Secrets Between the Shelves: 4 Cozy Bookshop Mysteries by Cynthia Hickey Linda Baten Johnson , Teresa Ives Lilly , Marilyn Turk

 

Murder and mayhem haunt four newly-opened bookstores.
 
The mysteries enjoyed in books come to life, threatening four businesses. Amber’s new bookshop and tearoom draws rare book collectors, but when one ends up dead in the mystery section, the shop’s future is questionable. Lilly’s pirate themed bookshop fits right into Harbor Inn, Maine, but she never expected to find a young pirate dead on her shop’s floor. Abby opens Secret Passages Bookshop in a Wyoming mountain town, not realizing her historic building held a real secret passage and a missing teenager. Kelly moves to Florida and frequents the Bayside Books and Reading Room, where she is strangely attracted to the owner—who is suspected of killing his wife. Can the store owners and their patrons solve the mysteries before their businesses go under?

Amazon 

 

My Review

 

These are four very different stories that take place in different locations, but all books and murder in common.
Each author takes on a journey for answers, and they do come and often with surprises as to whom is the culprit, and we are kept guessing. We are offered some sweet romance, and these are faith based mysteries.
These are great as you can read one in an evening, and maybe go on to the next, or let the anticipation for the next carry you on to the next evening.
I'll be looking for more by these four authors, with page turning reads!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia

 

THE BUSINESS TRIP is the gripping, page-turning debut from author Jessie Garcia.

Stephanie and Jasmine have nothing and everything in common. The two women don’t know each other but are on the same plane. Stephanie is on a business trip and Jasmine is fleeing an abusive relationship. After a few days, they text their friends the same exact messages about the same man―the messages becoming stranger and more erratic.

And then the two women vanish. The texts go silent, the red flags go up, and the panic sets in. When Stephanie and Jasmine are each declared missing and in danger, it begs the questions: Who is Trent McCarthy? What did he do to these women― or what did they do to him?

Twist upon twist, layer upon layer, where nothing is as it seems, The Business Trip takes you on a descent into the depths of a mastermind manipulator. But who is playing who?

Amazon 

 

About The Author

 Jessie grew up in Madison, WI making up stories in her head and interviewing everyone around her, including the cat! She gravitated towards television journalism and became Wisconsin's first female sports anchor and the Green Bay Packers sideline reporter as well as a hostess of NFL coach's shows. Jessie then got into TV news management and oversees a newsroom of journalists. She has also taught journalism at four universities, made a documentary about a little known piece of track and field history and written multiple non-fiction books. This is her debut thriller. She has two adult sons and lives with her husband, an amazing cat who just appeared in the front bushes one day and a dog who won their hearts at the Humane Society.

 

My Review

 The author drew me in and kept me page turning for answers, and what a lot of twists and turns.
You will not see most of the of the twists coming.
We have a women in a bad relationship, and she is planning her escape, and we are along for a very bumpy rides.
The author does a good job of making the twists in this story come alive. Was I surprised, oh yes, and then just when you think you know all that could possibly happen, well, be prepared.
Now I'll be looking for more by this author!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher St. Martin's Press, and was not required to give a positive review.

The Lost House by Melissa Larsen

 

Forty years ago, a young woman and her infant daughter were found buried in the cold Icelandic snow, lying together as peacefully as though sleeping. Except the mother’s throat had been slashed and the infant drowned. The case was never solved. There were no arrests, no conviction. Just a suspicion turned into a certainty: the husband did it. When he took his son and fled halfway across the world to California, it was proof enough of his guilt.

Now, nearly half a century later and a year after his death, his granddaughter, Agnes, is ready to clear her grandfather’s name once and for all. Still recovering from his death and a devastating injury, Agnes wants nothing more than an excuse to escape the shambles of her once-stable life—which is why she so readily accepts true crime expert Nora Carver’s invitation to be interviewed for her popular podcast. Agnes packs a bag and hops on a last-minute flight to the remote town of Bifröst, Iceland, where Nora is staying, where Agnes’s father grew up, and where, supposedly, her grandfather slaughtered his wife and infant daughter.

Is it merely coincidence that a local girl goes missing the very same weekend Agnes arrives? Suddenly, Agnes and Nora’s investigation is turned upside down, and everyone in the small Icelandic town is once again a suspect. Seeking to unearth old and new truths alike, Agnes finds herself drawn into a web of secrets that threaten the redemption she is hell-bent on delivering, and even her life—discovering how far a person will go to protect their family, their safety, and their secrets.

Set against an unforgiving Icelandic winter landscape, The Lost House is a chilling and razor-sharp mystery packed with jaw-dropping twists that will leave you breathless.

Amazon 

 

About The Author

 MELISSA LARSEN is the author of Shutter. She received her M.F.A. from Columbia University and her B.A. from New York University. When she isn’t traveling somewhere to research her next novel―and somehow hurting herself in the process―she lives in New York City and teaches creative writing.

 

My Review

 This book intrigued me, I haven't read books that take place in Iceland, and the author gives a good description of the snow and ice, and cold.
Agnes Glin comes to Iceland to find her roots and the truth about her aunts and grandmother's murder.
I guessed early on the culprit, but not the the extreme! Yes, there are some surprises, and danger near the end.
We also deal with Agnes hard ability to walk, she had a surfing accident, and is dependent on help.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher St. Martin's Press, and was not required to give a positive review.

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Present: A Perilous Premiere (Stone & Steele Mysteries) by Gail Meath

 

A Perilous Premiere (Stone & Steele Mysteries)
by Gail Meath

About A Perilous Premiere

A Perilous Premiere (Stone & Steele Mysteries)
Historical Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – California
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cranberry Pond Publishing (November 15, 2024)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 182 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8227660671
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CZS3J93M

Solving their own murders is the least of their problems…and the beginning of Stone & Steele, a reluctant yet surprisingly skilled investigative team.

The Golden Age of Hollywood, 1938. Vivian Steele moved to California to start a new life. She opened a fashion boutique in Beverly Hills, befriended Carole Lombard, the actress, and married a successful banker. But when her husband is murdered, Vivian discovers she isn’t the only one hiding a few secrets.

An anonymous phone call lures Vivian to a plush hotel room where she stumbles upon the dead body of a beautiful young actress – her husband’s mistress. To add fuel to the fire, she’s not alone.

Preston Stone, her adversary and Hollywood’s notorious playboy, is standing beside her. Suspiciously, they part ways only to find themselves alone again at a movie premiere two days later, and the message becomes brutally clear. They’re both the next targets of a cold-blooded killer.

Together, Vivian and Preston are thrown into a deadly race to find a missing collection of valuable coins and stop a vicious killer before they become the next murder victims. But first, they need to stop pointing their fingers at each other.

A Perilous Premiere is the first book in this exciting new 1930s Stone & Steele mystery series starring a great cast of characters ranging from the rich and famous to Bella, a Boston Terrier, her new friend, Boris, a Saint Bernard, and a few other endearing folks. (A pretty clean read)

About Gail Meath

Gail Meath is the author of the multi-award-winning Jax Diamond Mysteries, the fun series about of a wise-cracking PI, his sweet German Shepherd partner, Ace, and his Broadway singing heartthrob, Laura, as they solve crazy crimes during the Roaring Twenties. She’s currently working on the first book in her exciting new 1930s mystery series, Stone & Steele Mysteries, takes place during the glamorous Golden Age of Hollywood. As always, she blends the most loveable characters with a good, solid mystery.

Gail also has a growing list of other award-winning historical romances, mysteries, westerns, and fictional biographies of true heroines. She lives in a small village in Upstate New York with her husband and their sweet, little Boston Terrier, and she spends loads of time with her grandchildren.

Author Links

Website:  https://www.gailmeath.com

Facebook:  https://facebook.com/gailmeathauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gailmeathauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220631482-a-perilous-premiere

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/a-perilous-premiere-by-gail-meath

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Bookshop.org – 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

January 8 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

January 8 – Frugal Freelancer – SPOTLIGHT

January 9 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

January 9 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

January 10 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST

January 10 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

January 11 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

January 11 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

January 12 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

January 13 – Deal Sharing Aunt – SPOTLIGHT 

January 13 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 14 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

January 14 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

January 15 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 15 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

January 16 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW

January 16 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

January 17 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

January 17 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?
Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!
Want to Book a Tour?
Click Here

The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang

 

1800s China. Tightly bound feet, or "golden lilies," are the mark of an honorable woman, eclipsing beauty, a rich dowry and even bloodline in the marriage stakes. When Little Flower is sold as a maidservant—a muizai—to Linjing, a daughter of the prominent Fong family, she clings to the hope that one day her golden lilies will lead her out of slavery.

Not only does Little Flower have bound feet, uncommon for a muizai, but she is extraordinarily gifted at embroidery, a skill associated with the highest class of a lady. Resentful of her talents, Linjing does everything in her power to thwart Little Flower's escape.

But when scandal strikes the Fongs, both women are cast out to the Celibate Sisterhood, where Little Flower’s artistic prowess catches the eye of a nobleman. His attention threatens not only her improved status, but her life—the Sisterhood punishes disobedience with death. And if Linjing finds out, will she sabotage Little Flower to reclaim her power, or will she protect her? 

Amazon

 

About The Author

 

Jane Yang’s family migrated from Vietnam to Australia when she was seven; she spent her childhood living in a Chinese-Vietnamese enclave. Due to her family’s limited means, extracurricular activities were not affordable; instead, Jane amused herself by binging Cantonese period dramas (rented from a video store that imported them from Hong Kong) and reading lots of historical fiction.

Although educated in pharmaceutical science, Jane still has one foot in the world of Chinese superstition: for luck, she keeps a minimum of five fish in her aquarium at all times.

'The Lotus Shoes,' her debut historical fiction, will be published in January 2025. 

 

My Review

 This book was such a compelling page turner, told from two points of view. First we have Little Flower, a young girl sold into slavery by her widowed mother. Then there is Linjing, she ends up owing Little Flower, a spoiled daughter of the First Wife.
This is the early 1800's life in China, and men of wealth seemed to have a number of wives, and the goal to have sons! While it seems like a male society, the oldest First Wife rules over the household!
We follow these girls, the same age when we meet them, 6, through there lives, and are with them with struggles, and life changing events.
I really enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it! There is a big theme of forgiveness here!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin Trade Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Deadly Performance: A World War II Mystery (Deadly Series) by Kate Parker

 

Deadly Performance: A World War II Mystery
(Deadly Series)
by Kate Parker

About Deadly Performance

Deadly Performance: A World War II Mystery (Deadly Series)
Historical Cozy Mystery
12th in Series
Setting -West End of London, Summer, 1941
Publisher ‏ : ‎ JDP Press (December 9, 2024)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 303 pages
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DNNQ23F4

Behind the spotlights and glamour lurk secrets and murder.

Amid the grim realities of wartime Britain, inside during the blackout hidden from the tatters left by the Blitz, glitz and glamour live onstage in the West End. But at one theater, The Regent, a malevolent force is causing escalating problems. Sabotage, damage and injury feed mistrust among the cast and crew.

Then during opening night, the hated director drops dead from poison, and Olivia Redmond’s colorful, kindly editor is arrested for murder. Determined to investigate, Olivia finds secrets piling up among the bodies. But which secret leads to a crafty killer who won’t hesitate to remove anyone in their way, including Olivia.

About Kate Parker

Kate Parker has long wanted to build a time travel machine. However, after several false starts, she gave up and created time travel by going back in time inside her books. Since she’s fond of murder mysteries, it is probably best that all of her travel is inside books or police from various ages would be hunting her. When not recreating old time buildings and fashions, she can be found with a modern computer and modern air conditioning in North Carolina with her daughter and a 115 lb. puppy who could just crash through any time barrier.

Author Links
Website – http://www.kateparkerbooks.com

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/Author.Kate.Parker

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Apple – Kobo 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

January 6 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

January 6 – Frugal Freelancer – AUTHOR GUEST POST

January 7 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

January 7 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 8 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

January 9 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

January 9 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – SPOTLIGHT

January 10 – Cozy Up WIth Kathy – REVIEW

January 10 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

January 11 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

January 11 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

January 12 –  FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

January 13 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

January 14 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 15 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER GUEST POST

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?
Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!
Want to Book a Tour?
Click Here

Celebrate Lit Presents: Intentional Fires Epic Book Launch

 

 

Book: Intentional Fires

Author: Rebecca McLafferty

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 10, 2024

A widowed Christmas tree farm owner and her fiancé, a forest service special agent, deal with fires, thefts, and a 90-year family feud—stretching them to the snapping point.

 

After experiencing an attack, theft, and arson on the family Christmas tree farm, newly engaged Toni Stevens searches for those responsible, including disputed historic records. With two boys and a mother to support, the pressure is on her to increase profitability of the tree farm. Who is trying to ruin her? Can she put a stop to the generational feud?

 

Toni’s fiancé, U.S. Forest Service Special Agent Sam Duncan is hunting down a potential arsonist turned murderer. His rugged paths uncover Montana drug runners, feudal secrets—and a host of emotions that were buried alive.

 

 

Book Excerpt

Sam’s throat was so dry that he could barely swallow. He wiped sweat from his eyes. He moved ahead, searching for clues. Pine trees were becoming more prevalent, and he smelled sage, clean and sharp.

A thousand yards ahead, the mountain slope would increase. He had veered off the trail, but now another trail came into view. It might cross one of the main roads.

“Come on, Wesley,” he yelled. “I have an idea.”

Wesley looked up, surprised. He nodded eagerly and headed to the SUV, where Sam met him.

“Head northwest. Go slow.”

Fifteen minutes later, Sam pointed to a distinct trail to the left. “Turn there. It heads to the old Maxwell Cabin. The Forest Service abandoned it years ago.”

Wesley nodded and turned onto the trail.

When the wooden structure came into view, Sam motioned to Wesley to stop the ATV. They both exited and Wesley started to move forward.

“Hold on,” Sam instructed. “You’re carrying a gun for a reason.”

“But the suspect emptied his pistol.”

“Take my advice. Change to your lightweight gloves.”

Wesley begrudgingly changed his gloves and pulled his pistol. He took two quick steps forward.

“Freeze!” Sam pointed in front of Wesley’s boot. A trip wire crossed the path.

 

 

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here

Excerpt One: https://www.devotedtohope.com/intentionalfires
Excerpt Two: https://lightsinadarkworld.wordpress.com/2025/01/01/intentional-fires-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Three: https://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/intentional-fires-book-excerpt/
Excerpt Four: https://www.guildmaster97.com/posts/intentional-fires-epic-book-launch-excerpt/Excerpt Six: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/intentional-fires-book-excerpt/
Excerpt Seven: https://allysonjamison.wordpress.com/2025/01/13/intentional-fires-book-launch-excerpt/

 

 

About the Author

 

 

 

Wisconsin resident Rebecca McLafferty began her writing career by co-creating a writers’ group and hosting writing conferences on her alpaca farm. Married for 51 years, mother of two, grandmother to five, and an Aussiedoodle mom, Rebecca cherishes writing, reading, and fellowshipping. Author of Intentional Fires, Intentional Heirs, and Devotions for Country Living: Prayer-Enriched Fields, she loves getting to know readers through https://www.mclaffertyenterprises.com/author-rebecca, on Facebook, and through personal speaking and teaching engagements.