First Chapter ~ First Paragraph and Teaser Tuesday

It's Tuesday . . . time for . . . 

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros now hosted by Yvonne at Socrates' Book Reviews, where bloggers share excerpts from a book they have read, are currently reading, or are planning to read.

Teaser Tuesday hosted by Ambrosia at The Purple Booker, where bloggers post two teaser sentences (no spoilers allowed) from a random page of their current read. 

Today I'm featuring The Dilemma by B.A. Paris, a book I finished this week.  The excerpts shared are from an eBook I received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

 

Book Beginning:  Sunday, June 9 3:30 A.M. Livia

It's the cooling bathwater that wakes me.  Disorientated, I sit up quickly, sploshing suds up the sides, wondering how long I've been asleep.  I release the plug and the drain gurgles, a too-loud sound in a silent house.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Teaser:  I don't want to think about them today of all days but I can't help it.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

What do you think?  Would you continue reading?

Livia and Adam Harman are a fairly typical married couple.  Although they married very young, they have managed to navigate the rocky times thus far, and have raised two children who are now in college.  As Livia's long-planned fortieth birthday party is about to begin, the celebration is overshadowed by momentous events yet to be revealed.  Both Livia and Adam are aware of devastating news they must share with each other--but how and when--will they divulge information that will ultimately shatter their happiness and change their lives forever? 

This First Chapter ~ First Paragraph and Teaser Tuesday post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. 

Great Escapes Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway: Booked for Death by Victoria Gilbert

 

Today I'm participating in the Booked for Death Blog Tour.  In this post you'll find book and author information along with my review.  And be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win an advance reader copy of the book.

About the book . . .

Booked for Death

Book Lovers B&B Mystery Series

Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (August 11, 2020)
Hardcover: 320 pages
ISBN-10: 1643853074
ISBN-13: 978-1643853079
Digital ASIN: B07XX7PHTV

Synopsis . . . From the critically acclaimed author of SIBA Okra Pick A Murder for the Books. Victoria Gilbert embarks on a new series perfect for fans of Kate Carlisle and Juliet Blackwell.

A book lover's B&B in an idyllic waterfront village becomes the scene of a grisly murder--and a ruthless battle between treachery and the truth.  

Nestled in the historic waterfront town of Beaufort, North Carolina, Chapters Bed-and-Breakfast is a reader's paradise.  Built in 1770, the newly renovated inn hosts a roster of special events celebrating books, genres, and authors.  It's the perfect literary retreat--until a rare book dealer turns up dead in the carriage house during a celebration of Golden Age mystery author Josephine Tey.  

The victim's daughter points the finger at forty-two-year-old widow and former schoolteacher Charlotte Reed, who inherited the B&B from her great-aunt Isabella. Charlotte is shocked to discover that the book dealer suspected Isabella of being a thief who founded Chapters on her ill-gotten gains. Charlotte has successfully learned the B&B business in a year, but nothing has prepared her to handle a death on the premises.

Armed with intelligence and courage and assisted by her vibrant older neighbor, a visiting author, and members of a local book club, Charlotte is determined to prove her innocence and to clear her great-aunt's name.  But the murderer is still at large, and equally determined to silence anyone who might discover the truth behind the book dealer's death.  Now, Charlotte must outwit an unknown killer--or end up writing her own final chapter.

My review . . . When former high school teacher Charlotte Reed inherits a bed-and-breakfast from her great-aunt Isabella, she is determined to start a new chapter in her life.  The forty-something widow is still grieving the tragic, untimely loss of her heroic husband as she sets down roots in the historic waterfront community of Beaufort, North Carolina.  With her own hard work and assistance from local residents, Charlotte begins hosting literary-themed events that draw visitors to the inn.

During a week of festivities celebrating the work of mystery writer Josephine Tey, the unexpected happens.  In the midst of a War of the Roses costume-theme dinner party, one of the guests--rare book dealer Lincoln Delamont--is found dead in the carriage house.  He has been stabbed, and all of the guests and staff subsequently find themselves on the list of suspects. Concern for the inn's reputation compels Charlotte to undertake her own investigation of the crime.  And as the many unsavory aspects of Lincoln's life emerge, multiple motives are uncovered.

To catch the elusive killer, a final literary event is arranged. The assembled group is drawn into conversation about their relationships to the deceased and individual alibis, which ultimately leads to a confession and arrest of the guilty party.

Gilbert's abundant use of red herrings, intriguing sub-plot about the inn's previous owner, and homage to Josephine Tey keep readers thoroughly engaged.  And for those readers who may guess whodunnit before all is said and done, the use of the classic technique of a group gathering to reveal all is a treat.  The characters are quirky, eclectic, and multi-dimensional, with their strengths and weaknesses expertly revealed over the course of the story.  It was particularly rewarding to witness protagonist Charlotte come into her own as the story progressed, tapping into innate detecting skills she didn't realize she had. 

This new series--Book Lovers B&B Mysteries--is off to a good start and delightfully named.  After all, who wouldn't find it heavenly to stay at an inn near the water named Chapters, in a literary-themed guest room with access to an extensive personal library?  It will be fun to revisit this appealing setting and its cast of characters in future series installments.

Giveaway . . . Enter the Booked for Death Giveaway for a chance to win an advance reader copy (U.S. only) by clicking on this link.

About the author . . . Victoria Gilbert, raised in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, turned her early obsession with reading into a dual career as an author and librarian. Victoria has worked as a reference librarian, research librarian, and library director. 

When not writing or reading, she likes to spend her time watching films, gardening, or traveling. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and International Thriller Writers, and lives in North Carolina. 

Author links . . . 

Website/Blog: http://victoriagilbertmysteries.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaGilbertMysteryAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VGilbertauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/VictoriaGilbert

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriagilbertauthor/

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4J0jvZ-D0NVF9Qv7H2ua8Q

Purchase links . . . 

Amazon     B&N    Kobo    Indie Bound 

 

Tour Participants . . .

June 8 – The Bookwyrm’s Hoard – REVIEW

June 8 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

June 9 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

June 9 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

June 10 – MJB Reviewers – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

June 10 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT

June 10 – Diane Reviews Books – REVIEW

June 11 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW

June 11 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

June 12 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW

June 12 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 13 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

June 13 – The Book Diva’s Reads – GUEST POST

June 14 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

June 14 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW

June 15 – eBook Addicts – REVIEW

June 15 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW

June 15 – Brianne’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

June 16 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

June 16 – Moonlight Rendezvous– REVIEW

June 16 – Jane Reads – GUEST POST

June 17 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW

June 17 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

June 18 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

June 18 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

June 19 – That’s What She’s Reading – REVIEW

June 19 – Sapphyria’s Books – REVIEW

June 20 – Socrates Book Reviews – REVIEW

June 20 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW

June 21 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

June 21 – Literary Gold – CHARACTER GUEST POST

Note . . . I received a complimentary copy of Booked for Death from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

 

This Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the Book Club Librarian blog.  It cannot be republished without attribution.  

Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings

It's Friday . . . time to share book excerpts with:

• Book Beginnings on Fridays hosted by Rose City Reader, where bloggers share the first sentence or more of a current read, as well as initial thoughts about the sentence(s), impressions of the book, or anything else that the opening inspires.  
• The Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice, where you grab a book and turn to page 56 (or 56% of an eBook), find one or more interesting sentences (no spoilers), and post them.

Today I'm featuring a recent blog tour read, Booked for Death, the first book in the Book Lovers B&B cozy mystery series by Victoria Gilbert  The excerpts shared are from the eBook I received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Beginning:  Chapter One

A ship may bob, safe at harbor, but that doesn't mean it hasn't experienced the wide world--or won't again.

Shading my eyes with one hand, I surveyed the flotilla of yachts and sailboats and skiffs anchored at the Beaufort, North Carolina, docks.  When people questioned my decision to become an innkeeper in this historic waterfront town, I always told them I was like those vessels--quiet and settled at the moment, but still ready to sail off on a new adventure whenever I chose.

******************** 

56% of eBook:  "You're a pretty smart cookie, aren't you?  I hadn't thought of that..."

********************

My thoughts:  The opening paragraphs speak to protagonist Charlotte Reed's determination to start her life over after the tragic, untimely death of her husband Brent.  But the widow may face more challenging circumstances than she ever expected when she takes the reins of Chapters, the literary-themed bed-and-breakfast she inherited from her great-aunt Isabella.

********************

From Goodreads:  From the critically acclaimed author of SIBA Okra Pick A Murder for the Books. Victoria Gilbert embarks on a new series perfect for fans of Kate Carlisle and Juliet Blackwell.

A book lover's B&B in an idyllic waterfront village becomes the scene of a grisly murder--and a ruthless battle between treachery and the truth.  

Nestled in the historic waterfront town of Beaufort, North Carolina, Chapters Bed-and-Breakfast is a reader's paradise.  Built in 1770, the newly renovated inn hosts a roster of special events celebrating looks, genres, and authors.  It's the perfect literary retreat--until a rare book dealer turns up dead in the carriage house during a celebration of Golden Age mystery author Josephine Tey.  

The victim's daughter points the finger at forty-two-year-old widow and former schoolteacher Charlotte Reed, who inherited the B&B from her great-aunt Isabella. Charlotte is shocked to discover that the book dealer suspected Isabella of being a thief who founded Chapters on her ill-gotten gains.  Charlotte has successfully learned the B&B business in a year, but nothing has prepared her to handle a death on the premises.

Armed with intelligence and courage and assisted by her vibrant older neighbor, a visiting author, and members of a local book club, Charlotte is determined to prove her innocence and to clear her great-aunt's name.  But the murderer is still at large, and equally determined to silence anyone who might discover the truth behind the book dealer's death.  Now, Charlotte must outwit an unknown killer--or end up writing her own final chapter.

*******************

This Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. 

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph and Teaser Tuesday

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph and Teaser Tuesday

It's Tuesday . . . time for . . . 

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros now hosted by Yvonne at Socrates' Book Reviews, where bloggers share excerpts from a book they have read, are currently reading, or are planning to read.

Teaser Tuesday hosted by Ambrosia at The Purple Booker, where bloggers post two teaser sentences (no spoilers allowed) from a random page of their current read. 

Today I'm featuring The Burning by Jane Casey, a novel I borrowed from the library. It's the first book in the Maeve Kerrigan series.

 

Book Beginning:  She should have gone home with the others.

Kelly Staples stared at her reflection in the cracked and spotted mirror, trying to make sense of what she saw.  Surely that wasn't her face squinting back.  Mascara had smeared under her eyes, leaving shadowy smudges speckled with tiny flecks of black that wouldn't come off no matter how she rubbed at them.  The remnants of her foundation were caked around her nose and across her forehead, where her skin looked dry.  Her face was red and she had a spot on her chin that she was sure hadn't been there when she was getting ready to go out.  Her mouth was slack and wet, and there was something on her top . . . With a huge effort Kelly bent her head to inspect the damage.  Wine, she thought hazily.  She had tipped red wine down her front.  She vaguely remembered laughing hysterically, holding the wet material away from her, offering someone--a man she'd never met before--the chance to suck it, so as not to waste it, before Faye dragged her away from him, muttering crossly in her ear about behaving herself.  But as Kelly had pointed out, or tried to, tonight was all about not behaving herself.  Out with the girls for an evening of freedom, a pub crawl in Richmond.  Dolled up, tanked up, ready for a laugh.  It was getting near the end of term; they'd needed a break, all of them.  Especially her, since she'd broken up with PJ three weeks before.  Or, to be precise, he'd broken up with her.  Two years they'd been together, and he'd thrown it all away to chase after Vanessa Cobbet, the fat slapper.  A tear slid down Kelly's face, gliding through what was left of her make-up.

*********************

Teaser:  "That looks nasty," I said mildly, pointing at it.  "You might want to cover it up before the Haworths see it."

*********************

What do you think?  Would you continue reading?

The opening paragraphs present a situation that arouses my curiosity.  There's been lots of positive feedback about this book and I'm eager to immerse myself in the story.

This First Chapter ~ First Paragraph and Teaser Tuesday post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution.