Every morning, I’m reminded how painfully thin the walls are that divide my side of the duplex from my landlady Ina Carroll’s side. Six out of seven mornings, I wake up to a riotous Irish jig or a mournful rendition of Oh Danny Boy. Even though Ina’s on the upward march to eighty, she hears everything going on inside of my apartment even with her record player set to the sound barrier.
That morning, Ina was at the door before I finished my Pop-Tart. She didn’t bother to knock and used her key to enter. My black cat, Templeton, hissed and ran into my bedroom.
Ina adjusted her green pill hat. “India, I’m glad you haven’t left for the library yet. I need your help.”
This can’t be good, I thought.
“Your parents are holding a rally at Memorial Park.”
I raised an eyebrow. “What’s it about this time?”
Ina thought for a minute. “You know I didn’t ask, but I’m sure it’s important. Anyhow, I need a lift.”
“Ina, I’m opening the library this morning. I need to get there early.”
She waved away my concern. “Ahh, the library can wait. None of those college kids will be up this early, and if they are, they won’t be at the library.”
I sighed. “Fine.” As if there was any doubt that I’d take her.
A half hour later, I dropped Ina off at the entrance to Memorial Park and waved to my parents before peeling away from the curb. I was running too late to learn what they happened to be picketing this week. I’d hear all about it soon enough.
Ten minutes later, I turned my small SUV on to Martin College’s campus. Ina was right. Even though I was a few minutes late, no students waiting outside of the college’s library tapping their feet. I breezed through unlocking the building and slipped into my post behind the reference desk just as the phone rang.
“India,” Bobby McNally, my fellow reference librarian and best friend, said into my ear. “You’re late. I called three minutes ago and there was no answer.”
I rolled my eyes. “When was the last time you made it to the library on time?”
“That’s not the point. Anyways, I need your help.”
“What do you need me to do?” I asked because that’s me, India Hayes, the helper… whether I liked it or not…at least this time no dead bodies are involved. But then again, it was still early.
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You can read more about India in MAID OF MURDER, the first book in the “India Hayes” mystery series. The second book, MURDER IN A BASKET will be released in February 2012.
Amanda Flower’s first novel, MAID OF MURDER, was nominated for an Agatha Award. Amanda is working on her first Amish Mystery, A PLAIN DEATH, that will be released in July 2012.
Visit Amanda at www.amandaflower.com. You can also follow Amanda at Facebook and Twitter.
** Amanda has generously offered to give away an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of MURDER IN A BASKET. To enter, you must leave a valid e-mail address in the comment box with your comment. Please break it up using (at) and (dot), like domain(at)host(dot)com. One entry per person and this is open to anyone with a U.S. mailing address. Contest ends on October 24th at 6pm EST. The winner will be chosen using a random number generator and will be notified by e-mail and has 2 days to respond. Book will be shipped directly from the author. **
Books are available at retail and online booksellers.
i just recently received a bookmark from AmandaFlower, so winning the ARC of her Murder in a Basket would so complement it!!! LOL!!!!
thank you for the giveaway!!
cyn209(AT)juno(DOT)com
I love this series and I love Amanda. Can’t wait to read the second one!
mcfarlandnora(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds interesting – always on the lookout for new series – can’t wait.
kuzlin(at)aol(dot)com
I enjoyed the first so much. Would love an ARC of the second.
barbearly(at)aol(dot)com.
What a fun series. Looking forward to this next book! Congrats to a fellow college librarian on a fun read!
Oh, count me in!
melissalanders (at) gmail (dot) com
I can’t wait to read the next one!!! I would love an ARC!!
dellagnesem(at)yahoo(dot)com
Any character that has a black cat should be a favorite in the Halloween seasdon—please sign me up for your contest.
suefarrell(dot)farrell(at)gmail(dot)com
I remember hanging out in the library of whatever college I happened to be attending any given semester. The librarians were always helpful. Finding dark corners to read or sleep in is very important.
I’d love to win a copy of Murder in a Basket would be quite nice.
NoraAdrienne (at) gmail (dot) com
Oh, oh, oh *waving hand furiously, Horshack-style* 😉
Great to see you here, Amanda and to peek in on India!
leanolan (at) verizon (dot) net
Librarian’s are wonderful, and I’d love a chance to win this book.
TerryParrish 2010 (at) hotmail (dot) (com)
I love reading new series.
Excellent! Add in another series with a librarian as the main character! I love libraries. Adding this book and author to the Wanton Wantin’ Book List.
VWinship (at) aol (dot) com
Thanks everyone for your fun comments! I’m looking forward to finding out who wins. 🙂 Good luck to everyone!
Sounds wonderful!
idlivru1(at)gmail(dot)com
I loved Maid of Murder and am eagerly waiting to get my hands on Murder in a Basket, so count me in! 🙂 I’d even provide a U.S. mailing address for it. *whistles innocently*
jenjdanna(at)gmail(dot)com
Hadn’t heard of this author before so I’ll have to find out more about these books and what murder has to do with baskets. I like the cover and the baskets. I’d like to win a book and I love to hear about new series.
spookycat72(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for sharing! Great to see you here. Did someone mention bookmarks? 🙂
marisacleveland(at)yahoo(dot)com
How fun!
blwilstead(at)aol(dot)com
Sounds like a fun read. I dearly love cozies!
florida982002[at]yahoo.com
I haven’t read any of this series but library “happenings” should make good cozies!
kpbarnett1941(at)aol(dot)com
Yay! ARC’s are the best!
jwelson(at)me(dot)com
Contest is closed.
Congratulations to our winner: Barbara Early!