Where There's Smoke there's E.J. Copperman!

 Here's a peek at EJ Copperman's latest:  Where There's Smoke!

Laura Meehan has her hands full with her paint store, but also with another case (that she will definitely leave to the police to solve)! The Sea Breeze Public Library is burning and it’s clear from the beginning that it must be arson.

Who would want to burn a library down and why? Was it a group of moms protesting what they see as inappropriate book content? Maybe it was someone who didn’t like a title they lent? Or is there something more alarming going on?

As a library volunteer, Laura simply has to find out, and together with her IT-savvy husband Roy and her ex-detective father’s ghost (real or imagined still yet to be determined), she stumbles upon a lot of obstacles on her quest to find the truth―and maybe even an arsonist who might strike again!

A lighthearted cozy with lots of humor and red herrings in EJ's incomparable style!  5 paws!

SPOTLIGHT ON SUMMER MYSTERIES FROM BERKELEY!

 Here's the scoop on summer historical mysteries from Berkley! 

 

A BITTER CUT by Anna Lee Huber (Berkley Trade Paperback Original; June 23, 2026) |

A summer house party meant to celebrate love turns deadly in A BITTER CUT, the latest installment in Anna Lee Huber’s beloved Lady Darby Mysteries. When a boorish industrialist is found standing over his murdered secretary, suspicion falls fast—but Kiera Darby and her husband, Sebastian Gage, aren’t convinced it’s so simple. With tensions rising among a cast of deeply unlikeable guests (and her brother’s future on the line), Kiera must untangle a web of motives before the real killer strikes again. Rich in Victorian atmosphere, sharp social intrigue, and slow-burn romance, this fan-favorite series continues to deliver irresistible historical mystery with heart.

An excellent read!  4 1/2 stars.  Anything with Lady Darby is always a favorite.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY OF PROMISES by Victoria Thompson and Ellen Thompson (Berkley Hardcover Original; July 28, 2026) |
A con artist knows one when she sees one—and Elizabeth Miles is certain a dangerous fraud is circling an unsuspecting bride in CITY OF PROMISES the latest Counterfeit Lady mystery. When beloved characters from the Gaslight Mysteries return with fears about their daughter’s whirlwind engagement, Elizabeth must draw on her past life of deception to outplay a master manipulator before it’s too late. Marking a poignant new chapter for the series, this installment is co-authored by Ellen Thompson, continuing the legacy of her mother, Victoria Thompson—blending a high-stakes crossover, a cunning heroine, and a heartfelt passing of the torch into one irresistible historical mystery.

Ellen Thompson does an escellent job in continuing her mother's legacy n this installment.  Period stories about con artists are always a hit and this does not disappoint.  4 1/2 stars

 

 

 

 

 

 

MURDER IN BLACKFRIARS by Jennifer Ashley (Berkley Trade Paperback Original; August 11, 2026) |
Jennifer Ashley’s latest Below Stairs mystery finds Victorian London cook Kat Holloway drawn into her most personal case yet when her beloved Daniel McAdam is pulled into a deadly search for the truth about his origins. After a man claiming to know Daniel’s past is murdered just before he can speak, Kat joins Daniel in a dangerous investigation through the East End—where long-buried secrets, violent enemies, and questions of identity threaten not only justice, but the future of their relationship. Rich in atmosphere and emotional stakes, this installment blends high-suspense mystery with a deeply romantic throughline as Kat fights to protect the man she loves while uncovering who he truly is.

A gripping page turner with plenty of action and suspense. A good summer read.  4 1/2 STARS

Chazz interviews Krista Davis!

Me-ow!  I'm so happy to be getting back into doing interviews!  And I'm pleased to welcome NYT Bestselling Author Krista Davis to the blog for the first time!

Krista Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of the Domestic Diva Mysteries, the Paws & Claws Mysteries, and The Pen & Ink Mysteries. Several of her books have been nominated for the Agatha Award. Krista lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with her rescued dogs and cats. Her friends and family complain about being guinea pigs for her recipes, but she notices they keep coming back for more!

 

Meow, Welcome Krista!  Tell us about your background!

Thanks Chazz!  I am the author of the Domestic Diva Mysteries, the Paws & Claws (Wagtail) Mysteries, and the Pen & Ink (coloring) Mysteries. To date I have written 34 mysteries, one of which has not yet been released but will be coming in May of 2027.

I’m a complete pushover about homeless cats and dogs. As a matter of fact, at the moment, I have a feral cat, now named Frodo, getting used to being an indoor fellow. He’s confined to a bedroom and eating good food so he looks much better but Frodo is still worried by my presence. However, my other two cats like to sniff outside the door and meow greetings. I don’t know if that makes him feel better or worse!

Tell us a bit about your latest book

My most recent release, THE DIVA HOSTS A MURDERER was released in May. To my astonishment, it has 4.8 stars on Amazon!

Sophie Winston’s family has descended on her home in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia for the 4^th of July. She’s delighted to have them, but it’s definitely a full house. It’s the first time that Sophie has met her Aunt Melly’s new husband, but when she sees him emerging from a neighbor’s fenced yard early in the morning, Sophie gets a little worried.

The house party really gets explosive when Sophie’s favorite tour guide falls victim to a killer—and evidence points to Sophie’s own father. Will DNA really incriminate her dad? And what’s the real story with her new uncle-by-marriage and the mysterious pal he’s brought along with him? Some of the secrets Sophie’s discovering are raising flags—and while the police department casts suspicion on her father, she has to declare her independence as a detective to find the real culprit, and serve justice along with red, white, and blue cupcakes . . .

Includes delicious recipes, fabulous decorating tips, and easy entertaining hacks!

 How do you construct your plots? Do you outline or do you write “by the seat of your pants”?

I write by the seat of my pants. I usually have a vague idea of what the book is about, but I have come to the realization that I enjoy writing when I don’t know what will happen next!

Which do you consider more important, plot or character?

I think they’re equally important. Let’s face it, in a mystery, even an engaging character needs a good plot!

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a writer?

Oof! I thought it would be so much fun to write about a murder that takes place during a murder mystery weekend at an inn. I jumped right in and then I was confronted with a major problem. How could I distinguish between murder mystery clues and clues about the real murder? Yikes! I came up with a solution but was sweating it for a few days! In case you’re interested, that book was MURDER MOST HOWL.

Do you have an “How I got my agent” story you want to share?

Agent 1. She seemed nice and was willing to represent me. I didn’t hear from her at all until she wrote to tell me (Dear Client-so personal!) that postage rates were going up so she would have to start charging her clients. Oh dear! I knew that was a big no-no and took the opportunity to skedaddle.

Agent 2. She loved my manuscripts! She was a charming person. But she wasn’t selling any of my manuscripts. Sigh. I had written a new manuscript and knew it was time to move on.

Agent 3. I was getting smarter. My primary criteria at that point was to find an agent who had actually sold mysteries. In retrospect, that seems like an obvious thing. I did some very serious research and found an agent who was selling a lot of books. I sent her my manuscript, which she turned down. But she asked if I had ever thought about writing a cozy. A few months later, I had my first contract for the Domestic Diva Mysteries. Yay!

But wait, the agent story took an unexpected turn.

Agent 4. Very early on, my new agent left the agency to pursue a different career! I was orphaned. Oh no! Happily, her partner, Jessica Faust, took me on and has been my agent through all the rest of my books! Thank you, Jessica!

What are you working on now and what are your future writing plans?

I’m working on the first book in a new series. Can’t say much about it yet. Shh!

What advice do you have to offer to an aspiring author?

If you want to write mysteries, join Sisters In Crime and become a member of the Guppies (the Great Unpublished). You’ll get to know other writers and learn from their experiences. When I started, I didn’t know what font to use and what size it should be. Such a simple thing! The Guppies are a fabulous resource. Classes are available, too.

The other thing that is really simple but somehow hard to do, is to sit down in front of a computer and write! Believe it or not, that requires discipline and determination. A lot of people have ideas, but if you don’t sit down and start, then it won’t happen.

 

ROCCO’s Fast Five: 

• What’s something that’s always in your fridge? Eggs.
•  
• What’s the last thing you splurged on? A new headboard.
•  
• What food do you wish was calorie free? Pastries!
•  
• Holidays: Party at home, or go out for a glam dinner? Glam dinner at home!
•  
• What is something you are really bad at? Singing.

Thank you so much for a wonderful interview, Krista!  The human, T.C. enjoys your books and so do I and my brother and sister!

You can learn more about Krista at the below sites:

 

www.KristaDavis.com

www.instagram.com/kristadavisauthor

www.facebook.com/KristaDavisAuthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1555579.Krista_Davis

https://www.pinterest.com/KristaDavisAuthor/

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/krista-davis

x.com/kristadavis

Delicious Mysteries https://www.facebook.com/groups/1573601592919093

 

Krista will give away a signed hardcover of THE DIVA HOSTS A MURDERER to one lucky commenter!  Just leave your name and email addy in our comments section and tell us what is your favorite Krista Davis book!  Contest ends Friday, July 31st.  My sister, Lois, will select the winner! U.S. entries only, please.

 

 

Chazz reviews DEATH AT A FIREFLY TEA!

DEATH AT A FIREFLY TEA

LAURA CHILDS

BERKLEY HARDCOVER

MARCH 10 2026

FIVE PAWS!

A brazen killer sparks Theodosia Browning’s sense of justice in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series.

CHAZZ'S Review:

Once again we are pulled into Theodosia's investigations!  When a rich woman is killed at one of 

her events, Theo's aunt asks her to investigate and a reluctant Theo can't help but be drawn in. 

 With the aid of her trusty companion and employee Drayton, Theo begins questioning suspects and

 getting closer until the inevitable thriller type ending!  Enjoyable as always, and can be read

 as a stand alone for those not familiar  with the series.  Spoiler alert:  Theo finally rips another 

gown!!!!  Yay!!!!! 5 paws!!!!!!!  

WIN A SIGNED COPY OF DEATH AT A FIREFLY TEA!

Laura Childs has generously offered to give away a signed copy of this book to one lucky commenter!  To 

enter, leave your name and email address in our comments section  Winner will be selected at random by

Xander!  US entries only please!  Contest ends midnight, March 20.

Chazz previews Berkley's Spring Cozies!

 Chazz here! Below is a preview of cozies Berkley has for Spring! Im pleased to give my review of Booking for Trouble!

We will review DEATH AT A FIREFLY TEA in March!

It’s all hands on deck when a dead body is found near the small town of Briar Creek in this Library Lover’s Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of A Merry Little Murder Plot.

 

Just off the shores of the coastal Connecticut town of Briar Creek are two small islands, which library director Lindsey Norris visits with her new book-boat, inspired by the bookmobiles she’s seen traveling across the country. Nothing, not even the infamous feud between the families who own the Split Islands, can stop Lindsey from getting books into the hands of readers. But when Lindsey and her boat captain husband, Mike Sullivan, discover a body on the rocky outcropping of one of the islands, Lindsey’s new library venture quickly becomes a murder investigation.

 

At news of the crime, hostilities between the two families are reignited. Long buried secrets are revealed, tensions spark, and suspects abound. As Lindsey navigates treacherous waters (both literal and metaphorical), she must use her research skills and community ties to solve the murder and bring peace to the islands before her book-boat dreams are sunk.

chazz Review - This has always been one of our favorite series and this one does not disappoint!  the idea of a 'family feud' is different!  We alway enjoy watching Linsey and Mike work together to solve mysteries!  Five Paws

 

 

DEATH AT A FIREFLY TEA by Laura Childs

Berkley Mystery HC; on sale March 10, 2026

A brazen killer sparks Theodosia Browning’s sense of justice in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series.

As fireflies dazzle like tiny glowing lanterns, tea maven Theodosia hosts an elegant evening tea on the patio of the Tangled Rose B and B. But in this gentle darkness an intruder has made their way in and slipped deadly drugs into the baked Alaska of Mrs. Van Courtland, one of Charleston’s local grande dames. Shocked by this brazen act, urged on by Mrs. V’s grieving son, Theodosia begins her own shadow investigation. Soon, she finds herself at odds with a greedy developer, the questionable residents of Honey Badger House, a vengeful ex-daughter-in-law, ne’er do well relatives, and a housekeeper who knows all the secrets. As Theodosia hosts a Moulin Rouge Tea and a Queen Victoria Tea, her tea sommelier Drayton is assaulted by a masked stranger and the fiancé of Mrs. V’s son is kidnapped. It’s only at the Starry Starry Night black tie ball that Theodosia stumbles upon the killer and gets pulled into a dramatic life and death chase.

Chazz interviews Elaine Faber (and reviews her latest book!) Black Cat and the Immigrant Child.

Chazz here!

Today I am interviewing author Elaine Faber and reviewing her latest book, BLACK CAT AND THE IMMIGRANT CHILD.

Welcome, Elaine!

When did you start writing?

I started writing short stories in high school and throughout my adult life. I completed more than 40 short stories (many of them including cats as characters). More than 20 were published in anthologies, and some in magazines. My first published novel grew out of a short story about a cat that could call up his ancestors’ memories, and thus, help his ‘person’ solve mysteries. That novel was Black Cat’s Legacy. Four more published Black Cat mysteries followed. The final one is Black Cat and the Immigrant Child.

 

What made you choose the character of Black Cat?

I think Black Cat chose me. I was writing about a divorcee with a little girl heading toward Oregon who stops in a resort town when she has car trouble. She meets a Tuxedo cat. He begins to narrate his own story, having recognized her from his ancestor’s memories, and realizing he must help her solve her father’s 25-year-old cold case murder. He took over the book and has been sharing his remarkable memories and helping solve mysteries ever since.

 

What inspires you?

What inspires me is the hope that my books bring joy to my readers. We all have problems and worries. When a reader opens one of my books, they can leave their troubles behind for a few hours, laugh, perhaps learn a bit of history, or experience a humorous situation and travel with my characters. Perhaps it’s just what they needed. A respite. A good laugh. Something to smile about. The ability to move on.

Tell us about your latest book

Grandmother has passed away, and Black Cat and his family return to Texas to settle her affairs. On the first day there, a little girl is found beside the body of a young immigrant, likely carrying drugs. The family takes in the child and cooperates with the Border Patrol in an effort to locate her family. When Black Cat overhears a stable hand confess to the murder and his intent to harm the child who may be able to identify him, Black Cat, Angel, the huge Maine Coon barn cat, Murphy, and even Cedric, the barn rat, join forces to protect the child.

The Border Patrol agent plays an integral role as he deals with multiple incidents at the Rio Grande, dealing with immigrant crossings.

Yes, it is a murder mystery, but the animal characters so much a part of the entire plot in Black Cat and the Immigrant Child, the interaction among them creates a fun mystery to be solved and plenty of humor.

 

What does the future hold for Black Cat?  do you have any other works in progress?

This is the fifth Black Cat mystery, and I don’t have any immediate plans for another. I’m currently working on the third in a paranormal series with a Native American Spirit Woman who comes to the community in times of trouble. 

Check out my name at Amazon, and you’ll find all 13 of my novels.

If you love cats, cozy mystery and lots of laughs, you’ll love Black Cat and the Immigrant Child. That barn rat is a hoot!

 

 Chazz's Review!

I found this mystery intriguing, as well as humorous in parts.  the animal characters are amazing!  and I have to agree with Elaine about the barn rat, merow.  The scenes involving the Border Patrol smacked of realism, especially when you consider current events.  Plenty of feline chatter to satisfy all cat lovers!

Fans of this series will not be disappointed, and this entry might just make a few new ones!  We give this four paws up!