Let me tell you how hot it is here… Think about what it’s like when you open the oven to take out a cookie pan. Feel that sudden whoosh of 375℉ air as it hits your cheeks? Well, that’s what it’s like when I open the door of The Gingerbread House to take Spunky, my little Yorkie, outside for a “visit to the side yard.” Spunky does his business fast, and we hightail it back inside.
The Gingerbread House is my dream store. We sell anything and everything cookie, including new, vintage, and antique cookie cutters. The store occupies the whole ground floor of a sweet Queen Anne house for which I pay a hefty mortgage. My apartment is upstairs. Believe me, after my first summer back in my hometown—Chatterley Heights, Maryland—I had air conditioners installed throughout the house. My business partner and best friend since age ten, Maddie, and I do tons of cookie cutting, baking, and decorating in the store kitchen. Melting into a puddle is not part of our business plan.
Even so, we recently decided to close The Gingerbread House for what I suspect was the hottest week in human history. Most everyone in town had fled to cooler spots, so we did, too. When we returned, the weather had barely cooled, and tempers were boiling over.
Here’s the scoop—while we were chilling in the mountains, a former, less-than-beloved resident had returned to Chatterley Heights after decades of living abroad. Her name is Greta. She intends to settle down in our midst, whether she is welcome or not.
Now, normally I stay out of those nasty feuds that seem to pop up in small towns, but I’m feeling the undertow. Greta, so it seems, possesses an extensive, fabulous, and valuable antique cookie cutter collection. She wants to sell it to help fund her retirement. To be more precise, she wants me to broker the sale. Greta says she was a good friend of my dear (and late) friend, Clarisse. But Clarisse isn’t here to vouch for her, and several folks in town do seem to harbor serious grudges against her.
I live and breathe cookie cutters, and I eat cutout cookies to excess, but I’ve never brokered the sale of an antique cutter collection. I’d love to give it a try! It might be a lot of fun, and I could learn so much. Only there’s this inconvenient, irritating little voice in my head that’s asking me—what am I getting myself into?
What would you do if you were in my shoes?
KILLER CHARACTERS COZY DAYS OF SUMMER GIVEAWAY
Every day in June and July the Killer Characters are giving away books for your stack of summer reading! Leave a comment by midnight for a chance to win a copy of COOKIES AND SCREAM, the newest book in Virginia Lowell’s Cookie Cutter Shop. Since COOKIES AND SCREAM hits the shelves on July 1, Virginia is celebrating by giving away a second copy of Olivia and Maddie’s newest sleuthing adventure. Leave a comment for a chance to win!
Remember to check KillerCharacters.com soon to see if you have won one of the two giveaway copies of COOKIES AND SCREAM. If you are listed as a winner, contact Virginia at www.virginialowell.com (click the Contact link) and let her know where to send your free copy.
This sounds like a fun series! Thanks for the chance to win. Dnrocker@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteIt's fun to write!
DeleteI would love to read this book—thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
ReplyDeleteskkorman AT bellsouth DOT net
Thanks, and good luck!
DeleteThe way I look at it is someone has to do the job, why not me? Or you, as the case may be!
ReplyDeletecozyupwithkathy at gmail dot com
Good point, plus it could be such good experience. Or bad, I suppose...
DeleteOlivia
I would do a lot of research, then go for it. This sounds great and who can resist cookies? areewekidding@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteLuckily, I know folks who know more about antique cutters than I do. And I can bribe them with cookies!
DeleteOlivia
I'd do research and seek advice from some one who may have done similar work. Looking forward to reading this newest Cookie Cutter mystery. dbahn@iw.net
ReplyDeleteWell, there's Anita, but she would probably try to take the job away from me. Aunt Sadie would be a safer bet. Thanks for the advice!
DeleteOlivia
Good Luck Olivia - I am sure you will do a great job. I can't wait to spend part of my vacation catching up with Olivia and Maddie!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I sure hope I'm up to it. Because you never know what's going to happen next in Chatterley Heights....
DeleteOlivia
Wow I would love to see a vintage cookie cutter collection, I say cool, help sell it! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of the book. Yarnsnthreads at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds like a doozy, so I'm excited!
DeleteOlivia
I'm sure Greta's cookie collection is worth looking at, but if I were you, I'd run far away. This woman sounds like nothing but trouble.
ReplyDeletebevarcher AT me DOT com
I'm going back and forth about it. There's something odd about Greta. I can't put my finger on it...
DeleteOlivia
I'd do it!
ReplyDeletelkleback@hotmail.com
Thanks! Um, any chance you could come over and help?
DeleteOlivia
Love this series and am looking foward to adding this to my TBR stack. Go with your gut.
ReplyDeleterjprazak6@gmail.com
Becky Prazak
Thanks! It might help if I fill my gut with cookies. That seems to help most everything.
DeleteOlivia
I don't know what I would do. It sounds a bit like trouble...
ReplyDeleteElaineE246 at msn dot com
I agree, but Maddie is so excited that she's walking on lemon-scented air. She wants me to go for it, and it does sound fascinating. Hmm.
DeleteOlivia
I love this series and can't wait for each new book to come out. Hm, we know if you look at the collection to help you decide, you will be lost! So, even though I believe you're going for it, I would stay away. annelovell12@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. Maybe if I just take one teeny, tiny peek?
DeleteOlivia
I'm reading WHEN THE COOKIE CRUMBLES now. My sister and I both love this series! Thank you for the chance to win a copy of COOKIES AND SCREAM!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad! Sometimes I wonder how I manage to live through these adventures. It must be the cookies.
DeleteOlivia
I forgot to leave me email addy. lisaksbookreview@aol.com
DeleteI recommend you get involved in that sale. After all, it will be a great story to entertain the rest of us. It's certainly something I'd never do, however. :)
ReplyDeletecarstairs38 at gmail
Well, even if it's a disaster, it might make a great story to tell my grandchildren... should I live to have any. In Chatterley Heights, you just never know.
DeleteOlivia
I wouldn't get involved in the sale
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty squeamish about it. But I soooo want to see those cutters.
DeleteOlivia
I would not get involved in the sale, but would enjoy reading about how you do.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Well, if I don't survive the adventure, I'll make sure Maddie tells the story. Or Aunt Sadie... She knows more about antique cookie cutters than I ever will. I'm glad she'll be around to help.
DeleteOlivia
I would not get involved with the sale. The story would be interesting. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThat's a good way to look at it. Even if it's a disaster, I'll enjoy telling the story!
DeleteOlivia
How can anybody not love cozies? The titles alone are enough to pull you in!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely broker the sale - and keep us all informed.
Will do! It's good to have a support group when you venture into the unknown.
DeleteOlivia
The woman doesn't sound trustworthy. I would enjoy learning what happens. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI can't help but think that Greta is hiding something, but maybe that's because I've gotten involved in too many mysteries. My curiosity will probably get the better of me, though.
DeleteOlivia
I guess it would be too expensive to buy the collection herself and be done with it.
ReplyDeleteOh well. Good luck.
libbydodd at comcast dot net
From what I've heard, I'd have to take out a loan to buy more than one of those cutters. But I have to wonder if the descriptions are really true. We'll see, I guess.
DeleteOlivia
Looks like a book I would love!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Good luck!
DeleteI would love to read this book! Sounds amazing! My contact info is kberth98@stu.jjc.edu
ReplyDeleteThanks! And good luck in the drawing!
DeleteI would do it, it may be an interesting experience.
ReplyDeleteKit3247(at)aol(dot)com
"Interesting" is such an interesting word, don't you think? It could mean wonderful, or it could mean: "Isn't this an interesting way to mess up my reputation." On the other hand, nothing ventured, nothing learned, right?
DeleteOlivia
Not sure if I would do it. But would love the book
ReplyDeleteCmkeck311@aol.com
I'll admit, It's an offer that's hard to refuse.
DeleteOlivia
This is a wonderful series! I have liked every book so far! Cookies, murder and more cookies!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Cookies make everything better!
DeleteI live in Texas - going outside in summer always means walking into an oven.
ReplyDeleteI hear you. At least we get breaks. When you bake cookies every day, you'd better get used to heat!
DeleteOlivia
Me love cookies kphans08@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteOlivia
I love cozy mysteries and this series sounds like fun!! Going to check out your other titles!!
ReplyDeletemishmash@gmail.com
I hope you enjoy them! Only don't blame me if you find yourself yearning for an iced lemon cookie shaped like a knife...
DeleteA new series to add to my TBR list and put on my B&N wishlist! Cozy mysteries are my favs!!
ReplyDeleteluvs2read4fun@gmail.com
Mine, too! Hope you enjoy them... with a cookie, of course.
DeleteI have added this book to my TBR list. Thanks for the giveaway! Raquel36m (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome. Hope you enjoy the stories!
DeleteSounds like a good book.
ReplyDeleteCABWNANA1@bellsouth.net
Thanks! I hope so.
DeleteI'd broker the deal, you know you want to. Love this series.
ReplyDeletedotkel50 at comcast dot net
You know me too well. Yeah, I'll probably go for it. If I don't, there won't be a story!
DeleteOlivia
Would love to win this book! Thanks! angelamcrae at charter dot net.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
DeleteI would ignore the irritating voice and broker the deal. yes, there are some warning signs that this might be very complicated and sticky, but it sounds like a fabulous opportunity on several levels and an adventure to boot. Those don't come along as often as we might like, so I say grab it.
ReplyDeleteI'm very much looking forward to this book. Thanks for the chance to win it. :)
michstjame at gmail dot com
Good advice. Really, what's the worst that could happen? Oh, right, someone could get murdered...
DeleteOlivia
I'd say no but what kind of story would that leave. So, go ahead and do it. But, I would probably want to buy them for myself if they were a good deal. lkish77123 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteTrue, and I love a story. The cutters are priced high, and it's a big collection, but maybe just one or two...?
DeleteI love the title of the book and the book cover.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I would stay as far away from Greta as possible. But since this is a cozy mystery, I don't think that's possible.
kvmatlock(at)gmail(dot)com
You are so right. It's my job to get myself into murderous situations. Or at least that's what Virginia keeps telling me.
DeleteOlivia
Personally, I wonder how much antique cookie cutters could make for this woman who is set on retiring. Also, I'd want first dibs on a cookie cutter or two as payment for services rendered.
ReplyDeleteJennifer
scooby_doo_forever_2000 at yahoo dot com
She seems to think they are rare and truly valuable. We'll see, once we get a look at them. Maybe I could talk her down on a couple for me.
DeleteOlivia
I know the cookie cutter collection is great, but I'd listen to that little voice and run away.
ReplyDeleteYou're probably right, though I've never been very attentive to that little voice. That's probably why I keep getting involved in mysteries!
DeleteOlivia
Is the book available for Kindle?
ReplyDeleteI assume it will be available for Kindle, though for purposes of this drawing, the book will be in print format. I hope that helps. And thanks for dropping in!
DeleteI'd probably give it a try and hope that I don't regret my decision later.
ReplyDeletesuefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Thanks! Although I do have a cure for regret--a cookie! If this assignment blows up in my face, I might have to eat at least a dozen cookies in order to feel better.
DeleteOlivia
LOVE this series!!!
ReplyDeletecyn209 at juno dot com
I'm so glad!! Thank you!
DeleteGreat series. Books look good and I've got cookies on the brain!
ReplyDeleteLindaLuinstra@Yahoo.com
sounds like a yummy series!
ReplyDeleteI hope so! Experimenting with cookies is one of the yummier parts.
DeleteI've read the first book in the series. I like the title. I might have some birthday cake and ice cream tonight.
ReplyDeletecatbooks72(at)gmail(dot)com
Or maybe a birthday cookie or three?"
DeleteOlivia
Happy Birthday Michelle! This series is great. Reading any of the books in the series is an excellent way to spend some time on your birthday or any day.
ReplyDeleteDelAnne
InspirationalAngel@hotmail.com
Thank you, DelAnne! And thanks so much for stopping by!
DeleteAs an Antique Dealer I can tell you these things never end well. Stay away. Love reading this series. gibsonbk@hiwaay.net
ReplyDeleteUh Oh. Is this going to be one of those "learning experiences"? Because I really hate those.
DeleteOlivia
I used to live in Maryland and enjoy reading about it.
ReplyDeleteI picked an area where some friends of ours live. I love the rolling hills.
DeleteGo for it! I love this series. Can't wait to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's fun to write. The cookie cutter (and cookie) research is especially fun.
DeleteThis sounds like a great series! I love cozies that have food and sweets involved. THat cover is too sweet.
ReplyDeletebrookeb811 at gmail dot com
Me, too--the research is fun and tasty. Spunky is so cute on the cover, though I'm almost afraid to find out what he's looking at so intently.
Deletedonna.durnell@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeleteI think I'd be so interested in the cookie cutters that it would be hard to sell to someone else. Besides, listening to my instinct might just be the best course of action.
I know what you mean. I'm dying to see the whole collection. Oops, perhaps I should avoid the word "dying."
DeleteOlivia
I can't think of one Killer Characters author that I don't enjoy. Please keep up the great work ladies.
ReplyDeleteThank you on behalf of all of us! We are grateful for our readers.
Deletelove all the authors
ReplyDeleteThank you! We love to provide a thrill, a chill, and something tasty to eat!
DeleteLooking forward to reading this one!!!
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy it!
DeleteI love cozies! This looks like a great one to read and add to my library.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to Chatterley Heights, where murder is served with a cookie, as it should be.
DeleteThis sounds like a "sweet" little cozy mystery book. Love the cookie cutter inclusion. I just purchased cookie dough or die, so would love to add this one.
ReplyDeleteLauigl [at] Carolina [dot] rr [dot] com
I hope you enjoy a cookie-filled visit to Chatterley Heights!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading these books
ReplyDeleteI love this kind of mystery novels. So cozy and fun!
ReplyDeleteI love this series. Its just perfect.
ReplyDelete