Sunday, April 19, 2026

The Whipped and Sipped Cozy Mystery Series by G.P. Gottlieb Interview & Giveaway

About The Whipped and Sipped Cozy Mystery Series

Welcome to Whipped & Sipped—where the pastries are guilt-free, the coffee is strong, and the gossip might just get you killed. Murder is on the menu—served warm with muffins and lattes.

Battered: A Whipped and Sipped Mystery 

Cozy Mystery 

1st in Series

Setting - Illinois 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Anamcara Press LLC 

Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 10, 2025 

Print length ‏ : ‎ 284 pages 

Paperback ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1960462695

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1960462695

Digital ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1960462701 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FQJTGGLJ 

Audiobook ASIN B07Z8XLRBL

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Alene Baron has built more than a café—she’s built a community. At Whipped & Sipped, customers linger over Ruthie’s decadent-but-healthy desserts, children flock to Saturday story hour, and knitting groups craft blankets for refugee families. Alene prides herself on knowing her patrons so well she can often place “a wholegrain blueberry muffin on the counter before the customer themselves knew” they wanted it.

But when her neighbor and close friend is murdered, Alene’s cozy world begins to unravel. Suddenly, everyone she knows could be a suspect, and she starts noticing the smallest inconsistencies, furtive glances, and unexplained comings and goings around the café. With each clue and misstep, Alene pieces together a tangled web of secrets, realizing that danger may be closer than she ever imagined—and that her own family could be in the killer’s sights.

With her sharp eye for detail, wry sense of humor, and fierce devotion to her children, Alene steps into the role of amateur sleuth. But in a community where tempers flare over hot chocolate, grudges linger for years, and secrets hide beneath friendly smiles, finding the killer may prove harder than whipping up the perfect soufflé.

Battered, the first in G.P. Gottlieb’s Whipped and Sipped Mystery Series, is a delectable blend of mouthwatering recipes, quirky neighborhood drama, and page-turning suspense. Perfect for fans of culinary cozies, it’s a tale where friendship, food, and murder are always on the menu.

Smothered: A Whipped and Sipped Mystery 

Cozy Mystery

2nd in Series 

Setting - Illinois

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Anamcara Press LLC 

Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 30, 2026

Print length ‏ : ‎ 272 pages

Paperback ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1960462792 

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1960462794 

Digital ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1960462800 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GKNS2QY5 GoodReads Ling Coming Soon

Murder is on the menu—served warm with muffins and lattes.

In the second Whipped and Sipped Mystery, café owner Alene Baron isn’t exactly grieving when the neighboring business owner is found dead in his office. Stanley Huff was shady, sloppy, and smug about his dubious food supplements—and his watery smoothies didn’t help. He also never cleaned up his trash in their shared alley. Stanley had plenty of enemies. Unfortunately, one of them may be Alene’s own employee—who has now vanished.

The real surprise isn’t who wanted him dead—it’s how many people did. Drawn into the investigation, caterer and reluctant sleuth Alene uncovers a snarl of family drama involving a missing will, bitter heirs, and long-buried financial secrets. Every lead contradicts the last, red herrings pile up, and resentments simmer just beneath the surface.

As the mystery deepens, Alene juggles more than suspects. Between running her café, caring for her family, and protecting her staff, she finds herself relying on sharp instincts, quiet observation, and a steady supply of inventive vegan dishes. Food and detection go hand in hand, adding warmth, humor, and heart to every turn of the case. With its cozy charm and relatable heroine, Smothered is more than a clever whodunit. It explores family ties, the corrosive pull of greed, and the small truths people reveal under pressure. Rich in character, culinary flair, and emotional insight, this mystery delivers satisfying twists—and leaves a lasting aftertaste.

Charred: A Whipped and Sipped Mystery 

Cozy Mystery

3rd in Series 

Setting - Illinois 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Anamcara Press LLC 

Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 30, 2026 

Print length ‏ : ‎ 250 pages

Digital ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1960462831 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GQ1PY589

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At the Whipped and Sipped Café, Alene Baron knows how to handle a kitchen fire—but this blaze may burn far beyond her control.

When a suspicious fire draws Alene, her loyal friend Kacey, and Kacey’s boyfriend Kofi to a charred property in search of salvaged wood, they expect nothing more than a little trespassing and a lot of soot. Instead, whispers of arson swirl through their tight-knit community—and before long, a body turns up amid the ashes.

Kofi fears the police will come knocking. Kacey fears someone saw them. And Alene is caught in the middle, torn between protecting the people she loves and telling the truth to her partner, homicide detective Frank. Shaw Because in this town, secrets don’t stay buried. They smolder.

About G.P. Gottlieb

G. P. Gottlieb has been a musician, teacher, and administrator, but she’s happiest writing recipe-laced murder mysteries and inventing mostly vegetarian recipes that are nothing like what she learned in courses at Chicago’s French Pastry School. Gottlieb is active in Sisters in Crime (Chicago and Colorado) and has interviewed over 275 authors as a host for New Books in Literature, a podcast channel on the New Books Network. She writes stories and essays that are published in a variety of journals and blogs, is a mother and grandmother, and lives with her husband in a Chicago high-rise that is strikingly similar to the building portrayed in the Whipped and Sipped Mystery series.

INTERVIEW

Alene Baron, the protagonist of the fictional Whipped & Sipped Café (A Mystery Series by G.P. Gottlieb) wanted to answer these questions!

  1. What words or phrases do you overuse?Alene Baron probably uses the word “annoy” a little to often (as does her creator).
  2. Do they have a catchphrase?Alene doesn’t have a catchphrase, but she has a tendency to bite her tongue in dealing with her children, especially the one who is turning 13. I’m basing it on my experience in raising two daughters, who are now (I’m happy to say), mothers.
  3. Are they more optimistic or pessimistic?Alene is an optimist, always hoping things will get better, problems will be averted, sickness will make way to health.
  4. Are they introverted or extroverted? As the proprietor of a café, she’s extroverted and able to greet everyone with equal enthusiasm.
  5. Do they ever put on airs?Alene doesn’t put on airs – she’s too plagued with self-doubt and worried about her kids seeing her do something for which she’d admonish them.
  6. What bad habits do they have?If meddling is a bad habit, that certainly something Alene does a little too often. She can’t help herself – her heart is big and she wants to help everyone, but she doesn’t always consider the safety aspect or the repercussions.
  7. What makes them laugh out loud?Alene’s father is full of quips that sometimes make Alene laugh out loud, but mostly she loves wittiness more than plain old humor.
  8. How do they display affection?She’s always cuddling up with her kids, even when they push her away because they’re no longer babies. She interprets everything her boyfriend Frank does as affection and sometimes wants to purr like a kitten when he whispers in her ear or exhales against her neck.
  9. If they could change one thing about themselves, what would it be?Alene wishes she were kinder and quicker to do good in the world like her pastry chef/best friend Ruthie Rosin.
  10. What is their obsession?She’s a little obsessed with cleanliness and spends an inordinate amount of time straightening up both at home and in her café.
  11. What are their pet peeves?This could be a LONG list – Alene hates poor table manners and people who interrupt. She’s annoyed by rudeness and belligerence, by people who brag about themselves and people who talk louder than everyone else. And she abhors when other food-oriented businesses sell inferior or unhealthy products without clearly identifying them.
  12. What are their idiosyncrasies?Alene can’t seem to get through a long period of time without stumbling into a crime of some sort. And she can’t stop herself from getting involved!

 

Author Links Website:https://www.gpgottlieb.com/ Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/gpgottlieb.bsky.social Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/authorgottlieb/ Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/whippedsipped/
Substack: Recently started - https://substack.com/@gpgottlieb
Twitter:https://x.com/GottliebGp Purchase Links TOUR PARTICIPANTS
April 8 – Jody's Bookish Haven- SPOTLIGHT
April 9 – Christy's Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST
April 9 – Storybook Lady- REVIEW
 (All 3 Books) – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 11 – Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books – REVIEW
April 12 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
April 13 – Sarandipity's – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 14 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT
April 14 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW
April 15 – Salty Inspirations – AUTHOR GUEST POST
April 16 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
April 17 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST
April 18 – Escape With Dollycas IntoA Good Book - SPOTLIGHT
April 19 – deal sharing aunt – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
April 20 – @bibliophile_foodie – REVIEW (All 3 Books) - Recipe
April 21 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW (Book 1), RECIPE

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Saturday, April 18, 2026

DEATH FOR SALE by Erik S. Meyers Excerpt, Interview & Giveaway

Death For Sale by Erik S. Meyers Banner

DEATH FOR SALE

by Erik S. Meyers

April 13 - May 8, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

Death For Sale by Erik S. Meyers

A Sally Witherspoon Mystery

 

It's holiday time in Berry Springs, where many come together to enjoy good food, drink, and the company of friends. Unfortunately, death is among the mix as people get mysteriously ill at the town's Thanksgiving dinner. Deaths follow, and Sally must race to discover the truth before more people die off.

Coupled with worry for her aging parents, she is overwhelmed with the pressure and emotions, but she'll push through to solve the crimes and restore peace to the town.

Praise for Death For Sale:

"It’s always a delight to accompany amateur sleuth Sally Witherspoon as she takes time from her bar-owner job to bring murderers to justice. You’ve got to love a spunky middle-aged single woman who runs a biker bar and does a side hustle helping the local law enforcement solve serious crimes. The holiday setting of this third book in the series brings a touch of charm and festivity to the sadness the small town of Berry Springs experiences as some of their older citizens succumb to what appears to be intentional poisoning. Leave it to Sally to get answers in this difficult-to-solve murder case.
If you’re looking for a fun, holiday-themed cozy mystery, Death for Sale fits the bill perfectly. You’ll love spending time with lovable Sally Witherspoon as she restores peace and calm to her beloved town of Berry Springs. "
~ Ivanka Fear, author of the Blue Water Mysteries and Jake and Mallory Thrillers

Book Details:

Genre: Cozy Mystery with Grit
Published by: Level Best Books
Publication Date: January 20, 2026
Number of Pages: 244
ISBN: 979-8898201258
Series: Sally Witherspoon Mystery Series, Book 3 || Amazon, Goodreads, Level Best Books
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads

Mystery Series

Death in the Ozarks
Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads
Murder on the Mississippi
Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads

Read an excerpt from DEATH FOR SALE:

 

 

Author Bio:

Erik S Meyers

Originally from Connecticut, I am an American abroad who has lived or worked in six countries on three continents, currently living in Vienna.

The author of the Sally Witherspoon murder mystery series, an award-winning adult LGBTQ Jewish historical fiction novel "Caged Time," a short story anthology "Connections," and a business book "The Accidental Change Agent." I also have written several short stories and a thriller/horror script.

I am represented by Cindy Bullard at Birch Literary.

Oh and I survive on coffee and hiking.





Interview:


  1. How long does it take you to write a book?

    1. The first draft usually takes 2-3 months with maybe 3-4 months more for editing/reworking.


    2. 2. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

    Since writing is, at least for the moment, my side hustle, I write on Saturday and Sunday
    mostly in the morning right after breakfast.
  2. How do books get published?

    1. My mystery series is published by Level Best Books. I’ve self-published a few others.

  3. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

    1. Somewhere between everyday life and dreams

  4. When did you write your first book and how old were you?

  5. My first book was Caged Time, an historical fiction novel, which I started
    writing in March 2000. I finally self-published it in Feb 2021.
  6. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

    1. I love hiking and exploring, oh and playing board games

  7. What does your family think of your writing?

    1. They are very supportive! 

  8. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

  9. Besides my mystery series published by Level Best Books and Caged Time,
    I also self-published a short story anthology, Connections, and a business book,
    The AccidentalChange Agent. I have to say my Sally Witherspoon mystery series is my favorite.
    I’m working on finalizing book 4 at the moment and Sally and her world have really
    grown on me.
  10. Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

  11. Write whenever you can, but don’t stress yourself that you have to say write 500
    words every day. A little goes a long way and you will be surprised at how this all
    comes together to be your manuscript. I also advise you to write what you want, how
    you want. There are way too many “experts” out there telling you to do this or not in writing.
    No, tell your story the way you want it to be. And don’t follow genre trends or what you think
    people want to read. Again, it is your story! 
  12. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

  13. I love the reviews, even if they aren’t all perfect. It’s wonderful to know someone
    has read your books and taken the time to review them. And I get good feedback
    on my amateur detective Sally Witherspoon with people telling me they can really
    identify with her.
  14. What do you think makes a good story?

  15. A clear path to the story, with each chapter connecting and leading to the next,
    no cliffhangers. And in mysteries, it is always important to drop clues throughout.
    Don’t suddenly have the detective come up with the solution using clues the reader
    didn’t know about.
  16. What would you like my readers to know?

I truly appreciate everyone who considers reading or has read my books. The support is such a wonderful

feeling.


Catch Up With Erik S Meyers:

www.ErikMey.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads - @erikmey
BookBub
Instagram - @erikmeyauthor
Facebook - @ErikSMeyersAuthor

 

Tour Participants:

Click through the other tour stops for can’t-miss reviews, insider interviews, exclusive guest posts, and more chances to win!

Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

 

Order Up: Danger, Secrets, and DEATH FOR SALE

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Sparks, S'mores, and Scandals by Michelle L. Clifton Interview & Giveaway

 

Sparks, S'mores, and Scandals: (A Taryn O’Kelly Mystery) by Michelle L. Clifton

About Sparks, S'mores, and Scandals

 

Sparks, S'mores, and Scandals: (A Taryn O’Kelly Mystery)

Cozy Mystery

3rd in Series 

Setting - Colorado

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Salty Inspirations

 (April 13, 2026) 

Print length ‏ : ‎ 293 pages

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8990881778

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GTC1TW97

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Wildfires weren’t part of Taryn O’Kelly’s summer plans. Neither was arson.

When a string of suspicious wildfires erupts in the mountains, authorities clear out the KOA Campground and surrounding homes, forcing Taryn to postpone her long-planned summer kick-off picnic. As smoke drifts over town and neighbors settle in at the fairgrounds, unease spreads right along with it. Then an insurance adjuster goes missing, and rumors of arson begin to take hold.

Determined to protect her town and her livelihood, Taryn starts asking questions. Corporate land grabs, bitter zoning disputes, and simmering grudges point in several directions. Even Silver Springs’ resident prankster seems to know more than he is saying. But the deeper she digs, the clearer it becomes that someone is playing a dangerous game, and the fires may be only the beginning.

Set against the backdrop of a Colorado mountain summer, Sparks, S’mores, and Scandals blends small-town charm, wry humor, and heartfelt community spirit with a mystery that smolders long after the last ember fades.

About Michelle L. Clifton

Michelle L. Clifton writes lighthearted, high-stakes cozy mysteries filled with humor, romance, and small-town shenanigans. She is the author of the Taryn O’Kelly Mysteries, a fast-paced series featuring party planner and amateur sleuth Taryn O’Kelly and her growing circle of friends who somehow keep stumbling into trouble. Her stories blend the charm of traditional cozies with the quick pace and comedic flair readers love in Janet Evanovich books, always with a satisfying, happy ending.

Michelle serves on the board of the Southwest Florida Fiction Writers and is Editor-in-Chief of Inkwell Magazine. She is also the founder of Salty Inspirations, her blog, journal pen name, and publishing imprint, which serves as a home for her writing, creative projects, and behind-the-scenes insights into life as a cozy mystery author.

She lives in Cape Coral, Florida, with her husband. Her books are perfect for readers who enjoy humorous mysteries with heart, memorable characters, and a touch of romance mixed with murder.

You can learn more about Michelle and her books at her website and blog, Salty Inspirations.

Interview

It’s so nice to be here! I’m excited to share a little about my journey as a writer, my stories, and the inspirations behind them.

#1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
When I was in high school, I loved writing poetry, but I never really thought of myself as a writer. It wasn’t until after I had my second (and last) child that something shifted, and I started thinking seriously about writing mysteries.

I’ve always loved murder mysteries, puzzles, and even escape rooms, so that part was already in me. But it was reading Janet Evanovich and her Stephanie Plum series that really sparked something. Her writing style made me think, I want to do this. I want to create stories like this.

And that’s really where it all began.

 

#2. How long does it take you to write a book?
My first book took me almost 15 years to finish. During that time, I was homeschooling my two children through high school and working nearly full-time, so writing happened whenever I could fit it in, which wasn’t always consistent.

But I knew I wanted to be an author, so I kept coming back to that book, even if it took longer than I ever expected.

Now that I write full-time, my process looks very different. These days, it takes me about five months to write a book.

 

#3. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I work long hours. Being an author means wearing a lot of different hats, and honestly, the writing part is the easy part. It’s everything else that takes the most time.

That said, I do write every day, even if it’s only for an hour. Most days, I’ll spend a few hours working on my next book, then shift into the business side of things. That usually includes PR and marketing, updating and maintaining my website, filming podcast content, or chatting with readers at library presentations and book signings.

It’s a full schedule, but it’s also a lot of fun because I get to connect with readers along the way.

 

#4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I would say my biggest writing quirk is that I close my eyes and let the scene play out like a movie. I can see everything happening, which helps me step right into the story.

Recently, I’ve discovered that for certain scenes, voice dictation works best for my first draft. I can place myself right there with my characters and just “talk through” everything they’re doing.

It definitely creates a messy draft, much messier than when I type and clean as I go, but it allows me to get the full scene out in a way I probably wouldn’t otherwise.

 

#5. How do books get published?
I have my own publishing imprint, Salty Inspirations, and I publish through that. I use distributors like IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, and Amazon to get my books into readers’ hands. My goal is to start selling direct by the end of 2026.

There are two main routes to getting published. One is the traditional path, where you get an agent and submit your work to publishing houses. The other is indie publishing, where you take on the role of publisher yourself.

I’ve always enjoyed learning new things and taking on big challenges, so indie publishing felt like the right fit for me. Having my own imprint gives me creative control and allows me to build my booksand my businessthe way I want.

 

#6. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
I start by researching different types of crimes and then figure out how I can create a cozy spin on something real. From there, I work through how all the clues could realistically come together and make sense.

After that, I let my characters take overand believe me, they will let me know if they like the direction I’m going… or if they don’t.

I actually have a character from Book 1 who wasn’t supposed to return, or at least not in a big way, and now they’ve become a major part of the series.

A lot of my ideas also come from everyday lifeinteractions with friends and family, little moments that stick with me and eventually find their way into a story.

 

#7. When did you write your first book, and how old were you?
Technically, my first “book” was probably when I was around 10. My brother and I loved making “potions” out of dirt, soap, Kool-Aid, and anything safe we were allowed to use at the time. I would write our potions down in a little book I created out of notebook pages and twine. The cover read Michelle’s Secret Potions.

So I guess I’ve always been a writer! My first actual novel, the one I mentioned earlier, came much later; I was 25 when I started it.

 

#8. What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I’m definitely an outdoor girl. I love boating, hiking, camping, hunting, kayaking, and just playing at the beach; anything outside is my favorite. I also take Zumba classes to stay fit.

I enjoy visiting museums and going on history tours whenever I can. And if the weather isn’t great for that, I usually have an ongoing puzzle in my living room and love playing card and board games with my family.

 

#9. What does your family think of your writing?
My family is the reason I had the courage to start my own business and pursue writing novels full-time. Without their encouragement, I don’t know that I’d be here with you today.

They love my stories and have always supported my passion. My daughter, in particular, has been amazing. She’s an avid reader and now a developmental editor, and she pushed me for years to finally finish that first book.

 

#10. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
One of the most surprising things I learned is just how much time goes into editing and marketing after the writing is done. Typing The End is really just the beginning of a longand sometimes tiresomeprocess.

I get ants in my pants because I’m so excited to dive into the next story, so this part of the process is definitely humbling for me.

 

#11. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I’ve written three books and a novella so far, all in the same series. I don’t know that I could pick a favorite; they each have a special place in my heart.

That said, I’m also in the process of mapping out two new series to start later this year. Taryn and the gang are far from done, but I now have two other protagonists in my head who are ready to take the helm and tell their stories.

 

#12. Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer?
The best way to become a better writer is simply to write, every day if you can, even if it’s only 100 words. Write for yourself first. If you write for yourself, you won’t worry about what everyone else thinks; only your own thoughts matter. That’s what all the editing is for: cleaning up what you don’t want to keep.

The second piece of advice is to read. Reading always makes you a better writer, and it inspires you with a sense of what works in storytelling.

 

#13. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I love hearing from my readers; it’s what makes all the long hours of writing worthwhile. They often tell me I have a very creative imagination and that they enjoy my storytelling. Many mention that I balance description and dialogue in a way that keeps the story moving quickly, and they’re sad when the book is over.

A lot of readers also tell me my characters feel very relatable and realistic, as if they know them personally, or that I wrote them just for that reader.

I even have a few readers who beg me to write faster because they don’t want to wait for the next book! That’s especially sweet, though I’m not sure I can speed up the process just yet.

 

#14. Do you like to create books for adults?
Right now, all I create are books for adults. I write with the busy mom in mind. I remember what it was like to juggle homeschooling, working, and life in general, and how hard it can be to find time to read. My books are meant to be enjoyable and fast enough to fit into even the busiest reader’s schedule.

I’ve thought about creating children’s books someday, but with this series and two more in the works, I think the children’s books will have to wait a little while.

 

#15. What do you think makes a good story?
To me, a good story is one where you feel invested in the characters and in the battle between good and evil, where good always wins. It’s a story where you can learn a little something along the way, and it must always deliver a happy ending.

I make sure to tie up every loose end, even the smallest ones, because everyone is on a journey, even if they’re not part of the main cast.

 

#16. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
As a child, I first wanted to be a singer or actress. But when I realized the odds of making it in the entertainment industry weren’t great for a “nobody” from podunk Colorado, I decided to go to school to become an attorney. I’d always loved solving mysteries and arguing as a teenager.

A few life-changing health challenges later, those dreams shifted, and having kids became the most important thing I could focus on. It stillis. Being a momwill forever be the best job I could have ever asked for.

I must have a thing for difficult jobs, though, because becoming a writer is probably even harder than becoming an actress!

 

#17. What would you like my readers to know?
I write from my heart. I create these stories because I hope they give you a much-needed escape from our busy world. Being an author isn’t just a job for me, it’s a passion. I love what I do, and I hope you love what I write.

The one promise I can make is this: I write high-stakes mysteries with heart, humor, and always a happy ending. Because while murder isn’t fun, justice certainly is.

If you’re looking for a cozy escape full of small-town secrets, quirky characters, and a little romance along the way, Sparks, S’mores, and Scandals might be the perfect place to start.


Thank you so much for having me! I’ve loved sharing my story with you, and I hope it inspires you to find a little escape, some laughter, and maybe even a mystery to enjoy along the way.

Links to your webpage and social media: Purchase Link:Amazon 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS
April 13 – Salty Inspirations- AUTHOR KICK OFF
April 13 – Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books - REVIEW
April 14 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT
April 14 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT
April 15 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
April 15 – Angel's Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT
April 16 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT
April 16 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT
April 17 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW
April 18 – deal sharing aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 19 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST
April 20 – Sarandipity's – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 20 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
April 21 – Boys' Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT
April 22 – Christy's Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST
April 22 – Cassidy's Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT
April 23 – Reading Is My SuperPower – AUTHOR GUEST POST
April 23 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
April 24 – Hall Ways Blog – AUTHOR GUEST POST
April 25 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT
April 26 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
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Friday, April 17, 2026

MURDER, LOCAL STYLE by Leslie Karst Excerpt, Interview & Giveaway

Murder, Local Style by Leslie Karst Banner

MURDER, LOCAL STYLE

by Leslie Karst

April 13 - May 8, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

Murder, Local Style by Leslie Karst

An Orchid Isle Mystery

 

Retired caterer Valerie Corbin investigates a suspicious poisoning in this Orchid Isle culinary mystery, featuring a feisty queer couple who swap surfing lessons for sleuthing sessions in tropical Hilo, Hawai‘i.

A dinner to die for!

It’s been an eventful transition, but retired caterer Valerie Corbin and her wife Kristen are finally settling into life on the Big Island of Hawai’i. Val’s even joined the neighborhood orchid society to make some new friends. So when she’s asked to step in to cater their latest social event, as the newbie of the group she can’t exactly say no.

But what should have been a straightforward gig is soon a dining disaster when the food from the event poisons and kills the society president. As Val herself becomes a suspect in the murder investigation, she’s determined to uncover the truth. Who would want to kill the mild-mannered president of the orchid society?

Turns out the list is longer than a celebrity chef's tasting menu. Apparently some of the residents did not "love thy neighbor." Can she reveal the killer’s identity before they strike again?

This mouthwatering cozy mystery is perfect for fans of Ellen Byron, Jennifer J Chow, Lucy Burdette, and Raquel V Reyes, and includes a selection of delicious Hawaiian recipes to cook at home.

Book Details:

Genre: Traditional Mystery, Snarky Cozy Mystery, Soft-Boiled Mystery
Published by: Severn House
Publication Date: April 7, 2026
Number of Pages: 240 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781448316588 (ISBN10: 1448316588)
Series: An Orchid Isle Mystery, Book 3 || Amazon, Goodreads, & Severn House
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | Severn House

Read an excerpt from MURDER, LOCAL STYLE:

From beginning of Chapter One...

Paradise isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.

Sure, Valerie Corbin knew she and her wife Kristen were supremely fortunate to now reside in the quaint, still-stuck-in-the-1970s town of Hilo on the magnificent Big Island of Hawai‘i—home to lush jungles, fiery volcanoes, black sand beaches, and coral reefs teeming with eye-popping tropical fish.

But at this moment, all she could focus on was the bull terrier-spaniel mix next door barking so loudly that it almost—though not quite—drowned out the whine of the pneumatic tools its owner was using on a jacked-up truck, the parts of which were currently scattered all across his driveway.

Letting loose a few choice words regarding both dog and man, Valerie slammed shut the window above the kitchen sink, then returned to the stove to poke at her potatoes simmering in a pot of water. At the sound of the back door opening, she looked up to see Kristen and her nephew, Sean, come inside from the lānai, Valerie and Kristen’s little white dog, Pua, trotting after them.

“We couldn’t take the racket anymore,” said Kristen, tossing her Outside magazine onto the counter. “Does he ever stop?”

“Who—Akoni or Larry?”

Kristen laughed. “Both, I guess. And yeah, I know the answer: rarely. Especially Akoni, with his constant yowling. Though I gotta say, it seems like Larry’s been working on his vehicles a hell of a lot more of late. And I don’t believe I’ve ever even seen that particular truck before. You think he’s started repairing other people’s vehicles, too?”

“Oh, God, I hope not. Though that would explain the increased frequency of the noise.” Valerie switched off the heat under her potatoes, then turned to Kristen. “I wonder if it’s legal to have a car repair business in this neighborhood. Maybe I should ask at tonight’s meeting if anyone knows.”

“Or maybe you could just talk to your neighbor about it,” put in Sean, who’d taken a seat at the kitchen table and was busy typing something into his phone.

Valerie and Kristen exchanged glances, after which Valerie replied, “Maybe later. But first we should figure out where we stand on the issue.”

Sean set down his phone with a shrug. “So what’s this thing you’re going to tonight, anyway?”

“It’s the monthly meeting for the neighborhood orchid society,” said Valerie, carrying the pot to the sink and dumping the steaming potatoes into a colander. “Shirley invited me—you know, the woman who lives at that house down the street with all those beautiful orchids in her tree ferns? I was admiring them the other day, and after we got talking, she invited me to come along tonight to see if I might be interested in joining. You wanna join me?”

Sean let loose his man bun, held in place by a wooden hair stick, and shook out his dirty-blond locks. “No can do; I’m working tonight at the hospital. It’s my first time in the ER, which should be interesting.”

Sean had come from Arkansas to do a three-month stint as a visiting nurse at the Hilo hospital and was now on his second week at the job—and at Valerie and Kristen’s house, where he’d be staying for the duration of his time on-island. “I didn’t know you were into orchids,” he said in a lazy drawl, pulling his hair back from his face and retying the bun.

“I wasn’t, not till we first got to Hilo. But they’re so amazing and, I dunno . . . other-worldly.”

Star Trek flowers, I call them,” said Kristen, and Valerie nodded.

“And they’re so easy to grow here, so I’m thinking it might be fun to try it myself. Plus, it’d be a great way to get to know some of the folks in the neighborhood a little better.”

“Like Larry?” asked Sean with a grin.

“Ha. I’m not so sure he’s really the orchid type . . .”

***

Excerpt from MURDER, LOCAL STYLE by Leslie Karst. Copyright 2026 by Leslie Karst. Reproduced with permission from Leslie Karst. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Leslie Karst

Leslie Karst is the Agatha, Lefty, and Macavity Award-nominated author of the Orchid Isle Mysteries, the Sally Solari culinary mysteries; and the IBPA Benjamin Franklin and IPPY award silver medal-winning memoir Justice is Served: A Tale of Scallops, the Law, and Cooking for RBG. After years waiting tables and singing in a new wave rock band, she decided she was ready for a “real” job and ended up at Stanford Law School. It was during her career as an attorney that Leslie rediscovered her youthful passion for food and cooking and once more returned to school—this time to earn a degree in culinary arts. Now retired from the law, in addition to writing, Leslie spends her time cooking, cycling, gardening, and observing cocktail hour promptly at five o’clock. She and her wife and their Jack Russell mix split their time between Hilo, Hawai‘i and Santa Cruz, California.


Interview

 

 

1.    When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

 I’ve always been obsessed with words—be it grammar, etymologies, or story-telling. And I can’t think of a time that I didn’t write. From junior high school (when the horse-crazy young Leslie wrote a simply dreadful short story about a winged horse), to college (when as a lit. major, I composed numerous literary critique essays), to my post-college years (when I penned song lyrics for a New Wave band I sang in), to my years as a research attorney (drafting legal motions and appeals), I’ve always been writing something.

But it wasn’t until I retired from the law that I realized I needed to write a novel. And a mystery novel, at that. I’d long loved reading mysteries, so I decided, Hey—I think I’ll have a whack at that! And to my surprise and great pleasure, it actually worked out!

 2.    How long does it take you to write a book?

My first mystery took several years to pen, as not only was I plotting the story, but I was also discovering how, exactly, to write crime fiction, something I’d never before done. In fact, I’d never even before attempted to write fiction at all, so I found myself reading books with titles such as The Art of Crime Fiction and How to Write a Mystery Novel.

But after finally finishing the manuscript I secured a literary agent who got me a two-book contract, and all of a sudden, I had only six months to write the second book in the series. Yikes! But there’s nothing like a deadline to get your butt in the chair and write.

Ever since then, I’ve had a book published once a year, which means you have six months to write it, with the other six months dedicating to editing, proof-reading, and published.


3.    What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

 It changes over the course of the year. When first brainstorming a new book, I mostly just think and flesh out ideas: the themes of the story, then who dunnit and why, then how it begins and why my protagonist finds herself on this journey, possible subplots, and finally a basic (and very rough) outline.

Then, once actually start to write, I try to do so for a couple hours most mornings. But it’s okay if I miss a day or two, as long as I’m progressing and getting several thousand words onto the page each week. Until that deadline starts looming. At which time I become much more driven: at least five-hundred words a day, hopefully a thousand.

 

4.    What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I’m a recreational cyclist, and my favorite time to brainstorm ideas for my books is during my bike rides. Pumping up a long and steep hill, nothing takes your mind off your burning calves like solving a pesky plotting problem. But since I often do this by talking aloud to myself (“Just how would Valerie figure out X?”), I often get strange looks from the people walking along the sidewalk that I pass by.

 

So yes, I try not to say the word “murder” aloud when I’m riding my bike and plotting!

 

 

5.    What do you like to do when you're not writing?

 

Besides cycling, my favorite recreational activities mostly involve food: growing vegetables in my garden; hosting dinner parties (or being invited to one); going out with friends to restaurants; and writing about food, as I do in all of my books.

 

But I also enjoy singing in my local chorus (altos rock!), walking my Jack Russell mix Ziggy, and enjoying cocktails promptly at five o’clock p.m. with my wife, Robin.

 

 

6.     How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

 

It amazes me to say this, as I had no idea I’d even write a second book when I started my first mystery novel, but I now have ten books published: six in the Sally Solari culinary mystery series; three in the Orchid Isle mysteries, and a memoir about hosting an intimate dinner party for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg called Justice is Served: A Tale of Scallops, the Law, and Cooking for RBG.

 

Which is my favorite? Generally the one I’ve just finished writing, as I’m always thrilled to have it done. But seriously, the books that are dearest to my heart—and not necessarily the ones I consider the “best”—are A Measure of Murder (in which Sally Solari joins a chorus singing the magnificent Mozart Requiem), Molten Death (because of my obsession with volcanoes), and Justice is Served (because that was the most marvelous experience of my life).

 

 

7.     As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

 

When I was nine, I was obsessed with horses and wanted to grow up and live on a horse ranch.

 

When I was thirteen, I still loved horses—but also the Beatles—so my ambition was to grow up and live on a horse ranch with Paul McCartney.

 

When I was twenty, I still loved the Beatles—but had lost much of my horse addiction—so I wanted to become a rock star.

 

 

8.    What would you like my readers to know?

 

I love communicating with readers, so feel free to drop me a line (via the contact page at my website, which goes straight to my email), and I promise I’ll write back!

 

And I want all of you to know just how much we authors truly appreciate your support. We continue to write because of you!

 

Catch Up With Leslie Karst:

LeslieKarstAuthor.com
Chicks on the Case
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub - @ljkarst
Instagram - @lesliekarst
Threads - @lesliekarst
Facebook - @lesliekarstauthor

 

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