Saturday, June 18, 2016


Lisa Ks Book Reviews blog is proud to bring to you
THE COZY TIMES
Weekend Edition

This is a weekly online publication focused on connecting cozy mystery readers to favorite cozy characters by way of their town's newspapers. 

The Cozy Times will be available Wednesdays right here on Lisa Ks blog. 
There will also be weekend editions, and special editions from time to time. So keep watch. 

Today The Cozy Times is featuring the 
Cruz Sun
from sunny California!

Check it out!


Police Seek Answers in Mysterious Death
By T. C. Lotempio, Staff Reporter

A murder at the Cruz Museum fundraiser has police puzzled!

The body of Daisy Martinelli, 28, Violet Crenshaw’s assistant at the Cruz Museum, was discovered by local shop owner Nora Charles during the Museum’s Gala Fundraiser.  Sources say that foul play is definitely suspected, as the victim was discovered half-in, half-out of a trunk in the basement.  Strangulation is believed to be the method of death; it is unclear whether or not the police have obtained a murder weapon.

As of press time, we could not confirm whether or not Ms. Charles would also be working on the case. Rumor has it that she is helping Ms. Crenshaw with another, personal matter.  It is unknown as of yet whether or not the two incidents, Ms. Crenshaw’s case and Daisy’s death, might be related.

Current Head of Cruz Homicide Curtis Broncelli declined to comment on the investigation, only citing that he had his best men on the case.  This reporter spied Leroy Samms, formerly of Saint Leo Homicide, and FBI agent Daniel Corleone talking with Broncelli.  We will provide more details as they become available.

*****
THE POKER FACE
 is offering a special –with every two beers ordered, the third is free!


This week only!
The Poker Face 
is located on Main, just a few blocks away from Hot Bread! 
Grab a sandwich and come on over!  Says Lance Reynolds, proprietor.


*****

Attention Sandwich Lovers!
By TC Lotempio, Staff Reporter

If you’re in the mood for a mouth-watering sandwich, HOT BREAD, Nora Charles’ shop, is featuring several specials this week that you simply cannot miss!

Nora has a $2.00 coupon so you can come in and try some of her latest creations:  The Donald Trump, which is corned beef and pepper jack cheese on rye with either mustard or thousand island; The Hilary Clinton, Baloney and Cheddar on white toast with a side of chips; and everyone’s favorite, the Thin Man Tuna Melt. 

In an homage to the actress who portrayed her namesake on screen, Nora’s Special Sandwich of the Week is the Myrna Loy: Turkey, Sopressata, Cappicolla, Salami, Pepper Jack Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Onion and Tomato layered on French Bread.  The French Bread is spread with mayo, lemon juice and garlic and broiled for 3 min before guacamole is spread on top.

Delicious! I’m hungry now!

HOT BREAD is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m to 3 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Nick Charles is always there, tail waving, to greet you!

*****

Poppies to host Psychic Reader

Chantal Gillard, proprietress of the New Age Store that is part of Poppies Flower Shop, is pleased to announce that Miss Sarah Syeth, psychic extraordinare, will be at Poppies next Wednesday evening.  Ms. Syeth will be giving tarot card and crystal readings from 6 p.m until 10.  “While walk ins are welcome,” Said Chantal, “It’s best to make an appointment.  Ms. Syeth gets booked up fast.”

Ms. Syeth will also sign copies of her new book, YOUR PSYCHIC SELF, which are also available for purchase at Poppies New Age Store.

~*~*~*~*~

That's this week's edition of 
The Cozy Times 
I hope you enjoyed!

Thanks to Cruz Sun Staff Reporter T. C. Lotempio for these stories!

To learn more about the town of Cruz and its inhabitants, particularly Nora Charles and her investigative cat Nick, read the 
Nick and Nora Mystery Series 
by T. C. Lotempio!

Book One                                        Book Two

Book Three

Nick and Nora aren’t just pussyfooting around this time as they deal with a missing person’s case and murder.
While catering a gala for the Cruz Museum, Nora Charles agrees to look into the disappearance of director Violet Crenshaw’s niece, a case previously undertaken by her frisky feline friend Nick’s former owner, a private eye whose whereabouts are also currently unknown. 
 
As Nora and her curious cat Nick pull at the string of clues, they begin to unravel a twisted tale of coded messages, theft, false identities, murder, and international espionage. Nora dares to hope that the labyrinth of leads will not only help them locate the missing young woman, but also solve the disappearance of the detective. That’s if Nora can stay alive long enough to find him...


INCLUDES DELICIOUS SANDWICH RECIPES

Pre-order today! 
Releases
December 6, 2016 

~*~*~*~*~*~

About T.C.


While Toni LoTempio does not commit – or solve – murders in real life, she has no trouble doing it on paper. Her lifelong love of mysteries began early on when she was introduced to her first Nancy Drew mystery at age 10 – The Secret in the Old Attic. She lists among her favorite mystery/suspense writers Erle Stanley Gardner, Mary Higgins Clark and James Patterson, as well as EJ Copperman, Steve Hockensmith, Victoria Laurie, Ali Brandon, Rita Mae Brown, Miranda James and Sofie Kelly to name only a few! Toni is also passionate about her love for animals, as demonstrated with her four cats: Trixie, Princess, Maxx and, of course, ROCCO, who not only provided the inspiration for the character of Nick the cat in the Nick and Nora mystery series, but who also writes his own blog and does charity work for Nathan Fillion’s charity, Kids Need to Read!   Toni’s also devoted to miniseries like The Thorn Birds, Dancing with the Stars, reruns of Murder She Wrote and Castle (of course!). She (and ROCCO, albeit he’s uncredited) pen the Nick and Nora mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime – the first volume, MEOW IF ITS MURDER, debuts Dec. 2, 2014. She, Rocco and company make their home in Clifton, New Jersey, just twenty minutes from the Big Apple – New York.

Is there a cozy town you'd like to see featured in 
The Cozy Times? 
Please let me know in the comments section.


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

Follow my blog by 
clicking on the link in the 
upper right hand corner of this page.

Friday, June 17, 2016


It's
Cozy Food Friday

That means it's time to share a recipe from 
another great cozy mystery!

Today I'm featuring a recipe from
KILLING THYME
Book 3 in the Spice Shop Mysteries
by
Leslie Budewitz


At Seattle Spice in the Pike Place Market, owner Pepper Reece is savoring her business success, but soon finds her plans disrupted by a killer…

Pepper Reece’s to-do list is longer than the shopping list for a five-course dinner, as she conjures up spice blends bursting with seasonal flavor, soothes nervous brides fretting over the gift registry, and crosses her fingers for a rave review from a sharp-tongued food critic. Add to the mix a welcome visit from her mother, Lena, and she’s got the perfect recipe for a busy summer garnished with a dash of fun.

While browsing in the artists’ stalls, Pepper and Lena drool over stunning pottery made by a Market newcomer. But when Lena recognizes the potter, Bonnie Clay, as an old friend who disappeared years ago, the afternoon turns sour. To Pepper’s surprise, Bonnie seems intimately connected to her family’s past. When Bonnie is murdered only days later, Pepper is determined to uncover the truth.

But when Pepper roots out long-buried secrets, will she be digging her own grave?


KILLING THYME
is available for pre-order 
Releases 
October 4, 2106

About Leslie


Leslie Budewitz blends her passion for food, great mysteries, and the Northwest in the Seattle Spice Shop Mysteries and the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries, set in Jewel Bay, Montana. Death al Dente won the 2013 Agatha Award for Best First Novel. Books, Crooks & Counselors: How to Write Accurately About Criminal Law and Courtroom Procedure, won the 2011 Agatha Award for Best Nonfiction, making her the first author to win Agatha Awards for both fiction and nonfiction. She is president of Sisters in Crime.

Swing by her website, www.LeslieBudewitz.com and join the mailing list for her seasonal newsletter. And follow her at www.facebook.com/LeslieBudewitzAuthor, where she shares news of life in the woods and giveaways from her cozy writer friends.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Pepper Reece, owner of the Seattle Spice Shop, gathers every Tuesday with the Flick Chicks, a group of women friends who gather to eat, drink, chat, and pretend to watch a movie. In KILLING THYME, third in the Spice Shop Mysteries (out October 4, 2016, available for pre-order in paperback, e-book, and audio book), Pepper’s mother Lena joins the Chicks for a reprise of an old favorite—and a bit of mother-daughter tension prompted by Pepper’s insistence on investigating a crime that appears to have roots deep in her family’s past.


From KILLING THYME (Chapter 18):


“Casablanca again?” Laurel pretended exasperation. The choice was a clue to Kristen’s stress, the kind of movie we were allowed to watch as kids. Classic film is her comfort food, like popcorn to my neighbor Glenn, and mac and cheese to me.

“It cheers me up,” Kristen said. “After the theft, I need cheering up.”

“Theft?” Seetha said. Laurel shot me a questioning look. In all the other turmoil, I’d forgotten to mention the bracelet. Kristen filled them in.

Seetha’s naturally red lips made an O. “One of your friends stole your heirloom? On the tour?”

“I’m still trying to figure out if it is an heirloom. I don’t remember it. Do you, Lena?” Kristen said. Her blond ponytail swung, held by a silver butterfly clasp.

“The bracelet? No, I have no idea where it came from.”

“Round up the usual suspects.” An antique oak sideboard held a tray of champagne cocktails. I picked up a flute, a raspberry in the bottom, and ignored my mother’s glare. One of the things I like about being a grown-up is playing the smart aleck whenever I want.
But even at forty-three, I can feel my mother’s disapproval like a cold hand on my shoulder.


On to the recipe!

Raspberry Limoncello Sparklers

A marvelous drink for a celebration, 
or whenever champagne is called for.

For each drink:
½ teaspoon sugar
¼ teaspoon grated lemon zest
A few drops of fresh lemon juice
4 to 5 raspberries
2 tablespoons limoncello
Crushed ice
½ cup sparkling wine
A strip of lemon peel, for garnish


On a small plate, stir together the sugar and grated lemon zest.



Dip a clean finger in the lemon juice and moisten the rim of a champagne flute.

Dip the rim in the sugar mixture to coat.


Place the raspberries in a small bowl with the limoncello. 


Use a cocktail muddler if you’re lucky enough to have one, or a wooden spoon, to crush the berries and make a limoncello-berry puree. 


Pour the puree into the sugar-rimmed flute. 


Add a spoonful of crushed ice, and pour in the sparkling wine. 

Garnish with the lemon strip and serve immediately.

(Text and recipe excerpted from KILLING THYME, Oct. 4, 2016, Berkley Prime Crime)

Wouldn't these be 
refreshing 
on a hot summer day?


Please keep reading and check out my 
installments of 
Book Beginnings on Fridays
and
The Friday 56

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My Book Beginnings and Friday 56
 for this week are from

ASSAULT AND PEPPER
Book 1 in the Spice Shop Mystery series


And

GUILT AS CINNAMON
Book 2 in the Spice Shop Mystery series


Book Beginnings on Fridays is a meme hosted by Rose City Reader
Share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading


My Book Beginning

"What does Autumn taste like? How does it smell?

The Friday 56 is a meme hosted by Freda's Voice
Rules: *Grab a book, any book. *Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader (If you have to improvise, that's okay.) *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you. *Post it.

My Friday 56

I handed Tory the dark brown jar, Jane's spidery script on the red-rimmed white label yellowed with age. Those labels we would never modernize, except when we couldn't read them anymore. 

~*~*~*~*~

My Book Beginning

"Parsley poop."

My Friday 56

"But you think - you think ghost chiles killed her?"

I couldn't imagine someone buying an ounce at a time and hoarding it, pepper shopping like meth makers hopping from pharmacy to pharmacy snapping up Sudafed. The crazy stuff people do. 


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


Follow my blog by 
clicking on the link in the 
upper right hand corner of this page.

Thursday, June 16, 2016


Have you ever wondered what your favorite authors are doing when they aren't writing those wonderful cozy mysteries that we love so much?

Do they have other jobs, hobbies, hidden talents?

Now you can find out!

Stop by the blog on Thursdays for delightful guest posts from our amazing authors! 

They're going to be sharing all sorts of things that they do when they're not writing.

Today's special guest author is 

Sherry Harris!

Sherry  is the author of the fantastic 
Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mysteries

So, what does Sherry do when she's not writing?

When I’m Not Writing...

by Sherry Harris

My obsession with vintage postcards started when I discovered some in my grandparent’s basement in Missouri. There were a bunch from New York City. My grandfather was stationed there during World War I so I’m guessing that’s where they came from. Here are a couple of old buildings.


I also found one of a baseball player and Polo Field -- home to the Giants at the time. 


Last spring when I was at my favorite yard sale I found these two pictures. I loved the graphics and colors.



Here’s the rest of what I bought that day.

 
Friend and author Matthew Clemens saw some of my posts about vintage postcards. When we were both at Bouchercon last year, he brought me five boxes of postcards his mother collected.


 Lots of them are more recent -- the 1960’s to 1980’s. But there is over a box full that are from the early 1900’s to the 1940s. I found four from places I’d lived and that inspired me to try to find more. 





Who knew there were so many amazing 
posts cards out there? 

Pick up some postcards on your next trip. 
They'll be extraordinary to someone on day!

********************
Check out Sherry's awesome series!

Book One

Book Two

Book Three

Her Next Sale

When Sarah Winston started the virtual garage sale, it seemed like a keystroke of genius and the next logical step in her business. No more collapsing card tables and rainy-day washouts. But what began as a fun way to run garage sales during the long New England winter has become a nightmare of managing people and putting out fires. Online, she can avoid the crowds--but not the crazies. 

May Be Her Last

She certainly never bargained on dealing with frightening threats. And when a client is murdered, it's time for Sarah to swallow her pride and seek the help of her ex--C.J. Hooker, chief of police. Forging a tense alliance, they search--online and off--for the killer. But solving this crime before someone else gets tagged seems virtually impossible…

About the author


Agatha award nominated author, Sherry Harris, started bargain hunting in second grade at her best friend's yard sale. She honed her bartering skills as she moved around the country while her husband served in the Air Force. Sherry uses her love of garage sales, her life as a military spouse, and her time living in Massachusetts as inspiration for the Sarah Winston Garage Sale series.






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

Follow my blog by 
clicking on the link in the 
upper right hand corner of this page.