My work is never done.
That sounds like the story of my life, and honestly—it is. When I came to live in Stoneham and decided to take over the cookbook store, the Cookery, I had no idea what a successful businesswoman I would become. Of course, I modeled my store after my dear sister Tricia’s mystery bookstore, Haven’t Got a Clue, but it soon became apparent to me that I had far more business acumen and stamina than her. I mean, she’s only running one business, and she’s not as efficient as she could be. She insists on having two employees, plus herself in the store several days a week. I can’t imagine what that’s doing to her bottom line. (I didn’t ask.)
Still, just running the Cookery wasn’t enough. I’d always wanted to be a restaurateur, but at the time I opened my little café, Booked for Lunch, there was nowhere on Main Street to have a bigger business. That changed when the history bookstore blew up, but by then I was already knee deep in blue plate specials. Still, good food is good food, and my customers leave happy.
My next business venture was buying a share of the Sheer Comfort Inn, a beautiful Victorian house on a residential street that caters to weary (well-heeled) tourists. I was lucky to get a say in the furnishings and linen upgrades, and I think my good taste shines through. During the summer months we’re booked solid, and during the winter, we still manage a 50-60 percent occupancy rate. Not bad!
I mustn’t forget to mention that I’m a bestselling cookbook author, although lately I’ve put that career on hold after taking the helm of the local Chamber of Commerce. It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it. Of course, I had to wrestle it away from my former paramour, but our relationship had ended and, honestly, it was time for a change. Our membership is already up 100 percent and still growing, and we’re doing spectacular things in just a short period of time. Of course, things would be better if we hadn’t lost our receptionist. Betsy Dittmeyer was killed when a fully loaded bookshelf fell over and squashed her like a bug. (A big juicy bug.) But I’m sure we’ll soon hire someone very good (and a lot nicer) to take her place.
You see, Betsy had a lot of secrets she was keeping not only from me, but all the rest of the people in her life. Then again, there are a few secrets I’ve been keeping from Tricia. A very big one that, when told, will shatter her for life. It’s been more than 40 years, perhaps it’s time to spill the beans. But that means waiting until the time is right. And it might be time very soon.
Until that time comes, I’m going to charge full-speed ahead.
It’s the only way I know how to operate.
You can read more about Angelica in Book Clubbed, the 8th book in the “Booktown” mystery series, published by Berkley Prime Crime. The first book in the series is Murder is Binding. Books are available at retail and online booksellers.
Watch the Video:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9Tmrlqum0g&w=420&h=315]
Book Clubbed is new in hardcover, e-book, and audio on July 1st.
Not the Killing Type is new out in paperback on July 1st.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 6 p.m. eastern on July 10 for the chance to win a copy of Not The Killing Type. (US entries only, please.)
Meet the author
The immensely popular Booktown Mystery series is what put Lorna Barrett’s name on the New York Times Bestseller list, but it’s her talent — whether writing as Lorna, or L.L. Bartlett, or Lorraine Bartlett — that keeps her there. This multi-published, Agatha-nominated author pens the exciting Jeff Resnick Mysteries as well as the acclaimed Victoria Square Mystery series and the Tales of Telenia saga, and has many short stories and novellas to her name(s). Check out the descriptions and links to all her works, and sign up for her emailed newsletter here at www.LornaBarrett.com
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Amazon
Follow dru’s book musing on Facebook for book giveaways, contests, posting about discounted books and some of my reading musings.
Looks great!
I would love to read this book—thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
I have this series on my t-b-r list, but thanks to Dru I have added many more and haven’t gotten around to starting it. 🙂
This is probably my favorite cozy series of all time. Angelica, you have piqued my curiosity. I must learn your secret!
I love this series, and have even started the audio versions, they are really well done. Thanks for the giveaway!
another ‘must-add’ to my Wish List!!!
thank you for the giveaway!!!
I would love to read this! Thank you!
On my list to read.
This is on my TRL, sounds interesting. Would love to win it
Looking forward to this one. It’s on my book list. Thanks for the update!
Well, this sounds interesting! Great video, too.
looks great, thank you for the chance to win 🙂
Perfect for me!
Love this series! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
I am going to have a lot of reading ahead if I hope to catch up on all these series. Help me, Dru Ann. 😜
Yes please Dru, I’d love to add this to my collection of Lorna’s books. Toss my hat into the contest ring please.
Great article – looks like a great book, would love to win.
Angelica,
You are one busy lady. I’d love to read this latest book about you and your sister.
Sounds like a great read.
Angelica, how did Booktown survive without you?
Clever video.
Angelica has always struck me as a rather self involved person, but I am sure I am mistaken.
My sister and I are real fans of this series.
Speciality book stores in the real world seem to be having a really hard time staying in business, but it is a dream of mine to be able to explore a whole store with just mystery books or cookbooks. Guess that’s what books do for us. We get to live in our dream worlds!! Love this series!!! Would be great to win this book!!
Any cozy with a cat on the cover is one that I have to read. Also love the video.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Thank you for the chance to win this newest book in such a fun series
I’ve never had a chance to read a book in this series, but I’d love to!!
Love this series, looking forward to reading this one.
I’m exhausted just reading about her day — it sounds fun!
Sounds like an awesome book….cant wait to read it !!!
I am adding this book to my TBR list.
I have loved all of Lorna/Lorraine’s books and will be anxious to read this one as well. Cute cover (love kitties).
I adore this series and am so glad you’re here today, Lorna. It’s definitely one of my faves. When I know I am going to read a specific book I don’t read the synopsis, but rather just dive in. This time not only did I read Angelica’s note to us, but also watched the trailer….I can tell this is going to be a fun read! Looking forward to it.
It sounds like a wonderful series. I would love to read this book. Thanks for the chance to win it.
As a cookbook seller in my earlier life, I love the idea of this one. Looking forwards to reading it.
I love these books…can’t wait to read the newest entry in the series.
I do love this series.
kaye.killgore@comcast.net
Love this series!
Love this series! Thanks for the chance to win!
i was hooked from the very first book. looking forward to this one. i love the title.
I cant wait to read Bookclubbed. Its going to be a great book.
I love the Book Town series!! The characters, Angelica and her sister Tricia are so much fun to read about, and this new one in the series sounds sooo good! I want to add it to my lineup.
Lauigl [at] carolina [dot] rr [dot] com
Would really love to win this. Thanks for having the contest
I must add this series to my tbr list.
Love this series, looking forward to revisiting Booktown soon!
The Booktown series sounds great, please add me for the drawing. Thanks!
“Not the Killing Type” sounds like something I would enjoy reading. j Thanks.
Love this series, but I hate to admit that I’m not fully caught up. But I’m so looking forward to doing so.
I really like this series and I think I’ve read three of them. I always enjoy seeing Tricia’s gray cat, Miss Marple, on the covers (and the books shown on the book cover, too).
catbooks72(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for the great giveaway. I can’t wait to read this latest book. I have enjoyed reading this series and I just laugh at the relationship the sisters have.
contest is closed.