Motherhood is Murder


Book Description

From the USA Today Bestselling Author of Bundle of Trouble A fun new installment to the Maternal Instincts Mystery Series Nights out are hard to come by for new parents. So when Kate's new- mommy club, Roo & You, holds a dinner cruise, she and her husband leave baby Laurie with Kate's mom and join the grown-ups for some fine dining on the San Francisco Bay. But when one of the cofounders of Roo & You takes a fatal spill down a staircase, the police department crashes the party. Suddenly every mom and her man has a motive. Kate's on deck to solve the mystery- but a killer's determined to make her rue the day she joined the first-time-mom's club… To Do: 1. Buy diapers. 2. Make Laurie's two-month check. 3. Find good "how to" book for PI business. 4. x Find dress for the cruise (done) 5. x Ask Mom to babysit (done) 6. Exercise.




Too Big to Miss


Book Description

Too big to miss—that's Odelia Grey. A never-married, middle-aged, plus-sized woman who makes no excuses for her weight, she's not super woman just a mere mortal standing on the precipice of menopause, trying to cruise in an ill-fitting bra. She struggles with her relationships, her crazy family, and her crazier boss. And then there's her knack for being in close proximity to dead people... When her close friend Sophie London commits suicide in front of an online web-cam by putting a gun in her mouth and pulling the trigger, Odelia's life is changed forever. Sophie, a plus-sized activist and inspiration to imperfect women, is the last person anyone would ever have expected to end her own life. Suspecting foul play, Odelia is determined to get to the bottom of her friend's death. Odelia's search for the truth takes her from southern California strip malls to the world of live web-cam porn to the ritzy enclave of Corona del Mar. Praise: "I'd like to spend more time with Sue Ann Jaffarian's Odelia, a plus-size fat-liberationist with a handsome wheelchair-bound lover. Odelia...does not hesitate to give justice a small, well-plotted forward shove at every opportunity."—The New York Times "[Odelia] is an intriguing character, a true counter against stereotype, who demonstrates that life can be good, even in a world where thin is always in."—Booklist "Balancing her professional skills as a paralegal with her self-doubt as a sleuth, Odelia is one of the most believable amateur detectives in recent fiction. Beautifully plotted and carefully crafted, this is a marvelous start to an exciting new series. Strongly recommended."—Library Journal "With a cast of diverse characters, an intriguing plot, and a credible heroine, this is an enjoyable read."—Mystery Scene "Plus-size reading pleasure—try this one on!"—Lee Child, New York Times bestselling author "Sue Ann Jaffarian does a masterful job in creating the character of a plus-size woman, with different shades of angst, humor, verve, and sensualness. Once you get to know Odelia Grey, you'll love her. I know I do."— Naomi Hirahara, Edgar-winning author of Snakeskin Shamisen "Too Big To Miss is too good to miss, a fun-filled romp that introduces the delightful Odelia Grey and leaves you anxious for more of her. Odelia's definitely worth her weight in reading enjoyment."—Robert S. Levinson, author of Ask a Dead Man, Hot Paint, and The Elvis and Marilyn Affair "A plus-sized thumbs up. Jaffarian's a new sharpshooter in crime fiction, so set your sights on this Odelia Grey mystery for a tightly coiled intrigue that targets a sexy shocker."—Brian M. Wiprud, award-winning author of Pipsqueak and Stuffed "On one level, Too Big To Miss is a classic, fast-paced mystery; on another, it's a passport into a world we either inhabit or live next-door to, but rarely see in popular fiction. Sue Ann Jaffarian breaks rules and breaks ground, with humor, insight and compassion."—Harley Jane Kozak, Agatha, Anthony and Macavity Award winning author of Dating Dead Men and Dating is Murder




Auntie Poldi and the Vineyards of Etna


Book Description

When Auntie Poldi finds a body in a vineyard, she sets out to solve another murder--with the Mafia nipping at her heels--in the next adventure from this national bestselling "smash series." (People Magazine) "There's a new star in the mystery firmament, and her name is Auntie Poldi." -- Alan Bradley "Long may she reign." -Kirkus (starred review) When Prosecco-loving Auntie Poldi retired to Sicily from Germany, she never dreamed her tranquil days would be interrupted by murder. But Sicily had other plans, and Poldi found herself honor-bound to solve the disappearance of her beloved (and cute) handyman. Now she's finally ready for some peace and quiet--interrupted by romantic encounters with handsome Chief Inspector Montana, of course--when the water supply to her neighborhood is cut off and a dear friend's dog is poisoned, telltale signs that a certain familial organization is flexing its muscles. Poldi knows there will be no resolution without her help. She soon finds a body in a vineyard, tangles with the Mafia, and yet again makes herself unpopular in the pursuit of justice. But once wine and murder mix, how could she possibly stay away? Originally published in the UK as Auntie Poldi and the Fruits of the Lord, this is a sexy and thrilling follow-up to Mario Giordano's debut novel, Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions, hailed by Adriana Trigiani as "an explosion of color and] a celebration of the palette of Italian life and the Sicilian experience in its specificity, warmth and drama."




Bundle of Trouble


Book Description

"Cigars all around"( LOUISE URE, SHAMUS AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR) for the new Maternal Instincts mystery series. First-time mom Kate Connelly is bringing up baby- and bringing down a killer. Kate Connelly may have found the perfect work-from-home Mommy job: private investigator. After all, the hours are flexible, she can bring the baby along on stake-outs, and if you're going to be up all night anyway, you might as well solve some crimes. But when a body is pulled from San Francisco Bay that may be her brother-in-law, Kate must crack the case faster than you can say "diaper rash" in order to keep her family together.




Mrs. Claus and the Santaland Slayings


Book Description

“Exceptional…the perfect holiday entertainment.”— Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW This Christmas season, travel to the North Pole you’ve never seen before—where Santa’s new wife, April Claus, is not only set on creating the perfect holiday—she’s also set on solving the perfect crime… Love is full of surprises—though few compare to realizing that you’re marrying the real-life Santa. April Claus dearly loves her new husband, Nick, but adjusting to life in the North Pole is not all sugarplums and candy canes. Especially when a cantankerous elf named Giblet Hollyberry is killed—felled by a black widow spider in his stocking—shortly after publicly arguing with Nick. Christmastown is hardly a hotbed of crime, aside from mishaps caused by too much eggnog, but April disagrees with Constable Crinkle’s verdict of accidental death. As April sets out to find the culprit, it’ll mean putting the future of Christmas on the line—and hoping her own name isn’t on a lethal naughty list . . .




Poison and Prejudice


Book Description

When Izzy agreed to become an undercover poison taster, she didn't anticipate driving around the streets of Los Angeles with a corpse in the trunk. And she didn't think finding a body could be considered a bonding experience... until she met Connor's family. Now she's caught between the powers of Homeland Security, an evil human trafficking ring, and the Taste Society all working toward different ends.




Eat, Pray, Die


Book Description

Being an undercover poison taster for the rich and famous might sound glamorous, but for Isobel Avery it means stomaching bad clients and even worse coffee. The one side of the job that lives up to expectations is the money. Which is just as well for Izzy, since she needs an awful lot of it. Who knew when she made a lifelong commitment to a man that it would be one year living with him and the rest of her life paying for it? But even her scoundrel ex-husband doesn’t look so bad compared to her new client. He’s competent, condescending, and annoyingly attractive, and Izzy doesn’t know whether to sleep with him or poison him herself. Throw in a loan shark, a nosy neighbor, and a murder attempt, and Izzy will have her work cut out for her.




How to Write a Funny Mystery


Book Description

No matter how you came to it, there was something about the idea of mixing a mystery story and a comedy tale together that intrigued you. Titillated your muse. Made you want to spin a story in this mystery subgenre yourself. Welcome to the club! Beth Daniels walks you through the twists and turns of putting some funny in your mystery to help you create a heart-stopping mystery that will also have your readers chuckling.




Dead to the Bone


Book Description

Nick Owen is ready to move his relationship with Rika along, ASAP, but she decides she may need some qualified help before taking it to the next level. But when Nick catches her “cheating,” he knows she can’t possibly care as much as he does and is ready to skip town. She’ll have to summon all her courage and put everything on the line to try to keep him. Meanwhile, Rika’s work dream has come true. Martin and Owen Investigations finally has an office in L.A. and Rika’s publicity stunt is working. A pet plastic surgeon to the stars has been murdered and Nick and Rika are on the case. But did any of these wealthy suspects actually commit the murder? And with snakes and scimitars involved, will Nick and Rika live long enough to find out?




Detective Mouse and the Garden Mystery: A Fun Fictional Story


Book Description

Once upon a time, in a world brimming with magic and wonder, there existed a seemingly ordinary garden. But within the boundaries of this unassuming patch of earth, an extraordinary adventure was about to unfold. It was a place where plants whispered secrets, flowers sang melodies, and mysteries flourished amidst the vibrant foliage. In this enchanted garden, an unlikely duo, Detective Mouse and his green-thumbed friend Blossom, embarked on a journey that would forever change their lives. Little did they know, their curious hearts and unwavering bond would lead them to discover a hidden realm where plants came to life and spoke, and where the harmony of nature danced in perfect synchrony. Join Detective Mouse and Blossom as they unravel plant-related mysteries, encounter mischievous garden gnomes, and strive to solve the riddle of a rare, elusive bloom. Together, they will embrace the magic of the garden, confront darkness, and learn the true meaning of unity and harmony. Get ready to enter "The Enchanted Garden Adventure" and let your imagination bloom in this captivating tale of friendship, discovery, and the power of nature's enchantment.