Dianne Harman - Murder in Cottage #6 is featured in the HBS Author's Spotlight Showcase

The Showcase is a special feature of the Author's Spotlight. It is designed to highlight Spotlight author's NEW releases and their soon to be released novels.

The HBS Author's Spotlight SHOWCASES Dianne Harman's book: Murder in Cottage #6. 

Author Dianne Harman is an Award-Winning Bestselling Mystery, Suspense and Romance author of the Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery series.

Mystery, Thriller & Suspense,Cozy

Murder in Cottage #6

Liz Lucas Cozy Mystery Series Book 1

Author: Dianne Harman


AVAILABLE
Amazon


Liz Lucas, a 52 year old widow, is beginning to think she’s been given a second chance at life by owning a successful spa located in a beautiful forest area on the coast north of San Francisco.

What could possibly go wrong? Well, for starters, discovering that a guest staying in cottage #6 at the spa has been murdered.

In order to save the spa’s reputation, Liz, along with her two dogs, Brandy Boy and Winston, sets out to find the killer. The cast of characters includes a handyman, spa employees, the bumbling police chief, the owner of Gertie’s Diner, the dead woman’s husband (the mayor), his girlfriend, and a Tiffany glass collector. One of them probably committed the crime, but it’s up to Liz to quickly find the culprit.

Excerpt

CHAPTER TWO

Liz’s reverie was broken by the sound of someone barging through the front door. She looked up and saw Bertha shaking and crying. “Bertha, what’s wrong?” Bertha was crying so hard she wasn’t able to answer.

Liz put her arm around her and led her to one of the chairs that surrounded the large cedar dining table. “What is it, Bertha? Has something bad happened?”

Bertha gulped and said, “I was in my office when I got a call from Delores at the spa. She said Mrs. Nelson hadn’t checked in this morning for her 8:00 warm stone massage and asked if I would go over to cottage #6 and remind her of her appointment. I went over there and knocked on her cottage door several times. She never answered. You know I have the keys to all the cottages, and I keep them with me all the time, so I opened the door and saw her lying in bed. She wasn’t moving. When I walked over to her I realized she wasn’t breathing. She was dead.”

Liz’s hand flew up to her mouth. “Oh no! I can’t believe it! Does anyone else know?”

“No. I came directly here from her cottage. She was in cottage number six. I locked the door when I left. I didn’t know what else to do.”

“That was exactly the right thing to do,” Liz said, patting her hand. “Sit here for a minute and try to calm down. Did you notice anything out of place? Do you think she had a heart attack or something? I know the last few weeks have been very stressful for her what with Dave trying to win another term as mayor and the Red Cedar Tribune writing all those articles about him insinuating he was illegally skimming money from the city coffers. I didn’t see her when she checked in yesterday, but she seemed perfectly normal last night when she was here with the other guests for dinner. She said she’d loved her facial and massage treatments and was looking forward to having two more today and then going home after she had her last treatment this afternoon.”

“Liz, there was a half-empty bottle of Jack Daniels on the nightstand next to her bed. Do you think maybe she mixed sleeping pills and alcohol and committed suicide? I just don’t know what to think,” Bertha said, her brown eyes large with fright against her pale complexion.

“Let me get you a cup of coffee. I really need to call Seth Williams and report this.”

I don’t want to have anything to do with that lecherous obese stupid man, but I don’t have a choice. He is the chief of police and having the mayor’s wife found dead in one of my cottages is something he needs to know about immediately. *****

“Red Cedar Police Department. How may I direct your call?” the young receptionist asked.

“I’d like to speak with Chief Williams. Please tell him Liz Lucas is calling,” she said, nervously twisting a strand of her auburn hair.

The receptionist put her on hold, and a few moments later she heard Seth’s oily voice. “Liz, to what do I owe the pleasure of your call? I’m hopin’ you’re gonna tell me yer finally goin’ to accept the long-standin’ dinner invitation I’ve been offerin’ for the last few months.”

When pigs fly, Liz thought. I need him to be on my side right now, so I better make nice. If word gets out that someone died here at the spa, it sure could be bad for business. I need to think about damage control, and Seth can provide that if I sweet talk him.

“I wish it was something enjoyable like that,” she said in a sultry honey-toned voice, “but actually Seth, I have a little problem out here at the spa and need you to come out here right away.”

“If it involves you, I’ll be there soon as I can. Wanna give me a head’s up what this is all about, pretty lady?”

“No. It can wait until you get here. Can you come in your personal car, not your patrol car? I really don’t want the guests to see a police car on the premises. It might upset them.”

“Sure can. Sounds interestin’. Keep in mind I’m real partial to black lace. See you in a few.”

Yuck. I can’t stand that smarmy man, and now I’m going to have to deal with him.

She ended the call and turned to where Bertha was standing. “Bertha, you heard my conversation. Seth will be here in a few minutes. Why don’t you tell Sarah you’ll make the box lunches for the guests who can’t get into town for lunch because they’ve booked back-to-back treatments? That might help to take your mind off of what you just saw. I imagine Seth will want to take a statement from you, and I probably better go into town and tell the mayor that his wife is dead. Not something I really want to do. Go on into the kitchen and I’ll let you know when Seth gets here.”

She walked down the stairs to the lower level of the lodge where her personal living quarters were located. I need to get out of these pajamas and robe. Black lace? I don’t think so. Jeans and a sweater will work just fine. That man has a sick mind. Between the mayor and Seth, I am definitely not looking forward to the next few hours. And how am I going to keep the guests from finding out?

Author Genre: Romance and Literary Fiction

Website: Dianne Harman Author
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Twitter: @DianneDHarman
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Author Description: Dianne Harman draws her stories and characters from a diverse business and personal background. She owned a national antique and art appraisal business for many years, left that industry, and opened two yoga centers where she taught yoga and certified yoga instructors. She's traveled extensively throughout the world, most recently dividing her time between Huntington Beach, California and Sacramento, California, where her husband was a Senator. An avid reader, Dianne brings the richness of her life experiences to her novels, Blue Coyote Motel, Coyote in Provence, and Cornered Coyote - all of which are available now in the Coyote Series.

Being a dog lover and having attended numerous cooking schools, she couldn't resist writing about food and dogs, thus the Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery series, which includes family recipes! Kelly's Koffee Shop and Murder at Jade Cove have been on the top of the culinary, cozy, and animal charts within a week of being published and the third in the series, White Cloud Retreat, will be published very soon. Kelly's Koffee Shop was recently voted as one of the top 30 Best Self-Published Books of 2014.


Author's Book List
Marriage and Murder - Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery Book 4
After a long courtship, Kelly, the owner of Kelly’s Koffee Shop, and Mike, the county sheriff, finally get married. Their honeymoon is cut short when Jesse, the owner of the local wine store called 'The Crush' gets murdered. Why would anyone want to murder Jesse, a likeable and legendary wine expert?

There are a number of suspects including his ex-wife, an alcoholic who hates liquor stores, a Mafia hit man, a wealthy French woman, two winemaking brothers, and even his sister. But who did it? Join Kelly, Mike, and their dogs, Rebel and Lady, as they seek to find the killer. Along the way, you’ll find lots of good food and mouth-watering recipes.


Order the Book From: Amazon
White Cloud Retreat - Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery Book 3
Third book in the popular and best selling Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery Series.

What could possibly go wrong at a beautiful Oregon vineyard overlooking the ocean? Could the White Cloud Retreat Center on the vineyard, run by a world famous Buddhist Zen Master hold a deep, dark secret? Murder, for one thing, but who could possibly have a motive for killing the beloved Zen Master?

Solving the mystery is the job of Sheriff Mike, ably assisted by his soon-to-be-wife, Kelly, an amateur sleuth, and their two dogs, Rebel and Lady. The vineyard is famous for its White Cloud Pinot Noir wines and the coffee shop that Kelly owns, Kelly’s Koffee Shop, is equally popular with customers looking for good food.

This is the third book in the popular Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery series. Plenty of good food and lovable dogs! If you liked Kelly’s Koffee Shop and Murder at Jade Cove, you’re going to love White Cloud Retreat.


Order the Book From: Amazon
Murder at Jade Cove - Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery Book 2
Was it the environmental activist enamored with spotted owls, someone from the local Native American tribe, Jeff’s son, Jeff’s wife, or his wife’s lover? Join Kelly, the owner of Kelly’s Koffee Shop, her boxer dog, Rebel, and her fiancé, Mike, the county sheriff, as they try and catch the person who killed Jeff Black.

Well, it’s not as if no one wanted Jeff dead. He had enemies. There were a lot of people who didn’t want to see his property turned into a commercial hotel and spa. Finding suspects won’t be hard to do, but finding out who killed him will be. No one would ever nominate Jeff for the “Most Popular Citizen Award.” This is going to be a nightmare for Mike. I wonder how I can help him, Kelly thought.

Murder at Jade Cove is another mouth-watering Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery with recipes and a surprise at the very end!


Order the Book From: Amazon
Kelly's Koffee Shop - A Cedar Bay Cozy Mystey Book 1
Kelly pulled into the harbor parking lot next to the pier and noticed that Amber’s car wasn’t in its usual place and there was no sign of her. She was usually standing at the door of Kelly’s Koffee Shop, waiting for Kelly to open up. Wonder what that’s all about, she thought.

The local residents of Cedar Bay come to Kelly’s Koffee Shop for breakfast, lunch, and lots of gossip. Kelly serves it all up as she works to solve the murder of the high school Homecoming Queen. The townspeople can’t believe what has happened in their sleepy little Oregon seaside town. She identifies five prime suspects, but which one did it?

Follow Kelly, her boxer dog, Rebel, and her boyfriend, Mike, the county sheriff, as they try to determine who the killer is in a murder that’s shocked the town.

Kelly’s Coffee Shop is a mouth-watering cozy mystery with recipes!

Learn more about Dianne’s other books at www.DianneHarman.com


Order the Book From: Amazon
COYOTE SERIES - (BOXED SET)
Set Includes the following full-length novels:
Blue Coyote Motel
Coyote in Provence
Blue Coyote Motel

Discover why this trilogy of fast–paced suspense novels has received over '175' five star reviews on Amazon, has been a Chanticleer CLUE award finalist, a Quarter finalist in Amazon’s Breakthrough Novel Award contest, been featured in the Top Ten Books at Authorsdb, been the Book of the Month at several Book Clubs and is at the top of a few good lists on Goodreads.

The story revolves around the rags to riches rise of Maria Brooks who marries a deranged genius working in the pharmaceutical industry. Drug addiction, anti-aging, art theft, murder, and the reader's favorite - Slade Kelly, a flawed, noirish undercover detective makes this an engaging and entertaining read. The action spans the globe – from the barren deserts of California to the snow-capped Himalayas, with stopovers in breathtaking Provence, ritzy New York and windy Chicago.

Sweet, orphaned Afghan girls, dreaded gangsters in the mafia, dirty politicians and unscrupulous businesses make their presence felt as the series weaves along at a sprightly pace. Will Maria go to prison forever? Will Slade die in a gun battle with the FBI? Will the motel guests be able to break the inadvertent drug habit they picked up at the Blue Coyote? Who are those little Afghan girls in the barn in Provence? Will Jordan and Maria ever find happiness?



Order the Book From: Amazon
CORNERED COYOTE - Coyote Series Book 3
Maria is tired of running from the law and comes back to the US from France. She murdered her husband, a deranged genius in self-defense and is arrested on arrival. Will she come out unscathed or will this be the biggest mistake of her life? Will she taste freedom or will she remain behind bars forever?

Follow the loveable yet eccentric private investigator, Slade Kelly, (a readers' favorite), as he tries to save Maria from seemingly insurmountable odds.

The story moves at a rapid pace, from the ghettos of Chicago to the beaches of Florida, from the streets of Los Angeles to the lush gardens of New York city. Each twist and turn comes with its own cast of colorful characters, from sleazy men in the mafia to hot, desperate women, who will do anything to make it big, in a world that is always trying to keep them small."


Order the Book From: Amazon - Barnes and Noble - KOBO
Tea Party Teddy's Legacy - The Teddy Saga
What happens when Bob Silva, who is married to the ex-wife of Tea Party Teddy, decides to run for the California State Assembly against the Reverend Jim Thurston, a devoted Tea Party member? Will Reverend Jim seek revenge for the death of his friend, Tea Party Teddy? And why is every television station in California and across the nation featuring Bob Silva as their lead story on the evening news?


Order the Book From: Amazon - Barnes and Noble
Coyote in Provence - Coyote Series
Just Announced! A finalist in Chanticleer's prestigious CLUE awards contest!

COYOTE IN PROVENCE (A COZY MYSTERY) #1 on 12 Goodreads Top Books Lists

>>>>>What happens when the very beautiful and sexy Maria Brooks, now Elena Johnson, a woman hiding out in Provence, France, from the California legal authorities, meets Jordan Kramer, a handsome art theft detective from Los Angeles?

>>>>>He's looking for stolen California paintings reportedly for sale in Provence. She's trying to stay under the radar. Both share a love of food and wine.Will Jordan find Pierre, the French chef who's suspected of being the art theft? And who are those young Afghan girls hiding out in his parents' home?

>>>>>If you liked Dianne Harman's award-winning novel, Blue Coyote Motel, you don't want to miss Coyote in Provence. Great mystery, wine, food, and art in romantic Provence!

>>>>>Blue Coyote Motel, the first book in the Coyote Series, was a quarter finalist in Amazon's Breakthrough Novel Award contest, a Goodreads Psychological Thriller Book of the Month, and an e-thriller Book of the Month. Coyote in Provence continues the story of Maria, the captivating character in the trilogy.


Order the Book From: Amazon - Barnes and Noble - KOBO
Tea Party Teddy - The Teddy Saga
All Teddy ever wanted was to be a California State Legislator. When he puts his marriage and his reputation on the line to get there, will he survive as his world unravels?

Nina Randall is the perfect political wife, but what happens when she finally admits her husband, Tea Party Teddy, cares more about politics than her? Will she be able to resist the romantic advances of Teddy's handsome rival, Bob Silva, the founder of Republicans for Latinos? And after Teddy has told her that all of the problems in California are caused by illegal immigrants, can Bob convince her that the Republican Party needs to bring more Latinos into the Party?

Will Nina stand by Teddy? And why did the Family Values Forever organization strip Teddy of his Legislator of the Year Award? Was he set up? Was the FBI involved? Did he really have an affair with the mysterious woman pictured in the newspapers?


Order the Book From: Amazon - Barnes and Noble
Blue Coyote Motel
Would you take an anti-aging hormone? What if you could keep your youth? If someone you knew was terrified of aging, and you'd invented the hormone, would you give it to them? Even if it meant discovery would cause you to lose your chance of winning the Nobel Prize?

An Award Winning Best Seller, Blue Coyote Motel was chosen as a quarter finalist in Amazon's Breakthrough Novel Award contest in the mystery/thriller category as well as a Goodreads Psychological Thriller Book of the Month.

Blue Coyote Motel is a suspenseful love story which begins in the barrios of Southern California and spans the globe in such diverse locations as Provence, South America, and the Himalayas. The beautiful Latina, Maria, and her husband, Jeffrey, a scientist fired from a prestigious laboratory, struggle to build a new life in a remote Southern California desert area as owners of the motel.

Along with the anti-aging hormone, Jeffrey invents a "feel-good" wonder drug to help Maria with her depression. As Jeffrey becomes insane, he begins to experiment with the wonder drug. Six wayward travelers, including an alcoholic priest, a couple who own gold mines in Brazil, a depressed widow, a struggling salesman, and a Native American pediatrician, find themselves spending the night at the small motel. The next morning they wake up feeling better than ever. Has Jeffrey's miracle drug delivered? Or is the nightmare of addiction only beginning?


Order the Book From: Amazon - Barnes and Noble - KOBO
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