Hello! My name is Sugar. It’s not my real name, but when I embarked on my career as a burlesque dancer and pinup girl, I decided I needed something snazzy, something that popped. Sugar de la Tarte did the trick. A great big kiss to Dru for having me on today. She must know how I love the spotlight.
So a couple of months ago, I met two new friends, Rose Strickland and Roxy Block. They work at Ma’s Diner. By the way, they have the best pancakes in town. Seriously. If you’re ever in Huntingford, Missouri, you have to stop by. That place is awesome—like a time warp from the 50s. Tell them Sugar sent you.
Anyway, Rose works at the diner in the mornings, then zips over to this private detective agency every afternoon. I don’t know how she got that gig. Seems like a lot of filing and paperwork. Yawn. But then one day, out of the blue, some guy stumbles into the office and tells Rose his friend is missing. Like, for reals. So behind her boss’s back, Rose takes the case.
Now, I don’t know anything about detective work or stakeouts, but Rose seems to know all that stuff. And of course Roxy is killer when it comes to picking locks. Together, they make a good team.
So this guy who went missing, he fights in an underground club. I know! I didn’t think they existed either. Rose and Roxy let me tag along as they question MMA fighters, which is right up my alley, because I love a man with big muscles. Add a few tats and Sugar’s in heaven. Oh, sorry. I got off track. I tend to do that. So Rose starts searching for this missing fighter guy, and she finds him. Dead. You can’t make this stuff up.
Look, I may take my clothes off for a living, but Rose is the brave one. She doesn’t let something like a dead body stop her. Instead of letting the police solve the murder, Rose keeps investigating. And she meets some real characters along the way.
I enjoyed my time playing private detective. It was fun and all, but I think I’ll stick to dancing. If people started shooting at me, I’d freak out. Rose just takes it in stride, like she dodges bullets every day. You know, in between serving pancakes.
You can read more about Sugar and Rose in Diner Knock Out, the fourth book in the “Rose Strickland” mystery series, published by Henery Press. The first three books in the series are Diners, Dives & Dead Ends, Last Diner Standing and Diner Impossible.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 12 a.m. eastern on Tuesday, October 27 for your chance to win a print copy of Heartache Motel along with a beaded bookmark. (US entries only, please.) Good luck everyone!
About the author
As a girl, Terri L. Austin thought she’d outgrow dreaming up stories and creating imaginary friends. Instead, she’s made a career of it. She met her own Prince Charming and together they live in Missouri. She loves to hear from readers. Drop her a note at TerriLAustin.com.
To get the latest updates on Terri’s latest book releases, sign up for her newsletter or follow her blog, visit www.terrilaustin.com. You can also find Terri on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and Pinterest.
This book has a fresh new approach. I want to read it. Having two jobs, wow. The three ladies sound like a lot of fun. THANK you for having this giveaway. I am glad you came to my attention. I enjoy finding new to me authors. Thank you.
Sounds like a fun and entertaining read. Thanks for introducing us to this series and author. Thanks for the giveaway.
Thank you for introducing me a new author and mystery series (which sounds like a fun read). Thank you fro the chance to win.
myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
I love finding a new author and their books. Thanks to your blog, Dru, you have made this possible over and over. I’ve added this one to my to be read list. Also thanks for the chance to possibly win a copy. robeader53@yahoo.com
Thanks for introducing me to another new author and mystery series. Thank you for the chance to win.
This series will go on my t-b-r list.
I love finding new authors for me & my elderly mother to read!!
The plot sounds original and I would love to read this book. Thanks for a chance to enter.
This sounds like a fun series to read and I would like a copy to start.
Thanks for having Sugar on today, Dru! She’s a firecracker. 😉
Love to have Heartache Motel, and the beaded bookmark would be great! Thanks for the new series.
sugar sounds like a fun person to have for a friend.
I’d love to add the beaded bookmark to my bookmark collection.
I switch them out ever-so-often so I get a chance to see them.
thanks
I always enjoy your books Terri. Sugar me up with this great giveaway!
Another new-to-me author to try. Sounds like a great series. Count me in.
Wow, another new author and sounds like a cute very interesting book, please pick me, would love to read this book, ty
Sounds like a real character. I’d like to meet her.
I have seen these books but haven’t read yet. Sounds like a fun series. Going on my TBR list.
A great feature and wonderful giveaway. Thanks.
Would love to win this on! Thanks, Dru!
With a name like Sugar de la Tarte, I’m in! What a great-sounding storyline. Thanks Dru for showing this delightful romp to me. Terri L. Austin is my next read!
Sounds like a fun read! Thanks for sharing!
Read & loved the 1st book in this series….now I need to catch up….
Thank you for the giveaway….
I’ve never met a Sugar de la Tarte. I think I’d like to met her.
May just have to check out books 1-3 too. Love the Sugar name and I love to dance (fully clothed, although I have done a cancan in my day).
Contest is closed.