Hello, I’m Rory Chasen. I was here at Dru’s Book Musings last year to introduce myself when the first Superstition Mystery, Lost Under A Ladder, was published. I’m back because the second one, Knock On Wood, is available this October.
You would think that, after living for a while in the town of Destiny, California, I’d have finally made up my mind regarding the reality of superstitions, since that’s what the town is all about.
But I admit it. I’m still an agnostic, even though superstitions are a way of life here.
I’ve been managing the Lucky Dog Boutique now for months. I was thrilled when my best friend Gemma Grayfield arrived in Destiny to visit me. She arrived a day earlier than I expected her, though, since she was trying to get away from her ex-boyfriend, Frank Shorester.
Almost immediately, Gemma, a librarian, was hired to run the Broken Mirror Bookstore next door to the Lucky Dog. Plus, she is also staying at the Rainbow Bed and Breakfast, which is where I’m currently living. It’s so great to have her around! We get together a lot.
Although not all the time. It turned out that Gemma became rather flirtatious after leaving Frank–who also showed up in Destiny. Two other guys became interested in her, and she spent time with them.
And me? Well, I’m still trying to figure out the reality of superstitions since my beloved fiancé Warren walked under a ladder and died a few minutes later after being struck by a car. That was why I’d come to Destiny in the first place–to learn whether the ladder really had anything to do with it. I’m still not sure.
But I have developed a kind of relationship with Destiny’s Chief of Police, Justin Halbertson. I’m not sure if it’s going anywhere, partially because I’m not certain whether I’m ready even now for another relationship.
Meantime, I’m accompanied nearly everywhere by my wonderful dog Pluckie, a spaniel-terrier mix. She’s lucky, of course–a black and white dog who helped to save the life of my boss and friend, Martha Jallopia, who owns the Lucky Dog, when we first got here. That was described at the beginning of Lost Under A Ladder.
Even after being here for a while, our day is pretty much the same: waking up at the Rainbow B&B, going for a short walk, eating breakfast, and heading to the Lucky Dog to straighten inventory, seed the sidewalk outside with lucky heads-up pennies, and wait for the day to begin, when we sell lucky items relating to pets such as toys, leashes and collars, food, and more. Sounds pretty normal, doesn’t it?
Well, it should be. . . except that there is another murder here in Destiny. This time, it’s one of the guys courting Gemma, and she’s a major suspect. I never thought of myself as any kind of detective, but of course I have to help clear my friend, so I have to work that into my days as well.
I mentioned before that I heard it’s good luck to read the Superstition Mysteries. I’m still not sure about it. But it can’t hurt, and I’ll keep my fingers crossed that it works out well for you.
You can read more about Rory in Knock On Wood, the second book in the “Superstition” mystery series, published by Midnight Ink. The first book in the series is Lost Under A Ladder.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by noon eastern on Friday, October 23 for your chance to win a print copy of Lost Under A Ladder. (US entries only, please.) Good luck everyone!
About the author
Linda O. Johnston writes the Superstition Mysteries for Midnight Ink, as well as the Barkery & Biscuits Mysteries. She has also written the Pet Rescue Mysteries and the Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter Mystery series, for Berkley Prime Crime. In addition, she writes the Alpha Force miniseries for Harlequin Nocturne, about a covert military unit of shapeshifters, as well as novels for Harlequin Romantic Suspense. Visit Linda at www.LindaOJohnston.com
I love hearing about susperstitions and I think Destiny would be a great place to live and work. Thanks for the giveaway.
Really enjoyed your post. I have this series on my TBR list, so thanks for the chance to win.
I would like to try the good luck of reading superstitious mysteries!! Something I have not really read much about.
Thanks for the chance to win! This sounds like an interesting series and I would love to read the first book in the series. I have gone out of my way to walk under ladders just to show that they really aren’t bad luck.
I love the Superstition part of the plot and as I am superstitious it makes perfect sense to me. This book I need to read…please enter me.
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
I enjoyed hearing and learning about all the superstitions. Thanks for the giveaway.
Having been raised with a few superstitions like knock on wood and don’t open an umbrella inside, I look forward to reading this book. Thanks for the giveaway. Kuzlin at AOL.com
Sounds like a series i really can get into. Thank you for the chance.
Sounds like a fun read.
I really like the idea of a dog boutique, book store, and bed & breakfast as the setting. Thanks for a chance.
Sounds like a wonderful book
I haven’t read anything by Linda O. Johnston, and I like to start a series with the first book. This appears to be another series I would enjoy reading. For financial reasons, the books I read come from my local library. Since my library doesn’t have this author, I’d love to receive a copy, read it, give it to the library with a request they purchase the whole series. Hopefully, Zena
Thanks for the chance, sounds like a great book.
Sounds like a cute series! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy! I appreciate it being the first in the series so we can get “hooked.” 🙂
This series interests me. Thanks for this great giveaway.
Every culture has superstitions that pass down from generation to generation. I love reading stories based on them. I own a number of Linda’s other books and would love to own this one also. Who knows, maybe the Gods of Perversity will favor me today. LOL
Any book with a setting in a town named Destiny must be fun. Thanks for the giveaway.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
I haven’t read anything by Linda O. Johnston. I like to start a series with the first book. This sounds like a series I would enjoy reading.
Sure do love your series, Linda! I really like the quirky quality of Destiny.
Rory sounds like a good friend to have.
This is one book that is on my list of to be read books. I appreciate your blog since it helps me attain pertinent information when deciding whether I will buy or not. robeader53@yahoo.com
Sounds like a great read.
I’ve read your pet-sitter series. This one sounds like one I would also enjoy. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
What a marvelous idea to seed the sidewalk with lucky pennies!
Looking forward to learning more about life in Destiny! Thanks for the chance to win!
I’d love to win the first book of this series. I enjoyed Linda’s pet rescue mysteries.
I absolutely love, love, love Linda’s awesome books!! This one looks so exciting too!!!! Can’t wait to read it!!! And what an adorable cover on it!!!!!! Thanks for the chance to win!!!!
This sounds like a fun book
We have all sorts of superstitions that I grew up with. My mother is from Germany and her family are of gypsy descent, so we have heard a ton of them. I recently read the first in this series and loved it. Cant wait to read this one. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy
Sounds like a great book. I will have to order the first one and try this series out. Thanks!
Thank you Dru’s book musing emails..I never would have known about Linda’s books. I can’t wait to begin reading the series! It sounds like it has everything I love in a mystery! Thank you, Linda!
P.S. I love your name!!
I love this cover and am so happy I discovered this author when I did. Love her books. Thanks for the giveaway.
Love this blurb, although I’ve not read this author yet. Superstitions are great so I’m crossing my fingers, clasping my four-leaf clover, & rubbing the foot of a stuffed rabbit! Here’s hopin good luck will fill up the upside down horseshoe over the door! Thank you Dru & Linda for the giveaway chance.
I haven’t read the first book yet, but will go back and start this series. I ways love books that combine mystery with pets, especially cats, although a dog or two thrown in for good measure is always nice.
I’m glad you’re offering the first book of the series. Sounds like a series I’d enjoy reading. Thanks for the chance to win.
Everyone has superstitions even if they claim they don’t and walking under a ladder is a big one held by many. I’m interested in finding out just how much of a role the ladder had in Rory’s boyfriend’s untimely death.
I’m worried it might be bad luck to read a book about superstitions so close to Halloween but I’m will to try. 🙂
The only reason I don’t like to walk under a ladder is that I’m afraid something will fall on my head from it LOL. This sounds great, thanks for the chance to win.
I love everything she’s written. I know I would love this series too.
I have the first book so I’m hoping the giveaway is actually for the second book.
I like to start with the first in a series, so count me in.
This series is on my WishList…..
Thank you for the giveaway…..
Contest is closed.