Cozy Mystery Blog Tour Author Guest Post & Giveaway: Not the Killing Type (Booktown Mystery #7) by Lorna Barrett

It’s November in Stoneham, New Hampshire, and that means it’s time for the Chamber of Commerce elections. The race is already a bit heated, as the long-standing Chamber president is being challenged by a former lover—Tricia’s own sister, Angelica. Then local small business owner Stan Berry throws his hat in the ring.

Unfortunately, it’s not there for long when he’s found murdered in the Brookview Inn. The murder weapon is a brass letter opener belonging to the inn’s receptionist. Tricia knows there’s no way the receptionist is a killer. And when Angelica asks Tricia to help clear her name and win the election, she sees little choice except to start snooping.

She soon uncovers a ballot box full of lies and betrayals, and a chamber full of people who had grudges against the victim. But were they serious enough to lead to murder? And who truly had something to gain? Tricia will have to do some serious sleuthing before she pulls the lever on a killer.

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Mr. Everett Dishing Dirt? 

Those of you who've read the Booktown Mysteries know that Mr. Everett is the epitome of discretion.  Therefore, it was surprising that he consented to this interview.  

Mr. Everett, you're quite beloved by many in Stoneham, NH.  To what do you attribute your reputation for fairness and gentility?  

I have always strived to treat my fellow man (and woman) with respect.  It was something my parents instilled in me at a very young age.  

What was your career before you came to work for Tricia Miles at the Haven't Got a Clue mystery bookstore? 

I was a grocer.  I had my own store in Stoneham.  Sadly, I lost that business during  a recession.  It was one of the saddest periods of my life, as I lost my beloved wife soon after.  

How did you get into the grocery trade?  

I trained as a butcher and always worked at some aspect of the grocery business.  Despite that fact my background was in meat preparation, I was very fond of my produce department.  Even before it was fashionable, I made an effort to stock organic fruits and vegetables.  

Were you always a mystery fan?  

I've always loved to read.  When I was down on my luck, and very lonely, I would visit the library and the various bookstores that had come to Stoneham.  I'm afraid not all storekeepers were happy to see me in their stores.  Ms. Miles was not only kind enough to let me sit in her store for hours on end, but she also invited me to partake of her free coffee and cookies.  I've been working for her now for about five years, and have enjoyed it immensely.  She, her former assistant Ginny, and her current assistant Pixie - and of course Ms. Miles's cat, Miss Marple - are like family to me.  

Do you have a family?  

My wife and I were never blessed with children.  Some four years ago, I married again, and my dear wife Grace is the light of my life.  

It's said your boss Tricial is the village jinx because she's always stumbling over dead bodies.  Do you think that's a fair assessment?  

Ms. Miles is a person of excellent character, and she feels strongly that justice must be done.  She has assisted the Sheriff's Department and the local Police Department in solving serious crimes.  She is an asset to the community.  

Do you have a special part to play in Tricia's latest adventure?  

I don't know about playing a special part - she ad her sister, Ms. Angelica Miles, are the ones who risk their lives, but I was treated to an extra special event.  

Can you say more?  

Not without giving away the plot.  

The immensely popular Booktown Mystery series is what put Lorna Barrett's name on the New York Times Bestseller list, but it's her talent - whether writing as Lorna, or L.L. Bartlett, or Lorraine Bartlett - that keeps her there.  This multi-published, Agatha-nominated author pens the exciting Jeff Resnick Mysteries as well as the acclaimed Victoria Square Mystery series and the Tales of Telenia saga, and has many short stories and novellas to her name(s).  Check out the links to all her works here:  http://www.lorrainebartlett.com/index.html

Book Clubbed, Booktown Mystery #8, is now available in hardcover.  
Not the Killing Type, Booktown Mystery #7, is now available in paperback. 

Thanks to the awesome ladies at Penguin, I have 1 paperback copy of Not the Killing Type by Lorna Barrett to give away to one of my lucky readers!  Just enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win, and be sure to keep checking back for more awesome giveaways!

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