Black Cat and Dog Days

In the spirit of Halloween, let me introduce you to one of the more sly characters in my soon-to-be-released cozy, Deadly Dog Days. One who shows up where you'd least expect him at the most unexpected times.

Spook is his own man. Owned by no one and free to roam, he sneaks inside our heroine, Cameron's house whenever the desire strikes. Cam isn't sure how Spook gets in, but she has a hunch it's through the attic. 

Aloof and light-footed, he likes to pad across the top of the refrigerator and slink through the books and knickknacks on the bookshelf. 

Spook even has a knack for showing up at the scene of the crime!

My cat, Cupcake (named by her first owner, my niece) was the influence for Spook. While Cupcake isn't necessarily sneaky, she is a little devil. Devil's food cupcake is what I like to call her. 

This is Cupcake. She's a wild woman. She and Spook would be best friends! 

Wishing you a safe and happy Halloween with lots of treats and no tricks!

Best,

Jamie Blair

My debut cozy mystery, DEADLY DOG DAYS, comes out November 8th! So go vote and then stop by the bookstore and grab a copy! 

INK SPOT NEWS- April 5, 2014

Here are the Midnight ink release for April, 2014... and they're all wonderful!

Deal Killer -
Vicki Doudera
A Darby Farr Mystery #5

"[W]ell-crafted ... the reader will feel compelled to keep turning the pages before reaching the final revelations." —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

Deadliest of Sins -
 Sallie Bissell

A Mary Crow Novel #6

"[A] smart and well-paced mystery with a gutsy protagonist and a touch of romance."
—KIRKUS REVIEWS

Critical Damage - Robert K. Lewis

A Mark Mallen
 Novel #2

"Not for the faint of heart, this chilling tale of sexual depravity is perfect for conspiracy aficionados."
—BOOK VERDICT

Montecito Heights -

 Colin Campbell

A Resurrection Man Novel #2
". . .wry maverick Grant never fails to entertain."
—KIRKUS REVIEWS

INKSPOT NEWS - January 4, 2014

Here are the new releases from Midnight Ink for January, 2014. They're all fantastic reads!

Dying to Know by TJ O'Connor

“O’Connor’s debut . . . provides plenty of suspects and an eclectic mix of motives among the living.” —KIRKUS REVIEWS

January Thaw by Jess Lourey

"Who can resist a mystery that includes a daredevil octogenarian sidekick; a flashy, plant-whispering mayor; some really bad villains; and a little girl ghost?"—BOOKLIST

 Murder Strikes a Pose by Tracy Weber

“Weber’s debut, which launches the Downward Dog series, should appeal to anyone who likes canines, yoga, and a determined sleuth. ... Cozy fans will eagerly await the next installment.” —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

INKSPOT NEWS - December 7, 2013

We have one December release from Midnight Ink to announce, and it's a great read!

Secondhand Stiff by Sue Ann Jaffarian

"[A] real treat for chick-lit and mystery fans who like feisty women."
—Library Journal (starred review)

"I’d like to spend more time with Sue Ann Jaffarian’s Odelia [Grey]."
—Publishers Weekly

Jennifer Harlow also has a new e-book out now, the second in her Galilee Falls Trilogy

Galilee Rising by Jennifer Harlow

It's available at all e-book retailers as well as in physical book form HERE.

A BASKET OF TROUBLE Releases to On-line Excitement and Critical Acclaim!

My sixth mystery novel, the third in my Claire Hanover gift basket designer series, was released by Midnight Ink on November 8th. Already, A Basket of Trouble has gathered a brimming basket of good reviews, including all four of the big four review publications! Here are some pull quotes:

"Groundwater combines a satisfying mystery with aspects of riding life and a look at the illegal immigration issue. A good choice for fans of small-town amateur sleuths."
   -- Booklist, Oct 1, 2013

"Groundwater’s well-crafted cozy comes complete with numerous red herrings and a picturesque setting."
   -- Publisher's Weekly, Sep 30, 2013

"Groundwater’s third series entry (after To Hell in a Handbasket) is an action-packed cozy that successfully weaves in her small business and disability awareness."
   -- Library Journal, November 1, 2013

"This book had everything I want in a cozy mystery. It featured multidimensional characters, a twisting plot, and a location I want to visit."
   -- Mystery Books Examiner, July 15, 2013

"The latest starring Claire (To Hell in a Handbasket, 2012, etc.) packs in more action than a typical cozy."
   -- Kirkus Reviews, August 11, 2013

"Horse lovers and mystery fans will enjoy A Basket of Trouble."
   -- Clare O'Beara, Fresh Fiction, October 9, 2013

"Well, I thought with all the clues that I would have guessed this one. Nope, not quite. I loved the twists and the thoughts that were shared."
   -- A Date With a Book, 4 star rating, November 8, 2013

I've also been hitting the blogosphere to promote the book. You can read interviews with me at:

Hey, There's a Dead Guy in the Living Room

Lisa K's Book Reviews

The Big Thrill webzine published by International Thriller Writers

And my amateur sleuth protagonist, Claire Hanover, talks about a stressful day in her life at Dru's Book Musings blog. Lastly, on Saturday, November 23rd, at noon Mountain Standard Time, I will appear live on Suspense Radio. Please listen in, and feel free to call in with a question!

I have scheduled a half dozen personal appearances, so far, in Colorado, so if you live in the state, check out the Appearances page on my website to see when/where I will be appearing near you.

Phew! Is a lot of work involved in a book release? You betcha!

INKSPOT NEWS - November 2, 2013

Here are the new releases from Midnight Ink for November, 2013. They're both terrific reads!

A Basket of Trouble by Beth Groundwater

"Groundwater’s third series entry (after To Hell in a Handbasket) is an action-packed cozy that successfully weaves in her small business and disability awareness."  —Library Journal

"Groundwater combines a satisfying mystery with aspects of riding life and a look at the illegal immigration issue. A good choice for fans of small-town amateur sleuths."  —Booklist

"Groundwater’s well-crafted cozy comes complete with numerous red herrings and a picturesque setting."  —Publisher's Weekly

"The latest starring Claire (To Hell in a Handbasket, 2012, etc.) packs in more action than a typical cozy."  —Kirkus Reviews

 Best Defense by Randy Rawls

"[Best Defense] is a satisfying, lighthearted adventure." —Publishers Weekly

INKSPOT NEWS - October 5, 2013

 Here are the new releases from Midnight Ink for October, 2013. They're all excellent reads!

Devil With a Gun by M. C. Grant

The riveting sequel to Angel With a Bullet, “a fast-paced combination of violence and sex” (Kirkus Reviews), Devil With a Gun leads Dixie Flynn to an incendiary confrontation with the most ruthless killers in San Francisco.

Heritage of Darkness by Kathleen Ernst

"Chloe’s fourth...provides a little mystery, a little romance and a little more information about Norwegian folk art and tales."—Kirkus Reviews

Plague Ship by Leonard Goldberg

"[An] all-too-plausible medical scenario that will send chills up the spine."—Kirkus Reviews


Also, on Tuesday, October 8th, from noon - 1:30 PM, Beth Groundwater will appear at the Colorado Mountain College, Coronado Cafe Room 701, 901 South Highway 24, Leadville, CO 80461. As part of their Local Author Series, she will talk about her path to publication, answer questions, and sign copies of her mystery novels.

INKSPOT NEWS - September 7, 2013

Here are the new releases from Midnight Ink for September, 2013. They're all fantastic reads!

Grapes of Death by Joni Folger

"The characters are vivid, the plot is cleverly and coherently woven together, and the suspense builds up to a hair-raising [ending]."—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

In the Moors by Nina Milton

"Sabbie Dare is the most compelling protagonist I've met this year...Milton's tale is riveting."—LIBRARY JOURNAL (starred review)

Mama Gets Trashed by Deborah Sharp

"Readers will eagerly turn the pages [to solve this mystery]."—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

Shotgun Moon by K. C. McRae

 "Shotgun Moon is easy on the ear and the eye—definitely an author and a character to watch out for."—CRAIG JOHNSON, AUTHOR OF THE WALT LONGMIRE SERIES

The Money Bird by Sheila Webster Boneham

"Equal parts mystery and dog appreciation, with a dash of romance thrown in for good measure, this second case for Janet and her pals...is accessible to fans of all three."—KIRKUS REVIEWS

INKSPOT NEWS - August 3, 2013

Here are the new releases from Midnight Ink for August, 2013. They're all terrific reads!

 Death Takes a Holiday by Jennifer Harlow

“Wildly fun and funny, Harlow offers treats for every paranormal lover to relish, with plenty of action, thrills, and laughter.”—Leanna Renee Hieber, author of the Strangely Beautiful series

Purgatory Key by Darrell James

“The fast-flowing story will engage readers. It’s nice to see a woman in control in the leading role.”—Kirkus Reviews

Poisoned Politics by Maggie Sefton

“Sefton has a sharp ear for dialog and knack for writing strong female characters.”—Library Journal

INKSPOT NEWS - July 6, 2013

Here are the new releases from Midnight Ink for July, 2013. They're both wonderful reads!


Out of the Frying Pan by Robin Allen

 “A must-read for cozy lovers.”—Publishers Weekly

“Allen delivers a breezy and likeable menu.”—Kirkus Reviews

Pickle in the Middle Murder by Jessie Chandler

“In Chandler's thrilling third Shay O'Hanlon caper … Chandler keeps the suspense high as flustered Shay and spunky Eddy Quartermaine, Shay's mom stand-in, seek to prove JT's innocence -- and learn a few surprises about her past along the way. ”—Publishers Weekly

INKSPOT NEWS - June 1, 2013

Here are the new releases from Midnight Ink for June, 2013. They're all phenomenal reads!

As She Left It by Catriona McPherson

"The creator of Dandy Gilver . . . has produced a stand-alone that is worlds apart, a fascinating, mysterious ramble you can't put down."—KIRKUS REVIEWS (STARRED REVIEW)

"...dark, absorbing, contemporary stand-alone..."—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

Eternally 21 by Linda Joffe Hull

"A character whom readers will be pleased to follow." —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

“Maddie’s coupon-clipping tips are seamlessly incorporated into the well-constructed mystery, which provides a series of stunning twists that will leave readers eager to see what will happen to Maddie in the next installment.”—BOOKLIST

Deadly Currents by Beth Groundwater

“The tension runs high in Groundwater’s absorbing third RM Outdoor Adventures mystery … Scenic descriptions and folklore add atmosphere to a suspenseful tale.” —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

“Groundwater’s third entry (after the Left Coast Crime Rocky Award finalist Wicked Eddies) is marked by an outdoorsy intensity and authentic sports chatter sure to resonate with Nevada Barr readers. Her methodical, gentle buildup mirrors the river’s course so that when the characters hit the rapids, life jackets are a must.” —LIBRARY JOURNAL

INKSPOT NEWS - May 4, 2013

Here are the new releases from Midnight Ink for May, 2013. They're all astounding reads!


Brush With Death by Karen MacInerney

"A welcome return to Maine's Cranberry Island and its sleuthing innkeeper, Natalie Barnes."     —LIBRARY JOURNAL

"The fifth Gray Whale adventure provides complex characters, stunning scenery and many recipes."     —KIRKUS REVIEWS

Carved In Darkness by Meagan Beaumont

"Pulse-pounding terror, graphic violence and a loathsome killer."     —KIRKUS REVIEWS

"Beaumont knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat . . . Buckle up for the ride of a lifetime, this one is the roughest rollercoaster you ever had to endure."     —SUSPENSE MAGAZINE

 Heard It Through the Grapevine by Lizbeth Lipperman

“Cozy fans will have fun.”     —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

“Entertaining, wickedly hilarious, and thoroughly addictive . . . a spectacular reading experience.”     —SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER

Picture Perfect Corpse by Joanna Campbell Slan

“The characters are so well developed that each installment leaves the reader yearning for the next.”     —KIRKUS REVIEWS

“A damn good read . . . Treat yourself to a wonderful traditional-feeling mystery with characters you will love.”     —CRIMESPREE MAGAZINE

INKSPOT NEWS - April 6, 2013

Here are the new releases from Midnight Ink for April, 2013. They're all excellent reads!


Final Settlement by Vicki Doudera

"Credible characters and evocative descriptions of smalltown Maine in winter complement the fast-paced plot."
—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"A twisty fourth case that strikes close to the bone for a complex, likeable sleuth."
—KIRKUS REVIEWS

Jamaica Plain by Colin Campbell

"Grim and gritty and packed with action and crackling dialogue."
—KIRKUS REVIEWS

Music of Ghosts by Sallie Bissell

"A top-notch thriller."
—PEOPLE
"A grim but well-written adventure that skillfully interweaves Cherokee lore and human nature at its best and worst."
—BOOKLIST

Untold Damage by Robert K. Lewis

"Equally rooted in the struggle for justice and the struggle for sobriety, Lewis' debut makes it clear that there may be no clear right or wrong."
—KIRKUS REVIEWS

In other news, Midnight Ink author Beth Groundwater will appear at the Pikes Peak Library District's "Mountain of Authors" program on April 13th, 11 AM - 6 PM, East Library Branch, 5550 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80918.

INKSPOT NEWS - March 9, 2013

Here are the new releases (and NEWS releases) from Midnight Ink for March, 2013. They're both exciting reads!




Tainted Mountain by Shannon Baker

"Baker’s series debut brings Native American culture and big business together into a clash that can be heard across the mountains. Fans of J.A. Jance’s Joanna Brady will see similarities in Nora Abbott."
—LIBRARY JOURNAL

What's a Witch to Do? by Jennifer Harlow

"Hell's bells! Harlow's balanced blend of romance and intrigue makes this one a winner."
—KIRKUS REVIEWS


In other NEWS: Midnight Ink writer Deborah Sharp (author of the Mace Bauer Mysteries) will appear next Saturday, March 16, at the Southwest Florida Reading Festival in Fort Myers, Fla. The FREE, all-day event includes activities and entertainment for all ages, as well as more than 20 best-selling authors in panels and presentations. The Florida forecast is for warm, sunny FUN.

INKSPOT NEWS - February 9, 2013

Here are the new releases from Midnight Ink for February, 2013. They're both terrific reads!





Bonnie of Evidence by Maddy Hunter

"[A] delightfully deadly eighth Passport to Peril mystery."
—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

Veiled Threat by Alice Loweecy

"A former nun herself, Loweecey infuses her complex heroine with all the knowledge and courage it takes to switch from the convent to crime fighting and pairs a solid mystery with a budding romance."
—KIRKUS REVIEWS

Alice Loweecy is signing copies of Veiled Threat today, Saturday, February 9th, at 1:00 PM at the Syracuse Barnes and Noble, Raymour and Flanigan Plaza, 3454 Erie Boulevard, East Dewitt, New York 13214. Please join her there!

And in other wonderful news about Midnight Ink authors, FOUR have been honored in the list of finalists for the awards that will be given out at the Left Coast Crime 2013 conference in Colorado Springs in March. Jess Lourey's December Dread is a finalist for THE LEFTY award, for best humorous mystery novel. Both Darrell James' Sonora Crossing and Beth Groundwater's Wicked Eddies are finalists for THE ROCKY for best mystery novel set in the Left Coast Crime geographical region. And Midnight Ink author Catronia McPherson's recent novel with another publisher is a finalist for THE BRUCE ALEXANDER MEMORIAL HISTORICAL MYSTERY award. Midnight Ink has quite a showing in the award categories!

See the full list of nominations HERE.

INKSPOT NEWS - January 19, 2013

Here are the new releases from Midnight Ink for January, 2013. They're ALL great reads! Scroll down for more news from our authors.





Burden of Proof by Terri Nolan

"With enough characters and plot twists to fill an entire TV series season, Nolan's debut mystery doesn't hold back. Suffused with Irish Catholicism, her cop melodrama makes for an addictive read...Think Mario Puzo goes Irish."
—LIBRARY JOURNAL

Hiding Gladys by Lee Mims

"[A] solid debut."
—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

Revenge of the Crafty Corpse by Lois Winston

"Chuckles begin on page one and the steady humor sustains a comedic crafts cozy...Recommend for Chris Grabenstein ("John Ceepak" series) and Jess Lourey readers."
—LIBRARY JOURNAL

In other news, Midnight Ink author Deborah Sharp will appear Jan. 26 at Murder on the Menu, a day of mystery panels and tasty dishes in Wetumpka, Ala. Deborah writes the Mace Bauer Mysteries, featuring Mace's wacky "Mama.'' The fifth book in the series, MAMA GETS TRASHED, comes out Sept. 1.