Welcome to my stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for The Moonshine Shack Murder (A Southern Homebrew Mystery) by Diane Kelly. Stop by each blog on the tour for interviews, guest posts, spotlights, reviews and more!
In this intoxicating new cozy mystery series, the future for modern-day moonshiner Hattie Hayes looks bright–until death darkens the doorstep of her Moonshine Shack.
The Moonshine Shack Murder (A Southern Homebrew Mystery)
by Diane Kelly
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The Moonshine Shack Murder (A Southern Homebrew Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Publisher: Berkley (July 6, 2021)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
The Hayes family has made moonshine in Chattanooga since the days of Prohibition, and Hattie is happy to continue the tradition, serving up fun, fruity flavors in mason jars for locals and tourists alike. All signs indicate her new ‘shine shop will be a smashing success. What’s more, mounted police officer Marlon Landers has taken a shine to Hattie. For the first time ever, the stars seemed to have aligned in both her work and romantic life. But when a body ends up on her store’s doorstep alongside a broken jar of her Firefly Moonshine, it just might be lights out for her fledgling business.
The homicide detective can’t seem to identify the person who killed the owner of a nearby bar. The only witness is Hattie’s longhaired gray cat, and Smoky isn’t talking. When the detective learns that the victim and Hattie had a heated exchange shortly before his murder, she becomes her prime suspect.
Lest Hattie end up behind bars like her bootlegging great-grandfather a century before, she must distill the evidence herself and serve the killer a swift shot of justice.
Character guest post: Charlotte the Police Horse from The Moonshine Shack Murder
Hello there, readers. I’m Charlotte, the chestnut mare from Diane Kelly’s book The Moonshine Shack Murder. It’s the first book in her new Southern Homebrew series. I know a lot of you cozy mystery readers are crazy about cats, and there’s a furry feline named Smoky in the book, too. But I hope there’s room in your hearts for a big girl like me.
I’m much more than just a reddish coat, blond mane, and long legs. I’m a working police horse. I get paid in feed, hay, and the occasional salt lick. Not a bad gig overall. Gets me out of the barn where I can see what’s going on in the world. I work alongside (or should I say under?) Chattanooga Police Officer Marlon Landers. He’s a great guy. Dutiful. Smart. Treats me like a queen. He always makes sure I’m hosed down and brushed after a hard day’s work, keeps me looking pretty. I got the gig because I’m a calm horse who works well under pressure. I don’t startle easy. I’m smart, but I’m not stubborn. I’m happy to go along with whatever Marlon asks of me. I trust him implicitly. He’d never ask me to do anything that would put me at risk. Together, we keep the people of Chattanooga safe.
Lately, I’ve noticed that I’m not the only female Marlon has been paying attention to. Seems he’s taken a shine to modern-day moonshiner Hattie Hayes, who runs The Moonshine Shack. It’s a cute shop down in the riverfront area. I might be jealous if Hattie wasn’t so sweet to me. She’s always got an apple or a carrot to share, and she bought a brand-new bucket just so she can give me a cool drink of water when we stop by her shop. We seem to be doing that a lot lately.
I can tell something’s going on. My big ears have picked up some of the gossip. Seems the guy who ran the Irish pub across the street from Hattie’s store was found dead right in front of her shop. Someone slashed his throat with a broken jar of her moonshine. Some even suspect Hattie had something to do with it, but I know better. Hattie’s the type of young woman who will stand up for herself when necessary, but she wouldn’t hurt a fly. Still, to clear her name, she’s got to help Marlon and Detective Candace “Ace” Pearce figure out who killed the guy and why. He wasn’t the likable kind, so there’s lots of people on the potential suspects list. Former employees from his pub. Other businesspeople in the area that he screwed over in one way or another. Barflies that he’d gotten crosswise with.
I hope you’ll saddle up and come along for the ride with us. The book is a lot of fun, and you just might learn something about moonshine or the pretty city of Chattanooga. It’s a story you won’t want to say “nay” to. Happy reading and happy trails!
About Diane Kelly
Diane Kelly writes stories that feature feisty female lead characters and their furry, four-footed friends. Diane is the author of over 30 novels and novellas, including the Death & Taxes, Paw Enforcement, and House Flipper mystery series. In 2021, she’ll launch two new series, the Southern Homebrew moonshine series and the Mountain Lodge Mysteries. Find Diane online at DianeKelly.com, on Twitter and Instagram @DianeKellyBooks, and on Facebook at her Author Diane Kelly page.
Author Links:
Website: https://www.dianekelly.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianeKellyBooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DianeKellyBooks
Newsletter signup: http://www.dianekelly.com/sign-up-for-my-newsletter/
Purchase Links
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The Moonshine Shack Murder TOUR PARTICIPANTS
July 6
Author Elena Taylor’s Blog – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST
July 7
Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW
July 8
Novels Alive – GUEST POST
MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
July 9
The Avid Reader – REVIEW, RECIPE
Novels Alive – REVIEW
July 10
Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT
I Read What You Write – CHARACTER GUEST POST
July 11
Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW
July 12
FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
July 13
Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
July 14
Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
July 15
Ascroft, eh? – GUEST POST
Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT
July 16
Diane Reviews Books – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
ebook addicts – SPOTLIGHT
July 17
Socrates Book Reviews – REVIEW
Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT, RECIPE
July 18
Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
July 19
StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT
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Thanks so much for hosting me on your blog, Christy!
You’re welcome! Thank you for stopping and for the fun guest post!
I love this perspective from the horse, very clever. Can’t wait to read this book!!
Thanks, Sue! I love writing animal characters. It’s a fun challenge to get into their heads.
I love the cute cover. Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks, Christina! The artists did a great job. I love it too!
Looks like a fun book.
Thanks for the contest.
The story sounds pretty intriguing.
Sounds like a good read
This sounds super clever and one I would love to read.
Sounds like the start of a great cozy series!
I love that the horse is doing the interview! Super creative!