A typical day in my life? Well, that could consist of many things, depending on the circumstances. I’m Homicide Detective Ian Grant, and what seems typical to me might seem quite exciting to you, so here goes.
I’m a Senior Homicide Detective on the Philadelphia police force, and I sometimes lecture on different aspects of criminology at a small college nearby. Philly is located just a few hours away from the town of Austin, PA, and since their homicide detective recently retired, my captain asked if I could help them out occasionally. After all, how many homicides could a small town like Austin have, right?
Well, that was true…until a girl named Charlotte James came to town.
I have to admit, Charlotte didn’t make the greatest first impression on me. She seemed to be quite nosy about my breakfast, and she trampled all over my favorite briefcase. I was pretty darn relieved when she and her friend finally left the coffee shop and I could work in peace.
Until I got called to a murder scene in Austin…and guess who reported the crime?
Charlotte inserted herself into my investigation at every turn. I also noticed some friction between her and the officer they wanted me to train for homicide, Barbara Jeanne Donaldson. I hoped that might discourage her but it seemed to make Charlotte all the more determined and, surprisingly, she ended up solving the case. It also surprised me that once we got to actually talking instead of sniping at each other how much we had in common – we both love food and cooking!
Our “relationship” continues in our next adventure, entitled Buried in a Book. Charlotte (jsorry but I just refuse to call her Charley – that name doesn’t suit her) attempts to find out who killed a woman over a book chronicling the Edgar Allen Poe movies, specifically those of Vincent Price. I’m not at liberty to reveal too many details, but suffice it to say Charlotte and I may be going on an official date sooner rather than later…
So in a nutshell, a typical day for me consists of possible murders, keeping the peace…and trying to keep Charlotte James out of trouble! And you know something? That’s fine with me.
Giveaway: Toni has generously offered to give away a $10 Amazon Gift Card. To enter, please leave a comment below. One entry per person and ends March 11, 2026. Good luck everyone!
BURIED IN A BOOK
Series Name: A Cozy Bookshop Mystery, Book 2
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: March 2026
Format: Print, Digital
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Bookshop owner Charley James is plunged into a mystery involving a rare book worth killing for in this new Cozy Bookshop Mystery by award-winning and national bestselling author T.C. LoTempio.
No treats but lots of tricks and murder!
Retired thriller author and current bookshop owner Charley James is preparing for Halloween in her small hometown of Austin, Pennsylvania—what she isn’t prepared for is discovering the body of a woman at the local inn.
Charley recognizes the stranger as a suspicious customer who popped in just to hide a rather peculiar book at her store—did she already know she was about to lose her life for it?
Pursuing this mysterious case, Charley can’t seem to stay out of trouble, and no one knows this better than Detective Hottie, Ian Grant. But Charley has a mind of her own and, together with cat Poe, sets off on another puzzle-riddled quest, unaware that the killer might be someone she knows . . .
About the author
T.C. LoTempio is the award-winning, nationally bestselling author of the Nick and Nora Mysteries, the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries, the Cat Rescue Mysteries, the Tiffany Austin Food Blogger Mysteries, and the new Cozy Bookshop Mysteries. Born in New York City, she now resides in Phoenix, Arizona with her two cats, Maxx and Rocco. Rocco prides himself on being the inspiration for her Nick and Nora series!
You can cat-ch up with them at ROCCO’s blog, www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com or her website at www.tclotempio.net.