Monday, July 27, 2015

Release Day--DRAPE EXPECTATIONS #Cozy #Mystery by Karen Rose Smith



When I branched out from romance to mystery, I wasn't sure what would happen. Would I enjoy writing mysteries as much as bringing couples together for happily-ever-after?

The verdict is in--I love writing mysteries, putting a literary puzzle together, delving into a different type of research material in more depth, as well as adding a touch of romance. Of course, my sleuth will fall in love, find Mr. Right and have a bumpy time of doing it. I get the chance to delve into her history and relationships in a unique way in a series of mysteries, spreading her love story and conflicts throughout several books.

In my Caprice De Luca Home Staging Mystery Series, my sleuth Caprice not only solves murder mysteries, but she also takes in stray animals which is one of my passions. We have four rescued cats and feed a regular stray. In the past, my husband and I have cared for an injured cat with FIV and provided shelters to help stray and feral cats survive winters. Caprice is my alter ego.

In addition to staging homes to sell for high-end clients--she uses unique themes and fantastic open houses catered by her sister--Caprice loves vintage fashion and retro music. (After all, I watched The Beatles perform at Dodger Stadium when I was 16!)

My fourth mystery, DRAPE EXPECTATIONS, is released today! It doesn't seem quite possible. All about a Southern beauty, a Persian cat and an 80s rock star legend, in DRAPE EXPECTATIONS Caprice also follows her heart and chooses her Mr. Right. Will it be handsome Dr. Seth Randolph? Or her brother's law partner Grant Weatherford?

It was hard to keep the secret, but I did it. Now you can solve the murder mystery puzzle, be part of the De Luca's large family, cook along with Caprice and enjoy original recipes, and watch Caprice find the love of her life.

Here's a brief recap:

Caprice De Luca's former client and now friend Ace Richland--an 80's rock star--asks her for a favor.  Can she quickly stage his girlfriend's house to sell?  Widow Alanna Goodwin, a transplanted Southern beauty, will be moving in with him!  Immediately Caprice realizes Alanna's southern charm can be turned on and off at will.  Caprice agrees to stage Alanna's Kismet antebellum-styled mansion for Ace's sake.  But she soon learns Alanna doesn't have a genuine love for her cat Mirabelle and also uncovers a plot her new client is hatching to sabotage Ace's comeback.  However, before she can tell Ace, Alanna is murdered and Ace is the prime suspect.  

As Caprice investigates, she learns Alanna had more secrets than pie safes.  With her Cocker Spaniel Lady by her side, she tracks down clues and adopts Alanna's cat.  In the midst of some of her own family upheaval--her uncle has moved in with her parents--she finds herself with a dilemma.  Grant Weatherford, her brother's law partner, advises Ace and reveals more of his past to her.  Seth Randolph, the doctor she dates, wants her to meet his family.  She must choose between them.

Danger stalks Caprice.  Will her refresher self-defense course save her life?  Only if she keeps her wits about her and Lady by her side.






Books 1, 2, and 3 are ON SALE at special discount prices for a limited time!




USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 87th novel will be released in 2015.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 

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©2015 Karen Rose Smith







23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Karen...love this series and love Caprice!

Candace knight said...

Happy release day!!

Teresa Kander said...

Congratulations on the new release! LOVE this book!!

Cadence said...

How exciting! Release day for yet another fabulous mystery. I'm looking forward to reading it while I'm on vacation. Congratulations! I'm still rooting for team Seth!

Sunni

Brenda Logan said...

If you love cozy mysteries, this series is a must read! You will love Caprice, and will want her to be your best friend. These are truly mysteries...you will enjoy trying to solve them right along with Caprice!! I'm up early to do my household chores...this afternoon it's going to be me time .... reading "Drape Expectations" and catching up with my friend Caprice!!!

Unknown said...

I've read her mystery series and it's an easy, fun read. The characters are very likeable and I'm enjoying following them through the books. If you're looking for a good cozy mystery, this is a series you should pick up and read.

Sandy Swanger Bartles said...

Congratulations, Karen, on this new release. I not only received an ARC of this book from NetGalley (and left reviews on NetGalley, Goodreads and Amazon), but I also purchased a copy of this wonderful book. I loved it so much! I can't wait to read the next chapter in the story of Caprice DeLuca!

Laurie I said...

This is an excellent series. I am enjoying reading Drape Expectations. I love everything about Caprice's character. Congratulations on the new release.

StephanieHobrock said...

Great series! Believable characters, fun plots, pick one up and have a great summer read.

Mama Cat said...

Congrats, Karen! Love Caprice and her fur babies! Jeanie

Unknown said...

Congrats:) Love your series:)

gpangel said...

I love the "Staging" mysteries, the pets making the series dear to my heart!

Emma said...

Happy release day!!

Robin Driscoll said...

Love mysteries and this sounds fantastic, can't wait to read.

scaro said...

Congrats on your new releases!! Love this series.
Carol Smith penelope223@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

So thrilled for YOU that your book is released--and thrilled for ME that I might finally discover who Caprice chooses as her true love! Love this mystery series!!

Kuzlin said...

This is a fun mystery series. I also love the staging ideas as Caorice reviews plans with her clients. And of course there are the darling pets that find their way into the story!

ring01 said...

Happy Release Day! I loved this book so much and look forward to reading more about Caprice as she solves the mystery while doing home staging too.

Carole said...

Thrilled for you and this new release, Karen! I can only imagine what this feels like, but I'm glad to help. Love the house staging theme - but the cats most of all!

Grandmareads said...

Congratulations! I love Caprice and all her friends. Drape Expectations is great!

jnalpath said...

Love this series! Love Caprice and her adventures

Anonymous said...

Happy release day!!!

Elizabeth Jeannie Downing said...

I love Karen Rose Smith's books and can't wait to read this one. Her Drape Expectations I am sure will be a great read.