Special Spotlight- White House Chef Mystery Series by Julie Hyzy

I have been a fan of The White House Mystery Series by Julie Hyzy from the beginning in January of 2008, when State of the Onion was released.

I eagerly awaited the next one to come out as I followed the story Of White House Assistant Chef Olivia Paras. She was a strong character from the very beginning and became even stronger in the final book. With all series that you grow to love it is always sad when they come to an end.

So today I will raise my coffee much in Cheers for what has been a wonderful reading journey as you opened up each book and jumped right back in with friends old and new.

Thank you Julie Hyzy for giving your fans many enjoyable hours of great reading.

Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Berkley (January 2, 2008)

Series: A White House Chef Mystery (Book 2)
Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Berkley; a edition (December 2, 2008)

Series: A White House Chef Mystery (Book 3)
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Berkley; Berkley Prime Crime Mass Market Edition edition (January 5, 2010)

Series: A White House Chef Mystery (Book 4)
Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Berkley; First Edition edition (January 4, 2011)

Series: A White House Chef Mystery (Book 5)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (January 3, 2012)

Series: A White House Chef Mystery (Book 6)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (December 31, 2012)

Series: A White House Chef Mystery (Book 7)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley; First Berkley Prime Crime Edition edition (January 7, 2014)

Series: A White House Chef Mystery (Book 8)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (January 6, 2015)

Series: A White House Chef Mystery (Book 9)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (January 5, 2016)

Julie Hyzy is the New York Times bestselling author of the White House Chef Mysteries and the Manor House Mysteries. She's won the Anthony, Barry, Derringer, and Lovey Awards for her novels and short stories. Her first Manor House Mystery, Grace Under Pressure, earned a Starred Review from Publishers Weekly.

Book Trivia-Kathie Shoop

It's time for trivia and I am thrilled to have Kathie Shoop a our host.
Kathie will be giving away print copies (or ebooks if the winner wants e) of The Last Letter and The Road Home as well as a $15 amazon gift card. All you have to do is leave answers and email in the comments for a chance to win. You will have until January 2nd and winner will have three days to respond. Good Luck.

1. What is the name of the series that The Last Letter and The Road Home are part of?

2. How many Arthur children are there in The Last Letter?

3. Who is Katherine's husband?

4. Where to the Arthurs live in the bulk of The Last Letter?

5. Where do the Arthurs live in The Road Home?

6. Which time period is most of the story set in during The Last Letter?

7. How does The Road Home start?

http://kshoop.com/

Author Spotlight- Sue Ann Jaffarian

It's author spotlight and today's goes out to Sue Ann Jaffarian. Sue Ann is the author of the Odelia Grey Mystery Series and The Ghost of Granny Apples mystery series.

Like the character Odelia Grey, Sue Ann Jaffarian is a full-time, middle-aged, paralegal. She lives in Los Angeles with her beloved cats, B and Raffi.

Sue Ann heard the siren call of writing early in her life, but did not make the commitment to become a novelist until about 1995. After completing two novels (still unpublished), she turned her attention to the mystery genre, and fell in love.

She now has over 20 published novels and numerous short stories to her credit in both mystery and non-mystery. Sue Ann also currently serves as the Vice President of the Southern California Chapter of Mystery Writers of America.

Under the pen name of Meg Chambers, Sue Ann writes the Winnie Wilde steamy romance series. This is a new adventure for Sue Ann and hopefully for her readers who enjoy that genre. Unlike her other series, the Winnie Wilde books contain graphic sexual scenes and adult language.

Sue Ann Jaffarian is available for speaking engagements. In addition to being a motivational speaker, she has also performed professionally as a stand-up comic, and will bring her own brand of humor and view of the world to your next event.

She is also happy to connect with libraries and book clubs via Skype or conference calls.

Her advice to budding writers:

•Write, write, write.
•Make a schedule and stick to it.
•Don't lose sight of your dreams and goals, because only you can make them happen.
•Don't let anyone, I mean anyone, pee on your parade!

http://www.sueannjaffarian.com/home.html  

https://www.facebook.com/sueannjaffarian?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/authorsueannjaffarian/?fref=ts

First in Series- Too Big To Miss by Sue Ann Jaffarian

This week's first in series is Too Big To Miss ( An Odelia Grey Mystery) by Sue Ann Jaffarian. Released on February 8th, 2006.

Series: The Odelia Grey Mysteries (Book 1)
Paperback: 324 pages
Publisher: Midnight Ink; First Edition edition (February 8, 2006)
Language: English






Too big to miss--that's Odelia Grey. A never-married, middle-aged, plus-sized woman who makes no excuses for her weight, she's not super woman just a mere mortal standing on the precipice of menopause, trying to cruise in an ill-fitting bra. She struggles with her relationships, her crazy family, and her crazier boss. And then there''s her knack for being in close proximity to dead people

When her close friend Sophie London commits suicide in front of an online web-cam by putting a gun in her mouth and pulling the trigger, Odelia's life is changed forever. Sophie, a plus-sized activist and inspiration to imperfect women, is the last person anyone would ever have expected to end her own life. Suspecting foul play, Odelia is determined to get to the bottom of her friend's death. Odelia's search for the truth takes her from southern California strip malls to the world of live web-cam porn to the ritzy enclave of Corona del Mar.


About the Author:

Like her character Odelia Grey from the Odelia Grey mysteries, Sue Ann Jaffarian, is a middle-aged, plus size paralegal. She lives in Los Angeles with her two cats, B and Raffi. She writes mysteries and general fiction, as well as short stories.

Under the pen name of Meg Chambers, Sue Ann also writes the Winnie Wilde erotic romance series.

In addition to writing, Sue Ann is sought after as a motivational and humorous speaker.

Want to receive HOT FLASHES, Sue Ann's newsletter? To subscribe, just send an e-mail to sue@sueannjaffarian.com with "Add Me" in the subject line. HOT FLASHES is distributed a couple times a year via e-mail. And rest assured, your e-mail information is never sold to or shared with anyone.

You can visit Sue Ann at her website: www.sueannjaffarian.com and follow her on both Facebook and Twitter.

Weekly Wrap Up # 103

It's A Wrap! Here is what happened. Trivia's, giveaway's guest post and more.

December 21st- First in Series- Kneading to Know by Liz Mugavero
December 22nd- Author Spotlight- Liz Mugavero
December 23rd- Book Trivia- Mary Anne Edwards
December 24th- Guest Post- Karoline Barrett
December 25- What's New? A Wee Dose of Death by Fran Stewart
December 26th- Shelley's Reviews



Coming this week:


December 28th- first in a Series- Too Big to Miss by Sue Ann Jaffarian
December 29th- Author Spotlight- Sue Ann Jaffarian
December 30th- Book Trivia- Kathie Shoop
December 31st- Guest Post
January 1st- What's New? The Grim Steeper by Amanda Cooper
January 2nd- Shelley's Review

Shelley's Review- Murder Fir Christmas by Joyce and Jim Lavene

Today's review is Murder Fir Christmas by Joyce and Jim Lavene. A Perfect read for this time of year.

Down the mountain from Sweet Pepper, Tennessee is Christmas Tree Valley, a place filled with hundreds of Christmas tree farms where generations of growers have made people’s lives brighter. Yet even here in this quiet, postcard-perfect corner of the world, darkness and murder can still stalk the night.

Federal Wildlife Agent Bonnie Tuttle has always had a special gift with wild animals. It was one of the reasons she decided to train with the wildlife agency. She’s spent the last ten years in Alabama working, but her mother needs her home and she’s back despite all the bad parts of her life she hoped to leave behind. Her first day home begins with a fire on the island in Sweet Pepper Lake and the death of Harvey Shelton, the wildlife agent she’s supposed to replace.

Bonnie manages to rescue dozens of animals from the fire – including a wolf pup that was shot with the same bullet that killed Harvey. Now she’s hot on the trail of Harvey’s killer and trying to reintegrate the wolf back into the wild even though he seems to want to stay with her. Yet old memories persist in the small community where she grew up, and the killer now seems to believe that she has what he killed Harvey for. All she has to do is figure out what that is before it’s too late. Christmas Recipes included!

Murder Fir Christmas is a new series. Its a cross over of The Sweet Pepper series the Lavene's write. Bonnie has a lot going on with a fire and rescuing animals the last thing she needs is a murder. So when she realizes there is a double murder she really has to get down to it and find out what is going on, and catch a killer all in time for Christmas. . Filled with excitement, mystery and fun you will be swept away to Sweet Pepper Lake.

About the Authors:

Joyce and Jim Lavene write award-winning, bestselling mystery fiction as themselves, J.J. Cook, and Ellie Grant. They have written and published more than 70 novels for Harlequin, Berkley, Amazon, and Gallery Books along with hundreds of non-fiction articles for national and regional publications. They live in rural North Carolina with their family.

What's New? A Wee Dose of Death by Fran Stewart

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! What's New? A Wee Dose of Death (A ScotShop Mystery) by Fran Stewart. Being released on January 5th. Want to win a copy of this book from the author? Leave a comment for her and email and one lucky reader will be chosen on December 28th.

Series: A ScotShop Mystery (Book 2)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (January 5, 2016)
Language: English



A second dose of Scottish charm from the author of A Wee Murder in My Shop.

While business is booming at the ScotShop in Hamelin, Vermont, proprietor Peggy Winn doesn’t have time to toast her good fortune thanks to her hot-tempered, fourteenth-century Scottish companion. Being thrust into the modern world hasn’t been easy for Dirk, but Peggy is at her wit’s end trying to keep the ghostie galoot in line.

But when the local police chief finds the body of Peggy’s friend Karaline’s college professor in a deserted mountain cabin, everyone is thrown for a loop. It seems the secretive professor may have been killed over his ecological work, an idea that’s only reinforced when Karaline herself is shot. Now Peggy and Dirk must set aside their differences to put the cold-blooded killer under loch and key...


About the Author


Fran Stewart is the author of the ScotShop Mysteries, including A Wee Murder in My Shop, and the Biscuit McKee Mysteries. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, the Atlanta Writers Club, and the National League of American Pen Women, and lives simply in a quiet house beside a creek on the backside of Hog Mountain, Georgia, with various rescued cats. She sings (alto) with the Gwinnett Choral Guild, knits, reads, gardens, volunteers in her grandchildren’s school libraries, and manages quite happily without a television set.

Guest Post- Karoline Barrett

I am so thrilled to have with us today Karoline Barrett. Her debut cozy mystery Bun for Your Life( A Bread and Batter Mystery series) was released on November 17th.

Welcome Karoline, so happy you can be here today.


Shelley, thank you so much for having me on Shelley’s Book Case! Like other authors, I get asked quite a bit where I get the ideas for my writing. The answer is, sometimes from a conversation I overhear, sometimes from a newspaper article, sometimes from people-watching, and sometimes they just pop into my imagination. But honestly, ideas can come from anywhere. Speaking of ideas, I’ve been waiting a long time to talk about the Destiny Divas, and with Raisin the Dead coming in April 2016, this seems like the perfect time!

In the first book of my Bread and Batter series, Bun for Your Life, I mention that my main character, Molly Tyler, belongs to a book club called the Destiny Women’s Book Club. In the second book of the series, Raisin the Dead, the book club plays a larger role in the story. Their name also changes to the Destiny Divas. Why the Divas? As Molly explains, “Our former name was Destiny Women’s Book Club, but we decided that Destiny Divas was a more exciting name, and fit our personalities better.” However, there’s more to it than that.

I was invited to a book club almost two years ago to talk about my first book, which is women’s fiction. The name of the book club? The Divas. I loved that name and I loved how the women interacted with each other. They were so lively, smart, and funny. I knew right then that I had to change the name of my fictitious book club to the Destiny Divas. Then I thought, What if Molly engaged them to help solve a murder? So she did!

Here you’ll see a picture of the “original” divas. The beautiful bride is Jennifer! I’ll leave you with a small sample from Raisin the Dead featuring a couple of the Destiny Divas (any resemblance to, or characteristics of, the original Divas is purely coincidental, and total luck on the authors part!)

Once I got everyone settled at the dining room table with food, margaritas, and glasses for water in front of them, it wasn’t long until we’d caught up on each other’s lives during the last month; who was in love, who was out of love, who wanted to be in love, and so forth. Then, the buzz started about Serafina coming to town, followed by Philip’s death.

Usually, the hostess is responsible for leading the discussion on the book we’ve read and keeping the Divas on track discussing said book, but tonight was an exception. I really did feel badly that I hadn’t read the book. I vowed to read the next book we chose.

“Detective Corsino questioned my mother about Philip’s death,” I volunteered as I speared a slice of meatloaf. “Why on earth did he do that?” Laura, the above-mentioned attorney, looked stunned.
“My mom and Philip had dinner at Mia’s and according to her; afterwards, while they were in the parking lot, she told him if he stopped backing the library expansion, she’d kill him. A waiter heard her, and since Philip was dead soon after, the waiter called the police.”
“That’s the craziest thing I’ve ever heard!” exclaimed Mary Sue, owner of Mary Sue’s House of Beauty. She’s been cutting hair in Destiny for ages and I’m convinced she’s the main reason no psychiatrist puts down roots in our town. No one fixes problems and dishes advice like Mary Sue. She has a doctorate in life, love, and heartbreak.

BIO: Karoline Barrett lives in a small Connecticut town with her husband. She is the author of the Bread and Batter mystery series. When she isn't writing she loves the beach, reading, visiting museums, spending time with family, and doing anything that has nothing to do with math.

http://www.karolinebarrett.com/

/https://www.facebook.com/KarolineBarrettBooks/

amazon.com/author/karolinebarrettbooks

https://twitter.com/KarolineBarrett

Christmas Trivia hosted by Mary Anne Edwards

It's almost time for Christmas and today's trivia is hosted by Mary Anne Edwards.

My main character in the Charlie McClung Mysteries is Irish. So, I thought it would be fun to have Irish Christmas trivia. Are you ready to learn how Detective Charlie McClung and his family celebrate the holiday? Okay, let’s get cracking. Oh, did I mention there is prize for one lucky person? No? Well, there is!


1. When does the Irish Christmas season begin?

a. November 25th
b. December 1st
c. December 8th
d. December 11th


2. Where will you find an Irish family with friends and family at midnight on Christmas Eve?

a. Pub
b. Mass
c. Swimming
d. Caroling


3. What do Irish families hang on their front door during the Christmas season?

a. Wreath of Holly
b. String of Potatoes
c. Birdhouse
d. Wreath of Straw


4. What is served during a traditional Irish Christmas dinner?

a. Roast Goose
b. Plum Pudding
c. Three types of Potatoes: roast, mashed, and boiled.
d. All of the above


5. Why do Irish families put a single candle in the window?

a. To welcome Saint Nicholas
b. To welcome Joseph and Mary
c. To welcome friends and family
d. To welcome-in the Christmas season


6. What do Irish children leave out for Saint Nicholas?

a. Biscuits and Whiskey
b. Mince Pie and A Bottle of Guinness
c. Chocolates and Milk
d. A or B


6. What do the Irish typically do on Christmas Day?

a. Swim in the sea
b. Watch boxing
c. Stay indoors all day with family
d. Attend horse racing


7. Which one of these is a traditional Irish Christmas carol?

a. I Saw Three Ships
b. Once in Royal David’s City
c. The Twelve Days of Christmas
b. A Boy is Born in Bethlehem

8. What is the Irish traditional Christmas greeting?

a. Merry Christmas
b. Happy Christmas
c. Blessed Christmas
d. Good Christmas to you


9. When do the Irish take-down their Christmas decorations?
a, December 26th
b. December 31st
c. January 6th
d. January 12th




Leave answers and email in the comments for a chance to win this great prize pack. Winner will be chosen on Saturday and will have three days to respond.

Author of the Charlie McClung Mysteries

www.maryanneedwards.com

www.facebook.com/authormaryanneedwards

Author Spotlight- Liz Mugavero

It's time for Author Spotlight and this weeks author is Liz Mugavero! Liz is the author of the Pawsatively Organic Mystery series.

About Liz!


I’ve been writing stories since I could hold a pen. Before that, I would tell them to anyone who would listen (not many people at the time except my grandfather, who was always up for a great story). After deciding early on I would write books for a living, I practiced by writing angst-filled poems, short stories and even a storyline for a soap opera--all by age 15.


I never wavered from my goal despite all the usual questions including, “So are you going to be an English teacher with that degree in English?” or, “That writing thing sounds nice, but how are you REALLY going to make a living?”


I went on to get a master’s in writing and publishing and spent time in journalism, PR and corporate communications. Presently, I work in marketing by day and write my books by night (and weekend, and whenever I have a chance). And I’m confident this writing thing IS the way to make a living.


Aside from writing, I love animals (and have a houseful), the beach, reading other writers’ masterpieces and Starbucks coffee.


The Pawsitively Organic Mysteries is my first series. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I am writing it!



You can find Liz and all her great books here: 

http://www.lizmugavero.com/index.html

https://www.facebook.com/author.liz.mugavero/?fref=ts

http://www.amazon.com/Liz-Mugavero/e/B00A852SFC/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1450737228&sr=8-2-ent

First in Series- Kneading to Die by Liz Mugavero

This weeks First in Series is Kneading to Die(A Pawsitively Organic Mystery) by Liz Mugavero

Series: Pawsitively Organic Mysteries
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Kensington (May 7, 2013)
Language: English



Maybe the best thing that ever happened to Kristan "Stan" Connor was losing her high-stress public relations job. Now there's plenty of time to spend in her sleepy new Connecticut town working on her dream: baking healthy, organic pet treats!


Before long the neighborhood dogs are escaping their yards to show up at Stan's doorstep, begging for the kinds of special homemade treats her Maine coon cat Nutty loves so much. And Stan's pet-loving neighbors are thrilled with the new organic options available to their furry family members. But not everyone loves Stan and her newfangled organic ways. . .


It seems Carole Morganwick, the town vet, is from the old school of pet care. But when Stan swallows her pride and brings a very unwilling Nutty in for a checkup, she not only finds Carole dead under a pile of kibble. . .but also that she's in the dog house as the prime suspect! Finding the real killer and clearing her name will require some seriously surreptitious sniffing around. . .and hopefully, curiosity won't kill this innocent cat!



Includes Gourmet Pet Food Recipes!


"Like the goodies Stan makes for her Maine coon kitty Nutty, Kneading To Die is a treat! Liz Mugavero weaves animal knowledge into a fun and frisky whodunit, with plenty of lively pet action." --Clea Simon, author of Cats Can't Shoot


About the Author:

Liz Mugavero is the author of the Pawsitively Organic Mysteries. The first book, Kneading to Die, is a 2013 Agatha nominee for Best First Novel. The series includes A Biscuit, A Casket, The Icing on the Corpse, and Murder Most Finicky, coming in December 2015.

Liz has been writing stories since she could hold a pen. Before that, she would tell them to anyone who would listen (not many at the time). After deciding early on she would write books for a living, she practiced by writing bad, angst-filled poems, short stories and even a storyline for a soap opera--all by age 15. She never wavered from her goals despite all the usual questions including, "So are you going to be an English teacher with that degree in English?" or, "That writing thing sounds nice, but how are you REALLY going to make a living?"

She went on to get a master's in writing and publishing and spent time in journalism, PR, and presently, marketing. And she's confident this writing thing IS the way to make a living.

Aside from writing, she loves animals (has a houseful), the beach, reading other writers' masterpieces and Starbucks coffee.

Weekly Wrap Up #102

It's A Wrap! Here is what happened this week.

December 14th- First in Series- Murder at Hatfield House by Amanda Carmack
December 15th- Author Spotlight- Amanda Carmack
December 16th- Christmas Trivia- Diane A. S. Stuckart
December 17th- Guest Post- Toni L.P.Kelner
December 18th- What's New? To Helvetica and Back by Paige Shelton
December 19th - Shelley's Reviews



Coming this week:


December 21st- First in Series- Kneading to Know by Liz Mugavero
December 22nd- Author Spotlight- Liz Mugavero
December 23rd- Book Trivia- Mary Anne Edwards
December 24th- Guest Post- Karoline Barrett
December 25- What's New? A Wee Dose of Death by Fran Stewart
December 26th- Shelley's Reviews

Shelley's Review- A Murder in Mohair by Anne Canadeo

My review today is A Murder in Mohair( A Black Sheep Knitting Mystery Series) by Anne Canadeo.

Series: A Black Sheep Knitting Mystery (Book 8)
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Gallery Books (December 1, 2015)
Language: English


In Anne Canadeo's cozy eighth Black Sheep Knitting Mystery, a cold-hearted murder in Plum Harbor leads the knitters to investigate a new psychic who may be far more dangerous than she seems…

When Jimmy Hubbard, the manager of the local cinema, is murdered in a robbery gone wrong, the residents of Plum Harbor are mystified. Everyone liked Jimmy, and the struggling theater seems an unlikely target for burglars.

The Black Sheep Knitters are surprised and saddened by the crime, but are more suspicious of psychic-medium Isabel Waters, who has recently set up shop in town. Isabel has hoodwinked one of their friends into shelling out big money every week to keep the memory of a lost loved one alive. Determined to reveal Isabel as a fraud, the knitters are pulled in the web of Isabel’s world and find themselves in a tangle of secrets and lies. They must solve two murders before the truth about all of Isabel’s clients—past and present—are revealed.

As in her previous books A Dark and Stormy Knit, The Silence of the Llamas, and Knit, Purl, Die—which Publishers Weekly praised for its “fast-paced plot that will keep even non-knitters turning the pages”—Canadeo brings her trademark style to this entertaining mystery that will psych you out and leave you wanting more.

You will be hooked on book eight in this action packed mystery. The Black Sheep knitters are at it again in Plum Harbor and more than just yarn is being unraveled. Filled with witty banter and a murder that keep you in knots trying to find out who did it and why. This is by far the best one in this series and I look forward to see what will happen next.

About the Author

Anne Canadeo lives and knits in Northport, New York, with her husband, daughter, and canine office assistant. She is the author of the Black Sheep Knitting mystery series, and writing as Katherine Spencer, she has also authored the popular Cape Light and Angel Island series.

What's New? To Helvetic and Back by Paige Shelton

What's New? To Helvetica and Back( A Dangerous Type Mystery) by New York Times Best Selling Author Paige Shelton will be releasing on January 5th,2016.

Series: A Dangerous Type Mystery (Book 1)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (January 5, 2016)
Language: English




The New York Times bestselling author of the Farmers’ Market Mysteries and the Country Cooking School Mysteries introduces readers to Star City, Utah, and a little shop called the Rescued Word...


Star City is known for its slopes and its powder. But nestled in the valley of this ski resort town is a side street full of shops that specialize in the simple charms of earlier eras. One of those shops is the Rescued Word, where Chester Henry and his adult granddaughter Clare lovingly repair old typewriters and restore old books. Who ever thought their quaint store would hold the key to some modern-day trouble?


When a stranger to town demands they turn over an antique Underwood typewriter they’re repairing for a customer, Clare fears she may need to be rescued. A call to the police scares the man off, but later Clare finds his dead body in the back alley. What about a dusty old typewriter could possibly be worth killing for?



Giveaway: Want a chance to win this book? leave a comment about what draws you to read cozy mysteries. Don't forget your email too. Winner will be chosen on December 29th and will have three days to respond.

Christmas Trivia hosted by Sid the Skeleton

Today I'm featuring a special trivia hosted by Sid the Skeleton I am so excited to have him here with us today. A winner will be chosen on December 20th.

Sid’s Christmas Special Trivia
Hosted by Sid the Skeleton
From Leigh Perry’s Family Skeleton Series


For those who don’t know me, I’m a skeleton.

Yup, all bones, technically dead, but a heck of a nice guy just the same. I live in the Thackery family attic, and when my best friend Georgia and I aren’t solving murders, I watch a lot of videos and I’m a big fan of Christmas specials.
Since the Thackerys store their Christmas stuff in my room, that means I get access to the videos year-round, and I do take advantage of that. You might think a guy like me would be more of a Halloween fan, and of course I am, but Christmas is just as special to me. And I love Christmas specials like these five!

Post your answers to my ten trivia questions, and I’ll pick from people who get ‘em all right to send a copy of my A Skeleton in the Family, my first adventure. And since it’s Christmas, I’ll throw in a sparkly skull Christmas ornament, too!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

As an Osteo-American, I sometimes feels like a misfit myself, which is why this may be my favorite Christmas special. Plus I would love to travel around with Yukon Cornelius.

1) Rudoph’s fellow misfit, Hermie, didn’t want to make toys. What did he want to do?

2) This special is narrated by a talking snowman. What is the snowman’s name?



A Charlie Brown Christmas

One of Sid’s favorites, partially because of the wonderful jazz music and partially because it’s one of the few Christmas specials to actually mention Christianity. It turns 50 this year!

3) Lucy doesn’t want a lot of stupid toys for Christmas. What does she want?

4) What does Charlie Brown do in the Christmas pageant?

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Sid and Georgia spent many happy hours reading Dr. Seuss books, so of course he loves this special. One Christmas, Georgia made him a plush heart that was as big as the reformed Grinch’s to put in his ribcage. (Don’t tell Georgia, but he still has it.)

5) The narrator has an unlikely name, but it’s his real name. What is it?

6) How old was Cindy Lou Who?


Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town

Sid has always appreciated knowing the real story, so he particularly appreciates this explanation of how reindeer learned to fly, how Santa can know what kids are up to, and why we hang up stockings. He also had a crush on Jessica, who became Mrs. Claus.

7)When Kris Kringle makes friends with the dreaded Winter Warlock, the warlock asks him to call him something less formal. What is it?

8) Kris Kringle falls in love with Jessica, a lady who lives in Sombertown. What is her job?


The Year Without a Santa Claus

Sid has a confession. Since none of the Thackerys were particular fans of Elvis Presley, the first time he heard “Blue Christmas” was in this movie. To him, it’s still the definitive version.

9) The same movie star performed the voice of Santa Claus in this and in “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Who was it?
10) Perhaps the most beloved characters in this special are the Miser brothers. What are their names?


Good luck, and for a special Christmas treat, go to Youtube to listen to a song written all about me. (Yes, that is me in the video!)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPz0Q6oTB8M"

Holiday Trivia - Diane A.S. Stuckart

It's time for Holiday Trivia and today's host is Diane A.S.Stuckart. Leave answers and email for a chance to win. Winner will be chosen on December 19th.

As author of the Black Cat Bookshop Mystery series featuring Hamlet the Cat and his person, Darla Pettistone, I had no choice but to make my Christmas trivia entry cat-themed. But, let me tell you, tracking down Christmas trivia of the feline variety is not the easiest task. Cats have the Halloween market cornered, but when it comes to Christmas…eh, not so much.

Fortunately, I found a few fun questions that might stump all but the most clever of humans, as Hamlet would say. He’ll draw one winner from the names of all entrants who answer all the below questions correctly. I’ll send that winner a signed copy of my latest Black Cat Bookshop Mystery, PLOT BOILER. So, let’s give it a whirl!

1. A superstition claims that a meowing cat on Christmas is bad luck.
True or False?


2. To keep your cat from climbing your Christmas tree, try hanging this in its branches:
a. Orange peels
b. Banana peels
3. Potato peels


3. What is the title of the popular Christmas album sung entirely by cats that made Billboard's Top 10 Holiday Album List for 1994?


4. The Yule Cat is:

a. A fancy log in the shape of a cat to be burned on Christmas Eve.
b. An Icelandic monster that roams about the countryside during the Christmas season.
c. Any cat that is born on December 25.


5. What Christmas gift did Odie the dog give to Garfield in A Garfield Christmas



Diane A.S. Stuckart/Ali Brandon
diane@dianestuckart.com
ali@alibrandon.com



Special?
Ali Brandon is the New York Times bestselling author of the Black Cat Bookshop Mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime. Fifth in the series, PLOT BOILER, hit the shelves November 2015. Writing under her real name, Diane A.S. Stuckart, she also penned the popular Leonardo da Vinci historical mystery series, which received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, as well as a Florida Book Award. A native Texan with a degree in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma, Diane a/k/a Ali now lives in South Florida with her hubby, four dogs, and four very spoiled cats.


Find her at www.alibrandon.com or

www.facebook.com/blackcatbookshopmysteries

Author Spotlight- Amanda Carmack

This weeks Author Spotlight goes out to Amanda Carmack. Amanda is the author of the Elizabethan Mystery series. Are you a fan? Is she a new to you author? Look up her series, it is worth the read. You will love it.

Amanda has been in love with the Tudors ever since an accidental viewing of "Anne of the Thousand Days" on TV as a kid! Now she just wishes she could live with them all the time--but there has to be time for writing about them too.

She also writes as Amanda McCabe and Laurel McKee, and her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times BOOKReviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion. She lives in Oklahoma with a menagerie of two cats, a Pug, and a very bossy miniature Poodle, along with far too many books.

When not writing or reading, she loves taking dance classes, yoga, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs, and watching the Food Network--even though she doesn't cook.

http://amandacarmack.com/

First in Series- Murder at Hatfield House by Amanda Carmack

This week's First in Series is Murder at Hatfield House( An Elizabethan Mystery) by Amanda Carmack. Released on October 1st, 2013, You will be swept away to the Elizabethan Era.

Series: Elizabethan Mystery
Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: NAL (October 1, 2013)
Language: English



1558. Kate Haywood, a simple musician in the employ of a princess, will find herself involved in games of crowns as she sets out to solve the murder of the queen’s envoy....


England is in tumult under the rule of Queen Mary and her Spanish husband. Confined to house arrest at Hatfield House, young Princess Elizabeth is the country’s greatest hope. Far from court intrigues, Elizabeth finds solace in simple things: the quiet countryside and peaceful recreation, including the melodies of her chief musician and his daughter, Kate Haywood.


But Kate will prove herself most valuable when an envoy of the queen—sent to flush out heretics in the princess’s household—is found dead on the grounds of Hatfield. Acting as Elizabeth’s eyes and ears, Kate is sent out on the trail of a killer whose mission could destroy her family, friends—and the future of England.


About the Author

Amanda Carmack is a pseudonym for a multipublished author. Her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion. She lives in Oklahoma.

Weekly Wrap Up #101

It's a Wrap, Here is what happened this week:

December 7th- First in Series- While My Pretty One Knits by Anne Canadeo
December 8th- Author Spotlight- Anne Canadeo
December 9th- Christmas Trivia- Julie Moffett
December 10th - Guest Post- Nancy J. Parra
December 11th- What's New? Scene of the Brine by Mary Ellen Hughes
December 12th- Shelley's Reviews/ Blog Tour - Murder Fir Christmas by Joyce and Jim Lavene


Coming this week:


December 14th- First in Series- Murder at Hatfield House by Amanda Carmack
December 15th- Author Spotlight- Amanda Carmack
December 16th- Christmas Trivia- Diane A. S. Stuckart
December 17th- Guest Post- Toni L.P.Kelner
December 18th- What's New? To Helvetica and Back by Paige Shelton
December 19th - Shelley's Reviews


Have a great week

Blog Tour- Murder Fir Christmas by Joyce and Jim Lavene

I am excited to have for this blog tour. Murder Fir Christmas by Joyce and Jim Lavene is a fantastic read that will get you in the Christmas mood.

Murder Fir Christmas
(Christmas Tree Valley Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
New Series
Print Length: 208 pages
Publisher: J. Lavene (December 1, 2015)


Down the mountain from Sweet Pepper, Tennessee is Christmas Tree Valley, a place filled with hundreds of Christmas tree farms where generations of growers have made people’s lives brighter. Yet even here in this quiet, postcard-perfect corner of the world, darkness and murder can still stalk the night.

Federal Wildlife Agent Bonnie Tuttle has always had a special gift with wild animals. It was one of the reasons she decided to train with the wildlife agency. She’s spent the last ten years in Alabama working, but her mother needs her home and she’s back despite all the bad parts of her life she hoped to leave behind.

Her first day home begins with a fire on the island in Sweet Pepper Lake and the death of Harvey Shelton, the wildlife agent she’s supposed to replace. Bonnie manages to rescue dozens of animals from the fire – including a wolf pup that was shot with the same bullet that killed Harvey.

Now she’s hot on the trail of Harvey’s killer and trying to reintegrate the wolf back into the wild even though he seems to want to stay with her. Yet old memories persist in the small community where she grew up, and the killer now seems to believe that she has what he killed Harvey for. All she has to do is figure out what that is before it’s too late.

Christmas Recipes included!

Murder Fir Christmas is a new series. Its a cross over of The Sweet Pepper series the Lavene's write. Bonnie has a lot going on with a fire and rescuing animals the last thing she needs is a murder. So when she realizes there is a double murder she really has to get down to it and find out what is going on, and catch a killer all in time for Christmas. . Filled with excitement, mystery and fun you will be swept away to Sweet Pepper Lake.

I really enjoyed this book. While I still miss Joyce, you could feel her presence in this book.

About The Authors –

Joyce and Jim Lavene write award-winning, bestselling mystery fiction as themselves, J.J. Cook, and Ellie Grant. They have written and published more than 70 novels for Harlequin, Berkley, Amazon, and Gallery Books along with hundreds of non-fiction articles for national and regional publications. They live in rural North Carolina with their family.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

What's New? Scene of the Brine by Mary Ellen Hughes

This weeks What's New is Scene of the Brine by Mary Ellen Hughes. Releasing on February 2,2016. If you would like to win a copy leave a comment and email for that chance.

Series: Pickled and Preserved Mystery (Book 3)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (February 2, 2016)
Language: English



The national bestselling author of License to Dill returns with a dilly of a pickle.


Piper Lamb has to take a break from jarring her delicious pickles and preserves to blow the lid off a poisoner.... Business is booming at Piper’s Picklings in Cloverdale, New York. But not all is sweet in the life of Piper’s number one customer and friend, local caterer Sugar Heywood. Sugar is dating wealthy realtor Jeremy Porter, but his family doesn’t approve. After their unscrupulous accountant finds some dirt on Sugar, the family quickly urges Jeremy to throw her out like rotten fruit.


Things are further spoiled after the accountant is found poisoned, and all evidence points to Sugar’s son, Zach. With the Porter family determined to avoid scandal, it won’t be easy for Piper to preserve Zach’s innocence. And after someone falls victim to a poisoned jar of some of her brandied cherries, Piper’s got a peck of trouble to deal with herself…

Mary Ellen Hughes is the author of the Craft Corner mystery series - WREATH OF DECEPTION, STRING OF LIES, and PAPER-THIN ALIBI - as well as the Maggie Olenski mysteries - RESORT TO MURDER and A TASTE OF DEATH.
She has also authored several short stories, including THE WOMAN ON THE TRAIN, and short mysteries included in the Chesapeake Crimes and Tales from the Backlist anthologies.
A transplanted Wisconsinite, Mary Ellen now lives in Maryland where she is excited to be working on her new Pickled and Preserved mystery series beginning with THE PICKLED PIPER.

Guest Post- Nancy J. Parra/ Nancy Coco

I am always thrilled when Nancy J. Parra visits my blog. Nancy also writes as Nancy Coco with her A Candy Coated Mystery series. She writes as Nancy J. Parra with her Bakers Treat Mystery Series She is here today talking about Christmas Memories .

One of my favorite Christmas memories is the Christmas my father made my sisters and I a complete kid-sized kitchen. At the time he worked for a company that made displays and he had access to remainder materials and things at work. To this day I don’t know where he made them. They just appeared on Christmas eve. How do I know? That was the Christmas eve I woke up not feeling good and wandered downstairs to ask for water. My father stopped me, turning me around and reminding me that Santa was coming and I was supposed to stay in my bed. But not before I caught a glimpse of the kitchen set under the tree. I was good and never told my brothers and sisters that Santa had help from Daddy.


We used that kitchen for years until it fell apart. The stories we made up and enacted around the hinged doors and working knobs were both fantastical and ordinary. I’m sure I made many fudge recipes on the stove with old pots and pans and spoons for stirring. Today kids receive plastic kitchen sets, but nothing beats the love and attention my father put into that ply wood set with its shiny white exterior. In our hearts it was a miniature version of the real thing.


What is your favorite Christmas memory?

I will give away a book to two random comments chosen by Shelley. Leave a comment about a Christmas Memory and email for a chance to win.

For a fun Christmas short e-read, download a copy of “All I Want For Christmas is Fudge” on Amazon today.

Look for the fourth in the series, “All You Need is Fudge” July 2016.

Nancy J Parra AKA Nancy Coco is the author of over 20 published novels which include three mystery series: The Gluten-free Baker’s Treat Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime), The Candy Coated Mysteries (Kensington), and The Perfect Proposal Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime). Her writing has been called witty and her protagonists plucky by reviewers around the world. Nancy is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America and writes for the Killer Character Blog on the 8th of every month. Nancy loves to hear from readers.


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone! Nancy

Christmas Trivia hosted by Julie Moffett

Happy Holidays, everyone! I’m Julie Moffett, author of the action-packed, geeky Lexi Carmichael mystery series! So happy to be here! My latest book, NO ROOM FOR ERROR, was released this past Monday!

Shelley has graciously invited me to celebrate the season with you guys, so here are seven fun Christmas trivia questions for your entertainment. Post your answers in the comments below. I’ll let you know in the comments the answers at a later point so you can see how you did. One random commenter will win a free copy of my brand new Lexi Carmichael box set, which contains the first 3 books of the series and a bonus novella! Yay!

For more information on my books check out my website at: www.juliemoffett.com, my Twitter feed @JMoffettAuthor, or my Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/JulieMoffettAuthor/. Nice to meet you, have fun, and good luck!


1. Which of these companies was the first to use Santa Clause in an advertisement?

a. Pepsi
b. Coca-Cola
c. 7-Up
d. Fanta

2. Which president was the first to decorate the White House Christmas tree?

a. Franklin Pierce
b. Samuel Adams
c. George Washington
d. Abraham Lincoln

3. Where was Mommy kissing Santa Claus?

a. On the corner
b. In the bedroom
c. Under the mistletoe
On the stairs

4. Which country did the gingerbread house come from?
a. Austria
b. Switzerland
c. Germany
d. United States

5. What is Frosty the Snowman's nose made of?

a. A Carrot
b. Potato
c. Button
d. Rock

6. What is the name of the Grinch's dog in the movie "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"?

a. Pete
b. Sam
c. Dog
d. Max

7. Which Christmas movie has been played more than any other?

a. A Christmas Story
b. Home Alone
c. Frosty the Snowman
d. It's a Wonderful Life

Author Spotlight- Anne Canadeo

This week's Author Spotlight goes out to Anne Canadeo.Anne is the author of The Black Sheep Knitting Mystery Series.

Anne Canadeo lives and knits in Northport, New York, with her husband, daughter, and canine office assistant. She is the author of the Black Sheep Knitting mystery series, and writing as Katherine Spencer, she has also authored the popular Cape Light and Angel Island series.

First in Series- While My Pretty One Knits by Anne Canadeo

This week's First in Series is While My Pretty One Knits(A Black Sheep Knitting Mystery Series) by Anne Canadeo . Would you like to win a copy of this book? Leave a comment and email to be entered.

Series: A Black Sheep Knitting Mystery (Book 1)
Paperback: 249 pages
Publisher: Gallery Books; Original edition (May 12, 2009)
Language: English



The Black Sheep Knitters -- Maggie, Lucy, Dana, Suzanne, and Phoebe -- meet once a week without fail, sharing the varied and colorful skeins of their lives as much as knitting tips, recipes, and small-town gossip, and creating an intricate, durable pattern of friendship. Now a shocking murder has peaceful Plum Harbor, Massachusetts, in knots -- and the Black Sheep women must herd together to protect one of their own from a scandalous frame-up.


Maggie Messina, beloved owner of the Black Sheep Knitting Shop, is thrilled to be hosting a workshop for one of her former students, now a celebrity in the knitting world. But the celebration is upstaged when Amanda Goran, the owner of the rival Knitting Nest, is found dead in her shop on the other side of town.


Maggie had reasons to dislike Amanda, a thorn in her side ever since Maggie's shop surpassed Amanda's in popularity. Then again, it wasn't hard to dislike Amanda -- the contentious woman, whose marriage was on the rocks, seemed to specialize in causing misery all over town. But the pointed evidence has a detective casting a suspicious eye on Maggie. She may be a whiz at knitting, but can she keep the police from needling her before her shop, her reputation, and her circle of friends become unraveled?



About the Author


Anne Canadeo lives and knits in Northport, New York, with her husband, daughter, and canine office assistant. She is the author of the Black Sheep Knitting mystery series, and writing as Katherine Spencer, she has also authored the popular Cape Light and Angel Island series.