I’m so excited to be celebrating the release of book two in the Shepherd Sisters Mysteries, Murder On Display! These books found the most perfect publishing home with Tule, with a new book in the series dropping every other month, all year long.
Savanna Shepherd is an accidental sleuth. A former art authenticator whose job it was to detect forgeries from the real thing, Savanna has a knack for spotting clues hiding in plain sight, sometimes without even trying. When she discovers a local politician dead in his locked home, the victim of foul play, and then police arrest a good friend for the murder, Savanna and her sisters race to uncover what really happened. Ratcheting up the stakes are a mysteriously vandalized town monument, a coveted art fair now at risk of being canceled, and a wrench thrown into a budding romance a long time in the making.
So, why three sisters? Who doesn’t love a good bestie trio? I am a sucker for women helping women, girl power, soul sisters, women amplifying women. If a set of sisters, or two friends, seemed like it might be fun to write, three seemed even better. Growing up, I fell in love with Charlie’s Angels—the television series and then the fun and fabulous movies. Those women knew how to team up and kick butt when necessary. I also couldn’t get enough of the gang in Buffy the Vampire slayer—Buffy, Willow, and Xander, and sometimes Cordelia. They were stronger together than alone. And, in a non crime solving example, I also loved the friend group in the show Friends, especially the trio of Monica, Rachel, and Phoebe. They brought out the best in each other.
When Savanna Shepherd first appeared in my mind, fully formed with her own personality traits and back story, I knew she had to be the middle sister. Coming home to her small lakeside town after a decade away, she fits easily back into her family and community. She tends to be the “glue” within her sister trio, and even though Savanna is the primary female protagonist, she relies on her sisters on a daily basis, just as they do her.
Skylar, like me, is the eldest sister. She’s the most serious in the trio, a bit of a perfectionist, her type A personality serving her well in her career as an attorney. Her two younger sisters often have fun poking at serious Skylar, trying to get a laugh out of her but sometimes just causing her exasperation. But Skylar is also the person Savanna and Sydney turn to anytime they’re in need of advice or help with difficult problems—she always comes through.
The youngest sister is Sydney. Free-spirited, laid back, not to be confined by business suits or corporate schedules, Sydney runs a gourmet dog bakery and grooming salon called Fancy Tails and Treats. Sydney delights in finding new ways to tease and joke with her sisters, calms her mind with yoga and meditation, and knows the name of every dog in town. Sydney is the heart of the sister trio, happy-go-lucky, loyal, and quick to act when her sisters need her.
The series of course holds plenty of other intriguing characters: a grumpy but kind detective, a swoon-worthy cardiologist and his bad-boy brother, the sisters’ parents who are relationship-goals to their daughters, and a wealth of intriguing townspeople, some of whom are not to be trusted.
The Shepherd sisters are at the center of this cozy mystery series. They may argue now and then, they don’t always agree, but they love and protect each other fiercely. I can’t imagine a better mystery solving trio!
About the author
Tracy Gardner is an Edgar Award nominated author of two cozy mystery series, one recent novel earning a spot on New York Public Library’s Best 100 Books list. Tracy also writes book club fiction with heart and grit under pen name Jess Sinclair. A Detroit native with one foot in the sand of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tracy is a mother of three, the daughter of two teachers, and works as a nurse when not writing. She lives with her husband and a menagerie of spoiled rescue dogs and cats who inspire every fictional pet she writes. Check out Tracy’s website https://www.tracygardnerbeno.com/.
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.
Regardless of how or why you celebrate, December is a jolly month.
But at Tule, we’ve enjoyed an entire jolly YEAR, courtesy of bringing Tule’s Cozy Mystery Café onboard and introducing you to top cozy mystery writers. Readers can’t get enough of DeAnna Drake’s Rebecca and her talking cat, the lovable pooches in M. Alfano’s town of Pecan Springs, the delicious worlds from Emmie Lyn, and Vickie Carroll’s energetic group of retirement home friends starting a second business with their detective agency. Their series will continue, along with favorites like the hilarious brilliance from J.C. Kenny’s Elmo Simpson.
So would you like to know a secret? I’ve got the line-up of debut Cozy Mystery Café authors to share with you from Santa’s bag:
USA Today bestselling author Lisa Siefert will re-release her Frosted Misfortune series with Tule in January—and she’s adding more stories for baker Ava Decker.
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.
Yes, Tracy Gardner’s Edgar Award finalist Shepherd Sister Mysteries also gets a makeover under the Tule logo beginning in February, and you can count on more stories for art authenticator Savanna Shepherd and her siblings.
Join the Shepherd sisters—Savanna, Skylar, and Sydney—as they use their unique skills to solve the mystery in their small town.
As a former art authenticator, Savanna Shepherd has a talent for spotting secrets hiding in plain sight. She can pinpoint a forgery from the real thing, sometimes in a glance.
After being fired and dumped in the same terrible day, Savanna moves back to her idyllic home on the banks of Lake Michigan. At least she’s close to her sisters again, and she’s enjoying her new job as an elementary school art teacher.
Savanna even rediscovers her creative soul when an old family friend hires her to paint a mural. But then a cozy book club meeting ends with a possible murder, dangerous incidents begin plaguing her friend’s mansion, and 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 before they become the killer’s next canvas?
An artful cozy mystery perfect for fans of Krista Davis and Joanne Fluke.
What happens when author Melissa Westemeier pairs a nosey retired nun with one of her cheekiest students, now a detective? You can’t even begin to guess the fun waiting for you in April with the Nun the Wiser mystery series!
Meddling and murder can both be deadly sins.
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 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!
Releasing April 2nd!
Player Elimination
Calling all board gamers! Shelly Jones has created a cast of risk-taking sleuths who use their Catan skills (among other games) to suss out the bad guys. August launches the Wren Winters mysteries.
Releasing in August 2025!
And to unwrap next December … Candace Havens is hard at work right now on another Ainsley McGregor book, the character you’ve fallen in love with from Candace Cameron Bure’s GAC movie inspired by the series.
Certainly, 2025 holds plenty to anticipate, but in this moment we want to say, from our hearts to yours, may the joy of the season bring smiles and lifelong memories to cherish.
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.”
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.
