A Day in the Life with Tracy McCann by Leslie Budewitz

Jul 16, 2015 | A Day In My Life

Butter Off DeadI need a motto. Everyone in Jewel Bay, Montana has one. Erin Murphy, my boss and the manager of Glacier Mercantile, aka the Merc, likes to say “If it’s made in Montana, it must be good.” Her sister, Chiara (say her name with a hard C and rhyme it with tiara), runs a co-op art gallery in the village and swears that “Art is an essential food group.” Fresca, their mother and one of the smartest, kindest, most beautiful women I’ve ever met, says simply “Shine.”

I love my job. To tell the truth, when Erin came back here a year ago to take over the Merc, I nearly quit. She was pretty bossy, and I thought that if Fresca didn’t want to keep running the place, she should have made me the manager.

But as usual, Fresca was right. Erin does a great job, and she’s a great boss. She’s found the best vendors for the Merc, providing organic local produce, milk, and cheese, huckleberries and morels, fresh eggs, and all variety of meat and poultry, both wild and ranch-grown. And it’s not all food—we carry locally made soap, pottery, and linens, too. She includes me in taste tests for new products and counts on me to design our displays. I’ve learned a lot about retail from watching her.

And she never met a festival she didn’t love. We’ve had the best time creating promotions for the village—I’m super excited about the Food Lovers’ Film Festival. Plus she asked me and Candy Divine to recreate classic movie candy.

Not that we always see eye-to-eye. Don’t tell her I said this, but she can be a bit of a food snob. Like a croissant or a pain au chocolat—sort of like a croissant, but with a chocolate bar baked inside—is actually any holier than a maple bar or a chocolate-covered, cream-filled donut. And I totally do not understand why a double latte is groovier than a Diet Coke.

Now, though, I’m thinking about a change. My boyfriend, Rick Bergstrom, thinks I should open my own shop, making chocolates. I’d get to be my own boss, and rely on my own taste. Set my own hours, choose my own products, keep my own profits. It sounds exciting, and he has tons of business experience for me to call on.

But Erin gave me my first chance to develop my talents as a chocolatier. Bozo, my Harlequin Great Dane, has been sick, and she lets me take off to take care of him any time. She’s even let me bring him to work when I have to, risking the wrath of the health department inspectors. She trusted me when nobody else did. And to tell the truth once more, after watching what she’s gone through the last year, I’m not sure I’m cut out to be the woman in charge.

Whether I stay at the Merc or go, I’ve found my motto: Will Work for Chocolate.

You can read more about Tracy in Butter Off Dead, the third book in the “Food Lovers’ Village” mystery series, published by Berkley Prime Crime. The first two books in the series are Death Al Dente and Crime Rib.

About Butter Off Dead
As the national bestselling Food Lovers’ Village mysteries continue, the merchants of Jewel Bay, Montana try to heat up chilly winter business with a new film festival. But their plans are sent reeling when a dangerous killer dims the lights on a local mover and shaker. . .

In an attempt to woo tourists to Jewel Bay and cheer up the townies, Erin Murphy, manager of the specialty local foods market known as the Merc, is organizing the First Annual Food Lovers’ Film Festival, popping with classic foodie flicks and local twists on favorite movie treats. But when her partner in planning, painter Christine Vandeberg, is found dead only days before the curtain rises, Erin suspects someone is attempting to stop the films from rolling.

To make matters worse, Nick—Erin’s brother and Christine’s beau—has top billing on the suspect list. Convinced her brother is innocent and determined that the show must go on, Erin must find who’s really to blame before Nick gets arrested or the festival gets shut down. And as the anniversary of Erin’s father’s death in a still-unsolved hit-and-run approaches, her own beau isn’t so keen on her leading role.

But the closer Erin gets to shining a spotlight on the killer, the more likely it becomes that she’ll be the next person cut from the program. . .

**********

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 12 a.m. eastern on July 23 for the chance to win a print copy of Butter Off Dead. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes and you will have three days to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected.

About the author
Leslie Budewitz is the author of the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries and the Spice Shop Mysteries—and the first author to win Agatha Awards for both fiction and nonfiction. She lives in northwest Montana with her husband, a musician and doctor of natural medicine, and their cat Ruff, a cover model and avid bird-watcher.

Connect with her on www.LeslieBudewitz.com, on Facebook, or on Twitter

60 Comments

  1. Barbara Landrum
    Barbara Landrum on July 16, 2015 at 1:01 am

    This sounds like a good book, & I love the title.

  2. candace knight
    candace knight on July 16, 2015 at 1:19 am

    I can’t wait to read this book. Thanks for the chance.

  3. Kaye Killgore
    Kaye Killgore on July 16, 2015 at 1:31 am

    I can’t wait t/o read this.

  4. Pam Priborsky
    Pam Priborsky on July 16, 2015 at 1:32 am

    Thanks for this opportunity.

  5. Wanda downs
    Wanda downs on July 16, 2015 at 1:38 am

    Looks interesting

  6. Celest Mattis
    Celest Mattis on July 16, 2015 at 1:40 am

    This mystery sounds intriguing. Food and movies. “Food Lovers’ Film Festival”, can’t wait to read this one.

  7. Jen
    Jen on July 16, 2015 at 4:22 am

    Sounds like a fun cozy mystery. I am looking forward to reading the book. Thank you for the chance to win.
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

  8. Beverly Guy
    Beverly Guy on July 16, 2015 at 4:25 am

    What an awesome cover on this new book! Sure does sound like a super exciting and fun mystery! Can’t wait to read it!! Sure would love to win a copy of this new book!!! Take care and God bless you dearest Dru! And as always, thank you so very much for the chance to win!!

  9. Kathy Church
    Kathy Church on July 16, 2015 at 4:36 am

    Sounds great! I love cozy mysteries and food just makes them better! Thanks for the chance!

  10. Cozynookbks
    Cozynookbks on July 16, 2015 at 6:49 am

    I’d like to know if Tracy will decide to venture out on her own.
    Love the cover.
    Lauigl [at] carolina [dot] rr [dot] com

  11. Donna Gantt
    Donna Gantt on July 16, 2015 at 7:44 am

    I would like for her to open her own chocolate shop. Thanks for the giveaway. jr_dj_gantt@juno.com

  12. holdenj
    holdenj on July 16, 2015 at 7:57 am

    Looking forward to this release! Thanks for the info and chance to win.

  13. Alicia F
    Alicia F on July 16, 2015 at 7:58 am

    I can’t wait to read this one !

  14. griperang
    griperang on July 16, 2015 at 7:59 am

    I would love to win this book – thank you for the chance

  15. Peggy
    Peggy on July 16, 2015 at 8:01 am

    Anxious to read this book. Thank you for theopportunity to enter this great giveaway.

  16. Sheila K.
    Sheila K. on July 16, 2015 at 8:29 am

    I love this writer’s work—thanks for the chance to win a copy of her latest offering!

  18. Barbara Hackel
    Barbara Hackel on July 16, 2015 at 8:56 am

    Love the motto! I would work for chocolate too. 🙂 I will definitely be reading this! Thanks Dru and Leslie for the opportunity to win a copy,

  19. Robin L. Coxon
    Robin L. Coxon on July 16, 2015 at 9:07 am

    I love the title. Nothing better than theater popcorn dripping with lots of butter. Leslie’s books are interesting as much as she is. robeader53@yahoo.com

  20. carolee888
    carolee888 on July 16, 2015 at 9:27 am

    Food and a Great Dane and in Montana. That is a great mix! Thank you for the chance to win!

  21. Darlene Peterson
    Darlene Peterson on July 16, 2015 at 9:30 am

    This sounds like a good read. I’d love to win a copy. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

  22. elainehroberson
    elainehroberson on July 16, 2015 at 9:32 am

    Will work for chocolate is a great motto. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.

  23. MaryAnn Forbes
    MaryAnn Forbes on July 16, 2015 at 9:39 am

    I would like to read, thanks for the opportunity to win it📖📚

  24. Amy Gill
    Amy Gill on July 16, 2015 at 9:45 am

    I need to continue with this series.

  25. Pat
    Pat on July 16, 2015 at 10:01 am

    I have enjoyed her first two books in this series and would love to read this one. I do hope she continues this one now that she also has the Spice Shop series In Seattle. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

  26. jagjhd
    jagjhd on July 16, 2015 at 11:06 am

    Mmmmmmm is for Montana. 😛

  27. Leslie Budewitz
    Leslie Budewitz on July 16, 2015 at 11:13 am

    Will she stay or will she go? You must read, and then you’ll know!

    Thanks to Dru Ann for hosting Tracy and me today, and to all of you for your enthusiasm!

  29. Sharon
    Sharon on July 16, 2015 at 11:17 am

    Can’t wait to read!

  30. Libby Dodd
    Libby Dodd on July 16, 2015 at 11:34 am

    The allure of being one’s own boss must be balanced with the realities of running your own business.

  31. Susan Slovinsky
    Susan Slovinsky on July 16, 2015 at 11:36 am

    Another one to add to my ever growing TBR list.

  32. Gram
    Gram on July 16, 2015 at 11:39 am

    Sounds good to me…

  33. Rita Wray
    Rita Wray on July 16, 2015 at 12:16 pm

    Sounds like a great read.

  34. Ann
    Ann on July 16, 2015 at 12:17 pm

    The entire Jewel Bay gang are treasures! (Well, except for the killer.)

    • Leslie Budewitz
      Leslie Budewitz on July 16, 2015 at 3:18 pm

      The Treasure of Jewel Bay — now there’s a good movie title!

      (Thanks, Ann!)

  35. Anne
    Anne on July 16, 2015 at 12:19 pm

    Thanks for this great cozy giveaway.

  36. Pamela Johnson
    Pamela Johnson on July 16, 2015 at 1:09 pm

    Thank you for the opportunity to read cozy mysteries and pair it with my favorite thing — food.

  37. Jeanie Dannheim
    Jeanie Dannheim on July 16, 2015 at 1:46 pm

    Will work for chocolate – works for me!! Or will work for books….and coffee. I would love to read this! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    • Leslie Budewitz
      Leslie Budewitz on July 16, 2015 at 3:19 pm

      Chocolate, coffee, and books — the trifecta!

  38. Debbie S
    Debbie S on July 16, 2015 at 1:49 pm

    I love this series, I can’t wait to revisit Jewel Bay.

  39. Barbara Hawk
    Barbara Hawk on July 16, 2015 at 3:22 pm

    I would love to give this book a happy home! Thanks for the chance!

  40. hayes2014
    hayes2014 on July 16, 2015 at 3:56 pm

    Love the character, thanks for the review.

  41. Patti Smith
    Patti Smith on July 16, 2015 at 4:39 pm

    Love these books!

  42. Mary Jane H
    Mary Jane H on July 16, 2015 at 4:54 pm

    Love her motto! I’d work for chocolate in a heartbeat.

  43. Kari
    Kari on July 16, 2015 at 8:00 pm

    I have been enjoying this series. Happy to see a new one.

  44. Dotty Kelley
    Dotty Kelley on July 16, 2015 at 8:25 pm

    Looking forward to reading this one.

  45. Laura F.
    Laura F. on July 17, 2015 at 12:07 am

    Looking forward to this one. Thanks for the chance!

  46. woofmew
    woofmew on July 17, 2015 at 2:24 am

    can’t wait to read it!

  47. Annette
    Annette on July 17, 2015 at 1:54 pm

    This is a very good series.

  48. Betty Jo English
    Betty Jo English on July 18, 2015 at 12:58 am

    Great giveaway. Love these books

  49. cyn209
    cyn209 on July 18, 2015 at 6:54 am

    This series is on my WishList…..thank you for the giveaway….

  50. Leslie Budewitz
    Leslie Budewitz on July 18, 2015 at 11:40 am

    I think we all have a new motto: “Will read for chocolate!”

  51. Rita Quante
    Rita Quante on July 18, 2015 at 12:28 pm

    Love the cover! A new read for me, looking forward to starting the series – thanks for a chance to win!

    • Leslie Budewitz
      Leslie Budewitz on July 18, 2015 at 11:23 pm

      Thanks, Rita — love the covers, too! The same artist, Ben Perini, has done all the covers for both my series, and he really gets it! Glad you like his work — enjoy the book!

  52. Barb Bristol Wiesmann
    Barb Bristol Wiesmann on July 18, 2015 at 7:04 pm

    I love Leslie’s books! Especially this series. Montana is my husband and my favorite state.

    • Leslie Budewitz
      Leslie Budewitz on July 18, 2015 at 11:23 pm

      Thanks, Barb! And this is the perfect time to visit — gorgeous!

  53. Rhonda
    Rhonda on July 19, 2015 at 11:14 am

    Great cover love discovering new series.

  54. Bonnie
    Bonnie on July 21, 2015 at 5:38 pm

    Thank you for the giveaway – always fun and I hope I win !

  55. Daniele K
    Daniele K on July 21, 2015 at 10:55 pm

    Thank you for the giveaway!

  56. Dru
    Dru on July 23, 2015 at 5:07 am

    Contest is closed.