The Buzz on THE EMBEZZLED ENVELOPE

Now Re-Released!

THE EMBEZZLED ENVELOPE is case number Six in my popular Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series. For those of you not familiar with this series, click on the link for:

1. my Author Notes on THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO, case number one,
2. my Author Notes on THE ILL-GOTTEN INSURANCE, case number two,
3.  my Author Notes on THE DUPLICITOUS DIVORCE, case number three,
4. my Author Notes on THE VIRTUAL VALENTINE, case number four,
5. my Author Notes on THE YULETIDE YORKSHIRE, case number five.

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!

The six case in the Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series focuses on an old crime that comes back to haunt one of Minx’s friends. You know the one: the Elite Exercise Emporium’s resident hunk, Dallas Porter. :))

FRIENDS DON’T LET FRIENDS... GET MURDERED

An old embezzling charge comes back to haunt Minx’s friend, Dallas Porter. Not only that, he’s now the prime suspect in a murder case. If she doesn’t help him, he could get convicted. But if she does help him, the murderer just might retaliate. How can Minx clear her friend... and not get killed?

Homicide Lieutenant Gabe Harris wants to start the New Year off right. His main resolution is to keep his new fiancée out of trouble. But trouble zeroes in on Minx, whether she looks for it or not. Why do murders and Minx seem to go together?

Artist’s rendering of a possible cover

Desert Breeze Publishing published all six (to date) Minx Tobin novels. THE EMBEZZLED ENVELOPE has received great reviews including FIVE Stars from Single Titles Review.

The publishing rights are now returned to me. All six books are now republished with new covers! Here is THE EMBEZZLED ENVELOPE’s new look!

An old embezzlement case takes on a new twist: murder. When Minx tries to clear her good friend’s name, she gets burned... literally.

Amazon.com and Smashwords.com

Here is a book trailer for THE EMBEZZLED ENVELOPE: 

This book is part of the Intriguing Mysteries line.

Here are some great reviews!

FIVE STARS! The sixth book of the Minx Tobin Mysteries, Susanne Marie Knight takes the newly engaged Minx and Gabe and plops them in the middle of a complex case that involves one of Minx’s co-workers. Minx tries to stay away from murder investigations, but they always seem to end up on her doorstep. While the Homicide department solves most of the cases on Gabe’s desk, the murder case where Dallas Porter is the prime suspect is getting more complicated each day. New suspects are identified only to become victims themselves. Ms. Knight knows how to weave a murder mystery with lots of humor, unbelievable plot twists and a satisfying love story to keep the reader glued to the page. Can Gabe find the real murder before Minx becomes the next victim?--Single Titles Review

This is a fantastic book! When is the next book in this exciting series coming out?--C.B. {Editor's note: Six Minx Tobin Mysteries are now available for purchase in ebook and print.}

Real life tidbit: I’m extremely lucky to have my own office space. I like to decorate the room with reference books, pictures, business supplies, etc. Yep, I’m a *junkie* for colorful paperclips, file dividers, envelopes--you name it! In THE EMBEZZLED ENVELOPE, Minx also deals with a few envelopes--and at least two of them happen to cause more damage than just a paper cut!

Scene Setup: At the Elite Exercise Emporium, Minx’s co-worker and friend, Sadie, delivers a mysterious envelope.

“Hey, got something for you.” Sadie reached under the counter and pulled out a sealed white envelope. Neatly typed on it were the words, “For Minx Tobin.”

Minx took it. “What’s this?”

“Don’t know. Was in the drop box we have right out front. Maybe it’s a piece of fan mail.”

“Fan mail, that’s a laugh.” Minx ripped the envelope and removed the flyer inside. After giving it a quick glance, she crumpled the paper and threw it into the wastebasket behind the counter. Her hand stung a bit so she wiped her palm on the yoga pants.

“What was it? A love letter from Hugh Jackman?” Sadie batted her cornflower blue eyes.

“Nothing so exciting. Just a twenty percent off sale on exercise clothes. Some new boutique shop opening just down the block.”

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

I hope you enjoy Minx and Gabe’s adventures!

Happy reading,

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

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

The Buzz on THE YULETIDE YORKSHIRE

Now Re-Released!

THE YULETIDE YORKSHIRE is case number Five 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, my Author Notes on THE ILL-GOTTEN INSURANCE case number two, my Author Notes on THE DUPLICITOUS DIVORCE.and my Author Notes on THE VIRTUAL VALENTINE, case number four.

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!

The fifth case in the Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series takes place during Christmas. Yuletide and a darling Yorkshire play important roles in this novel. Naturally, the doggie’s name had to be Yo-Yo, the yuletide Yorkshire! :))

HO, HO, HO... OH!

Home for the holidays, Minx Tobin introduces her parents to her homicide lieutenant, Gabe Harris. Unfortunately for her, her ex-fiancé Jared drops in on them, creating friction. But Jared soon needs Minx’s help in the sleuthing department because a gruesome “present” is found under the tree. Once again, Minx is hot on the trail of a desperate killer.

All Gabe wants to do is propose to the woman he loves. Instead, he has to deal with a cast of East Coast characters, including an unexpected murder. Why do dead bodies always seem follow Minx Tobin??

Artist’s rendering of a possible cover

Desert Breeze Publishing published all six Minx Tobin novels. THE YULETIDE YORKSHIRE has received great reviews including FIVE Stars from Goodreads and 4.5 Stars from Sensual Reads! 

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

Minx finds something unexpected under the Christmas tree. Unfortunately, it wasn’t something left by Santa.

Amazon.com and Smashwords.com

Here is a book trailer for THE YULETIDE YORKSHIRE:

This book is part of the Intriguing Mysteries line.

Here are some great reviews:

5 STARS! Goodreads.com

4 1/2 STARS! Once more Minx finds herself in the middle of the action, but this time she has the help of an experienced police officer to wade through the clues. Add to the mix an intelligent Yorkshire terrier who knows exactly where all the bodies are buried, and you have a team that cannot be beat. With lots of humor to keep things lively, Ms. Knight has the reader guessing until the she reveals the killer’s identity.--Sensual Reads

4 STARS! "This is Minx’s fifth case, but it’s the first time I’ve read this author’s work. Ms. Knight does a nice job of creating a cozy mystery that's a bit unusual. Who expects your next door neighbor to be shot to death? She gives you enough suspects, all with motive, so it’s not obvious right away who the culprit is. The author writes a story that flows well and includes some jealousy because the next door neighbor’s son was once engaged to Minx and Gabe isn’t sure the attraction is completely over. As Gabe works with Minx to solve this murder, the local cop is unhappy because they are messing in his case and he’s acting a bit funny towards Minx, too. Poor Gabe… The author writes a good drama/trauma story with almost everyone being a bit guilty for some reason. She also gets you into the romance between Minx and Gabe and you find yourself hoping neither one of them will be bullheaded enough to ruin their budding romance. Ms. Knight kept my attention and kept me reading to see just how she would end the story. I was not disappointed. If you like a good cozy mystery, get a cup of tea and find a comfortable chair. This one will fill the bill for you. Why not see if you can identify the murderer before Minx? I think you’ll be surprised by the way it turns out. --Long and Short Reviews

I love Minx Tobin! My favorite Who-Done-It series!--S.C. Reviews

This is a great mystery!--C.B. Reviews

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

Real life tidbit: Just look at this adorable puppy!! Wouldn’t you want to see him as a holiday gift?

Well, the truth of it is, I’m a cat person, so my tastes run more to Siamese kitties. Here’s a picture of my beloved little guy who is now in kitty heaven.

Christmas isn’t the same without him running around under the tree, tearing with all the wrappings and making mischief. Fortunately, I now have a grandkitty who upholds this madcap tradition!

 

Of course, I’m partial (!) but isn’t he the sweetest little kitty?

Scene Setup: Minx lets Yo-Yo out in the snowy backyard, but now he scratches to get back inside... soon to cause havoc in Minx’s parents’ house!

Minx heard a scratching at the back door. “That must be Yo-Yo. I’ll let him in.” She walked over to the kitchen door, then opened it an inch.

The dog dashed through the opening like a shot from a gun. He disappeared into the living room.

Walking back into the living room, she asked, “Where’s Yo-Yo?”

Gabe munched on a cookie. “The dog flew out of the kitchen then dove under the tree.”

“Stupid dog,” her brother Eddie muttered.

Invisible, Yo-Yo softly whimpered. A mound of boxes shook with the dog’s movements.

Minx got to her knees and methodically moved aside presents to get to the terrier. “It’s okay, Yo-Yo. Come on out. You must be frozen, you poor thing.”

“All this fuss for a dog,” Eddie continued to mutter from the lounger.

Still hidden, Yo-Yo persisted in his whining. Biting her lip, Minx glanced at Gabe. Worry pierced her heart. What if the dear little guy had gotten hurt?

Finally she spotted Yo-Yo’s golden tan coat, then his dark, button eyes. “Here, baby. Come to me.”

She lifted the dog from the masses of presents, then although he was icy, hugged him to her chest and tried to warm him.

Gabe leaned forward in his chair. A thoughtful expression entered his cool blue eyes. “He’s got something in his mouth. Something gold.”

Did Yo-Yo have another Christmas gift for her?

Eddie made a move toward the dog. “Yeah, it’s shiny. Lemme get it out of his--”

Yo-Yo snarled at him.

“What’s gotten into Yo-Yo?” Minx adjusted the dog’s position so she had a better view of his face. A wide gold hoop extended out from his mouth.

It was an earring. An earring she recognized from last night.

Swallowing down her apprehension, Minx coaxed the jewelry hoop from the dog. Yo-Yo unclamped his grip, allowing the earring to fall into the palm of her outstretched hand.

She stared at the bright, gleaming gold hoop. Something was wrong with the earring. Something her eyes refused to see, but she forced herself to look again at the jewelry piece. Attached to the gold post was a small lump of beige. She peered closer. Part of this fleshy chunk was rounded, the other part ragged, torn.

A shudder traveled down Minx’s spine. “Oh my gosh! It’s an earlobe.”

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

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

Happy reading,

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

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

The Buzz on THE VIRTUAL VALENTINE

Now Re-Released!

THE VIRTUAL VALENTINE is case number Four 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, my Author Notes on THE ILL-GOTTEN INSURANCE case number two, and my Author Notes on THE DUPLICITOUS DIVORCE.

Minx Tobin 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 you can deduce from the title, THE VIRTUAL VALENTINE has something to do with an online dating site. And, of course, Minx once again finds herself in a world of hurt... nothing virtual about it.

KISSES CAN BE DEADLY

The serial killer stalking Los Angeles will soon be served his just deserts. But that doesn’t mean Minx Tobin is out of danger. First, there’s a crank caller. Then her tire is slashed. Quite possibly, her throat is next. But if the throat-slashing murderer is out of the picture, then who has it in for Minx?

Gabe Harris works two full-time jobs. First is solving murders as homicide lieutenant for LAPD. Second is trying to keep his new girlfriend, Minx, out of danger. But this time, she isn’t to blame for her predicament. Gabe’s job is proving hazardous to her health.

Artist’s rendering of a possible cover

Desert Breeze Publishing published all six (to date) Minx Tobin novels. THE VIRTUAL VALENTINE has received great reviews including FIVE Stars from Goodreads and 4.5 Stars from Sensual Reads! All books are available both electronically and in print.

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

Online serial dater turns out to be a serial killer. But when Death claims this murderer, why is Minx also in danger?

Amazon.com and Smashwords.com.

Here is a book trailer for THE VIRTUAL VALENTINE:

This book is part of the Intriguing Mysteries line.

Here are some great reviews:

4.5 Stars! In this delightful story filled with suspense and lots of humor, Ms. Knight gives the reader a murder mystery that will satisfy any taste. Minx and Gabe’s developing love is added to the mix seamlessly. I cannot wait to see what will happen to Minx and Gabe next.--Sensual Reads

5 STARS--GoodReads

I really loved this book. I can't wait to read the first 3!--C.B.

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

Real life tidbit: I included an interest of mine in THE VIRTUAL VALENTINE--Lewis Carroll’s fantasy world. In my book, I created a café called the Mimsy Grove, based on Carroll’s poem, “Jabberwocky.” The café features servers dressed as characters from Alice in Wonderland. “Off with her head!” Oops!

Another real life tidbit: Los Angeles was the perfect spot to begin the Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series, after she left her hometown. L.A. has such great energy. I’d always wanted to visit, but never had the chance (except for changing planes at the LAX airport). So by setting the story in L.A., I could experience it without the expense of travel! After living vicariously through Minx’s adventures in L.A., I was happy I was able to go there last year. Omigosh! Driving on the freeway is CRAZY! And speaking of freeways, Minx has a hair-raising experience on LA’s Interstate 5 headed for Mexico.

"I-5 South Sign San Diego"

by Flastic - Own Work/Flastic. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons -

Scene Setup: Minx has been abducted and awakens with a nasty headache.

Not again.

That was Minx’s first thought. How could she not think that? Her head felt as if it was going to explode--again. And it also felt as if her seventeen stitches might grow in number to a few more.

The instrumental music, playing in the background, worsened her headache. Drums, trumpets, maracas all boomed painfully inside her brain.

Her second thought was to soothe the throbbing spot with her hand, only her hands, or rather her wrists hurt, too.

She reluctantly opened her eyes and looked down at her hands. A pair of gleaming stainless steel handcuffs cruelly cut into her skin, into the bones.

Instead of being scared, she was angry. It was too lovely a day to be cooped up inside a car, driving on a uniformly monotone Interstate, headed for some unknown destination, with a murderer by her side.

Without looking to her left, she had a pretty good idea who the driver was.

...

“You’re awake,” came the murderer’s grating voice.

“Yes, I am.” Minx turned to her tormentor. “Guess you didn’t hit my head hard enough.”

“I can fix that, you know.”

Minx pressed her lips together to keep from replying. The last thing she needed was another concussion.

...

Minx gazed at green traffic signs decorating the Interstate. Interstate 5. 

A bit of ‘Jeopardy’ trivia came back to her. Interstate 5 was the only Interstate highway to touch both the Canadian and Mexican borders.

The type of music in the car and the general direction clinched the deal: the murderer was headed for Mexico.

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

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

Happy reading,

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

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