After two deaths make headlines on Chestnut Street, Meadow Jackson, the building manager at The Abbey: Senior Living, sees an opportunity to build community by hosting an open house Halloween event. The residents decorate the lobby and first floor and set up trick-or-treating stations and games for guests to enjoy. While a few cranks hide out on the second floor (off-limits because not everyone’s up for a party), Sister Bernadette Ohlson dresses up like her namesake, Saint Bernadette, a French peasant, and hands out candy to trick-or-treaters near the main entrance. Everyone’s in costume and the open house is a hit. People are all talking about one particular room filled with creepy old dolls and a gruesome surprise, which sends a chill down everyone’s spine, even Bernie’s!
When I started writing Dropped Like a Bad Habit, I couldn’t resist including a Halloween party. My middle son is an October baby, and his birthday parties always had a Halloween theme. Kids love an excuse to wear costumes and over the years we kept adding to the experience, resulting in bins and bins of spooky decorations that I later used to decorate my classroom at our local high school. The ghosts and ghouls and gravestones and cobwebs were always a big hit, and best of all was the cauldron for candy that slapped a bony hand down on anyone trying to sneak a piece!
The best party we ever threw for Brent pulled out ALL the stops. Our basement became a haunted house with a fog machine (which forced us to disable all the smoke detectors in the house) and eerie music playing. Rats, snakes, and spiders lurked along the baseboards. Ravens, bats, and ghosts swung from the ceiling. A few well-placed zombies and witches added to the…charm. I even dug up some twisted and gnarly root vegetables and put them in mason jars with dry ice for a mad scientist effect. The kids played relay games, reassembled a skeleton’s bones, raced to wrap each other up as mummies using toilet paper, and we capped off the event with Zombie Soccer in the back yard.
Who can wrap their partner up like a zombie the FASTEST?
Hilarious tombstones!
The fog machine made the party spooky—and IMPOSSIBLE to photograph!
I recycled some of my Halloween party ideas for the open house event at The Abbey: Senior Living, but I added an even bigger fright for Chestnut Street. Find buy links to here grab your copy of Dropped Like a Bad Habitand discover what shocking surprise awaited Bernie and her neighbors!
Have you had a memorable Halloween party experience? I’d love to hear about it!
About the author
Melissa Westemeier grew up around the edge of nerd culture, but marriage and motherhood with three sons immersed her in it. She’s fluent in Marvel, DC, Dr. Who, Star Wars, Godzilla, and more thanks to their influence. Her fiction work includes rom-com and a trilogy loosely based on her experience tending bar on the Wolf River in Wisconsin. She’s thrilled to realize her childhood dream of writing murder mysteries. Her books blend her humor and appreciation for nerd culture while tackling serious themes and unpacking the puzzle of whodunnit (and how and why!). In her spare time, Melissa needs to be outside or near a window. Her passions include hiking, swimming, biking, reading, and fantasizing about her next vacation destination.
For as long as I can remember, I have loved a good mystery. As a small child I devoured the Cam Jansen series about a young sleuth with a photographic memory, before eventually transitioning to Nancy Drew. I had stacks of those beloved yellow-covered Nancy Drew books and would stay up late, hiding under the blankets with a flashlight, to figure out whodunnit. I then turned to Sherlock Holmes, and as a pre-teen was reading Mary Higgins Clark novels. Of course, I also consumed lots of other mystery media as a child of the 80s and 90s from Scooby Doo to Murder, She Wrote to Columbo. Now shows like Ludwig, Death in Paradise, and Father Brown fill my to-be-watched lists.
Despite this lifelong love of mysteries, it somehow didn’t occur to me to write one until just a few years ago. Before then, I had written a lot of speculative short fiction and poetry, often focused on nature, another love of mine. Perhaps I was intimidated by the daunting task of leaving a trail of breadcrumbs for someone else. Or perhaps it was simply I had never written a novel – the sheer length of the medium overwhelming me. But after reading a few cozy mysteries for fun, my mind followed the path out of the woods, and I started plotting. So many cozies are about crafting or knitting (something I also do for fun), but there didn’t seem to be many about my other favorite hobby: board games.
In addition to the stacks of books that fill my house, there are also piles of board games. I am not a very social person (which is to say I am a major introvert). But I do enjoy sitting around a table with a few close friends and playing a game. This is probably because, ultimately, I love a puzzle. I love figuring stuff out. Whether it’s the mystery of the hidden staircase ala Nancy Drew, or which action I should take on my next turn, I enjoy mulling over all the possibilities and coming up with a solution to try out (“Colonel Mustard in the Library with the Wrench!”). Now that I think about it, this is probably why I also liked Chemistry in high school and was on the Science Olympiad team…did I mention I was a big nerd, or had you already figured that out?
If you also like the occasional board game or other nerdy hobbies, then my new cozy mystery, Player Elimination, might be a good fit for you. Wren Winters and her friends love to get together on a Thursday evening to catch up on each others’ lives and play games. Whether it’s a complex strategy game, a zany party game, or a cooperative story-telling game, Wren and the others know there’s something out there for everyone to enjoy. How about you? Is it Scrabble with your razor-sharp grandma who always triple-word scores, or Ticket to Ride with the kids, or Mahjong with your besties? What do you like to play on a cozy game night?
About the Author
Shelly Jones is a professor by trade and a nerd by design. Woefully introverted, their pockets are full of post-it notes and their head is full of (unsaid) witty come-backs and un-won arguments from years past. When they aren’t grading papers or writing new cozy mysteries, Shelly can often be found hiking in the woods or playing a board game while their cats look on.
In the spirit of new beginnings and cozy reading nights ahead, the Tule Bookshop is offering an irresistible half-off deal on all Tule Publishing releases. From December 29th through January 2nd, you can snuggle up with a good book and use the promo code “TULENEWYEAR” to fill your e-reader with stories at 50% off—no strings attached.
Whether you’re craving heartwarming romances, thrilling mysteries, or captivating adventures, now’s your chance to get them all at an unbelievable price. But don’t wait too long—this cozy offer ends when the clock strikes midnight on January 2nd.
Get comfy, grab your favorite hot drink, and treat yourself to a stack of great reads before the year’s end. 🥂
The holiday season is a time for reflection, celebration, AND—let’s be honest—comfort. While the lights sparkle AND the scent of pine fills the air, there’s something about this time of year that makes you want to slow down and embrace the simple joys of life. AND what could be more wonderful than enjoying a quiet moment with your furry pet pal, a steaming cup of hot cocoa, AND a cozy book to keep you company?
Furry Friends and Holiday Snuggles
There’s no better companion during the holidays than your pet. Whether it’s your cat curling up in your lap as you read, your dog gently resting their head on your feet by the fire, or the sound of purring filling the quiet of a chilly night, pets add a layer of warmth AND comfort to the season. They’re always there to share in the moments of peace AND joy that make Christmas so magical. Their presence turns any moment into a special one—whether you’re wrapping gifts, watching holiday movies, or simply taking in the holiday cheer.
The Magic of Cozy Books
For me, one of the most magical parts of the holiday season is curling up with a good book. There’s something about wintery nights AND holiday mornings that make reading extra cozy. Picture this: You’re tucked under a blanket, your pet cuddled up nearby, AND you’re lost in the pages of a festive novel or heartwarming story. It’s the ultimate relaxation, AND there’s no better time of year to dive into your favorite holiday reads. From classic Christmas tales to cozy mysteries set against snowy backdrops, books bring a special kind of magic that’s perfect for the season.
The Simple Joys of the Season
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays—shopping, cooking, parties, AND planning—but sometimes the best moments are the quiet ones. This year, let’s focus on those simple joys: the purr of a content cat, the warmth of a faithful dog by your side, AND the satisfaction of finishing a great book by the glow of Christmas lights. These moments are what make the holidays truly unforgettable.
So, here’s to enjoying the good times, embracing the cozy companionship of our pets, AND finding magic in every page we turn. After all, when you have your furry friends, a good book, AND a warm, festive atmosphere, it really is the most wonderful time of the year.
The new year is less than a month away, but don’t worry, because here at Tule we have plenty of new releases to look forward to in the coming year!
Retired nuns solving crimes, whimsical weddings, art that’s to die for, and so much more—you won’t want to miss it!
Check out these seven Tule cozy mysteries below, filled with cozy settings, eccentric sleuths, magical adventures, and lighthearted humor, coming to you in 2025!
Did the professor get what he deserved, or is murder on the prowl in small-town California?
As a late-summer heat wave scorches the sleepy town of Citrus Grove, the suspicious death of a notoriously unpopular professor puts Rebecca and her talking cat, Aneksi, hot on the trail of another cursed artifact and a killer.
Police Detective Nick Devon, her dashing new flame, is following the rulebook in his investigation, but the Cuthbert Exotic Antiques manager is trusting her instincts as she follows the clues. With her grandfather distracted by an unexpected visitor—who may not be what he seems—and Aneksi rekindling a bond with a long-lost sibling, Rebecca knows she’s on her own to search for the ancient scepter that may hold the key to the dead professor’s medical miracle…and the reason behind his demise.
In this twisty tale of hidden motives, intensifying danger, and a dash of magic, Rebecca must rely on her wits—and, hopefully, Aneksi’s sharp claws—to solve the case before she becomes the cunning murderer’s next victim.
DeAnna Drake’s newest release delivers a magical murder-mystery adventure with Rebecca Cuthbert, her new crime-solving beau, and her ever-loyal fluffy sidekick, Aneksi. Pre-order Crime and Cat-astrophes TODAY!
Join the Shepherd sisters in solving a mystery…before it’s too late! This artful cozy mystery is perfect for fans of Krista Davis and Joanne Fluke.
Savanna Shepherd is a former art authenticator―someone who can tell a forgery from the real thing. She’s got a talent for spotting secrets hiding in plain sight.
After being fired and dumped in the same terrible day, Savanna moves back to her idyllic hometown on the banks of Lake Michigan. At least she’s close to her sisters again, and she’s enjoying her new job as a grade school art teacher.
Savanna even rediscovers her creative soul when an old family friend hires her to paint a mural. But when a cozy book club meeting ends with a possible murder, and then dangerous incidents occur in and around the friend’s mansion, Savanna’s sharp eye is put to the test. With a little help from her sisters―and from Aidan, the intriguing town doctor―will she be able to figure out what’s wrong with this picture?
This February 2025 release combines the keen-eyed, artistically-inclined protagonist of White Collar with the idyllic small-town of A Chain of Pearls.Pre-order HERE!
She just wants to share her delicious sweets. But a sticky surprise has this amateur detective dusting off her snooping skills.
Bakery owner Ava Decker is determined to put being dumped at the altar behind her. But her ambitions turn sour when her chocolatey cupcakes end up beside a beauty pageant contestant’s lifeless body. And when her good friend is accused of the crime, Ava throws herself into the mix to clear both their names.
With a dash of help from her cute kitten sidekick, the pastry-chef-turned-sleuth dives into the beauty queen scene to find out why a weight-loss-fanatic would be found dead next to sugary goodness. But with few clues and her hands messy with a full lineup of suspects, she struggles to follow the trail of crumbs to the real tiara-obsessed killer.
Can Ava crown the culprit before the plate of evidence is wiped clean?
This second installment in Lisa Siefert’s Frosted Misfortunes Mysteries is a perfect heartwarming and humorous addition to your bookshelves. Pre-order Fudge and Felonies HERE!
Detective Adam Waltz and I are finally tying the knot. And since this is my second marriage, I don’t want a big wedding, just something uncomplicated that reflects small-town Texas and definitely includes all of our dogs. So a meeting with the police department’s chaplain to discuss the I dos will be easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
Instead, we find our officiant dead in his cheesy—dip, that is.
But was the nice old man the real target of a murderer? Or is someone trying to stop Adam and me from finally getting our happily ever after? Now it’s going to take the whole town—plus a pup or two or six—to help us plan this wedding and find out who is after us, before we end up drowning face down in the queso ourselves.
Add M. Alfano’s sixth cozy mystery in her series to your TBR today, and don’t miss out on its whimsical wedding fun!
When retired nun and teacher Sister Bernadette returns with her fellow residents to The Abbey: Senior Living, she is the first to discover the body sprawled in the hallway of the converted school where she once taught English and now lives. Instead of freezing with horror, Sister Bernie has questions. Lots of them. Why does Toni Travi, the bedazzled and bejeweled resident from apartment 218, have so much chest hair? Did anyone at The Abbey know Toni was a man? Was Toni’s death related to allegations that she cheated at cards? Where’s the murder weapon? Who had a motive? And did someone kill Toni, or the man hiding beneath the Revlon foundation and blonde wig?
Detective AJ Lewis is in charge of the investigation though Sister Bernie acts as if he is still her student. With unholy stubbornness, she dogs his every step, eavesdrops, sneaks beyond the police tape and offers unsolicited conjecture and clues. He wants to keep her safe, but she’s determined to lend a helping hand—it’s her habit, after all!
This charming new series combines the retirement-home setting of The Thursday Murder Club series with the eccentric, out-of-control protagonist of Sister Act for a lighthearted, fast-paced murder mystery that will keep you on your toes. Pre-order TODAY!
Revenge is red. Berries are blue. When murder comes to the festival, Will it be one victim or two?
Misty Harbor’s annual Blueberry Festival gets off to a rollicking start with pancakes, scones, muffins, coffee cake, and so much more. Unfortunately, Dani Mackenzie trips over a body behind the blueberry bushes, and a big hullabaloo begins.
She doesn’t recognize the victim, but spilled vinegar leads Dani and her Jack Russell terrier, Pip, to a vendor selling specialty blueberry balsamic vinegar. The problem is, that vendor is Dani’s employee, Christy Golden. Christy reveals that the victim had been harassing her while serving him at the Little Dog Diner, so Dani comes up with a plan to keep her out of the paws of the police, who suspect Christy of revenge.
With scads of people at the festival, Dani is desperate for clues to uncover the killer and throw the scent onto a different trail. Pip scours the scene and digs up details the police overlooked.
Can she save her employee before someone else—perhaps even Dani—is buried under the blueberries?
Emmie Lyn’s Rolling Up Revenge is perfect for readers who love small-town, cozy diner settings, fruit-themed festivals, and a thrilling murder mystery to solve! Add its April 2025 release date to your calendars TODAY!
Wild animal removal specialist Elmo Simpson needs to act fast before the good people of Paradise Springs decide to remove him!
Halloween has arrived, and all is well in Elmo Simpson’s life until his beloved cat Oscar wanders off and doesn’t return. While searching for Oscar, Elmo discovers a body in a ditch. A body that turns out to be Elmo’s former arch-nemesis, a man who Elmo believes stole intellectual property from him worth millions.
When word gets out who the victim is, the town becomes convinced Elmo is the murderer, intent on taking revenge. With nowhere to turn and the reputation of his recently purchased Sea Breeze Resort on the line, Elmo takes it upon himself to figure out who the real killer is. All the while, trying to assemble the threads that connect a dark time in his past with the equally perilous present.
Ditch the to-do list and add J.C. Kenney’s newest Elmo Simpson Mysteries release to your TBR TODAY!
These seven heartwarming and intriguing cozy mysteries are coming to your shelves in the new year, so don’t forget to mark your calendars and stay up to date with all of Tule’s cozy mystery new releases, blog posts, and newsletters!
