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Hi, Readers!
GIVEAWAY BELOW
What's new under the sun? I don't know about you—many of you have been freezing and suffering through the winter, and I'm sorry—but here in Los Angeles it's felt like summer all month! Super HOT. High 90's. Yipes. We are definitely going into another drought. Where is the rain?
As for writing . . . I did a couple of events this past month. I gave a chat for the Woodland Hills Women's Club, a wonderful volunteer organization, and sold some books. It was fun meeting all the women. Carol was my hostess (Center in left picture, with Judy left and Linda right)
I also enjoyed a chat at the Agoura Hills Library with Peggy Rothschild (moderator/author) and Terry Shames. We talked about my latest release last October, MURDER BY THE MILLIONS and Terry Shames's latest, THE CURIOUS POISONING OF JEWEL BARNES. We had a lovely time exchanging ideas. Boy, do Terry and I NOT have the same writing style. I plot; she doesn't. I fret over every word. She says sometimes the words just flow out of her like magic. I told her I hate her, but I don't. I am envious, though. Oh, to have a smooth writing process. (Terry and Peggy, top; with reader Tanya, bottom.)
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Coming this month is the 2nd in the Aroma Wellness Mystery series. Have you read the first, ESSENCE OF FOUL PLAY? It earned nice reviews. The series takes place in Carmel-by-the-Sea and features a spa in the Courtyard of Peace located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. The owner also has a café and gift shop. At the gift shop, customers can browse wind chimes and essential oils and beautiful candles. At the café, they can dine on good-for-you food . . . that tastes good! Readers have told me they find themselves breathing more easily after spending time "at the spa." I experience the same thing when writing it. So much fun!!
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What's it about?
Emma Brennan always knew that her idyllic California hometown of Carmel-by-the-Sea would be the perfect place to open her very own spa. The success of her Aroma Wellness Spa, gift shop, and café has proved her right. But while the business is located in the Courtyard of Peace, Emma finds herself privy to events that are far from serene—like murder . . .
With its soothing décor and tempting treatments, customers are flocking to Aroma Wellness for more than just facials and massages. Lately, Emma has been booking private events, from spa parties to bridal showers, and birthdays. Next on her calendar is something really unique: A “Happily Divorced” party.
After eight years of marriage, Addison Lacey is divorcing her husband, whom she claims convinced her he was Mr. Nice Guy when he was really Mr. Controlling Guy. To kick off her journey toward becoming a better version of herself, Addison wants to celebrate, bigtime. Her wealthy mother, Gianna, a former model turned difficult diva, is footing the bill. . . . But when Emma goes to Gianna’s home to pick up the final payment, she and Addison find her dead in her bed amid the aroma of lavender, with an herbal-infused pillow from the party nearby.
Soon, Addison is a prime suspect. But Emma knows there are plenty of others Gianna rubbed the wrong way, including her soon-to-be ex-son-in-law. Once again, with the help of her cousin, her nana, and her trusted Birman cat, Vivi, Emma is determined to sniff out a killer—whether the police like it or not . . .
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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.
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Also out last year in July, my new standalone suspense. Set in San Francisco.
It's earning great reviews.
FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED! Such a deal!
“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
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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.
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I'm reading Terry's book The Curious Poisoning of Jewel Barnes. The first chapter grabbed me immediately. Newly single Chief of Police Samuel Craddock hasn’t got time to worry about his own troubles—not with Lily Barnes’ wild accusation and trucks dumping suspicious cargo outside Jarrett Creek late at night.
I just finished listening to The Wedding People and I laughed out loud, nearly cried, was moved. It was so much fun and recommended by my stepson. It’s a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island, when Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn wearing a green dress and gold heels, not a bag in sight, alone. But then she’s immediately mistaken by everyone in the lobby for one of the wedding people . . .
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Are any of you in book clubs that read suspense? I have some paperbacks in my Aspen Adams suspense novels that I'd like to send to clubs. Let me know by writing me at newsletter@darylwoodgerber.com and put in the subject BOOK CLUBS.
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Last month's winner: Trish Rucker, who received Poaching is Puzzling, #11 Cookbook Nook Mystery
This month I'm giving away a copy of ONE of these 6 books to one winner. Paper or ebook.
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.
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There’s almost nothing more soothing than a slice of quiche. I love the savory blend of vegetables and cheese, and the creamy texture is delicious. Kale, as many of you might know, contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer's, and some cancers. It’s also high in fiber.
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Kale Leek Mushroom Quiche
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(Yield: 1 pie)
- 1 9-inch pie shall (home baked or frozen; gluten-free is fine)
- ¾ cup chopped broccoli, blanched *see below
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ¼ cup cream of chicken soup (if making gluten-free, make sure this is gluten-free)
- ¾ cup milk
- 4 eggs
- ½ teaspoon dried bouquet garni
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 6–8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Blanch broccoli in boiling hot water for 2 minutes then drain and rinse with cold water.
In a sauté, heat the oil. Add in the chopped broccoli and stir for one minutes.
Sprinkle 3 ounces of the shredded cheese in the bottom of the pie shell. Dish the broccoli onto the cheese.
In a small bowl, mix the milk and eggs and seasonings. Pour the milk mixture on to pof the vegetables. Sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese.
Bake 35–40 minutes until the quiche is firm and lightly brown on top.
*If you have too much mixture for the size pie shell you have, spray a bake-proof pan, like you’d use for individual soufflés, and pour the remaining mixture into that. Cook about 5 minutes less than the pie. Delish!
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Sparky is hanging in. He's happy, but he needs me much more than he has in the past. He's over 12, and he still loves his walks!!
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That's it. That's all that is fit to print.
May your joy come from reading.
May your lives be filled with love.
Until next time . . . all my best,
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