A 70+ year bucket list adventure was fulfilled! Hubs and I added a first to our (almost) 40 years of marriage. Witnessing a live space launch at Cape Canaveral! This has been a dream of mine since I wrote this poem (?) when I was eight years old. “When I was a little girl like …
The Dead of Sled Run, by Jean Rabe – Blog Tour
I'm truly honored to be included in the fabulous Jean Rabe's new release and Blog Tour! I've read all of Jean's books in her Piper Blackwell Mystery Series, and haven't been disappointed, ONCE! Book Six, The Dead of Sled Run, is no exception. (My review is below) Blurb: A raging fire sweeps through the decorated …
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Holly Swimsuit Mysteries – Author, Susie Black
I simply knew author, Susie Black (Holly Schwartz) and I were bound to cross paths. After all, we have a lot in common. She writes cozy mysteries. I write cozy mysteries Her series, Holly Swimsuit Mysteries, is based on her own experience in apparel sales. My series, Andi Anna Jones Mysteries, is based on my …
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A Month With Murphy
We recently adopted a dog. Our third rescue. Molly, a sweet three-year-old, twenty-pound chocolate terrier with the hunting prowess of a full-grown Labrador Retriever, was our first. She came from the Miami Animal Shelter after her “mom” suddenly died leaving Molly alone in the house. She loved to run. Oh, how she loved to run! …
Books That Inspire Me
Recently I joined a site to help promote authors and let readers know what books we enjoy. I began my first list with some old favorites. A couple of Newbury Award books from two of my favorite authors, a couple of fantasy favs, and a classic from Steinbeck. Click on the link and discover why …
The Lady of the Mirrored Lake – Jennifer Ivy Walker
Blurb: Hunted by the Black Widow Queen, Issylte--a healer with the verdant magic of the forest--must flee Avalon with the two finest knights in the Celtic realm, both wrongly accused of treason. The trio travels to Bretagne, where Issylte heals a critically injured wolf and obtains fiercely loyal, shapeshifting allies. In mystical Brocéliande, Issylte becomes …
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Mid-Flight – Lisa Wilkes
Blurb: She failed to save her brother and her best friend from destructive forces. Could she topple the most sinister villain of all time? 2037 was a really bad year. Lexi Brennan’s best friend was killed in a plane crash. Two weeks later, an intergalactic crisis threatened the fate of humanity. Authorities responded by launching …
The Sea Raven – Blog Tour – Jennifer Ivy Walker
Pleased and honored to share the blog tour for the fabulous Jennifer Ivy Walker. GENRE: Paranormal Medievel Romance BLURB: In this dark fairy tale adaptation of a medieval French legend, Issylte must flee the wicked queen, finding shelter with a fairy witch who teaches her the verdant magic of the forest. Fate leads her to …
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I Can Live Without a Dog, But I Don’t Want To
I still remember the words author, Cynthia Lord posted when her sweet Milo crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She told her husband, "I can live without a dog, but I don't want to." A couple weeks later, she was the proud mom of the most adorable little white fluff-ball. We lost our "heart" dog, Lucy, last …
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The Power of Laughter
How often do you: Laugh until you snort Laugh until you cry Laugh until your sides hurt Laugh until you whinny like a horse Guilty. Guilty. Guilty. Guilty. From our late teens to our mid-70's, my BFF and I have marched to the beat of a different drummer. We laugh at circumstances no one else …
I’m Going On Tour!
Sazerac, Sleuth & Slay (An Andi Anna Jones Mystery)Cozy Mystery2nd in SeriesSetting – In, and around, New OrleansThe Wild Rose Press, Inc (February 27, 2023)Paperback : 260 pagesISBN-10 : 1509247440ISBN-13 : 978-1509247448Digital ASIN : B0BQGVDG7P It’s gonna be a great day! Or, so she thought. Andi Anna …
It’s My Book Birthday!
Links to Purchase eBook version – Buy this eBook On AmazonBuy this eBook on Barnes and Noble for Nook It’s gonna be a great day! Or, so she thought. Andi Anna Jones, so-so travel agent, amateur sleuth, doesn’t suspect her least favorite client, Stewart (The Pain) Payne, will set off circumstances that lead to disappearance and …
A Little Girl’s Dream
"When I was a little girl like you, I went up in Sputnik number two" Yes, I was about ten when I wrote this wonderful poem. While the poem lacks a "certain amount" of professionalism, my dream was real. Thanks to my dad, I was a stargazer. We'd sit on our front porch in the …
Sweet Christmas Memories
So, Christmas is here, once again. The older I get, the faster time flies. Maybe that's why memories, of Christmases past, grow stronger every year. This year, I'm reminded of the first Christmas with Sam; the little pup from a liter our neighbors continually lost track of. More than once, we shooed him from the …
The Most Annoying Character!
Book # 1 That would be Andi’s (ex) stepmother, Ruby. To Andi’s continuing regret, she promised her dad, that if anything happened to him, she’d look after his widow. Even she, however, didn’t suspect that would include a murder charge! In case you think Andi overreacts when it comes to Ruby, here’s a bit of …
I Love October (and why)
I adore the month of October and have listed some of my reasons. Cool, crisp air. After a long, hot, humid Georgia summer, temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s are a welcome change to someone whose forehead drips water like a leaky faucet. College football. Sure, my Indiana Hoosiers aren’t exactly a college football powerhouse, …
History of the Sazerac
My joy in writing and publishing Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder was recently eclipsed by the contract I received from Wild Rose Press for Sazerac, Sleuth & Slay, An Andi Anna Jones Mystery, Book 2. We are currently in the final editing process, so a release date is right around the corner! The cover art, by …
Andi Anna Jones Is (almost) Back!
Yep, Andi's back for another sleuthing adventure. This time in and around the Louisiana Bayou. Five unsolved murders, a body caught in a crawfish cage, and a mysterious candle, magic, and incense shop, leads Andi deep into the bayou on a hunt for clues. Will another victim be added to the serial killer’s list, or …
Trial & Triumph: Ketia Swanier
From the first moment I met Ketia Swanier, I felt a connection. The daughter of military veterans, she showed a special confidence and self-worth. Her empathy and kindness toward others, was evident. Reluctant to "toot her own horn" she wanted to know about you, your life, and your interests. You'd never guess she was a …
Reflections from Andi Anna Jones
First posted on May 5, by Christy's Cozy Corners Blog. A few words from protagonist, Andi Jones (Andi Anna Jones Mysteries). Forced to refute a few misconceptions about her life and career, she wants to get everything out in the open. Hi folks! I run a travel agency, although my right hand, Ellie, would, and …
Defending Georgia Jones!
A recent reviewer criticized Andi Anna's sister, Georgia. While Andi sometimes agrees that her sister is a little snobbish, aloof, and spoiled, she still loves her sister and sometimes envies Georgia's family life. I want to give Georgia a chance to defend herself and share insight on her busy life and relationship with Andi. Interview …
Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder Blog Tour!
To celebrate the release of Book # 1, Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder in my new Andi Anna Jones Mystery series, I'm visiting great blogs from all over the country! Click on the links, below, and you'll be treated to interviews, excerpts, and a chance to win an Amazon Gift Card! TOUR PARTICIPANTS May 5 – Christy’s …
Release Day! Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder
Andi’s step-mother, Ruby, is a real piece of work, but is she a murderer? Andi Anna Jones, so-so travel agent/amateur sleuth, puts aside her resentment of her father’s widow and books a 60th birthday cruise to Cancun for Ruby and three friends. Never does Andi imagine the cruise will include the murder of a has-been …
Visual Comprehension Disorder, or Great Idea for a Cozy Mystery Series?
2nd from left, I joyfully wave, oblivious to the horrors that await me as a travel agent Andi Anna Jones, mediocre travel agent, with an inferiority complex about her job, her looks, and her single status, discovers her “inner sleuth” in Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder. Perhaps you wonder how I decided on Andi’s occupation, personality, …
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Face Plant!
She LOOKS innocent, doesn't she? It began as a beautiful, sunny day. My furkid, Lucy, hadn't been on a walk in a few days. My knee had been bothering me, as they often do in aging bodies. But this afternoon was too nice to pass up. We walked down our street to a cul-de-sac, admiring …
Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder Release Date!
Mark your calendars! Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder will be release by Wild Rose Press, April 27, 2022 Andi’s stepmom, Ruby, is a piece of work, but is she a murderer? Andi Anna Jones, so-so travel agent/amateur sleuth, puts aside her resentment of her father’s widow and books a 60th birthday cruise to Cancun for Ruby …
Leilani: The Tail of a Rescue Cat
You just know when you meet someone. You're going to be friends...no, soul sisters forever. That's how it was with Samantha (Sam). We met in 2004 on a job interview (She was boss. I was prospective employee). I believe we spent about five minutes on the job requirements and the next couple of hours laughing …
A Dog Named Sam
Oh, I know everyone had a special dog, but in Sam's case, he was just that. He loved to play in the leaves in the fall, roll around, bury his nose, and usually come up snorting and sneezing. The picture above testifies to that. Leaves in his mouth, dust in his nose, his sneezes were …
Gnome Alone by Kirsten Weiss
BLURB: Christmas is coming... and so is murder... It’s holiday season in small-town Doyle, and the town is pivoting from UFO tourism to Bigfoot Days. For Susan Witsend, the owner of a UFO-themed B&B, this presents a conundrum. But when Bigfoot is blamed for a mass garden gnome theft, control-freak Susan is drafted to track …
Author Spotlight – Lucy Burdette/Roberta Isleib
National bestselling author Lucy Burdette's tenth Key West Food Critic mystery is piping hot with pie-enthusiasts and murder suspects. The Key Lime Crime: A Key West Food Critic Mystery Blurb: When a fierce rivalry between key lime pie bakers leads to a pastry chef's murder, food critic Hayley Snow is fit to be pied. During …
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Meet Ruby Jones (if you dare)
Ruby is the bane of Andi Anna's existence. If not for a well-intentioned, yet inadvisable promise to her dad to take care of his wife, should he pass unexpectedly, Andi could easily dismiss the frantic, middle-of-the-night phone call from her (ex) stepmother. Too late. She answered and couldn't ignore the hysterical voice on the other …
The Year of COVID
I vividly remember this time last year. Morning Latte Fear, confusion, questions, and, yes, relief. You see, I'm an introvert and empath. The thought of social gatherings almost make me sick. What should I wear? Who's going to be there? Will my hair look okay? How many people will notice the (mumble, mumble, mumble) pounds …
Carolyn Haines: Sarah Booth Delaney Mysteries
I became aware of Carolyn Haines through the Trouble Cat Mystery Series. Carolyn, along with authors, Susan Y. Tanner (Author, Editor), Miranda James (Author), Joanne Pence (Author), Caroline Fardig (Author), Connie Shelton (Author), Ritter Ames (Author), Larissa Reinhart (Author), Pamela Sue DuMond (Author), Jaden Terrell (Author), Susan Boles (Author), Ava Mallory (Author), Claire Matturro (Author), Rebecca Barrett (Author) have conspired to write these delightful books about Trouble, the sophisticated black cat detective with a British flair. He relates, particularly, to …
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I Remember: My First Booksigning!
My first booksigning, in 2006, was a momentous event. I didn't sleep for days worrying about 1. finding the bookstore in North Fort Myers. 2. Collecting all the gear I needed such as, business cards, promo poster, book marks, and, oh yes, BOOKS! You can't imagine how worried I was that I'd arrive with no …
Coming Soon from Wild Rose Press!
Andi Anna Jones, so-so travel agent/amateur sleuth, puts aside her resentment of her father’s widow and books a 60th birthday cruise to Cancun for Ruby and three friends. Never does Andi imagine the cruise will include the murder of a has-been lounge singer—or that Ruby might be the main suspect. Flirting with more than danger …
Dear Reader…
Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder - Coming Soon! Do you ever wish you could take a horrifying job experience and turn it into something positive? My latest fictional character, Andi Anna Jones, is my way of coming to terms with a short-lived career as a travel agent. Oh, yes, I was truly awful, and often wished …
Don’t Stop Writing!
...or dancing! Every teacher, from third grade on said, "Mary, whatever you do, don't stop writing." Those words came back to me when I signed my first publishing contract with Echelon Press. "Why," I ask myself, "did it only take 40+ years to appreciate the fact that, maybe, just maybe, I did have a knack …
The Sinister Superyacht – Ana T. Drew
After reading all about the wonderful new mystery, The Sinister Superyacht, you'll find a link for a fantastic giveaway! Ana T. Drew will award a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a lucky randomly drawn winner! Synopsis: French tycoon Jean-Louis Ponsard is having a bad year. Unwise investments, canceled orders, deals falling through… In the thick of …
Jean Rabe – The Dead of Jerusalem Ridge Blog Tour!
About the book: Sheriff Piper Blackwell’s three-day vacation with old Army buddies ends in tragedy. At the same time, a vile hate crime along a county road enrages her department. Their forces divided, Piper and her deputies must solve both cases before tensions boil and threaten the rural fabric of Spencer County, Indiana. Only eight …
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You’re Just Too Sensitive!
empath (plural empaths) One who has the ability to sense emotions; someone who That's what...That's what...is empathic or practices empathy. A definite over-simplification. Until a few years ago, I thought I was just weird, out-of-step, too sensitive, even a little crazy. I wondered why seeing a dog run over, or a starving, homeless cat, meowing …
Retribution: The Riveting Sequel to Redemption
Almost six long years have passed since Carmela Santiago witnessed the hitman she loved assassinate her father. Now she is ready to exact her plan of revenge against him and the people he loves. Carmela will stop at nothing to tear his family apart. Running her father’s drug smuggling empire, she will use every resource …
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Dog Town by Debbie L. Richardson
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Debbie L. Richardson will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour. Blurb: Harry loves to race around …
Jaden Terrell – Filled With Magic & Starlight
CASTLES, CUDGELS—AND MURDER! After the worst breakup in human history, Robbi Bryan needs a carefree summer and a place to fly her falcon. To give her wounded heart time to recover, she joins the Sherwood Renaissance Faire. But the faire holds much more than jugglers, archers, and a chance to reenact the days of yore. …
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Trust Me: Hank Phillippi Ryan
I grew up in hilly Southern Indiana, just north of the Kentucky border. Before Interstate 64 connected our little community, Corydon, with the big city of Louisville, the only way to travel was by way of a very hilly, winding two-lane stretch of road through “The Knobs”. Imagine several miles of Lombard Street in San …
Jean Rabe – Dead of Summer Blog Tour
Excerpt: Dead of Summer Zeke pulled into the back of the strip mall lot, nosing his 1974 Chevy Nova under a light at an end cap space. Less risk of scratches away from the bevy of cars parked closer to the store. He’d purchased the vintage auto a few weeks ago from a retired chiropractor …
Andi Anna Jones Mystery # 2!
Andi Anna Jones, reluctant travel agent/amateur sleuth, friends, and pesky relatives are on the way back! Here's an excerpt to wet your whistle! Somewhere in the bayou Luther woke up raring to go, for a change. Wasn’t sure why ‘cause he hated…hated the job! It was nasty. He stunk to high heaven by mid-morning. Hells …
In Search Of Augustus Bulleit, Boilliat, Beoyoolat…
My family has been on a search for the ancestors of my g.g.grandfather, Augustus, for almost fifty years. My cousin, Betty, began the search in his suspected place of birth, Luxembourg, Belgium, in the early 1970s. Although, some accounts say he was born in Paris, France. Her digging in both countries led only to a …
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Ups & Downs Of Hoosier Fans
I grew up in basketball country. Let me rephrase that. I grew up in Indiana Hoosier country. I was probably about six-years-old when I first remember my dad listening, intently, to the radio during IU basketball games. He’d moan and groan or cheer along with the commentator describing the action on the court. I even …
I Have Famous Ancestors! …or not
Like many of you out there, I decided to have my DNA tested. I used Ancestry, but there are many others out there. I had hoped for some surprises like...I'm 9% Native American, or 11% West African. Alas, I'm 46% England, Wales, Northwest European and 41% Germanic Europe. There were a couple of mild surprises, …
Miserable Boss Inspires Great Writing!
My worst job was as a travel agent in Miami, FL. I was so bad, I’d hide behind my computer screen to keep from waiting on customers. Reflecting on my latest mystery, Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder and main character, Andi Anna Jones as my alter ego and equally pathetic travel agent, I asked some of …
Mary Cunningham, Author 