AN Unhappy Medium  -Blog Tour Cozy Mystery Review + Giveaway

An Unhappy Medium
by Dawn Eastman

I enjoyed the character of Clyde’s Aunt Vi who provides zombie makeup, meddling, and much comic relief. The best thing about An Unhappy Medium is that you will never guess whodunnit. I dare you to try!
~Sissy, Bubble Bath Books

Dawn Eastman scores again as we dive right back into the lives of the Fortune family in Crystal Haven.
~ MELISSA’S ECLECTIC BOOKSHELF

What a fun story. I love the paranormal element.
~FUONLYKNEW

An Unhappy Medium:
A Family Fortune Mystery
Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Publisher: Berkley (April 5, 2016)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0425282809
E-Book ASIN: B011IUSQXI

Synopsis

Psychic Clyde Fortune and her zany family are back in the fourth in the national bestselling series from the author of A Fright to the Death.

Former cop and novice psychic Clyde Fortune finds herself in a race for justice when a Zombie Fun Run turns deadly…

All of Crystal Haven, Michigan, is psyching up to participate in a Zombie Fun Run organized by Clyde’s nephew Seth, but Clyde is fretful about the undead festivities. For one thing, her sister, Grace, has unexpectedly returned to town after fifteen years. For another, Clyde has the nagging feeling that something is about to go wrong…

When one of the zombie runners is found murdered and then Grace disappears, Clyde realizes her grim premonition is dead-on. Now, she and her police detective boyfriend Mac must find a ghoulish murderer before someone points the finger at Grace. And when a tangled web of family secrets and old grudges combines with a mysterious case of stolen diamonds, even someone as quick-witted as Clyde might not be able to outrun a killer…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dawn Eastman lived in Michigan for many years, in a house full of animals, unusual people, and laughter. She now lives in Iowa with her family and one extremely bossy small dog. She is the national bestselling author of The Family Fortune Mystery Series, which features psychics, animal communication, quirky characters and murders.

This is my first book to read by this author but I will be going back and getting all her books. She is  very gifted and the story was incredible. The book is a paranormal cozy mystery and it sure kept my interest. It has a great cast of characters that make the story so enjoyable to read. The details of the town were so vivid I wanted to go there and be a part of it. The book is sure to a winner for this author as she cleverly placed creative characters like Zombies and tarot readers in the town.  Did I mention the Zombies?

It's a great day in the little town as Clyde and her crew are having a Zombie Run. Of course not everyone is on board with this great idea.  When  something horrible happens during the run, Clyde seems to be at the forefront of the investigation. The town comes  out in full force to point fingers and whisper like a group of gossips about the horrible incident.  I have to mention the town meeting. It was hysterical and it made me think of a scene from the Gilmore Girls. Whenever they had a town  meeting, it was like a big production complete with quirky characters and snacks. I was so sure I would figure out the mystery. I was so wrong. The author did a tremendous job of keeping readers guessing with the twists and turns. This is one book that you definitely don't want to miss.

I was given a copy of this book from Great Escapes Books Tour for an honest review.

Giveaway: Tell  me what you like most about cozy mysteries. Make sure to leave your name and email in comments below.  Giveaway will close on April 13, 2016 at 11:55 CST. The winner will be notified the following day. Good Luck .

Author Links

Webpage – www.DawnEastman.com

Twitter – @DawnAEastman

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DawnEastmanAuthor

Goodreads –  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6544185.Dawn_Eastman

Purchase Links
Anazon    B&N         Indiebound

Tour Participants

April 4 – Bubble Bath Books – Review, Giveaway

April 5 – Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf – Review, Giveaway

April 6 – fuonlyknew – Review, Giveaway

April 7 – I Wish I Lived in a Library – Review, Giveaway

April 8 – Texas Book-aholic – Review

April 9 – Girl Lost In a Book – Review, Giveaway

April 10 – A Holland Reads – Review, Character Interview, Giveaway

April 11 – Musings and Ramblings – Review, Giveaway

April 12 – A Chick Who Reads – Review

April 13 – The Bookwyrm’s Hoard – Review, Giveaway

April 14 – Booklady’s Booknotes – Review, Giveaway

April 15 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review, Giveaway

April 16 – Laura’s Interests – Review, Giveaway

April 17 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Review, Character Interview

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

Buckhead Dead Celebration Tour Kick Off Package

Book Information

March 29 – April 11

To purchase your copy of Buckhead Dead, click here.

Skye Southerland and Honey Truelove have just finished an interior design job for Sylvia Landmark, one of Buckhead’s most eccentric characters, and their designs are to die for. After a celebration at Sylvia’s home where they reveal the new décor, including a desk with a possible link to the pirate Blackbeard, Sylvia turns up dead, leaving the ladies wondering if this desk is worth more than they bargained for. Skye and Honey are now suspects in the murder of a woman who had few friends, and plenty of possible enemies. In an attempt to clear their names, Skye, Honey, and Honey’s loveable cousin Ginger embark on a journey to find the real killer, figure out the real history behind the desk, and clear their names before they end up going to jail, or even worse becoming the next victims! With plenty of warnings from Skye’s husband Mitch, and the ruggedly handsome Detective Montaine assigned to Sylvia’s case, these girls still manage to get right in the middle of the investigation, while having time to enjoy all that Georgia has to offer.

About the Author

Deborah Malone’s first novel Death in Dahlonega, finaled in the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Category Five writing contest! Deborah was nominated for 2011 and 2012 Georgia Author of the Year in Novel category. She has worked as a freelance writer and photographer, for the historic magazine “Georgia Backroads” since 2001. She has had many articles and photographs published, and her writing is featured in “Tales of the Rails,” edited by Olin Jackson, as well as the “Christian Communicator.” She is a member of the Georgia Writer’s Association, Advanced Writers and Speaker’s Association and the American Christian Fiction Writers.

I have to say this is one book I want to run screaming in the streets and tell everyone to buy a copy of. The book is outstanding. I have never laughed so hard in my life. Skye and Honey  compliment each other so well. They reminded me of a Lucy and Ethel segment . They are always  plotting things, which gets them in deeper trouble and when they bring Ginger  into the mix, stand back for an action packed story.

The story is about a client of Skye's  and  Honey that has been found murdered. The police suspect them and there starts the adventure of three ladies off to conquer the world. Ok maybe just to prove their innocence, but get ready for some escapades that are so hysterical you will be laughing so hard your stomach will hurt. The scene with the bee incident is writing at its best. I loved  the characters names. Each one is priceless and fits the story brilliantly.

Holly seems to be the ring leader of hair braided ideas that end up getting them all in more trouble than they bargained for. The cute little southern sayings like, "I'll be hog tied" had me thinking of the many quirky things throughout the book that are placed perfectly to enhance the story. The mystery is sure to keep you guessing as the race is on to find  who the guilty person is. I loved it when Skye says,"I've often wondered if that little gut feeling we get is God's way of telling us we'd better think twice before moving forward." I wonder how many of us get that feeling and ignore it only to regret it later?

The story is a whirlwind of activity that will keep readers on their toes and is sure to be a winner in the cozy mystery circle. The author is very gifted with her words that make the story come to life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great story filled with  laughs , mystery and friendship.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and the author for an honest review.

Giveaway

To celebrate the book tour, Deborah is graciously giving away a $50 Darden gift card.  Click to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/94c8

Guest Post From Deborah Malone

My Journey to Publication

Pack your suitcase and come take a little journey with me. Let’s start at the beginning. I believe I came out of the womb with a book in my hands. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love to read. I can still remember the smell of the library in my elementary school. I don’t know if it was dust or mildew, but I associated it with books. I loved that smell!

When I got a little older my friend introduced me to the library downtown. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. Book heaven that is! I think I read every mystery in the young adult section. I know many of you will remember Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon (then there will be others scratching your head). My main character, Trixie, in the Trixie Montgomery Cozy Mystery Series is named after Trixie Beldon.

When I was growing up my mother had severe Rheumatoid Arthritis and required a lot of help from me. I would read my books to take me away from all the responsibility for a while. Looking back I believe my mother realized how important books were to me because she always made sure I had plenty to read.

I married at nineteen and had two girls over the next few years. My youngest daughter became very ill leaving her seriously disabled and requiring around the clock care. So I stayed busy raising my girls. In 1999 I went through a divorce and Niki and I moved in with my dad. I would take care of both of them for the next 10 years until my dad moved into assisted living. During those years I started writing, and this like reading would take me away from the tremendous responsibility for a little while. I worked on my first book off and on for the next ten years.

Then one day I learned about the on-line writer’s group, American Christian Fiction Writers. I knew I wanted to write my book as Christian fiction, but didn’t know how. I learned everything I could about the craft of writing (and still learning) and rewrote my first book, Death in Dahlonega, as a Christian cozy. This doesn’t mean that it is a preachy or judgmental book, but one that is just good clean fun. I hope I can make my readers laugh a little and take them away from their stress for a minute.

My first book, Death in Dahlonega, was published in 2011 by Lamp Post Publishing of California. There are now four books in the Trixie Montgomery Cozy Mystery Series. My latest book is, Buckhead Dead, the first book in the new series, Skye Southerland Cozy Mystery Series. I am working on the second book in the series, Decatur Dead. One thing that is unique about my books is that even though they are fiction all of the settings are real. If you knew the area you’d recognize the buildings, roads, restaurants, etc. But you don’t have to be familiar with the area to enjoy the book. It is just icing on the cake.

A fun thing about my book, Buckhead Dead, (an affluent suburb of Atlanta) is that one of the main characters, Honey Truelove, wears Merle Norman Romance Red Lipstick. I had a book signing the other day at a nearby Merle Norman and we had a ball. It was like having a great big girl party. I’ve had a lot of good feedback from those that have read, Buckhead Dead. I am now wearing Honey’s signature color, Romance Red, and really like it. I didn’t think I could wear red lipstick, but I’ve had a lot of compliments on it.

I’m looking forward to finishing the next two books in the series to see what kind of adventures the girls, Skye, Honey and Ginger take us on. I hope that you will take that journey with them, too, and that you’ve enjoyed going on a little journey down memory lane with me.

Blog Stops

March 29: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

March 30: Our Perfectly Imperfect Life

March 31: Just Commonly

April 1: ArtisticNobody

April 2: Through The Open Window

April 3: Mary Hake

April 3: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

April 4: Bigreadersite

April 5: Daysong Reflections

April 5: Cassandra M’s Place

April 6: Lights in a Dark World

April 7: Bukwurmzzz

April 7: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

April 8: Red Headed Book Lady

April 8: Texas Book-aholic

April 9: For the Love of Books

April 10: Reader’s Cozy Corner

April 11: Books! Books! Books!

A PIE TO DIE FOR by STACEY ALABASTER

I am becoming a huge fan of cozy mysteries. This book by a new author is sure to please all fans of this exciting genre. She writes with great enthusiasm and delivers a great story that is easy to follow. Her characters are funny, mischievous and downright loveable. The description of the bakery and their goodies was so realistic, I could almost smell the yummy desserts baking.

Rachel has a dream to open her own bakery and is excited when her store is opened. She is very diligent about her baking and believes it's the best in the town. Of course as luck would have it, she has a fierce competitor. Oh the story just gets better once Rachel and her dear friend decide to spy on the competition. I can see the writing on the wall. They can't seem to help themselves from getting  into trouble . When something happens at a street fair that causes Rachel to become a suspect , the duo are on a mission to prove Rachel innocent. I guess if you watch enough crime shows you become an expert in detective work. Of course that is what our dynamic duo must be thinking as they interview witnesses and basically interfere with the investigation. .

The story is a quick read but very enjoyable. I am looking forward to more books from this very talented author. If you are looking for a great cozy mystery with a cast of characters that will keep you laughing and guessing, this book is perfect .

I received a copy of this book from Fairfield Publishing for an honest review

WATER FROM MY HEART by CHARLES MARTIN

I always enjoy reading books from this author. I have come to love his writing style. It is very poignant and descriptive. He does  an excellent job of developing his characters and allowing the reader to feel the emotions . The places he writes about come alive with the picturesque style he is well versed in. Whatever topic the book is about is handled with real precision and he  holds nothing back. This is another great book that takes you for a journey of self discovery for the main character who at times seems to focus on his flaws a bit much.

Charlie will take an adventure to find someone important to him, but along the way he revisits old hurts that will stir great emotion in him and guide him to a place of comfort and healing. It isn't easy to let go of your past, to be able to forgive yourself for the hurt you have caused others. As the character goes deeper into his journey, his walk will be heavy at times. I loved how the book reminded me that we cannot change our past, but we can make our future better. Letting go of things that have held us emotionally captive is hard but well worth the reward. To be free of something that has defined you negatively for so long is life changing. I loved the way the author also shared something personal at the end of the book. This is one book you will not be able to put down. The story will be one that will stay with readers long after the last page has been read.

I received a copy of this book from the Goodreads Free Giveaway for an honest review.

THE SECRET TO HUMMINGBIRD CAKE by CELESTE FLETCHER McHALE

The main theme in this delightful book is friendship. Don't we all like to have those special friends that just make us feel at home? We can talk to them about anything, sit and chat over coffee and cake  and just relax . This is the kind of friendship these three women from the book have. It is easy, comfortable and lasting friendship that makes this story so inviting.

As we get to know each woman, the author gives us a look into their lives. Some  will face tragedy, pain and even loss . It is written with depth and true emotion. Yes you may want to grab a tissue for this book. The different subjects in the book are well defined with sensitivity and gives you a glimpse into what true friendship means. I really enjoyed the happiness the women felt at being a housewife. It is not an easy task, but the rewards are priceless. They took great care of their home and it showed through their actions. I loved the southern charm throughout the book and I could picture myself sitting with them on the front porch. We would be drinking iced tea and perhaps eating a slice of cake as we discussed our day. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great story that explores friendship and perhaps along the way discover THE SECRET TO HUMMINGBIRD CAKE.

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild for an honest review. .