Yep, I’ve got a new life, but not by choice. What had been a pretty nice life abruptly ended after my husband won a top chef contest on TV and then promptly announced that he was trimming the fat in his life—namely me. Of course, my soon-to-be ex wanted this to be a clean break as did his momma, the owner of the Italian bistro where we all worked, so not only did this pastry chef kiss her marriage goodbye, it was arrivederci job.
And I never saw it coming.
Those who know me have a hard time believing that I didn’t pick up on some clue, some visual indicator. I read people. That’s what I do—see what others miss. That’s what I’ve always done for as long as I can remember. It’s my gift, what my family calls my lie-dar. I spot those split-second cues—physical tells that leak through to the surface of the face to reveal the truth. Give me enough time with someone and I can tell you if they’re lying. That’s probably why my ex didn’t want me in New York during the taping of that TV show. He needed me on the other side of the country when he lied to me.
Sure, it hurt that he took a carving knife and cut me out of his life. Rejection always hurts. It hurts to be inconvenient, to no longer fit in someone’s life, but I found something that I think will be a perfect fit for me in this next phase of my life. Better yet, I think it found me, and where I least expected it—back in my home town, the senior citizen haven of Port Merritt, Washington.
That’s right, when I least expected it, a unique opportunity dropped into my lap when the County Coroner, who has known me since I was twelve, offered me a job to be her special assistant. Yes, that means that I’m the grunt who’ll be making the coffee, but she thinks I’ll be an asset to her team and wants to train me to assist in the department’s investigations. Pretty cool, huh? I’m being paid to talk to witnesses and offer my opinion—and trust me, I can be very opinionated!
This new gig is probably the best fit of my skill set that I’ve ever had. Then, on my first day of work, a doctor at the hospital reported the suspicious death of Trudy, an old family friend. Since Trudy’s death is eerily similar to that of two other elderly Port Merritt residents, I figure my buddy, Detective Steve Sixkiller, will be launching an investigation. Unfortunately, his hands are tied until there’s an autopsy and this becomes an official Coroner case. But my hands aren’t tied and I can do some unofficial sleuthing to uncover the truth. Like I mentioned, it’s what I do.
We just won’t tell Steve.
Wendy is giving away one (1) digital copy of TRUDY, MADLY, DEEPLY. Leave a comment to be included in the giveaway. Contest ends August 20.
You can read more about Charmaine in Trudy, Madly, Deeply, the first book in the new “Working Stiffs” mystery series, published by Corvallis Press.
Meet the author
Wendy Delaney writes fun-filled cozy mysteries and is the author of Trudy, Madly, Deeply, which launches her “Working Stiffs” Mystery series. A long-time member of Sisters in Crime, Romance Writers of America, and Mystery Writers of America, she’s a Food Network addict and pastry chef wannabe. When she’s not killing off story people she can be found on her treadmill, working off the calories from her latest culinary adventure. Wendy makes her home in the Seattle area with her husband and has two grown sons. Visit Wendy at www.wendydelaney.com and on Facebook.
Books are available at online booksellers.
Sounds like a fun series! Please enter me in the draw.
Lie-dar. Good one. I think the dichotomy between being able to read people and missing the train that’s going to mow you down is pretty interesting. I want to know how that turns out. Plus, I’ve been hit by a train called “divorce” and I know how that can be.
New author and new book to me. Would love to read TRUDY, MADLY, DEEPLY.
Enter me in this one. I want to meet a Detective named Sixkiller.
Sounds like a fun read. Would love to win a copy of this one. Thanks!
This book sounds really good, and I love digital books . Thanks for the chance to win !
Have never had the opportunity to read anything written by Wendy and this book sounds very amusing. I was chuckling just reading the blog. Would be so happy to win this e-book.
Sounds like a fun read. Kinda sounds like me always getting into the middle of things without really trying, because of the love to talk and dig into a mystery. 🙂 lol
Another author to discover.
Sounds really good. Thanks for the chance to win.
Wow..I’m looking forward to reading this one…count me in, please…Dee
A new author to me. Will definitely have to check out her FB page. Has to be a hoot with what I read about her book. Would love to win this one. Thank you for the chance!
Sounds like a good read. I love to read first books in a new series!
I love the cover and the humor in this story. This makes me really want to read it. Will add it to my wish list. Thank you for the chance to win it.
I LOVE THE COVER OF THE BOOK…AND I LOVE FUNNY STORIES…HOPE I WIN
This would be a new to me author. It is obvious that this would be so much fun to read. Dru, you keep making my tbr pile grow to dangerous heights.
Thank you, Dru, for inviting Char and me to hang out with you today. 🙂
And thank you all for your interest in my debut cozy mystery and all your wonderful comments.
You can read a sample chapter of TRUDY, MADLY, DEEPLY at my website: http://www.wendydelaney.com. While you’re there be sure to check out the recipes. One of my characters LOVES the sour cream apple pie featured at Duke’s, the local greasy spoon, and for good reason, It’s the best apple pie recipe I’ve ever found!
Sounds like a fun read. Thanks for the chance to win!
I have read Wendy Delaney’s Trudy, Madly, Deeply and I loved it! It has a little of everything. There is laugh out loud humor, romance, suspense and plenty of surprises. If you like cozy mysteries you will love this book. I am anxiously waiting for Char’s next “lie-dar” adventure!
Thank you, “Vev!” I’m hard at work on Char’s next adventure (Sex, Lies & Snickerdoodles) which will become available as an ebook in March, 2014, with print books to follow, so stay tuned!
I have actually assisted with forensic autopsies. I worked for pathology departments for fifty years. This book sounds like fun.
Great cover. Sounds like a fun read.
This sounds like an interesting new series to add to my list.
This sounds like a good story line. I look forward to reading it.
I’m about a quarter of the way through it and loving it and I agree it’s a great cover!
I love fun filled cozy mysteries.
This sounds like a great book, I would love to get it
Thanks everyone for all your comments and very nice feedback about Trudy’s cover. I couldn’t be happier with the fun tone my talented graphic artist captured with that cover image. My favorite parts–Trudy’s feet and that cheery balloon, telling poor Trudy (the victim) to “get well soon!” Both just tickled my funny bone. 😀
I have also been lucky enough to read Wendy Delaney’s Trudy, Madly, Deeply and all I can say is wow. It was funny, it had romance and it had suspense. Everything I love, a great read.
Thanks for the terrific feedback, Pam! I always LOVE to hear from readers! 🙂
Another interesting new series! Sign me up!
Trudy, Madly, Deeply is a fun mystery to read. I LOVE Charmaine and am looking forward to reading more of her adventures!
Looks like a great read
Sounds like lots of fun—and I think being dumped by the hubby will only be a good thing.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Sue, you’re obsolutely right about Char’s ex. She’s having a lot more fun without him. That is, when she’s not hot on the trail of a killer and getting herself into hot water with Steve Sixkiller, her hunky detective buddy! 😉
Caught my attention. Would love to read the book and the others to come.
sounds like something i would like to read
This is an awesome book! It is full of colorful characters and the story line keeps you reading because you can’t put it down until the end! I can’t wait for book two to come out!!! I already own this book so please don’t enter me in the contest! I would rather have someone who hasn’t read it yet win so they can enjoy it too…but I just wanted to let people know from someone who has read it that it is real goodie 🙂
I totally agree with Denise on your book. It’s got all the elements of a great summer read, a little romance, a little mystery and great secondary characters. BTW, I have your book too so don’t put my name in the drawing either.
Thank you, Denise! And thank you all for all your wonderful comments. Charmaine and I have had a great time hanging out with you today!
This is a really fun book. I enjoyed the mystery, the romance, and the humor. Great start for a series!
Thank you again, Dru, for hosting Charmaine and me today and for all you do to support the Mystery writing community. It’s appreciated!!! <3
Thanks Wendy for giving us a glimpse into the day and life of Charmaine. Also thanks to those who commented. Good luck in the drawing.
This sounds like a fun book. I can’t wait to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
Contest is closed, but feel free to comment.