Thursday, March 21, 2024

~ FRIDAY FEATURE COZY 'BATTERED & BURIED' ~

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  ~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~
--  'BATTERED AND BURIED'  --
AUTHOR LENA GREGORY
 
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'Battered and Buried' (An All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery) by Lena Gregory

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About Battered and Buried

 

 

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Battered and Buried (An All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery)  

Cozy Mystery 7th in Series Setting - Florida  

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Beyond the Page (March 19, 2024)

  Paperback ‏ : ‎ 188 pages  

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1960511580 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1960511584 Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CW18PPSQ 

  

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The best-laid plans may go awry, but the best-laid clues could frame a man for murder . . . Never one to let a day off work go to waste, café owner Gia Morelli and a friend head out for a blissful kayaking trip through the local national forest. But the peacefulness of the day is soon shattered when they come across Cole, her head cook, standing over a dead body.

 

Worse still, the victim was a lifelong enemy of Cole’s, and clues found on the body point to the cook as the culprit. When the police take Cole in and subject him to an intense grilling, Gia vows to do everything she can to prove his innocence.

 

As even more incriminating evidence surfaces—including when the murder weapon itself is found hidden at the café—Gia knows she’s up against someone brutal enough to kill and devious enough to frame Cole for the deed. With the police ready to make an official arrest and wrap up what they consider an open-and-shut case, Gia turns for help to an old friend who’s not above breaking the law himself. Because if she can’t find the killer, Cole may go from serving up hot dishes to serving a life sentence . . .

 

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'A Few Fun Facts' shared by Author Lena Gregory

1. My husband and I moved from the south shore of eastern Long Island to warm, sunny Central Florida almost five years ago with our three amazing kids, (ages thirty-three, twenty-five and thirteen) son-in-law, and four dogs. I am extremely family oriented. I enjoy nothing more than spending time with my husband and kids.

2. I am a master at procrastination. I don’t have a lot of writing time, but sometimes, when I do sit down to write, I just can’t seem to get going. So I tell myself there are important things I have to do before I can start writing. The first of those is usually Facebook, because there might be something interesting I “need” to know. I love to chat with readers and other authors, so I often hang out there for a bit. Then I check all of my emails, because, you know, something really important that wasn’t there five minutes ago, might be there now. And then I head for twitter. By the time I finish all of that, I’m usually hungry so, I grab a snack, then finally sit down to get started.

3. I am addicted to Diet Pepsi and chocolate!

4. I am painfully shy. As much as I love socializing and even meeting new people, I do much better one on one than I do in a group.

5. I love ice cream! It is my all-time favorite dessert, and it features in my Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries.

6. I worked the breakfast shift at my grandfather’s deli, as well as at Friendly’s, which led to the creation of the All-Day Breakfast Café Mysteries.

7. I am very high strung and rarely relax. I go from the time I get up around 7:30 am until the time I go to bed, anywhere between 1:30 and 3:00 am. I talk fast, I move fast, and I always have a list a mile long of things I have to get finished in a day. Of course, I usually forget or misplace the list, so it doesn’t always help much.

I’d love for you to leave a comment below sharing some things people don’t know about you and telling me if you share any of my interests!

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About Lena Gregory

 

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

Author Links:

Newsletter. Website Facebook Facebook Page Twitter (X) Goodreads Pinterest Instagram Bookbub Amazon

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

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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

~ COZY MYSTERY DAFFODILS & DEADLY DEEDS ~

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~ WEDNESDAY COZY MYSTERY
BOOK FEATURE ~
--  'DAFFODILS & DEADLY DEEDS'  --  
 AUTHOR VICTORIA TAIT

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Daffodils And Deadly Deeds: A British Cozy Murder Mystery 

with a Female Amateur Sleuth (A Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery) by Victoria Tait

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About Daffodils And Deadly Deeds

 

Daffodils And Deadly Deeds: A British Cozy Murder Mystery with a Female Amateur Sleuth (A Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery)  

Cozy Mystery 9th in Series Setting - Northumberland UK  
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kanga Press (March 15, 2024)  
Number of Pages c. 240  
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CJYLPWKY

 

 

A fraught family reunion. A corpse by the coast. Can an amateur sleuth crack this egg-xtraordinary mystery or be left scrambling for answers?

Spring signifies new beginnings, yet rookie antiques expert, Dotty Sayers, feels uncertain about her future. A colleague's invitation to Northumberland, in search of hidden family treasure, offers a fresh start. Once there, she immediately befriends her neighbour and assists with a prestigious project at a nearby castle. But when her mentor vanishes, and a body washes up in a secluded cove, Dotty wonders why so many people she knows end up dead.

Determined to assist, this budding amateur detective is hopping mad when the police ignore her insights. With the inquest approaching, Dotty must decide if she’s ready to crack open the case, even if it makes the local police inspector as mad as a March hare.

Can Dotty put aside her doubts and pull a rabbit out of the hat to ensure justice prevails?

 

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Northumberland at Easter: 
A Season of Renewal and Celebration

As the bleak winter months give way to the vibrant hues of spring, Northumberland, England’s northernmost county, transforms into a picturesque landscape, teeming with life and colour.

Covering over 5,000 km2 (nearly 2,000 miles2), this predominantly rural county is celebrated for its rugged coastline, historical landmarks, and the sprawling, untouched beauty of its countryside.

Northumberland offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history, especially captivating during the Easter season, which is why I chose it as the setting for my latest cozy mystery book, Daffodils and Deadly Deeds.

The Geography of Northumberland

Northumberland, bordered by Scotland to the north, the North Sea to the east, Cumbria to the west, and County Durham and Tyne and Wear to the south, boasts a diverse terrain. From the Cheviot Hills that define its border with Scotland to the fertile valleys of the River Tyne and the wild, remote beauty of the North Pennines, the county offers a variety of landscapes. Its coast, recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, features dramatic cliffs, secluded bays, and golden beaches, making it a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Rich Tapestry of Northumberland's History

The history of Northumberland is as varied and fascinating as its geography. Once the frontier of the Roman Empire in Britain, marked by Hadrian's Wall, the county has been a stage for many significant historical events. From the tumultuous times of the Anglo-Scottish wars, which left behind a legacy of fortified castles and pele towers, to the more peaceful periods that allowed for the flourishing of monastic life, as seen in the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, Northumberland's past is alive in its present.

Springtime in Northumberland: A Celebration of Life

Easter in Northumberland coincides with the awakening of nature. The countryside bursts into life, with rolling hills and fields carpeted in a fresh green, punctuated by the vivid yellows of daffodils swaying gently in the spring breeze.

These flowers, emblematic of the season, are a common sight, adorning gardens, parks, and wild spaces, heralding the arrival of warmer days. Beneath the ramparts of Alnwick Castle, a fabulous display of over 250,000 hand planted daffodils fan out towards the River Aln. 

Daffodils at Alnwick Castle (Source: Alnwick Castle)

The arrival of spring also brings with it an abundance of wildlife, from the playful lambs in the fields to the chorus of birdsong that fills the air, making it a perfect time for nature walks and bird watching.

Easter Events at Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle, one of Britain's most iconic castles and the second largest inhabited castle in the country after Windsor Castle, becomes a focal point of Easter celebrations in Northumberland. Known to many as the setting for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, Alnwick Castle offers a magical backdrop for a range of Easter events designed for families and visitors of all ages.

The castle's Easter activities often include traditional egg hunts, where children and adults alike can embark on a quest to discover hidden treasures within the grounds of this historic fortress. Interactive workshops, medieval-themed performances, and storytelling sessions transport visitors back in time, offering a glimpse into the castle's storied past. The stunning Alnwick Garden, with its cascading fountains, ornamental gardens, and the Poison Garden, comes to life in spring, offering a serene and beautiful place to wander and enjoy the season's beauty.

In addition to the castle's programmed events, the surrounding area offers ample opportunities for exploration. The Alnwick district, with its quaint market towns, scenic coastal villages, and the majestic Northumberland National Park, provides a picturesque backdrop for Easter adventures. Whether it's walking along the windswept beaches, hiking in the Cheviot Hills, or simply enjoying a leisurely lunch in a country pub, there's no shortage of ways to experience the charm of Northumberland at Easter.

Conclusion

Springtime in Northumberland is a time of renewal, regeneration, and fresh starts. The stunning natural beauty of the county, enriched by its deep historical roots and vibrant golden daffodils are what make it such rich setting for Daffodils and Deadly Deeds.

I hope you enjoy my book.

 

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About Victoria Tait


Victoria Tait was born and raised in Yorkshire, England. After following her military husband around the world, she drew on her life’s experiences, and a love of Agatha Christie, Father Brown, and Murder She Wrote, to write British based cozy mysteries.

Her determined female sleuths are joined by colourful and quirky teams of helpers, and her settings are vivid and realistic. As you’re compelled to keep turning the pages, you’ll be irresistibly drawn into a world where you’ll experience surprises, humour and sometimes, a tug on your heartstrings.

Do you like tea, mysteries, and books? Then why not join Victoria’s TeaCozy Club for regular news and updates, and download the free prequel to the Dotty Sayers Antique Mysteries series as a gift by visiting VictoriaTait.com

Who doesn’t like tea, cake, and a slice of murder!

Author Links:

Website: https://victoriatait.com/  

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/victoria-tait 

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/VictoriaTaitAuthor/_saved/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20373879.Victoria_Tait 

 

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