Showing posts with label Mystery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mystery. Show all posts

Monday, October 13, 2025

Tour and Giveaway: Murder in Matrimony (A Lady of Letters Mystery) by Mary Winters

 

Murder in Matrimony (A Lady of Letters Mystery) by Mary Winters

About Murder in Matrimony

 

Murder in Matrimony (A Lady of Letters Mystery) Historical Cozy Mystery 4th in Series Setting - London, 1860 Publisher ‏ : ‎ Severn House Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 7, 2025 Hardcover Print length ‏ : ‎ 240 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1448315492 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1448315499 Digital Print length ‏ : ‎ 248 pages ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1448315505 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F4XCY2RX

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Countess-turned-advice columnist Amelia Amesbury has a wedding to plan alongside a new murder in this charmingly deadly historical mystery. Countess Amelia Amesbury has her work cut out. As well as balancing her alter ego—secret advice columnist, Lady Agony—and the blackmailer threatening to reveal her real identity, her sister has also announced she’s getting married. It’s joyous news, but places all the planning for a high society wedding firmly at Amelia’s door. Luckily, her good friend and local vicar Mr. Cross has agreed to the expedited nuptials, so that’s one less thing to worry about. Until Cross is found dead at the church. Now in between bridal arrangements, Amelia must follow the clues Mr. Cross left behind. Clearly, he’d made some enemies during his parishioner work, as strange mishaps begin to occur wherever Amelia goes. But when the danger becomes all too real, Amelia must rely on her friends and the handsome Simon Bainbridge to help solve the murder, save the wedding, and Amelia’s life too . . . Perfect for fans of witty historical mystery and Regency romances with a similar feel to Verity Bright and T.E. Kinsey.

About Mary Winters


 
© Julie Prairie Photography 2016

Mary Winters is the Edgar Award-nominated author of the Lady of Letters historical mystery series. Book one, Murder in Postscript, was a finalist for the Mary Higgins Clark Award. Mary is also the author of two cozy mystery series and writes short fiction. Her stories have appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and Black Cat Weekly. When she’s not writing, she’s teaching, reading, or spending time with her family. She lives with her husband, daughters, and spoiled pets in the Midwest. Find out more about Mary at MaryWintersAuthor.com.

Author Links Website http://www.Marywintersauthor.com 

  Purchase Links Amaz0n Barnes & Noble Bookshop   

  TOUR PARTICIPANTS 
  October 7 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT 
  October 8 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW 
  October 8 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
  October 9 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT 
  October 9 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
  October 9 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT 
  October 10 – My Books and Crafts – SPOTLIGHT 
  October 11 – Cassidy's Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT 
  October 12 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT 
  October 13 – Sarandipity's – SPOTLIGHT 
  October 13 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
  October 14 – Wine Cellar Library – SPOTLIGHT 
  October 14 – Salty Inspirations – SPOTLIGHT 
  October 15 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT 
  October 16 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW 
  October 17 – Boys' Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT 
  October 18 – The Mystery of Writing – REVIEW 
  October 19 – Infinite House of Books – SPOTLIGHT 
  October 20 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW 

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Thursday, October 24, 2024

Blitz & Giveaway: How to Solve a Murder with a Grump by Laura Pauling

How to Solve a Murder with a Grump
Laura Pauling
Publication date: October 8th 2024
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Mystery, Romance

Barrie:

I am determined to make my best friend’s wedding weekend perfect. That includes editing the best man’s speech and making sure he doesn’t drink too much.
Except, he’s the worst kind of grump with a capital G.
Not only that but when this perfect wedding unravels, I find myself the object of his wrath.
He blames me.
So I run.
And I’m wearing the wedding dress. (Don’t ask.)
As I hide out in a small town, following my dreams, I stumble upon a decades-old murder mystery.
Turns out texting the grump might be my only lifeline. And I’m definitely not flirt-texting. Nope. Not me.
Because falling for a grump can only lead to a broken heart.
Right?

Miles:

For the record, I am not a grump.
It’s not me. It’s them.
It’s women.
I’m looking forward to the wedding this weekend. My best friend is getting married.
And the maid of honor texts me.
Not just once.
Oh, no, because that would be much too sensible. Nope. Try a dozen. It felt like a hundred.
I can tell by a glance at the texts that she’s one of those micro-managing, in your business, thinks-she-knows-everything type of woman.
Forget it.
I don’t want her number. I don’t want coffee. I don’t want a date.
I don’t want a single conversation.
Okay, fine. I’m a grump.
But can you blame me?

How to Solve a Murder with a Grump is a full-length hilarious romantic mystery with a swoony, heart-thumping, happily-ever-after kind of ending complete with glitter bombs, snapping turtles (imaginary or not), a decades-old murder, and grand romantic gestures.

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

I take one look at him. Oh yeah, he’s a grump.

Definitely.

But I don’t have time for grumps right now.

You see, I’m running late and the elevator is taking forever to get to the bottom floor. My best friend is getting married in two days, and I’m the maid of honor. I’m trying to compose a text to the best man so we can talk about the speeches. I should’ve reached out to him ages ago, but this weekend came fast. It snuck up on me.

Then, a man near me clears his throat, like he’s trying to send me a message. I take one look at him.

No doubt in my mind he’s a Mr. Grumpy Pants, because I can pick them out a mile away. They’re easy to spot once you know the signs.

Of course, sometimes you’ll get lucky. You’ll make a quick exit. Or he’ll spill his coffee. Someone else will grab his attention.

But there will be times you have to interact with this particular species of men.

Just so you know, there are many ways to deal with a grump. I could write a book on it.

First, don’t be fooled by those flashing white teeth and sexy smirks. Don’t be fooled by a blue shirt, almost the color of tropical ocean water that offsets the gray of his eyes. Don’t be fooled by the rippling muscles underneath the blue shirt.

Nope.

Sexy grumps are the most dangerous, because they’ll steal your heart then stomp all over it.

Author Bio:

I write about spies, murder, and mystery. I love a lot of things about writing and reading stories that have mystery and romance. I love the puzzle of a whodunnit and witty banter between characters who love to hate each other. Especially, when they don’t know they are falling in love.

There are about a gazillion books in the wilds of Amazon and maybe half of them are mysteries. If you want to make sure you know when I have a new release in a current series or the start of a new series then visit www.laurapauling.com and sign up for my newsletter.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter


GIVEAWAY!
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Monday, October 7, 2024

Book tour & Giveaway: Murder, She Wrote: A Killer Christmas by Jessica Fletcher & Terrie Farley Moran

Murder, She Wrote: A Killer Christmas by Jessica Fletcher & Terrie Farley Moran

About Murder, She Wrote: A Killer Christmas

 

Murder, She Wrote: A Killer Christmas Cozy Mystery 59th in Series Setting - Maine Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (October 8, 2024) Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593640721 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593640722 Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CRTW3Z9N

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It’s Christmastime in Cabot Cove, but there’s more homicide than ho-ho-ho in the newest entry in the USA Today bestselling Murder, She Wrote series. Christmas is not an easy time to sell a house, but in Boston tycoon John Bragdon, Cabot Cove Realtor Eve Simpson has found a buyer for the old Jarvis homestead. Unfortunately, Eve gets a lump of coal in her stocking in the form of Kenny Jarvis, who has been missing for years and presumed dead but has now come back to stop his sister from selling their childhood home. Eve presses on, organizing a welcome dinner for Bragdon and his wife, Marlene, to meet the leading citizens of the town, including Jessica Fletcher. Dinner is interrupted by an uninvited guest—not Santa but Kenny, who threateningly promises Marlene she will never live in his house. When Marlene is found dead a few days later, Kenny is the natural suspect. But Jessica isn′t so sure he′s on the naughty list . . .

About the Authors

Along with Jessica Fletcher, Terrie Farley Moran co-writes the Murder She Wrote mystery series including Murder, She Wrote: Killer on the Court. She is the author of the Read ‘Em and Eat cozy mystery series and also co-writes the Scrapbooking Mysteries with Laura Childs. Recipient of both the Agatha and the Derringer Awards, Moran has published numerous mystery short stories. The only thing Terrie enjoys more than wrangling mystery plots into submission is hanging out with any or all of her seven grandchildren.

Author Links – Webpage Facebook
Purchase Links – AmazonB&NKoboBookshop.orgPenguinRandomHouse


TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 7 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

October 7 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 8 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW

October 8 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 9 – The Mystery of Writing – SPOTLIGHT

October 9 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

October 10 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

October 10 – Diane Reviews Books – REVIEW

October 11 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

October 12 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 12 – Cassidy's Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT

October 12 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 13 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

October 13 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 14 – Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

October 15 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

October 15 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW

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

October 17 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

October 17 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

October 18 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

October 19 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

October 20 – Deal Sharing Aunt – SPOTLIGHT

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Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Book Tour & Giveaway: The Poseidon Project (The Herb Society Mysteries) by E William Podojil

The Poseidon Project (The Herb Society Mysteries) by E William Podojil

About The Poseidon Project

 

The Poseidon Project (The Herb Society Mysteries) Mystery- Suspense - Adventure 1st in Series Setting - Tucson, AZ and Dubai, UAE Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wild Rose Press (August 26, 2024) Paperback ‏ : ‎ 270 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1509256849 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1509256846 Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CW1BKWS3

Molly Halloran and her friends have a secret past. Their bucolic retirement is suddenly upended when Molly’s husband is abducted and held for a steep ransom. Now she, her friends, her tech executive son, Lukas and his Air Force pilot boyfriend must race against the clock and travel halfway around the world to meet the kidnappers’ demands. But when they learn why her husband has been abducted, they realize how high the stakes truly are. Molly and her friends now must face their past in order to save the future. But not only their futures; the world’s.

About E William Podojil

E. William is an international business executive and novelist. He has traveled extensively and visited over sixty countries while based in Europe and the USA. Podojil works as an executive business advisor, strategist, and coach while also pursuing his love of storytelling and writing. His second novel, The Poseidon Project, will be published in 2024 by The Wild Rose Press and is the first in a series of adventure thrillers. Podojil writes personal, humorous stories of his life and travels with his husband and three sons in his blog at www.ewpodojil.com.

Author Links Website/Blog Facebook Instagram X Threads

Purchase Links Amazon - B&N - Bookshop.org

TOUR PARTICIPANTS 
  August 26 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT 
  August 26 – Novels Alive – REVIEW 
  August 26 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea - SPOTLIGHT 
  August 27 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
  August 27 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
  August 28 – Eskimo Prince Book Review – SPOTLIGHT 
  August 29 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT 
  August 29 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT 
  August 30 – Boys' Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT 
  August 31 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT 
  August 31 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT 
  September 1 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST 
  September 2 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST 
  September 3 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
  September 3 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW 
  September 4 – Ruff Drafts - SPOTLIGHT

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

South Pointe by Dianna Wilkes




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Mystery & Suspense
Date Published: February 6, 2018
Publisher: RedBird Books

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Paige Carson never expected that both a handsome sheriff and a charismatic newcomer would be vying for her affections. The choice isn’t an easy one, as she’s now responsible for raising her orphaned goddaughter, Jess.

Sheriff Sam Wallace didn’t lose at love. He got kicked to the curb. Hopeful that courting the feisty Paige will end differently, he can't help but feel suspicious about his romantic rival. Is Ben Hampshire the man he seems—or is Sam’s jealousy clouding his perspective?

Sam’s determined to win Paige’s and Jess’s love, but he also has to keep Providence Island safe. More than just Sam’s heart is at risk if he fails to find the killer who walks the streets of PI—a killer with more than one agenda.


About the Author

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Dianna Wilkes is an award-winning contemporary romance author, known for the Providence Island mystery series.

Reading has always been an important part of her life. “I learned to read when I was four years old,” she said. “Writing my own stories seemed a natural progression.”

Dianna holds a B.A. in Visual Communication and a M.Ed. in Instructional Technology. She worked as an Education Consultant for a medical technology company before leaving the corporate world to write full time. Despite all that nerdy stuff, she loves creating stories of romance and mystery with touches of humor.

When she isn’t writing, Dianna is deep in researching various twigs and branches on her family tree or fulfilling entries on her travel bucket list.


Contact Links


Purchase Links

Monday, September 17, 2018

ARC Review: Pecan Pies and Dead Guys by Angie Fox



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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40742181-pecan-pies-and-dead-guys

  • Series: Southern Ghost Hunter (Book 7)
  • Paperback: 314 pages
  • Publisher: Moose Island Books, LLC (September  2018)


Sometimes Verity Long would like to forget that she lives with the ghost of a 1920s gangster. But the reluctant housemates must once again work together when a dead detective blackmails Frankie into helping him solve a Great Gatsby-era cold case. Before she can say “bathtub gin,” Verity is dragged straight into a raging, otherworldly house party. Worse, every guest is hiding something. 

Meanwhile, Ellis Wydell, Verity’s living, breathing boyfriend needs Verity’s help with a police case of his own. After a dead body is discovered near the pecan orchard, Verity gives her insights, thinking her job is done. But when mysterious pecan pies start arriving at her house, she wonders who might be thanking her… or stalking her. 

Between hard-living ghosts and sugar-laden desserts, Verity has her work cut out for her. But will she uncover the secrets behind the pecan pies and dead guys? Or has she stumbled upon a recipe for disaster? 

A warm and witty paranormal cozy mystery!



Google Play: http://bit.ly/2pgw2uC

*Grab the other books in the  series: https://amzn.to/2QDhGAT


I think this one is one of the best books in the series!  
Wow!  I Every time I read one of these books, I am glued to the pages.  This one was no exception.
I think this book had even more mystery,  no way did I figure out who it was.  I mean I had a little idea, but .....
Verity is actually working 2 cases this time.  Both were extraordinary.
And then, the  little hint for the next book, oh I can not wait to read that.
I love this series with out a doubt.
You can really feel the characters, and their growth during the series.

*I received my copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Silent All these Years by T.A. Massa Blitz & Giveaway


Silent All These Years: A Novel

Mystery / Suspense

Date Published: September 13, 2018

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A broken daughter’s search for the truth unwinds a spiraling journey of panic, lust, and murder in this manipulative thriller from debut author T. A. Massa.

 

Melanie Stewart has just been left ten million dollars by a man she never knew. Should she accept the money? What if it means her mother, Marilyn, who died when she was only three years old, was murdered by the man who left it to her?

Melanie is trapped with crippling anxiety after the loss of her mother at a young age and the fatal stabbing of her fiancé on the night of their engagement.

When she discovers she has been written into the will of Roger Andrews, a name linked to the mysterious death of her mother, Melanie must trudge down a path of buried memories, reliving painful heartache, all while attempting to restart her life and trust a new admirer, Jake Andrews, Roger’s grandson.

Told from the alternating perspectives of Melanie’s investigation and Marilyn’s last weeks leading up to her death, the clues unravel one by one, leaving you guessing until the final climax. Who should Melanie trust? What happened to Marilyn all those years ago?

SILENT ALL THESE YEARS: A Novel is a Standalone Fiction Mystery Suspense Novel.


  Silent All These Years: A Novel


EXCERPT

 Monday morning arrives with its habitual plans for obligatory adulting, snickering with sadism as all the humans bow to its alarm. Wake up and perform. Wake up and face me. Wake up and be someone. 
After a tear-filled drive home to Austin Saturday night, my body and mind crashed—hard. 
I spent all of Sunday under my sheets trying to sort out the events of my life-changing weekend. 
It was painful, and the worst part? 
Jake Andrews. 
The inheritance is strange, both alarming and frightening, but that part I believe I can handle. I’ll just decline the money and lock it back in the past. 
But not Jake. No, he messed with my head and with my heart. 
How was he able to insult me, seduce me, and make me feel alive again all in one night? 
And he says he remembers me. 
He remembers my past…a past I’ve forgotten. 
Does he have clues? Clues that I need? 
As I blow-dry my hair for work, the Xanax calming my nerves, I’m haunted by my aunt’s warning to stay away from the Andrews family. 
But why? 
All Marilyn did was work for them. She didn’t date any of them. No one seduced her or took advantage of her. There was no screwing Jake Andrews like I did. 
I’m mortified.
And Nathan… 
Oh Nathan! 
I grab the picture of the two of us on my bathroom vanity and squeeze it to my chest. 
Grief grabs hold of me, punching me in the stomach, and I want to throw up. 
What have I done? 
I forgot him. Friday night, I was so lost in Jake that I forgot my soul mate. I’ve betrayed him, betrayed our perfect love. 
Familiar wetness drips down my cheeks. I’m torn in half. As much as I want to forget that horribly sexy asshole of a man, his touch is etched everywhere on my body. He’s surrounding me, pinning me against the wall, holding me against his body, freeing me but suffocating me at the same time.  
I throw down Nathan’s picture and give up on my hair. “Forget it!”



About the Author

  Author T. A. Massa

Tiffani lives near Austin, TX with her husband, three kids, three dogs, and all her cats. She spends her days helping her husband with his company, running her kids around town, caring for the house, and trying to figure out what to make for dinner.

She is a lover of all stories.
She enjoys reading, writing, blogging, and going to the movies (especially on opening day!). Her background is in marketing and entrepreneurship and she is addicted to learning new things.
She manages a Lifestyle Blog at Pages & Lace covering books, movies, design, style trends, and her favorite products. Check it out today!
Her debut novel, Silent All These Years: A Novel, releases September 13, 2018. She has started her second novel with hopes of publishing in the Fall of 2019.

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Thursday, March 8, 2018

Alisa's Review: Raspberry Danish Murder by Joanne Fluke


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Raspberry Danish Murder 

Kindle Edition, 304 pages
Published February 27th 2018 by Kensington





Thanksgiving has a way of thawing the frostiest hearts in Lake Eden. But that won’t be happening for newlywed Hannah Swensen Barton—not after her husband suddenly disappears . . .
 
Hannah has felt as bitter as November in Minnesota since Ross vanished without a trace and left their marriage in limbo. Still, she throws herself into a baking frenzy for the sake of pumpkin pie and Thanksgiving-themed treats while endless holiday orders pour into The Cookie Jar. Hannah even introduces a raspberry Danish pastry to the menu, and P.K., her husband’s assistant at KCOW-TV, will be one of the first to sample it. But instead of taking a bite, P.K., who is driving Ross’s car and using his desk at work, is murdered. Was someone plotting against P.K. all along or did Ross dodge a deadly dose of sweet revenge? Hannah will have to quickly sift through a cornucopia of clues and suspects to stop a killer from bringing another murder to the table . . .



Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/2oH31IW




I truly enjoyed reading this book. I was very happy with the story, I was drawn out of my reading slump! I just wish I had more time to read it, I would've been done much sooner.
I was just as lost as Hannah and Mike to find the killer in this story. but I did start piecing it together, about the time Hannah did.
I do enjoy the recipes printed at the end of each (almost) chapter. I bookmarked quite a few!

*I received my copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Furred Lines by Renee George

Extra-Extra! I also have a first in series FREE available until the end of the month, so until February 29th
You’ve Got Tail (Peculiar Mysteries #1) is FREE wide:
_____________________________________________________________________________
New Release/ Spotlight Book
Title: Furred Lines (Peculiar Mysteries #6)
Author: Renee George
Blurb:
Wereraccoon Nicole Taylor, a recent Quantico graduate, is eager to prove herself. She's been assigned
to work with oh-so-yummy field agent and werebear Dominic Tartan to catch a therianthrope serial.

Dom doesn't know what to make of the sexy recruit he's been tasked to train. Half the time he wants
to ditch her, the other half of the time he wants to kiss her. Nicole struggles with the urge to sock him
one or jump his bones.

Doomsday preppers, a dead body, and a crate full of stolen guns make the case even more Peculiar.
Can Nicole and Dom find the killer in the chaos? Or will someone close to Nicole be the psycho's
next target?

Peculiar Mysteries series from USA Today bestselling author Renee George are laugh-out-loud,
grip the edge of your seat, and swoon as you fall in love tales of mystery, humor, and romance
that take place in the small (fictional) Ozark shifter town of Peculiar, Missouri.
Buy Links:
Excerpt:
“I’ll take the open-faced roast beef sandwich piled high with mash potatoes and extra brown gravy,”
a man behind me said. I whipped my head around hard enough to wrench my neck. Dominic Tartan
stood a few feet away. He raised his brow at my unasked question. “I finished up early in Springfield.
Thought I would join you for lunch.”
I’d texted him about my plans, but I didn’t think he’d track me down.
He turned his gaze to the table, and his expression brightened immensely when he saw Chavvah.
“Well, hello, Chav. Is it still Trimmel, or has the good doctor nailed you down yet?”
“He nails me every chance he gets,” she said as if she was commenting on the weather.
The slight uptick of the corner of her mouth and the way she reached up to move a lock of
hair from her shoulder told me she didn’t mind the flirting, but I’d seen her with Doctor Smith,
and if Tartan thought he had a chance in hell with the tall, leggy brunette, he was sorely mistaken.
“So not married.” Dominic smiled.
“We’ve set a date,” she said.
“March twentieth,” Sunny said. “The Spring equinox or some such nonsense. Werewolves are a pain in the ass.”
“True story,” Chav said, “and they sure know how to ruin a perfectly good party.”
Dom spread his hands. “Well, if it’s a party you want…”
Selena, who had been waiting patiently for our orders, giggled.
I stood up. “There isn’t room at this table for another chair. Agent Tartan and I will take the one
Mr. And Mrs. Smart just left.”
Selena’s smile grew tight. “I’ll get it cleaned up for you two.” She looked at the deputy.
“Should I make it for three?”
I said, “yes,” while Dominic said, “no.”
Eldin shook his head. “You two go on. I’ll finish lunch with Sunny and Chav.”
After we sat at the new table, a small one near the kitchen, I sipped my coffee and glared at Dominic.
He ordered an iced tea then turned to me and said, “What?”
In a quiet shout, the kind that’s all about tone without volume, I said, “What top secret information
did you learn that Eldin couldn’t hear?”
“Other than what’s in the files, there’s nothing new to learn.”
“But the victim is definitely a therianthrope?”
“They’re rabbit shifters.”
“That explains the five kids and another on the way. Though, we have a woman in town, a
deer shifter, who would give those rabbits a run for their money.”
“You mean Ruth Thompson.”
I assessed him again. “I get you spent a week here a couple years back, but damn, you really
paid attention.”
“Ruth is a friend of Chav’s.”
A knot formed in my throat. “Just how well did you get to know Chavvah Trimmel?”
“As well as any man could with a jealous werewolf breathing down his neck.”
I snorted. “So not as well as you’d have liked.”
Dom winked at me, and the knot in my throat tightened.
“Do any of the victims have ties to Peculiar? I really don’t see how any investigation here is going
to produce a lead.”
“Actually, there is one thing that ties them all together.” He leaned forward. “They were all at the
Tri-State Council Jubilee here in two summers ago.”
“When did you find this out?” Because if it was sooner than the past four hours I was going to be
unhappy.
“I got the information when I was driving here from Springfield. You know Wilhelmina Boden,
your dad’s new deputy?”
“Oh, yeah, the red-head engaged to Brady Corman.”
Dom’s eyes darkened. “That’s her. She was head of security for the Tri-State Council before her
move to Peculiar. She managed to get her hands on a complete list of all the people who attended
the event. She gave your dad and me a copy.”
“Did you find out if there are any more killings in this same vein prior to the last three?”
He shook his head. “Not yet.” I noticed for the first time how tired he looked around the eyes.
“We should get to the interviews with the Blonde Bear owners and staff. Mr. Lieberman’s life may
depend on it. Though I don’t know what we can learn here. Strangers stick out like sore thumbs.
I think Blondina and Roger would have told my dad if anyone around here fit the bill.”
“That’s just it.” Dom rubbed his chin. “I think it’s someone who lives here.”
I nodded, not wanting to agree, but there was no other explanation. “We need to start a list of
people who could leave town without drawing suspicion.”
“Agreed,” Dom said. “And we need to do it in a way that doesn’t alert the unsub.”
In a town of less than two-thousand people, my partner was asking for a whole lot of impossible,
but there were other things to consider with this criminal.
“This guy is smart. Organized. So, let’s narrow it down by skilled employment or white-collar work.”
I planted my elbow on the table as another thought occurred to me. “This killer is real ballsy.
He takes his victims outside their homes and returns them. That takes a lot of confidence.”
I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see Sunny Haddock staring down at me. Her eyes were
glazed, and her very worried-looking best friend stood behind her.
“What is it?”
Chav shook her head. “I’ve never seen her like this.”
With a blank stare in my direction, Sunny said in a monotone voice, “Duck when you see the
yellow man. Step over the crack. Skipped stones on the lake. Beware the lying owl. Falling glass.
Death.” Her voice grew even more hollow. “Death strikes at twelve.” She blinked, her pupils
flexing to focus. “What in the world? That’s weird.”
I let out a noisy breath I’d been holding. “You’re not kidding.”
*****
About me:
I am a USA Today Bestselling author who writes paranormal mysteries and romances because I love all
things whodunit, Otherworldly, and weird. Also, I wish my pittie, the adorable Kona Princess Warrior, and
my beagle, Josie the Incontinent Princess, could talk. Or at least be more like Scooby-Doo and help me
unmask villains at the haunted house up the street.

When I'm not writing about mystery-solving werecougars or the adventures of a hapless psychic living among
shapeshifters, I am preyed upon by stray kittens who end up living in my house because I can't say no to
those sweet, furry faces. (Someone stop giving them directions to my house!)

I live in Mid-Missouri with my family and I spend my non-writing time doing really cool stuff...like watching
TV and cleaning up dog poop.
Social Media Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/reneegeorge2008 (Lots of pictures of my fur babies!)
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