Looking for something to read? Check out some of the new titles releasing during the week of December 22 – 28, 2024 with three debut series. I hope a few of these books take you to an exciting place. Have fun reading!

DECEMBER 24
Knife Skills For Beginners by Orlando Murrin (Cozy Mystery) *first book in a new series*
The Chester Square Cookery School in the heart of London offers students a refined setting in which to master the fine art of choux pastry and hone their hollandaise. True, the ornate mansion doesn’t quite sparkle the way it used to—a feeling chef Paul Delamare is familiar with these days. Worn out and newly broke, he’d be tempted to turn down the request to fill in as teacher for a week-long residential course, if anyone other than Christian Wagner were asking. Format: Print, Digital

Irish Soda Bread Murder by Carlene O’Connor, Peggy Ehrhart, And Liz Ireland (Cozy Short Story Anthology)
It’s almost time for the delicious warmth of Irish soda bread, but be careful where you bite–some of these recipes call for murder in this delicious collection of cozy mystery novellas featuring the popular St. Paddy’s Day treat. Included are: Irish Soda Bread Murder by Carlene O’Connor, An Irish Recipe For Murder by Peggy Ehrhart, and Mrs. Claus And The Sinister Soda Bread Man by Liz Ireland. Format: Print, Digital

The Case of the Missing Maid by Rob Osler (Historical Mystery 1890s) *first book in a new series*
Rough-around-the-edges Harriet Morrow has long been drawn to the idea of whizzing around the city on her bicycle as a professional detective, solving crimes for a living without having to take a husband. Just twenty-one with a younger brother to support, she seizes the chance when the prestigious Prescott Agency hires her as its first woman operative. The move sparks controversy—with skeptical male colleagues, a high-strung office secretary, and her boss, Mr. Theodore Prescott, all waiting for her to unravel under the pressure . . . Format: Print, Digital

Watch Your Back by Terri Parlato (Psychological Thriller)
Accidents happen, no matter how careful or well-intentioned you are. Psychiatrist Eve Thayer frequently reassures her patients of that fact. There are even times when accidents have good consequences—like when Eve met her now-husband, Nathan, at his collision shop after another car ran her off the road. Format: Print, Digital, Audio

The Matter of the Secret Bride by Darcie Wilde (Historical Mystery)
King George IV is petitioning Parliament for a divorce from his queen on the grounds of her adultery. But rumor has it that the king secretly married Maria Fitzherbert—long before he married the queen. Now Mrs. Fitzherbert has been robbed—and she’s frantically calling on Rosalind for help. Format: Print, Digital, Audio

Mrs. Morris And The Venomous Valentine by Traci Wilton (Cozy Mystery)
A full house is nothing new to Charlene and her ghostly friend, Dr. Jack Strathmore, but this Valentine’s Day, their Salem, Massachusetts inn isn’t filled with romantic couples. Instead, every room is booked by formerly famous photographer, Dane Stallone, for a Cupid-themed calendar he hopes will jumpstart his sagging career. Though Charlene’s hands are full with a dozen gorgeous models, Dane is the only diva—pitching fits, making unreasonable demands, and generally being a mood killer . . . until a real killer strikes and puts the whole shoot on ice. Format: Digital (Print and Audio to follow)

DECEMBER 25
Weekends are Murder by Nellie H. Steele (Cozy Mystery)
Ellie Byrne is ready to enjoy a Halloween masquerade ball at her bed and breakfast with friends, but when her friend mysteriously disappears, Ellie’s evening takes a dark turn. Just as Mia is found, shaken but unharmed, another body is discovered, and it looks like the infamous Clue Killer may have resurfaced after 20 years of silence. Format: Print, Digital

DECEMBER 26
Tea and Trickery by Wendy Ledger (Cozy Mystery) *first book in a new series*
Ella Kelly thought she’d found true love. But when she discovered his cheating ways, Ella was more than ready to leave her old life behind . . . if only she knew what to do next! Her wish came true with a surprising inheritance: a charming tea shop in an intriguing California town. Format: Digital (Print to follow)

DECEMBER 27
Happy Homicide by Jen Pitts (Cozy Mystery)
She appreciates the distraction as her birthdays bring up more unresolved issues from her past. Eventually, she must make peace with her childhood, but for now, this new mystery is keeping her busy. Especially when the killer from the past strikes in the present. Can Sammy find the killer before they murder again? Format: Digital (Print to follow)

 

Note: in some cases, print releases for digital titles will be forthcoming.