Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: Bitter Harvest
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://www.watyson.com/
CITY: Philadelphia
STATE: PA
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Married; children: three sons.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer, attorney, and former therapist. Previously worked on a horse farm and as a veterinary assistant.
AVOCATIONS:Gardening.
MEMBER:Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers.
WRITINGS
Contributing editor for the Big Thrill website.
SIDELIGHTS
Wendy Tyson is the author of cozy mystery novels. She also works as an attorney and was previously a therapist.
In an interview with a contributor to the Nadaness in Motion website, Tyson described Allison Campbell, the protagonist of one of her mystery series. She stated: “Allison Campbell is Philadelphia’s premier image consultant. A dissertation shy of a Ph.D. in psychology, she spends her days helping others reinvent themselves, but her biggest transformation was her own.” Tyson continued: “Allison had a troubled childhood. Determined to overcome an abusive family life, she decided to become a psychologist. While in graduate school, she grew close to a teenage patient who ran away and was presumed dead. Allison blamed herself. Eventually Allison moved to the Philadelphia Main Line and reinvented herself as an image consultant. She’s able to use her understanding of human nature and her own experiences as an outsider to assist others (and solve crimes).”
Killer Image, Dying Brand, and Fatal Facade
The first book in the “Allison Campbell Mystery” series is Killer Image. It finds Allison working for Maggie McBride, a teenaged murder suspect. Allison is determined to prove that Maggie is innocent and to find the real killer. “Killer Image by Wendy Tyson is a great cozy mystery, filled with hidden desires and carefully cultivated images,” wrote Jennifer Barnhart on the Fresh Fiction website. A writer on the More Than a Review website suggested: “The characters … have more depth than the breezy girls we often see in chick lit mysteries.”
In an interview with Arielle Joy, contributor to the Living Life with Joy website, Tyson summarized the plot of the third book in her “Allison Campbell Mystery” series, Dying Brand. She stated: “When image consultant Allison Campbell attends an award ceremony to honor a designer friend, she’s thrust into a murder investigation. Only this time, it’s personal.” Tyson continued: “Scott Fairweather, former boyfriend and client, is dead, slain on the streets of Philadelphia. The police believe his death is drug-related, yet the man Allison knew was into clean living. His widow claims he was meeting with Allison that day, yet Allison hadn’t spoken to him in years. Nothing about Scott’s death—or life—makes sense. When compromising photos from the past show up at Allison’s office, they raise more questions than they answer. Who wants her silence…and why?” Annabel Krantz, reviewer on the Annabel Alice website, commented: “Tyson does a great job of teasing the clues out of a story. Nothing is revealed too quickly, but the story doesn’t drag.” Krantz added: “It was complicated and elusive.” A critic on the Mysterious Reviews website suggested: “Dying Brand is a very complicated mystery, probably more so than it really needs to be. But for those who may have read the excellent previous books in this series, its greatest fault is that it suffers in comparison to them.”
Allison travels to Italy in Fatal Facade. She is staying in a guest house adjacent to the castle of her latest client, Elle Rose. When one of Elle’s VIP guests falls to her death on the grounds, Allison attempts to find the person responsible before her client’s reputation can be further tarnished. A contributor to the Escape with Dollycas website praised “the way the characters continue to grow in each book in this series. They are very engaging and believable.” “Fatal Facade was a fun fast paced suspenseful thriller that will keep the reader on the edge of the seat,” asserted a writer on the Journey Back website.
A Muddied Murder
In the same interview with Joy, the writer on the Living Life with Joy website, Tyson discussed her “Greenhouse Mystery” series, which began with A Muddied Murder. She stated: “The series centers on a young, widowed environmental lawyer who returns home to rural Pennsylvania to care for her spirited, aging grandmother and launch the family’s organic farm and café. In the first book, she and the town’s hunky veterinarian find the body of the local zoning commissioner in her barn—and she, of course, is compelled to find the killer. My husband and I are passionate organic gardeners, so this series is close to my heart.”
Debbie Wiley, contributor to the Fresh Fiction website, commented: “A Muddied Murder is a phenomenal start to what looks to be a promising mystery series. Wendy Tyson packs a lot into this mystery as we get well developed characters, excellent world building, and one darned good mystery!” “There are enough clues and red herrings to keep us interested and guessing until the climax,” noted a critic on the Carstairs Considers website. A Publishers Weekly reviewer remarked: “Tyson gives us an evocative sense of place, a bit of romance, and dimensional characters.”
Bitter Harvest and Seeds of Revenge
Megan Sawyer, the lawyer and amateur investigator from A Muddied Murder returns in Bitter Harvest. In this volume, she finds herself involved in the investigation of another murder. This case begins with a corpse that her grandmother finds on a solar farm. The small town’s chief of police, Bobby King, initially suggests the death was not a murder, but a second, similar death leads him to change his mind. Megan interacts with a cranky chef, a handsome Scotsman, and other quirky characters as she attempts to track down the murderer. “With strong characters and an engaging plot, Bitter Harvest is hard to put down,” asserted a reviewer on the Carstairs Considers website. Referring to the book’s characters, a Publishers Weekly critic suggested: “It’s a pleasure to spend time in their company.”
In Seeds of Revenge, the third book in the “Greenhouse Mystery” series, finds Megan looking into the murder of Paul Fox. Suspects include Fox’s estranged daughter, Becca, and Sarah Birch, a writer of mystery novels and Megan’s great-aunt. A critic on the Kirkus Reviews website remarked: “Tyson’s third look at the joys and perils of small-town life features enough engaging characters to offset the transparent mystery.” A writer on the Metho Blog website described the book as “a bit harsher than some cozy mysteries, but still a satisfying read.” “Complex characters, interesting twists, and a charming setting add up to a satisfying mystery,” asserted a reviewer on the Publishers Weekly website.
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Publishers Weekly, February 1, 2016, review of A Muddied Murder, p. 51; January 23, 2017, review of Bitter Harvest, p. 59.
ONLINE
Annabel Alice, http://annabelandalice.com/ (July 2, 2015), Annabel Krantz, review of Dying Brand.
Carstairs Considers, http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/ (June 2, 2016), review of A Muddied Murder; (March 2, 2017), review of Bitter Harvest.
Coffeehouse Chatter, https://chatterfromacoffeehouse.wordpress.com/ (February 19, 2017), review of Bitter Harvest.
Escape with Dollycas, http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/ (June 15, 2017), review of Fatal Facade.
Fresh Fiction, http://freshfiction.com (October 4, 2013), Jennifer Barnhart, review of Killer Image; (April 5, 2016), Debbie Wiley, review of A Muddied Murder.
Journey Back, http://myjourneyback-thejourneyback.blogspot.com/ (June 16, 2017), review of Fatal Facade and author interview.
Kirkus Reviews Online, https://www.kirkusreviews.com/ (September 20, 2017), review of Seeds of Revenge.
Living Life with Joy, https://livinglifewithjoy.com/ (July 9, 2015), Arielle Joy, author interview.
Metho Blog, http://methoblog.com/ (September 4, 2017), review of Seeds of Revenge.
More than a Review, http://www.morethanareview.com/ (August 2, 2013), review of Killer Image.
Mysterious Reviews, http://www.mysteriousreviews.com/ (October 15, 2017), review of Dying Brand.
Nadaness in Motion, http://nadanessinmotion.blogspot.com/ (June 17, 2017), review of Fatal Facade and author interview.
Publishers Weekly Online, https://www.publishersweekly.com/ (October 15, 2017), review of Seeds of Revenge.
Wendy Tyson Website, http://www.watyson.com (October 30, 2017).*
Mystery and thriller author.
I love determined, gutsy women. Women who aren't afraid to go after what they want. Women who aren't afraid to speak up, to laugh, to fight for the underdog, to fall in love. Women who aren't afraid to live.
Every day, I aspire to be that kind of woman. In the meantime, I write about them.
THE SHORT AND SWEET
Wendy Tyson is an author, lawyer and former therapist whose background has inspired her mysteries and thrillers. Wendy has written four published crime novels, including Dying Brand, the third novel in the Allison Campbell Mystery Series, which was released on May 5, 2015. The first in the Campbell series, Killer Image, was named a best mystery for book clubs in 2014 by Examiner.com. Wendy is also the author of the Greenhouse Mystery Series, the first of which, A Muddied Murder, is due to be released in spring 2016. Wendy is a member of Sisters in Crime and International Thriller Writers, and she is a contributing editor for The Big Thrill, International Thriller Writers’ online magazine. Wendy lives with her husband, three sons and three dogs on a micro-farm just outside of Philadelphia.
THE LONG VERSION
I grew up in a suburb of Philadelphia, in the midst of a large, chaotic and loving extended family. My parents encouraged any activity that developed our imaginations. In fact, one of my father's favorite sayings (usually said in response to whiny complaints by my brother or me) was, "Only boring people are bored." The sentiment still sticks with me and when I find myself in a rut I feel compelled to do something creative to break out of it.
Like most kids, from a young age my interests varied. At any given time, I wanted to be a sky diver (especially funny given my utter fear of heights), an archeologist, a veterinarian, a construction worker or a dolphin trainer. But one interest was a constant: my love of writing. I still have my first short story, written at age eight on an old-fashioned typewriter that was missing various keys. The story was about a ghost. Despite its meandering plot and my reliance on words that could be constructed from the existing keys, my parents thought the piece was the sign of a child prodigy. Of course, they also thought my finger paintings were brilliant.
One of the benefits of a large family is exposure to varied interests and personalities. The ladies in my life were especially influential. I was impacted by strong women - mother, grandmothers, aunts, cousins and later, my husband's spirited grandmother - and they provided the inspiration for my decision to go to law school and, eventually, for Allison and for Delilah and her detectives. Women helping women.
After law school, I landed back where I started - near Philadelphia. I live in a cantankerous old house with my husband, three sons and two Labradors, "No!" and "Don't Eat That!"--and our newest addition, rescue pup Hali. For fun, I love to travel and participate in just about any activity involving the beach or ocean. My husband and I are avid organic gardeners and, to the chagrin of our neighbors, we have turned our small urban lot into a micro farm.
Today, I am thrilled to be able to give voice to my imagination. Fiction is a bridge, a way for people to connect and share the human experience and I feel blessed to be part of that world. I still want to work with dolphins when I grow up, though. Someday . . .
QUOTED: "When image consultant Allison Campbell attends an award ceremony to honor a designer friend, she’s thrust into a murder investigation. Only this time, it’s personal."
"Scott Fairweather, former boyfriend and client, is dead, slain on the streets of Philadelphia. The police believe his death is drug-related, yet the man Allison knew was into clean living. His widow claims he was meeting with Allison that day, yet Allison hadn’t spoken to him in years. Nothing about Scott’s death—or life—makes sense. When compromising photos from the past show up at Allison’s office, they raise more questions than they answer. Who wants her silence…and why?"
"The series centers on a young, widowed environmental lawyer who returns home to rural Pennsylvania to care for her spirited, aging grandmother and launch the family’s organic farm and café. In the first book, she and the town’s hunky veterinarian find the body of the local zoning commissioner in her barn—and she, of course, is compelled to find the killer. My husband and I are passionate organic gardeners, so this series is close to my heart."
Interview & Review | Wendy Tyson’s Dying Brand
Arielle Joy / July 9, 2015
Today I am thrilled to share an excerpt of Wendy Tyson’s latest novel in her Allison Campbell Mystery series, in addition to my review of the novel and a fabulous Q&A with Wendy herself!
Dying Brand (Allison Campbell Mystery #3) by Wendy Tyson
dying brandGenre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Mystery Thriller & Suspense
Published: May 5, 2015
Source: Paperback book from CLP Blog Tours
When image consultant Allison Campbell attends an award ceremony to honor a designer friend, she’s thrust into a murder investigation. Only this time, it’s personal.
A former boyfriend is dead, slain on the streets of Philadelphia. His widow claims he was meeting with Allison, yet Allison hadn’t spoken to him in years. Nothing about his death—or life—makes sense. When compromising photos from their past arrive at Allison’s office, they raise more questions than they answer.
Driven to find justice, Allison deconstructs the image her ex had created for himself, looking for clues about the man he’d become. As her hunt for the truth unveils secrets, Allison’s past and present collide—with deadly results.
Book Links: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes | Google Play
My Review
Although Dying Brand is the third novel in the Allison Campbell Mystery series and is probably best read in order, it can certainly be read as a stand alone novel. If you’re not familiar with the series, let me have the honor of introducing you to these amazingly captivating murder mysteries. Allison Campbell has a somewhat jumbled and messy relationship history. She’s currently dating her ex-husband and now she’s dealing with the aftermath of a dead ex-boyfriend that’s making a mess of her life.,
Allison seems like the person that holds it all together and takes care of everyone, yet she doesn’t seem to want to start a family with her ex-husband Jason that she happens to be dating again. And after so many years of taking charge and taking care of everyone else, Allison is hesitant to let others take care of her in return.
Now not only does she have to worry about Scott’s widow, but she’s also got a difficult family to take care of and a careless sister on the loose. It turns out that Scott was cheating on his wife and having affairs behind her back. It’s sad to think of the amount of lies one must fabricate in order to live a double life. Adultery speaks volumes about one’s character and it never fails to amaze me that people actually do it in real life. It’s even worse to think that in some situations, the woman [or man] knowingly cheats with someone they know is married.
Common themes throughout this novel were about infidelity, financial greed, betrayal, murder, and love. Up until this point I’ve mostly been into the girly chick-lit type of mysteries, but after reading Dying Brand, I think I will be picking up more mysteries that aren’t necessarily chick-lit based. To start with, I’ll definitely be picking up the first two novels in the series to get caught up! This was a fabulous murder mystery that had me turning the pages and dying to know what happened next, and the novel itself was extremely well written and entertaining. 5 stars for this suspenseful mystery!
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
Author Interview – Wendy Tyson
1. Would you like to start by introducing yourself?
Hello! I’m so happy to be here today. My name is Wendy Tyson and I’m an author from the Philadelphia area. I’ve written the Allison Campbell Mystery Series, the third of which, DYING BRAND, just came out in May. I am also a wife, the mother of three boys (and three dogs!) and a full-time attorney.
2. Can you give us a brief overview of your latest novel Dying Brand and the inspiration behind it?
When image consultant Allison Campbell attends an award ceremony to honor a designer friend, she’s thrust into a murder investigation. Only this time, it’s personal.
Scott Fairweather, former boyfriend and client, is dead, slain on the streets of Philadelphia. The police believe his death is drug-related, yet the man Allison knew was into clean living. His widow claims he was meeting with Allison that day, yet Allison hadn’t spoken to him in years. Nothing about Scott’s death—or life—makes sense. When compromising photos from the past show up at Allison’s office, they raise more questions than they answer. Who wants her silence…and why?
Driven by the desire for justice and a compelling need to understand her role, Allison deconstructs the image Scott had carefully created for himself, looking for clues about the man he’d become and possible motives for his murder. The pressure of the search and the secrets it unveils test the strength of her newly-rekindled relationship with her former husband. Add to that family turmoil, including a prodigal sister battling addiction and a young niece she never knew she had, and events force Allison to question the very foundations of her life. As her hunt for the truth continues, Allison’s past and present collide—with deadly results.
I didn’t really have a specific inspiration for DYING BRAND other than an image of the opening scene. I had a vision of Allison getting a phone call from a woman who haunted her past. As I suppose many fiction writers do, I used that image to ask a series of questions: Who was the woman? What did she want? What is the conflict? What does Allison stand to lose? I developed the story from there.
3. How long did it take you to write Dying Brand? What is your writing process like?
It took me about ten months to write DYING BRAND. That said, the idea lived with me longer than that, so I suppose I had worked out some of the details in my head well before I put pen to paper.
I have become a pretty disciplined writer (I wasn’t always!). Because I have a crazy life, I make time to write every day, usually very early in the morning before my kids are awake and before I head to work. My goal is to get in two solid hours. I have a very vocal inner critic, and she loves to sit on my shoulder and point out what she believes is rubbish. The nice thing about writing at five in the morning is that she’s not yet fully cognizant, and when I’m working on a first draft, I want to just get the words down on the page without agonizing over every sentence. The agonizing comes later, during the editing phase.
In terms of process, I start by free writing. Once I have a general idea for a book, I write in notebooks, with no real organization. My goal is simply to flesh out the idea, the characters, etc. Once the concept has form, I start the first draft, writing straight through until I can type “THE END.” I do make notes to myself while writing the first draft, however, sometimes in a separate document and sometimes in brackets in the draft itself. Then I go back and edit my first draft. After that, I outline the book to make sure all of the plot elements fit together properly and the mystery works. I like to send it to at least two or three trusted beta readers before it goes to my editors at Henery Press, who will read it and provide comments of their own.
4. Can you tell us a bit about what you’re working on at the moment?
I’m finishing up the first book in a new series. The novel is called A MUDDIED MURDER and it’s the debut in The Greenhouse Mystery Series, which will be published by Henery Press beginning in the spring of 2016. The series centers on a young, widowed environmental lawyer who returns home to rural Pennsylvania to care for her spirited, aging grandmother and launch the family’s organic farm and café. In the first book, she and the town’s hunky veterinarian find the body of the local zoning commissioner in her barn—and she, of course, is compelled to find the killer. My husband and I are passionate organic gardeners, so this series is close to my heart.
I’m also writing the next Allison Campbell novel, FATAL FAÇADE, which is due out next summer. In FATAL FAÇADE, Allison and friends head to Italy where Allison becomes entangled in the murder investigation of a beautiful, mysterious ex pat.
5. What’s your favorite quality about your heroine Allison?
I love Allison’s sense of humanity, and her desire to do what’s right—no matter what. Although Allison lives in a wealthy, prestigious Philadelphia suburb, and hobnobs with the “who’s who” of the Main Line, she always feels a little like an outsider. In fact, it’s her experiences as an outsider (growing up a poor, unpopular kid in a small town) that help her see beneath the surface when it comes to others, an important trait for an image consultant—and an amateur sleuth.
6. Did you always want to be a writer?
Yes, always, since I was a little girl. I grew up on Nancy Drew novels and was, in general, a voracious reader and storyteller. It took me a while to realize the dream—I’ve had many careers in the interim, including veterinary assistant, caseworker, therapist, lawyer and ERISA consultant—but I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be published.
7. Being a writer is a great job but what’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
Telemarketer (I can see you all cringing from here!). While in high school I spent a few days as a telemarketer for a media agency. It was absolutely awful. Our calls were monitored, we had a script and we were told not to take “no” for an answer. Besides the fact that it was incredibly boring, tedious work, I didn’t have the stomach for the hard sales approach. I quit after about five days. To this day, when a telemarketer calls, I am sympathetic. I know what a tough job it is. Talk about rejection!
8. What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?
The best writing advice someone ever gave me was to observe human behavior. Good writing is, at its core, about psychology, this person said. I think they were right. You can craft beautiful sentences, but if you don’t capture what feels like authentic human behavior to readers, you’ll lose them. In my view, character is the most important element of a book, and the best writing offers insight into the shared human condition.
9. What would we find if we looked in your handbag right now?
A mess! You’d find a wallet stuffed with receipts that need to be sorted, a make-up bag, random Legos, a gum wrapper or two, keys, my work entry pass, business cards (work), business cards (writing), business cards (other authors), bookmarkers, and a pile of loose change at the bottom.
10. Do you have any pet peeves?
I have a twenty-five mile commute to work, most of it on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, so my pet peeves tend to be driving related. They include when folks drive in the left lane of a highway and don’t move over for faster-moving traffic. And tailgaters. Oh, and people who aren’t courteous. If we all took a moment to be courteous, the world would be a better place.
11. A few of your favorites…
Favorite scent? Honeysuckle
Favorite color? Blue
Favorite food? Paneer tikka masala
Favorite word? Peculiar
Favorite song? Steal the Light by The Cat Empire
Favorite book? THE STAND by Stephen King
Favorite/dream vacation spot? Chamonix, France (Bucket list—Patagonia)
Favorite time period in history? The present!
Favorite article of clothing? Long, lightweight black sweater from Athleta. Pulls any outfit together.
Favorite drink of choice? Alcoholic? Vodka gimlet. Non-alcoholic? Unsweetened iced tea.
Favorite celebrity crush? Bradley Cooper
12. Either or…
Dogs or cats? Dogs
Red wine or white? White
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Summer or Winter? Summer
Sleep in or get up early? Up early
Apple or PC? PC
About the Author – Wendy Tyson
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon | Goodreads
wendy tysonWendy Tyson is an author, lawyer and former therapist whose background has inspired her mysteries and thrillers. Wendy has written four published crime novels, including Dying Brand,the third novel in the Allison Campbell Mystery Series, to be released on May 5, 2015. The first in the Campbell series,Killer Image, was named a best mystery for book clubs in 2014 by Examiner.com. Wendy is also the author of the Greenhouse Mystery Series, the first of which, A Muddied Murder, is due to be released just in time for spring 2016. Wendy is a member of Sisters in Crime and International Thriller Writers and she is a contributing editor for The Big Thrill, International Thriller Writers’ online magazine. Wendy lives near Philadelphia with her husband, three sons and two dogs. Visit Wendy at:http://www.watyson.com.
QUOTED: "It's a pleasure to spend time in their company."
Bitter Harvest: A Greenhouse Mystery
Publishers Weekly.
264.4 (Jan. 23, 2017): p59.
COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
* Bitter Harvest:
A Greenhouse Mystery
Wendy Tyson. Henery, $15.95 trade paper (264p) ISBN 978-1-63511-173-6
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Tyson's first-rate second Greenhouse mystery (after 2016's A Muddied Murder) stars big-city lawyer turned smalltown
organic farmer Megan Sawyer, a kind, intelligent, and spirited woman with great integrity. In short, she's the sort
of person cozy readers warm to and root for. Winsome, Pa., Megan's hometown, is in the midst of frantic preparations
for Oktoberfest, a week-long festival celebrating local produce and pure country living. All is going smoothly, until
Megan's at times cantankerous grandmother discovers a body at a solar farm. Bobby King, the young police chief,
wants to avoid a murder investigation and does his best to dismiss Megan's growing concerns about the death, but
when another corpse is found, Bobby realizes he needs to take Megan seriously. Tyson populates the cast with a smugbut-attractive
PR consultant, a temperamental-but-gifted chef, a shrewd and sexy Scottish vet, and assorted
townspeople, whose motives are complex and believable. It's a pleasure to spend time in their company. (Mar.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"Bitter Harvest: A Greenhouse Mystery." Publishers Weekly, 23 Jan. 2017, p. 59. General OneFile,
go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA479714170&it=r&asid=464c226f36b7c6c4818bcb584f74cc29.
Accessed 15 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A479714170
QUOTED: "Tyson gives us an evocative sense of place, a bit of romance, and dimensional characters."
10/15/2017 General OneFile - Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1508106009682 2/2
A Muddied Murder: A Greenhouse Mystery
Publishers Weekly.
263.5 (Feb. 1, 2016): p51.
COPYRIGHT 2016 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
A Muddied Murder: A Greenhouse Mystery Wendy Tyson. Henery, $15.95 trade paper (278p) ISBN 978-1-63511-
005-0
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
This pleasant first in a new cozy series from Tyson (Deadly Assets) introduces former-lawyer-turned-organic-farmer
Megan Sawyer, who has returned to her hometown of Winsome, Pa., to run the family farm, Washington Acres. Megan
is baffled by the refusal of zoning commissioner Simon Duvall to grant the permits she needs to finish the renovations
for her long-planned organic cafe, but before Megan can challenge him, she and local veterinarian Daniel "Denver"
Finn find Simon's bludgeoned body in her barn. Her years as a lawyer have given Megan the skills to do her own
digging, and she discovers that she's not the only one in town with a painful past and long-buried family secrets. Tyson
gives us an evocative sense of place, a bit of romance, and dimensional characters with interesting backstories.
Readers are left looking forward to the next book in the series and hankering for organic mushroom tartlets. (Mar.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"A Muddied Murder: A Greenhouse Mystery." Publishers Weekly, 1 Feb. 2016, p. 51. General OneFile,
go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA442780307&it=r&asid=8d5eedd3b2c6349ca108e85f961247fd.
Accessed 15 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A442780307
Bitter Harvest ( A Greenhouse Mystery #2) – Wendy Tyson || REVIEW #MysteryThrillerWeek
Posted on February 19, 2017
I was sent this book for review for the purposes of #MysteryThrillerWeek, but this did not affect my opinions and reviews.
I really enjoyed the first book in the Greenhouse Mystery series and had high hopes for this one. Is this one as good (or better) than the first ? Let’s find out!
32961565
Megan Sawyer should be shouting from the barn roof. Washington Acres survived its first year, the cafe has become a hot spot for locals, and Winsome’s sexy Scottish veterinarian is making house calls-and not just for the animals! But as summer slips into fall and Winsome prepares for its grand Oktoberfest celebration, beer isn’t the only thing brewing. When the town pub’s owner is killed in a freak accident, Megan suspects something sinister is afoot in Winsome, but no one is listening. As nights grow longer and temperatures chill, Megan must plow through Winsome’s fixation with autumn festivities to harvest the truth, before another dead body marks the season.
Rated – PG 13 (Some intense scenes, Sexual suggestions)
Publication date – March 7, 2017
Length – 264 pages
The Good:
One of the main issues I had with the first was the character development. I felt like they were all interesting, but not all were fleshed out equally. In this book, that was not the case. The cast of characters was switched up a bit, and I felt like the issues with inconsistent development was fixed! I feel like I know all the characters and I love them all equally!
The setting was still so fun! I’m living vicariously through this book, as it has always been a dream of mine to live on a farm, so I’m excited to be reading and continuing this series!
I think the mystery, in this book, was much more compelling and the stakes felt higher. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and I felt when the mystery was solved that it all tied up well.
The Bad:
I do feel like the book ends too quickly. Like, the mystery is solved, then the climax occurs, there is a small wrap up and then its done. I wish this book had been 10-20 pages longer so it didn’t seem so rushed at the end.
I really enjoy this series and can’t wait for the next to come out, so I can continue my adventures with Megan and her crew!
STORY – 4.5/5 (Fun mystery with high stakes.)
CHARACTERS – 4.5/5 (All were interesting and more fleshed out than the first.)
WRITING – 4.5/5 (Still as good, if not better than the first.)
UNIQUENESS – 4/5 (I still have read mysteries like this one before, but the characters and setting make it fun.)
ALL IN ALL I GIVE THIS 4.4 LOCAL FARMS OUT OF 5!
Thanks for reading and I hope you had a great #MysteryThrilllerWeek! What is your favorite cozy mystery? I’d love to know!
QUOTED: "With strong characters and an engaging plot, Bitter Harvest is hard to put down."
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Book Review: Bitter Harvest by Wendy Tyson (Greenhouse Mysteries #2)
Stars: 5 out of 5
Pros: Deep characters, entertaining mystery
Cons: No reason to be bitter; there are no cons
The Bottom Line:
Megan returns with
A great second mystery
Should make her new fans
Murderous Oktoberfest
Last year, I was completely taken with the first Greenhouse Mystery, and I’ve been counting down until I could revisit the characters. That day has finally arrived as Bitter Harvest is ready, and it’s wonderfully fun.
It’s October in the town of Winsome, Pennsylvania, and for small farmer Megan Sawyer, not only does it mean harvest time but also Oktoberfest. This is the first year that the town has celebrated it, an idea of Otto Vance, a local brewer with German roots. It’s going to be a week-long celebration highlighting the local small farms and businesses. In fact, Megan’s café and store, featuring foods grown on her farm, is one of the sponsors of the event.
However, not everyone is happy. Megan witnesses a fight between Otto and another brewer over who should be the major brewery sponsor. Later that day, Otto’s body is found in the middle of the local solar power field. It looks like an accident – Otto hit his head on the corner of one of the panels. But Megan isn’t so sure since that explanation leaves her with too many questions, like what was Otto doing in the field in the first place. With the police busy with the added security needed for the upcoming event, it’s up to Megan to learn the truth. Is she reading too much into what happened? Or is there a killer in town?
I fell in love with the first book because of the characters. It was wonderful to revisit them, and fans of the first book will find they are just as strong here. It’s been six months between books, and that has allowed the characters some time to grow. It is there is subtle things, and I really liked seeing it as it continues the character depth I loved in the first book. The characters introduced in this book are just as strong as the series regulars.
Another thing I liked about the first book is how the mystery feed into Megan learning about some family history. The family history portion was kept to a sub-plot this time, but it was another satisfying chapter in her life.
That means there is plenty of time for the main mystery. That’s a good thing because it seems like there is always something happening to confuse us. People are not always what they appear, and they work hard to keep their secrets from coming out, which is perfect for a page turning story. As Megan untangles the many branches of the book, things slowly become clear to her and to us, although I was still surprised by the climax.
With all the food talk in the book, it’s no surprise that the book includes a recipe. This time around, it is for Rustic Potatoes au Gratin.
With strong characters and an engaging plot, Bitter Harvest is hard to put down. I was finished all too quickly, and I’m looking forward to visiting these friends again very soon.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
QUOTED: "There are enough clues and red herrings to keep us interested and guessing until the climax."
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Book Review: A Muddied Murder by Wendy Tyson (Greenhouse Mysteries #1)
Stars: 5 out of 5
Pros: Wonderful characters, good mystery, great atmosphere
Cons: All cons organically destroyed
The Bottom Line:
The corpse in the barn
Megan uncovers secrets
Can’t wait for next book
Pages Turn as the Muddied Becomes Clear
Since one of my non-book related hobbies is mud runs, the title of A Muddied Murder caught my interest. I quickly realized that this is a series set on a farm, but I also started to hear great things about it, so I knew I had to give it a try.
Megan Sawyer has returned to her home town of Winsome, Pennsylvania, to run the family farm. It’s actually been neglected for years, so it has taken some work to get things going again. She’s also hoping to open a combined store and restaurant in town that features produce from the farm.
Of course, before any of that opens, she needs to have the store pass the building inspection, and Simon Duvall, the local zoning commissioner, continues to find reasons to deny her the permits she needs to open. The night after the store has failed the latest inspection, Megan finds Simon dead in her barn. Naturally, the police think she is the best suspect. Megan sets out to clear her name, but she keeps coming back to one question – why was Simon killed in her barn?
While the mystery of who done it is strong, this book has the added twist of secrets in Megan’s past coming to light. I really enjoyed this because it added some depth to the plot. While the author resolved the bit of that family history introduced here, it leaves the door open for many further stories, and I am very hooked. I need to know what happens next to Megan.
Which obviously means the characters are strong. There were a couple of the supporting cast that felt a little weak to me, but that’s a minor issue since the rest of the characters were great, and I’m sure they will be further developed in future books. I sympathized with Megan, I love her grandmother, the love interest is a great guy, and the suspects are viable.
None of this distracts from the mystery, however. There are enough clues and red herrings to keep us interested and guessing until the climax, when everything is successfully tied up.
For much of the book, it is cloudy or raining, which makes for a very atmospheric read. Despite the sun we were having here in Southern California while I was reading, it really helped pull me into this book. Of course, that does create some of the mud in the title of the book as well.
Since growing or selling food plays such a large part in the book, it’s no surprise that there is a recipe at the end. It’s a vegetable rich pasta primavera that sounds wonderful.
These characters are great, and I can hardly wait to see what grows out of this rich debut. If you haven’t read A Muddied Murder yet, pick it up today and enjoy.
QUOTED: "A MUDDIED MURDER is a phenomenal start to what looks to be a promising mystery series. Wendy Tyson packs a lot into this mystery as we get well developed characters, excellent world building, and one darned good mystery!"
A Muddied Murder
Wendy Tyson
Reviewed by Debbie Wiley
Posted April 5, 2016
Mystery Cozy
I love cozy mysteries featuring gardening of any sort, but even more so when the gardening or farming is organic so I couldn't resist A MUDDIED MURDER. A MUDDIED MURDER is the first book in the Greenhouse Mystery series and features Megan Sawyer, a lawyer who has returned home with plans to turn the family farm into an organic farm. Unfortunately, Simon Duvall, the local zoning commissioner, keeps finding problems with both the farm and the café Megan wants to open. Worse yet, Simon is later found murdered in Megan's barn, and now Megan and her grandmother are caught up in the investigation. Megan is distracted by the secrets her grandmother is hiding, but she knows she isn't a killer. Can Megan uncover who the real culprit is or will Megan become a victim herself?
Books like A MUDDIED MURDER always motivate me to get back outside and start gardening again! Wendy Tyson does a marvelous job at capturing the love Megan has for growing healthy, organic foods, and I absolutely love the glimpses we get into both her victories and her struggles. In fact, this very thing is part of what makes Megan such a great heroine—she's down to earth and could easily be your next door neighbor. Her love for her family, despite their foibles, is heartwarming and I look forward to learning more of the family secrets as the Greenhouse Mystery series progresses.
In fact, all of the characters have a remarkable depth considering A MUDDIED MURDER is the first book in the Greenhouse Mystery series. Denver Finn, the local veterinarian is particularly intriguing especially when he shares some of his own personal history with Megan. I particularly love that Denver tries to help a local veteran traumatized by his experience in Afghanistan. We get a glimpse into the darker issues that haunt veterans, such as PTSD and alcoholism, through this minor character. However, I have to admit my heart was completely stolen by the scenes between Brian Porter and his dog, Sarge, as the love they share seeps through the pages.
A MUDDIED MURDER is a phenomenal start to what looks to be a promising mystery series. Wendy Tyson packs a lot into this mystery as we get well developed characters, excellent world building, and one darned good mystery! I look forward to seeing how Megan's organic farm and café fare in future books as I'm definitely cheering for their success!
Learn more about A Muddied Murder
SUMMARY
When Megan Sawyer gives up her big-city law career to care for her grandmother and run the family’s organic farm and café, she expects to find peace and tranquility in her scenic hometown of Winsome, Pennsylvania. Instead, her goat goes missing, rain muddies her fields, the town denies her business permits, and her family’s Colonial-era farm sucks up the remains of her savings.
Just when she thinks she’s reached the bottom of the rain barrel, Megan and the town’s hunky veterinarian discover the local zoning commissioner’s battered body in her barn. Now Megan is thrust into the middle of a murder investigation—and she’s the chief suspect. Can Megan dig through small-town secrets, local politics, and old grievances in time to find a killer before that killer strikes again?
What do you think about this review?
Comments
1 comment posted.
Re: Promising new mystery series featuring organic farming
Wendy Tyson did a phenomenal job with this first book in her
new series. The characters were all developed and the story
was flawless. I never wished for more information to make
the story flow as it was perfect. Partly through the book I
felt as though these likeable characters could actually be
real people that I would definitely be glad to know. The
organic farming aspect is something so fresh and timely and
I can hardly wait to read future stories. I am hooked on
this series as I think everyone will be after reading it.
Cynthia Blain
(Cynthia Blain 10:05am August 10, 2016)
QUOTED: "Complex characters, interesting twists, and a charming setting add up to a satisfying mystery."
Seeds of Revenge: A Greenhouse Mystery
Wendy Tyson. Henery, $15.95 trade paper (272p) ISBN 978-1-63511-275-7
At the start of Tyson’s enticing third Greenhouse mystery (after Bitter Harvest), organic farmer Megan Sawyer picks up a stranded motorist, Becca Fox, during a snowstorm. Becca was on her way to Winsome, Pa., to start a business selling perfumes and potions. Megan delivers the young woman to her aunt’s house, where Becca confronts her estranged father, Paul Fox. Becca claims that her father murdered her mother, though the death was ruled an accident and no one took her accusation seriously. But, when Paul is poisoned, ex-chemist Becca becomes the prime suspect. The manner of Paul’s death, as well as series of attacks in town by a shadowy figure in black, all bear a frightening similarity to the murders described in books written by Megan’s great-aunt, mystery novelist Sarah Birch. Determined to find the truth, Megan discovers that past connections run deep and no one is who they seem. Complex characters, interesting twists, and a charming setting add up to a satisfying mystery. (Nov.)
QUOTED: "a bit harsher than some cozy mysteries, but still a satisfying read."
Pastor Patrick - Never On A Sunday | Seeds of Revenge – A Review
September 4, 2017 By Pastor Floyd Leave a Comment
Original Posting At http://pastor-patrick.blogspot.com/2017/09/seeds-of-revenge-review.html
Seeds of Revenge
Seeds of Revenge cover.jpg
by
Wendy Tyson
A Review
Megan Sawyer and her friends from the small town of Winsome, PA, are in the middle of another series of murders, a series which could easily tear the town apart. Megan owns a small organic farm on the outskirts of town and also runs a small cafe and store in town in which she markets some of her products. The cafe has quickly become the hub of town gossip – if you want to hear the latest news (true or false) visit the cafe. Winsome was also a place that was inviting to family reunions – and this one was turning deadly.
The disliked patriarch of the family was the first to die – but others would follow. Then other members of the community started to be threatened as well. The police chief was young and was learning his role in murder investigations very quickly. This was not his first case (see Wendy Tyson’s earlier novels in this series for those details), but it was becoming his trickiest to solve. With so many misleading clues and possibilities, naming the wrong suspect could lead to more deaths.
A bit harsher than some cozy mysteries, but still a satisfying read. Set in rural Pennsylvania, the place almost feels like home (without the murders, of course): warm fireplaces, ice covered roads, small town life. A walk along the frozen canal might be just the way to finish day’s work. The town, the plot, and the characters will welcome all readers to again visit Winsome, Pennsylvania.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.
QUOTED: "Tyson’s third look at the joys and perils of small-town life features enough engaging characters to offset the transparent mystery."
SEEDS OF REVENGE
by Wendy Tyson
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KIRKUS REVIEW
A chance encounter involves an organic farmer in a case of murder.
On the way home from a trip to sell winter greens to Philadelphia chefs, former lawyer Megan Sawyer picks up Becca Fox, whose car has died on her way to Winsome, Pennsylvania. Becca, a chemist, is on her way to visit her aunt Merry, who's offered to let her set up a display of modern love potions in her store. But Becca feels no love for her estranged father, Paul, a psychologist-turned–investment adviser whom Merry’s invited to the town they’d lived in years ago hoping that he and Becca will reconcile. That seems unlikely, since Becca’s convinced that Paul murdered her mother. Megan, who runs an organic farm with her grandmother Bibi and has a romantic relationship with local veterinarian “Denver” Finn, knows what a difficult family situation can be like because her own mother walked out on her when she was a child. When Paul is found dead, killed by phosgene gas, Becca, who hated her father and had the knowledge to create the phosgene, is the obvious suspect. Megan’s assisted the police before (Bitter Harvest, 2017), and police chief Bobby King is only too glad to get her help again. Megan soon learns what a sleazy person Paul was. His first wife died in an accident, and he cheated on Becca’s mother. He once worked with Denver’s aunt, a physician who got rid of him when she realized he was harming his patients. He also had a strange relationship with Megan's aunt Sarah, a famous mystery writer whose novels may have provided a template for the murder.
Tyson’s third look at the joys and perils of small-town life features enough engaging characters to offset the transparent mystery.
Pub Date: Nov. 14th, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-63511-278-8
Page count: 272pp
Publisher: Henery Press
Review Posted Online: Sept. 20th, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1st, 2017
QUOTED: "KILLER IMAGE by Wendy Tyson is a great cozy mystery, filled with hidden desires and carefully cultivated images."
Killer Image
Wendy Tyson
Reviewed by Jennifer Barnhart
Posted October 4, 2013
Mystery
Allison Campbell is an image consultant for the Philadelphia elite. When her newest client, fifteen year old Maggie McBride, is accused of a the ritualistic slaying of a wealthy divorce attorney, Allison is the only one who can see past the troubled teen's goth get-up to the innocent, scared girl beneath. To prove the girl's innocence, Allison must use every single skill she's developed to look beyond the surface to find out who is really behind this murder and why they would frame a young girl.
KILLER IMAGE by Wendy Tyson is the first book in the Allison Campbell Mystery series and I can't wait to see how this cozy mystery will develop. My first impression based upon the cover and the blurb was that KILLER IMAGE was going to be a slightly kooky mystery where appearances are deceiving and no one is who they claim to be. Allison is an image consultant after all. Warning: This isn't a humorous story. That's not a bad thing. I loved the darker threads and the depth of each character. I just had different expectations based upon the cover image.
There is definitely a strong theme of who people really are and how they want people to see them. Allison embodies this well. She projects this competent, put-together professional look, and she is that, but it's the contradictions to that surface image that make her a wonderfully complex and rich character. It's her job to look past the surface of her clients and help them project their best qualities to the world and yet, she can't do this for herself. Wendy Tyson has created a dynamic character and world that will be a joy to read as the series progresses.
KILLER IMAGE by Wendy Tyson is a great cozy mystery, filled with hidden desires and carefully cultivated images. Allison's job as an image consultant gives her a unique position 's Allison's own struggle to not only look like the person she wants the world to see, intelligent, compassionate and unafraid, but to actually be that person that makes KILLER IMAGE the first book in a new series worth reading.
Learn more about Killer Image
SUMMARY
Philadelphia image consultant Allison Campbell is not your typical detective. She's more familiar with the rules of etiquette than the rules of evidence, prefers three-inch Manolos to comfy flats and relates to Dear Abby, not Judge Judy. When Allison's latest Main Line client, the fifteen-year-old Goth daughter of a White House hopeful, is accused of the ritualistic murder of a local divorce attorney, Allison fights to prove her client's innocence when no one else will. But in a place where image is everything, the ability to distinguish the truth from the facade may be the only thing that keeps Allison alive. Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you'll probably like them all! KILLER IMAGE is the first in the Allison Campbell mystery series.
QUOTED: "The characters ... have more depth than the breezy girls we often see in chick lit mysteries."
Killer Image, by Wendy Tyson
BY ALEXIS_ADMIN ON AUGUST 2, 2013 REVIEW
killer-imageAllison Campbell is an image consultant, a woman who helps other women change from the outside in. She knows how to dress for success, polish up body language, and teach her clients to “fake it till you make it.”
The inside story is a different matter entirely. Allison’s past is filled with hurt and betrayal, and that’s just as true of the people around her. A brutal murder touches the edges of her life just as she takes on a new client — a troubled teenager — who brings up painful memories for Allison. When the girl becomes a suspect, and the case begins to penetrate more areas of Allison’s life, she has no choice but to get involved.
This is not a light-hearted mystery with recipes and homemaking tips. It will make you think — possibly about the difference between image and reality.
The characters also have more depth than the breezy girls we often see in chick lit mysteries.
The book is forthcoming, and available for pre-order.
QUOTED: "Dying Brand is a very complicated mystery, probably more so than it really needs to be. But for those who may have read the excellent previous books in this series, its greatest fault is that it suffers in comparison to them."
Dying Brand
An Allison Campbell Mystery by Wendy Tyson
Dying Brand by Wendy Tyson
Review: Image consultant Allison Campbell is surprised to hear that a former boyfriend, someone she hadn't seen in four years, has been murdered. But what really shocks her is that he had written her name onto his calendar for the day he was killed, suggesting they had an appointment, or in the eyes of his wife, were rekindling their romantic relationship, in Dying Brand, the third mystery in this series by Wendy Tyson.
Allison is able to convince the police she had nothing to do with Scott Fairweather's death, but Leah, his widow, is another matter. Though she has no formal involvement at all with the investigation, Allison can't help but wonder why Scott had her name in his calendar. And why was he in that particularly rough neighborhood at that time of night? She begins asking questions of those who knew Scott, but gets nowhere with the information she receives. Meanwhile, someone is sending her — and her associates and friends — intimate photographs of Allison and Scott, taken during their time together. When the police focus on a group of young teens as the culprits, Allison is convinced they are wrong, that someone she is involved, if only peripherally, in his death, but has no credible alternative to offer them.
Dying Brand is a very complicated mystery, probably more so than it really needs to be. But for those who may have read the excellent previous books in this series, its greatest fault is that it suffers in comparison to them. The murder has already taken place before the book starts, and Allison is quickly drawn into the dynamics of the case, so it feels like a strong start. But after the first couple of chapters, it grinds forward very slowly. Part of the problem here is that a significant portion of the narrative is focused on Allison's current relationship with her ex-husband Jason, who also receives photos of her and Scott, complicating their nascent reconciliation; and her associate Vaughn's romantic relationship with Jason's mother. And if that weren't enough, Allison's drug-addicted sister enters the picture, needing help but not the kind Allison is prepared to offer; and Vaughn's paralyzed brother, who is instrumental in doing research for Allison, is apparently madly in love with his primary caretaker, a turn Vaughn is deeply suspicious of. There's a sense that the author wants to shake things up here, that maybe these characters need to move on with their lives (with or without their current partners) and is taking an opportunity to do it all at once. And while character development is important, here it seems to take a higher priority than the murder investigation itself. And maybe that's because the murder investigation really isn't all that compelling. Sure, there's the whole who's sending photographs of Allison and Scott and why, and the issue of Allison's name being inexplicably marked into Scott's calendar, but the resolution to these potentially intriguing plot points is actually incidental, and disappointing as a result. This has been, to date, a solid series and one can only hope that the next book returns Allison to practicing her considerable sleuthing skills over dealing with an odd assortment of personal issues.
Acknowledgment: Henery Press provided an ARC of Dying Brand for this review.
QUOTED: "Tyson does a great job of teasing the clues out of a story. Nothing is revealed too quickly, but the story doesn’t drag."
"It was complicated and elusive."
REVIEW: ‘DYING BRAND’ BY WENDY TYSON
July 2, 2015 - Annabel Krantz
Dying Brand Book Cover Title: Dying Brand
Series: An Allison Campbell Mystery
Author: Wendy Tyson
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 264
When image consultant Allison Campbell attends an award ceremony to honour a designer friend, she’s thrust into a murder investigation. Only this time, it’s personal.
A former boyfriend is dead, slain on the streets of Philadelphia. His widow claims he was meeting with Allison, yet Allison hadn’t spoken to him in years. Nothing about his death—or life—makes sense. When compromising photos from their past arrive at Allison’s office, they raise more questions than they answer.
Driven to find justice, Allison deconstructs the image her ex had created for himself, looking for clues about the man he’d become. As her hunt for the truth unveils secrets, Allison’s past and present collide—with deadly results.
Wendy Tyson writes excellent mysteries. That much I know, from reading two of her previous books – Deadly Assets and The Seduction of Miriam Cross. When I picked up Dying Brand, I was not disappointed by the mystery that unravelled within the pages.
From the get go, it’s clear that something isn’t quite adding up in the death of Scott Fairweather. Allison Campbell, Image Consultant (and sometimes sleuth), is pulled into the fray when someone starts sending her photos of her in the midst of a heated affair with Scott, from years ago. Who is sending them, and why, is left a mystery for more than half of the book, as the mystery slowly revealed itself.
Tyson does a great job of teasing the clues out of a story. Nothing is revealed too quickly, but the story doesn’t drag. Refreshingly, the outcome remained unknown until I reached it – there was no guessing in the first few chapters who the bad guy really was.
There was quite a bit of Allison’s personal life included in this book; her family drama, her boyfriend/ex-husband, her best friend and his older lover… I liked how this was handled in this book better than in it’s predecessor; the introduction of Allison’s little sister was interesting, and she was better developed than the somewhat distant older sister, or the abusive father who has mellowed in old age. That said, I still thought there was a little too much sex (really, I think Allison and Jason didn’t share a scene without taking each other’s clothes off).
Overall, I loved the mystery in this book. It was complicated and elusive, which I must prefer over a simpler whodunnit plot where I can guess what’s happened before I’ve even settled into the read! I am still interested in where Tyson takes her headstrong character next; I feel that there’s still a little way to go in terms of character development, I just can’t quite connect with Allison at all. However, if Tyson keeps her mysteries as fresh and intriguing as she has so far, I’m excited to see what comes next!
If you’re feeling lucky, click here to enter a giveaway for Dying Brand!
QUOTED: "Fatal Facade was a fun fast paced suspenseful thriller. That will keep the reader on the edge of the seat."
FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2017
Fatal Facade by Wendy Tyson-Book Review-Character Interview with Giveaway
A Giveaway follows
About the book
Allison Campbell accepted a dream assignment: a visit to the Italian Dolomites to help Hollywood socialite Elle Rose reinvent herself. A guest cottage on the grounds of Elle’s historic castle promises to be a much-needed respite from Allison’s harried life on the Philadelphia Main Line, and the picturesque region, with its sharp peaks, rolling pastures, and medieval churches, is the perfect spot from which to plan her upcoming wedding.
Only this idyllic retreat is anything but peaceful. There are the other visitors—an entourage of back-biting expats and Hollywood VIPs. There’s Elle’s famous rock star father, now a shadowy recluse hovering behind the castle’s closed doors. And then there’s Elle’s erratic behavior. Nothing is as it seems. After a guest plummets to her death from a cliff on the castle grounds, Allison’s trip of a lifetime turns nightmarish—but before she can journey home, Allison must catch a killer.
And I thought
Only a few chapters in I was wishing I read the 3 preceding books.
Not because it was necessary. But because I was so enthralled with all the characters that I wanted to.
But the good news is I got the opportunity to chat with 'Vaughn'
Allison's business manager and her gave me a little background info. and even told me which book in the series is his favorite!
Fatal Facade was a fun fast paced suspenseful thriller. That will keep the reader on the edge of the seat.
The story begins with a flashback when Damian the heir/owner of the fabulous castle falls off a cliff to his death which is classified as an accident. But was it really?
Allison and fiance Jason and niece Grace arrive to join a large group of visitors. Each with their own baggage and motives.
And then another 'accident' happens. And everyone becomes
a suspect.
The reader is swept into a twisty turvey fast paced ride along with
Allison as she rushes to find out what is going on and why.
All the while trying to keeping her loved ones safe.
And when one suspect disappears and then is found buried on the grounds the tension rises and it's a race to find out who dun it.
Fatal Facade was a great suspenseful thriller. I am looking forward to backtracking and reading the beginning of the series.
I received a complimentary copy from Great Escapes.
This review will appear on retail sites where available.
This review will appear on Net Galley and Good Reads.
This review will appear on My Journey Back
Available...
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Coffee with a character
Hello and welcome to the blog. I am excited to talk about Fatal Façade and maybe a little bit about your other adventures with Allison.
So before we get into our chat. Should I call you Christopher or just 'Vaughn'? Is 'Vaughn' reserved for close friends? How did 'just Vaughn' come about?
Hi. Thanks for having me here today, Sherry. Please, call me Vaughn.
As a kid, I got in trouble a lot. I always knew I was in for it when my father would say “Mr. Vaughn” with a growl in his voice. My brother—he’s actually my twin—thought that was pretty funny, me being in trouble and all, so he started just calling me Vaughn. It stuck. Only my mother still called me Christopher, and now one of Jamie’s nurses does as well, a woman who has been a mother figure to us both since we lost our mom.
Let’s just jump right in. How did you first meet/ become acquainted with Allison?
I first met Allison through First Impressions. She’d recently purchased the business from the woman who was her mother-in-law at the time, Mia Campbell. Mia had been Allison’s mentor in the image consulting world, throwing Allison a life line when she was desperate for something to root her.
Anyway, Allison needed some odd jobs done, mostly investigative work on behalf of clients—checking into cheating spouses and the like. I’d some similar work for Mia, so Allison used me. We hit it off, she saw how hard I worked when it came to my clients’ interests, and she offered me a full-time job at the office. My role grew as the business blossomed and as our friendship developed.
Friend and business manager huh? What are your duties?
Anything pertaining to the business, really. I manage the financial end of things, handle appointments, negotiate contracts, deal with clients and the press. Allison and I work as a team. The only thing I don’t do is consult with clients.
I’m curious—do you think mystery and suspense just kind of follow Allison Around?
Interesting question. No, I don’t. But Allison has a unique perspective. She viewed herself as an outsider for a long time. I think she still does. Despite working and living on the upscale Main Line of Philadelphia, despite all of her wealthy clients and fancy functions, she’s still the young girl who grew up poor under the rule of an abusive father. She’s never been able to outrun her past. I think that perspective, that ability to be on the outside looking in, allows her to see things others miss. Like true motives, and the goodness in people, and BS. Plus, she has a soft heart. She can’t pass up a chance to help out someone in trouble, so she often finds herself in the midst of it.
In Fatal Façade you spent a little time in Italy. Have you traveled abroad in any of your earlier adventures?
Previous adventures have taken us to Scranton, Pennsylvania and the Finger Lakes in New York, but this was my first trip abroad as part of First Impressions.
Besides your twin brother Jamie is there anyone else in the cast that you’re close to?
Mia. Or I was close to Mia, anyway. That’s a story for another day. And Jason, Allison’s fiancé (and former husband)—we’ve been friends for years.
I jumped into the series with Fatal Façade. And now I am looking for my next
adventure. If you had to choose/suggest which of your adventures is your favorite?
I’d like to say I enjoyed them all, but the truth is DEADLY ASSETS was pretty harrowing because two clients were missing and my freedom was on the line. DYING BRAND was scary, too, because of the impact on Allison. I don’t think she realizes just how close she came to being a victim.
Of course, it all began with KILLER IMAGE. You don’t have to start at the beginning of our story—each adventure stands on its own—but sometimes it helps if you want the background. KILLER IMAGE was perhaps our darkest hour.
Thanks for the suggestion and thank you for the chat.
This was great. I appreciate your time.
QUOTED: "Allison Campbell is Philadelphia’s premier image consultant. A dissertation shy of a PhD in psychology, she spends her days helping others reinvent themselves, but her biggest transformation was her own."
"Allison had a troubled childhood. Determined to overcome an abusive family life, she decided to become a psychologist. While in graduate school, she grew close to a teenage patient who ran away and was presumed dead. Allison blamed herself. Eventually Allison moved to the Philadelphia Main Line and reinvented herself as an image consultant. She’s able to use her understanding of human nature and her own experiences as an outsider to assist others (and solve crimes)."
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Fatal Façade by Wendy Tyson - Interview & Giveaway
Today, I'm touring Fatal Façade by Wendy Tyson and Lori Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.
For my stop, I'm featuring an exclusive interview with author Wendy Tyson. Be sure to check out the giveaway as well.
Book: Fatal Façade
(Book 4 in the Allison Campbell Mystery series)
Genres: Cozy Mystery/Suspense
Publisher: Henery Press
Publication date: 13 June 2017)
Paperback: 278 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1635112238
E-BOOK ASIN: B06XP2QG4P
Synopsis:
Allison Campbell accepted a dream assignment: a visit to the Italian Dolomites to help Hollywood socialite Elle Rose reinvent herself. A guest cottage on the grounds of Elle’s historic castle promises to be a much-needed respite from Allison’s harried life on the Philadelphia Main Line, and the picturesque region, with its sharp peaks, rolling pastures, and medieval churches, is the perfect spot from which to plan her upcoming wedding.
Only this idyllic retreat is anything but peaceful. There are the other visitors—an entourage of back-biting expats and Hollywood VIPs. There’s Elle’s famous rock star father, now a shadowy recluse hovering behind the castle’s closed doors. And then there’s Elle’s erratic behavior. Nothing is as it seems. After a guest plummets to her death from a cliff on the castle grounds, Allison’s trip of a lifetime turns nightmarish—but before she can journey home, Allison must catch a killer.
Nadaness In Motion's Exclusive Interview as part of the blog tour
Nadaness In Motion: If you could time travel, which era (and country) would you go to?
Wendy Tyson: Ancient Greece. I’m cognizant of the fact that women didn’t fare so well during many eras and in many countries, including Ancient Greece. They were often viewed as the property of their husbands or fathers and had few rights and little recourse under the law. But to time travel for a visit only? That would be fascinating.
Nadaness In Motion: Who are your favourite – and least favourite – classical authors?
Wendy Tyson: Some of my favorites include Charlotte Bronte, Dickens, Victor Hugo, Jane Austen, Hemmingway, and Dostoyevsky.
Least favorite? Probably James Joyce. I’ve really tried, but his work never captured me.
Nadaness In Motion: Which countries are on your bucket list?
Wendy Tyson: I love to travel and I have a very long bucket list. A few from the top of that list are Argentina and Chile (specifically Patagonia), Norway, and Iceland. I’d also like to visit Easter Island.
Nadaness In Motion: What is the hardest thing about writing a mystery novel?
Wendy Tyson: Rewriting a mystery novel. I love writing that first draft—all the freedom, all that white space. While editing is critical, I find the rewrites harder, especially the third or fourth rewrite, when you’re really fine tuning language and making sure every word advances the story.
Nadaness In Motion: How many books can you work on at the same time? Don't you worry about mixing bits and pieces when working on more than one book?
Wendy Tyson: I’m currently working on three books—two first drafts and a line edit of another. I don’t really worry about mixing bits and pieces. I work on each book separately. That is, when I’m focusing on one book, that’s all I do, and I usually don’t work on two books during the same day (unless it’s editing). Plus, the characters for each book are very different from one another as are the settings, tone, etc. It’s rather like having different groups of friends. You don’t mix them up.
Nadaness In Motion: What is the first thing you pick when you decide to write a new mystery? (Place, character to die, book name…?)
Wendy Tyson: Title. Although the title may change eventually, having a great title helps me to define the storyline, consider themes, and flesh out the characters. I like having that word or phrase to root the novel.
Nadaness In Motion: If you could pick one of your books to become a movie or a series, which would it be?
Wendy Tyson: I think the Greenhouse Mystery Series would make a terrific Hallmark Channel movie or television series!
Nadaness In Motion: What has impacted your writing the most?
Wendy Tyson: Two things have impacted my writing the most: my upbringing and my career history.
I come from a family of strong women. My great-grandmother came to this country from Italy as a teen. She had an arranged marriage to an older man, little education, and struggled with English. Nevertheless, she learned the language and the culture and eventually became a successful businesswoman while raising her kids, investing in real estate and flipping properties before it was trendy. I’ve been blessed to experience that kind of grit in many of the women in my family. Their strength fuels my characters.
My career history has also impacted my writing. As a young woman I was a horse farm worker and a veterinary assistant. Later I attended graduate school for counseling psychology and was a therapist, then went to law school. All of these career paths have influenced my characters and my books, but my psych background has probably been the most impactful. I was only in my twenties when I was working with troubled teens and their families. Those kids—their vulnerability, their resilience—have stayed with me and inspired not only the Allison Campbell series but characters and themes in other novels.
Nadaness In Motion: Tell us a bit about Allison Campbell, the protagonist of your mystery series.
Wendy Tyson: Allison Campbell is Philadelphia’s premier image consultant. A dissertation shy of a PhD in psychology, she spends her days helping others reinvent themselves, but her biggest transformation was her own.
Allison had a troubled childhood. Determined to overcome an abusive family life, she decided to become a psychologist. While in graduate school, she grew close to a teenage patient who ran away and was presumed dead. Allison blamed herself. Eventually Allison moved to the Philadelphia Main Line and reinvented herself as an image consultant. She’s able to use her understanding of human nature and her own experiences as an outsider to assist others (and solve crimes), but no matter how successful she becomes, the mistakes of her past haunt her.
Nadaness In Motion: How many parts are you planning for the Allison Campbell Mystery Series?
Wendy Tyson: Fatal Façade is the fourth installment in the series. Right now, I have a contract for six books.
QUOTED: "the way the characters continue to grow in each book in this series. They are very engaging and believable."
#Review / #Giveaway – Fatal Facade by Wendy Tyson – Great Escapes Book Tour
2017 Reviews, Craving For Cozies, Cruisin Thru Cozies, E-Book Challenge, Giveaways, Great Escapes Book Tours, Literary Escapes, You Read How Many Books Challenge
Jun
15
2017
Fatal Facade
by Wendy Tyson
Fatal Facade (An Allison Campbell Mystery Book 4)
Cozy Mystery/Suspense
4th in Series
Setting – Italy
Henery Press (June 13, 2017)
Paperback: 278 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1635112238
E-BOOK ASIN: B06XP2QG4P
Allison Campbell accepted a dream assignment: a visit to the Italian Dolomites to help Hollywood socialite Elle Rose reinvent herself. A guest cottage on the grounds of Elle’s historic castle promises to be a much-needed respite from Allison’s harried life on the Philadelphia Main Line, and the picturesque region, with its sharp peaks, rolling pastures, and medieval churches, is the perfect spot from which to plan her upcoming wedding.
Only this idyllic retreat is anything but peaceful. There are the other visitors—an entourage of back-biting expats and Hollywood VIPs. There’s Elle’s famous rock star father, now a shadowy recluse hovering behind the castle’s closed doors. And then there’s Elle’s erratic behavior. Nothing is as it seems. After a guest plummets to her death from a cliff on the castle grounds, Allison’s trip of a lifetime turns nightmarish—but before she can journey home, Allison must catch a killer.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This story takes us off to Italy when Image Consultant Allison Campbell takes on Elle Rose as a client. Elle lives in a castle near the Italian Dolomites and has offered Allison, Jason and Grace, Allison’s niece, a guest cottage on the property. Since Jason needs to go to Austria for his new job it seems like an ideal assignment. She never imagined the castle would be crowded with so many people all there supposedly to work with Elle’s father. A father who is apparently very ill and who is rarely seen.
Allison is dismayed by her clients behavior and unwillingness to put in the work to upgrade her image. In fact she is thinking about quitting. Then one of the guests is found dead at the bottom of a sheer cliff. The death looks suspicious and the authorities demand Allison not leave town. She decides to do a little investigating herself with Vaughan and Jamie’s help. Everything they uncover leads them in several directions but they all know there is a killer in the castle.
I must first address the setting – a castle and vast grounds that include several cottages, a spa, a pool, woods with hiking trails up and down and around the Dolomites. A picturesque place that for me would be a very hard place to leave. But then with a killer on the lost, probably not so idyllic, right now.
All the characters I loved from previous stories are back. Not everyone is in Italy though. Mia and Vaughn arrive a few days after Allison, Jason and Grace. They relationship is still a little rocky and Allison and Jason may take the plunge into marriage again. Jamie has stayed home but he uses his skills pretty well from there. I really enjoy the way the characters continue to grow in each book in this series. They are very engaging and believable.
The search for the killer was much like a closed room mystery. It has to be someone staying on the property. Between the guests and the staff there are plenty of suspects. The motive for the murder was very hard to determine and it could be connected to another recent death. Seriously at one time or another throughout the story I had then all pegged as the murderer. Heck, one of the goats could have pushed her off the cliff. It is only when some key information is discovered that things start to make sense. Tyson had us on a twisty trail to figure out this mystery and I loved it.
This trip to Italy was a Perfect Escape! You should book your trip today!