Tag Archives: melinda di lorenzo

Melinda Di Lorenzo says “Never ask a suspense writer for (good) advice…”

September 9, 2024 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Once upon a time, I worked in an elementary school, grades K to 7. It was nearing the end of the year, and a group of kids (12/13 years old) had gathered together in the corner of the
schoolyard. They were all huddled together, frequently and furtively glancing over their
shoulders in search of approaching authority figures. That they were plotting was more than obvious. Using their powers for evil, as kids tend to do when left to their own device. Slowly, sneakily, I approached the kids. It wasn’t until I was right on them–practically in their no-good circle–that one of them noticed me.

“Oh, sh*t!” she exclaimed, only to groan when she realized she’d just cursed in front of me and about me.

I leaned back and crossed my arms. I waited for them all to turn, muttering to themselves when they spotted me. A particularly nervous fellow took off around the corner, but the rest stayed put, shuffling from one foot to the other.

“Do you know why I’m here?” I asked.

There were a few responses. Denials, mostly. One brave soul commented that I’d caught them, and he started to tell me what bad choice they’d been about to make. I cut him off.

“Don’t,” I said. “Don’t tell me. I’m just here to give you some advice.”

This piqued their curiosity. The shuffling slowed down.

“You’re all about to go to high school,” I told them, “so you need to learn how not to attract
unwanted attention. Do you know why you caught my eye?”

“Because we were standing together?” a girl replied.

“Exactly!” I told her. “And not just that, but you were standing together in a circle, whispering. It’s very suspicious behaviour. What do you think you should do instead?”

One boy put up his hand, then pointed to the building. “Stand there, not in a circle.”

“Exactly,” I repeated. “Spread out. Take a casual pose. Come on, gang. Show me your casual pose.”

They all complied, arranging themselves in various states of repose. Leaning. Crouching.
Folding arms. One even sat down.

“Perfect,” I said. “Now, when you’re talking about whatever you’re planning, use your normal voices. Quiet, but not a whisper. If anyone approaches–especially a grown-up–don’t stop talking. Don’t jump. But don’t ignore them, either. Greet them like you’re happy to see them.”

“Why are you helping us?” a boy asked.

And I just smiled.

Never ask a suspense writer for advice (unless you need a place to bury a body…)

Congratulations on your release! The Choice is available today!

About the Author

Melinda is an Amazon bestselling author, whose additional work includes titles for The Wild Rose Press, Amazon Encore, and Harlequin. She writes in a range of romance genres, from heart pounding heat, to nail biting suspense, to gutsy adventure.

Melinda lives on the beautiful coast of British Columbia, Canada, with her amazing and quirky daughters and her handsome hero of a husband. When she’s not writing, she can be found curled up with (someone else’s) good book, on the running trail, or at the soccer pitch.

Mystery Books to Read Based on Taylor Swift Songs : September Releases Edition

September 1, 2024 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Hello mystery lovers! Now, we all know how hard it is to ignore a good mystery, but pair it with a Taylor Swift song, and you’ve got to be insane not to check it out! Ready to read a mystery with a songs that embody the books? Check out September’s Releases now! And don’t forget, you can pre-order your books and read them that much sooner!

1. Reputation – Ready For It? (Taylor’s Version) ~ The Choice by: Melinda Di Lorenzo

“But if he’s a ghost, then I can be a phantom”

Sadie Haller-Bent has already taken the first steps to putting her divorce and her father’s death behind her. She has a new apartment, a new job, and a new life ahead of her. And things are going okay. Maybe not perfectly, but at least she’s on the right road. She can see some light at the end of her dark tunnel.

That is, until tonight. Because tonight, she woke up to find a killer at her door and a strange woman on her balcony, promising help.

In a split second, Sadie makes the only decision she can and puts her faith in a stranger. Now she’s on the run, caught in the middle of deadly a chase that she can’t even begin to understand. She can’t trust anyone, not even the police. But if she wants to survive, she needs to answer three very important questions: Who could possibly want to kill her? Why? And most importantly, can she stop them before it’s too late?

2. Speak Now – Haunted (Taylor’s Version) ~ Black Cat Comes Back by: Emmie Lyn

“Can’t turn back now, I’m Haunted.”

I’m Audrey Fernsby, just a ghost of my former self floating around Moonlight Mansion in Frog Hollow, Georgia. My death was ruled accidental… but nothing is farther from the truth.

When my precious black cat, Mocha, returns on the same night that two friends, Tilly and Sunny arrive from Maine, I plan to out my ghostly self and enlist their clever sleuthing capabilities.

Mocha knows the truth but can she help catch the killer before someone else ends up dead in my rose bushes?

Black Cat Comes Back can be read as a stand-alone. Chronologically it fits as the PREQUEL before Scents and a Suspect in the Accidental Ghost Detective series.

Black Cat Comes Back has characters from the Mint Chocolate Chip Series. Get started with Book 1 Claws of Justice or catch up with the full series.

3. Evermore – No Body, No Crime (Taylor’s Version) ~ Panic in the Panhandle by: J.C. Kenney

“I think he did it but I just can’t prove it. No body, no crime.”

In the sleepy panhandle of Florida, Benjamin “Elmo” Simpson has carved out a comfortable niche as the go-to wild animal removal specialist. Life is sweet until a peculiar service request takes him to a local condo and an unexpected scene. Retired lawyer Fran Cohen is missing and in his apartment is a well-fed alligator that appears to have enjoyed a nice breakfast with…or rather, of…Fran.

All evidence points toward murder, and local alligator farmer, Waldo “Rambo” Quigley has the motive and the means. When Rambo pleads for help to clear his name, old debts and a history of friendship leave Elmo no choice but to investigate. With his girlfriend, Nicola, by his side, and Rambo’s freedom on the line, Elmo’s on the hunt for the real killer, but don’t panic…Elmo’s got a plan…sort of. Maybe.

Reptilian clues lead to unexpected allies, and the call of danger is addictive. Can Elmo uncover the identity of Fran’s killer before becoming the next victim, removed from the scene like an unwanted pest?

Don’t think these quite fit? Send us your suggestions!

A Double-Dose of Mystery: Exciting Tule Mystery Releases for May!

May 3, 2024 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Check out our upcoming May releases for Tule Mystery! If you haven’t already done so, be sure you’re subscribed to our Tule Mystery newsletter AND, if you’re interested in cozy mysteries, check out Tule’s Cozy Mystery Cafe and read up on our new cozy authors!

The Echo by Melinda Di Lorenzo
The Lockwood Gate Thrillers | Book 2
May 7, 2024

Déjà vu can be deadly…

A year ago, Rose Mcgovern’s sister was found dead at the bottom of a bridge. A tragic accident. That’s what the police called it. What they still call it. What everyone except Rose believes to be true. But she won’t change her mind. No matter how many seconds and minutes and days go by, no matter how much time she’s had to spend in the psych ward, and no matter how much her life falls apart. She will never give up on her quest for the truth.

And now, it’s happening again.

Another woman’s body has been found. The circumstances are far too similar to be a coincidence. There might even be more victims. Which would mean that Rose was right all along. But the police have long since dismissed her as paranoid, and she’s driven away every friend she’s ever had. With nothing but her own conviction on her side, how can she prove that an accident is really a murder? And even if it’s possible, can she do it before she makes a deadly mistake and the killer claims her life, too?

Tangle of Lies by C.J. Carmichael
May 16, 2024

A murder rips through the quiet town of Tangle Falls, exposing a web of lies and buried sins.

Former science teacher Bobbie Galloway is shaken when a former student’s body is found along the tranquil river of sleepy Tangle Falls. She’s even more troubled that George Lindeman, another student of hers, is the prime suspect.

George was never able to escape the rumors surrounding his family’s death a decade ago and now he’s once again thrust into the spotlight of a murder investigation. Bobbie believes George is innocent. She never believed the rumors about him.

Hadley Hooper left Tangle Falls at seventeen but she’s back to right old wrongs. She believes George is innocent too. But can she be trusted, or does she have her own agenda?

As tensions mount in the aftermath of the murder, Bobbie is suspicious of Fern Sinclair, who just bought the deserted farmhouse next to Bobbie’s brother’s ranch. The home care worker claims she wants to restore the property’s garden to its former glory, but Bobbie can’t shake the feeling Fern is hiding something.

As whispers of suspicion echo through Tangle Falls, Bobbie embarks on a gripping journey into the heart of the town, unearthing secrets that threaten to unravel the very fabric of the community.

Behind the Scenes Q&A with Tule Mystery’s Melinda Di Lorenzo

April 29, 2024 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Just because authors write mysteries doesn’t make them dark, scary people. In fact, in many ways, they fit in with the rest of us!

We sat down with Melinda Di Lorenzo, author of The Lockwood Gate Thriller Series, whose next book, The Echo, publishes on May 7.

Q: What situation turns you into the biggest scaredy-cat?
A: Being alone in the house and watching scary movies. BUT I DO IT TO MYSELF ALL THE TIME. Glutton for punishment.

Q: What is the funniest feedback you’ve received on your book?
A: Feedback often makes me chuckle, but my favourite review of any of my books says that it seemed like I was making up the story as I went along. Spoiler: I was making it up.

Q: When did you know you wanted to write mysteries/thrillers? What led you to that genre?
A: It’s hard to pinpoint it. I like to say I’ve always been a writer, and my parents can verify that I’ve been scribbling stories ever since I could hold a pencil. When I was a kid, I used to watch Murder She Wrote with my Grammy, and that was definitely a major influence on my taste. I also loved, loved, LOVED the Trixie Beldon books. I read that series countless times. I’ve also loved the terrifying Disney movie, Watcher in the Woods. And I have to say, a twist ending is my favourite thing! I love creating them.

Q: Time to confess! What, besides a speeding ticket, has been your closest brush with the law?
A: Lol. My husband likes to tell this story about how one night, many years ago, he was the designated driver for a bunch of tipsy folks. His car got a little stuck in a divot, and the police made him get out for questioning. Meanwhile, the tipsy folks were shouting about how sober he was and getting really worked up. I may or may not have been one of the tipsy folks.

THE REPLACEMENT: Melinda Di Lorenzo Talks New Release and Author Name!

February 15, 2024 · Posted by Tule Publishing

What’s in a name? A rose by any other…yeah, you’ve heard that one before, right? Well, let me tell you a little story about my one and only regret as a professional writer. Yep. It’s my name.

Why, you might ask? It’s a perfectly good name. Not too common. Even a little romantic. And I don’t disagree. But if I could go back in time and change one thing about my career, it would be changing my name. Actually, it would be changing my names, plural. Why, you ask? It’s simple. I would love to have separated my genres (women’s fic, rom com, rom sus, mystery, YA, and thriller) by author name. I’ve thought about this so much that I even have names picked out non-existent pseudonyms for each one. For both women’s fiction and YA, I would keep Melinda Di Lorenzo. For my rom com stories, I would choose Minnie Read (my nickname and my maiden name, and which I think is super cute). My rom sus and mystery, I’d go with M.A. Read (my initials and maiden name). And finally, for my mystery and thrillers, I’d become M.D. Lorenzo because it makes me sound like a doctor. Sort of. ;)

But alas, I’m not a time traveler. And I think having only one regret in a decade and half of work isn’t too shabby, anyway. Which means my latest thriller, The Replacement (OUT NOW!), will be the real me, Melinda Di Lorenzo.

About the Author.

Melinda Di Lorenzo is an Amazon bestselling author, whose additional work includes titles for The Wild Rose Press, Amazon Encore, and Harlequin. She writes in a range of romance genres, from heart pounding heat, to nail biting suspense, to gutsy adventure.

February Releases to Check Out! (Plus a GIVEAWAY!)

February 1, 2024 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Read more about our new releases for February!

GIVEAWAY: We will pick ONE winner to receive a digital book of their choice from the February releases. Comment down below saying which book you’re looking most forward to reading! Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. The winner will be randomly selected at the end of the month.

The Cowboy’s Prize by Jamie K. Schmidt
Release Date: Feb 1, 2024

She vowed she’d never date a cowboy…

LeAnn “Killer” Keller is determined to be the first woman in the WPRCA to win a buckle in bull riding. She’s sworn off the distraction of rodeo cowboys, until her sister hires veteran bull rider Dylan Porter, not knowing that LeAnn and he indulged in a steamy one-night stand last season. LeAnn intends to keep their night together a secret, but Dylan’s kind, sweet and oh so tempting.

Dylan Porter was eager to reconnect with the woman who rocked his world last season, but he never imagined he’d be training her to ride bulls. She wants to keep their hook up a secret from her overly protective family, which is disappointing because Dylan felt like she could be the one. He’d like to walk away, but he needs the money.

When a male rider is killed by a bull gone wild, Dylan tries to keep LeAnn from competing. He knows she’ll never forgive him if she misses her shot, but he’d rather have her safe, even if he loses her forever.

The Accidental Crush by Mia Heintzelman
Release Date: Feb. 6, 2024

Dante Fortemani’s family never takes his ideas seriously during business meetings, so he zones out. That is, until the agenda includes selling his late grandfather’s struggling vineyard. Desperate, he appeals to his mother and siblings, and buys himself two months to protect their legacy.

Business consultant Morgan Forster is constantly connected to anything with a digital pulse. Her friends believe she’s a stressed-out workaholic in need of an intervention: a Galentine’s Day getaway in wine country, an electronic detox, and hopefully, Mr. Right feeding her grapes.

The Fortemani Vineyard Galentine’s brunch is a smashing success for Dante. Except for the woman hiding in a corner with her phone…who’s convinced he’s an escort hired by her helpful Sister Circle. Soon, laughter, undeniable chemistry, and an unforgettable night, lead Dante to hire Morgan to help save the vineyard. She accepts under one condition: it’s strictly business.

As they tread through an inconvenient attraction to create a proposal before the next meeting, though, their focus yields to blossoming feelings. Is it a mistake for them to mix business with pleasure? Or is a chance at love worth the risk?

The Rancher’s Lost Bride by Roxanne Snopek
Release Date: Feb. 13, 2024

Leila Monahan is creating her dream family, but when her fiancé gets cold feet, she sends him packing. A sperm bank would be easier but first, she’ll take a DNA test. She doesn’t care about finding her birth parents, but her future children might. The surprising results are nothing to the shock of seeing her first true love back in town, with an eight-year-old daughter.

Sawyer Lafferty loved Leila, but her desire to get married—at nineteen!—sent him running. Before settling down, he wanted an education and opportunities. But those, and any future with Leila, vanished with the unexpected arrival of his baby girl. Now a single dad with full custody, he’s come home to manage Grand’s new therapeutic riding stable and rebuild his life.

Leila is gutted to learn that Sawyer wanted a family after all—just not with her. But little Piper quickly captures her heart, and when Sawyer shares the circumstances of his marriage, the spark they once had flares back to life, but is it enough to sustain them? Or will the secrets and lies surrounding them douse it forever?

The Replacement by Melinda Di Lorenzo
Release Date: Feb. 15, 2024

Ari Strange thought she’d survived the worst after the sudden death of her husband. She couldn’t have been more mistaken…

Nearly two years have passed since Ari’s husband died in a shocking hit-and-run, and she’s finally beginning to feel normal. She has a job. An apartment. She’s fully focused on her miracle–her 13-month-old daughter, Lucy-Kate. And she never dreamed it could all go sideways again in an instant…

On a freezing winter night, Ari wakes to find a blood-covered woman taking Lucy-Kate from her crib. In minutes, she goes from frantic parent to being accused of kidnapping her own daughter. The police don’t believe her story. They don’t even believe that Ari is Ari. Rather, they’ve taken the side of the woman who claims—with proof—to be her. The only person who gives Ari the benefit of the doubt is her unfriendly neighbor. But his behavior is sketchy, his motives unclear.

As evidence mounts against Ari, the time to save Lucy-Kate is running out. Can she uncover the truth before she loses everything all over again?

The Cowboy Charm by Sinclair Jayne
Release Date: Feb. 20, 2024

All work and no play is not how this cowboy intends to spend his day…

Former special forces soldier Ryder Lea has dedicated his life to serving others. Now honorably discharged, he’s looking to return to his cowboy roots to work as a rodeo stock contractor and travel the country he’s spent years protecting. But first, he has an obligation in Marietta, Montana to his fallen commanding officer. Surely completing a few hours of community service won’t be that challenging?

Physical therapist Edison Martin is short-staffed and underwhelmed when the tall, broad-shouldered cowboy with the ‘awe shucks’ smile swaggers into her clinic as her latest community-service volunteer. She needs trained help, not eye-candy. And Ryder reminds Edi of everything she’s lost and every man who’s done her wrong.

Bound by duty and compassionate by nature, Ryder dives into his temporary role with humor and enthusiasm. His motto: make a difference. But what will it take to get statuesque, super serious Edi to smile and remember that each day is a gift?

Texas Cowboy Sweetheart by Rebecca Crowley
Release: Feb. 22, 2024

The land they love might tear them apart…

Josie Star knew one day she’d step into her father’s boots and take over the Lone Star Ranch, but she hadn’t expected it to happen so soon. When her father collapses, she trades her corporate desk for a dusty tractor to shoulder the legacy of generations of Jewish Texans. She’s ready to take her place in the Lone Star’s history – with a little help from Easton McKinney. The ranch foreman is her lifelong best friend – and a man for whom her feelings once ran much deeper.

The Lone Star gave Easton the stable home his upbringing lacked, but when Josie returns, the dirt beneath his boots crumbles. She broke his heart when she left – and now she’s his boss. He’ll help her find her feet, but he won’t abandon his dream of running his own ranch. Maybe her homecoming is the kickstart he needs to finally move on from the Lone Star – and from her.

When Josie uncovers troubling family secrets, she needs Easton more than ever. But can he stay knowing she’s forever out of reach?

A Death in Chelsea by HL Marsay
Release: Feb. 27, 2024

Inspired by the remarkable life of Dorothy Peto, the Metropolitan Police’s first female superintendent.

During war, death isn’t only found on the battlefield…

It’s 1915 and war continues to rage across Europe, but at home in England, the members of the Women Police Volunteers are more accepted and their numbers continue to grow. However, founding member, Dorothy Peto is frustrated at being consigned to office duties and training recruits. Then, early one morning, her friend Margaret finds a dead body in the garden next door.

When they discover the wealthy victim’s will is missing, the list of possible suspects grows. Once again, Dorothy finds herself working alongside the inscrutable Inspector Derwent. Determined to prove herself a worthy investigator even as she battles personal loss and feuding friends, Dorothy gains the trust of witnesses, and pits her wits against a killer who may not stop if threatened.

Dark Irish Demon by Leigh Ann Edwards
Release: Feb. 29, 2024

Tall, dark and devilishly handsome Lorcan Wright can spot evil better than anyone. As a half-demon, he knows it well, and numbs his own urges with alcohol and the many women eager to share his bed. Now, however, he’s determined to use his supernatural abilities for good. His job locating and assessing magical beings at the LAMB agency seems perfect… until he disagrees with them on which evil beings should be destroyed.

Lovely Fiona Maguire is a strong, independent woman who’s been around long enough to trust her instincts. She’s also a powerful witch employed at LAMB and has no patience for Lorcan’s immature antics. About the only opinion they share is the stupidity of LAMB’s rules. Why let someone die when, with a wave of her hand, she could send them to a safer time or place, right?

Rogue agents aren’t popular at LAMB, so when disturbing events occur that could change the course of human history, Lorcan and Fiona are forced into a partnership. Their assignment: gather a team of other gifted creatures from the past, uncover the mystery, stop the evil and save the current world.

To do that, they must first learn to trust each other.

Saving the world might be easier.

Meet Tule Publishing’s First 10 Mystery Authors as Part of our #Tule10 Anniversary!

September 30, 2023 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Tule Publishing has hit a milestone 10 years and we’re celebrating all month long with showcasing some of our first 10’s! Learn more about our first 10 authors, meet our first 10 cowboys, and maybe find yourself wrapped up dreaming of the holidays with our first 10 Christmas stories!

We are so thankful for each of you for continuing to put your faith in us to continue bringing you amazing reads. You are a crucial part to our success and we couldn’t have made it to our 10th anniversary without you! We hope you stick around all month for more celebratory blogs and are looking forward to another 10 years – cheers!

Meet Tule Publishing’s First 10 Mystery Authors

Meet CJ Carmichael

USA Today Bestselling author C. J. Carmichael has written over 45 novels in her favorite genres of romance and mystery. She has been nominated twice for the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, as well as RT Bookclub’s Career Achievement in Romantic Suspense award, and the Bookseller’s Best honor.

She gave up the thrills of income tax forms and double entry book-keeping in 1998 when she sold her first book to Harlequin Superromance. Since then she has published over 35 novels with Harlequin and is currently working on a series of western romances with Tule Publishing. In addition C. J. Carmichael has published several cozy mystery series as an Indie author.

When not writing C. J. enjoys family time with her grown daughters and her husband. Family dinners are great. Even better are the times they spend hiking in the Rocky Mountains around their home in Calgary, and relaxing at their cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. Visit C.J.’s website at http://CJCarmichael.com

Meet Jane Graves

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Jane Graves has written twenty-two contemporary romance novels. She has received Romance Writers of America’s RITA Award, the romance industry’s highest honor, and is the recipient of two National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Booksellers’ Best Award, and the Golden Quill, among others. Her books have been translated into more than a dozen languages.

Jane lives in the Dallas area with her husband, a highly organized engineer who keeps their lives in order because one of them has to. Her hobbies include daydreaming, avoiding exercise, and drinking cheap wine.

Meet Leslie Marshman

Award-winning suspense author Leslie Marshman is (finally) putting her psychology degree to good use, getting inside the heads of her characters and figuring out what makes them tick. She writes novels that feature kick-ass heroines, the heroes who love them, and the bad guys who fear them.

Leslie called Denver home until she married a Texan without reading the fine print. Now she lives halfway between Houston and Galveston and has learned to embrace the humidity. Her household includes two miniature poodles named Harley and Davidson, and a three-legged box turtle named Stumpy.

If she’s not at her computer making things up, you’ll probably find her camping at a lake, a fishing pole in one hand and a book in the other.

Meet Nancy Robards Thompson

Award-winning and USA Today bestselling author Nancy Robards Thompson has worked as a newspaper reporter, television show stand-in, production and casting assistant for movies, and in fashion and public relations. She started writing fiction seriously in 1997. Five years and four completed manuscripts later, she won the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart award for unpublished writers and sold her first book the following year. Since then, Nancy has sold 30 books and found her calling doing what she loves most – writing romance and women’s fiction full-time.

Meet Candace Havens

Bestselling and award-winning author Candace Havens has had more than thirty novels published. She is one of the nation’s leading entertainment journalists and has interviewed countless celebrities from George Clooney to Chris Pratt. She does film reviews on Hawkeye in the Morning on 96.3 KSCS.

Meet Katherine Cowley

Katherine Cowley’s debut novel, The Secret Life of Miss Mary Bennet, was nominated for the Mary Higgins Clark Award. Her Mary Bennet spy series continues with the novels The True Confessions of a London Spy and The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception.

Katherine loves history, chocolate, traveling, and playing the piano, and she has taught writing classes at Western Michigan University. She lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with her husband and three daughters.

Meet H L Marsay

H L Marsay always loved detective stories and promised herself that one day, she would write one too. She is lucky enough to live in York, a city full of history and mystery. When not writing, the five men in her life keep her busy – two sons, two dogs and one husband.

Meet Winter Austin

Winter Austin perpetually answers the question: “were you born in the winter?” with a flat “nope,” but believe her, there is a story behind her name.

A lifelong Mid-West gal with strong ties to the agriculture world, Winter grew up listening to the captivating stories told by relatives around a table or a campfire. As a published author, she learned her glass half-empty personality makes for a perfect suspense/thriller writer. Taking her ability to verbally spin a vivid and detailed story, Winter translated that into writing deadly romantic suspense, mysteries, and thrillers.

When she’s not slaving away at the computer, you can find Winter supporting her daughter in cattle shows, seeing her three sons off into the wide-wide world, loving on her fur babies, prodding her teacher husband, and nagging at her flock of hens to stay in the coop or the dogs will get them. She is the author of multiple novels.

Meet Melinda Di Lorenzo

Meet Kaz Delaney

Award winning YA & children’s author, Kaz Delaney, and her alter ego, have currently sold 73 titles between them over a 26 year career.

Her books have won many awards, among them the prestigious Aurealis Award for best paranormal and ARRA (Australian Romance Readers Association) awards. Her novel ‘Dead, Actually’ (Allen & Unwin) was nominated for a Davitt Award, (Best crime novel, Sisters In Crime) in the YA section. Dividing her time between teaching and writing, Kaz formerly tutored Creative Writing for CSU’s Enrichment Program as well as teaching and creating courses for the Australian College of Journalism.

Having always had a love of cozy mysteries, Kaz is having so much fun writing her Hart of Texas Mystery Series for Tule Publishing, that she worries it’s not legal!

With their family grown and gone, Kaz lives with her wonderful husband at beautiful Lake Macquarie, Australia, a place she describes as a strip of land between the ocean and lake. Like Rosie, Kaz loves to bake and grow vegetables and unlike Rosie, manages to make a mess of every crochet task she undertakes.

. . . . . . . . . .

Thanks for stopping by to meet the first 10 mystery authors of Tule Publishing! Here’s to a great year of #Tule10!

Tule Author Q&A: What if Melinda Di Lorenzo was stuck on an island?

August 30, 2022 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Melinda Di Lorenzo stopped by the Tule blog to discuss the third book in the Trinity Calhoun Mystery series, Better Left Behind!

Where did you get the inspiration for Better Left Behind?

Much like No Safe Haven, this idea had been in my head for quite some time. It was only when I started thinking about Trinity as a series that I realized it was HER story, too.

This is the third book in the Trinity Calhoun Mystery series. What has it been like following Trinity throughout the series?

I really like Trinity. Sometimes, my characters aren’t necessarily people I relate to. They’re interesting and I love fleshing out their lives, but with this mystery series, I really felt like Trinity was my friend by the end. (Uh oh…I’m creating friends for myself!)

Your heroine, Trinity, finds herself trapped on a beautiful coastal island. If you got trapped on an island, what would you get up to?

Funnily enough, I’ve just started writing another story where the main character talks about this as a hypothetical. But, like me, the MC is a type one diabetic. Her only concern is her insulin! If I were on an island with enough T1D supplies, I might be okay for a little while. But if I was stuck there with no way to know how to get back…that’s all that would be on my mind. Insulin, insulin, and more insulin. Unless there was a murderer on the loose…then I might have other worries. 😉

What was your favorite scene to write and why?

Okay, I can NOT share the snippet because it gives something away. But let’s say a character is trapped in a scary place and finds something even scarier. I loved the tension of the weather raging all around and the fear that something OUTSIDE might be dangerous, but then…the real problem is INSIDE. (You know…like when the call is coming from in your house…)

What are you currently reading

I’m about to start Forgive Me by Susan Lewis. It was an impulse buy while I was doing a book signing at my local independent bookstore. Never heard of the book or the author, so hopefully I’m pleasantly surprised by the story!

About the Author

Tule Publishing August 2022 Releases

August 1, 2022 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Read more about our new releases for August!

GIVEAWAY: We will pick ONE winner to receive a digital book of their choice from the August releases. Comment down below saying which book you’re looking most forward to reading! Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. The winner will be randomly selected at the end of the month.

Cut to the Chase by Amy Kathryn Jones (American Heart)

Release Date: August 2, 2022

Matched, Book 3

She has one last shot at her fairy tale ending…

It’s time for fan favorite Cassie Monroe to sign on the dotted line and become the star of the hit reality show Matched, where a Panel of family and friends help determine the star’s happy ending. Except Cassie’s Panel member search has reached a dead end. Until her family-friend-turned-nemesis Dr. Nick Morgan, in an attempt to talk her out of doing the show, offers to drive her to L.A.

Things heat up when one wrong turn throws the entire trip off schedule. Cassie gets to know the Nick behind the smirk and snark and, to her dismay, discovers another side of him—a side she likes. Yes, he’s rational and rigid, but he has an alluring warmth, and he kisses like no man she’s ever known.

Nick and Cassie don’t check any of the others’ boxes, but these longtime haters are somehow falling in love. As the opt-out deadline nears, Cassie will only have a few days to decide if she should risk her new feelings on a relationship that won’t come with Matched’s famous guarantee.

A Forgotten Shadow by H L Marsay (Tule Mystery)

Release Date: August 4, 2022

Chief Inspector Shadow Mystery, Book 5

If the past comes knocking, will you dare to answer?

When Detective Chief Inspector John Shadow is called to Kirkdale Castle to investigate the death of a handsome racehorse trainer during a shooting party, he’s immersed in painful childhood memories. His father had been shot in the line of duty at Kirkdale, but his killer was never apprehended. Shadow suspects the two deaths may be linked and is determined to discover the truth, but dealing with the aristocracy is more complicated than he bargained for and the inhabitants of Kirkdale Castle are as unhelpful as ever.

John Shadow is a man of contradictions. A solitary figure who notices the smallest detail about other people, but endeavours to avoid their company. A lover of good food, but whose fridge is almost always empty. Though he would prefer to work alone, he is assisted by his eager partner Sergeant Jimmy Chang.

Can the men work together through the web of deceit and corruption to find the killer, clear an innocent man’s name, and solve the mystery clouding Shadow’s past?

Tastes So Sweet by Kelly Cain (American Heart)

Release Date: August 9, 2022

The Everheart Brothers of Texas, Book 3

Forbidden fruit has never tasted better…

After losing her parents in high school, Ryan Landry grew up fast, solely focusing on supporting her younger twin sisters. With the twins now preparing for college, the financial stakes are raised so Ryan enters a restaurant manager of the year contest. Her chances for the grand prize are strong—after all, she’s the executive manager of Everheart Bar and Fine Dining, which is as famous for its exemplary service as it is for its mouth-watering food.

The only thing standing in her way? The restaurant’s Michelin star patriarch chef. Ryan meets his near-impossible challenges, except this creates another obstacle—increased temptation with her best friend and pastry chef Weston Everheart. She’s fought to keep Weston in the friend zone, because romantic fraternization means immediate firing, and she needs her job and the prize money more than ever.

But when she realizes Weston has also been in love with her for years, it becomes impossible to maintain business as usual. Will Ryan play it safe or finally listen to her heart?

Won’t Back Down by Shelli Stevens (American Heart)

Release Date: August 11, 2022

Bro Code, Book 3

Thou shalt not fall for the girl thy cousin wants…

James Watson is at a breaking point. The last year has put him on rocky grounds with his friends, and now he just bombed the bar exam. He pins the blame on one person: Tori Brown. She’s not only his sister’s best friend, but an undeniably sexy goddess who chaos seems to follow.

Tori is tired of men seeing her as nothing more than a conquest. She’s particularly tired of James Watson, her friend’s hot older brother and the man who can’t give her a break. Now that Tori’s finally landed the human resources job she’s been working toward, she knows she won’t have time to think about him anymore. Until it becomes clear that the up-and-coming lawyer at her new workplace is none other than James.

Beyond working at the same firm, James’s desire is kept in check by the bro code rule: Don’t date the girl your cousin likes—especially when he’s the attorney who invited you to join the firm. With the lines between lust and hate getting blurry, can they help but be crossed?

Secrets in Cypress Bayou by Susan Sands (Southern Born)

Release Date: August 16, 2022

Louisiana, Book 2

Some secrets are buried deep…

When newly minted attorney Carly Bertrand returns to Cypress Bayou, Louisiana, to be close to her family, her first priority is finding a job. She’s shocked to get an offer from her childhood crush, Tanner Carmichael, whose town roots are as deep as hers. Carly accepts, confident she can help Tanner get his new law practice up and running, and keep her attraction to him under lock and key. She’s no longer a starry-eyed teen admiring from afar.

Their first client is a woman searching for her birth mother who mysteriously disappeared decades ago without a trace. Carly and Tanner take the case and soon find themselves drowning in a swampy patch of secrets, political corruption, and danger. And the further they dig, the more it looks like Tanner’s powerful, narcissistic father is involved.

As they work to unravel the mystery, Carly’s old feelings resurface and Tanner can’t believe the shy girl next door has become such a brilliant, beautiful, and determined woman. Should they risk everything for the truth, including their hearts, or settle for safety?

The Last Casterglass by Kate Hewitt (Holiday)

Release Date: August 18, 2022

Keeping Up with the Penryns, Book 4

He dreams of saving his ancestral home. She longs to escape hers.

Persephone is the youngest Penryn, and she’s always felt like an afterthought. As her siblings ventured out one by one, she was left behind, learning to rely on herself. Now that they’ve all returned and are on a mission to save their home, she’s reluctantly falling in with their plans and keeping her distance, especially when an Oxford-educated intern arrives wanting to learn how to save one’s ancestral home.

Oliver Belhaven has come to Casterglass to prove to his uncle that he can make Pembury a financial success, so the only home Oliver has ever had isn’t sold. He is intrigued by the beautiful and mercurial Seph and senses a kindred spirit—alone even around family.

Oliver may be charming, but under her surly facade Seph is afraid to get close to anyone. Yet the longer Oliver works at Casterglass, the more invested he becomes—in Seph and in saving his home. But will achieving one dream mean that he has to let go of another? And can Seph finally learn to let go—and love?

Home Is Where the Body Is by Jody Holford (Tule Mystery)

Release Date: August 23, 2022

The Wannabe Sleuth, Book 1

The coastal Oregon town of Rainbow Falls might be sleepy, but it’s definitely not innocent…

When graphic designer and true crime fan Annie Abbott agrees to house sit her parents’ home for a year, she’s convinced that even though the small town has ten coffee shops, nothing exciting will happen. But that’s before a seemingly feral cat gives birth in her garage, prompting a call to the very handsome, very single town vet. It’s a dream meet-cute, but just as their romance blooms, Annie discovers the bloody body of her grumpy neighbor. And despite the fact that she passes out at the sight of blood, the police suspect her.

To clear her name, Annie will need to put her years of watching police procedurals and reading mysteries to good use. She’ll also need to rely on her new friends who have welcomed her to Rainbow Falls, but is one of them the killer?

The Stardust Cowboy by Anne McAllister (Montana Born)

Release Date: August 25, 2022

The Cowboy’s Code, Book 1

He is nobody’s hero…

Wyoming rancher Riley Stratton has nothing in common with his newly discovered young nephew Jake’s imaginary “stardust cowboy”—the one who makes dreams come true. Riley’s own dreams died so many years ago, he doesn’t even think about them anymore. Now he just works hard, doing his duty by the family ranch. He knows it’s only fair to buy out Jake’s half.

Trouble is, Jake has dreams too. After inheriting half a ranch, Jake’s boyish dreams of becoming a cowboy are alive and well. Which means Riley’s world is about to expand to include Jake’s fiercely determined, seriously tempting mother, Dori Malone, too. And much to Riley’s dismay, Dori stirs his dormant dreams to life.

But Riley doesn’t trust those dreams. He doesn’t trust Dori. He gave his heart once and won’t do it again. Some men are made for love. Others, like Riley, are made for duty. And some dreams not even Jake’s “stardust cowboy” can make come true. Or can they?

Better Left Behind by Melinda Di Lorenzo (Tule Mystery)

Release Date: August 30, 2022

Trinity Calhoun Mystery, Book 3

When no one is who they seem, the only person you can trust is yourself.

Detective Trinity Calhoun‘s closest friend was due back weeks ago from his undercover operation, and the last thing she wants to do is take a trip. Not even to attend a high-profile conference at a swanky hotel on a beautiful island with all expenses paid. But with her boss counting on her, Trinity sets aside her misgivings and goes.

Except from the moment she sets foot on the ferry, something feels…off. First comes a man who’s far too interested in her. Then Trinity swears she’s spotted her late-to-return friend. And someone—who could be an ally or a foe—is definitely planting breadcrumbs for her. Is a little girl missing or is that, too, a misdirect?

Quickly, Trinity realizes the danger is closing in. And she’s trapped. Hemmed in by a storm that’s cut off both digital and physical access to the mainland. Her survival depends on her ability to differentiate between clue and bait. Because someone wants to help—and someone wants her dead.

Tule Author Q&A: Melinda Di Lorenzo writes the ending first!

April 28, 2022 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Melinda Di Lorenzo stopped by the Tule blog to discuss the second book in the Trinity Calhoun Mystery series, No Safe Haven!

Where did you get the inspiration for No Safe Haven?

No Safe Haven was a story that was in my head BEFORE I wrote Can’t Go Home, the first book in the Trinity Calhoun Mystery Series. I just didn’t know it was Trinity’s story. I can’t tell you where, exactly, the inspiration came from because it started with the ending, and I don’t want to give away any secrets!

No Safe Haven is a mystery book, but you also write romances. What is different about writing mysteries vs romances? Which one do you enjoy more?

Hmm. Well, since I write a lot of romantic suspense, the two flow naturally for me. Mysteries require more puzzle pieces of plot, and romances require more puzzle pieces of character. (Maybe? Lol.) I don’t like one more than the other. Sometimes, I’m in the mood for the twists and turns of something murderous, and sometimes, I’m in the mood for writing mystery/suspense. 😉

Are your characters set before you begin writing or do you let them develop as you go? What did that development process look like for No Safe Haven?

Before I start, I usually know how I’m going to end. So quite often, the whole process is setting up my characters for that twist that’s coming. This was very much the case with No Safe Haven. I knew exactly how things would wind up, so I needed to drop in all the clues and make sure Trinity didn’t figure it out too soon.

If you could spend the day with your heroine, Trinity Calhoun, what would you two get up to?

Goodness. I think I’d be too nervous to spend the day doing what Trinity does, so I guess she’d have to join me for a day of writing. Maybe I could interview her for tidbits for my next suspense book!

What are you currently reading?

I’m currently reading The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab, and it is EXCELLENT. It will be a 5-star read for me, for sure.

About the Author