I've been tagged! Blog Hop...

Paula Benson from the Writers Who Kill Blog tagged me in the BLOG HOP! Congratulations, Paula, on the publication of your first story, "Nectar of the Gods!" I couldn't be more excited for you.

Other authors who hopped over at Writers Who Kill are E.B. Davis, Warren Bull, Gloria Alden, and Alyx Morgan. When you get a chance, be sure to hop over there are see what they've been talking about.

Now on to my upcoming release, and the questions the Blog Hop poses each author...

1. What is the title of your story?

Oak and Dagger (Book #3 in the White House Gardener Mysteries)

2. Where did the idea come from for the story?

I've always love a great spy story. For me, they add a little extra spark to a whodunit. It's all about the cloak and dagger, danger, and working for a higher purpose (be is good or evil.) When I started working on the White House Gardener Mystery series, I knew right away that there would have to be a spy involved at some point in time. And that time is now...or is it? Is there a spy in the White House or is there something else going on. That's something Casey Calhoun will need to find out.

3. What genre does your story come under?

Quirky cozy mystery. Yep...they're out there!

4. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your story?

When the head gardener is accused of murder, Casey Calhoun, White House assistant gardener, promises to find out what really happened in the White House's Children's Garden, even if it means chasing after a phantom spy.

5. Is your story self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?

It will be published April 2013 by Berkley Prime Crime. But you can pre-order your copy today!

6. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

First draft? Now this is a difficult question, because I write a bit and revise. Write some more and revise. I never actually have a messy first draft.

It took me about a year to get to "The End." And because I was writing and revising and pulling my hair out all along, I didn't have much cleaning up to do once I reached the end of the book.

7. What other stories would you compare this story to within your genre?

I always get nervous when comparing myself to other authors. Actually, I never feel worthy. But some of the authors who have inspired me and these books include Elizabeth Peters (Vicky Bliss Mysteries), Julie Hyzy (White House Chef Mysteries), and Lillian Jackson Braun (The Cat Who Mysteries). I love their writing styles and if you wish to compare me with any of these I'd be tickled pink!

8. Who or what inspired you to write this story?

My deadline. I'm an incredibly lazy writer and would sit and read novels all day if I didn't have a deadline licking fire under my seat.

9. What else about your story might pique the reader's interest?

Casey Calhoun, my gardening sleuth, is an organic gardener. She peppers organic gardening tips and fun projects throughout the story. But you don't have to garden or even enjoy gardening to have fun with this book.


Thank you, Paula, for inviting me to be part of your Blog Hop! Now, I'll have to think of someone to tag. Hmmm....any suggestions?

New Release Tuesday!

One of the most exciting days of the month is the first Tuesday, the day when many of the publishers release their new books.
 My book comes out NEXT MONTH (on the 1st Tuesday!)


Fire Engine Dead By Shelia Connolly

When the entire collection of the Fireman's Museum ironically goes up in flames, Nell Pratt discovers one of the charred pictures isn't the one that was originally exhibited. But getting to the bottom of the mystery is bound to get Nell burned... 

For more information or for links to buy a copy, visit the author's website: Shelia Connolly

Little Shop of Homicide by Denise Swanson

Dev Sinclair is the happy new owner of the old-fashioned shop in her small Missouri town. But if she doesn't focus on finding the killer of her ex's fiancée, this five-and-dime owner may find herself serving twenty-five to life...

"Swanson takes a break from Scumble River and delivers a top-notch new mystery featuring a dime store owner. Add two loyal friends, a local watering hope called Gossip Central and a hunky lawman and you have all the right ingredients for another successful series." ~ RT Magazine

For more information or for links to buy a copy, visit the author's website: Denise Swanson

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Dorothy St. James writes the White House Gardener Mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime. Flowerbed of State is the first book in the series. Be sure to grab your copy while they're still available! Visit with Dorothy on the web or at Facebook. Or follow her on Twitter.

Praise for FLOWERBED OF STATE:
"Credible characters, a fast-paced plot, and a light look at political life in Washington, D.C., will delight cozy fans." ~ Publishers Weekly

"This spunky new romantic suspense series is an obvious pick for readers who enjoy Julie Hyzy's "White House Chef" series (Buffalo West Wing), but also think of gardening mystery series such as Rosemary Harris's (Slugfest)." ~ Library Journal

Order Flowerbed of State from your favorite bookseller. 

Look for The Scarlet Pepper in April 2012. Pre-order your copy today!

Book Recommendation

Looking for a new mystery to read? I know I'm always on the hunt for new books for my TBR pile....

Julie Hyzy's 5th White House Chef Mystery Affairs of Steak is available today from Berkley Prime Crime!

White House chef Olivia Paras and her arch nemesis, White House Sensitivity Director Peter Everett Sargeant, must work together to solve the double murder of one of the First Lady's assistants and the Chief of Staff-before they become the next victims of a merciless assassin with a secret agenda.

Get your copy today. This book promises to be a winner!

Click here for a list of all the Berkley Prime Crime novels released today.