Corpse in the Crystal Ball

Book Description: After clearing her name as the prime suspect in a murder, Sunny Meadows hopes she can finally enjoy some serenity in the idyllic town of Divinity in upstate New York. She’d also like a second chance with Detective Mitch Stone. But when Mitch’s gorgeous ex-girlfriend Isabel Gonzales shows up, Sunny’s not sure she can compete. Then Isabel mysteriously disappears.

When the police turn to Sunny for help, her visions lead to the discovery of Isabel’s corpse in the woods. Before she died, Isabel scrawled a message in the dirt implicating Mitch in her murder. Now Sunny must help the man she’s falling in love with as she sets out to find the real killer. But this time Sunny’s clairvoyant abilities might not save her—as what she doesn’t see can hurt her…

My Review: Can I adopt Granny Gert? Riding along on her driving lessons had me in stitches! And I loved her interactions with Morty (bow ties, night nights, and herbal brownies...you have to read the book to find out how cute they are together!) I'm so happy she's decided to stay in Divinity - she is one of the best new characters in mystery fiction.

This mystery is light and breezy - the perfect summer read. Halfway through I was suspicious of one character, and I was proven right, although the motive pleasantly took me by surprise, and I liked how Mitch's sad past was tied up, hopefully paving the path to a future with Sunny. Delightful!

Tara's Thoughts: Morty and I are both such lucky kitties. We both have grandmas that love us to pieces and take care of us when Mommy isn’t around. And hopefully Sunny learned her lesson – pay better attention to Morty! He was trying to alert her to some very important clues!

Welcome, Kari Lee Townsend!!!

I am so excited to have Kari Lee Townsend, author of the wonderful Fortune Teller Mystery series, guest blogging today!!! She will be giving one lucky commenter a paperback copy of the brand new Corpse in the Crystal Ball (which I have read, loved, and will be reviewing tomorrow!), as well as a signed bookmark and bookplate! A winner will be chosen on Monday, June 4.

A Mystery Writer Sees The World Differently Than Everyday People

I think writers see the world differently than everyday people, period. But when you break it down even further, you begin to realize the type of genre you write really affects how you see the world even more.

When I am writing one of my teen books, I completely put myself in “kid” mode. I have four children (3 boys and 1 girl) ranging in age from 9 to 17. I try to listen in on the conversations they have with their friends. You’d be amazed at what you pick up on. The way they speak, the way they act, the things they say, even the differences between boys and girls. It also helps to watch and listen to Disney TV shows as well as movies.

When I am writing one of my romance books, I tend to watch the way men and women interact with each other. Body language is a huge factor in this, as well as facial expressions and dialogue. Romantic movies as well as reality TV shows really shed some light on what we do and say to attract the opposite sex.

When I am writing one of my mystery books, I tend to watch everyone. I really try to study human beings in general. What they do and say and how they act. If someone looks suspicious, I wonder why? What might he or she have done or what might they be planning to do? How would they get away with it? What in their background might have driven them to it?

I love writing all sorts of genres, but I do find that when I’m in mystery mode, the possibilities seem endless. I’m always looking for some really cool twist or turn to add to my books. I love when I can surprise my readers with something they didn’t see coming. Not an easy task to do because the mystery reader is savvy. So tell me, what do you look for when reading a mystery novel? Inquiring minds want to know.

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National Bestselling Author, RT Reader’s Choice Award & Agatha Nominee Kari Lee Townsend lives in Central New York with her very understanding husband, her three busy boys, and her oh-so-dramatic daughter, who keep her grounded and make everything she does worthwhile…not to mention provide her with loads of material for her books. Kari is a longtime lover of reading and writing, with a masters in English education, who spends her days trying to figure out whodunit. Funny how no one at home will confess any more than the characters in her mysteries!

                Kari writes fun and exciting stories for any age, set in small towns, with mystical elements and quirky characters as Kari Lee Townsend. Kari also writes romantic comedies and women’s fiction with the same sense of humor and quirky characters as Kari Lee Harmon.

                To find out more about Kari and all her books go to www.karileetownsend.com  or click on the links below:

 Kari Lee Townsend (Website & Newsletter & Facebook & Twitter)

National Bestselling Author of The Fortune Teller Mysteries
TEMPEST IN THE TEA LEAVES 4 1/2 Starred RT Review
Best Amateur Sleuth of 2011 RT Reviewers' Choice Nominee
Best First Novel Agatha Award Nominee
CORPSE IN THE CRYSTAL BALL - June 2012 (preorder now)
DIGITAL DIVA: TALK TO THE HAND (Kindle & Nook)
DIGITAL DIVA: RISE OF THE PHENOTEENS (Kindle & Nook)
DESTINY WEARS SPURS (by Kari Lee Harmon) (Kindle & Nook)
PROJECT PRODUCE (by Kari Lee Harmon) (Kindle & Nook)

The Dead Season

Book Description: January is known as the dead season in the small Smoky mountain community of Hanover County, North Carolina. For dog trainer and wilderness expert Raine Stockton, who hasn't had a client in six months, this season has been deader than most. When the New Day Wilderness Program for Troubled Teens offers her a job leading a group of students on a winter camping expedition as part of their rehabilitation program, Raine jumps at the chance-- particularly since it means she will be able to take her golden retriever, Cisco, with her.

But something is not right at New Day, and Raine and Cisco soon find themselves caught in a web of intrigue, suspicion and sabotage. As the group moves deeper into the wilderness beneath steadily worsening weather, Raine begins to fear she and Cisco may soon find themselves trapped on the mountainside... with a killer.

My Review: When I was offered a review copy of this book, I was so excited to read it that I downloaded the first 3 sample chapters from Amazon while eagerly awaiting the rest of the book to arrive in my inbox. That's how much I love this series. This book is absolutely gripping...full of suspense and adventure, and very different from a regular cozy as is tackles tough subject matter and leaves unanswered questions in the end about what really happened. Even in the dead of summer you will be chilled by everything Raine and Cisco go through. I love how even though the main action of the book is in the NC woods, we still get to spend time with the special people in Raine's life...Miles and Melanie, Sonny and Maude, and Uncle Roe. In the beginning of the book I felt the same way Raine did about the teenagers that were forced upon her, but I grew to love how they grew into young adults under her influence and by necessity. And Paul and Rachel are about the creepiest couple I've ever come across in a mystery! Best book yet in one of the best mystery series out there, that thankfully has found new life due to ebooks.

Tara's Thoughts: Yeah, yeah...hero dogs. Heard all about it. If dogs were smart like cats and never left the house they wouldn't find themselves in these situations.

Blueberry Blues

Book Description: When innkeeper Natalie Barnes volunteers to host the Cranberry Island Clambake at the Gray Whale Inn, she's looking forward to good food, good friends -- and maybe even a bit of good press. The day is perfect and the event as smooth as Natalie's crème anglaise -- until a mysterious illness grips several islanders, and the police finger the inn's blueberry pies as the culprit. Will Natalie sniff out the source of the poisoned pies before she -- and the Gray Whale Inn -- end up in hot water? 

My Review: Sometimes it can be hard to really get into a short story; that is certainly not the case here. It's been awhile since I've had the pleasure of reading a new Gray Whale Inn book, and this sweet little tale drew me right back to beautiful Cranberry Island. I wished I was at Natalie's clambake, feeling the ocean breeze and tasting her yummy baked goods. This is a perfect appetizer for anyone who has yet to try this delicious series.

Perfectly Matched

Book Description: The heat is on...When Boston psychic Lucy Valentine finds herself involved with a group of eccentric mediums trying to fine tune their abilities, she is convinced a rare spring heat wave has flushed all the local crazies out of hiding. Adding to her theory is her newest client in the Lost Loves division of Valentine, Inc., her family’s lucrative matchmaking firm. He’s an animal whisperer who hires Lucy to locate his soul mate—because his cat told him so. Finding his purrfect match, however, isn't as easy as it seems. But craziest of all is the Beantown Burner, a serial arsonist who is targeting private eye Sam Donahue, brother of Lucy’s boyfriend, Sean. With the help of her kooky psychic group, Lucy must tap into hidden abilities to catch the firebug before the fires turn deadly. She never expected to discover that the motive behind the flames hits a little too close to home...and dangerously close to her heart.

My Review: Another action filled adventure with the amazing Lucy Valentine!!! If you've never picked up a Heather Webber book (aka Heather Blake), what are you waiting for??? She is a master at weaving multiple plots into a story turning every one into the ultimate page-turner. I am thrilled Lucy's story is continuing as we catch up on the lives of the wacky Valentines; friends Em, Marisol and Preston and their relationships; Sean and Sam's pasts; and all the other wonderful characters central to Lucy's world, as well as the introduction of new ones, especially Dr Paul, Jeremy, and sweet little Ebbie. I loved the animal communicator angle, the revelation of Lucy's new powers, and the setup for the next book. Perfectly Matched is perfectly wonderful!

Tara's Thoughts: I feel bad for Grendel. He had his mom all to himself (except for the hamster), and now another cat and a dog has infringed on his territory. I wouldn't take that nearly as well as he is. Cuddling with them??? Blech!!!

Cozy Pet of the Month: Tara

One of my all-time favorite blogs is featuring Tara today as their Cozy Pet of the Month. Please click on the link to read more about my little star :)

Cozy Pet of the Month

Endless Heart

Book Description: Lettie Brown has lived in the shadow of violence. After escaping her brutal past, she’s finally at home in Forestville, Wyoming, where she would live a normal life—if she knew how. She’s content working at The Blue Plate and printing the town newspaper, if not happy. Then a stranger stumbles into her world and turns everything upside down. Shane Murphy is a shell of a man, destroyed by the aftermath of the war, his personal tragedies and a penchant for cheap whiskey. When he lands, literally, on Lettie’s feet, his future takes a hard right turn. As they fumble through a relationship that should not have been, a deep love takes root, one that cannot be denied. Together they discover a bond as unbreakable as steel and as undeniable as life itself—until the past rears its ugly head and threatens the happiness they’ve found in each other.

My Review: “I fell in love with you in my dreams” One of the most swoon-worthy lines I’ve ever read in a romance novel. This is the beautifully written story of two people – each broken by the private hells they’ve endured – who end up discovering during an ill fated supply trip a love so strong they’re willing to take a second chance on life. The first two books in this series are on my Kindle and I’m so excited that I get the chance to spend more time in Forestville. (I received an ARC of this book.)

Tara’s Thoughts: Mommy said this was an adult book, not appropriate for me. (Apparently she’s in denial that I probably had several litters of kittens during my years on the streets.) She also said there’s a really heartbreaking horse scene that I didn’t need to know about.