It's out! The 2nd Literary Dining Mystery MURDER BY THE MILLIONS is out! What does it have to do with The Great Gatsby?


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Hi, Readers!

My new book is out. The 2nd in the Literary Dining Mystery, MURDER BY THE MILLIONS, is set near Asheville, NC and the protagonist, Allie, a caterer, and her friend Tegan, who now owns the bookstore Feast for the Eyes, enjoy putting on parties featuring classic books and book clubs focused on the book they choose. This time it's The Great Gatsby.

Let's hear it for the Roaring 20s. Sassy clothes. Art deco decor. New foods introduced because of the expansion in the world and across America. And yes, cocktails!

It was so much fun to write this story. I was able to research all of the above, test recipes, do a deep dive on costumes and more. A big surprise was when I was writing it, I went to New York for a conference, and lo and behold, I wanted to see a musical and The Great Gatsby was on Broadway. Woot! So much fun. The costumes were fab. The set was wow! The acting and singing delightful. Yet the story is so sad.

When I reread The Great Gatsby—I'm reading all the books I will use in this series for a second or sometimes tenth time!—I was much more aware of the decline of Jay Gatsby. Of his ardent and yet feckless love for Daisy. Of her betrayal.

I hope when you read my story, you will see and appreciate the parallels.

One reviewer wrote:

“I enjoy these characters, with their quirks and, sometimes, fractious, messy relationships, a lot, and was well entertained from start to finish.” ~ Boys’ Mom Reads

More about the book below and DON'T MISS THE GIVEAWAY

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

Website

Malaprops Bookstore

What's it about?

In the beautiful mountain community of Asheville, North Carolina, caterer and personal chef Allie Catt serves up mouthwatering, literary-themed dinner parties inspired by her clients’ favorite books. Her next event is sure to be a roaring success—if a murderer isn’t a killjoy . . .

If it were true that the best thing a girl can be in this world is a fool, then Allie Catt would be out of luck. Fortunately, Allie’s business is a smashing success. And following her Pride and Prejudice event, grander plans await . . .

Feast for the Eyes bookstore manager and Allie’s best friend, Tegan, is hosting a book club soiree and wants it to be a glittering affair based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic Jazz Age-set novel, The Great Gatsby. Soon, Art Deco table settings and visions of flappers are dancing the Charleston in their heads. Even Tegan’s prickly sister, Vanna, is on board. And surely, Allie’s tuxedo cat, Darcy, thinks it’s the cat’s meow.

Amid the planning, charismatic developer Jason Gardner arrives in town to buy some historic buildings on Main Street. He, too, has plans: to create a modern mall. Allie is more than concerned. She even wants to protest. But when Jason invites her to cater a lavish party, she finds him surprisingly likable. Then she’s summoned to his estate for a meeting—and finds him dead.

Once again Allie’s landed in the middle of a crime scene.

What else came out this year?

My new standalone suspense. Set in San Francisco. It's earning great reviews. It's out in paper, ebook and audio!

“A lot goes on in this book, and it happens thrillingly quickly. Banter between Kayla and her bestie Eve Clegg, a burgundy-haired waitress/journalist, is often comical. The breakneck pace is heightened by car chases, flying bullets, and creepy scenes reminiscent of those in Robin Cook’s Coma . . . Fast, furious, and funny.” ~ Kirkus Reviews

Amazon

website

What's it about?

When Kayla Macintyre discovers her twin sister Ashley brutally murdered, grief quickly gives way to terror—because Kayla was the real target. A case of mistaken identity fools the police into thinking she’s the one who died, and Kayla seizes the chance to disappear into her sister’s glamorous life as a supermodel. It’s a dangerous gamble for a tech-savvy, adrenaline-chasing computer repair specialist with zero fashion sense.

But the lie buys her time—and a shot at the truth.

As her clients and friends begin turning up dead, Kayla suspects the killer’s motive lies buried in the digital trails she’s been hired to clean. To stay alive, she must dive into the shadows of her clients’ secrets, unravel a conspiracy, and stay one step ahead of a killer who’s finally realized he missed his mark.

Time is running out. The next mistake could be fatal.

Set in San Francisco.

Also out earlier this year, the first in the cozy Aroma Wellness Mysteries

“A complex mystery with several moving parts ESSENCE OF FOUL PLAY is a feel good tale in more ways than one. Take some deep cleansing breaths, choose your affirmation, and make room in your library for this great new series!” ~ Cozy up with Kathy

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

Website

Kobo

What's it about?

Emma Brennan may have her head in a cloud of eucalyptus, but her feet are firmly planted on the ground in breathtaking Carmel, California, as she prepares to open her new spa business, Aroma Wellness. But all the reiki, shiatsu, and massage in the world can’t help her relax when she’s accused of murder . . .

Everything is going smoothly as Emma prepares for the grand opening of the spa. The therapy rooms are painted. The sales shop and café are stocked with meditative and delicious goodies, from essential oils to avocado masks and pricky pear massages. The fountain in the Courtyard of Peace is burbling with good vibrations. In fact, there isn’t a whiff of trouble until that morning when Emma is shocked to learn that a rival spa owner has been bludgeoned . . . with an item from the goodwill basket Emma gave her. Worse, a witness is pointing the finger at Emma . . .

With the police treating Emma like she’s the only suspect, and the town’s anti New Age anything posse

badmouthing her every step of the way, she’s left with no choice but to conduct her own investigation. Incensed by the accusation, but empowered by her cousin, her nana, and her trusted Birman cat, Vivi, Emma reviews the potpourri of possible suspects, determined to uncover the essence of foul play—before she’s cold-pressed for murder . . .

WHAT ELSE IS COMING OUT TODAY?

Two of my friends have new books that come out today!

Allison Brook aka Marilyn Levinson has a new series, the Book on the Beach Mysteries. The first is DEATH ON DICKENS ISLAND. A divorced sleuth in her thirties must bring peace back to her small town after a murder tears neighbors and family members apart in this series debut from Agatha Award nominee Allison Brook. BUY LINK

Kim Davis has a new book in her Cupcake Catering Mysteries, CATERING TO THE DEAD. When cupcake caterer Emory Martinez takes on a lavish Día de los Muertos party, she’s drawn into a twenty-year-old family tragedy. BUY LINK

GIVEAWAY

I'm giving away a copy of MURDER ON THE PAGE or ESSENCE OF FOUL PLAY or my last Fairy Garden Mystery, A TWINKLE OF TROUBLE.

To ENTER to win, send an email to newsletter@darylwoodgerber.com with the subject line THE TITLE I WANT and write the title in the body of the email.

I will pick one winner in a week, and I will announce the winner in the next newsletter or a SPECIAL newsletter so anyone who entered will know who won.

What's to eat?

This is a recipe from MURDER BY THE MILLIONS. It's delicious. One of Allie's regular go-to desserts she sells to her clients. And it's quick to make. Enjoy.

Easy Lemon Cheesecake Bars

(Yield: 12-16 bars)

1 ½ cups graham crackers, crushed
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 packages (8 ounces each) Cream Cheese
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8” square pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick spray.

Crush the graham crackers and pour into the prepared pan. Drizzle with the melted butter and stir with a spoon. Make flat. Set aside. (*Crackers may be gluten-free, if necessary.)

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla until bblended. Add the eggs and mix again until smooth.

Pour the cheese mixture onto the graham cracker crust. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the center is almost set. Cool completely before slicing. Refrigerate at least 3 hours. Best if stored in refrigerator overnight.

Cut into small squares.

What’s up with Sparky?

Sparky is such an adorable dog. I had a painting done of my son's dogs earlier this year and loved the artwork so much, I decided to ask the artist to do one of Sparky. Great! Gorgeous. Sparky is studying it, but he IS pleased.

If you're interested, check out Junco Portraits on Etsy. Very reasonable.