Tis the season for No. 2 pencils, notebooks, crayons, and glue sticks, hopefully all at great prices as you raid the big box stores for deals. But why do students get all the fun? Those of us who have long left school buses in our dust still deserve a back-to-the-routine treat. So throw these titles into your cart (they cost less a pack of topper erasers, so your budget won’t notice) and study up on these whodunnits:
#1. Have You Seen Sarah Baker?, TA Cruz
High school English teacher Sarah Baker is at the center of a large manhunt after her husband reports her as missing. But is she in trouble or did she run from the events stacking up in her classroom? The twists in this psych thriller will leave everyone guessing. An A rating with Amazon reviewers:
“I have never wanted to hunt down an author before I read this! TA Cruz, how could you? We’ve been warned, but still unprepared for the roller coaster ride!”
“It has been a while since I last enjoyed a mystery thriller book, and this one will make it to my top favorites of 2024. The book has so many unexpected twists and turns that it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Every chapter keeps you guessing, and just when you think you’ve figured out who did it, TA Cruz throws in another clue that makes you doubt everything you know.”
#2. A Corgi Conundrum, M. Alfano
Leslie Winters is back in the fourth book in this Pecan, Texas Pet Groomer cozy series, with a loyal corgi who helps her sniff out the villain that murdered the middle-school secretary and left her body in the ag barn. Leslie moonlights as a substitute agriculture teacher herself, so she’s not just in the wrong place at the right time. This time, her involvement is personal.
Releasing October 23, 2024—preorder your copy now!
#3. Tangle of Lies, CJ Carmichael
Once a teacher, always a teacher. Bobbie Galloway may have retired as the high school science teacher, but when one of her former students is murdered and another is the prime suspect, she’s not one to take a recess. She’s suspicious of everyone and she won’t stop until she gets justice. An A rating with Amazon reviewers:
“A strong, diverse cast drew me into this interesting and unique setting of a Canadian border town. I appreciated the realistic mix of characters—strong & weak, resilient & flawed, clever & dangerous. Add a lovely plot twist or three and you have a rock solid whodunnit.”
#4. Homecoming and Homicide, Jody Holford
How do you make friends in a new community? Volunteer to help with the local high school drama club’s fundraising event! It’s all fun and games until a crusty teacher turns up dead after the carnival event—and newcomer Annie Abbott and her boyfriend look guilty. Now her homework is to clear her name. An A rating with Amazon reviewers:
“This series is a new favorite … Holford did a fantastic job of tying everything up in a nice bow at the end. I was blown away by the murderer. I’m still shocked I missed the clues.”
You’ve created three successful mystery series: The Allie Cobb Mysteries, The Darcy Gaughan Mysteries, and The Elmo Simpson Mysteries. What inspired you to create these diverse characters and their unique worlds?
Allie came about when my literary agent challenged me to try writing cozy mysteries. I was writing in another genre at the time, and decided, “why not?” I decided Allie had earned a break from solving crime after six books. It was great fun spending time with her and the residents of Rushing Creek, Indiana but after “A Parting Shot,” it was time for a new group of characters. That led me to Darcy, my record store manager turned amateur sleuth. Music has always been a big part of my life and I love the vibe I get when visiting an independent record store. When you add the fact that my younger kiddo was studying Music Education at the time, writing a series with a strong musical influence was a total no-brainer. Elmo and the Paradise Springs oddballs introduced themselves to me in a completely different way. I was on vacation with my wife in Panama City Beach, Florida when the idea came to me to write a cozy mystery along the lines of Catriona McPherson’s Last Ditch Mystery Series with a healthy serving of Carl Hiaasen Florida craziness and Jimmy Buffett tropical seasoning. When it comes to Elmo’s stories, I try to push that envelope every chance I get and have a blast doing so!
As a co-host of The Bookish Hour webcast, how has discussing books with other authors and readers influenced your own writing?
The Bookish Hour is so much fun because I’m a reader and fan every bit as much as I am a writer. I think the biggest personal takeaway is how much creative energy there is in the world. And that everyone crafts their stories in their own way, which is completely okay. That helps remind me to keep an open mind and be open to possibilities when I’m writing.
IndyCar racing is a passion of yours. Have you ever incorporated this interest into your mystery novels, and if so, how?
My Allie and Darcy books are set in small towns in Indiana, so the Indy 500 and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway have been mentioned more than once. That’s been it, so far. A mystery series set in an IndyCar-type world would be so much fun to write. A driver by day who solves mysteries by night. The stories practically write themselves. They do in my head, at least.
Music seems to be a significant part of your life. Does it play a role in your writing process, and do you have any favorite genres or artists that inspire your work?
Music is truly a huge part of my life, and I am so grateful for that. I’ll listen to instrumental music when I’m writing. Jazz and calypso are my go-to genres. They help keep the energy up without being too distracting. Overall, Jimmy Buffett is far and away the individual with the most influence on my writing, especially the Elmo Simpson Mysteries. His music provides a perfect backdrop for Elmo’s fictional hometown of Paradise Springs, Florida. More than that, though, Jimmy’s books, especially Tales from Margaritaville and Where is Joe Merchant?, taught me so much about writing stories filled with unique characters in bizarre situations.
Living in Indianapolis, how does the city and its surroundings influence your storytelling and the settings of your mysteries?
During the more temperate months, I love being able to write outside. Listening to the birds and the wind rustling through the trees relaxes me, which helps get the creative thoughts going. I’m fortunate to live in an old neighborhood with a lot of mature trees. Having said that, I also appreciate the lure of the small-town vibe so prevalent in cozy mysteries. The change in scenery from city to smaller community is like taking a vacation without having to leave the house.
What do you find most rewarding about writing mystery novels, and what do you find most challenging?
The most rewarding thing is when people tell me they enjoy my stories. I write because it makes me happy. And I mean that literally. I live with depression and writing helps keep that ever present black cloud at arm’s length. While having something to help me manage my depression is huge, knowing that my stories have a positive impact, even a tiny one, on someone’s life is the most gratifying thing ever. The most challenging thing as a mystery writer is walking that tightrope between writing an engaging whodunnit while playing fair. When readers finish one of my stories, I hope they are surprised by the reveal, but also think the ending makes sense. On the other side of the coin, I don’t want to make clues so obvious that it takes all the fun out of trying to figure out who the murderer is.
You have two grown children. Have your family experiences or relationships influenced any characters or plots in your books?
Absolutely. My older kiddo lives with a number of physical and mental health conditions. Between their challenges and my depression, it’s become natural for me to include a character or a subplot involving mental health. I’m trying to do what I can to erase the stigma associated with mental health diagnoses. On a happier note, my younger kiddo is a music teacher. I tap into his knowledge of all things musical to make sure I get certain things right. My wife is a genetic counselor who loves genealogy, so the plot of one of my Allie Cobb books involved a twenty-year-old unsolved murder. Getting the genetics and forensic genealogy correct in that book was a challenge, and I couldn’t have done it without her.
Your cat likely provides some unique company while you write. Does your feline friend ever inspire any aspects of your characters or stories?
A total lap cat, Maria is my constant companion. Since I work from home for my day job, constant is not an exaggeration! In one way or another, she’s been the basis for all three cats in my books; Ursula, Ringo, and Oscar. My goal is to convey the idea that, despite their reputation to the contrary, cats can be very attentive and loving companions. That’s Maria. Well, that and the fact that she’s always ready for her next meal!
As a bestselling author, what do you think are the key elements to writing a compelling mystery that keeps readers hooked until the last page?
To me, it all boils down to having characters the readers find compelling. As a cozy mystery author, my amateur sleuths and their friends and family need to be people readers care about and want to root for. Next, the mystery needs to be interesting enough to keep readers following along while also providing enough clues to make the story fair. At the story’s conclusion, I want a reader to be either surprised when the whodunnit is revealed or pleased that they figured it out. A unique setting is a big plus, too.
What advice would you give to aspiring mystery writers who are looking to build their own successful series?
Remember that writing is a long game. You need time to build a following, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t sell a boatload of books right away. It’s also important to surround yourself with people who will lift you up when you’re having a tough day, tell you the truth when you need it, and care about you as a person. Also, the only competition you have as a writer is with yourself to write the best story you can.
BONUS: What is one book that you would consider to be your comfort read that you will always reach for?
When I’m in a reading funk, I go to Agatha Christie. I got my start with mysteries when I read And Then There Were None when I was in high school. Murder At the Vicarage and Evil Under the Sun are my personal favorites. I enjoy historical mysteries because they really take me away from the here and now. And you can’t beat a whodunnit by the Queen of Crime Fiction.
About The Author
J.C. Kenney is the bestselling author of The Allie Cobb Mysteries, The Darcy Gaughan Mysteries, and The Elmo Simpson Mysteries. He’s also the co-host of The Bookish Hour webcast. When he’s not writing, you can find him following IndyCar racing or listening to music. He has two grown children and lives in Indianapolis with his wife and a cat.
Weddings and summer go together like peanut butter and jelly, although most brides save that favorite for after the dress is safely packed away.
But mystery readers have no restrictions on when, where, or how they walk down the aisle with these unforgettable ceremonies. Say yes to the distress:
Maid of Dishonor, Nancy Robards Thompson (coming July 18, 2024)
Maddie Bell’s life and career are icing on her cake. She’s sold her cozy mystery series and is contracted for two more books; she’s engaged to Hemlock’s chief of police; and her mother has purchased and restored the beautiful historic mansion, Gracewood Hall, in their hometown of Hemlock, North Carolina. Three generations—Gigi, Maddie, and Jenna–are now happily immersed in the wedding and special event business.
But their highly scrutinized inaugural event—the wedding of an A-List social media influencer—becomes a murder scene before the rehearsal dinner. Even as the police warn Maddie not to interfere with the investigation, this mother and daughter set out to discover who killed Kate and dispel the growing rumors that Gracewood Hall is cursed.
Optioned for television by Candy Rock Entertainment.
Until Depths Do Us Part, by K.B Jackson
Congratulations on booking your first cruise on the luxury private residential cruise ship, Thalassophile of the Seas! We want to ensure your sailing adventure is everything you have dreamed.
But newly widowed Charlotte McLauglin didn’t dream her husband was cheating on her with another family or hiding millions in his bank account. She’s using her new windfall to treat her nephew to the perfect wedding venue aboard her luxury cruise home bound for Alaska. Then things get even frostier when the bride is found dead less than twenty-four hours after they set sail, and evidence points to the groom as the murderer.
Now Charlotte is making a new vow: to protect her family’s happiness.
Murder Below the Mistletoe, by Kaz Delaney
What could go wrong when baker Rosie Hart heads to a snowy Colorado mountain lodge for a week of elaborate pre-wedding festivities at her friend’s wedding? Well, for starters, one of the wedding guests turns up dead, the groom appears to be the target, and she’s stuck in a blizzard with the wedding party being picked off one by one.
The only suspect she can rule out is Santa.
Rosie’s investigative instincts kick in—only this time she’s on her own. That is, until her four irrepressible card-shark mentors from Riverbend Retirement Village unexpectedly turn up to rescue her.
It’s the perfect read to cool you off on a hot, humid day.
A Case for the Candlemaker, by Candace Havens
Ainsley McGregor has her hands full preparing for Sweet River’s Valentine’s Day celebration and her bestie’s wedding. But then Ainsley and her Great Dane, George Clooney, discover that a candlemaker passing through town is dead—in a room that was locked from the inside.
Nuptials have to take a back seat as Ainsley drops into sleuth mode, discovering some surprising truths about the mystery woman. But has she just put herself in the killer’s crosshairs? It’s time to speak now or she may forever hold her peace.
Look for The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker starring Candace Cameron Bure as the Great American Mysteries channel’s inaugural launch!
Agatha Christie is a huge inspiration to our Tule writers, and no doubt a favorite mystery writer of yours, too. When we asked your favorite cozy writers who they would most like to collaborate with, Agatha is the queen.
But not everyone named her. Some of Tule’s Cozy Mystery Cafe authors chose someone else … can you guess who they admire and spot the Miss Marple fan in this batch?
Jody Holford: Oh wow. I’d love to work with Sandra Brown, James Patterson, Nora Roberts.
Melissa Westemeier: Doug Johnstone because I’m obsessed with his Skelf series and would love to learn from him. He writes amazing characters and blends plots together so well. We both write about generation gaps and I think we could come up with a good story.
I’m so excited that MAID OF DISHONOR, Wedding Bell Mysteries book four, hits the shelves this July. I loved returning to fictional Hemlock, North Carolina, and living in the world of mother/daughter wedding planners and amateur sleuths Maddie and Jenna Bell.
But there’s more news from Hemlock as well, and it’s time to uncover our secret as we unveil the book cover: my series has been optioned for television by Candy Rock Entertainment! We hope to hear more news soon. You can bet that I’ll keep you posted.
Meanwhile, you are invited to drop in to the Tule Cozy Mystery Cafe Facebook page tomorrow, May 16, at 1:00 p.m. EST for a special cover unveiling. Hint: there’s prizes. Can’t wait to see you there!
Here’s a little bit about the book:
Instead of walking down the aisle, the bride is suspected of murder….
Maddie Bell’s life and career have hit peak stride. She’s sold her cozy mystery series and is contracted for two more books; she’s engaged to Hemlock’s chief of police; and her mother has purchased and restored the beautiful historic mansion, Gracewood Hall, in their hometown of Hemlock, North Carolina. Three generations—Gigi, Maddie, and Jenna–are now happily engaged in the wedding and special event business.
But their highly scrutinized inaugural event—the wedding of an A-List social media influencer—becomes a murder scene before the rehearsal dinner. Kate Archer, the professional bridesmaid Jenna hired, is found bludgeoned by a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, not only threatening their new business, but also sending Jenna into a tailspin of guilt. She knew Kate from college and had begged her to fill in as the maid of honor.
Even as the police warn Maddie not to interfere with the investigation, mother and daughter set out to discover who killed Kate and dispel the growing rumors that Gracewood Hall is cursed.
If you haven’t yet subscribed to my newsletter, you can do so here:https://www.nancyrobardsthompson.com/contact . On that page, scroll down to where it says, “Sign up for Nancy’s Newsletter.”
Bells will be ringing for all of us this summer.
About the Author
Award-winning and USA Today bestselling author Nancy Robards Thompson has worked as a newspaper reporter, television show stand-in, production and casting assistant for movies, and in fashion and public relations. She started writing fiction seriously in 1997. Five years and four completed manuscripts later, she won the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart award for unpublished writers and sold her first book the following year. Since then, Nancy has sold 30 books and found her calling doing what she loves most – writing romance and women’s fiction full-time.
