Fast and Loose … Brain Storm

Fast and Loose by Fern Michaels

◊ FAST AND LOOSE by Fern Michaels

◊ Series: The Men of the Sisterhood, Book #2

◊ Narrator: Laural Merlington

◊ MP3 CD

◊ Listening Length: 9 hours and 4 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Action, Adventure

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Brilliance Audio

◊ Scheduled Release Date: August 30, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN-10: 1511342129

◊ ISBN-13: 978-1511342124

SYNOPSIS:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels comes a new, action-packed novel.

The Sisterhood: a group of women bound by friendship and a quest for justice. Now their male allies, the Men of the Sisterhood, have formed a top-secret organization of their own, with the same goal of helping the helpless and righting the wrongs of the world.…

With the women of the Sisterhood away on a covert assignment, their significant others could be expected to kick back and enjoy a little drama-free downtime. But that’s not the way Jack, Ted, Harry, Charles, and the rest of their comrades roll. An urgent call has come to the headquarters of their organization, BOLO Consultants. Bert Navarro, head of security for Countess Anna de Silva, suspects that Annie’s deluxe casino, Babylon, is being stealthily and expertly robbed. But figuring out who’s hacking into Babylon’s security system proves more difficult than expected―and may have implications for one of BOLO’s own. The security expert working for them has unlocked one hard fact―that there are more than enough suspects to investigate. But the men of BOLO will do what it takes to prove that, even in Vegas, there’s no gambling with justice.…

If you’re looking for something similar to the ‘kick butt, take prisoners’ attitude of the Sisterhood series, it’s not in FAST AND LOOSE. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an enjoyable story just a bit different since it does feature the Men of the Sisterhood.

Once again narrator Laural Merlington does an excellent job giving each character their own unique voice. Her cadence and varying accents enhances the story. Her mannerisms bring the story to life.

The story moves at a good pace and has a few surprises along the way. The Vegas setting is vivid through the author’s descriptions.

Overall the story is entertaining, but I was hoping for the intrigue and suspense the Sisterhood series is known for. That was my bad as this is a different series and should have been viewed that way from the start. The characters are well-developed and very likable. The series has much potential as these characters continue to grow on their own merit.

FAST AND LOOSE is a pleasurable story. I look forward to seeing this series expand and continue to grow as these characters find new adventures.

Fast and Loose by Fern Michaels, The Men of the Sisterhood (Book #2), Narrated by Laural Merlington, Brilliance Audio, @2016, ISBN: 978-1511342124, Unabridged, MP3 CD, Run Time: 9 Hours and 4 Minutes (* This book is also available in eBook, hardcover, and mass market paperback.)

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio 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.

Brain Storm by Elaine Viets

◊ BRAIN STORM by Elaine Viets

◊ Series: Death Investigator Angela Richman Novel (Book #1)

◊ Narrator: Tanya Eby

◊ MP3 CD

◊ Listening Length: 8 hours and 57 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Brilliance Audio

◊ Release Date: August 2, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN-10: 1522635424

◊ ISBN-13: 978-1522635420

SYNOPSIS:

The ultra-wealthy families of Chouteau Forest may look down on a woman like death investigator Angela Richman, but they also rely on her. When a horrific car crash kills a Forest teenager, Angela is among the first on the scene. Her investigation is hardly underway, however, when she suffers a series of crippling strokes. Misdiagnosed by the resident neurologist, Dr. Gravois, and mended by gauche yet brilliant neurosurgeon Dr. Jeb Travis Tritt, Angela faces a harrowing recovery.

It’s a drug-addled, hallucinating Angela who learns that Dr. Gravois has been murdered…and the chief suspect is the surgeon who saved her life. Angela doesn’t believe it, but can she trust her instincts? Her brain trauma brings doubts that she’ll ever recover her investigative skills. But she’s determined to save Dr. Tritt from a death-row sentence―even if her progress is thwarted at every turn by a powerful and insular community poised to protect its own

Author Elain Viets took her own history of surviving six strokes and brain surgery and incorporated it into an experience for her new protagonist, Death Investigator Angela Richman. To further add to Angela’s authenticity, the author took the Medicolegal Death Investigators Training Course for forensic professionals given by St. Louis University’s School of Medicine.

Through these steps Viets has created a well-developed, realistic and likable character in Angela. She has traits and flaws readers can relate to and sympathize with. The secondary characters are unique and add depth to Viets’ new grittier mystery novel.

The setting of mythical Chouteau County comes to life through rich descriptions. Angela’s dealings with the rich and the poor makes the story plausible.

Moving at a steady pace, the story deals with murder, hospital corruption, insurance fraud and so much more. The suspense will keep you guessing as the story also highlights how Angela deals with her strokes, the brain surgery and dangerous side effects.

BRAIN STORM is a well-balanced, intriguing mystery that features a promising new protagonist readers are going to take to quickly.

Brain Storm by Elaine Viets, Death Investigator Angela Richman Novel (Book #1), Narrated by Tanya Eby, Brilliance Audio, @2016, ISBN: 978-1522635420, Unabridged, MP3 CD, Run Time: 8 Hours and 57 Minutes (* This book is also available in eBook, paperback and digital download.)

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio 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 for stopping by today. I do so appreciate it. Have I tempted you to check out one or both of these fascinating titles? Have you given audio books a try yet?

The Art of Murder {+ Giveaway}

◊ THE ART OF MURDER by Elaine Viets

◊ Series: Dead-End Job Mystery (Book 14)

◊ Hardcover: 304 pages

◊ Genre: Cozy Murder Mystery

◊ Publisher: NAL (May 3, 2016)

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN-10: 045147613

◊ ISBN-13: 978-0451476135

SYNOPSIS:

From the national bestselling author of Checked Out, Helen Hawthorne must pose as a painter at Fort Lauderdale’s famous Bonnet House Museum to catch an artful killer . . .

          The art world is a happening place—but a brush with death shouldn’t be in the picture. Unfortunately, that’s just what happens to Helen Hawthorne and her friend Margery. While touring gorgeous Bonnet House, a mansion-turned-museum, they observe a painting class and note an up-and-coming artist. When they later see her deadly end, Helen is hired to canvas the crime scene—undercover, of course.
          Sketchy suspects lurk in the victim’s bohemian past. Was the promising painter killed by her jealous husband? Her best friend? A rival using her artful wiles? With her husband Phil busy setting a trap for a gold thief, it’s up to Helen to paint this killer into a corner . . .   

MY THOUGHTS:

Author Elaine Viets has created a protagonist in Helen Hawthorne that readers can relate to. Helen doesn’t back down from pursuing any job and is loyal to her friends. The secondary characters are also well-developed and add depth to the story.

The story flows at a steady pace with twists and turs keeping the suspense high. The vivid descriptions and eye for details brings the fascinating Bonnet House Museum into the reader’s world.

THE ART OF MURDER is the 15^th installment in Viets’ Dead-End Job Mystery series, but can be read as a standalone. New readers will have no problem keep up with Helen, Phil, Margery and the rest of the gang. Returning fans will delight in catching up with some of their favorite characters.

The intrigue of art classes paired with beautiful Fort Lauderdale (FL) landmarks as backdrops makes this a tantalizing cozy mystery. A blend of humor, suspense, friendship and determination make this a must read for murder mystery lovers.

The Art of Murder by Elaine Viets, A Dead-End Job Mystery (Book #14), Obsidian (NAL), @2016, ISBN: 978-0451476135, 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:

Thanks to the wonderful folks at Penguin/Random House, I have a print copy of THE ART OF MURDER by Elaine Viets to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Wednesday, May 25.

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 caught your interest in this fun new cozy mystery. Have you ever taken (or given) art classes? Do you enjoy a certain type of art?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Dog Gone Murder {+ Giveaway}

I’m delighted to be participating in author Elaine Viets’ virtual tour for her release, A DOG GONE MURDER, the latest installment in her Josie Marcus Mystery Shopper series.

I’m sharing my thoughts on this fun cozy murder mystery and thanks to the lovely Danielle at Penguin Group, I have a print copy of A DOG GONE MURDER to giveaway. Please see the end of the post for more giveaway details. Now, my thoughts.

A DOG GONE MURDER by Elaine Viets

Author Elaine Viets has a way of bringing humor and mystery together for an entertaining read that keeps you guessing until the end.

Her latest release, A DOG GONE MURDER, is a great example of her talents. In this 10th installment in her Josie Marcus Mystery Shopper series, Viets tackles the world of doggie day care.

Mystery shopper Josie Marcus has had some unusual jobs, but this time around she is checking out three doggie day care to see which one is worthy of a coveted seal of approval. On the list is Uncle Bob’s Doggy Day Camp. Uncle Bob has become a local celebrity doing garish commercials for his business with the help of Ralph the Talking Dog.

Josie quickly finds out Uncle Bob is not the pleasant man he appears to be on TV nor is he the pet lover he pretends to be. With an unhappy client and a disgruntled employee, the suspect list grows when Bob is murdered. When the employee, a tenant of Josie’s mother’s, becomes the prime suspect, it’s up Josie to find who the real killer is.

The characters in this delightful book are well developed, likable and realistic. The secondary characters add depth to the story. With twists and turns, Viets keeps readers on the edge of their seats anticipating the killer’s identity. 

The story flows smoothly with a blend of humor, mystery and family interaction. As an added bonus, the author includes shopping tips. This book is a dog-gone good reading.

A Dog Gone Murder by Elaine Viets, Josie Marcus Mystery Shopper Series Book #10, Signet, @2014, ISBN: 978-0451465986, 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 DOG GONE MURDER. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end Tuesday, Nov. 18. 

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 Elaine Viets’ 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 today. I hope I’ve enticed you to check out this charming cozy. Don’t you just love the book cover? Did you notice, there’s no cats on it? 

*This post contains affiliate links. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cozy Murder Mysteries Abound

I’m amazed and delighted at the variety and number of new cozy murder mysteries that are published each month by the vast array of publishers and those self-publishing.

Of the publishers, Berkley Prime Crime and Obsidian always have such interesting mysteries and varied themes. This month is no exception with a new series beginning and the addition of many already established series.

While I haven’t had a chance to read these books yet, they are all in my TBR stack. I’m looking forward to uncovering the mysteries they hold. Today I want to tell you a bit about these and hopefully entice you to read one or all.

First up is the debut installment of a new series by one of my favorite authors.

A POTION TO DIE FOR by Heather Blake

TROUBLE IS BREWING...

        As the owner of Little Shop of Potions, a magic potion shop specializing in love potions, Carly Bell Hartwell finds her product more in demand than ever. A local soothsayer has predicted that a couple in town will soon divorce—and now it seems every married person in Hitching Post, Alabama, wants a little extra matrimonial magic to make sure they stay hitched.
        But when Carly finds a dead man in her shop, clutching one of her potion bottles, she goes from most popular potion person to public enemy number one. In no time the murder investigation becomes a witch hunt—literally! Now Carly is going to need to brew up some serious sleuthing skills to clear her name and find the real killer—before the whole town becomes convinced her potions really are to die for!

A Magic Potion Mystery #1
Obsidian
ISBN-13: 9780451416308
336 Pages, Paperback

Also by Heather Blake:
The Good, the Bad, and the Witchy, April 2013
A Witch Before Dying, August 2012
It Takes a Witch, January 2012

FIXING TO DIE by Elaine Viets

Mystery shopper Josie Marcus has been happily married to veterinarian Ted Scottsmeyer for months. But her newly wedded bliss is about to be cut short....

        Josie and Ted have finally tied the knot, and they’re ready for the next step: buying a house. Ted’s business partner, Christine, has one she’s willing to sell, but it needs a lot of love. Luckily, the newlyweds are up for the challenge.
        But when they tear down a rickety gazebo in the backyard, they find the body of Christine’s sister, a free spirit who supposedly took off six months before. The police arrest Christine for murder, leaving Ted to work overtime at the office to cover for his partner. With no time to work on the house or be with her husband, Josie will have to find the real killer quickly, before both her house and marriage are beyond repair....

Josie Marcus, Mystery Shopper #9
Obsidian
ISBN-13: 9780451240989
304 Pages, Paperback

Also by Elaine Viets:
Board Stiff, May 2013
Murder is a Piece of Cake, November 2012
Final Sail, May 2012
Death on a Platter, November 2011
Pumped for Murder, May 2011
An Uplifting Murder, November 2010
Half-Price Homicide, May 2010
Crimes by Moonlight, April 2010
The Fashion Hound Murders, November 2009
Killer Cuts, May 2009
Murder With All the Trimmings, November 2008
Clubbed to Death, May 2008
Accessory to Murder, November 2007
Murder With Reservations, May 2007
High Heels are Murder, November 2006
Murder Unleashed, May 2006
Dying In Style, October 2005
Show Business Is Murder, August 2005
Just Murdered, May 2005
Drop-Dead Blonde, February 2005
Dying To Call You, October 2004
Murder Between The Covers, December 2003
Shop Till You Drop, May 2003

CHARMS AND CHOCOLATE CHIPS by Bailey Cates

A HALF-BAKED HEX

        Between brewing magically spiced treats at Honeybee Bakery and volunteering with a local conservation group, Katie Lightfoot barely has time to see her firefighter boyfriend, Declan McCarthy, much less delve further into her destiny as a witch. But avoiding her fate won’t be as easy as whipping up a new recipe—especially when Katie finds herself once again mixed up in murder.
        When a fellow volunteer for the conservation group is found dead, Katie’s mystical senses tell her that there’s more to the death than meets the eye. Her suspicions are confirmed when members of her coven are targeted next. Katie will have to embrace her powers quickly...or she may find herself chewed up and spit out by some serious black magic.

A Magical Bakery Mystery #3
Obsidian
ISBN-13: 9780451240620
336 Pages, Paperback

Also by Bailey Cates:
Bewitched, Bothered, and Biscotti, January 2013
Brownies and Broomsticks, May 2012

THE QUOTIENT OF MURDER by Ada Madison

Dr. Sophie Knowles loves using puzzles to make math fun for students. But when winter seizes Henley College, she must thaw out a cold case to track down a killer—her most difficult puzzle yet . . .

        Winter Intersession is in full swing, and campus is buzzing over the concert celebrating the bell tower’s reopening. The building has been shuttered for twenty-five years, and Sophie’s shocked to learn why—a student leapt from it to her death. But she’s even more troubled by the secrecy surrounding the case. After Sophie performs some quick calculations, she’s left with a nagging question: Was it really suicide?
        When one of Sophie’s favorite students, a performer in the concert, is brutally beaten and left in a coma, Sophie’s mind kicks into overdrive. The horrific incidents seem too coincidental to be unrelated, but can Sophie put together the pieces from a twenty-five-year-old murder before any other students get hurt?

Professor Sophie Knowles #4
Berkley (Prime Crime)
ISBN-13: 9780425262702
304 Pages, Paperback

Also by Ada Madison:
A Function of Murder, January 2013
The Probability of Murder, March 2012
The Square Root of Murder, July 2011

READ IT AND WEEP by Jenn McKinlay

William Shakespeare is credited with inventing how many words?*

        Answering Shakespeare trivia comes with the job description for library director Lindsey Norris. But when the Briar Creek Community Theater mounts their newest production of the Bard, she has no intention of leaving the stacks for the stage. Unfortunately a villain is waiting in the wings...
        Former Broadway actress Violet La Rue is holding auditions for A Midsummer Night’s Dream—and everyone from the sour spinster librarian Ms. Cole to Lindsey’s youthful library pages are trying out for parts. Brought in to play the mischievous Puck is the flirtatious professional actor Robbie Vine, who seems to have eyes for Lindsey. Before her blush has faded, the Bard’s dream turns into a nightmare—when one of the cast is poisoned. Now Lindsey and her crafternooners must take center stage to unmask the culprit before the final curtain call...
*Over 17,000

You can read an excerpt of this fun cozy.

A Library Lover's Mystery #4
Berkley (Prime Crime)
ISBN-13: 9780425260722
304 Pages, Paperback

Also by Jenn McKinlay:
Cloche and Dagger, August 2013
Going, Going, Ganache, April 2013
Book, Line, and Sinker, December 2012
Red Velvet Revenge, July 2012
Due or Die, March 2012
Death by the Dozen, October 2011
Books Can Be Deceiving, July 2011
Buttercream Bump Off, January 2011
Sprinkle with Murder, March 2010

FREEZER I’LL SHOOT by Victoria Hamilton

ICE COLD

        Trying to escape her overbearing mother, vintage kitchenware enthusiast and soon-to-be columnist Jaymie Leighton retreats to her family’s cottage on Heartbreak Island. While there she hopes to write an article about the Ice House restaurant, owned by good friends and neighbors, siblings Ruby and Garnet Redmond. Once an actual icehouse, the restaurant is charmingly decorated with antique tools of the trade, including a collection of ice picks.
        One night, while working on her article, Jaymie overhears an argument and, ever the sleuth, sets out to explore. But when she stumbles upon a dead body her blood runs cold. It’s Urban Dobrinskie, whose feud with the Redmonds is no secret, and he’s got an ice pick through his heart. Now Jaymie’s got to sharpen her sleuthing skills to chip away at the mystery and prove her neighbors’ innocence—before someone else gets picked off...

A Vintage Kitchen Mystery#3
Berkley (Prime Crime)
ISBN-13: 9780425252376
304 Pages, Paperback

Also by Victoria Hamilton:
Bran New Death, September 2013
Bowled Over, March 2013
A Deadly Grind, May 2012

WORDS WITH FIENDS by Ali Brandon

Brooklyn bookstore owner Darla Pettistone and her oversized black cat, Hamlet, have solved a few complicated capers. But after a recent brush with danger, Darla needs to get Hamlet out of a feline funk...

        Lately, Hamlet hasn’t been chasing customers or being his obnoxious self—something Darla surprisingly misses. Concerned, she hires a cat whisperer to probe Hamlet’s feline psyche and then decides to get out of her own funk by taking up karate to learn how to defend herself in case the need arises again.
        But when Darla finds her sensei dead at the dojo, it seems that even a master can be felled by foul play. Darla decides to investigate the matter herself, and the promise of a mystery snaps Hamlet out of his bad mood. After all, Darla may be the sleuth, but Hamlet’s got a black belt in detection...

A Black Cat Bookshop Mystery #3
Berkley (Prime Crime)
ISBN-13: 9780425252369
304 Pages, Paperback

Also by Ali Brandon:
Double Booked for Death, May 2013
A Novel Way to Die, November 2012
Double Booked for Death, December 2011

MULLED MURDER by Kate Kingsbury

This holiday season at the Pennyfoot, the head count is down—but the body count is up...

        With one of her housemaids leaving to get married, Cecily Sinclair Baxter wants nothing more for Christmas than some good help. Instead of visions of sugar plums, she’s calling the plumber to deal with flooded bathrooms. Then there’s the surly new janitor, who acts like he got coal in his stocking.
        But as Cecily scrambles to hire and train new staff in time for the holidays, one of her guests is beyond help. Gerald Evans is found stabbed to death on the beach, and Cecily soon discovers he was a private investigator from London looking into dark doings involving the Pennyfoot. Who among the staff or guests was being pursued, and what secret drove that person to cold-blooded murder?

A Special Pennyfoot Holiday Mystery #21
Berkley (Prime Crime)
ISBN-13: 9780425262917
304 Pages, Trade Size

Also by Kate Kingsbury:
The Clue is in the Pudding, November 2012
Herald of Death, November 2011
Mistletoe and Mayhem, November 2010
Decked with Folly, November 2009
Ringing In Murder, November 2008
Shrouds of Holly, November 2007
Slay Bells, November 2006
An Unmentionable Murder, August 2006
Wedding Rows, January 2006
No Clue At The Inn, November 2005
Fire When Ready, December 2004
Berried Alive, April 2004
Paint by Murder, September 2003
Dig Deep for Murder, December 2002
For Whom Death Tolls, February 2002
Death is in the Air, August 2001

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope I’ve tempted you to check out these intriguing new mysteries. Have you read any of these yet?

Sunday Salon: Reviews To Share

It’s Sunday Salon and time to share our thoughts on books we’ve read.

I have several wonderful books to share with you today since I’ve been away from blogdom. I’ll still be absent for a bit more, but thanks for all your kindness and concern for my mother-in-law’s recovery. She continues to be in good spirits and is getting a bit stronger each day.

As for books, once again I have a diverse selection of books to recommend. I hope you will find at least one, if not all of these for your reading pleasure.

WHERE DANGER HIDES by Terry Odell

Obsessed with finding a Columbian drug lord, Dalton didn’t expect to be stateside searching for people missing from a shelter.

Dalton works for Blackthorne, Inc. doing special ops all over the world. He’s pulled back to the states and put on a task he feels is a waste of his time. While on the assignment, Dalton comes in contact with Miri Chambers, who is on her own mission.

Later when Dalton is assigned to help Miri, he’s upset at first but quickly gives the mission his full attention when he discovers 3 people are missing from Galloway House, a shelter where Miri serves as administrator.

As the two begin to search for the missing residents, Miri’ sister also disappears. The more they search, the more twists and turns they encounter. Along the way readers learn Miri has secrets of her own, while Dalton is haunted by his past.

Despite the dire situation, Miri and Dalton find they are drawn to each other. Author Terry Odell weaves you into the lives of Miri Chambers and "Just" Dalton. Within the first few pages you're hooked and off on a heart-pounding ride of adventure, suspense, intrigue, and undeniable romance. WHERE DANGER HIDES is an adrenaline rush that will capture your heart. A tender romance with bits of humor is woven throughout the story to give readers a chance to catch their breath.

Author Terry Odell’s website is www.terryodell.com

Where Danger Hides, A Blackthorne, Inc. Novel by Terry Odell, Five Star, @2011, ISBN: 9781432825126, Hardcover, 374 pages

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

MIND YOUR OWN BEESWAX by Hannah Reed

Story Fischer seems to find herself in more sticky situations than her bees ever do.

When Story’s bees take off to find a new hive, she follows determined to return them to her backyard. What she didn’t expect to find was a dead body. It turns out the body is that of Lauren Kerrigan, a former resident with a criminal record. When the authorities arrive, a second body is soon found nearby. It’s Hetty Cross, known locally as ‘The Witch.’

Discovering Lauren’s body puts Story back in the crosshairs of Police Chief Johnny Jay, who has had a grudge against her for sometime. To make matters worse, Lauren was convicted years ago of running over Johnny Jay’s father, who was the police chief at the time.

Story begins to think Johnny Jay may have killed Lauren to avenge his father’s death. She sets out to prove her theory. She discovers the current murders are linked to what happened years ago on The Lost Mile leading up to Lauren running over Johnny Jay’s dad.

Author Hannah Reed has created an intriguing and lovable group of characters that live in Morrine, Wisconsin. They will have you laughing one minute and trying to figure out who the killer is the next.

MIND YOUR OWN BEESWAX is the second installment in the Queen Bee Mystery series, but is a stand alone book. The book also provides lots of useful and informative details about bees and their benefits. In addition, a number of delicious honey-based recipes are included.

MIND YOUR OWN BEESWAX is a tasty read that will whet your appetite for murder, excitement, fun and loyalty.

Author Hannah Reed’s website is http://www.queenbeemystery.com/

Mind Your Own Beeswax, A Queen Bee Mystery by Hannah Reed, Berkley Prime Crime, @2011, ISBN: 9780425241592, Paperback, 304 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - 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.

PUMPED FOR MURDER by Elaine Viets

After working her share of dead-end jobs, Helen Hawthorne is finally opening her own business.

Helen and her new husband, Phil, have returned from their honeymoon and opened a P.I. Agency in Miami, FL. They plan to specialize in families with private problems.

Their first client believes her husband is cheating on her. To find out, Helen has to go undercover working as a receptionist at a local gym. With this dead-end job, Helen has to be fit and use the gym’s workout equipment.

Meanwhile, the couple’s second client wants them to solve a decade old murder that was ruled a suicide.

Helen and Phil have their hands full with twists and turns in their cases, especially when dead bodies begin showing up. Helen has a way of uncovering the truth, but will the killer take her out first?

PUMPED FOR MURDER is the 10th installment in the Dead-End Job Mystery series, but is a stand alone book. Author Elaine Viets keeps Helen entertaining and unpredictable. The unusual group of eclectic friends from the complex where Helen and Phil live returns to help them.

For an interesting cozy mystery, plus action and adventure, catch up with Helen and the gang.

Author Elaine Viets’ website is www.elaineviets.com

Pumped For Murder, A Dead-End Job Mystery by Elaine Viets, Obsidian Mysteries, @2011, ISBN: 9780451233202, Hardcover, 304 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - 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.

What have you been reading? Please check back tomorrow when author Jean Henry Mead stops by.

Author Elaine Viets Visits

It’s my pleasure to welcome award-winning author Elaine Viets back to Thoughts in Progress as the special guest blogger today.

Elaine’s latest release is AN UPLIFTING MURDER,  the sixth installment in the Josie Marcus Mystery Shopper Series. She stops by today to talk about her ’Uplifting Research’ for this book.

I did $200 worth of research for “AN UPLIFTING MURDER,” my new Josie Marcus Mystery Shopper novel.

This time, Josie mystery-shops a lingerie store. Her favorite high school teacher, the woman who saved her from the mean girls, is now working as the shop manager. Frankie, a high school acquaintance Josie hoped she’d never see again, turns up and is murdered at the mall. Josie’s teacher is the main suspect, and her alibi is flimsier than the lingerie she sells. Josie has to save the woman who helped her when the murder becomes a tempest in a C-cup. 

Josie learns the lesson we all know. You never get out of high school.

In high school, I was an A – and I’m not just talking about my grades. I didn’t understand that a bigger future was waiting for me. If I did, I would have ignored the mean girls in gym class who joked about the “bug bites” on my chest. Okay, I would have tried to ignore them. I could have avoided countless tears and endless conversations with my best friend, Sue.

In high school, I didn’t listen to my mother. She said if I had a flat chest at 16, I’d have less sag after 40.

I thought her advice was stupid. Forty was so old, nobody would care what I looked like.

Mother also said I should find a man who would appreciate my fine mind.

I ignored that advice, too. Men could admire my fine mind after I was 40 and too old for sex.

I did listen to Mom’s bra advice once. She caught me trying to bust out of the house without a bra. I figured since I had a flat chest, no one could tell. Mom could. She pulled out a National Geographic with photos of topless tribal women. Their bare breasts were 36 Long.

“That’s what happens when you don’t wear a bra!” she said. Mom didn’t mention that these women had also endured poverty, poor nutrition, and many pregnancies.

One look and I got the picture. The bra went back on.

Today’s women are better endowed than my generation. Some experts say a D-cup is now the average size for young women.

But girls with generous builds suffer, too. They endure the crude taunts of teen-age boys. Busty women hate that line from the old movie, “Young Frankenstein.” You know the one I mean and you know how the scene is played.

A girl walks down the school hallway when some twit yells “Great knockers!” If any teachers are around, he makes a big show of pretending to admire the school doors. Which have push bars.

Size matters for girls, too. The pain of those insults lasts a lifetime. They might be funny once we’re adults, but we never forget those old feelings. Hopefully, we outgrow them.

Elaine, thanks for guest blogging here today. If only we knew (and believed) then what we know now, life would have been easier.

Elaine writes two bestselling mystery series. Publishers Weekly called her Dead-End Job mysteries “wry social commentary.” “HALF-PRICE HOMICIDE” is the ninth. Her Josie Marcus mystery shopper series is set in Elaine’s hometown, St. Louis. “AN UPLIFTING MURDER” is the sixth novel. Elaine won the Agatha, Anthony and Lefty Awards.

Elaine's books are available in major bookstores, as e-books and online at many outlets, including Mystery Lovers Bookshop, www.mysterylovers.com, bn.com, and amazon.com