Welcome to my stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for When Sleuthing Spells Trouble (Nick and Nora Mystery) by T. C. LoTempio. Stop by each blog on the tour for interviews, guest posts, spotlights, reviews and more!
When Sleuthing Spells Trouble (Nick and Nora Mystery)
by T. C. LoTempio
When Sleuthing Spells Trouble (Nick and Nora Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
8th in Series
Setting – California
Publisher : Beyond the Page Publishing
Publication date : November 18, 2025
Paperback
Print length : 212 pages
When a woman pleads amnesia in the death of her husband, Nick and Nora can forget about playing it safe as they track down the killer . . .
Six years ago, Mariah Blackthorne was found lying on the floor of her home, unconscious, holding the murder weapon that had killed her husband. Swearing she had no memory of the tragic event but insisting she was innocent, she nonetheless agreed to a plea deal and went to prison for the crime. Now, out on parole and desperate to know the truth, she enlists the help of local sleuth Nora Charles to find out what really happened that day—even if it means discovering she was the guilty party after all.
Intrigued by the case and convinced of the woman’s innocence, Nora agrees to investigate. With her trusty sidekick warning her that they were headed for trouble, she unearths no shortage of suspects from the dead man’s past. But as she follows every incriminating clue linking the victim to his fellow doctors and even a long string of mistresses, vicious threats begin piling up telling Nora to back off. Facing down a killer who will kill again to conceal their guilt, she and Nick may end up solving a case they won’t live to remember . . .
Includes mouthwatering recipes!
Author Guest Post: What do Publishers look for?
by T. C. Lotempio
It’s been a long time – eleven years to be exact, since my first cozy mystery, MEOW IF IT’S MURDER, was published by Penguin. Since that happy day, however, the world of publishing has changed big time. Which means what, exactly to a new author struggling to make his or her first big break?
The answer is they’re on the hunt for the next big thing. That usually means a great story with memorable, dynamic characters, breakout books that are cutting edge and different. So what can an author do to increase their chances of getting their “baby” accepted for publication? Here are some tips:
#1: Look at the categories:
Thriller and romance have always been strong. Paranormal seems to be doing a resurgence. Whereas a few years ago a vampire or zombie book might have been a hard sell, the market is more open today. Another popular category is the “domestic thriller”. And a new sub-category – the mature sleuth – aimed at people over fifty, seems to be doing well. And of course, editors are always on the lookout for good Young Adult books and Children’s picture books.
#2: Good Representation:
Finding an agent – and a reputable one – has oft been compared to finding a needle in a haystack, but it isn’t impossible! The best thing to do is home in on three or four reputable agents that represent work in your category. Then you’ve got to submit a whiz-bang query letter that immediately nips at their interest. You can find good samples online.
#3: Submit a Finished Product
The days of winning a book contract on just a few chapters or an outline are gonzo, unless you’re a well established author. Today’s tougher, leaner market means authors must write and submit a Finished Manuscript. Also, you should look at how your story relates to what’s already out there in the marketplace. For example, if there are already forty-nine knitting mystery series and you’re pitching the fiftieth, it could be a tough sell. You also need to make sure your novel’s plot, pacing, turning points, character development, dialogue, and suspense is spot-on.
#4: Hook your Reader!
In today’s on-demand climate, it’s critical to establish an opening story hook immediately. Agents and editors don’t want pages and pages of build-up, they want you to toss your reader directly into the action.
Of course, there is no tried and true formula and all of the above should be sprinkled with a dash of good luck!
About T. C. LoTempio
T.C. LoTempio is the award-winning, nationally bestselling author of the Nick and Nora Mysteries, the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries, and the Cat Rescue Mysteries. Born in New York City, she now resides in Phoenix, Arizona, with her two cats, Maxx and Rocco. Rocco prides himself on being the inspiration for her Nick and Nora series! For more information, check out her and her cat Rocco’s blog at www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com and visit her website at www.tclotempio.net
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When Sleuthing Spells Trouble TOUR PARTICIPANTS
November 19 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT
November 19 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
November 20 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
November 21 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST
November 22 – @bibliophile_foodie – REVIEW – RECIPE
November 23 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
November 24 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT
November 25 – Sarandipity’s – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
November 25 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT
November 26 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
November 26 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
November 27 – THANKSGIVING
November 28 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT
November 29 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT – RECIPE
November 30 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST
December 1 – Salty Inspirations – AUTHOR GUEST POST
December 2 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – SPOTLIGHT
December 3 – Bigreadersite – REVIEW
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View Comments (2)
thank you so much for hosting our blog tour! TC, NIck and Nora!
Thank you for stopping!