I never imagined that my life could turn out as wonderful as it has.
Take my job at A Novel Idea Literary Agency. I am now a full-fledged literary agent (thank goodness I’m no longer an intern), and every morning I get to go to work and read. Who wouldn’t love a job like that? My co-workers are great and they’ve become like family to me—Flora Merriweather, the plump children’s book agent; Franklin Stafford, the refined non-fiction agent; Jude Hudson, agent for thriller and suspense; Zach Cohen, aka Mr. Hollywood, and my boss, the unflappable Bentley Burlington-Duke. We also have a new office manager who is quickly becoming an indispensible member of our group.
Because of the promotion, I can finally move out of my mother’s house. I love my mama dearly, but both of us need our space, as you can imagine. My new home in Inspiration Valley is one I’ve had my eye on for a while, a creamy yellow house with periwinkle shutters and a yard that will soon be a colorful impressionist garden.
I have a man in my life too, other than my son Trey of course. Police officer Sean Griffiths and I have taken our relationship to the next level, and without revealing too much, I have to say that love is grand. Trey still causes me a bit of worry, though. He lives in the mountains at the Red Fox Co-op, tending their goats. I’m still holding on to the hope that he’ll go to college, but I have to admit that his responsibilities and the manual labor have matured him. He’s grown into a man that I am proud to call my son.
This fall, the Novel Idea Literary Agency is sponsoring a Book and Author Festival in town. It will be a Mecca for anyone who loves books, with informative panels and pitch sessions for writers and workshops for other aspects of book making. I’ll be holding pitch sessions with hopeful authors and I’m a little nervous about that. It’s one thing to read a query from a faceless person, and quite another to sit across from the writer and speak to them honestly about their work. My friend Makayla, barista extraordinaire, believes I’ll be great at it but I’m not so sure.
At least Makayla will be at the town hall providing refreshments for the festival, and the other agents will be working there too. Jude will be sharing the pitch room with me. Editors and publishers will be in attendance as well. Because the festival takes place on Halloween weekend, our banquet will be a literary costume ball. I can’t wait to see which great literary figures will be in attendance.
I’m quite excited about this event and hope it will all run smoothly. I expect to discover some talented new authors to add to my list.
What I don’t expect, however, is a murder at our festival…
Thanks to the publisher, I have one (1) copy of EVERY TRICK IN THE BOOK to give away. Contest open to US residents only and ends February 20. Leave a comment to be included in the giveaway. The book will be shipped directly from the publisher.
Meet the author
Lucy Arlington is the nom de plume for the writing team of Sylvia May and Ellery Adams. As an amalgamated personality, she is an avid reader, cook, and gardener. If she had her way, she’d divide her time between preparing delectables in her kitchen, traveling the globe on her scooter, and sitting in a comfortable chair with a cup of coffee and a paperback until her legs cramped. Lucy is devoted to her husband and children – especially when they ply her with chocolate and gift cards to bookstores. Lucy’s second novel in the Novel Idea mystery series, Every Trick in the Book has just been released, and is a New York Times Bestseller. Her first novel, Buried in a Book, was a New York Times Bestseller. Visit her website at www.lucyarlington.com.
Sylvia May is the author of The Unraveling of Abby Settel. Visit her website at www.sylviamay.com.
Ellery Adams is the author of Books By the Bay Mysteries and the Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries. Visit her website at www.elleryadamsmysteries.com.
Books are available at retail and online booksellers.
Sounds like a great read!!
A book festival…perfect. Fun series and great character. Looking forward to this one.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series (Buried in a Book). Great characters as well as plot. I’ve been looking forward to the second book. Thanks for the update!
Love this series – would love to win a copy.
Thank you for the chance to win this book. I love mystery books about books
I really enjoy books about books. Dee
Hi Dru,
I never got to read the first book in the series but I’d love to win this one. That would give me the incentive to find a copy of the other and read them both in order.
NoraAdrienne(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for the opportunity. Sounds like a great read!
I wish I could get paid for reading books! I really need a job I could do mostly at home. But, winning a copy of this book would be good, too!
Sounds like a great book, look forward to reading it.
Sounds great. would love to win.
Co-authors – interesting concept in a mystery!
Familiar with Ellery Adams’ Books By the Bay Mysteries. Glad to have info on this series. Thanks for the giveaway.
I want that job! Read books alllll day long! Talk about heaven! I am totally green with jealousy!
This is a really good series and am glad it’s doing so well! Can’t wait to read the new one!
I love The Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries & Books by the bay.I can’t wait to start this new series!!
I LOVED the first book and I’ve been looking forward to book two. One of my favorite things to do – is attend book festivals. So a book with a festival and a mystery? – Priceless!
I just love Lucy’s books. I cannot wait to read this one!!
I love that cover! Looking forward to reading it. 🙂
I Very much enjoyed the first book in this series and am certainly looking forward to reading the second.
I have been reading Ellery Adams’ pie shop mysteries and really enjoying them—so I would like to try this series that she is co-writing.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
can’t wait for it to come out.
Oooh, I so love Ellery Adams! Throw my name in the hat, please.
I really enjoyed the first in the series. I admit it-I want Lila’s job! I’d also love to attend the Book and Author Festival!
I loved the first book in this series, so I’m looking forward to this one! 🙂
I can’t wait to read this one!!!!
Love this book as much as the first. I’m new to Sylvia’s books (although I will be checking them out now), but have read most of Ellery/Jennifer’s. And BTW, I appreciate your reviews. It helps to see reviews by someone I know is a fan of cozys and can give a review based on the genre and not comparing them to something totally unrelated – like apples to oranges.
Sounds like a great read, can’t wait
I love everything I have read by Ellery Adams so I am sure this one will be great…can’t wait to read it!
Lovely, fluid writing style. I can see the little house. Would love to read this one.
Loved the first book – great literary references and fun plot. The names of all the businesses in town make me smile (especially the Espresso Yourself – coffee place). Can’t wait to read the newest book in the series!
Can’t wait to read the newest book in this series!
I also loved the first book. I can’t wait for the next one
Have to look for the series beginner, but I’m in. Sounds like a great storyline. Please count me in. Thanks. judydee22002@yahoo dot com
I love this title, thank you for the chance to win it.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
Sounds like a great new series to add to my bookshelves. elisanabby at gmail dot com
I really want to read this series . It sounds like a fun read. Thanks for the giveaway. 🙂
scouts579(aol)dot(com)
Thanks Lucy and Lila for telling us about your day in Inspiration Valley.
contest is closed.