Paper, Scissors, Death

A precursor to the Cozy Mystery Series that’s been described as “a cut above the usual craft-themed cozy!” (Publishers Weekly)

When Kiki Lowenstein learns her husband was discovered naked, dead, and in a hotel bed with a scarf in his mouth—entire her world turns upside down. Just because George was found in a compromising situation, it doesn’t mean… doesn’t mean… well, actually, it probably does mean exactly what itseems. Kiki goes from being a wealthy soccer mom to an impoverished widow. Sure, their marriage had problems, and she had always looked the other way at George’s bad boy ways. But now she’s come face-to-face with a pile of steaming dog poop. And yes, that’s on top of a thick stack of bills.

Time for this submissive wife to transform into a fighter in this cozy mystery book with realistic characters. She vows to get justice for George, but first she must find a way to keep food on the table and a roof over her and her daughter’s heads.
Fortunately, this mom-turned-sleuth is tougher than she looks. This twisty, page-turner of a cozy mystery heats up fast. Along the way, Kiki makes new friends and adopts a rescue pet. A big dog. A VERY, very big dog. A harlequin Great Dane. (Another mouth to feed? Yup. Wise idea. Nope.) Her decision turns this adventure into the start of a charming, cozy mystery series with a lovable dog.

In this laugh-out-loud cozy, the hits keep coming. With only one marketable skill, Kiki turns her hobby of scrapbooking into a moneymaker. But can she hold onto her job? It’s questionable after she has a public quarrel with George’s ex-girlfriend. To make matters worse, Kiki learns her daughter has been hiding a secret of her own!

The cops come for Kiki.

And Family Services come for Anya.

Will the charges stick like pictures on a scrapbook page? Maybe. Is that attraction to a hunky detective a sign of real love or desperation? Only time will tell. You’ll want to find out in this charming mystery with crafts and laughs.
Paper, Scissors, Death is an Agatha Award finalist that showcases the author’s delightful gift for turning life’s darkest moments into hope and humor.

This cozy pet mystery with realistic characters follows an amateur sleuth and her dog as they solve crimes while navigating financial ruin, family secrets, and a hot homicide detective who might provide the strong shoulder Kiki needs to cry on.

This is the kind of mystery that keeps you turning pages so you can spend time with characters. And it leaves you hoping you’d handle life’s misfortunes as gracefully as the protagonist does.

This book can be read as a stand-alone, although if you skip the others, you’ll miss a lot of the fun! Eager for a Happily Ever After ending? Then this series will delight you. It’s perfect for readers who love Laura Childs, Clare O’Donohue, Elaine Viets, Alexander McCall Smith, Diane Mott Davidson, Brianna Bates, Ellery Adams, Tonya Kappes, Cindy Bell, Lois Winston, and Mollie Cox Bryan. If you crave stories that entertain, inspire, and educate, Joanna Campbell Slan delivers exactly the kind of books you’ll treasure. Discover why readers call Kiki their “new best friend” and grab your copy today!

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Fatal Decision

He thought he’d left his life as a detective behind. But the past has a deadly way of catching up.

Ten years after the brutal murder of Daphne Tolliver in Lowden Woods, the case still haunts Wiltshire Police. Retired Detective Inspector Gus Freeman is pulled back into service, asked to lead a new Crime Review Team tasked with uncovering what others missed.

As Gus and his team delve into the cold case files, they uncover puzzling inconsistencies and suppressed details. Where past detectives saw nothing, Gus senses vital leads that could unlock the truth.

But solving a motiveless killing is only part of the challenge. Gus is still reeling from the sudden loss of his wife Tess, finding solace in his allotment while grappling with the possibility of new companionship. His fledgling team bring their own struggles: DS Alex Hardy, confined to a wheelchair after a devastating crash, fights to prove his sharp mind is as valuable as ever, while the others learn to balance modern methods with Gus’s instinctive old-school approach.

Fatal Decision, the first instalment in The Freeman Files, blends the steady intrigue of a British police procedural with the rich, human stories of the detectives behind the desk. Perfect for fans of Joy Ellis, Peter James, and Ann Cleeves.

Praise for The Freeman Files:

????? A little Columbo, a little Perry Mason, a little Sherlock Holmes all rolled up into one!

????? Just when you think you have it figured out, wham!! You don’t even have a clue.

????? I really couldn’t put this down. Cold case files? Village life? Budding romances? I enjoyed every bit of it. Try it!

????? The Freeman Files are a compelling counterpoint to the typical adrenalized, Hollywood-influenced thrillers. Instead, Mr Tayler’s stories feel authentic, genuine, and human.

????? I loved the characters. An aging attractive former DI closing cold cases, getting into romantic situations and learning new technology!

????? I’m usually quite good at figuring out mysteries, but not these… If you like Agatha Christie, you’ll like these

????? A cross between DCI Banks and Unforgotten.

????? It would make a great TV Series if Hollywood would wake up and take a look at it.

????? I already know that I will be reading all 20 in this series!!
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Star of Sage & Scream

“Oh my goodness, I loved this book. If you enjoy paranormal books with mystery and wit, this series is for you. If you haven’t read any of this fabulous author’s books, I definitely think you should give them a try! I have loved all of them!!” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars.

Welcome to Forkbridge, a sleepy Florida town where magic, mystery, and family secrets intertwine…

Life’s taken an unexpected turn for Astra Arden, a former paranormal military tracker. After losing her job, she returns to her quirky hometown and the sprawling Arden House. But there’s more to this homecoming than meets the eye, as Astra soon discovers — in a whirlwind of magic, adventure, mystical creatures, and endless family drama.

Life in Forkbridge would be bliss if Astra could only embrace her new goddess-granted powers, solve a high-profile kidnapping, and navigate the complexities of reconnecting with her priestess mother and three gifted sisters – all while staying out of mortal peril!

Visit this small town with hidden depths, strange happenings, and a snarky magical owl with a mind of its own.

No gore, intimate scenes, or swearing – only a captivating story suitable for adults.

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A Prosecutor for the Defense

CAN A PROSECUTOR DEFEND A MURDERER?

Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle has spent his entire career prosecuting criminals. But when his girlfriend, medical examiner Kat Anderson, asks him to go to California to defend her ex-husband on a murder charge, he just can’t say no to her. Brunelle has to fight not only his prosecutorial instincts, but also a smooth-talking D.A., an unhelpful detective, and–worst of all–a client who won’t give him a straight answer. As the evidence piles up and the case unfolds, Brunelle waits for the other shoe to drop, but this time the shoe is on the other foot.

STEPHEN PENNER IS AN AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR WITH OVER ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD

A Prosecutor for the Defense is Book 4 of the top-rated legal thriller series featuring Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle and a recurring cast of cops, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. Each book can be read as a stand-alone novel, but also follows the personal and professional growth of Brunelle and his friends and foes.

“David Brunelle may or may not win his case, but Stephen Penner has definitely created a winner here.” –Amazon Reader Review

If you’re looking for an authentic legal thriller with plenty of twists and turns, A Prosecutor for the Defense is for you!
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Material Witness

Tragedy strikes on the opening night of the Fall Crafters Fair when a woman is killed in the parking lot of Daisy’s Quilt Shop, and the only material witness is one of Melinda Byer’s boys. The investigation takes a more bizarre turn when detective Shane Black becomes convinced the killer was actually after Callie.

This time it’s a madman loose in the largest crowd of the year, and he’s looking for something or someone. If they can’t figure out what, one of Deborah and Callie’s close circle of friends may be next.

Masked identities, antique quilts with hidden messages, an Amish boy whose handicap makes him stronger, one brave dog, and a possible hidden treasure … this time it’s nonstop action, danger, and a dash of romance.