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




Thugs and Kisses


Book Description

With the class bully murdered at her 30th high school reunion and her boss, the annoying Michael Steele, missing, Odelia doesn't know which hole to poke her big nose into first. This decision is made for her as she's again swept into the action involving contract killers, tangled relationships, and fatal buyer's remorse. Throughout this adventure, Odelia deals with her on-again, off-again relationship with Greg and her attraction to detective Devon Frye. Praise: "The best title yet in a priceless series...a real treat for chick-lit and mystery fans who like feisty women."—Library Journal(starred review) "Odelia Grey is delightfully large and in charge in Jaffarian's third entertaining romp (after 2003's The Curse of the Holy Pail)."—Publishers Weekly "The best one yet...an intriguing, well-plotted mystery that will entertain and inspire."—The Strand Magazine "Odelia is a character that could easily be a good friend. She's down to earth and likeable. While she doesn't fit into Hollywood's size 0 body criteria, she's a good, plus size fit for the real people and mystery readers of the world."—Deadly Pleasures "Written with a light touch but a keen eye for detail, this satisfying entry in the Odelia Grey series also has room for a little romance."—Booklist "Jaffarian's clear talent is that she delivers characterization so well drawn it destroys cliché, tramples trite expectations, and delivers a heroine pulsing with personality."—Crime and Suspense "Snappy dialogue."—Kirkus Reviews "I wish I'd had Odelia Grey as my paralegal when I was on The Practice. Gutsy, smart, and loveable, she is the perfect take-no-prisoners heroine for today's woman."—Camryn Manheim, Emmy Award-winning actress "Sue Ann Jaffarian does a masterful job. Once you get to know Odelia Grey, you'll love her. I know I do."—Naomi Hirahara, Edgar Award-winning author of Snakeskin Shamisen "Thugs and Kisses is a very enjoyable reading experience."—Harriet Klausner, Genre Go Round Reviews "[L]ight and breezy...a good time to pass your lunch break with."—Feminist Review "[H]ighly recommended to those interested in a fun, suspenseful mystery. You will not be disappointed."—Reader Views "Odelia Grey is definitely a force to be reckoned with."—ReviewingTheEvidence.com "Jaffarian tells a great story...a delight to read."—ReviewedByLiz.com




The Curse of the Holy Pail


Book Description

Is the "Holy Pail" cursed? Every owner of the vintage Chappy Wheeler lunchbox—a prototype based on the 1940s TV western—has died. And now Sterling Price, business tycoon and a client of Odelia Grey's law firm, has been fatally poisoned. Is it a coincidence that Price's one-of-a-kind lunch pail—worth over thirty grand—has disappeared at the same time? Treading cautiously since a recent run-in with a bullet, Odelia takes small bites of this juicy, calorie-free mystery—and is soon ravenous for more! Her research reveals a sixty-year-old unsolved murder and Price's gold-digging ex-fiancée with two married men wrapped around her breasts...uh, finger. Mix in a surprise marriage proposal that sends an uncertain Odelia into chocolate sedation, and you've got an unruly recipe for delicious disaster. Praise: "I'd like to spend more time with Sue Ann Jaffarian's Odelia."—The New York Times "Plus-size paralegal Odelia Grey gets more than she bargained for when she accepts an unusual gift from a favorite client...Jaffarian plays the formula with finesse, keeping love problems firmly in the background while giving her heroine room to use her ample wit and grit."—Kirkus Reviews "Jaffarian offers the perfectly flawed alternative for readers sick and tired of picture-perfect characters." —Booklist "Odelia Grey is a keeper."—Library Journal "Jaffarian's writing is sharp and sassy—like her protagonist—and she knows how to keep the suspense high."—Mystery Scene "I have enjoyed both books in the series. Odelia is a resourceful woman, and I didn't chafe at her amateur sleuthing. The book has an inspired cookie recipe."—Deadly Pleasures "Even better than her first...a major hoot!"—Thomas B. Sawyer, bestselling author of TheSixteenth Man, former head writer/producer of Murder, She Wrote "Odelia Gray is a wonderful addition to the mystery genre, a smart, funny, engaging plus-size heroine who takes readers on a plus-size ride. You root for her, laugh with her and cheer at her ultimate triumph. If I were in trouble, I'd want Odelia on my side."—Denise Hamilton, Edgar and Willa Cather Award-finalist and national bestselling author of Prisoner of Memory "More fun than a lunch pail full of plump paralegals, The Curse of the Holy Pail is a tale as bouncy as its bodacious protagonist."—Bill Fitzhugh, author of Highway 61 and Resurfaced "With a legendary curse, a possibly murderous little person, ruthless heirs, [and] charismatic thugs... a lively caper that will keep you guessing right till the end."—Kris Neri, award-winning author of the Tracy Eaton mysteries "A funny read, with off the wall characters, a twisty plot and not a surplus calorie to be had. Recommended."—Bookbitch.com "Well written and nicely paced, this is a good beach or airplane read."—Cycling.Finial.com "Big women of the world, hang on to your hats, you're going to love Sue Ann Jaffarian's plus-sized Odelia Grey, amateur sleuth. This is funny, sexy, romantic, you name it, all wrapped up in one great mystery."—Cozylibrary.com




Ghost a la Mode


Book Description

A new series debut from Odelia Grey mystery author Sue Ann Jaffarian! Granny was famous for her award-winning apple pies-and notorious for murdering her husband Jacob at their homestead in Julian, California. The only trouble is, Granny was framed, then murdered. For more than one hundred years, Granny's spirit has been searching for someone to help her see that justice is served—and she hits pay dirt when she pops in to a séance attended by her great-great-great-granddaughter, modern-day divorced mom Emma Whitecastle. Together, Emma and Granny Apples solve mysteries of the past—starting with Granny's own unjust murder rap in the final days of the California Gold Rush. Along with a sprinkling of history, this spirited new mystery series features the amateur sleuth team of Emma Whitecastle and the spirit of her pie-baking great-great-great-grandmother, Granny Apples. Praise: "A delectable first in a new paranormal cozy series from Sue Ann Jaffarian."—Publishers Weekly "A fun new series. Ghostly puzzles are one of the trendy new themes in cozy mysteries, and this is a good one."—Booklist "Jaffarian has done a nifty job of incorporating Julian's history into her tale of unresolved ghosts, uncanny psychics, unsolved murders and unhappy divorcees, while handily introducing some characters, alive and dead, to carry the series forward."—North Country Times "Emma handles her 'gift' of seeing the dead with aplomb, and class. I'll look forward to seeing where the sequel will take Emma and Granny."—Deadly Pleasures "A charming tale, as appealing as apple pie. I predict a long life (and afterlife) for Sue Ann's latest series."—Harley Jane Kozak, Agatha, Anthony and Macavity Award-winning author of Dating Dead Men "Take colorful characters in a charming setting, mix in a dash of romance, add a pinch of the paranormal, and serve it up like one of Granny's famous pies. I guarantee you'll be back for seconds."—Deborah Sharp, author of Mama Rides Shotgun




Too Big to Die


Book Description

Viral videos and dangerous criminals turn Odelia and Greg's good deed into accusations of murder It's the dog days of summer for Odelia and Greg after they rescue a dog from a closed car on a blistering hot day. The culprit is former reality star Marla Kingston, who's married to a client of Odelia's law firm. The dog was saved, but Odelia's job might not be when Kingston demands blood. Things get even stickier when a video of the rescue goes viral, and the man who helped them winds up dead. And who is the mysterious young woman who shows up about the same time? Is she connected or just an opportunist looking to cash in on their reluctant Internet fame? Praise for the Odelia Grey Mysteries: "[A] delightful series."—Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine "[A] witty series with its quirky, well-drawn characters."—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 "Plus-size reading pleasure—try this one on!" —Lee Child, New York Times bestselling author




Murder in Vein


Book Description

"Sue Ann Jaffarian never fails to make me chuckle with her three mystery series starring paralegal Odelia Grey, ghost Granny Apples, and now Murder in Vein, starring friendly, and not-so-friendly, neighborhood vampires."—Joanne Fluke, New York Times bestselling author of the Hannah Swensen Mysteries The sight of the blood covered fangs exploded from her deep memory like a ball through a plate glass window. The man had bitten Bobby, torn into him like a barbequed rib on the Fourth of July. Vampires.Vam-pires. Real live—er, dead (undead?)—bloodsucking vampires, living in the City of Angels. Madison Rose, a street-smart twenty-something waitress would never have believed it—until a vampire thwarts a vicious attack against her by appearing in the nick of time and finishing off her assailant in one tasty bite. Madison has been saved by the vampires—or has she? She learns that women have been going missing; their lifeless bodies turning up drained of blood. Now the murderer is after her. As the violence escalates, Madison, LAPD Detective Notchey, and a cadre of alluring and dangerous vampires search for the true killer—while Madison keeps a wary eye on the skittish and thirsty vampires. Will she survive to see the light of day? Praise: "Like Stuart Kaminsky, Jaffarian juggles her franchises deftly, giving each a unique voice and appeal. Her latest series kickoff may be her best yet, blending supernatural sexy with down-to-earth sassy."—Kirkus Reviews "Though Madison is no Sookie Stackhouse, she's definitely a keeper."—Publishers Weekly "It will no doubt appeal to many paranormal mystery fans...[Murder in Vein] is recommended for its likable characters and intriguing plot."—Library Journal "Thrilling, suspenseful, and darkly funny, Murder in Vein will leave you thirsting for more in this fabulous new series."—Kelli Stanley, author of City of Dragons "Sue Ann Jaffarian has added her own inimitable style to the urban fantasy genre. Murder in Vein is fast, fun and, as the cover notes, deliciously fang-in-cheek!"—Jeanne C. Stein, bestselling author of the Anna Strong Chronicles "Luminescent in the night fog, Murder in Vein calls to the reader to come along with its determined protagonist Madison Rose down a road fraught with murder, chills, humor and downright sexy undead suspects. This tale of dangerous things that go bump in the night by Sue Ann Jaffarian makes for a pleasurable and exciting read."—Gary Phillips, author of The Underbelly




The Ghosts of Misty Hollow


Book Description

The author of Ghost in the Guacamole returns as a spiritual medium and her spectral sidekick encounter murder and mystery in a Massachusetts farmhouse— Mysterious plots abound when spiritual medium Emma Whitecastle offers aid to a famous novelist, but her spectral sidekick Granny Apples will help her write all the wrongs... Bestselling crime writer Gino Costello is working on his next book in a historic farmhouse in the heart of Massachusetts. His story features some paranormal elements so he’s invited family friend Emma to provide her input as a medium. But as soon as Emma arrives—with her fiancé, Phil, and Granny Apples in tow—that’s when the real trouble begins. Emma is immediately contacted by the Browns, a family of ghosts who originally owned the house in the early nineteenth century. They need Emma to help them locate the spirits of their two children who disappeared. Meanwhile, a dead body appears at the house. Now Emma, Granny, and Phil must read between the lines to find answers before a killer books it...




Gem of a Ghost


Book Description

Emma Whitecastle would rather spend time with her boyfriend than help Joanna Reid get rid of her husband's ghost. But when she finds out Joanna's daughter has broken her engagement and attempted suicide, Emma and Granny Apples are compelled to investigate. The multifaceted mystery unfolds in Hollywood, where a vengeful spirit strikes too close for comfort as Emma and Granny unearth a clue hidden in a haunted diamond. When the case leads Emma and a suave stranger to the historic mining town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, Emma must call upon a ghostly group of Molly Maguires to ease the pain of a century-old marriage gone bad. Praise: "Jaffarian's welcome third entry in her paranormal series sparkles as brilliantly as the story's haunted diamond."—Library Journal (starred review) "Jaffarian's comic timing, seemingly simple plotting and perfectly pitched dialogue make this entry in the Granny Apples series a complete delight."—RT Book Reviews "Award-winning author Jaffarian provides plot surprises and plenty of dark elements to texture this well-crafted cozy. Emma is a complicated heroine, and readers of Victoria Laurie and other paranormal suspense authors will be most pleased."—Booklist "A sweet and sassy third Granny Apples mystery."—Publishers Weekly




Baited Blood


Book Description

Who's murdering vampires in Los Angeles and throwing the bodies into the Dedhams' pool? Each victim has been branded, a distinct mark that is the calling card of femme fatale vampire Ann Hayes. The contemptuous undead beauty declares her innocence, but can the vampires believe her? Has Ann returned to reclaim Doug Dedham, whom she once loved? Or is she being framed? Complicating matters are Madison's burgeoning feelings for both sexy vampire Colin Reddy and fellow "beater" detective Mike Notchey. The stakes have never been higher as Madison and the vampires race to solve the mystery and stop the killer. Praise: "This is good, cheeky fun with a solid mystery, loads of possible villains and a genuinely sexy romp on the fang side."—RT Book Reviews "Refreshingly intelligent investigative work...Dark humor, edgy suspense, and an appealing cast of characters will leave readers anxiously awaiting the next book."—Publishers Weekly "This story has lots of surprises all of which gave credence to the story as a whole. A great read."—Suspense Magazine "Jaffarian's tantalizing, tangled mystery and well-drawn characters will keep readers interested in the action."—Library Journal "Sexy repartee, brisk plotting, and splendid supernatural scene-setting... a decidedly fresh spin on vamp lit."—Sophie Littlefield, Anthony Award-winning author of A Bad Day for Sorry




Mama Does Time


Book Description

"Who knew that a who-dun-it would not only keep you guessing—but have you laughing! Deborah Sharp is the new Edna Buchanan."—Hoda Kotb, co-anchor of NBC's Today show Meet Mama: a true Southern woman with impeccable manners, sherbet-colored pantsuits, and four prior husbands, able to serve sweet tea and sidestep alligator attacks with equal aplomb. Mama's antics—especially her penchant for finding trouble — drive her daughters Mace, Maddie, and Marty to distraction. One night, while settling in to look for ex-beaus on COPS, Mace gets a frantic call from her mother. This time, the trouble is real: Mama found a body in the trunk of her turquoise convertible and the police think she's the killer. It doesn't help that the handsome detective assigned to the case seems determined to prove Mama's guilt or that the cowboy who broke Mace's heart shows up at the local Booze & 'n' Breeze in the midst of the investigation. Before their mama lands in prison—just like an embarrassing lyric from a country-western song—Mace and her sisters must find the real culprit. TV APPEARANCES NBC's Today Show from November 4, 2008 Mayor's Book Talk" from January 14, 2009 NBC6 "South Florida Today" from July 17, 2009 NBC's Today Show from August 4, 2009 Praise: "Mama Does Time is a humorous, touching reflection on familial love and politics."—Mystery Scene Magazine "With a strong, funny heroine, colorful characters, and a look at a part of Florida the tourists rarely see, Deborah Sharp has an engaging new series. Make sure Mama Does Time does time on your bookshelf."—Elaine Viets, author of Clubbed to Death: a Dead-End Job Mystery "Not since the late Anne George has there been such laugh-out-loud Southern fried fun. Deborah Sharp's Mama Does Time is a hilarious page turner with crisp and intelligent writing."—Sue Ann Jaffarian, author of the Odelia Grey Mystery series "Deborah Sharp's witty way with words makes Mama Does Time as much fun as a down-home visit with your quirky Florida cousins."—Nancy Martin, author of the Blackbird Sisters Mysteries "Colorful characters and a segment of Florida seldom seen by tourists evoke a Southern Sisters feeling in this very well written Southern fried epic...A winner."—BookBitch.com "The author's surname—Sharp—is an apt adjective to describe her writing. Her characters crackle off the page."—Cozy Library "Deborah Sharp has an eye for character...She's funny, perceptive, and entertaining. What more can a cozy reader ask for?"—Reviewing the Evidence "Newcomer Deborah Sharp will knock your socks off with this clever cozy mystery."—Fresh Fiction