I'm so excited for the next book in the River Sutton Mysteries I'm about to pop. I recently hosted an author takeover in a Facebook group, where I revealed the title for my next book. I've mentioned it's set at Christmastime so you know it's going to be a fun holiday pun. What's inside this package? 🎅Jenn and Deb are ready to open the doors of their new bed and breakfast--Cardinal Cottage. 🎅It's Christmastime in River Sutton, so there's a sleighful of Christmas cheer. 🎅You'll meet a new cast of "guest star" characters and get reacquainted with the regulars. 🎅My cat becomes a character, but his name has been changed to protect his privacy. What's the title of the next book in the River Sutton Mysteries? Scroll down to "open the package"! Jingle Bell Justice! Mark October 18, 2023, on your calendar to make sure you get a copy. Cover reveal and more details to come. If you haven't already, sign up for my newsletter to make sure you get all … [Read more...] about Title Reveal: River Sutton Mystery #3
Naming Characters in ‘The Haunting of Ivy May’
I have a confession. There are many times that I use a random name generator to name characters in my books. 😯 Sometimes I use the name exactly as is. Sometimes it inspires me to come up with a different name. I try to keep my characters diverse, which means having names from varying ethnicities, as well. When I was naming characters for The Haunting of Ivy May, I did a little research 🤔 rather than grabbing names from thin air. (I usually think a little harder about names for main characters.) The name Ivy 🌿 came to me because I wanted to use a plant that was popular in the Victorian era since Ivy (the character) renovates a Victorian cottage. Her last name is May 🌷 because she is in a season of renewal in her life. (Plus, I just love the sound of her name all put together: Ivy May. Looks good in type, too.) (Psst! Her mother's name isn't Rose 🌹 for nothin'.) Once her name was established, I moved onto her ex-husband. His last name, Preen, is perfect for two … [Read more...] about Naming Characters in ‘The Haunting of Ivy May’
Book Review: A Sinister Revenge
A Sinister Revenge is a twisty mystery inside a mystery set in Victorian England with a large cast of characters. (When available, I use Amazon affiliate links and may earn a commission.) The Veronica Speedwell series is one of my favorites. A Sinister Revenge was bogged down in the beginning (the setup) but once the mystery took off, it was a page turner. The large cast of characters was delightful, and I love having Merriwether (the younger brother) there. Here's the video of my full book review. (Did you know I have a YouTube channel of book reviews called Book Blab? Click/tap here to subscribe.) https://youtu.be/wLGUqH1jkiY Be sure to subscribe to my Book Blab channel for more book reviews. … [Read more...] about Book Review: A Sinister Revenge
Book Review: Murder at an Irish Bakery
Carlene O'Connor's Irish cozy mystery series is the gold standard. After a slow start, Murder at an Irish Bakery flew by. (When available, I use Amazon affiliate links and may earn a commission.) I didn't think Murder at an Irish Bakery would surprise me, but it did! The mystery was thick with clues and red herrings. If you're a baker, or love baking competitions, you will LOVE this book. It has all the hallmarks of a bake shop cozy mystery. Here's the video of my full book review. (Did you know I have a YouTube channel of book reviews called Book Blab? Click/tap here to subscribe.) https://youtu.be/oG17yFdZVGg Be sure to subscribe to my Book Blab channel for more book reviews. … [Read more...] about Book Review: Murder at an Irish Bakery
Book Review: A World of Curiosities
A World of Curiosities is another terrific murder mystery by Louise Penny. Inspector Gamache must detangle clues within clues and face personal trauma to catch the killer. (When available, I use Amazon affiliate links and may earn a commission.) Although I guessed the killer before the end, A World of Curiosities is wonderful. Be warned: It's darker than Penny's other Inspector Gamache books. Here's the video of my full book review. (Did you know I have a YouTube channel of book reviews called Book Blab? Click/tap here to subscribe.) https://youtu.be/SBuBcNWePHc Be sure to subscribe to my Book Blab channel for more book reviews. … [Read more...] about Book Review: A World of Curiosities