Welcome to my stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for Framed For Murder (A Pine Cove Mystery) by Marla A. White. Stop by each blog on the tour for interviews, guest posts, spotlights, reviews and more!
Framed For Murder (A Pine Cove Mystery) by Marla A. White
Framed For Murder (A Pine Cove Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – California
Publisher : The Wild Rose Press, Inc. (June 17, 2024)
Print length : 284 pages
After a life-changing injury, Mel O’Rourke trades in her badge for bed sheets, running a B & B in the quirky mountain town of Pine Cove. Her peaceful life is interrupted when an old frenemy, the notorious and charismatic cat burglar, Poppy Phillips, shows up on her doorstep, claiming she’s been framed for murder. While she’s broken plenty of laws, Mel knows she’d never kill anyone. Good thing she’s a better detective than she is a cook as she sets out to prove Poppy’s innocence.
The situation gets complicated, however, when the ruggedly handsome Deputy Sheriff Gregg Marks flirts with Mel, bringing him dangerously close to the criminal she’s hiding. And just when her friendship with café owner Jackson Thibodeaux blossoms into something more, he’s offered the opportunity of a lifetime in New Orleans. Should she encourage him to go, or ask him to stay? Who knew romance could be just as hard to solve as murder?
My review of Framed for Murder
Framed for Murder by Marla A. White is the first book in the Pine Cove mystery series. I loved this cozy mystery. It has quirky characters, a quaint small town setting, and a little bit of romance. The characters don’t have a filter when it comes to swearing, so those of you who don’t like that in a cozy, take note.
Main character Mel O’Rourke is a former police officer who, after a life-altering injury, runs a Bed and Breakfast in Pine Cove, California. (By the way, I found out that there’s a prequel novella to Framed for Murder. I didn’t read it, but there are some references to the murders that occur in that novella in this book. You won’t be lost, but I would like to read it now for sure!) Pine Cove makes a great backdrop for a cozy mystery series. It’s got eclectic eateries and shops, and it’s just got that cozy feel…like a Hallmark movie town.
Framed for Murder has more than a few quirky characters, but Mel’s grandma takes first prize! I can’t do her justice by trying to tell you about her. She’s a character you just have to experience for yourself. Poppy is another one that you have to read to fully get her character. I mean she’s a thief, but she’s so delightful and helpful. The other characters like Mel’s brother, Liam; the owner of The Happy Puppy cafe (I’m pretty sure that’s the name), Jackson; Deputy Marks; the doctor…all of these characters are well-written, and I enjoyed getting to know them.
The mystery in Framed for Murder was well-plotted with several plausible suspects to lead you down wrong paths. I had my suspicions about the killer, but I wasn’t sure until closer to the end. Mel’s phobia led to some real challenges for her. I won’t go into that for fear of spoilers. Of course, the deputy tried to get her to back off of the case, but Mel’s police background just wouldn’t let her let it go. When things get too dangerous, does she back off? You’ll see!
I highly recommend Framed for Murder for its humor, well-written characters, cozy setting, and mystery!
Character Guest Post: Grandma O’Rourke
“Framed for Murder” is the first full-length novel in the Pine Cove Mystery series. The series began with the novella, “The Starlight Mint Surprise Murder” and the characters grew on me so much I gave them their own series.
One person who is talked about in the novella but we don’t meet until now is Grandma O’Rourke. The feisty septuagenarian causes a lot of the mayhem in “Starlight” without ever appearing on the page. Mel’s storyline in the book is her inability to replicate a family holiday favorite, the Starlight Mint Surprise cookie. She doesn’t realize that her grandmother gave out the wrong amounts for some ingredients in the cookie recipe, making it impossible for anyone to replicate her delicious cookies.
Now Grandma O has been exiled to Pine Cove by Mel’s mother for misbehaving…
Marla: Ma’am, they have only introduced you to me as Grandma. Can I ask your first name?
Grandma O: You can ask.
Marla: (chuckling) Okay, what’s your first name?
Grandma O: Christ on a Cracker, you’re relentless with the interrogation, Joe Friday. None of your damn business. Grandma O will do. (Grandma takes a sip of Irish whiskey, neat)
Marla: Oh, okay, sorry, I didn’t mean to—
Grandma O: It’s Minnie. Satisfied? Named long before the damn mouse. After my grandmother in the old country.
Marla: Ireland?
Grandma O: No, Italy. Yes, Ireland. (exasperated sigh) Nothing gets past you, does it? Have you seen the red hair on my granddaughter Mel? Mine was even redder before it went white, but that’s what having kids will do to you.
Marla: Speaking of your granddaughter, what do you think about Mel getting involved in yet another murder investigation? She turned in her badge to run this B&B. Are you worried she’s crossing a line?
Grandma O: Have you tried her coffee? I think we can all agree our guests at least are safer when she’s out of the kitchen solving crimes. (takes another sip of whiskey) Besides, Emmeline is a big girl. She can take care of herself. She was a cop with the LAPD, you know. Got herself a couple of medals before she got hurt.
Marla: I understand you’ve been helping out a lot investigating the murder of an oil executive by digging up dirt on the computer. That’s pretty impressive that a woman your age —
Grandma O: (growls)
Marla: Moving on then. You’ve met Poppy Phillips. Your grandson Liam believes she’s guilty. What do you think?
Grandma O: Liam is the most adorable grandson a woman could ever ask for, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a horse’s patootie. He’d think she was guilty of kidnapping the Lindbergh baby after what she inadvertently put Mel through. If he even knew who Lindbergh was. (finishes the Irish whiskey) Poppy’s good people, no matter what she’s done in the past. Now that Mrs. Lange, she’s a suspicious one if I ever saw one. Second wife who does nothing but post pictures of muffins on Instagram? Please, my TikTok game is so much more on fleek than hers. The kids still say that, right? On fleek?
Marla: (clears throat) Um, yeah, sure. So, how do you like living in Pine Cove compared to L.A.?
Grandma O: I gotta be honest, at first getting exiled up here felt like being sent to Siberia. But, it is kind of pretty up here. Quiet for the most part. They’ve got a tai chi class for seniors at the town hall on Wednesdays. And there’s a couple of silver foxes I wouldn’t mind getting to know.
Marla: Since you brought up matters of the heart, do you have a favorite you’re pulling for in the Jackson vs. Gregg debate?
Grandma O: Now that is the first tough question you’ve asked. Hmm…Jackson sure can make a sinful beignet. And his peach pie, that is pretty great as well. Not to mention those aqua-colored eyes? Nice tush too. Deputy Dawg, on the other hand, he’s fiercely protective even if a little stodgy. Square-jawed, broad shoulders. He kind of reminds me of my boy, Seamus, Mel’s dad. I don’t think Mel can go wrong with either of them, but she’s young, so I tell her to play the field and have fun.
Marla: Rumor has it that you and the mayor’s wife have had words?
Grandma O: (rolls her eyes) That nutball, with her weird bug-eyed dog she carries around in a purse. She had the nerve to accuse my Emmeline of being a danger to the town. And call Liam scruffy! So yeah, we’ve had a few disagreements, shall we say, but I showed her what’s what. Oh, in fact, here she comes now. (laughs evilly). Excuse me, I’ve got some dog treats her pooch loves but makes her farts smell like something died in that purse. Call my grandson scruffy… (marches off to intercept a tiny woman who indeed seems to have a dog in a purse.)
Marla: Um, I guess that’s it, interview over. To be honest, that sweet looking old lady is kind of scary so…thanks for reading. I’ll see you in Pine Cove!
About Marla A. White
Marla White is an award-winning novelist who prefers killing people who annoy her on paper rather than in real life. Her first full-length mystery novel, “Cause for Elimination,” placed in several contests including Killer Nashville, The RONE Awards, The Reader’s Favorite, and finishing second in the Orange County Romance Writers for Romantic Suspense. Originally from Oklahoma, she lived in a lot of other states before settling down in Los Angeles to work in the television industry. She currently teaches at UCLA Extension and gives seminars about the art of script coverage. When she’s not working on the next book, she’s out in the garden, hiking, cheering on the LA Kings, or discovering new craft cocktails.
Fun facts
Something readers might find interesting about this book:
The quirky Babbling Brook Bed-and-Breakfast is loosely inspired by the Silver Pines Lodge in Idyllwild. Highly recommend staying there if you’re even in that neck of the woods.
A fact about me that readers might find interesting:
I share Mel’s nearly debilitating fear of heights. Well, not to the same extent, I can climb a set of stairs, but looking down more than a few flights? No way 😀
There’s a scene where Mel does a singing bowl session. I’ve done that and honestly, it’s pretty cool!
I accomplished the dream of becoming a published writer in my late fifties after helping other writers craft their stories for thirty years.
Social Media Links
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/TheScriptFixer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marlawriteswords/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarlaAWhiteAuthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marlaw825
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21467766.Marla_A_White
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/marla-a-white
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MHIzkB
Substack: https://substack.com/@marlawhite?utm_source=edit-profile-page
Purchase Links
Amazon – Barnes and Noble – Apple Books
Enter the Giveaway
Framed for Murder TOUR PARTICIPANTS
June 17 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT
June 17 – eBook Addicts – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT
June 18 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
June 18 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
June 19 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW , CHARACTER GUEST POST
June 19 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT
June 20 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT
June 20 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST
June 21 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW
June 21 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – AUTHOR GUEST POST
June 22 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT
June 22 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 23 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
June 24 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading – REVIEW
June 25 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT
June 25 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
June 26 – Novels Alive – REVIEW
June 27 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT
June 27 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 28 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
June 29 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST
June 30 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW
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Sounds like a good cozy.
Thanks!
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for reading! Good luck to everyone in the giveaway!
Thank you for your lovely review and for hosting me!
You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping and sharing Grandma with us!
Sounds like a good read.
This sounds like an interesting book and I also like the cover.
I really like the cover. Thank you for the giveaway!
Congratulations on the book and thanks for the chance!!
Fabulous cover