In the spring of 2001, I enrolled in the Career Development Practitioner Program at Conestoga College in nearby Kitchener, Ontario. After meeting with the course director, I sat down and meticulously planned the next seven years of my life.
I would continue teaching full-time during the day and take one online course each trimester. I even selected the order so that the more demanding courses would be taken during the summer months. Upon completion of the program, I would spend two summers interning in preparation for retirement and the launch of ReCareering, a counseling practice that would cater to boomers.
This Friday marks the official release of Too Many Women in the Room, Book 2 of the Gilda Greco Mystery Series.
Here’s one last peek…
I turned and came face-to-face with Carlo’s daughter and her two sons. Tania’s facial features tightened as she gave me the once-over. “It’s his day off, you know.” She stepped closer. “He didn’t need this aggravation.”
So much of Carlo could be found in her crystal clear blue eyes and strong jaw. And the twins were miniature Carlos. Regardless of my feelings toward her, I couldn’t ignore the DNA I loved and admired. I didn’t want to lose my temper in front of the children, so I chose my words carefully. “What happened last night wasn’t my fault.”
“But you were there. And—” She turned and knelt down in front of her children. “Why don’t you go inside and surprise Grandpa? If you can’t find him, drop by Irina’s office.” She smirked in my direction.
So, there was something brewing between Carlo and Irina. Or maybe Tania dropped that morsel to upset me. I don’t imagine she would be too pleased with any woman who put the moves on her father. And a young, beautiful siren would be less welcome than me. Or maybe not. I didn’t know Tania well enough to know who she would approve of as a potential stepmother.
Both boys clapped their hands and ran toward the entrance. Tania waited until they reached the building before turning in my direction. Her blue eyes blazed. “Don’t you get it? He still feels responsible for you and believes you need protecting.” She paused to take a breath. “Or maybe you do and you’re manipulating events again. I wouldn’t put anything past you.”
Was she accusing me of murder? “I had nothing to do with Michael Taylor’s death. After Luke watches the security tapes from my building, I’ll be off the hook.”
“How convenient for you.” She stepped closer. “Everything has always worked out for you, hasn’t it? You win a lottery. You get cleared of murders you provoke. You play Lady Bountiful and buy love and affection. You get my father—”
“Stop right there. I don’t provoke murders. I don’t hold myself responsible for anyone else’s behavior. As for Carlo, he’s free to see me or not.” Her Lady Bountiful comment hit a bit too close to home. After winning the lottery, I had paid off loans and major debts. It did cement several relationships, but it also created acrimony among friends and relatives who believed they should have received more.
“Well, prepare for more of not. The last nine days have been bliss for me and my sons. We are a balanced group of four, and we don’t need a fifth wheel.”
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.
A Season for Killing Blondes is officially available today!
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.
Thanks to the following bloggers for participating in today’s release.
Nights of Passion
Padme’s Library
NerdyChampagne
Alice’s Book Wonderland
Flame Resistant Udies Romance Reviews
Steamy Book Momma
Lovin’ Danger blog
Us Girls & A Book
Craves the Angst Book Blog
Ogitchida Kwe’s Book Blog
A Dirty Book Affair
A Bibliophobia Anonymous Book Reviews
My Life Loves and Passion
JBiggarBlog
Undercover Book Reviews
RoloPoloBookBlog
Books and Authors
Em & M Books
Marie’s Cozy Corner
Page By Page Inside-Out Reviews & Promotion
Happily Ever Chapter
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too!
LibriAmoriMiei
Special thanks to Book Partners in Crime Promotions!
Yesterday, my contract for A Different Kind of Reunion was finalized by Editor Kinan Werdski and Publisher Rhonda Penders of The Wild Rose Press.
In the spring of 2001, I enrolled in the Career Development Practitioner Program at Conestoga College in nearby Kitchener, Ontario. After meeting with the course director, I sat down and meticulously planned the next seven years of my life.
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.
Today, I’m live on Stephen Campbell’s Crime Fiction Podcast.
Joanne Guidoccio 