Ruff Drafts

Review of A Rip Through Time by Kelly Armstrong

Posted on May 13, 2022 by Debbie

****4-stars

*Note: This book was an advanced reader’s copy from Net Galley. It will be published in late May, 2022, but is available for pre-order now on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3sy1HJ2

The only reason I didn’t give this book 5 stars was because the ending was a letdown for me. I’m thinking it makes room for a sequel or series. Otherwise, A Rip Through Time was a great read. If you like time-travel books like I do, you’ll enjoy it.

Mallory is a current-day detective who is transported into the body of Catriona, a young, Victorian maid in the household of a mortician and his sister after being nearly strangled by a stranger in an English alleyway. As Mallory tries to fit into the era and dynamics of the place in which she finds herself, she becomes attracted to Dr. Gray and, under the guise of losing her memory from her near-death experience, she pretends to be Catriona. She demonstrates her interest in mortuary science and detecting work, so when a body turns up that’s been tarred and feathered, she assists Dr. Gray in his examination of it.

Despite the circumstances that she finds comfortable, Mallory seeks a way to return to her own time. On her day off, she goes to the spot where she encountered her strangler, but she’s unsuccessful in finding a way back. Believing that if she finds her attacker, who she feels has followed her back into this time, she might be able to fix the rip in time, she sets out to solve the murders that have been taking place in town including ones that mimic those of Jack the Ripper that are occurring decades later.

Blog Tour, Cozy Mystery, Guest Post

Guest Post and Blog Tour for Bear Witness, an Alaska Untamed Mystery by Lark O. Jensen

Posted on May 11, 2022 by Debbie

Guest Blog Post, by Linda O. Johnston, who wrote Bear Witness, the first Alaska Untamed Mystery, under the pseudonym Lark O. Jensen:

Whodunnits and Wildlife

What do writers who love animals, and also love to read and write cozy mysteries, do for fun?

Well, at least some of them, like me, write cozy mysteries that contain animals! Are you surprised? 😊

That has been the case with all the various cozy mystery series I’ve written, from the Kendra Ballantyne Mysteries to the Pet Rescue Mysteries, the Barkery and Biscuits Mysteries, and even the Superstition Mysteries. They all contain dogs, my favorite animals.

And now? More animals, including wildlife! My new book BEAR WITNESS is an Alaska Untamed mystery, the first in a series. Does it contain a dog? Of course! It’s Sasha, a husky, whose name means “defender,” and in addition to being a wonderful companion, that’s what Sasha does: defend people.

Sasha belongs to Stacie Calder, the series protagonist. Stacie is a naturalist, by education and vocation, and because of her love of animals. Right now, she lives in Alaska and provides tours during the warmest seasons on a tour boat owned by a family with an entire fleet of tour boats. Yes, she points out animals, some wonderful wildlife, while Sasha comes along with her

Stacie loves to show tourists the seal mamas and babies on ice floes in the waterways where they travel, as well as birds in the sky and wolves and bears along the shore. She likes the people she works with, too, including the captain and assistant captain of her boat and the staff in addition to herself, as well as most of the tourists she helps to watch all those wonderful animals.

You note I said most of the tourists. Some who take sightseeing trips with them aren’t particularly nice, especially a few who are snooping and trying to learn all they can about running that kind of tour boat, since they want to buy their own and go into competition. They even talk about it, to each other, and to those who work on the tour boat.

Not exactly a good way to make friends onboard, at least not with those who are in charge.

And one of those passengers who says he wants to become a competitor winds up dead. He disappears one day, and his body is found in the water when they take the same journey the next day. Who finds him? Sasha, with her wonderful sense of scent, discovers him off the side of the boat, along the shore.

It turns out he was murdered.

As I said, Stacie is a naturalist and doesn’t consider herself any kind of detective. But when one of her favorite people, the captain of her tour boat, winds up being considered the main suspect, she has to try to find the answer. There are other suspects too. Stacie herself even argued with the murder victim, so to some extent she has to investigate to protect herself.

She’s not the only one investigating, of course. Among other authorities, Officer Liam Amaruq of a new wing of the Alaska State Troopers winds up officially looking into it. Stacie likes Liam. They even start developing a bit of a relationship, although he doesn’t really want her snooping.

Yes, it’s a cozy mystery.

I got the idea of this kind of mystery series while I was on an Alaskan cruise a few years ago. No, my dogs weren’t with me, but I took one of those boat tours in the Juneau area and was highly impressed with the wonderful wildlife pointed out by the tour guides on that boat. Seals and whales and porpoises in the water, various birds in the air, and bears and wolves on the shoreline landscape.

My animal-lover writer mind got into business and started brainstorming about how I could use what I saw in a story, even a series.

The Alaska Untamed Mysteries are the result!

By the way, I also write Harlequin Romantic Suspense novels, and most of them also contain—what else?—dogs.

Bear Witness (An Alaska Untamed Mystery)
by Lark O. Jensen

About Bear Witness

Bear Witness (An Alaska Untamed Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Alaska
Crooked Lane Books (May 10, 2022)
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1643858963
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1643858968
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09CD3RWVD

Alaska tour boat guide Stacie Calder faces the deep freeze in this scenic cozy series debut perfect for fans of Paige Shelton.

No nine-to-five cubicle career will suit Stacie Calder—the naturalist much prefers working in the great outdoors. Specifically, the spacious and spectacular Alaskan wilderness, whose rugged charms she shares with sightseers on the top deck of the tour boat where she works. But one May afternoon, Stacie’s passengers see more than glittering glaciers, frolicking harbor seals, climbing bears and soaring seabirds…they also witness a man lying dead in the frigid Alaskan waters. And it seems likely that someone gave him a fatal push.

Stacie didn’t know the unfortunate victim, but he sure wanted to know a lot about her. He spent most of his final afternoon bombarding her with questions quite awkward to answer. And when he wasn’t in her hair, he was arguing incessantly with the boat’s beleaguered crew. Which makes for a suspect list about as long as the passenger manifest. Furthermore, as police helicopters relentlessly circle her boat in search of any clues, Stacie is shaken to find herself on that suspect list.

Before the tour boat reaches shore Stacie—accompanied by her beautiful blue-eyed husky, Sasha—must deduce just who sent the testy tourist tumbling into the turgid waters and have the authorities take custody. Because if she can’t, then the killer might aim a fatal ice-cold stare at Stacie.

About Lark O. Jensen

Lark O. Jensen is the pseudonym of Linda O. Johnston, a former lawyer who is now a full-time writer. Lark has written Bear Witness, the first Alaska Untamed mystery for Crooked Lane. Linda has written the Barkery & Biscuits Mystery series and the Superstition Mysteries for Midnight Ink and the Pet Rescue Mysteries and Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime. Linda also writes for Harlequin Romantic Suspense, and her stories often involve dogs.

Author Links

Website: www.LindaOJohnston.com

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

Purchase Links

Amazon Barnes & Noble

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

May 9 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

May 9 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

May 9 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

May 10 – Diane Reviews Books – REVIEW, GUEST POST

May 10 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

May 10 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

May 10 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

May 11 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

May 11 – Ruff Drafts – GUEST POST

May 11 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – CHARACTER GUEST POST

May 11 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

May 11 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

May 12 – Mysteries with Character – GUEST POST

May 12 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

May 12 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

May 12 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW

May 13 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

May 13 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

May 13 – Novels Alive – SPOTLIGHT

May 13 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

May 14 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

May 14 – Carla Loves To Read – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

May 14 – Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers – SPOTLIGHT

May 14 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

May 15 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT

May 15 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

May 15 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT

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Birthdays, Cozy Mystery, Freebies and Special Offers, holidays

Mother’s Day/Birthday Sale and Two New Book Cover Reveals

Posted on May 6, 2022 by Debbie

A Stone’s Throw, the first book of my Cobble Cove cozy mystery series, is on sale for Mother’s Day weekend, Friday, May 6 through my birthday on Monday, May 9.

Check out the reviews:

*****5-stars “A Stone’s Throw is an engaging mystery and I was hooked from page one. At first, the ease and flow of the writing and the well-rounded characters kept my interest. Soon, the suspense took over and drew me in completely.”

*****5-stars “There are twists and turns which will throw you off–the ending will astonish you!”

*****5-stars “Just loved this story and characters.”

*****5-stars “Superb read that I highly recommend. Looking forward to continuing the books.”

*****5-stars “I read this book in a little over 2 days because I had to get answers. I simply couldn’t put it down. I just know you will love this book as much as I did.”

Pick up your free copy here: mybook.to/Stonesthrow2

Keep an eye out for updates on my two upcoming new releases, Sneaky’s Supernatural Mystery and Other Cobble Cove Stories, and The Case of the Cat Crazy Lady, the first book of my Buttercup Bend cozy mystery series.

Have a great Mother’s Day weekend!

Blog Tour, Spotlight

Spotlight, Blog Tour, and Giveaway for Shadow of the Gypsy by Shelly Frome

Posted on May 4, 2022 by Debbie

Shadow of the Gypsy
by Shelly Frome

About Shadow of the Gypsy

Shadow of the Gypsy
A Novel
Crime – Thriller – Love Story
Setting – The Blue Ridge, The Litchfield Hills, and Waterbury, CT
BQB Publishing (May 3, 2022)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 340 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1952782570
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1952782572
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09HST8WP5
Print length ‏ : ‎ 280 pages

Josh Bartlett had figured all the angles, changed his name, holed up as a small-town features writer in the seclusion of the Blue Ridge. Only a few weeks more and he’d begin anew, return to the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut and Molly (if she’d have him) and, at long last, live a normal life.

After all, it was a matter of record that Zharko had been deported well over a year ago. The shadowy form John had glimpsed yesterday at the lake was only that — a hazy shadow under the eaves of the activities building. It stood to reason his old nemesis was still ensconced overseas in Bucharest or thereabouts well out of the way.

And no matter where he was, he wouldn’t travel south over eight hundred miles to track Josh down. Surely that couldn’t be, not now, not after all this.

About Shelly Frome

Shelly Frome is a member of Mystery Writers of America, a professor of dramatic arts emeritus at UConn, a former professional actor, and a writer of crime novels and books on theater and film. He also is a features writer for Gannett Publications. His fiction includes Sun Dance for Andy Horn, Lilac Moon, Twilight of the Drifter, Tinseltown Riff, Murder Run, Moon Games and The Secluded Village Murders. Among his works of non-fiction are The Actors Studio: A History and a guide to playwriting and one on screenwriting, Miranda and the D-Day Caper is his latest foray into the world of crime and the amateur sleuth. He lives in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

Author Links

Facebook – Twitter – GoodReads – BookBub – Instagram

Purchase Links – Amazon

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

May 2 – The Mystery of Writing – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

May 3 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

May 4 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

May 5 – I Read What You Write – GUEST POST

May 6 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

May 7 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

May 8 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

May 9 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT

May 10 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – GUEST POST

May 11 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

May 12 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

May 12 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

May 13 – Nellie’s Book Nook – REVIEW

May 14 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

May 15 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

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Reviews

Review for The Lost Summers of Newport by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White

Posted on April 21, 2022July 15, 2022 by Debbie

*****5-stars

*Note: This book was an advanced reader’s copy from Net Galley. It will be published in May, 2022, but is available for pre-order now. https://amzn.to/3OsH4Hv

This book attracted me because it takes place in Newport, Rhode Island, a place I’m hoping to visit one day. Written by three popular authors, the story is broken up into three time periods: current day (2019); 1899, and 1958. It follows the Sprague Family who own a mansion in Newport. In the present time, the mansion is the focus of a television show called Makeover Mansion. One of the people involved in its production, Andie, is a single mother to her sister’s son. She takes on the project hoping to show viewers how a run-down old house can be renovated without changing its charm. However, the studio requests that she uncovers family scandals and the legend of the Lady in White, a ghost said to haunt the place. She and her crew have been given strict rules not to approach the owner of the home, Lucky “Lucia” Sprague, with any questions. They are also forbidden to film near the home’s boathouse. These rules are given by Lucky’s son, Lucas. His sister, Hayden doesn’t even approve of the show.

While working on the episode, Andie finds herself attracted to Lucas, although he’s the type of guy she’s avoided in the past due to a previous broken relationship. As she finds out more about the family, readers are shown events taking place in the past that reveal two secrets that changed the lives of Lucky and her relatives.

In 1899, a music teacher was hired to instruct Maybelle Sprague, the heir to the Sprague fortune, a “penny” heiress as they called her. The object of her music lessons was to enchant an Italian prince her step-brother hoped to marry her off to, so that he and his family could afford to continue to live in the mansion. In 1957, after Maybelle (now known as Nonna) escapes Italy with her granddaughter Lucky and returns to Sprague Hall, Lucky and her husband have marital problems due to his alcoholism and adultery. He also accuses her of having an affair with Teddy, a friend from Italy. While this isn’t true, Lucky has always been close to Teddy. As both the 1899 and 1958 events come to dramatic climaxes, the reader and Andi learn of two terrible secrets that have followed the generation of Spragues.

It was difficult to put this story down. While I had some difficulty following the changes in years and characters, it all made sense in the end. There were several twists I didn’t see coming. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries, historical fiction, tales about mansions and rich people, alternating time periods, and interesting characters.

Freebies and Special Offers

Spring and Easter Sale Books

Posted on April 15, 2022 by Debbie

I have two books on sale this month. My medical thriller, Memory Makers, is on sale for 99 cents through April 20. I also have a cozy mystery, purr-fect for Easter weekend. KittyKai’s Easter Mystery is free from April 15 through April 18. Pick up one or both of these for less than a $1.

Twenty-five years ago, Lauren Phelps and her sister Patty were kidnapped from their backyard on Long Island. Lauren escaped her captor, but Patty was killed.

Ever since, Lauren has suffered from nightmares of the “Shadow Man.” Trying to recall his face and avenge her sister’s murder, Lauren, now a kidnapping investigator, enrolls in a clinical trial for a new memory drug.

At the offices of Memory Makers in California, she receives the injections of the Memory Makers’ serum, and begins to experience flashbacks of repressed memories. Along with the flashbacks, she receives threats from an anonymous source that point back to her childhood trauma.

Soon, Lauren becomes involved with a fellow trial participant who seeks to recall his own traumatic past. But can Lauren discover the identity of the “Shadow Man” before history repeats itself?

Purchase Link: mybook.to/memorymakers

During an Easter egg hunt at the Cobble Inn, a ring is found on the grounds by Alicia’s daughter, Carol. When the sheriff has it examined, he discovers it belonged to him and Gilly’s neighbor, Gretchen Miller, who disappeared the month before. An investigation leads to the discovery of Mrs. Miller’s body buried on the site of the inn’s new construction.

As Alicia and Gilly set out to solve this new mystery despite their husbands’ discouragement, Sneaky and Kittykai, the library and inn cats, secretly lend them a paw.

Purchase Link: mybook.to/KKEaster

Hermione and I would like to thank everyone who voted for her in America’s Favorite Pet Contest. Although the results are not yet posted, it’s likely she came in fourth place in the contest. It was a tough competition, but we were thrilled that she made it to the Finals. Keep an eye out for more details and the final results of the contest when they are posted at https://americasfavpet.com/

I hope you all have a healthy and happy Easter and Passover.

Blog Tour, Cozy Mystery, Spotlight

Spotlight and Blog Tour of A Yarn that Binds: The First Clear Creek Cozy Mystery by Rebeca McKinnon

Posted on April 11, 2022 by Debbie

The Yarn That Binds (Clear Creek Mysteries)
by Rebecca McKinnon

About The Yarn That Binds

The Yarn That Binds (Clear Creek Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – A small town in the Rocky Mountains
Independently Published (April 14, 2022)
Number of Pages: 258
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09PLLK412

A Rocky Mountain Yarn with Small Town Charm

Jemma hasn’t been to the tiny Rocky Mountain town of Clear Creek in years, but when her grandmother tells her something strange is going on, Jemma drops everything to return and help untangle the clues.

She arrives to flashing lights, a house full of police, and the news that her grandmother has been killed with her own yarn. After learning she inherits everything, Jemma is faced with the choice of casting on a new life by reopening her grandmother’s yarn shop, or returning to her live-out-of-a-suitcase life as a travel vlogger.

One thing’s for sure — she’s not leaving town until the mystery of her grandmother’s death has unraveled. But when the deputy in charge of the investigation ignores clues Jemma stumbles upon, she decides to do her own poking around. Because her grandmother was right — there is something strange happening in Clear Creek.

About Rebecca McKinnon

Rebecca McKinnon enjoys playing with her imaginary friends and introducing them to others through her writing. She dreams of living in the middle of nowhere but has been unable to find an acceptable location that wouldn’t require crossing an ocean.

Author Links

Website: www.rebeccamckinnon.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/rebeccamckinnon_author/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaMcKinnonAuthor/?ref=hl

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4993788.Rebecca_McKinnon

Purchase Link: Amazon

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

April 6 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

April 6 – Nellie’s Book Nook – REVIEW

April 6 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

April 7 – My Journey Back – CHARACTER GUEST POST

April 7 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

April 8 – Drink Coffee and Read Books – REVIEW

April 8 – I Read What You Write – GUEST POST

April 9 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT

April 9 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT

April 10 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

April 10 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

April 11 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

April 11 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

April 12 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

April 12 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

April 13 – Baroness’ Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

April 13 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

April 14 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

April 14 – Girl with Pen – SPOTLIGHT

April 14 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

April 15 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT

April 15 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

April 15 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

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Freebies and Special Offers

Memory Makers on Sale Through April 20.

Posted on April 8, 2022 by Debbie

Memory Makers is on sale for 99 cents now through April 20.

Twenty-five years ago, Lauren Phelps and her sister Patty were kidnapped from their backyard on Long Island. Lauren escaped her captor, but Patty was killed.

Soon, Lauren becomes involved with a fellow trial participant who seeks to recall his own traumatic past. But can Lauren discover the identity of the “Shadow Man” before history repeats itself?

*****5-stars “I highly suggest that you read this one–the twists and turns will keep you reading!”

*****5-stars “This book is one I found very difficult to put down. It just kind of enveloped me and then sucked me into the world of Lauren, her family and friends and subsequently her enemies. I found myself totally mesmerized by the crime commited against her and her sister as a child and the way this horrible act had affected so many different peoples lives.”

*****5-stars “Loved the characters.”

Purchase Link: mybook.to/memorymakers

Reviews

Book Review for This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub

Posted on April 8, 2022 by Debbie

****4 stars

*Note: This book was an advanced reader’s copy from Net Galley. It will be published in May, 2022 but is available for pre-order now. https://amzn.to/3Km8Kvp

I love time-travel tales, and this is yet another take on that theme. This isn’t just a time-travel story. Its other themes include grief, loss, and family relationships. Alice Stern is the daughter of Leonard Stern, the author of a popular time-travel series that was made into a television show. On her fortieth birthday, fearing the loss of her father who is in the hospital dying, Alice accidentally travels back in time to her sixteenth birthday. Seeing her father as a healthy, young man, she hopes to change time by making other choices for herself and convincing him to make other choices such as eating healthier, exercising, writing a new book, and dating another woman besides her mother who left him years ago.

While Alice learns that she can’t change Leonard’s fate, she is able to make a few changes. She also discovers that Leonard traveled through time, too.

Readers will gather some insights from this book about life, aging, grief, and relationships. The time-travel element seemed secondary to the theme, but I’d recommend this read to time-travel fans and those who might benefit from learning how to live in the moment.

Cozy Mystery, Interview

Interview of Nellie H. Steele, author of Ghosts, Lore & a House by the Shore

Posted on April 6, 2022 by Debbie

Today, it’s my pleasure to interview Nellie H. Steele, author of Ghosts, Lore & a House by the Shore. Nellie is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Hi, Nellie. Can you tell us how long you’ve been published? What titles and/or series have you published and with which publisher? Have you self-published any titles? Please give details.

I published my first book in late 2019 as in Indie with my own publishing label, A Novel Idea Publishing (which I co-own with my mom!). I currently have six series on the market.

Lily & Cassie by the Sea is a cozy mystery series following mother/daughter duo, Lily and Cassie, as they move into the most talked about house in Hideaway Bay, Whispering Manor. The debut novel in the series, Ghosts, Lore & a House by the Shore explores the legends of Whispering Manor. More Lily & Cassie stories are coming soon!

Clif & Ri on the Sea is a high seas pirate adventure series and a spin off of the Lily & Cassie by the Sea series. The characters Clif and Ri first appear in Ghosts, Lore & a House by the Shore. You can learn more about them in their own series, starting with Book 1, Rise of a Pirate.

The Cate Kensie Mysteries series is a cozy mystery series following Lady Catherine Kensie as she journeys to Scotland to take up residence in a mysterious castle. Cate’s series currently has four books out with more on the way!

Shadow Slayers Stories is a magical realism/supernatural suspense series. Follow the Shadow Slayers as they battle the darkness that threatens to take over the world. This series currently has four books out with more on the way, too!

Maggie Edwards Adventures is an Indiana Jones-style adventure series set in the modern-day and following spunky heroine, Maggie Edwards, as she trots across the globe discovering ancient secrets.

The Duchess of Blackmoore Mysteries series is a historical mystery series with a supernatural twist. Orphan-turned-duchess Lenora Fletcher can communicate with the dead. Her unique ability often puts her at the heart of several mysteries.

My gosh! You’re very prolific. I can’t imagine being able to keep up with all those series. I’m starting a second cozy series and am hoping I can manage it.

Tell us a little bit about your books — any upcoming releases or your current work-in-progress. If you have an upcoming release, please specify the release date.

I’ve got lots of things in the works! The spinoff series to Ghosts, Lore & a House by the Shore is coming May 10, 2022. You can follow the adventures of Clif & Ri (two minor characters in the Lily & Cassie series) in their first book, Rise of a Pirate.

The second Duchess of Blackmoore book is completed and due out July 19, 2022. Letter to a Duchess is available now to preorder.

The third book in the Maggie Edwards adventure series is complete and going through the editing cycle. It’ll make its debut later this year with a to-be-determined date.

And I’m currently writing Book 5 in the Cate Kensie Mystery series along with a few other top secret projects!

Wow! You’re very busy. I’m glad you had time for this interview.

Describe your goals as a writer. What do you hope to achieve in the next few years? What are you planning to do to reach these goals?

I plan to expand my catalog by adding a few new series and continuing to write in my current series. I’d really love to continue bringing characters to life that readers already enjoy and new ones they’ve yet to meet. I keep to a rigorous writing schedule to achieve this and I plan to continue taking course to learn best practices for my craft along with methods to connect with more readers!

That’s a great goal. I hope I can continue both my Cobble Cove series and my new one.

What type of reader are you hoping to attract? Who do you believe would be most interested in reading your books?

Anyone who loves a good story with a great character. I try to take a lot of time to build my characters (warts and all!) into people readers will enjoy following through their journey. Most of my writing centers around the mystery genre, but I try to give unique stories throughout all my series. Any mystery reader who loves a different take on the traditional genre will enjoy my catalog!

Sounds very interesting. I must look into them. As a librarian and an author, I love discovering new writers.

What advice would you give other authors or those still trying to get published?

Keep writing! And write what you’re passionate about! It can be extremely easy to give up, but each time you sit down at your computer, typewriter or journal, you’re practicing your craft. And with practice comes enhanced skills.

Nice advice.

What particular challenges and struggles did you face before first becoming published?

When I started writing (and even now!), I was balancing a full-time job on top of the writing. It can make it very challenging to find the time to write, edit and do all the things required to be a published author. Though I wouldn’t change anything!

Working full-time, I can relate to that, as I’m sure many others can, as well.

Do you belong to any writing groups? Which ones?

I belong to lots of author groups that discuss a variety of topics ranging from writing to publishing to marketing. I also have my own group pertaining to cozy mysteries called The Cozy Collaborative. It is a Facebook group designed to help Cozy Mystery Authors at all stages of their career connect and share best practices. (Of course, we’re open to any writers).

Oh, I must join.

What are your hobbies and interests besides writing?

I have an animal rescue. I love helping pets in need. Currently, I have 14 pets in my rescue home (they are all mine, they won’t be adopted out). We work to rehab them from challenging or abusive situations into a normal home life where they can enjoy their lives pain-free and in a stress-free environment.

Wonderful! I’m a big animal lover myself. I’ve had cats all my life and included them in most of my books and stories. One of my recent rescues, my three-year-old calico, Hermione, is currently running in America’s Favorite Pet Contest. She made it to the finals after several tough rounds thanks to votes by Facebook users who have supported her by daily votes and PAWS votes that go toward raising funds for the PAWS Foundation to help pets. We’re hoping she wins Thursday night when the contest ends at 9 pm EDT. If you or any of my blog readers would be kind enough to vote for her, we need all the votes and shares we can get. Here is her voting page: https://americasfavpet.com/2022/hermione-cf74

What do you like most and least about being an author? What is your toughest challenge?

I love creating worlds and characters. It’s really a fun thing to immerse yourself into a world of your own creation and tell a story. My least favorite thing is marketing. It can be so hard to “sell” your self and your work to others!

Toughest challenge is definitely getting bad reviews. It can really be crushing when someone dislikes your work (and then expounds on how thoroughly they dislike it in a scathing review).

I definitely agree about the challenges of marketing and disappointing reviews. As a librarian, I read a lot of reviews, and I’ve noticed that even bestsellers get some bad ones. Everyone has their own taste, and not everyone will like every book, but it’s hard not to take it personally.

What do you like about writing cozy mysteries?

I love the warm, cozy feel of cozy mysteries. I love the happy endings and the general sense of “safety” they convey as you read or write them. They’re really pleasant, easy stories to get into!

I think most cozy mystery readers feel that way. I like the fact that my characters become fictional friends as people discover their quirks through my books and stories about them.

Can you share a short excerpt from your latest title or upcoming release?

“There’s no need to explain at all. We understand.” She took a sip of her tea as awkward silence fell over the room. “Speaking of signs, I noticed your Whispering Manor sign dangling sideways from the lamppost sideways. I’m not sure if you saw it.”

“Yes,” Lily answered. “We hung it just before lunch and the chain snapped. We’ll need to fix it later. I insisted we have some lunch before Cassie climbed that ladder again.”

“Ah, yes. A faulty chain.” Tinsley offered a knowing glance. “I’m glad to see you are both so level-headed and didn’t give in to the lore.”

“Lore?” Cassie inquired.

“Oh, yes,” Tinsley said with a slow nod of her head. “I’m surprised Lucy didn’t tell you. Though, then again, she wanted to make the deal, no doubt. And I suppose she’s not really required to disclose it. It IS only a rumor. And technically the death wasn’t IN the house.”

“Death? Disclose what?” Cassie asked.

“Oh,” Tinsley said flicking her hand at Cassie and shaking her head. She puckered her lips and narrowed her eyes. “Nothing, nothing. Just…” She paused and added a dramatic shrug. “Some people would have read the snapping sign as a harbinger of bad things to come because…”

Cassie raised her eyebrows and cocked her head.

Tinsley glanced side-to-side before leaning forward and pressing her hand to the side of her mouth. “The house is haunted,” she whispered.

Very nice. Thanks for sharing.

Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about you or your books?

I’ve got a lovely “try me” boxset available. The boxset contains the first-in-series for my first four published series (Cate Kensie Mysteries, Shadow Slayers Stories, Maggie Edwards Adventures and Duchess of Blackmoore Mysteries). For $9.99, it’s a great introduction to the series for readers!

That sounds great. I’m going to look into that myself. In the meantime, I’m sharing your blog tour and giveaway. Thank you for the interview, and best wishes on the first book in your Lily & Cassie By the Sea cozy mysteries.

Ghosts, Lore & a House by the Shore: A Mother/Daughter Cozy Mystery
(Lily & Cassie By the Sea Mysteries)
by Nellie H. Steele

About Ghosts, Lore & a House by the Shore

Ghosts, Lore & a House by the Shore: A Mother/Daughter Cozy Mystery
(Lily & Cassie By the Sea Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Number of Pages: 306 pages
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09PMDT2TL

A new town.
A haunting legend.
New beginnings or the beginning of the end?

After Cassie MacGuire’s husband dies in a plane crash along with her father, both her and her mother, Lily Bennett, are left as widows. Looking to make a new start, they move together to the quiet seaside town of Hideaway Bay. But their new home, Whispering Manor, has a reputation stretching back centuries. Legends of ghosts, paranormal disturbances and pirate treasure are all associated with the former sea captain’s mansion, starting with the death of its first mistress, Henrietta Blanchard.

When Cassie stumbles upon Henrietta’s journal and Lily uncovers a more recent tragedy in the home, they begin to wonder if the stories may be fact instead of fiction. When the strange occurrences turn dangerous, Lily and Cassie will have to investigate to save their home and possibly even their very lives!

Ghosts, Lore & a House by the Shore is the charming first installment in this small, seaside town mother-daughter cozy mystery series by Nellie H. Steele.

About Nellie H. Steele

An Indies Today finalist for Best Book of the Year 2020 with Cleopatra’s Tomb, Nellie H. Steele made the leap from science to art with her first book, The Secret of Dunhaven Castle.

An animal enthusiast, Nellie often features a version of one of her fourteen rescue animals in her stories, though the fictional pets are usually better behaved than her own fur-babies! A literary split personality, Nellie’s work ranges from cozy mystery to supernatural suspense to riveting adventure.

She lives in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. When she isn’t writing or engaging in animal care, she enjoys teaching Statistics and Data Science at a local university.

Check out all Nellie offers at www.anovelideapublishing.com/novels or at her blog, Nellie’s Book Nook, available at www.nelliesbooknook.com!

Author Links

Publisher Website: anovelideapublishing.com

Blog: www.nelliesbooknook.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nelliehsteele

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nelliehsteele

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nelliehsteele1

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nelliehsteeleauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19769743.Nellie_H_Steele

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nellie-h-steele

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nellie-H.-Steele/e/B07Z9PD3YN

Purchase Link: Amazon: (eBook preorder is currently live. Book will be offered in eBook, paperback, hardcover, and audio).