The Buzz on THE DUPLICITOUS DIVORCE

Now Re-Released!

THE DUPLICITOUS DIVORCE is case number Three in my popular Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series. For those of you not familiar with this series, click on the link for my Author Notes on THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO, case number one, and my Author Notes on THE ILL-GOTTEN INSURANCE, case number two.

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!

Things are heating up between our favorite fitness instructor and homicide lieutenant in THE DUPLICITOUS DIVORCE. As the title indicates, there’s something going on with a divorce or marriage. Some of the characters may or may not have been legally separated. Whatever’s going on, Minx finds herself embroiled in another dangerous case.

Artist’s rendering of a possible cover

DIVORCE... L.A. STYLE

Minx Tobin's latest client, Magda Boswell, complains that her new husband wants her dead. But maybe it's the old husband Magda should worry about. Or perhaps the old husband's new wife harbors murderous thoughts. Then again, Magda's longstanding boyfriend isn't too devoted, either. Minx gets mixed up in convoluted marital problems that just might end up in death... for her.

Los Angeles homicide lieutenant Gabe Harris can't believe his good luck. Not only does he win twenty thousand dollars, but more important, he persuades Minx to take a chance on him. But when Minx gets involved in another murder case, he finds the odds for her survival are not in her favor.

Desert Breeze Publishing published all six (to date) Minx Tobin novels. THE DUPLICITOUS DIVORCE has received great reviews including 5 stars from Goodreads!

The publishing rights are now returned to me. All six books will be republished with new covers! Here is THE DUPLICITOUS DIVORCE’s new look!

Divorce takes a deadly turn when Minx tries her hand at marriage counseling.

Amazon.com Ebook and Smashwords.com

Here is a book trailer for THE DUPLICITOUS DIVORCE:

This book is part of the Intriguing Mysteries line.

Here are some fabulous reviews:

5 Stars!--Goodreads.com

... The Duplicitous Divorce [is] a cozy mystery/romance by author Susanne Marie Knight. There is a first in this series, but I haven't had the opportunity to read it, yet. Minx Tobin, our heroine and amateur sleuth, is a personal trainer and aerobics instructor moved to CA from the east coast. She's not too interested in getting into another relationship (recent break) until she meets Lieutenant Gabe Harris (police force). And even after three books, they are still dancing around their emotions -- but getting closer. I doubt it will take them five seasons as it did for Laura and Remmington Steele... The next in the series, The Virtual Valentine, comes out this month. I like Minx. I like Gabe. I'm routing for them and wondering what sort of trouble Minx will stumble upon next.--Gloria Reviews

Minx is my favorite detective! I need my Minx fix!!!--S. M. Reviews

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Real life tidbit: I enjoy going to Las Vegas. What a great place to unwind! Minx, new to Los Angeles, hasn’t taken the drive over to Las Vegas until she receives tickets to a show given to her by one of her clients.

For my first visit, I stayed at the New York New York Hotel. I also tried the roller coaster, just as Minx and her good friend Sadie does. All I can say is--Wow! Below is a scene where you can experience how Minx and I felt!

The trip to the Entertainment Capital of the World took about five hours. Sadie had insisted on driving and Minx gladly took her up on her offer. Once they arrived in Las Vegas, Minx was even more glad. Traffic on that hugely wide and famous Strip was absolutely insane.

By the time they reached their hotel, New York-New York, it was two o’clock. They’d requested early check in, dropped off their suitcases, and were ready to play tourist and see the sights.

First up was the Roller Coaster that circled the familiar skyline of New York. Strapped into the seat with Sadie by her side, Minx coasted up high in the air, dropped back down, then turned and twisted one hundred eighty degrees--to make for the longest few minutes of her life.

After the ride was over, Minx walked on wobbly legs. Good thing she hadn’t eaten lunch. Her stomach would’ve been hard pressed not to eject its contents.

Sadie, on the other hand, took the coaster ride like a pro. “That was fun. Wanna go again?”

“Um, no.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I hope you enjoy Minx and Gabe’s adventures. There are lots more surprises in store for them as the series progresses. Case Number Four is THE VIRTUAL VALENTINE.

Happy reading,

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

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

The Buzz on THE ILL-GOTTEN INSURANCE--Released!

Now Re-Released!

THE ILL-GOTTEN INSURANCE is case number two in my popular Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series. For those of you not familiar with this series, click on the link for my Author Notes on THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO, case number one.

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!

As with every book in the series, the title reveals a lot about the story. You might wonder, “How can life insurance be ill-gotten?” In this case, if the “deceased” isn’t really deceased, then.... Well, you get the picture!

Artist’s rendering of a possible cover

DEAD AGAIN

An odd string of coincidences leads Minx Tobin to an old friend, Bill Gutierrez. Only Bill died five years ago. Before Minx has a chance to question the man, he turns up dead... again, with a slip of paper in his pocket with her name on it. Whether she likes it or not, Minx is involved in another murder. Will the Case of the Ill-gotten Insurance turn out to be deadly for her as well?

Los Angeles homicide lieutenant Gabe Harris regrets that the fitness trainer who piqued his interest is a murder suspect once again. But at least he has a legitimate reason to see Minx. Maybe he can even convince her to go out with him. And maybe he can prevent L.A.’s newest murderer from adding Minx to his... or her fatality list.

Desert Breeze Publishing published all six (to date) Minx Tobin novels and have received great reviews including 4.5 stars from Sensual Reads and 5 stars from Single Titles Reviews.

The publishing rights are now returned to me. All six books will be republished with new covers! Here is THE ILL-GOTTEN INSURANCE’S new look!

Minx’s dead friend turns up alive... but not for long. Will the life insurance have to be paid twice?

Amazon.com and Smashwords.com

Here is a popular book trailer for THE ILL-GOTTEN INSURANCE:

This book is part of the Intriguing Mysteries line.

Here are some fabulous reviews:

4 Hearts! Susanne Marie Knight pens another thriller in this series. The lives of the rich and famous overlap with those who work for a living. Character building and dialogue are great. The suspense as Minx confronts a killer is edge of your seat. For a woman whose intuition and people skills in a case are superb, Minx doesn't seem to do well communicating with Gabe. He's a macho man with a heart of gold but doesn't let Minx see much of his better side. Gabe's friend, Sgt. Antonio Atwell and his family are a priceless addition that really give the tale a boost. The author does a great job blending everyday people, some of whom are a bit creepy, with the suspects. Associates we meet at the fitness Emporium, especially the guys, will pique the memories of those forgettable dates we had before finding Mr. Right for many women. This is a fun series--The Romance Studio

The Ill-gotten Insurance, the second installment in the Minx Tobin Case books, will not only keep you turning the pages until you reach the end of the story, it will have you seeking out the first of Ms. Knight’s Minx Tobin Case books if you have not already read it. The author’s fluent writing style which brings her characters alive, warts and all. Her ability to capture the outrage of the rich implicated in the murder along side her depiction of the hero and heroine and their supporting cast creates plenty of friction as some of those characters are simply ‘way-out’ weird... Ms. Knight offers characters you will want to get to know even better, characters you are still rooting for at the conclusion of The Ill-gotten Insurance. The story is packed with a gallery full of suspects and enough twists and turns to satisfy any reader.--Long and Short Reviews.

I don't normally read mystery, but I'm enjoying your book, Susanne Marie Knight. I just started it a while ago and already I'm hooked.--J. L.

Minx and Gabe need to get together!!--C. K.

I can't wait to read these books!--T. D.

Awesome book!--R.C. WordPress

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When I started this series, I had no idea Minx would have a background in art. She surprised me! Many moons ago, as she says, she took drawing classes in high school. I did as well, attending New York’s High School of Music and Art. Nor did I know that there is actually a type of gun called the .22 short, Beretta Minx. That certainly came in handy, and naturally the gun figures in the mystery.

Here’s a scene where Antonio Atwell, Gabe’s trusty sergeant, has a bit of fun with his lieutenant.

A crime scene investigator walked over with a pencil threaded through the trigger guard of a semiautomatic pistol. “Lieutenant Harris, we discovered this Beretta under the flat screened TV.”

As Gabe eyed the weapon, Antonio remained strangely quiet. Gabe darted a quick glance at his sergeant, then returned his attention to the pistol. “Small caliber, .22, easily fits into a woman’s purse, but is still deadly effective.”

He dismissed the investigator, then fixed his sights on his sergeant. Someone of Antonio’s advanced age of sixty two shouldn’t be smirking at his superior officer. “Okay, what the hell am I missing here, Sergeant?”

“What was the manufacturer’s name for that semiautomatic again, Lieutenant?”

“Geez it, you want me to examine the damn thing? This a test? It was a Beretta--”

“Full name?”

Gabe frowned. The name was important? He narrowed his gaze in the pistol’s direction. “.22 short, Beretta Minx.”

Minx! Hell’s bells, he hadn’t thought of that woman, that fitness instructor, since, well, since last week. Truth be told, he thought about her a lot, considering he actually hadn’t seen her in two months from the time of the arrest in the Neal Loehman murder case.

Not that he was serious about Minx Tobin, or anything. They’d never dated, unless that aborted Mexican dinner where she walked out on him could’ve been called a date. Hell, she’d never even called him by his first name.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And here’s another inside scoop: the widely popular 80s movie, Ghostbusters, plays a role in the Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series. In fact, Minx’s name is based on a line from the movie. There’s a scene near the end where Bill Murray’s character watches the aerobatics of the "god" Zoser, and then says "Nimble little minx." My family just loves that line! Also, a reference in the movie to “Tobin’s Spirit Guide” is responsible for Minx’s last name. So there you have it! In addition, the dedication in THE ILL-GOTTEN INSURANCE is to our beloved ghostbusters: Bill, Dan, Harry, and Ernest.

I hope you enjoy Minx and Gabe’s adventures. There are lots more surprises in store for them as the series progresses. Case Number Three is THE DUPLICITOUS DIVORCE.

Happy reading,

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

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

The Buzz on THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO

Now Re-Released!

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. Voilà! 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 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.

he publishing rights are now returned to me. All six books will be republished with new covers! THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO is now available! Here is the new look!

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 and Smashwords.com

Click here to view the popular book trailer for THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIPP0MJtnTs

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 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.

5 Stars! A nice way to pass the time!--M.J.

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!--N.W.

4 Stars! This book is one that is a good way to spend a few hours on a cold winter day. Not a cliffhanger.--Amazon.com Reviews

4 Stars! Good ending. Kept me guessing until the end.--J. Amazon Reviews.

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

Your mystery series is great!--C.K.

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

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Happy reading,

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

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

FEBRUARY FUNNIES

Ahhh, love. How blissful and how sweet everything everything is with the anticipation of Valentine’s Day.  But flowers will wilt, candy will be eaten, and Spring is still a month away. Alas, the reality of the harshness of winter is still upon us.

Brrr! So what can we do to keep our spirits up? LAUGH! Yep, laughter is a *terrific* stress buster. Here’s a dose of February Funnies to bring that smile to your face while you wait for Spring to melt away the snow.

These entries were sent to the Washington Post a few years ago. The competition asked for a rhyme with the most romantic first line... but the least romantic second line.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thought that I could love no other... That is until I met your brother!

Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you.

But the roses are wilting, the violets are dead, the sugar bowl's empty and so is your head!

Of loving beauty you float with grace... If only you could hide your face!

Love may be beautiful, love may be bliss... But I only slept with you because I was pissed!

Kind, intelligent, loving and hot;... This describes everything you are not!

I want to feel your sweet embrace... But don't take that paper bag off of your face!

I love your smile, your face, and your eyes... Damn, I'm good at telling lies!

My darling, my lover, my beautiful wife:... Marrying you screwed up my life!

I see your face when I am dreaming.... That's why I always wake up screaming!

My love, you take my breath away.... What have you stepped in to smell this way?

My feelings for you no words can tell,... Except for maybe "go to hell"! [OUCH!]

What inspired this amorous rhyme?... Two parts vodka, one part lime!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Laughter truly is the best medicine. A research study showed that the average child laughs 150 times a day, while the average adult laughs only 15 times... if that. Why should children have all the fun?? So go ahead and smile. Maybe you’ll end up with a belly-whooper of a laugh, which will also help strengthen your immune system. P.S. A smile also gives you an instant face lift!!

Susanne

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

https://twitter.com/susanneknight

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE MINX TOBIN MURDER MYSTERY SERIES--BOOK 1 REISSUED!

THE MINX TOBIN MURDER MYSTERY SERIES is now available at Amazon.com and Smashwords.com! Minx’s first case, 5 star THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO, is the first book reissued. Stay tuned for the five other books in the series.

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!

Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series:

THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO--Case 1

THE ILL-GOTTEN INSURANCE--Case 2

THE DUPLICITOUS DIVORCE--Case 3

THE VIRTUAL VALENTINE--Case 4

THE YULETIDE YORKSHIRE--Case 5

THE EMBEZZLED ENVELOPE--Case 6

Here is THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO’s new cover!

Amazon.com and Smashwords.com

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?

Here is a popular book trailer for THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIPP0MJtnTs

All six books in the series are part of the Intriguing Mysteries line.

I hope you enjoy Minx and Gabe’s adventures. There are lots more surprises in store for them as the series progresses.

Happy reading,

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

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

THE MINX TOBIN MURDER MYSTERY SERIES--REISSUED!

Stay Tuned! THE MINX TOBIN MURDER MYSTERY SERIES will soon be available at Amazon.com and Smashwords.com! Minx’s first case, 5 star THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO, will be the first book reissued. Coming very soon!

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!

Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series:

THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO--Case 1

THE ILL-GOTTEN INSURANCE--Case 2

THE DUPLICITOUS DIVORCE--Case 3

THE VIRTUAL VALENTINE--Case 4

THE YULETIDE YORKSHIRE--Case 5

THE EMBEZZLED ENVELOPE--Case 6

Here’s a preview of THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO’s new cover!

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?

Here is a popular book trailer for THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO:

All six books in the series are part of the Intriguing Mysteries line.

I hope you enjoy Minx and Gabe’s adventures. There are lots more surprises in store for them as the series progresses.

Happy reading,

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

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