Review: TALIA: AND THE CAPTURE OF WRATH by C. J. Quinn

Talia: And The Capture Of Wrath by C.J. Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Review: TALIA: AND THE CAPTURE OF WRATH
By C. J. Quinn

How I wish every family everywhere could be happy and well-adjusted as the Tobiah family! How I wish there was a land of love and light such as Talia, a blest land whose inhabitants are like angels, watching over humankind. (Or like Fae, if Fae were good-hearted)

Four brothers have been raised well by their father, an environmental scientist, since their mother in childbirth. While adventuring in a long-abandoned but still intact country home, all four are mind-boggled when their late mother appears in an ornate mirror, and then transports the brothers to a new, magical, land, the land of Talia. Wyatt, the youngest, is tasked with a quest, involving the Tree of Knowledge, and the adventure ensues.

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Review_MURDER AT THE MOONSHINE INN by Maggie King

Murder at the Moonshine Inn: A Hazel Rose Book Group Mystery by Maggie King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review: MURDER AT THE MOONSHINE INN by Maggie King

A well-written and fascinating cozy mystery, MURDER AT THE MOONSHINE INN chronicles the second investigative outing of middle-aged baby boomer romance writer Hazel Rose, wife of a true crime author. Hazel successfully uncovered the killer of a member of her book group, eight years earlier. Since then Hazel has contented herself with authoring her novels, meeting fans, and learning the power of an effective "no." Until--Hazel is challenged to privately investigate the murder of a half-cousin's spouse. Somehow, "No" just isn't an optimal stance.

A little edgier than many cozies, with a sensual undercurrent, MURDER AT THE MOONSHINE INN will keep readers turning those pages!

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Tour: A KILLER CLOSET by Paula Paul

A Killer Closet: A Mystery by Paula Paul
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review: A KILLER CLOSET: A MYSTERY by Paula Paul

Set delightfully in Santa Fe, a beautiful city with literally centuries of history-a patchwork of cultures-a community that breathes history-, A KILLER CLOSET is a cozy mystery with a sharp and poignant emotional edge. Irene Seligman, Santa Fe native with both Colonial Spanish and New Mexico Jewish ancestry, has carved a niche for herself: a Manhattan Assistant District Attorney, tiny Brooklyn apartment, on her own--as emotionally she has been all her life, with a Narcissistic, multiply-married mother. When her mother manipulates Irene's abrupt return to her native city, Irene moves back into her childhood home, and leases a historic building to open a shop selling "gently used" vintage haute couture. Her discovery on opening day, of one of her mother's friends, newly dead in the shop closet, causes scandal and first Irene, then her mother, become "persons of interest. "

Review_PUTTING ON THE WITCH by Joyce and Jim Lavene

Putting on the Witch by Joyce Lavene
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review: PUTTING ON THE WITCH by Joyce and Jim Lavene
[Retired Witches Mystery #3]

Don't be alarmed, if like me, you are new to this series. Just jump right in and enjoy! The authors gently interweave backstory throughout, so readers fit right in. This tale of a coven of (mostly) older witches, who had given up practice of magic, then taken it up again, is endearing, delightful, and as we expect from the Lavenes, excellent. Warm up to this wonderful group of women who must fit their magical lives around non-magic using spouses and offspring. Dorothy, a younger witch, had not been trained in youth, and has to cope with her Mother's death and ghostly input, and her allegedly evil, thousand year old father's arrival. Elsie dates a werewolf; Dorothy's fiance's grandfather is head of the very strict Grand Council. Add all this to the scenic backdrop of Wilmington, North Carolina; stir to taste, and enjoy.

HOW THREE BROTHERS SAVED THE NAVY by Charles A. Salter_Review

How Three Brothers Saved the Navy: The Kare Kids Adventures #3 by Charles a Salter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review: HOW THREE BROTHERS SAVED THE NAVY by Charles A. Salter [KARE KIDS ADVENTURES #3]

I really enjoy the KARE KIDS ADVENTURES series. The stories are both realistic and very imaginative. Each presents one child or multiple children in a scenario that holds danger and adventure. These are neither wimpy nor conformist kids, but individuals who have been taught by intelligent parents the essential importance of independent thinking, analysis, and using one's intellect. In HOW THREE BROTHERS SAVED THE NAVY, three enterprising youngsters, sons of a Navy officer, discover a gang's plot to attack an aircraft carrier--the very ship their father is on. The three well-trained and patriotic boys know they must pass the intel straight to their dad.


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Tour_THE BOOK CLUB MURDERS by Leslie Nagel

The Book Club Murders by Leslie Nagel


Review: THE BOOK CLUB MURDERS by Leslie Nagel

What could be more entertaining than reading? Reading about books, of course. Tuck into this well-written and endearing cozy murder mystery, set in an upper-class suburban community where the veneer of civility is thin and verbal encounters are often knife-edged. Class warfare is alive and well, and so is homicide. Protagonist Charlie, a town native, operates a vintage shop, living her dream, and is a member of The Agathas, a specialized society book club reading only mysteries with female sleuths. When murder strikes close, Charlie and best friend Francesca mobilize to seek out clues. Romantic suspense abounds.

DANDELION DEAD_Review

Dandelion Dead by Chrystle Fiedler


Review: DANDELION DEAD by Chrystle Fiedler

Reading for entertainment is extra beneficial when it is also educational. I love this aspect of cozies, and DANDELION DEAD and its series, NATURAL REMEDIES MYSTERIES, is both educational and entertaining, teaching readers while delivering a compelling and engrossing mystery. Characters are well-fleshed out, and quickly seem realistic and true-to-life. Although this is #4 in the series, the author weaves in sufficient backstory to bring the history of her characters to readers. I loved learning about herbs, homeopathy, and wine-making.

Tour_PUMPKINS IN PARADISE by Kathi Dailey

Pumpkins in Paradise by Kathi Daley … everything about fall in it all wrapped up with a mystery … Its a quick read too, but a very enjoyable one. ~A Chick Who Reads The mystery was very well plotted and truly was puzzling. I love the way the hidden clues were found and were not easy to solve. ~Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book I loved this book for several reasons…The characters are well done and easy to relate to, the setting in a small town with a resort by a mountain lake. You can’t ask for anything better. ~Sleuth Cafe The characters are fun and the author keeps you held into the story from the very first page. ~Shelley’s Book Case I enjoyed the setting and the characters and solving puzzles which occur throughout the book. ~Laura’s Interests This is a wonderful story. you really get to know all of the people in this town. You go through a gamut of emotions with the happy times and the sad times. ~T’s Stuff I absolutely loved this fun cozy mystery. ~Brooke Blogs If you have not read a book from this author, you are really missing out on great stories that captivate an audience with words that dance across the pages with adventure. ~Texas Book-aholic This book was a great and interesting adventure … ~Community Bookstop Pumpkins in Paradise put me in the mood for fall – especially the cooler weather and change of colors. Kathi Daley sets a beautiful scene and fills it with warm characters that are a delight for readers to get to know. ~The Girl with Book Lungs PUMPKINS-IN-PARADISE-by-Kathi-Daley Pumpkins in Paradise (A Tj Jensen Mystery Book 1) Paperback: 268 pages Publisher: Henery Press; Second edition (September 6, 2016) ISBN-13: 978-1635110890 E-Book ASIN: B01GQPYU8U goodreads-badge-add-plus Synopsis Between volunteering for the annual pumpkin festival and coaching her girls to the state soccer finals, high school teacher Tj Jensen finds her good friend Zachary Collins dead in his favorite chair. When the handsome new deputy closes the case without so much as a “why” or “how,” Tj turns her attention from chili cook-offs and pumpkin carving to complex puzzles, prophetic riddles, and a decades-old secret she seems destined to unravel. Henery Press is releasing the 1st 6 books in this series on September 6, 2016 Snowmen in Paradise (A Tj Jensen Mystery Book 2) Winter Carnival comes to Serenity, and with it Tj finds her schedule busier than ever. Not only is her ski and snowboard team heavily involved in demonstrations and local competitions, but her ragtag choir is about to debut in their first live performance. To make matters even more complicated, someone has killed Travis Davidson, a town favorite son, world-class snowboarder, and Olympic hopeful. Tj is determined not to get involved in the subsequent investigation until she learns the prime suspect is Chelsea Hanson, high-school boyfriend Hunter Hanson’s sister. Although there’s no shortage of Sereninites with a grudge against the hometown hero, even Tj has to admit there’s good cause to suspect Chelsea of the murder. Balancing bridesmaid duties, Winter Carnival obligations, show choir duty, and after-hours investigation, Tj sets out to prove Chelsea innocent. Bikinis in Paradise (A Tj Jensen Mystery Book 3) When the Tropical Tan Corporation descends on Maggie’s Hideaway, the lakeside resort where Tj Jensen lives, she must juggle a bikini contest, a BBQ cook-off, a missing model, and a dead chaperone while her father is out of town. Lead Deputy Dylan Caine is on vacation while his sister is visiting, leaving Assistant Deputy Roy Fisher in charge. When Roy asks Tj for her help they find there may be more going on than anyone realized. With Kyle and Jenna’s help, they dig into the lives of those involved, only to find a mystery more complex than anything they could ever have imagined. Christmas in Paradise (A Tj Jensen Mystery Book 4) Christmas in Serenity is a magical time of year Tj has always looked forward to with happy anticipation. This year her holiday spirit is marred by the impending arrival of two new men in her life. When one of them ends up dead, Tj must juggle community plays, Christmas tree cuttings, sleigh rides, and holiday shopping with a complex murder investigation. As the facts begin to unravel, she realizes she may have to risk everything to save someone she loves. Puppies in Paradise (A Tj Jensen Mystery Book 5) When a friend of Tj’s is injured in a car accident during a blizzard, Tj takes responsibility for the litter of puppies left behind. Meanwhile, she works with Kyle, Jenna, and the gang to catch the person responsible for the death of a close family friend. When it turns out that the main suspects are also close to the Jensens, Tj must deal with one of the most difficult decisions she’s ever had to make. Halloween in Paradise (A Tj Jensen Mystery Book 6) In the midst of the annual Halloween frenzy, Tj finds herself pulled into a series of events at the high school where she works. Not only must she help one of the girls on her team deal with a case of cyberbullying, but she must help a student who has recently suffered a personal tragedy. And as if Tj wasn’t busy enough, in walks Samantha Colton, a reporter for Second Look, a television series that takes a look back at unsolved murders. This time the case is the death of a popular student after the homecoming dance ten years before. To make matters even worse—or maybe more convenient—the graduating class of the victim is in town for their ten-year reunion and all the suspects just happen to have converged on Serenity for the weekend. When Samantha turns up dead, Tj must track down someone who seems willing to kill again to keep their secret. • TREASURE IN PARADISE (#7) April 2017 *Just click on Covers to order from Amazon KathiDaley About the Author Author of the Zoe Donovan cozy Mystery Series, Tj Jensen Paradise Lake Mystery series, Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Series, Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mysteries, and Seacliff High Teen Cozy Mystery Series. Come for the murder, stay for the romance. Kathi lives in the beautiful alpine community of Lake Tahoe with her husband Ken and dog Echo. When she’s not writing she enjoys hanging out on the beach with her children and grandchildren. During the summer she enjoys hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, wakeboarding, and sunset cruises on the lake. During the winter she enjoys cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and curling up by a fire with a good book. Kathi uses her mountain home as inspiration for her books, all which include appearances by the wildlife she shares her life with. Visit Kathi Daley: Blog – http://kathidaleyblog.com Facebook at Kathi Daley Books, www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks Kathi Daley Teen – www.facebook.com/kathidaleyteen Kathi Daley Books Group Page – https://www.facebook.com/groups/569578823146850/ Kathi Daley Books Birthday Club- get a book on your birthday – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1040638412628912/ Kathi Daley Recipe Exchange – https://www.facebook.com/groups/752806778126428/ Webpage – www.kathidaley.com Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7278377.Kathi_Daley Twitter at Kathi Daley@kathidaley – https://twitter.com/kathidaley Tumblr – http://kathidaleybooks.tumblr.com/ Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/kathidaley/ PURCHASE LINKS – Amazon Books in the Tj Jensen Mystery Series: • PUMPKINS IN PARADISE (#1) • SNOWMEN IN PARADISE (#2) • BIKINIS IN PARADISE (#3) • CHRISTMAS IN PARADISE (#4) • PUPPIES IN PARADISE (#5) • HALLOWEEN IN PARADISE (#6) • TREASURE IN PARADISE (#7) April 2017 Barnes and Noble Books in the Tj Jensen Mystery Series: • PUMPKINS IN PARADISE (#1) • SNOWMEN IN PARADISE (#2) • BIKINIS IN PARADISE (#3) link not up yet • CHRISTMAS IN PARADISE (#4) link not up yet • PUPPIES IN PARADISE (#5) • HALLOWEEN IN PARADISE (#6) • TREASURE IN PARADISE (#7) April 2017 Tour Participants August 31 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW August 31 – Island Confidential – INTERVIEW September 1 – Queen of All She Reads – GUEST POST September 1 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW September 2 – Sleuth Cafe – REVIEW September 2 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW September 3 – Author Annette Drake’s Blog – INTERVIEW September 3 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW September 4 – Ashleyz Wonderland – REVIEW September 4 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT September 5 – T’s Stuff – REVIEW September 5 – Christa Reads and Writes – GUEST POST September 5 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT September 6 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW September 6 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW September 7 – The Girl with Book Lungs – REVIEW September 7 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW September 8 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST September 8 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT September 9 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews – REVIEW, GUEST POST September 9 – Mallory Heart’s Cozies – REVIEW Count Down to Paradise Launch Event - https://www.facebook.com/events/848072505336998/ Pumpkins in Paradise Book Club - https://www.facebook.com/events/1408072279209347/ Pumpkins in Paradise by Kathi Daley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review of PUMPKINS IN PARADISE by Kathi Daley (TJ Jensen Mystery #1

What a winner! I love cozy mysteries, and this start of a new cozy series is just great! I'm reminded of an Agatha Christie village mystery, had Agatha set it in Nevada's mountain beauty, beside a picturesque lake. TJ Jensen is a great lady, a great friend, and a wonderful choice for heroine. In tiny Serenity, Nevada, she is part of a close-knit family which owns and operates "Maggie's Hideaway," a lakeside resort. When a very good friend passes without notice or expectation, a reclusive individual TJ befriended as a child--a man who taught her to exercise her mind and to love numbers and logic puzzles--TJ is not only distraught, but convinced someone had a hand in an untimely death. Fall is nearing, and this is the perfect time to settle in with a fall-themed mystery-puzzle set in one of the most beautiful locales I can imagine. Author Kathi Daley writes with flair and grace, and I can't wait to acquire future mysteries in this wonderfully endearing, quality series.

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Tour_PURRBALL MEETS BURRBALL IN BRAZIL by Anne Zoet

Purrball Meets Burrball In Brazil by Anne Zoet
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review of PURRBALL MEETS BURBALL IN BRAZIL by Anne Zoet

A truly delightful children's text-and-picture book, this is the story of a little boy's cat, Purrball, who travels to Brazil with his family for a year. Somehow at the airport during a tremor, Purrball, attached to Mom's phone, escapes into the jungle. There he serendipitously meets a sloth, whom he names Burrball. Together they adventure and eventually reunite with the family.
The illustrations are wonderful and the text is almost rhyming. This is a really enjoyable story, suitable for young readers and for the younger "read to me" stage. I hope it is the start of a series.

Release Sept. 9 2016


Anne Zoet (Santa Cruz, CA) Author of Purrball Meets Burrball in Brazil purrballandburrball.com

Buy links: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Purrball-Meets-Burrball-Brazil-Anne/dp/0997383704/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1471024911&sr=1-1&keywords=purrball+meets+burrball+in+brazil BOOKING INFO Megan Renart | megan@prbythebook.com |(512) 534-7700 TALKING POINTS How to travel safely with your pet this summer Garden secrets to keep fleas out of your house (think: lavender, lemongrass, mint, sage) Scratch proof your life: how to keep your cat from ruining furniture Tips for finding a lost cat: what you might not have considered Three fun cat toy crafts to do with your child! ABOUT THE BOOK Visiting Brazil, an earthquake hits and separates a family from their beloved cat, Purrball. Purrball’s mad dash leaves her lost in a jungle where she becomes fast friends with a very clever sloth named Burrball. The two quick-witted animals embark on a journey to find Darryl, the loving and loyal boy who longs for his adorable missing cat. Witty word rhythms and rich illustrations make Purrball Meets Burrball in Brazil an engaging read-aloud story. An alluring tale of friendship, family, ingenuity, and persistence. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Anne Zoet is a freelance creative director in Silicon Valley. She studied at the University of California, Los Angeles, the Universite de Bordeaux, and the University of California, Santa Cruz, and graduated with a BA in art history. Anne is passionate about animals, art, travel, and the environment. She also enjoys salsa dancing, building cat furniture and housing, cooking, and gardening. Learn more about Anne’s cat expertise at radlilcat.com. Anne lives in Santa Cruz and shares her home with three cats. Suggested Interview Questions Anne Zoet author of Purrball Meets Burrball in Brazil1.What inspired you to write this book?The story hit me on a day that I took out for myself away from my high tech work. I was having a massage, which is when I zone-out and don’t think about anything. Oddly, this time, I started creating the Purrball and Burrball storyline the more and more I unwound. I was so relaxed that the whole thing unfolded start to finish. 2.How would you describe the characters of Purrball and Burrball? Smart, kind, resourceful and they’re team players. Animals are invariably way more clever than we humans give them credit for. I’ve seen my cats use incredible logic to alter a situation they’re in. I once had a cat run away in a place she didn’t know (the worst weeks of my life searching every day) but she found her way back, though completely unfamiliar with the surroundings. I have another cat, my outdoor cat, who you can see trotting alongside opossums and raccoons in evenings. That scared me so much at first, but eventually we’ve come to see that he has a real relationship with them. He’s so smart and the more I see the wildlife interact with him, the more I see them as clever and accepting and even friendly. The Purrball and Burrball characters came to me before I moved to this area and could witness my cat and his outdoor adventures. But this experience really solidified how Purrball and Burrball should be portrayed as a team. I think that my cat’s experiences with wildlife show that animals are capable of very unexpected bonds with one another. 3.Why did you choose to write about a cat and a sloth?I’m crazy about both domestic and wild animals and it is a passion that just gets deeper all the time. I’ve done a lot of research on cats (on nutrition and behavior) as well as love to build cat structures and make toys for them. And, I do not know who could look at a sloth and not smile! They have the sweetest faces and they have so much more to them than the “ sloth” slowness we think of. They’re rather industrious buggers and have some funny quirks, like the wildlife that grows in their fur. I firmly believe they should never be pets and should be kept wild. While the story is pure fantasy (as are stories where animals communicate with phones!), I really want to keep one a pet and the other wild and be true to my feelings about that and it would be so lovely to pass all that along to children! 4.How do Purrball and Burrball use technology in the book?Purrball, the cat, is unable to send a critical text message, so she asks Burrball, the sloth, if he could tap with his toes to write it. Maybe that’s my wish: I wish my cats would find a way to text me what they’re thinking, lol. 5.Why did you decide to set the story in Brazil?It had to be set in the natural habitat of a sloth. I’ve always wanted to see a Brazilian rainforest, so I just created my own. It is roughly in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil and their plane arrives in Sao Paulo. Earthquakes are incredibly rare in that region, so all the more surprising that one happens when they arrive. After setting my sights on this area, I’ve seen dozens of photos of both Sao Paulo and the Atlantic Forest that make me long to go there! It is on my bucket list. 6.What does your writing process look like?It’s very interesting that verse isn’t the first thing that comes out. I think it all through with as much rhyme as possible, but just let the story be written in prose for a few versions until the story gels. I can picture the scenery faster than I can create a rhyme. 7.What was the most rewarding moment you experienced in writing Purrball Meets Burrball in Brazil?It was seeing the art that kids created from my coloring pages! I always loved to draw and I didn’t find coloring pages that interesting as a kid. Now that I’ve seen what some kids have come up with (like one used a gold pen to make a gold mobile phone), I think it can be very creative. I look forward to some freehand drawings, if kids post any to my site (and there’s an option for that at purrballandburrball.com). 8.What was the biggest challenge you faced in writing this book?I’ve done a lot of digital art, but all for technology-related purposes, so letting things take shape (and learning from a very good freehand artist) was new, challenging, and not always what I had wished it would be until I found my style. 9.You also illustrated Purrball Meets Burrball in Brazil. How did illustrating the book compare to writing it?It was a bit easier, given that I’m familiar with creating digital art for business purposes. To have artistic license was amazing and both writing and illustrating were very creative and fulfilling. In sum, illustrating was easier for me than writing, but both were much lengthier than I had ever imagined. I spent a good six months pulling both together. 10.Did any of your three cats influence the character of Purrball, either in physical likeness or personality?All three: one has the coloring of Purrball (I love grey kitties, although I suppose Purrball is a bit blue, really) and she has some cute characteristics—the scene where Purrball is looking up curiously at Burrball is so her! I have another onn who is a squat and roundish cat with intense eyes and sitting frontally she looks like a black and white version of Purrball. And the last cat is the most clever cat you could imagine. I rolled them all into one. 11.What drew you to writing and illustrating a children’s book?My niece and nephew were recently of picture book age andI loved reading to them. I fell in love with books that were both beautiful and cleverly written and also reminded me of the years we live with unconstrained imagination. I love that animals are a big part of books for children. I figured I had a lot to say that could help kids fall in love with animals, like I did from a very early age. 12.What is the key to attracting young readers?It’s letting yourself be one for a moment—a good picture book can transport you back there. 13.When did your interest in writing begin? What about your interest in illustration?Recently, my dad reminded me of the “ novel” I wrote and illustrated when I was in fourth grade and a few years ago he found my kindergarten poetry and illustrations. I guess I had it in me a while. He always told me I should write. I didn’t pay much attention to that, but like him, art has been a part of my studies and career and learning to illustrate children’s books is such a logical path in my life.

MUD BOG MURDER by Lesley A. Diehl_Tour

Mud Bog Murder by Lesley A. Diehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review: MUD BOG MURDER (Eve Apple #4)

Tension between environmentalists and developers, between wildlife supporters and sporting enthusiasts, is present nearly everywhere. In swampy rural Florida, this conflict comes to a head when an outspoken, land-poor local landowner contracts to host a two-day mug-bogging event on her swampland. Emotions run high, tensions ignite, and somebody is angry enough to kill.

Author cares about her characters, and plans her mysteries so that protagonist Eve has plenty of opportunities, and reasons, to grow and evolve, to make the choice to be "the better person" and to see all sides of a controversy, both personal and translational.

THE BLACK THUMB by Frankie Bow

The Black Thumb by Frankie Bow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review: BLACK THUMB by Frankie Bow

Quite probably Frankie Bow is one of my top favorite cozy mystery authors. I leap at any opportunity to review her novels, and once I open one, it's full-on read through to the end. BLACK THUMB is a great read, very entertaining, with excellent character evolution and plenty of tension and what-will-happen-next excitement. Especially tense were the confrontations between protagonist Molly and her well-meaning but currently misguided friends. This is a wonderful and endearing series.

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Cover Reveal: DANDELION DEAD by Chrystie Fielder

Dandelion Dead: A Natural Remedies September 27, 2016 by Chrystle Fiedler In a spicy cozy mystery filled with herbal remedies readers will love, a sustainable winery becomes the backdrop for murder! Fortunately, solving crimes comes naturally to charmingly unconventional homeopath and amateur sleuth Willow McQuade, as she looks for clues that will reveal a killer’s true essence. Pre-Order today – Amazon – B&N - IndieBound

MURDER IN THE MANSION_Tour

Murder at the Mansion 

Cozy Mystery 

Lyrical Underground (June 7, 2016) 

Paperback: 190 pages 

ISBN-13: 978-1616509323 E-Book ASIN: B015MA6EDO 

Goodreads-badge-add-plus 

 Fortunes, fineries, and foul play . . . It’s whale-watching season in Redwood Cove, and B&B manager Kelly Jackson’s battening down the hatches for the tourist rush at Redwood Heights—a Victorian-style estate owned by her boss. And due to recent jewelry thefts, her duties include keeping track of the many dust-covered artifacts spread throughout the property. But when Kelly finds Sylvia Porter’s lifeless body, menial tasks don’t seem so terrible. Enlisting the help of a ragtag group of brainy retirees, aka the “Silver Sentinels,” Kelly’s on the hunt for clues hidden behind the mansion’s glamorous façade. . .and for a killer who may want to make history of her next! 

 janet finsilver

About the Author Janet Finsilver is the USA TODAY best-selling author of the Kelly Jackson mystery series. She worked in education for many years as a teacher, a program administrator, and a workshop presenter. Janet majored in English and earned a Master’s Degree in Education. She loves animals and has two dogs–Kylie and Ellie. Janet has ridden western style since she was a child and was a member of the National Ski Patrol. One of the highlights of her life was touching whales in the San Ignacio Lagoon. MURDER AT REDWOOD COVE, her debut mystery, was released on October 13, 2015. Her second book, MURDER AT THE MANSION, was released on June 7, 2016. 

 Author Links Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/janetfinsilverauthor/?fref=ts Twitter – https://twitter.com/JanetFinsilver Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/janetfinsilver/ Web – http://janetfinsilver.com/ Purchase Links Amazon –Barnes and Noble 

Murder at the Mansion by Janet Finsilver
My rating: 0 of 5 stars 

Review of MURDER IN THE MANSION by Janet Finsilver

When Kelly Jackson gratefully accepts the position of manager at the newly renovated Redwood Heights B&B on the Northern California coast, she's expecting a new start in an exciting job in a beautifully scenic locale. She gets all that, plus reunion with the Silver Sentinels, a group of 5 feisty and smart seniors. She isn't expecting to stumble over death, but when it happens, Kelly and the Sentinels team up. 

First-person narrative, gorgeous description, and endearing characters, both adults and children, plus canines, combine in a warm-hearted, comfortably delightful, cozy mystery. 

 Tour Participants August 15 – Bea’s Book Nook – REVIEW August 15 – Mallory Heart’s Cozies – REVIEW August 16 – Sleuth Cafe – REVIEW August 16 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – INTERVIEW August 17 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW August 18 – Queen of All She Reads – REVIEW August 18 – Classy Cheapskate – SPOTLIGHT (Sharing previous review) August 19 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW August 20 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW, GUEST POST August 20 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT August 21 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW August 21 – Cozy Up With Kathy – INTERVIEW August 22 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW August 22 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT August 23 – Mysterious InkSpot – REVIEW August 23 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT August 24 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW August 24 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST August 25 – LibriAmoriMiei – REVIEW August 25 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT August 26 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW Rafflecopter Giveaway

CHARLOTTE AND THE MYSTERIOUS VANISHING PLACE by Charles A. Salter_Review

About the Book:
One day, nine-year-old Charlotte has two surprises—she notices a patch of the forest slowly vanishing and discovers a lost puppy caught in a bramble bush. She rescues it and takes it home. Returning to the woods, she notes the sinking area getting wider and deeper. Her parents and the authorities caution her to stay away, but Charlotte worries the sinking will allow other puppies to escape the kennel and get lost, too. When another puppy escapes and becomes trapped in the now enormous sinkhole, Charlotte can find no one else to help it. As a fierce rainstorm arises, and the fallen tree the pups cling to begins to disappear through the opening at the center of the sinkhole, she realizes it is up to her to save the pups.

Can she rescue the pups and get out herself before the giant sinkhole swallows everything?

Review of CHARLOTTE AND THE MYSTERIOUS VANISHING PLACE by Charles A. Salter Kare Kids Adventures #2

This is a really exciting children's series by an accomplished author, suitable for upper elementary through middle grade readers. (Younger readers may enjoy having the books read to them.) There's plenty of adventure and suspense, including a few heartstopping moments. In CHARLOTTE AND THE MYSTERIOUS VANISHING PLACE, Charlotte, nearly 10, rescues expensive purebred puppies, and in fact, acts to save the neighborhood of her home.

BEST IN SHOW by Maria Grazia Swan_Review

Best in Show by Maria Grazia Swan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review of BEST IN SHOW

Will our girl finally settle down and mature? Or will her consistently painful heartache over the "love of her life" and her frequent instability based on her past history and its suffering continue to keep her a virtual transient? Finally, finally, something is working right for her: the Furry Friends Foundation, the no-kill shelter she founded for cats and dogs, is successful and productive. Not enough for Mina, though, she sets up yet another business, Ritzy Cats B&B, and there more trouble starts. Of course! And equally of course, the mysterious, elusive, Diego, her life-long, must disappear undercover once again...and...what after all is a girl to do, when all she wants is stability, in home, love, and profession.

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THE BLUEBONNET BETRAYAL by Marty Wingate_Review

The Bluebonnet Betraya by Marty Wingate
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review of THE BLUEBONNET BETRAYAL

An intriguing cozy set in England, specifically the Chelsea area of London, by accomplished and prolific author Marty Wingate, whose mysteries are right on target every single time. Transplanted Texan Pru Parke is tapped to help out at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show. She isn't sure why, but an opportunity to garden is never rejected, and she's delighted to assist. She certainly is not expecting to be the temporary person-in-charge, nor could she expect a vicious murder to occur in the confines of the area being prepared by the Austin [TX] Rock Garden Society. But Pru also cannot resist a mystery on her very doorstep (figuratively) especially when the deceased continues to address her. So with the help of husband Christopher, former Met Detective Chief Inspector, she is off to discover and uncover the truth.

I especially appreciate this series. the Potting Shed Mysteries (this is #5) because the protagonist Pru is fiftyish, married for the first time, deeply in love with an equally devoted husband, and although an American native, feels at home in England. I am exposed to so much of the scenery and culture of the English through reading these excellent stories.

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CRACKED TO DEATH Tour

Cracked to Death (A Webb’s Glass Shop Mystery) Cozy Mystery 3rd in Series Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages Publisher: Kensington (June 28, 2016) ISBN-13: 978-1617737640 

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 Synopsis When a treasure hunt leads to deadly plunder, it’s up to glass shop owner Savannah Webb and her trusty investigative posse to map out the true motives of a killer . . . It’s the dog days of summer in St. Petersburg, Florida, and Webb’s Glass Shop proprietor Savannah Webb has an eco-friendly plan to help locals escape the heat–a recyclable bottle-crafting workshop taught by reticent store manager Amanda Blake. Turns out, the class is a bigger smash than expected, thanks in part to a pair of staggeringly old bottles brought in by snorkeler Martin Lane . . . Linked to a storied pirate shipwreck, the relics definitely pique Savannah’s interest. But intrigue turns to shock when Martin’s lifeless body washes ashore the next morning, another glass artifact tucked in his dive bag. With cell phone records connecting Amanda to the drowning, Savannah must voyage through unchartered territory to exonerate her colleague and capture the twisted criminal behind Martin’s death . . . 

 CHERYL HOLLEN ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Cheryl Hollon now writes full-time after she left an engineering career of designing and building military flight simulators in amazing countries such as England, Wales, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, and India. Fulfilling the dream of a lifetime, she combines her love of writing with a passion for creating glass art. In the small glass studio behind her house in St. Petersburg, Florida, Cheryl and her husband design, create, and produce fused glass, stained glass, and painted glass artworks. Visit her online at http://cherylhollon.com, on Facebook or on Twitter @CherylHollon.

Purchase Links: Amazon B&N IndieBound Cracked to Death by Cheryl Hollon


Review of CRACKED TO DEATH by Cheryl Hollon

(A Webb's Glass Shop Mystery #3)

I really enjoy this series, which is in the "crafting cozies" category. Although stained glass work and restoration is likely not something I will ever take up, still I find it fascinating and love to read about the process and the beauty of the results. Author Cheryl Hollon has thoroughly researched and experienced this topic, and makes the enthusiasm, sometimes even obsession, of her character artisans so easy to comprehend.

Additionally, her characters are (mostly) likable. I think she does especially well with the character of Jacob, the young man who has Asperger's Syndrome, but yet is a talented, almost genius, artist at working with stained glass. Protagonist Savannah Webb is the scion of a stained-glass family, now with her in its third generation, following her father's untimely death. Relocating from Seattle to Florida, she has not only preserved her family's legacy of Webb's Glass Shop, but has also remodeled an abandoned warehouse to offer studio rental space, and she is an important component of the city's art community.

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Review of Oliver and Jumpy Stories 49-52

Oliver and Jumpy, Stories 49-51 (Oliver and Jumpy, the Cat Series, Book 17): Old style cat cartoons with many animal adventures by Werner Stejskal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review of OLIVER AND JUMPY STORIES 49-51 by Werner Stjeskal

The latest in the undeniably delightful story trilogies of the dignified top-hatted black-and-white tomcat Oliver,and his friendly companion, kangaroo Jumpy, has the duo exploring ice (and meeting a scary ice bear!), chasing mice, and encountering dragons. This series is enjoyable for elementary-age readers or for the younger "read to me" children.

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A CAT TO DIE FOR by Maria Grazia Swan__Review

A Cat to Die For by Maria Grazia Swan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review of A CAT TO DIE FOR by Maria Grazia Swan
{Mina's Adventures #5}

Ah, this girl. Young lady. Orphaned, wealthy, hit-and-miss young lady. Surely there exists some psychological reasons why she clings to the hope of the unattainable. Maybe she has a secret passion for suffering (not likely). Maybe she just prefers the "bad boys." The love of her life, Diego, certainly is that. Either he is exquisitely, constantly undercover, or the man is a player. Either way the poor girl keeps gettting her heart wrenched out and stomped on, again and again and again, never realizing any bad habit can be broken eventually. Plus there's her inferiority complex: she's always felt far in the shade of the sunlight cast by big sister Paola.

Certainly her author, Maria Grazia Swan, positions Mina in the oddest, most far-fetched and unexpected travails. This time she opens a no-kill shelter, a totally admirable idea. Admirable until player Diego shows up, and of course, not alone. His appearance endangers Mina's beloved cat--and the catsitter--and the heiress. And of course, the one who always manages to throw herself into dangerous situations (remember the international arms smuggler?) is Mina. The heroine is just--feckless. almost comically so.

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ASHES OF AUTUMN by Maria Grazia Swan_Review

Ashes of Autumn by Maria Grazia Swan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review of ASHES OF AUTUMN by Maria Grazia Swan
{Mina's Adventures #4}

Poor Mina..such an unhappy, melancholy, depressed little rich girl. Yes, family secrets had been hidden from her since before birth, so perhaps that is why whenever she "finds" someone (her mother, a boyfriend, then "the love of her life") either that person dies, breaks up with her, or does the intermittent disappearing act. Perhaps that is also why she is stoned in love with a man who admittedly (his own acknowledgment) offers no future, was at one time thought to be dead, shows up when he wants to, and does who-know-what almost all of the time, because certainly Mina sees him very rarely.

In this 4th book of her adventures in Orange County, California, the business owned and operated by her late mother will soon be sold, leaving Mina quite wealthy. Rooming with Margo, the company's receptionist, is sometimes fun but mostly an aggravation, so Mina sets out house-hunting for a place of her own, a real home, not an apartment, townhouse, or condo.

Of course, given the personality of our feckless heroine and the quite irresponsible Margo, they inadvertently mix up with an international arms smuggler wanted by many law enforcement agencies--and just perhaps Mina's elusive life-love is involved.

ASHES OF AUTUMN and Book 1, LOVE THY SISTER, which introduced Mina and sister/mother Paola, so far are my favourites of this series: very fast-paced, they had me turning the pages at a rapid rate.

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Review of HERE KITTY HERE by Madge Tovey_read-to--children

Here, Kitty, Kitty by Madge Tovey


Read to my 15 month old grandson. He loved it! Short easy sentences, delightful illustrations. We have an indoor dog (small) and an outdoor cat and he is fascinated with both.

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Review_ITALIAN SUMMER by Maria Grazia Swan

Italian Summer by Maria Grazia Swan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review of ITALIAN SUMMER by Maria Grazia Swan [Mina's Adventures #3]

Our feckless heroine is spending the month of June in a condo in her home town of Veneto, Italy, while the professor-owner studies at USC. Mina sees it as a time to spend alone, visiting her beloved Nonna (grandmother)'s crypt, leaving flowers, and strolling the town and marveling over its changes. She is quickly befriended by Emilia, retired attorney and owner of the building, a lady who always wanted to be a divorce attorney, but because divorce was for so long not a legal option in Italy, defended gypsies instead. Mina's heartache over the failures with Brian, and mourning over Diego, continually threaten to overwhelm her, but naturally whereever Mina is, danger and deaths quickly appear. She may be naive, but this young woman is never assured of a secure and peaceful life.

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Review: AMELIE AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Review: AMELIE AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS A sweet story for children from young preschoolers through elementary readers, about a young girl [possibly agoraphobic] who completely refuses to go outside, ever, no matter the season or weather. Author and illustrator gently lead readers through the situation, the helpers, and potential outcomes, eventually to a happy solution

BOSOM BUDDIES by Maria Grazia Swan_Review

Bosom Bodies by Maria Grazia Swan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review: BOSOM BODIES by Maria Grazia Swan

One would have thought that after the troubles and tribulations, the sorrow and grief, she suffered throughout the events of LOVE THY SISTER, twenty-something Mina Calvi would have matured out of her ingenuousness and become a little more--practical. But no. Mina is still her same erratic, unpredictable self, and so her troubles are still unending, and perhaps even more personally dangerous this time around. Oh, Mina! [Sigh] You aren't unlikable, but you sure are unfeasible.

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BODY VILLAGE Series by Justin Noble

Here are two illustrated books for young children in the Body Village Series, by Justin Noble, illustrations by Ann Bonin. Betty Bladder Makes a Big Decision by Justin Noble
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review of BETTY BLADDER MAKES A BIG DECISION by Justin Noble
(Body Village Series for Children)

The Body Village children's series illustrates for young readers, in drawing and text, the inner workings of the human physiology. It also promotes cooperation, teamwork, friendship, as well as doing one's best to the best of our abilities, efficiency, and striving for the good of all.
In BETTY BLADDER MAKES A BIG DECISION, the topic of potty training and its rationale is illustrated when during the night shift, the Kidney Twins, Kerry and Kelly, shift so much Liquid Waste to Betty Bladder that she has no room for more. Repeated calls to Raymond Brain, who is extremely busy, unfortunately go unanswered, so Betty Bladder must make a big decision all on her own.

Suitable for young children of the read-to stage, and young elementary readers.

View all my reviews Nurse Vaccine by Justin Noble


NURSE VACCINE by Justin Noble (Body Village Series for Children)

The Body Village children's series illustrates for young readers, in drawing and text, the inner workings of the human physiology. It also promotes cooperation, teamwork, friendship, as well as doing one's best to the best of our abilities, efficiency, and striving for the good of all.
Raymond Brain calls a village meeting of all members of the Body Village to discuss an important matter of health: vaccinations. Explaining to each member what could happen in terms of illness, pain, and discomfort if the vaccines are not taken, he also encourages all members to consider the health of other Villages because many illnesses can be passed to others as well as be dangerous to ourselves.

Suitable for young children of the read-to stage, and young elementary readers.


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Spotlight: Mina's Adventures Series by Maria Grazia Swan

Author Info:
Maria Grazia Swan



Award winning author Maria Grazia Swan was born in Italy, but this rolling stone has definitely gathered no moss. She lived in Belgium, France, Germany, in beautiful Orange County, California where she raised her family, and is currently at home in Phoenix, Arizona.


As a young girl, her vivid imagination predestined her to be a writer. She won her first literary award at the age of fourteen while living in Belgium. As a young woman Maria returned to Italy to design for--ooh-la-la--haute couture. Once in the U.S. and after years of concentrating on family, she tackled real estate. These days her time is devoted to her deepest passions: writing and helping people and pets find the perfect home. 

Maria loves travel, opera, good books, hiking, and intelligent movies (if she can find one, that is). When asked about her idea of a perfect evening, she favors stimulating conversation, Northern Italian food and perfectly chilled Prosecco. 

You can find out more by visiting her website

www.mariagraziaswan.com or connecting with her on

Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/MariaGraziaSwan?ref=hl 


Series and Book Info:

Mina’s back! What? You haven’t heard of Mina? Well let me introduce you. Mina is the much loved and adventuresome heroine of the popular crime series by Maria Grazia Swan. She’ll take you all over the world and back.

Italian-born Mina Calvi lives in a mansion in idyllic Orange County, California. After a series of surprises, shocks, and upheavals, our ingenuous herorine strives to get her life, and her head, on straight. 

Watch for the reviews of Books 2-6, right here on Mallory Heart's Cozies, and don't miss the review of the first book in this charming cozy series, LOVE THY SISTER athttp://malloryheartscozies.blogspot.com/2016/07/love-thy-sister-by-maria-grazia-swann.html

LOVE THY SISTER by Maria Grazia Swan

Review: Love Thy Sister

Love Thy Sister by Maria Grazia Swan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars 

Review: LOVE THY SISTER (Mina's Adventures #1)

What appeals to me the most about Mina is her ingenuousness. Try as she might (and periodically she does attempt to "fit in"), even at twenty-three, she still doesn't align with her sister (the only surviving family member), the Southern California laid-back facade lifestyle, nor employment, nor social interactions. I am not certain if it is her Italian nativity transposed to the hectic Orange County, California venue, or growing up in the shadow of a much-older half-sister who "has it all." Perhaps it's just Mina's personality, but the constant overtone of uncertainty and indecision, while it makes for fecklessness and a tendency to go headfirst into situations, tact tossed aside, renders her an appealing character, almost like a much younger sister one wishes to protect.

Author Info:
Maria Grazia Swan



Award winning author Maria Grazia Swan was born in Italy, but this rolling stone has definitely gathered no moss. She lived in Belgium, France, Germany, in beautiful Orange County, California where she raised her family, and is currently at home in Phoenix, Arizona.


As a young girl, her vivid imagination predestined her to be a writer. She won her first literary award at the age of fourteen while living in Belgium. As a young woman Maria returned to Italy to design for--ooh-la-la--haute couture. Once in the U.S. and after years of concentrating on family, she tackled real estate. These days her time is devoted to her deepest passions: writing and helping people and pets find the perfect home. 

Maria loves travel, opera, good books, hiking, and intelligent movies (if she can find one, that is). When asked about her idea of a perfect evening, she favors stimulating conversation, Northern Italian food and perfectly chilled Prosecco. 

You can find out more by visiting her website

www.mariagraziaswan.com or connecting with her on

Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/MariaGraziaSwan?ref=hl 


Series and Book Info:
Mina’s back! What? You haven’t heard of Mina? Well let me introduce you. Mina is the much loved and adventuresome heroine of the popular crime series by Maria Grazia Swan. She’ll take you all over the world and back. 
Italian-born Mina Calvi lives in a mansion in idyllic Orange County, California with her protective older sister, Paola. Unemployed again and aimless, Mina can’t seem to find her niche in her adopted country, but confusion and restlessness soon become the least of her problems. Someone is stealing from the software business owned by Paola and her husband, losses so great the business is sinking like the Titanic. And the strange death of a company employee turns out to be murder. Then, while, facing a loss so terrible she can’t bear it, Mina discovers an old family secret that turns her world upside down. There’s some solace in the arms of her blue-eyed lover, amateur sleuth Brian Starr, but danger still stalks her at every turn, edging closer and closer as Mina tries to untangle the web of lies, adultery and treachery, and put her life back together

Guest Post by Kelley Kaye, author of DEATH BY DIPLOMA

Guest Post for Mallory

     This is my first guest post for Mallory Hearts Cozies, for my debut cozy mystery Death by Diploma, so today I've been thinking about firsts. We are traveling in Seattle and Alice in Chains (Man in the Box) is playing on the radio, this great grungy song in the Grunge capital of the world--I was in college when this flannel-wearing, Nirvana-loving movement began, and I can hardly believe it's been over 25 years since that happened. A whole new genre of music: a 'first' for this area of the Northwest.

     We also just passed the Boeing factory, and I was commenting on the amazing thought processes of people looking at birds and saying, I want to do that too! And now it's happened. I think Leonardo Da Vinci even had a blueprint for an airplane in his drawings? I don't know if DaVinci was able to create  an actual plane or a working model of one, but at least the Wright Brothers figured it out. That 'first' has been so important to everyone.

   My late father, who opened the first used bookstore in the country, circa 1966, used to collect first editions of pulp fiction, or any first printings of his favorite book. He taught me how to spot a first edition--simply open past the title page and look at the little ditty telling you about the publisher and place of publication. If it just has a year, say 1976, and nothing else, it's a first edition. If you see multiple years or listings like 'first printing second printing', it is not. Fun useless trivia for my fellow lit lovers...😘

     The family trip I'm on right now is a whole boatload of 'firsts' for them too (not me, but that's another blog involving a disastrous one-minute marriage in my early 20's): first time in San Francisco, first time in Seattle's Pike's Market, first jaunt up to the top (well, almost top) of the Space Needle.




     These firsts are important for us as travelers, but also for me as a writer. Every time I hit the road, there're more opportunities to people-watch, eavesdrop (my favorite writing tool) blog, and just take myself out of my daily schedule, which is write, parent, write, market, write, parent, do laundry, lather, rinse, repeat. It's difficult to find the 'firsts' I want in that assembly line schedule.

     As writers, we all want to do something first, to write a story that's never been told, introduce a style that's never been seen. I taught Creative Writing for many years, and if I learned anything, it was to try and find a 'first' in the WAY I was telling my story. There are no storylines that haven't been done, in myth or legend (or probably by Shakespeare), but if I can give my characters a new way to react to an old problem, or a different setting in which to face that old problem (New occupation. New planet?) or if the characters who are facing the problem are different (new race, new gender, new orientation.) from the usual, then the story becomes its own brand of 'first'. For Death by Diploma, since it is first in the Chalkboard Outlines cozy series, the whole BOOK is about firsts. It's Emma's first time in Colorado for her first teaching job, after her first (hopefully only) divorce, and it's fer shure everyone at Pinewood High school's first MURDER, so there ya go: firsts galore!

     I've decided that if I can follow the best old adage regarding firsts--you know the one--Today is the FIRST Day of the Rest of Your Life, if I can live by that, then I'm doing okay.

Yaaaaaaaaaaaay BOOKS!

--Kelley Kaye