-earned life experience behind her, she's delighted to finally be able to make writing a priority in her life.

For more on Julie and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on her blog, Facebook and Twitter.

Here’s a brief synopsis of ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MENUS:

It’s an old adage that too many cooks spoil the broth. But when a tour of the White House kitchen by a group of foreign chefs ends in murder, it’s Olivia Paras who finds herself in the soup…
Due to a government sequester, entertaining at the White House has been severely curtailed. So executive chef Olivia Paras is delighted to hear that plans are still on to welcome a presidential candidate from the country of Saardisca—the first woman to run for office—and four of that nation’s top chefs.
But while leading the chefs on a kitchen tour, pastry chef Marcel passes out suddenly—and later claims he was drugged. When one of the visiting chefs collapses and dies, it’s clear someone has infiltrated the White House with ill intent. Could it be an anti-Saardiscan zealot? Is the candidate a target? Are the foreign chefs keeping more than their recipes a secret? Once again, Olivia must make sleuthing the special of the day…

My Thoughts ……….

Author Julie Hyzy continues to evolve the characters in this tantalizing series bringing a fresh fascination while keeping the traits and flavor of the individuals we’ve come to love. The characters are likable and realistic.

The story flows quickly with action and suspense as the author combines all the facets into a well-blended tale. Her rich descriptions places the reader in the middle of the setting. The mix of conspiracy and intrigue topped with suspense holds the reader’s attention from beginning to end.

To enhance the story, Hyzy shares mouth-watering recipes for a complete Presidential menu.

ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MENUS is full of intrigue, thrills, witty dialogue and amusing characters.

All The President’s Menus by Julie Hyzy, A White House Chef Mystery Book #8, Berkley Prime Crime, @2015, ISBN: 978-0425262399, 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 ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MENUS. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end at 12 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31. 

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 Julie Hyzy’s 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 today during Julie’s visit. Have you ever been on a White House Tour? What room would you most like to see in the White House?

*This post contains affiliate links.

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