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?
Click here to view the 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 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
Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing
With A Twist!
