Saturday, February 27, 2021

I'm joining Berkley Mystery today
in celebrating the release of  
THE DIABOLICAL BONES
Book 2 in the Brontë Sisters Mysteries
by Bella Ellis


“Move over, Jane Austen, for the latest literary ladies who snoop in this... lively series debut.”—Kirkus Reviews on The Vanished Bride
 
Haworth Parsonage, February 1846: The Brontë sisters— Anne, Emily, and Charlotte—are busy with their literary pursuits. As they query publishers for their poetry, each sister hopes to write a full-length novel that will thrill the reading public. They’re also hoping for a new case for their fledgling detecting enterprise, Bell Brothers and Company solicitors. On a bitterly cold February evening, their housekeeper Tabby tells them of a grim discovery at Scar Top House, an old farmhouse belonging to the Bradshaw family. A set of bones has been found bricked up in a chimney breast inside the ancient home.
 
Tabby says it's bad doings, and dark omens for all of them. The rattled housekeeper gives them a warning, telling the sisters of a chilling rumour attached to the family. The villagers believe that, on the verge of bankruptcy, Clifton Bradshaw sold his soul to the devil in return for great riches. Does this have anything to do with the bones found in the Bradshaw house? The sisters are intrigued by the story and feel compelled to investigate. But Anne, Emily, and Charlotte soon learn that true evil has set a murderous trap and they've been lured right into it...


The Bronte Connection

I’ve been a big fan of the Bronte sisters since I was a little girl, and as soon as I had my own budget to spend on books, I began to collect various editions of the Bronte novels, biographies and any book that had a connection to their lives or work.

At first, I collected new books (for example I still have my 1990s edition of Jane Eyre that I used at university) and then I began to pick-up second-hand editions, at first in second hand books shops but now on ebay, abebooks, Instagram, anywhere I see them! I have over a 1000 Bronte themed books, more than a hundred editions of Jane Eyre which is my favourite, but nearly just as many of Wuthering Heights, Agnes Grey, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Shirley and Villette, plus about a dozen copies of the Elizabeth Gaskell biography of Charlotte Bronte.

Editions in my collection date from the 1850s to the present day, but what I love most about second hand books is that they so often come with another story attached to them, the story of the person that owned before me. In a great many of the books I collect I find hidden treasures, inscriptions inside the book, newspaper clippings and sometimes even forgotten notes, letters and pressed flowers. Every time I find something like this, I am reminded of the huge network of the Bronte lovers that spans over generations.

Recently I acquired a fairly ordinary copy of ‘In The Steps of the Brontes,’ by Ernest Raymond. First published in the 1940s it’s a lovely book following the sisters lives in and around Haworth. But inside I also found several fliers from Bronte themed trips taken, a hand written list of the all the real houses that the fictional houses in the Bronte works were based on, a receipt for a life time membership, and more. Through these details I was able to find out that the lady that had first owned the book married an RAF pilot just before WW2, who was shot down and killed in North Africa. She never remarried, but she obviously took a great deal of joy from the works of the Brontes, and I imagine made many friends that way. I love to think that I am looking after her memories, as well as her book in my collection.

I’ve traced mill owner’s daughters, distinguished earls and a young girl who went on to be mother to a famous 20th century artist this way. One of my favourites is a copy of ‘The Life and Eager Death of Emily Bronte’ by Virginia Moore. I bought a copy I found on Abe books and it turned out not only to be signed by Virginia Moore, but the very copy owned by the woman she dedicated it to, Russian Princess Pierre Troubetzkoy! I had a lot of fun finding out about her, she was quite extraordinary.

One of the wonderful things about all books is how they create a community out of strangers, uniting us in our passions over particular titles and authors. What I love to do, when I can is to turn those long lost strangers that once owned my books into something like good friends.
   

Bella Ellis is the Brontë-esque pseudonym of an acclaimed author of numerous novels for adults and children. She first visited the former home of the Brontë sisters when she was ten years old. From the moment she stepped over the threshold she was hooked, and she embarked on a lifelong love affair with Charlotte, Emily, and Anne; their life; their literature; and their remarkable legacy. 








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Thursday, February 25, 2021


Did you know you can win a ton of great prizes at WriterSpace? 
Check these out!
Writerspace

At Writerspace you can win books (not just cozies), Gift Cards, and other great prizes from dozens of authors!

Check these out!

Jayne Ann Krentz

Jayne Ann Krentz Contest

Jayne Ann Krentz is giving away a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card (winners choice), to celebrate the recent release of ALL THE COLORS OF NIGHT, Book 2 in the Fogg Lake series.

Enter Here
US only

Melinda Leigh

Melinda Leigh Contest

Melinda Leigh is giving away a special prize.

Enter Here
US only

Pam Binder

Pam Binder Contest

Pam Binder is giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card.

Enter Here
US only

RP Dahlke

RP Dahlke Contest

RP Dahlke is giving away a roomy tote with Arizona’s colorful State Flag.

Enter Here
US only

Marie Ferrarella

Marie Ferrarella Contest

Marie Ferrarella is giving away a special prize.

Enter Here

Laura Griffin

Laura Griffin Contest

Laura Griffin is giving away an iPad this month, along with a signed copy of her new book, FLIGHT, Book 2 in the Texas Murder Files series, to one winner.

Enter Here
US only

Deanna Raybourn

Deanna Raybourn Contest

Deanna Raybourn is giving away a signed US trade paperback edition of A PERILOUS UNDERTAKING, Book 2 in the Veronica Speedwell Mystery series.

Enter Here
US only

Anya Summers

Anya Summers Contest

Anya Summers is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card to celebrate the February 9th release of REDEEMED BY LOVE, Book 3 in the Manor series.

Enter Here
US only

RaeAnne Thayne

RaeAnne Thayne Contest

RaeAnne Thayne is giving away a copy of A SOLDIER’S RETURN (Book 4 in the Women of Brambleberry House series), plus a $25 Target gift card to one winner.

Enter Here 

Sherryl Woods

Sherryl Woods Contest

Sherryl Woods is giving away a $50 gift card for Publix. If that's not your closest grocery store, watch for next month's contest.

Enter Here

📚🕮📚🕮📚
These are just a few of the wonder giveaways over at Writerspace! Head over and start entering!


Writerspace

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Wednesday, February 24, 2021

 

I'm joining Berkley Mystery today
in celebrating the release of  
KILLER CONTENT
Book 1 in the Brooklyn Murder Mysteries
by Olivia Blacke


It's murder most viral in this debut mystery by Olivia Blacke.

Bayou transplant Odessa Dean has a lot to learn about life in Brooklyn. So far she's scored a rent free apartment in one of the nicest neighborhoods around by cat-sitting, and has a new job working at Untapped Books & Café. Hand-selling books and craft beers is easy for Odessa, but making new friends and learning how to ride the subway? Well, that might take her a little extra time.

But things turn more sour than an IPA when the death of a fellow waitress goes viral, caught on camera in the background of a couple's flash-mob proposal video. Nothing about Bethany's death feels right to Odessa--neither her sudden departure mid-shift nor the clues that only Odessa seems to catch. As an up-and-coming YouTube star, Bethany had more than one viewer waiting for her to fall from grace.

Determined to prove there's a killer on the loose, Odessa takes matters into her own hands. But can she pin down Bethany's killer before they take Odessa offline for good?


Brooklyn Murder Mysteries author Olivia Blacke writes quirky, unconventional, character-driven cozy mysteries. After shuffling around the U.S.A. from Hawaii to Maine, she currently resides with her husband and their roly-poly rescue puggle, but is forever homesick for NYC. In addition to writing, disappearing into a good book, and spending way too much time on social media, she enjoys SCUBA diving, crocheting, collecting tattoos, and baking dog cookies.

She loves listening to music while she writes (usually P!nk or NIN), is obsessed with Groot, and her favorite season is Hockey. Social media links, blog, and up-to-date news is found at: OliviaBlacke.com


As always, please leave a comment and 
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Tuesday, February 23, 2021


Check out these giveaways at GoodReads!

There could be a mix of print and eBooks, so make sure to check before you enter.

Use the link below each book for a chance to enter.






Christian Mystery

📚🕮📚🕮📚


GOOD LUCK!

PS . . . While you're there, I'd love for you to friend me and check out my reviews! If you enjoy them, please make sure to Like them. Thanks!



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Monday, February 22, 2021

 BOOK BLAST


I'm so happy to be joining in the Book Blast for
WEDDING DAY AND FOUL PLAY    
the newest Consignment Shop Mystery
by Duffy Brown


Wedding cake on top of the table, dead body underneath and a
favorite auntie accused of putting it there is no way to start a
marriage. 

It’s been one-hundred-and-eighty-three days and fourteen hours since Reagan Summerside tripped across yet another dead body but hopes of her Savannah wedding to Walker Boone going off without a hitch are dashed, when a corpse is found under the cake table and Auntie KiKi is accused of putting it there. Can Reagan and Walker find the killer without him finding them first, or will their new address be Bonaventure Cemetery?

About Duffy Brown

 
Duffy Brown loves anything with a mystery. While others girls dreamed of dating Brad Pitt, Duffy longed to take Sherlock Holmes to the prom. She is a National Bestselling author and now conjures up who-done-it stories of her very own. She has two series the Consignment Shop Mysteries set in Savannah along with rescue pup Bruce Willis and the Cycle Path Mysteries set on Mackinac Island with judgmental cats Cleveland and Bambino. 

  Author Links: 
  Website – http://www.duffybrown.com 
  Facebook – https://www.facebook.com 

  Purchase Link: 

Wedding Day and Foul Play Book Blast Particapants

FEBRUARY 22 



As always, please leave a comment and 
let me know what you think!

Follow my blog by submitting your email in 
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Sunday, February 21, 2021


In today's author spotlight, 
I shine my light on wonderful author
Sheila Connolly

Sheila Connolly began writing in 2001, and has published over thirty traditional mysteries, including several New York Times bestsellers.

ORCHARD MYSTERY SERIES

My favorite of Shelia's series



eBook only





MUSEUM MYSTERY SERIES


eBook Short Story




COUNTY CORK MYSTERY SERIES




eBook Novella



RELATIVELY DEAD MYSTERY SERIES




VICTORIAN VILLAGE MYSTERY SERIES


STAND ALONES

Once She Knew    ’12

The Rising of the Moon   ’12 (Story)

Reunion with Death    ’13

An Open Book    ’13 (novella)

Under the Hill    ’14 (story)

A Necessary Death    ’15 (story)

Edgar Allan Cozy    ’16 (anthology)

The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook: Wickedly Good Meals and Desserts to Die For edited by Kate White and Harlan Coben

That Other Woman story found in Stone Cold: Best New England Crime Stories 2014

Kept in the Dark story found in Blood Moon: Best New England Crime Stories 2013

Written as Sarah Atwell
GLASSBLOWING MYSTERY SERIES



About Shelia


After collecting too many degrees and exploring careers ranging from art historian to investment banker to professional genealogist, Sheila Connolly began writing in 2001, and has now published over thirty traditional mysteries, including several New York Times bestsellers.

Her series include the Orchard Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime), the Museum Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime), The County Cork Mysteries (Crooked Lane Books), the Relatively Dead Mysteries (Beyond the Page Press), and beginning in 2018, The Victorian Village Mysteries from St. Martin's Press.

Her first full-length, standalone ebook, Once She Knew, was published in October 2012.

Connolly has also published a variety of short stories: "Size Matters" appeared in the 2010 Level Best Anthology, Thin Ice; "Called Home," a short prequel to the Orchard series, was published by Beyond the Page in 2011; and "Dead Letters," an e-story featuring the main characters from the Museum series, will be published by Berkley Prime Crime in February 2012. Beyond the Page also published "The Rising of the Moon," and another Level Best anthology includes "Kept in the Dark," which was nominated for both an Agatha award and an Anthony award for 2013.

She was passionate about genealogy, both American and Irish, and was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Society of Mayflower Descendants. She was also an Irish citizen and owned a cottage in West Cork.

Sadly we lost Sheila April 20, 2020
She has been very missed.


As always, please leave a comment and 
let me know what you think!

Follow my blog by submitting your email in 
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Reading from your phone? Scroll to the bottom of your page and click "View web version". Then follow the above directions.