October 1, 2024

Hello, Cozy Readers! I’ll admit, something about later sunrises makes me a little slower to jump out of bed these days. (Does anyone actually jump out of bed? Aside from a cat who hears the treat bag opening?) But fall my favorite season for a lot of reasons anyway.

imageAnd, if you know me, that probably has something to do with radio, haha. Early Sunday, I got up before the rest of my family, grabbed a cup of tea, and settled in with my shortwave radio. The shortwave bands sit right between the AM and FM bands, and the amazing thing about the signals on these frequencies is that they can travel worldwide. And the signals travel less well in summer. So I usually put the shortwave radios away during the sunnier months of the year.

Sure, I can listen to news and music from all over the world over the internet. But there’s something magical about hearing a signal broadcast over 7,400 miles away, in this case, the rough distance between Radio New Zealand Pacific and my home in Dallas.

In book news, Down to Earth, the follow-up to Venus Rising features ham radio, not shortwave, but I hope you’ll give it a read anyway! And in a little over a week, Allies, Arson, and Prepping for the Apocalypse, book one of The Not the End of the World mysteries will be out.

Oh, and porch geese! How did I not know this was a thing? Probably because it’s not a thing in Texas? I’ve discovered the joy that is a well dressed porch goose, and so now, I need to figure out how to incorporate this into my life. Do you have a porch goose? Does your goose get all dressed up for the season? Send me pics!!!

Finally, I wanted to say that I’ve had those affected by Hurricane Helene in my thoughts. I know recovery from such loss and destruction is a complicated and difficult task, and I hope that goes as smoothly as it can for you if you’ve been affected by this disaster.

Sending cozy wishes for good reads,
Tammy D. Walker
https://www.tammydwalker.com

 

Here are more books to discover:

Frozen Fear by Anne Shillolo

imageAll injured cop Claire Beckett wants is to clear her name and get her job back.

After being shot in the line of duty, the detective constable is recovering in cottage country, along with her friend’s dog, Kojak. But it’s more than a vacation. Much more.

The death of a look-alike friend brings danger right to the front door of Claire’s quaint log cabin. And, the picturesque village of Falcon Lake serves up murder, kidnapping, a mysterious new neighbor, and a blizzard of clues and suspects.

Claire has to face facts. She has no badge, no gun, and no backup. But she’s right in the path of a killer. All she knows how to do is act like a cop and investigate.

Her neighbor is newcomer Miles Gallagher. He’s distant and as chilly as the winter weather. But helping Claire stay alive and stop a killer may thaw his heart.

Meanwhile things aren’t adding up for Claire at work. The tragedy of her boss’s ambush, where she was injured, is being laid at her doorstep. How can she clear her name and get back to work?

Frozen Fear is Book 1 of the Murder In Season cozy mystery trilogy.

 

The Rocky Start by Anna K Payne

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Welcome to the enchanting coastal town of Morro Bay in California, where the gentle breeze whispers through the palm trees and the grating sounds of sea lions and seagulls create a symphony of nature. Meet Donner, the brave German Shepherd, and his clever feline companion, Festus, as they unite to safeguard their beloved community. With Acting Chief Wilson by their side and a network of animal allies, Donner and Festus embark on a thrilling mission to ensure Morro Bay remains safe.

However, as a mysterious newcomer raises suspicions and tensions escalate, Coroner Mark finds himself on high alert, particularly when Sharon, the town’s pivotal officer, is targeted. With unpredictable events unfolding, Chief Wilson initiates a bold plan, enlisting the help of coffee shop worker Nancy to strengthen their defenses.

Morro Bay, a picturesque haven of fishing, surfing, and endless sunshine, weaves a captivating backdrop for a tangled web of secrets and suspense. Against all odds, Wilson, Donner, and Festus rise to the challenge, orchestrating a gripping tale of courage and camaraderie in the face of danger. Immerse yourself in the riveting debut of the Morro Bay Mysteries series—The Rocky Start will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish!

 

Death in the Dunes by Helen Darling

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Retired FBI agent Genevieve Jensen is pulled back into the world of crime when her best friend Sandra Benedict is accused of murdering her husband, Jack. As she investigates to clear Sandra’s name, Genevieve discovers that nothing is as it seems in the small coastal North Carolina town of Spartina Beach.

The local detective on the case is inexperienced and overwhelmed, tempting Genevieve to take matters into her own hands. As she delves deeper into the investigation, the questions come faster than the answers and Genevieve finds herself torn between her loyalty to her friend and her duty to seek justice. With the help of her trusted network of contacts and her unwavering determination, she’ll stop at nothing to uncover the truth. However, the closer she gets, the more she realizes that the danger may lie on her own doorstep.

Will Genevieve solve the case and bring the killer to justice, or will she become the next victim in this deadly game of cat and mouse?

September 1, 2024

Hello, Cozy Readers! The release date for Down to Earth will be here soon, and I’m delighted to invite you to help me celebrate online!

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On September 6th, I’ll be taking over the Kerry’s Kindred Spirits Group on Facebook, and the festivities continue on September 9th at the Cozy Mystery Party Group, also on Facebook. Many thanks to the group hosts for having me!

Join in the fun and you can win a copy of Allies, Arson, and Prepping for the Apocalypse, a first in series that will release October 9! (Oh, and if you want a free story that features the main character’s mother, check out “Estelle Throckmorton Makes a Mistake,” available now!)

I’d love to see you all there!

Wishing you cozy reads,
Tammy D. Walker
https://www.tammydwalker.com

Here are more books to explore:

The Doggy Bakery Cozy Mystery Series Box Set by Belinda Page

#1: Dastardly Deceit and The Bow Wow Bakery
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Pet owners are thrilled with their small town’s new doggy bakery until murder threatens their freshly baked treats!

After moving from New York City to her hometown of Glenwood Falls, Sophie Harrington wants a quiet life with her sweet sable weenie dog Max. She opens a dog bakery for furry friends whose tails wag while munching on delicious baked treats, which will be featured at the upcoming Fall Festival. Excitement suddenly stops when Sophie discovers a dead body outside the bakery! A fierce local CEO is dead, and it’s clear his death was not an accident. Sophie realizes she, Hadley, Max, and a handsome friend from the past must find out who’s responsible before the jeopardized Fall Festival is canceled for good.

*** Doggy Treat recipes included! ***

Peppermint Pudding Peril by Tammy Beck

imageFrancis Desmarais, a spirited baker with a passion for tradition, finds her world turned upside down when a Christmas parade ends in tragedy. The mysterious murder of Eleanor Wells, a cherished local and friend to Francis, unveils a labyrinth of long-buried secrets, simmering feuds, and a hidden heirloom with the power to change everything.

Francis must whisk together her love for baking and her knack for sleuthing as she delves into the past, unearthing stories of forbidden love, familial strife, and ancestral ties that bind and break. With the townspeople eyeing her every move and the future of her beloved bakery hanging in the balance, Francis finds an unlikely ally in Isaac Fulton, a local teacher with secrets of his own. Together, they navigate cryptic clues, cryptic conversations, and the shadows of yesteryear, determined to solve the mystery and save Francis’ culinary haven.

Can Francis sift through the layers of the past, find the murderer, and protect her legacy? Or will the shadows of Harmony Bay swallow her dreams whole? Baking has never been this perilous, and Francis is about to discover that in this town, every recipe has its secrets, and every family has its skeletons. Welcome to Harmony Bay, where the pies are sweet, the mystery is rich, and the danger is just heating up.

Murder at the Cheese Shop by Dani Simms

imageThe peaceful atmosphere of Los Robles is shattered when a murder takes place at the neighborhood cheese shop, causing chaos among the tight-knit community.

Local innkeeper and vineyard owner, Avery Parker, is shocked to discover that she is implicated in the mysterious death in her small hometown.

As Avery begins to investigate, she encounters a myriad of suspects, each with a convincing motive. She uncovers secrets and betrayals from past and present love interests, a disgruntled ex-employee, and a suspicious resident.

Her captivating journey leads her to hidden agendas in the search to solve the crime. The gossipy residents have their guesses, but who can she really trust?

August 1, 2024

Hello, cozy readers! I’ve thought a lot about whether or not what I write is actually cozy mystery. Sure, all my novels and stories have amateur sleuths, a small community setting, and a focus on characters. And, often, there will be a cat. Or cats.

But one thing you won’t find? A dead body.

Over on Instagram, I have a series of quick videos about why you’ll find a lot of other types of crimes in my cozies but not murder. Here’s the first video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C95IdHEuHVr/

I’d love to hear what you think. Do cozies need a killer? Or are other crimes compelling enough to keep you reading? Let me know!

And on the topic of cozy crime novels, Down to Earth is available for pre-order now!

Sending you cozy wishes for great reads.
Tammy D. Walker
https://www.tammydwalker.com

 

Here are more books to explore:

 



The Eve Holdsworth Cozy Mysteries: Cases 1 – 4


by Carmen Radtke

 


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Murder. Mayhem. Madcap adventures.

Let Sleeping Murder Lie

Murder on the Airwaves

A Dash of Deceit

Death at the Dog Show

 

Eve Holdsworth has everything she could want: a new home in a charming English village, new friends, and a budding romance. However, her perfect life takes a twist when she becomes involved in a cold case murder investigation. She’s determined to prove the innocence of the only suspect in an impossible case. But unmasking a killer stirs up new danger.

 

Unlikely sleuth Eve soon realizes she has a knack for sniffing out the truth and solving mysteries – and for uncovering a surprising amount of murder and evil in both her chosen village and in her family’s small town in the Pacific Northwest. But with a little help from her friends of all ages, she’s more than a match for cunning criminals, no matter where she is.

 

This omnibus contains two novels and two short mysteries.

 

Enjoy the complete series of Eve Holdsworth cozy mysteries with or without a dead body or two, all as twisty and full of surprises and secrets as a peaceful stroll along a country lane.

 

 



Summer Vibes: Cozy Mysteries for Summer



by Daisy Landish

 


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Grab a cool drink and settle in for Summer Vibes: Cozy Mysteries for Summer

 

Midsummer Mischief, A Mystic Moonhaven Mystery

 

As the Summer Solstice approaches, Harper Nightshade senses a disquieting energy in the air of Moonhaven. The town’s festive spirits are dampened when a midsummer party ends in a shocking disappearance, setting Harper on a path of mystical encounters and ancient rituals. Under the starlit sky, she and Detective Liam Ashford must unravel a tapestry of hidden motives and clandestine relationships, deciphering a centuries-old solstice spell linked to the night’s eerie events. As dawn heralds the summer day’s peak, Harper races against time to unveil a truth that will alter Moonhaven’s legacy forever.

 

Best Man Down, A Pine Grove Mystery

 

Life in the country was supposed to be quiet, but so far, it’s been anything but. Thinking of taking some time off from his time off, Peter agrees to fly Dr. Jessica Stern home for her youngest brother’s wedding in Still Lake. It’s supposed to be a quiet affair and the perfect opportunity to get in some fishing. His first morning in Still Lake, though, reveals some tensions in the wedding party. When the best man is nearly drowned in the lake the morning of the wedding, it looks like the whole weekend is destined for disaster unless Peter can unravel the case quickly. The problem? It seems someone is ready to kill to keep a certain secret, and the best man doesn’t have any idea just what that secret is.

 

Murder at the Retreat, A Mike and Maddie Mystery

 

Join Maddie and Mike at a writer’s retreat in coastal Portland, Oregon, where a shocking poisoning rocks their world. As they unravel the mystery, secrets are revealed, motives questioned, and unexpected twists abound. Get ready for a suspenseful page-turner that explores the power of words to both create and destroy.

 

The Case of the Missing Millions, An Annie Archer Paranormal Mystery

 

Annie Archer has helped the Turtle Bay Police Department several times, tracking down criminals or thwarting their intended homicide. This time, however, Annie is burdened with strange visions happening somewhere outside of Turtle Bay. She sees a woman screaming into her phone that someone is trying to kill her. Annie and Sheriff Adam Parker locate the motel where the woman might have spent the night before being killed by someone she picked up at a club the night before.

 



Don’t Fade Away: A Ghost Story


by Natalie Pearce

 


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What’s the only thing worse than being stuck haunting a share house?

Being ignored by the first person to sense your presence in years…

 

Ever since her unfortunate demise, Elle’s been forced to watch her living housemates come and go with nothing to fill her days except a crush on longstanding housemate, Dean, who literally doesn’t know she exists. Talk about unrequited love.

 

Just as she despairs at being stuck halfway to the other side for the rest of her afterlife, the newest resident sparks hope for something more.

 

As far as mediums go, Ethan barely knows he is one. He just wants a place to knuckle down and finish his degree. But as soon as he moves in, he senses a presence. He tries to ignore it – but Elle is insistent…

 

The more Ethan uncovers about Elle, the more he suspects her death was no accident. Can he help her move on before she really does fade away?

 

Don’t Fade Away is a spooky contemporary ghost story combining humor, romance and mystery that will tug at the heartstrings!



The Brotherhood Solution


by K.C. Brennan

 


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As they get closer to unraveling the key to the cryptic documents have Mila and Oleck set themselves and their friends on a dangerous collision course with the Brotherhood?

 

Mila and Oleck have returned from England, with more information to help everyone in solving the clues in the documents from the library. And perhaps even a better understanding of each other??

 

Meanwhile, their friends have been working tirelessly to find out what they can about the Brotherhood and the reasons behind their interest in these documents.

 

However, the Brotherhood has its own agenda…which includes framing one of their own, kidnapping, attempted murder….and just who is Mr. Black anyway?

 

As our friends attempt to put all the pieces together, can they figure everything out before the Brotherhood charges on with their final solution?

 

July 15, 2024

Hello, Cozy Readers! I’m over the moon to let you know that Down to Earth, the follow-up to Venus Rising, is available for preorder now!

Stacey Hengesbach has enough to worry about with a pecan harvest, festival preparations, and a daughter who’s eager to leave their tiny hometown all needing her attention. So when a radio antenna tower falls, seriously injuring its owner, she’s willing to believe it’s an accident like everyone else in the county does, including the sheriff. But then another antenna tower falls, this time on her best friend’s cafe while they’re inside. With the help of her family, friends old and new, and the local ham radio club, Stacey races to solve the mystery of the falling antennas before another one comes crashing down.

Join Amy’s older sister, Stacey, in their hometown in this cozy crime novel, the second book in the Daw County Sisters Mysteries!

Wishing you cozy reads,

Tammy D. Walker

https://www.tammydwalker.com

 

While you’re waiting for Down to Earth, why not check out these stories?

The Doggy Bakery Cozy Mystery Series Box Set
by Belinda Page

image#1: Dastardly Deceit and The Bow Wow Bakery

Pet owners are thrilled with their small town’s new doggy bakery until murder threatens their freshly baked treats!

After moving from New York City to her hometown of Glenwood Falls, Sophie Harrington wants a quiet life with her sweet sable weenie dog Max. She opens a dog bakery for furry friends whose tails wag while munching on delicious baked treats, which will be featured at the upcoming Fall Festival. Excitement suddenly stops when Sophie discovers a dead body outside the bakery! A fierce local CEO is dead, and it’s clear his death was not an accident. Sophie realizes she, Hadley, Max, and a handsome friend from the past must find out who’s responsible before the jeopardized Fall Festival is canceled for good.

*** Doggy Treat recipes included! ***

Also contains books 2-5 in this series

Murder at the Chocolatier by Dani Simms


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As secrets melt like molten chocolate, a determined detective must navigate a web of intrigue to uncover the bitter truth.

The life of innkeeper and vineyard owner, Avery Parker, is suddenly interrupted as she discovers two of her dear friends are suspected in the small-town chocolatier’s sudden death.

Partnered up with her devoted golden retriever, Sprinkles, Avery dons her amateur detective hat and uses her keen observation to solve the case by uncovering truths about the most unexpected suspects.

But the clues aren’t adding up, and Avery is forced to question those closest to her in unimaginable ways.

As time runs out, she must not only clear her friends’ names but also avoid a killer who just may attack her next.

Join Avery on a delectable journey through the charming small town of Los Robles, where she unravels a tantalizing blend of small-town charm, clean romance, and culinary cozy mystery in “Murder at the Chocolatier.”

Wine pairings and irresistible recipes included!

 

Finding Lottie by Hilary Pugh


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A new home and a new companion. A steady flow of humdrum work. What could possibly go wrong?

Ian Skair retired from the police following a heist in which he was shot. He now works as a private investigator taking safe if dull cases.

 

He lives alone with his dog in a quiet village. Lottie the dog likes to explore and one day she doesn’t come home. Ian sets out to find her with the help of a feisty school teacher and a small girl who is very good at drawing.

Will it be a simple matter of finding a lost dog or will he be drawn into something far more sinister?

Finding Lottie is a prequel to the Ian Skair: Private Detective series. It is a novella which will be followed by full length novels.

July 1, 2024

Hello, Cozy Readers! Summer is here, and my family and I have been finding fun ways to enjoy the time inside. Reading lots of library books, of course, but also doing puzzles, playing games, and trying different lemon cake recipes. Spoiler alert: so far, all the lemon cakes have been fantastic on their own, but in-season strawberries have made them all irresistible!

imageI’ve also been working on the second novella in my new series, the Not the End of the World Mysteries. The first, Allies, Arson, and Prepping for the Apocalypse, should be back from the editor soon, and I’ll have a link for that in October.

And I’m starting a series of videos about my cozies over on Instagram. Here’s a link to the first video, a quick intro: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C84WVt8Pem8

I’d love to hear about what you’ve got planned for the new season. Do you read with the seasons? I’ve just started reading a book set in fall–maybe that will help things feel cooler around here!

Sending cozy wishes for great reads,
Tammy D. Walker
https://www.tammydwalker.com

Here are more stories to discover:

Cat Scratch Murder
by Karen McSpade


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Magic in this witch’s family has a name: Trouble

Meet Sidney Grace. Quirky journalist, Hesitant witch, Professional butterfingers.

Her grandmother believes Sidney’s talent for communicating with the dead makes her the most powerful witch in the family, but Sidney just wants to make it through the day without getting fired.

A young writer living in Boston, Sidney is far from the small wacky town of Crystal Beach, Florida, where her spell-happy grandmother retired. She is perfectly happy with her career, her four cats, and the fact that she hasn’t been on a date in… well, years. All is well until her estranged mother informs Sidney that her grandmother has been arrested for murdering a resident at her retirement community.

Sidney road-trips to Florida to discover that her grandmother has no alibi, her grandfather isn’t as dead as she thought he was, and one of her cats can speak. To make matters worse, the handsome Officer Reece is tough on criminals and even tougher on witches. Who cooked up the deadly scone? And why are residents at Shifting Sands suddenly disappearing?

Now, Sidney must embrace her own magical talents to prove her grandmother’s innocence and stop the killer bent on destroying anyone who gets in the way.


Murder In The Manuscripts
by Lee Williamson

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A hidden diary. A scrap of paper. An abandoned puppy.

Could these three clues mean that Maggie’s friend Lawrence didn’t die from natural causes? Maggie believes so and intends to investigate, even if her broken ankle is slowing her down.

Fresh from heartbreak, Clara travels from Sydney to country New Zealand to look after her injured great-aunt, only to find Maggie set upon investigating her friends death.

As the two women dig into the death they uncover a not-so-wholesome side to the township of Waiawa, one which Sargent Richardson would rather they stayed away from.

With help from her Mystery Book Club, will Maggie find out the truth about Lawrence’s death? And will Marple the dog find her forever home?


The Brotherhood Solution
by K.C. Brennan

imageAs they get closer to unraveling the key to the cryptic documents have Mila and Oleck set themselves and their friends on a dangerous collision course with the Brotherhood?

Mila and Oleck have returned from England, with more information to help everyone in solving the clues in the documents from the library. And perhaps even a better understanding of each other??

Meanwhile, their friends have been working tirelessly to find out what they can about the Brotherhood and the reasons behind their interest in these documents.

However, the Brotherhood has its own agenda…which includes framing one of their own, kidnapping, attempted murder….and just who is Mr. Black anyway?

As our friends attempt to put all the pieces together, can they figure everything out before the Brotherhood charges on with their final solution?

 

June 15, 2024

Hi, Cozy Readers! May ended and June began with quite a few storms here in Dallas. I thought I’d be prepared for them.

After all, I grew up in hurricane country and have lived in tornado alley for over twenty years now. And I’m drafting a cozy series featuring a main character whose brother is concerned with weather-related disaster preparedness. So I’m a little embarrassed to say that while I was fairly well prepared, there were some important things I missed.

Our power was out for several days, and while we had plenty of the essentials, such as food, water, and a well-stocked e-reader with battery backup, I didn’t have a good way to get to my files for my June 1st newsletter once we did relocate. So my apologies for missing you last time!

That’s remedied now, and everything on my PC is backed up!

I hope you’re all well, and I’m keeping those of you in disasters of any kind in my thoughts.

Since this is a cozy newsletter, I’d like to leave y’all on a comforting note. One reason I love to read is that books provide me with a mini vacation (see also: my love of British mysteries and a good cup of tea!). Below are stories for you to explore, and if you have recommendations, I’d love to hear them!

Sending you cozy wishes for great reads,
Tammy D. Walker

Home

Here are more stories to discover:

The Early Adventures of the Lollipop Club” by Jinny Alexander

imageThis short story takes us back to Jess O’Malley’s childhood, in a fun serving of backstory to complement the Jess O’Malley Irish Village Mystery Series.

Jess, now seven years old, is doing her bit for Neighbourhood Watch. She’s already rescued Mr Jenkins’s cat but now Mr Jenkins has a suspicious visitor. Who is the woman and why is she in Mr Jenkins’s house for exactly seven minutes? Why is Jess’s brother Eric in a tree, and can Watson help the young siblings to solve the mystery before the bus arrives to take the mystery visitor away?

This story introduces Jess and Eric’s childhood love of sleuthing and the origins of the Lollipop Club they resurrect as adults when Jess, throughout the main series, stumbles on murder and mayhem far more often than any small Irish village should expect.

The Only Way is Larceny by Lou Collins

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A jealous understudy. A backstage prankster. Will a missing prop steal the show?

Though it’s summer, Chloe Essex is rehearsing the theatre company’s birthday spectacular—The Nutcracker! But when the Sugar Plum Fairy’s priceless tiara vanishes, she only has hours to find it before the play opens.

With temperatures and tensions rising, the cast and crew discover the spotlight reveals more than anyone bargained for. Chloe must navigate a hotbed of rivalries and mishaps to unravel the mystery and save her last performance.

Can she solve the crime or will the curtain on Chloe’s career and history’s most unconventional Nutcracker fall forever?

Dive into this laugh-out-loud contemporary British cozy mystery full of twists, turns, and surprises that are sure to keep you guessing until the final act!

Tempting Fête (Men Who Stitch Mysteries 1): A Diverse Cozy Mystery by Kate Silvers

 

imageJust a man, a murder, and a really, really embarrassing hobby.

Obadiah (Di) Goode has several problems. As the only African-American member of the Prospector’s Rest, North Carolina Sheriff’s Department, he’s already generally overlooked and ignored. But if news of his secret gets out, he’ll never hear the end of it.

Still, keeping the fact that he’s far faster with a knitting (or crochet or embroidery or, well, any kind of) needle than a gun is his usual concern. But when this sleepy mountain town which is home to more crafts shops than people opens its Sixth Annual Crafts Fête with its unbeloved mayor dropping dead out of nowhere, Di suddenly has much bigger concerns.

Roped into secretly investigating the case by MacBeth (Mac) Welles, the beautiful woman Di’s had a crush on since they were both in the playpen, Di gives in, and they and the department’s resident Boston terrier mascot, Sgt. Peewee–along with occasional insights from his online Men Who Stitch friends–discover any number of viable suspects. Was it the craft store owner the mayor broke off an affair with, who’s a bit too handy with her knitting needles? The local vacation home billionaire whose son may have gone too far this time? The local baker whose new recipe for hemp brownies has run afoul of the law? Or is it someone even closer to home?

Despite a complete lack of experience of anything besides tempting black bears out of town and breaking up tiffs between crafters, Di needs to figure it out. Because when a second person mysteriously collapses, it becomes obvious that the killer is getting a taste for death, and only Di and Mac can stop them before it’s too late.

A funny, romantic, and diverse cozy mystery filled with quirky characters you’ll want to make friends with and a town so warm and crazy that you’ll want to move in, Tempting Fête will leave you in stitches and begging for another mystery.

May 15, 2024

Hello, Cozy Readers! This year has been a fascinating one for looking up: first the total eclipse in April, and then the recent northern lights in May. I wasn’t able to see anything here in cloudy Dallas. But, as a radio geek, I did follow along in radio groups, where people posted pictures and discussed how the solar storms affected what they could hear, particularly from far-distant stations.

After thinking about the sky so much recently, I’m now focusing on coming back Down to Earth! (Okay, I’m a writer, I love word play, haha, couldn’t help myself!) I’m excited to announce the upcoming release date for the follow-up novel to Venus Rising. The second in the Daw County Sisters Mysteries series will be out September 9th. I’ll have links and a cover reveal soon, so stay tuned! And yes, this one has plenty for the radio fan crowd!

Did you catch the northern lights? I’d love to hear about it!

Sending cozy wishes for great reads,
Tammy D. Walker
https://www.tammydwalker.com

While you’re waiting for Down to Earth, why not find out more about these titles:

Grace in Hollywood: A Grace Michelle Mystery by Kari Bovee

imageAll that glitters… is sometimes blood. With her golden ticket buried in the ground, can she save a wrongly accused teen from the gallows?

Hollywood, 1924. Promoted to lead costume designer of a star-studded film, Grace Michelle should be on top of the world. But between the demands of her job, her sister’s recent death, and the troubled teenaged girl she’s fostering, she’s struggling to please everyone and still keep a smile on her face. And when a Tinseltown shindig turns deadly, Grace is horrified to discover her young charge unconscious alongside the director’s grisly corpse.

Determined to prove the girl’s innocence, Grace’s own haunted past fills her sleep with prophetic nightmares. And no sooner has she sought clarity from a medium than a second body lands the scared teenager in the slammer.

Can Grace turn the camera on the real culprit before another victim ends up on the cutting room floor?

Murder at the Summer Solstice Sleuthfest: A Ginny Jomes Alaskan Cozy Mystery
by Bebe Steiner

imageMeet Moose Peak, Alaska’s retired elementary school teacher, Ginny Jomes. That’s Jomes with an “M”. Book club maven, owner of a faithful miniature dachshund … and mystery solver.

Step into the charming town of Moose Peak, Alaska, and meet the witty and determined Ginny Jomes, a retired elementary school teacher turned silver-haired amateur sleuth. With her trusty miniature dachshund by her side and her best friends, the Moose Peak Mavens, Ginny is ready to start life again after being recently widowed.

On the opening morning of the annual Summer Solstice Sleuthfest writing convention a dead body is found in the Moose Peak Mountain Lodge’s new eco-tram. When fellow Maven and lodge owner Donna Matthews becomes the prime suspect, Ginny knows she has to save Donna. With the help of her book club – the Moose Peak Mavens, a talented writer with a murky past attending the conference and her trust mini dachshund, Ginny sets out to find the real killer. But will she become his next target?

 

Peril at Peacock Perch: A Seniors Cozy Mystery by Suzanne Rudd Hamilton

imageA murder in Peacock Perch points suspicion to one of their own

A murder case falls into the laps of the Secret Senior Sleuths Society leading the trail of clues to within the community for suspects, including one of its own. Madame Sleuth compiles an elite team from the senior detectives to follow the gossip and social media posts in the neighborhood to reveal potential clues, along with a combination of good old-fashioned sleuthing and technology-based investigation. With the high stakes of murder so close to their paradise home, can this group of senior citizens use their wits and lifetime experience and knowledge to crack the case and find the perpetrator no matter who it is?

May 1, 2024

Hello, Cozy Readers! May begins, for me, a season of travel weather, that warm-but-not-too-warm that makes me want to pack up and head somewhere for an adventure. Or at least read about a great getaway!

imageWhen I started researching Venus Rising, I watched a lot of travel videos. Which meant I was introduced to packing videos. Now, I think packing videos are useful guides to making sure we have just what we need without overburdening ourselves. But, more than that, I think they’re also a fascinating genre too. The stories around packing can be just as interesting as the trips the suitcases will be taken on!

And on the topic of suitcases, I found this radio at an estate sale. This radio geek couldn’t resist a radio with a travel case aesthetic, of course! I haven’t had the chance to use it much yet, but I am planning a video of a band scan soon.

Does May say “travel time” to you too? And are you into watching packing videos as much as I am? I’d love to hear from you!

Sending cozy wishes for great reads,
Tammy D. Walker
https://www.tammydwalker.com

 

Here are more books to explore:

Murder at the Cheese Shop

by Dani Simms

imageThe peaceful atmosphere of Los Robles is shattered when a murder takes place at the neighborhood cheese shop, causing chaos among the tight-knit community.

Local innkeeper and vineyard owner, Avery Parker, is shocked to discover that she is implicated in the mysterious death in her small hometown.

As Avery begins to investigate, she encounters a myriad of suspects, each with a convincing motive. She uncovers secrets and betrayals from past and present love interests, a disgruntled ex-employee, and a suspicious resident.

Her captivating journey leads her to hidden agendas in the search to solve the crime. The gossipy residents have their guesses, but who can she really trust?

With twists and turns at every corner, Murder at the Cheese Shop is a thrilling mystery that will keep sleuthing readers on the edge of their seats.

Wine pairings and irresistible recipes included!


The Goat that Wasn’t; A Baa-d Mystery

by Alexie Linn

imageGet ready to embark on a whimsical and mysterious journey with Sally, a woman who has always been pet-free, as she grapples with the unexpected appearance of a black and white billy goat in her dooryard.

This goat has no intention of leaving and becomes a constant and quirky presence in Sally’s life, pushing her beyond her comfort zone and into world of goat-related antics and misadventures.

Join Sally as she navigates the challenges of this unexpected visitor and discovers the surprising connections that can be formed when we open ourselves up to the unexpected. In this captivating twelfth installment of the series, prepare to be charmed by the humorous and heartwarming tale of Sally and the goat that defies all expectations.


The Haunted Inn

by Alex Mahon

imageCristina Solans always thought she lived in a sleepy little village where nothing happens. But when she is hired to investigate a possible haunting at a former inn, she uncovers more skeletons in the cupboard than a graveyard.

The case veers off the beaten track when her boyfriend hints at a new career move, which would mean the end of their relationship. What’s worse, he doesn’t seem too worried about it

Uncovering all these secrets and skeletons means having to reassess her relationship with all and sundry. Where else can she turn for help? The answer is closer to home than she thinks.

The Phantom of Escondida
by Mixed Bag Publishing

imageIsla can get in and out of buildings without being seen. She knows how to blend into a crowd, so when Miguel was putting together his team of elite spies, she jumped at the chance to work with such a legend. Now, the team is on the hunt for the notorious Valeria, who has made her boldest move yet.

Teo is Princess Isabella’s bodyguard and a childhood friend with Isla. When the princess is kidnapped on his watch, he immediately goes to Miguel, who partners him with Isla. As the two work together, the two start seeing each other as more than friends.

When a teammate whispers in Isla’s ear that Teo might be a double-agent with Valeria, Isla doesn’t know what to think. Are all the spies destined to fall for Valeria’s goons? Can Teo and Isla find Princess Isabella before it’s too late? Will our phantom be able to catch the illusive villain or will she get away…again?

Join the team for another action-packed adventure. Don’t miss the next chapter of Spies in Escondida as they continue to defend their country from its latest threat.

April 15, 2024

Hello, Cozy Readers! Warmer weather means spring cleaning here, and as part of that, I’ve been going through all my fabrics and threads, trying to figure out when I’m actually going to get around to all the beautiful projects I’d envisioned when I bought the stuff….

If I had the time, I think I’d take up quilting. I love the way patterns and colors in the fabrics work together to tell a story, complementing and clashing and then making something beautifully complete. And also, there’s the coziness of curling up beneath something so carefully crafted.

In spite of coming from a talented family full of women who sew, paint, crochet, knit, garden, and craft realistic-looking flowers out of fondant and food coloring, I’ve decided to stick with writing as my art. I won’t post pictures, but I’m very good at crocheting trapezoids . . . that should have been squares! That said, I’m grateful to have grown up watching my grandmother, mother, and sisters engaging in these crafts, because seeing them work gave me more appreciation for the process. Which is, in my mind, quality time!

My second quarter feels like it’s going more slowly than the first, but I did finish a draft of a novelette this past weekend, and this week, I’m working on poems for my current manuscript. Happy National Poetry Month!

Do you sew? Bake? Paint? I’d love to hear about your crafts and artwork!

Sending you cozy wishes,
Tammy D. Walker
https://www.tammydwalker.com

Here’s another cozy to discover:


Mocha & Melodies: A Red Line Coffee Mystery Companion Novella

by Donna B McNicol

imageA college campus, a musical competition, and a group of talented young adults. What could go possibly wrong?

Plenty…and it does, starting with a dead contestant.

Jodi Delgado, aka Gabby, decides to enter the eight-week combination music camp and competition sponsored by the Whisper Peak Institute of Music. She never expected to find a new best friend while there, and her new best friend never expected to be involved in the murder of her roommate.

April 1, 2024

imageHello, Cozy Readers! March was a busy one for me, as I wrapped up the draft of The Wing of a Bee and started an outline for a cozy series I’m tentatively calling the “Not the End of the World Mysteries.” That series is one I should have news about by the end of the year, so stay tuned!

Otherwise, we’re getting ready here for the eclipse on the 8th. Dallas is in the path of totality, and my family and I are so excited about seeing this amazing event. Are you planning to watch the eclipse too?

March has also meant flowers! Primroses, oxalis, and bluets in my yard as well as hen bit, corn flowers, and poppies we’ve seen out on our walks. Oh, and this gorgeous rose too. I hope April brings you lots of beauty in nature and a bounty of good books too!

Sending you cozy wishes for great reads,
Tammy D. Walker
https://www.tammydwalker.com

Here are more cozy reads to discover:

Death By Tinsel by C Farren

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From Hollywood to Yorkshire, from fame to murder…

Barbara Lucci has it all; a star on the Hollywood walk of fame, money, a loving husband, and a starring role in the long-running American soap opera Forever and a Day, a job she’s cherished for forty years.

Then everything changes. Barbara’s soap is canceled, and her husband runs off with her all money. With nowhere to turn to, Barbara returns to her native England and the sleepy Yorkshire seaside town of Whitborough to stay with her mother June, who runs a bed and breakfast.

When someone from another bed and breakfast is strangled to death with some tinsel, Barbara is intrigued. Not only is the sole witness to the crime the victim’s cute border collie, Gulliver, but the local policeman investigating is none other than the first boy she ever kissed, Brendan Fury. Barbara decides she has to investigate this murder, not only for something to do but to save the reputation of her mother’s beloved B & B.

This is a fun, quirky, and clean, cozy mystery set in a beautiful Yorkshire seaside town with a glamorous soap star, cute dogs, dashing police officers, and a puzzling Christmas murder mystery.

Murder at the Harvest Field by Dani Simms

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When a body is discovered in the middle of a vineyard’s harvest festival, winemaker Avery Parker must put down her glass of vino to pick up the clues.

With a dangerous murderer potentially lurking around in her small town of Los Robles, California, the once-peaceful community is thrown into turmoil.

Can Avery channel her amateur sleuth skills to crack the case? Along with her detective boyfriend Charles and canine companion, Sprinkles, by her side, she starts examining the victim’s past and piecing together the final moments of his life.

The clock is ticking as the close-knit town hangs in the balance.

Grab a bottle of your favorite vintage and get ready for a killer read filled with secrets, twists, and red herrings galore in Murder at the Harvest Field.

The Love Letter Mystery by Lee Williamson

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A Special Book. A Love Letter. A Mystery to be Solved.

Big changes are happening in Clara’s life, is now really the time to be helping her friend Sassy find the owner of a mysterious love letter?

Her boyfriend Tyrone wants her to concentrate on their future, but solving the mystery is just too intriguing to ignore.

Will Clara find the owner of the letter? And will she still have a boyfriend if she does?