Book Review and Giveaway-Crepe Factor by Laura Childs

About the book (provided by Great Escapes Tours)

The Winter Market in the French Quarter is in full swing, but murder isn’t taking a holiday in the latest from the New York Times bestselling author of Parchment and Old Lace…

The holidays are a busy time for scrapbook shop owner Carmela Bertrand—but not so hectic that she doesn’t have time to enjoy browsing the booths at the Winter Market with her best friend Ava. The last thing the ladies expect to see is a lurching man stabbed by a serving fork, dying in front of them.

The victim is loathed restaurant critic Martin Lash, who posted his scathing reviews on the Glutton for Punishment website. And the prime suspect is New Orleans restauranteur Quigg Brevard—who was seen giving the critic a tongue-lashing minutes before someone stuck a fork in him. An old flame of Carmela, Quigg asks for her help, which does not please her current beau, Detective Edgar Babcock, to say the least.

Before her relationship is the next victim, Carmela needs to find a murderer who had no reservations about punishing the culinary curmudgeon…

Scrapbooking tips and recipes included!

And I thought

Charming and delightful.  Just the cover speaks charming to me. 

I was drawn into the little shop and fictitious events and shops of the French Quarter in New Orleans.  I wanted to go for a visit!

This is only the second opportunity I have had the chance to read the books by Laura Childs.  

I really enjoyed Pekoe Most Poison from the Tea Shop Mysteries Series.  

I knew that Crepe Factory would be just as good.  And it was!

The characters in this series are charming, delightful and quirky.

Even though it is #14 in the series I wasn't lost or left confused with the story.

Each of the characters are introduced into the story smoothly making Crepe Factor a very enjoyable read. 

Much to the chagrin of Carmela's current boyfriend Babcock (the police detective) Carmela the main character gets caught up in trying to clear her ex-boyfriend Quigley's name when he becomes the primary suspect in a murder.  

The reader is taken on a tour of the quaint restaurants and events associated with the holiday season as she parties with her best friend Ava.  And while they enjoy the festivities they do a little sleuthing.  

Since the victim isn't a very friendly guy there is no shortage 

of suspects. 

Eventually with the help of some goofy Cajun characters all the pieces of the puzzle fit together and the real killer(s) are revealed and Quigley is exonerated.  

Babcock finally shares his real feelings with Carmela and all ends well.  At least until the next crime.   

I enjoyed Crepe Factory and give it my hard to get 5 stars rating.

I received a complimentary copy from Great Escape Tours.

This review will appear on all retail sites where available.

This review will appear on Good Reads.  

Available

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Author Interview-TONYA KAPPES Author-AX TO GRIND

Welcome.  Today we have a treat.  Tonya Kappes is visiting and sharing a little about her book
Ax To Grind!

Welcome Tonya I am delighted to have you visit the blog! 

I am looking forward to reading Ax To Grind for The Great Escapes Tour. 

I love to ask this question because I am a dog lover.  Just wondering do you have a dog or a cat the has your heart? Oh my...you don't follow me on social media! Hahahaa! My dogs have their own group of fans. I have two Schnauzers, Charlie and Scooter. Charlie kinda steals the show because over the past three years he's gone on 19 medications a day for Congestive Heart Failure, a back leg amputation and a toe amputation on his only back leg...Scooter is just a little ornery. But all my readers LOVE Charlie. Plus, there's always a dog or cat in my books.

Kitty Kappes was my own personal grumpy cat that also had her own fan club, but sadly she passed away a year ago.

Do you have any little guilty pleasures that you indulge in when you writing? YES! Coffee...lots and lots of coffee...and that's just not when writing. It's all the time!

Which is more intriguing as a place to write.  A private island?  A cabin in the woods?

The busy city? A cabin in the woods. Only because if I was on a private island, i'd want to be outside in the warm sand with my eyes closed. I can work inside looking over an amazing wooded area all day long. No thanks on the city! I'm a country girl.

Is this your first tour with Lori at Great Escapes?  No way! I only use Lori and I've got over 45 published books.

I noticed that you have several series.  I am curious is the Kenni Lowry Mystery Series a spinoff from the Killer Coffee Series? Oh no. Two separate series all together. Kenni Lowry Mystery Series is a bit paranormal while Killer Coffee Series is a straight cozy mystery.

All your titles seem so fun.  I can’t wait to read a few! 

At the risk of hurting feelings can you share with us your favorite of all your series?  (we won’t tell) Hmmm...all of them.

Which series has been the easiest to write?  Hardest? All of them for both answers!

Let’s chat a little about Ax To Grind  I haven’t read it yet so I am very curious about the title?  Ha! We try to stick with names that are more southern and true to Kentucky sayings. All the titles in the Kenni Lowry Mystery Series will be a play on words.

What scene in the book do you like most? I love when Kenni gets to work with the ghost of her Poppa because they are good at solving crimes and playing off of each other. All of those scenes are fun to write.

If you were to have coffee with one of the cast who would you choose? I would go to Honey Springs, Kentucky at The Bean Hive because I know Roxy Bloom in the Killer Coffee Mystery Series can make a great cup!

You’ve gotten me really interested.  I hate to cut this little chat short but I think I need to go and read Ax To Grind! 

Thanks so much for chatting today.  I hope you have a Great tour!

About the author 

For years, USA Today bestselling author Tonya Kappes has been publishing numerous mystery and romance titles with unprecedented success. She is famous not only for her hilarious plot lines and quirky characters, but her tremendous marketing efforts that have earned her thousands of followers and a devoted street team of fans.
Sign up for her newsletter on her website at Tonyakappes.com .

Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyakappes

Kappes Krew Street Team
https://www.facebook.com/groups/208579765929709/

Webpage
tonyakappes.com

Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4423580.Tonya_Kappes

Twitter 
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11

Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/tonyakappes/

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Book Review/Giveaway-Passport to Murder by Mary Angela

About the book (provided by Great Escapes Tours)

Start with an unlucky number. Throw in a romantic location. Include a dashing Frenchman and an uncompromising professor. And you have all the ingredients for a passport to murder.

This semester, it seems that Professor Prather’s dreams are about to come true. Ever since she was a young girl, she’s imagined going to France, and her French colleague, André Duman, has finally made that trip possible. Over spring break, she and André are to lead a group of students and faculty to Paris to explore the City of Light. But before she can utter her first bonjour, a professor dies, and they are stuck in Minneapolis. She returns to Copper Bluff with an unstamped passport and a mystery to solve.

When André becomes the prime suspect, Emmeline puts her research skills to good use, determined to find out who really killed the professor and spoiled their spring break plans. With thirteen travelers assembled, the possibilities are varied and villainous. Luckily, her dear friend and sidekick, Lenny Jenkins, is close by. Together, they will sort through the conflicting clues even if it costs them time, trouble, or tenure.

What others are saying

It is a delightful read, and as my toddler says” brilliant, just brilliant!”
~Bibliophile Reviews

I adored this book!
~A Chick Who Reads

This is a great mystery novel that has a strong female lead, good supporting characters that offer some funny interactions, and enough action to keep the reader turning the page while guessing what will happen next.
~Books a Plenty Book Reviews

The characters are very relatable and interesting. There is mention of attraction and romance that never overtakes the theme of mystery. The clues are given out at comfortable spacing.
~Laura’s Interests

This is a quick read, with a curious mystery, a quite variety of suspects and a mystery peanut.
~Varietats

Just a few of the reviews on the tour.  To read more reviews, guest posts, character and author interviews.  

Click here to visit the tour

And I thought

My first thought was A trip to Paris cut short by a murder.  Dawng not a great way to start spring break.  And then when a close friend and colleague is accused well double Dawng!

My second thought was my sister would love this book!   My sister loves academia.  She works at a college. She loves mysteries.  She would just 'get' this book and series.

I was intrigued by the South Dakota location.  When I think S.D. I don't automatically think a series around a college town. 

Although Passport to Murder is book 2 in the series it is easy to pick up and read and get into the story.   

As in book 1 An Act Of Murder Emmeline is caught up in a murder and calls on her colleague Lenny to help her figure out just  who dun it. 

The reader is kept guessing who dun it all the way to the end when Emmaline announces to everyone who and how the murder was committed.  

Passport to Murder is a great read and part of an interesting series.  

I know what I am getting my sister for Christmas. 

I received a complimentary copy from Great Escapes Tours.

This review will be posted on Amazon and B&N

This review will be posted on Good Reads.  

Available 

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Gone with the Wings A Meera Patell Mystery-Book Review/Interview

About the book 

Author Leena Clover announces a brand new cozy mystery series set in a small Oklahoma college town. Mystery readers will enjoy this culinary cozy murder mystery featuring plenty of yummy recipes like Masala Fried Chicken and Shish Kabob Blue Plate Special.

Meera Patel is back home with the family after she dropped out of graduate school. Now she shelves books for a living and rustles up fusion recipes at Sylvie’s Cafe & Diner. Everything is fine until her old nemesis Prudence Walker floats up in the local pond. Meera is accused of murder! Well, she did publicly declare Prudence would drop dead.

Meera cries foul and screams police harassment. But she has no defense when she is accused of a second crime. Flanked by pals Tony and Becky, Meera puts in the leg work, trying to solve clues and discard red herrings.

Fall in Oklahoma has never been more exciting.

Cozy mystery fans will love this new mystery series featuring an Asian American amateur sleuth. There is a full cast of characters with a professor father, young sibling, old grandparents, loyal friends and a candid glimpse into South Asian culture.

And I thought

A fun start to a new series.  I always like it when I get into a new series. 

Gone With The Wings is a nice clean Cozy read. 
No language.  No bedroom scenes.  Just good reading. 

Meera Patell and her pals are entertaining and provide the reader with a look into a loving and close knit family.  

When Meera becomes the prime suspect in the murder of a collegue (who happens to have a crush on Meera's father) she 

recruites her friends and family to help her investigate. 

Before much investigating can happen the police's prime witness turns up missing after having a heated discussion with Meera. 

The story revolves around Meera's search for other suspects and for Jyothi the suspect who turns up missing. 

Meera's family is a close knit group that does 'life' together. 

There is always an event or group dinner with lots of good food. 

Gone With The Wings was a fun introduction to a new series. 

I enjoyed the characters.  (See my character interview below.)

I received a complimentary copy from Great Escapes Tours.
This review will appear on all retail sites where available.
This review will appear on Good Reads and Net Galley.


Interview

Character Interview with Anthony Sinclair aka Tony

Good morning Tony.  Thanks for stopping by the blog before you work shift.

No problem, Sherry. I worked some magic so the gas station is taken care of while we chat. Appreciate you having me over.

Do you mind if we chat a little about Meera and the adventures there in  your neck of the woods in Ohlahoma.

Not at all. Go for it.

For some reason I was thinking that maybe you were related doesn’t Meera refer to your mom as her aunt?

Oh that? (chuckles) That’s a culture thing. We’re not really related. Not by a long shot. Now how can I explain? It’s common to address older people as ‘Uncle’ or ‘Aunt’ in India. Most people are familiar with Dennis the Menace. If Dennis were a kid in India, he would typically address George Wilson as ‘Uncle’, rather than ‘Mr. Wilson.’

Our family’s relations with the Patels go deeper than that, of course. My mom was friends with Meera’s Dad first and then with her mom too. They were as close as siblings. So Meera calls my mother Aunt Reema. My mom is like a daughter to the older Patels. So they are like my grandparents by extension.

All said, I don’t share any blood with Meera. No Ma’am!

So what if I might ask is the relationship between you guys?

We’re friends. Best buds. Really good friends.

So you’ve know each a long time?

Since we were tiny tots. I don’t remember a time when Meera wasn’t part of my life.

So would have imagined that Meera had such a talent for sleuthing?

Certainly not for finding dead bodies! Meera’s always been sharp as a tack. She’s good at all the analytical stuff. She’s so much sharper than me. She’s always a couple of moves ahead of ya. Know what I mean?

You seem to always be ready to jump in and help when there is adventure or a need for investigating.

Oh yeah…why not? Running a gas station can get pretty boring. And Swan Creek’s not exactly hopping like a big city. 

Are you just around to keep Meera and everyone out of trouble or do you have a little hidden longing to be a P.I maybe?
I’m along for the ride. And Meera needs someone to watch her back. The P.I stuff is too new to comment on. It’s more Meera’s thing, I guess.

So without giving away the story did you have a clue as to what really happened to Prudence?

No way. Who would’ve thunk, hunh?

Ya’ll sure do spend a lot of time eating together.  Do you have a favorite dish you are hoping is being served when you arrive for a meal or snack?

Oh yeah, I can eat! You can’t live in the South and not like food. And you can’t live in a town that has Sylvie’s Diner and not like food. I’m loving all the fusion recipes Meera’s cooking up. Her Masala Fried Chicken is my favorite. And those kabobs! Wait till you taste her lamb curry or samosas.

So I know you must have some hobby or sports your into. (All guys do) what Keeps you busy when your not working or hanging out with pal’s?

I went to college on a football scholarship. Then I busted my knee. Then a whole lot of other bad stuff happened. The gas station and my pals is all I have going on right now. 

Well I know it is getting late and your due at work.
Thanks so much for stopping in.  It was a lot of fun to chat.

Drop by anytime maybe you can bring Meera next time!

Thanks Sherry. This was fun. Wait till I tell Meera about this.

Available

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Death Distilled by Melinda Mullet-Book Review-Author Interview w/ Giveaway

About the book 

Photojournalist by trade, distillery owner by blood, and amateur sleuth by necessity, Abigail Logan learns that murder can’t stay bottled up forever in this charming Whisky Business Mystery.

It’s been three months since Abi Logan last checked in on Abbey Glen, the celebrated whisky distillery she inherited. With her oversize wheaten terrier, Liam, by her side, Abi returns to the quaint Scottish village of Balfour. But her relaxing Highland homecoming takes a stressful turn when she unearths an unseemly bit of village history, welcomes a group of Japanese whisky enthusiasts, and becomes shepherdess to an unexpected flock of sheep—all within the first twenty-four hours. Still, nothing’s more stressful than murder. . . .

Local celebrity Rory Hendricks is the hotheaded, hard-rocking former frontman of the Rebels—and Abi’s girlhood crush. After meeting him in person, Abi can’t say no to anything he asks, like photographing his upcoming show . . . or figuring out who’s trying to kill him. Turns out someone’s been bumping off his old bandmates, with the drummer dead under mysterious circumstances and the keyboardist in a coma following a hit-and-run. Now a series of threatening messages leads Rory to think he’s next on the chopping block. And the band has a devil’s share of broken hearts and bitter disputes in their past, leaving Abi a huge batch of suspects to sift through—all before the killer takes another shot.

Melinda Mullet’s delightful Whisky Business mysteries can be read together or separately. Enjoy responsibly:
SINGLE MALT MURDER | DEATH DISTILLED

Available

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Author interview

Hello Melinda.  Welcome to the blog.  I am delighted to get the

chance to meet you and chat!  I loved Single Malt Murder and I can’t 

wait to read Death Distilled.

Hi Sherry.  Thanks for inviting me along to chat.

My first question because I am dying to know.  Why Whiskey? Well my father was Scottish and a lover of Single Malt Whiskies so my attraction comes naturally I suppose.  Beyond the obvious appeal of Scotch as a beverage, I love that Scottish whisky has such an intimate connection to the history and lifeblood of the Scottish people.  Along with the contemporary mystery in Death Distilled there is a secondary mystery that explores the fate of the smugglers and bootleggers of the past.  History, mystery and rock and roll all in one!

Did Abi come along before or after you knew you were going to write the Whiskey Business Mysteries?  At one point while touring a distillery in Scotland I looked at the huge wooden vat that holds the barley water as it ferments and it occurred to me, as these things do to mystery lovers, that it would be a great place to find a body.  Abi really came along after.  Until recently whisky making in Scotland at least was very much a male dominated profession in large part because the prevailing wisdom was that women didn’t like whisky.  Now there are so many women enjoying Scottish whisky and Irish whiskey ( BTW - Scottish whisky is spelled without the “e” – Irish and American use the “e” ;) and American bourbons and as a result more and more women are staking out their place in the industry.  Abi was kind of a trail blazer and faced some of the same issues faced by other women in the early days as they made their way into the business.

How did you decide on Abi’s profession prior to Distillery owner?  I wanted Abi to have had some experience in a male dominated profession before coming to Scotland.  I also wanted her to have a strong instinct about people and a compulsive attention to detail that would serve her well as a sleuth.  I also liked the idea that as a former war correspondent she had seen a lot and was a bit world weary.  Ready for a new challenge and a change of life style.

I have to say I love the cover of this book.  I’m guessing that is Liam pictured.  I am wondering is there a dog in your life that gives ideas and helps you develop Liam’s character?  Absolutely!   He’s a ten-year old Wheaten terrier named Macallan.  In fact the cover artists were having trouble finding the right picture of a Wheaten terrier and so they ended up using a picture of Macallan.  He feels famous now and has quite a swollen head.  He is very much an inspiration and Liam does many things that Mac does but Liam also does things I wish Mac would do and doesn’t!

I love the cozy feel of the cover.  Except maybe for the bloody hand print!

I am curious how much input do you have as an author in the cover(s) design of your books?    I’m sure I could veto a cover if I really hated it, but for the most part the artists have their own vision and I work to tweak what they come up with until we narrow in on a winner.  I have to say titles can be the most frustrating thing for an author.  Publishers often reject the author’s title choice.  They focus on what works best from a marketing standpoint.  For example the original title of Single Malt Murder was Spirit of the Dead.  I was quite fond of that title, but the publisher felt it might be mistaken for a paranormal mystery.  Don’t get me wrong paranormal is a great genre, but disappointing for a reader if they bought the book expecting one thing and got another.  In the end we settled on Single Malt Murder.  No confusion there!

I noticed in your bio that you spent some time in Dallas.  I have to ask (only because I live in DFW) if you could choose between Dallas and D.C. where would you live?

Hmm.  Tough one. I love Dallas.  The people are so outgoing and friendly.  I love that and I miss having people strike up conversations anywhere and everywhere.  I love talking to people and even though DC is technically in the South people here tend to be more reticent. I love all there is to do in DC and how close it is to NY and Boston, but the politics and the traffic drive me crazy.  I guess on balance I’d have to go with Dallas.

If I remember correctly from Single Malt Murder Abi is a bit of a Jet setter.  Can we maybe find her sleuthing in Big D or D.C?  That could be a possibility eventually, but for now she’s pretty tied up closer to home.  Although I can say she may find herself in Japan at some point in the near future.  The Japanese are mad for single malt whiskies and it is such a beautiful and fascinating country.

Will we be seeing any of the towns people from book 1 and, will Patrick be joining Abi to solve who the villain(s) is?  We definitely have reoccurring characters.   Floss and Harold Robinson from the Chocolate Bar will be back, as will Furgie and Abi’s resident handyman, Hunter.  We also have a new vicar and a librarian to get to know.  As for Patrick he will definitely be back.  In fact, he has just relocated to Edinburgh to become the editor in chief of the Whisky Journal.  It’s a short drive from there to Balfour where Abi lives and he’ll be popping in and out.  Our old friend DI Michaelson will show up again, too.

Well I really do have a bunch of questions but I heard you are leaving shortly on holiday soon so let’s cut it short. 

Maybe when you return and after I’ve had a chance to read

Death Distilled we can get together again and share a glass and 

another chat.  

Would love to!

Until next time have a great holiday and Best Wishes on the tour!

Connect with Melinda

Webpage – http://melindamullet.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/mulletmysteries/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/mulletmysteries

And I thought
I admit I am a Cover Junkie.  I am the kind of reader that chooses a book by it's cover.  If the cover doesn't grab me I probably won't pick it up!  

Death Distilled is one I would pick up based on the cover. 
But, I had the chance to read the first book and I was glad to have the chance to read book 2 in the series!

They keep getting better!  Book 1 Single Malt Murder (my review is here. Was a great beginning with great characters and a great fast twisty/turney plot. 

Death Distilled  did no not disappoint.  I was glad to see a few characters coming back.  Patrick returned and a few others. 
Grant returns as head distiller and romantic interest.  
Abi's dog Liam of course is back and opens the door for more mystery when he digs up some old bones.  

This is alot of history about the area and about Whisky which is
interesting.  

The plot is full of twists and turns that keeps you on the edge of 
your seat and looking forward to the end and filling in the blanks. 

But, almost sad to see it end.  Book 3 can't be released soon enough!

I have enjoyed this series and look forward to many more!

I received a complimentary copy from Great Escape Tours.
This review will appear on all retail sites where available.
This review will appear on Net Galley and Good Reads. 

Available

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A Knit Before Dying-By Sadie Hartwell-Book Review

About the book (provided by Great Escapes Tours)

A new business might add some much-needed charm to downtown Dorset Falls—and draw tourists to Josie’s yarn shop. But when someone gets murdered, a close-knit community could come undone . . .

Shop owner Josie Blair is finally settling into the pace of living in Dorset Falls, Connecticut. Between running Miss Marple Knits, jumpstarting a blog, and handcrafting items with the help of her knitting pals, Josie’s too preoccupied to worry about her past in New York. And thanks to Lyndon and Harry, the owners of the brand-new antique shop next door, she has another project in her midst—repurposing a box of vintage crocheted doilies adorned with the most curious needlework . . .

But before Josie can formally welcome her neighbors, she discovers Lyndon on the floor of his shop stabbed to death by a rusty old pair of sheep shears. Police have pinned Harry as the killer, but Josie isn’t so sure. Now, she’s lacing up for another homicide investigation—and no eyelet or stitch can go unexamined, lest she herself becomes ensnared in the criminal’s deadly design . . .

INCLUDES ORIGINAL KNITTING PATTERNS!

And I thought

Rarely do I give a book 5 stars.  

It wasn't difficult to decide to honor Sadie Hartwell, Josie and the fun residents of Dorsett Falls with my 5 star rating. 

Here's what I liked loved about A Knit Before Dying.

• If I was choosing the best plot of the year it would go to Sadie.
• Best integration of title to the plot. I don't want to give anything away but this author does an amazing job of weaving or in this case Knitting the title into the plot of the story.  
• Best integration of theme of series to the plot I don't think I've read a book with a better integration of the theme.  The knitting theme is woven through out the book/plot.  The author provides patterns at the end. 

The cast of characters in A Knit Before Dying are fun and endearing.  

Josie gets some help from Miss Evelyn is an elderly bit of a snoop.  Always ready to jump cook a casserole or jump in and help Josie out in her sleuthing.  Or instigating a little matchmaking.

Josie's uncle Eb  is just a character who plays tricks on a neighbor all because of a years old family feud.

Then there is Lorna the cook and waitress of the local diner.  Lorna plays a huge part in the plot/story by providing food for Josie and Uncle Eb.   I don't want to 'spill the beans' so to speak but the story ends with Lorna becoming the owner of the local diner.  Will we see Lorna as a main character in a future installment?  We can only hope!  I would love to see some of Lorna's recipes included.

There is a brewing romance between Josie and her neighbor 

Mitch.  I suspect that things might begin to simmer in book 3. 

Although A Knit Before Dying is book 2 of the series it is written as a stand alone book.  I have not had the chance to read book 1.  I was not at all lost.  

The only negative I can mention is the wait for book 3!

If your a fan of good and clean books you need to check this 

book out! 

I received a complimentary copy from Great Escape Tours.

This review will appear on all retail sites where available.

This review will appear on Net Galley and Good Reads,

This review will appear on My Journey Back and be linked to blog parties.

Available 

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