Monday, October 24, 2016

#Clues and a Cozy #Mystery Cover--SHADES OF WRATH by Karen Rose Smith





What can you, the reader, deduce from a cover of a book? My artist who creates my Caprice De Luca Home Staging cozy series covers does a fabulous job of portraying the essence of the mystery that my sleuth Caprice solves.

Here are a few clues as to what happens in SHADES OF WRATH

The opening scene takes place in an early 1900's rundown Tudor mansion that is a legacy to the Kismet, Pennsylvania's women's shelter Sunrise Tomorrow. Caprice will be decorating it.  It will be a transitional shelter for women who are finding their footing again after escaping abusive relationships. End of the day light is flickering through the tall windows when Caprice enters. That light is symbolic of hope for these women in their futures. 

The heavy wood-paneled door is open slightly, enough for a yellow tabby cat to be making the shelter his home.  That yellow tabby on the staircase is the stray that Caprice finds a home for in this mystery.  My sleuth does this in each book!  (SHADES is dedicated to this stray, Sunnybud, who I actually befriended for three years.) 

There are old fashioned roll-up shades with fringes leaning against the balcony.  The murder weapon, perhaps?

And then there are the balustrades on the balcony overlooking the grand foyer.  Since they are broken, imagine what happened to the murder victim. 

The title is a play on the word "Shades"--the window shades themselves but also all the shades of emotions that lead to motivations for murder.

Writing SHADES OF WRATH was a challenging labor of love.  As you enjoy solving the mystery with Caprice, may you also share in her joy as she finds her future with the man she loves. I'm hopeful that I've mixed a plot revolving around a serious issue with the joy and warmth of family and friends. 


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AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 29



Pre-order SHADES OF WRATH on Barnes and Noble


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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 97th novel will be released in 2017.
Karen and Paddy

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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