The lovely Carol Kilgore launched her latest book earlier this week. Okay, so maybe it's a little late to announce the lift-off. By now, her book is waaaay up there in the stratosphere somewhere, but at least by waiting until today to post about her book, I can honestly say I've already read it... and I LOVE it.
There are many terrific characters in this book, but Gracie is the good friend I'm most looking forward to reconnecting with in the next book. She's klutzy, lovable, brave, super observant, and smart, smart, smart. I can't wait until Book Two launches!
Wanta hear more? Read on.
A
Hot and Spicy Taste of Murder – and Beyond
Law enforcement consultant Gracie Hofner is assigned to a trendy San Antonio pastry shop to watch for a delivery. In addition to the intoxicating aromas of sugar and chocolate, she also has to fight her own attraction to the man working beside her, Donovan Beck. He’s a hunk and a half and perfect for a spring fling.
If she had more time, Donovan would rank higher on her to-do list. But the number one spot is occupied by her search for a missing little girl, the target of a killer. Gracie needs to find her pronto, and the odd super-instinct quirk that’s started plaguing her may help. If not, she can always see what happens if it tells her to buy a lottery ticket.
Jalapeno Cupcake Wench is the first book in The Amazing Gracie Trilogy, a story so big, it takes three books to tell it.
Brief Excerpt:
JALAPENO CUPCAKE
WENCH
Chapter 1
Cold! Cold! Gracie Hofner
looked down. I can’t believe I did that.
While reaching for her buzzing phone, she’d poured the remains of her water
bottle, intended for her impatiens, over her bare feet. She pressed the button.
“Hi, Nicky.”
“Morning.
I’ve got something you may want to see.” The voice on Gracie’s phone belonged
to Nick Rivera, her partner.
Former
partner. Their paths had been the same—patrol, homicide detectives, and then
detectives in the San Antonio Regional Intelligence Center—SARIC. San Antonio
Police Department all the way. Except unlike her, Nick had found his niche
there.
In
addition, they were friends. “Fun or work?”
“Nothing
fun about murder, Gracie.”
She
went inside for a pad and pencil, greeted by the aroma of the coffee that had
brewed while she jogged. “Are we cleared?”
“Negative.
Double homicide. Missing family.”
“If
the family’s missing, who’s dead?”
“Hector
and Therese Cantu. You ever heard of Cantu Electric?”
“Don’t
think so.”
“Good
reputation on the West Side. They’ve been around since my dad was a kid—started
by Hector Cantu’s father back in the fifties. The old commercial was like Cantu
can do. Hector’s son runs the business now. Mr. Cantu’s retired.
Rephrase—now he’s good and retired. He and his wife are the deceased.”
She
moved to the table and put her phone on speaker so she could take notes. “Who’s
missing?”
“The Cantus have three kids, two daughters and
the son, all grown. Besides the electrician business, the son owns an upscale
retail lighting store. High end only. Kim and I went in there after we bought
our house. I couldn’t afford a switchplate, much less a lamp or fixture. The
son and his family are missing.”
“How many?”
“Three. Husband,
wife, daughter.”
Visit the
“Look Inside” feature here to read more:
About
the Author:
In addition to Jalapeno
Cupcake Wench, Carol Kilgore is the author of three romantic suspense
novels: In Name Only, Solomon’s Compass, and Secrets of Honor. She’s married,
guardian to two quirky dogs, and lives in San Antonio, the setting for the
trilogy.
***********
Doesn't it sound terrific? (That's because it IS!!!)
Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.
***********
Doesn't it sound terrific? (That's because it IS!!!)
Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.
I am totally unsurprised to hear it is wonderful. I have Carol's other books and love them all. And will get Jalapeno Cupcake Wench too. Books are wonderful friends. I laugh with them, cry with them and learn from them. And they don't filch my wine or chocolate.
ReplyDeleteI love all of her books, too, but this one may possibly be my favorite. (Plus, there's two more of 'em to come!)
DeleteYou're right about books being our friends. People who don't read them lead a much too sheltered life. We readers get to enjoy a bazillion lives vicariously!
And there's that wine and chocolate thing, too... :)
Thank you! Gracie won't bother your wine and chocolate. But if you have beer or chips and salsa, you may want to wait until she leaves to bring them out :)
DeleteSounds like a great book, and sounds like one I would enjoy, so off to visit Amazon to see if I can get it here for my Kindle. Have a great weekend, hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteCool. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. You have a super weekend, too. Hugs back atcha.
DeleteThanks. Enjoy!
DeleteIt does sound terrific, but- assigned to a bakery to search for a missing girl? or is Gracie working two cases at once? Intriguing.
ReplyDeleteAnd hopefully not too costly (*~*)
You guessed it. Multiple cases... but they're connected.
DeleteNope, very reasonably priced. (Especially considering you'll meet such a terrific new "friend" in the process...)
Yes, two separate cases initially.
DeleteAbsolutely love that title!!!
ReplyDeleteMe, too!
DeleteCool :)
DeleteSusan, thank you so much for introducing Gracie to your readers. I'm happy she's become your friend, too. Happy Weekend!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, kiddo. I don't think anyone will be able to resist Gracie. She's a terrific character.
DeleteHappy weekend to you, too!
haha that is a great title indeed. The saying is so true indeed. But have to appreciate a good read.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it is a terrific title, but I dunno if I want any jalapenos on my cupcakes... :)
DeleteJalapeno Cupcake Wench - what an awesome book title! Sound like a really fun read. Congrats to Carol on the release.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it a cool title? (Cool book, too!)
DeleteTrying to get stuff and evidence for my 2017/ 2018 nursing license together ... U know, hours worked and courses completed and what is my learning plan for next year, friend Sue ... Other than that ... Happy autumn, hmmm? ... Love always, cat.
ReplyDeleteGood luck gathering all your info together. (Yipes, do you have to do that to renew your license every year?) Happy autumn to you, too. There's a definite nip in the air today. I even have a sweatshirt and long pants on... shocking!
Deletethat's an out of this world endorsement. Congrats to her and I wish her good luck with sales. The sample is tempting.
ReplyDeleteHave a super weekend
Aw go on... give in to the temptation! You won't be sorry.
DeleteYou have a super weekend, too.
Ooh, it sounds wonderful and I trust you have good taste. A must add to my reading list!
ReplyDeleteOf COURSE I have good taste... I like YOUR books, don't I?
DeleteHi Susan - love Carol's photo as too the image of the book cover ... it's the thought of a jalapeno chocolate cupcake I'm not keen on! ... I could do with a cheesey one though. I look forward to meeting up with Gracie at some stage ...
ReplyDeleteCheers to you both - and happy weekends ... Hilary
Hi-ya, Hilary. The thought of a jalapeno cupcake doesn't appeal to me, either. I'll stick with some ooey-gooey chocolate. :)
DeleteCheers back atcha. Have a super weekend.
Carol is so nice. I love her title.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Yeah, she is. Me, too. (You'd love the BOOK, too. )
DeleteThis sounds like a great read and it feels like fun. Love the title, the cover and her photo. Carol's photo vibe is very spicy like a jalapeno !
ReplyDeleteThanks for a really fun post today.
Good luck to Carol !
cheers, parsnip
It IS a great fun read! I can hardly wait until she releases book two. :)
DeleteCheers back atcha.
Thanks for the heads up; I just ordered it!!
ReplyDeleteSuper! I betcha love it!
DeleteAn intriguing concept, excellent writing, and I really like the book cover.
ReplyDeleteIt's a terrific book, cowboy, and if you read it, you'll "be" in Texas while enjoying your sanctuary there in TN. Win-win!
DeleteIt's been fun reading everyone's comments. Thanks so much for your positive responses and the ego boost. Everyone needs that from time to time... even writers :)
ReplyDeleteEVEN writers? I'd say "especially" writers. (THIS one, anyway.)
DeleteI didn't want to sound too needy :)
Delete:)
DeleteSounds a good read, and I like what Elephant's Child said in her comment "Books are wonderful friends."
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
I like that, too, and thanks to books, I've got a LOT of wonderful friends. :)
DeleteExcellent promotion, Susan, and best wishes on Carol Kilgore's new mystery.
ReplyDeleteThanks, dude. Have a good un.
DeleteWhat a hoot! ... Carol had me at jalapeno!
ReplyDeleteI've fallen off the reading wagon of late, but this sounds particularly inviting. :)
Well, if you decide to climb back onto the wagon, this one is worth the climb. :)
DeleteThanks to all for your interest in Gracie's story.
ReplyDeleteFinishing a good book is like leaving good friends. <-- I can relate to that! When I read the Earth Children series by Jean Auel, I would finish one book and feel so sad, I had to start the next one right away, even though it was late at night and I would only read the first page of the next book.
ReplyDeleteJalapeno Cupcake Wench...the title alone sounds intriguing. What the heck is that all about...? I guess I'll have to head over to Amazon and get the book. Way to hook us!
It' such a good feeling to read a book that's sooooo good you don't want it to end.
DeleteThis book is worth getting hooked. :)
I used to read a lot but read less these days - but I love writing. Sounds like a good read. Blessings to you both and I wish you the all the best.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Love love, Andrew. Bye.
My addiction to reading is too great to cut back. As long ad my eyes are still working, I'm still reading.:)
DeleteBye to you, too!
I liked the excerpt, Susan. Thanks for sharing and also your views on it. I like cozy mysteries.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Carol!
I think you'd enjoy this one.
DeleteThe books sounds very interesting Susan, mysteries are always a great read... I am slowing getting back to my great love of reading... It's been so long since I got lost in a great book. I wish Carol great luck with the book xox
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun read, Launna. I'm glad to hear you're regaining your love for reading. That's gotta be a good sign. :) Wishing you all the best, dear lady.
DeleteCongratulations to Carol! This book sounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteIt IS interesting. :)
DeleteYea for Carol!!!
ReplyDeleteDo they really put jalapenos on cupcakes???
Jay, you might find a thin seedless slice curled on top of one. Maybe :)
DeleteStay tuned for more info...
We can take Carol's word on the jalapenos-topped cupcakes, but I think I'm gonna stick with plain old boring icing. :)
DeleteIt's great reading all your words. And meeting so many readers.
ReplyDeleteThe folks who comment here are soooooo cool! And they love to read... win-win! I hope a bunch of them get your book. :)
Deleteblessings.....
ReplyDeleteThat`s quite a title. I love reading though i tend to get lazy in between reads and then miss reading and get back to it. I have read 85 books so far this year. currently reading, ``From Tehran to Toronto, The Naked Educator, The land of painted caves and Leopard`s blood. Yes i am reading all 4 simultaneously.
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Rhapsody
HA! You might get "lazy" in between books, but it sure sounds like you make up for it when you get back to reading again. Four at a time! Wow, there should be some kinda award for that... :)
DeleteYou enjoy the rest of your week, too.
OMG! If I did that, my Naked Educator would be trekking through Leopard's Blood from Toronto to the Painted Caves of Tehran in a grand adventure of romantic love :) I wish I had your gift of being able to keep everything straight and with the correct book. Kudos!
Delete