Dear friendly readers,

In case I don’t say this enough, I appreciate your support so much! You preorder books, you read, you ask your library to carry the Key West mysteries, you write reviews, you share my (sometimes silly) news on social media and with your reading friends—all that helps sell books and that means I get the privilege of writing more. Thank you!

This past week not much has been accomplished as we’ve been deeply involved with grandkids mayhem. They are so cute and so very busy! Lottie adored having the extra energy in the house, Tbone not so much.

If you’d like a sneak peek at the August book, chapter one of The Mango Murders is now on the website. The book will be out on August 12.

A Poisonous Palate, the paperback edition, is out today. You’ll find the story along with a giveaway on Jungle Red Writers.

The ebook edition of A Poisonous Palate is on sale for $1.99 through 7/11. (Wherever you buy your ebooks.)

It’s always a thrill (and also scary) when reviews for an upcoming book begin rolling in. Here are a few for The Mango Murders:

"A colorful background and fun for foodies enliven a tale of jealousy and revenge."
—Kirkus Reviews

"With well developed characters and a well planned story plot this mystery will keep the reader guessing! I just love this series!" 
—Renee W., Netgalley

"Fast paced mystery, culinary delights, secrets. An ending that really surprised me."
—Amy C, Netgalley

I’ll be throwing a launch party for Mango on August 12 at 6:30 at RJ Julia’s in Madison CT. Cake! Wine! Door prizes! This is my 25th novel—I can hardly believe it—hope to see many of you there. You can sign up here.

If you follow the Jungle Red Writers blog—why not, it’s fun and free—you’ll find seven crime fiction writers who post every day, plus a group of very lively followers. I feel fortunate to be a part of this generous and talented community. Once every eight weeks, it’s my turn to run the blog. Whoo boy, it’s a lot of work! But it’s also a fun time to chat about and highlight some of the things that have been going on in my life, both writing and non-writing.

Here’s one I wrote about the importance of place in novels.

And here’s another about people who’ve left their home countries to make a life in a new place. You can tell by my big grin what a joy it was to meet Dorie Greenspan and Jane Berch in Paris! 

Speaking of food, my most popular recipe on Mystery Lovers Kitchen this month was for mango scones. I hope you’ll enjoy them too!

That’s it for now—I’m back to work on Key West food critic mystery #16! Stay cool, eat well, and keep reading.

Lucy