Thank you for inviting me Dru! I’m delighted to be here. Lately, I’ve been avoiding my real work as an event planner by decorating the community haunted house for Halloween. I’m having loads of fun being creatively creepy with spiderwebs. We’re even setting up a vampire’s bedroom — talk about fun! Of course, it helps that I live in historic Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia. The likes of George Washington walked the ancient sidewalks here, so you can imagine that there are plenty of ghosts hanging around. Sometimes in the fall, when dry leaves rustle by my ankles in a breeze, I can almost feel the ghosts of people who walked the very same streets long ago.
There are those who believe the ghost of my ex-husband’s aunt lives in my house and to be honest, I’m inclined to believe it myself. Strange things happen that I can’t quite explain any other way. But I draw the line at other paranormal beings, and I feel quite certain that the rumors about a certain scary guy named Viktor Luca returning to town are nonsense. It’s great publicity for the haunted house, though, so I’m not about to spoil the fun. Shh, don’t tell anyone that I don’t think there’s a vampire on the loose!
My niece, Jen, her friend, Vegas, and some of their classmates are helping out with the haunted house. My brother warns me that Jen’s upcoming 13th birthday means she is in the process of shapeshifting to the scariest creature of all — a teenager. So far she’s behaving like her sweet self, and I’m enjoying having the kids help out in the haunted house.
Jen and Vegas will be staying with me over Halloween. I’ve already baked cupcakes with chocolate spiderwebs on them. I’m planning to make Monster Fingers and Ghost Potatoes, too, and serve hot cider by the fireplace. What a relief to have crisp fall days after that scorching summer!
It’s troubling, though, that two adult volunteers have quit the project and refused to return to the house. I love Halloween, and who doesn’t like a fun, harmless prank that spooks someone? I could accept one adult being frightened, but now that another one has run (quite literally) from the house, I am just a bit concerned. You don’t suppose the house could really be haunted, do you?
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You can read more about Sophie in THE DIVA HAUNTS THE HOUSE, the 5th book in the “Domestic Diva Mystery” series. The first book in the series is THE DIVA RUNS OUT OF THYME.
The life and times of Sophie Winston is written by Krista Davis who lives and writes in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She really does have a gregarious Ocicat named Mochie who can open cabinets and leap to amazing heights. Her dogs, including a Golden Retriever who isn’t golden and won’t retrieve, consider Krista’s writing career a convenient second job that allows her to be available for her primary job as door opener, canine cuisine chef, and walking assistant. Krista’s fascination with mysteries was fueled by Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, and Agatha Christie. Like her protagonist, Sophie Winston, Krista loves to entertain friends and family, but would just as soon leave cleaning to someone else.
Visit Sophie’s author, Krista Davis, at http://DivaMysteries.com and stop by http://MysteryLoversKitchen.com where mystery writers cook up crime . . . and recipes! A new recipe is featured each day.
** Krista has generously offered to give away a signed copy of THE DIVA HAUNTS THE HOUSE. To enter, please leave an e-mail address in your comment. One entry per person and is open to anyone with a U.S. mailing address. Deadline to enter is September 12th at 12pm EST. The winner will be chosen using a random number generator and contacted via email for mailing instructions. **
NEWS FLASH: Thanks to Berkley Prime Crime, I have a second copy of THE DIVA HAUNTS THE HOUSE to give away! To enter, leave a comment with a valid e-mail address. Please break it up using (at) and (dot), like example(at)host(dot)com. Contest ends on September 12th at 12 noon EST. Winner will be notified by e-mail and has 2 days to respond. Book will be shipped directly from the publisher.
Books are available at retail and online booksellers.
Sounds very exciting. I put it on my to read list.
idlivru1@gmail.com
already on my TBR list!!! thank you for the giveaway!!!
cyn209(AT)juno(DOT)com
When my son was little he said that Halloween was his favorite holiday! There’s something delightfully spooky and shivery and fun about Halloween. I always check out Halloween mysteries at that time and get into the spirit. Then when the little hobgoblins knock on my door, I’m really in the spirit of things!
I love spooky movies (not horror). I also love the Diva series because Sophie our amateur detective is a smart lady who appears to totally enjoy what she does.
NoraAdrienne (at) gmail (dot) com
I’m intrigued and ready to read!
oops, forgot my email address
goinganon@aol.com
This sounds like a good book to get into the Halloween mood! Cool, crisp weather sounds good, too! Hang in there, Sophie!
What a perfect read for Halloween—-if I win I’ll save it for that day and then really enjoy.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Wow…this sounds like a great read…I’m adding it to my “to-read” list. I would love to be entered for the giveaway.
My email address is pamelacornes@ymail.com.
Thanks, everyone! I wish you could all win!
~ Krista
Nothing like a diva to make a scene on Halloween. Must read it!
I have it on pre-order and expect it to load to my Kindle tomorrow. I’m really looking forward to it.
harbingerdc@gmail.com
I love Old Towne! I used to live in Crystal City and went there often. It’s nice to read about it.
I love this series! It is one of my favorites. My Grandmother who turns 94 this month loves reading it also. Please keep these books coming!! Can’t wait to read this one!
thecolins@mediacombb.net
jeabeeson@gmail.com
I can’t wait to read it!! I love the Domestic Diva series!! Love from St. Louis! ~Jess
This sounds really good! I’d love to read it! Thank you for the giveaway!
mittens0831 at aol dot com
Hi Krista/Sophie and Dru,
Autumn is my favorite time of the year and this looks like the perfect cozy to curl up with.
Kellie M. Rix
kmrix2011@yahoo.com
Oh love this series – can’t wait to read it! Already on my wishlist.
Can’t wait to read the newest edition of the Domestic Diva series. Love them all and Krista Davies is one of the greatest authors u there with Joanne Fluke, Dianne Mott Davidson and Laura Childs. I have read and collected from all those authors and now Ms. Davies is among the authors that are on my bookshelves.
I love love love this series! It is on my wishlist! My email address is : Celticprincess1998@yahoo.com! Debbie Rhoades
I’ve been a fan of the series since the first book and can wait toget my hands on this one.
pattie.tierney(at)gmail(dot)com
Oops! I meant that I CAN’T wait. But then you knew that, right? 😉
GREAT NEWS on the update. Glenda Currin gcurrin61@gmail.com
The Diva, a haunted house and Halloween – who could ask for better. Thanks. Linda K. kuzlin@aol.com
I love this series and can’t wait for a new one!
i love the diva books! i’ve them all so far, and can’t wait to read the new one! thanks for the chance to win a copy! karen irvine
I love all of the Diva books. This one will be even more fun with a Halloween and a haunted house. Thanks. Linda lschweich@gmail.com
I am so excited about the new book! It seems when one comes out I can’t put it down until I have turned the last page. I would be hard put to say which one I liked the best. Thanks for this opportunity to get a new book by Krista Davis. Did I say I was excited? Oh, yes, I did!
I’ve been reading the Diva series and am on book three right now, so I love knowing there are at least two more coming. Thanks for the giveaway.
pennyt at hotmail dot com
Congrats, Krista! 🙂 Looking forward to this one, and to the next! slatterye /at/ gmail
I enjoy the diva series very much. I am ready for the change of season, a little reading & how about hot cider. Thanks.
I’m tempted to re-read the first four before beginning this one. Love the Diva books.
Love your books and can’t wait for the next one. Please write faster!!!
Tricia
peanutpet@aol.com
I can’t wait to read it. It’s on my MUST READ list.
ladyflash1980@yahoo.com
What a wonderful book and she even has a great recipe for potato pancakes:) Thank you for sharing this giveaway opportunity.
dz59001[at]gmail[dot]com
This definitely is on my TBR list it just sounds like so much fun!
nlb1050@yahoo.com
I love Halloween. It was always my favorite holiday until my Granny passed away. Her birthday is on Halloween and after she passed away, Halloween made me sad, until my sweet husband started making sure we always had something interesting and/or fun to do on Halloween. Looking forward to reading this next installment in a great series.
Beverly aka Booklady
bevarcher at me dot com
My head is so swollen that I can hardly hold it up! You’re all wonderful. Thank you so much!
Stephanie, please give your grandmother my best wishes for a very Happy Birthday! I love that I have a 94 year old reader!
~ Krista
This is such a great series! I’m partial to the protag since it’s my daughter’s name, too. Great book, Krista, and great feature, Dru!
Thanks Misa.
Ah, a chance to win the next Diva Book to find out what Sophie’s up to! And perhaps meet Mars’ aunt’s ghost. Can’t wait to read this book!!
My email address is: marilev4@optonline.net
A new series for me to check out – thanks for the giveaway!
Isn’t it wonderful that there are so many talented AND published mystery authors?
Thank you, Dru, for this great interview! I love the Diva books! Since Halloween is my favorite season, I’m salivating over this latest installment. I’d love to win one!
Linda
email: dinhjb@mindspring.com
Thanks Linda.
I’m reading this book now and the only thing stopping me is work.
Can’t wait to read it!
FloydCo.KyGuy@yahoo.com
I want it, I want it and I want it. If I don’t win (that’s okay) I WILL GET THIS BOOK! Wonderful interview, Dru.
I’m a big fan of Krista’s books (as well as her recipes at MLK) so I’m really looking forward to her latest treat in the series. Thanks for the interview and giveaway, Dru!
lola777_22[at]hotmail[dot]com
I’m enjoying this feature as well, because I get a better understanding of each character presented.
Another series i’d like to read. Hope to win this
jplungas at gmail dot com
I’ve been waiting for another Diva novel. Remember when Krista was so excited about forthcoming first one, The Diva Runs Out of Thyme. Loved her Diva blog, though I’m a big follower of Mystery Lover’s Kitchen. j.alter@tcu.edu
The Diva Haunts the House sounds like a fun ghostly read without being too scary, just enough scary for a chicken like me. I’m looking forward to reading it!
I am SO excited about another Sophie novel. I miss her when my books end! Thank you so much for this offer!
Jorie
Mwampler@csulb.edu
when i start your books, i do nothing else until i finish the book. sometimes the pages get blurry, but i walk around until i wake up enough to continue reading. just love em
char10144@yahoo.com
Sounds like an awesome book to read.
elisanabby@gmail.com
I love this series! I plan on reading this one for one of my October reads.
VWinship at aol dot com
I would love to win a copy of this book!
Denise
deer757@msn.com
Love the books. Keep them coming!
Fran
McPoand@Collingswifthynes.com
Alexandria is one of my favorite places to visit. Thanks for the chance to win this book. sdryburgh at hotmail dot com
I can not wait to read this book!
busymother@gmail.com
adding this series to my reading list – love mysteries & cooking combos
Dru!!!! What a fabulous reading site you’ve created. I LOVE the Diva series. It’s one of my favs. Can’t wait to read this book. Thanks for the chance to win it. Happy reading. I always look forward to your reviews on GoodReads.
Thank you Kimberly.
Wow! It sounds really good. I’m excited about reading this book!
Tonya
bubs (dot) girl (at) yahoo (dot) com
I’ve been waiting for a new Diva book! Of the “cozy” type mysteries I’ve read, these are by FAR my favorites. The characters are likable. The heroine (Sophie) is likable. So many of the leads in other books are just annoying — criticizing every other character in the book, being self-righteous, and letting the reader know the author’s views on every subject under the sun. But I actually LIKE Sophie! Krista has also managed to make the “unpleasant” character Natasha likable! I want Krista, Natasha, and their fun neighbor to team up to solve a mystery someday. I think the three of them would play off of each other very well. Actually, I want a TV show with those 3. Remember when mystery shows were watchable? When the characters were fun, and there weren’t gruesome scenes every ten seconds? I do, and I would love to be able to watch a TV show made from Krista’s characters. The settings are fun, the details (slightly “haunted” portrait in the kitchen) are fun, and again, the characters are fun and LIKABLE!!
isonsrus(at)yahoo(dot)com
Sounds fun. Put me on the list, too. Clwaller at gmail dot com
This book is on my want-to-read list–and that was before I read this! Dru, you are amazing. You choose such great books. I’m never disappointed when I choose a book you’ve recommended. Thanks!!
Thanks so much! This is a wonderful series!!
jrobinson12 (at) austin (dot) rr (dot) com
I keep reading great things about Davis but have yet to read any of this series. This would be a wonderful place to start. Thanks for hosting such a nice giveaway.
florida982002[at]yahoo[dot]com
I have been reading so much lately but I am anxiously awaiting the new tales of Sophie! I love this series 🙂
Contest is closed.
I have read The Diva Haunts the House and loved it. I had asked Krista a question (spoiler) about Sophie/Wolf/Mars. I am waiting for the answer, if she even knows it herself!
P.S. I am not entering the contest, just leaving a comment…
The winners are:
Elisa V, who gets a signed copy from Krista and
Penny Tuttle, who gets a copy from the publisher