A day in the life of Daisy Swanson by Karen Rose Smith

Just how did I end up being owner of a tea garden in Willow Creek, Pennsylvania with my Aunt Iris?

A widow, I moved back to Willow Creek with my two teenage daughters, Jasmine and Violet. After much discussion with my Aunt Iris (all the women on my mom’s side of the family have flower names), we decided to open a tea garden to cater to tourists who visited Lancaster County but also all the local folk in Willow Creek and nearby Lancaster and York.

My best friend from high school, Tessa Miller, is my kitchen manager and an artiste in every sense of the word. She lives on the second floor of Daisy’s Tea Garden and paints in her attic studio. Another friend from high school, Cade Bankert, who escorted me to my high school prom, is a real estate agent who found us the tea garden property as well as the old barn I had renovated for a home for me and my girls

I recently discovered that Jazzi, who is fifteen and adopted, is now searching for her birth parents. Vi, who is eighteen, went off to Lehigh College last month. Jazzi and I, as well as both of our cats—Marjoram and Pepper—miss her dearly. We have been living in Willow Creek for two years now and the tea garden is doing surprisingly well. At least it is until a murder occurs there.

Jonas Groft, a former Philadelphia detective, owns a woodworking shop down the street from Daisy’s. Although, after my husband died, I decided never to need a man again, I feel something electric whenever Jonas is in the same room. He has a protective attitude that sometimes rankles, but with his help, I found myself solving a murder!

I love to create recipes to offer customers at Daisy’s Tea Garden—soups, salads and baked goods. I look forward to seeing you at Daisy’s Tea Garden as you get to know me. . .and my family. . .and my friends.

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You can read more about Daisy in Murder with Lemon Tea Cakes, the first book in the NEW “Daisy’s Tea Garden” mystery series.

In an old Victorian in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Amish country, Daisy Swanson and her aunt Iris serve soups, scones, and soothing teas to tourists and locals—but a murder in their garden has them in hot water . . .

Daisy, a widowed mom of two teenagers, is used to feeling protective—so when Iris started dating the wealthy and not-quite-divorced Harvey Fitz, she worried . . . especially after his bitter ex stormed in and caused a scene at the party Daisy’s Tea Garden was catering. Then there was the gossip she overheard about Harvey’s grown children being cut out of his will. Daisy didn’t want her aunt to wind up with a broken heart—but she never expected Iris to wind up a suspect in Harvey’s murder.

Now the apple bread and orange pekoe is on the back burner while the cops treat the shop like a crime scene—and Daisy hopes that Jonas Groft, a former detective from Philadelphia, can help her clear her aunt’s name and bag the real killer before things boil over . . .

Includes delicious recipes for Iris’s Lemon Tea Cakes and more!

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Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win a signed copy of Slay Bells Ring plus $10 Amazon gift certificate. U.S. entries only, please. The giveaway ends December 28, 2017. Good luck everyone!

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About the author
USA Today Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith’s 100th novel is a 2018 release. Her passion is caring for her six rescued cats. . .and other felines who stop by in winter. Her hobbies are gardening, cooking, watercolor painting and photography. An only child, Karen delved into books at an early age. Even though she escaped into story worlds, she had many cousins around her on weekends. Families are a strong theme in her novels in both her mysteries and romances. After writing romances for 20 years, she began writing women’s fiction and cozy mysteries. She hopes to write novels in all of these genres for many years to come.

Reach out to Karen at karenrosesmith.com, on Facebook, on Twitter, on Pinterest, on Goodreads and on her blog.

All comments are welcomed.

My Musing ~ Shades of Wrath by Karen Rose Smith

Shades of Wrath by Karen Rose Smith is the sixth book in the “Caprice De Luca” mystery series. Publisher: Kensington, November 2016

Between her booming business, her family, and her work rescuing stray animals, home stager Caprice De Luca’s life is packed. But when a murder unsettles peaceful Kismet, Pennsylvania, she adds amateur sleuth to her resume.

Thanks to a wealthy patron, Kismet’s women’s shelter, Sunshine Tomorrow, has inherited a run-down mansion. Now the shelter’s director, Wendy Newcomb, wants Caprice’s decorating expertise. Caprice is happy to help, but when she glimpses a few heated encounters between Wendy and some locals, she fears that Wendy may be in need of protection herself.

When Wendy is found dead inside the old house, Caprice is compelled to poke around in her affairs–and discovers she had her share of enemies. Now, with countless clients, a TV gig that could make her a household name, and rumors of a marriage proposal on its way, Caprice must find time to design an investigation that will lure a crafty killer into the wide open–before someone else winds up in a state of permanent disrepair.

Once again, the author delivers in her latest caper featuring Caprice De Luca. This is a well-staged book with multiple settings that when pieced together created an exciting story filled with murder, mayhem and family dynamics. The mystery was played out as it should with suspects, clues and some very intriguing plot twists that captured the essence of what was happening on the page. I like that the author created a friendly book where all the main characters play a pivotal role in the identification of the murderer. As part of this continuing saga, in this book, the author touches on domestic violence. Bonus to me is the growing relationship between Caprice and Grant, those scenes put a smile on my face. This was a fast-paced with a comfortable tone that became a page-turner as I had to know how this will end. Boasting a wonderful cast of characters, engaging dialogue and an overall feeling of goodness, I can’t wait to read the next book in this terrific series.

A Day in the Life with Caprice De Luca by Karen Rose Smith

I’m so excited about my latest decorating project, a magnificent old mansion that’s a bit rundown. Built around 1930 during the Tudor revival, it was recently bequeathed to the Sunrise Foundation, an organization that helps abused women. The director, Wendy Newcomb–who has made helping victims of domestic violence find a new life her life’s cause–will turn the mansion into a transitional facility. Women who need more than emergency shelter can live there while they train for jobs and put their lives back together. And with my decorating design skills, I will help them feel comfortable there.

I can’t imagine a relationship with a life partner that isn’t filled with respect and trust as well as love. I believe I’ve found that with Grant Weatherford, my brother Vince’s law partner. We’re seriously dating and spending lots of time together. Our cocker spaniels, Lady and Patches–who are brother and sister, like to play frisbee and run in Kismet’s dog park together. Every moment I spend with Grant convinces me we have a future together that includes wedding vows. But there is an obstacle. He’s divorced and we’re Catholic. But I’m trying not to live in the future. . .just dream about it.

My sister Bella needs my help packing up her orders for kids’ Halloween costumes. She’s a wonderful designer and seamstress and her online business has taken off. She’s not only making Halloween costumes for friends’ children but sending orders as far as Alaska! Country Squire Golf and Recreation Club is planning a Masquerade Ball. I wonder if Grant would like to attend it and wear a costume.

Possibly Vince who is dating my good friend Roz Winslow can be persuaded to go with us. My sister Nikki will be catering the ball so she’ll be working rather than dancing. Still, I hope she and Detective Brett Carstead–who suspected her of murder not so long ago–can have a fun Halloween date. Brett needs some fun in his life and I’m sure my sister can teach him how to loosen up and smile more if only he’ll let her.

My long-haired calico Sophia–named after my Nana’s favorite actress Sophia Loren–and my newer adoptee Mirabelle–a beautiful white Persian, are sniffing the air as Bella’s recipe for coconut cake bakes in the oven. It’s a test run for me to try her recipe. Oops, that’s the buzzer for the cake. Signing off until next time.

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Shades of Wrath is the sixth book in the Caprice De Luca mystery series, published by Kensington, November 2016.

Between her booming business, her family, and her work rescuing stray animals, home stager Caprice De Luca’s life is packed. But when a murder unsettles peaceful Kismet, Pennsylvania, she adds amateur sleuth to her resume.

Thanks to a wealthy patron, Kismet’s women’s shelter, Sunrise Tomorrow, has inherited a run-down mansion. Now the shelter’s director, Wendy Newcomb, wants Caprice’s decorating expertise. Caprice is happy to help, but when she glimpses a few heated encounters between Wendy and some locals, she fears that Wendy may be in need of protection herself.

When Wendy is found dead inside the old house, Caprice is compelled to poke around in her affairs–and discovers she had her share of enemies. Now, with countless clients, a TV gig that could make her a household name, and rumors of a marriage proposal on its way, Caprice must find time to design an investigation that will lure a crafty killer into the wide open–before someone else winds up in a state of permanent disrepair. . .

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About the author
USA Today Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith’s 100th novel is a 2018 release. Her passion is caring for her four rescued cats. . .and other felines who stop by in winter. Her hobbies are gardening, cooking, watercolor painting and photography. An only child, Karen delved into books at an early age. Even though she escaped into story worlds, she had many cousins around her on weekends. Families are a strong theme in her novels in both her mysteries and romances. After writing romances for 20 years, she began writing women’s fiction and cozy mysteries. She hopes to write novels in all of these genres for many years to come.

Connect with Karen at Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, Romance Website, Mystery Website, and Blog.

All comments are welcomed.

Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card and a magnifying glass. The giveaway ends November 27, 2016 at 11:59 AM EST. Good luck everyone!

A Day In The Life of Home Stager Caprice De Luca by Karen Rose Smith

I’m worried about my sister, Nikki. Her catering business, Catered Capers, has been growing in success. She considered taking on a partner, Drew Pierson, but that didn’t work out. She didn’t exactly tell me why which is unusual. We tell each other everything. Anyway, Drew now opened his own catering business in direct competition–Portable Edibles–and Nikki’s business has declined. Why? He’s going after her clients! Nikki is going to be giving the public a taste of her food at a wedding expo that’s coming up soon. Maybe she can find new clients there.

Uncle Dom is still living at Mom and Dad’s and interviewing for a new job. I think he needs to find out what he really wants to do and put his heart into. He’s really great with my animals. I wonder if he’d consider pet sitting?

A family dinner is coming up next weekend. Grant will be going with me. He’s always fit right in with my family, ever since he went to law school with my brother Vince. But now Grant and I fit together well too. I’m even starting to have wedding bells dreams. Can that be possible? Is he really ready to move on from his tragedy and his first marriage? I’m so hopeful.

I staged Bella’s house and I hope it sells quickly. She and Joe need a new place since their family has grown with little Benny. Her online kids costume-making business is really taking off and she needs room for that too. She’s still working at my best friend’s Roz Winslow’s dress shop. But maybe soon she can just concentrate on costumes and christening outfits. And speaking of Roz… She and Vince seem to be headed into deeper relationship waters. Fingers crossed for them.

Nana is enjoying her kitten Valentine. When I get stumped either on staging a house or in my personal life, she always gives me good advice. I hope I can do that for my grandchildren some day.

The oven timer just binged! Nikki has given me her carrot cake recipe to try. She’s thinking about giving samples of it at the Expo. It smells wonderful. Now let’s see how it tastes.

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Silence of the Lamps is the fifth book in the Caprice De Luca mystery series, published by Kensington, April 2016.

Caprice’s house staging is disrupted by Drew Pierson, a caterer who opened Portable Edibles, a business in direct competition with her sister Nikki’s Catered Capers. Nikki turned down Drew as a possible partner and he seems determined to undermine and bury her. However his successful launch of a deal for his blackberry barbecue sauce must have stirred up his enemies. When Nikki visits the house where Drew lives with his grandmother to resolve differences, she and Caprice find him dead–murdered with the base of a valuable Tiffany lamp.

Caprice discovers clues about Drew’s sly business dealings–from stealing recipes from another chef, to friends who hold grudges, to a sister who will now inherit half of her grandmother’s estate since Drew is dead. In the midst of her own romantic relationship upheaval, helping her uncle set up his pet sitting-business, assisting a friend care for a pregnant stray cat, Caprice follows the suspect trail, inadvertently putting herself in danger once more.

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About the author
USA Today Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith’s 95th novel will be released in 2016! Her passion is caring for her four rescued cats. Her hobbies are gardening, cooking and photography. An only child, Karen delved into books at an early age. Even though she escaped into story worlds, she had many cousins around her on weekends. Families are a strong theme in her novels in both her mysteries and romances. Find out more about Karen at karenrosesmith.com and at karenrosesmithmysteries.com. She’s recently working on her Caprice De Luca Home Staging mystery series as well as her Daisy Tea Garden mystery series and her Search For Love series. If you’d like to chat with her, you can find her on Facebook at KarenRoseSmithBooks and on Twitter @karenrosesmith.

Giveaway: Leave comment below for your chance to win a $10 Starbucks Gift Card. The giveaway will end April 29, 2016 at 12 AM EST. Good luck everyone!

All comments are welcomed.

The People in the Life of Caprice De Luca by Karen Rose Smith

Today I met my sister Bella at the Koffee Klatch. As a mom of three, she’s juggling being a mom and working part time at our friend’s dress boutique. In addition Bella creates costumes and christening outfits for kids and sells them online. She and her husband Joe are thinking about selling their house and looking for a bigger one. Of course, I’ll stage theirs to sell if they decide to do that. For free. That’s what sisters do.

Seth Randolph, the doctor I’m sort of dating, hasn’t called or emailed for a while. His fellowship at Johns Hopkins in Maryland keeps him beyond busy. I miss his smile and the way we connect. But involved in a long distance relationship a long time ago, I know they’re hard to maintain. I haven’t seen Grant Weatherford, my brother Vince’s law partner, since Benny’s christening. Grant and I can have an electric relationship at times. We don’t always agree. But Grant has saved my life and I owe him for that.

My rock legend friend, Ace Richland, is planning his comeback tour. Since his daughter adopted my Cocker Spaniel’s sibling, whenever Trista’s in town at Ace’s estate, she calls me. Lady and Brindle love to play together. Ace and his daughter are getting along much better now. I don’t know what his ex-wife thinks about Ace dating someone new. I heard his new significant other is Southern and a widow. Maybe I’ll soon meet her.

Lady and Sophia are good buddies now, though Sophia still doesn’t appreciate having her naps interrupted. Valentine, the kitty I found in February, is happy, playful, curious and content with Nana. Nana needed a cuddle buddy. Even though she lives in a house addition my parents built for her, she’s independent and wants to do most things for herself. At 76 she’s spry and active.

I’m so pleased my good friend Roz and my brother Vince are dating. I don’t know if either of them are ready for a serious relationship, but I hope they’re just right for each other.

I’m perfecting my chicken cacciatore recipe for Easter and it’s in the oven now. It’s my take on an old recipe and smells mouth-watering. I hope it tastes as good as it smells. I’m off to sample it now!

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You can read more about Caprice in Drape Expectations, the fourth book in the “Caprice De Luca” mystery series, published by Kensington. The first three books in the series are Staged To Death, Deadly Décor, and Gilt By Association.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 12 a.m. eastern on August 5 for the chance to win a print copy of Drape Expectation plus $10 Amazon e-gift card. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes and you will have three days to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected.

About the author
USA Today best-selling author Karen Rose Smith will see her 87th novel published in 2015. An only child, Karen delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew, and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that’s why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances.

Karen Looks forward to interacting with readers. Her website is the portal to her latest news, releases and social media feeds at www.karenrosesmith.com. It’s like a treasure map with new surprises to reveal at each click. For day to day chatting, search on Facebook for KarenRoseSmithBooks. Tweet with Karen on Twitter @karenrosesmith. Her blog, Cats, Roses. . .and Books! discusses whatever is uppermost in her mind at karenrosesmith.blogspot.com. She hopes each and every one of her books brings you reading pleasure and warm feelings to surround your heart.

My Musing ~ Drape Expectations by Karen Rose Smith

Drape Expectations by Karen Rose Smith is the fourth book in the “Caprice De Luca” mystery series. Publisher: Kensington, July 2015

Caprice De Luca’s former client and now friend Ace Richland–an 80’s rock star–asks her for a favor. Can she quickly stage his girlfriend’s house to sell? Widow Alanna Goodwin, a transplanted Southern beauty, will be moving in with him! Immediately Caprice realizes Alanna’s southern charm can be turned on and off at will. Caprice agrees to stage Alanna’s Kismet antebellum-styled mansion for Ace’s sake. But she soon learns Alanna doesn’t have a genuine love for her cat Mirabelle and also uncovers a plot her new client is hatching to sabotage Ace’s comeback. However, before she can tell Ace, Alanna is murdered and Ace is the prime suspect.

As Caprice investigates, she learns Alanna had more secrets than pie safes. With her Cocker Spaniel Lady by her side, she tracks down clues and adopts Alanna’s cat. In the midst of some of her own family upheaval–her uncle has moved in with her parents–she finds herself with a dilemma. Grant Weatherford, her brother’s law partner, advises Ace and reveals more of his past to her. Seth Randolph, the doctor she dates, wants her to meet his family. She must choose between them.

Danger stalks Caprice. Will her refresher self-defense course save her life? Only if she keeps her wits about her and Lady by her side.

I like it. Once again Caprice gets draped into a murder investigation and that’s when this wonderful adventure takes hold of my attention. This whodunit had a nice pace and a comfortable tone that added to my reading pleasure. The mystery had me quickly turning the pages as the author had a way with presenting this story that put me right in the middle of all the action. I enjoyed watching how this all played out with some surprising twists and turns that eventually lead to the identity of the killer. Caprice is a fun character and I’m so happy a resolution was made in her personal relationship. This is a good mystery with a good plot, great cast of characters, engaging dialogue that entertained me throughout. I look forward to more exciting adventures with Caprice and her friends.

A Day in the Life of Caprice De Luca by Karen Rose Smith

I have a new recipe in the oven–Chocolate-Coffee Loaf. It’s going to be yummy. With cocoa and coffee, how can it not be? Easy too with one bowl mix-up. While that’s baking, I’m planning the finishing touches to my next house staging.

I’ve never staged a house with a HEARTS AND FLOWERS theme before but it seems fitting with Valentine’s Day right around the corner. Louise Downing and her husband have been married over thirty years, almost as long as my own parents. Louise and Chet have one of those Cinderella and Prince Charming romances. She was his secretary at The Pretzel Factory, the company he owned. They fell in love and he swept her into his lifestyle. I know all this because my mom and Louise have been best friends ever since Louise arrived in Kismet and they met at St. Francis of Assisi Church. There does seem to be a little tension between Louise and Chet now since he’s selling The Pretzel Factory and retiring. But they’re going to travel and live happily-ever-after, right?

I don’t think in terms of happily-ever-after. But I wonder if Grant Weatherford, my brother’s law partner, will be attending the Valentine’s Day dance. We seem to be establishing a deeper friendship ever since we delivered a litter of cocker spaniel pups together. The fact that he adopted one could mean he’s ready to move on from the tragedy in his past and care again. We could sit together for dinner at the dance. Kismet’s Give-from-the-heart Day includes a clothing and food drive as well as the community dance. My sister Nikki and I will be helping to decorate. Mom and Nana are helping with the clothing drive. Nikki is catering the dance and I’ve already gotten a glimpse of her heart-shaped cookies. I wonder if I’ll hear from Seth for the holiday. His fellowship in Trauma Medicine at Johns Hopkins is keeping him almost too busy to email. . .and I miss him.

I should call Bella to see if she’s getting any more sleep. With two kids and now a new infant son, she and Joe have both been sleep deprived. But they love little Benedict to bits. And their marriage seems to be back on track too. As soon as I can, I’ll take Megan and Timmy ice skating and give Bella and Joe some time alone with Benny.

Lady is nosing my foot because she wants to play. At seven months old, my cocker spaniel pays attention when we go through training in the back yard. She’s learned the “heel” command and hardly ever pulls on her leash. She and my long haired calico Sophia get along really well. They even exercise with a friendly chase most mornings. Oops! There they go now.

Time to take the Chocolate Coffee Loaf from the oven and have a taste!

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You can read more about Caprice in Gilt by Association, the third book in the “Caprice De Luca” mystery series, published by Kensington. The first book in the series is Staged to Death.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 6 p.m. eastern on February 13 for the chance to win a digital copy of STAGED TO DEATH as well as a $10 Amazon gift card. The giveaway is open to everyone. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes.

About the author
USA Today best-selling author Karen Rose Smith will see her 87th novel published in 2015. An only child, Karen delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew, and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that’s why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flower and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn’t all about work, awards and Bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen Looks forward to interacting with readers. Her website is the portal to her latest news, releases and social media feeds at www.karenrosesmith.com. It’s like a treasure map with new surprises to reveal at each click. For day to day chatting, search on Facebook for KarenRoseSmithBooks. Tweet with Karen on Twitter @karenrosesmith. Her blog, Cats, Roses…and Books! discusses whatever is uppermost in her mind at karenrosesmith.blogspot.com. She hopes each and every one of her books brings you reading pleasure and warm feelings to surround your heart.

A Day In The Life of Caprice De Luca by Karen Rose Smith

–Amateur Sleuth and Home Stager Extraordinaire!

When I awoke this morning, my to-do list was a mile long! From her bed on the floor, the pregnant stray cocker spaniel I found hiding in my mom’s tomato plants gazes at me with soulful eyes. I reassure her again, telling her I’ll take care of her and her pups. After they are born, I’ll find them great homes. I named her Shasta, because she’s the color of the Shasta daisies growing in my back yard.

My long haired calico cat Sophia–named after my nana’s favorite actress Sophia Loren–stares at me from the pillow beside me. At first she wasn’t thrilled to have a new four-pawed companion, but they’re getting along and even nap together sometimes. They chase each other through my 1950’s style Cape Cod house, but it’s all in good fun.

The humans around me are a lot more complicated. My sister Bella and her husband Joe are suspects in a murder investigation! I’m worried their marriage won’t hold up through this crisis. Feeling unloved, Bella accepted a coffee date with an old high school flame who I often hired to help paint the houses I stage. The problem is– Bella was supposed to meet him at the community center and found him murdered! The police believe both she and her husband Joe have a motive. Somehow I have to figure out who the killer is and clear them.

My most recent client has a penchant for purple! The theme of her home staging, Baroque Bedazzle, brought in prospective buyers from outside of Kismet, Pennsylvania. My sister Nikki, the best caterer on the planet, helped make the open house a success.

Then there’s my romantic involvement with Dr. Seth Randolph, which seems to be getting more serious. However, he seems to be holding back and I don’t know what’s wrong. Grant Weatherford, my brother’s law partner still warns me to be careful with my snooping and seems to be watching over me more than a friend should. Are we just friends? My mom thinks we’re more than friends. My dad and my brother Vince sit at our once a month family get-togethers watching and keeping a close eye on me. Nana offers the best advice which I always take to heart.

Breakfast is calling. Maybe I’ll warm up that blueberry bread I baked using my neighbor’s fresh blueberries!

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You can read more about Caprice, her family and her penchant for solving murders in the Caprice De Luca Mystery series—Staged To Death – December 2013, Deadly Décor – June 2014, and Gilt By Association – February 2015, all published by Kensington.

GIVEAWAY: Comment on this post by 6pm EST on June 5, and you will be entered for a chance to win a copy of STAGED TO DEATH. One winner will be chosen at random. Unless specified, U.S. entries only.

Meet the author
Award winning and best-selling author, Karen Rose Smith’s plots are all about emotion. She began writing in her early teens when she listened to music and created stories to accompany the songs. An only child, she spent a lot of time in her imagination and with books–Nancy Drew, Zane Gray, The Black Stallion and Anne of Green Gables. She dreamed of brothers and sisters and a big family like her mother and father came from. This is the root of her plotlines that include small communities and family relationships as part of everyday living. Residing in Pennsylvania with her husband and three cats, she welcomes interaction with readers on Facebook, Twitter and through email at her website.

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Staged to Death by Karen Rose Smith

Staged to Death by Karen Rose Smith is the first book in the new “Caprice De Luca” mystery series. Publisher: Kensington, December 2013

Welcome to Kismet, PA, where home stager Caprice De Luca helps her clients shine in a lackluster real estate market–and where someone may only be in the market for murder.

Caprice De Luca has successfully parlayed her skills as an interior designer into a thriving home staging business. So when her old high school friend Roz Winslow asks her to spruce up her mess of a mansion to perk up a slow buyer’s market, Caprice is more than happy to share her skills. But when Roz’s husband Ted is found skewered by one of his sword room’s prized possessions, it appears the Winslows may have a few skeletons in their palatial closets. With the stage set for murder, Caprice will discover she can track down an antique tapestry and a cold-blooded killer with equal aplomb–as long as she’s not the next victim.

I like it. This is a good mystery that flowed evenly from chapter to chapter and kept me involved in all phases as I progressed towards a finale that was befitting this light-hearted whodunit. The author did a good job in presenting this well-staged tome with a strong sense of family starting with our heroine, Caprice whose determination to see justice puts her in the cross-hair of a killer. With a great supporting cast, a unique sense of style and good conversations, this is a wonderful entre into the cozy genre and I can’t wait for the next book in this enjoyably delightful series.

previously posted on the Cozy Chicks blog