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.
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. 🥂
We’re almost to the end of our 12 Days of Christmas BlogTour. Let’s talk about cats and cozy mysteries!
If you’ve ever curled up with a good book and a purring feline by your side, you know there’s something magical about the companionship of a curious cat while you unravel a whodunit. Just like in your favorite cozy books, cats bring a mix of curiosity, cleverness, and just a touch of mischief. They love to explore, observe, and sometimes knock things off shelves in ways that seem oddly suspicious. It’s no wonder so many cozy mysteries feature feline companions helping their sleuthing owners sniff out the truth.
There’s nothing quite like curling up with a new cozy mystery, a warm blanket, and a kitty nestled beside you. Cats have a way of turning any moment into a heartwarming experience—perfect for diving into a suspenseful holiday tale.
Whether it’s “helping” you wrap presents or climbing into the Christmas tree, cats have a way of adding their own flair to holiday activities. Why not include them in your reading tradition, too?
With the NEW year approaching, let this cozy tradition carry through all seasons. Whether you’re immersed in a snow-covered setting or your book takes you to a sunny beach, your cat’s companionship, and occasional interruptions, will make every story that much more memorable.
So this holiday season, cuddle up with a purring friend, a cozy mystery, and a little Christmas magic. Because if there’s one thing better than a whodunit, it’s sharing the journey with a cat who might just think they are the real sleuth.
Wishing you and your furry companions a merry and mysterious holiday season!
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.
HAPPY holidays, cozy readers! As we near the end of our 12 Days of Christmas Blog Tour, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the joy of gifting cozy mysteries during the holiday season. After all, nothing says “happy holidays” quite like curling up with a suspenseful tale, a warm cup of cocoa, and a storyline full of quirky characters, charming small towns, and a puzzle to solve.
For those who love the warmth and wit of cozy mysteries, they’re more than just books—they’re a mini-escape, a hug in paperback form, and a surefire way to add a little mystery to the merriest time of year.
Between shopping, decorating, and festive gatherings, the holiday season can get overwhelming. Cozy mysteries offer a chance to slow down, savor each chapter, and unwind. When you open a cozy mystery, you’re transported into a world where problems are solved with humor, determination, and a good dose of holiday cheer—just the thing to make anyone’s day a little brighter!
Cozy mysteries are made for winter. Picture this: a snowy night, a crackling fireplace, and a plot that pulls you in and keeps you guessing until the very end. With settings that often include snow-covered towns, twinkling holiday lights, and delightful inns, cozy mysteries create a festive and comforting atmosphere, making them the ideal read for any chilly night.
We all love a story that ends on a high note, and cozy mysteries deliver that happiness with a satisfying twist. With amateur sleuths and lovable sidekicks—think cats, dogs, or even quirky neighbors—there’s always a sense of resolution, justice, and joy at the end of every cozy read. Each story is like a little holiday miracle, with good prevailing and our favorite sleuths solving the mystery, often with a bit of holiday spirit.
From hometown sleuths uncovering secrets to holiday events with a side of mystery, cozy mysteries add charm and intrigue to the holiday season. Whether you’re gifting them to others or treating yourself, each story offers an extra sprinkle of happiness to the festivities. So, this holiday season, why not gift a cozy mystery and share the warmth, laughter, and suspense that make this genre so beloved?
Wishing you a happy holiday filled with clues, twists, and cozy reads! 🎁📚
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.
