I’m nothin’ but a moonshinin’ man. To some, that don’t count for much, but I once heard a minister say that a man’s got to make the most of the talents given to him. If that’s true, then the Big Man must be smilin’ down on me, because I’m known in these parts of Georgia for brewin’ the finest peach jack there ever was. ‘Course, it’s not exactly what most would call an honest livin’ being that bootleggin’ is against the law. But lucky for me, Sheriff Maudy Payne has her hands full with the murder of Mrs. Vivien Crenshaw. Poor woman. Stabbed in the neck with a pair of scissors, she was. I feel downright bad about the way she died. Most people in these parts do, but that hasn’t stopped them from speculatin’ on who might have killed her.
Yep, Mrs. Crenshaw’s murder is the talk of the town. Most people are sayin’ that Ginny down at the diner killed her in a fit of jealousy over a debutante dress of all things. Could be, I suppose. Ginny does have a mean temper. Others are sayin’ that maybe the reverend’s wife had somethin’ to do with it. I can’t quite imagine a church-goin’ lady doin’ something so terrible, but I do have my own ideas about who could’ve murdered Mrs. Crenshaw. Not that I should mention any names, but I’ve always been a bit suspicious of that new girl in town, the one from up North. She’s always lurkin’ about, up to no good. And she’s from a big city, too. Y’all know those people can’t be trusted.
Well, I’ve digressed. The point being’, the sheriff’s got a lot to figure out with this case. Trouble is, she’s ‘bout as sharp as a box of marbles. That’s why me, and most the folks I talk to, are hopin’ that Nola Mae Harper will step in and help out. Now there’s a girl who knows how to bring a killer to justice! Why you should have seen what she did last year to that varmint who killed . . . ahem . . . excuse me, I do tend to get off track. But it’s just like I was sayin’ earlier: Folks have got to use the talents givin’ to them. Take Nola Mae for example. Why, she’s got a mind for solvin’ crimes and a heart for helpin’ folks. She’s spent most of her adult life as a aid worker, traipsin’ off to foreign countries and servin’ folks in need. Now she’s back home here in Cays Mill, helpin’ out on her daddy’s peach farm. Tryin’ to make a go of a new shop that sells peach jams and such, too. Yes, that Nola Mae’s a real go-getter. I have no doubt that she’ll be able to ferret out this killer, too.
I’d like to tell you more about her, but Ms. Dru Ann told me that I had to keep this short. But if you haven’t had a chance to meet Nola Mae yet, just hop on over to her post from last year: Nola Mae Harper. Y’all are just goin’ to love her! And if you’re curious about all the shenanigans goin’ on in these part, pick up a copy of Rest in Peach. It makes for some good readin’. And for all you thirsty folks, there’s even a recipe for Sparkling Peach Cotillion Punch in the back of the book. ‘Course, it’s not as potent as the stuff I brew . . .
Rest in Peach is the second book in the Georgia Peach mystery series, published by Berkley Prime Crime, April 2016.
In the refreshing new Georgia Peach Mystery from the author of Peaches and Scream, an upcoming debutante ball turns into the pits when a juicy murder scandalizes a small town.
The annual Peach Cotillion, Cays Mill, Georgia’s biggest event, is fast approaching and Nola Mae Harper is just as excited as the rest of the town—even though she’s busy juggling both the cotillion dinner and the grand opening of her new shop, Peachy Keen. But she never expected that plans for the cotillion would end up in the pits because of the cutthroat competition between local debutantes.
When Vivien Crenshaw, insufferable church organist and despised mother of the town’s spoiled-rotten Peach Queen, is stabbed to death, the police turn to Nola’s friend Ginny as prime suspect. Apparently the two had fought over a one-of-a-kind cotillion gown. As Nola steps in to prove Ginny’s innocence she soon finds herself picking through a bushel of suspects, twice as many motives, and at the mercy of a killer all too keen on killing again.
# # # # # # # # # # #
About the author
Susan Furlong is the author of the Georgia Peach Mysteries, Peaches and Scream and Rest in Peach. She has lived throughout the United States, including in the South, but is now happily settled in the Midwest on a small hobby farm with her husband and four children. Writing about peaches comes naturally to her as she grows several varieties of her own. Susan also writes the New York Times bestselling Novel Idea Mysteries under the pen name Lucy Arlington.
Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win a print copy of Rest in Peach and Peaches and Scream. US and Canadian entries only, please. The giveaway will end April 25, 2016 at 12 AM EST. Good luck everyone!
All comments are welcomed.
I would love to win a print copy of Rest in Peach and Peaches and Scream. Thank for the chance to win.
I enjoyed the first book (and it enjoyed its road trip). Looking forward to book 2. Glad the contest is open to Canada.
I’d love to win a copy. Sounds to be a fun read:)
I have really enjoyed this series. Thank you for the chance to win.
Would love to win the first book in the series..thanks for the chance
Sounds like a fun read cozy foodie mystery! Thank you for the chance to win.
Awesome series. Thanks for a chance to win the next book.
Looking forward to reading both books. Thanks for the chance to win.
Sounds great! Congratulations on its release, Susan!
I’ve always enjoyed Susan Furlong’s books. Thanks for a chance to win.
This looks like a good series. Thanks for the chance to win.
Both books are on my wish list so I’d love to win! Thanks for offering both as a giveaway.
What a deal! I would love to read both books.
The first one is already on my library t-b-r list…this one sounds better than the first!
I love these titles!! Sounds like a peachy new series. ;-D
Sounds perfect for me.Love to discover new to me series.
Sounds cute. Who would have thought a series about peaches?
This sounds like a delicious read!
wfnren at aol dot com
This is a new to me author and series. I love the title. And who doesn’t like peaches.
I loved Peaches and Scream and this one sounds like a delightful book. Thanks Dru Ann and Susan.
What delightful books which I would enjoy greatly. Thanks for this lovely giveaway.
Loved the previous book and am looking forward to this one as well. You can’t beat peaches, moonshine and mystery
I’ve been wanting to read this series. Thanks for the giveaway.
What an awesome giveaway! I’m looking forward to reading both books. Thank you for the chance to win copies of Rest in Peach and Peaches and Scream.
Sounds like a real down home series, would love to read and win, ty ,
Have added this to my TBR list. Can’t wait to read it.
I’m not familiar with this series but that won’t be for long. Thanks for the chance to enter the giveaway. robeader53@yahoo.com
Sounds like a fun series! Thanks for the chance to win both books.
I have this on my tbr list, every time I see peaches I start to drool, LOL. Joe Puckett sounds like one fun character. Thanks for the chance to win.
These books sound delightful — thanks for the giveaway Dru!
They both sound terrific! Thankyou for the opportunity!
I like the idea of peach “Lightning”
I would love to win and read this! Mfg20A@aol.com
Would love to read these!
Looking forward to reading this series. The books sound amazing. Love southern mysteries and the peaches are a bonus.
The first book was great! I am pleased to read this one.
This series sounds like one I would enjoy. Love peaches. Added to my TBR list. Hope I can win.
Hi Dru Ann! Thank you for the intro & review of these two books! I’d love to win! sxygrndma48{at}yahoo{dot}com
As the granddaughter of a bootlegger, this is right up my alley. Sounds delightful.
Sounds like a wonderful series. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
Enjoyed hearing from Joe – thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book.
Totally sounds like a Awesome read !! Thank you for a chance to win a hand held book 💟💟 Kind of funny my hubby use to run moonshine back in the day .:)
I would love to read these books!
Great review and thanks for the chance.
I need to get started on this series. It sounds scrumptious!
Oh, My! Peach Jack sounds like something I’d like to drink—-but I bet it’s not sold in any liquor stores. Thanks for the contest.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Thanks for the chance to win! Count me in!
I can’t wait to read this one! I’ve just started reading the first book.
I would love to win your amazing mystery, Thanks for this chance.
I would love to read both books, great giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win.
Oh, wow, this book sounds amazing! Would like to win both books so I can get acquainted with Nola Mae, moonshiner Joe Puckett and the rest of the inhabitants of Cays Mill.
I think I would love this series!
Sounds great and please enter me. I loved the cover the first time I saw it…and Moonshiner makes me laugh already.
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
This book/series sounds like it would be pretty funny! I’d love to read it.
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
A ‘must-read’ for me!!!
Thank you for the giveaway…..
I’d love to win these two books – need some peachy reading for our beach trip (to St. Simon’s, Georgia.) rebarger@bellsouth.net