Tying Up Loose Ends with Aunt Ophie by Terrie Farley Moran

Jul 10, 2015 | A Day In My Life

Caught Read HandedMy name is Ophelia Elizabeth Brice McLennon Honeywell. Y’all can call me Ophie. Most everybody does, although I do like it when handsome young men call me Miss Ophelia. Reminds me of the days when eligible young men were invited to tea at my grandmother’s house to meet her granddaughters. The men called her “Miss Charlotte” and she would smile coquettishly while peeking out from beneath luxurious eyelashes as if there weren’t decades separating their birth years. My sister Emelia says I got my flirtatious ways from grandmother. I don’t care where it came from, a nice smile and placing my hand briefly on a man’s arm has done me no end of good.

Mr. McLennon and I lived in Macon, Georgia for a bit and then he moved us to Pinetta. Barely in Florida, just south of the Georgia border, it’s a lovely, sleepy little town. Unfortunately that fine gentleman went off to his heavenly reward much too soon. Before my proper mourning period was over, that scoundrel Jebediah Honeywell swept me off my feet and landed me in front of the preacher while I was still too teary eyed to make such a life-changing decision. But there we were saying “I do”. So when he ran off to Mobile, Alabama with that floozy Lila Mae Cubbins, I was happy enough to wave fare-thee-well. ’Course I had to put on a show of hand-wringing and dabbing at the corner of my eye with a hankie now and again, otherwise folks would think their kindness and sympathy was wasted on me. What type of neighbor would I be if I wasn’t grateful for their thoughtfulness? Many a month passed before I had to turn on my oven for dinner or dessert, I can tell you.

Still I was at loose ends.

If I’ve learned nothing else in life, I do know that opportunity arises from the strangest circumstances. So there I was late one night browsing Facebook when a status came through my newsfeed that got my heart pumping and my blood roiling. Emelia’s daughter, my niece Bridget, was in trouble. She and her childhood friend Sassy Cabot owned the Read ’Em and Eat Café and Bookstore down in Fort Myers Beach set right on the Gulf of Mexico. Her imaginative and inspired chef, Miguel Guerra, fell and broke his leg—right there in the café kitchen. Who could match Miguel’s kitchen skills? Why me, that’s who. So I tossed a few things in the back of my car. Only essentials mind you: my highly polished lavender make-up case, my multi drawered mahogany jewelry box, and a dozen pairs of my spikey, brightly colored sandals. I hit I-75 and caravanned with a dozen long distance truckers until just before dawn when I reached southwest Florida and saved the day for Bridgy and Sassy.

Miguel’s accident was only the start of trouble in the Read ’Em and Eat. A sweet woman, one of Sassy’s favorite book club members was murdered—struck down in her own home. We found out a few minutes after I arrived. Thank goodness I was there to support the girls in their darkest hour. I kept the kitchen moving, I can tell you. Although I never did understand all the fuss I had to hear from both Bridgy and Sassy about cleaning. After all, I came to rescue them by cooking fabulous meals. Cleaning is not creative enough to be considered my domain.

Time passed and I’m happy to say the killer was caught. Too soon Miguel was able to get back into the kitchen to bake the Miss Marple Scones everyone loves. And I was back at loose ends. I’d come to love Fort Myers Beach but the café kitchen would be too crowded for Miguel and me, each trying to outdo the other. You know what they say about too many chefs. . .

Still and all, the Good Lord always provides. A cozy little consignment shop became available just a few doors away from the Read ’Em and Eat. The perfect business for a connoisseur of fine things. And who appreciates the finer things more than I do? I sold my house in Pinetta and here I am enjoying the sun and the surf in Fort Myers Beach with a business of my own and family and friends to keep me company. Don’t y’all dare to visit the beach without stopping by the Treasure Trove. I’m sure I have something in my collection that will catch your eye.

You can read more about Aunt Ophie in Caught Read-Handed, the second book in the “Read Em and Eat” mystery series, published by Berkley Prime Crime. The first book in the series is Well Read, Then Dead.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 12 a.m. eastern on July 17 for the chance to win an autographed copy tfm signed bagof Caught Read-Handed + a small bag signed by Elaine Viets, R.P. Dahlke, Barbara Graham, Kathy Aarons, Leigh Perry, Melody Johnson Howe, Dianne Vallere, Beverly Allen, and Terrie Farley Moran. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes and you will have three days to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected.

About the author
Agatha Award winner Terrie Farley Moran is the author of Read ‘Em and Eat cozy mystery series including Well Read, Then Dead and Caught Read-Handed. Her short mystery fiction has been published Terrie Farley Moranin Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine and numerous anthologies. Her stories have been short-listed twice for Best American Mysteries. Terrie’s web address is terriefarleymoran.com. She blogs at womenofmystery.net and can be found on Facebook.

75 Comments

  1. Angela Young
    Angela Young on July 10, 2015 at 1:05 am

    Would love to win this book. Thank you for giving me the chance!

  2. Kari
    Kari on July 10, 2015 at 1:30 am

    Loved the first one. Happy to see a new one.

  3. Barbara Hawk
    Barbara Hawk on July 10, 2015 at 1:53 am

    Awesome! Thank you for the opportunity!

  4. Linda Kuzminczuk
    Linda Kuzminczuk on July 10, 2015 at 2:14 am

    First one was a fun read and I can’t wait to read this next one. Thanks for the giveaway.

  5. Dotty Kelley
    Dotty Kelley on July 10, 2015 at 2:36 am

    Looking forward to reading this one.

  6. Kaye Killgore
    Kaye Killgore on July 10, 2015 at 3:23 am

    New seres for me, sounds great

  7. Jen
    Jen on July 10, 2015 at 4:13 am

    Sounds like a great mystery book! I have it on my TBR list. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of the book.
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

  8. Grace Topping
    Grace Topping on July 10, 2015 at 5:20 am

    Hi, Terry – Ophie sure is spunky–just like a character I would expect you to create.

  9. Lisa Wine
    Lisa Wine on July 10, 2015 at 5:27 am

    Loved The firsts one, looking forward to this one. Thanks for the chance to win.

  10. Peggy
    Peggy on July 10, 2015 at 6:16 am

    New seres for me … sounds like a great read. Thank you for this opportunity!

  11. Gram
    Gram on July 10, 2015 at 6:30 am

    I like this gal! 🙂

  12. Lisa Brown
    Lisa Brown on July 10, 2015 at 7:17 am

    Sounds great, thanks for the chance to win 🙂

  13. Debbie Carnes
    Debbie Carnes on July 10, 2015 at 7:30 am

    Sounds like a great book, on my TRL

  14. Kathy Gonzales
    Kathy Gonzales on July 10, 2015 at 7:40 am

    I absolutely loved the first book in this series , I can’t wait to read this installment !

  15. hayes2014
    hayes2014 on July 10, 2015 at 7:46 am

    If I didn’t know you, I’d swear you were a southern belle, with all that natural charm. Sounds like a great read.

  16. Amy Gill
    Amy Gill on July 10, 2015 at 8:00 am

    This is my part of the world. Must read!

  17. Gail Arnold
    Gail Arnold on July 10, 2015 at 8:52 am

    This sounds delightful! What interesting characters. I must catch up by reading the first one!

  18. tfmoran2014
    tfmoran2014 on July 10, 2015 at 8:59 am

    Such fun for me to accompany Aunt Ophie today. She does like to get out and about visiting, so hanging out with Dru Ann will do her a world of good.

  19. Barbara Hackel
    Barbara Hackel on July 10, 2015 at 9:36 am

    Loved the story of Miss Ophie, and it makes me want to read this book and others in the series! Thanks Terrie and Dru for sharing it with me…and the chance to win a copy! 🙂

  20. judyalter
    judyalter on July 10, 2015 at 9:37 am

    Sounds delightful, Terrie. I have it on my iPad for next week’s vacation reading. Can’t wait!

  21. Kiki
    Kiki on July 10, 2015 at 9:44 am

    Looks like great cozy mystery. Love the book cover
    xzjh04@ Gmail.com

  22. Susan Slovinsky
    Susan Slovinsky on July 10, 2015 at 9:45 am

    This sounds like a fun summer read. Adding it and the first one to my TBR list. Hopefully we’ll see more Aunt Ophie in the future.

  23. Anne
    Anne on July 10, 2015 at 10:01 am

    A wonderful cozy and great giveaway. Thanks.

  24. Lois Rotella
    Lois Rotella on July 10, 2015 at 10:06 am

    Thanks for a chance to win. The is a fun series. Love read about Aunt Ophie.

  25. Judy Weaver
    Judy Weaver on July 10, 2015 at 10:09 am

    I love stories about the South!! This book sounds right up my alley. Thanks for the chance to win it!

  26. rochf
    rochf on July 10, 2015 at 10:25 am

    I love Ft Myers, food, shopping and mystery and this book includes them all–sounds like a great read.

  27. Sarah
    Sarah on July 10, 2015 at 10:29 am

    Love this series!!

  28. Ruth Nixon
    Ruth Nixon on July 10, 2015 at 10:29 am

    would love to read this second book starring Aunt Ophie..

  29. Mari Krampach
    Mari Krampach on July 10, 2015 at 10:30 am

    Love these give-a-ways because they introduce you to a author and series you may have missed. Thanks for the chance to win and enjoy a good book.

  30. marylouh
    marylouh on July 10, 2015 at 10:31 am

    Great prize. I’d hang the bag in my craft room as a memento of so many good books that I’ve read from these authors
    thanks
    txmlhl@yahoo.com

  31. holdenj
    holdenj on July 10, 2015 at 10:54 am

    What a fun post! Looking forward to the new book! Thanks for the chance to win!

  32. Patty Allen
    Patty Allen on July 10, 2015 at 11:14 am

    I love finding new authors. Sounds great, thanks for the chance to win.

  33. Sheila K.
    Sheila K. on July 10, 2015 at 11:17 am

    Sounds like a fun read—thanks for the chance to wain a copy!

  34. Rita Wray
    Rita Wray on July 10, 2015 at 11:27 am

    I’m looking forward to reading the book.

  35. Barbara Landrum
    Barbara Landrum on July 10, 2015 at 11:32 am

    This looks like a fun book, looking forward to reading it.

  36. elainehroberson
    elainehroberson on July 10, 2015 at 11:35 am

    Sounds like a great book. Ophie made me smile and reminded me of women I knew growing up. Thanks for the giveaway. Can’t wait to read it.

  37. Robin L. Coxon
    Robin L. Coxon on July 10, 2015 at 11:35 am

    Terrie Moran has a wonderful series. I am sure this book will be as good as the first. Thanks for providing a chance to win a copy.

  38. Doward Wilson
    Doward Wilson on July 10, 2015 at 11:37 am

    I have this on my want list, so thanks for the chance to win.

  39. Libby Dodd
    Libby Dodd on July 10, 2015 at 11:53 am

    She sounds like a real pistol! A welcome addition to town.

  40. Mary Jane H
    Mary Jane H on July 10, 2015 at 11:54 am

    What a great new series for my TBR list. Thanks Dru and Terrie.

  41. Barbara Graham
    Barbara Graham on July 10, 2015 at 12:55 pm

    Terrie and Dru–a dynamite pair!
    I’m glad you decided to continue with books in addition to your short stories.

  42. kidisitor
    kidisitor on July 10, 2015 at 3:02 pm

    This is a new series for me. 🙂 Sounds like a good read and now added to my TRB list.

  43. Sema Firestone
    Sema Firestone on July 10, 2015 at 3:09 pm

    I love “cozy” mysteries and I have not tried this series (or heard of it). Sounds like a lot of fun to read!

  44. Kathleen Costa
    Kathleen Costa on July 10, 2015 at 4:06 pm

    I love this blog, and the series is very exciting!

  45. Nancy L Gessner
    Nancy L Gessner on July 10, 2015 at 4:18 pm

    I would love to win this book.

  46. sallycootie
    sallycootie on July 10, 2015 at 4:41 pm

    Great series, couldn’t wait for this one! And terrific giveaway.

  47. Patricia
    Patricia on July 10, 2015 at 5:37 pm

    Thanks, Dru and Aunt Ophie/Terrie. I’m SO looking forward to reading Caught Read-Handed!

  49. Beverly Guy
    Beverly Guy on July 10, 2015 at 5:42 pm

    Looks like a really awesome book to read. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series and am anxious to read this one!!!! Love the cute cover!!!! Thanks so much dearest Dru for the chance to win!!!! God bless you!!!!

  50. Linda May
    Linda May on July 10, 2015 at 5:54 pm

    This looks like an amazing book, sure would like to win it. Thanks for this awesome Giveaway.

  51. Darlene Peterson
    Darlene Peterson on July 10, 2015 at 5:58 pm

    I love cozy mysteries, and this is an awesome giveaway I’d love to win. Thanks for the opportunity.
    6186pep(at)msn(dot)com

  52. Jenne
    Jenne on July 10, 2015 at 6:08 pm

    Good luck to everyone!

  53. Joyce Aiken
    Joyce Aiken on July 10, 2015 at 7:37 pm

    I would be so happy to win. I loved the first book in this series.

  54. Annette
    Annette on July 10, 2015 at 9:00 pm

    I enjoyed reading the first book in this series and look forward to reading the new one.

  55. Sherry Harris
    Sherry Harris on July 10, 2015 at 9:24 pm

    Great post Terrie! Don’t include me in the drawing because I already bought the book.

  56. Marilyn Watson
    Marilyn Watson on July 11, 2015 at 12:34 am

    Oh this sounds so good…and love the cover. Please enter me.
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

  57. Celest Mattis
    Celest Mattis on July 11, 2015 at 1:10 am

    Thank you for the opportunity to win this great sounding mystery. Can’t wait to read it.

  58. Cindy Russell
    Cindy Russell on July 11, 2015 at 1:34 am

    Would love to win this book!!!

  59. Cindergayle
    Cindergayle on July 11, 2015 at 1:36 am

    Thank you !!! Would love to win this book!!!😊

  60. Wanda downs
    Wanda downs on July 11, 2015 at 2:08 am

    Looks interesting

  61. Cindergayle
    Cindergayle on July 11, 2015 at 6:49 am

    Would love to read this book!!!

  62. Lindar
    Lindar on July 11, 2015 at 7:07 pm

    Would love to win this book. Thank you for giving me the chance! Loved reading the first one!

  63. Lisa Millett
    Lisa Millett on July 11, 2015 at 9:42 pm

    Would love to win. Thank you for the chance.

  64. Daniele K
    Daniele K on July 11, 2015 at 10:20 pm

    Thank you for the chance to win.

  65. ktbeeblog
    ktbeeblog on July 12, 2015 at 8:41 pm

    Congrats on the Agatha. I loved Well Read, Then Dead & know they picked the right book. I can’t wait to read Caught Read-Handed. Thanks for the giveaway.

  66. cyn209
    cyn209 on July 13, 2015 at 9:13 am

    thank you for this giveaway…….
    a must-read for me!!!

  67. bn100
    bn100 on July 13, 2015 at 12:06 pm

    new series to me

  68. Letty Blanchard
    Letty Blanchard on July 13, 2015 at 1:14 pm

    New author to me. Would love to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway!

  69. Jackie Wisherd
    Jackie Wisherd on July 13, 2015 at 2:44 pm

    What a unique theme for your book. I know I would enjoy reading it.

  70. Joye
    Joye on July 13, 2015 at 4:22 pm

    I have yet to read a book by this author. This one sounds like a fun read

  71. Sharon
    Sharon on July 14, 2015 at 11:18 am

    I’m always looking for new authors.

  72. Judy D.
    Judy D. on July 14, 2015 at 2:16 pm

    Never been to Georgia, so this may be enlightening. You had me at Facebook when I knew it would be timely. I am certain I would get a kick out of the story and be delighted with the autographed bag and book.

  74. Jill Broussard
    Jill Broussard on July 15, 2015 at 8:02 am

    This sounds great! Thankyou for the opportunity!

  75. Dru
    Dru on July 17, 2015 at 5:06 am

    Contest is closed.