by Kristen Hoffman Gardiner, from the Spice Shop Mysteries by Leslie Budewitz
To celebrate the release of KILLING THYME, book 3 in the series, on October 4, Leslie is giving away TWO signed copies!
I’ve been coming to the Market since I was a small child. Back then, our mothers would bring Pepper and me to the Market as a special treat when they shopped for our joint household. They’d let us sip sample cups of spice tea—she loved it even then, so I suppose we should have guessed she’d end up working here. (I confess, I found it a bit strong and even now, I’d rather drink coffee. “Oh, surprise,” Pepper would say, but we just won’t tell her.) Our parents were active in the Friends of the Market group that got the ballot initiative to save the place passed, and they always believed in putting their money where their mouths were. One visit, they’d buy us doughnuts, another week baklava or sweet Vietnamese rolls. We’d watch the artists, the buskers, the produce hawkers, and the butchers, reveling in the hustle and bustle. And now we work here—who would ever have imagined that?
So what do I love most?
5. The unpredictability. You never know what will happen here. From magic to murder, you really never know.
4. It’s a microcosm of the city. Pepper says the Market is the city’s stomach, but it’s also the city’s spirit. In the Market, we embrace weird and old and new. Especially weird.
3. The food. You can eat lunch at a different restaurant, stand, or stall for weeks and never repeat. Although I do repeat, often. Pepper razzes me about that, but hey, I’m a creature of good habits.
2. The characters. The Hmong flower sellers, the guys who throw the fish, Vinny the wine merchant, even the men who wander the streets—Jim and Hot Dog, and Sam who moved back to Tennessee and left Pepper his dog. The butchers, the bakers, the candlestick makers. And okay, maybe we’re characters sometimes, too.
1. Working with my best friend. What could possibly top that?
What do you love best about where you work, or where you spend most of your time?
To celebrate the release of KILLING THYME, book 3 in the series, on October 4, Leslie is giving away TWO signed copies! Leave a comment below to enter, with your email address by midnight, Wednesday, September 28.
At Seattle Spice in the Pike Place Market, owner Pepper Reece is savoring her business success, but soon finds her plans disrupted by a killer…
Pepper Reece’s to-do list is longer than the shopping list for a five-course dinner, as she conjures up spice blends bursting with seasonal flavor, soothes nervous brides fretting over the gift registry, and crosses her fingers for a rave review from a sharp-tongued food critic. Add to the mix a welcome visit from her mother, Lena, and she’s got the perfect recipe for a busy summer garnished with a dash of fun.
While browsing in the artists’ stalls, Pepper and Lena drool over stunning pottery made by a Market newcomer. But when Lena recognizes the potter, Bonnie Clay, as an old friend who disappeared years ago, the afternoon turns sour. To Pepper’s surprise, Bonnie seems intimately connected to her family’s past. After Bonnie is murdered only days later, Pepper is determined to uncover the truth.
But as Pepper roots out long-buried secrets, will she be digging her own grave?
Leslie Budewitz is the author of the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries and the Spice Shop Mysteries—and the first author to win Agatha Awards for both fiction and nonfiction. The 2015-16 president of Sisters in Crime, she lives in northwest Montana with her husband, a musician and doctor of natural medicine, and their cat Ruff, a cover model and avid bird-watcher.
Swing by my website and join the mailing list for my seasonal newsletter. And join me on Facebook where I announce lots of giveaways from my cozy writer friends.
I love that I work with my mom every day. We are very close and it works out great. I also love the sense of family throughout my whole office.
ReplyDeleteAwilcox1182@gmail.com
Oh, what a lovely comment, Amanda! Pepper's mother Lena visits in this book, for the first time in the series. I hope you enjoy her!
DeleteAt the library of course! My favorite place to be.donamaekutska7@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI've been retired for years so spend most of my time at home. I do wish my boys lived closer.
ReplyDeletekpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
I love to be at the library. This book sounds great!
ReplyDeletemoonbay7399@gmail.com
I have volunteered at our local library for years and love it.
ReplyDeletebrichardson0056@yahoo.com
No surprise how much you all love your local libraries! Thank you for your volunteer work, Becky, and your passion for those special places, Donamae, Karen, and Candace!
DeleteThis book sounds wonderful. I, personally, love spending time with my dogs. marlene.ezell@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marlene! Your FB pics of your dogs are sweet. In this book, Arf is, once again, Pepper's little ambassador!
DeleteI work in a mental health facility and my favorite thing would be getting the best possible x-ray images on patients who are not always cooperative. dbahn(at)iw(dot)net.
ReplyDeleteOh, gosh, Dianne, that sounds like it takes heart and skill. Good work.
DeleteI'm so looking forward to this book! Carly.mceathron@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carly! I admit, I squealed when I opened the box!
DeleteI work at home. I love it, even with distractions. jmnzkn(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteMe, too. Love the commute -- and no shoes required!
DeleteI have visited Seattle twice and both times, Pike Place Market was the highlight of our trip! I work in retail and really enjoy how different each and every day is! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteJHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
That is the truth about retail, isn't it? I've had fun exploring that, and quizzing my friends who still work retail for useful tidbits!
DeleteI love the setting of this series. I've only been to Pike Place Market one time but the vibe was so great! Kristen nailed the reasons it's so fun! Who doesn't love strong men tossing giant fish?!? Thanks for the chance to win. I'm really looking forward to Killing Thyme! I work with 3 young children and my own baby. There is never a dull moment.... Literally... I rarely get to sit down... But the things that come out of the mouths of babes. You can't make this stuff up! Thanks again!!
ReplyDeleteBec
Rlewis11797 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Thanks, Bec! Love hearing that I've captured the Market for you. Hugs to all the little ones!
DeleteI was a librarian fir fifteen years till I decided to homeschool my sixteen year old. Still visit my friends at the library and always come hone with a nice stack of books.
ReplyDeleteJhdwayne(at)peoplepc(dot)com
Librarians rock!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteshadowfax6994@att.net
ReplyDeleteI am retired, but my first job took me from Kansas City, MO to Seattle!! Unfortunately , I was only there 3 years, but I definitely left my heart in Seattle and at the Pike Place Market! I worked for 3 airlines, suffered through moves and mergers, but the jobs allowed me to travel the world! I loved the travel and made lifelong friends along the way.
Sounds like the career you were meant to have! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI am home with my loving dog, Bogie, who I walk. My health has been the problem for the past four years. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteSounds like Bogie -- and cozy mysteries -- are just the medicine you need!
DeleteI am retired and love many places in my house: my office full of things I love, my reading spot in the family room and the yard. I also love being with my also-retired-husband. We really enjoy being together. lkleback@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteOoh, a special reading spot! We should create a picture collage of all our reading spaces!
DeleteMost of my time is spent at home right now. Last year my mom was in a car accident and we are still working on trying to get things back on track for her. It hurts to see her struggling so much to recover from everything, but it is so amazing to see how far she has come and how determined she is to be able to do things again and reclaim her life.
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to reading Killing Thyme and thank you for the chance to win.
robbfan141729@yahoo.com
Oh, Meg -- hugs to you, and your mother. Determination and resilience are so important.
DeleteI am retired and spend most of my time at home, but I love my home, so I'm very happy here!! Thank you for this great opportunity. chettysmom@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteHome is where the heart is -- and where the books are!
DeleteCan't wait to read this!
ReplyDeleteHome where I am comfortable and can read to my heart's content. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI love my reading room. Whenever I'm not working I love to go there and read. Reading is a great stress reliever!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Barb, Petite, and Kristi! Reading is such good medicine!
DeleteIt is indeed good medicine. It is so nice to read especially after busy or stressful day at work!
DeleteLove the cover. And the setting. Haven't been to the Market since 1977. When I moved to Portland. What I remember was my aching feet. We were all over the place and I did not think to wear sensible shoes. But then. Wasn't really planning on being out long. But, car trouble, so, we ended up walking all over the place. Bought my favorite butterfly pin there. It was a nice time, in-spite of the aching feet. Thanks for the chance to get Killing Thyme sooner. Rather than later. Della at deepotter at peoplepc dot com
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminiscence, Della. 1977 was my first year in Seattle. Much change since then, and many good memories!
DeleteWith my oldest daughter, we love cooking together. I love this series, great review thank you
ReplyDeletePenney penneyw(at)sbcglobal.net
Oh, isn't that fun? Mr. Right and I cook together, too -- much more fun than cooking alone!
DeleteLove cozy mysteries.If not reading at home I spend a lot of time at my local library.
ReplyDeletejudytucker1947@gmail.com
Another library lover -- yay!
DeleteI haven't worked in years. I'm now the stay at home half of my 42yr relationship. I do love to visit the big fruit and veggie store near my home picking and choosing from the regular and organic products they have on display.
ReplyDeleteI'm also a voracious reader. My Goodread's Challenge is always over the 200 mark and my home library is quickly reaching the 3000 book mark (many of them author autographed). I'd be honored to add Leslie's newest work to my collection.
NoraAdrienne (at) gmail (dot) com
You are a true book champion, Nora Adrienne -- thank you!
DeleteThese days, I don't work outside the home, as I'm a stay-at-home mom. The best part of my job is spending the day with my munchkins and watching them learn and grow! aleonardi (at) my . com
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful that you -- and they -- have that opportunity!
DeleteI love these mystery books & I am retired so I put my feet up on the couch & read my books. Thanks for this generous giveaway. lindamay4852@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteSince I'm retired, my favorite place is on the couch, reading.
ReplyDeletecjreynolds52(at)comcast(dot)net
Ah, a pair of couch readers! You're making many of us jealous, you know that, don't you? < big smile >
DeleteLove your covers and the pup looks like my grand pup Angus😄. Jchizmar01@windstream.net
ReplyDeleteLove your covers and the pup looks like my grand pup Angus😄. Jchizmar01@windstream.net
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed this series so far. Can't wait to read this lateset addition! bg9246(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI love how flexible my work can be. If I need to work remote, take a few hours off, etc, my bosses are fine with that. Thanks for the giveaway. turtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI'm looking foward to reading Killing Thyme.
ReplyDeletesgiden at verizon(.)net
This would be so amazing to win. If not, I will buy it anyways? Lol! jmcgrath221@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI have never worked any place that sounds as cool as Pike Place Market. I would love to see them throw the fish around and also visit the World Spice Merchants ~ Thanks so much for the giveaway! bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book thank you for the chance debbiesherwood50@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book thank you for the chance debbiesherwood50@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWould love to win this wonderful book!!! My favorite things about where we live out in the country!! So getting to watch our trees starting to change the color of the leaves!!! Maryh_happygirl@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteWould love to win this wonderful book!!! My favorite things about where we live out in the country!! So getting to watch our trees starting to change the color of the leaves!!! Maryh_happygirl@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI stepped away from the computer for a bit, and came back to more messages than I could respond to individually. So glad to see you all here, and for all the kind words about my books. Take THYME to enjoy the changing seasons -- even if where you live, they only change on the page!
ReplyDeleteI love this authors books and really want to read this title!! Thank you for the chance to win a copy
ReplyDeletejohnnabooks AT hotmail DOT com
DeleteThanks, Johnna -- and giving me your email address definitely increases the odds of winning!
DeleteI don't work, so I enjoy spending with my friends and keep really busy. Love this series and can't wait to read "Killing Thyme". Another great book from a great author.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
I don't work, so I enjoy spending with my friends and keep really busy. Love this series and can't wait to read "Killing Thyme". Another great book from a great author.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
And some of those friends live in books! Thanks for the kind words, Dianne.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI'm recently retired--and finding that what I loved most about work is also what I'm missing the most---the people.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Fortunately, you can meet all kinds of new people on the page! Thanks for being part of the KC crew.
DeleteDon't think I've read any of this series.
ReplyDeleteWould love to give it a try.
I've been retired for many years. Love
not being stressed with time-frames, etc.
thanks
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Lovely to meet a new reader, Mary! I hope you get to take the trip to Seattle with me -- on the page!
DeleteRight now, I work at my mother in laws quilt shop..It's ok, but I'm the bookkeeper, so am not in contact with the customers very much, which I love! rockergoddess2002@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteSo it keeps you in stitches -- or tears you to pieces? (Ok, I know, BAD quilt humor!) Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteLove Pepper and look forward to reading about her next adventure. Thanks much!
ReplyDeletelynneandco@comcast.net
My pleasure, Lynne -- thanks for the kind words!
DeleteI love love love this series!!! The Seattle setting makes me want to fly up there someday soon.
ReplyDeleteagavigan@cox.net
Ah, Annette -- yes, yes, yes! SO much fun to meet you in NOLA!
DeleteSounds fantastic...I haven't read Pepper yet but I would love to...thank you for the chance.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
My pleasure, Marilyn. I hope you'll make the trip to Seattle with us!
DeleteMy best friend & I work together. Got to love that.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Ah, so you feel the love! Kristen and Pepper do confront a little hitch in the get-along in this book, but no spoiler to say they work it all out!
DeleteI love going to markets you never know what you will find there. bookaunt at outlook dot com
ReplyDeleteYou and Kristen think alike!
DeleteI really like this series Leslie! Hoping for many, many installments to come! Thank you for a chance at your give-a-way. sxygrndma48{at}yahoo{dot}com
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sandy. No clues yet on the future of the series, so keep those fingers crossed!
DeleteI spend most of my time at home. I love working together with my husband to make this our special place for growing old together.
ReplyDeleteAh, so sweet. Thanks for chiming in, Debbie!
DeleteI am retired so most of my time is at home. Husband works from home, so this isn't all that great. Cooking three meals a day not my idea of retirement. Bobbipad@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI get to spend my days with my toddler grandson and his older brothers when they get home from school...nothing better than that in the world. becky@craigmay.com
ReplyDeleteLove this series. Thanks for the giveaway. doward1952@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI spend most of my time with my granddaughter, love watching her grow and learn she is 6 now thanks for the chance to win. amandasmother@aol.com
ReplyDeleteSince I have recently retired, I can focus more on my hobbies: reading mysteries, walking/hiking and food! In Ottawa, I am only 5 minutes away from the Byward Market which is an outdoor market with local/seasonal foods, stalls and eateries. And I also am a frequent visitor to our excellent public library.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy this series for the rich location and lovely shop. I live on the beach in Northern California one of the most environmentally rich and beautiful places in the world. Our climate , ocean and environmentally diverse area is truly paradise. Every day here is a joy. The redwoods meet the sea and you can choose a variety of outdoor activities every day. seascapelife at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI own my own business, so I spend my time pouring wine and telling ghost stories. (It's a haunted winery). I get to meet people from all over the country and all over the world. cheers@marjimmanor.com
ReplyDeleteA haunted winery? Could there be a better setting for a cozy mystery? I must come research!
DeleteI once went to Ojai, CA, there was a shop totally for spices. I had to drag myself out of the shop. I remember that I bought some whole nutmegs and can't remember the rest. It was a real treat.
ReplyDeleteAlso, when my aunts knew when my grandmother had lost her sense of taste. She kept putting more and more sage in things. They had to hide the sage!
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I am a stay at home mom. My days are varied but one constant is fixing meals for my family. The best part is I get to spend time each day with my son who is Autistic. We share lots of laughs with each other beside watching favorite shows on television together. robeader53@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the fun comments -- I'm reading them all, even if I haven't replied yet. The giveaway ends at midnight!
ReplyDeleteI try to spend a lot of time with my three grandchildren. They are the greatest joy in my life.
ReplyDeleteKit3247(at)aol(dot)com
I love this series...spices are a theme not really used in cozy mysteries, and I enjoyed it. kat8762@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI had to retire because of medical reasons. Now any work I do is at home. Sometimes I crochet, write book reviews or read. I even sometimes clean house. lol. I mainly just try to make the most of my time now. jluebke (at) frontier (dot) com
ReplyDeleteI'd love to experience the market. We had a farmers market where I went to college (central PA) that sounds rather like this.
ReplyDeleteI would really love to win! I love this series. I miss Pike Place Market. It has been a lot of years since I have been there. So I go back in your books. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteElaineE246 at msn dot com
I would love to win a copy of Killing Thyme, it sounds like a book I would enjoy reading! lclee59(at)centurylink(dot)net
ReplyDeleteLeslie just love your writing. I am a retired HS language teacher, bookkeeper, paralegal, community theater producer/director/actor. I guess retiring keeps me working. I am not only a mom and grandmother to 5½ grandchildren, but my daughter just opened 4 music schools for 0 to 5 year olds and I became the Virtual Administrative Assistant. She is up north and I am in FL works out great! Guess I can't sit still, and of course, I read, read, read and crochet clothes for all the kids and grandkids! LOL Merry
ReplyDeletenorthstarvance@Gmail.com
As long as I am with my mom, it honestly doesn't matter where I am. She is my rock and continually makes me laugh! If I'm on my own, my favorite place to be is inside a book!
ReplyDeleteI forgot to leave my email address. It's smmolloy1105@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI am disabled so i am home with my puppies and would love to read and review this I would be so excited ..ptclayton2@aol.com
ReplyDeleteGot behind in trying to reply -- thank you all for sharing your thoughts and your time, er, thyme! Notes out to the winners; their names will be posted in the sidebar when I hear back.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Elaine Klingbeil! (Still waiting to hear from the second winner.)
ReplyDelete