Receiving the cover of my next cozy mystery release is always exciting. The fun is looking for the clues on the cover that reveal some of the happenings in the novel. Here are five clues leading to the plot of DRAPE EXPECTATIONS! It's amazing what clues a cover can reveal.
Southern flavor on this cover.
The house that Caprice stages in DRAPE EXPECTATIONS is owned by Alanna Goodwin. Alanna has been dating rock star legend Ace Richland for a few months but now their bonds are becoming serious. So Alanna is going to sell her plantation-style mansion that her deceased husband built for her and move in with Ace. Alanna is a Mississippi-bred mint julep with bite. Maybe Ace will discover that fact the hard way.
A white Persian cat
Alanna's cat, a beautiful white Persian named Mirabelle, plays a role in this mystery. She is more than just another stray for Caprice to mother.
Lilies around felines?
See those lilies on the table? As feline pet owners know, lilies can be lethal to cats. Why does Alanna have them in her house? Maybe she "owns" a cat but doesn't really care for her.
Draperies and murder!
When Caprice stages Alanna's mansion, she wants to eliminate the heavy draperies. However, Alanna doesn't agree. That could be a huge mistake. Isn't one of the tiebacks missing?
Season of the year
The scene outside the window with hydrangeas blooming expresses the summer landscape. This is the mystery where Caprice makes a romantic choice that can change her life.
Can you find any more clues? There is one more that has to do with the name of Alanna's estate.
I hope you have a fun and emotional time reading my latest cozy!
*******************
******************
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.
***************
©2015 Karen Rose Smith
