My latest work in progress, or WIP, is a small town mystery with an amateur sleuth. Of course, there's a romance because that makes the world go round—small town or big city.
Sex, Murder, and Mint Juleps, A Dullsville Mystery, is the first book in the series.
Like the 2 previous books I finished this year, Small Sins and Stone Angel—still available on Vella until further notice— I'm writing this mystery-romance and publishing it a chapter at a time as a Kindle Vella serial.
Also like the 2 previous Kindle Vellas, this book will be published in print and ebook a couple of months after the last chapter, or episode, is published online.
BOOK BLURB
When Marty returns to her hometown, she has it all figured out: a job writing a syndicated column, a home inherited from her ex's great aunt, and a desire to get her mom to accept her as she is.
A high school enemy, a new police chief, and the dog she inherited who hates her complicate her life. When her big plan implodes, she must do the unthinkable: accept help from family.
Then a murder changes everything. If you like the humor of Evanovich's Stephanie Plum mysteries, you'll love Marty's misadventures. (At least I hope you do.)
WHY WRITTE A MYSTERY?
Blame it on Nancy Drew. When I was a child, I loved the Nancy Drew books.
I guess they're probably responsible for a good portion of the women who became professional authors.
We all loved Nancy and her ability to solve mysteries. We enjoyed reading about her friends too. Nancy had her own car and was more or less autonomous.
Since those first books were writtten in the 1930's, the idea of an independent young woman who followed her own path was enormously appealing. Decades later, I found it appealing, and I think it still is in today's world.
WHY DULLSVILLE?
I grew up in a small town, and my mom continued living in that small town. Every time we'd talk, I'd ask her what was new.
She'd usually say, "This is Dullsville. Nothing ever happens in Dullsville."
I miss my mom and the others of her generation whom I loved.
Life in a small town is just different.
Everyone knows everyone else—the good, the bad, and the ugly of them.
Gossip spreads like wildfire, and traditional values are considered by the majority as the way to live—but they make allowances if you're homegrown and a little different.
WHERE TO FIND THIS DULLSVILLE MYSTERY
Get the free app you need to read a Kindle Vella. It's available for iPhone, Android, Google Play, PC, and Mac.
Click
Kindle Reading App to get the app and for more instructions. If you know you're going to read only on your cell phone, just go to your phone's App Store and search for Kindle Reading App.
The first 3 episodes of any Kindle Vella are always free.
As you can see, the episode titles for my latest Vella are song titles chosen to fit the content of the chapter.
There are now 14 published episoodes with new episodes publishing on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Get acquainted with Marty Tucker and her merry band of misfit friends by reading the free episodes. I hope you'll click FOLLOW to be notified of each new episode.
GIVEAWAY ALERT
1. Read the free episodes—please click LIKE after each—and answer this question in Comments: What does Marty call her soon-to-be ex-boyfriend? (The answer is in the free episode. No purchase required.)
2. Include your email address written out, not as a hot link, with your answer so you can be notified if you are the Winner chosen by random draw.
3. Giveaway closes Dec. 1, 2023, and winner notified no later than Dec. 2, 2023.
TAKEAWAY TRUTH
Escape with a good story you can read on your phone in case you're stuck somewhere you don't want to be during the Thanksgiving holidays. (Been there. Done that. LOL)
Joan participates in Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click links in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.
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