My Reading Journeys: A Fatal Collection by Mary Ellen Hughes-Great Escapes Tours-Book Review/Giveway

About the book (provided by Great Escapes Tours(

Callie Reed makes a long overdue visit to her aunt Melodie, who lives in a fairy-tale cottage in quaint Keepsake Cove, home to a bevy of unique collectible shops on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Just as they’re beginning to reconnect, Callie discovers her aunt’s body on the floor of her music box shop. Grief-stricken, Callie finds she can’t accept Melodie’s death being called accidental. How could her strong and healthy aunt take such a fatal fall? And why was she there in the middle of the night?

As Callie searches for the truth, signs seem to come from her late aunt through a favorite music box, urging Callie on. Or are they warnings? If Callie isn’t careful, she could meet a similar deadly fate amid Melodie’s collection.

Author interview

Welcome Mary Ellen I am delighted to have you visit the blog! Congratulations on the new book and series!

Thank you so much. It’s great to be here.

I am looking forward to reading A Fatal Collection for The Great Escapes Tour.

Is this your first tour with Lori at Great Escapes?

Yes, it is.

What is your favorite part of the tour? (interviews, guest post etc.)

I’ve actually been enjoying them all. The interviews and guest posts have made me think a little more deeply about my writing, and I think I’ve learned a few things about myself.

Before we get into the new book I have a few fun questions. At least I hope they are fun!

Do you have any little guilty pleasures that you indulge in when you writing?

Not really. I’ll have a bottle of water or sometimes tea at my side, and I dress for comfort. That’s about it.

Do you have any pets that keep you company while you write?

Sadly, no. Our cats have all passed away after living to ripe old ages. I miss them but remember them fondly.

Which is more intriguing as a place to write. A private island? A cabin in the woods? The busy city? Have you ever written in any of these places?

The cabin in the woods, definitely. I need quiet and solitude when I write and can’t imagine doing it in a busy place. I’ve only written at home in my special writing nook.

Before we get into the new series. I have to ask about your other series.

Do you have a favorite? A favorite character?

I love my main characters equally – just like my children. But looking back to my first two books, I enjoyed writing Dyna, Maggie’s friend in Resort to Murder and A Taste of Death. She was just quirky enough to be a lot of fun. I really don’t have a favorite series. Each one was challenging in its own way but fun to write.

And one more just for fun. Which of the previous series would make the

best movie and why?

Hmm, maybe the Craft Corner mysteries would work best on film. There were scenes in them that might offer the best visual and dramatic possibilities. Mr. Spielberg, are you listening?

Can you tell us a little about the new series? How many books are planned for the series?

The Keepsake Cove mystery series is set on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. All the shops in Keepsake Cove offer a particular kind of keepsake or collectible such as music boxes, collectible salt and pepper shakers, glass figurines – you name it.

Callie Reed has just inherited a collectible music box shop from her Aunt Melodie. Her aunt’s death was ruled accidental, but Callie can’t accept that, and she works to find out the truth.

At this point, three books are planned. We’ll see what happens after that.

How did you choose the location of Maryland’s Eastern shore? Is the town

fictional?

The town is fictional, but I’ve been to the Eastern Shore many times and always loved it. It’s an area of Maryland that was separated from the rest of the state for much of its existence because of the Chesapeake Bay, and so it developed its own ways. It’s very scenic and historical, so I felt I had a lot to work with in setting my story there.

If you were to have a little time for a chit chat with one of the cast, who would you choose? What would you serve? Coffee, tea a glass of wine?

Oh, I can choose only one? Well, I’d have to choose Callie, my main character. I’ve put her through the hardest struggles, so far, and I’d hope that a glass or two of wine would help her forgive me.

I love the cover. I was wondering how much input do you have in the

cover design. I admit I am a bit of a cover junkie I am always curious!

My editor asked me for suggestions, which I gave. But working it all out was then totally up to the artist. I didn’t see the cover until it was nearly finished, and I thought it was perfect.

Congratulations on the new book! Thanks so much for chatting today. I hope you have a Great tour!

Thank you so much for having me. Your questions were a lot of fun!

And I thought

I was taken back to yesteryear and all the fun shops and quaint little towns that I visited in an around Colorado.

I loved the quaint village of Keepsake. It did almost feel like a Hallmark town.

The collection of shops and colorful characters sweep you in and make you want to stay.

The story was fairly fast paced for me and an easy read.

I couldn't help but feel sorry for Callie. Having her aunt die just as she comes to town. And then realizing that it was no accident.

Callie finds the answers and is set up to be the new sleuth on the block at least in Keepsake Cove.

A Fatal Collection is book 1 of a great new series. I am looking forward to more adventures in Keepsake.

I received a complimentary copy from Great Escapes Tours.
This review will post on the retail sites where available.
This review will post on Good Reads.

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