Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes an exciting lineup of books you won’t want to miss! Whether you’re in the mood for heart-pounding thrillers, warm and charming cozies, or twisty mysteries that will keep you guessing, these upcoming titles are sure to keep you turning pages well into the season.
To celebrate these new releases, we’re hosting a giveaway! One lucky winner will receive an eBook of one of the upcoming releases. To enter, simply comment below and let us know: What’s your favorite mystery or thriller trope?
We can’t wait to see your answers, and good luck!
She just wants to share her delicious sweets. But a sticky surprise has this amateur detective dusting off her snooping skills.
As the chill of February settles in, there’s no better way to warm up than with a good book—especially when it involves a little mystery, a lot of intrigue, and a dash of cozy charm. This month, we’re beyond excited to introduce two brand-new cozy mysteries that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, all while keeping things comfortably cozy.
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.
What you can expect: plenty of feline antics, sharp detective work, and a sense of humor that’ll have you chuckling through every chapter. Whether you’re a die-hard cat lover or just looking for a mystery that’s both lighthearted and gripping, this cozy is your perfect companion for a chilly February evening.
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?
What you can expect: It’s not just the cleverly crafted mystery, but the rich, atmospheric setting and the fun loving cast. You’ll find yourself guessing at every twist and turn, unable to put the book down until the final page. If you’re looking for a new book to cozy up with, this one will keep you hooked.
Now, more than ever, women are “carrying” films based on their perceived value in the industry. More are considered “box-office-valuable” and are carrying more wight in the film industry. Women have been contributing to the film industry for decades, but it is most recently that they are finally recognized as having the box office power that men have had.
Women authors have made themselves known in all genres. Women write about women, and a better description cannot be found. Of course, women authors write about many things, but most show us as strong women in challenging circumstances, also known as a day in the life of most women.
When I write, the idea or inspiration usually comes from something a woman has said or done, or both. It’s as if I hear a call to arms—come on, tell my story. Then, having heard it, I must. The main character is soon joined by her friends, and maybe an enemy, and I have to write it all down because they are getting to be too many to carry around in my head. This is my process, and it works for me.
Women, in whatever role in life they find themselves, are finally being recognized, whether in the creative arts or medicine, science, education, and so on. They are being judged on their abilities, and that was/is a welcome change.
I will continue to do my part by writing to represent women as we are, and with all of our talents, and yes, even human flaws, and I hope to do it with the respect that women deserve. Because women are, in fact—main characters.
In my most recent series, I have more women in “starring roles” than men. When I introduced a man, Ted, into a relationship with Helen, I tried to make them equals, real partners in life as well as at work. I tried to show their faults, their humanness, along with their talents, and how, with a little help from our friends, we can all be main characters.
Congrats on your release of Retirement Can Be Deadly,Vickie! As for the rest of you, be sure and mark your calendars for Retirement Can Be Deadly book 3, A Wedding and A Murder, releasing May 12th!
Vickie is a published author of over two dozen books, from cozy mystery to paranormal, and a recent jump into romantic suspense, with a new release coming out in July (Savannah Heat). She has published many short stories and articles and has won various awards and commendations over the years. Vickie has been a fulltime writer for the last eight years. She is working on a new blog site, Sweet Tea and Sympathy now, and plans to have it up and running this summer. The blog will focus on the writer’s life, but in particular, the life of a Southern writer. You can find her books on Amazon and sign up to follow her there: Amazon.com/author/vickiecarroll or on Facebook.
Nestled in the heart of Misty Harbor, Maine, the Little Dog Diner is more than just a place to grab a bite—it’s the soul of this charming coastal town. Whether you’re a local or a traveler passing through, stepping into the diner feels like coming home.
The scent of freshly baked blueberry muffins wafts through the air as sunlight streams through the windows. Chatter hums in the background, punctuated by the occasional welcoming yips from Pip, Dani Mackenzie’s spirited Jack Russell Terrier, who’s been known to charm guests as much as the food does.
The diner’s menu, a celebration of Maine’s flavors, features everything from blueberry pies to buttery lobster rolls and steaming bowls of clam chowder. Dani’s love for cooking shines through in every dish, from a hearty breakfast special to a slice of cake paired with a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. She treats everyone like family, sharing stories over plates of blueberry pancakes or offering a kind word on a rainy day. Her warmth makes every visit unforgettable.
Located near the sparkling waters of Blueberry Bay, the diner offers stunning views of the rocky Maine coast. But it’s more than a culinary destination—it’s a gathering place for Misty Harbor’s quirky, lovable residents and, occasionally, the setting for a little bit of intrigue. From overheard gossip to clues hidden in plain sight, there’s always an air of mystery lingering in the ocean breeze.
Whether you’re craving a sweet muffin, a bowl of comforting chowder, or simply a friendly face, the Little Dog Diner is the heart of Misty Harbor. And if you’re lucky, you might catch Dani and Pip unraveling their latest mystery while you enjoy your meal.
Misty Harbor may be fictional, but the charm of the Little Dog Diner is real. Can’t make it to the Maine coast? Let the Little Dog Diner series transport you there with every turn of the page.
About the Author
Emmie Lyn grew up in a small town in New England, much like the towns where her female characters live—scenic, quaint and filled with colorful characters. She loves to create mysteries with twists and unexpected turns that draw readers in and capture their imagination.
Emmie lives in rural Massachusetts with her husband, a rescue terrier, and a black cat with a bad attitude. She shares twelve acres with a wide variety of wildlife including deer, bunnies, turkeys, and many songbirds. When she’s not busy thinking of ways to kill off a character (for a book, of course!) she enjoys a cup of tea and chocolate in her flower garden, hiking, or spending time near the ocean.
As the new year kicks off, there’s no better way to start fresh than with a stack of books waiting to be devoured. So get ready to settle into that cozy reading nook, grab a nice warm cuppa jo’ and some snacks, because you’re gonna be busy for a while. If you’re looking for the perfect page-turner to energize your reading goals for the year, January’s book releases are here to deliver. From gripping thrillers to heartwarming cozy mysteries, the literary world has something for everyone to kick off 2025. Get ready to mark your calendars, because these upcoming releases are sure to make your reading list a little longer—and a lot more exciting! Here’s a sneak peek at the most anticipated books of the month.
April showers bring murder near the lighthouse flowers!
A missing teenager shows up at Dani Mackenzie’s Sea Breeze home on Blueberry Bay, but the runaway is too terrified to reveal anything about herself. The police, however, aren’t the least bit shy when they arrive right behind her, searching for Claire. It seems the teen was hiding at the Kitty Point Lighthouse—exactly where a body was discovered.
There’s a long list of people who are happy this victim, the Misty Harbor town manager, is dead, but Claire’s circumstances make her the prime suspect. Dani hesitates to bring more drama into her world, but after she learns that Claire is related to a dear friend in Misty Harbor, she agrees to hide the young woman to keep them both safe from harassment or worse.
But the evidence keeps coming, whipping everyone’s fear into a frenzy. Dani, along with her Jack Russel terrier, Pip, jump into high gear to unravel a deadly tangle of greed before another body is found.
What if retirement isn’t the utopia it’s cracked up to be?
Helen Rogers never imagined that she’d be bored at Sunny Days Retirement Village in lovely Peachtree Valley, Georgia, but she wasn’t expecting to start this phase of life as early as her fifties, either. Then fate gave her a hand in solving her friend’s murder, and the sense of accomplishment was heady.
But was it a fluke?
Fate answers again when she stumbles over her second dead body, the city’s deputy mayor. The corpse is barely cold before the mayor’s wife is killed in a suspicious accident. Bodies are piling up—so Helen and her buddy, Carol Adams, take the next step: enroll in PI classes, apply for her license, and open an official investigation firm.
Helen has found her purpose, and it comes with new partners and a handsome assistant, Ted Morgan.
Yet business will grind to halt before it gets off the ground unless she can break open the truth. Plenty of folks have a motive, but which one of the suspects is desperate enough to plan such elaborate murders?
Her new employer has met her maker, and she’s the only suspect. Can she sift out the truth and serve the villain their just desserts?
Ava Decker longs to fulfill her lifelong dream of owning her own bakery. Ready for a fresh start, the former forensic accountant turned pastry chef is excited to turn life’s lemons into sugary success. But her hopes crumble when her mean boss turns up dead in the back of the delivery truck Ava was driving.
Arrested as the prime suspect, things get worse when the police discover the victim left Ava the shop and her house in her will. And with only an adorable kitten who thinks he’s a dog and an exasperated best friend as the voice of reason, the newly bequeathed owner must turn super-sleuth to clear her name.
Can Ava solve the crime before she’s baking behind bars?
Cupcakes & Chaos is the delicious first book in the Frosted Misfortunes cozy mystery series. If you like cute animal sidekicks, an appetizing listen to curl up with, and hilarious hijinks, then you’ll love Lisa Siefert’s perfectly dusted recipe.
In A Golden Guilt Trip, life in the small town of Pecan, Texas, is anything but ordinary for dog groomer and aspiring business owner, Leslie Winters. Juggling her growing mobile grooming business, her soon-to-be husband Detective Adam Waltz, and her quirky circle of dog-loving friends, Leslie is ready to put down roots. But when Councilman Rodriguez—who couldn’t tell a dog comb from a rake—starts blocking her plans for a new storefront, things quickly take a turn for the worse.
In a moment of unfiltered honesty, Leslie can’t resist giving her unflattering opinion of the councilman’s grooming skills. Unfortunately, that little remark might have just earned her a one-way ticket to the top of the suspect list when the councilman turns up dead, and she’s the one with the motive.
With the police closing in and the scent of scandal in the air, Leslie teams up with her tail-wagging companions and her loyal group of friends to sniff out the truth. But with a killer on the loose and her own future on the line, can Leslie clear her name before she’s locked up and forced to eat kibble in the jailhouse? Or will she be left barking up the wrong tree? It’s up to Leslie—and a few good pups—to solve this case, one clue (and dog treat) at a time.
In Murder Under the Marquee, wild animal removal specialist Elmo Simpson once again finds himself tangled in a murder investigation, but this time, it’s personal. When the body of Desiree LaFontaine, the former first mate of Elmo’s girlfriend, Nic, is discovered washed up on the beach near the Paradise Springs marina, the quiet Florida town is shaken to its core. To Elmo’s horror, Nic is quickly swept up in the investigation as the prime suspect, being the last person seen with the victim.
Though the evidence seems damning, Elmo refuses to believe that Nic is capable of murder. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a cast of suspicious characters—Craig Abbott, the shady tour boat owner with a bitter grudge against Nic; Bobby Darrin, Desiree’s elusive ex who’s disappeared into the shadows; and Drunk Paul, the oddball marina regular whose behavior seems more erratic than usual.
With time running out and Nic’s freedom hanging in the balance, Elmo is plunged into the seedy underbelly of Paradise Springs’ tight-knit, yet cutthroat, tourist industry. As he pieces together a trail of lies and betrayals, Elmo must confront his own fears and fight to uncover the truth—before the tides of fate pull both him and Nic under for good. The clock is ticking, and in a town where everyone has something to hide, Elmo must take a dangerous plunge into the heart of darkness to save the woman he loves.
