Hey, there. Welcome to Port New. I’m Finn Bartusiak, owner of Finn’s Finds – that cute, little antique shop a few doors down from Dough Knots. If you’ve ever stopped by the bakery on your way to the beach, chances are you’ve passed my place. Would you like to come in and browse? There are some nice parasols in the window display, and just this morning I put out a collection of sterling silver thimbles that Patricia Arnott swears belonged to her grandmother’s cousin’s wife’s sister, who inherited them from an uncle who worked for Simons Bros. in Philadelphia back in the day. Who am I to argue with a lineage like that?
What? That black stuff on the shelf? Oh, that’s nothing to worry about. It’s just ferric oxide. You know, fingerprint powder. I could’ve sworn I got it all, but with the mess the Port New police made in here after the break-in, I’m not surprised a few spots got overlooked.
You didn’t hear about that? It was in all the papers. Oh, you’re from Iowa. That explains it. I don’t think news from our little town travels that far west. If you have a few minutes, I’ll tell you what happened.
Earlier this year, I came into possession – in the most curious of ways, I might add – of a 19th-century, brass and mahogany writing box that was absolutely to die for. And I almost did! Twice! Of course, the first time, no one believed an actual attempt had been made on my life. Mom and Dad and Grandma Lena were convinced the entire incident was a burglary gone bad, as was my gun-toting, badge-wearing, best friend, Detective Zara O’Hara. To be fair, Zara and her partner, Duley Boudreaux had their hands full, what with the dead body that popped up, but still. It would’ve been nice to be taken seriously, you know? They changed their minds quickly enough when the perp tried again a week later. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Back to the box.
While examining my newest acquisition, a secret message hidden inside literally fell at my feet. My mind reeled with possibilities about what it meant, so I enlisted Spencer’s help in decoding it- hmmm? Who’s he? Only the high-school crush whom I hadn’t seen in fifteen years. Imagine my utter astonishment when bestselling novelist Spencer Dane showed up out of the blue and asked me to accompany him to his sister’s wedding. Mom was ecstatic when she found out. An unattached daughter (in her 30s, no less) interfered with her aspirations of becoming a grandmother. What’s that? Well, of course, I said yes. He and I had the most wonderful time, dancing and eating cake and. . .oh, but you don’t want to hear about my love life. I was telling you about the code and the part it played in my close brushes with death.
You see, as it turned out, someone else knew of its existence and was more than a little eager to get his hands on it. I was an unforeseen, yet easily dispatched obstacle – or so the creep thought. He didn’t count on Garfunkel, my furless Basset Hound, coming to my rescue. Neither did I, to be honest. And neither of us anticipated what happened next. . .
Giveaway: Kristine is giving away one (1) signed, print copy of Finn-agled, which is limited to U.S. residents. Leave a comment below for your chance to win. Contest ends October 26, 2019. Good luck everyone!
You can read more about Finn in Finn-agled, the first book in the NEW “Finn’s Finds” cozy mystery series, released July 23, 2019.
A secret message hidden inside of an antique wooden box, an unidentified dead body, and a mother determined to marry her off to the high school crush whom she hasn’t seen since. . .well. . .high school. There’s no doubt about it; Finn Bartusiak’s life in the seaside town of Port New is about to get interesting.
Coming into possession of a 19th-century, bronze and mahogany writing box under somewhat suspicious circumstances, Finn’s accidental discovery of a coded note leads her and Spencer Dane, bestselling novelist and love of her life (though he doesn’t know it yet), on a quest to unravel the mystery behind the jumble of letters. But they’re not the only ones interested in the cryptic message. There’s a con man on their trail, and he’ll stop at nothing, including murder, to claim the ‘treasure’ for himself.
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Meet the author
Kristine Raymond didn’t figure out what she wanted to be when she grew up until later in life. Since writing and publishing her first book in 2013, she’s gone on to complete two romance series – one historical western and one contemporary; a humorous non-fiction story; a collection of seasonally-themed short stories; a contemporary erotic drama; and a cozy mystery. She also hosts a podcast called Word Play with Kristine Raymond.
When not writing, she’s navigating the publishing and promotional side of the business. When not doing that, she enjoys spending time with her husband and furry family, reading, gardening, and binge-watching shows on Netflix.
Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Book + Main, and BookBub. You can also visit her website at kristineraymond.com to keep up with her latest news.
All comments are welcomed.
This sounds like such a fun read. I’d love to win and read it. Thanks for the chance.
Sounds like a book I would enjoy reading. Thanks for a chance to win and a new author for me to get to try her book.
This sounds like a great start to a new series. I’m adding it to my TBR list.
This sounds good
Sounds like a fascinating story. Would really like to read the book.
This sounds exciting and intriguing. Congratulations on the new series and thanks for th giveaway!
A basset hound and an antique store. Okay, I’m hooked. 🙂
Yes please Dru, I’d love to win a copy of this book. Finn seems as scatter brained as I am some days.
Can’t wait to read! Your book has all the elements of a fun story.
I really would be very interested in this series from reading your posting. Thank you for introducing me to this author and a new cozy series.
Finn-agled sounds like a wonderful start to a new series, and I enjoyed A Day in the Life of Finn Bartusiak. Thanks for the giveaway!
Sounds like a fun new book! Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
A unique and captivating book. Thanks for this lovely feature and giveaway.
An intriguing story which sounds like a special series.
This has my favorite elements- a dog, antiques, a mystery with a clue to be decoded! I have to read this. Thanks for a chance to win a copy!!
Ohhh, this sounds interesting! Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
wfnren at aol dot com
Sounds like an interesting series with some fun characters. I’d love to read this!
Sounds like a good read. Thanks for the giveaway.
A writing box and a coded note…..I am convinced!! Sounds great!
Antiques, murder and a basset hound, furless, no less-I’m in!
I want to read this for the shear fact to see how a furless dog is worked into the story!
Sounds good to me. Thank you for this chance to win.
I hadn’t heard of these before, now I have to go looking for them. This one sounds great!
Sounds interesting – I want to know more about Finn’s Finds.
What a cute book title! This book sounds good!
Sounds like a good read
This sounds really good.
legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com
Looking forward to reading this series.
**** WINNER ****
Finn-agled is johnna smith
Congratulations!
Congratulations, Johnna! Your book is on its way. And, thank you, everyone, for your interest in Finn-agled. If you choose to read it, I hope you enjoy it! ~Kristine