Interview – Ruff Drafts

Blog Tour for Troubled Waters and Author Interview of Kassandra Lamb

Posted on August 18, 2026 by Debbie

Troubled Water: An Aging Ain’t for Wimps Mystery
by Kassandra Lamb

About Troubled Water

Troubled Water: An Aging Ain’t for Wimps Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Northern Florida
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Misterio Press LLC
Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 28, 2026
Digital
https://amzn.to/4wAJb1b
Paperbacks will be available too!

What does it say about you when your coming-of-age story begins at seventy-one?

Amy Bridges Parker asks herself that question as she resists her domineering sister’s attempts to take over where her subtly controlling and recently deceased husband left off.

Then her sister Clara turns up dead! And a young man claiming to be the grandson of Amy’s first husband—the one who died in Vietnam fifty-two years ago—gives the sheriff a prime suspect. The boy had a grudge and must have gone after the wrong sister.

Amy isn’t convinced. She can’t really explain why, but she likes the young man. And she knows better than most that her sister, a mean girl back in high school, had plenty of old enemies. But who hated Clara enough to actually kill her? Or did the killer get the wrong sister after all?

About Kassandra Lamb

Kassandra Lamb has two loves: writing and psychology. In her youth, she discovered that writers need day jobs in order to eat. Partial to food, she studied psychology. Now retired from a career as a psychotherapist and college professor, she spends most of her time in an alternate universe with her characters. The magic portal to this universe (i.e., her computer) is in Florida, where her husband and dog catch occasional glimpses of her. Kass has authored over 40 books, including four mystery series and a romantic suspense trilogy.

INTERVIEW

Today, I’m welcoming Kassandra Lamb, author of Troubled Waters, to Ruff Drafts.

Kassandra, how long have you been published? What titles and/or series have you published and with which publisher? Have you self-published any titles? Please give details.

My first book was published in December of 2011. In the fifteen years since then, I’ve written and published over 40 books through an indie press that I co-own, misterio press LLC.

I have three series of mysteries out now (and I’m starting a new one), plus I’ve written some romantic suspense under the pen name of Jessica Dale. The mystery series are the Kate Huntington Mysteries, about a psychotherapist who often gets herself caught up in other people’s messes; the Marcia Banks and Buddy Cozy Mysteries, about a dog trainer who trains service dogs for military veterans and solves crimes on the side, with the help of her four-legged sidekick, Buddy; and the C.o.P. on the Scene Mysteries, about a female Chief of Police of a small Florida city.

Impressive.

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

Troubled Water, the book I’ve recently released (July 28, 2026), is Book 1 in a new series called The Aging Ain’t for Wimps Mysteries. These are cozies about a recently widowed woman who is “finding herself” at the ripe old age of seventy-one. Oh, and she’s solving murders, as needed. I’m having a lot of fun with this new series.

Sounds like a fun series.

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’ve actually achieved most of the goals I had when I started on this journey. I was considering retiring completely, as in stopping writing. But I became quite bored just imagining that. So I decided instead to recapture more of the joy of writing by (1) returning to writing cozies, my favorites to write, and (2) writing about the aging process, but from a light-hearted point of view.

Very nice. It’s important to write what you enjoy so that others enjoy it, too.

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

Up to this point my readers have been about 75% female, 25% male, ranging in age from fortyish up. Although, I have had some readers younger than that. This new series will probably appeal most to women above the age of fifty. They will be the audience who will most likely relate to my protagonist.

That’s a great target audience.

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

If you love to write, then keep on doing it. Only a few authors end up with fame and fortune, so you have to do it mainly for the passion of the art. As far as getting published is concerned, there are more options available today to make that happen. Explore all of those paths without prejudging them, and find the one that is right for you.

Excellent advice. I agree completely.

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

My greatest challenge initially was learning the craft of fiction writing. I’d always loved to write but most of my writing was non-fiction, related to my profession as a psychotherapist and college professor. But fiction writing is fairly different. Yes, I was already good at stringing words together into coherent sentences, but telling a story with those sentences was a greater challenge.

Later, the greatest struggle was finding and maintaining balance in my life. I have some workaholic tendencies, so for a few years I was working much harder than I should have been. I finally mastered the whole balance thing by designating certain days of the week for work (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays). On the other days, I am then free to act like the retired old lady that I’m supposed to be.

Lol. Achieving balance between writing and family and personal activities can be a challenge.

Do you belong to any writing groups? Which ones?

Yes, I am a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors which is an international organization for indie authors. They have been a great resource through the years. And I’m also a member of Sisters in Crime and their online chapter. Writing is lonely work, so it’s really important to have these connections with other authors.

I’m a member of Sisters in Crime, as well. It’s a great association. I haven’t heard of the Alliance of Independent Authors but will check them out. Writing connections are very important.

What are your hobbies and interests besides writing?

Reading, of course. And I play Mah Jongg once a week and Canasta every two weeks. I love card games in general, even Solitaire on the computer.

Good hobbies.

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

My favorite part of writing is the editing process. I love to watch a rough draft slowly transform into a polished story. I find it very exciting—to clean up all those rough edges until it is the best story it can be.

My least favorite parts are promotion and managing the business end of things. The former has its fun tasks, like writing blog posts and interviews and making promotional banners and images. These are fun because they are still being creative. But marketing in general is very time-consuming, and can get tedious, as can the business tasks, bookkeeping and such.

I think most authors feel the same way. I know I do.

What do you like about writing cozy mysteries?

Cozies are, by far, my favorite subgenre of mysteries to write. They are a bit more lighthearted, and they also are easier and more fun to write than say police procedurals. I’ve enjoyed the challenges of writing in other sub-genres, but cozies are like coming home to a warm fire and a cup of cocoa.

A cup of tea, too. Yes, cozies are appealing because the characters are quirky and the plots, as you say, are more lighthearted than other mysteries. Also, don’t forget the cats and other pets that are often featured in them.

Can you share a short excerpt from your latest title?

Synopsis of the story up to this point: Amy Parker’s husband has passed away of a heart attack—on her seventy-first birthday. The next morning, her domineering older sister, Clara shows up uninvited on her doorstep, with an excessive amount of luggage and her grumpy cat. Amy’s adult son, Brent arrives soon after. Amy is trying to avoid Clara’s efforts to take over where Amy’s subtly controlling late husband left off. Clara is also acting more and more like she is drunk. The following morning, Amy finds her unconscious in the driveway, beside the camellia bushes and a ladder.

CHAPTER FIVE

The two paramedics were loading my sister into their ambulance. They hadn’t answered me verbally when I’d asked if she was dead, only shook their heads, their expressions grim. Her face was grayish when they’d maneuvered her onto a gurney.

My heart did a weird flip-flop in my chest, and I felt sick to my stomach. This can’t be happening, again.

A white SUV pulled up in front of my house. Heron Shores Sheriff’s Department was stenciled on its door in dark green, along with some kind of shield.

The older of the paramedics jogged over to the sheriff, as his partner closed and secured the ambulance doors. I couldn’t make out all of the paramedic’s rapid-fire words, but I caught, “…fall from the ladder.”

As the departing ambulance’s siren wailed, I looked around the base of the ladder, trying to ignore the pool of blood soaking into my driveway several feet away. The area around the ladder was littered with half-wilted camellia blooms. But they hadn’t fallen off on their own as they normally would. They had short stems attached, with cut ends.

I examined the ground some more with my eyes—the paramedics had told me not to touch anything. I spotted the pruning shears under one of the bushes.

I gritted my teeth. “Dang it, Clara. I told you they didn’t need to be deadheaded.”

“Who’s dead headed?” The sheriff’s voice from behind me.

I twisted around. I tried to explain that I’d been talking about cutting dead roses off a bush, to encourage it to bloom some more, that it was called deadheading. But the more I talked, the more confused his expression became. He was obviously no gardener.

Finally, he shook his head, as if giving up on trying to understand me. So I gave up on trying to be understood. It didn’t matter anyway.

“I’m sorry, ma’am,” he said in his low, rumbling voice, “but since no one witnessed the accident, there will have to be an inquiry.”

Brent came around the corner of the house and halted when he saw the sheriff.

“Did you see or hear anything, Mr. Williams?” the latter asked.

Brent shook his head. “I was in the house all morning.”

“How about you, Mrs. Parker?”

I shook my head as well. “No, not until I found her.”

“And when was that?”

“I don’t know exactly. I thought she’d gone for a walk. After breakfast, I was sitting out back for a while, and then I walked around the house and saw her.” I hesitated, trying to remember details. “We called 911 right away. They’ll have a record of the time.”

The sheriff nodded. “Do either of you know of any enemies she might’ve had?”

“Why are you asking that?” I demanded.

Brent narrowed his eyes at the sheriff. “Because he thinks it’s not an accident.”

“No, I don’t necessarily think that,” the sheriff said. “But in case it isn’t…”

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“It must’ve been an accident,” Brent said, his voice rising. “She–”

I interrupted, blurting out, “She told me yesterday that her husband was leaving her.”

Brent stared at me. “You think Ronnie…” he trailed off.

The sheriff took out a note pad and began writing in it.

I finally let myself look at the pool of blood, where my sister’s head had been until a few minutes ago. It was a lot of blood.

As a nurse, I’d certainly seen blood before. I’d even seen a lot of blood.

But never from someone in my family, someone I cared about. A sob tried to escape from my aching throat. I swallowed hard.

The sheriff coughed quietly. “You can go inside, ma’am. I’ll be there in a bit.” He placed his big paw of a hand on my shoulder and nodded to Brent.

“Come on, Mom,” my son said, holding out his hand.

I took it and let him lead me into the house.

Great excerpt. Thank you, and thanks for the interview.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
WEBSITE: https://kassandralamb.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/kassandralambauthor

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/kasslamb/

BLUESKY: https://bsky.app/profile/kasslamb.bsky.social

BOOKBUB PROFILE: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kassandra-lamb

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5624939.Kassandra_Lamb

Purchase Links

AMAZON BARNES & NOBLE KOBO APPLE GOOGLE PLAY

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

August 10 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

August 10 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 11 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

August 11 – Romance Novel Giveaways – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 12 – Sarcastically Yours, Jen – SPOTLIGHT

August 12 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

August 13 – Ascroft, eh! – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 13 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 14 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

August 14 – Sarandipity’s – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 15 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 15 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

August 16 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 16 – story.book.lady– REVIEW

August 17 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW

August 17 – deal sharing aunt – SPOTLIGHT

August 18 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 18 – Book Hookup – REVIEW

August 19 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

Giveaway Link: “https://kingsumo.com/g/1wgd9wm/troubled-water-an-aging-aint-for-wimps-mystery-by-kassandra-lamb“

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Blog Tour, Interview

Author Interview and Blog Tour for The Mysterious Case of the Missing House by Michele Pariza Wacek

Posted on July 28, 2026 by Debbie

It’s a pleasure to welcome Michele Pariza Wacek from Reedsburg, Wisconsin, to Ruff Drafts.

How long have you been published, Michele? 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 fiction book in 2015 (I had published some nonfiction business books prior to my fiction.) Since then, I’ve published 24 full length books and 7 novellas, all self published. My main series are Secrets of Redemption (a 9 book completed psychological thriller series), The Charlie Kingsley Mysteries (an ongoing cozy mystery series that takes place in the 1990s and is also a spin off from Secrets of Redemption), The Redemption Detective Agency (an ongoing cozy mystery series that also takes place in the 1990s and is a spin off from The Charlie Kingsley Mysteries) and The Riverview Mysteries (which is a series of psychological thriller standalones).

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

I write both psychological thrillers and cozy mysteries, but right now I’ve been focusing on the cozies. The Mysterious Case of the Missing House, which is Book 4 of the Redemption Detective Agency and is my lightest, funniest cozy mystery series, is released on July 15.

We have a lot in common in regard to that. I also enjoy writing other mysteries besides cozies.

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 have a couple of new cozy mystery series brewing, plus a few other projects that I’m excited about, along with continuing to write in my current cozy mystery series.

Sounds good.

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

Readers who love twisty mysteries, as that’s what I write (even in the cozy genre). If they also love digging into a psych thriller every now and then, that’s even better as all my books are interconnected.

I think you just described my ideal readers, too 🙂

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

Don’t give up. If it’s your dream, then keep going. This is a difficult business and the only way to make it is to keep going.

Excellent advice.

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

Oh man, I had so many. Mostly I was terrified to hit publish. I had completed two novels well over a decade before I finally published them on Amazon. Looking back, that’s one of my biggest regrets in this business that I didn’t hit publish sooner.

I’ve been working on old material, too. I’d like to see all my writing published. Like you, it took me time to get up the nerve.

Do you belong to any writing groups? Which ones?

I’m in a number of Facebook groups that cater to authors, but they aren’t necessarily writing groups. Years ago I was in a local critique group, but I haven’t done that for a long time.

It’s hard to belong to too many groups.

What are your hobbies and interests besides writing?

Reading (of course!), hiking, playing with my dog and watching the Food Network.

Good hobbies.

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

There’s a lot of challenges in this business. I would say my biggest challenge is getting started writing. Once I’ve started and am in the flow, it’s wonderful, but getting started has always been an issue.

Most writers find marketing tough, too.

What do you like about writing cozy mysteries?

The quirky characters. I love the relationships, and I always have a ton of found family tropes in my cozy mysteries.

I agree that characters are the main draw in cozy mysteries.

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

The phone ringing jarred me out of my brooding. I flipped over the file folder that I was using to hide my job application and picked up the phone. “The Redemption Detective Agency, Emily speaking.”

“Well, well, well, she finally did it.”

While I was pretty sure the speaker was a woman, it was a little difficult to tell. Not only because her voice was low gravely contralto (I would put money on her being a smoker), but there was also a lot of static. “I’m sorry, I’m not sure who you’re referring to.”

“I said she finally did it.”

I raised my voice. “Who did what?”

“What? You’re going to have to speak up. It’s kind of loud here.”

“Who did what?” I felt like I was shouting.

“Tilde, of course. This is a detective agency, right?”

“Yes.”

“She always said she wanted to own a detective agency. Fancied herself a modern-day Nancy Drew. Not that I doubted her or anything. Once Tilde sets her mind to something, she tends to get it.”

“That does sound like my aunt.”

“Oh!” The voice brightened. “You’re Emily. Of course you are. That’s what you said when you answered the phone. I should have figured it out sooner. I’m Amelia, but my friends call me Meli. Tilde has said such wonderful things about you.”

“Um … thank you.” I wished I could say the same about her, but Aunt Tilde had never mentioned an Amelia or a Meli. “How can I help you? Do you need a detective?”

“I should say so,” Meli said with a chuckle. “I wouldn’t be spending five dollars a minute if I didn’t.”

My eyes widened. Five dollars a minute? Where was she calling from? Oh geez, I hoped this didn’t mean we were going to have to try and investigate in a foreign country, likely without any pay. “Did you want to talk to Tilde?”

“She’s there? Oh yes, please put her on.”

I put Meli on hold and tried to get Aunt Tilde’s attention. It took me a minute, as the gargoyle argument was really heating up.

“I don’t know, Mildred,” Aunt Tilde was saying as she stirred her coffee. Her outfit was a little more sedate than normal, as her orange cardigan almost matched her bright-orange hair and oversized glasses. Of course, she had paired it with a green turtleneck that didn’t match at all. “I really don’t think gargoyles like chocolate.”

“Everyone likes chocolate,” Mildred said firmly. In contrast to Aunt Tilde, she wore a pressed gray pantsuit with a single string of pearls, and her gray, permed hair looked freshly styled, like she had just come from her twice-weekly hairdresser appointment. “Why do you think they come to life around Halloween?”

“You think they want to trick or treat?” Aunt Tilde asked.

“Wouldn’t you?” Mildred said. “It has to be tough not being able to move for most of the year.”

“Aunt Tilde,” I nearly shouted. “Phone for you.”

Aunt Tilde’s eyes lit up. “Really? Is it a client?”

“It might be. It’s someone named Amelia or Meli.”

Aunt Tilde’s mouth turned into a round O. “Meli? Oh my. I haven’t talked to her in ages.”

“I didn’t realize she had come back,” Mildred said.

“I don’t think she has,” I said as Aunt Tilde went to her desk. “Wherever she’s calling from, it’s like five dollars a minute.”

Aunt Tilde’s jaw dropped. “Five dollars a minute? Oh my. I better see what she wants.”

Great excerpt. Thanks for sharing.

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

The biggest thing that motivates me is being read. I don’t take it lightly that readers choose to spend time with my books, and if you do, know that’s what makes it all worthwhile for me.

I feel the same way.

Thanks so much for the interview, Michele. I’m sharing the blog tour for your new release below.

The Mysterious Case of the Missing House
(The Redemption Detective Agency)
by Michele Pariza Wacek

About The Mysterious Case of the Missing House

The Mysterious Case of the Missing House (The Redemption Detective Agency)
Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Setting – Redemption, Wisconsin, in the 1990s
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Love-Based Publishing
Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 15, 2026
Number of Pages 177
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FMT7ST5F

Emily has a big decision in front of her. But before she can make it, Amelia Clark, one of Aunt Tilde’s friends call The Redemption Detective Agency with an emergency.

Apparently Amelia can’t get a hold of her niece, who’s been house sitting, and she’s worried that her niece forgot to water her rose bushes.

Should be fairly straight forward, right? Drive to the house, see if the niece is there, and make sure the roses aren’t dead as well.

Except…the house is no longer there. It’s now a fancy health club.

Nor is the niece.

Needless to say, Emily has no choice but to figure out what happened to Amelia’s house and her niece before she makes any decisions about her career. Or her love life.

A spin-off from the Charlie Kingsley Mystery series! The Redemption Detective Agency is a funny, twisty, romcom cozy mystery series set in the 1990s featuring silver sleuths solving cold cases, cats, dogs and an opposites attract love triangle. Great for fans of the Thursday Murder Club.

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 Facebook Instagram

Purchase Link – Amazon

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

July 21 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

July 21 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 22 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 23 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

July 23 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW

July 24 – Romance Novel Giveaways – AUTHOR GUEST POST

July 25 – deal sharing aunt – SPOTLIGHT

July 26 – Sarandipity’s – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

July 27 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

July 28 – Ruff Draft – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 28 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

July 29 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

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

July 31 – Salty Inspirations.com – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 1 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – SPOTLIGHT

August 2 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

August 2 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

August 3 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 3 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

Giveaway Link: https://kingsumo.com/g/36qy0o1/the-mysterious-case-of-the-missing-house-the-redemption-detective-agency-by-michele-pariza-wacek”

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Blog Tour, Interview

Author Interview of Carmen Radtke and blog tour for Axes and Alchemy

Posted on August 19, 2025 by Debbie

It’s my pleasure to welcome author Carmen Radtke to this blog for an interview. Carmen is lives in Castiglione del Lago, Italy – a small town with a lot of history and several cat sanctuaries! Sounds like a place I’d like to visit.

How long have you been published, Carmen? What titles and/or series have you published and with which publisher? Have you self-published any titles? Please give details.

My first novel was published in 2017. It’s called The Case of the Missing Bride.

My Jack and Frances mysteries set in the early 1930s and my Genie and Adriana Darling mysteries, teaming up a modern day jewelry designer with the pet-whispering flapper ghost of her great-great aunt, are now being published by dp books. My other mysteries, including the Willowmere mysteries, are self published.

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

Although I write several series, from historical cozies inspired by true events to contemporary cozies and light paranormal mysteries, they all have a few things in common. They feature smart, resourceful women, found family, and they celebrate friendship. My sleuths usually can’t go to the police – either because they wouldn’t be taken seriously, stand to lose their jobs (a real threat during the Great Depression!), or they’d have to explain their witnesses are cats and dogs or they just happen to have suddenly inherited witchy powers. All my heroines love books – strangely enough we all have the same literary taste!

Interesting. I also write a few cozy series and, although they’re each unique, like yours they also have things in common.

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 used to be a newspaper reporter, so I’ve always earned my living writing. My goal is to keep on entertaining my readers and to finally make enough money to be financially secure. I’ve recently started networking more with other writers and advertising, something I should have done years ago!

I’m currently working on my next Willowmere mystery, before I return to my older series. I’ve committed to writing a Christmas mystery for an anthology, so that is also on the list for this year.

I wrote for my college newspaper, but it was volunteer. I was paid for my work typing the editor’s stories, though. Making enough money writing to be financially secure is a great goal but one that is difficult to achieve.

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

I love mysteries, both golden age and contemporary, that offer escapism and relatable characters. Whatever I write, however whimsical, is always grounded in facts, even if it’s only a trip to the movie theater or a tree affected by a storm. If a movie wasn’t yet released or the tree doesn’t grow where I want them, they won’t make it into the book.

The readers I want to attract enjoy mysteries with red herrings, plausible plots (yes, even if a ghost or a novice witch investigate), and they love seeing the characters evolve. One of my early readers told me, “I wish these characters were my friends.”

As a cozy mystery author myself, I also hope to attract those type of readers.

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

We can’t decide the outcome but we can control our input and what we do with it. Rejection will always be part of your life as a writer. Accept it. But also don’t forget to celebrate every milestone, every achievement. Found the perfect character name? Great. Solved a tricky plot issue? Excellent. Finished your first draft? Hooray! Sing, dance, treat yourself! You’re a writer. You’re creating something that wouldn’t exist without you. That in itself is a huge achievement.

Very nice advice. I totally agree. We need to reward one another for all stops on the journey.

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

I was very lucky to be selected for mentoring/manuscript assessment by the New Zealand Society of Authors who loved my work. And then the rejections came. Walking in the Shadow was considered too much like The Island by Victoria Hislop, because of the subject matter.

The Case of the Missing Bride, a Malice Domestic finalist and later nominate for a CWA Historical Dagger, was set in the wrong location. Agents loved it but said they could only sell mysteries set in the US or the U.K. …

I was so disheartened I shelved submissions for a couple of years! Nowadays I wish I’d just self-published back then.

Hindsight can be cruel. It’s best to move forward, as you’re doing.

Do you belong to any writing groups? Which ones?

I used to. Nowadays, I just write and I have a trusted feedback network.

Feedback is so important.

What are your hobbies and interests besides writing?

I love animals, travel, movies, tap dance – sadly I have no tap dance group since I left the U.K.

I’m an animal lover, too. I also like to travel, but it’s not always easy leaving my cats.

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

What I love most is the fun I have writing and creating stories that my readers love. The thing I like least or rather the most challenging is marketing myself and treating this as a business.

I believe most authors feel this way. I certainly do.

What do you like about writing cozy mysteries?

As a local reporter, I’ve dealt with all kinds of stories, some uplifting, others harrowing. The older I get, the more I crave comforting stories, where good wins, evildoers won’t escape, and nothing happens that gives me nightmares.

My characters don’t always stick to the law – Jack is a nightclub owner who ignores the 6pm liquor ban that existed in Australia for almost half a century – but they know what’s right. I sometimes have character envy because I wouldn’t mind trading places for a bit!

lol. I enjoy my characters, too, and they sometimes surprise me.

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

“A witch and her talking cat isn’t that the cliché? What about a dog? Or a chipmunk?”
His back arched so far, I feared he’d snap in half. His fur bristled and he glowered at me. “It’s called an archetype, and you should be grateful to have me as your mentor. And talking about clichés, who among us is a perimenopausal woman dumped for a younger woman?”
I staggered back. I’d clearly hit a sore spot, but so had he. Biting my lip, I counted to ten before extending a verbal olive branch. “I stand corrected.”
His body relaxed. He graciously nodded his head.
“I’m also grateful you called me a woman, not a hag, or a crone.”
“Don’t mention it. I’m witty, not mean. Now you may offer me tuna. From your personal stash.”

Thank you for sharing that great excerpt.

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

That they’re all well worth a read? 😆 And that the spelling is dependent on the characters and the setting. Jack and Frances are Australian and the books are set in the early 1930s so they don’t sound the same as my British or American characters, even if they’re from the same period, like my lovely flapper ghost Adriana.

Thanks for the interview. I’m sharing the blog tour for your new release below.

Axes and Alchemy (A Cozy Midlife Witch Mystery)
Willowmere Mysteries
by Carmen Radtke

About Axes and Alchemy

Axes and Alchemy (A Cozy Midlife Witch Mystery) Willowmere Mysteries
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Oregon
Independently Published
Publication Date ‏ : ‎ August 15, 2025
Number of Pages: ~230
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F897P74L

Pirate loot and deadly feud …

So much for a peaceful next chapter: Novice witch Bex Merriweather has her hands full running a leading library and secretly studying magic under the critical eye of her opinionated familiar and mentor, cat Cosmo.

The last thing newly divorced perimenopausal Bex needs is more tasks needing her attention. But when a podcast connects a pirate treasure and voodoo magic with tranquil Willowmere and treasure hunters as well as occultists flock to the town, feuds erupt.

When a dead body is found, Bex and Cosmo can’t discount the idea that greed and black magic had something to do with the murder. But can she protect her secret and the town without exposing the truth about her inheritance? And is somebody already on her trail – somebody wishing her ill? With only her cat and her trusted circle of friends, Bex sets out to catch a killer before the treasure of a long dead pirate claims another victim.

Axes and Alchemy is the second case in this fun-filled series. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries, magical mayhem, and heroines who believe it’s never too late for a new chapter—or a little witchcraft!

About Carmen Radtke

Carmen has spent most of her life with ink on her fingers and a dangerously high pile of books and newspapers by her side.

She has worked as a newspaper reporter on two continents and always dreamt of becoming a novelist and screenwriter.

When she found herself crouched under her dining table, typing away on a novel between two earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand, she realised she was hooked for life.

The shaken but stirring novel made it to the longlist of the Mslexia competition, and her next book and first mystery, The Case Of The Missing Bride, was a finalist in the Malice Domestic competition in a year without a winner. Since then she has penned several more cozy mysteries, including the Genie and Adriana Darling ghost mysteries and the Jack and Frances series set in the 1930s.

Carmen now lives in Italy with her human and her four-legged family. Although she possesses no witchy powers, she’s known to be easily held spellbound by animals.

Author Links:

Website – https://www.carmenradtkeauthor.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/carmenradtkeauthor

Purchase Link – Amazon

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

August 18 – Angel’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

August 18 – Sarandipity’s – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

August 19 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

August 19 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 20 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

August 21 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 22 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

August 22 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews

August 23 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 23 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

August 24 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 25 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

August 25 – Read Your Writes – SPOTLIGHT

August 26 – Salty Inspirations – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

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

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

Blog Tour, Interview

Interview and Blog tour for Wheeler Dealer by Rita Moreau

Posted on June 3, 2025 by Debbie

It’s my pleasure to interview Rita Moreau about her writing and her new release, Wheeler Dealer that is on blog tour with Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

Hi, Rita. How long have you been published? What titles and/or series have you published and with which publisher? Have you self-published any titles? Please give details.

I have been published since 2012. Please see my website for all my published novels. ritamoreau.com

Tell us a little bit about your new book.

Mabel was married to a doctor and he dumped her for a bar fly. She decides to hit the road with her friend Lili and her husband Bob and purchases a vintage airstream. It comes with no extra charge with Irma, a ghost stuck in purgatory who needs to do good deeds for the living to get past the Pearly Gates. Seems solving murders with Mabel is very helpful.

Sounds like an interesting plot to me.

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?

To write at least 2 novels a year. My writing to be considered for a streaming on Netflix etc. But my real goal is to give my readers a break from whatever life has thrown their way. I am writing books that can be read in 2 hours – say while you are undergoing chemo.

Great goals.

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

Readers of cozy mystery.

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

Don’t shy away from self-publishing. Attempting to get an agent or publisher can take years. That’s why I decided to self-publish. I was in my 60’s and now 70s. Not a lot of time to waste on trying to get an agent or publisher.

I can relate to that, as I’m sure other self-published and Indie writers can.

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

Getting to the end. My dear husband who has passed was my lighting rod and kept me going.

Awww. Sorry to hear that.

Do you belong to any writing groups? Which ones?

Sisters in Crime, Authors Guild.

I’m also a member of Sisters in Crime. I’ve been thinking of joining the Authors Guild.

What are your hobbies and interests besides writing?

I teach group fitness classes and play pickleball.

Nice. I enjoy walking, yoga, and weight training.

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

Solidarity. Motivation to keep writing on a consistent basis.

What do you like about writing cozy mysteries?

My characters have become good friends. They now write the book for me.

I know that feeling.

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

I’ll attach in a separate file.

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

I write for you and welcome feedback.

Please list your social media links, website, blog, etc. and include some book cover graphics and author photos if possible.

ritamoreau.com

Thanks so much for the interview, Rita, and best wishes on your new release. I’m sharing your blog tour below.

Wheeler-Dealer – A Ghost & Camper Kooky Mystery
by Rita Moreau

About Wheeler-Dealer

Wheeler-Dealer Ghost & Camper Kooky Mystery
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Independently published (April 1, 2021)
Paperback: 332 pages
ISBN-13: 979-8676266394
Digital ASIN: B08YP5NJNV

Solving a murder might raise her spirits. But will it spring her spectral friend from Purgatory?

Mabel Gold still isn’t sure what happened. Traded by her husband for a busty bimbo the same age as their youngest daughter, the feisty sixty-something rejects the retirement community and heads west in a vintage camper. But the RV comes complete with a ghost who needs a good deed to get into Heaven, and cracking open a homicide at their first stop in Savannah could give them both a new lease on life.

Determined to dig up the dirt on the dead wheeler-dealer, Mabel and her phantom companion tackle the crime. But with two rich dudes from Dubai, a Willie Nelson lookalike mobster, and a widow nicknamed The Barracuda all on the suspect list, conjuring up the truth could take a real live miracle.

Can Mabel catch the killer before she’s the next soul crashing the Pearly Gates?

Wheeler-Dealer is the high-spirited first book in the hilarious Ghost & the Camper kooky mystery series. If you like golden-girl sleuths, zany characters, and sardonic humor, then you’ll love Rita Moreau’s witty whodunit.

About Rita Moreau

Rita Moreau is the author of two cozy with a lot of kooky mystery series: The Mary Catherine Mahoney series and The Ghost & Camper series.

A workaholic by nature, upon retirement, Rita Moreau began to work on her bucket list, writing a book. Traveling the national parks with her husband, George in a vintage Bluebird motor home (on George’s list), Rita completed her first novel, Bribing Saint Anthony. Back home, she was having so much fun she completed four more novels in the Mary Catherine Mahoney mystery series. The year we entered the twilight zone, Rita decided to put this time to good use and wrote the first two novels in a new Ghost & the Camper mystery series. She kept going. The third in the series – Murder in the Badlands released fall 2021 and Murder in the Rockies released fall of 2022. Murder in Wacky Florida in 2023 and Murder in Wacka-Doodle Florida in 2023.

Rita lives in a postcard called Florida where George, the love of her life, always had fun telling everyone he’s the author’s husband. He was her lightning rod. Rita lost George in December 2021. She honors his memory daily. He lived life to the fullest. When not writing she joins PatZi Gil on the Joy on Paper radio program with Book Buzz Mysteries, or you can find her teaching Silver Sneaker fitness classes and walking the beach. She loves connecting with readers. Visit her at http://www.RitaMoreau.com and sign up for her newsletters and download a free copy of the Russian & Aunt Sophia.

Visit her at www.RitaMoreau.com or find her on Facebook at facebook.com/RitaMoreauAuthor and say hello.

Author Links

Website – http://www.ritamoreau.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/RitaMoreauAuthor/

GoodReads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6587803.Rita_Moreau

Purchase Link – Amazon

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

May 26 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

May 27 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

May 28 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

May 28 – Frugal Freelancer – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

May 29 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

May 30 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

May 30 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

May 31 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

May 31 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

June 1 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW

June 2 – Angel’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

June 2 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 3 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

June 4 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

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Author Spotlight, Blog Tour, Cozy Mystery, Interview

Interview with Inez Foster, author of Murder on Oak Street, the first South Shore Mystery

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Debbie

I’m honored to speak with Inez Foster, author of the South Shore Mystery series including the new releases, Murder on Oak Street. Welcome, Inez!

How long have you been published? 5 years

What titles and/or series have you published and with which publisher?

Three books in the South Shore Mystery series (Murder on Oak Street, Murder on West Main, and Murder on West Lake)

I’ve also published The Thunder on the Moor series and the Cross of Ciaran series under the pen name Andrea Matthews.

Have you self-published any titles? All books are self-published.

Please give details. All books are available on Amazon

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

The South Shore Mystery series – An Edwardian mystery set on the South Shore of Long Island

The Thunder on the Moor Series – A time travel romance set on the 16^th century Anglo-Scottish Borders.

The Cross of Ciaran series – A fifth-century Celtic priest, entombed for betraying his goddess, wakes in the twentieth-century to find himself falling in love with the archaeologist who unearthed him. New release coming in June

Describe your goals as a writer. My goal is to continue to write, as much, and as often, as I can. I have years of storylines in my head or scraps of papers hidden here and there.

What do you hope to achieve in the next few years? To attract readers that enjoy my books

What are you planning to do to reach these goals? To keep writing and try to find readers who enjoy my books.

What type of reader are you hoping to attract? Readers who loves history, as well as a good mystery, always with a touch of romance.

Who do you believe would be most interested in reading your books? Anyone who enjoys authors like Victoria Thompson, Nancy Herriman, etc. For the romances authors like Diana Gabaldon. Basically anyone who likes things to work out well for the the MC, no matter how sticky they get along the way.

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

Don’t give up. Get a professional editor and cover designer. Don’t let anyone tell you self-publishing isn’t real publishing. All the library journals are now reviewing self-published books, so they’ve been accepted as a legitimate form of publishing. But most of all, make sure you tell a good story with characters the reader can form a relationship with. In short, give it your best.

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

Fear mostly, of what people might think, of bad reviews, of being laughed at. When I finally dove in, I realized that you’re not truly published until you’ve gotten at least one bad review.

Do you belong to any writing groups? Which ones? I belong to the Long Island Romance Writers, the Historic Novel Society, Sisters in Crime, as well as the Alliance of Independent Authors and the Authors Guild.

What are your hobbies and interests besides writing? Genealogy

What do you like most and least about being an author?

Love the writing and the research

Don’t like trying to promote it. That’s hard work.

What is your toughest challenge? Getting my books to the people who will enjoy them.

What do you like about writing cozy mysteries?

Everything—the clues, the red herrings, getting to the solution without giving the murderer away on page one. I also enjoy slipping in a bit of romance.

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

The air has become much too frigid around here.” Kathleen unclamped the skates from her boots and got up, handing the blades to him before heading up the path that led through the woods toward West Main Street, where their carriage waited.

Daniel sat down to unbuckle his skates from his boots.mAs he did, he pressed his lips together to keep from informing Mrs. Carrington that her darling husband kept a woman in the Waldorf, which was likely why he had business in the city so often. You’ll learn a lot of secrets in your profession, son. Just as I do in mine. He could hear his father’s words echoing in his ears, almost as if he were standing by his side. That’s a great responsibility, so always think before you speak. Your words could do more damage than you know. He took a deep breath and got up from the bench, but as he turned to go, the woman took hold of his arm, staying him for a moment.

“Would you be able to see me tomorrow, Doctor? I’ve had a terrible ache in my right shoulder. My daughter thinks I may have been doing too much and strained a muscle. She

says I shouldn’t work so hard, but what am I to do with the holidays coming and all?”

Was this woman kidding? He doubted she’d ever done a hard day’s work in her life. Breathe, he could hear Uncle Timothy saying. Ye don’t want to be saying anything ye’ll regret later.

“Give the office a call in the morning, and we’ll see if we can fit you in. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must attend to Miss Brissedon.” He should have picked a bench closer to West Main so she didn’t have to walk through the woods, but he’d been thinking about what a lovely stroll it would be for the two of them. How was he to know the old biddy was going to show up and upset Kathleen?

“Don’t you think you should call your sister over? Whatmwill people say if you go wandering off in the woods alone after Miss Brissedon?”

“Actually, I’m more concerned for her safety than for the gossip of a few bitter old women who have nothing better to talk about.” She gasped, but he continued. “The path is icy, and I’m afraid she might stumble and harm herself.”

“Oh yes, I suppose it would be prudent to make sure she’s all right. You will stop by tomorrow, though?”

He bit his lip again. “As I said, you’ll need to telephone the office in the morning. In the meantime, I suggest rubbing some Sloan’s Liniment on it. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

Turning away once more, he threw the skates over his shoulder, trying to replace the thoughts of Mrs. Carrington’s flabby biceps with the image of his arm around Kathleen’s trim waist. With that picture in mind, he walked up the gradual embankment but had no sooner started down the

path toward their carriage when a scream rent the cold, still air. His heart flew into his throat, knocking the air from his lungs, for he knew the voice all too well. That scream had come from Kathleen.

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

It’s important to leave honest reviews. I do read them and I appreciate my readers’ opinions. Also, feel free to email me. My email is listed on my website, which is www.imfostermysteries.com I will try to respond. That’s the best way to contact me as I don’t reply to Facebook DMs

Please list your social media links, website, blog, etc. and include some book cover graphics and author photos if possible.

Website: www.imfostermysteries.com

Facebook: IMFosterMysteries

X: IMFosterMystery

Instagram: imfosterauthor

Threads: imfosterauthor

AmazonAuthorPage: https://www.amazon.com/stores/I-M-Foster/author/B0BFQK8854

Thanks so much for the interview and your wonderful replies, Inez. I’m sharing your blog tour below.

Murder on Oak Street (A South Shore Mystery)
by I. M. Foster

About Murder on Oak Street

Murder on Oak Street (A South Shore Mystery)
Historical Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – New York
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Inez M. Foster (November 12, 2022)
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 503 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 173333758X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1733337588
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 503 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1733337571
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1733337571
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BFMT4WL2

New York, 1904. After two years as a coroner’s physician for the city of New York, Daniel O’Halleran is more frustrated than ever. What’s the point when the authorities consistently brush aside his findings for the sake of expediency? So when his fiancée leaves him standing at the altar on their wedding day, he takes it as a sign that it’s time to move on and eagerly accepts an offer to assist the local coroner in the small Long Island village of Patchogue.

Though the coroner advises him that life on Long Island is far more subdued than that of the city, Daniel hasn’t been there a month when the pretty librarian, Kathleen Brissedon, asks him to look into a two-year-old murder case that took place in the city. Oddly enough, the case she’s referring to was the first one he ever worked on, and the verdict never sat right with him.

Eager for the chance to investigate it anew, Daniel agrees to look into it in his spare time, but when a fresh murder occurs in his own backyard, he can’t shake his gut feeling that the two cases are connected. Can he discover the link before another life is taken, or will murder shake the peaceful South Shore village once again?

About I. M. Foster

I. M. Foster is the pen name author Inez Foster uses to write her South Shore Mystery series, set on Edwardian Long Island. Inez also writes historical romances under the pseudonym Andrea Matthews, and has so far published two series in that genre: the Thunder on the Moor series, a time-travel romance set on the 16th century Anglo-Scottish Borders, and the Cross of Ciaran series, which follows the adventures of a fifth century Celt who finds himself in love with a twentieth-century archaeologist.

Inez is a historian and librarian, who love to read and write and search around for her roots, genealogically speaking. She has a BA in History and an MLS in Library Science and enjoys the research almost as much as she does writing the story. In fact, many of her ideas come to her while doing casual research or digging into her family history. Inez is a member of the Long Island Romance Writers, the Historical Novel Society, and Sisters in Crime.

Author Links

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

X: https://www.x.com/IMFosterMystery

Threads: https://www.threads.net/imfosterauthor

Purchase Link – Amazon

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

April 14 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

April 15 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

April 15 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

April 16 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

April 16 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

April 17 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

April 17 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

April 18 – View from the Birdhouse – SPOTLIGHT

April 19 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

April 20 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

April 21 – Frugal Freelancer – AUTHOR GUEST POST

April 22 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST

April 22 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

April 23 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

April 24 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

April 25 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW

April 26 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

April 26 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

April 27 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – SPOTLIGHT

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Blog Tour, Interview

Author Interview of Allie Pleiter and Blog Tour for One Sharp Stitch, the first Nimble Needle Mystery

Posted on April 6, 2025 by Debbie

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

There’s a reason I often teach writing productivity. I have a very specific system, called The Chunky Method, that allows me to calculate my writing speed with accuracy. A murder mystery takes me about 14 weeks while a romance takes me about 10 weeks. I usually write between three and four books a year.

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

None, unless you count the one I am currently working on. My most recent release, ONE SHARP STITCH, is my 70th published book.

Do you write under a pseudonym? If not, have you ever considered it?

I did once, for two books. I didn’t care for it. If I have my way, all my books will be under my real name. It’s a point of pride for me, I suppose.

What comes first for you, the plot or characters?

Usually characters for the romances and plot for the mysteries. That makes sense, because romances are very much character-driven stories, and mysteries depend much more heavily on plot.

How do you select the names of your characters?

Other than keeping an alphabetical chart so I don’t have too many characters whose name start with the same letter, I don’t have much of a system. They usually just come to me. In ONE SHARP STITCH, I needed a name for a cat. I was wandering the needlepoint shop and saw a tool called a “Snag-Nabbit.” I thought Nabbit would make a great name for a cat, and used it. That’s probably the most unusual name source I’ve used.

As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

I have often referred to myself as “a tortoise on the run.” That speaks to me of a consistent, methodical journey towards a goal.

What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

Scrivener. My go-to word processing software. And it’s not an expensive product—just a very good one.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Knitting and needlepoint! Which is why it is no surprise that ONE SHARP STITCH is a needlepoint-themed mystery. My series before that was the Riverbank Knitting Mysteries. So I guess you could say it’s what I do when I’m writing, too.

What is your favorite childhood book(s)?

I have always loved The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I have a granddaughter coming soon, and I’ve already bought her a copy.

What are you working on now?

I am working on my next romance in my Three Sisters Farm series from Love Inspired as well as the next Nimble Needle mystery, TWO PURLOINED PILLOWS.

One Sharp Stitch (A Nimble Needle Mystery)
by Allie Pleiter

About One Sharp Stitch

One Sharp Stitch (A Nimble Needle Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – North Carolina
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington Cozies (March 25, 2025)
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496752007
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496752000
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DB3CD9GB
Audio CD ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DSYHJN3R

When thirty-something Shelby Phillips returns to her quiet hometown just outside of Asheville, North Carolina, she reluctantly takes over her mother’s Nimble Needle needlepoint shop—and gets entangled in a murder investigation . . .

It’s only temporary. That’s what Shelby Phillips tells herself when she returns to excruciatingly harmless Gwen Lake after her graphic arts career—and the office romance blooming with it—get tossed like rejected design mockups. Her plan is as simple and fool-proof as a tent stitch: manage the family needlepoint shop during her parents’ RV vacation. It’s just a month. It’s not as if they’re retiring . . . right?

When Shelby becomes responsible for hosting a trunk show with local vendors, she’s determined to pull it off. Even if that means dealing with former classmate Kat Katsaros, a rising entrepreneur specializing in needlework scissors. Kat has changed since high school—and she’s angling to take over the Nimble Needle herself. The tension unspools when Shelby makes a terrible discovery on the morning of the event: Kat’s dead body.

Shelby can’t believe the death was an accident. That’s why she’s set on exposing who committed the murder with Kat’s own equipment. She finds help in a new friend, a potential crush, and the surprising support of her sister and the Nimble Needle stitchers. Still, Shelby must move quickly to stop the crafty culprit before her maybe not-so-temporary new life in Gwen Lake comes apart at the seams . . .

About Allie Pleiter

An avid crafter, coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better,” Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four books at a time. The bestselling author of over sixty books, Allie has enjoyed a twenty-plus year career with over 1.8 million books sold. In addition to writing, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on the creative process, publishing, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management for writers. She lives in the Charlotte area with her husband and the world’s most adorable dog.

Author Links

Website www.alliepleiter.com

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

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/alliepleiter

Facebook group (books): https://www.facebook.com/groups/firesidewithallie/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allie-pleiter-6a021b139

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alliepleiter

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/alliepleiter/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/453346.Allie_Pleiter

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/allie-pleiter

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Allie-Pleiter/e/B001H6IEUO/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1

Purchase Links

This link on my website gives multiple purchase options:

https://alliepleiter.com/books/nimble-needle-mysteries/one-sharp-stitch/

Amazon B&N Bookshop.org

Kensington link: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/9781496752000/one-sharp-stitch/

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

April 1 – Frugal Freelancer – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

April 1 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

April 2 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

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

April 3 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

April 4 – Storybook Lady – REVIEW

April 5 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

April 6 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

April 6 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

April 7 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

April 8 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

April 8 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

April 9 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – NEEDLEPOINT POST

April 9 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

April 10 – Reading Is My SuperPower – AUTHOR GUEST POST

April 11 – Socrates Book Reviews – REVIEW

April 12 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

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Blog Tour, Interview

Interview of Author Deena Alexander and Blog Tour for Hunted for the Holidays

Posted on November 3, 2024November 3, 2024 by Debbie

It’s my pleasure to interview author Deena Alexander from Clermont, Florida.

Welcome to Ruff Drafts, Deena. Please tell us about your books.

Hunted for the Holidays is my fifth book with Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense. It’s the first book in my Jameson Investigations series, which will also include Hiding the Witness and Exposing Lethal Secrets, both of which are already available for preorder. It will also include a fourth book, which I’m working on now, which hasn’t been titled yet.

Very nice. Please tell us a little bit about your books — if you write a series, any upcoming releases or your current work-in-progress.

I love flawed characters, whose internal conflicts are as unique and challenging as the danger they find themselves in. This is a prevailing theme throughout most of my stories. Don’t we all have our own flaws to examine, our own challenges to overcome? But to face those challenges while fleeing from or fighting unimaginable danger takes a special kind of strength, courage and faith. In each of my stories, my characters face their own internal battles while running for their lives. So far, I’ve written Crime Scene Connection, Shielding the Tiny Target, Kidnapped in the Woods, Christmas in the Crosshairs, and Hunted for the Holidays, all of which are now available. Hiding the Witness is due to release on 2/25/2025, Exposing Lethal Secrets on July 1, 2025, and the fourth Jameson Investigations book in October of 2025. I am currently working on a proposal for a new romantic suspense series with Harlequin.

Your books sound quite interesting. 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?

My biggest goal as a writer is to touch as many people’s lives as possible. I’ve always read a lot, and escaping into a fantasy world through books has gotten me through some of my most difficult challenges in life. I would love to offer that same faith, hope, and escape to someone else. I am working on a new proposal for Harlequin right now, and my goal over the next few years is to continue writing for Love Inspired Suspense. Oh, and I’d also LOVE for one of my books to be made into a TV show or movie. 😊

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

Love Inspired Suspense is a Christian fiction line, so I would say people who enjoy clean stories with a lot of action and suspense along with their romance would enjoy my stories most.

They sound similar to my two cozy mystery series. What advice would you give other authors or those still trying to get published?

No matter how difficult things get, always pursue your dreams. Also, don’t ever stop learning. You must be able to not only accept criticism, but to embrace it and learn from it. Every rejection on your journey is also a learning opportunity.

Excellent advice. I agree totally. What particular challenges and struggles did you face before first becoming published?

I probably faced more challenges than a lot of authors, because when my writing journey began, I knew absolutely nothing about the writing process. I didn’t own a computer, didn’t know what Microsoft Word was, didn’t know how to send an email…never mind using track changes for editing. But I wanted to write, so I set up a loose-leaf binder and began my first novel by hand. Once my husband realized I was serious about writing a novel, he set me up an office and got me a computer. My best friend taught me how to work Microsoft Word, and I took off from there, researching everything I could get my hands on about the writing process.

Very inspiring.Do you belong to any writing groups? Which ones?

I am a member of Sisters in Crime and FHLCW (Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers).

I’m also a member of Sisters in Crime. What are your hobbies and interests besides writing?

In my spare time, which is rare, I enjoy spending time with my family, walking (while taking pictures of scenery and wildlife), and reading.

I love walking and photography. Since I’ve moved to a more rural area, I’ve been photographing a lot of deer.

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

The thing I love most about being an author is being able to share my stories with readers. My toughest challenge is finding time, not only to write, but to do everything else that’s involved—editing, marketing, etc… I also homeschool my fourteen-year-old son, so that is very time consuming.

Time is always an issue for us authors.

What do you like about writing ?

While my stories are romantic suspense, they do share a lot of similarities with cozy mysteries. They tend to be clean romances with themes of friendship and trust. They often take place in small rural towns and have the hero and heroine working together to solve a mystery.

That’s what I mentioned earlier. In fact, I thought that the first book of my Cobble Cove cozy mystery series, A Stone’s Throw, was a romantic suspense novel until readers began reviewing it as a cozy mystery.

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

Shae walked beside her into the house and paused to listen in the doorway. Silence. “Go, now.”

She lifted the phone on her way through the kitchen and followed Gracie to her room. Everything seemed to be in order. Even though she knew she wasn’t handling the situation well, she couldn’t seem to get her emotions under control. For years she’d kept to herself and worked from home, but then Gracie had started school and wanted to play sports, make friends, sing in the church choir. Shae should have known better. And now her daughter was in danger because Shae hadn’t kept a low enough profile.

She dialed the number, listened to it ring…and ring. That wasn’t right. Someone was supposed to be available at all times in case of an emergency, in case she was discovered. She disconnected and tried again. Nothing. Her breath came in shallow gasps. It would be okay. She’d contemplated not calling anyway, so maybe it was for the best no one answered. Maybe God was leading her elsewhere.

Her heart shattered when Gracie picked up the stuffed bunny she’d stopped sleeping with a year ago and hugged it close as she started filling her bag with her most prized possessions.

Shae left her to it and went to her own room. She grabbed the two flight bags, dug through one for the loaded handgun, then stuck the weapon into the waistband of her shorts and shrugged a sweatshirt over it before dropping the bags beside the door to the garage. All of her important documents were already stashed in waterproof cases inside, as well as a good amount of cash she’d saved over the years. “Gracie, let’s go.”

Gracie emerged from the hallway, her bag and Mr. Cuddles clutched against her chest.

“Oh, baby, I—”

A car door slammed right outside the house, cutting her off.

“Get down. Hide. Now!”

Gracie scrambled beneath the Christmas tree in the corner, trampling packages, then peered between the branches.

Shae grabbed a pen and paper from her desk, scribbled the phone number down, and shoved the paper into Gracie’s hand. With no time for more than a quick reassurance, Shae backed toward the door. “If anything happens to me, you run to Katie’s house. Do you understand me?”

The doorbell rang.

Gracie’s gaze shot to the door and she nodded, teeth chattering, eyes wide.

“When you get there…” Three houses down with two possible killers on her heels. And now she was bringing this mess onto someone else, someone who had only ever been kind to them, who’d become a friend. “You hide until Miss Reva gets home, then tell her to call that number and tell whoever answers what happened. She should tell them who you are and that you need help. Okay?”

“Uh…huh…”

An insistent pounding rattled the front door. “Avery!”

Shae’s blood ran to ice as she stared deeply into her daughter’s brilliant blue eyes then yanked the handgun from her waistband. No one should know that name. She’d shed it six years ago when she’d become Shae Evans. “Get down!”

Despite her shocked expression when she caught sight of the weapon, Gracie crouched lower.

Hand shaking wildly, Shae aimed the gun at the door just as it splintered beneath a forceful kick.

Thank you. That was great. Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about you or your books?

If you decide to give Hunted for the Holidays a try, I hope you enjoy it!

I’m sure I and my readers will.

Thank you so much for having me!

My pleasure. Best wishes with your new release and future books. I’m sharing your social media sites and blog tour below.

Webpage: http://deenaalexander.com/index.html
Blog: http://deenaalexander.com/blog.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeenaAlexanderAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeenaAlexanderA
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20382104.Deena_Alexander
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/deena-alexander
Newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/492177/92188784823633445/share
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Deena-Alexander/author/B08C1VKZFZ

Hunted for the Holidays
by Deena Alexander

About Hunted for the Holidays

Hunted for the Holidays
Christian Mystery & Suspense
Setting – Florida
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Love Inspired Suspense (October 22, 2024)
Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1335980237
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1335980236
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CTKNJMRW

Keeping out of sight

is the only way to stay alive.

When Shae Evans spots a familiar face at a Christmas pageant, she knows her witness-protection cover has been blown. Six years ago, her testimony put a crime boss away for life, but his vengeful son never stopped looking for her. Fleeing with her daughter, Shae accepts protection from former FBI agent Mason Payne—her child’s secret father. Now they’re only seconds ahead of the ruthless crime family who want Shae silenced forever. With threats everywhere, will they live to see the New Year?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

About Deena Alexander

Deena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, where she met and married her high school sweetheart. She recently relocated to Florida with her husband, three kids, a son-in-law, and four dogs. Now she enjoys long walks in nature all year long, despite the occasional alligator or snake she sometimes encounters. Deena’s love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn’t sleep through the night, and she now works full-time as a writer and a freelance editor.

Author Links
Webpage Blog Facebook Twitter Goodreads BookBub Newsletter Amazon Author Page

Purchase Links
Amazon B&N Kobo Harlequin Google Play

Find All of Deena’s Books Here.

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 22 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

October 22 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

October 23 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

October 24 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

October 25 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

October 26 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 27 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

October 28 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

October 29 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 30 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 31 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

October 31 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

November 1 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

November 2 – Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting – REVIEW

November 3 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 4 – Angel’s Book Nook – AUTHOR GUEST POST

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Blog Tour, Interview

Interview of Marilyn Levinson aka Allison Brook and Blog Tour for Booked on Murder, the final Haunted Library Mystery

Posted on August 12, 2024 by Debbie

It’s my pleasure to speak with Marilyn Levinson from Holbrook, New York, who writes the Haunted Library series as Allison Brook.

Hi, Marilyn. How long have you been published? What titles and/or series have you published and with which publisher? Have you self-published any titles? Please give details.

I have been published since 1985 when And Don’t Bring Jeremy, my first children’s book, came out with Holt.

My Haunted Library series (8 books) is published by Crooked Lane Books

Murder a la Christie and Murder the Tey Way, the two books in the Golden Age of Mystery Book Club series– were both republished by Rowan Prose Publishing in 2024.

A Murderer Among Us and Murder In the Air in my Twin Lakes series and Giving Up the Ghost, and Dangerous Relations –will be republished by Rowan Prose Publishing in 2025

Sounds like you’ve had a wonderful career.

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

Come Home to Death, a novel of suspense, came out with Rowan Prose Publishing this year. When Erica Parker returns home to Long Island to raise money for her gambling husband, she discovers she’s about to become very wealthy if she manages to live till her twenty-fifth birthday.

Booked on Murder, the eighth and final book in my Haunted Library series, came out August 6, 2024. My sleuth Carrie Singleton is about to marry her fiancé, when she and Dylan discover a body on the lawn of their wedding venue. Two more murders follow, all of which are connected to a bank robbery that took place seven years earlier. Carrie and Dylan dodge crooks and capture killers hours before their nuptials are to take place.

This year, 2024, eight books, five of which are being republished, and a short story are being released.

I am currently writing the first of a new series–Death on Dickens Island and the third in my middle grade Rufus and Magic Run Amok series–Rufus and the Dark Side of Magic.

Wonderful! Congratulations!

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 write more books in the Dickens Island series, the new mystery series I’ve started, and to write the fourth and final book in my middle grade Rufus and Magic Run Amok series.

Great goals.

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

For my mysteries: readers who are interested in stories with depth and character development.

Nice.

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

My advice is: continue writing as you search for an agent or a publisher; join writing organizations and become active in one or two of them; join a helpful, caring critique group.

Excellent advice.

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

Getting published and then continue to be published.

Those are most writers’ challenges.

Do you belong to any writing groups? Which ones?

I belong to Sisters in Crime and the subgroup the Guppies as well as Mystery Writers of America. I also am part of a small group of seven cozy mystery authors.

I’m also a member of Sisters in Crime and the Guppies. They’re great groups.

What are your hobbies and interests besides writing?

reading, yoga, traveling, crossword and Sudoku puzzles, knitting.

Interesting pasttimes.

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

I like the actual writing process, though my toughest challenge is sitting down to it every day. What I like least are all the guest blogs and essays I need to write to promote my books.

I feel the same.

What do you like about writing cozy mysteries?

I love writing cozy mysteries because my characters live on in several books, giving me the opportunity to show their growth and maturity over time. Writing cozies gives me the freedom to include side issues I consider important. And I love writing about my characters’ relationships with one another. I enjoy delving into their old secrets and how they impact current situations.

That’s the fun part of cozy mystery writing.

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

I love to be in touch with readers on Facebook and my newsletter. (links below)

Buy Links:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3uuPRDZ
PRH: https://bit.ly/PRHBookedonMurder

website: http://www.marilynlevinson.com where you can sign up for my newsletter
social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marilyn.levinson.10?ref=ts&fref=ts
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/161602.Marilyn_Levinson
X: https://twitter.com/MarilynLevinson
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marilyn-levinson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marilynlevinsonauthor/

I blog with Writers Who Kill the third Thursday of every month: https://writerswhokill.blogspot.com

Thanks for the interview, and best wishes on your blog tour. I’m sharing it below.

Booked on Murder (A Haunted Library Mystery)
by Allison Brook

About Booked on Murder

Booked on Murder (A Haunted Library Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
8th in Series
Setting – Connecticut
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crooked Lane Books (August 6, 2024)
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639108459
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1639108459
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CLKZ83SX

Librarian Carrie Singleton must catch a killer before she can say “I do” in the 8th delightful installment in Agatha Award-nominee Allison Brook’s Haunted Library mystery series.

Carrie Singleton is ready to kiss the single life goodbye. Her wedding to Dylan Avery is just a few weeks away, and a happy ending is about to be hers. But when a body is found on the lawn of their wedding venue, happily-ever-after is looking deadlier than ever.

The victim turns out to be Billy Carpenter, a young man recently released from prison after serving time for a bank robbery. The stolen money he’d buried is gone and Carrie and the police suspect Billy’s two alleged co-conspirators, his friends Luke Rizzo and Tino Valdez. But then Luke is murdered and Tino is nowhere to be found.

With no leads and only a week to go before her big day, Carrie is on the hunt for clues. She hopes to wrap up this investigation with a neat bow before she and Dylan tie the knot. Carrie has something old, something new, and something borrowed ready for her walk down the aisle. Now she needs to find the killer without becoming the ‘something blue.’

About Allison Brook

A former Spanish teacher, Marilyn Levinson writes mysteries, romantic suspense, and novels 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 romantic suspense, Come Home to Death, was released on April 30, 2024, and her romantic suspense, Dangerous Relations, will be republished in 2025.

Marilyn’s juvenile novel, Rufus and Magic Run Amok, was an International Reading Association-Children’s Book Council Children’s Choice and recently appeared in a new edition. 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: http://www.marilynlevinson.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marilyn.levinson.10?ref=ts&fref=ts
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/161602.Marilyn_Levinson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarilynLevinson ; https://twitter.com/AllisonBrookML
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marilyn-levinson; https://www.bookbub.com/authors/allison-brook
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/marilev/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marilynlevinsonauthor/

Buy links:
Amazon Penguin Random House B&N BAM Bookshop.org Hudson Booksellers Powell’s Target Walmart

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

August 6 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

August 6 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

August 6 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 7 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 7 – Angel’s Book Nook – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 7 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

August 8 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

August 8 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 8 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 9 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

August 9 – ebook Addicts – REVIEW

August 9 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

August 10 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

August 10 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW

August 10 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 11 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 11 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

August 11 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 12 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 12 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

August 12 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

August 13 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

August 13 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 13 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

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Blog Tour, Cats, Cozy Mystery, Interview

Sneaky the Library Cat Interviews Mason and Della, the Cats From Lethal Lake Effect by Lorraine Bartlett

Posted on June 17, 2024 by Debbie

Hey, there, pussycats. What are your names and your author’s name?

Hi, Sneaky. We’re Mason and Della. The woman in front of the computer is Lorraine Bartlett.

Mice to meet you all.

What book(s) have you appeared in? Please list them and their genre.

The Victoria Square Mysteries. They’re cozy!

A Crafty Killing

The Walled Flower

One Hot Murder

Dead, Bath and Beyond

Yule Be Dead

Murder Ink

A Murderous Misconception

Dead Man’s Hand

A Lethal Lake Effect

Wow, Meow! You and your author are purrlific.

Tell me about your series.

The Victoria Square Mysteries feature our cat mom, Katie Bonner, owner/manager of Artisans Alley, the anchor of Victoria Square, a quaint business district in the village of McKinlay Mill, New York. (Just west of Rochester.) She’s part of the companion series Life On Victoria Square. We’re indoor cats, so we don’t get to participate much in those stories.

I see.

Are you based on a real cat such as your author’s? If so, please give further details.

Well, we were. Our “real” names were Betsy and Bonnie. (Lorraine based Mason on Betsy.) Bonnie crossed the rainbow bridge 12 years ago and Betsy 7 years ago, but we’re proud they still live through us, Mason and Della.

I was based on my author’s Siamese Oliver who is also on Rainbow Bridge now, but I carry on his legacy in my Cobble Cove series.

Can you share an excerpt from one of your books that features you in an important scene? If so, please include it.

This is from A Lethal Lake Effect:

Katie forced herself not to react. She just stared at Andy with pity. How had she ever thought she’d loved him?

Her lack of reaction seemed to infuriate him, and for a moment, Katie thought he might hit her. Instead, his fist clenched the grease-stained bag and crushed what was left of the calzone before he hurled it on the floor. Then, without another word, he stalked over to the door, threw it open, and slammed it shut behind him.

The cats went flying at the racket, knocking over the glass on the floor and spilling its contents, but there was nowhere for them to go, and they ended up cowering under the love seat. Katie strode to the door and threw the deadbolt. Then she grabbed some paper towels and crouched down to mop up the mess, thankful the glass hadn’t broken. The sudden pounding in her head beat a tattoo. She took several deep breaths before she felt calm enough to address her cats. “I’m sorry, guys,” she said softly, swallowing down a pang of regret. She collected their treat bowls, filled them with their favorite crunchy snack, and set them near them. The cats looked up at her warily.

“Never mind. You can eat when you’re ready.”

Pawsome! Thanks for sharing.

What do you like most about your role in your authors’ books?

We like to think of ourselves as Katie’s anchor. At the end of the day, it’s usually just the three of us. We’re her emotional support, and she’s our emotional support. It works out pretty well. (And we get lots of kitty love and snacks!) We’re on a couple of covers, too. Well, on the versions for the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South African editions of the books. That’s Mason on the covers of A Crafty Killing, we’re both on The Walled Flower, Mason shines on One Hot Murder, and we make the cover for Recipes To Die For, A Victoria Square Cookbook really special.

It’s always nice to be on a cover. The only book of my series that I’m on is Written in Stone.

Are you a talking cat in your books or just a silent one like me, who just meows occasionally?

While we’re firm in our opinions, we can only communicate with our cat mom with purrs, head butts, and the occasional meow.

That’s cool. That’s my method of communication with Alicia, although in my later books I communicate with the other pets in the series.

What advice would you give other cat characters?

Don’t use up your nine lives too quickly.

MOL (Meow Out Loud). Purrfect advice!

Do you have any new books coming out? Please give dates and details.

Yes! We play an essential part in the current book. It’s called A Lethal Lake Effect. Um…lake effect happens during the winter when we get a LOT of snow off Lake Ontario. But this book takes place in May. Go figure! It’s available right now. Here’s a description.

A LETHAL LAKE EFFECT: Things go awry for Katie Bonner when her former mother-in-law, Margo, throws a housewarming party at her lakeside renta,l and one of her guests ends up dead in the water. Maxwell Preston was a devoted husband—and a not-so-great dad. He was a beloved pharmacist who didn’t take care of his ramshackle property, destined to be a hot commodity on Victoria Square when his heir puts it up for sale. But most of all, Pettis was a stranger to the others who attended the party.

Meanwhile, Nona Fiske takes charge of Victoria Square’s big summer extravaganza—a disaster in the making as what little power she’s seized has gone straight to her head. The Davenport sisters have their own agenda, and they’ve not only been poking around to find out more about the dead man but other mischief that’s been going on around the Square.

So, who killed Maxwell Preston and why? That’s what Katie wants to know, and she’s willing to risk everything to find out.

Find out more about the book here: https://lorrainebartlett.com/a-lethal-lake-effect/

Lorraine also writes the Booktown Mysteries as Lorna Barrett. A Controversial Cover comes out on July 16^th. You can find out more information about it here: https://lornabarrett.com/a-controversial-cover/

The immensely popular Booktown Mystery series is what first put Lorraine Bartlett’s pen name, Lorna Barrett, on the New York Times Bestseller list, but it’s her talent — whether writing as Lorna, L.L. Bartlett, or Lorraine Bartlett—that keeps her in her readers’ hearts. This multi-published, Agatha-nominated author also pens the exciting Jeff Resnick Mysteries as well as the acclaimed Victoria Square and Lotus Bay Mystery series, and the Tales of Blythe Cove Manor, and has many short stories and novellas to her name(s).

Check out A Lethal Lake Effect on Lorraine’s website, where you can read an excerpt and watch the book trailer: https://lorrainebartlett.com/a-lethal-lake-effect.

Wonderful! I will definitely check it out and hope my readers do, too. I’m also sharing the blog tour below. Best whiskers to you and your author on your new release.

A Lethal Lake Effect (A Victoria Square Mystery)
by Lorraine Bartlett

About A Lethal Lake Effect

A Lethal Lake Effect (A Victoria Square Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
9th in Series
Setting – Victoria Square, McKinlay Mill, NY
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Polaris Press (June 6, 2024)
Number of Pages: 306
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CYYDN1GH

Things go awry for Katie Bonner when her former mother-in-law, Margo, throws a housewarming party at her lakeside rental and one of her guests ends up dead in the water. Maxwell Preston was a devoted husband–and a not-so-great dad. He was a beloved pharmacist who didn’t take care of his ramshackle property, which is destined to be a hot commodity on Victoria Square when his heir puts it up for sale. But most of all, Preston was a stranger to the others who attended the party.

Meanwhile, Nona Fiske takes charge of Victoria Square big summer extravaganza—a disaster in the making as what little power she’s seized has gone straight to her head. The Davenport sisters have their own agenda, and they’ve not only been poking around to find out more about the dead man, but what other mischief has been going on around the Square.

So, who killed Maxwell Preston and why? That’s what Katie wants to know—and she’s willing to risk everything to find out.

About Lorraine Bartlett

The immensely popular Booktown Mystery series is what first put Lorraine Bartlett’s pen name Lorna Barrett on the New York Times Bestseller list, but it’s her talent — whether writing as Lorna, or L.L. Bartlett, or Lorraine Bartlett—that keeps her in her readers’ hearts. This multi-published, Agatha-nominated author also pens the exciting Jeff Resnick Mysteries as well as the acclaimed Victoria Square and Lotus Bay Mystery series, and the Tales of Blythe Cove Manor, and has many short stories and novellas to her name(s).

Author Links

Newsletter List: http://oi.vresp.com?fid=aee11a8d64

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lorraine-bartlett

Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/lorraine.bartlett

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/LorraineBartlett.author/

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LorraineBartlettmysteries/

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

Website: http://www.lorrainebartlett.com

Amazon: https://amzn.to/44njWmo

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4017727.Lorraine_Bartlett

Purchase Links
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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

June 6 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

June 7 – Rebecca M. Douglass, Author – REVIEW

June 7 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

June 8 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

June 9 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

June 10 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

June 11 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST

June 12 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

June 12 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

June 13 – Boys’ Mom Raads! – CHARACTER GUEST POST

June 14 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

June 15 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 16 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

June 17 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

June 18 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

June 18 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

June 19 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

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Authors, Interview

Interview and Blog Tour with Jann Franklin, author of Muffalettas and Murder

Posted on May 28, 2024 by Debbie

Welcome to Ruff Drafts, Jann. I understand you’re from Louisiana. How long have you been published?

3 years

What titles and/or series have you published and with which publisher?

They’re all self-published through my publishing company, Rougarou Press.. Small Town Girl Mysteries: Muffalettas and Murder, Boudin and Bloodshed, Fruitcake and Fraud, Mardi Gras and Mayhem, (coming out July 11) Sweet Tea and Suspects.

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

I write faith-based books—my characters go to church and pray before meals. But they definitely aren’t perfect, nor do they think they are. They have their fair share of faults and quirks, just like the rest of us.

Small Town Girl Mysteries (4 books with 5^th coming out July 11)-Evangeline Delafose finds Graisseville, Louisiana just as she remembers—boring and uneventful, until her brother asks her to help solve a murder. Now she’s hooked. Follow Ev as she takes on each mystery, with her frustrating but loveable private investigator by her side. And, of course, a bit of insider info from the quirky residents of her small town.

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 release 2 more books this year, including the first of my 3 Dog Mysteries. Then I will focus on 3 books a year, 2 from 3 Dog Mysteries and 1 from Small Town Girl Mysteries. I love writing cozies!

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

My readers enjoy twisty Southern mysteries with a touch of romance and a dose of humor. My books offer characters who exasperate as much as they endear. These quirky yet charming residents are just like family—sometimes you want to hug them, and sometimes you want to disown them. My readers immerse themselves in small town culture as they exercise their sleuthing skills and their funny bones.

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

Don’t give up-just keep writing.
Find a community of authors, either locally or online. Or both!
Marketing terrifies everyone. Don’t scattershot everything! Just focus on one area of marketing (newsletter, social media, local events, etc.) that seems the least scary and perfect it. Then move on.

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

I didn’t realize I had to market my books—I thought if I wrote books, readers would find me and love me. But I didn’t give up, I found my community of fellow authors both locally and online. We support and encourage each other, and keep each other sane.

Do you belong to any writing groups? Which ones?

Association of Christian Fiction Writers is my source for fellow authors, both the national and the local groups. I was a member of Sisters in Crime, but our Louisiana chapter folded and the others are so far away.

What are your hobbies and interests besides writing?

My husband and I just started a food truck called Tin Roof Chef. Is that a hobby or an interest? Or both? I’ve got plans to develop a cozy mystery series based on a couple who run a food truck and solve mysteries—I’ve already got some good plot lines.

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

Finding my audience is definitely the most challenging, and the best methods to do that. I’ve scattershot myself the last few years, but have settled into perfecting my newsletter and my website. I try to work social media in the nooks and crannies, but it’s not my focus at the moment.

What do you like about writing cozy mysteries?

What’s not to like about it? I create protagonists who are clever and kind and solve the crimes, and villains who deserve to go to prison—and they do. It’s just as how we wish the world could be. I do throw in some twists and turns—not every villain makes it to prison, and some victims were actually pretty nice. You know, more like how the world actually operates.

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

Of course! My newest release, “Sweet Tea and Suspects”, will come out on July 11—you can find it at your favorite major retailers:

The community theater is putting on “Death of a Salesman,” but someone has turned the play into reality!

Who killed Daniel Sullivan, star of the show and all-around jerk? Hometown heroine Jen Guidry was arrested, but did she really do it? Maybe it was the director, or the understudy? It could have been the producer, or the naïve ingenue. There are more suspects than cups of sugar in a pitcher of sweet tea.

Can Ev and Shorty solve their fifth case and bring the killer to justice? Regardless, the show must go on!

This book is the fifth of the Small-Town Girl Mysteries, a clean faith-based series of books with no profanity, sex, or graphic violence.

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

My husband, John and I enjoy Sundays at Grand Cane Baptist Church, supper with family and friends, and the sense of community that comes from living the small-town life. Our kids come to visit, when they aren’t too busy living their big-city lives. You can visit me at http://www.jannfranklin.com

Please list your social media links, website, blog, etc. and include some book cover graphics and author photos if possible.

My Website Link:

https://jannfranklin.com

My Blog Link:

https://jannfranklin.com/blog/

My Facebook Page Link:

https://www.facebook.com/jannfranklinauthor

My Instagram Profile Link :

https://www.instagram.com/jannfranklinauthor/

My Goodreads Profile Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22583014.Jann_Franklin

My Bookbub Profile Link:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jann-franklin

My Amazon Author Profile Page Link:

http://bit.ly/3HN7aD3

Thank you so much for the interview, Jann. I’m sharing your Great Escapes blog tour below. Best wishes on your new release and upcoming releases.

Muffalettas and Murder: Small Town Girl Mysteries
by Jann Franklin

About Muffalettas and Murder

Muffalettas and Murder: Small Town Girl Mysteries
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Louisiana
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rougarou Press (January 30, 2023)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 238 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8987739402
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BPQYJQ3T

Evangeline Delafose is finding Graisseville, Louisiana just as she remembered—boring and uneventful. Until her brother Nate asks her to help solve a murder.

Follow Ev as she navigates clues, dead bodies, and quirky small-town residents to solve a mystery. And of course, show her little brother that she’s still got it.

If you like cozy mysteries with twists and turns, deep South settings, and a hint of romance, you’ll love this series! Let’s not forget quirky yet charming characters who remind you of family—sometimes you want to hug them, and sometimes you want to disown them. Enjoy small town Graisseville with Ev as she solves crime with help from her family and friends. This is a clean faith based read with no profanity, sex, or graphic violence.

This book is the first of the Small-Town Girl Mystery Series.

Author Links

Webpage: https://jannfranklin.com

Blog: https://jannfranklin.com/blog

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

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

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22583014.Jann_Franklin

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

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

May 16 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

May 17 – Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

May 18 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

May 19 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT