Welcome to Cozy Wednesday!
I am excited to have Linda Reilly visit today!
Guest Post by Linda Reilly
(Provided by publicist)
One of the things I love to do is to poke around at a crafts fair. Whether it’s to snag a hand-made gift for the holiday, buy a whimsical pin, or pick up an herb packet from which to make a tasty dip, I find that spending an hour or so at a local crafts event really sparks my creative side.
Out of the Dying Pan
I’m happy to report that I’ve never tripped over a body at a crafts fair. This past December I attended a huge crafts event that had all my favorites – glassware, pottery, baked goods (can’t go without those), and yes . . . knitted scarves. At one booth, a woman was selling gorgeous greeting cards. One set of cards in particular depicted forest animals lining up to visit an adorable Santa figure. It gave me an idea. I purchased the cards, which were blank inside. On my computer, I typed my own holiday greeting in red ink and printed out a bunch of them. Using a tiny paper cutter, I trimmed my holiday message to fit inside each card. A swipe across the top with a glue stick ensured that it would stay in place. What I loved about creating my own holiday message was that I could change the greeting, or even the font, to suit the recipient. Not only was this a fun project, but it gave me a way to personalize each of my cards.
So tell me, are you crafty? Have you ever set up a table at a crafts fair? I love hearing about readers’ creative pursuits!
~Linda
Thank you so much for stopping by today Linda!!
You can find out all about Linda Reilly on her Webpage here. Find her on Facebook and GoodReads too!
Out of the Dying Pan: A Deep Fried Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Massachusetts
A Berkley Prime Crime Mystery (March 1, 2016)
An Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC
Cover Illustration by Dan Craig
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0425274149
ASIN: B00Z8VT87W
For Talia Marby, the sweet smell of success is a lot like the pungent aroma of fried fish and vinegar. Her new business, Fry Me a Sliver, is rapidly expanding beyond fish and chips to become one of the best eateries in the Berkshires. But the nasty owner of a neighboring boutique is making a stink, baiting Talia in a very public fight at a community center fundraiser and nursing an inexplicable grudge.
When the boutique owner is found strangled with Talia’s scarf knotted around her neck, our favorite fish fryer finds herself in hot oil. Needing to clear her name, and fast, Talia’s investigation soon yields some shocking surprises as well as a sizzling suspicion: someone had good reason to want the victim dead—and it’s frying Talia’s nerves…
Includes delicious recipes!
I read and reviewed the first book in this series, Fillet of Murder
Taila Marby now owns the restaurant and it has a new name, Fry Me a Sliver. She also has a new, employee, Martha Hoelscher, and she is a bit prickly to be around, but she is a good worker. Lucas is still there as part time help and his skateboard goes almost everywhere he does. Talia is working to make the place her own and adding some new items to the menu. She takes part in a fundraiser for the community center and debuts something new. It is a hit with almost everyone. Everyone except the vendor in the next booth. She owns a new boutique in the Wrensdale Arcade and she doesn’t like Talia or her food. By the time Talia starts to figure out why, the woman is dead and Talia is the primary suspect. How is she going to get herself out of this mess?
I liked that this time the murder takes place away from the Wrensdale Arcade and that meant we met several new people. Some nice, some a little weird, and a some that could be trouble. We do spend plenty of time at the Arcade with the cobblestone walks, unique shops and Talia’s eatery. Reilly really describes the scene well. I had a firm picture in my mind.
She also creates full bodied characters with a lot of depth. Some of the back stories are sad and my heart really felt bad for them. But not everyone is who they seem and those twists were so great. I would probably say one really shocked me. Totally surprised.
I was missing Bea, the previous owner of the restaurant. I was thrilled when she made a cameo appearance!
I have to mention that kitty on the cover, his name is Bojangles, Bo for short and he has not only captured Talia’s heart but mine too.
You will be craving fish and other fried goodies throughout this entire story so prepare according, We had fish for dinner. 🙂
Another delectable delight from this author. I am ready to place my order for the next installment today. FRY ME!!!
Thanks to the people at Penguin I have 2 copies to give away!
Contest is open to anyone over 18 years old
with a US or Canadian mailing address.
Duplicate entries will be deleted. Void where prohibited.
You do not have to be a follower to enter but I hope you will find
something you like here and become a follower.
Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow.
Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Liking My Facebook Fan Page.
This year I am trying to build my Twitter following so for this giveaway 4 Bonus Entries will be awarded by following me on Twitter. @dollycas
Leave a comment for Linda for 5 Bonus Entries.
Pin this giveaway to Pinterest for 3 Bonus Entries.
If you publicize the giveaway on Twitter or Facebook or anywhere you will receive
5 Bonus Entries For Each Link.
Contest Will End April 13, 2016 at 11:59 PM CST
Winner Will Be Chosen By Random.org
Winner Will Be Notified By Email
and Will Be Posted Here In The Sidebar.
Click Here For Entry Form
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’ve heard a lot about this series. I’m looking forward to reading it.
Thank you, Laura ~
The book cover makes the story seem even more fun.
Dan Craig at Berkley does great covers. Thanks, Melody!
Hi Linda!
I’m not a very successful crafty person. I usually end up Super Gluing my fingers together. Do believe I avoid any project that requires a saw or blowtorch.
I loved Fillet of Murder and am looking forward to reading Out of the Dying Pan. Congratulations!
Thank you for the kind words, Jeanne. Gluing can get very messy, but I use a tacky kind of craft glue that’s pretty good, and works extremely well on paper and felt. No blow torches for me, either!
I adore Linda, and her series!
Aw, Lisa, you are a sweetheart ~
Just started reading Fillet of Murder and have enjoyed it so far. And I am looking forward to another great read from this author. Was Ria jealous of Talia’s having a better relationship with nana than she did or something? Be interesting to find out. So I am hoping to do so sooner rather than later. Thanks for the chance to do so
Della, I’m happy that you’re enjoying Fillet! Ria is a complex person, so I won’t give anything away, but the answer might surprise you.
This would be a great book to add to my cozy challenge list. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
Good luck in the giveaway, Elaine!
Thanks for the givewaway–haven’t read this one yet and can’t wait to!
Best of luck in the giveaway ~
I love the cover of this book. It is so eye-catching and would make me stop and pick up the book to check it out. Thanks for including it on your blog. robeader53@yahoo.com
Good luck — glad you like the cover!
This book sounds wonderful — I love the cat on the cover; actually I love everything about the cover!
Thank you, Celia. I have a friend who is afraid of cats, and when I gave her the book she put a sticky note over the cat!
A delightful and intriguing cozy. Thanks for this feature.
Thank you, Sharon. Good luck!
Cool Cover.
Thanks, Kim. I love it, too!
Can’t help but love that cover
The calico cat came out cute, didn’t she? Good luck in the giveaway, Libby!
Love the cover of course as cozy mysteries have the best covers. Would love to read and review on 2 sites.
That sounds wonderful, Penny! Best of luck in the giveaway ~
And of course I meant to type Peggy . . . which is my mom’s name!
I can’t wait to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks, Katrina . . . good luck!!
I haven’t read this series yet but it sounds great! Definitely adding it to my list! Thank you!!!
Thank you, Amanda — I’m happy that you’re adding the series to your list! Good luck ~
Such fun books. Thanks for the chance to win.
Thank you, Sally . . . good luck!
Fun read! I am not a crafter outside some gifts or projects in class or with my nieces wen they were young, but generally I like other people’s craftness.
I love other people’s crafts, too. People are so creative! A woman in NH makes birdhouses from gourds, and they’re magnificent. Good luck in the giveaway, Kathleen!
I love the cover! Not much of a crafter. I do knot a little and I am trying to learn to crochet. I love going to craft shows. The book looks really interesting.
I never learned to crochet, although one of my grandmothers made wonderful crocheted afghans. Good luck in the giveaway, Gail!
Cute book cover. Sounds like a good book.
Sue B
Thanks, and good luck in the giveaway!
I loved the first book and can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for the chance to win.
Thank you, Debbie! Best of luck in the giveaway ~
I really enjoyed the first one and can’t wait to revisit Talia and everyone! Thanks!
Thank you . . . Talia will be waiting for you with some new deep-fried treats! Good luck ~
Storyline sounds Awesome ?? Would Love to read and review for you ? Thank you for a chance to win !
Thank you, Lynne — I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Cozy mystery books with cats are just the best 🙂 This sounds great!
I love cozies too, Christy ~ Best of luck in the drawing!
When I was much younger, I used to do a lot of needlework. After developing carpal tunnel and a few other upper extremity chronic disabilities, I gave that up long ago. Now I just play on my computer and read books.
I’m sorry to hear of your difficulties, Linda. Decades ago I learned to do cross-stitch, and it was very relaxing. Best of luck in the giveaway!
This is an awesome series and each one of the books is fabulous. You really need to read them if you havent!! I am definitely not artsy. But I do love looking at and buying other people’s work
Kay, you are so kind. Thank you ~
I need to start this series asap. The book sounds great and I love the cover.
Thanks, Candace ~ Best of luck in the drawing!
Sounds like a awesome cozy, and the cover art is adorable.
Thank you, Jen! Berkley sure does great covers. Best of luck in the giveaway ~
I’m looking forward to reading this series! Thank you Lori & Linda for a chance to win!
Thanks, Sandy ~ Best of luck in the giveaway!
I’m not crafty but I admire people who are.
I’m not terribly crafty either, Caitlin. I think that’s why I love going to crafts fairs, so I can buy things from people who are! Good luck in the giveaway ~
Looks like an interesting read! Good luck with the release!
Best of luck in the giveaway!
I’m not very crafty–but I have embellished a few balsam wreaths during the holidays. I haven’t even burned myself too bad with the glue gun.
For me, doing crafty things is more fun around the holidays. I’ve never used a glue gun! Thanks for commenting, Sue. Good luck!
Great cover. I have the first book and I love cats. I have five. I’m not always so good at crafts but I can do some embroidery (only the stamped kind with X’s). I’ve also done scrapbooking and some rubber stamping. I even tried to emboss the image with embossing powder and it does work. That takes a heat gun. Can’t do knitting. Tried once but couldn’t even get started.