Exciting news!! A Wild Blue Mystery is on the way!!

 

It's been a while since I featured my books on here, so here we are. A new trend for a New Year. 

I'm planning to publish two books in 2022, the first of which comes out in March:

THE CONNED LADY

Book 5 in the Wild Blue Mystery Series

 Eccentric romance novelist Mimsy Lexington has a secret. When she approaches Katie Mullins to help find details around her late husband’s death, Katie and her boyfriend Danny Walker are drawn into a web of lies and deceit. The deeper they dig, the more they realize the biggest dangers may lurk close to home and need to suspect everyone—including Mimsy.

Other books in the Wild Blue Mystery series:

Book 1: The Bookstore Lady

Danny Walker is tracking Paulina Chourney who is lucky to get out a bad situation before her boyfriend kills her. She arrives in a small town, changes her name, buys a bookstore and joins a local writing group to fade into anonymity. Until Danny Walker shows up and figures out who she is. When Danny disappears, she has to choose between spending her life on the run or standing up to face her past. Hopefully before the quirky townsfolk turn her death into a spectacle. 

"I could visualize that bookstore, smell the coffee and pastries, and see the colorful characters. This book has lots of twists and turns, and I never knew who to trust, all the way to the end. I'll look for future books by this author." - Paul Carr

Book 2: The Mystery Lady

Wanna-be writer Lucy Stephen never wrote about murder until her husband moves out and she thinks some man in a blue car is stalking her, namely Danny Walker. When her husband and his girlfriend take her kids on vacation, Lucy discovers a hidden package of jewelry he desperately wants. The more she learns about the assorted pieces, the more Lucy realizes she may never see her kids again and needs to fight back with the help of the man who stalks her.

"Found the characters interesting and the story enjoyable. A nice cozy mystery." - Janet Walters

Book 3: The Bakery Lady

From the moment Leo Blue meets the tattoo artist 's sister Christina, he's drawn into a web of bread dough and lies. Christina Davidson has returned to Packham with a duffle bag full of secrets. Leo soon discovers her biggest secret is Christina's alter ego and her husband who stands accused of murdering an up-and-coming artist. He promises to help set things straight and plans to bring husband and wife together for Christmas—even if it costs him his sanity and the love of his life. 

"Action, romance, suspense, and a killer. What more could you ask for. Really enjoyed the intrigue and the dialogue. Would love to meet Leo!" - Mary Ann O'Brien

Book 4: The Painted Lady

Leo Blue can't escape Packham nor the life of a private detective no matter how hard he tries. Six months after the murder of artist DJ Gage, the prices of Gage's paintings soar. When a woman winds up dead and a forgery is discovered in the local art gallery, Leo has to find a murderer and a forger. When people from Christina Davidson’s past turn up, her carefully constructed walls begin to crumble and the only one who can help her now is Leo.

"I really enjoyed this story. Christina and Leo are great characters and I was eager to see where there relationship would go from the last book, The Bakery Lady. Definitely worth getting." - Sonja11

To Buy My Books go HERE.

A New Release, A Free Book and Happy Birthday to ME!!

Happy Birthday and New Release to ME!

 It's my birthday so we're changing things up today with 

a little reminsecing about one of my favorite series:  

Gilda Wright Mysteries

launching a NEW BOOK and giving away a FREE BOOK!!

Did you know Gilda came about while I was actually working 

as a receptionist in a karate school?

While her adventures are much more exciting than mine, I couldn't pass up the opportunity for a fun cast of characters and some kick ass action!

Did you also know those great karate covers weren't the first incarnation for Gilda's mysteries?

When the first book was first released several years ago, it went through a couple different covers. Personally, I loved the cover and title Death of a Jaded Samurai, but the publisher was torn and we changed it to suit their markets.

                        

Then I changed publishers to BWL Publishing Inc. and got that great logo! I love the karate positions on the new covers and have had fun with launching 4 adventures. 

                     

Did you know that my goal for each book, is for Gilda to grow into a more confident woman?

It's true! I also love that her bestie Marion Yearly grows along side her and me with them.

Between the two of them, there's never a dull moment!

When you toss Mick Williams, Kane Garrick, and the rest of the gang at Pheonix Martial Arts into the mix, Gilda's days are never boring.

Then there's Happy Harvey's Hangover Hut and the eternal question:  Should Gilda keep working at the Phoenix school or run for cover behind the front counter of the tiki-infested liquor store?

Even though it's MY BIRTHDAY!! I have a  couple great gifts for YOU!

Number One:  A FREE BOOK!!  

All YOU have to do is go HERE to pick it up!

Number Two:  A NEW RELEASE!!

DEAD WITHOUT REMORSE

Find out how Mick lost his hearing and what Fabio gave Gilda that could change the course of her future...

To purchase, simply go HERE! 

If you'd like a taste of what's going on in Gilda's world, keep reading...

Dead Without Remorse 

Chapter One

Gilda fanned her face, glad she’d pulled her shoulder-length hair into a ponytail and melted onto a lawn chair. Sweat trickled from every pore as she groaned. “This weather is unbelievable, especially for mid-September.”

“Hey, I’ll take it. Summer could last another six months as far as I’m concerned.” Marion Yearly, her best friend of many years, handed her a tall glass and a straw across the round mosaic-tiled table. “Here, this’ll help. My famous Lemonade Margarita. Drink it slow, it’s loaded with…”

Too thirsty to heed her warning, Gilda sucked back nearly half a glass of the cold, tangy mixture before an odd taste hit the back of her throat. She scrunched up her face. “What’s in this?”

“I tried to warn you about the tequila.” Marion curled her shoulder-length dark hair over her ears before she topped up Gilda’s glass then raised her own. “Cheers to both of us finally getting an afternoon off to hang out together. Well, aside from karate class this morning.”

“Amen.” Gilda tapped her glass against Marion’s before she sat back. Her best idea of the day so far was to pull on a bikini beneath her shorts and tank top after class.

Maybe she could convince Marion to join her for a dip in Lake Erie later. Considering the sweltering heat, it wouldn’t take much effort, especially after some spiked lemonade.

Her best friend’s backyard resembled a small-town version of the Garden of Eden. Fruit trees, a wide variety of flowers, thick shrubs, and plenty of shade. Gilda felt like she’d gone to paradise without having to board a plane.

Marion slid on her sunglasses before she sat back and breathed out a happy sigh. “How’d you manage to get the rest of the day off anyway? I thought Mick wanted you to work all day and night to get ready for Sandstone Cove’s birthday bash next weekend.”

“That’s what he said, but—”

“Aren’t we supposed to be doing some big demo on the beach and distributing some handouts?” she cut Gilda off.

“Yup, but we’ve worked out most of the details and the flyers are at the printers. Besides, I’ve put in well over my usual hours in the past few weeks. I needed a day off before I strangled someone.”

Marion grinned. “Kane. I heard you two snarl at each other in class.”

“He’s had it coming all week. At least, Kane’s teaching classes tonight, so Mick and I can be alone. Between the new school and the celebration, it’s been weeks since we’ve had time together.”

When she’d first started to work for Sensei Mick Williams at Yoshida Martial Arts, she was ill prepared for what lay ahead, or for falling head over heels for her boss. Her original motivation was to hide from the world behind a desk. To rebuild her shattered self-confidence and ego after a very public breakup with a local police detective.

“Did I tell you how jealous I am you work with the hottest hunks in town? You know that’s the only reason I take classes, right?” Marion adjusted the straps of her yellow tank top before she closed her eyes and settled back with a dreamy smile.

Not only did Gilda know. So did the hunks in question. Marion had a massive crush on Razi Mauli, one of the instructors. He seemed to take her attention in stride. Sometimes, he seemed to enjoy it enough to flirt a bit in return.

“That and you like to watch them grapple in tight shorts.”

“I’ll drink to that.” Marion grinned.

Gilda gazed around the garden. “Do you realize it’s been three months already since Mick shut down the Yoshida school?”

Then he and Razi built Phoenix Martial Arts. Despite the glitch of a murdered referee during their grand opening, membership had soared. Gilda shuddered at the memory of stumbling across yet another body. She never wanted that experience again. Ever.

I WANT TO READ MORE! Buy Link!

Thanks for stopping by! Please check out my website at https://dianebator.ca/

Diane Bator's latest release All That Shines (Glitter Bay Mystery book 2)

 

Due to a sudden opening in the Escape With a Writer Schedule, I decided to fill it in myself and feature my Glitter Bay Mysteries! The questions are an amalgamation of answers to questions from a variety of interviews I've done over the past couple months. There are a couple of fun surprises if you keep reading to the bottom. I hope you enjoy!

What made you decide you wanted to write mysteries?

I’ve always loved to read them but never actually thought about writing them until I took part in a contest called Mystery in Ink put on by a small publisher in North Bay, Ontario. We had to use a murder mystery party game and write 10 chapters, each from the perspective of a different character. I loved it! And I won! My very first published book was that little novella called Murder on Manitou, which I plan to re-release one day soon. I was hooked!

Do you have a special place you like to write?

I used to love to write in a local coffee shop but I have written practically everywhere! Trying to write with three kids around, I learned to summon the muse wherever I stopped for a minute. Even while I was cooking dinner!

Where do the ideas for your books come from?

Anywhere and everywhere. I’ve had ideas come from dreams, from conversations, from seeing photographs or memes, you name it. My latest play idea hit me while I walked from my office ten feet down the hall to my livingroom. I had it outlined fifteen minutes later. It doesn’t always happen that fast, but when inspiration hits it can be like a runaway train!

What is the first book you remember reading?

I remember having lots of Little Golden books as a kid. Aside from every Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew mystery I could get my hands on, I read a Sidney Sheldon novel, I think it was The Other Side of Midnight, that I was totally absorbed in until the ending. Someone had torn out the last few pages and I was livid!!

If you were friends with a character in this book, what kinds of things would you do together?

Sage loves yoga as well as being active when she’s not working in her vintage boutique. Hanging out with her would involve some sort of outdoor activity. I’d love to walk on the beach and chat with her and ride the trails along the ocean that she’s likely discovered.

What does it mean to you to be called an author?

Even as I write more books, I always find it a thrill to think of myself as an author. For so long, I’ve only ever said “I write books.” With 11 novels published and a lot more social media presence, I’m starting to feel more like an author. That I actually know a little something about writing.

How do you define success as an author?

Deep down, a part of me won’t feel successful until I can write all day and quit my day job! The dream we all dream of! The other part of success is getting letters and reviews from readers who loved a character or a storyline and it made some sort of impact on them. 

There are more great things below! You can also follow me on: Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads
Linkedin Instagram

 

ALL THAT SHINES, Glitter Bay Mysteries, Book 2

Sage Miller is knee deep in fashion designers—whether she wants them in her new vintage boutique or not.

One winds up dead.

Another isn’t what he seems.

A third is treasure hunting.

Sage is stuck in the middle trying to solve a murder before the grand opening of Vintage Sage, which involves a fashion show she’d rather not be part of.

Excerpt:

“Sebastian helped to me get away from my ex.” Laken joined me. “Actually, not so much my ex as the paparazzi. Those guys are like wasps. They can hunt you down and swarm like heat-seeking missiles. I couldn’t have escaped Hollywood and settled here with you without his help.”

Only half convinced, I turned on the kettle.

Laken switched it off then opened the fridge. She handed me a well-chilled, half-full bottle of pinot grigio. “You’ll probably want this instead.”

“There’s more?” I gasped as I leaned against the cupboard. While my migraine would prefer the chamomile, my nerves won out. Pinot it was. I couldn’t take any more of Laken’s surprises without a little support.

My sister wasn’t stingy when she filled my glass. It seemed I was in for more revelations. Since she no longer drank alcohol, she filled her glass with sparkling water.

I took a large gulp before I dared to ask, “What’s going on?”

“We need to sit.” Laken half-dragged me back to the living room. She turned off her laptop before we sat in front of the fireplace. “I’m sorry I bought everything without showing you first.” She winced. “Sebastian is… Well, he’s…”

“He’s what?”

Laken chugged her sparkling water then sighed. “He’s part of the package.”

My eye twitched. I grasped my glass with both hands before I did something silly like drop it. “Who is Sebastian and what package is he a part of?”

“He’s a fashion designer who owns House of Hayward. That thirty thousand dollars includes his expertise to help set up Vintage Sage like a shop on Rodeo Drive.”

“Oh no.” I stared at her in the hope she would crack a smile or tell me she was joking. When neither came, I shook my head. “No, no, no, no, no. Send it all back. The cases, the dummies, the snooty designer…especially the snooty designer. We don’t need this, Laken. I’ve done perfectly well without Hollywood intruding.”

 

 

ALL THAT SPARKLES, Glitter Bay Mysteries Book 1

What do a trunk full of vintage clothes, a handsome land developer, and a fifty year old diamond heist have in common?

Laken Miller receives a trunk full of expensive vintage clothing and a stack of newspaper clippings about a fifty-year old diamond heist. Now all she has to do is figure out who murdered Tilly San Vicente before the killer silences her as well.

Buy links:

BWLPublishing 

Amazon 

AND ONE MORE THING!!!

To hear more I dropped by the House of Mystery not too long ago and made it Shine!

Listen now at:  https://shows.acast.com/houseofmysteryradio/episodes/diane-bator-all-that-shines

CHEERS!!

Diane

Escape With a Writer. Tis the Season...

Yesterday we had rain. 

It was a great day to curl up inside with a good book - or even write one. 

Instead, I went out to pick up a few items at the nearby store then baked and prepped some dough for cookies. I'm looking forward to having one of my kids come home for a few days.

And preparing treats for his friends.

And getting Christmas cards ready to mail.

To be honest, I haven't sent out Christmas cards in so many years. Between my marriage ending, juggling jobs, kids, and life...the motivations just wasn't there.

Hello, 2020.

This was it. The year the world has gone a little crazy and most of us just need a lot more kindness and to know that other people are thinking about us when we feel locked away in our own little worlds.

I've been grateful this year to virtually meet some amazing people who I get to chat with a great deal even though we live across the planet from each other.

I'm able to be a part of meetings that I could never attend in person due to distance and time.

I have taken classes in things that interest me and able to learn at my own pace while I work from home.

My cats have become extremely attached to the point that if I go out for an hour, I get interrogated when I get home. They've become a bit more demanding know that I'm around 24/7!

And now comes Christmas....

Like everyone else, I've struggled with holiday cheer. Finding it. Keeping it. Sharing it.

Then I bought a couple packs of Christmas cards. At first, I only sent out cards to co-workers and a few writing friends. Until I got a virtual card from my publisher. Suddenly, it was simple to send cards to everyone I have hosted this year on Escape With a Writer. Friends and family who live across the country, and Facebook friends as well.

As a fun activity this season, one of my cousins posted that she wanted to exchange Christmas cards with recipes inside. One more rush to the store. But a surge of Christmas spirit and warmth. I can't wait to sit and decide which recipes to send people while I bask in the glow of my little tree. 

Nope, that isn't it. That is the tree that stands outside the building I normally work in. 

Mine is about 4 feet tall. LOL! It makes me smile because the ornaments on it are special to me.

Of course, I have to get in the "Buy my Book" part of the blog! 

One of the best ways to pass a winter day, is by reading. That's going to be part of my plan for the holidays. To read a few of those books that are on my TBR pile (To be read!) For now though, I hope you'll check out my books if you haven't already. 

The best place to start is with my Author page on my Publisher's website:  http://bookswelove.net/bator-diane/

As well, I've created a fun little video to tell you about each of my books. I hope you enjoy it!

Happy Holidays! (I'll save the Merry Christmas for The Big Day!)

Diane

 

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

Happy Holidays!

I've been taking time to play with some fun new ways of sharing my books! Granted, this video is a bit longer than I would like, but it does share ALL of my current novels! Next year, I'll go with the new ones since 2021 will be very busy with new releases!

A couple dates have changed but watch for new novels in April, a novella in August, and another great mystery in November 2021.

As well, I'm working on a whole new series AND possibly a Fantasy novel or two.

Never rest for the writer!

Nanowrimo went very well, which is why there is a fantasy novel on the way. A great little YA book called The Spirited Witch. I even have a fun cover drafted! Now this is where the patience kicks in. Edits then possibly submission to a few publishers after a few friends and their kids read it. 

Let's see where this thing goes!

What else is happening?

A TON of great authors on the Escape With a Writer blog posts and some of my own promotions all over the place. As well as some courses I've been taking behind the scenes and many Zoom calls and author chats.  Also getting to participate in meetings I would never be able to attend in person even without all the restrictions right now. 

Wow! Where some things in 2020 have brought me down, there have been a great deal of positives as well. I'll take them!

For now, I'm off to do more fun things and keep out of trouble (?) if that's possible.

Happy Holidays whichever wonderful one you celebrate! For me, that's Merry Christmas!

Wishing you love,

Diane