I love new books. Scanning the cover, turning the pages, following line after line of… Okay, I also love new e‑books. Let me say, I love the plot, the mystery, the characters, the whole experience of letting myself live another life for a few minutes, or a few hours. So, when I hear about a new book written by one of my favorite authors, I’m ready to eavesdrop on a life that I’ve lived before. And, when I open a book by an author new to me, I’m ready to escape into a new reality. All this is prelude to introducing a short list of books newly published, or about to be published next month. Perhaps some of these will introduce you to a delightful new read.
The first book on my list is an anthology of short stories — The Least He Could Do and eleven other stories. When I asked for titles of new books from my Sisters in Crime Guppy chapter, I heard about this from the author of the title story, “The Least He Could Do,” Lynn Mann. Lynn’s story is suspense (and a good one). The others are a mix of genre’s, all a bit edgy. Available as e‑book. Amazon site here. Smashword’s site here.
The next three books are all cozy mysteries from authors with series I know and love. The first is Lowcountry Bombshell by Susan Boyer. Her first book, Lowcountry Boil, won the Agatha this year for best new mystery, so you know this one will be good. Short intro — Liz Talbot thinks she’s seen another ghost when she meets Calista McQueen. She’s the spitting image of Marilyn Monroe. Born precisely fifty years after the ill-fated star, Calista’s life has eerily mirrored the late starlet’s–and she fears the looming anniversary of Marilyn’s death will also be hers. With the heat index approaching triple digits, Liz races to uncover a diabolical murder plot in time to save not only Calista’s life, but also her own. Amazon site here. Publisher page here.
Little Black Book of Murder by Nancy Martin is the newest from The Blackbird Sisters series, one of my favorites. It stars Nora Blackbird who may have been to the manor borne, but these days money is so tight, she can’t afford to lose her job as a society columnist. Short Intro — If anything can bring the blue-blooded Blackbird sisters together, it’s a murder investigation involving high-society events, glamorous people, and the disappearance of a genetically perfect pig that may or may not be basking in the sun at Blackbird Farm. They’ll all have to pull together this time, because if Nora can’t bring home the bacon, she might have to exchange her bucolic estate for a cramped walk-up. Available in hardcover, e‑book, and audiobook. Amazon page here. Author page here.
Rhys Bowen, the author of Heirs and Graces, writes three series that I adore. This title is the latest in the Royal Spyness mysteries that take place in 1930s England. Georgie’s posh education didn’t land her a job, or a husband, but it does convince Her Majesty the Queen and the Dowager Duchess to enlist her help. Short intro for this historic mystery — As thirty-fifth in line for the throne, Lady Georgiana Rannoch may not be the most sophisticated young woman, but she knows her table manners. It’s forks on the left, knives on the right–not in His Majesty’s back… Available in hardcover, e‑book, and audiobook. Amazon page here. Author page here.
I also have two mysteries from authors who are new to me. I’m looking forward to enjoying their new series. Auld Lang Syne is by Judith Ivie. Short intro — This is number six in The Kate Lawrence Mysteries. It’s almost New Year’s Eve, and Kate finds herself at her 35th high school reunion, where she is confronted by The Mean Girls, circa 1978. Worse yet, she’s put on a little weight, and her high school steady is expected to show. Should auld acquaintance be forgot? If only that were possible. Available in paperback and e‑book. Amazon site here. Publisher page here.
The second of the new-to-me mysteries is Armed by Elaine Macko From the cover photo of a young woman’s arm, I suspect this Alex Harris series is ‘armed’ with more humor than gun play. Short intro — When Alex Harris, owner of the Always Prepared staffing agency, stumbles over the body of Mrs. Scott, nothing will ever be the same. Along with her sister and partner, Samantha Daniels, and their assistant, Millie Chapman, the Winston Churchill-quoting, M&M popping Alex probes and plods through clue after clue trying to unravel secrets before the murderer strikes again and really ruins Christmas. Available in paperback and e‑book. Amazon site here. Author page here.
What are your favorite cozy mystery series? Leave a comment and tell me. I’d love to hear about new ones.
Look for my new YA mystery soon — publication date tentatively scheduled for October 2013. In the meantime, the links to my two mysteries and one true adventure non-fiction are on my Books page here.