"A pretty sight, a lady with a book."
Shirley Jackson
Happy Trick or Treat Eve! It's been a busy 10th month of the year--trips to an island, releasing a new book, and observing as the nation (and world) awaits an election that will affect the lives of us all. #ScaryStuff
As we contemplate life's mysteries and things to come on this All-Hallows' Eve, I thought I'd do a bit of literary trick-or-treating and post a few whispers from spooktacular authors whose works I have enjoyed over the years.
Some of the quotes have taken on new meaning for me with the passage of time. Did these authors have insights from experience? Visions of the unknown? Or paths best avoided? Read... and ponder... if you dare...
Edgar Allan Poe 💀🌹
Arthur Conan Doyle 💀🌹
"My own mind began to grow, watchful with anxious thoughts."
Mary Shelley 💀🌹
"The sight of one's own heart is degrading; people are not meant to look inward - that's why they've been given bodies, to hide their souls."
Shirley Jackson 💀🌹
"I learned ... that one can never go back, that one should not ever try to go back - that the essence of life is going forward. Life is really a one-way street, isn't it?"
Agatha Christie 💀🌹
Did any of these literary giants' musings resonate with you? Sometimes life's reflections are stranger, and scarier, than fiction... #BOO
Wishing you and yours a spooktacular Halloween filled with more treats than tricks! It's Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews are in for Behind the Scenes!
Be still my heart (not too still). The first book reviews are in for my latest mystery, and I am thrilled! Huge thank you to Sandy Signing In and Diogenes!
Lady Gemma Lancaster Williams, married to Sir Kyle, has had many dangerous adventures in England. But she doesn’t leave trouble behind when she travels across the pond to the US. In “Behind the Scenes,” Gemma has very little time to get her bearings in the family estate located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The recently renovated homestead might have a beautifully updated interior, but that doesn’t mean a ghostly presence has been exorcised. It’s up to Gemma and her helpful family and friends to sort out the reason for the ghost’s presence, a scandal that included a previous occupant and her untimely death.
The mystery and danger surrounding the ghost is only one element in this beautifully written mystery. The living are clearly determined to threaten Gemma’s reason for coming to Shadow Ridge. While she’s trying to launch an extraordinary exhibition in the small town of Smoky Gulch, a murderer is on the loose. But this is no ordinary killer. This person is brilliant and clearly insane.
I won’t go into too much detail and spoil the fun of reading this clever mystery, but I will say there are many twists to keep you guessing. They include a complicated family history with lots of secrets to be discovered, underground chambers to explore, and high tech equipment that will keep you intrigued. While you’re busy trying to solve murder cases and scandals, you can also enjoy Gemma’s endearing family, delicious food and spirited drinks and a sometimes cozy, sometimes dangerous small town with a holiday atmosphere.
Author Veronica Cline Barton’s latest mystery leaves you feeling very satisfied and knowing you can highly recommend the book to your friends. Enjoy!
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Yay! The ‘My American Almost Royal Cousin’ series returns!
True to form, Lady Gemma et al find the preparations for an exhibition roll-out do not go smoothly. Moreover, it is rumored that, “The King is not amused” that the event is being held in the US rather than on the shores of Perfidious Albion.
As prima donna actors and fans descend on Shadow Ridge (Smoky Gulch, North Carolina), and local Mayor Luella MacLaughlan scents an opportunity for tourist dollars, what could possibly go wrong?
As it turns out, quite a lot. And no MAARC novel would be complete without a murderer to hand.
The author throws in her hallmark treats of twists and red herrings galore, seasoned with human interest elements. Plus – if that weren’t enough – sabotage, deceit, drama, and a whole family under threat. If you’re a fan of this series, you won’t be disappointed. Bring on Book Ten!
And if you haven’t yet dived into Ms. Cline Barton’s writings, why not?
Here’s the opening, so you can see what you’re missing:
“Lightning tore through the sky perilously close. Its luminosity lit up the dark waters of Wolf Moon Lake. The waves lashed violently at the waterfront pummeling the terrace and docks. The mist loomed over the surrounding mountain tops providing an ominous, swirling cloak for the raging storm…”
Pssst...the paperback copies arrived, and they are gorgeous! Huge thanks to my stepdaughter, Danielle Gregorio who did the cover design!
Mystery and thrills, regal eats, and holiday fun this month from the writers of X...
5⭐ Thanksgiving, the start of the holidays; a time for family gatherings, great food, and healthy servings of fun and drama!
Glory's mother is hosting the bountiful dinner to kick off the season. Her surprise guest has a few of the family members on edge--it's her ex, the father of Glory, Lolly, and brother, Jack. Will his presence bring a joyful reunion, or a flood of bad memories? Glory's adoring husband, Stanley is by her side, but will his soothing manner help or hinder her mood?
Author Bazinet weaves a heartwarming tale of a family's quest to reunite for the holidays and adjust to their new circumstances. This book and series are a must read as the season's festivities and gatherings approach. A highly recommended read!
5⭐ Private Investigator Dan Armstrong and his trusty canine, Oscar take on a suspicious death case from a client he once sent to prison. Bianca Moretti's father, Leonardo, owns an elegant retreat on the coast of the Italian Riviera. One of the guests has drowned, his death ruled accidental by the local police, but Leonardo thinks there may be something more nefarious going on.
Dan and Oscar soon find out their investigation will bare all, literally. The retreat's guests are naturists, whose naked bodies leave little to the imagination!
As Dan throws his clothing inhabitations to the wind, he soon is on the trail of a clandestine operation. Sorting out the good guys from the bad is easier said than done. An entertaining read for cozy mystery fans--I truly enjoyed this tale and the series!
5⭐ Envy and revenge spiral out of control in Author Brodey's latest thriller. Fraternal twins Jade and Amber have a seemingly ideal life, until unhinged jealousy drives a teenage Jade to kill her sister.
Unbeknownst to her, Amber survives and makes a frightening plea to her parents--she wants them to take her away and let Jade think she's died. In a heartbreaking twist, Amber's mother takes Jade to live in California, while her father takes Amber to New York City for a new life away from her evil twin's dangerous tendencies. Will the deceptive move work?
Fast forward twenty-three years. A bitter and deranged Jade is determined to go to New York to find her parents and take back the life she thinks she deserves, at any cost. Visits to childhood friends and family turn dangerous, and deadly. Dark secrets and memories emerge, with unexpected twists and turns. Author Brodey weaves a page-turning, psychological thriller that will leave you breathless! A highly recommended read--if you dare!
5⭐ Tom Parker Bowles, British award-winning food writer and restaurant reviewer (who also happens to be the son of the current Queen and stepson to the King) gives readers and foodies an inside scoop to royal, culinary favorites spanning from Victorian times to the current Carolean era.
Royal fans get behind the scenes quips about the breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, and dessert favorites sure to satisfy queen and kingly appetites of any age. And yes, there are even a few regal cocktails to enjoy. Get those royal tastebuds ready--a delightful read for fans of the crown!
Games to keep the little gray cells entertained!
The holidays and cool weather will soon be upon us--what better time to gather round the fire and challenge the little gray cells with a mystery game. Two of my favorites I've mentioned before are the Downton Abbey Clue and Rear Window games. I've recently added the Agatha Christie Trivia game to my collection--300 killer questions that will see how keen your Christie recollections are! I'm looking forward to testing my memory. #DunDunDun You can find out more about this latest game here:
Welcome to my world. Wishing you and yours a spooktacular Halloween, and a bountiful November!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. The U.S. Presidential election occurs on November 5th--get out and vote if you haven't already done so! Take care and stay safe. Gemma and Rikkhe approve 💖👑
I love those writers' quotes, Veronica. I think the one that resonates with me is Agatha Christie's.
Congratulations on the new release! I'm reading my copy now—I have obligations for 3 other books, so I'm trying to read all three at once. I'll review as soon as I'm done!
Happy Halloween and be safe this Election Day!
xo A