Last week, my contract for Too Many Women in the Room was finalized by editor Kinan Werdski and Publisher Rhonda Penders of The Wild Rose Press.
This is the second book in the Gilda Greco Mystery Series and will include many of the characters from A Season for Killing Blondes and several new ones, among them a charismatic Greek chef.
Logline
Eight women have eight different motives for wanting to kill a lecherous photographer. One woman succeeds.
Coming Spring 2017!
Bestselling author Louise Penny does not mince words. In a recent article, she offered the following advice: “If you’re writing your first work of crime fiction, place the body near the beginning of your book—preferably on the first page, perhaps the first sentence. In later books this won’t be as necessary, but agents and editors like it established early, so readers know what they’re getting.”
Excellent advice, but not always possible, as I discovered during the writing of my first novel, A Season for Killing Blondes. After much deliberation and experimentation, I was able to introduce the dead body on Page 3, close enough to the beginning of the book.
As for the first two pages, I decided to highlight the Italian flavor of the cozy mystery.
Continue reading on B.K. Stevens’ blog.
Received a 5* review of A Season for Killing Blondes from Michelle Stanley at the Readers’ Favorite website.
Molte grazie!
Blurb
Hours before the opening of her career counseling practice, Gilda Greco discovers the dead body of golden girl Carrie Ann Godfrey, neatly arranged in the dumpster outside her office. Gilda’s life and budding career are stalled as Detective Carlo Fantin, her former high school crush, conducts the investigation.
When three more dead blondes turn up all brutally strangled and deposited near Gilda’s favorite haunts, she is pegged as a prime suspect for the murders. Frustrated by Carlo’s chilly detective persona and the mean girl antics of Carrie Ann’s meddling relatives, Gilda decides to launch her own investigation. She discovers a gaggle of suspects, among them a yoga instructor in need of anger management training, a lecherous photographer, and fourteen ex-boyfriends.
As the puzzle pieces fall into place, shocking revelations emerge, forcing Gilda to confront the envy and deceit she has long overlooked.
Reviews
“A well-written, character-driven murder mystery that genuinely had me scratching my head until the very end wondering who dun’ it!?”
The Romance Reviews
“Guidoccio creates her latest mystery with stylish yet easy to follow writing and a plot that keeps you on your toes, without becoming convoluted. The sense of community that runs alongside the mystery of the novel was quite engaging.” Pure Jonel
“Character-driven and suspenseful enough to keep readers on the edge of their seats without an undue gore factor, this read is well-thought out and delightfully conceived.” InD’Tale Magazine
“The story builds slowly, letting you know many of the characters and leading you on a merry chase. It’s good entertainment and thoroughly enjoyable.”
The Reading Cafe
“This story grabbed me from the very start, I literally could not put it down. It is to be devoured like a decadent dessert and finished with a strong espresso!!”
Miss Lill
Buy Links
Amazon Canada | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon Australia | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
On sale for 99¢ today and tomorrow
In 1984, London Life Insurance came up with a uniquely Canadian slogan – Freedom 55.
Each time I saw the commercial of the middle-aged couple walking along the beach, enjoying a sunset, or engaging in water sports, I imagined my own retirement: extended holidays as a snowbird, launching a non-profit, starting a counseling practice. A little different but compelling enough to keep me dreaming of my own freedom years.
Why not leave the workforce at age 55 and devote the remaining 25 to 30 years of my life to my passions.
Continue reading on Brenda Whiteside’s blog.
Guelph author Joanne Guidoccio’s newest novel, A Season for Killing Blondes, has everything a mystery lover could want: a heroine in distress, an old flame from her past, vexing villains and, of course, a series of gristly murders.
Read the rest of the review and interview on the Guelph Public Library blog.
L-R Fred Thursfield, Catherine Astolfo, Rick Blechta, Joanne Guidoccio, Scott Stockdale
Can a crime writer go too far?
This was the theme of Saturday’s panel discussion on “Prose and Cons” in Brantford, Ontario. I participated, along with four other published mystery and crime authors: Catherine Astolfo, Rick Blechta, Scott Stockdale, and Fred Thursfield.
The hour-long discussion flew by as we answered thought-provoking questions about the perils of presenting perfect crimes, morally appropriate happy endings, and our own personal boundaries regarding writing choices. We also welcomed questions from the audience.
Thanks to Programs and Outreach Coordinator Robin Harding for organizing this event, one of six in the Mystery Month series at the Brantford Public Library.
At podium: Deb Quaile
L-R: Donna Warner, Gloria Ferris, Joanne Guidoccio, Alison Bruce
Yesterday evening, I participated in a lively panel discussion with three other mystery writers at the main branch of the Guelph Public Library. We are all published authors and members of Crime Writers of Canada.
We read excerpts from our recent novels and shared our experiences in researching, writing, editing, and marketing our books. We delved into a variety of topics, among them mystery genres, humour in writing, query letters, dealing with rejection, self publishing vs traditional publishing, and social media.
Thanks to librarians Andrea Curtis and Deb Quaile for organizing and facilitating this event.
To learn more about Guelph Partners in Crime, visit our websites:
I’m visiting Marsha West’s blog and chatting about my writing journey and A Season for Killing Blondes.
If you have a few minutes, drop by Marsha’s blog.
I’m visiting S.D. Skye’s blog and chatting about my writing journey and A Season for Killing Blondes.
If you have a few minutes, drop by Starla’s blog.
Joanne Guidoccio 