Tag Archives: #cozymystery

July 25, 2024 · 3:16 am

New Book release from Louise Stevens!!!

I have always hosted my friend Louise Stevens on any release day of a new book she has and I am tickled pink today is another of those release days! AN APPLE A SLAY releases TODAY!!!! It’s a SECOND ACTS COZY MYSTERY and a story that will keep you guessing until the end! It just arrived on my Kindle and I am ready to dive it! This cover is EVERYTHING!! I love it so much.

BLURB:

Autumn in tiny Maple Hills brings leaf-peepers, apples galore, and… murder? I’m Amanda Seldon, and I never imagined when I returned to my Connecticut hometown to pursue my dream of being an author that sleuthing would be my side hustle.

But I just found my second body in four months. My childhood crush turned current boyfriend is a prime suspect, and because the state police took over the case, even his police chief brother can’t help him. The victim was unpopular in town, and plenty of people had motives to knock him off, but the police are laser-focused on Dylan. If I don’t step up, I’m afraid the real murderer will get off scot-free.

Looks like Fluffy my attack shih tzu and I are on the case again. But now the killer is after us. Can we solve the crime before Dylan goes to jail for a murder he didn’t commit?

EXCERPT:

I opened the door to the outbuilding that housed the Maple Hills Orchard offices. Knowing Fluffy’s second favorite person in the world after me—fine, the only other person in the world she liked—was inside, she trotted ahead of me like a little big shot.

“Dylan! I have the best news­­––”

I stopped in my tracks when I saw he was in a meeting with someone. And not just any someone, a willowy blonde who resembled a Scandinavian supermodel dressed like a businesswoman for a photo shoot.

“Amanda, come in.” Gratitude flashed in Dylan’s hazel eyes. It was just for a second, and then he got his polite face back in place.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“No problem, we were just wrapping up,” Dylan said.

“Dylan is being polite; we still have some business to conduct.” A brief pause before the word ‘business’ and the teasing tilt of her red lips was just enough to hint it was monkey business they were conducting. But I knew Dylan well enough to know this woman was no threat to me.

“Amanda, do you remember Mallory Davisson from high school? Mallory, this is Amanda Seldon.”

Memories of interactions with Mallory flooded my mind, and let me just say none of them were pleasant. She’d been the quintessential mean girl when we were kids, and she seemed to save a lot of her premium nastiness for my friends and me. At the time, I didn’t understand, but with an adult appreciation of the situation, I realized she was probably insecure and felt the need to go after the weakest members of the pack. Jeremy, Cara, and me.

Maybe I matured with age, but the sweeping look of condescension she gave my outfit was vintage Mallory. “Don’t you look, um, sweet.”

My clothes were perfect for working all afternoon in old apple barn with no central heating. I wore jeans with a pink, fuzzy alpaca sweater, and shearling boots. Not the height of fashion, but it was functional and I knew I looked cute. Although when I looked at her black pencil skirt and fitted white silk blouse, not to mention the mile-high pumps with their tell-tale red sole, a little flutter of unease in my belly made me wish I was dressed in some of my LA clothes.

I squared my shoulders and decided to be the better person. “And you look fantastic, Mallory.”

She leaned back in her chair, and I could see the white all around her ice-blue eyes. Huh. Seemed like the mean girl didn’t know how to react to kindness in response to her backhanded compliments. Good to know.

Her eyes narrowed. “I see you never managed to leave Maple Hills. I live in Manhattan now.”

Dylan took a breath to intervene, but I sent a glance his way to let him know I had this, and his shoulders relaxed.

“I lived in Brooklyn, when I worked in Manhattan. So much more cutting-edge, you know? But I’ve spent the last ten years in Los Angeles. I just recently moved back to Maple Hills.”

            A sudden cough told me Dylan had just smothered a chuckle, and I flashed a smile his way. “And I’m very happy to be here.”

            “Of course you are, bless your heart.”

            Oh no she didn’t. Did Mallory just bless-your-heart me? It was on.

            She continued before I could speak. “I believe your two friends still live here too. What did everyone call you? The Three Stooges?”

            I didn’t enjoy conflict, and my heart thudded in my chest, but I pasted on a smile. “Oh no, it’s the Three Musketeers, but I understand the literary allusion is above some people’s heads.”

            Mallory sat up straight, and the movement diverted Fluffy’s attention from her beloved Dylan, at whose feet she sat. My fierce little defender sensed a threat and growled in a manner worthy of a rottweiler and then charged at Mallory, barking wildly. Her tail was down, a sure sign she was seriously displeased.

            Mallory curled up in her seat, as best she could in her tight skirt. “Call off your mutt.”

            “Fluffy, it’s okay, sweetie. She can’t hurt me,” I crooned to Fluffy, but still held on tight to her leash. Sometimes there was no soothing her when she got in a state.

            Dylan squatted, held out his hand, palm side up, and spoke in a calm, quiet voice, “Come here, Fluffy.”

            It was enough to divert her, and the barking stopped as she glanced over her shoulder to Dylan. Her tail was still down though, so it could go either way.

            “Good girl. Come here.” He rubbed his thumb and forefinger together and smiled at Fluffy.

            Her tail slowly lifted over her back, and with one last look of disdain at Mallory, she turned and pranced to Dylan, who scooped her up in his arms. His glance at Mallory was cold. “Fluffy is not a mutt. Not that there’s anything wrong with mutts.”

            Since I still held her leash, when Dylan picked her up, I had to move closer to his side.

            “It’s almost time for my shift at the orchard store, and while I’d love to stay and catch up with Mallory…” I paused briefly here, waiting for lightning to strike me. “I was wondering if I could get the key to your house, so I can leave Fluffy there while I work.”

            “Sure, but why can’t she stay at home?” He handed the dog to me, and dug in his pockets for his key chain.

            “Mom is vacuuming, and it whips Fluffy into a frenzy.”

            A slow smile oozed across Mallory’s face like an oil slick. “You live at home with your parents? How precious.”

            I ignored her and turned my gaze to Dylan. “Which brings me to my good news. I just made an offer on a lakeside condo. Fingers crossed!”

            His smile warmed me down to my toes. If only he could smile at me that way the whole time I was working in the chilly barn, I wouldn’t need to wear these boots.

            “Great news. You can tell me all about it at dinner tonight.” Dylan leaned down and pressed a kiss to my lips.

Mallory cleared her throat in a pointed manner, and he reluctantly pulled away from me. “I just need to see Mallory off, and then I’ll check on Fluffy before I come over to the apple barn to see you.”

“See me off? We’re not done with our meeting.” Mallory frowned.

“Oh, yes we are,” Dylan said in a firm tone, which left no room for discussion.

I snatched the key and dashed for the door, still holding Fluffy in my arms. She took the opportunity to growl one more time at Mallory, who flinched.

The woman had tormented me from the time we started school until high school graduation, and I wish I could be a better person, but the way our reunion had gone today, my only thought was karma was sweet.

Buy Links:

Amazon:

https://bit.ly/3S44KWf

Barnes & Noble:

https://bit.ly/3S6lU5w

Apple Books:

https://bit.ly/3zBmCBm

Kobo:

https://bit.ly/4f2GpKa

Smashwords:

https://bit.ly/3Lmsy43

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Louise Stevens is the author of the Port Sunset Mysteries, and the Second Act Cozy Mystery series. A lover of mysteries since her discovery of Nancy Drew many years ago, she is thrilled to be writing cozy mysteries now. She lives in Maryland with her husband, who also loves a good mystery, in a house packed with books.

Louise Stevens is the pen name of contemporary romance author Donna Simonetta.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071660405154

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Louise-Stevens/author/B09HHR74VQ

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21848293.Louise_Stevens

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15422407.Donna_Simonetta

BookBub:

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/louise-stevens

BookBub:

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/louise-stevens

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August 24, 2023 · 12:40 am

The Slay’s the Thing…a new #cozymystery by famed author Louise Stevens

My good friend and excellent writer, Louise Stevens, has just released her 10th book! And it’s another 5 star read for me. This cozy mystery is the start of a new series for Louise, SECOND ACT COZY MYSTERIES, and I can guarantee the series is a winner!! Here’s a little about the book from Louise:

The second act of Amanda Seldon’s life is about to begin. She’s leaving behind her corporate career behind and moving back to her small New England hometown to pursue her dream of being an author.

In a play, the second act is where all the exciting stuff happens, but Amanda doesn’t expect life in Maple Hills to be murder. Literally.

But when murders happen, Amanda is quick to get her sleuth on, along with her two childhood best friends, her fun-loving aunt, and her neurotic rescue dog. What could go wrong? They’ve all read a lot of mystery novels, and Fluffy is an attack shih tzu.

If you love small-town cozy mysteries with quirky characters, an adorable dog, humor, and heart, then the Second Act Cozy Mysteries series is for you!

Peggy here – doesn’t that sound fabulous? Trust me, it is!!

I’m Amanda Seldon and I knew it would be a change to leave my soul-sucking corporate career and move back to my sleepy hometown to pursue my dream of being an author. But I never suspected it would literally be murder.

Working part-time at a summer stock theater is perfect to earn some cash. Until someone gets killed and the police chief suspects me. The cherry on top is the chief’s brother is my childhood crush, and I don’t want to be wearing an orange jumpsuit when we meet again. I set out to find the murderer with my two best friends, fun-loving aunt, and my anxious rescue dog. No problem, right? We’ve all read plenty of mysteries, and Fluffy is an attack shih tzu.

It’s the second act of my life, and in a play that’s when the exciting stuff happens. Exciting is fine, but will I be a free woman when the curtain goes down?

I hustled Fluffy into the theater and rushed down the aisle toward the stage. The dim emergency lighting, which was left on all the time when the theater was in operation, was the only illumination. Once we reached the stage, Fluffy trotted up the steps before me, and I followed along.

            On the stage, my dog made a beeline for the very spot I wanted to avoid. The one where we had found the body. Who knew Fluffy was such a little ghoul?

            “Not that way, Fluff. We need to get to the stage door on the other side of the stage.” I tugged gently on her leash, but she continued to sniff the wooden floorboards.

            While I debated how I could juggle everything else I carried to try to pick her up like a furry football and make a break for the stage door, she finally stopped sniffing and lifted her head.

            “That’s a good girl, Fluff, let’s go home.” I turned and walked toward the other side of the stage, but stopped short when the leash pulled taut and wouldn’t let me go any further.

            I looked back at my dog, only to find her staring fixedly up into the rafters over my head. She growled low in her throat. My gaze nervously flicked in the direction she was peering, and I caught a glimpse of a shadow up above.

            Someone was in the rafters.

Get your copy here:

Amazon:

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3PzFYg9

Apple: https://apple.co/3PCx6X8

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3JzYEbL

Smashwords: https://bit.ly/3XtOUFM

Tolino: https://bit.ly/3CRwYLW

Vivlio: https://bit.ly/3COUhWv

Louise Stevens is the author of the Port Sunset Mysteries series. A lover of mysteries since her discovery of Nancy Drew many years ago, she is thrilled to be writing cozy mysteries now. She lives in Maryland with her husband, who also loves a good mystery, in a house packed with books.

Louise Stevens is the pen name of contemporary romance author Donna Simonetta

Add THE SLAY’S THE THING to GOODREADS want to read list here: Goodreads

I was sososo lucky to receive and ARC of this fun book, and you can read my review here: REVIEW

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March 30, 2023 · 1:15 am

Cabanas, Cupids, & Corpses. A new #cozymystery from #author Louise Stevens

My good friend, writer LOUISE STEVENS has a new addition to her PORT SUNSET Mysteries out today, and as she has ever since the first one was released, she’s visiting me and allowing me to tell you all about it! I love a good tradition, lol.

This series is sosososo good!!! Let’s get a peek at the newest addition….

It’s Valentine’s Day in Port Sunset and romance, fun, and murder are in the air. Yep, murder. I’m Millie Wentworth the assistant General Manager of the Gulf Palms Resort. And since our sleepy beach town comes with a body count to rival any big city, I’m an amateur sleuth on the side.

The hotel is hosting a Masquerade Ball and half the attendees are dressed as Cupid. When someone is shot through the heart with a bow and arrow there is no shortage of suspects since Cupids are everywhere. And the victim was so awful lots of people had reason to do her in…seriously…LOTS. Including me.

As usual Detective Green’s laser focus is aimed at the wrong suspects. When my fun-loving grandmother Lulu, Spud the corgi, and I discover another body we need to find the real murderer pronto. Can we catch the killer Cupid before they strike again?

Get your copy here:

Amazon:

https://amzn.to/3l64jx3

Barnes & Noble:

http://bit.ly/3ZVmg0o

Apple:

https://apple.co/3mLJ9VR

Kobo:

http://bit.ly/3ZZ51v3

Smashwords:

http://bit.ly/3mMH4IZ

Amazon Paperback:

https://amzn.to/3FmTEWa

I pulled out my phone and then tossed my purse into the back seat of Scott’s car. I planted my butt on the passenger seat and then swung my tail in behind me. I sighed dramatically. “I cannot wait to get out of this costume.”

The only thing keeping me from yanking the blue wig off my head was knowing what my pinned-up hair looked like underneath it. No need to send Scott running into the night from the horror of the sight.

Scott glanced my way before he drove away from the valet stand. “How many messages did you have from Lulu?”

“A lot. Let me just let her know we’re on our way home and I’ll talk to her in the morning.” I tapped on my phone as I spoke.

When I hit send, I lowered my phone and stared out the windshield in front of me. The roads were empty at this time of night.

After a couple of blocks of silence, Scott cleared his throat and said, “I’m going to hate myself for asking, but do you have any idea about who might’ve killed this woman?”

I flicked a long, flowing lock of aqua hair over my shoulder to see him better in the orange glow of the streetlights. “Why are you going to hate yourself for asking?”

“Because every other time you’ve investigated a murder, you’ve almost been killed, and I don’t want to lose you. And if I ask, it’s like I’m yielding to the inevitable … and it’s sleuthing time.”

“Without Tyler on the case, you might not have to worry too much.”

“It actually makes me more worried. I think Tyler getting your findings to Detective Green is the only reason the right people are in jail for three murders. If Tyler is excluded from the case, I’m afraid Green might arrest the wrong person,” Scott said as he stopped at a red light.

There were no cars in sight in any direction, but we sat at the light like good, little citizens until it turned green.

“I don’t want that to happen, maybe Jennifer can help me feed information to Green. He worships her. Heck, she was even able to get him to dress like Juan Peron tonight. She could get him to do anything,” I said.

One corner of Scott’s mouth tilted up. “You do realize you just proved my point.”

I scrunched up my forehead. “What point?”

“You’re incapable of letting a murderer go free due to Green’s incompetence. You’re already trying to think of ways to get the results of your investigation to him. Face it, Millie, it’s sleuthing time, and you’re all in.”

(My review of this great story!: CCC

Louise Stevens is the author of the Port Sunset Mysteries series. A lover of mysteries since her discovery of Nancy Drew many years ago, she is thrilled to be writing cozy mysteries now. She lives in Maryland with her husband, who also loves a good mystery, in a house packed with books.

Louise Stevens is the pen name of contemporary romance author Donna Simonetta.

Connect with Louise here:

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071660405154

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Louise-Stevens/author/B09HHR74VQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/donna_simonetta

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21848293.Louise_Stevens

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15422407.Donna_Simonetta

BookBub:

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/louise-stevens

Find all the Port Sunshine Mysteries here: Lousie Stevens Mysteries

1

Penthouse, Pools, & Poison (Port Sunset Mysteries Book 1)

When the obnoxious guest in the penthouse is poisoned beside his private pool, my daily planner is turned upside down. I’m Millie Wentworth, Assistant General Manager of the swanky Gulf Palms Resort and Spa and solving the murder shouldn’t be my job, but the only food found near the body is a charcuterie board sent to the victim by yours truly.

The Port Sunset Police are looking my way until a shocking revelation shifts their attention to a friend. Suddenly, cracking the case moves to the top of my to-do list and it’s up to me to find the real killer and clear my friend’s name.

Uncovering the truth should be a breeze with me, my pink-haired grandmother, her rescue corgi, and her crew of fun-loving septuagenarian beach bunnies on the case. What could possibly go wrong?

****COZY MYSTERY OF THE YEAR FINALIST, N.N. Light’s Annual Book Awards****

“Get ready to curl up with your next favorite book!” USA Today Best-selling Author Claire Marti

“…one of the best cozy mysteries I’ve ever read.” N.N. Light’s Book Heaven

“…you won’t want this rollicking romp to end.” 5-Star Amazon Review


2

Diamonds, Dunes, & Death (Port Sunset Mysteries Book 2)

I’m Millie Wentworth and I never thought I’d be involved in another murder, but here I am smack dab in the middle of a crime wave at the swanky resort where I’m Assistant General Manager. It started with a major diamond heist and ended with a dead body on the beach.

When one of my grandmother Lulu’s group of fun-loving septuagenarian friends is a prime suspect it’s time for Lulu’s Crew, Spud the corgi, and me, to get sleuthing and uncover the real criminals.

And because dodging mobsters, international jewel thieves, and solving crimes isn’t stressful enough, my hypercritical parents are in town too. My mother doesn’t approve of Lulu and me in the best of times, and these are decidedly not the best of times. Plus she’s already planning my imaginary wedding to my kinda-sorta boyfriend Scott.

All I need to do is catch a murderer plus a jewel thief and survive my parents’ visit. No problem, right?


3

Sunshine, Selfies, & Smugglers (Port Sunset Mysteries Book 3)

Solving mysteries with my fun-loving grandmother Lulu, her friends, and Spud the corgi is my side hustle. By day I’m Millie Wentworth the assistant general manager of the swanky Gulf Palms Resort, so you wouldn’t think sleuthing would be in my skill set. But lately it has been, and since summer is our busy season in Port Sunset I’d hoped it would be murder-free. Is that too much to ask?

Apparently so, because when social influencer Merry Marissa’s yacht cruises into town, we’re suddenly up to our necks in smuggling, stalkers, and slaughter. I have more suspects than the Tipsy Turtle has mai tais. And I’m without my sleuthing team, because Lulu’s Crew are busy going viral to raise money for animal charities.

Can I unravel the mystery and find the killer before Lulu’s Crew and I become the next victims?

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October 6, 2022 · 3:00 am

SUNSHINE, SELFIES, & SMUGGLERS a new #cozymystery from Louise Stevens – out today!

I am just thrilled to be able to present to you -once again on her release day! – one of my favorite authors, Louise Stevens, and her newest Port Sunset Mystery, SUNSHINE, SELFIES, & SMUGGLERS!

It’s a tradition around here that Louise and her doppelganger, Donna Simonetta, visit me on their books’ release day and it’s always a supreme pleasure for me.

So, let’s get to it….. here’s Louise and the Port Sunset gang!

Smuggling, social media sensations, and shootings…just another summer in Port Sunset

Solving mysteries with my fun-loving grandmother Lulu, her friends, and Spud the corgi is my side hustle. By day I’m Millie Wentworth the assistant general manager of the swanky Gulf Palms Resort, so you wouldn’t think sleuthing would be in my skill set. But lately it has been, and since summer is our busy season in Port Sunset I’d hoped it would be murder-free. Is that too much to ask?

            Apparently so, because when social influencer Merry Marissa’s yacht cruises into town, we’re suddenly up to our necks in smuggling, stalkers, and slaughter. I have more suspects than the Tipsy Turtle has mai tais. And I’m without my sleuthing team, because Lulu’s Crew are busy going viral to raise money for animal charities.

            Can I unravel the mystery and find the killer before Lulu’s Crew and I become the  next victims?

“I’m no expert, but I don’t think that’s how you do downward dog. What the

ever-loving fudge is she doing?” I watched a woman in a bikini roughly the size of four microchips strung together with dental floss as she posed on all fours on the beach.

            “In all fairness it is a doggy position. Just not the yoga one,” Lulu said.

            I swatted my grandmother’s arm. “Not helping, Lulu.”

            “She’s been doing this the whole time, and whatever it is, it is not yoga.” My BFF Nell was attempting to lead a yoga practice for guests of the Gulf Palms Resort and Spa on the gorgeous Gulf Coast of Florida. “I’m not even sure she’s a hotel guest. She’s being very disruptive. I had to stop the class because people were getting so upset. Can you get her to stop sometime before my morning yoga practice is over?”

            Nell was right, as the Assistant General Manager of the hotel, it was on me to put an end to this woman’s shenanigans. I pasted on my best professional smile and walked across the powdery white sand. “Excuse me––”

            The woman looked directly at the smartphone she had positioned on a tripod with a professional-looking light ring to film whatever the heck it was she was doing. She beamed at the camera and said, “Sorry Merry Maniacs, but my public is interrupting. I’ll be right back to you, my lovelies.” She flashed a peace sign at the camera with a roguish wink and then crawled over to turn off the video recording. She stood up, flicked her long, expertly waved brown hair over her shoulder, put her hands on her hips, and glared at me. “Just who the f–––”

            “Hello,” I interrupted before she could utter a very un-yoga-friendly word. Internally my professional smile might’ve wavered, but I kept it on my face as I stepped toward her with my hand extended. She scowled at my hand as if I were offering her rotten fish. I lowered my hand but responded pleasantly. “I’m Millie Wentworth, the Assistant General Manager of the Gulf Palms Resort and Spa. And you are?”

            Her big brown eyes widened and I noticed even on the beach she had full make-up on and false eyelashes luxuriant enough that a breeze might’ve wafted by my face as she blinked at me. “Don’t you know who I am? I’m Merry Marissa.”

            The name Merry Marissa meant nothing to me, in spite of her pronouncement of it as if she were telling me she was the Queen of England. “Ms. Marissa­­­­––”

            “Not Ms. Marissa,” she snapped. “My name is Marrisa Merriweather. Merry Marissa is my social media handle. My brand. M-E-R-R-Y. Because I’m so fun-loving.”

            At the moment, she didn’t seem fun-loving so much as cheesed off, but I let it slide.

            Lulu cocked her head and looked at the woman. “I’ve seen Merry Marissa online before. I didn’t recognize you.” She turned to me and added, “She’s a big-time social influencer.
            Merry Marissa nodded. “The old lady is right. I am big time.” She looked my grandmother up and down and her jaw dropped when she got to Lulu’s white bobbed hair, currently streaked with a lovely shade of aqua. “You are obviously one well-informed person. And I love the hair! Don’t tell me you got it done in this podunk town.”

            “I did.” Lulu jerked her thumb over her should at the historic pink resort where I worked. “At the Tranquility Spa and Salon in the hotel.”

            “I’ll have to check it out. Keeping up my appearance is very important to my brand.”

            Nell cleared her throat, and I jolted as I realized how off track our conversation had gotten. “I’m sorry, Ms. Merriweather, but Nell is leading a yoga practice for guests of the hotel, so I’m going to have to ask you to film elsewhere.”

            She shook her head and snapped. “No way.”

            “I’m sorry, what?” I asked.

            “I’m trying to film myself attending the yoga class for my followers. Show them how ‘spiritual’ I can be.” Marissa made air quotes around the word spiritual and then snorted while she rolled her eyes.

            “Yes, but these people are paying guests at our resort and actually participating in the practice, not just posing for pictures. And you are recording our guests for public display without their permission. I’m afraid I must insist you delete the video and move on, Ms. Merriweather.”

Get your copy here:

Amazon: Barnes & Noble: Apple: Kobo: Scribd: Vivlio

And if you prefer print copies, click this link: PRINT

Louise Stevens is the author of the Port Sunset Mysteries series. A lover of mysteries since her discovery of Nancy Drew many years ago, she is thrilled to be writing cozy mysteries now. She lives in Maryland with her husband, who also loves a good mystery, in a house packed with books.

Louise Stevens is the pen name of contemporary romance author Donna Simonetta

Connect with Louise here:

Facebook: Amazon Author Page Twitter Goodreads Bookbub

And check out the first two books in the series:

PENTHOUSE, POOLS, & POISON

When the obnoxious guest in the penthouse is poisoned beside his private pool, my daily planner is turned upside down. I’m Millie Wentworth, Assistant General Manager of the swanky Gulf Palms Resort and Spa and solving the murder shouldn’t be my job, but the only food found near the body is a charcuterie board sent to the victim by yours truly.

The Port Sunset Police are looking my way until a shocking revelation shifts their attention to a friend. Suddenly, cracking the case moves to the top of my to-do list and it’s up to me to find the real killer and clear my friend’s name.

Uncovering the truth should be a breeze with me, my pink-haired grandmother, her rescue corgi, and her crew of fun-loving septuagenarian beach bunnies on the case. What could possibly go wrong?

****COZY MYSTERY OF THE YEAR FINALIST, N.N. Light’s Annual Book Awards****

“Get ready to curl up with your next favorite book!” USA Today Best-selling Author Claire Marti

“…one of the best cozy mysteries I’ve ever read.” N.N. Light’s Book Heaven

“…you won’t want this rollicking romp to end.” 5-Star Amazon Review

DIAMONDS, DUNES, & DEATH

I’m Millie Wentworth and I never thought I’d be involved in another murder, but here I am smack dab in the middle of a crime wave at the swanky resort where I’m Assistant General Manager. It started with a major diamond heist and ended with a dead body on the beach.

When one of my grandmother Lulu’s group of fun-loving septuagenarian friends is a prime suspect it’s time for Lulu’s Crew, Spud the corgi, and me, to get sleuthing and uncover the real criminals.

And because dodging mobsters, international jewel thieves, and solving crimes isn’t stressful enough, my hypercritical parents are in town too. My mother doesn’t approve of Lulu and me in the best of times, and these are decidedly not the best of times. Plus she’s already planning my imaginary wedding to my kinda-sorta boyfriend Scott.

All I need to do is catch a murderer plus a jewel thief and survive my parents’ visit. No problem, right?

See the entire series here: PORT SUNSET MYSTERIES

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April 28, 2022 · 12:30 am

DIAMONDS, DUNES, & DEATH – a new Port Sunset Mystery from Lousie Stevens is out today!

I love when I can give you all a treat!

My dear friend, cozy mystery writer Louise Stevens, has a new book out today, and as per tradition, I’m featuring it on my blog for you all to read about!

DIAMONDS, DUNES, & DEATH is the second book in the Port Sunset Mysteries and I love the first one, PENTHOUSE, POOLS, & POISON so much I just knew I’d love this one, too.

I’m Millie Wentworth and I never thought I’d be involved in another murder, but here I am smack dab in the middle of a crime wave at the swanky resort where I’m Assistant General Manager. It started with a major diamond heist and ended with a dead body on the beach.

When one of my grandmother Lulu’s group of fun-loving septuagenarian friends is a prime suspect it’s time for Lulu’s Crew, Spud the corgi, and me, to get sleuthing and uncover the real criminals.

And because dodging mobsters, international jewel thieves, and solving crimes isn’t stressful enough, my hypercritical parents are in town too. My mother doesn’t approve of Lulu and me in the best of times, and these are decidedly not the best of times. Plus she’s already planning my imaginary wedding to my kinda-sorta boyfriend Scott.

All I need to do is catch a murderer plus a jewel thief and survive my parents’ visit. No problem, right?

Everyone spoke in hushed tones, but suddenly Hannah’s distinctive New York accent sounded loud and clear throughout the ballroom. “No, I technically didn’t have an invitation to this event, so what?”

            I sat up straight, and slipped my feet back into the camel-colored pumps I’d worn with my teal blue dress tonight. “Uh oh. I better get over there and mediate before Hannah rips the FBI agent a new one and gets hauled off to jail.”

            Ronald and Jennifer both laughed, but I was serious. None of Lulu’s Crew had very much respect for authority, and they all marched to the beat of their own drummer. My feet throbbed at being confined in the high heels again, but I hobbled as fast as I could over to Hannah’s side.

            Agent Lewis ran his hand through his hair, and it stood up on end. He quickly smoothed it back in place and glared at me. “Yes, Ms. Wentworth?”

            “Hiya, Millie,” Hannah said at the same time with a cheeky grin.

            “You two know each other?” Lewis pointed between us.

            “Hannah is a dear friend of my grandmother, and a retired jeweler. She wanted to see her old friends tonight.”

            “Yeah, what she said.” Hannah jerked her thumb at me.

            “Without an invitation or paying to attend?” Lewis huffed out a breath and shook his head.

            Huh. It had taken a couple of days before Detective Green had gotten this fed up with me on the last case. And why was I thinking of this as another case? After someone had tried to kill me––twice––when I was investigating the murder, I didn’t intend to ever get involved in solving another crime again.

            She waved her hands. “Nah. I just popped in to see everybody, and get a load of the Rose Duchess.”

            “So you admit you crashed the party in order to surveil the Rose Duchess?”

            Hannah took a breath to respond, and I hurried to speak first, before she could dig herself into an even deeper hole. “To see the Rose Duchess. Not to steal it. Mrs. Goldberg is a long-standing, much beloved member of the Port Sunset community.”

            Lewis looked Hannah up and down. “So, if I were to run a check on Mrs. Goldberg here, nothing would come up?”

            Hannah’s cheeks flushed as pink as the Rose Duchess. “Maybe not nothing, but certainly not jewel theft.”        

            I closed my eyes and my head rolled back on my neck. Honestly, why do I even bother to help Lulu’s Crew?

            Even Lewis looked a little surprised at her sheepish pronouncement. He raised his eyebrows. “And just what precisely would I find on you?”

            “Nothing major. Maybe jaywalking.”

            Okay. Jaywalking wasn’t bad. We could work with jaywalking.

            Hannah cleared her throat. “And possibly, drunk and disorderly.”

            Situation getting worse.

            Lewis paused for a beat and then asked, “Is that all? I have the feeling there’s something you’re not telling me, Mrs. Goldberg.”

            She heaved a sigh, glanced at me, and shrugged. “Maybe, just maybe, there was a public nudity charge.”

            “Public nudity?” I shrieked.

            “Lulu and I were playing Truth or Dare with some cute tourists. It was my turn and I chose the dare. I only ran down the beach at the Tipsy Turtle for a couple of minutes, and then dunked right into the water. But people can be so puritanical and someone called the cops. Can you believe it?”

            Agent Lewis covered his mouth with his hand, and I detected a twinkle in his eyes.

            “Yes, well, if that’s all, Agent Lewis, I can see Hannah home now,” I said.

            He inhaled deeply. “I think that’s all for tonight. But, don’t leave town, Mrs. Goldberg.”

            “Where would I go?” Hannah asked with a disinterested shrug.

            “After our conversation tonight, I can’t even begin to imagine where you would go, ma’am,” Lewis said with a bemused shake of his head.

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Louise Stevens is the pen name of contemporary romance author Donna Simonetta. A lover of mysteries since her discovery of Nancy Drew many years ago, she is thrilled to be writing cozy mysteries now. Being the author of the Port Sunset Mysteries series is the fulfillment of a childhood dream.

Don’t miss this great read from one of my one-click authors! You won’t be disappointed!

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February 9, 2022 · 3:00 am

#coverreveal for the new Louise Stevens #cozymystery DIAMONDS, DUNES, & DEATH

I’m so stoked today to help one of my favorite authors, LOUISE STEVENS, reveal the cover to her upcoming Port Sunset mystery DIAMONDS, DUNES, & DEATH.

Ready?

Ta daaaaaaahhh

Corgis and champagne? Yes, please!!!

Here’s a little about the story….

I’m Millie Wentworth and I never thought I’d be involved in another murder, but here I am smack dab in the middle of a crime wave at the swanky resort where I’m Assistant General Manager. It started with a major diamond heist and ended with a dead body on the beach.

When one of my grandmother Lulu’s group of fun-loving septuagenarian friends is a prime suspect it’s time for Lulu’s Crew, Spud the corgi, and me to get sleuthing and uncover the real criminals.

And because dodging mobsters, international jewel thieves, and solving crimes isn’t stressful enough, my hypercritical parents are in town too. My mother doesn’t approve of Lulu and me in the best of times, and these are decidedly not the best of times. Plus she’s already planning my imaginary wedding to my kinda-sorta boyfriend Scott.

All I need to do is catch a murderer plus a jewel thief and survive my parents’ visit. No problem, right?

Port Sunset Mysteries:
Book 1: Penthouse, Pools, & Poison **Best Cozy Mystery Finalist, N.N. Light Annual Book Awards
Book 2: Diamonds, Dunes, & Death releasing on April 28, 2022
Book 3: Sunshine, Selfies, & Smugglers Coming Autumn 2022!

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October 7, 2021 · 12:00 am

Penthouse, Pools, & Poison from author Louise Stevens releases today!

It’s not often I’m on the ground floor when a new author that I adore drops on the scene. Today, uber-talented Louise Stevens ( the pen name of an author who’s a one-click author for me!) releases her first cozy mystery, PENTHOUSE, POOLS, & POISON. You’re going to love this delightful story and I bet you won’t guess whodunnit!

I’m Millie Wentworth, Assistant General Manager of the swanky Gulf Palms Resort and Spa, and sleuthing is not part of my job description. But when the obnoxious guest in the penthouse is poisoned beside his private pool, my daily planner is turned upside down.

Solving the murder shouldn’t be my job, but the only food found near the body is a charcuterie board sent to the victim by yours truly. The Port Sunset Police are looking my way until a shocking revelation shifts their attention to a friend. Suddenly, cracking the case moves to the top of my to-do list.

It’s up to me to find the real killer and clear my friend’s name. Uncovering the truth should be a breeze with me, my pink-haired grandmother, her rescue corgi, and her crew of fun-loving septuagenarian beach bunnies on the case. What could possibly go wrong?

Amazon: ~ B&N: ~ Apple Books: ~ Kobo:

Louise Stevens is the pen name of contemporary romance author Donna Simonetta.

A lover of mysteries since her discovery of Nancy Drew many years ago, she is thrilled to be writing cozy mysteries now. Being the author of the Port Sunset Mysteries series is the fulfillment of a childhood dream.

Grab a copy of this fun-filled, charming cozy today!! You won’t be disappointed.

Read my review here: PPP

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