I “met” Maria awhile ago when she was nice enough to share the first two books in the Sedona O’Hala series with me. Sedona sure gets into some intense situations but the thing that makes me love these story are the parts that are laugh out loud funny. I am so excited to have her here today to talk books. I will also review Executive Sick Days. It is so funny that this one has to do with x-rays since my husband manages a mobile x-ray company here in Wisconsin. He could probably write a book as well about some of the happenings but he will never have Maria’s gift!!
Welcome Maria!
Hi Everyone!,
I’m on a cozy reading group over on the Amazon forums. I asked the ladies there what I should blog about for my guest blog here on Dollycas’ fabulous site. “Oh, blog about your two feral kitties, Scamp and Junior,” said one. “No, no, you have to tell them about trying to find shorts that fit and that one pair you made where you kept cutting the legs to match until all you had left was pair of underwear with pockets.” Gosh. By all means, let me leave a first impression of a homeless bag lady with cats. Uhm.
Perhaps it’s best if I just introduce myself as a writer with a lot of hobbies. I write cozy mysteries and not-quite-cozy paranormal mysteries. Lori has told you all about my Sedona mystery series: an amateur sleuth trying her best to climb the corporate ladder and make a decent living. Like a lot of us, her boss isn’t necessarily cheering her on, and she has some co-workers who could make an angel plot revenge.
But enough about me. Let’s talk books. You like books, I like books. I’ll tell you my favorites if you tell me yours.
Elizabeth Peters – I not only like her Amelia Peabody series, but perhaps even more, her zany Vicky Bliss series. I am pretty sure Peters influenced me and I don’t mean my writing–I own a parasol because Amelia owns one. Ever since I read about a parasol making a nifty weapon, well, I just had to have one. It’s pure cotton lace and would make a terrible weapon, but yes, I really have walked through the park with my dear husband and my parasol. It is true that I giggled, but at least two other passersby stopped to ask me where I bought my parasol. One was a lady on a bicycle who stopped so suddenly I worried the little dog in the carriage behind her might catapult into a tree. We had a nice chat about my parasol. The dog’s name was Bo. I don’t remember her name, but I always wondered if she bought a parasol.
Virginia Lanier – Now this series isn’t really cozy. It’s got an edge and there are some parts that are heartbreaking and scary. But there’s dogs and people who work hard and care, and the writing and plots are some of the best I’ve read. Ever. I don’t think this author influenced me. I could not write like she did, and I don’t have a dog. But if I did have a dog, it would be awfully cool if, like in the books, it was a talented bloodhound capable of rescuing people–and guarding the heart of its owner as the most valuable thing in the world.
Patricia Briggs– She writes a lot of urban fantasy these days and it’s all very, very good. Specifically the Alpha and Omega series which has so much heart and mystery, you’ll be glued to the pages. I read Patricia Briggs back when she started out in fantasy. When Demons Walk remains an all-time favorite. But it’s not the fantasy or urban fantasy themes that make this author’s work so special. It’s the fact that she can write a thrilling mystery with characters you care about–in any setting. She never forgets to wind in a romance, the kind that puts a smile on your face and makes you nod your head because it isn’t that the hero is handsome, it is that he is kind and good and special. If her work has taught me anything, it’s that you can write a book that is a superbly-plotted mystery in any setting so long as you take the time to create just the right characters to go with the story.
Those are three of my favorites. Stop by and tell me yours!
~Maria
www.BearMountainBooks.com
Please Leave A Comment telling Maria your favorite authors and look for a special giveaway after my review.
Executive Sick Days
A Sedona O’Hala Mystery
3rd in Series
Bear Mountain Books
Those darn Huntington brothers have lured Sedona into another dangerous investigation. Good thing one of them makes her heart beat faster and the other gives her nice gifts, like a Mercedes.
Someone at the hospital is running a scam and it is not easy to figure out who or how but Sedona is on the case in addition to cleaning bed pans and avoiding a certain nurse. Hopefully she doesn’t end up on a slab in the morgue before she works out all the details.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The crime here is serious but Sedona just cracks me up time and time again.
This story hits home for me not only because my husband works for an x-ray company but because just last week I was contacted about a past due bill for a doctor I have never seen in my life. Yes, I was in the hospital last April but that doesn’t mean every doctor on staff can bill me for services. I understand way to clearly why American health care is so screwed up.
But now back to this wonderful story. The plot is believable and real. The characters are fantastic. Sedona volunteering at the hospital where her sister-in-law works is the perfect setting. How long can anyone seriously think they can hide a pregnancy? 🙂 The romantic tension keeps building with one Huntington and just plain tension is going strong with the other one.
This whole series of books is just plain fun and entertaining!! Word of caution, watch out for the snake!! You will love this book!!
Now for the special giveaway!
Since I received my Kindle I have become addicted
to it so this is an e-book giveaway.
My first!!
Your Choice Kindle or Nook!
Your Choice of one book from the Sedona O’Hala Mystery Series!
There will be 3 winners!!
Fill out the form below and I will contact you for your choice of book if you win!
Contest Will End April 12 AT 12:01 AM CST
GOOD LUCK!!
Read More “Cozy Wednesday with Maria E. Schneider with Giveaway!!” »