"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island." - Walt Disney

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Cozy Mysteries and a Giveaway

Guest Post by Chrystle Fiedler

Reality is over rated. At least I think so. Instead, I find comfort escaping into the world of a cozy mystery. Before I wrote cozy mysteries, I read them, Agatha Christie’s tales of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, Sherlock Holmes and Dashiell Hammett and watched them; Midsomer Murders, Inspector Morse, and Murder, She Wrote which I’ve recently rediscovered on Hallmark TV.

Whether it’s in these pages or by watching these shows, I escape, like you do, to the coziness of quaint country villages, dappled country lanes, inviting stores on the high street, and of course, lovely rose covered cottages; inside, a cup of tea waiting.

Of course, the world of the cozy is in stark contrast to the murderous crimes committed there that shatter the peace and serenity. But we also know the detective will figure out the puzzle, catch the killer and put things back in their proper place. That’s incredibly satisfying to me as a writer as well, to have the power to put things back into balance.

My natural remedies mysteries are also set in a classic cozy setting, in this case, a real, idyllic fishing village on the East End of Long Island in NY called Greenport. When I was growing up the area was somewhat depressed but within the past two decades, Greenport has come into its own as a tourist destination with upscale eateries and boutiques, sandwiched between Mom and Pop hardware stores, diners and retro stores. Forbes magazine has even named Greenport one of the prettiest villages in the U.S.

I’ve always had an interest in natural medicine so I made my cozy protagonist, Willow McQuade, a naturopathic doctor who takes over a health food store – Nature’s Way Market & Café - after her Aunt Claire meets an untimely end. The store is located in a lovely 3 story yellow Victorian house across with a water view. Inside, it’s cozy too, with a homey feel, yummy cooking smells and the scent of essential oils, herbs and flower essences.

To complete my cozy universe, I gave Willow, a hunky ex-cop love interest named Jackson Spade, an adorable rescued dog and two rescued cats, loyal friends and workers and the spirit of her Aunt Claire to guide her.

Writing the natural remedies mysteries also gives me a wonderful chance to share what I’ve learned about natural cures with readers. It’s amazing what you can find in your kitchen and garden that can soothe and heal you. That’s a cozy feeling too.

In Scent to Kill, my latest natural remedies mystery cozy, I focus on the practice of aromatherapy, the use of essential oils to improve health and well-being. As I’m writing I can smell the lavender, jasmine and roses.

Whether I am writing my cozies, reading or watching them, I experience the same comfortable, homey, and safe feeling, knowing that no matter what happens, that all will be well in the end. Where else can you get that guarantee? Cozy mysteries are one of the best antidotes to reality I’ve found. How about you?


Here’s the scoop on Scent to Kill: A Natural Remedies Mystery

“Scent to Kill is a well-crafted mystery…Devotees of natural medicine and aromatherapy will enjoy the tips that appear at the beginning of each chapter and scattered throughout the text.” Publisher’s Weekly

Willow McQuade, naturopathic doctor, along with her hunky ex-cop boyfriend Jackson Spade, attend a party for a psychic TV show that is filming on Long Island’s idyllic East End. However, Willow is much more interested in visiting the estate’s lavender farm, seeking inspiration for the new aromatherapy workshops she'll be holding at her store, Nature’s Way Market & Café.

Before the party is over, Roger Bixby one of the producers is dead and the police suspect murder. Roger was working on the show, MJ’s Mind, with Carly Bixby, his ex-wife and the new girlfriend of Willow's ex from L.A., TV writer/producer Simon Lewis.

After Willow leaves the party, she gets a frantic text from Simon asking for her help. Since Simon had a fight with Roger earlier in the evening, and because of his death is now the primary shareholder in Galaxy films, Willow's ex becomes the prime suspect. Simon begs her to crack the case and clear him of the murder. MJ McClellan, the psychic and star of the show also asks Willow for help. She hires Willow to provide natural remedies, including aromatherapy, massage, acupuncture and yoga to soothe the agitated crew of her show.

To find the killer, Willow has to deal with ghosts in a haunted mansion, a truly dysfunctional family, death threats and “accidents,” while trying to untangle a homicide identical to one committed during prohibition. Thankfully, Jackson has been hired to provide security and is there to watch her back and help Willow solve this spooky mystery.

As a bonus, you’ll find dozens of natural aromatherapy cures throughout the book that can improve your health. I think you’ll be surprised as how much they can help you feel better in mind, body and spirit!

For a chance to win a copy of Scent to Kill: A Natural Remedies Mystery just leave a comment here!

 
Chrystle Fiedler is the author of SCENT TO KILL, (Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster) the second in the NATURAL REMEDIES MYSTERY series, DEATH DROPS: A Natural Remedies Mystery, the non-fiction title THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO NATURAL REMEDIES (Alpha, 2009), co-author of BEAT SUGAR ADDICTION NOW! (Fairwinds Press, 2010), currently in its fourth printing, the BEAT SUGAR ADDICTION NOW!COOKBOOK (Fairwinds Press, 2012) and THE COUNTRY ALMANAC OF HOME REMEDIES (Fairwinds, 2011). Chrystle’s magazine articles featuring natural remedies have appeared in many national publications including Natural Health, Vegetarian Times, Better Homes & Gardens and Remedy. Visit www.chrystlefiedler.com

15 comments:

Sylvia Ney said...

Chrystle - Enjoyed your post and the book sounds like a great read. I'm very interested in learning more about natural remedies. Best of luck on the success of your story.

Chrystle Fiedler said...

Thanks SO much for having me over! I hope you enjoy Scent to Kill!

Elizabeth Varadan, Author said...

This sounds like such a fun series! I love cozy mysteries, I love ghosts, and I've always been interested in herbal remedies, so Scent to Kill sounds like a book I'd enjoy very much.

Brett Minor said...

My daughter is reading SCENT TO KILL.

Returning visit for A to Z.

Brett Minor
Transformed Nonconformist

Kelly said...

I enjoyed your article and cannot wait to read Scent to Kill. I am a big advocate of natural remedies. Thanks for having us over today.

Chrystle Fiedler said...

Thanks everyone for stopping by today! I was introduced to natural remedies by my mother when I was younger. She had her own homeopathic kit and used remedies like black tea for sunburn. Since I live in a beach community this came in handy! Now, it's fun to introduce natural remedies like aromatherapy to readers. Lavender and rose scents are my favorites! How about you?

Carol Kilgore said...

Christy, your book sounds fun!

Sylvia, stopping over from A-Z. I'm a Texas writer, too, from San Antonio. I write novels set on the South Texas Coast.

Great to meet both of you!

Melissas Eclectic Bookshelf said...

This sounds like a great series! I love cozies and holistic medicine!!

loverofwords said...

I met you last year. Love your happy spirit and mysteries.

Dana Martin said...

I love the way you write and express yourself! I can see you curled up with your tea watching the Hallmark channel. :) Your book sounds great, too! What a talent you are. Congratulations on making your dream come true. You ARE a writer!!

See you here tomorrow!

Dana
Waiter, drink please!


Susan Kane said...

Looking forward to your book! I am very interested in homeopathic cures. I am working on a book "Scent of Sage", about a Lakota coroner who investigates a series of murders in S. Dakota.

Kelly said...

My MIL is reading this book! I'll have to call dibs for when she's done, before my SILs or niece beat me to it. :-)

Stacie said...

Can't wait to read this book. I love the idea of homeopathic remedies. Aroma therapy sounds like a perfect way. Thanks for the the giveaway. Fingers crossed. :)

DiscConnected said...

A favorite writer of mine (Parnell Hall) wrote a mystery called "Cozy."

Before that, I was unaware of the genre.

They kind of remind me of a "locked-room" mystery.

His was a lot of fun (and his other series, 'The Puzze Lady,' is pretty much all "cozy" mystery).

Chrystle Fiedler said...

Thanks so much everyone for stopping by! I was moving so that's why I'm late in announcing the winner of my giveaway of SCENT to KILL. Drumroll please...the winner is Carol Kilgore! Carol please send your street address to me at chrystle@chrystlefiedler.com. Happy reading!