Sisters Tessa and Lainey Garcia weren’t on speaking terms. But now that Tessa’s dead, her wisecracking ghost is making up for lost time.
Lainey is a successful television personality and her career is really taking off but she has to put her everything on hold so she can return to Texas for her sister’s funeral. When she gets there she comes face to face with her dead sister and I don’t mean the one in the casket. Tessa’s ghost is on the scene and the only one that can see and hear her is Lainey. Then comes the news that Tessa was murdered and her ghost begs Lainey and her other sisters to find her killer. Tessa and her ex-husband ran a winery together, Lainey decides to start her search there…
Dollycas’s Thoughts This is a mystery solved by a woman sleuth but I wouldn’t call it a cozy. Think of a mystery wrapped up in a soap opera with adult language and themes. I LOVED IT!!!!!
Tessa and Lainey may have been estranged for years but they interact as only sisters can. Tessa is a absolutely hilarious! She can crack wise all day long but the only one that can hear her is Lainey (and the reader of course). She had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard.
The relationships between all the sisters living and dead are so realistic. These sisters get on each others nerves at times, they fight and make up, disagree and pair off and gang up on each other. They keep each other’s secrets and blurt them out at the worse times. They are not perfect and have made mistakes, some serious mistakes, but the sisters stand up and support one and other. They also team up to find their sister’s killer. Tessa was no saint so there are plenty of people who may want her dead so catching the culprit is not an easy task.
There is also romance and soul searching in this story. Lainey needs to make some decisions. Traveling back to Texas makes her realize how much she has missed her sisters and others she left behind.
Lipperman has quickly become one of my favorite authors as she writes mysteries like this, cozies like Murder for the Halibut (A Clueless Cook Mystery) and thrilling suspense like Shattered. Her unique style shines through every one.
If you like your cozies with more of an edge you will love this book just like I did.
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*Story has explicit language and content.
Find out more about this author at her webpage here.Follow her on
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I am thrilled this awesome author had time to
give us a little insight on what made him write books like this one!
Dolly asks about my becoming a writer later in life, my brother and the family tradition:
I think I always knew I would eventually become a writer. I dabbled in journalism in college, but by then my brother, Thomas (Tommy) Thompson was well on his way to a successful writing career, first as a reporter and then with LIFE magazine in its heyday. I chose not to follow in his footsteps and went to law school at The University of Texas.
From there I moved to Houston, married and started the law firm that I still head. With three kids and a full time law practice there were not enough hours in the day to write; so, I shoved the idea aside.
When my youngest son graduated from SMU, I decided to see if I could write a novel. Having had my last formal training in freshman English, I was brazen enough to forego writing seminars and just sat down at the computer. That led to my first novel, So Help Me God.
My brother, by the way, left LIFE and published his first book when he was thirty-seven. He went on to become an internationally famous best-selling author who died way to young with liver cancer.
It was twenty years after his death that I began So Help Me God.So, I suppose that it is something in our DNA that leads us into writing. Whatever it is, I find I enjoy the creative process and look forward to my time at the computer (usually a couple of hours early in the morning before I head off to a full day as a trial lawyer).
~Larry
Dead Peasants: A Thriller Suspense Thriller Thomas Dunne Books (October 2, 2012) St. Martin’s Press Hardcover: 304 pages ISBN-13: 978-1250009494 E-Book File Size: 465 KB ASIN: B008VA736K
Synopsis: Lawyer Jack Bryant retires early to Fort Worth to kick back, relax and watch his son play football at TCU. Bored with retirement he opens a pro bono office in his RV. When Jack finds an elderly widow at his doorstep, clutching a check for life insurance proceeds on her husband but payable to his former employer, Jack files a civil suit to collect the benefits rightfully due the widow. A seemingly accidental death of his client’s husband thrusts Jack into a vortex of serial killings. He and his new love interest find themselves targets in the same murder for hire scheme. To stop the killings Jack must unravel what in their past makes certain people worth more dead than alive.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
RIVETING!!!
I loved this book!I sat down on a Sunday afternoon and started this book and hardly moved until I reached the last word.
I wish I knew an attorney like Jack Bryant. He has enough money to live comfortably forever and retires to put his son first. Something he hasn’t been able to do before because of his career. But his son is grown and while it is great having him around and watching him play ball, Jack needs more. He decides to give back to his community by helping those who need legal help but could never afford proper representation. An added bonus is his son being able to work with him.
I was personally touched by the man he helped with his mortgage foreclosure. This is happening all over the U.S. and the banks are winning because people can’t get help or get scammed by the wrong help. Scary to think the home you have had for years could be gone and you could be homeless.
The real meat of the story is the case he takes on for June Davis. Her husband Willie passed away and like always she is struggling to just get by. Then she receives a surprise from the U.S. Postal Service that in Jack Bryant’s hands could change her life forever. It will also open up a huge can of worms that will start to link together several unexplained deaths and will put his own life in danger.
Thompson has created fantastic well rounded characters and writes their stories in such a way that you are right there with them in the courtroom, on the streets and in his office RV. It also felt has if I was watching a movie, the pages were turning so fast.
A legal thriller that packs quite a punch!! This is one I would shout about from the rooftops if I could!!
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I am thrilled to be able to give away a e-copy of this book!!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the book tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Safe From Harm
(A Sugar Land Mystery) 2nd in Series Mystery The Berkley Publishing Group (March 5, 2013) Published by The Penguin Group Cover Design by Judith Lagerman Trade Paperback: 336 pages ISBN-13: 978-0425253465 E-Book File Size: 593 KB ASIN: B0099CVN4C
In this second installment of the Sugar Land Mysteries Preacher “Bear” Wells, his wife Annie Laurie, and their teenage daughter Jo get wrapped up in a death the rocks the town. Bear and his wife come home to find their daughter cradling the dead body of her friend Phoebe. Everyone believes Phoebe committed suicide, but Jo just can’t believe that. Why would Phoebe kill herself in their house?
Bear wasn’t comfortable with Jo’s new friend but Annie Laurie saw the good in her and the tragedy in her life. Phoebe’s mother has just died and she was forced to move in with her father, her stepmother and their children. Her father seemed to have a perfect life but all is not what it seems to be. Jo finds herself caught up in the mystery of this family and Phoebe’s death. Bear just hopes he can protect his daughter.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This is not a mystery that hits you right in the face. The author has written a story that engages you in the characters first and the mystery is the subplot. We were introduced to these imperfect characters in Faithful Unto Death and quickly became invested in their lives. I like that there is a real family story outside of the questionable death of the teenager.
Jo has teenager issues and has disagreements/fights will her friends. She is starting to date and her dad is having trouble coping with that. Annie has a big heart and it sometimes leads her down the wrong path. Bear tries to take on everything himself but his family and Detective Wanderly work hard to keep him in check. The church volunteers are not all as they appear. Some are better and some have secrets and issues. The characters are true to way things are in life.
This is a mystery wrapped up in a very heartfelt story driven by wonderful characters. I highly recommend this book and the first in the series as well.
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About This Author
Stephanie Jaye Evans is a fifth generation Texan. She got her BA from Abilene Christian University and an MLS from Rice University. Her first book in the Sugar Land Mystery Series, Faithful Unto Death, was awarded the William F. Deeck—Malice Domestic Grant for Unpublished Writers and was a Library Journal Debut of the Month. The second in the series, Safe From Harm released on March 5, 2013. She lives in Sugar Land, Texas with her long-suffering husband and pug dogs. Find out more on her webpage here. Follow her on:
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This is my second tour for Giacomo Giammatteo. He is definitely an author I am keeping my eye on.
A Bullet For Carlos: Blood Flows South, Book 1 Mystery/Thriller Inferno Publishing Company (October 18, 2012) Paperback: 420 pages ISBN-13: 978-0985030247 E-Book File Size: 713 KB ASIN: B009SYML7Y
Detective Connie Giannelli’s life has been torn apart several times. First when her mother died and then years later when she found out her Uncle Dominic was in the mob. Her life is about to be shredded again, and this time it could destroy her.
Connie’s love of family and her badge are both threatened when an undercover drug bust leaves two cops dead and the drugs missing. Internal Affairs is looking for any excuse to take her badge, but she’s not worried about them finding the missing drugs—her secrets could prove to be far worse.
Now Connie’s racing against the clock to figure out who killed her partners and took the drugs—dirty cops or Uncle Dominic’s friends. And she has to do it before IA pins the whole damn thing on her.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I am so impressed with the strong female character that Giammatteo has written. Connie Giannelli is formidable woman you don’t want to mess with. Even when sent away from New York to Texas she is determined to get her man or men and bring them to justice. What a crazy life she has had and continues to lead!
He has also written some dynamo supporting characters from her uncles to the cops she works with both in New York and Houston to the cartel in Mexico. They are so fully developed and well described that you feel like you are watching a movie or television drama instead of reading a book.
I reviewed another book my this author last September, Murder Takes Time: Friendship & Honor Series, Book One (Volume 1), so I knew he created fabulous characters. In fact one crosses over to this book. The author tells his story from multiple points of view and while a tad confusing in that book he has ironed out all the issues in this one with clever icons to start each chapter and better transitions.
The story is full of action, suspense, and has engaging dialogue giving you that hold on tight/edge of your seat feeling. The book is graphic and does have some strong language that would be expected in a book of this type.
I am thrilled this book is the first in a series because I want to know more about Connie and her unconventional family and the choices she makes going forward. I hated to see this book end. I anxiously await A Bullet For Dominic. Murder Has Consequences (Friendship & Honor, Book 2) is available now in E-book (Kindle) format. Giacomo Giammatteo is definitely an author to watch. I expect to see his books on bestseller lists everywhere very soon!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Giacomo Giammatteo lives in Texas, where he and his wife run an animal sanctuary and take care of 41 loving rescues. By day, he works as a headhunter in the medical device industry, and at night, he writes.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The Seattle Seahawks are going to the Super Bowl. For quarterback Noah Larson it is dream come true. The perfect way to end his NFL career would be with a Super Bowl win and all the glory that goes with it. Then he gets the call that stops his heart — his 6 year old son has been kidnapped. If he wants to get his son back alive all he has to do is throw the game and let the Miami Dolphins win.
Sports reporter Cal Murphy, who has covered Larson for years, knows something isn’t right. He knows how the quarterback prepares for games and he is not following his normal routine at all. This is the biggest game of his life, why would he change his prep now? He has an interview scheduled with Larson and is going to find out what is going on.
Cal quickly gets involved over his head and takes friend and photographer Kelly Mendoza with him as they try to save Larson’s son, the Super Bowl and themselves.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I did not know this was the second book in the series when I agreed to take part in this tour and my regular readers know I am a stickler for reading books in order. The book held up well as a stand alone but I missed the build up of Cal and Kelly’s history. Putting that aside it was the perfect time of year to read this book and I am a huge football fan.
The premise of the story was very interesting although you need to suspend reality a bit to think Cal and Kelly could do what they did. Jack Patterson makes this easy to do as the reader is drawn right into the drama especially in Mexico along the desolate roads and to the scary cartel compound. There is also a very surprising twist or two as the story plays out.
The book is a very fast read. Like another author with the same last name the short chapters just keep those pages turning. You still have a couple of days to pick up your copy to enjoy before the Super Bowl. It may change the way you watch the game.
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About This Author
The first signs that I might like writing about sports — and be slightly competitive — appeared when my year two (or first grade) teacher, Mrs. Holland, asked my class to write and illustrate our day. Mine read like this: “The Red team beat the Blue team, 1 to nil. And I won.” The next 47 entries covered my exploits on the soccer pitch while growing up in Ipswich, England.
In South Carolina as a teenager, my dad told me that I could get paid to watch sports provided I could write about it. Sounded easy enough and by the time I was 16, I landed a job at my town’s daily newspaper and had a column on Major League Baseball players from our area. I also covered my first riot there at a sporting event — and it’s safe to say I was smitten with journalism.
After graduating from one of the best journalism schools in the country, I took a job as a sports editor in South Georgia and learned firsthand about the passion of high school sports in rural America. I thought I knew before, but I didn’t. This was another world.
I also had the opportunity to cover major sporting events like the Olympic Games, the World Series, the Super Bowl, and the Final Four. It was a thrill!
But nothing was as thrilling to me as uncovering the truth in investigative assignments. I once broke a story about a prominent southern football team’s NCAA violation — and found out the violating coach had committed suicide only a few months earlier. The story won a national writing award and stoked my desire to write about these issues. It made me realize that the sports world was just another fantastic backdrop for drama.
After writing non-fiction books with athletes, for athletes, and ghost writing for many others, I decided to enter the world of fiction writing. It had been something I wanted to do but never found the time. So, I made the time–and am now having a blast. I hope you enjoy reading my novels as much as I enjoy writing them!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the tour host. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I am thrilled to have Livia return to Escape With Dollycas! Last year she was here talking about holiday pies and cookies and promoting The Gingerbread Bump-Off. I knew then I would have to invite her back when the next book, Wedding Cake Killer, was released. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. When it arrived in the mail I did a little chair dancing. For me the holiday season has to include a book from this series and a visit from Livia! Please help me welcome her here today!!
Hi Livia,
Thank you for having me here again! I always enjoy it.
My new book Wedding Cake Killer is the seventh book in the Fresh Baked Mystery series. When I first started writing the books I had no idea how many of them there would be, but I hoped the series would run for quite a while because I really love developing characters, watching them grow and change over the course of a number of books. There was a time when most mystery series could be read in any order because significant, life-altering changes seldom if ever happened to the main characters. Of course there were exceptions to this, but for the most part the protagonist and the supporting characters didn’t change much from the first book in a series to the last, for example Miss Marple or Nero Wolfe or Perry Mason.
Today it’s much more common for series characters to have major things going on in their personal lives, along with the mysteries they have to solve. Which brings us to Wedding Cake Killer, which features the marriage of Phyllis Newsom’s friend Eve Turner to Roy Porter, who was introduced a couple of books earlier. This is a big event not only in Eve’s life but also in Phyllis’s, because the wedding takes place in her house and she has the responsibility of making sure that everything goes smoothly.
To be honest, I put a lot more thought and effort into planning Eve’s wedding than I did my own! When I got married it was long before the Internet and there were no bookstores in the small town where I lived. I didn’t have any wedding books or magazines to go by. I just did what friends and family suggested and what made sense to me. (I must have done something right, because more than 36 years later, I’m still married to the same guy!)
So I actually had a lot of fun coming up with all the details of Eve’s wedding, but I also enjoyed getting the chance to share more of her background with the readers. We learn a lot about Eve’s history in this one, and trust me, there are some surprises in store! I’ve always liked taking the long-term approach to character development and plotting. Years ago I collaborated with my husband on a series that contained a major twist at the end of the sixth book. We knew exactly what that twist was going to be before we ever wrote a word of the first book, so all along we were able to set it up and plant clues. The Fresh Baked Mystery series is very similar. All along I’ve known things about Eve that weren’t readily apparent and have been waiting for the right time and the right book to reveal them.
Wedding Cake Killer is that book. I hope the readers enjoy it, and I hope as well that they’ll come back to see how the events of this novel play out in the lives of Phyllis and all her friends in the future. Because life is change, and my characters are alive to me. If I’ve done my job, they will be to the readers, too.
~Livia
Thank you so much Livia for being my guest today! Same time, next year, o.k.? I can’t wait for my next visit with Phyliis, Eve, Sam and Carolyn.
Wedding Cake Killer:
A Fresh-Baked Mystery 7th in Series Cozy Mystery Obsidian (November 6, 2012) Published by New American Library Trade Paperback: 320 pages ISBN-13: 978-0451238092
The big day has arrived! Wedding Bells are ringing for Eve and Roy! Even the forecast of a snowstorm can’t ruin this special day. Phyllis, Carolyn, and Sam have everything under control. The whole day is wonderful.
When Eve and Roy return from their honeymoon they move to a local B&B while they continue to look for their own place. Who could have guessed that Eve would be moving back in with Phyllis? She has no choice when Roy is found dead in their room at the B&B and Eve is the prime suspect.
Phyllis has been warned to leave the investigation to the police but she has to prove that Eve is innocent. She needs to find out who iced Roy before Eve ends up with a life sentence.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I loved this story. We learn about the men of Eve’s past, I knew there was more to her story. The author tempted us a bit in the last book and I couldn’t wait for this installment. Washburn did not disappoint. This character’s development was perfect.
Livia J. Washburn is quite a storyteller. She brings her characters to life and readers become invested in their lives effortlessly. She has the perfect recipe to keep those pages turning and readers wanting to know how these retired teachers will get out of trouble this time. A cup of murder, a tablespoon of intrigue, a teaspoon of humor and a pinch of romance, mix together with fabulous characters and it bakes up to the perfect cozy mystery readers just can’t wait to bite into. A delectable delight!! with another temptation that has me anxiously awaiting book #8.
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To Find Out More About Livia J. Washburn Vist her Webpage HERE!
Thanks to the people at Penguin I have 3 copies to giveaway!!
U.S. and CANADIAN RESIDENTS You do not have to be a follower to enter but I hope you will find something you like here and become a follower.
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Contest Will End November 28, 2012 at 11:59 PM CST Winners Will Be Chosen By Random.org Winners Will Be Notified By Email and Will Be Posted Here In The Sidebar.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Bliss, Texas is getting ready for the annual Winter Wonderland Festival. Harlow Jane Cassidy has designed a holiday fashion show that will take place in the town’s most prominent mansion. But the weather and the not yet completed restoration of the mansion has Harlow ”on pins and needles” while everything comes together. It seems her workload keeps increasing as the event draws near. Where is that darn Lee Chrisson anyway? She needs to get that Santa suit altered.
Sadly Lee Chrisson has met with foul play and will not be Santa in Bliss this year. Discovering the body puts Harlow at the scene of the crime. Someone has jumped to the top of the naughty list and Harlow will need the help of family and friends “if she has a ghost of a chance” of catching the killer.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
A trip to Buttons and Bows just warms my heart. Growing up in a family of seamstresses like Harlow these stories always bring back memories. When Harlow fears she is losing her magical charm because she can’t envision the perfect outfit for Josie it almost broke my heart. My grandma was a lot like Harlow, she always made the perfect wedding dress or business suit for her clients making them feel beautiful or empowered. I think that’s why I love MeeMaw so much. Her ghostly hi-jinks remind me so much of my grandma. I may have to check out my family tree, maybe we are related to Butch Cassidy
Melissa Bourbon brings together wonderful characters, a little history, a bit of romance and a fun mystery perfect for this holiday season. Curl up with these charming ladies and the rest of Bliss, Texas. A perfect way to spend an afternoon.
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About This Author
Melissa Bourbon, who sometimes answers to her Latina-by-marriage name Misa Ramirez, gave up teaching middle and high school kids in Northern California to write full-time amidst horses and Longhorns in North Texas. She fantasizes about spending summers writing in quaint, cozy locales, has a love/hate relationship with yoga and chocolate, is devoted to her family, and can’t believe she’s lucky enough to be living the life of her dreams. She is the marketing director at Entangled Publishing, is the author of the Lola Cruz Mystery series with St. Martin’s Minotaur and Entangled Publishing (Bare-Naked Lola (A Lola Cruz Mystery)is available now), The Magical Dressmaking Mystery series with NAL, is the co-author of The Tricked-out Toolbox with Tonya Kappes, and has two romantic suspense novels to be released in 2012.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I am so thrilled to have this guest return to Escape With Dollycas. We learned in her previous guest post she had a little trouble at first defining her writing genre but she sure has that down pat now. She also has ventured into the thriller category with Mortal Deception and will soon be adding a paranormal series. She is one busy lady and I am so happy she could take time today to drop by and visit. She needs our opinion on a very important issue. I know you will all take some time to help her out. Please help me welcome Liz Lipperman.
Hi Liz!
Hi Everyone!
First of all, it’s a pleasure to be back with Dollycas and all you readers. I decided to go right to the horse’s mouth (I can see my editor cringing at that cliché!) A while back I posed a question on Mysteries and Margaritas where I blog with four other authors, and I got the writer’s perspective. Now I’d like to find out what you voracious readers like to see when you open up a book.
In case you don’t know, I sold book 4 in my mystery series with a title and a one line blurb. Here’s the blurb for CHICKEN CACCIA-KILLER.
When an international playboy ends up dead at the International Italian Festival, and Alex’s sister is accused of the murder, Jordan and the motley crew of neighbors hatch a plan that leads to the Godfather himself knocking at her door.
Okay, that’s what I had to work with. Knowing where to begin has always been a problem for me. In the past, I’ve struggled with wanting to put in too much back story too soon, but I think I have finally killed that demon. I write mysteries, so I know the first three chapters are set up.
In Beef Stolen-Off, there was no question in my mind where I should start. I wanted my heroine to go the Cattleman’s Ball where I introduce all the new characters. The lead in for this is Jordan talking with the Empire Apartments gang (recurring characters) about her assignment. I’m always so conflicted about how much I need to retell about the main characters. On one hand, I hate to bore those who already know these characters, but on the other, I have to assume some people are reading this book without having first read Liver Let Die. (What are you waiting on??)
In Murder for the Halibut, book 3, the setting is a culinary contest on a cruise ship. (Think Top Chef meets my Clueless Cook.) I went back and forth as to where to actually start the story. Should I put them walking onto the ship? What about starting out with the first competition which I called the Greased Lightning Elimination Round?
I finally settled on a scene on a fishing boat the day before the cruise when my heroine and the contestants spend the day drinking, eating, and trying to get bonus points by catching enough fish to feed the judges and 25 tasters in the elimination round. Of course, with contestants who will do anything to win the prize, all is fair in love and cooking competitions, and somebody ends up with a huge saltwater fish hook in his thumb. Did I mention booze plays a big part in the fishing trip?
Which brings me back to my original thought about where I should start book 4. There are several ways to start a novel. Here are a few of them with a made-up example.
1. Open with narrative. The Texas heat burned down on the plains with the vengeance of Satan himself.
2. Open with dialogue “Damn, it’s hotter than hell today.”
3. Open with action. She grabbed her arm as a bullet pierced her shoulder, and she fell to the drought-hardened ground, feeling the heat of the Texas sun caking the blood as it ran down her arm.
Okay, I know these are lame examples, but you get the point. Although my writing style is to start with action, I have used every one of these in my books. The second one below is the first book of my new Dead Sister Talking Mystery Series coming from Midnight Ink next summer.
Liver Let Die– Single white female stuck in a dead-end job, looking for tall dark rich guy… (Narrative)
HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE—The first wave of light-headedness hit like an out-of-control hangover when she leaned forward to put the half-empty glass on the coffee table. (Action, albeit not much!!)
I believe first lines are so important I change mine at least five or six times before I settle on one. I’m thinking for my new story I should open with my heroine Jordan meeting her love interest’s sister and mother for the first time. Maybe something like.
“So you’re the girl Alex has been shacking up with.”
Just kidding. These are cozies, remember??
Anyway, I’m really curious what you like to read right out of the box when you start a new novel. Narrative, dialogue, or action? Does the genre make a difference to you? Is that first line really important to you? Have you ever passed on a book after reading that line at the bookstore? I’ve decided I’m going to take your responses and write a post for my group blog. Writers are always interested in reader preferences. So, bring it on.
~Liz
O.K. the second line in Beef Stolen-Off ”What? That old bat kicked the bucket?” and we are off on another adventure with Jordan McAllister. It doesn’t matter how Liz starts the book because so are off on a amazing trip.
Liz, I hope you will visit again soon and often. You always make us smile!!! or laugh or have soda shoot out of our noses. (Well me anyway, when reading about the duck in the first book.)
Now be sure to answer Liz’s question!!!
Bonus Entries in the giveaway for comments!!
A Berkley Prime Crime Mystery The Berkley Publishing Group Published by The Penguin Group
Cover Illustration by Ben Perini Cover Design by Sarah Oberrender
Jordan McAllister is the food columnist for the Ranchero Globe even though she is a pretty clueless cook.
She may not know much about cuts of beef but Lucas Santana, cattle baron, thinks her column may help boost beef sales so he invites her to the Cattlemen’s Ball. He even sets her up with a date for the evening. Unfortunately she doesn’t get to know him very well. Shortly after the dinner starts he starts to sweat and have trouble breathing. She winds up at the emergency room where she finds her date was dead on arrival.
It is not long before she realizes his death was no accident. She decides it is up to her to take the bull by the horns and lasso up the killer.
Dollycas’s Thoughts This release date of this book couldn’t have been planned better. The tv show Dallas is back on the air and in the very second episode the Ewings are at the Cattlemen’s Ball. I didn’t see Jordan hanging around but it sure wasn’t hard to imagine that a murder could occur there. The author tells me there was no coordination between the show and this book release, just a happy coincidence.
This installment really has the Big Texas feel. Hunky cowboys, huge ranches, and of course Texas BBQ. The new characters in this book were so well defined it was hard to believe we just met them. The Empire Apartments gang was back in full glory and we even got to spend some time with Jordan’s brother, Danny. Jordan’s love life was kind of hit or miss in this installment. Hard when the guy you want to get to know so much better has a job that can need him in an instant and keep him away for weeks. Jordan also finally makes a friend at the paper.
The mystery is USDA Prime as well. Plenty of diversions to keep the reader on their toes. We learn a bit about cattle raising too, some of it hair raising as well.
Marbled through the entire mystery are touches of humor I have come to expect from Liz Lipperman. She has the gift are creating sassy dialogue, unique observations and circumstances that can make you laugh out loud. In this edition, the brother/sister pranks and commentary were so entertaining.
This series is absolutely wonderful. I can’t wait until Murder for the Halibut comes out December 31, 2012. For now be sure to get your hands on Beef Stolen-Off today!!
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About Liz Lipperman
Liz Lipperman writes mysteries to die for. Beef Stolen-Off is the second book of her Clueless Cook Series about a wannabe sports reporter who ends up writing the culinary column at a small town newspaper in Texas despite the fact that she can’t cook a lick. Her Romantic Mystery, Mortal Deception, written as Lizbeth Lipperman, is available now at Amazon and she’s just sold a paranormal series titled A Dead Sister Talking Mysteries Series to Midnight Ink. The first book, HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE, also written as Lizbeth Lipperman, will release in May 2013. SHATTERED DREAMS, a Romantic Suspense will be available in the Fall. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her grandchildren and watching any and all sports.You can find her here.
Thanks to the people at Penguin I have 2 copies to giveaway!!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Sugar Land, Texas is a beautiful master-planned community where famous athletes rub shoulders with ranchers.
It is home to Walker “Bear” Wells, minister and a former college football player. Bear has dealt with a lot over the years with his congregation and his own family but when a man is found murdered on a local golf course he finds himself somewhere her never dreamed he would be, right in the middle of all the drama. Every time he turns around, another facet of the investigation tangles with his own life. Case in point, Bear’s rebellious daughter is currently dating the murdered man’s son.
It make take more than a prayer to catch this killer.
Dollycas’s Thoughts A intriguing debut with a very pleasing preacher protagonist. Walker “Bear” Wells is not your typical preacher. He has trouble coming up with a prayer on the spur of the moment and has very unique sense of humor. People do feel safe telling him everything and anything. But will he keep his promises and keep things confidential?
Sugar Land has a wonderful set of quirky characters that add so much to the story. Annie Laurie is the perfect preacher’s wife, Jo is the typical “preacher’s kid”, you know obstinate and ready for trouble. Bear and Detective Wanderley will learn they make a really good team. Add to that a bunch of people trying to cover for each other and cover their own A**, when no one is sure what really happened made this a very enjoyable read.
I will anxiously be awaiting the next book in this series. This is another author to keep our eyes on!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The Ninth Step Amazon Digital Services This is an e-book.
Landscaper Livie Saunders knows all about the “language of flowers” and she shared her knowledge with fiancee Cotton O’Dell. Then the day that should be one of the happiest in her life turns out to be one of the worst. Cotton fails to show up at the church on their wedding day. In fact he has disappeared and no one knows where he has gone.
Livie throws herself into her work, even burying her wedding dress beneath a garden pond. Other gifts like napkins and tablecloths find their way into some of her other projects. She tries to move on with her life but she can’t bury her feelings. She loved this man and her just left her. She goes a little crazy and hits the town in a red sequined dress and stiletto heels and ends up in more than one stranger’s bed. Realizing the mistakes she is making she puts the dress and the heels away and tries to lead an ordinary life with close friends and family.
Six years later Cotton returns and her carefully constructed life starts to crumble. There are so many questions he needs to answer. He hopes all the people he hurt will forgive him, including Livie. There will be a heavy price to pay when all the secrets come out. Cotton really made a stupid choice when he left town. The decisions he makes now will effect more than his future with Livie, they could have deadly consequences.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Barbara Taylor Sissel has written a very compelling story with some unexpected twists.
The character Cotton makes a split second decision that changes not only his life but the lives of others. It sends him into a downward spiral that lasts until he meets the right person to help him put his life back on track. Alcoholism is a terrible disease many people live with staying sober just “one day at a time”. Part of Alcoholics Anonymous is their 12-step program. Step Nine is to “make amends”. This step is hard when so many people are involved and you did something terrible when you were blinded by alcohol.
Livie life has been in a sort of limbo. You can’t just stop loving someone if when they broke your heart. Then just when she is getting stronger and her life is moving forward the one she loved so much returns. She wants to trust him again but her friends and family do everything they can to keep them apart and protect her.
Both characters had rocky years growing up. As does a certain little girl that has a major impact on this story.
This an emotional story with multifaceted characters. A fine piece of fiction. Another author I want to read more from.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
and quickly became invested in their lives. I like that there is a real family story outside of the questionable death of the teenager.
I anxiously await A Bullet For Dominic. 
is available now in E-book (Kindle) format. Giacomo Giammatteo is definitely an author to watch. I expect to see his books on bestseller lists everywhere very soon!
. I knew then I would have to invite her back when the next book, 
, was released. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. When it arrived in the mail I did a little chair dancing. For me the holiday season has to include a book from this series and a visit from Livia! Please help me welcome her here today!!
is available now), The Magical Dressmaking Mystery series with NAL, is the co-author of The Tricked-out Toolbox with Tonya Kappes, and has two romantic suspense novels to be released in 2012.
and will soon be adding a paranormal series. She is one busy lady and I am so happy she could take time today to drop by and visit. She needs our opinion on a very important issue. I know you will all take some time to help her out. Please help me welcome Liz Lipperman.
there was no question in my mind where I should start. I wanted my heroine to go the Cattleman’s Ball where I introduce all the new characters. The lead in for this is Jordan talking with the Empire Apartments gang (recurring characters) about her assignment. I’m always so conflicted about how much I need to retell about the main characters. On one hand, I hate to bore those who already know these characters, but on the other, I have to assume some people are reading this book without having first read 
(What are you waiting on??)
