Category: New Releases
New Release: Murder at Meadows Lake Clubhouse by Debbie De Louise
I’m proud to announce the release of the first Soup, the Supernatural Kitten cozy mystery, Murder at Meadows Lake Clubhouse.
BLURB
Widow and retired realtor, Rose Fairchild, is gifted with a sixth sense. Moving from Long Island to a community in South Carolina, Rose is reluctant to leave the house she shared with her husband Harvey and her cat Moxie before they died, but a strange vision of a disappearing kitten on the community’s website intrigues her.
When Rose arrives in the Meadows Lake community, she meets two singles her age: Grant, a real estate agent and widower, and Blake, the divorced Fallsview sheriff. She also meets the orange cat of her vision who introduces herself as Soup and claims to be sent by Rose’s husband as a guide for her new life.
Soon after, a murder takes place at the clubhouse. The victim is the restaurant cook who wasn’t well liked, and Rose becomes involved in the sheriff’s investigation, only to receive a written threat to stop snooping around. Will her visions help her solve the case… or will she need help from her supernatural kitten?
EXCERPT
Rose knew someone was at the door before she heard the knock. It wasn’t a salesperson. It was Diane who, having had no response to her phone call,
was visiting in person. Rose wanted to ignore the knock when it came, but she knew Diane wouldn’t give up, so she put on her slippers and her robe and answered the door.
“Rose, I’ve been worried. Please let me in. I have something important to tell you.” Diane stood there in her tailored pantsuit and high heels, her short dark hair framing her heartshaped face.
“It’s about moving, right? You’ve found a place for me.”
Diane’s green eyes flashed an angry spark, but then it fizzled out. “I hate when you do that, Rose. You’re right, of course, but please let me “I’ll fill in the details.”
“I already told you I’m not going anywhere. This was the home I shared with Harvey and Moxie. Their memories are here.”
“Their memories will always be with you, but you need to move on with your life. I’m your friend. I want what’s best for you. Just hear me out.”
Rose stepped back. “Okay. Come in.”
While Rose knew Diane was there to suggest she move away again, her sixth sense was limited to the general idea. She didn’t know exactly what Diane was proposing.
As Diane entered, Rose noticed she was carrying her laptop. “I need to show you something. A house just came on the market. I think it’ll be perfect for you.
It’s in a lakeside community that caters to 55+ residents, but other ages can live there too. You’ll make friends there and maybe a boyfriend.”
“Diane, stop!”
“Sorry. I know it’s way too soon, but you’re young. You have to think of the future. Harvey wouldn’t want you to spend your life mourning him. Please, just take a look at this place.”
Diane walked over to the sofa and opened her laptop.
Rose knew she had no choice but to at least look at the screen. She sat next to Diane and glanced at the photos Diane was browsing through.
“These are shots of the community. It’s called Meadows Lake. There’s a clubhouse with a gym, pool, pickleball courts, and social activities. They have a book club, craft club, and a wonderful restaurant.” Diane kept scrolling through the photos. Rose nodded but didn’t make any comments.
Diane ended with a photo of the house for sale.
“Although most of the homes have been built, the buyers dropped out of this one at the last minute. I think it’s perfect for you.”
When Rose recognized the end of Diane’s sales pitch, she said, “I agree that it’s nice, but you left out one piece of important information.”
“Oh, the cost. It’s very reasonable. In fact, when you sell this place, you’ll have enough money to buy it with money left over. I know Harvey left you enough for your living expenses, and you also have your pension.”
“I’m not talking about the cost. You haven’t said where this place is located.”
“Ah, that.” Diane smiled. “It’s in sunny South Carolina. You’ll never have to worry about snow, you’ll have all the benefits of the four seasons, and taxes are much lower than here.”
“South Carolina? That’s so far away. I thought you were only licensed in New York. Couldn’t you send me something nearby?”
“Sorry, honey. This isn’t my listing. It’s from an agent in our South Carolina office. He knows about your situation and is going to contact you.”
Rose stood up. “I know you mean well, Diane, but I can’t make this type of change at my age. I can’t even think about moving.”
“You don’t have to worry about that. I’ll help. I know a good moving company, and I’ll help you pack up, too, but you need to make a decision soon, or this place will be gone.”
Diane was about to close her laptop when something caught Rose’s eye. It was a photo of the house. “Can you zoom in on that photo, please?” she asked.
“Of course.” Diane zoomed in, and Rose saw the image on the step that she had missed the first time she’d viewed the photo.
It was a small orange cat with a white triangle marking on her nose.
“What is it?” Diane asked.
“The cat. Is it lost?”
“What cat?” Diane looked at the photo.
“Don’t you see the orange kitten on the doorstep?”
“No, I don’t, but I’m sure there are plenty of cats in that community.”
Rose looked again, but the image of the cat was gone.
Learn more about my new release, my other upcoming release, A Mystery Box of Cat Tails, as well as my other series and standalone titles at my Zoom presentation for the Center for the Book at the South Carolina State Library on Friday, March 28 at 3 p.m. EST. Register at https://statelibrary.sc.libcal.com/event/14157203
Announcing a New Buttercup Bend Mystery and a Free Book
I’m proud to announce that the fifth Buttercup Bend Cozy Mystery, The Case of the Reptile Rescuing Receptionist, is now available. 
Newlywed Cathy Jefferson is looking forward to a peaceful honeymoon on Long Island with her husband, Steve – until she discovers a body near their cottage.
The victim is a former hotel employee who seems to have died from venomous snake bites. When the hotel manager pleads for Cathy’s help to clear his name, she reluctantly agrees, enlisting her friends Nancy and Mildred to join the investigation.
As Cathy and her friends dig deeper into the case, they uncover a tangled web of suspects, from Brenda’s ex-husband to eccentric reptile rescue volunteers and hotel staff with plenty to hide.
The fifth book in Debbie De Louise’s Buttercup Bend cozy mystery series, THE CASE OF THE REPTILE RESCUING RECEPTIONIST, will test Cathy’s sleuthing skills – and courage – like never before.
For those new to the series, the first book, The Case of the Cat Crazy Lady, is free.
Cathy Carter and her brother Douglas own a pet cemetery and animal rescue center in the small, upstate New York town of Buttercup Bend.
After the local “Cat Crazy Lady,” Maggie Broom, is found dead in her home, Cathy is stunned to learn that Rainbow Gardens and Rainbow Rescues is the recipient of most of Maggie’s estate.
Maggie’s estranged brother and sister come to town and are upset with the terms of their sister’s will. Sheriff Leroy Miller is convinced one of them killed Maggie.
When another person turns up dead, Cathy sets out to solve the murders with her reporter friend, Nancy Meyers. But who really wanted to kill the “Cat Crazy Lady,” and why?
Announcing a Purrfect New Book for Cat Lovers: A Mixed Bag of Cat Tails
My new release, A Mixed Bag of Cat Tails, is a purrfect read for cat lovers and those who enjoy reading about cats.
Here are descriptions of a few of the stories included in this collection:
A talking cat helps a woman solve a rich man’s murder, so she can inherit his fortune.
A ghost cat rescues a bride from a demon.
Sweethearts reunite thanks to a cat they save.
A man traveling with his family finds a can on the beach and lets loose a cat genie.
A recently divorced woman moves to San Francisco and ends up time traveling to the time of the Great Earthquake – along with a cat.
These stories and five others make up A Mixed Bag of Cat Tails, a collection of mystery, romance, horror, fantasy, and science fiction tales sure to delight cat lovers and those who enjoy reading about cats.
The book is available in eBook, Kindle Unlimited, paperback, and hardcover
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D73KLFPJ?
New Release! The Case of the Whale Watching Wedding Planner
I’m proud to announce the release of my 18th book, The Case of the Whale Watching Wedding Planner, Buttercup Bend Mystery #4.
Cathy, Nancy, and Mildred are on their way to Long Island to plan a triple wedding. When they try to meet with Georgia Hampton, a wedding planner who leads whale-watching tours, they discover her body upon her boat.
Teaming up again, the trio investigate the crime. Suspects include Georgia’s sister who is a partner in their wedding planning business, an artist who is a naturalist and conducts whale-watching tours, several couples whose relationships ended after consulting with Georgia, and employees of the tour company.
Reuniting with her great aunt after many years, Cathy learns that another suspicious death has occurred at Captain Sharp’s Whale Watching Tours. Can they solve the mystery, or will their efforts sail out to sea?
It’s not necessary to read the series in order, but if you want to catch up with the previous books, they’re sold in a handy collection that include the first 3 titles: The Case of the Cat Crazy Lady, The Case of the Parrot Loving Professor, and The Case of the Llama Raising Librarian.
Universal Purchase Link: https://geni.us/LlytV
Thank you for your interest. My upcoming Spring author newsletter will include other new releases, photos and a video about my move to South Carolina, the winner of my Spring Poetry Contest, and more. Don’t miss it. Subscribe at debbiedelouise.com.
Spotlight for Deacon of the Dead
Deacon of the Dead: A Second Chance Inn Cozy Mystery
by MJ O’Neill
About Deacon of the Dead 
Deacon of the Dead: A Second Chance Inn Cozy Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Georgia
Sweet Devotions (October 10, 2023)
Print length : 274 pages
Digital ASIN : B0CK6LN21S
Come Sit a Spell in Clinton, Georgia. Home to Southern Sass, Romance, Murder, and (Fake) Zombie Fun – a charming cozy mystery book series from award-winning author MJ O’Neill
Who Knew Fake Zombies Could Stir Up Such Real Trouble?
When Harmony Holt’s daddy lands in the hospital putting their family inn on the brink of foreclosure, she’s dragged back to her quirky hometown, Clinton, Georgia, with an unconventional rescue plan: zombies. Well, zombie tours to be precise. As autumn unveils its colors, she concocts a daring plan to intertwine the town’s newfound fame as film site for the hit TV show Walker, Zombie Ranger with it’s upcoming fall festival, all to save her family’s legacy—and ideally, while dodging any awkward encounters with her ex, Seth.But when Deacon Miller, a vocal opponent of her undead tourism idea, is found murdered in the middle of her zombie-fueled grand opening, shot with her inn’s gun, no less, she’s in a heap of trouble on both fronts. Now, with her tour permit hanging by a thread, land snatchers are clamoring for a piece of her property, and the local businesses that banked on her venture are in the lurch. To top it off, she’s prime suspect in the Deacon’s murder. Her sole beacon of hope? Sheriff Seth Johnson, her ex.
Is it a Second Chance at Love or a Second Chance for Murder?
Dive into this fall treat by award-winning author MJ O’Neill, a unique blend of cozy mystery and romance, sprinkled with Southern sass and autumn charm. Can Harmony save her family legacy and find where her heart truly belongs, or are some secrets better kept whispered in regrets?
About MJ O’Neill
MJ O’Neill is an award-winning author, entrepreneur, and literacy advocate.
Her love of mysteries started as a dyslexic child who relied on Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden to get through the dreaded book report. Now, she is a fierce advocate for literacy and stands firm against literary censorship.
Her professional writing adventure began when she owned a chocolate factory where writing mysteries was a safer bet than “murdering customers”. Currently, you might spot MJ rambling around the Pacific Northwest in her jeep, with her teenager and fierce Yorkie, on the hunt for bigfoot and her next captivating tale.
Author Links
Website: http://www.mjoneillauthor.com Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/mjoneillauthor BookBub Page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mj-o-neill
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjoneillauthor Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/MJONeillAuthor
Purchase Link: Amazon
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
November 13 – Lady Hawkeye – RECIPE
November 13 – Reading Authors Network – CHARACTER GUEST POST
November 13 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – SPOTLIGHT
November 14 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
November 14 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW
November 14 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW
November 15 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT
November 15 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
November 16 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
November 16 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
November 16 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT
November 17 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR GUEST POST
November 17 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
November 17 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT
November 18 – My Reading Journeys – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
November 18 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT
November 19 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT
November 19 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?
Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!
Want to Book a Tour?
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New Release: The Case of the Llama Raising Librarian
I’m proud to announce that the third book in my Buttercup Bend cozy mystery series has been published by Next Chapter Publishing. Check out this 5-star review of The Case of the Llama Raising Librarian:
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 8, 2023
If you’ve missed any of these great cozies, you can find all 3 books for sale here: https://amzn.to/43xXOUp
Also, don’t miss the blog tour by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours starting July 31st.
THE CASE OF THE LLAMA RAISING LIBRARIAN TOUR PARTICIPANTS
July 31 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST
July 31 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
August 1 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT
August 1 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT
August 2 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT
August 2 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST
August 3 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
August 3 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT
August 4 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
August 4 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
August 5 – I’m Into Books – SPOTLIGHT
August 5 – Baroness Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
August 6 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT
August 6 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT
Spotlight and Blog Tour for Roast Date: A Barks & Beans Cozy Mystery by Heather Day Gilbert
Roast Date (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery)
by Heather Day Gilbert
About Roast Date
Roast Date (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
7th in Series
Setting – West Virginia
WoodHaven Press (December 20, 2022)
Number of Pages ~250
Digital ASIN : B09Z8NYHX9
BOOK SEVEN in the bestselling BARKS & BEANS CAFE cozy mystery series!!
Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java…and where murder sometimes pays a visit.
After much cajoling, Macy gives in to her neighbor, Vera, and agrees to come to her book club’s Christmas party so she can share about the cafe. While public speaking isn’t Macy’s thing, she wants to brighten Vera’s lonely holiday season…and she can sell a little house blend on the side.
When a lively book discussion spirals into a public roast of the mayor—who happens to be sitting in their midst—things get uncomfortable. Soon afterward, the mayor shows up dead in Vera’s bathroom, and no amount of gingerbread cookies or eggnog can restore Vera to the club’s good graces. ‘Tis the season for Macy to find the murderer, or else Vera might be taking a long winter’s nap in a jail cell.
Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown…with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.
The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series in order:
Book 1: No Filter
Book 2: Iced Over
Book 3: Fair Trade
Book 4: Spilled Milk
Book 5: Trouble Brewing
Book 6: Cold Drip
Book 7: Roast Date
About Heather Day Gilbert
Award-winning novelist Heather Day Gilbert enjoys writing mysteries and Viking historicals. She brings authentic family relationships to the page, and she particularly delights in heroines who take a stand to protect those they love. Avid readers say Heather’s realistic characters—no matter what century—feel like best friends. When she’s not plotting stories, this native West Virginian can often be found hanging out with her husband and four children, playing video games, or reading Agatha Christie novels.
Author Links
Webpage: https://heatherdaygilbert.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherdaygilbert/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/heatherdgilbert
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heather-day-gilbert
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7232683.Heather_Day_Gilbert
Purchase Link – Amazon
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
December 19 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
December 19 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT
December 19 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
December 20 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
December 20 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
December 20 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
December 20 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT
December 21 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW
December 21 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
December 21 – Lady Hawkeye – AUTHOR GUEST POST
December 21 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
December 22 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
December 22 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW
December 22 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
December 22 – The Mystery Section – SPOTLIGHT
December 23 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW
December 23 – The Book Diva’s Reads – AUTHOR GUEST POST
December 23 – I’m Into Books – SPOTLIGHT
December 23 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
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New Release: THE CASE OF THE PARROT LOVING PROFESSOR: Buttercup Bend #2
I’m proud to announce the release of my 2nd Buttercup Bend cozy mystery, The Case of the Parrot Loving Professor. In this new mystery, Cathy Carter, co-owner of Rainbow Gardens Pet Cemetery and Rainbow Rescues animal rescue center who has recently returned to college, investigates the murder of her professor while preparing for her 27th birthday and a 1970’s costume dance.
I think you’ll enjoy learning more about the characters introduced in The Case of the Cat Crazy Lady, Buttercup Bend #1. I’m also excited to introduce my own cats, Harry and Hermione, into the series as kittens and pay tribute to my Stripey who passed away in May.
BLURB
Cathy Carter knew that returning to college would be tough, but she never expected it would involve finding her anthropology professor’s dead body.
There are no shortages of suspects in Dr. Bodkin’s murder. Besides his three ex-wives and estranged son and daughter, there are also the members of the Talking Parrots Club, a group of four parrot enthusiasts, of which he was the president and founder.
As Cathy delves into Bodkin’s murder, she discovers a relationship between her teacher and the Mennonite family from whom she purchased the farmland for her new pet rescue center. She and her friend Nancy, now employed at a detective agency, work together to help Detective Hunt and Sheriff Miller solve the crime.
After receiving cryptic messages, they wonder if someone wants to put a stop to their investigation. With the Buttercup Bend church’s 1970’s costume dance and Cathy’s birthday fast approaching, can she and Nancy bring Bodkin’s killer to justice without endangering their lives?
Follow the blog tour December 12 to 18 on Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours to read excerpts, guest posts, reviews, spotlights, and earn a chance at a holiday giveaway. Remember that books make great gifts.Interview with Sarah E. Burr, author of Too Much to Candle, a Glenmyre Whim Cozy Mystery
It’s my pleasure to welcome Sarah E. Burr to Ruff Drafts. Sarah is an author who lives in New York.
Hi, Sarah. 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’ve been publishing for a little over five years now. I’ve independently published the Glenmyre Whim Mysteries and the Court of Mystery series. Level Best Books publishes my Trending Topic Mysteries (#FollowMe for Murder), and TouchPoint Press will release the Book Blogger Mystery series next year (Over My Dead Blog). What can I say? I love a good mystery!
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.
I’m celebrating the release of Book Two in the Glenmyre Whim Mysteries, Too Much to Candle, which came out on October 13th, 2022. Readers meet candlemaker Hazel Wickbury, who has a shocking secret. She can see when someone is going to die. This power, known as a “whim,” thrusts Hazel into the center of a missing person investigation when her candle shop assistant becomes the prime suspect. Add buried treasure and family secrets to the mix, and Hazel just might have too much on her plate to “candle.”
That sounds very 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?
The ultimate goal of my writing is to entertain. To bring happiness and joy through a medium that I love. A more personal goal is to capture as many of the stories spinning around my head as possible.
I aim to finish my Court of Mystery series with ten books (I’m writing Book Nine as we speak) and then launch a spin-off series featuring fan-favorite characters Captain George Solomon and Countess Serafina Braeknoch. I’ve been working on a detailed plan to expand the Realm of Virtues (the world where the series is set) for some time now, so I’m feeling very confident about its future.
I also hope to solidify one more cozy mystery series with a publisher; that process involves queries and proposals and lots of waiting.
I set word count and project goals to help myself stay on track. I put together a roadmap each month of what I need to accomplish, and that’s my to-do list for the next four weeks. I also do daily/weekly goal check-ins to ensure I’m moving in the right direction.
I know all about stories spinning in one’s head. I have an ongoing list of books to write and just have to find the time. I admire your goal-setting technique.
What type of reader are you hoping to attract? Who do you believe would be most interested in reading your books?
I love to entertain my readers. I want to create a happy escape for them where good always triumphs over evil. If a reader is looking for something dark and gritty, my books probably won’t deliver on that front. While I may write about murder, I focus more on close-knit friends banding together to do whatever it takes to bring down the bad guy. I make jokes, use silly puns, and my characters are quick with sarcastic quips. Readers who enjoy lighthearted mysteries with a paranormal twist can always read the Glenmyre Whim Mysteries for free on Kindle Unlimited.
It sounds like you have a good awareness of your audience.
What advice would you give other authors or those still trying to get published?
Get involved in the writing community. Whether online through social media or a local writing group, building a network and community of writers is vital in this industry. The support you both give and receive will be invaluable.
Great advice. I completely agree.
What particular challenges and struggles did you face before first becoming published?
Five years ago, as a millennial trying to break into the cozy mystery space, I had to overcome a lot of naysayers who told me social media was “just a fad” and that my tech-savvy heroines wouldn’t be relevant in a few years. Thankfully, I found an agent and, subsequently, a publisher who believed I was on the right track with Coco Cline and her story in #FollowMe for Murder.
You showed them.
Do you belong to any writing groups? Which ones?
I am a member of Sisters in Crime and am on the board of my local New York chapter.
I am also a member of that group and also the New York chapter, although I live on Long Island.
What are your hobbies and interests besides writing?
I love to read, but that might be a given. I’m also a big Broadway buff and am an avid video gamer. I also love board games and card games.
Those sound like fun hobbies.
What do you like most and least about being an author? What is your toughest challenge?
I love many things about being an author, but the best is hearing from readers. It really, really makes my day when someone reaches out to let me know how funny they think social media influencer Coco Cline and her friends are or how candlemaker Hazel and her Aunt Poppy make such a fantastic team. I love discovering that I’ve brought joy to someone’s life; that’s why I create these lighthearted, fun stories, after all.
As for my challenges and what I like least, I’d have to say grammar and proofreading! I’m terrible with spelling and catching mistakes. I will spend an hour determining whether I’ve structured one sentence correctly. Sometimes, I spell something so horribly wrong that spellcheck says, “You’re on your own.”
I do a lot of reading out loud to help catch my mistakes; it’s incredible how hearing something rather than reading it can shine a light on typos and misused words.
It’s so true that reading your work aloud helps you spot errors. I do that, too.
What do you like about writing cozy mysteries?
Writing cozy mysteries is how I vicariously live out my childhood fantasies of being Nancy Drew. I love the idea of a civilian willing to put everything on the line to see justice done. Cozy mystery main characters are kind of like superheroes in that way. I also enjoy making warm, welcoming towns where I’d want to live. Every town I’ve created, I would live in, hands down.
Yes, that’s the fun part of cozies and, of course, the quirky characters who become like friends as you follow them from book to book in a series.
Can you share a short excerpt from your latest release?
Too Much to Candle:
Curses. I seethed inwardly as I gnawed on my lower lip to conceal my physical and mental anguish. I despised my ability in moments like this. I didn’t want to know when one of my closest friends was going to die. Iggy, thank goodness, had more than seventy years on his lifeclock, meaning he would live a long, full life, well into his late nineties, but still…knowing when someone was fated to die was an incredible burden.
I took a deep breath, keenly aware that Poppy’s eyes were locked on my hunched form. No doubt, my bestie knew what had happened. I was sure she’d go into super-protective aunt mode the moment we were alone. But for now, I had to keep it together, to pretend that I didn’t know when the two men before me were destined to meet their end.
Inhaling another cleansing breath, I straightened my shoulders and turned to Mayhan. I couldn’t help but feel somewhat relieved that we wouldn’t have this unpleasant fellow in our lives for much longer. Because, while Iggy’s lifeclock had shown decades, Mayhan Montgomery had only twenty-two days left to live.
Good excerpt. Thanks for sharing it.
Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about you or your books?
I’m very active on social media and love hearing from readers, so please feel free to reach out through your favorite online platform. I also host a live-stream YouTube series with fellow cozy mystery author J.C. Kenney. Our show is called The Bookish Hour, and we interview authors across all genres about their books, characters, and writing. Our second season kicks off on October 13th with a special release celebration for Too Much to Candle.
That sounds great. I know J.C. I appeared on a panel with him once. I should check out your YouTube series. Maybe you can interview me next time.
Please list your social media links, website, blog, etc.
Website: http://www.saraheburr.com
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/saraheburrsignup
Socials: https://bit.ly/sarahsocialmediahub
Too Much to Candle: https://amzn.to/3NlJkyU
Glenmyre Whim Mystery series: https://bit.ly/glenmyrewhimmysteries
Thank you for the great interview, and best wishes on your new release. I’m sharing your blog tour and giveaway below.
Too Much to Candle (Glenmyre Whim Mysteries)
by Sarah E. Burr
About Too Much to Candle
Too Much to Candle (Glenmyre Whim Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery/Paranormal
2nd in Series
Setting: A fictional town in upstate New York called Crucible
Independently Published (October 13, 2022)
Number of Pages: 249
Digital ASIN : B0B1QT8XL8
Candlemaker Hazel Wick bury sets out again to bring the truth to light.
Iggy Alewell, Hazel Wickbury’s friend and candle shop assistant, is eager to purchase his own home with the advance from his first big book deal. Iggy is on the hunt for something with character, so what could be better than the old Cragmire house that’s rumored to have buried treasure somewhere on its property? Hazel is thrilled her friend has found success, but things in Crucible take a nasty turn when another potential buyer for the Cragmire house goes missing. He was last seen taking a boat out on Lake Glenmyre, and when the rental is found empty, it’s clear to police that foul play is involved.
What’s worse is that Iggy becomes the prime suspect in the man’s disappearance, and Detective Holden Whitfield’s thorny, new partner is certain Iggy is guilty. To clear Iggy from suspicion and dispel the darkness penetrating their beloved town, Hazel and her Aunt Poppy team up again to find a killer before their friend gets burned.
Return to Crucible in Too Much to Candle, Book Two in the award-winning Glenmyre Whim Mysteries.
About Sarah E. Burr
Sarah E. Burr lives near New York City. Hailing from the small town of Appleton, Maine, she has been dreaming of being Nancy Drew since she was a little girl. After not finding any mysteries in corporate America, Sarah began writing some of her own. She is the author of the Trending Topic Mysteries and the Court of Mystery series. Sarah is also the author of the award-winning Glenmyre Whim Mysteries. You Can’t Candle the Truth was a 2022 NGIBA Best Mystery Finalist and a 2022 Silver Falchion Best Supernatural Mystery Finalist.
Sarah is a member of Sisters in Crime, currently serving as the social media guru for the NY-TriState Chapter. She is also the creative mind behind BookstaBundles, a content creation service for authors. Sarah is the co-host of The Bookish Hour, a livestreamed YouTube series featuring author interviews and book discussions. She writes as a member of the Writers Who Kill blogging team. When she’s not spinning up stories, Sarah is singing Broadway show tunes, video gaming, and enjoying walks with her dog, Eevee.
Author Links
Website: www.saraheburr.com
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/saraheburrsignup
Socials: https://bit.ly/sarahsocialmediahub
Sarah’s Blog: https://bit.ly/noteworthyauthorblog
The Glenmyre Whim Mysteries: https://bit.ly/glenmyrewhimmysteries
Amazon Author Page: https://bit.ly/authorsaraheburr
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Purchase Link – Amazon
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
October 14 – The Plain-Spoken Pen – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW
October 14 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT
October 15 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 15 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
October 15 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 16 – The Mystery Section – SPOTLIGHT
October 16 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
October 17 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
October 17 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW
October 18 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
October 18 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
October 19 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
October 19 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
October 20 – Elza Reads – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST
October 20 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT
October 21 – Lady Hawkeye – CHARACTER GUEST POST
October 21 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT
October 22 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT
October 22 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
October 23 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT
October 23 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
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