What I'm Reading: Sazerac, Sleuth & Slay by Mary Cunningham

Welcome to New Orleans, courtesy of  Sazerac, Sleuth & Slay (An Andi Anna Jones Mystery Book 2) by Mary Cunningham 

If you're in the market for a new mystery endorsed by none other than Carolyn Haines, author of the popular Sarah Booth Bones mysteries, look no farther. 

What a twisty mystery! This one kept me wondering whodunnit throughout as the author first presented one suspect and then another thanks to two-faced friends and false leads. When Andi Anna Jones puts on her amateur sleuth hat in order to save her travel agency from being sued by an angry client blaming her agency’s mistakes for his wife’s death, she bites off way more than she can chew. She may have survived her first foray into investigating (book #1), but digging up dirt in New Orleans is not for the faint of heart. While this isn’t what I’d call a light-hearted mystery, what with a gruesome murder and deadly situations, the author has woven in just the right amount of humor, thanks to Andi’s stepmother Ruby and her employee Ellie. The characters are multi-dimensional and varied. And New Orleans’ French Quarter is portrayed in vivid detail, down to the sweltering summer heat, ever-present music, and quirky shops. You won’t want to put this book down.

Here's the rundown:

Synopsis:

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 death.

After his wife is a no-show for a convention in New Orleans, his threat to sue Graves Travel for “ten times more than it’s worth”, and Andi’s wish to honor one of her late dad's requests, leads her to The Big Easy in search of Grace Payne.

Five unsolved murders, a body caught in a crawfish cage, and a mysterious candle, magic, and incense shop, takes Andi deep into the bayou on a hunt for clues.

Will another victim be added to a serial killer’s list, or is the main suspect closer to Andi than she thinks.

Bio:

Author, Mary Cunningham grew up on the northern side of the Ohio River in Corydon, Indiana.

Her first memories are of her dad’s original bedtime stories that no doubt inspired imagination and love of a well-spun “yarn”.

Through the author’s horrifying stint as a travel agent, protagonist Andi Anna Jones, travel agent and amateur sleuth, sprang to life. The adult/mystery series gives extra meaning to the phrase, “Write what you know.”

Cunningham also has a published biography depicting a military brat, college and professional basketball player, along with a five-book, middle-grade fantasy series.

She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Sisters in Crime, Atlanta Chapter, International Thriller Writers, Inc., and the Carrollton Writers Guild.

When she gives her fingers a break from the keyboard, she enjoys golf, swimming, and exploring the mountains of West Georgia where she makes her home with her husband and mischievous rescue pup, Murphy.

Links:

http://www.marycunninghambooks.com

Website: http://www.marycunninghambooks.com

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/cynthiasattic/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MaryCunningham

Amazon Author Page: Amazon.com: Mary Cunningham: books, biography, latest update

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/author/show/367223.Mary_Cunningham

Instagram: Author Mary Cunningham (@marycunningham2604) • Instagram photos and videos

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: Sazerac, Sleuth & Slay (An Andi Anna Jones Mystery Book 2) - Kindle edition by Cunningham, Mary. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Barnes & Noble: Sazerac, Sleuth & Slay by Mary Cunningham | eBook | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

GoodReads Link: Sazerac, Sleuth & Slay by Mary Cunningham | Goodreads

Happy reading!

What I'm Reading: MID-FLIGHT by Lisa Wilkes

Dystopian fiction. I have to admit to a few preconceived notions about the genre, mostly garnered from films. But Lisa Wilkes' latest novel MID-FLIGHT has broadened my mind. 

Tagline:

She failed to save her brother and her best friend from destructive forces. Could she topple the most sinister villain of all time?

Blurb/Book Description:

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 a genocide.

Lexi opposed this vicious attack. Then again, what could she do? An eccentric flight attendant drawn to glamorous trysts, she felt powerless to incite change. 

Until tragedy struck close to home. Suddenly, Lexi was forced to acknowledge the widespread atrocities. She uncovered a network of lies along with an opportunity to restore basic human rights. To protect others, Lexi would have to launch a movement that could destroy everything important to her, including her promising new romance.

My review: 

The year 2037 in Lisa Wilkes’ dystopian novel Mid-Flight feels an awful lot like the current era, Pandemic and all. There’s been a meteor disaster followed by a pathogen that together have caused general panic among citizens and governments already leaning into authoritarianism. Flight attendant Lexi Brennen, still reeling from the loss of her best friend, fortunately works for the airline most successfully surviving the calamity. It’s the one thing holding her wounded soul together. When she meets fellow survivor Jason at a training week in Orlando, sparks fly for the first time in ages.

While there are strong connections to current events and situations, and plenty of character commentary on such, the main driver of the novel is Lexi’s emotional journey as she pieces herself back together and finds a way to fight the injustices she sees. Although she takes on serious risk, it’s not the kind of dangerous subterfuge and death-defying stunts often associated with dystopian literature. Rather, this is a story built on relationships. In addition, the author’s experience as a flight attendant brings great authenticity to her portrayal of the inner workings of an airline and its staff.

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in the hopes I would review it. 

Condensed Author Bio:

Lisa Wilkes has spent 13 years as a flight attendant, jetting across the globe and collecting inspiration for her writings.

In her second novel, Mid-Flight, Lisa transports readers to the year 2038. A flight attendant begins to unravel after her best friend is killed in a plane crash. In the throes of unspeakable grief, she uncovers a political ploy to decimate one-fifth of the population. To combat this sinister plan, she must risk everything. Including her breathtaking new romance.

Lisa’s writing is provocative and timely, with a focus on societal issues and powerful internal conflict.

Contact links:

lisamichellewrites@gmail.com

Website: Https://www.lisamichellewilkes.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Travelisa1984/

Amazon author page: https://amazon.com/author/lisawilkes

April Fool's in the Northwoods

 In the last 24 hours we have been treated to heavy rain, strong wind, thunder and lightning, freezing rain, and snow. Welcome to April! 

Wild weather is the norm for this time of year up here. Last week we received a lovely coating of ice. 

Fortunately, no tree limbs came down like they did last summer, completely hiding this car. 

Hope your April Fool's Day is not quite so challenging! 

My Guest Today: Author Jennifer Ivy Walker

 I have the honor of hosting fellow Wild Rose Press author Jennifer Ivy Walker on the happy occasion of her latest release, THE LADY OF THE MIRRORED LAKE. This is the second book in Walker’s thrilling and darkly romantic fantasy trilogy based on the legend of Tristan and Isolde/Issylte. Here's my review:

💖💖💖💖💖A wildly romantic adventure filled with the stuff of legends: elemental magic, evil dwarves, helpful fairies, dark wizards, treacherous villains, honorable knights, and a great love story. Together at last, Tristan and Issylte cement their fated bond, becoming partners in both marriage and Lancelot’s Tribe. Yet both must face tests, together and separately, trials that force Issylte to move between worlds and Tristan to endure great suffering. Just when the reader thinks she has a moment to breathe, the author throws up another seemingly impossible obstacle to their quest to win back what each has lost. The Lady of the Mirrored Lake is a beautifully rendered dark fairy tale of a love for the ages and a terrific sequel to The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven.

Tell us, what drew you to write about this legend?

When I earned my MA in French literature, I fell in love with the medieval legend of Tristan et Yseult. As a high school French teacher, I had my advanced classes read that medieval roman courtois as part of our study of France in the Middle Ages. I enhanced my students’ learning by illustrating the story with puppets, playing the French musical, “Tristan et Yseult” (with Magali Neslot and Solal), teaching a medieval Breton dance as we danced to the song, “Les Noces” from that musical, 

and watching the French version of the film “Tristan and Isolde” (with James Franco and Sophia Myles), culminating in “Le Théâtre en Classe”-- where my students reenacted the story in costumes, even performing a play I had written for them at the annual state French competition.  I decided to write my trilogy based on my love for the medieval legend, the different musical, theatrical, and cinematographic interpretations of that French tale, and the play I had written for my students.

I’ve always been drawn to this legend too, but it’s so tragic. How did you deal with that?

I never liked the tragic ending of the original medieval legend. Tristan and Yseult pined for each other throughout the story and ended up dying of broken hearts, much like Romeo and Juliette. Although I did retain a lot of the original storyline in developing my trilogy, I created new characters and rewove the plot with much more inclusion of the Arthurian myth related to the French legend. I also incorporated paranormal fantasy elements, such as Druids, forest fairies, Elves, dwarves, and dark lore from the mystical Forest of Brocéliande. I even created my own version of Avalon --based on French research--with an entirely different ending than the original medieval French legend of Tristan et Yseult. 

Wow! How did you tackle all that world building?

I read and researched French legends from the enchanted Forest of Brocéliande for many aspects of the fantasy world, including tales of Lancelot, Merlin, the Lady of the Lake, and Avalon. I also drew upon my childhood experiences growing up on a tidal bay in Maine and my keen interest in plants, herbs, and healing crystals. I’ve always loved Victor Hugo’s works, having studied French Romanticism with a passion, and I incorporated that love and creative inspiration into my novels as well.  As a French teacher, I frequently traveled to France, visiting châteaux, sites of medieval pilgrimage, and troglodyte caves of the Loire Valley. I blended all of this together, weaving in certain aspects of fairy tales, such as Snow White and Sleeping Beauty, to embroider the medieval legend of Tristan et Yseult with creative, vivid imagery and fiery, romantic passion.

Your deep passion for your subject shows in the immersive detail that seems to be a trademark of your stories. What’s next for you?

“The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight”—book 3 and the conclusion of The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven trilogy—will be published this spring. And I am delighted that my novel, “Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle”, will be published later this year as well. It’s a medieval romance between a feisty French Viking princess forced to marry a man she loathes and the sullen, chivalrous knight who suffers an impossible love for his vibrant, valiant Valkyrie.

Sounds amazing! Where can readers connect with you?

Website:  https://jenniferivywalker.com/

Goodreads Author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22671046.Jennifer_Ivy_Walker

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-lady-of-the-mirrored-lake-the-wild-rose-and-the-sea-raven-book-2-by-jennifer-ivy-walker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferIvyWalker

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/bohemienneivy

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

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenniferivywalker

Amazon link:  https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Mirrored-Lake-Wild-Raven-ebook/dp/B0BKYHZGFJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=13647SWRD1MQV&keywords=lady+of+the+mirrored+lake&qid=1673574202&sprefix=lady+of+the+mirrored%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-lady-of-the-mirrored-lake-jennifer-ivy-walker/1142600233?ean=2940186700920

Thanks so much for visiting, and best of luck with this and your soon-to-come releases!

Gifts, Giveaways and Sales!

Looking for a last minute gift for your young reader? 

Now through Jan. 1, FREDERICK FLY-CATCHER is on sale for only $1.49 at Smashwords End of the Year Sale. That's 50% off this fast-paced, humorous chapter book fantasy. 

Have a cookbook collector in your family or friend circle? 

The wildly popular FREE annual Wild Rose Press Author Holiday Cookbook is here! To access a FREE--that's right, totally free--PDF download of this fabulous collection of over 100 pages of recipes contributed by Wild Rose Press authors, simply go to this link and click it: https://wildrosepress.com/special-items/

My contribution this year is Hearty, Feed-a-Crowd Vegetable Soup, a family favorite, perfect for these cold winter days.

Just a reminder, a Kindle copy (US only) of BLOODSTONE is up for grabs at NN Light Book Heaven's Curl Up With a Book Month giveaway now through the end of December: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/literary-giveaway-portal

Be sure to log in with your email and enter BLOODSTONE as your choice of prize for a chance to win.

Happy Snow Season!

Free Cookbook!

It's here! The wildly popular annual Wild Rose Press Author Holiday Cookbook!

To access a FREE--that's right, totally free--PDF download of this fabulous collection of over 100 pages of recipes contributed by Wild Rose Press authors, simply go to this link and click it: https://wildrosepress.com/special-items/

My contribution this year is Hearty, Feed-a-Crowd Vegetable Soup, a family favorite, perfect for these cold winter days.

Just a reminder, a Kindle copy (US only) of BLOODSTONE is up for grabs at NN Light Book Heaven's Curl Up With a Book Month giveaway now through the end of December: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/literary-giveaway-portal

Be sure to log in with your email and enter BLOODSTONE as your choice of prize for a chance to win.

Happy Snow Season!

Welcome to Snow Season Giveaway

It's winter up here with a dusting of white on the ground and holiday lights appearing around the neighborhood. 

I'm welcoming in the season with another monthlong event: A Giveaway! You can enter for a chance to win BLOODSTONE on Kindle at NN Light Book Heaven's Curl Up With a Book Event. To enter go to NN Light and log in using your email. Be sure to note that you'd like to win BLOODSTONE as your prize.

This is the last NN Light Book Heaven giveaway for the year, so be sure to enter multiple times for a chance to win lots of terrific prizes.

Happy Snow Days!