You’ll be Mesmerized by Corpse in the Crystal Ball

Corpse in the Crystal Ball

By Kari Lee Townsend

Copyright June 2012

Publisher: Berkeley Prime Crime

 

After clearing her name as the prime suspect in a murder, Sunny Meadows hopes she can finally enjoy some serenity in the idyllic town of Divinity in upstate New York. She’d also like a second chance with Detective Mitch Stone. But when Mitch’s gorgeous ex-girlfriend Isabel Gonzales shows up, Sunny’s not sure she can compete. Then Isabel mysteriously disappears.

When the police turn to Sunny for help, her visions lead to the discovery of Isabel’s corpse in the woods. Before she died, Isabel scrawled in the dirt a message implicating Mitch in her murder. Now Sunny must help the man she’s falling in love with as she sets out to find the real killer. But this time Sunny’s clairvoyant abilities might not save her–as what she doesn’t see can hurt her…

 

Sunny is not in the mood to have a discussion about her on hold love life with her friend Joanne (Jo). She is not going to discuss the detective who she put on hold, and just wants to move on with her life.  She is no longer a suspect in a murder investigation and her business is picking up.  Her parents are not going to be in her face until the next holiday.  She and Jo are heading back to Sunny’s house in her old VW Bug and as they turn onto Shadow Lane and pull onto her driveway they see the new mailman Kevin Brown fighting with a little old lady….  Who turns out to be Sunny’s Granma Gertrude.

From that point on Sunny’s life is about to change once again. Whether for good or bad is yet to be determined.  Gertrude loves Sunny as she is and for who she is (unlike Sunny’s parents). After breaking up the fight and discovering that it was caused by Kevin not letting Gertrude accept Sunny’s mail things get a bit quieter.  This is also the beginning of another murder that will drag Sunny, her grandmother, and her best friend into.

This is the second book in the Fortune Teller Mystery series and book two is going to set the mark for all future stories in the series.  This one comes with new hot guys,  dead people, Detective Grumpy and his ex, and a cast of characters that will entertain and enthrall you with their antics.  I wholly recommend it to all lovers of cozy mysteries and lovers of paranormal reading.

FTC Full Disclosure: I received this book from the author in return for a hair and honest review.

 

SPECIAL NOTE: On June 1st. I’ll be turning my blog over for the day to National Best Selling Author Kari Lee Townsend. Kari will be giving us the scoop on how this book came about and also host a giveaway.  One lucky US follower who leaves a comment could win a copy of the book. 

New Titles Updated Release List 2012 – 2014

As always, new additions to the list are marked with an ( * ).  All corrections and additions are welcome.  Just leave a note and it will be added to the next update.

 

May 2012

The Christie Curse – Victoria Abbott (MJM & Daughter)

Timeless – Gail Carriger

Final Sail – Dead End Job Mystery – Elaine Viets

Barefoot in the Sand – Barefoot Bay #1 – Roxanne St. Claire

A Deadly Grind – Vintage Kitchen Mystery #1 – Victoria Hamilton

The Golden City – Bloodlines #2 – Richelle Mead

Zombie Island – Shakespeare Undead – Lori Handeland

Nightshifted – Cassie Alexander

Deadlocked – Sookie Stackhouse #12 – Charlaine Harris

Under Suspicion – Underworld Detection Agency #3 – Hannah Jayne

Dark Frost – Mythos Academy #3 – Jennifer Estep

Awaited – Wasteland #2 – Lynn Rush

Wicked Eddies – RM Outdoor Adventures #2 – Beth Groundwater

How to Date an Alien – My Alien Romance #1 – Magan Vernon

Crystal Gardens – Ladies of Lantern Street #1 – Amanda Quick

Brownies and Broomsticks – A Magical Bakery Mystery – Bailey Cates

Clutches and Curses – Dorothy Howell

At the Hands of a Stranger – Lee Butcher

Demon’s Bride – Zoe Archer

Don’t Die Under the Apple Tree – Amy Patricia Meade

Last Writes – Laura Levine

Under Suspicion – Underworld Detection Agency – Hannah Jayne

Devilishly Sexy – Kathy Love

Tote Bags and Toe Tags -  Dorothy Howell

Embrase of the Damned – Anya Bast

Karma – Serendipity #3 – Carly Phillips

Carolina Home – A Dare Island Novel #1 – Virginia Kantra

Monkey Wrench – Quilting Mystery #4 – Terri Thayer

Embrace the Damned – Brotherhood of the Damned – Anya Bast *

Copycat Killing – A Magical Cats Mystery – Sofie Kelly *

No Tan Lines – Kate Angell *

Beach Season – Lisa Jackson, Cathy Lamb, Holly Chamberlin, Rosalind Noonan *

The Taming of a Scottish Princess – Karen Hawkins *

The Renegade Hunter – Argeneau #12 – Lynsay Sands *

All Sales Fatal – Laura Disilvario *

Sparks Fly – A Novel of the Light Dragons – Katie MacAlister *

June 2012

Corpse in the Crystal Ball – Kari Lee Townsend

Wicked Business – Lizzy and Diesel #2 – Janet Evanovich

Murder on the Half Shelf – Booktown #6 – Lorna Barrett

Timepiece – Hourglass #2 – Myra McEntire

The Taken – Celestial Blues #1 – Vicki Petterson

Gone Missing – Kate Burkholder Mystery #4 – Linda Castillo

Threaded for Trouble – Threadville Mystery series – Janet Bolin

Alexander Outland – Space Pirate #1 – G.J. Koch

Once Burned – Night Prince #1 – Jeanine Frost

The Golden Lily – Bloodlines #2 – Richelle Mead

Blue-Blooded Vamp – Sabina Kane #5 – Jaye Wells

Quilt or Innocence – Elizabeth Craig

Blood of Innocence – Tami Dane

Killing Bridezilla – Laura Levine

Mimosas, Mischief, and Murder – Sara Rosett

Afraid to Die – Lisa Jackson

Angel Betrayed – Cynthia Eden

Killer Critique – Alexander Campion

Water Born – Katherine Irons

Hide and Snake Murder – Jessie Chandler

Kiss the Dead – Anita Blake #21- Laurell K. Hamilton *

Tempest’s Fury – Jane True #5 – Nicole Peeler *

Tuesday’s Child – Fern Michaels *

July 2012

Beef Stolen – Off – A Clueless Cook Mystery #2 – Liz Lipperman

The Charmed Pie Shoppe – Pie Shoppe #1 – Ellery Adams

Something Strange & Deadly – Susan Dennard

Thirteen – Women of the Otherworld #13 – Kelley Armstrong

Tin Swift – Age of Steam #2 – Devon Monk

In Between – YA novel – Tara Fuller

Otherkin – YA novel – Nina Berry

Tainted Night, Tainted Blood – E.S. Moore

Dark Destiny – Dark Mirror #3 – M.J. Putney

Blood of the Demon – Rosalie Lario

Pies and Prejudice – A Charmed Pie Shop Mystery – Ellery Adams

Some Like it Hawk – Donna Andrews

Murder on the Half Shelf – A Booktown Mystery – Lorna Barrett

Because of You – Janet Dailey

Always with Love – Janet Dailey
Dead Ringer – Mary Burton

Fire Kissed – Erin Kellison

Going Organic can Kill You – Staci McLaughlin

Stalking the Others – Jess Haines

Tainted Night, Tainted Blood – E.S. Moore

Bagpipes, Brides, and Homicides – Kaitlyn Dunnett

Demon Hunting in the Deep South – Lexi George

Don’t Say a Word – Beverly Barton

Nowhere to Run – Nancy Bush

Thirst: The Vampire Legacy – Karen E. Taylor

Cloaked in MALICE – Vintage Magic #5 – Annette Blair

Stick a Fork in It – Poppy Markham Culinary Cop #2 – Robin Allen

The Wurst is Yet to Come – B&B Mystery – Mary Daheim

Some Like it Hawk – Donna Andrews *

Carolina Home – Dare Island Series #1 – Virginia Kantra *

Night Seeker – Indigo Court #3 – Yasmine Galenorn *

Blue Blooded Vamp – Sabina Kane #5 – Jaye Wells *

God Save the Queen – The Immortal Empire #1 – Kate Locke *

In a Witch’s Wardrobe – A Witchcraft Mystery #4 – Juliet Blackwell *

Lethal Outlook – A Psychic Eye Mystery – Victoria Laurie *

The Chocolate Thief – Laura Florand *

August 2012

Car Wash Blues – A Mick Murphy Key West Mystery – Michael Haskins

Deadly Politics – Molly Malone Mystery #1 – Maggie Sefton

Biting Cold – Chloe Neill

SeaWitch – A Greywalker Novel – Kat Richardson

When the Cookie Crumbles – Cookie Cutter Shop #3 – Virginia Lowell

A Witch Before Dying – Heather Blake

Death of a School Girl – The Jane Eyre Chronicles – Joanna Campbell Slan

Widow’s Web – Gin Blanco #7 – Jennifer Estep

Death of a Neighborhood Witch – Laura Levine

Allergic to Death – Gourmet de-lite Mystery #1 – Peg Chochan

Peril in Paperback – Kate Carlisle

Sour Apples – Orchard Mystery #6 – Sheila Connolly

Blood and Silver – James R. Tuck

I Ate the Sheriff – Mallory Caine, Zombie at Law – K. Bennett

A Brew to a Kill – Coffee House Mystery – Cleo Coyle

Perils in Paperback –  Bibliophile Mystery #5 – Kate Carlisle

Never Say Pie – Pie Shop Mystery #2 – Carol Culver

The Iron Worm – Bannon and Claire #1 – Lilith Saintcrow *

You Don’t Want to Know – Lisa Jackson *

Haunted – Anna Strong #8 – Jeanne C. Stein *

September 2012

My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century – Rachel Harris

Death in Four Courses – A Key West Food Critic Mystery – Lucy Burdette

Supernatural Born Killer – A Pepper Martin Mystery – Casey Daniels

Murder of the Cat’s Meow – A Scumble River Mystery – Denise Swanson

How to Tail a Cat – Cats and Curios #4 – Rebecca M. Hale

Hanging by a Thread – Sophie Littlefield

Hide and Snoop – Odelia Grey Mystery #7 – Sue Ann Jaffarian

To Catch a Vampire – A F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad Investigation #2 – Jennifer Harlow

Wall to Wall – DIY #6 – Jennie Bentley *

Alice in Zombieland – Gena Showalter *

Casual Vacancy – J.K. Rowling *

Alchemistic – Spellmason Chronicles #1 – Anton Strout *

Incarnation – Emma Cornwall *

The Raven Boys – Raven Cycle #1- Maggie Stiefvater *

October 2012

Baby Cakes – Cupcake Club #3 – Donna Kauffman

The Chocolate Moose Motive – A  Chocoholic Mystery – JoAnna Carl

Postcards from the Dead – A Scrapbooking Mystery – Laura Child

If Mashed Potatoes Could Dance – Paige Shelton

A Grid for Murder – Murder by the Numbers Mystery – Casey Mayes

Deadly Patterns – Magical Dressmaking Mystery – Melissa Bourbon

What the Cat Saw – Carolyn Hart

Shadow Rising – Otherworld #12 – Yasmine Galenorn *

The Moonstone and Miss. Jones – Paranormal Investigations #2 – Jillian Stone *

November 2012

Out of Circulation – Charlie and Diesel #4 – Miranda James

Shadow Rising – Other World #12 – Yasmine Galenorn

Wedding Cake Killer – A Fresh Baked Mystery – Livia Washburn

Arsenic and Old Cake – A Piece of Cake Mystery – Jacklyn Brady

Written in Stone – Books by the Bay – Ellery Adams

Paws of Death – Black Cat Bookshop Mystery – Ali Brandon

Nightshade on Elm Street – Flower Shop Mystery – Kate Collins

Murder is a Piece of Cake – Josie Marcus Mystery Shopper – Elaine Viets

Let it Sew – Southern Sewing Circle Mystery – Elizabeth Lynn Casey

If Hooks Could Kill – A Crochet Mystery – Bette Hechtman

Holiday Buzz – Coffee House Mystery – Cleo Coyle

Death of a Country Fried Redneck – Hayley Powell Mystery #2 – Lee Harris

The Wedding Cake Killer – Livia Washburn

Fortune’s Hero – Jennie Bentley *

Lord’s Fall – A Novel of the Elder Races – Thea Harrison *

December 2012

Alien in the House – Gini Koch

Mark of the Sylph – Rosalie Lario

Beeline for Trouble – Hannah Reed *

The Friday Society – A Steampunk Novel – Adrienne Kress *

Sometime in 2012

The Christie Caper – Mystery Book Collector # 1 – Victoria Abbott

You Light Up My Death – Camilla MacPhee #6 – Mary Jane Maffini

 

January 2013

Murder for the Halibut – A Clueless Cook Mystery #3 – Liz Lipperman

What a Ghoul Wants – Ghost Hunters #6 – Victoria Laurie

February 2013

Bowled Over – Vintage Kitchen Mystery #2 – Victoria Hamilton

Haunted Moon – Otherworld #13 – Yasmine Galenorn *

Etiquette & Espionage – The Finishing School #1 – Gail Carriger *

March 2013

Trouble in the Tarot – Kari Lee Townsend

Frost Burned – Mercy Burns – Patricia Briggs

April 2013

Honey Pie – Cupcake Club #4 – Donna Kauffman

May 2013

Touch of the Angel – Rosalie Lario

July 2013

Night Vision – Indigo Court #4 – Yasmine Galenorn *

October 2013

Chicken Caccia-Killer – A Clueless Cook Mystery #4 – Liz Lipperman

Call of the Siren – Rosalie Lario

November 2013

Autumn Whispers – Otherworld #14 – Yasmine Galenorn *

Sometime in 2013

The Hanged Man – On Her Majesty’s Psychic Service #1 – P.N. Elrod

Beewitched – Hanna Reed *

 

February 2014

Crimson Veil – Otherworld #15 – Yasmine Galenorn *

April 2014

Ghost of a Gamble – Granny Apple #4 – Sue Ann Jaffarian *

July 2014

Night’s End – Indigo Court #5 – Yasmine Galenorn *

Cats Can’t Shoot is a Fantastic Mystery

Cats Can’t Shoot

By Clea Simon

Copyright April 2012

Publisher Poisoned Pen Press

 When Pru Marlowe gets the call that there’s been a cat shooting, she’s furious. Animal brutality is the one thing that this tough animal psychic won’t stand for, and in her role as a behaviorist she’s determined to care for the traumatized pet. But when Pru finds out that the cat did the shooting – accidentally setting off a rare dueling pistol – she realizes something else is going on. Could the white Persian really have killed her owner – or did the whole bloody mess have something to do with that pricey collectible? With the white cat turning a deaf ear to her questions, Pru must tune in to Beauville’s other pampered residents – from the dead man’s elite social set to their equally spoiled pets – and learn the truth before her ex, a former New York cop, gets too close. In a world where value is determined by a price tag, only Pru Marlowe and her trusty tabby Wallis can figure out if this was a case of feline felony – or if some human has set the Persian up to be the ultimate cat’s paw. 

The story begins with Pru receiving a strange sort of phone call.  She assumes from the message that a pet has been shot, but when she arrives at the crime scene she finds a live cat and a dead owner.  Even stranger is the fact that the cat is being charged with the killing. Pru tries to communicate with the cat but is being blocked at all turns and even gets hissed at for her trouble.

Pru is forced to put on her leather gauntlets to protect her hands as she puts the cat into a carrier box. The trip to the shelter takes 20 minutes and that’s how long she had to try and get this poor frightened cat to open up to her.

This story is very tightly written with lots of plot twists, false trails, and snarky pets and too many suspects for one amateur investigator to handle. Pru and her cat Wallis will have their hands and paws full till the very surprising end.  This book is definitely a keeper.

FTC Full Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author who only asked for a fair review.

What’s in YOUR Mail Box? March 19, 2012

I was happy to receive some of my March/April books from Kensington today and totally looking forward to reading them.  Once I get all of them, and have read them I will decide which books I will not only review but do a giveaway on.

I also received two books from indie publisher Perseverance Press.  I get a couple of books a year from them automatically and they are always a pleasant read.

So, let’s show the books and their covers.

Nora
The Lingering Dead by J.N. Duncan

Release Date April 12, 2012 Kensington Publishing

ISBN 0758255659 (ISBN13: 9780758255655)

Jackie Rutledge has faced down everything from the darkest sorcery to uber-vengeful revenants. But heading up the Bureaus special paranormal unit is presenting unexpected challenges. Handling otherworldly egos and politics has never come easy to this loner agent. And opening up to her sexy, vampire lover, Nick, is as unnerving as her unwanted new ability to slip between the realms of the living and the dead…

Now an insidious power holding helpless ghosts in thrall is using any means necessary to discredit Jackie and split her team apart for good. The only chance she has means baiting the terrifying Deadworld being stalking her dreams, hunting her every step–and growing ever more hungry for her ultimate sacrifice….

Buried in Buttercream by G.A. McKevett

Release Date April 1, 2012 Kensington

ISBN 0758238126 (ISBN13: 9780758238122)

After a recent brush with death, plus-sized P.I. and bride-to-be Savannah Reid has decided to stop sweating the small stuff. But when an event planner comes in to arrange her wedding, Savannah discovers that murder can ruin even the best laid plans…

Hailed as the wedding planner to the stars, Madeline Aberson has orchestrated some of the most exclusive soirees in Hollywood. But when Madeline becomes embroiled in a nasty divorce, her life falls apart, and rumors swirl that her parties have become total duds. Desperate for work, Madeline finds herself planning far less glamorous affairs, including none other than Savannah Reid’s wedding to Dirk Coulter.

It doesn’t take long for the opinionated Madeline to get on Savannah’s last nerve, and when the big day finally arrives, Savannah can’t wait to send Madeline packing. But when the bride finds Madeline’s body face down in the pool, floating among an elegant array of rose petals, it’s clear that someone has already hastened the diva’s departure. For better or for worse Savannah and Dirk put their wedding on hold, vowing instead to find out who killed Madeline and why…
Barnstorming by Laura Crum

Release Date April 15, 2012 Perseverance Press

ISBN 9781564745088

Gail McCarthy has turned fifty, and is considering resuming her career as a horse veterinarian. Life interrupts her plans when she embarks on a solitary ride and finds a fellow equestrian shot dead. Gail’s friend, Detective Jeri Ward, heads up the investigation, and Gail is drawn into the escalating chain of events when a second rider is murdered. She must make sense of this threat to her beloved hills and trails… or she may be the sniper’s next victim.

Mix-Up in Miniature by Margaret Grace
ISBN 978-1-56474-510-1
Publication Date: April 15, 2012

Geraldine Porter is thrilled to meet bestselling author and miniatures enthusiast Varena Young. The celebrity seems to seek friendship with Gerry and her crafts group, and makes a generous offer of a house from her collection for a library fund-raiser. But Young is suddenly murdered, and Gerry is left to investigate the crime. She and her eleven-year-old granddaughter Maddie delve for information on Young’s mysterious past, and they find a clue to her murder in a secret room…of a dollhouse.

I can’t wait to get into these stories and then share my thoughts with you. So keep watching this site for my next review.

Eternity’s Mark is a Classic Winner

Eternity’s Mark

By Maeve Greyson

Copyright March 2012

Publisher Brava Paranormal Romance

 

Sacred blood flows in Hannah MacPherson’s veins; she’s just too hardheaded to realize it. After losing a husband to the Iraq war, she’s squirreled herself away in a tiny town where she snarls at any man who gives her a second glance. But Taggart de Gaelson knows more about Hannah than she could ever fathom. As her assigned protector, Taggart’s grown tired of Hannah ignoring his messages from Scotland—and now he’s come to retrieve her. 

The balance of the Continuum depends on a race of sacred creatures who maintain the strength of the portals. Only Hannah’s touch can release the hatchlings from their eggs. Sworn to protect Hannah from others who lust for control of the beasts, Taggart must win her trust. But as he battles at her side, can he protect his heart?

 

Hannah MacPherson is a veterinarian in her hometown of Jasper Mills.  She lives a quiet life taking care of her neighbors’ pets, and farm animals.  In return they take care of her.  The whole town had a hand in raising her after her mother and grandmother died so her life is pretty placid.  Of course there’s the family gift, her ability to understand the animals around her and communicate with them in return.

Her current problem is the trickster who keeps moving her car and parking it at fire plugs in the Town Square causing her to receive an inordinate amount of tickets from the town’s Sheriff.  The fact that he leaves cutesy little notes on them is not endearing him to her either.  Today she is going to find out who the culprit or culprits are.  She’s set up a camera overlooking the town and will photograph the jokester once and for all.

Meanwhile across the world in Scotland a man Hannah has never met or heard of is getting more and more annoyed with her.  Taggart de Gaelson has been sending her letter after letter trying to contact her about an inheritance that would change her life.  It seems she is the last living heir to a castle and a large area of land.  Taggart is forced to travel to the US to find her and convince her to visit Scotland and her inheritance.

This book has all the makings of a classic romance and adventure. Hannah our unsuspecting heroine will have to dig deep and learn to use all the skills and gifts that are her true family inheritance.  She will face challenges she never dreamed of, and face long hidden truths.

When I first read the blurb for this book I knew that it was a story that I had to read and share with the world.  I was drawn deeply into the heart of the characters, and found myself looking out of Hannah’s eyes through most of it.  My summation of the book is this: Outstanding, Romantic, Scottish Castles, Dragons and Maidens. Who could ask for more?

FTC Full Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher, who only asked for a fair and impartial review.

New Titles Updated Release Lists 2012 -2013

As always, new additions to the list are marked with an ( * ).  All corrections and additions are welcome.  Just leave a note and it will be added to the next update.

April 2012

Magic Without Mercy – Devon Monk

The Cat, the Wife, and the Weapon – Cats in Trouble #4 – Leann Sweeney

The Calling – Darkness Rising #2 – Kelley Armstrong

Cats Can’t Shoot – Pru Marlowe #2 – Clea Simon

Alien Diplomacy – Gini Koch

Real Vampires Hate Skinny Jeans – Gerry Bartlett

Wanted: Undead or Alive – Kerrelyn Sparks

Reign Storm – Demon Princess #4 – Michelle Rowen

Grey Expectations – Dulcie Schwartz #4 – Clea Simon

Unraveling – Elizabeth Norris

Magic Without Mercy – Allie Beckstrom #8 – Devon Monk

Hounds Abound – Pet Rescue Mystery – Linda O. Johnston

Ready, Scrap, Shoot – Kiki Lowenstein #5 – Joanna Campbell Slan

The Scarlet Pepper – White House Gardener Series – Dorothy St. James

Let Them Eat Stake – Vampire Chef Mystery #2 – Sarah Zettel

Death Come Silently – Death on Demand #22 – Carolyn Hart

50% Off Murder – Josie Belle

Antiques Knock Off – Barbara Allan

Crystalfire – The Demon Slayers #4 – Kate Douglas

Hunted – Rebecca Zenetti

Rest in Pizza – Chris Cavender

Deadly Offer – Darby Farr #3 – Vickie Doudera *

May 2012

The Christie Curse – Victoria Abbott (MJM & Daughter)

Timeless – Gail Carriger

Final Sail – Dead End Job Mystery – Elaine Viets

Barefoot in the Sand – Barefoot Bay #1 – Roxanne St. Claire

A Deadly Grind – Vintage Kitchen Mystery #1 – Victoria Hamilton

The Golden City – Bloodlines #2 – Richelle Mead

Zombie Island – Shakespeare Undead – Lori Handeland

Nightshifted – Cassie Alexander

Deadlocked – Sookie Stackhouse #12 – Charlaine Harris

Under Suspicion – Underworld Detection Agency #3 – Hannah Jayne

Dark Frost – Mythos Academy #3 – Jennifer Estep

Awaited – Wasteland #2 – Lynn Rush

Wicked Eddies – RM Outdoor Adventures #2 – Beth Groundwater

How to Date an Alien – My Alien Romance #1 – Magan Vernon

Crystal Gardens – Ladies of Lantern Street #1 – Amanda Quick

Brownies and Broomsticks – Bailey Cates

Clutches and Curses – Dorothy Howell

At the Hands of a Stranger – Lee Butcher

Demon’s Bride – Zoe Archer

Don’t Die Under the Apple Tree – Amy Patricia Meade

Last Writes – Laura Levine

Under Suspicion – Underworld Detection Agency – Hannah Jayne

Devilishly Sexy – Kathy Love

Tote Bags and Toe Tags -  Dorothy Howell

Embrase of the Damned – Anya Bast *

Karma – Serendipity #3 – Carly Phillips *

Carolina Home – A Dare Island Novel #1 – Virginia Kantra *

Monkey Wrench – Quilting Mystery #4 – Terri Thayer *

June 2012

Corpse in the Crystal Ball – Kari Lee Townsend

Wicked Business – Lizzy and Diesel #2 – Janet Evanovich

Murder on the Half Shelf – Booktown #6 – Lorna Barrett

Timepiece – Hourglass #2 – Myra McEntire

The Taken – Celestial Blues #1 – Vicki Petterson

Gone Missing – Kate Burkholder Mystery #4 – Linda Castillo

Threaded for Trouble – Threadville Mystery series – Janet Bolin

Alexander Outland – Space Pirate #1 – G.J. Koch

Once Burned – Night Prince #1 – Jeanine Frost

The Golden Lily – Bloodlines #2 – Richelle Mead

Blue-Blooded Vamp – Sabina Kane #5 – Jaye Wells

Quilt or Innocence – Elizabeth Craig

Blood of Innocence – Tami Dane

Killing Bridezilla – Laura Levine

Mimosas, Mischief, and Murder – Sara Rosett

Afraid to Die – Lisa Jackson

Angel Betrayed – Cynthia Eden

Killer Critique – Alexander Campion

Water Born – Katherine Irons

Hide and Snake Murder – Jessie Chandler *

July 2012

Beef Stolen – Off – A Clueless Cook Mystery #2 – Liz Lipperman

The Charmed Pie Shoppe – Pie Shoppe #1 – Ellery Adams

Something Strange & Deadly – Susan Dennard

Thirteen – Women of the Otherworld #13 – Kelley Armstrong

Tin Swift – Age of Steam #2 – Devon Monk

In Between – YA novel – Tara Fuller

Otherkin – YA novel – Nina Berry

Tainted Night, Tainted Blood – E.S. Moore

Dark Destiny – Dark Mirror #3 – M.J. Putney

Blood of the Demon – Rosalie Lario

Pies and Prejudice – Ellery Adams

Some Like it Hawk – Donna Andrews

Murder on the Half Shell – Lorna Barrett

Because of You – Janet Dailey

Always with Love – Janet Dailey
Dead Ringer – Mary Burton

Fire Kissed – Erin Kellison

Going Organic can Kill You – Staci McLaughlin

Stalking the Others – Jess Haines

Tainted Night, Tainted Blood – E.S. Moore

Bagpipes, Brides, and Homicides – Kaitlyn Dunnett

Demon Hunting in the Deep South – Lexi George

Don’t Say a Word – Beverly Barton

Nowhere to Run – Nancy Bush

Thirst: The Vampire Legacy – Karen E. Taylor

Cloaked in MALICE – Vintage Magic #5 – Annette Blair *

Stick a Fork in It – Poppy Markham Culinary Cop #2 – Robin Allen *

August 2012

Car Wash Blues – A Mick Murphy Key West Mystery – Michael Haskins

Deadly Politics – Molly Malone Mystery #1 – Maggie Sefton

Biting Cold – Chloe Neill

SeaWitch – A Greywalker Novel – Kat Richardson

When the Cookie Crumbles – Cookie Cutter Shop #3 – Virginia Lowell

A Witch Before Dying – Heather Blake

Death of a School Girl – The Jane Eyre Chronicles – Joanna Campbell Slan

Widow’s Web – Gin Blanco #7 – Jennifer Estep

Death of a Neighborhood Witch – Laura Levine

Allergic to Death – Gourmet de-lite Mystery #1 – Peg Chochan

Peril in Paperback – Kate Carlisle

Sour Apples – Orchard Mystery #6 – Sheila Connolly

Blood and Silver – James R. Tuck

I Ate the Sheriff – Mallory Caine, Zombie at Law – K. Bennett

A Brew to a Kill – Coffee House Mystery – Cleo Coyle *

Perils in Paperback –  Bibliophile Mystery #5 – Kate Carlisle *

Never Say Pie – Pie Shop Mystery #2 – Carol Culver *

September 2012

My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century – Rachel Harris

Death in Four Courses – A Key West Food Critic Mystery – Lucy Burdette

Supernatural Born Killer – A Pepper Martin Mystery – Casey Daniels

Murder of the Cat’s Meow – A Scumble River Mystery – Denise Swanson

How to Tail a Cat – Cats and Curios #4 – Rebecca M. Hale

Hanging by a Thread – Sophie Littlefield

Hide and Snoop – Odelia Grey Mystery #7 – Sue Ann Jaffarian *

To Catch a Vampire – A F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad Investigation #2 – Jennifer Harlow *

October 2012

Baby Cakes – Cupcake Club #3 – Donna Kauffman

The Chocolate Moose Motive – A  Chocoholic Mystery – JoAnna Carl

Postcards from the Dead – A Scrapbooking Mystery – Laura Child

If Mashed Potatoes Could Dance – Paige Shelton

A Grid for Murder – Murder by the Numbers Mystery – Casey Mayes

Deadly Patterns – Magical Dressmaking Mystery – Melissa Bourbon

What the Cat Saw – Carolyn Hart

November 2012

Out of Circulation – Charlie and Diesel #4 – Miranda James

Shadow Rising – Other World #12 – Yasmine Galenorn

Wedding Cake Killer – A Fresh Baked Mystery – Livia Washburn

Arsenic and Old Cake – A Piece of Cake Mystery – Jacklyn Brady

Written in Stone – Books by the Bay – Ellery Adams

Paws of Death – Black Cat Bookshop Mystery – Ali Brandon

Nightshade on Elm Street – Flower Shop Mystery – Kate Collins

Murder is a Piece of Cake – Josie Marcus Mystery Shopper – Elaine Viets

Let it Sew – Southern Sewing Circle Mystery – Elizabeth Lynn Casey

If Hooks Could Kill – A Crochet Mystery – Bette Hechtman

Holiday Buzz – Coffee House Mystery – Cleo Coyle

Death of a Country Fried Redneck – Hayley Powell Mystery #2 – Lee Harris

The Wedding Cake Killer – Livia Washburn

December 2012

Alien in the House – Gini Koch

Mark of the Sylph – Rosalie Lario

Sometime in 2012

The Hanged Man – On Her Majesty’s Psychic Service #1 – P.N. Elrod

The Christie Caper – Mystery Book Collector # 1 – Victoria Abbott

You Light Up My Death – Camilla MacPhee #6 – Mary Jane Maffini

The Wurst is Yet to Come – B&B Mystery – Mary Daheim

Babycakes – A Cupcake Club Romance #3 – Donna Kauffman

Hide and Snoop – Odelia Grey #7 – Sue Ann Jaffarian

January 2013

Murder for the Halibut – A Clueless Cook Mystery #3 – Liz Lipperman

What a Ghoul Wants – Ghost Hunters #6 – Victoria Laurie

February 2013

Bowled Over – Vintage Kitchen Mystery #2 – Victoria Hamilton

March 2013

Trouble in the Tarot – Kari Lee Townsend

Frost Burned – Mercy Burns – Patricia Briggs *

April 2013

Honey Pie – Cupcake Club #4 – Donna Kauffman

May 2013

Touch of the Angel – Rosalie Lario

October 2013

Chicken Caccia-Killer – A Clueless Cook Mystery #4 – Liz Lipperman

Call of the Siren – Rosalie Lario

The Simmons Sisters are the Dynamic Duo of Longley NY

A Catered St. Patrick’s Day

By Isis Crawford

Copyright February 2012

Publisher Kensington Publishing

 

Gastronomical dream team Bernie and Libby Simmons wade into a Celtic knot of malice and mayhem when a St. Patrick’s celebration goes terribly wrong…

To most of the people of little Longely, New York, St. Paddy’s Day means good food, great music, and plenty of Guinness. But when the lifeless body of Mike Sweeney floats to the top of a vat of green beer, it looks like the luck o’ the Irish has just run out.

Unfortunately for the Simmons sisters, the number one suspect is related to one of their very best catering customers, the pampered and powerful Bree Nottingham. When Bree visits A Little Taste of Heaven to beseech them to clear her nephew’s name, they just can’t say no.

But the more information Bernie and Libby stir up, the more Duncan Nottingham looks like a killer. Known for his hot temper and love of the drink, Duncan and the deceased were both part of the Corned Beef and Cabbage Club, a group with more buried history than the Emerald Isle. And each member—especially Duncan—had a motive to sing Sweeney his last Irish lullaby. A motive they don’t want anyone revealing.

For Bernie and Libby, the situation is deadly and in danger of boiling over. And they can’t count on good old Saint Pat to drive out the snake in their midst…they’ll have to do it themselves, before a murderer strikes again.

The Dynamic Duo of Bernie and Libby Simmons are well known in their hometown of Little Longley, New York. It was a little after 9 am one morning and Bernie and Libby were working in their shop kitchen rolling out pie dough for sale and special orders.  They were thinking how quiet things had been lately with no crimes to get involved in and even things in the shop were running smoothly.  Too bad this wasn’t going to last.

When Bernie’s cell phone rang and she looked at the caller ID she was surprised when the call was from her boyfriend Brandon. Brandon should have been in bed already after working the late shift at RJ’s a local bar. With no explanations he insists that the sisters come and meet him at the back of the bar.  When they arrive he explains that he found a dead body in the barrel of green beer that had been ordered for the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.

The body is identified as Mike Sweeney, a member of the Corned Beef and Cabbage Club.  Brandon told them a story about the past evenings events featuring Mike Sweeney being forcibly removed from the premises after he attempted to crack the barrel and “taste” the beer.

Bree Nottingham, the local bigwig in the real estate business asks them to meet with her in their apartment. She needs to talk to them. Her nephew Duncan (a member of the Corned Beef and Cabbage Club) is arrested for the murder and she offers to pay for their help. All the evidence found points to Duncan being the guilty party and Bree says she just knows he’s innocent.  She tells them that she wants to hire them to investigate the case and prove his innocence.  They are shocked when she hands them a check for a five figure amount, and finally agree to help her.

It appears that at every turn the Dynamic Duo are going to be hitting their heads against a wall as they find nothing that will help Duncan’s case.

This mystery is well written, and the characters are all three dimensional. Even the peripheral people they run into appear to be there for specific reasons and the story just flows so smoothly you’ll be surprised to find yourself at the end of the book and the truth will out.

FTC Full Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the publishers who asked only for a fair and impartial review.