By Pepper Reece, from the Spice Shop Mysteries by Leslie Budewitz
Leave a comment below for a chance to win a signed copy of KILLING THYME and an adorable gingerbread man tea infuser!
I love the holidays in the Market. Yes, this is Seattle’s rainy season, but all the warmth around us makes up for the chill. Warm cinnamon rolls, hot lattes and chai, even warm ginger beer drinks and ciders! And of course, our hot spice tea.
When customers come in for a gift, I love showing them our boxed spice sets—grilling rubs, international blends, and so much more. Salt and pepper grinders. Teapots, mugs, and aprons. Oh, the gift-giving possibilities!
But we all like giving what we like receiving, right? So for me, the perfect gift is a book.

And I’m thrilled to have a stack of new releases for their holiday gift-giving. A few I’m looking forward to:

EGG DROP DEAD, by Laura Childs, in her Cackleberry Club Mysteries. Deliciously good fun!
MURDER ON ST. NICHOLAS AVENUE, by Victoria Thompson -- new in paperback. My mother, Lena, turned me on to these historical mysteries on her recent visit. Not foodie fiction, but I snuck a few copies into the store's order just because I love them!
And of course, KILLING THYME by Leslie Budewitz. Set in a spice shop -- how could I possibly resist?
PS – We’re also carrying these adorable gingerbread man tea infusers. Pair them with a box of our Spice Tea for the perfect stocking stuffer!
What books are on your holiday gift list—to give or receive?
Leave a comment below for a chance to win a signed copy of KILLING THYME, my third Seattle Spice Shop Mystery, AND a gingerbread man tea infuser! The winner will be chosen on Tuesday, November 29. (US and Canadian addresses only.)
From the cover of KILLING THYME, Spice Shop Mystery #3 (October 2016).
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 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.
Looks like a great book!
ReplyDeletestrgth4yu@hotmail.com
Sounds like a interesting book! I would like to read it. The infuser is really neat.donamaekutska7@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI've put the Seattle spice shop books on my Christmas list that I sent to Santa.
ReplyDeletejudytucker1947@gmail.com
And I'm sure he knows you've been nice!
DeleteI haven't read any oif this series! It looks so awesome! I really want this one! maryh_happygirl@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteMy family knows I love cozy mysteries, so anything from that genre is likely a winner...the trick is finding one I haven't read! filter@boun.cr
ReplyDeleteThank you. Sounds like a great read. Lsum1258 at aol dot com
ReplyDeleteFantastic. Love to read more.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at gmail dot com
I'm looking forward to reading Killing Thyme... I love all your books, Leslie! And how adorable is that tea infuser?! Thanks for the giveaway and the other book recommendations! aleonardi (at) my.com
ReplyDeleteIsn't it the cutest thing? When I first spotted it in my local kitchen shop, I knew I had to have one -- and that all of you would love it, too!
DeleteSpicy tea....that sounds so good! I'm mostly a cozy reader, but also enjoy the Golden Age books, and some high action as well! As for what title(s) I'm looking forward to buying myself, well, that's hard. There are so many good books out there!
ReplyDeleteAnne
mysandycat (at) aol (dot) com
And more every month! Don't we wish Santa could bring us more time to read?!
DeleteKilling Thyme sounds like a winner. I have it on my list. That is such a cute infuser. Thank you for this opportunity to win.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read to me!thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMy friends know I love cozy mysteries so I just ask them every year to get me any that sound like a fun read.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I receive a bunch of books purchased from our local library book Drive and some are new. It's so much fun to go through each and every one.
Out of all the books I received I only received one duplicate and I gave it to my other friend who was a cozy lover. It's so much fun!
What fun! A friend gave me a bag of mysteries from the thrift shop a few years ago -- she had no idea that most of them I had donated! (Don't tell her!)
DeleteI always like finding spicy grill rubs for my hubby to try. The tea infuser is so cute, thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteJHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
Oh, there are some good ones! In fact, Pepper and Sandra created a spicy cocoa grilling rub in KILLING THYME -- and yes, the recipe is in the book!
DeleteI will check that out!
DeleteWow I can't wait to read this one! Great series! Thank you for the opportunity to win! bubs(dot)girl(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks for this lovely feature and giveaway. Love the infuser since I am a tea drinker. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteKilling Thyme would be very enjoyable. The infuser would be a wonderful gift. Many thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI have a lonnnng list this year - KILLING THYME, DEATH AL DENTE, then PLAID AND PLAGIARISM by Molly MacRae, OF BOOKS AND BAGPIPES, by Paige Shelton, IT HAPPENED IN SCOTLAND by Patience Griffin, and THE IRISH HEART SERIES by Juliet Gauvin. I love your Seattle Spice Shop series, and want to start the Food Lover's Village! Thank you for your wonderful books and a chance to win!
ReplyDeleteOoh, great list! And I see a theme in your love of books about food, books, and the Celtic countries!
DeleteMost definitely !
DeleteKilling Thyme tops my list to receive. bobbipad at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteOne of my granddaughters loves to read as much as I do, so gifting back and forth with her is fun. I love to read almost everything so any book is always a welcome pleasure. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletesallycootie(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm always looking for new series of cozies.
ReplyDeleteI get a book and then pass it on to my daughter
and granddaughter, then it goes to the library
as a donation.
thanks for the chance to win a book from this series.
Mary Lou at txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for all the delightful comments, even though I can't respond to them all! Keep 'em coming!
ReplyDeleteFind food mysteries most enjoyable for reading during food breaks. Appreciate your gifting at this time of year. laughlincat(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHave yet to read any of these books, so I am hoping this will be a start. Spices have long been a favorite. Our food choices are limited. So spices are a must. That is what they meant when they said "Variety is the Spice of Life" Took ages. But have finally found the right mix for a bouquet garni that goes with just about anything and is delicious. And many. Like thyme. Smell so heavenly. Perfumes the whole house. Do appreciate the chance to get the book. Sooner. Rather than later. Della at deepotter (at) peoplepc ((dot) com
ReplyDeleteLove all your books! I'm on killing Thyme now and love it as well! The above recommended books look great too! I going to look into them. Happy holidays! Aspen
ReplyDeleteA.incashola@yahoo.com
I am a big fan of these oops and authors. For gift-giving I am looking at friends' and family's hobbies and talents. Do I send a culinary-themed book to my sister? Do I send a paranormal-themed book to my BFF? Do I send another Tea Shop book to mom? I have a huge list of possibilities....I am sending out my own 'Dear Santa, I want books...' letter to all.
ReplyDeletekat8762@aol.com
Killing Thyme looks like a winner. And, the gingerbread tea infuser is so cute! Thanks so much for the opportunity to win. choirlady27(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI've got the spice shops books on my Christmas list as well as a couple of the Caprice Deluca mysteries by Karen Rose Smith.
ReplyDeletesuefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
This book has a spot on my TBR list and I love the cover. The little tea infuser is adorable. Thanks for the opportunity to win!! chettysmom@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteAppealing, as always
ReplyDeleteI'd love a shop like this near me.
libbydodd at comcast dot net
LOL, Libby -- me, too! That's why I had to write one, so I could visit any time I want!
DeleteI am reading Killing Thyme right now (I know, I know it has been on my shorter TBR pile for a while) and am enjoying it a lot, Leslie! Each Spice Shop mystery gets better and better. And the tea infuser is so cute. Thank you for this giveaway. If I win, I will give this copy of Killing Thyme to a friend. grace dot koshida at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you, Grace, for the kind words -- so glad you're enjoying Killing Thyme!
DeleteThanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteKatrina kkat(dot)edwards(at)gmail(dot)com
The perfect gift for me is a book as well, and I have added the Spice Shop Mysteries to my TBR List. 'Killing Thyme' sounds like a wonderful read and the cover is lovely. Love the adorable gingerbread tea infuser. Thank you for this wonderful chance and wishing you a Happy Christmas... Happy reading and writing. ☕️📚🎄
ReplyDeleteAren't the covers fun? Berkley hired the same cover artist for both my Spice Shop and Food Lovers' Village Mysteries, and I'm delighted to say that Midnight Ink, which will be continuing the Village series, hired him as well, so "the look" will continue!
DeleteGift cards are on my both by lists -- namely Amazon gift cards. I'd love to visit Pepper's Spice Shot this time of year to get a spiced tea mix and to enjoy all the wonderful aromas of the shop; I might never leave! bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeleteMy Christmas list includes Turbo Twenty-Three by Janet Evanovich.
ReplyDeleteLooks like another great book to add to my ever growing list. pwtish171@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI read the first Spice Shop mystery, and loved the Farmer's Market. I'd love to add Killing Thyme to my list of TBR books. I also have a warm spot in my heart for the Airedale terrier on the cover. Thanks for giving us a chance to win your book. Lenore
ReplyDeleteOh, Arf the Airedale! Isn't he a doll? I'm totally in love with him! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteKatieh(at)mvdsl(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI just love these "foodie" cozy mystery books, I would love to receive or give any of these books, they look like such a comfort to read with a big cup of tea in your hand. lclee59(at)centurylink(dot)net
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! I love cozies, this one sound great. Musiqmom(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI love and need that gingerbread man tea infuser! I love all sorts of books, especially mysteries. I'll be giving DEATH OF A TOY SOLDIER by Barbara Early and several other books from wish lists.
ReplyDeletecozyupwithkathy @ gmail dot com
Oh, what a fun choice -- and perfect for this time of year!
DeleteOne of the books on my list is Kate Carlisle's Deck the Hallways. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteturtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com
And a perfect title for the season!
DeleteI haven't read this series yet and it is on my list of books I would like to receive at Christmas. A spice shop/bookstore sounds like a really cool shop. Love the gingerbread man infuser is so cute, perfect for holiday tea.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks, Dianne -- I hope you enjoy visiting the Spice Shop as much as I enjoy creating it!
DeleteI haven't read this series yet and it is on my list of books I would like to receive at Christmas. A spice shop/bookstore sounds like a really cool shop. Love the gingerbread man infuser is so cute, perfect for holiday tea.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
This is one of my all time favorite cozy series so this book is on my list . What a lovely give a way thank you ! seascapelife (at) (gmail) dot com. Have a nice holiday weekend and thank you
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you, Lexie! You're warming my heart on this chilly day!
DeleteLeslie Budewitz's series is so enjoyable. I would be delighted to find the latest book, a box of tea and a cute tea infuser under
ReplyDeletemy Christmas tree. Fingers crossed. robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com
Love this series & have this book on my Santa List. Thanks for the chance to win. doward1952(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThe Spice Shop Mystery series is one of my very favorite series.
ReplyDeleteagavigan@cox.net
I haven't read Leslie's books yet, but they sound interesting. I've read Victoria's books and I really enjoy them. Thanks for introducing me to all the new to me authors
ReplyDeletececiliayoung@gmx.com
Cecelia, Vicki is as delightful in person as she is on the page. I've met her several times at Malice Domestic, the convention celebrating the traditional mystery; she was guest of honor last year, and asked me to write the profile of her for the program, a real privilege.
DeleteI give bookstore gift cards to all of my kids and grandkids for Christmas. They can choose their own books. And after Christmas I buy books with my gift cards! I am making a list and checking it twice. Killer Thyme was very good!
ReplyDeleteElaineE246 at msn dot com
LOVE bookstore gift cardss! And I'm so pleased that you enjoyed Killing Thyme!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI have read several of Victoria's book but I haven't read the otherss, I usually get book gift cards for Christmas and I'm always super excited to receive them. This year, I'm giving them to my granchildren as they have shown an interest in reading and I want to encourage them to continue to enjoy read a book and the adventures they can go on with them. jillybeans41@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteJill, three cheers for encouraging your grandchildren to read! IMO, it doesn't matter what they read, so long as it's something they love!
DeleteYour books sound wonderful, and lots of fun. Thank you. Sharon, catwoman-1(at)comcast(dot)net
ReplyDeleteAt Christmastime or any time of the year, I buy books for the grandkids. I have a whole wish list filled with books (most of them cozy mysteries) that I would love to buy for myself for the new year. Thanks for a chance to win Leslie! sxygrndma48{at}yahoo{dot}com
ReplyDeleteLove the gingerbread man. Book looks fun.
ReplyDeleteThereadmaster(at)me(dot)com
Killing Thyme sounds like a great book! Thank you for this chance!
ReplyDeletepeggyhyndman(at)att(dot)net
Thanks for a fun chat, lovely reader friends. Remember that the giveaway is open through midnight, Mon Nov 28.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading this book 😊
ReplyDeleteHappy holidays,
Lori
would love to win. - this is the cutest tea infuser I've seen. (ANd the book sounds great too.)
ReplyDeleteThis looks so good! jmcgrath221(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWhat don't I have on my list!! I have Guilty as Cinnamon... but haven't started it yet. I am guilty of reading too many books at one time. I have a book I read at my physical therapy appointment, I have another book for all other dr appointments, I have my housework audiobook, I have my bedtime book, I have my car book when I'm waiting in the parking lot for my daughter to get out of school...I also have my phone loaded with my "I forgot to bring a book, book." Just think when I finish these books I'll get to reload with a bunch of new books. =) Kidding, I'll get it down to 1 or 2(one to read and one audio for house and yard work) at a time so I can enjoy the flow a little better. I LOVE TO READ. I am giving several books away as gifts, but those are not in the same genre as the books I enjoy. Oh well, it's what makes the world go 'round.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Almost forgot...
konecny7(at)gmail(dot)com
Oh, Marci, your list makes me laugh -- in recognition, although you take the art of book-hopping to a higher degree than I do! I've usually got the at-home novel and the at-home nonfiction book, the audio book in the car, and the magazine that lives in the car for waiting rooms and other odd moments. And the book I haven't finished and still think I will, sometime, maybe soon, maybe not that often sits on the coffee table!
DeleteI hope you love Guilty as Cinnamon -- especially my little guy, Arf!
Love infuser. Thanks for the chance zeta(at)iwon(dot)com
ReplyDeleteIsn't it adorable? Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteThank you! Such a cute infuser, plus a great read!
ReplyDeleteteabird17 ((at)) yahoo ((dot)) com
Love the series! Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteKit3247(at)aol(dot)com
I don't know what books I will be giving this year. My niece is now reading Nancy Drew and I am eager to get to the bookstore and pick things out for her. jenne.turner@unt.edu
ReplyDeleteI may have to add KILLING THYME to my gift list, as my friend has 2 airdale terriers and would love this book!
ReplyDeleteSounds fun to read! Thanks for the chance cocanvaz(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteOh what fun. I enjoy cozies so much. Thanks for this opportunity. jluebke (at) frontier (dot) com
ReplyDeleteI'm looking fwd to an exciting new read. - mollie iemercedez@aol.com
ReplyDeleteLoved the first 2 books in the spice series and am looking forward to this newest installment to the series. Thank you for the chance!!
ReplyDeletejohnnabooks(AT)hotmail(DOT)com
I absolutely love curling up under one of my homemade quilts and reading cozy mysteries, whether they be food mysteries or quilting mysteries. I love them all. I'm so excited to begin reading your books. But first, I must finish another quilt. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the gingerbread tea infuser!!! Thank you for a chance to win it!!!saracarver07@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI usually go to Berkley prime crime & just copy the new monthly list off, ythen go to Kensington books & do same thing again. Easier & faster to take then just check off my list.I know your new book I is One of them. Thank you for the giveaway and have a great day.
ReplyDeletedaw655(at)hotmail(dot)com
Kathi Daley books or Brenda Novak. rhondajgothier@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteWhat books are on my wish list? Too many to mention. My family knows- look at my wishlist online or on the list I carry in my purse. Would love to add this to my collection! cheers@marjimmanor.com
ReplyDeleteI have totally enjoyed the Spice Shop series so much. I love to have a few books started and we always have a CD in the car when my husband drives me to all of my doctor appointments, so I need quite a few books going at the same time. Good thing that I can keep the stories all straight. I look forward to your next book Leslie and will try to get some of the recipes made and photos of them sent to you if you wish. What a great writeup today. Cynthia
ReplyDeleteceblain AT tmlponline DOT net
Don't have a list there so many great cozy mysteries it's hard to choose.
ReplyDeletexzjh04(at)hmail(dot)com
xzjh04(at)gmail(dot)com
thank you for the chance. books are always the best gifts.
ReplyDeletewskwared at yahoo dot com
Sounds good! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteLisa H.
hseaside5@aim.com
How cute the gingerbread man is - ccbake13(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWaiting to hear from my winner. Thanks to all of you for joining in the fun!
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the blessings of the season.
Leslie
the tea infuser is so cute, I drink tea every evening, would love to have the book for my next cup of tea. Georgia
ReplyDeletequeenvictoria50 (at) aol (dot) com
And the winner is ... Mary Lou Holshouser! Thanks to all of you for being part of the Killer Characters crew!
ReplyDeleteHave not read this book yet and would love to. Love the infuser and it would be nice to have to drink my tea.
ReplyDeleteThank you. slpetera@yahoo.com