I’m excited to share with you the cover reveal for the first book in the NEW “Wedding Planner” mystery series, coming August 2023 and now up for preorder.
Publication Date: August 22, 2023
Publisher: Level Best Books
Format: Print, Digital
Name of Series: Wedding Planner
Number in Series: Book #1
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Author Website: marykarnesauthor.com
Book Synopsis
California wedding planner, Kate Ludlow, moves back home to New England after her marriage implodes. In tow is her teen daughter Ellis, unhappy and nervous about the move. Suddenly, Kate’s responsible for turning her part-time wedding planner gig into a full-time business. Kate’s off to a good start, too, when she books the society wedding of the year. The prosperity of her business is dependent on the success of Marcy Simpson’s wedding. The joy of an unlimited wedding business is intoxicating. But when Kate’s best florist is murdered, her focus changes from pulling off the year’s most glamourous wedding, to saving her own skin—for Kate’s suspect number one for the murder. Further complicating her life, Kate’s old high school flame, Brian McAllister, is the police detective assigned to the murder case. The spark is definitely not gone from their connection, as they have unfinished feelings. Throw in a scavenger hunt for an antique missing family ring, the job transfer of Kate’s ex to New England, and quirky and endearing townsfolk, Kate has more than she can handle—almost.
Meet the author
Mary Karnes, a college English major and former teacher, is the mother of four who raised her family though six corporate moves. She always dreamed of being an author and dabbled with writing throughout the years. Once the children were grown and out of the house, she started a wedding planning business, while simultaneously chasing her dream of being a traditionally published author. Her ‘Wedding Planner Mystery Series’ was born, with her business providing delicious subject matter for her books.
Mary resides in New England with her husband, Ken, and her mini-dachshund, Lucky. Her door is a revolving one with her children and grandchildren visiting frequently.
All comments are welcomed.
Looking forward to reading the start of this new series!
I love Mary’s books and am so glad I will finally have a hard copy to display on my bookshelf!
Love the title of this Mary!
Woo hoo! So exciting! Congratulations, Mary!
I can’t wait to read this! Mary builds excellent mysteries with beautifully detailed storytelling with descriptive and accurate details. I’m so excited to order now!
What a beautiful cover! The synopsis has me very intrigued, and I will be reading this at the beach this summer! Mary’s books are delightful and I always enjoy the details of the weddings in her books. I can’t wait to dig in.
That’s a great cover, Mary! Congratulations!
I am going to judge a book by it’s cover and pre-order now! Well done
Congratulations, Mary! Can’t wait to read it!
Mary
Even though I don’t read fiction, I’ll buy your book when it comes out. It’s funny, my brother’s new book comes out in August as well — although they keep changing the release date. It’s the second edition of “Mabel Normand the Life and Career of a Hollywood Madcap.” I helped with the writing a mite, but it’s his book.
Actually, your synopsis gave me an idea for the sequel to your book. How about this?
Kate’s troubled teen daughter Ellis begins dating a morally aimless delivery boy named “Chang.” Angered by the match, Kate insists that Ellis break up with him. Instead, a furious Ellis runs away from home; only to encounter detective Brian on the street. Without realizing who she is, he counsels the troubled teen.
Soon immersed in the investigation of the murdered florist, Brian uncovers conclusive evidence that the florist was actually murdered by the hapless boyfriend Chang, and quickly arrests him. But, before he can tell Kate he learns that Ellis is pregnant. Realizing that his “counseling” went too far, Brian quickly arranges for the two of them to be married — lest he be accused of statutory rape.
Eager to complete both the case and the nuptials, the detective’s expectations are dashed when Kate’s California ex con ex arrives in town and Ellis asks her Mom to plan her wedding.
Outraged by the betrayal, Kate recruits her California ex to murder the detective. But upon learning of the plot against his life, Brian sends the two conspirators to prison for the rest of their lives.
Moving to California with Ellis, Brian soon registers her in high school and, within months, she gives birth to a healthy baby boy — who appears to be Chinese.
What do you think? No? I don’t like it either!