I'll start: As always I'm juggling projects. I have FOUR books coming out in 2021. A Curious Incident, the sixth Sherlock Holmes bookshop mystery on January 12. Deadly Ever After, the seventh Lighthouse Library book (by Eva Gates) in May and Murder in a Tea Cup, the second Tea by the Sea book in July. Plus the first in my new 1950s Catskills series, Deadly Summer Nights will be out in August. Editing and proofreading all those books and writing new ones. It's going to be a busy year and I'm looking forward to it.
This cover is the first in the new Catskills Resort mysteries and it's very tentative (MY NAME IS SPELLED WRONG) so please don't share. It's just to give you a peek.
LESLIE BUDEWITZ: I'm excited about two very different projects this year. First up is my stand-alone suspense debut, Bitterroot Lake, written as Alicia Beckman, coming in April -- and isn't that cover gorgeous? Carried to the Grave and Other Food Lovers' Village Stories will be out in July, collecting the two published Village short stories and adding several more, including a historical novella set in 1910, when Erin's great-grandparents came to Jewel Bay and opened the original Mercantile.
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Our brand new Haunted Bookshop Mystery, The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait, releasing this April. We're proud of this new book. The twisty mystery is loads of fun, but the story also shines a spotlight on abuses and scams in our publishing industry, drawing a few parallels between today's world and the bad-old-days of Jack's time and pulp magazines. We are now under contract for more books in our Haunted series, which we are looking forward to writing! And we are happily still writing our long-running ☕ Coffeehouse Mystery series, which will see its 19th book published (in hardcover, e-book and audio) before year’s end. We'll be starting our 20th Coffeehouse Mystery this year and working out story arcs for future books. Our readers can look forward to plenty more culinary mysteries from us with significant developments in the lives of our Coffeehouse crew. Stay tuned!
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LUCY BURDETTE: It's so much fun to read about all the upcoming releases and projects in this prolific group! My eleventh Key West food critic mystery, A SCONE OF CONTENTION, will hit bookshelves everywhere on August 10--it's available for pre-order now. You'll be able to buy the mass market paperback version of THE KEY LIME CRIME on July 21. And only through January, ebook versions of DEATH ON THE MENU and A DEADLY FEAST are on sale for $1.99, and even THE KEY LIME CRIME is on sale for $2.99!
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MAYA CORRIGAN: The upcoming books from our group sound delicious! Congratulations to Mia on her debut mystery. I'm currently working on the 8th book in my Five-Ingredient Mystery series. It's not due until summer, and I don't yet have the publication date for it. There is a $1.99 January sale on the e-book version of the first book in the series, BY COOK OR BY CROOK from all vendors, and on the second book SCAM CHOWDER from Amazon and Apple. Amazon currently offers discounted prices on the paperback and e-book versions of other books in the series. If you're looking for a seasonal read, try THE TELL-TALE TARTE. It takes you to the Baltimore cemetery where annually for decades a visitor came by night and left cognac and roses at Poe's grave on his birthday, January 19th. It's a good time of year to curl up with a cozy!
MARY JANE MAFFINI What a great beginning for Sunday Brunch here at Mystery Lovers Kitchen! I am a mystery reader as well as an author and am very keen to catch up with the new series from my MLK friends as well as forthcoming books in series I've loved for a long time. These are not easy times. For me and for so many of us, cozy mysteries such as we write here are a wonderful antidote to the daily challenges we face. Bring 'em on!
When not reading or cooking or chasing small wicked dogs, I am busy finishing the sixth Charlotte Adams book: Death Plans a Perfect Trip. At the same time Beyond the Page is reissuing the first five books in the series, to be released in the spring. The pandemic has slammed the television production industry and we are waiting to hear what will happen with the Charlotte Adams adaptation for TV. As for the first five, we've been through the edits this past year and now the process of page proofs in underway. I love page proofs, even if they often require a quick turnaround. Cover designs will be starting soon. I wish I had a cover to tease you with here, but it was not to be. As Truffle and Sweet Marie, Charlotte Adams's rescued dachshunds, play an important role in each book (not solving any murders though), I am hoping that wiener dogs will appear on the covers. I've sent this photo of some of the resident pooches to the publisher as a hint, and will keep you posted.
Mia, your book sounds great and it also seems like you have a dachshund on the cover. Hmm. A new sub-genre?
GIVEAWAY!
bookstore or library, you can enter our giveaway for these great books.
and reading habits. Please answer one or more of these questions
in the comments (below) to be entered for the draw.
in advance or eagerly wait until release day?
Or must you start with book one and read in order?
friends, newsletters, booksellers & library staff, book clubs?
Have you ever bought a book based on the cover?
Does that happen often or rarely?
I like to start with #1 of a series. Don't like long series. As soon as I hear of a book that sounds like one of my kind of book, I get in like for it at the library. Had to stop buying books when I retired. Hope I win here!
ReplyDeleteWhat a ton of great books coming out this year. Congrats to all on your hard work paying off.
ReplyDeleteI read a series in order until something makes me skip forward for some reason.
(No need to enter me in the giveaway.)
I order the books that I excited about, which is particularly all of them, in advance.
ReplyDeleteI always start with the first book in a series.
Kitten143 (at) Verizon (dot) net
That's good to know. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteI order my favorite authors ahead. I prefer to read a series in order but I will read out of order also. I find out about most new books online these days since I don’t go to book stores. The cover can attract my attention and then I will examine ghee book.
ReplyDeleteCovers are so important, aren't they?
DeleteForgot my email. suefoster109 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteCovers are very important to me. I'm not sure why, but they are. I like to start with book number one if at all possible.
ReplyDeleteclarksrfun at gmail dot com
It's so exciting to read about all the books coming out in 2021!
ReplyDeleteI'll admit it - I am a book cover lover. Love dissecting a cover to examine all the little details. My mind working all the time to see if I can get a sense of the story. Then after I read the book, I go back to the cover again to see how it actually works into the story comparing with my original thoughts. I have been know to be drawn to a new author by seeing a cover as I pass in a book store as well.
There are many things that cause me to pick up a book - knowing the author and/or having read their previous books, great recommendations, a newsletter or Facebook post telling about a new book out having me search out the book or even a catchy title, but a lot of the times it's a great cover that will draw my eye first causing me to check out a book.
Thank you for the fabulous chance to win some awesome books! Shared and hoping to be the very fortunate one selected.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Love all this, Kaye! I'll confess that the covers for my cozies include so much wonderful detail that I sometimes don't notice it all until the publisher sends me a poster with the cover blown up! That's particularly true of the first books in both the Food Lovers' Village and Spice Shop series.
DeleteCongratulations on all the new releases! My TBR pile is growing! :)
ReplyDeleteI always start with book #1... I’m afraid I’ll miss little details about the characters or something about their backstories if I don’t.
Sometimes I will preorder if it’s an author I follow and I’ve been excited for the next book in a series.
I DO enjoy a cute cover and some have made me pick them up, but I can’t say I’ve ever bought a book solely based on the cover itself.
Best of luck to you all on the new books! I’m very excited!
bmcewen73@gmail.com
We are SO grateful for readers who pre-order! Pre-orders give the publisher an idea of the level of buzz around a book, and sometimes even change their promotion campaign to give a book with strong pre-orders a push.
DeleteCongratulations on all the new releases...I’m updating my TBR list as we speak! I have to start at the beginning of a series and never read out of order (unless it’s by accident). I love going to B&N on release day when books by my favorite authors come out. The cover is usually what attracts me first to a new author, but the back cover blurb is what sells me. cking78503(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteCovers are so important, I agree. I've never bought a book because of the cover, but it's certainly made me pick up the book and find out what it's all about.
DeleteI do both, order in advance and sometimes have to wait till comes out. I love to read a series in order, but if it is a new author I have just discovered will read latest and then back to beginning.
ReplyDeleteI do that too, Patricia!
DeleteA nice cover can make me want to pick up a book but I've never bought one based solely on the cover. The blurb needs to pull me in and if I'm on the fence what seals the deal is a good recipe or craft pattern in the back. I've tried books based mostly on having good recipes.
ReplyDeleteI keep a running list of series/authors I particularily like and release dates so I can get the latest book. New books I find sometimes with a mention online but mostly just browsing through the bookstore. Even if I see it first online, I still like to be able to flip through before committing to buy when it's a totally new series.
I usually start with book #1, but I've bought books later in the series, especially at library sales. If I really like the later books I'll go back to the beginning. Besides, with all the setup necessary in first books, some take a bit to get going. So if I start with #1 I usually give a series at least 2 or 3 books in before deciding if it's not holding my interest.
kozo8989(at)hotmail(dot)com
Love that you sometimes buy for the recipes -- you're in the right place for that! And good point about the effect of the set-up in book one -- we appreciate your patience!
DeleteI'm not averse to reading whatever series book looks good to me. If I like it, I'll go back and read the rest in order. As for finding new authors, I'm a member of Sisters in Crime, so I find some authors that way. I also look at a variety of blogs, as well as Library Journal. My TBR list is pages long, but I keep adding to it!
ReplyDeleteA Sister -- yay! Two of us (Roberta and I) have had the privilege of serving as president; others of us have led chapters, and we've all been involved with SinC in some way. Such a great organization!
DeleteMostly I like to read the first book in a series to get to know the characters. then I may skip arond if I can't find the second book.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good idea. Terry. We try hard so that readers who join a series in the middle aren't lost, but that initial set up of the characters is important.
DeleteI always have to read in order and most often wdit until release day to get a new release. Thanks for the giveaway and updates on all the great projects in the works or about to be released!
ReplyDeleteI always have to read in order and most often wdit until release day to get a new release. Thanks for the giveaway and updates on all the great projects in the works or about to be released!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I pre order, if I hear about the book early or order when released. I like to read from book one, but if I find a new series book other that the first, I will read and then go back to the beginning. I find new authors and new books from author emails, and posts from authors on facebook and from my sister when she mentions a book or author she likes that I don't know about. A few times the cover has totally got me to buy the book.
ReplyDeleteI always read a series in order. It is vital for the enjoyment and story. A cover makes the novel come alive but I rely on the blurb to introduce me to the background of the novel. I learn about authors from websites, the library, and bookstores. I wait until the release and anticipate but rarely preorder. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI like to start at the first book, but if I find a book that looks interesting, I'll read it then look for the rest of the series to read in order. That's how I found Cleo Coyle's haunted book shop series. The cover art was very compelling with the floating fedora. I read, I think book 3, was hooked and went back and found the rest of them. I'm beyond happy that the series is going to continue because I adore Jack and Pen!
ReplyDeleteHi, Brenda - Marc and I are enjoying everyone's responses here! Thank you especially for the spirited shout-out on our Haunted Bookshop Mysteries. (Jack and Pen thank you, too. :)) We are looking forward to getting our brand-new release into readers' hands this April. The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait will be the 7th in the series, and I'll just add that Marc and I always do our best to provide background info in our latest books so that new readers will not be lost. We take that same approach in our Coffeehouse Mysteries. Thanks again for the kind words!
Delete~ Cleo
If it is an author I've read before and a new series is begun then I like to start at #1. Sometimes my favorite authors don't have anything new out so I may look for something new and a good cover may tip my choice. Once I find a favorite author I have to read everything they have written. I am a very avid reader. Most of my books are from the military base library and if they don't have it they will find it for me. I do have a personal collection of books that I like to re enjoy now and then. This gets harder to do as I remember them too well after a second or third reading. Occasionally a librarian will recommend a new book and occasionally I'll pick one up from the lending library at the VA hosp. Thank you all for taking the time, effort and creative mind to write these stories. So thankful there is a variety of stories and styles to feed the need of such a variety of readers.
ReplyDeleteI usually try to start with book #1 in the series but that wasn't always possible. I follow most of the authors on FB now before I just kept an eye out on Amazon or one of the many other sites. I also check the authors web site for new listings. I rarely judge a book by its cover yet a great cover is always a good thing. Looking forward to all the new releases. nvictoria77(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWhen I read a series I start with the first book. I learn about books from many different sources. Newsletters, libraries, publishers sites, and print brochures. These are invaluable. I wait until release day for new books. The cover does not influence me although it can be a draw. Instead I concentrate on the story line and author. Thanks for your lovely giveaway and interesting post today.elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteDepending on the author/series, if it's one that I really enjoy, I will preorder. Otherwise I wait until a couple days after pub. day to check out some of the reviews.
ReplyDeleteI like to start a series at the beginning, but it's not necessary.
Newsletters, FB, and various FB groups and author's pages... either website or FB page.
I do enjoy the cozy covers and titles, but I've never bought one based on the cover alone... although it does help to draw me in to read the synopsis and then decide if I want to get the book.
kimheniadis at gmail dot com
I'm please to hear you get some of your new book news in newsletters and FB.
DeleteI'm a stickler for reading in order, although I have and do make exceptions. I find covers to be important in books in which I'm unfamiliar with the author. A cover may catch my eye and make me pick up the book and read the back cover. If that grabs me-it's a go!
ReplyDeletecozyupwithkathy @ gmail dot com
Certain loved authors are a no brainer: order as soon as it is doable. Others, it depends on my mood.
ReplyDeleteIt's ideal to start a series with the first, but that isn't always practical. Start where you can.
I seem to be constantly finding possible new books via blogs and friends. I have an seemingly unending list by my computer. I note which are available at my library and which are "buy" only.
Covers can catch my attention so I research the story.
After reading what you all have planned for this year I think I need a long nap. Or another cup of tea. Or both!
libbydodd at comcast dot net
LOL -- a cuppa tea and a good book is ALWAYS a good combination!
DeleteLoving hearing from all of you about your reading habits.
I prefer to read the first book in a series and go through in order -sometimes I'll win a book in a giveaway that's later in the series and if I love the book, I go back and start with the first in the series and read through the while thing. Covers matter to me - I will tend to not pick up a book to read if I don't like the cover, unless I find the story too intriguing. I'm thrilled for all of your new releases and will look out for them at my bookstore. Here's to a book-filled 2021! aut1063(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI have pre-ordered books, usually from favorite series as soon as they are available to do so. Most of my new exposures are from blogs, groups or facebook directly with authors. I prefer to read series in order and cover art is a big tie-in to a story. It leads me to the back and I find that just as important. egoehner(at)roadrunner(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHi lovely ladies! I have had the pleasure of meeting a few of you at a Bouchercon gathering so know that you are just as lovely in person as you are in these missives. I like to read series in order, find out about new and upcoming books through websites like Stop, You're Killing Me, and other cozy mystery sites, and always enjoy a fanciful cover. My email is toby_peters@yahoo.com, created in honor of the late Stuart Kaminsky's Toby Peters series, which I adored. May they both rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteHi, Dorcey! And thanks for reminding us of a terrific writer and a rollicking good series!
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