The Baroness’ Choices of New Books Publishing This Week
2024, Week 4’s New Books
My choices for this week include International Mysteries, Cozy Holiday Mystery, Cozy Mystery, YA Gaslamp Fantasy, Cozy Culinary Holiday Paranormal Mystery, Sweet Romances, MG Fantasy, and Cozy Culinary Mystery.
Wow, it’s the last full week of January already! Are you all settled into your winter schedules? It is a lot different in Texas than Montana when it comes to winters, but I think we are adapting well.
Once again, Jen and I have some books that we are reading from this list! There is one book that I will be reading next month. Check out our reviews if you haven’t already yet.
Here are my choices for New Books Publishing Week 4 of 2024!
Death by Irish Whiskey by Catie Murphy
Dublin Driver Mysteries #5
Publication Date: January 23, 2024
Genre: International Mystery
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Dublin limo driver Megan Malone finds her relationship on the rocks when a double murder at the whiskey festival draws her in – despite promising her girlfriend she’d quit sleuthing for good…
Perfect for fans of Carlene O’Connor, Sheila Connolly, and Rob Osler alike, Catie Murphy’s acclaimed Dublin Driver Mystery series is a charming blend of Irish humor, compelling whodunnits, and the allure of the Emerald Isle.
The competition for best whiskey in Ireland will be a publicity bonanza for the winner, and that means there are celebrities involved—like boxer Angus McConal and Megan’s friend Niamh, an up-and-coming actress who’s teamed up with Megan’s uncle, the retired Sligo harbormaster. But rivalries and revelries turn out to be a bad blend when McConal dies at a whiskey tasting. Megan promised her girlfriend she’d quit her amateur sleuthing, but with Niamh and her uncle as suspects, she’s over a barrel . . .
With her relationship on the rocks, Megan gets in even deeper when a second entrant in the competition is killed—and her investigation starts zeroing in on a suspect. Now she just needs proof . . .
Easter Basket Murder by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Barbara Ross
Lucy Stone #29.5, Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery #16.75, Maine Clambake Mystery #11.5
Publication Date: January 23, 2024
Genre: Cozy Holiday Mystery
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Put on your springtime best and grab a basket, because Easter egg hunting is to dye for in this delightful new collection of Easter-themed capers set in coastal Maine and featuring fan-favorite sleuths from the long-running, bestselling cozy mystery series by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Barbara Ross!
EASTER BASKET MURDER by LESLIE MEIER
Tinker’s Cove businesses are clashing over a new Easter Basket–themed promotion to boost in-store sales, with tensions boiling over the grand prize—a mysterious golden egg crafted by a reclusive Maine artist. When the one-of-a-kind art piece is stolen, it’s up to part-time reporter Lucy Stone to investigate three struggling entrepreneurs who stick out in the local scene. But a huge town scandal comes into focus when a harmless shopping spree turns deadly, leaving Lucy to stop a murderer from springing back into action . . .DEATH BY EASTER EGG by LEE HOLLIS
As Bar Harbor’s annual egg hunt approaches, Island Food & Spirits columnist and restauranteur Hayley Powell is thrilled to introduce her grandson, Eli, to local springtime traditions. Turns out, keeping up with a rambunctious toddler isn’t always sunshine and rainbows—especially when a decadent peanut butter treat kills the Easter bunny himself during the festivities! Now, with a clear-as-cellophane case of murder on her hands, it’s up to Hayley to crack the clues and scramble deadly plans before it’s too late . . .HOPPED ALONG by BARBARA ROSS
Julia Snowden’s Easter Sunday at Windsholme, a sprawling mansion tucked away on a remote Maine island, looks like it’s been borrowed from the pages of a lifestyle magazine. But when a dead body is discovered in the garden—then vanishes soon after without any explanation—an innocent hunt for eggs becomes a dangerous hunt for answers. With no clues beyond a copy of The Adventures of Peter Rabbit, Julia must find out if April Fool’s Day came early or if she’s caught in a killer’s twisted game . . .
Fit for Murder by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran
Murder, She Wrote #57
Publication Date: January 23, 2024
Genre: Cozy Mystery
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Jessica Fletcher learns that exercise can be murder in this new entry in the USA Today bestselling Murder, She Wrote series.
Former editor of the Cabot Cove Gazette, Evelyn Phillips is back in Cabot Cove. Evelyn tells Jessica and Seth that she got a couple of really weird notes from Bertha Mae Cormier so she’s come back to town to check on her old friend. She demands that Jessica come with her to see Bertha Mae, who is a bit dithery but no more so than Jessica remembers her being in recent years.
Jessica does become somewhat concerned when Bertha Mae starts to talk about her new neighbor, Martin Terranova. He is quite charming and very health conscious and he teaches yoga and meditation in his pool house. Maureen Metzger says that she and Bertha Mae became friends in Terranova’s class and mentions how solicitous he is to his older clients.
Jessica attends one of his classes and does notice that Terranova is flirtatious with several elderly clients, especially Bertha Mae. Evelyn is becoming convinced that Bertha Mae is being mesmerized by Terranova and that he is after Bertha Mae’s money. A short while late, Martin turns up dead in his weight room. What at first blush seems to be an accident, soon proves to be murder and Jessica must put her investigative skills to the test when Evelyn becomes the prime suspect.
Ink and Ore by Hayley Whiteley
Kerafin Chronicles #1
Publication Date: January 23, 2024
Genre: YA Gaslamp Fantasy
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A mysterious letter. A forbidden magic. A lie that led to war—and two girls who know the truth.
Lifelong friends Brenna Malley and Katiel Salzbruck are looking forward to a summer visit, but their plans are ruined when war breaks out between their rival homelands, Bar Kur and A’slenderia. Then, they find a shocking message hidden on the back of a letter, claiming the war started because of a treasonous plot. Determined to end the war before their loved ones die in battle, Brenna and Katiel leave their small-town lives behind and embark on a quest for the truth.
Following a trail of letters, Brenna and Katiel learn about the involvement of the ore—a legendary magical substance that can transform into anything. To restore peace to the Continent of Kerafin, they must harness the magic, navigate questionable allies, and survive harrowing ordeals. But as love, secrets, and betrayal complicate the journey, the friends must determine where their true loyalties lie—before it’s too late.
Perfect for fans of Shadow and Bone and Divine Rivals, Ink and Ore is the first installment in The Kerafin Chronicles, a character-driven, young adult gaslamp fantasy trilogy.
Murder at a Scottish Castle by Traci Hall
Scottish Shire Mystery #5
Publication Date: January 23, 2024
Genre: International Mystery
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USA Today bestselling author returns with the latest novel in a Scottish seaside cozy knitting mystery series featuring busy single mom Paislee Shaw, owner of a specialty sweater shop, knitting enthusiast, and reluctant sleuth who must untangle another murderous yarn!
With the summer days getting shorter in the seaside village of Nairn, the annual bagpiping competition at Ramsey Castle promises to be quite the end-of-season blowout. Paisley has snagged a special invitation from the Dowager Countess, who wants to showcase her cashmere goods in the castle gift shop, and she’s brought her son Brody, Grandpa, and their black Scottish terrier Wallace.
There’s a fierce rivalry between Robert Grant, the Earl of Lyon, and last year’s winner Jory Baxter, with Grant loudly vowing to show up the blowhard Baxter and claim clan bragging rights. But the reigning champion has barely put the reed to his lips when he turns red and collapses, soon to take his dying breath. DI Zeffer confirms foul play, suspecting the reed may have been poisoned.
With a murderer in their midst, the rest of Nairn won’t breathe easy until Paisley applies her sleuthing skills to make sure justice is served and the killer pays the piper . . .
Murder at the Blarney Bash by Darci Hannah
Beacon Bakeshop Mystery #5
Publication Date: January 23, 2024
Genre: Cozy Culinary Holiday Paranormal Mystery
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Follow the aroma of shamrock sugar cookies to the Beacon Bakeshop, a lighthouse on the shores of Lake Michigan where amateur sleuth Lindsey Bakewell is busy preparing for Beacon Harbor’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities – with a little help from her adorable Newfoundland, Wellington, of course!
Lindsey is baking up a storm—shamrock sugar cookies, Guinness chocolate cupcakes, Irish soda bread—for the well-timed grand opening of the Irish import gift shop, the Blarney Stone, owned by her boyfriend’s uncle, Finnigan O’Connor, recently relocated from the Emerald Isle.
But it’s Uncle Finn himself who seems full of blarney when he gleefully reveals a pot of real gold he claims he stole from an actual leprechaun. And Finn’s fortune takes a turn for the worse when he’s arrested for the bludgeoning of a small unidentified man dressed as a leprechaun—the murder weapon alleged to be his now-missing shillelagh.
Eccentric Uncle Finn may enjoy believing he’s outwitted a leprechaun, but he would never be so deluded as to clobber one with his walking stick. Now Lindsey will need more than the luck of the Irish to seize a golden opportunity to catch the real killer . . .
Reunited with the Rancher by Anna Grace
Love, Oregon #5
Publication Date: January 23, 2024
Genre: Sweet Romance
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Can he win the campaign…
And her love?Rancher Whitman Benton is determined to protect Outcrop, Oregon, from greedy developers, but if he wants to be seen as a serious candidate for county commissioner, he needs a stable long-term girlfriend. When matchmaker Piper Wallace steps into the role, their sweet rapport becomes headline news—not to mention the memories it brings back of their fiery debates in college. But can a successful fake relationship become a real contender?
The Cowboy’s Second Chance by Cheryl Harper
Fortunes of Prospect #3
Publication Date: January 23, 2024
Genre: Sweet Romance
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Could country life…
Be the perfect medicine?ER doctor Keena Murphy needs a break! And small-town Prospect is just the spot to recuperate. Ruggedly handsome cowboy-next-door Travis Armstrong is committed to giving foster boys a second chance. But will Keena give him a second chance when he lets the social worker believe she’s his girlfriend? And can Travis show the city girl that his feelings are as true and as vast as the starlit Colorado sky?
The Cowgirl’s Homecoming by Jeannie Watt
Cowgirls of Larkspur Valley #3
Publication Date: January 23, 2024
Genre: Sweet Romance
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Could the cowboy next door…
Be what her heart truly wants?When Whitney Fox returns home after being downsized, she accidently offends rancher Tanner Hayes—her dad’s neighbor. To make amends, she agrees to help him rehabilitate his ranch and reputation, and soon finds there’s more to the crusty cowboy than she’d thought. But when another corporate opportunity comes along, she has a decision to make: follow her head, or follow her heart and stay with Tanner?
The Doc’s Instant Family by Lisa Childs
Bachelor Cowboys #6
Publication Date: January 23, 2024
Genre: Sweet Romance
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Nothing is stronger…
Than the power of familyDoctor Collin Cassidy would do anything to become foster parent to his little patient Bailey Ann, including enlisting the help of lawyer Genevieve Porter. Only, Genevieve’s proposal is completely unexpected—a marriage of convenience…to her. Collin has no intention of risking love again, and neither does Genevieve. But could their arrangement be exactly what all three of them need to heal?
The Last Ice Phoenix by Megan Reyes
Heroes of Havensong #2
Publication Date: January 23, 2024
Genre: MG Fantasy
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Follow the threads of the Fates into the captivating sequel in the timeless fantasy series about four unlikely heroes bound together to save their world—and magic itself.
Blue, River, Shenli, and Wren are still reeling from the discovery that they are the four heroes foretold to save their world. The weight of their destiny and the expectations that come with it is a heavy burden, but when danger once again finds them and the people they love, there’s no choice but to act.
Shenli and Wren both remain outsiders—one as a prisoner tired of being a pawn and the other banished from the home she fought to save. Meanwhile, Blue and River face a quest for a mythical creature that will take them beyond the world they know—with the fate of the Meraki people hanging in the balance. Although they just found one another, the four heroes are once again scattered across Haven—all facing new journeys, impossible choices and shocking truths. As their world prepares for war, will they be able to unravel what the Fates have in store for them and find their own path?
The Dress Designer’s Promise by Melissa McClone
Wedding Bless #2
Publication Date: January 25, 2024
Genre: Sweet Romance
Two opposites must work together to survive after a plane crash.
Serena James had the perfect life designing wedding dresses and being engaged to someone she thought was The One, until she didn’t. Now she’s stuck on a plane with hot shot pilot, Kane Wiley.
Serena thinks his bad reputation matches his bad attitude. He doesn’t think love or marriage is worth his time.
Kane thinks she’s a spoiled rich girl with hearts in her eyes. Sure, she’s picky, but choosing Mr. Right should be done with care.
When their plane crashes in Idaho, they’re forced to seek shelter in an old cabin in the woods. Having only one bed and trusting a person you can’t stand doesn’t make things easier when it comes to survival.
Kane and Serena might be opposites, but they’ll need to learn to rely on each other to get out of this situation in one piece.
The Wedding Bliss series features four friends who met during sorority recruitment and have kept their sisterhood strong over the years. The Dress Designer’s Promise is the second in the four-book standalone series with opposites attract, forced proximity, one bed, survival, weddings, and a bad boy.
This is a revised and updated version of a book previously published as SOS Marry Me.
Dropping Like Pies by Wendy Meadows
Twin Berry Bakery #12
Publication Date: January 26, 2024
Genre: Cozy Culinary Mystery
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When twin detectives Rita and Rhonda Knight trade the secrets of Clovedale Falls for a remote Alaskan retreat, they never expected icy shadows to conceal heartwarming mysteries. Trapped by snow and surrounded by intrigue, the sisters’ dream wedding hangs in the balance. Can they decode the chilling clues with only their woman-led detective instincts and Billy’s quirky wisdom?
Danger meets gentle intrigue in a landscape where hope and warmth defy the harshest cold. As the Knight duo faces enigmatic strangers and unsettling discoveries, they’re reminded that even in the most secluded corners, small town secrets have a way of following you.
Dive into this clean, cozy mystery and join the Knight sisters on their most gripping adventure yet. Perfect for fans of female sleuths and wholesome tales, “Dropping Like Pies” promises a thrilling whodunit you won’t want to put down.
Well, that’s it for the New Books Releasing Week 4 of 2024
Drop a comment if you like one of the books above or if you have one to recommend.
Thank you for stopping by,
Happy Reading!
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