Welcome to my stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for Birds, Puppies, and Murder (Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery) by Joyce Proell & Brenda Whiteside . Stop by each blog on the tour for interviews, guest posts, spotlights, reviews and more!

Birds, Puppies, and Murder (Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery)

by Joyce Proell & Brenda Whiteside

Birds, Puppies, and Murder (Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Setting – Arizona
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently Published
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 23, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 327 pages

Lost  puppies, endangered birds…
The sisters are birddogs on a murder most fowl.

The sisters are thriving like mountain sage in an Arizona autumn. Nicole’s yoga business is gaining a foothold in Wyatt. Emma’s first mystery novel is scheduled for release. But a proposed, expansive building project in the pristine area of the bird sanctuary has the community in an uproar. It’s Environmentalists versus Big Business, and the sisters are caught in the cross-fire.

When one of Nic’s yoga students is found dead near the planned resort, the amateur sleuths are back on the trail of a killer. Who has the most to gain from her death—the morally challenged developer, the money-grubbing boyfriend, her jealous brother, a nasty neighbor, or a co-worker with dark secrets? And where has Skittles, the dog, gone?

While the Chocolate Martini Sisters sort through the litany of villains, they’re leaving no mystery unsolved. The stakes are escalating, throwing the sisters on divergent paths that all come together at a dangerous intersection. As they unsnarl the tangled mysteries, will they expose the murderer before the killer finds a way to silence them?

Character Guest Post

Interview with Emma Banefield

How did you and your author meet?

I met Joyce, my author, through my sister, Nic, and her author friend, Brenda. After getting to know one another, Joyce and Brenda decided to collaborate on a series featuring Nic and me and our detective capers. 

Why did this writer decide to feature you in a book?

I’m lucky, I guess. I’d like to think something in me inspired Joyce to write my story, or at least pieces of it. People are so complicated, and some parts of themselves always remain hidden. Perhaps, I reminded her of someone in her past she enjoyed. 

Do you have any friends or family who inspire and encourage you?

My impetuous, fun-loving sister. Without Nic’s encouragement, I might have said no to the books and getting involved in our first murder investigation at the Dulce Inn. Her fearless spontaneity pushed me, the more conservative sibling, to stepping forward. In the end, Nic and I proved our particular brand of sleuthing to be more successful than the police. It was immensely gratifying to solve the crime, and fun, too. 

Do you have a regular job and investigate on the side or are you a full-time detective?

I’m a mental health professional and see clients part-time in a clinic. The rest of my day is devoted to writing mystery. My first book is scheduled for release in a couple of months. When not in the midst of revisions, I work on my second novel. However, with each new ‘real’ murder case, our reputation grows. Even Chief Inspector Guthrie suggested we might want to get our investigator’s license, but I think he was only kidding. 

Have you solved other cases or is this your first one?

The Chocolate Martini Sisters as Nic and I are humorously called, have solved three other murder mysteries. Ironically, those murders occurred at the Dulce Inn where an unfortunate guest or employee met their demise. I must say, as much as I love our birthday weekends at the Inn, I hesitate to book any further stays for fear another unlucky person gets whacked.   

Do you have a gift or special talent?

As much as I’d like to say I’m a genius, a wealthy financier or even someone who isn’t afraid to parachute out of an airplane, I lack the talent and nerve. However, when it comes to sleuthing and sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong, well, the process feels as natural as slipping my feet into a pair of well-worn shoes. Like Miss Marple, who keenly observes the action around her, I shine watching people and asking the questions: Who are they and what are they about? The answers are often surprising.  

Who is the most important individual in your life?

My son, Liam, my joy, my hope, my love.  

What is your ideal vacation?

A peaceful stay at the beautiful, tranquil Dulce Inn is ideal—though given the past murders, I’m game to try a new venue. In addition to serene getaways, I love walking my dog, Gus, on the outskirts of town. 

If you could change anything about your life, what would it be?

My life is what it is—the ups and downs, two steps forward, one step back, the joys and occasional sorrow, the moments of glorious quiet and the uproar of laughter and people. I wouldn’t change a thing. Contentment is acceptance.  

Thanks for inviting me to speak today. Enjoy the book!

About the Authors

After hearing countless stories as a mental health professional, Joyce Proell retired to create her own tales. An award-winning author, she writes historical romance and cozy mystery where all endings are guaranteed happy. She shares her home on the prairie with a husband and a little dog with a big personality. When she isn’t reading or writing, she likes to swim and finds baking almost as relaxing as a day at the spa.

Website: https://joyceproell.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoyceProellAuthor

X: https://x.com/jproell1

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/stores/Joyce-Proell/author/B009K432O8

Goodreads Author Page:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6545483.Joyce_Proell

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/joyce-proell

Brenda Whiteside is the award-winning author of romantic suspense, cozy mystery, and romance. She’s a born and bred Arizona native who sets fictional stories in imaginary, but recognizable, Arizona locations. She and her husband live in Central Arizona. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW fishes, Brenda writes.

Visit Brenda at https://www.brendawhiteside.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brenda.whiteside.58/  or  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571687885846

X: https://x.com/brendawhitesid2

She blogs and has guests: https://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003V15WF8

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3972045.Brenda_Whiteside

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/brenda-whiteside

Purchase Link – Amazon 

Enter the giveaway

Birds, Puppies, and Murder TOUR PARTICIPANTS

September 22 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

September 22 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

September 23 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST

September 23 – Salty Inspirations – SPOTLIGHT

September 24 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

September 25 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

September 25 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 26 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

September 27 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 27 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

September 28 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

September 29 – Sarandipity’s – AUTHOR GUEST POST

September 29 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

September 30 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 1 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

October 2 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

October 3 – Infinite House of Books – SPOTLIGHT

October 4 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST  

October 4 – Bigreadersite – REVIEW

October 5 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?
Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!
Want to Book a Tour?
Click Here