Mudpies and Magnolias

Going out with a Bang: the trifecta

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 18:11:00 +0000

Hey Everyone,

The Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for my Candle With Care is drawing to an end today and boy is it a big bang! The book is featured at three different tour sites. There's a Spicy Pecans recipe at Deal Sharing Aunt, a character interview of Harley the cat by a cat from another series at Sneaky the Library Cat's blog and then, best of all, a fab review of the book at Storybook Lady's Facebook page. That's good food, good fun, and good news! What a fab trifecta of blog posts.

Here are today's hyperlinks:

SPICY PECANS RECIPE

HARLEY THE CAT INTERVIEW

CANDLE WITH CARE REVIEW

SHOOT THE MOON!

I know for a fact that you can still enter the giveaway for the gift certificate and books for a few more days, but don't delay. This could wrap up very quickly! Below are the sites where you can enter the giveaway through Rafflecopter. Each site below represents an additional entry so you have more chances to win. Hit them all for 16 contest entries! The site links go to the exact contest post. All you have to do is scroll down to the Rafflecopter widget and enter at every page. How's that for an Easy Button!

February 13 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

February 13 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW

February 14 – Jody'sBookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

February 14 – Escape With Dollycas Into A GoodBook – AUTHOR GUEST POST :Why a white cat is named Violet

February 15 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

February 16 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 17 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

February 18 – Angel's Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

February 18 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST: Why is the beach Tabby's Happy Place?

February 19 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 20 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST: Recipe for Creating a Villain

February 20 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

February 21 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – REVIEW

February 22 – Deal Sharing Aunt – RECIPE: Spiced Pecans

February 22 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW: Harley the cat

February 22 – Storybook Lady – REVIEW

I hope you'll try the Magic Candle Shop Mystery series and meet all the wonderful characters is this cozy paranormal romp through Savannah, Ga. Thanks also to Lori Caswell, the brains and brawn behind Great Escapes!!!

Thanks for loving to read books!

Maggie Toussaint aka Valona Jones

https://maggietoussaint.com

BOOK BIRTHDAY FOR CANDLE WITH CARE

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 19:40:00 +0000

Today, Tuesday, Feb. 11, is the release day of CANDLE WITH CARE, book 4 in A Magic Candle Shop Mystery series, which I write under the pen name of Valona Jones. This book features amateur sleuth Tabby Winslow, a psychic and candlemaker who is a fraternal twin to her sister Sage. The twins live in Savannah, GA, and they co-own and operate The Book and Candle Shop on Bristol Street.

In CANDLE WITH CARE, Detective Sharmila Belfor is seriously injured from a hit-and-run accident when she is off duty. Soon thereafter, Sage's former coworker and friend, Larry Rau is murdered in his home. Then the twins' high school nemesis is kidnapped, and her mother begs Tabby to investigate. To make matters worse, Milly Quigsly, Tabby's fiance's mom, is throwing them an engagement shower and now Tabby has to come up with a suitable pastel gown for the June occasion. How on earth can she possibly get everything done, investigated, and bought when she's working full-time in the candle shop? Can Tabby identify the culprit(s?) before she becomes the next victim?

CANDLE WITH CARE is available in print and digital format across the web.

Digital Buy Links: KINDLE NOOK iBOOKS KOBO

Print Buy Links: AMAZON coming soon to B&N et al

Online Launch Activities

Cozy Mystery Party Takeover on Facebook, Wednesday, February 12, 7-8 pm EST

A Love for Mysteries Party on Facebook, Friday, February 14, 7-8 pm EST, with 6 other authors

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour, February 13-22

Follow the Book Tour!

February 13 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

February 13 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW

February 14 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

February 14 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR GUEST POST

February 15 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

February 16 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 17 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

February 18 – Angel's Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

February 18 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST

February 19 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 20 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

February 20 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

February 21 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – REVIEW

February 22 – Deal Sharing Aunt – RECIPE

February 22 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

February 22 – Storybook Lady – REVIEW

In Person Appearance

Also, for my local readers, I will be appearing at the Old Jail Art Center and Museum in Darien, GA,for a booksigning on Saturday, March 15, from 11-1pm. You're invited!

I hope to see you on my tour, and I hope you LOVE the new cozy paranormal mystery.

Maggie Toussaint

writing as Valona Jones

https://maggietoussaint.com

RELEASE DAY FOR TALLOWED GROUND

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 18:08:00 +0000

The third book in my A Magic Candle Mystery series released today! TALLOWED GROUND is out under my own imprint and I'm delighted to have this opportunity to feature the book's cover by illustrator Martha Whidden. She did a great job creating an eye-catching cover that is similar in style to the ones created by my former publisher.

Here's the book blurb:

When a killer props his third and latest victim against the double tombstone of Tabby and Sage Winslow’s grandparents' grave in Savannah, Georgia, the psychic twins are stunned. Even worse, the victim is the very man they filed a restraining order against a few months ago for trashing their book and candle shop. Coincidence...or a connection? Then a clue about the murders points to Tabby's career as a candlemaker. Now, she is a person of interest in the killing spree.

The twins investigate all three victims, finding little that might tie the cases together besides where the bodies were found—in or near Bonaventure Cemetery, a beautiful 100-acre historic graveyard with a storied past. Then Tabby’s Medical Examiner boyfriend is mysteriously pulled from the case, with his dream job in jeopardy. The situation reaches a flashpoint when new evidence points to Tabby. With her freedom and the family business in peril, Tabby matches her wits and psychic abilities against the wily killer.

That is, until Tabby's spirited inquiry as an amateur sleuth lands her in the worst kind of trouble. Can Tabby clear her name before the fiend snuffs her flame…for good?

Get your copy today:

DIGITAL LINKS

TRADE PAPERBACK LINKS

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Thanks for being a fan! If you write reviews or even want to only post stars, authors value reviews.

Also, check out my other paranormal series, The Dreamwalker Mysteries, that I wrote using my name Maggie Toussaint as the author.

https://valonajones.com

https://maggietoussaint.com

Happy Reading!

Maggie Toussaint

w/a Valona Jones

Who Doesn't Love a Bargain?

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 16:41:00 +0000

Who doesn't love a bargain?

I love bargains and I unabashedly shop sales and clearances for just about everything. I also love Estate Sales, but I try to stay away from them because I don't need any more stuff.

About 24 years ago, we downsized our home and got rid of lots of stuff. Some of it was painful, like the set of Encyclopedias that we couldn't even give away, the snow skiing equipment that no one wanted. We'd already gone through the winnowing/divesting of stuff when my father-in-law passed, and we'd kept a lot of his tools. So, when the purge for us came in 2000, we went from a five-hammer family to just having two. Painful as it was, we settled into a smaller one-story home with no basement or attic.

Everything was fine until we wanted to turn the porch into a sunroom. We ended up with a tile cutting saw for that project. Then in the warmer climate, we needed a power washer. And so it went. Soon we had a shed brimming with tools and machinery. Then several more relatives passed, and we took in some real treasures of no particular value.

Seems we're doomed to have stuff! But it makes us happy and productive. That's a good thing!

Speaking of bargains, I have great news for you!

Today, Feb. 8, 2024, IN THE WICK OF TIME, which I wrote under the pen name of Valona Jones, is sale priced at $2.99 and is the Kindle Daily Deal. Thanks to Crooked Lane for putting this book on such a wonderful sale. GET YOUR COPY

More about the book: This is book 2 of my A Magic Candle Shop Mystery series. The amateur sleuth is Tabby Winslow, and she and her twin sister Sage are energetics. This is a kind of psychic that can manipulate energy. They live in Savannah, GA, one of the most haunted cities in the US. In this book, Sage's boss is poisoned, and the cops dial in on the stillroom in the back of the candle shop. (For those who don't know, this is like an apothecary shop where things are made but also herbs and spices are ground up).

Thanks for visiting! Happy Thursday, All

Maggie Toussaint

also writing as Valona Jones

https://maggietoussaint.com and https://valonajones.com

May 2023 Online appearances

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Fri, 19 May 2023 15:54:00 +0000

I have two back-to-back online appearances in May as Valona Jones to talk about my new A MAGIC CANDLE SHOP MYSTERY series. I hope you will register for one or both of these fun venues where there is plenty of reader and author chatting!

MYSTERY AND MAYHEM -- MYSTERY AUTHOR MEET AND GREET

I am pairing up with talented cozy author Lois Winston to appear at this Mystery and Mayhem event! It happens Tuesday, May 30 at 7:30-9:30 pm EST.

As I understand the format, author teams have individual Zoom windows. During the event, you click on the team windows you want to listen to, you can roam around or stay put. (Pick us!) I will be appearing as Valona Jones at this event.

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MURDER SHE READ!

This online event is hosted by the St. Joseph Public Library in Saint Joseph, MO. Librarian Jenny Ellis leads this online book club. On May 31 at 7 pm central / 8 pm eastern time, they will be discussing SNUFFED OUT, book 1 in A Magic Candle Shop Mysteries. I will be there as Valona Jones, and it's open to everyone!

I will be talking about my book, about me, about anything Jenny asks, but participants can ask questions too! We'd love to have YOU join us. Sign up today!

Registration is open for everyone for "Murder She Read." REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT: HERE

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That's it for now! Sign up for my monthly newsletter to stay on top of current appearances. Sign ups are at https://maggietoussaint.com and https://valonajones.com One sign up will net you our joint newsletter from Maggie Toussaint and Valona Jones!

Release day for Snuffed Out, written under my pen name of Valona Jones

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 16:30:00 +0000

Release day! It is always a shimmering, shiny day for authors, and now that I am two authors (Maggie Toussaint and Valona Jones, it's double the fun!

Today, the sleuth from the series, Tabby Winslow, a fraternal twin, psychic, and a candle maker, is appearing at Dru's Book Musing, sharing a Day in Her Life. Click here

Yesterday, Valona Jones had a post about "Living your best life," over at It's Not Always a Mystery blog. Be sure and check that out as it shares behind the scenes info for both author and characters in the series. Click here.

The Great Escape Tour for Snuffed Out starts on Jan 12, 2023. The stops are listed below.

January 12 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW

January 12 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

January 12 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 13 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 13 – Jane Reads – AUTHOR GUEST POST

January 13 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 14 – I'm Into Books – SPOTLIGHT

January 14 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

January 15 – Brooke Blogs – AUTHOR GUEST POST

January 15 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT

January 16 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT

January 16 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

January 17 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

January 17 – Christy's Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

January 17 – Mythical Books – SPOTLIGHT

January 18 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

January 18 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – REVIEW

January 19 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW

January 19 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

January 19 – The Book's the Thing – CHARACTER GUEST POST

January 20 – Books to the Ceiling – SPOTLIGHT* Teresa will also be featuring the book on her podcast using the excerpt.

January 20 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

January 21 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW

January 21 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

Tonight I will be at Cozy Mystery Party doing an Author Takeover for Snuffed Out. It's from 7-8 pm EST. I hope you can make it! https://www.facebook.com/groups/cozymysteryparty

Last but by no means least, I'll be at the Facebook Party page I share with Nancy J Cohen for a Launch Party on Thursday, January 12, from 7-8:30 pm EST. There will be a game, reveals, and prizes. https://facebook.com/newreleaseparty. I hope you'll join me!

If you haven't already signed up for my newsletter, please do that at either of my websites.

Thanks!

Maggie Toussaint and Valona Jones

https://maggietoussaint.com and https://valonajones.com

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 15:29:00 +0000

VALONA JONES is delighted to announce that her forthcoming book, SNUFFED OUT, is now available for preorder in Digital and Hardcover formats. Here is the info you need to get this Jan 10, 2023 book sent to you as soon as it drops:

Book Blurb:

Twin sisters Tabby and Sage co-own a candle shop, but will it all go up in flames in Valona Jones’ series debut, perfect for fans of Amanda Flower and Bailey Cates.

30-year-old fraternal twins Tabby and Sage Winslow own The Book and Candle Shop in Savannah. Sage is hot-headed and impulsive while Tabby is calm and collected, making them the perfect partnership. When one of their customers is found murdered, from a blow to the head, that partnership is put to the test.

Blithe McAdam had been seen in a heated argument with shop clerk Gerard, which immediately makes him suspect number one. The twins are convinced of Gerard’s innocence and start digging into Blithe’s past. But no one is cooperating. The neighbor who found the body isn’t talking, medical examiner Quig won’t give any details about the autopsy, and nasty rumors begin surfacing about the drowning of Blithe’s father years earlier—evidence that could seal Gerard’s fate.

Tabby and Sage dig desperately for the truth. But it’s not only their friend who’s in peril. With the clock ticking, the twins find themselves in the grip of an unseen and deadly energy that has seeped into their midst—and in the sights of a ruthless killer.

THIS BOOK RELEASES FROM CROOKED LANE PUBLISHING ON JAN 10, 2023.

Preorder your copy today:

Hardcover Book AMAZON BARNES&NOBLE

Digital Book KINDLE NOOK KOBO

Valona Jones Bio: Valona Jones writes paranormal cozy mysteries set in Southern locales. Her work blends mystery and the unexplained, along with a sprinkle of romance. A former scientist, she’s drawn to the study of personal energy. She sharpened her people-watching skills as a lifelong introvert and thankfully had a bank vault full of personal observations when she began to write fiction. Her forthcoming release, Snuffed Out, A Magic Candle Shop Mystery, is slated for a January 10, 2023, release. She’s a member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. She lives in coastal Georgia, where she’s seen time and tide wait for no one.

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 16:25:00 +0000

It's the last day of the Booklover's Bench Anniversary Celebration! We're giving away 7 full length cozy mysteries to celebrate our founding nine years ago. Today, Feb. 18, is the last day to enter. I hope you'll click over and take a chance on us! https://bookloversbench.com/contests/

Here's the link again: https://bookloversbench.com/contests/

Book of the Month: Gone and Done It

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 17:54:00 +0000

Imagine my wonderful surprise when I opened Karla Brandenburg's newsletter this morning to find a large feature of my Gone and Done It as her "Book of the Month".

"Maggie Toussaint ‘s Dreamwalker series is one of my favorites, maybe because she taps into that spooky vibe that I like. GONE AND DONE IT is the first in the series, one which I’d missed while I was reading the rest of them, so I only recently got caught up.

Single mother Baxley Powell has inherited the family talent for Dreamwalking, whether she wants it or not. As she’s working in her landscaping business, she uncovers a skull, much to the chagrin of her client, and now the much-needed fee is being held hostage.

Baxley needs money to pay the bills, so she suggests to the misogynistic chief of police (who has been chasing her since they went to school together) that if she uses her family’s legendary psychic abilities to help him identify where the skull came from and who it belongs to, he will hire her as a police consultant.

The clues are handed to her bit by bit as the dead woman struggles to trust Baxley, and then a second person turns up dead beneath one of the trees Baxley planted. Now Baxley has two murders to unravel, but each walk among the dead for answers exacts a price. With the help of her hippie family and the support of her community of friends, Baxley ferrets out the answers and gets the job with the police department.

Baxley is a very likeable character. Her concern for the welfare of her child is her primary motivation, and her love of the family that surrounds her and nurtures her keeps her grounded. Her missing military husband adds another dimension to the story, leaving the reader to wonder if he’s the “watcher in the woods” who protects her from a distance.

For readers who like a supernatural tone, I highly recommend this series. Each book takes a deeper dive into the world of the dead, and each trip Baxley takes to find answers exacts a price. A great mystery/police procedural/supernatural story, set in coastal Georgia (hence the southern dialect titles!)."

Be sure and check out this first book in the seven book series!

Buy Links:

KINDLE

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0846C2W5L/

NOOK

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gone-and-done-it-maggie-toussaint/1116603767?ean=2940163995691

KOBO

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/gone-and-done-it

iBOOKS

https://books.apple.com/us/book/gone-and-done-it/id1496459672

Happy November to all!

Maggie Toussaint

Bra-magedon

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 21:43:00 +0000

Raise your hand if you are slap-tired of this pandemic! I certainly am. During the middle of the isolation and fear and vaccines, I got the brilliant idea that I could make a perfect bra. Usually if something is tailored to your body it fits better. Wouldn't that be a treat?

The more I thought about how great The Perfect Bra would be the more excited I got about the project. Soon I collected hooks, elastic of various widths, pre-made straps, several kinds of elastic, thread to match. I got really excited over some dusky pink stretchy fabric and thought wouldn't it be great if I bought enough to make mine and an extra for my sister. Oh boy. This was going to be a great project.

But then I realized that bra patterns weren't readily available. Hmm. Well, I could make patterns from almost perfect bras or I could use clearance swimsuit tops and reshape them into bras. So I tried a few swimsuit bras. And a pattern I didn't like began to emerge.

You see, once you adjust the strap length, the cup size, the band size, or the degree of stitching, something else always changes. I took a closer look at my purchased bras and realized that the stretch was different between the cups than in the cups. And the sides stretched different than the cups.

Okay, so I realized this project was slightly trickier than I originally thought it would be. To make matters more complicated, I had a back injury long ago at T-12 vertebrae which is exactly where the bra band hits. I also can't take the compression of sports bras. I also have bone spurs in my neck so halter tops are out, and due to both of those spine issues, bras whose straps cross in the back won't work for me.

So what would the perfect bra look like? It would have a wider band, but it wouldn't fit tight. I thought it might open in the center but that was annoying on several levels. It would definitely have wide straps, preferably cushioned on the shoulders. No underwires, as I can't tolerate those either. It would fit comfortably without squeezing the life out of me and yet still support the girls. If it were made of wicking fabric, so much the better.

All of you bra-wearers out there probably know that the less structure the bra has, the less support there is. However, I discovered a real-life hack that helped. Wearing a stretchy camisole atop a less supportive bra added support that was comfy all day long. That helped for 3 seasons out of the year but was miserable for summer.

I'm not saying I gained a lot of weight during covid. Instead, my bras shrunk over time ((grin)). Getting bra extenders helped with most of the band shortness issue I had. And again, the camisole on top covered a myriad of sins.

But I kept looking at the fabric. So I cut pieces out based on a current bra, but no matter how I turned the fabric, I couldn't get the stretch right. A closer look at the store-bought one revealed that the fabric in different parts of the bra were different thicknesses, different stretches, and different breathability even though it was all the exact same color. Looked again at the local fabric store and those extra choices weren't available. Well, dang. that was discouraging.

By this time, stores were putting clothes on clearance again, including bras, so I bought some larger bras from online vendors and then customized them to fit, either by adding support stitches across the top of the cups and trimming the middle section between the cups. That yielded a few bras that had moderate support, especially when overlaid with a stretchy camisole. And the store-bought one pictured above met every criteria I wanted except for the one I didn't think to include - it has scratchy fabric. Grrrr.

A lightbulb finally went on. I should be sewing bras into camisoles. Not shelf bras that give you a uni-boob look, but real cups and a little bit more snugging down to simulate a band. Lo and Behold, several manufacturers must've been channeling the same idea, because this very concept hit the market. They came with a big price tag so I looked and wanted and waited. About six months later, those camisoles with real bras shaped right in the stretchy fabric started going on sale. I got one and I like it, but because its new and I'm stuck at home mostly right now, I am saving it for later when I'm out and about in the world.

Meanwhile, I found a few of the new bras I purchased worked well, like the pink bra in the First Solution Thoughts image. It washes well, still has the same elasticity after dozens of wearings, and it's comfy all day with good support. I bought a couple more of those and like my happy-color bras.

Now I have a leftover drawer of bra supplies, some stretchy fabric that won't be made into bras, and a bit of frustration that making the perfect bra was so darn hard. I started with those swimsuit-bras, patterned a Maggie-bra after a real one, modified a larger bra, and came up with the camisole plus bra life-hack. In every case, as soon as I adjusted one part that stretched, such as the band, the armpits became uncomfortable. Cutting the armpits down changed the stretch in the cups, causing gaping or too-tight straps. Inserting a padded section onto the shoulder section of a strap changed the stretch and sometimes made the strap too short and once it even pulled the band up. Not good. Too many variables in this stretchy equation.

In the lessons learned category, I have a newfound respect and admiration for bra companies. How the heck they come up with anything that works is beyond me. I'm not saying the average person can't make a bra; it's more that the average person is likely to give up before he or she figures it out. I know I'm throwing in the towel on this idea of The Perfect Bra.

And while I have your attention, my Doggone It is on sale right now for $0.99, down from $4.99. This paranormal cozy mystery of the murder than happens when a film company comes to town is a fun read for October, plus there's a ghost dog! Though this is book 3 of my 7-book Dreamwalker Mystery series, it can be read as a standalone. Get you copy now at: KINDLE NOOK KOBO IBOOKS

That's it for now, Happy Reading to All!

Maggie Toussaint

Shrimply Dead Releases today

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 14:01:00 +0000

The third book in my Seafood Caper Mystery series, Shrimply Dead, released today in print and digital formats. This book is a doozy of island fun, business changes, and a super-duper whodunnit for you and catering sleuth River Holloway Merrick to solve. You'll be scratching your head as you try to figure out who shot the veterinarian and amateur naturalist.

BOOK BLURB

When veterinarian and amateur naturalist Jasmine Garr is shot in her yard, residents of Shell Island press caterer River Holloway into investigating the homicide. River dons her amateur sleuth cap and sets out to discover who killed her former catering customer.

Between Jasmine’s estranged cousin, a rival veterinarian, a wild animal trapper, the chicken lady, and a real estate broker, River has plenty of suspects to consider. As she peels back the layers of Jasmine’s life, dangerous secrets come to light.

Jasmine’s orphaned kitty, Iris, along with River’s cat Major, and her husband Pete help River sift through the evidence. At the same time, River recently expanded her catering business. She must service her regular catering clients, plus provide fresh baked goods for Pete’s ice cream shop.

The killer follows River’s every move relishing the thought of another victim. Time is running out. Will River solve the murder before she becomes a cold dish?

Book 3 of Maggie Toussaint’s Seafood Capers Mysteries brims with action and adventure in a lush island setting. Authentic Southern recipes included.

Digital Buy Links: Kindle Nook Kobo iBooks

Print buy link: Amazon

EARLY REVIEWS

“I enjoyed the latest adventure in this wickedly solid whodunit that had all the elements I love. A good storyline, a great cast of characters, engaging dialogue, and an atmosphere of camaraderie. " Dru's Book Musings

“Colorful characters and tasty recipes add welcome spice to this clever culinary mystery.” Diane A.S. Stuckart, award-winning and NYT bestselling author of cozy mysteries

"This delicious cozy mystery will keep you guessing until the final twists at the end. If you have a hankering for some southern delights, snatch this book up now. " Nancy J Cohen, author of the Bad Hair Day Mysteries

GREAT ESCAPES VITUAL BOOK TOUR AND THE LAUNCH PARTY

Shrimply Dead's Great Escapes Blog Tour starts tomorrow. Check in at the central link to find out where the posts are every day!

Also, you're invited to the Shrimply Dead Launch party tomorrow evening on Facebook from 7 to 8:30 pm EST at https://www.facebook.com/newreleaseparty For more information, visit maggietoussaint.com

Join the fun! Try the series! Solve the whodunnits-if you can! Prepare the recipes!

Digital Buy Links: Kindle Nook Kobo iBooks

Print buy link: Amazon

Happy Book Birthday, Shrimply Dead!

Maggie Toussaint

Shoot the Moon with Spawning Suspicion entries

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 15:37:00 +0000

All righty peeps! Today is the very last day of the Spawning Suspicion Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour so anytime before midnight EST today, Nov 20, you have the opportunity to "Shoot the Moon" atball the different blog sites on the tour. The exact link for each post will take you to the content you need. Good luck and I hope you win one of the two print books of my latest culinary cozy!

Just in case you can't wait... here are the buy links for this book:

eBook: Kindle │ KindleCA │ Nook │ Kobo │ iBooks

Print Book: Amazon │ Barnes & Noble │ IndieBound │ Books a Million │ Chapters Indigo

SPAWNING SUSPICION TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 10 – Literary Gold – CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 10 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

November 11 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

November 12 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 12 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

November 13 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

November 13 – Books to the Ceiling - SPOTLIGHT

November 14 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic -CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 14 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

November 15 – Christy's Cozy Corners – GUEST POST

November 15 – Baroness' Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

November 16 – Diane Reviews Books – GUEST POST

November 16 – Thoughts in Progress – SPOTLIGHT

November 17 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW

November 17 – Reading Is My SuperPower – SPOTLIGHT

November 18 – I Read What You Write – SPOTLIGHT

November 18 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

November 19 – Mysteries with Character – GUEST POST

November 19 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/upcoming-great-escapes-book-tours/spawning-suspicion-a-seafood-caper-mystery-by-maggie-toussaint/

Best of luck to everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!

Maggie Toussaint

Rebirth of House of Lies and No Second Chance

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 19:30:00 +0000

Two of my romantic suspense/romantic mystery books formerly published by The Wild Rose Press are now on preorder and will release on September 17, 2020. Please take at look at these newly updated books and covers! These books are exclusively available on Kindle for 90 days.

HOUSE OF LIES

This was my first published book, and it won the 2007 National Readers' Choice Award. House of Lies is also the only book I ever wrote with secret agents and international spies! Here's the brand new cover (with a nice thank you to help from Polly Iyer), the book blurb, and the buy link:

It’s too late to win her father’s love. Instead, Hannah Montgomery must deal with the remote mountain cottage she inherited. The caretaker of the property, wounded ex-CIA agent Jake Sutherland, promised his dying partner that he’d help Hannah get settled.

But Hannah is very unsettled by the hidden letters from her father, letters which put Jake and Hannah on a collision course. As secrets from her father’s life are revealed, Hannah’s deep-seated quest for the truth challenges Jake’s loyalty and honor.

To make matters worse, the double agent who betrayed Jake and killed her father tracks them down. Caught in a web of deceit, Hannah must make a choice. Will she risk her heart—and her life - to learn the truth about her secretive father?

Buy Kindle version of HOUSE OF LIES

NO SECOND CHANCE

This book came about through my volunteering for a horse rescue charity and it is near and dear to my heart. I hope you will be keenly interested in this Cinderella tale of corporate espionage and redemption. Again, many thanks to my friend Polly Iyer for help with this cover.

Hope Farrier rescues unwanted horses, but she’s saddled with debt. Without help she’ll lose Second Chance Farm, the first home she’s ever known. An endowment brings the promise of future relief and the presence of shrewd business manager, Devlin Temple.

Trouble is, Devlin has his dreamy blue eyes on more than her bottom line.

Playboy Devlin Temple lays a trap for the thief that’s fleecing his company. When his cousin sets his cap for Devlin’s job, Devlin knows he needs Hope’s help to secure the CEO position. In her arms he finds the solace and support he craves, but their blossoming romance prompts the thief to raise the stakes.

Will Devlin and Hope pay the ultimate price for love?

Buy Kindle version of No Second Chance.

SAVE THE DATE!

PARTY! There will be a launch party to celebrate the release of these two updated books and three updated futuristic romances from Nancy J Cohen on September 22, Tuesday, at 7 pm EDT over at https://www.facebook.com/NewReleaseParty/

Release Day for All Done With It

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 16:47:00 +0000

What a challenge it is to launch a book during a pandemic! We had a technical issue at one vendor but thankfully it is fixed today, and this is the day that counts! Do I believe in miracles? Yes, I do!

(I just used up a year's worth of exclamation points but other than using all caps and bolding everything, I don't know how to share my absolute elation.)

ALL DONE WITH IT is book 7 in the Dreamwalker mystery series. It was a joy to write, and now I get to share it with paranormal mystery readers. I'm hoping you have been waiting for this moment just as I have.

In this final book of the series, Baxley is faced with her biggest challenge ever. With bad guys in real life and on the Other Side, paranormal anomalies, and a full term pregnancy during a heat wave. Mercy! But this unsinkable gal still manages to find a way to help people, to bring closure to families, and to solve the biggest, baddest mystery ever, all of this while the fate of the entire world is at stake.

Here's what advance readers say about this book:

"WOW. I have no other words. This book consumed my reading time, quickly becoming a page-turner as I could not put this book down until all was said and done." --Dru's Book Musings

"All Done With It's ability to build on the prior books, yet remain accessible to newcomers, makes it a highly recommended cozy paranormal mystery pick for both audiences, easily available and compelling."--Donovan Literary Services for Midwest Book Review.

"Several murders set the stage for a supernatural end game in this fast-paced paranormal mystery... All Done With It is an enthralling read that offers a satisfying conclusion to the Dreamwalker series."--Nancy J Cohen, author of the Bad Hair Day Mysteries

"This story is very satisfying and fulfilling" --Pat Dupuy, Goodreads reviewer

"As the story unfolds, Baxley and her extraordinary family must each play a role in closing a tear in the world or risk losing a mortal battle to a sinister foe. All answers are revealed in the satisfying conclusion." --Karla Brandenburg, reviewer

It wouldn't be official if I didn't share the book blurb:

A Jane Doe jogger homicide near the swamp mystifies Dreamwalker Baxley Powell. The petite woman carried no ID, and no one recognizes her. Worse, a shadow passes from the body to a deputy, rendering him unconscious. The deputy and the corpse are dispatched to the hospital and morgue, respectively.

With summer heat and pending childbirth on her mind, Baxley’s dreamwalks into the spirit world fail to yield leads, frustrating Baxley and her deputy husband, Native American Sam Mayes. Days later, Jane Doe’s description matches a missing Mississippi woman. Turns out, her new husband is missing too. Jane’s sketchy brother-in-law and her aunt arrive, full of secrets. At Jane’s campsite, the team encounters a terrifying anomaly, nullifying Baxley’s senses. With such danger present, they must protect their unborn child. No more dreamwalks will occur until Baxley gives birth.

When her friend Bubba Paxton vanishes, Baxley sights him in a mirror, trapped between worlds with other souls.

Meanwhile, the shadow invades other hosts, demanding to see Baxley. Mayes and Baxley ignore the shadow as they rescue Bubba, untangle the Jane Doe case, and handle missing persons reports.

To free the trapped people, Baxley must outwit a powerful foe. Can she stop this super villain before he steals her soul?

In this 7th Dreamwalker Mystery, female sleuth and psychic crime consultant Baxley Powell works a homicide case that leads straight to an evil force in the spirit world. The stakes? Her soul, her unborn child, and humanity’s freedom.

And by now you're dying to check it out for yourself. This book is in trade paperback and ebook, and you can find it here:

EBOOKS: Kindle ❙ Nook ❙ Kobo

PRINT: Amazon ❙ Smashwords

To order from your favorite bookstore: use this ISBN: 978-1603818322

What are you waiting for? Go forth and read!

Maggie Toussaint

Sign up for my newsletter at https://maggietoussaint.com

Free Mystery from Maggie Toussaint

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 13:23:00 +0000

Some of you may not know I use the pen name of Rigel Carson for a futuristic mystery series. The first book in this series, G-1, is now available for free. Previously a Kindle Scout winner, this book is now out under my imprint.

At the time I wrote this, 60 years in the future of Earth seemed so far away, and yet, with recent world events, the future I envisioned has many similarities with this book. This is an eco-thriller, where a secret society with a bent on world domination will do anything to get their hands on the Keystone.

Only one man can save the world. Dr. Zeke Landry, a brilliant but reclusive scientist with a very cool entertainment model android, uses strategy and island smarts to stay one step ahead of the bad guys in each Guardian of Earth book.

If you're a fan of my other mysteries, you will find this series to be written in that familiar light vein but with serious subject matter. In any event, I hope you give this one a try. It's free!

DOWNLOAD NOW

Here's a quick description of my book: The Big Bang Theory meets the Q Continuum

Though plague, locusts, and earthquakes riddle 2065 Earth, brilliant and reclusive hydrologist Zeke Landry focuses on solving the problem of the world’s vanishing water supply with the help of a souped-up A.I. named Forman. When his uncle disappears, Zeke and his dashing sidekick search the country for Uncle John. A routing error lands Zeke’s travel pod far from its destination. Worse, every step he makes puts him in harm’s way and has him questioning his employer’s agenda.

Chaos reigns as food and water shortages destabilize governments. The Chameleons, a secret society poised for world domination, believe Zeke has the keystone, an object of great power. They’ve already murdered in their quest to find the keystone, so if Zeke can’t produce it, his hours are numbered.

A fish out of water, Zeke must face his worst fears to outwit his enemies. He must step into his late father’s shoes to protect his heritage...and more.

What are you waiting for? This is a free book!

DOWNLOAD NOW

Cover Reveal for All Done With It

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 23:08:00 +0000

The Cover Reveal for All Done With It, Book 7 in the Dreamwalker Mystery Series, will be tomorrow evening. I'll reveal the cover during a Facebook event that author Nancy J Cohen and myself are having Tuesday, June 9, 7-8 pm EDT at https://www.facebook.com/NewReleaseParty.

I hope you'll join us!

Maggie Toussaint

Great Escapes Blog Tour for Seas the Day

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 20:01:00 +0000

Today Seas the Day, my culinary cozy mystery, released in digital, trade paperback, and hardcover. I'm at Dru's Book Musings today with "A Day in the Life of River Holloway," but tomorrow starts the Great Escapes Book Tour! I hope to see you there!

SEAS THE DAY TOUR PARTICIPANTS

April 22 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

April 22 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

April 23 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

April 23 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

April 24 – Jane Reads – GUEST POST

April 24 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW

April 25 – Here's How It Happened – SPOTLIGHT

April 25 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

April 25 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – SPOTLIGHT

April 26 – Literary Gold – CHARACTER GUEST POST

April 26 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews - SPOTLIGHT

April 27 – Christy's Cozy Corners - REVIEW, GUEST POST

April 27 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

April 28 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

April 28 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

April 29 – Dee-Scoveries – SPOTLIGHT

April 29 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – SPOTLIGHT

April 30 – Diane Reviews Books - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

April 30 – eBook addicts – SPOTLIGHT

May 1 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

May 1 – View from the Birdhouse - SPOTLIGHT

I hope you'll check out these great sites and I'll see you there!

Stay safe in these perilous times of the pandemic.

Maggie

Life in the time of Corona

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 16:11:00 +0000

We're safe here, so far, but I swear everything you read or hear makes it sound like the coronavirus (or CoVid-19) is stalking everyone. Who needs that? Life is difficult enough as it is.

My computer is in the shop. That's something no writer likes to hear. I'm on day one with no personal computer and trying not to hyperventilate. So far I haven't passed out, but I've raided the pantry a few times already. Thank you very much, computer gods.

Planning for a book launch when everyone and everything is locked down seems like spitting in the wind. And yet, I'm doing it because that's expected. Luckily, I have a strong online presence so I hope folks will be receptive to many of the online things I've planned. After all, we should SEAS THE DAY, right?

More info about my April 21 release at https://maggietoussaint.com/seas-the-day

Launch tour posts done, check. Supplemental blog posts done, check. Launch party online, still to be planned. Library mailing, in the works. Local signing, on hold. Conference appearances, on hold.

Book conferences are being cancelled right and left. It's a whole new world out there now, and many conference planners are going with virtual conferences this year. Let's all step up to the Brave New World for authors and readers.

As for personal care, we are washing our hands with soap and water at home and using hand sanitizer for any medical trip or food run. I made a few cloth masks in case we need them, and we've got some gloves. But it's all scary. Will life go back to normal?

More importantly, where did all the world's toilet paper go?

(I hope you enjoy my photography. I love taking photos of natural images.)

Keep Reading!
Maggie Toussaint
https://maggietoussaint.com
https://facebook.com/maggietoussaintauthor

Free audio short story

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 15:00:00 +0000

I'm delighted to announce that there's an audio version of my short story "Sand Dollar Secrets." This story features the characters from my Cleopatra Jones cozy mystery series. It's a weekend getaway for Cleo and Rafe and darn if there aren't secrets and a mystery to boot. CLICK for Free Podcast download.

I love beaches and I admit that the St. Joe's of the story is patterned after St. Simons Island, GA, where I spent my middle school and high school years. Though the SSI of today is bustling and condo-friendly, light years ago it was a family vacation place where rambling clapboard cottages lined the beaches.

It was a different time in so many ways. We kids were allowed to walk the beach for hours on end (and that was my first love!). I thoroughly enjoyed the sound of waves and shorebirds, the scent of salt air, the wind in my long hair, the crunch of sand between my toes, and oh my gosh, what treasures washed in with every tide. It could be a perfect shell or an object from clear across the world. The possibilities were endless! I was truly in heaven.

As you might imagine, I collected seashells for decades and have lamps and boxes and bags filled with my beach treasures. Now I'm writing a new cozy mystery series entirely set on a laid-back island like that, and the first in that series, Seas the Day, is now available for pre-order. CLICK here to pre-order this cozy culinary mystery. I hope you'll check it out. (More vendors shown at my website )

Also, have you checked out the Booklover's Bench contest this month? The winner receives 6 cozy mysteries, each written by a different author. This is a marvelous set for your She-Shed, Woman Cave, or wherever you enjoy reading. It's a mystery 6-pack! And it could be yours. CLICK on over to enter!

Lastly, I'm appearing in an author extravaganza over at the House of Clues Facebook page tomorrow, Feb 14, at 9:30 am EST, talking about my forthcoming Seas the Day, and I hope you'll click over to be part of the excitement. I'm giving away a print ARC of the new book. CLICK HERE for House of Clues Feb 14 Valentine's Giveaway party. Remember, it doesn't start until 9 am EST on Feb. 14.

Happy reading - and happy early Valentine's Day!

Maggie

Dreamed It releases today, August 13, 2019

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 13:47:00 +0000

Seemed like it took forever for August 13 to arrive, and then it came on fast like a freight train! Wow! The wonderful feeling of a book release never gets old.

Dreamed It, Book 6 in my Dreamwalker Mystery Series, features my amateur sleuth, Baxley Powell and an ensemble cast of family, friends, and pets. This time she squares off against a wily serial killer.

Oh, man! She is in such a pickle. Not only is she trying to solve the Suitcase Murder, a teenage girl goes missing. With the girl's life clock ticking in her team, Baxley and her team keep digging, putting Baxley in dire straits.

Here's the book blurb:

Justice for the dead and solace for the living is Baxley Powell’s creed, but she faces uncharted territory in this sixth book of the Dreamwalker Mystery Series. The Suitcase Killer has struck again, only this big city menace is now a problem for Baxley’s hometown. As that investigation heats up, a local woman is reported missing. The sheriff orders Baxley to work the missing person’s case.

Listening to the dead is familiar ground for Baxley but finding a missing young lady isn’t in her skill set. Besides, her dreams rarely follow a timeline. With the clock ticking, can this crime consultant discover a way to reach the living?

Her main source of help in the afterlife, a mentor named Rose, is unavailable. Instead, Baxley must rely on her wits and her Native American boyfriend, Deputy Sam Mayes, to find leads. Each shared dreamwalk and energy transfer binds them closer together, creating another issue. Mayes wants to marry Baxley but it isn’t that easy. They’re hampered by their community roles in opposite ends of the state.

Baxley juggles the pressure of two high-profile cases, a determined suitor, and expanding her limits. One thing is certain. Without her extrasensory sleuthing, the missing woman will die.

~*~

An excerpt is available at my website: https://maggietoussaint.com/dreamed-it/

Early reviews of Dreamed It follow:

“A tense, outstanding whodunnit,”

- Midwest Book Reviews

“One of the best books of the series!“

- Dru’s Book Musing

“An excellent adventure into the paranormal,”

- Map Your Mystery

"A suspenseful page-turner that you won’t be able to put down.”

- Nancy J Cohen, author of the Bad Hair Day mysteries

“Maggie Toussaint is a master of quiet suspense,”

- Anna Gerrard, author of Peach Clobbered

~*~

“A dream come true for fans of paranormal mysteries,”

- Leigh Perry, author of A Family Skeleton Mysteries, on Confound It

~*~

The book is available on wide distribution. Here are the links currently available:

KINDLE AMAZON BARNES & NOBLE

I hope you'll follow along on this amazing journey and that you enjoy the entire Dreamwalker series as much as I do!

Keep in touch!

Maggie Toussaint

https://maggietoussaint.com

Two Mossy Bog books out now!

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 21:19:00 +0000

They're here! The Author editions of HOT WATER and ROUGH WATERS are now available across all digital platforms. These books have a mystery plot line and a romance plot line, with different sleuthing couples in each book. Each books is described below.

In HOT WATER small town cop Laurie Ann Dinterman assists the state arson investigator, Wyatt North, who's tracking a serial arsonist turned killer. Wyatt needs to catch the guy that killed his partner, and Laurie Ann needs to keep Wyatt alive to ensure her promotion to investigator. All too soon clues put them at cross purposes. Can they catch the serial killer and arsonist before they go up in flames?

Order from Nook

Kindle

Kobo

iBooks

"Exciting action scenes, sizzling romance, and a nail-biting climax."

- Nancy J, Cohen, author of Trimmed to Death

In ROUGH WATERS former Navy SEAL Rock Mackenzie believes pink-haired florist Jeanie Munro is the key to recovering his stolen sovereigns. A single mom who learned responsibility the hard way, Jeanie turns to Rock for protection when her shop and home are ransacked. After spiriting the kids off to safety, Jeanie and Rock hit the road to catch a thief and a stone cold killer.

Order from Nook

Kindle

Kobo

iBooks

"A story about knowing what you want out of life and not letting the trials get in your way. I intend to read more of the Mossy Bog stories, you should too." - FRESH FICTION

If you like my cozies, you'll like these romantic suspense novels. I certainly hope you'll give them a try!

Also, I'm having a Facebook launch party on Thursday, May 7, from 6:30-8 pm EST over at https://www.facebook.com/NewReleaseParty I hope you'll join in with the revelry! You're invited.

Happy Reading, y'all.

Maggie Toussaint

The Trouble With Cupid, round two!

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 20:52:00 +0000

This fun mystery anthology just went live for 2019. I hope you'll consider purchasing this short story collection all of which feature Trouble the sleuthing cat from Wetumpka, AL, because all the proceeds go to charity.

$2.99

Buy from KINDLE

Fun-sized bites of Trouble, Cat Detective! All proceeds from the sale of THE TROUBLE WITH CUPID will be donated to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. The famous black cat detective from Wetumpka, Alabama is at it again in this collection of sometimes poignant, often amusing short mystery tales.

Bestselling authors Carolyn Haines and Laura Benedict lead the lineup with the sassy “Calling All Cupids” and the sweet “Of Mice and Munchkins,” followed by Claire Matturro’s heartwarming contribution, “The Madonna in the Garden.”

With additional stories by eight other authors, including critically acclaimed veterans and exciting new talents, The Trouble with Cupid is a delightful offering of wicked fun for anyone who loves mysteries, cats, and a touch of romance.

Authors: Laura Benedict, Carolyn Haines, Greg Herren, Michelle Broussard Honick, Eve Osborne, Fran Roberts, Nancy Sartor, Maggie Toussaint, Lisa Wysocky, Claire Matturro, and Jaden Terrell.
The Trouble books are a multi-author coalition published by KaliOka Press with each mystery novel featuring Trouble, the black cat detective. All the full-length mysteries are available in e-format and print.

Come on, you know you gotta have it!

Happy Reading!

Muddy Waters cover reveal, Author Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 19:01:00 +0000

As is the way with books and publishers, from time to time, rights revert to the author. That's what's going on here with the forthcoming Author's Edition release of Muddy Waters, the first book in my Mossy Bog Romantic Suspense series. It will soon be available from all digital venues.

My first priority is to reissue ebooks of the five romances that I just had rights reversion on. After that, I will see if issuing print books are warranted.

Meanwhile, please enjoy this new cover, put together with the loving hands of my friend Polly Iyer. My goal is to use the same font and font placement for all three books in this series to create a series look.

Originally issued in 2010, this book has been edited from front to back to update the content.

Muddy Waters is currently up for pre-order at Amazon, to go live on Tuesday, Feb 5. Other vendors have already pushed the listing through their sales channels so there's no waiting at Nook, Kobo, or iBooks.

Here's the new blurb:

Real estate broker Roxie Whitaker is juggling skittish clients, an anxious bride, and her wayward brother. She’d very much like to sell some property, soothe her friend’s wedding jitters, and knock some sense into her party-boy brother’s head. Meanwhile, she needs a date for the wedding. In walks Sloan Harding, the town’s former bad boy and now an Atlanta security expert, and Roxie believes he’s the answer to her dreams.

Sparks fly as he escorts her to the wedding and asks her advice about his property. While he’s home, Sloan hunts for his missing inheritance. Sloan’s search uncovers family secrets and painful memories. To make matters worse, someone in the shadows is after his inheritance, someone who will do whatever it takes to walk away with the fortune.

Also, reviewers from before loved Roxie and Sloan's story. Here are a few snips from those earlier reviews:

“Great book, wonderful mystery and a red hot love story underlying it. Roxie and Sloan really mix it up in and out of the bedroom and that is what makes for a great romance. You can’t ask for more than that now can you?” – Mary Gramlich, THE READING REVIEWER

“Toussaint pens a pleasant read for a nice fall afternoon. With its home realty and repair subplot, the author obviously knows her stuff.” – Cindy Himler, ROMANTIC TIMES

Buy Links:

Ready now: Nook iBooks Kobo

Pre-order for Feb 5 delivery Kindle

More information at my website, including an excerpt! Click here for the website listing.

Thanks, readers, for demanding more in this fun series that blends cozy mystery and romantic suspense. Hot Water and Rough Waters will be reissued next.

Happy Reading!
Maggie

Permanently bad hair and a fiery tale

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 18:30:00 +0000

Hi friends and fans!

I have a guest post up today at Paranormal Romance Guild. They invited me to help launch their new feature "Tell Me More Tuesday." https://www.paranormalromanceguild.com/tell-me-more-tuesday-maggie-toussaint-shares-new-release-confound-it/

I'm very excited to have the opportunity to share my Dreamwalker Mystery series, which has a strong romantic subplot, with paranormal romance readers. My sleuth Baxley Powell has some serious psychic mojo going on!

Many new-to-a-series readers are purists, so that's why, even though Confound It is a really cool, ultra-absorbing book, I'm giving away a copy of the first book in the series, Gone and Done It. To have a chance to win, you must comment on the post at https://www.paranormalromanceguild.com/tell-me-more-tuesday-maggie-toussaint-shares-new-release-confound-it/

The Dreamwalker Mystery Series in order from first to last are: Gone and Done It, Bubba Done It, Doggone It, Dadgummit, and Confound It. There will be 7 books in this series, with Dreamed It slated for release next summer. To find out more about my books, visit https://maggietoussaint.com/books/

But to have a chance at winning Gone and Done It, you must comment on the Tell Me More Tuesday post at Paranormal Romance Guild. See you over there!!!

https://www.paranormalromanceguild.com/tell-me-more-tuesday-maggie-toussaint-shares-new-release-confound-it/

No Quarter steps out on its own!

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Toussaint) — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 19:30:00 +0000

My Cleopatra Jones Mystery novella, "No Quarter," is out now as a standalone in digital format. It was previously released in the Sleuthing Women II Anthology in 2017. The anthology is no longer available and so No Quarter got its own cover and is now out through Muddle House Publishing.

Here's the blurb for the novella: Amnesia, the doctor says when accountant Cleopatra Jones wakes in a distant hospital. Hours later, most of her memory returns. Detective Jack Martinez visits Cleo’s nearby wealthy client, only she’s dead and broke. To Cleo’s horror, she’s a murder suspect. Will she totally recover her memory before the killer returns?

This novella is available across many platforms:

Kindle Kobo iBooks Nook

I'm excited to have an entry in this Cleopatra Jones series, and I thank fans of the Cleo series for being so patient. Please let me know if you like this new direction for her, and if you want more Cleo. Also, if you previously read the novella in the SWII anthology or if you're just now picking it up, please feel free to leave a review wherever you post your online reviews.

The entire Cleopatra Jones series looks like this:

To celebrate the release of the "No Quarter" novella, I will give away at least one hardcover copy of the first book in this series, In For a Penny, which may be a collector's item by now! Entry for the drawing (US only) may be made by leaving a comment on this post. The contest ends September 26, 2018. Please leave contact info. If you don't want to leave your email or your Facebook name, plan to check back after the 26th. Prizes unclaimed after a week will be forfeited.

Thanks for enjoying my books!

Maggie

ps The monthly Booklover's Bench contest is ongoing through September 18. Enter for a chance to win a $25 gift card from Amazon or B&N. Visit the contest page.