Monday, June 27, 2016

The Buzz on THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO

Breaking news! THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO in ebook form is now FREE at many internet sites including Amazon.com. Click on the link for Amazon.

Back to the Buzz: Writing a series had been on my to-do list for a while. But what kind of series and what would it feature? After some thought, I decided to do a murder mystery series with romance mixed in, along with the character solving a murder. VoilĂ ! The Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series was born with THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO as the first case.

Who is Minx Tobin, you ask? Minx is a fitness instructor newly relocated to Los Angeles, California, who has a knack for solving puzzles--puzzles concerning dead bodies. For fun, romance, and... unexpected corpses, follow her adventures in this murder mystery series!

For the Minx Tobin series, I like to plot a story on the basis of the title. I also enjoy the challenge of creating a meaningful title with the two words starting with the same letter. Strange but true! Beginning this series is The Bloodstained Bistro. Naturally, the bistro location figured prominently in the book.


Artist’s rendering of a possible cover

TO LIVE... AND DIE IN L.A.
Newly relocated Minx Tobin likes to help her friends. She also has a knack for solving puzzles. A huge puzzle in the form of a dead body soon gets dropped into her lap. Did waitress Brandi Evans murder her ex-boyfriend? Minx doesn't think so, but can she crack the Case of the Bloodstained Bistro?

Overworked homicide lieutenant Gabe Harris has his fill of women... and dead bodies. The women he can handle. The dead bodies -- unfortunately they keep piling up. But on this particular case he meets a young woman that not only impedes his investigation, but she also has no interest in him. A healthy ego like his can't handle that. He'll have to keep an eye on Ms. Minx Tobin.

Here’s a picture of me conferring with the legendary detective, Sherlock Holmes on Minx Tobin’s latest case!


Desert Breeze Publishing has published all six (to date) Minx Tobin novels which have received great reviews including 5 stars from Single Titles Reviews, 5 and 4 stars from Goodreads, and 4 stars from Amazon. The books are available both electronically and in print.




Eating at Valentin's Bistro can be hazardous to amateur detective Minx Tobin's health, so why does she continue to dine at this restaurant?

Amazon.com Ebook Amazon.com Print


Here is a popular book trailer for THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO:


This book is part of the Intriguing Mysteries line.

Here are some fabulous reviews:

4 Stars! Minx stirs the pot in a romantic suspense that will have you turning the page. Knight's story is a delightful feast for the suspense lover's soul. The writing is crisp, and the cast of characters are entertaining. [She] has created a vibrant and dynamic cast of characters. Each character has a distinctive voice... The novel is sweet for romance readers with Gabe and Minx sharing a tender touch. THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO takes the reader along for the ride with Minx in the driver's seat.--Sally Pink Reviews.

4 Stars! Knight's story is a delightful feast for the suspense's lovers soul. The writing is crisp, and the cast of characters are entertaining. The novel is sweet for romance readers with Gabe and Minx sharing a tender touch. "The Bloodstained Bistro" takes the reader along for the ride with Minx in the driver's seat.--EZine Articles.

Minx Tobin is caught in the middle of a murder when a customer of the Elite Exercise Emporium is arrested. She is sure the young woman didn't do it and begins to ask questions. However, her sleuthing brings her to the attention of Lieutenant Gabe Harris and there is something about him that annoys Minx. And Gabe deliberately bugs her by using her first name, something she considers bad manners. This is the first in the Minx Tobin series by talented author Susanne Marie Knight and you'll be waiting for the next one, just to see what happens next. The hint of romance blended in, promise sparks will fly. I'm pleased to recommend The Bloodstained Bistro to any mystery fan. The interesting settings and characters will keep you reading. Enjoy. I did.--Mysteryfiction.net.

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! I can't tell you how much I enjoyed THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO--it's fantastic! And I'm so excited to read the next book in the series. All the characters are wonderful!--Nancy W.

Minx and Gabe are a match made in heaven. I love mysteries. Combined with romance, they are irresistible. Luck in all you do.--Patricia A.

Your mystery series is great!--Carole K.

Susanne's new book is 'GREAT'!! VERY interesting! Congratulations to Susanne!--Michele T.

I have been wanting to read this book, Susanne. I can't wait!--Tami D.

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Now for the slices of real life. Inspiration for Minx came from my own fitness background; I worked for an exercise program shown on public television--behind the scenes. This experience also came in handy when I wrote my English murder mystery TAINTED TEA FOR TWO. I always admired personal fitness trainers who made exercise look so easy!

And speaking of personal, Minx Tobin’s stomach tends to talk when she’s hungry. I confess; mine does too! This can be embarrassing, but does serve a purpose when advancing the story line. Here’s an example. Minx is getting ready to leave L.A.P.D Headquarters when Homicide Lieutenant Gabe Harris walks over to her car in the parking lot.

Harris nodded. "What are you doing at headquarters?"

"Leaving." Minx’s actions weren't any of his business, thank goodness.

He folded his arms across his chest, and for some reason, she reconsidered her answer. Maybe he subtly intimidated her. "I thought I'd visit Brandi Evans to cheer her up, but she's at the medical clinic."

There. Minx fulfilled her duty as obedient citizen, didn't she? As she extended her arm with the key toward the car lock, her stomach growled. Loudly. Loud enough to be heard. She felt herself flush.

"Hungry?" he asked with a touch of humor lightening his voice.

Why bother answering the obvious? She turned the key in the lock. Her stomach spoke again.

From out of the blue, Harris said, "I'll take you to dinner."

She bristled. "Will you?" The nerve of the man! He just assumed she would acquiesce, that she'd be grateful. He didn't ask her, he told her. Well, he had another thing coming.

"I'm not that hungry, Lieutenant." Unfortunately, her traitorous tummy denied her words. She finished unlocking the car door, looking for a swift escape.

He leaned closer, and she could smell his masculine scent. Her heart beat faster. Why? Anticipation?

"Look, Ms. Tobin, I'm off duty. I need dinner and so do you. Why don't we eat together?"

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I hope you enjoy Minx and Gabe’s adventures. There are lots more surprises in store for them as the series progresses. Case Number Two is THE ILL-GOTTEN INSURANCE.

Happy reading,

Susanne Marie Knight
Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!