Virtual Book Tour & Giveaway: Dame Alice Hits Hollywood (Dame Alice Mystery, #1) by Allie Mahoney

 

Dame Alice Hits Hollywood

A Cozy 1930s Mystery

Featuring Author-Turned-Sleuth

Dame Alice Cartwright

Dame Alice Mysteries

by

Allie Mahoney

Cozy Mystery

1st in Series

Setting - Old Hollywood and Beverly Hills, circa 1937
Publisher: ‎Wrenfield Books
Publication Date: May 23, 2023
Digital Print length: 139 pages
ASIN: B0C666Z731

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SYNOPSIS:

April 1937: When Penelope Greenleigh, assistant at Ten Spot Press, learns she'll be heading to Hollywood to supervise script changes on the set of Lady Irwin's Diamonds, she should be thrilled. Who wouldn't want to mingle with movie stars in sunny California?

But there's a catch: Penelope, 29 and from Cape May, New Jersey, has been asked to impersonate Dame Alice Cartwright, the world's bestselling mystery author, who's 47 and lives in Copley-on-the-Wold, England. 

On the night Penelope arrives in L.A., Lady Irwin's lead actress disappears and a Harry Winston necklace goes missing. Soon, gossip columnist Hattie Holiday threatens to expose Penelope's deception, mobsters are coming after the film's boozy director, and worst of all, Dame Alice's script has gone from murder mystery to Fred and Ginger-style musical! 

The action unfolds at the Beverly Hills Hotel, the Trocadero, and hotspot Chasen's as Penelope works to solve the crimes alongside a handsome detective and a hapless studio flunky. Can she find the diamonds, the actress, and survive a wild week in Hollywood?

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REVIEW:

5 stars!

A fun and glamorous story lifted straight out of the middle of the Golden Age of Hollywood!

Dame Alice Hits Hollywood, the debut book in author Allie Mahoney’s new historical cozy mystery series, the Dame Alice Mysteries, is a fun and glamorous story lifted straight out of the star-studded Golden Age of 1930s Hollywood. This short novel introduces the four main characters of the series as they team up to solve the mysteries surrounding a publicity stunt gone sideways.

Although the series is titled for Dame Alice Cartwright, this initial story is truly an ensemble effort, with publishing assistant Penelope Greenleigh impersonating the fictional mystery writer for much of the book. Penelope often takes a backseat to her take-charge home girl, Molly Lopez, in the case of a missing diamond necklace. However, Toby, the former producer’s assistant, quickly became my favorite member of the investigative team with his youthful enthusiasm, unbridled optimism, and smile-inducing antics.

The author did a great job re-creating the time period: late 1930s Hollywood, smack in the middle of its Golden Age of Film. There is a ton of celebrity name-dropping that added to the look and feel and fun as did the inclusion of iconic spots like The Brown Derby.

The mystery of the missing diamonds is just the tip of the jewel theft iceberg, the latest in a string of well-publicized thefts from the rich and famous in the neighborhood. There are plenty of suspects for the trio of Penelope, Molly, and Toby to investigate and rule out. The red herrings were all so plausible I never pinpointed the actual thief until the big reveal. I loved the final resolution and look forward to the next adventure of Dame Alice and her new associates.

I recommend DAME ALICE HITS HOLLYWOOD to readers of historical cozy mysteries, especially those with a soft spot for the Golden Age of Hollywood.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A longtime magazine journalist, Allie Mahoney has written for Town & Country, Time Out New York, and Cosmo. A lifelong Agatha Christie fan, her shelves are also filled with the books of P.G. Wodehouse, Dave Barry, Sophie Kinsella, and Carl Hiaasen. Additional guilty pleasures: Classic Hollywood movies, fashion, dogs, Bravo tv, BritBox, Phillies baseball, and the beach.

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July 18 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT

July 18 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

July 19 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW

July 19 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews - SPOTLIGHT

July 20 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW

July 20 – Jane Reads - AUTHOR GUEST POST

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July 22 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 22 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

July 23 – Cozy Up With Kathy - REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 23 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW

July 24 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

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July 26 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

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Book Blitz & Giveaway: Take the Honey and Run (A Bee Keeping Mystery, #1) by Jennie Marts

Take the Honey and Run

Jennie Marts

(A Bee Keeping Mystery, #1)

Publication date: July 18th 2023

Genres: Adult, Comedy, Mystery

The town is all abuzz when a murder occurs in Jennie Marts’ debut cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Jenn McKinlay and Amanda Flower.

As a successful mystery author, Bailey Briggs writes about murder, but nothing prepares her for actually discovering the dead body of the founder of her hometown of Humble Hills, Colorado. Bailey grew up at Honeybuzz Mountain Ranch and was raised by her beekeeping grandmother, Blossom Briggs, aka Granny Bee, and her two eccentric sisters, Aster and Marigold—which is why she drops everything to come home and help Granny Bee after a bad fall.

A broken foot doesn’t stop her grandmother from ruling The Hive, her granny’s book club, or continuing to prepare and package her bee-inspired products. But when Bailey’s grandmother’s infamous “Honey I’m Home” hot spiced honey turns out to “bee” the murder weapon and her granny is now the prime suspect, Bailey has no choice but to use her fictional detective skills to help solve the murder and “smoke out” the real culprit.

With the help of Bailey’s witty bestie, a pair of meddling aunts, the feisty members of The Hive, and her computer-savvy daughter, this amateur sleuth is determined to solve the case. A malicious attack and an ominous threat reveal that someone wants Bailey to butt out of the investigation, but there’s no way she’s backing down. She must use her skills to uncover the truth and catch the clever culprit before her grandmother ends up bee-hind bars.

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EXCERPT:

She couldn’t seem to catch her breath. “Like dead-dead?” she whispered, trying to keep her anxiety in check and not hyperventilate.

Sawyer arched an eyebrow. “Yes, Bailey. Like that.”

Her hands fluttered to her mouth as she slumped to the floor next to Werner. Praying he was wrong, she picked up Werner’s hand, just as Sawyer had done to her the day before and tried desperately to find the flutter of a beat.

“Just breathe, Bailey,” Sawyer said, firmly cupping the side of her shoulder, the same way he used to when she’d had panic attacks back in high school.

The pressure of his hand calmed her, just as it always had, and she matched her breathing with his, taking in a deep breath, then slowly letting it out. “I’m okay, but we’ve got to call someone,” she said, pulling her phone from her pocket and stabbing at the screen as she tapped 9-1-1.

“It’s okay, Bailey. I’ve got this.”

She shook her head. How was he so calm? “No, we need an ambulance. Or a fireman. Or the police.” Her heart rate climbed even higher. “Oh my gosh, do we need the police?”

“Yes, but—” he started to say, but Bailey cut him off as the line was picked up.

“Nine-one-one. What is your emergency?” The operator’s voice sounded familiar.

“Yes, hello. We just found Werner Humble on his dining room floor, and we think he might be dead.”

“He is,” Sawyer confirmed. Again.

Bailey shot him a quick glare as she heard the operator say, “I’m sending an ambulance now.”

“Tell her there are suspicious circumstances,” he instructed.

Suspicious circumstances?

“Well, shoot fire,” the dispatcher whispered, then recognition set in as she said more clearly, “I heard him. I’ll contact the sheriff now.”

“Linda? Is that you?” Bailey asked.

“Yes, this is Linda Johnson.”

“This is Bailey Briggs.” She and Linda had gone to high school together and been lab partners for chemistry. Linda had been notorious for diving in without reading the lab notes, and Bailey had heard that whispered “Well, shoot fire” many times as their experiments literally went up in smoke.

“Oh hey, Bailey, I heard you were back in town. Hold on, I’m ringing the sheriff.”

Bailey turned toward Sawyer as she heard the theme song of Mission Impossible coming from his pocket.

He pulled out his phone and tapped the screen. “Dunn here.”

Bailey heard Linda say, “Hey, Sheriff, you need to head over to Werner Humble’s house. I already sent an ambulance, but apparently he’s dead and they think there might be suspicious circumstances.”

“Thanks, Linda, I’m already at the scene.”

“How’d you get there so fast?”

“I’m the one who discovered the body.”

“I thought Bailey Briggs did.”

“She’s here with me.”

“Oh, then why did I need to call you?”

Bailey spoke into the phone. “Because he didn’t tell me he was the sheriff.”

Sawyer shrugged as the corner of his lip tugged up in a grin. “I tried.”

“Not hard enough,” she muttered.

“Why don’t you call off the ambulance, Linda,” Sawyer told the dispatcher. “And send the coroner instead.”

“I’m on it, Sheriff. But he was doing a lecture at the hospital in the next town over today, so it may take him a half an hour or so to get to you.”

“That’s fine. I’ll wait here.”

“Okay, well, I’ve got another call coming in,” Linda said. “Welcome home, Bailey.”

What a homecoming.

“You’re the sheriff?” Bailey asked as she pushed her phone back into her pocket.

He nodded.

“Why didn’t you tell me that yesterday?” “Didn’t come up.”

And why hadn’t her grandmother or her so-called best friend informed her of this fact? Oh yeah, Evie thought it was just so much more fun this way.

I’ ll be sure to let her know how much fun I’m having.

“Why does he look like that?” She pressed her fingers together and tried to rub the tackiness of them on her jeans. “And why is he sticky?”

“I’m assuming he’s sticky from the honey-slathered biscuit it appears he was eating.” He nodded to the evidence lying on the floor a few feet from his outstretched hand.

It was partially under the table, so she hadn’t noticed it before, but now she could see the biscuit had a large bite out of the side. “There’s no way Werner was eating that. Granny Bee just told us he’s deathly allergic to honey. And that’s not something you eat by mistake.”

“I’m not the medical examiner, of course, but the way his lips are swollen, the hives, the . . .” He waved his hand in a circle around his head. “The way he looks leads me to believe he died from anaphylactic shock, presumably from eating that honey we know he was allergic to. It’s hard to see around the hives, but it looks to me like there are also traces of the honey on his chin and around his mouth.” He furrowed his brow as he leaned closer and sniffed at Werner’s face.

Bailey drew back, wrinkling her nose. “What are you doing?”

“I know this scent.” Realization lit his eyes, then his expression changed to dread as he leaned back and gazed around the room.

“What is it?”

His shoulders slumped as he shook his head. “I sure wish I hadn’t heard Granny Bee threaten to kill this man yesterday.”

“Why? What does Granny Bee have to do with this?”

He pointed to the jar of Granny Bee’s signature Honey I’m Home hot spiced honey sitting open on the table, a spoon covered in the amber substance next to it. “Because it looks like it was her honey that killed him.”

Author Bio:

Jennie Marts is the USA TODAY Best-selling author of award-winning books filled with love, laughter, and always a happily ever after. Readers call her books “laugh out loud” funny and the “perfect mix of romance, humor, and steam.” Fic Central claimed one of her books was “the most fun I’ve had reading in years.”

She is living her own happily ever after in the mountains of Colorado with her husband, two dogs, and a parakeet that loves to tweet to the oldies. She’s addicted to Diet Coke, adores Cheetos, and believes you can’t have too many books, shoes, or friends.

Her books include the contemporary western romance Hearts of Montana series, the romantic comedy/ cozy mysteries of The Page Turners series, the hunky hockey-playing men in the Bannister family in the Bannister Brothers Books, and the small-town romantic comedies in the Lovestruck series of Cotton Creek Romances.

Jennie loves to hear from readers. Follow her on Facebook at Jennie Marts Books, or Twitter at @JennieMarts. Visit her at www.jenniemarts.com and sign up for her newsletter to keep up with the latest news and releases.

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Book Blitz & Giveaway: The Rose of Florence by Angela M. Sims

The Rose of Florence
Angela M. Sims
Publication date: March 23rd 2023
Genres: Adult, Historical, Romance

Prologue (1460):
Gianetta is born in a farmhouse in Fiesole. Her mother dies in childbirth. The unnamed father is distraught but leaves her in the care of her grandmother and returns home.

The Story (1478):
Gianetta grows up and moves to Florence, where she is in service to a wealthy family of textile merchants – the Rosini. They are friends to and supporters of the powerful Medici clan. In the small, tight-knit group of staff, we meet Eleonora (cook), Luigi (Signor Francesco Rosini’s private assistant), Antonio and Lucia and our hero, Matteo. Gianetta and Matteo are in love and have a happy, peaceful life with the kind and generous Rosini family. They enjoy entertaining at Palazzo Rosini, where the Medici and Botticelli are frequent visitors.

Following the suspected poisoning of Lorenzo de’ Medici and near death of Giuliano de’ Medici, both within the Rosini family home, there is suspicion that there is a traitor in the house and speculation as to who it might be.

In Botticelli’s workshop (where Matteo worked previously), there is discussion about unrest in Florence with rumours in the city that Medici days in power are numbered, and there may be trouble at Easter.

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EXCERPT:

Setting the scene: Matteo is a manservant in Palazzo Rosini, and Cesare Conti is a guest at the family banquet that night, but clearly, they have come across each other before…

Matteo remained behind to make sure that all the guests’ cloaks were hanging neatly and away from the fire, so that they didn’t smell of smoke by the end of the evening. He hadn’t noticed a figure standing quietly behind him until he heard a slight cough. Turning round, he almost bumped straight into Cesare Conti. He had been half expecting this but had hoped to avoid a direct conversation with him.

“Signor Conti,” he said, with a small bow. “Can I help you?”

“Oh, I think you have already helped me enough, don’t you?” The young man’s piercing green eyes looked directly at Matteo. Then, as if the sun had come out, Cesare broke into a beaming smile and put his arm around Matteo.

“I just wanted to thank you…for last week. What a coincidence that you should be passing, just as I was leaving that place.”

“I have to pass it occasionally when I am running errands for Eleonora. What goes on there is no concern of mine, ser.” Matteo was uncomfortable and hoped that was the end of the conversation. He made to move towards the stairs, but Cesare’s grip tightened.

“We are grown men…er…”

“Matteo, ser.”

“We are grown men, Matteo. Women serve a purpose from time to time. Indeed, some are very beautiful, but some of us also have other needs, which must be satisfied. Sadly, the city looks on some of those needs as vices, the “Florentine vice”, I believe some call it.” He shook his head, sadly. “Whatever the rights or wrongs of the situation, I could have been arrested that day. You could have turned me in to the guard, and the life I have now would have been over. But you didn’t, and I wondered why.”

“It’s none of my business, ser. As I said, I pass that place often, and who I see going in or coming out is no concern of mine.”

Cesare raised an eyebrow. “I suspect you hold many secrets, Matteo.” He paused, as if deciding his next words carefully. Then he shone his beaming smile at Matteo. “Thank you, Matteo. Your discretion is noted and appreciated. I…” He paused, “…won’t forget it.” With a last glance, Cesare turned on his heel and bounded up the stairs to the dining room.

Author Bio:

The Rose of Florence is my first novel, borne of a love for the history, art and city of Florence, grown over many years. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed researching and writing it.

My background is in healthcare, and I have been a University lecturer since 2010. My writing experience was limited to a Masters dissertation, purely academic, but the research skills I learned during that process were soon put to use in researching my favourite topic, the Italian Renaissance. It didn’t take long before the seeds of a story began to germinate, and The Rose of Florence blossomed.

I joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) and the New Writers’ Scheme (NWS) in 2020 and found the encouragement and resources available taught me so much about the process and skills needed to write fiction. I have been lucky enough to have the support of the same NWS reviewer since joining, and her advice and guidance has proven invaluable, and I am now a contender for the RNA Joan Hessayon Award 2023 for debut authors.

I am also a member of the Society of Authors.

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Review Tour & Giveaway: The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight (The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven, #3) by Jennifer Ivy Walker

The Emerald Fairy

and the Dragon Knight

by

Jennifer Ivy Walker

Paranormal Fantasy Medieval Romance

Publisher: Wild Rose Press

Publication Date: June 21, 2023

Page count: 392 pages

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SYNOPSIS:

Wielding a trio of enchanted Elven weapons to battle a dark wizard and a legion of diabolical dwarves, Tristan is faced with the impossible choice between saving the woman he loves or defending his endangered kingdom. Inexplicably compelled to remain in the sacred forest where he hears the voice of her heart, the heir to the throne of Cornwall incurs the wrath and scorn of his army when he decides to hunt for his captive mate.

Her verdant magic greatly enhanced by the mystical Morgane la Fée, Issylte must summon a coalition of Naiad nymphs and celestial fairies to destroy a nascent evil as she fights to reclaim her rightful crown.

When the Black Widow Queen unites with a malignant menace and a ghost from Tristan’s haunted past, the Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight must ally with a triad of shapeshifting warrior tribes to defeat a Viking Trident and defend their trinity of Celtic kingdoms.

Interwoven fates. Otherworldly mates. Destiny awaits.

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READ AN EXCERPT:

Memories of that unforgettable afternoon flooded him.  They’d reconnected—physically, emotionally, spiritually—after long, tortuous weeks apart. A wondrous wave of love, lust, and longing crashed over him as he crushed her in his arms. Devoured her luscious lips. Caressed her beautiful body. Inhaled her forest fairy essence deep into his damaged soul. Tonight could very well be their last together. He would make it as memorable as that afternoon in the sacred cave. Find a quiet spot for them to be alone. Not too far from the Tribe. But far enough. He pulled her tight, pressed his body against hers, and whispered into her left ear. “By the Goddess, I yearn for you. Tonight, my love. A night to remember.Always.”

She raised her radiant face to his. In the depths of her verdant gaze, he glimpsed églantines—the soft pink wild roses of the Hazelwood Forest. Le Miroir aux Fées—the Mirrored Lake she’d defended to become a Priestess of Dana. Where she’d retrieved the orb he would use tomorrow to challenge the wizard.  In her emerald eyes, Tristan saw the Forest of Brocéliande, where they were married in the Triple Trinity of their Celtic wedding. The white dove who had flown to save him, imprisoned in the dungeon of Tintagel. In the breadth of an instant, he saw countless images.  His father’s castle, le Château d’ Or. A thatched cottage in an enchanted forest. The sacred scabbard she’d crafted for his Elven sword Azeldraig. He, the Dragon Knight of Avalon, whose sea raven soul was eternally entwined with hers. His Wild Rose. His green, golden goddess. His Emerald Fairy.

REVIEW:

5 stars!

This is a story I wish I could read for the first time AGAIN!

The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven Trilogy comes to its much-anticipated and exciting conclusion in this final volume, The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight. Author Jennifer Ivy Walker has consistently let out all the stops for these tales of magic, adventure, and the triumph of good over evil, and book three does not disappoint. The only drawback is that the story is now complete. 

Familiar faces return, and readers get more of Walker’s marvelous medieval world where heroes and heroines, with names as old as time, come to life. Both Issylte and Tristan have grown over the span of the trilogy and are now in their prime and ready to take back what is theirs. These two have experienced so much, together and apart, and for me, it is like becoming reacquainted with the children of old friends whom I hadn’t seen in quite a while. (It’s only been three months since I read book 2.) I was ready for them to gather their knowledge and resources and win the day. Of course, some great detours along the way draw out the suspense and prolong the tension. However, the love between these two, their tender moments, and the passionate interludes make this story compelling and satisfying. 

The leading lady of evil, Issylte’s stepmother, Queen Morag, is an ever-present threat, and her henchmen (throughout the trilogy) have been dark, sinister, and vile. They have regularly wreaked havoc on everyone everywhere. The suspense of wondering what would happen next with these horrible creatures was killer. Walker does evil characters very well. 

The world-building for this trilogy has been stellar all along, and this volume maintains that high standard. The variety of people, shapeshifters, clans, tribes, fairies, and other magical beings that play a part in the books is a triumph of creativity and story management. There has to have been a “cast of thousands” to keep up with. 

With its non-stop action and plot twists that kept everyone on their toes, this reimagining of the old French fairytale is fresh from start to finish. I recommend THE EMERALD FAIRY AND THE DRAGON KNIGHT to those who have read the first two books of the trilogy, and I highly recommend THE WILD ROSE AND THE SEA RAVEN TRILOGY to readers of romance/medieval romance who enjoy magical elements in their preferred stories, fairytales for adult readers or retellings of fairy tales.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Enthralled with legends of medieval knights and ladies, dark fairy tales and fantasies about Druids, wizards and magic, Jennifer Ivy Walker always dreamed of becoming a writer. She fell in love with French in junior high school, continuing her study of the language throughout college, eventually becoming a high school teacher and college professor of French.

As a high school teacher, she took her students every year to the annual French competition, where they performed a play she had written, "Yseult la Belle et Tristan la Bête"--an imaginative blend of the medieval French legend of "Tristan et Yseult" and the fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast", enhanced with fantasy elements of a Celtic fairy and a wicked witch.

“The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight”—the conclusion of “The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven” trilogy--is a blend of her love for medieval legends, the romantic French language, and paranormal fantasy. It is a paranormal fantasy adaptation of the medieval legend of "Tristan et Yseult" (Tristan and Isolde), interwoven with Arthurian myth, dark fairy tales from the enchanted Forest of Brocéliande, and otherworldly elements such as Avalonian Elves, Druids, forest fairies and magic.

Explore her realm of Medieval French Fantasy. She hopes her novels will enchant you.

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Book Tour & Giveaway: The Heir Apparent (Orb of Zorn, #1) by John Gorman

 

THE HEIR APPARENT

Orb Of Zorn #1

by

John Gorman

Fantasy

Independently Published

Publication Date: May 24, 2023

Page count: 308 pages

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SYNOPSIS:

When Elcon is heard reciting a cantrip in the magic-averse village of Walsz, he is put through a trial by ordeal. Plunged into the Nom River, he barely survives the swim. Leaving behind the angry mob on the shore, he then runs away from home. Out on his own for the first time in his young life, he meets a stranger who gifts him with a stone that has mystical powers. Accompanied by the mage, Dras, the young apprentice goes on a quest to save the world from the return of the Shadowlord.

A classic epic fantasy adventure with swords, sorcery, orcs, elves, and outcasts. The first book of the Orb of Zorn Trilogy. Grab a cloak and join the quest.

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Review

5 stars!

With its elaborate backstory and vibrant world-building, I felt like I was right there with the characters. 

The Heir Apparent, the first book in author John Gorman’s new high fantasy series, Orb of Zorn, takes a minute to lay the groundwork for the story’s setting, but then the action takes off, and you realize the buildup was worth every bit of it. The writing is so visual it feels made to become a movie. 

The author deftly juggles several disparate groups of companions, seemingly unrelated at first, but gradually it becomes clear they are all moving toward a similar goal, to thwart the reemergence of the evil Shadowlord. The story of each set of companions is compelling, and I would be hard-pressed to single out a favorite; I liked them all and look forward to what comes next in their stories. 

In addition to great world-building, an exciting plot in constant forward motion, and characters that quickly mattered, the author injected quite a bit of humor into the dialogue. I also enjoyed the creative character and place names, such as Horst Smidwick, Flettsdorf, and the two orc brothers, Borg and Brig. Besides the orcs, Gorman populates his world with a variety of fantastic creatures like elves, trolls, kobolds, and some I can’t even name. It’s been a while since I’ve read and enjoyed a classic fantasy so much, and I will be following this author to be notified of the next book in this series. 

I recommend THE HEIR APPARENT to readers of high fantasy and classic quest stories.

About the Author

Still a rogue at heart, John has spent most of his life making stuff up, mainly to fill in the gaps of an otherwise untidy CV. He’s taught tennis, sold wine, hustled a few chess games, and babysat for numerous scaly and furry creatures. His stories, essays, and articles have appeared in over 50 journals worldwide. He’s the author of the humorous fantasy books The Acolyte And The Amulet and Beyond The Vicious Vortex (Nebilon Series). He lives with his wife and daughter.

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Virtual Book Tour & Giveaway: The Water Tower (Lakeview Mystery, #1) by Amy Young

 

The Water Tower

A Lakeview Mystery

by

Amy Young

Cozy Mystery / Women Sleuths
1st in Series
Setting – A fictional Ohio town in the suburbs of Cleveland called Lakeview
Publisher: Level Best Books
Publication Date: June 20, 2023
Paperback page count: 250 pages
ISBN-10: 1685122779 / ISBN-13: 978-1685122775
Digital ASIN: B0BT3T8M1C

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SYNOPSIS:

Josie Ashbury was a successful Hollywood actress with a booming career—until an on-set breakdown sends her back to her small Ohio hometown to recover. Taking a job teaching at her old high school, Josie is beginning to put the pieces of her life back together when one of her students dies under suspicious circumstances. The police close the case quickly, without any real answers. Josie is determined to find the truth behind the girl's death.

At the same time, Josie is battling demons of her own. As she faces debilitating insomnia that leaves her with gaps in her memory, she dives into the tangled secrets surrounding the investigation. When she finally unravels the web, she discovers that the truth lies much closer to home than she could have ever imagined.

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READ AN EXCERPT:

She stood on the water tower, looking at the skyline she had only observed from the ground. You really could see the whole town from up here. Funny how your whole life can fit into one 360-degree glance. Peering down at the ground, she was no longer able to see individual blades of grass, all of them blurring into a sea of perfect emerald green. To her right was the roof of Lakeview High School, looking small from this vantage point. She felt as though if she leaned over far enough, she could almost touch it. But that was ridiculous; the school had to be several hundred feet away. Her vision came in and out of focus as she swayed, thinking about her life, her past, her future... Reaching out her slender arm, she twirled her wrist. She could hardly wait for graduation when, everyone said, “real life” would begin. “I can't wait to get out of here,” her friends exclaimed, dreaming of big cities and even bigger lives in far-off places: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, anywhere but here. But she knew they would return, just like their parents, raising 2.5 kids with a Labradoodle and a balding husband in one of the best-little-suburbs in the country. Was it really so bad? She watched all these super-educated women who had given up their careers to stay home and clean up after the kids and drive to soccer practice, instead of changing the world as they'd so hopefully planned when plotting their escape years earlier. Was that her fate? Was that what awaited her now? Dozens of similar thoughts swirled and crashed like waves in front of her, mixing in a fantastic spray of colors, lights, and sounds.

REVIEW:

5 stars!

With the ever-present image of the old water and plenty of twists in the plot, I was immediately immersed in the tale and remained so until the end. 

The Water Tower, the debut novel by author Amy Young, is an intriguing and excellent kick-off to the new Lakeview Mysteries featuring Hollywood-star-on-hiatus Josephine “Josie” Ashbury. Although set in a small town with an amateur sleuth on the case, with all the earmarkings of a typical cozy mystery, Young’s story is darker than what is usually encountered in the genre, and readers can expect something somewhat creepier and more suspenseful. 

I liked the main character, Josie Ashbury, a lot. Despite her sudden fame, she’s a hometown girl who made it big in films but retained a level-headed, humble attitude. She’s returned home to Lakeview to recuperate from an on-set breakdown after the long-term relationship with her costar dissolved. She has insomnia, and unusual periods pass without her being aware of her surroundings. She’s teaching drama classes at her old high school for a couple of periods a day to stay active and pass along what she’s learned about the business to students considering following in her footsteps. Many of the kids she grew up with are still in town, and she’s reconnected with some. I loved that she and her best girlfriends are still hanging out together and have kept up with each other’s lives. 

Josie gets involved in the murder case for a couple of reasons: she finds the victim’s body, it’s one of her students, and the disposition of the case just doesn’t sit right with her. However, there’s someone else out there who is equally dissatisfied with the ruling and anonymously urges her on. 

The author nailed the depiction of small-town life and dynamics, and I liked the suburban setting outside of Cleveland. She broadened the economic diversity of the town by characterizing it as home to many elite sports stars, politicians, and others with money to burn, as well as regular small-town residents. 

The plot is darker and heavier than the usual cozy, beginning with the death of a popular high school student, the daughter of a local senator. Serious topics arise, such as teen suicide, drug use, the opioid crisis, and others. As the title indicates, an old water tower near the high school plays a role and seems to loom over the entire story. With this ever-present image and plenty of twists in the plot, I was immediately immersed in the tale and remained there until the very end. 

I recommend THE WATER TOWER to mystery readers who enjoy a darker storyline than the usual cozy.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Amy Young is an author, comedian, and actor based in Cleveland. After spending a decade in Los Angeles working in the entertainment industry and writing her debut novel, The Water Tower, she returned to Ohio to be closer to family.

Amy is working on her second book, a thriller, and in her free time she enjoys going to the theatre, bingeing reality TV, and spending time with her husband and many, many cats. She has a B.A. in English from Kenyon College.

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS:

July 5 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

July 5 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

July 6 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 6 – Christy's Cozy Corners – SPOTLIGHT

July 7 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

July 7 – Rebecca M. Douglass, Author – REVIEW

July 8 – Brooke Blogs – CHARACTER GUEST POST

July 8 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 9 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 10 – The Book's the Thing – REVIEW

July 11 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

July 11 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

July 12 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 13 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 14 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

July 15 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

July 15 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

July 16 – Indie Author Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 17 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

July 18 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW

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Review Tour & Giveaway: Reflections on the Boulevard by L.J. Ambrosio

REFLECTIONS ON THE BOULEVARD

by

L.J. Ambrisio

Coming-of-age / Literary Fiction

Publisher: Film Valor

Publication Date: April 23, 2023

Page count: 238 pages

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SYNOPSIS:

Michael's story continues from "A Reservoir Man" (2022) where we find him teaching at a university ready to retire. He unexpectedly meets a young man named Ron who becomes his protégé and journeys with him in a haphazard adventure throughout America and Europe. In Michael's final journey in life, each twist and turn of the road brings unexpected adventures. The journey taken is one of joy, friendship, and discovery.

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READ AN EXCERPT:

They begin to move closer to Ron, a streetlight illuminating one of them for a moment; everything else was in darkness. He realized these were some of the kids from the shelter he used to be in. They had a fire in them, maybe it was jealousy that he got out and got on his feet. How did they know that much about Michael? He knew that they could hurt Michael, at his age that could kill him. They could hurt Carol, badly. They might have a knife. He knew how much danger they were in now.

Ron made a move towards the one he recognized, when suddenly all five pounced on Ron, beating on him, taking no break in their punches. One of them picked up Rhonda and threw her against a brick wall. Ron spit blood and, in between blows, tried to move to protect Rhonda. Carol ran to grab Rhonda. She tried to pick her up and saw she was hurt. Ron looked at the young men, spit blood at the closest of them, and screamed, “Fuck you! I hope you all die for what you did to her! Fuck you!” 

The noise of this was so loud, a group of people leaving a bar saw the commotion. One of them yelled “Hey! What’s going on there? Hey!” Another woman was dialing for help on her phone. The young men ran away as quickly as possible, disappearing down a dark side street and into the blackness of the night. 

They were nearing the back door of the house, Carol carrying Rhonda, with Ron limping on his own. As they approached the door, two of the young men were behind them again, taunting them. He asked Ron if he could meet his boyfriend. Ron lunged at one of them and  fell to the ground. They began to kick him. Carol screamed for help.

REVIEW:

5 stars!

Great characters and big, deep feelings made this a book I didn't want to put down.

Reflections on the Boulevard is the second book in L.J. Ambrosio's Reflections of Michael Trilogy and continues the tale begun in last year's A Reservoir Man. The story is quietly deep and emotional as Michael mentors a young stranger lost after the collapse of his family during the Covid pandemic. 

Michael is understandably reserved and initially suspicious of Ron's overtures, but his innate goodness and drive to help people soon override his caution. The two begin a lovely, comfortable friendship. I was quickly drawn to both characters wondering where this relationship would take them, and before I knew it, I was a couple of hours into a book I didn't want to put down. 

Much of the story involves the two traveling across the U.S., Michael retracing his steps from an earlier journey and Ron experiencing the country's beauty and wonder for the first time. I enjoyed all of their stops and the descriptions of the sights and noted many places I wanted to see for myself someday. Michael's solo trip through Italy, Greece, and Cyprus was alive with details as he sought out old friends and relived old memories and past actions. The journey was equally enjoyable, even with the mounting suspense of what was going on with his health and what he would find when he finally got to Paris. 

With its great characters and moments of joy and sadness freely shared with the reader, I recommend REFLECTIONS ON THE BOULEVARD to readers of literary fiction and fans of the previous book in the trilogy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. Ambrosio taught at seven universities. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career.

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Book Tour: Slashtag by Jon Cohn

SLASHTAG

by

Jon Cohn

Horror

Publisher: Deadbolt Books
Publication Date: April 26, 2023
Page count: 418 pages

SYNOPSIS:

Welcome to Slashtag, the most immersive horror reality competition series in history! Tag along as seven of America's favorite celebrities step into the infamous Propitius Hotel, home to one of the most prolific serial killers in history - Arthur Wilson.

Arthur built and operated the Propitius Hotel from 1905 until 1928 when dozens of bodies were found in his hotel, along with countless hidden torture rooms throughout the hotel. Arthur disappeared, seemingly never to be caught. He then returned - nearly 40 years later - under the guise of a priest leading a congregation of 100 people back to his hotel, where he once again committed mass murder.

Enter Tawny Howlett - a top-tier lifestyle influencer who is in the midst of the crappiest week of her life. Her brand new health drink turned out to be tainted, and now thousands of her followers want nothing more than to see her social media empire crumble. In order to rehabilitate her image, she's agreed to take part in "Slashtag: The Ultimate Horror Experience".

At first it's all fun and games, until the team of seven celebs discover that the ghost is very real, and out for blood. In order to survive the three-day live-streamed event, Tawny and her fellow contestants must band together to try and send the spirit of Arthur Wilson straight to hell.

"I suddenly wish that I were just crazy. A hallucination would mean my brain is broken, which is something I’ve spent my entire adult life attempting to accept. If we’re both seeing this, it means the world is broken in a way my brain is not prepared to confront."

While Tawny has her hands full trying to survive a weekend at the Propitius Hotel, it's up to her younger sister April to work from the outside to try and find a way to save her sister, and uncover the dark truth behind the TV network that continues to air the deaths of some of America's top talent.

Together these seven doomed souls must solve the puzzles hidden within the hotel in order to vanquish the spirit of Arthur Wilson.

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REVIEW:

Coming soon!

 

  About the Author

JON COHN IS A WRITER and professional board game designer based out of San Diego, California. You can follow him on Instagram and Twitter @joncohnauthor. 

He would also love to give you free stuff like stories, audiobooks, and games by signing up for his mailing list at www.joncohnauthor.com.

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