Hi, All…
Today, I want to bring you up to date on the status of my cozy mystery, Tainted Truffles. It is through the next to the last edit and will be going to my editor for the final pass soon. My original release date was July 15th, but I’m setting the book back to August 15th. My schedule went off the rails at the end of May with family emergencies and an unplanned trip to Dallas, Texas.
Since I want the book to be the best it can be, it makes sense to delay the release until I achieve that. So new release date is August 15th. It will be worth the wait. I’ll include a little preview at the bottom of this post, but first, I’d like to tell you about a great book offer from an author friend.
Meet Karen Randau
Like me, a native of the southwestern United States, Karen got her degree in journalism/public relations from The University of Texas at Austin. Karen joined an international relief and development organization to use her skills to help people struggling with extreme poverty. In this job, she did a lot of traveling and meeting people in difficult situations. With this background, she loves to write mysteries and thrillers. She is offering a box set of her romantic mystery trilogy for just $0.99
The Kayla Walsh Mysteries Box Set
Lies and secrets destroyed Kayla’s family. Her quest to find the truth could turn deadly.
After a savage attack at the hands of a masked murderer, Kayla Walsh’s life will never be the same. As if witness protection weren’t enough of a challenge, she needs constant support and struggles with day-to-day self-care.
Martin Daniels wants to keep the tragic results of his childhood as a foster kid buried. After he lands the job as Kayla’s physical therapist, her tenacity in overcoming serious injuries inspires him and captures his heart.
When they realize their lives crossed by design, they join forces to follow clues across the globe to find out why. Their agonizing discovery: They’re puppets in a sinister international plot.
I picked up this book set yesterday and dove into the first book. It’s a page turner and hard to put down. If I hadn’t been falling asleep, I would have kept reading. Tense, suspenseful, and enough intrigue to hook you right in. Pick up your copy for just 99-cents before this promotion ends on June 27th. Available now at Amazon.
Book Excerpt from Tainted Truffles
“I’m getting tired of this, Debra.”
The woman’s irate voice carried from the wings to the stage where Isla and Lydia knelt on the floor repairing a table leg. The named actress in the remark had accidentally broken it during the dramatic finale at the matinee performance.
Isla sat back and turned her eyes toward the stage-right wing where the pair of ladies stood. Still in costume and makeup, Debra carried a frilly dress over one arm as she turned to face her co-star.
“Give it back to me now, or I’ll report you.” Francine stuck her hand out as she made her demand.
Debra set her shoulders and fluffed her blonde curls as she stared at Francine like she’d made an extremely poor joke. “Don’t be ridiculous, Frannie; I wouldn’t bother with that little trinket. It’s not worth the effort.”
“It’s an emerald and worth almost five hundred dollars!”
Debra rolled her eyes. “I didn’t touch it.”
“Then what happened to it?” Francine’s hands fisted on her narrow hips as she glowered.
Isla shook her head. Another squabble between her diva actress and the slightly less dramatic co-star.
“Aren’t you going to say something before they come to blows?” Lydia asked, her eyes wide. As a recent theater volunteer, the girl hadn’t witnessed the two actresses quibbling before now.
“Those two are always at it. Some kind of natural rivalry, I guess.” Isla shook her head, turned her attention to the newly installed table leg, and dipped her paintbrush in the varnish. “They fight over everything.”
“I really don’t know.” Debra flounced as she resumed her progress toward Isla. She came to a stop in front of her and held the dress out. “Dear, would you mind sewing up this little tear?” She poked a finger through a three-inch rip near the knee.
Isla studied Debra’s pretty face for a moment or two. “Can’t Missy do that?” As wardrobe mistress, the task belonged to Melissa.
“I suppose. Except she had to leave after curtain and I don’t have a clue if she’ll be back in time for the evening show. It’s in the first act.”
Sighing, Isla waved her hand, the one without the paintbrush. “Fine. Put it on that chair. I’ll get it done.”
“What about my ring?” Francine demanded. She came up behind Debra and glared over her shoulder.
Debra turned her head. “You’ve obviously misplaced it. Go look for it.” She laid the dress down and cast a smile she reserved for her fans at Isla. “Thank you. You’re a treasure, dear.” With a smirk at Francine, she sauntered off the stage like the theater goddess she pretended to be.
“Really, your practical jokes have gone too far. This isn’t amusing.” Francine called after her before looking to Isla and flinging a hand toward Debra, as if asking for help. “She’s taken my emerald ring.” She strode over and planted herself in front of Isla. “What are you going to do about her?
Isla blinked and sat back on her legs, brushing her hair back. “What do you mean? Do you have any proof she took it?”
“Well…no. But it’s gone, and it had to be either Debra or Grace. I doubt the girl took it, since she didn’t even know it was there.”
“Look. I realize Debra’s a pain and pulls all those stupid jokes, but that doesn’t mean she’s a thief. I’m sure the ring will turn up.”
Francine stiffened, her body snapping back like Isla had struck her. “Well, thank you for no help at all. I’ll call the sheriff if it doesn’t turn up by tonight, then we’ll see how funny it is.” She pivoted, stomping away.
What did Francine expect her to do? Granted, she owned the theater and filled in on a dozen jobs, but she wasn’t responsible for everyone’s actions. Lydia cast a sympathetic glance at her as she turned back to the table and lifted her paintbrush.
The retreating footsteps halted, then Francine called back. “Oh… Your cat came in the dressing room. You’re aware I’m allergic.”
Isla looked up, mouth dropping open. Crap! “I’m sorry, Francine. I must have left the door upstairs open. I’ll check it, so it doesn’t happen again.”
Isla’s shoulders slumped. Higgins wasn’t the easiest cat to keep confined, but she tried to ensure he couldn’t get into the main theater during business hours. During the night, the Tuxedo feline roamed freely, often cleaning out any pests, like mice and bugs, that made their way inside.
