Gilt Trip, Stranded and An Autography Giveaway

Do you enjoy the anticipation of a new book coming out in a series you adore?

Well, I do. I’m delighted one of my favorite series, the Scrapbooking Mysteries, has a new book - GILT TRIP - coming out tomorrow (Oct. 1st). In addition, this month I discovered another fun series, Maggie O’Dell, which recently had a new release, STRANDED. I’m sharing my thoughts on both of these intriguing releases. While one is a cozy and the other is a thriller, they will both provide you with hours of reading and listening pleasure.

I’m thrilled that to celebrate the release of her newest book, author Laura Childs is graciously giving away an autographed copy of GILT TRIP to 2 lucky visitors to Thoughts in Progress. Please see the end of the post for the giveaway details. I’m also including a press release concerning the protagonist from Childs’ series. (That will follow the giveaway details.)

GILT TRIP by Laura Childs with Diana Orgain

As a series continues, sometimes the characters get stale and the plots lose their sizzle. Author Laura Childs makes sure that doesn’t happen in GILT TRIP, the 11th installment in her Scrapbooking Mystery series.

Childs continues to evolve and develop her characters with each new book. The plots, while continuing to deal with mystery and murder, take some intriguing turns along the way with fresh ideas and unexpected activities.

This time around scrapbook shop owner Carmela Bertrand and her best friend, Ava Gruiex, attend a ‘Get Out of Jail Free Party’ in the elaborate Garden District of New Orleans. Margo Leland is throwing the unusual bash to celebrate the homecoming of her husband, Jerry Earl. He’s been released from prison after having served only a small portion of his five-year sentence for white collar crimes.

Apparently someone isn’t too happy Jerry Earl got out early. During the party Carmela discovers Jerry Earl’s body in the clothes dryer on the tumble cycle. Margo pleads with Carmela to look into the murder.

The more Carmela looks, the more questions she has since Jerry Earl had a lot of enemies. When another body turns up, Carmela is certain Jerry Earl was up to his old tricks even while in prison. She has to narrow down the suspect list to find the killer as he quickly begins to close in on her.

GILT TRIP moves at a steady pace with twists and turns keeping you guessing who the killer is and why. The characters are well-balanced and likable. The secondary characters add charm and flavor to the story.

Childs weaves murder, mystery, humor, Scrapbooking tips and even a touch of romance into a well-blended story. The vivid descriptions of the setting enhances the story and make you feel you’ve been to New Orleans with its vibrant culture. Scrapbooking fan or not, you won’t feel overwhelmed with the crafting tips found throughout the book.

This installment can be read as a standalone. However, be warned you will probably be enticed to find out what prior adventures Carmela and Ava have found themselves involved in.

GILT TRIP is a delightful cozy mystery loaded with rich characters, fun settings, Scrapbooking tips, and delicious recipes. Relax in the New Orleans ambience as you try to unmask the killer before he strikes again.

Author Laura Childs’ website is http://www.laurachilds.com/
 
Gilt Trip by Laura Childs with Diana Orgain, A Scrapbooking Mystery - Book #11, Berkley Prime Crime, @2013, ISBN: 978-0425252925, Hardcover, 320 Pages 

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

STRANDED by Alex Kava

Beginning a series with the last installment can sometimes make following the story a bit confusing.

That wasn’t the case with STRANDED, author Alex Kava’s latest installment in her Maggie O’Dell series. The story flowed smoothly without having any knowledge of prior books.

The characters are brought to life by the wonderful vocalizations of narrator Tanya Eby. She expresses the emotions in such a way the listener feels them too. Her cadence draws you in and holds you captive as the story unfolds.

It seems a madman is stalking rest areas along major highways. In addition, he has taken a liking to FBI Special Agent Maggie O’Dell. He leaves her clues in Washington, D.C., as to where one of his victims is.

Maggie and her partner, R.J. Tully, follow another one of the killer’s clues to an abandoned farm in Iowa. Assisted by Ryder Creed and one of his cadaver-hunting dogs, they discover the site is a dumping ground for the killer and the body count begins to rise.

The intense search escalates when a prisoner seems to have knowledge of another of the killer’s dumping grounds, this one in Florida. As the group heads to check out the latest lead, little do they know it’s just a way for the killer to make Maggie his prize catch.

Kava has crafted well-developed characters making them realistic and memorable. Her flare for detail places the listener in the middle of the scene.

Combining a fast-pace thriller with bits of humor, hints of a romance, and glimpses of personal pain, STRANDED will keep you on the edge of your seat. Kava’s latest non-stop adventure will have you rethinking stops along the highway.

Author Alex Kava’s website is http://alexkava.com/
 
Stranded by Alex Kava, A Maggie O’Dell Novel, Performed by Tanya Eby, Brilliance Audio, @2013, ISBN: 978-1455856879, Unabridged, 7 Discs, Listening Time: 7 Hours and 52 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure - 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.
 
GIVEAWAY DETAILS…

Now for the awesome giveaway. Author Laura Childs is giving away two copies of GILT TRIP and will inscribe and autograph each book. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only.

To enter this giveaway, please send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win Gilt Trip.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance to win one of 2 autographed copies of GILT TRIP is 8 p.m. (EST) on Tuesday, Oct. 8.

PRESS RELEASE

Main character in Laura Childs’ new mystery GILT TRIP, named Best Amateur Sleuth by the Romantic Times Book Review.

    The last 10 books Laura Childs has written may have made trips to The New York Times Bestseller List - but now her characters are winning the awards!
    Carmela Bertrand, the feisty scrapbook maven who serves as the main character in Childs’ award-winning Scrapbooking Mysteries set in New Orleans, has garnered quite a fan club.
    “I could hardly believe it,” said Childs. “Carmela voted Best Amateur Sleuth by the folks at Romantic Times. It’s an amazing honor. The Romantic Times is this huge magazine that’s kind of the bible of book reviews for hard-core romance and cozy mystery fans.”
    Then again, creating memorable characters is one of Laura Childs’ specialties.
    In her past life Childs spent twenty-five years in advertising, creating TV and radio ads that featured characters and spokesmen that definitely stood out.
    “I created the Winky Blinky Sandman for a mattress sale, the Sturgeon General for a major seafood company, and a ‘perfect executive’ who was so busy he had to wear a pink ring Rolodex.”
    Besides her Scrapbooking Mysteries, Childs is also the author of the Tea Shop Mysteries and the Cackleberry Club Mysteries.
    “I love to write,” said Childs. “I was born to write. I wrote and illustrated George the Ghost when I was six and I’ve never stopped. Right now I’m working on a fourth and fifth mystery series. One is a hard-edged thriller set in the Twin Cities, the other is the Hummingbird Inn Mystery series set in Carmel, CA.”
    Can Childs really pull of 5 different series? Can anybody?
    “I don’t know, but I’m going to try,” said Childs. “James Patterson does it and so do a few other authors. I guess I’m still writing like I’ve got a killer ad deadline hanging over my head!”

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope I’ve catch your attention with these two amazing stories.

Postcards From The Dead by Laura Childs

New Orleans and Mardi Gras have long since been the setting for murder mysteries, but author Laura Childs puts a different spin on the concept with amateur sleuth Carmela Bertrand and POSTCARDS FROM THE DEAD.

Carmela, owner of Memory Mine Scrapbooking, is awaiting her turn in the camera spotlight when something goes terrible wrong. KBEZ-TV reporter Kimber Breeze is conducting interviews on the fourth floor balcony of a hotel in the French Quarter overlooking the Mardi Gras parade below.

Just as she’s about to be interviewed,  Carmela sees Kimber’s terrified face in the waiting room’s live feed monitor. When she rushes out onto the tiny balcony, Carmela finds Kimber’s lifeless body dangling by a cord over the floats below.

Although her boyfriend, Homicide Detective Edgar Babcock, tells her not to get involved, Carmela can’t help herself. When she begins receiving unnerving postcards apparently from the dead reporter, Carmela enlists the help of her best friend Ava Gruiex to uncover the truth.

As Carmela and Ava search for the killer, they take the reader on a journey through New Orleans, its culture and its landscape. There is a nice blend of mystery, murder, mayhem, humor, a dabble of romance and even a second crime to solve. In addition, Childs incorporates friendship, loyalty and a bit of gossip involving the Scrapbooking gang.

With each new installment in this series, Childs continues to develop and enrich her characters. Following along with their progress enhances the reading experience making the characters more realistic.

Childs slowly pulls you in with each line. As she paints a picture with her words, she places the reader in the heart of the action with her characters. Before the reader realizes it, they’re spellbound unable to put the book down not wanting to leave the scene for fear of what will happen next.

POSTCARDS FROM THE DEAD is the 10th installment in the Scrapbook Mystery series, but can be read alone. There are subtle references to prior events, but they are done in such a way as not to confuse or lose new readers. The book also offers delicious New Orleans recipes, Scrapbooking tips and a preview of the next installment in Childs’ Cackleberry Club Mystery series, STAKE & EGGS, slated for release in December.

Scrapbooking doesn’t have to be in your blood to enjoy this story, only the love of a good mystery.

Postcards From The Dead by Laura Childs, A Scrapbooking Mystery, Berkley Prime Crime, @2012, ISBN: 978-0425252758, Hardcover, 336 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author and publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copies did not influence my review.
 
Thanks so much for stopping by today. Hope you enjoy a taste of New Orleans with a dash of murder mystery.

Interview With Author Laura Childs

I’m thrilled to welcome New York Times Bestselling

author Laura Childs here today to talk about her writing.

I recently reviewed Laura’s latest release, AGONY OF THE LEAVES, and enjoyed it. This is the 13th installment in her Tea Shop Mystery series and the intrigue just gets better and better.

Laura has graciously answered some questions for me about her writing and her 3 series - the Tea Shop Mysteries, the Scrapbooking Mysteries, and the Cackleberry Club Mysteries.

Mason - What drew you to make your protagonist Theodosia a tea shop owner?

LAURA - Developing the Tea Shop Mystery series was kind of a slam dunk.  Tea was just beginning to be super popular, tea shops were popping up like errant mushrooms, and woman were pulling out their gloves and pill box hats and wearing them to tea parties. Plus, a tea shop owner protagonist seemed like a nice juxtaposition against a backdrop of murder and mayhem. I also set the series in Charleston because there’s an actual tea garden nearby. 

Interestingly, when I began the series, I figured I could write about six or seven Tea Shop Mysteries and incorporate the names of different teas in the titles (DEATH BY DARJEELING, OOLONG DEAD, BLOOD ORANGE BREWING, etc.). But the mysteries took off from the get-go and now have a life of their own. I’m working on the 14th Tea Shop Mystery right now and there seems to be no end in sight!

Mason - Are all of the tea blends you include in your series available or do you create some of your own just for Theodosia’s use?

LAURA - Most of the teas I mention are all readily available, either at your local tea shop, Teavana, or the major online tea retailers. A few of the teas that Drayton, my bow tie-wearing, slightly snooty tea expert, creates are totally fictitious. These might include his Lamplighter Blend, Palmetto Blend, and his Holiday Blend (black tea with dried cranberry, oranges, and Indian spice).

Mason - Are your main characters based completely or in-part on real people and is the Indigo Tea Shop based on a real shop?

LAURA - My characters are all fictional. None of the people I know in real life are that clever, insidious, or devious. Probably a good thing. And there is no Indigo Tea Shop either. I’ve had many, many people ask for photos and detailed floor plans. Which I guess means I’ve succeeded in creating a real sense of place!

Mason - You have three ongoing bestselling series. Do you focus on one series at a time or work on all three at the same time?

LAURA - For the first seven or eight years, I wrote one book at a time and kind of rotated around the calendar. If it was Spring, I was writing a Tea Shop Mystery. Summer kicked off with a Scrapbooking Mystery. Fall I white-knuckled it and scrambled to write a Cackleberry Club Mystery. Now I work on two books at the same time. And, strangely enough, I get much more writing done that way. Yesterday, I wrote nine pages on SWEET TEA REVENGE, ran out of steam, so switched over to writing EGGS IN A CASKET and produced five more pages. Switching back and forth between books seems to give me an extra boost of energy. 

 

Mason - What can fans expect from you next?

LAURA - Lots more books. Definitely the two books I just mentioned, plus I’m going to weave in another Scrapbooking Mystery this year – probably titled PARCGMENT & OLD LACE. And I’m working on a hard-edged thriller, too. I guess I just love to write!

Laura, thanks so much for guest blogging. As a huge fan of your Tea Shop Mysteries, I would say you definitely succeed in creating a real sense of place with the Indigo Tea Shop.

Now a bit of background on Laura. She is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fund raising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs. For more on Laura, visit her website at www.laurachilds.com

Here’s a brief summary of AGONY OF THE LEAVES: In the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of SCONES AND BONES, Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning finds herself in hot water when a body surfaces at the grand opening of Charleston's Neptune Aquarium.

The opening of the aquarium is a major Charleston event, and Theodosia has been hired to cater tea, scones, and sandwiches for the private party to honor dignitaries and big buck donors. Things are going swimmingly, until Theodosia escapes the party for a momentary rest, only to discover the body of a man entangled in a net, drowned in one of the aquarium's state-of-the-art tanks. 

To make matters worse, the victim is Theodosia's former boyfriend Parker Scully. The EMTs on the scene think Parker's drowning was an accident, but when Theodosia notices what look like defense wounds on his hands, she realizes that someone wanted Parker dead. The local police aren't keen on hearing her theory-especially because of her ties to the victim-so Theodosia knows that if she wants Parker's killer brought to justice, she'll have to jump into the deep end and start her own investigation. 

The book also includes delicious recipes and tea time tips.

Have you read any books in the Tea Shop Mystery series? If so, have you tried a new tea because of the series? Thanks so much for stopping by. 

AGONY OF THE LEAVES by Laura Childs

With March comes the promise of a new book by an author that I have enjoyed following and reading long before I began blogging.

That promise becomes a reality next week when the latest installment in author Laura Childs’ Tea Shop Mystery series, AGONY OF THE LEAVES, is released.

I had the pleasure of getting an early look at the book, the 13th installment in the series. The series just keeps getting better and better. All the wonderful and familiar characters I’ve come to love return, along with a number of new and intriguing ones.

The Indigo Tea Shop has been hired to cater tea, scones, and tea sandwiches for the opening-night private party of the Neptune Aquarium in Charleston, S.C. Tea shop owner Theodoisa Browning takes a few minutes away from the party to view the Ocean Wall exhibit.

What she never expected was to see a dead man in the tank entangled in a net. To make matters worse, the dead man is Theo’s former boyfriend, Parker Scully. Parker’s restaurant, Solstice, was also helping cater the affair.

At first the authorities believe Parker’s death is an accidental drowning. But Theo doesn’t think so, especially when she sees defensive-like wounds on his hands. Theo is determined to find Parker’s killer no matter what.

As Theo’s investigation gets underway, a number of Parker’s business associates begin to top the suspect list. When Theo learns Parker’s current girlfriend has inherited Solstice and then sold it within days, more names are added to her suspect list. The closer Theo gets to uncovering the killer, the more dangerous it gets for her and those around her.

Author Laura Childs once again takes readers back to beautiful and historical Charleston where she immerses them in the world of tea, scones, murder, mystery, and mayhem. The characters are charming and lovable. The story is fast-pace, action-filled with bits of humor in all the right places. While it’s a story of intrigue and murder, it also captures the loyalty of family and friends, the love of history, and the feeling of small town delight.

Readers don’t have to be tea drinkers to enjoy this cozy mystery. But there are nuggets of tea history and information woven throughout the story. In addition, the book includes numerous tea time tips and delicious recipes mentioned in the story such as Parmesan Crisps and Honeybee Scones. An added bonus is a sneak preview of Child’s next Scrapbooking Mystery, POSTCARDS FROM THE DEAD, slated for an October 2012 release.

AGONY OF THE LEAVES is a delightful and entertaining read to relax with. It will hold you spellbound from the first page to the last line. Childs keeps you on your toes with twists and turns, a host of plausible suspects, and a surprise at the end.

Author Laura Childs’ website is www.laurachilds.com

  
Agony Of The Leaves by Laura Childs, A Tea Shop Mystery, Berkley, @2012, ISBN: 978-0425245538, Hardcover, 320 Pages 

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

Have you learned a craft or to enjoy a beverage because of a book? I’ve learned a great deal about tea from this series and even found a couple of new tea flavors I enjoy. Thanks so much for stopping by.

**BTW, be sure to stop by on Friday, March 9, when author Laura Childs is the special guest blogger here.** 

Tragic Magic by Laura Childs

Having never scrap booked before, I wasn’t sure if I could “get into” a Scrapbooking mystery with all the references to die cuts, layout pages, embellishments, borders, etc. I didn’t have a clue. While there is some references to the craft, the story focuses on a bright, facetious character and her friends. Since reading “Tragic Magic,” the Scrapbooking aisle doesn’t scare me quite so much. 

Now for the adventures of a scrap booker:

Amateur sleuth Carmela Bertrand returns just in time to solve a murder mystery before the Galleries and Gourmets celebration sweeps through the French Quarter of New Orleans.

Carmela, owner of Memory Mine Scrapbooking shop, and her closest friend, Ava Gruiex, owner of Juju Voodoo, are still trying to keep their businesses afloat four years after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. They have taken on the side job of decorating Medusa Manor for their friend, Melody Mayfeldt. Melody wants to turn the manor into a spectacular haunted house in time for DiscordaCon, an upcoming horror convention.

On one of their trips to the manor, however, Carmela and Ava are greeted by a horror attraction that turns out to be murder. Melody had been pushed from a third floor window, after being set on fire, and lands dead at their feet.

Almost before the flames are extinguished, Carmela and Ava are approached by Melody’s silent partner, to continue the project at double their original fee. While considering the proposal, Carmela is besieged by Melody’s husband to find her killer.

Carmela wants to help, but she doesn’t want to upset Detective Edgar Babcock, who she’s been seeing since her separation from her womanizing, soon-to-be ex-husband, Shamus Meechum.

As if she doesn’t have enough going on, Carmela is trying to finalize an on-going divorce settlement between her and Shamus, who still acts like a fun-loving frat boy. She may have to share custody of her two beloved dogs with him. And, she also has to deal with Shamus’ overbearing sister who holds the Meechum family purse strings.

While running their businesses and following clues, Carmela and Ava are busy transforming Medusa Manor into a prime haunted house. Meanwhile, the silent partner is cozying up to the seedy real estate developer who tried to buy Medusa Manor from Melody.

Through a mix of ghost walks, tarot card readings, a séance, and cemetery visits, the reader is introduced to the mystery and mystic surrounding New Orleans and its many legends.

Even though this is a “Scrapbooking Mystery,” don’t be mislead that it’s all about page layouts, die cuts or embellishments. It’s a “keep you on the edge of your seat, lock the doors while you read” murder mystery. The story is filled with colorful characters, witty dialogue and enough plot twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end.

Author Laura Childs sprinkles Scrapbooking tips and techniques throughout the story. There are suggestions and tips to delight scrap bookers, while peaking the interest of non-scrap bookers who may find themselves browsing the scrapbook aisle after reading “Tragic Magic.”

While telling a wonderful tale, Ms. Childs gives the reader a feel for New Orleans through her descriptions of the streets and businesses to the food and culture. An extra bonus is a number of delicious New Orleans recipes included in the back of the book, along with additional craft tips.

“Tragic Magic” is the seventh installment in the Scrapbooking Mystery series. First time readers of the series don’t have to know what else Carmela has been up to in the past six books in order to enjoy “Tragic Magic.” However, the captivating charm of Carmela will have readers searching for the previous installments in the series because they won’t be able to get enough of her antics.

The sights and sounds of New Orleans comes alive through the adventures of Carmela and her friends.

For more on Laura Childs, the Scrapbooking Mystery series and other series by Ms. Childs, go online to www.laurachilds.com

Tragic Magic, A Scrapbooking Mystery by Laura Childs, Berkley Prime Crime, @2009. ISBN: 978-0-425-22989-7, 320 pages, hardcover.