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Rapid Death
Rapid Death by Julie Titterington centers on the investigation into the deaths of Jessica and Megan Kinneman. A detective named Joe and Jane, a doctor and businesswoman, team up to investigate if the deaths are accidental or if there is a murder on the loose. Jessica and Megan’s bodies were recovered from the river on different days, with each having a different cause of death: one was strangled, and the other drowned. Initially, the drowning was ruled an accident, but further investigation revealed both girls were murdered. During the course of the investigation, two more deaths occur with no arrests made because three of the perpetrators are dead, and one is protected by a powerful individual.
Set in Desert Pines, Rapid Death is the second installment in this compelling, cozy mystery novel series. The author takes readers deep into the theme of emotional control. The plot uncovers that most deaths in the story are driven by anger. Megan, a thief in debt, is not killed by the mobster she stole from or the business owners she owed money to; instead, her killer is provoked by her unapologetic attitude and perceived lack of remorse. Similarly, Jessica’s killer is driven by feelings of betrayal and anger. Both perpetrators allow their emotions to dictate their actions, leading them to murder instead of rationally addressing the situation. Titterington skillfully explores the destructive power of unchecked emotions. However, there are moments in the narrative where the “show, don’t tell” technique could have been better utilized to allow readers a deeper connection to the character’s motives. This is a minor drawback to the well-organized and executed plot surrounding the mystery.
Rapid Death by Julie Titterington is a gripping mystery that keeps readers engaged with its intricate plot and exploration of emotional turmoil. Titterington’s storytelling prowess is evident, and the character-building is well done. This cozy mystery novel is a captivating and engaging read for mystery enthusiasts.
Pages: 346 | ASIN : B0CD7J42BH
Out of Balance
The Teetotaler’s Bar follows a woman who inherits her aunt’s fortune, her New City apartment, complete with a puppy, and the bar on the first floor, which also happens to be a murder scene. What inspired the setup of your story?
It just came to me one day out of the blue. I like to create stories using situations that don’t add up. So I was thinking, what could be more out of balance than a young girl who lives healthy and doesn’t drink but suddenly inherits a bar? She inherited plenty more besides, from a relative she hardly knew, and I was off and running with another mystery!
Jazz is a fascinating character that has an overwhelming amount of things happen all at once. What scene was the most interesting to write for that character?
I liked writing the scenes in the beginning that started to establish who Jazz is, and the ones that gave her an idea of who the estranged relative who got murdered was, too. The aunt who left her the bar is her mother’s half-sister, and she was one of those know-it-alls who runs around telling everybody else what to think, how to feel, and who to be. Ha, I based that on the worst co-worker I ever had! It raises the question, did the woman’s big mouth cause her to be murdered, or was it, perhaps, something else? And if it was something else, what?
There is a lot of time and care spent with descriptions and building the setting and tone of the story. Was this out of necessity to develop the depth of the story, or was it something that happened naturally while you were writing?
It was a little of both. I wanted to make the bar that Jazz initially is reluctant to inherit to be a whole lot nicer than she feared it would be. There’s an unsolved murder hanging over it like a cloud, but she slowly starts to like the idea of owning the place. She’s also immediately enchanted with owning the Art Deco apartment building where the bar occupies the first floor, but when she enters the stairwell, finds it’s neglected and rather grungy, so that gives something of a shadowy atmosphere to it. Yes, it’s gorgeous on the outside, but it’s certainly not perfect all the way around, and neither is the whole situation.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’ve got two more mysteries in the works at the moment! One deals with bumbling animal traffickers. The other one is set during the American homefront in World War II, where two young brothers find an abandoned baby. I think they should be available around the holidays. I’m having a wonderful time working on them both!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The Teetotaler’s Bar
Carolyn Summer Quinn’s The Teetotaler’s Bar is a delightful, quirky mystery that blends humor, intrigue, and a bit of heartfelt reflection. The story follows Jazz Kenneally, a young, health-conscious teetotaler who unexpectedly inherits a bar and a fortune from her estranged, half-aunt Lysandra Somersby. However, this isn’t just any bar; it’s a murder scene. Lysandra was shot in cold blood, and Jazz finds herself in the middle of a puzzling whodunit, surrounded by an eclectic cast of characters who each add their own flair to the unfolding mystery.
One of the most engaging aspects of Quinn’s writing is her ability to create a vivid, immersive atmosphere. From the bright, airy bar that defies Jazz’s expectations to the Art Deco elegance of the inherited apartment, every setting is described with such detail that it feels like a character in its own right. The juxtaposition of Jazz’s distaste for alcohol with her new role as a bar owner adds a layer of irony and humor that keeps the narrative lively. Jazz is a relatable protagonist, navigating the unexpected inheritance with a mix of pragmatism and bewilderment. The supporting characters, from the loyal but quirky bar staff to the eccentric tenants of the inherited building, are well-drawn and contribute significantly to the story’s charm. Quinn’s exploration of themes like family estrangement, responsibility, and the dangers of assumptions gives the book a thoughtful edge. Jazz’s reflections on her relationship with her late aunt and the moral dilemmas she faces as a sudden heiress add depth to what could easily have been a light, breezy mystery.
The Teetotaler’s Bar is a charming, offbeat mystery that will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven stories with a mix of humor and suspense. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a cozy mystery with a modern twist, where the protagonist’s journey is as important as the mystery itself. This is a delightful read for a relaxed afternoon, offering both laughs and a few thoughtful moments along the way.
Pages: 167 | ASIN : B0DBFYD5LD
A Toxic Friend
There’s No Cure for Impossible follows a young woman working in the news industry who finds herself increasingly entangled in a former friend’s web of dangerous lies that threaten her career. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
I had heard that when a baby is abducted from a hospital setting it’s usually done by a woman who is not a career criminal at all. It’s by a gal whose motivation is needing a child to try and bind herself to a man, and to pass the baby off as “theirs,” when it isn’t. She doesn’t want her man to get away. Well, that intrigued me no end! It’s bizarre, and so extreme, and I was off and running with creating a story around the idea of a woman who would be crazy enough to try to pull off that sort of a kidnapping. This one doesn’t happen in a hospital setting, though, the baby is snatched at a store, yet it’s done for the same wacky reason. The character of Mila has recently miscarried and takes an infant because she wants to hold on to her boyfriend. He’s gotten fed up with her, as just about everyone in her life eventually does…
What was the inspiration for the relationship between Selena and Mila?
I think everybody has had a situation or two where they have a toxic friend, and are pushed to the point that, for their own sake, they have no choice but to go their own separate way. You can only take so much. Decades ago I had a friend at an entertainment industry job, one who turned out to be a pathological liar and was prone to throwing spectacular tantrums if she didn’t get her way. It was unreal and it had to be seen to be believed. After I left that job, I put a stop to any further contact with that one. Enough! So that’s where Selena is at the start of this story. She’s written Mila off because she just can’t take all the drama and craziness that Mila generates any longer. She wants out of the friendship, and she gets out, but when Mila’s latest stunt of grabbing a baby makes headlines, Selena is working for a television news station and accidentally lands in the middle of another Mila mess…
What was your favorite scene in this story?
All of it was fun to write. I think the part where Selena meets with an FBI agent and finds out a few tidbits she hadn’t known before is my absolute favorite part of this one. That throws everything in disarray and for quite a loop besides. And while I don’t want to add any spoilers here, I’ll say this. I also really like the way I ended this story.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Believe it or not, this past winter and spring I worked on three books at a time! UNTIL THE STARS ALIGN, a historical novel about the Kindertransport and World War II, has already been released and it’s doing well. Then there was this one, THERE’S NO CURE FOR IMPOSSIBLE, and finally the third, THE TEETOTALER’S BAR. All of them were enjoyable to write. THE TEETOTALER’S BAR is about a young woman whose distant relative is murdered and leaves her a fortune, a puppy, a whole apartment building filled with tenants she has to contend with, and a bar and grill. But the girl is a healthy-living teetotaler. She initially isn’t thrilled with owning a bar, and she also wants to figure out the reason behind the murder. It’s going to be available soon! I’m also already hard at work on yet another one, a mystery involving exotic animal traffickers.
If I may add this, I’d like to encourage anyone out there who hasn’t already done so to go for it if they have a creative idea they’d like to put into action and pursue. It has worked so beautifully for me! Just give it a shot. And as the old adage goes, “No guts, no glory!”
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Blog | Amazon
There’s No Cure for Impossible
Carolyn Summer Quinn’s There’s No Cure for Impossible presents a captivating tale centered around Selena Lawrence, a news industry professional grappling with the fallout of her past relationships. The story kicks off with Selena discovering that her former boyfriend-loving, drama-prone friend Mila is embroiled in scandalous headlines. Anticipating a plea for help from Mila, Selena tries to distance herself from the impending chaos. However, her attempts to stay away are futile, as she finds herself increasingly entangled in Mila’s web of complications. The pressing question becomes whether Selena can break free from Mila’s toxic influence before it’s too late.
Quinn excels in creating detailed and unique characters, each with their own compelling narrative. Selena, the protagonist, is vividly portrayed, eliciting empathy from the reader as she navigates her dilemma. The portrayal of Mila, a magnet for drama, adds layers of tension, while the dynamic news crew injects further intrigue and excitement into the plot. The novel’s tone strikes a perfect balance between upbeat and suspenseful, maintaining a pace that keeps readers fully engaged. Quinn’s storytelling shines through in memorable scenes—from Selena’s desperate hideout in a hotel to the riveting moments when the news crew uncovers her connection to Mila. The book is packed with drama and surprises, culminating in a shocking conclusion that defies expectations.
There’s No Cure for Impossible is a thoroughly enjoyable read, with no shortage of excitement or twists. Quinn’s adept character development and gripping narrative make this novel a standout. I eagerly anticipate more works from this talented author.
Pages: 170 | ASIN : B0D8KJJRMB
Elliefant’s Graveyard – The Curious Case of the Throatslit Man
In Elliefant’s Graveyard: The Curious Case of the Throatslit Man, E.M. Thompson masterfully crafts a murder mystery set against the backdrop of a drought-stricken mill town rife with corruption. Heather Prendergast, a determined rookie police officer, suspects that a couple’s tragic deaths are not mere accidents but murders. Her quest for the truth leads her to Huddshire Moor, a town shrouded in secrets. Simultaneously, Ellie Fantoni is grieving the devastating loss of her close family members. In a poignant final tribute, she travels to Huddshire, her parents’ hometown, to lay their ashes to rest. Unbeknownst to Ellie, her journey to honor her family will intertwine with a deeper mystery surrounding their deaths.
Thompson’s novel is a standout in the murder mystery genre, enriched by clever wordplay, puns, and alliteration that inject humor and vividly depict the unfolding events and characters. The dialogue skillfully balances intensity with moments of levity, bringing depth to the well-rounded characters. While Prendergast’s investigative skills sometimes leave her oblivious to obvious clues, her tenacity keeps readers engaged. Ellie’s character, with her heartfelt grief and determination, resonates deeply, evoking empathy for her plight. The plot twist is a remarkable surprise, revealing the lengths to which individuals will go to conceal crimes driven by greed. This twist not only shocks but also illuminates the darker motivations that fuel the story’s intrigue.
Elliefant’s Graveyard is a compelling read, offering a blend of suspense, emotional depth, and unexpected humor. E.M. Thompson’s deft storytelling makes it a must-read for fans of the murder mystery genre, delivering a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
Pages: 339 | ASIN : B0D5BND48M
A Dangerous Combination
Death By Association follows a woman living in a small resort village who tries to solve a murder mystery that all started with a scandal in the HOA. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Let’s be honest: HOA Boards tend to attract the power-hungry and bored, always a dangerous combination. HOAs also wield a surprising amount of genuine legal power. When you mix that power with a few individuals who have too much time, nothing better to do, and a taste for snooping on their neighbors, you get a hot mess. Hating the HOA is a universal, shared human experience, and it’s surprising more meetings don’t end in open murder! The inspiration for the book came directly from an internal fracas at the homeowners association in my own neighborhood, which was precipitated by a series of vicious letters and emails. Nobody died, of course, but it felt like it might easily have come to that.
Desert Pines seems like the perfect place to go when you want to just escape the fast-paced life. Was there a reason why you chose this location as the backdrop for your story?
The city of Desert Pines is based loosely on the small resort town of Sunriver, Oregon. I spent most of my summers there growing up and still try to get out there several times a year. The nice thing about a Resort setting is that there is great fuel for the imagination and even better sources of material. Some of the population is settled, but much of it is transient, providing a great opportunity for steady characters and new faces alike. I’m also fascinated by the idea that human drama will happen wherever there are humans. Crime and heartbreak aren’t confined to the big city, and the most interesting dramas can play out in the smallest of settings
Is there anything about Jane that came from yourself or your life experiences?
Jane often speaks with my voice, but I have also enjoyed giving her opinions and feelings that I don’t share as well. Writing is a very cathartic exercise, a perfect way to inhabit personalities, emotions, and thoughts that are much different from your own. Jane shares my sense of the ridiculous, for sure, but I’m much less reserved than she is.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
The next book in the series, called Rapid Death, continues the adventures of Jane, Joe, and Howard and was released in July of 2023. The third book in the series, Death Benefit, will be released in early summer of 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook
Jane McLaren is happy living and working in the sleepy resort village of Desert Pines, Oregon – or so she tells herself. She has a home with her feisty grandfather for as long as she wants it, a steady job as a barista, and no questions asked.
Boredom may be a small price to pay for privacy, but Jane quickly discovers that when nothing has meaning, you might start to care about anything. Even the HOA.
After a minor town scandal escalates into something more sinister, neighbor turns on neighbor and the annual meeting of the homeowners association ends in open murder.
Can this unwilling amateur sleuth solve the mystery before it’s too late, or will the murderer strike again?
LITERARY TITAN 