Ruff Drafts

Blog Tour and Recipe for Mysterious Christmas Collection by Michele Pariza Wacek

Posted on December 17, 2025 by Debbie

A Mysterious Christmas Collection:
A Charlie Kingsley/Redemption Detective Agency Crossover Christmas Cozy Mystery Anthology
by Michele Pariza Wacek

About A Mysterious Christmas Collection

A Mysterious Christmas Collection: A Charlie Kingsley/Redemption Detective Agency Crossover Christmas Cozy Mystery AnthologyCozy Mysteries
Setting – Wisconsin
Publisher: Love-Based Publishing
Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 19, 2025
Number of Pages: 150
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FVNJXFQS

In this charming Christmas cozy mystery collection, you get not one but TWO Christmas mysteries–one from the Charlie Kingsley Mystery series (Secret Santa Murder) and one from The Redemption Detective Agency (The Mysterious Case of the Dead Elf).

Even better, the characters in both series will make a crossover appearance in the other mystery.

Here’s a peek of each story:

Secret Santa Murder: A Secret Santa party goes off the rails when a guest is murdered after opening their gift. Can Charlie get to the bottom of who did it in this locked door mystery?

The Mysterious Case of the Dead Elf: Emily and the gang take on a case to help a young mother get over her childhood Christmas trauma. Can they go back in time and solve the mystery of a dead elf to save Christmas before it’s too late?

Includes TWO Christmas cookie family recipes!

The Charlie Kingsley Mysteries

The Charlie Kingsley Mysteries is funny, clean & twisty cozy series takes place in the 1990s in Redemption, Wisconsin. They’re perfect if you enjoy small town cozy mysteries with quirky characters, pets, tea, culinary, a touch of romance, 1990s nostalgia and loads of fun. If you like books by Agatha Christie, Louise Penny and Maddie Day, you’ll love these books.

The Charlie Kingsley Mysteries is a continuing series with books that are standalone and can be read in any order.

The Redemption Detective Agency

A spin off from the Charlie Kingsley Mystery series. This cozy romcom mystery series also takes place in the 1990s and features a fish out of water amateur sleuth, pet detectives, a cast of silver sleuths (some you’ll recognize from the main series), cold cases and a hefty dose of romance. Think The Thursday Murder Club meets Bridget Jones’s Diary, but in small town Wisconsin. Also great for fans for The Golden Girls (if they started solving mysteries), Only Murders in the Building (without a podcast and takes place in Wisconsin) and Murder She Wrote.

All the books are clean, twisty and funny. They can be read in any order but to get the best experience, I would recommend starting with Book 1, The Mysterious Case of the Missing Motive.

RECIPE

Merry Christmas Butter Cookies

Makes two dozen

1 ½ level cups of sifted cake flour

½ cup of butter or margarine

¾ cup sifted powdered sugar

1 egg

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine all ingredients and mix until it turns into a putty-like dough.

Form 24 equal-sized pieces, and either press the pieces into a cookie mold OR form little round cookie shapes and place onto a cookie sheet.

Decorate by sprinkling red and/or green decorative sugar on them.

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges of cookies begin to turn brown.

About Michele Pariza Wacek

A USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author, Michele taught herself to read at 3 years old because she wanted to write stories so badly. It took some time (and some detours) but she does spend much of her time writing stories now. Mystery stories, to be exact. They’re clean and twisty, and range from psychological thrillers to cozies, with a dash of romance and supernatural thrown into the mix. If that wasn’t enough, she posts lots of fun things on her blog, including short stories, puzzles, recipes and more, at MPWNovels.com.

Michele grew up in Wisconsin, (hence why all her books take place there), and still visits regularly, but she herself escaped the cold and now lives in the mountains of Prescott, Arizona with her husband and southern squirrel hunter Cassie.

When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, hanging out with her dog, or watching the Food Network and imagining she’s an awesome cook. (Spoiler alert, she’s not. Luckily for the whole family, Mr. PW is in charge of the cooking.)

Author Links

Website https://MPWNovels.com

Facebook https://Facebook.com/michelepwauthor

Instagram https://instagram.com/themichelepw

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

December 8 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

December 9 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

December 10 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

December 10 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

December 10 – Angel’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

December 11 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

December 11 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

December 12 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT WITH RECIPE

December 13 – Sarandipity’s – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

December 13 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

December 14 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – SPOTLIGHT

December 15 – Bibliophile Foodie – REVIEW

December 16 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

December 16 – Hall Ways Blog – REVIEW

December 17 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT WITH RECIPE

December 17 – Baroness Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

December 18 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

December 19 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

December 20 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

December 21 – Salty Inspirations – REVIEW

December 21 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

Purchase Link – Amazon
________

GIVEAWAY LINK: https://kingsumo.com/g/3eer2p3/a-mysterious-christmas-collection-a-charlie-kingsleyredemption-detective-agency-crossover-christmas-cozy-mystery-anthology-by-michele-pariza-wacek

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Blog Tour, Recipe

Murder by the Millions by Daryl Wood Gerber Excerpt, Recipe, and Blog Tour

Posted on October 23, 2025 by Debbie

SCENE FROM MURDER BY THE MILLIONS, the 2^nd Literary Dining Mystery

By Daryl Wood Gerber

As I was paying, the ponytailed barista said, “Allie, I was about to call you. If you have time, the boss said we could use two dozen lemon cheesecake bars pronto. Like three hours from now. Can you do it? The Potter’s Palette next door wants to have them on hand for this afternoon’s art party for adults.”

Could I do it?

From Allie:

Yes, I could do it. Although many of the recipes I prepare for literary dining parties are from the era of the book we’re featuring—for example, Pride and Prejudice takes place during the Regency Era and I made trifle; The Great Gatsby occurs during the Roaring 20s and I made pineapple upside down cake—I still have a regular clientele who require deliveries ASAP. I do my best.

Thankfully, I have a few go-to recipes, like chocolate crinkle cookies, blueberry arts, lemon cookies, and a variety of cakes and scones. My clientele has a distinct sweet tooth!

The requested lemon cheesecake bars for Potter’s Palette are super easy to make, and they cool quickly, so I can turn a delivery around in a matter of hours.

Being a caterer takes planning ahead and going with the flow. Being a planner for a literary dining party takes imagination. I’m so thankful I have my partners in crime, Tegan and her half-sister Vanna, to bat around ideas. For The Great Gatsby party—our upcoming party—you would have laughed at Vanna’s suggestions. She called all the food on the menu I’d created pedantic. Well, guess what? Back in the Roaring 20s, pineapple upside down cake was popular, Campbell tomato soup cake was big, and deviled eggs . . . downright delicious. Oh, and anything with orange juice was a great seller because orange juice was the rage. Why? Because oranges could travel well by rail without spoilage.

Being a caterer takes imagination. Luckily, I have that in spades. Planning literary dining parties takes lots of preparation and research. Thankfully, I’m very organized. Phew.

RECIPE

Here you go. Enjoy!

Easy Lemon Cheesecake Bars

1 ½ cups graham crackers, crushed *may use gluten-free graham crackers

2 tablespoons butter, melted

2 packages (8 ounces each) Cream Cheese

½ cup sugar

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon lemon juice

½ teaspoon vanilla

2 eggs

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8” square pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick spray.

Crush the graham crackers and pour into the prepared pan. Drizzle with the melted butter and stir with a spoon. Make flat. Set aside. (*Use gluten-free graham crackers if you are gluten-intolerant.)

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla until blended. Add the eggs and mix again until smooth.

Pour the cheese mixture onto the graham cracker crust. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the center is almost set. Cool completely before slicing. Refrigerate at least 3 hours. Best if stored in refrigerator overnight.

Cut into small squares.

*My recommendation for gluten-free graham crackers are Pamela’s brand. Perfection. Sometimes crumbly but for this recipe, it doesn’t matter.

Murder by the Millions (A Literary Dining Mystery)
by Daryl Wood Gerber

About Murder by the Millions

Murder by the Millions (A Literary Dining Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – North Carolina
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington Cozies
Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 28, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496748204
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496748201
Digital ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496748225
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DX58P859
Audiobook ASIN B0DW5MKYKZ
Audio CD ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8228545793

In a beautiful mountain community near Asheville, North Carolina, caterer and personal chef Allie Catt serves up mouthwatering, literary-themed dinner parties inspired by her clients’ favorite books. Her next event is sure to be a roaring success—if a murderer isn’t a killjoy . . .

If it were true that the best thing a girl can be in this world is a fool, then Allie Catt would be out of luck. Fortunately, Allie’s business is a smashing success. And following her Pride and Prejudice event, grander plans await . . .

Feast for the Eyes bookstore manager and Allie’s best friend, Tegan, is hosting a book club soiree and wants it to be a glittering affair based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic Jazz Age-set novel, The Great Gatsby. Soon, Art Deco table settings and visions of flappers are dancing the Charleston in their heads. Even Tegan’s prickly sister, Vanna, is on board. And surely, Allie’s tuxedo cat, Darcy, thinks it’s the cat’s meow.
Amid the planning, charismatic developer Jason Gardner arrives in town to buy some historic buildings on Main Street. He, too, has plans: to create a modern mall. Allie is more than concerned. She even wants to protest. But when Jason invites her to cater a lavish party, she finds him surprisingly likable. Then she’s summoned to his estate for a meeting—and finds him dead.

Once again Allie’s landed in the middle of a crime scene. Worse, one of her earrings is later discovered near the body. And when police learn she was upset about the mall, she’s suspect #1. Allie’s blossoming sleuthing skills once cleared Tegan’s name, but can she save herself—before a killer writes her a not-so-great Gatsbyesque ending . . .

About Daryl Wood Gerber

Daryl Wood Gerber is the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling author of the Literary Dining Mysteries, the Fairy Garden Mysteries, the French Bistro Mysteries, and the Cookbook Nook Mysteries, as well as the Cheese Shop Mysteries written under the name Avery Aames. She also writes standalone suspense novels and the Aspen Adams Novels of Suspense. Prior to her career as a novelist, she was an actress with roles in television shows including “Murder, She Wrote,” and she wrote for the popular TV sitcom “Out of this World.” Originally from the Bay Area, she now lives in Southern California, where she likes to cook, garden, and spend time with her frisky Goldendoodle named Sparky.

Author Links

WEBSITE: https://darylwoodgerber.com

FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/darylwoodgerber

BOOKBUB: https://bookbub.com/authors/daryl-wood-gerber

YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/woodgerb1

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/darylwoodgerber

GOODREADS: https://goodreads.com/darylwoodgerber

TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com/@daryl_wood_gerber

AMAZON: https://bit.ly/Daryl_Wood_Gerber_page

NEWSLETTER: https://darylwoodgerber.com/contact-media/

Purchase Links

AMAZON BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKSHOP.ORG KOBO MYSTERIOUS GALAXY

GIVEAWAY LINK: https://kingsumo.com/g/3l55el1/murder-by-the-millions-a-literary-dining-mystery-by-daryl-wood-gerber

Blog Tour, Guest Post

Death on Dickens Island by Allison Brook – Guest Post and Block Tour

Posted on October 21, 2025 by Debbie

Death on Dickens Island: A Books on the Beach Mystery
by Allison Brook

About Death on Dickens Island

Death on Dickens Island: A Books on the Beach Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – On Dickens Island, a fictional island in the Long Island Sound between Long Island and CT.
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crooked Lane Books
Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 21, 2025
Hardcover
Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892420488
Paperback
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892422536
Digital
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892420495
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DTNMGQTK
Audiobook ASIN: B0DT4WXPWL

A divorced sleuth in her thirties must bring peace back to her small town after a murder tears neighbors and family members apart in this series debut from Agatha Award nominee Allison Brook, perfect for fans of Cynthia Riggs and Eva Gates.

Delia Dickens has come home to Dickens Island, a small island in the Long Island Sound, after a twelve-year stint in Manhattan. She’s looking forward to helping her father revitalize the general store that the family owns as well as curating a small book nook. Most importantly, she wants to reunite with her fifteen-year-old son. But Dickens Island isn’t the peaceful town Delia remembers–and she might be in more danger here than she ever was in the big city.

Delia’s Aunt Reenie and Uncle Brad, both prominent community leaders, are at odds over the sale of a farm and its future use. This has created friction, not only in their marriage, but amongst the citizens of the town. When a young woman, new to the town council and friendly with Brad, is found murdered, everything escalates and reaches a new boiling point.

With Reenie and Brad both suspects in the case and at each other’s throats, the townspeople start to take sides. When the ghost of her grandmother visits her, Delia learns how past events have impacted the present, and it is up to her to expose the farm’s sordid secrets in order to catch a murderer and restore peace to her beloved island.

GUEST POST

I’m happy to be Debbie’s guest today talking about my latest mystery, DEATH ON DICKENS ISLAND, the first book in my Books on the Beach Mystery series. Starting a new series is a great undertaking. Aside from the mysteries that need to be solved, I had to create a cast of characters and a unique setting that will be featured throughout the series. And always in the back of my mind I wondered: Will my readers love this series as much as the last one I’d written.

Readers of my Haunted Library books had grown fond of my sleuth, Carrie Singleton, her friends and colleagues, and the town of Clover Ridge, Connecticut. At the start of DEATH OVERDUE, the first book in the series, Carrie is unhappy, unsettled, and unfulfilled. She’s ready to leave town; it doesn’t matter where to. And then she’s offered the position of head of programs and events in the Clover Ridge Library. Over the course of eight books, Carrie matures, makes friends and finds love as she solves mysteries with the help of her ghost friend, Evelyn Havers. As soon as I started to write BOOKED ON MURDER, the eighth book in the series, I realized that Carrie had come into her own. Her story arc was complete.

Time to start a new series, I decided. Yes, I felt a bit guilty when some readers told me they didn’t want the series to end, but I was ready to explore a new world filled with new characters. I knew I wanted to set my series on an island of my creation, located smack in the middle of the Long Island Sound, between Long Island and Connecticut. The island was purchased by Nathanial Dickens in the last half of the eighteenth century, and the Dickens family is still active in its government and island activities.

My sleuth, Delia Dickens, has recently returned to the island to live with her fifteen-year-old son Connor in the beautiful Victorian home that Helena, her grandmother, left her when she died. Helena appears when Delia’s in the secret room that Connor has discovered. Readers learn about Helena’s early life and how the past impacts the murders that Delia helps solve. Delia’s s Aunt Reenie is the island’s manager (mayor); her husband, Delia’s Uncle Brad, is the president of the town council. The two, while madly in love, are often at loggerheads when it comes to the island’s growth and development. Carrie’s father, who sees himself as the island’s patriarch but shies away from confrontation, expects Delia to smooth things over–an impossible task. And then a young woman is murdered and Uncle Brad is Suspect Number One.

Riley, a Bearded Collie with a very matted coat, follows Connor home one day and seems to have adopted Delia and Connor as his family. But Delia knows the dog must belong to someone and so she brings him to Jack Morrison, the local vet, who also happens to be the guy who broke her heart when they were young.

So much happens in this new world of Dickens Island. I know it takes time for readers to fall in love with a new series, but the many glowing reviews I’ve received give me hope that this will happen.

About Allison Brook

A former Spanish teacher, Marilyn Levinson writes mysteries, novels of suspense, and books for kids. Her books have received many accolades. As Allison Brook she writes the Haunted Library series. Death Overdue, the first in the series, was an Agatha nominee for Best Contemporary Novel in 2018. Other mysteries include the Golden Age of Mystery Book Club series, the Twin Lakes series, and Giving Up the Ghost. Her suspense, Come Home to Death, was released in April 2024, and her suspense, Dangerous Relations, will be republished in 2025. Death on Dickens Island is the first book in her Books on the Beach series.

Marilyn’s juvenile novel, Rufus and Magic Run Amok, was an International Reading Association-Children’s Book Council Children’s Choice and has recently come out in a new edition. Rufus and the Witch’s Drudge, the second book in the series, has been released, and the third, Rufus and the Dark Side of Magic, will be out later this year. And Don’t Bring Jeremy was a nominee for six state awards. Her YA horror, The Devil’s Pawn, came out in a new edition in January 2024.

Marilyn lives on Long Island, where many of her books take place. She loves traveling, reading, doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku, chatting on FaceTime with her grandkids, and playing with her kittens, Romeo and Juliet.

Author Links

Website/Newsletter Sign Up: http://www.marilynlevinson.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marilyn.levinson.10

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/161602.Marilyn_Levinson

X: https://twitter.com/MarilynLevinson

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marilyn-levinson

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/allison-brook

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marilynlevinsonauthor/

Purchase Links: Amazon B&N Bookshop.org PenguinRandomHouse

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 21 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 21 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

October 21 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

October 22 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

October 22 – Baroness Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 22 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

October 23 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

October 23 – Wine Cellar Library – SPOTLIGHT

October 23 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 24 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

October 24 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

October 24 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

October 25 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW

October 25 – Sarandipity’s – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 25 – Reading Is My SuperPower – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 26 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 26 – Christa Reads and Writes – SPOTLIGHT

October 27 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

October 27 – Salty Inspirations – SPOTLIGHT

October 28 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

October 28 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

October 28 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

GIVEAWAY LINK: https://kingsumo.com/g/3zjjx61/death-on-dickens-island-a-books-on-the-beach-mystery-by-allison-brook

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Title Blast

Title Blast for Jane Austen’s Dowries and Dalliances: A Literary Card Game from Samantha L. Hastings

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Debbie

Jane Austen’s Dowries and Dalliances: A Literary Card Game
from Samanta L. Hastings

Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th Anniversary!

About Jane Austen’s Dowries and Dalliances

Jane Austen’s Dowries and Dalliances: A Literary Card Game
Format: Games
Publication Date: 10/7/2025
ISBN: 9781797235578

Hours of fun for Jane Austen fans of all ages: This literary card game features simple and satisfying gameplay with a beautifully illustrated deck full of favorite characters from all of the novels.

Hold on to heroines like Emma Woodhouse and Anne Elliot to win the highest dowry as you gossip with Mrs. Bennet to gain insight into another player’s hand, send an opponent’s card eloping with John Yates to remove it from play, or use Mr. Darcy’s refusal to dance to skip the next player’s turn. Whether you steal, snub, trade, or quadrille your way to the end of the round, try not to be left with the Old Maid!

LITERARY TWIST ON CLASSIC CARD GAME: Marriage is the name of the game in this Jane Austen-inspired game of trading, stealing, and claiming cards. Never be satisfied with less: Claim the highest dowry to win!

JANE AUSTEN FOREVER: Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary with this unique homage to her beloved novels. Illustrations by Meghann Rader bring each character to life, capturing the romance and eccentricity that make Austen’s books stand the test of time.

GREAT FUN FOR LITERATURE LOVERS: This smart, elegant card game has Jane Austen trivia built in, with Dowry cards and Action cards inspired by each character’s role in Austen’s literary universe and a booklet full of character fun facts. Endeavor to keep company with the likes of Elizabeth Bennet, Elinor Dashwood, or Fanny Price to gain access to a valuable dowry sum. Border on rudeness with Frank Churchill, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, or John Thorpe to shake up the gameplay. Or fan the flames of scandal by ‘eloping’ with another player’s card, in the vein of George Wickham or Penelope Clay. There’s endless fun to be had.

BRILLIANT GIFT: This card game is easy enough to play with the whole family or as a book club diversion, and it makes a charming present for Janeites and other book lovers in your life.

Perfect for:

Jane Austen fans
Bibliophiles and bookworms
Family game night group play
Card game enthusiasts of all ages
Anyone looking for unique and beautiful literary gifts for any occasion

Purchase fromChronicle Books

Samantha Hastings met her husband in a turkey sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, having tea parties, and chauffeuring her four kids. She teaches World Literature at Brigham Young University. Her young adult fiction books are Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selections and her historical romances are published around the world. She also writes murder mysteries under Samantha Larsen that Publisher’s Weekly called “wildly enjoyable.”

Author Links
Website Instagram Facebook X BookBub

Title Blast Participants

October 8

Jemima Pett, Author

Books, Ramblings, and Tea

Jody’s Bookish Haven

Salty Inspirations

Books1987

Sarandipity’s

October 9

Cozy Up With Kathy

Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books

Maureen’s Musings

Christy’s Cozy Corners

Wine Cellar Library

Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

Sapphyria’s Book Reviews

October 10

Ruff Drafts

Baroness Book Trove

FUONLYKNEW

StoreyBook Reviews

Boys’ Mom Reads!

Rebecca M. Douglass, Author

Giveaway: https://kingsumo.com/g/1j2znz3/jane-austens-dowries-and-dalliances-a-literary-card-game-from-samanta-l-hastings

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Blog Tour, Spotlight

Spotlight and Blog Tour for Crime Quiz by TJ Stanley

Posted on October 9, 2025 by Debbie

Crime Quiz: Cosy Mystery on a Cruise
by TJ Stanley

About Crime Quiz

Crime Quiz: Cosy Mystery on a Cruise
Cosy (Cozy) Mystery
Setting – On a cruise from Sydney to Hobart in Australia
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Stanley Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 26, 2025
Paperback
Print length ‏ : ‎ 198 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1763510050
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1763510050
Digital
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1763510043
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FL53FVV6

Molly should be on her honeymoon, but her husband had disappeared.

Thomas should be preaching, but the bishop had other ideas.

Lynette should be in Aspen, but her doctor refused to let her fly.

Instead, they’re sailing on a five-day round trip between Sydney and Hobart.

At 5.00am on the fourth day of the cruise, Captain Jonas Strong announces that five passengers have died overnight.

Were this a cruise with the usual guest profile, such news may have caused a temporary flutter of nerves before being forgotten. But the Oceanic Wanderer was hosting a Crime Writers’ Conference with hundreds of amateur sleuths who were now wondering, if there was more to the announcement than they were being told.

Was there a murderer among them?

CRIME QUIZ delivers a cosy-mystery caper in a cruisy setting.

About TJ Stanley

Tracy Stanley has been in love with storytelling since she left university in 1984.

In 2017, she started publishing, and as of August 2025, Tracy has independently published fifteen books across five genres, including business books, travel memoirs, cosy mysteries, romantic suspense, and action-adventure novels. These last two genres have been written under the pen name of Jane Ellyson.

Her writing approach for novels recognises that creativity in storytelling comes from mixing the familiar with a twist, combining comfort and intrigue.

Tracy is Australian and lives in Brisbane.

Author Links – More to Come

https://tjstanley.com/articles/

Purchase Link – Amazon

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

September 25 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

September 25 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

September 26 – Salty Inspirations – AUTHOR GUEST POST

September 26 – Baroness Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

September 27 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

September 28 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

September 29 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 29 – Reading Is My SuperPower – SPOTLIGHT

September 30 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST

September 30 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

October 1 – Maureen’s Musings – REVIEW

October 1 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

October 2 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 2 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 3 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 4 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW

October 5 – Infinite House of Books – SPOTLIGHT

October 6 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

October 7 – Sarandipity’s – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 7 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 8 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

Giveaway: https://kingsumo.com/g/m88992m/crime-quiz-cosy-mystery-on-a-cruise-by-tj-stanley

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Blog Tour, Guest Post, New Releases

Author Guest Post and Blog Tour for Grave Words by Gerri Lewis

Posted on October 6, 2025October 6, 2025 by Debbie

Grave Words: A Deadly Deadlines Mystery
by Gerri Lewis

About Grave Words

Grave Words: A Deadly Deadlines Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Connecticut
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crooked Lane Books
Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 10, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
Hardcover ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892421133
Paperback ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892422482
Kindle ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DGPF9R8P
Audiobook ASIN B0F97G3PP3

Winter Snow has had it! With her business in a death drought, her best friend Scoop implicated in a string of arsons, and an obituary listing Winter herself as deceased, her life is heating up. But just as she’s trying to cool things down, she receives her newest assignment: an obituary for Chester, a homeless man found in a burning building.

Promising the local funeral home manager that she will have the obituary by the deadline, Winter is stonewalled at every turn, failing to discover Chester’s last name, or where he came from. When it is discovered that Chester was murdered and that the fire was set to cover it up, all fingers immediately point to Scoop. Not only is Scoop a person of interest in the arsons, he was also the last person to see Chester alive.

As more nails are pounded into Scoop’s coffin, Winter’s uncle Richard hopes to help by inviting the notorious town gossips, The Nosy Parkers, to a neighborhood food fest. Unfortunately, the breadcrumbs they toss set murder in motion.

More determined than ever, Winter must figure out the twists and turns of the case to clear Scoop’s name, putting her on a deadly deadline to solve the murder and avoid meeting the same grave consequences.

AUTHOR GUEST POST

BOOK CLUB DIARIES

BY GERRI LEWIS

There are twenty-two people I do not want to read my books. They belong to a library group in my hometown of Ridgefield, Connecticut called “Murder by the Book. ” For one hour a month, this book club discusses mysteries and thrillers. I am a member as a participant only. Unless specifically asked, I don’t offer my “author” point of view, and I definitely don’t offer up my books to read.

A pretty young librarian named Kelly-Ann starts each session with solid reviews from places like Library Journal, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly and Goodreads. She then dives into the writer’s background—why that topic, genre, what else have they written? This is my favorite part of the discussion because it often evokes that aha moment where we understand the book and the author better.

After her overview, by a show of hands we’re asked who liked the story. And that’s where my nightmares start.   Usually, but not always, most enjoy the book.   But that doesn’t keep them from shredding, tearing and dissecting every single plot twist, red herring or character trait. Destination mysteries get particularly critical scrutiny in this well-travelled crowd. I don’t think we’ve read a mystery set in one location that someone in the room hasn’t either lived in or visited.

And don’t get me started on clues. I don’t know how she does it, but one woman I’ll call Jane is particularly keen when it comes to solving the crime. Jane picks up every tiny hint, can immediately identify the red herrings and always guesses the murderer. The rest of us miss a lot and when she points things out, we are suddenly outraged.

Not fair, cry out some of the members. The clues were stuck in like an afterthought.

I’ve been a guest speaker at a lot of book clubs. When sitting face to face, members are rarely critical, and I’ve been spoiled with easy process-related questions. That is until a recent Zoom. The mid-western group let me know up front, they only read the first book in a series. They had their own Jane, who rarely missed a clue and almost always knew who-done-it.   My stomach was doing backflips as they discussed The Last Word as if I wasn’t there.

Fortunately, their comments were mostly kind. Even Jane hadn’t figured out the twist that came at the end and while they picked on some of my characters, they also decided to break their fast rule of reading only one in a series. Their only complaint—my fictional town sounded a little too good to be true.   Before I could jump in, one member piped up that she had researched it and yes, Ridgefield was in fact a real town in Connecticut. Now they all want to visit.

When I critique, I tend to think of being face to face with the author.   And, I almost always find something to like in every book because I know how hard it is to write one. All parts of the mystery must fall into place gradually so that the ending makes sense. The characters have to stay—in character. And scoring a book deal these days feels like winning the lottery for someone breaking in. So yes, I almost always find something positive about every book I read.

However, put me in the room with my fellow Murder by the Book members and I find myself nodding my head up and down like a bobble doll—suddenly baring my fangs as I tear into the flesh of the who-done-it. Who gets away with killing the main character?   Why set the book in Paris and not even mention the Eiffel Tower or any of the sights that make the city special. Who drowns their ex because he wants you to give him royalties on a book you haven’t even written yet?

At home I write down what I learn from my book club in hopes of making my own mysteries better—and then I pray that none of the twenty-two members decide to Murder My Book!

BOOK CLUB TAKEAWAYS:

Pay close attention to the bad guys: In my book Grave Words, one reader said I introduced the arsonist at the very end and that wasn’t fair. Not true. The arsonist was introduced several times early in the book and was talked about a lot more. Jane probably would have gotten that. However, most of our book club is probably like my reader so I have a note to self: Make sure the bad guys show up obviously and early.

Make sure your clues belong in the narrative. Don’t just drop them in like mustard on a white tablecloth.

Put on your armor. Not everyone is going to like your book. I had a very prolific and successful writer tell me recently to never, ever read reviews. Why? You can only please some of the readers some of the time.

About Gerri Lewis

GERRI LEWIS is the author of The Last Word (2024) and Grave Words (June 10, 2025), the first two books in her Deadly Deadlines Mystery series published by Crooked Lane Books. Set in her Hallmark-worthy hometown of Ridgefield, Connecticut, this cozy mystery is about obituary writer Winter Snow, who solves murders along with a cast of lovable characters. During her career as an award-winning reporter, columnist, and feature writer, Gerri has become a go-to person in her community for obituaries. When she is not helping her protagonist solve mysteries, she writes magazine features and is the Public Information Officer for the Ridgefield Office of Emergency Management. She lives with her husband in Ridgefield, Connecticut, the picture-perfect setting for her books.

Author Links

Website: https://gerrilewis.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gerri.lewis.author/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gerrilewisauthor/

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Bookshop.org – PenguinRandomHouse – Kobo – Apple –

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 2 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 3 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

October 3 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

October 3 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

October 4 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW*

October 4 – Christa Reads and Writes – SPOTLIGHT

October 5 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 6 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

October 6 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 7 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 8 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

October 9 – Salty Inspirations – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 10 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 10 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 11 – Sarandipity’s – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 11 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – SPOTLIGHT

October 12 – Infinite House of Books – SPOTLIGHT

October 13 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 14 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

October 15 – Jane Reads – CHARACTER GUEST POST

October 15 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

Giveaway: https://kingsumo.com/g/1vj9ev1/grave-words-a-deadly-deadlines-mystery-by-gerri-lewis

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New Releases, Spotlight

Spolight and Blog Tour for Home Fries by Lena Gregory

Posted on October 2, 2025 by Debbie

Home Fries and Alibis (An All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery)
by Lena Gregory

About Home Fries and Alibis

Home Fries and Alibis (An All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
8th in Series
Setting – New York
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Beyond the Page Publishing
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 23, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 178 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1966322275
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1966322276
Digital ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1966322269
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FN8G8H1G

When a belligerent woman moves in across the street, café owner Gia Morelli has to call off the welcome wagon and call in the homicide squad . . .

When a nasty new neighbor moves into their peaceful community, Gia and everyone else in the neighborhood is ready to blow a fuse. The spiteful woman has quickly made a nuisance of herself, complaining to and about everyone there. Then she makes the grave mistake of falsely claiming Gia’s dog tore up her yard, and Gia goes ballistic, telling the woman to back off . . . or else. It was an impulsive move for Gia, but someone else decides an even more extreme approach is called for, and silences the woman—permanently.

Unnerved by the thought of a murderer living in her neighborhood, Gia begins digging into the victim’s life to figure out who would have wanted her dead. She soon discovers that the woman was not only malicious but was blackmailing people in the community. Even more surprising is that nearly everyone in the neighborhood has something to hide. Dead-set on rooting out the culprit, Gia has to determine who stood to lose the most if their secret was revealed, unaware that she’s perilously close to losing her own life . . .

About Lena Gregory

Lena Gregory is the author of the Bay Island Psychic Mysteries, which take place on a small island between the north and south forks of Long Island, New York, the All-Day Breakfast Café Mysteries, which are set on the outskirts of Florida’s Ocala National Forest, the Mini-Meadows Mysteries, set in a community of tiny homes in Central Florida, and the Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries, which take place in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, New York.

Lena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, but she recently traded in cold, damp, gray winters for the warmth and sunshine of central Florida, where she now lives with her husband, three kids, son-in-law, and four dogs. Her hobbies include spending time with family, reading, and walking. Her love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn’t sleep through the night. She works full time as a writer and a freelance editor and is a member of Sisters in Crime.

Author Links

Newsletter: http://lenagregory.us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9765d0711ed4fab4fa31b16ac&id=49d42335d1.
Website: http://www.lenagregory.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lena.gregory.986
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Lena.Gregory.Author/?fref=ts
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/LenaGregory03
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14956514.Lena_Gregory?from_search=true
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lenagregoryauth/

Purchase Links

Amazon Barnes & Noble Kobo

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

September 23 – Angel’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

September 23 – Sarandipity’s – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

September 24 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

September 24 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

September 25 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

September 26 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

September 26 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

September 27 – Infinite House of Books – SPOTLIGHT

September 28 – @bibliophile_foodie – REVIEW

September 29 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

September 29 – Salty Inspirations – AUTHOR GUEST POST

September 30 – My Books and Crafts – SPOTLIGHT

October 1 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

October 2 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

October 2 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

October 3 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – CHARACTER GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

October 4 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

October 5 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

October 6 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

Giveaway: Home Fries and Alibis (An All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery) by Lena Gregory https://kingsumo.com/g/m5gn2x3/home–fries-and-alibis-an-all-day-breakfast-cafe-mystery-by-lena-gregory

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Cozy Mysteries, New Year's

New Cobble Cove Book and Free Story

Posted on September 29, 2025 by Debbie

I’m proud to announce the release of Rock a Bye Bye Baby, the sixth Cobble Cove cozy mystery featuring Alicia, the librarian; Sneaky, the library cat, and KittyKai, the inn cat. The book is available on Amazon as an eBook and on Kindle Unlimited. It will also be in print form soon. For those not familiar with the series, I’ve provided backstory to help you catch up. However, the previous five books are still available starting with A Stone’s Throw.

Although the last book in the series, No Gravestone Unturned was published in 2020, Sneaky’s Supernatural Mystery and Other Cobble Cove Stories was published in 2022 and won an award for its Christmas story. To catch up on the series, I also wrote a more recent single short story, Sneaky’s Birthday Mystery, that I gave away to my newsletter subscribers. If you’d like a free copy of that story, click here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ex2u8xxs4n

Although Rock a Bye Baby features an abandoned infant left on Alicia and John’s doorstep, the main mystery involves the murder of two of Mac’s poker pals who also served with him in Vietnam. There are a host of suspects including a mother, ex-wife, and granddaughter of a victim, a housecleaner, and a young woman who was typing a manuscript for the first victim that someone may have considered more realistic than fiction. The book will be on tour with Great Escapes Virtual Blog Tour from October 27 to November 5. More information about the tour and its giveaway will be included in my October newsletter and on this blog.

Blog Tour, Spotlight

Spotlight and Blog Tour for Murder Pays a Call by Nancy J. Cohen

Posted on September 16, 2025 by Debbie

Murder Pays a Call: A Keri Armstrong Cozy Mystery
by Nancy J Cohen

About Murder Pays A Call

Murder Pays a Call: A Keri Armstrong Cozy Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Florida
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Orange Grove Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 9, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 290 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1952886376
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1952886379
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F8NNP8NN

Personal concierge Keri Armstrong will accept almost any job, but solving murders wasn’t on her to-do list—until now.

When personal concierge Keri Armstrong swings by her favorite client’s mansion to drop off groceries, she expects a heartfelt chat along with a cup of tea—not Fiona Sullivan dead in bed and her room ransacked. Though police chalk it up to a botched robbery, Keri isn’t so sure. Whispers around town suggest Fiona wasn’t as adored as Keri had believed, and many of the philanthropist’s so-called friends in affluent Sunny Grove, Florida seem glad she’s gone.

Keri refuses to let Fiona’s memory be reduced to malicious gossip. Armed with a keen eye, insider access, and a fully charged tablet, she sets out to uncover the truth. Soon her file of suspects grows faster than her to-do list. Between sneaky neighbors, resentful relatives, and tight-lipped charity board members, Fiona left behind a trail of frenemies who’d happily skip her memorial brunch.

As Keri digs deeper, she discovers her late mentor had a gift for extracting people’s secrets and using them like fine china—carefully storing them until they could serve a purpose. But Fiona also kept a few skeletons in her own walk-in closet. Now, with danger creeping closer, Keri must race to crack the case before her number comes up next… and Murder Pays a Call.

“A page-turner of a mystery from one of my favorite authors. Cohen’s deft mastery of the cozy genre shines through in every scene, delighting readers with another engrossing whodunit.” Muddy Rose Reviews

“Fans of award-winning author Nancy J. Cohen’s long-running Bad Hair Day Mysteries will be thrilled to learn there’s a new sleuth in town. Murder Pays a Call is the debut book in her Keri Armstrong Cozy Mystery Series featuring a personal concierge who adds solving murders to the services she offers her clients.” – Lois Winston, author of the bestselling and award-winning Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries.

About Nancy J. Cohen

Nancy J. Cohen writes the Bad Hair Day Mysteries featuring South Florida hairstylist Marla Vail and the Keri Armstrong cozy mysteries. Her books have won numerous awards including her nonfiction titles, Writing the Cozy Mystery and A Bad Hair Day Cookbook. Active in the writing community, Nancy is a past president of Mystery Writers of America Florida Chapter. When not busy writing, she enjoys reading, fine dining, cruising, and visiting Disney World.

Author Links

Website: https://nancyjcohen.com

Blog: https://nancyjcohen.com/blog

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyJCohenAuthor

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/nancyjcohen

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@nancyjcohen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyjcohen

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nancyjcohen

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/njcohen/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nancy-j-cohen

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@NancyJCohen

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/nancyjcohen

BUY LINKS
Universal Link
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Print
Apple Books
Barnes & Noble Nook
Barnes & Noble Print
Google Play
Kobo
Bookshop.org or Indiebound
Books A Million

Add to Your TBR Wish List:
BookBub Goodreads

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

September 11 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

September 11 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

September 12 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

September 12 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

September 13 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

September 13 – Sarandipity’s – AUTHOR GUEST POST

September 14 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

September 14 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

September 14 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

September 15 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

September 15 – Angel’s Book Nook – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

September 16 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

September 16 – @bibliophile_foodie – REVIEW

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

September 17 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – AUTHOR GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

September 18 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

September 18 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

September 19 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – SPOTLIGHT

September 19 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

September 20 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

September 20 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

September 21 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

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Blog Tour, recipes

Recipe and Blog Post for Murder Most Fowl by Carmela Dutra

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Debbie

A Murder Most Fowl: A Food Truck Mystery
by Carmela Dutra

About A Murder Most Fowl

A Murder Most Fowl: A Food Truck Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – California
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crooked Lane Books
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 9, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
Hardcover ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892423175
Paperback ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892423182
Digital ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892423199

A food truck run by twins serves up a clucking good murder in this cozy debut mystery, perfect for fans of Lucy Burdette and Joanne Fluke.

When their late aunt Dolly passes away, twins Beth and Seth Lloyd inherit a chicken themed food truck. Despite the challenges, the siblings rise to the occasion, even going as far as signing up their truck Kluckin’ Good to compete on a top cooking show and ruffle a few feathers for some good publicity. But the competition goes from heated to lethal when a contestant is found dead.

With the elimination competition becoming far too literal, Beth and Seth will need all the help they can get to get out of the frying pan without landing in the fire. With their loyal assistant–and Beth’s best friend–Rylie by their side, they’ll have to follow the bread crumbs to untangle a very twisted case before either one of them is put on the chopping block.

This humorous series debut with a mouthwatering mystery will charm readers and keep them guessing right until the not-so-bitter end.

RECIPE

The Kluckin’ Greek: Chicken Wings Recipe

Intro: Beth’s voice.

If you ask my twin brother Seth, wings are the universal love language. If you ask me, they’re the perfect bribe. Hungry detective giving you the side-eye? Hand him a plate of The Kluckin’ Greek and suddenly he forgets all about the time you accidentally got arrested in a chicken suit. (Long story. Don’t ask.)

This recipe is one of our customer favorites from Kluckin’ Good, the food truck Seth and I run in Clementine. It’s messy, zesty, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell so good the neighbors will “accidentally” stop by. Best part? You don’t even need a fryer. Your oven does all the work.

So, grab your apron (the clean one, not the one you’ve been using as a potholder), and let’s make wings that would win over even the pickiest food critic.

The Kluckin’ Greek

Serves 4 (or 2 if you’re Seth and don’t like to share)

Ingredients:

3 pounds frozen chicken wings, thawed

6–8 garlic cloves, crushed

1 small garlic clove, finely grated

1 cup extra-virgin olive oil (reserve half)

2 Tbsp cracked black pepper

1¼ tsp kosher salt

½ tsp cayenne pepper

2 tsp dried oregano

¼ cup chopped parsley

3–4 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Feta cheese crumbles (optional, but highly recommended)

Instructions:

Step 1

Whisk lemon zest and juice, crushed garlic, half the oil, black pepper, salt, cayenne, and oregano in a large bowl. Add wings and toss to coat. Cover and chill at least 2 hours (or up to 12 if you like to plan ahead).

Step 2

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line two large baking sheets with foil. If you have wire racks, set them inside—this helps the wings crisp. Arrange marinated wings on sheets. Bake for about 1 hour, rotating trays halfway through, until deeply browned and crisp.

Step 3

Whisk remaining oil, lemon juice, and grated garlic in a small bowl. Season if needed.

Step 4

To serve, stir parsley into dressing. Pile wings onto a platter, drizzle with dressing, and top with crumbled feta. Then stand back before they vanish.

Beth’s closing notes.

There you go—wings so good they should come with a warning label: “May cause sibling fights.” If you make these, tag me so I can prove to Seth that yes, people really do like my recipes better than his. And remember, wings are best enjoyed hot, with extra napkins, and preferably without a side of murder investigation.

About A Murder Most Fowl

A food truck run by twins serves up a clucking good murder in this cozy debut mystery, perfect for fans of Lucy Burdette and Joanne Fluke.

When their late aunt Dolly passes away, twins Beth and Seth Lloyd inherit a chicken themed food truck. Despite the challenges, the siblings rise to the occasion, even going as far as signing up their truck Kluckin’ Good to compete on a top cooking show and ruffle a few feathers for some good publicity. But the competition goes from heated to lethal when a contestant is found dead.

With the elimination competition becoming far too literal, Beth and Seth will need all the help they can get to get out of the frying pan without landing in the fire. With their loyal assistant–and Beth’s best friend–Rylie by their side, they’ll have to follow the bread crumbs to untangle a very twisted case before either one of them is put on the chopping block.

This humorous series debut with a mouthwatering mystery will charm readers and keep them guessing right until the not-so-bitter end.

Praise for A Murder Most Fowl:

“A serious set of crimes leavened by plenty of amusing moments add up to a fun read.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“The perfect escapist read, brimming with banter and an extra helping of fun.”

—Ellery Adams, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret, Book, and Scone Society mysteries

Product Details

ISBN9798892423175

Available Sep 09, 2025

Published by Crooked Lane Books

Pages336

About Carmela Dutra

Hailing from the Bay Area of California, Carmela Dutra cherishes her family, rainy days, and making others laugh.

After years of working on her award-winning indie children’s picture books, she transitioned into crafting cozy mysteries filled with emotion, humor and heart.

When she’s not penning her latest tale, Carmela enjoys sketching, sipping copious amounts of coffee, and over-cuddling her allergy-inducing cats and dog. She shares her life with her best friend and husband, raising two dinosaur-obsessed sons. A lover of alternative rock, Carmela often writes to its rhythm and finds comfort in rewatching The Big Bang Theory and M*A*S*H.

Author Links

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarmelaDutra/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/authorcarmela/

Threads https://www.threads.com/@authorcarmela?xmt=AQF0ZEH7iWCFepVBgn7dGBtXhsCtpZEdklC1i4OwBhRqMnM

Twitter/X https://x.com/authorcarmela

Purchase Links
Amazon Barnes & Noble Bookshop.org Penguin Random House

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

August 26 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

August 26 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

August 27 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

August 27 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 28 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW