Great Escapes Review: Body in the Landscape by Larissa Reinhart

Body in the Landscape

Cherry Tucker Mystery, #5
Larissa Reinhart

Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Henery Press
Date of Publication: December 15, 2015
Number of pages: 276

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Kobo

Review: Death in Perspective by Larissa Reinhart

Death in Perspective

Cherry Tucker Mystery, Book 4
Larissa Reinhart

Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Henery Press
Date of Publication: June 19, 2014
Number of pages: 258
Cover Artist: Scott Asanao

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Kobo

The curtain rises on Cherry Tucker’s debut as a high school set designer at the posh Peerless Day Academy. Cherry’s been hired for an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, but the drama director is hoping Cherry can also turn the spotlight on a malicious social media bully who’s sending poisonous texts to the faculty. The director’s got his own drama to hide, and the phantom texter seems eager to spill school secrets. When the principal’s secretary commits suicide, Cherry suspects foul play.

Deputy Luke Harper is ready to return as Cherry’s leading man. He’s eager to assist in finding the phantom culprit, but Cherry fears family secrets offstage may doom them to the role as star-crossed lovers. With the bully waiting for a murderous encore and her own family skeletons to hide, Cherry scrambles to find her brother and the mysterious texter before the phantom decides it’s curtains for Cherry and forces her to take a final bow.

I have been a huge fan of the Cherry Tucker Mystery series since I reviewed the first book, Portrait of a Dead Guy. Cherry reminds me greatly of the kinds of girls that I grew up with - sassy, stubborn and southern.  Since this is the 4th full length novel, I had high expectations when I saw it was available on Netgalley.  Thank goodness, Larissa Reinhart didn't let me down.

The story picks up shortly after the ending of book 3, Hijack in Abstract. Cherry and her on again, off again boyfriend Luke are still on the outs. Todd, her best friend and ex husband, is still her roommate.  Cherry's brother Cody isn't speaking to her after stealing photos of their mom from Cherry's arch-nemesis Shawna Branson, who is also Luke's cousin. Cherry's sister Casey has married Nik, the Russian immigrant and they are staying with the mysterious Max the Bear and taking care of him after he injured his knee. Confused? Well start at book 1 and get caught up!

The story of this book revolves around Cherry doing the sets for a high school musical version of Romeo and Juliet.  But this isn't just any high school - its Peerless Academy and has spawned several Disney stars and other big names in the entertainment industry. The drama director is after the coveted "Tiny Tony" and won't let some blackmail keep him from it.  Which is why he hired Cherry.  He had heard of her ability to ferret out the truth and wants her to catch the culprit who is trying to blackmail him.

Like previous books, Cherry's curious and inquisitive nature keep getting her caught up in all kinds of drama.  However, unlike the previous books, this one didn't really revolve around people that were close to Cherry.  We got some great new characters as well as getting Cherry a bit out of her comfort zone. So far the mystery surrounding her mother is still unresolved, but it's possible we may have a new piece to the puzzle.  I can't wait to see where we go with the next book.  This was a 5 star read.

Review: Heartache Motel Anthology

I first discovered LynDee Walker during a book tour, followed by Larissa Reinhart during yet another tour. These were two of the first authors I read from the Henery Press group.  This was quickly followed up by Susan Boyer and finally Terri L. Austin. The tag line at Henery Press is if you like one, you will probably like them all.  They aren't kidding!  Needless to say that when I saw an anthology of three of these wonderful authors, I immediately requested a copy on Netgalley.

In Diners Keepers, Losers Weepers by Terri L. Austin. we catch up with Rose at Christmas time a few months following book 3, Diner Impossible. Ma, the namesake and owner of Ma's Diner, where Rose Strickland works the breakfast to lunch crowd that Ma's caters to. Ma has decided that she wants to visit Graceland and to do it this year and to see it all lit up for the holidays. After all, a woman only turns 80 a few times, right? ;) Needless to say with the crew of Rose, Roxie, Ax and Ma, there is plenty of hi jinx, laughter and adventure.

For Quick Sketch by Larissa Reinhart, we actually go back in time and get the prequel and the backstory that is hinted at in Portrait of a Dead Guy.  Cherry is on a cross country road trip with her boyfriend Todd, as he is headed to Vegas to gamble in a high stakes Christmas poker tournament. They make a short stop in Memphis at the Heartache Motel to help out Todd's cousin Byron.  With Cherry involved you can be assured that there is plenty of Southern Charm and Down Home Attitude to spare.

The final story in this anthology is Dateline Memphis and we catch up with Nichelle Clark on her way home for the Christmas Holidays.  This story picks up about three months after Buried Leads and Nichelle has stopped off in Memphis to visit Graceland on her drive from Virginia to Texas.  Finding an Elvis themed room that takes pets were her only basic requirements. When she gets a text from her editor asking if she is having fun yet and reminding her that crime doesn't take a holiday, she has no idea how true that statement will become. But when she turns out to be one of the few people in-the-know during an unexpected lock down during her tour of Graceland, Nichelle is quick to don her investigative hat and get to work.  Especially when this could lead to a once in a lifetime scoop.

If you have been following my reviews, you already know how much I love novellas. Each of these three stories were well written and stayed true to the character, even in the condensed format.  My only single disappointment was that I kept looking and hoping for some kind of cross over where the characters got to meet or at the very least all take part in some over all grand mystery cross over.  Alas, it was not to be, but there is always hope for a future book.  There were some cross over of the characters at the Heartache Motel and it was fun to read each of the characters take on them and how they reacted. Overall this was a great book and a wonderful addition to the each of the series.  I gave it 4 stars on Goodreads.

Elvis has left the building, but he’s forever memorialized at the Heartache Motel. Filled with drag queens, Rock-a-Hula cocktails, and a vibrating velveteen bed, these three novellas tell the tales of three amateur sleuths who spend their holidays at the King’s beloved home.

DINERS KEEPERS, LOSERS WEEPERS by Terri L. Austin
A Rose Strickland Mystery Novella (follows DINER IMPOSSIBLE)

When Rose and the gang head to Graceland right before Christmas, they get all shook up: the motel is a seedy dump and an Elvis impersonator turns up dead. Rose discovers missing jewels tie into the death and her suspicious mind flips into overdrive, questioning her fellow guests, the staff, and even a cute impersonator who keeps popping up. Will Rose be able to find the murderer and get home by Christmas day? It’s now or never.

QUICK SKETCH by Larissa Reinhart
A Cherry Tucker Mystery Novella (prequel to PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY)

Sassy Southern artist Cherry Tucker and her poker-loving boyfriend, Todd, pop into Memphis to help Todd’s cousin who’s been hustled out of his savings, right before Christmas. Staying at the shady Heartache Motel, Cherry can’t tell a shill from a mark and fears everyone is playing them for chumps. Cherry and Todd quickly find themselves in a dangerous sting that could send them to the slammer or mark them as pigeons from cons looking for an even bigger score.

DATELINE MEMPHIS by LynDee Walker
A Headlines in High Heels Mystery Novella (follows BURIED LEADS)

Crime reporter Nichelle Clarke thinks she’s going home for Christmas. But a quick stop at Graceland proves news breaks in the strangest places. When the King's home gets locked down with Nichelle inside, she chases this headline into the national spotlight—and the thief's crosshairs. Christmas dreams of blue suede Manolos fade, and all Nichelle wants from Santa is to land the story before the thief cuts off her news feed for good.

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN

Review, Interview & Giveaway: Hijack in Abstract by Larissa Reinhart

Hijack in Abstract

Hijack in Abstract
A Cherry Tucker Mystery, Book 3
Larissa Reinhart

Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Henery Press

Date of Publication: November 1, 2013

Number of pages: 257

Cover Artist: Jessie Porter & Scott Asano

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Kobo

Cherry Tucker’s love life has shifted into neutral. And her siblings, Grandpa, and sort-of-ex-husband have flipped her personal life to greasy side up. But life in Halo, Georgia, isn’t all bad for the sassy, Southern artist. Her career has pushed into full throttle. A classical series sold. A portrait commissioned. Then Uncle Will, Forks County Sheriff, calls in a favor to have Cherry draw a composite sketch of a hijacker. Suddenly, life takes a hairpin when the composite leads to a related murder, her local card sharking buddy Max Avtaikin becomes bear bait, and her Amazonian nemesis labels the classical series “pervert art,” causing Cherry to be shunned by the town.

Cherry’s jamming gears between trailer parks, Atlanta mansions, and trucker bars searching for the hijacker who left a widow and orphan destitute and Max Avtaikin in legal jeopardy. While she seeks to help the misfortunate and save her local reputation, Cherry’s hammer down attitude has her facing the headlights of an oncoming killer, ready to grind her gears for good.

Excerpt: 

“You’re a copper thief, Tyrone?” I said as I crosshatched shadow lines to emphasize the composite’s cheekbones. “Now why would you want to spend your nights stripping air conditioner units when you could be doing something more productive?”

“I don’t strip A/C units,” Tyrone tapped on the sketch pad. “His nose needs to be longer.”

I grabbed my gum eraser and scrubbed at the end of the composite’s nose.

“Air conditioners are not enough of a challenge for Tyrone here,” said Luke. “He likes to shimmy poles for his wire.”

Tyrone smiled. “They call me the Flying Coderre.”

“Were you up on a pole when you saw this guy?”

Tyrone cut his eyes to Luke. “Allegedly. At the rest stop on the interstate near the Line Creek exit.”

“What was the guy doing?”

“Helping himself to a truck.”

“You don’t need to know that information,” said Luke. “Just draw.”

“I’m just curious. It’s not like I’m going to look for the guy.”

Luke snorted, which was his way of saying “I don’t believe you.” We’ve had some past misunderstandings on the difference between “being helpful” and “interfering with the law.” Luke refused to acknowledge I can gain information as good as any cop just through my local gossip network. I call myself inquisitive and creative. He calls me nosy and harebrained. He forgets my interest for crime had been honed from growing up around a county sheriff. I never wanted to be a cop, though. Not unless I could bedazzle my uniform and stonewash the polyester out of the cotton/poly blend. And those cop shoes? Forget about it.

“I don’t think the deputy trusts you.” Tyrone eyed my drawing. “The dude was wearing a track suit. Shiny blue or black. It was hard to tell the color in the dark.”

I began sketching in a track suit collar. “I’ve given the deputy no reason not to trust me.”

Luke snorted again.

“Are you catching a cold or something?” I said. “Do you need a tissue?”

“I need you to finish up and stop talking to the perp.”

“Tyrone, let me ask you this,” I said. “If you had a girlfriend who was an artist, and you knew she had a painting deadline that involved a life study, and then found her innocently drawing this model, would you accuse her of cheating?”

“Do not talk to her, Tyrone,” said Luke.

“What’s a life study?” said Tyrone.

“Drawing the human figure using a live model.”

“Drawing somebody naked,” said Luke. “And not just anybody. Her ex-husband.”

A knock sounded on the door and we glanced at the narrow inset window to see Uncle Will glaring at us. He twirled his finger in the wrap-it up sign and nodded at Luke.

“Dammit,” said Luke. “How did you pull me into that?”

Interview: 

Today, we welcome Larissa Reinhart to Musings and Ramblings. Let's all give her a big Geeky welcome!

I have some questions for you that are writer specific as well as some fun stuff so that we can really get to know the real you. *grin* Plus we will finish things off with round of Think Fast. Ready to begin?

Hey Judith! Thanks so much for having me on. I’m ready!!

Writing Specific
1. Tell us something about yourself that's not in your bio.

I once ate cow rectum in Japan. I didn’t know what it was. Very chewy. The cook thought it was hilarious. Especially since he had to gesture and point to explain what we were eating.

2. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Reading. I also love to travel. What I don’t like to do is clean the house, but that’s generally what I have to do if I’m not writing.

3. How did you choose the genres you write in?

I wrote Portrait of a Dead Guy and then my editor told me the genre. So I guess the genre choose me. And now I keep the Cherry Tucker books in that genre. Which some call cozy. I call them funny, Southern, romantic mysteries. But that’s hard to shelve.

4. Is there any particular author or book that has influenced you or your writing?

Stephen King’s ON WRITING is one of my favorites about writing. Any book I read has had an influence on me, though. And I like to read all kinds of fiction.

5. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

I’ll start with the best compliment. When readers take the time to email, tweet, or Facebook me to tell me they like Cherry Tucker. She’s flawed. Seriously flawed. But they still like her. My toughest critic is myself, but probably second toughest is my editor. But I need her to be tough to make me better a writer.

Fun Stuff
6. If you could have dinner with anyone, past or present, fictional or real, who would it be and why?

I’ll say the bartender Red from the Cherry Tucker books. Because I’ve heard his bar makes some good hot wings.

7. You are going to be stranded on a deserted island and bring 3 luxury items. What would they be?

A blender, margarita mix, and tequila. Wait, I need ice. So a cooler, ice, and Coronas. Wait, I need limes... Ok, I can’t do this one.

8. Pick two celebrities to be your parents. Who are they and why?

Doris Day and David Niven in Please Don’t Eat the Daisies. Wouldn’t you have loved to be their kids?

9. What would we find in your refrigerator right now?

You wouldn’t find any margaritas or beer. They’re on that desert island.

10. If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

The Case of the Missing Sock. Because that’s what happens every week on laundry day.

Think Fast
Summer or Winter? Summer
Coffee or Tea? Coffee
Cake or Pie? Pake. I’m for real.
Car or Truck? Depends on the engine.
Print or Electronic? Print!

Thanks for coming by and spending some time with us. Any final words of wisdom to pass along?

Thanks so much for having me! That was fun. I just want to thank everyone for their support. And has anyone tried Pake? I saw it on a menu once and have been dying to try it. Pie + Cake. Genius.

Review: 

This is the third book in the Cherry Tucker Mystery series by Larissa Reinhart. Cherry Tucker remains a feisty, opinionated, loud mouthed, big hearted spit fire of a character. She may be a bit redneck, but you would never have a truer friend. I just love reading about Cherry's exploits. She makes a trip to the SipNZip an adventure.

This book begins with Cherry in the local police station at 3am doing a composite drawing for her honorary uncle, Sheriff Will Thompson. There was a shooting and hijacking of a rig out at the interstate reststop, and the police were lucky enough to find a witness. A witness who was trying to steal copper wire, but a witness none the less.  Of course, when Cherry finds out about it, she can't but be curious and want to know what happened.  And how else do you find out, except by asking questions? Cherry's ex boyfriend, Deputy Luke Harper, doesn't take kindly to Cherry's way of finding out information and would like to keep her out of the investigation completely. With Cherry's recently sale of her "Classical" paintings, and a new portrait commission lined up, she really shouldn't have time get involved.  Little does she know exactly how far she will end up delving into the investigation.

One of the great things about the Cherry Tucker books are the variety of interesting associates. Cherry has quite a collection of the unique, engaging and distinctive cast of characters around her. From Max "The Bear" Avtaikin to her sister Casey and from Grandpa Ed to her best friend Leah, Cherry's friends and family all help to showcase the many sides and facets of Cherrilyn Tucker.

Every book I change my mind about who I think Cherry should be with romantically. I imagine if I am having this kind of trouble, there is no wonder Cherry seems so confounded with her options. In book 1, I was rooting for Luke, book 2 had me reconsidering Todd and in this book I put some sincere thought into Max. It's my opinion though, that Cherry will never settle down until she resolves things with her mother. Not to get spoiler-y, but we do get another piece to that puzzle at the end of this story.  I am looking forward to reading more. I gave this book 4 stars on Goodreads.

Giveaway: 

$20 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour Info: 
Don't forget to check out the other stops on the Book Tour:

November 4:
Mary Castillo – Interview

November 5:
The Book Bag – Review & Excerpt

November 6:
Ink and Paper – Interview & Excerpt

November 8:
Shelf Pleasure – Interview

November 11:
Keep Calm and Blog On – Review

November 12:
Mrs. Mommy Booknerd’s Book Reviews – Interview & Excerpt

November 14:
Tlassy – Review

November 15:
Musings and Ramblings – Review, Interview & Excerpt

November 18:
Melissa’s Mochas, Mysteries and More – Excerpt

November 19:
Chick Lit Plus – Review

November 22:
Jersey Girl Book Reviews – Review, Interview & Excerpt

November 25:
Everything Books and Authors – Excerpt

Author Bio:

Growing up in a small town, Larissa Reinhart couldn’t wait to move to an exotic city far from corn fields. After moving around the US and Japan, now she loves to write about rough hewn characters that live near corn fields, particularly sassy women with a penchant for trouble. HIJACK IN ABSTRACT is the third in the Cherry Tucker Mystery Series from Henery Press, following STILL LIFE IN BRUNSWICK STEW (May 2013) and PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY, a 2012 Daphne du Maurier finalist. QUICK SKETCH, a Cherry Tucker prequel to PORTRAIT, is in the mystery anthology THE HEARTACHE MOTEL (December 2013). She lives near Atlanta with her minions and Cairn Terrier, Biscuit. Visit her website larissareinhart.com or find her chatting with the Little Read Hens on Facebook.

To connect with the author online:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Little Read Hens | Amazon Author Page | Publisher

Waiting on Wednesday: Heartache Motel Anthology

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine showcasing upcoming books that we are waiting, often impatiently, to be released.


Heartache Motel Anthology

Elvis has left the building, but he’s forever memorialized at the Heartache Motel. Filled with drag queens, Rock-a-Hula cocktails, and a vibrating velveteen bed, these three novellas tell the tales of three amateur sleuths who spend their holidays at the King’s beloved home.

DINERS KEEPERS, LOSERS WEEPERS by Terri L. Austin
A Rose Strickland Mystery Novella (follows DINER IMPOSSIBLE)

When Rose and the gang head to Graceland right before Christmas, they get all shook up: the motel is a seedy dump and an Elvis impersonator turns up dead. Rose discovers missing jewels tie into the death and her suspicious mind flips into overdrive, questioning her fellow guests, the staff, and even a cute impersonator who keeps popping up. Will Rose be able to find the murderer and get home by Christmas day? It’s now or never.

QUICK SKETCH by Larissa Reinhart
A Cherry Tucker Mystery Novella (prequel to PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY)

Sassy Southern artist Cherry Tucker and her poker-loving boyfriend, Todd, pop into Memphis to help Todd’s cousin who’s been hustled out of his savings, right before Christmas. Staying at the shady Heartache Motel, Cherry can’t tell a shill from a mark and fears everyone is playing them for chumps. Cherry and Todd quickly find themselves in a dangerous sting that could send them to the slammer or mark them as pigeons from cons looking for an even bigger score.

DATELINE MEMPHIS by LynDee Walker
A Headlines in High Heels Mystery Novella (follows BURIED LEADS)

Crime reporter Nichelle Clarke thinks she’s going home for Christmas. But a quick stop at Graceland proves news breaks in the strangest places. When the King's home gets locked down with Nichelle inside, she chases this headline into the national spotlight—and the thief's crosshairs. Christmas dreams of blue suede Manolos fade, and all Nichelle wants from Santa is to land the story before the thief cuts off her news feed for good.

Release Date: December 10th 2013

Why This book?

I am waiting on this book because I have become such a fan of these 3 authors and have really enjoyed all 3 of their very different voices.  For there to be an anthology with all 3 of their stories in 1 book and the possibility of them interacting together, makes this high on my must read list. 

Quote-Tastic: Redneck Gold Medal Competition

This meme is about sharing your favorite quotes and the books they come from!
Hosted by Anna at Herding Cats and Burning Soup.


Everyone is welcome to join in: Readers, Bloggers & Authors.

Just grab the button and don't forget to add your post to the link at the bottom.

Still Life in Brunswick Stew by Larissa Reinhart

“I don’t see how this helps the Parkers,” said Luke. “You’re going to get them all roiled up about nothing.”

“That’s exactly why they want my help. Y’all think her death is just an accident. The Parkers want to make sure whoever made the bad food gets punished.”

“Why would they ask you for help?” Sid said. “You’re an artist, not a cop.”

“Cherry’s good at figuring stuff out,” said Todd. “She uses that creative thinking. And she’ll talk to anyone. Even teenage boys with switchblades in their pocket.”

“Hunter had a switchblade?” I said.

“Switchblade?” Luke’s eyebrows hit his scalp and fell to a glower.

“I’d say her thinking is more crazy than creative,” said Cody. “The Parkers are like us and probably don’t trust cops.”

“The man you call uncle is sheriff,” said Luke.

“He don’t always trust cops neither.” Cody pushed his cap up with his beer bottle. “Sometimes you got to look into stuff yourself. I’m actually working on some investigating myself.”

“What are you investigating?” I glanced at Casey to see if she knew, but she shrugged.

“Something I don’t want to talk about just yet,” said Cody.

I snorted. Cody’s investigations ran to pistons, carburetors, and dual exhaust. He likely found another muscle car to overhaul.

“Not letting trained officials doing their job?” Luke set his stormy gray eyes on me. “Do you hear how ridiculous that sounds?”

“We were raised to be self-sufficient.”

“That’s a joke. Cody and Casey still live with your Grandpa. None of you have full time jobs. How is that self-sufficient?”

With coordination not better seen by the Olympic synchronized swimming team, the Tucker crew delivered Luke our best stone-cold glare worthy of any redneck gold medal competition.

Available at the following retailers: 
Amazon     BN     Kobo


Luke is trying to get Cherry to leave the investigation of her friend Eloise's death to the cops.  Even though at first no one believed Cherry or Eloise's family, that it wasn't due to Eloise's Crohn's disease.


Do you have a favorite quote from a book or series?


Check out some of the other Quote-Tastic Monday picks.

Review, Interview & Giveaway: Still Life in Brunswick by Larissa Reinhart

Still Life in Brunswick Stew

Still Life in Brunswick Stew
Cherry Tucker Mystery, Book 2
Larissa Reinhart

Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Henery Press

Date of Publication: May 17, 2013

Number of pages: 298

Cover Artist: Jessie Porter

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Kobo

Cherry Tucker’s in a stew. Art commissions dried up after her nemesis became president of the County Arts Council. Desperate and broke, Cherry and her friend, Eloise, spend a sultry summer weekend hawking their art at the Sidewinder Annual Brunswick Stew Cook-Off. When a bad case of food poisoning breaks out and Eloise dies, the police brush off her death as accidental. However, Cherry suspects someone spiked the stew and killed her friend. As Cherry calls on cook-off competitors, bitter rivals, and crooked judges, her cop boyfriend get steamed while the killer prepares to cook Cherry’s goose.

Excerpt: 

They should’ve kept the mud pit.

That was my first thought when I heard another brawl had ensued, the second or third of the day by my count. This happens when festival committees get all high-brow and replace four- wheeling with an arts and crafts display. What kind of crazy wants to walk around an old cotton field to shop for macramé pot holders and corn husk dolls? Or even quality art, like my Cherry Tucker still life oil paintings. Or exquisite Raku pottery from my buddy, Eloise Parker.

That’s my opinion, anyway. Based on the fact that the Annual Sidewinder Brunswick Stew Cook-Off took place smack dab in the middle of a Georgia summer when you needed activities like mud pits to cool off the locals. Bad enough the hundred year old argu- ment over the origin of Brunswick Stew breaks out every time you get Virginians and Georgians together. And we all know there is only one town of Brunswick with a giant iron kettle for a landmark. Which would be in Georgia.

Sidewinder’s also in Georgia, but a tenth of the size of the Golden Isle of Brunswick. Sidewinder’s not even a town. More like a spit in the road farming village that once was a plantation burned down by Sherman. My hometown of Halo is bigger, and we aren’t even big enough for a Walmart. Some might say Halo’s not big enough for my art studio, but I’m not much on what folks say.

Unless they’re customers, of course.

Eloise begged me to participate in this cook-off turned art festival, which is why I’m spending my weekend slumped in a camp chair, drinking tea by the jug, and sweating up a storm. And not selling any paintings. People come to taste stew, eat pulled pork, and watch the rednecks churn up the Georgia clay with their four- by-fours. So when the guy hawking koi ponds in the booth opposite leaned into our tent to report the newest altercation, I jumped at the chance to break my boredom. Actually, my jump was more of a sweat-soaked slide out of my seat.

“Eloise,” I asked. “You want to come and see what the fuss is about?”

“And miss the possibility of a single customer? I’m not hauling my butt out of this chair except to get more stew.” She stubbed out a cigarette. On the folding table sat her second or third bowl of the thick Brunswick Stew, brimming with shredded meat, tomatoes, butter beans, and corn. “One of my students gave me a bunch of free tickets to his family’s booth, and I plan to use them all. My Crohn’s isn’t bothering me, so I’m eating to make up for the times my stomach doesn’t let me.”

Although the stew had a lovely cinnamon color, eating it in record-breaking heat held no appeal to me. Particularly the amount Eloise had already consumed. The concoction of veggies and meat once got poor folks through hard times by tossing in whatever you could salvage. I’ve had it made from chicken, beef, pork, venison, and even rabbit. Some like to add squirrel with their pork. However in college, after enjoying a bowl with a large side of tequila shots at a Savannah bar, I vowed never to touch the stuff again. Does not taste as pleasant the second time around.

Watching Eloise eat made sweat break on my neck. “On a scorcher like today, I would think you’d rather have a Sno-Cone than a hot bowl of stew.”

“As a Sidewinder native, it is my duty to eat Brunswick Stew, particularly at our annual cook-off,” said Eloise. “I love Brunswick Stew. You should know better. How long have we been friends?”

“Let me see,” I pretended to think, not trying to hide my grin. “Seems I beat you in the Forks County Art Competition in third grade...”

“And I stole your drawing and you promptly announced it over the PA, getting me in all kinds of trouble. I still have the handprint on my behind.”

“Serves you right, you art thief.”

“I loved your drawing,” Eloise’s eyes grew misty. “I couldn’t help it. I’d never seen such a beautiful unicorn.”

“It was not a unicorn. I would never draw a unicorn.”

“I’m pretty sure there were rainbows, too,” Eloise laughed at my horrified look. “You were eight. Anyway, I recognized talent then and now. I’m lucky to have a friend like you.”

“Are you kidding? You’re the one that got me into the Reconstituting Classicism gallery show. If I can pull off something great, that crowd will pay big bucks. I’m down to my last twenty dollars and change.” At that thought, I fished in the pockets of my cutoffs to look for Sno-Cone change, disappointed to find only thirty-five cents and a few gum wrappers.

“No one around here wants a portrait made, not even one of their pet,” I moaned. “I had the hunting dog market cornered there for a while. The art well in Forks County has mysteriously run dry ever since I was snubbed by the Bransons after painting the portrait of Dustin. Then Shawna Branson became president of the Forks County Arts Council and suddenly I have paintbrush leprosy.”

“How are those classical paintings coming?” Eloise dropped her eyes to her stew bowl. She knew me well enough to avoid conversation about Shawna Branson. “Aren’t you supposed to send digital photos of the portfolio soon?”

“Week from Monday,” I said. “Plenty of time. I’m doing famous Greek statues as paintings. Except to make it edgier I’m covering the model’s body in tiny Greek letters. Head to toe.”

Eloise swatted me with her spoon. “You haven’t done them yet? Don’t make me look bad, Cherry Tucker. The show is organized by my old drawing professor at UGA. He’s still ticked I went into pottery. I’m hoping to get back in his good graces and get my own show out of the deal.”

I held one hand over my heart, the other palm up in Pledge of Allegiance mode. “I swear I would never do anything to make you look bad, Eloise Parker. You have my word. I’m just having a little trouble convincing my model to pose nude as the Dying Gaul.”

“Who are you using as a model?”

“Luke Harper.”

It took a moment for Eloise to regain control over her laughter. I helped her right her chair when it threatened to tip.

“Luke is the perfect model for a Greek statue,” I explained. “Tall, lean, with great muscle definition. Especially those indentations between his waist and hips.” I paused a moment in delicious ecstasy, ruminating over Luke’s V-cut. “He even has the dark curly hair and the straight nose of a classic Greek. And I don’t think he’s got a drop of Greek blood in him. Pretty sure Harper’s not a Greek name.”

“Nor Roman. You just want to paint Luke naked,” Eloise cackled. “This doesn’t have anything to do with art.”

“Of course it does. I have an eye for beauty, that’s all.”

“You got a thing for beauty, all right. As long as it’s got a—”

“You can stop right there, Eloise Parker. No need to get trashy.”

“I’m not the one obsessed with painting Luke Harper nude.”

“He never lets me paint him, nude or otherwise. I don’t get it. What’s the big deal?”

“Probably because he’s worried the criminals in Forks County will laugh at him after seeing his bare ass in a painting,” Eloise lifted her brows. “Hard to arrest somebody when they’re laughing at you.”

Interview: 

Today, we welcome Larissa Reinhart to Musings and Ramblings. Let's all give her a big Geeky welcome!

Hey Judith! *waves* Thanks so much for having me here today!

I have some questions for you that are writer specific as well as some fun stuff so that we can really get to know the real you. *grin* Plus we will finish things off with round of Think Fast. Ready to begin?

I'm so ready! I feel like I'm on Ninja Warrior for writers.

Writing Specific
1. Tell us something about yourself that's not in your bio.

I used to teach World History, Psychology, and Sociology at Sandy Creek High in Tyrone, Georgia. Now some of my students are married with children. Which is really depressing.

2. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

When I'm not writing or doing my numerous mom duties, I love to get away. For a day trip, a weekend, a year, I will plan any kind of trip. We've lived overseas three times and it's made me a gypsy at heart. I'm happy exploring some small town near my house or flying somewhere more exotic. And my girls are good little tourists, too. They were born in China, so they've traveled since the beginning!

3. How did you choose the genres you write in?

I write the book and find out the genre later. My books are character driven, although I start with a "what if" sort of an idea.

4. Is there any particular author or book that has influenced you or your writing?

I had written my first manuscript and started my second when I read ON WRITING by Stephen King. I loved how he explained putting his characters into impossible situations to see if they can figure out how to get out of them (totally paraphrasing here). That's what I try to do. I set Cherry up against the odds and see if she can prove her worth.

5. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

I had someone once tell me "no one's going to want to read about an artist painting a dead guy, honey. That's just disgusting." The greatest compliment is having all these folks who want to read PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY and continue to read stories about Cherry Tucker!

Fun Stuff
6. If you could have dinner with anyone, past or present, fictional or real, who would it be and why?

James Bond. How much cooler a dinner partner could you get?! And when we're interrupted by some evil genius seeking global domination, I'm so chasing after them. Unless tiramisu is served for dessert, and then I might stay and wait for Bond to return for his post-chase martini. *waggles eyebrows*

7. You are going to be stranded on a deserted island and bring 3 luxury items.

What would they be? An tablet device with a huge library of books and movies already downloaded, a super comfy lounge chair, and Bear Grylls. He can work on the rescue thing while I work on my tan, but I'm not drinking his pee.

8. Pick two celebrities to be your parents. Who are they and why?

Paul Newman and Mae West. I have no idea why. They both popped up in my head at the same time.

9. What would we find in your refrigerator right now?

Some leftover pulled pork, around thirty bottles of Asian sauces, and a single Corona.

10. If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

The Little Writer Who Could. (I hope.)

Think Fast
Summer or Winter? Summer.
Coffee or Tea? Coffee.
Cake or Pie? Pie.
Car or Truck? Truck.
Print or Electronic? Print.

Thanks for coming by and spending some time with us. Any final words of wisdom to pass along?

Thanks so much for having me! That was fun. I rarely have words of wisdom, but I love to chat with readers. I'd like to know what luxury items they'd take to a deserted island!

Review: 

This is the second book in the Cherry Tucker Mystery series by Larissa Reinhart. I was lucky to have discovered and reviewed book one, Portrait of a Dead Guy earlier this year and liked it. So I was thrilled when I was offered a chance to read and review Still Life in Brunswick Stew. Cherry Tucker isn't your average Southern woman character. She is feisty, stubborn and not ashamed of her mostly dysfunctional family and their history of poverty. Cherry is the kind of woman you want in your corner; with her big heart and bigger mouth.

This story begins several months after the end of the first book. Cherry has been dating Luke, who is now a police officer working for her "Uncle" Will, the local Sheriff. Cherry is at the local Sidewinder Brunswick Stew Cook-off, with her friend Eloise, trying to sell their art. Eloise gets violently sick at the festival and ends up dying. When the family's concerns are brushed aside, Cherry promises to look into it.  After all, Eloise was her friend and practically died in her arms, and Cherry figures she has Luck and Uncle Will to help. But they both warn her to stay out of it, and refuse to tell her anything. So Cherry takes matters into her own hands and starts looking for suspects. When her suspects start dying themselves, Cherry winds up over her head.

I liked a lot of things about this book.  The returning characters, such as Cherry's siblings, Casey and Cody, her kind of ex husband Todd, her nemesis Shawna, and Max the Russian, all allow us to see the different sides and moods of Cherry. They round her out as a character and really give her depth. Watching Cherry kick butt was a pleasure. It is nice to see a female character outside of Urban Fantasy who can take care of herself and doesn't rely on a man to save her.  Cherry also has so fun flaws. Her inability to cook and the noises her stomach makes when she is hungry are always good for a giggle.

Cherry is your go to girl when you want a Sassy Self-Reliant Southerner to make you Smile. I can't wait to read book 3, Hijack in Abstract coming in November. I expect it to be every bit as good as the first two books.  This got 4 stars on Goodreads.

Review for Portrait of a Dead Guy, book 1 can be found here.

Giveaway: 

1 electronic copy of either Portrait of a Dead Guy or Still Life in Brunswick Stew, graciously provided by Larissa.

Entry-Form

Book Tour Info: 
Don't forget to check out the other stops on the Book Tour:

September 26:
Mommasez… - Interview, Review & E-book Giveaway

September 27:
Shelley’s Book Case - Review & E-book Giveaway

September 28:
Chloe Gets A Clue - Interview

September 30:
Brooke Blogs - Review & E-Book Giveaway

October 1:
Melina’s Book Blog - Interview, Review & E-Book Giveaway

October 2:
The Bookwyrm’s Hoard - Interview, Review & E-Book Giveaway

October 4:
A Chick Who Reads - Review

October 6:
According to Squenn - Review

October 7:
rantin’ ravin’ and reading - Interview, Review & E-Book Giveaway

October 8:
Kaisy Daisy’s Corner - Review & E-Book Giveaway

October 9:
THE SELF-TAUGHT COOK - Spotlight

October 10:
Musings and Ramblings - Interview, Review & E-Book Giveaway

Author Bio:

Larissa Reinhart loves small town characters, particularly sassy women with a penchant for trouble. STILL LIFE IN BRUNSWICK STEW (May 2013) is the second in the Cherry Tucker Mystery Series. The first, PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY, is a 2012 Daphne du Maurier finalist, a 2012 The Emily finalist, and a 2011 Dixie Kane Memorial winner. She lives near Atlanta with her minions and Cairn Terrier, Biscuit. Visit her website, her Facebook page, or find her chatting with the Little Read Hens on Facebook.

To connect with the author online:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Little Red Hens | Twitter | Goodreads | Publisher | Amazon

Book Tour & Review: Portrait of a Dead Guy by Larissa Reinhart

This is the first book in the Cherry Tucker Mystery series by Larissa Reinhart.  Don't you just love new series?  A chance to meet new characters that you are going to have the opportunity to really get to know over the course of the series.  Their ups and down, foibles and eccentricities, good days and bad. And in the case of a character like Cherry Tucker, you just know that you are going to be on one hell of a roller coaster ride.

The book opens with Cherry Tucker, struggling artist in a small Georgia town, headed to a funeral home to meet with the parents of local bad boy Dustin Branson.  She is trying to get the commission to do his death portrait.  Sounds creepy right?  But that's not all.  Dustin Branson was found murdered and the killer is still at large.  Added to this, Dustin "had been a criminal in the making for twenty-seven years." If all this isn't bad enough, Cherry finds out that she must compete with her old high school rival Shawna Branson for the commission.  To add insult to injury?  Shawna wants to do a "Paintograph" of Dustin. And Cherry is just appalled by this paint by numbers masquerading as art.  This leaves  Cherry only 2 days to get the painting done before the viewing.  The final cherry on the top of this headache sundae? Luke, her old boyfriend, is back for the funeral of his step-brother Dustin.  The old boyfriend she never really got over.

This was a phenomenal book.  As a small town southerner myself, I could completely relate to the trials and tribulations that Cherry is enduring.  The crazy family, the past exploits she just can't live down, the rednecks and wannabe's, the "adopted" family like Uncle Will the Sheriff. I could completely commiserate and relate to Cherrilyn "Cherry" Tucker.

This book kept me laughing out loud at some of the antics Cherry got herself into.  If I had to make a comparison  I would call this a Southern Stephanie Plum. And since I love the Stephanie Plum series, that is a dang good recommendation, right there!  (Geesh, you can almost hear my southern coming out!) I am giving this book 5 stars on Goodreads.  4 stars for the book itself and a whole 'nother star for all the great stuff the author has on Pinterest.  I love when an author gives me more to explore with a favorite book.  It helps to keep my interest up until the next book comes out.  So seriously, ya'll go check out Ms. Reinhart's Pinterest Boards at the link below.  You can get a feel yourself, of the true essence of Cherry Tucker. 

In Halo, Georgia, folks know Cherry Tucker as big in mouth, small in stature, and able to sketch a portrait faster than buckshot rips from a ten gauge -- but commissions are scarce. So when the well-heeled Branson family wants to memorialize their murdered son in a coffin portrait, Cherry scrambles to win their patronage from her small town rival.

As the clock ticks toward the deadline, Cherry faces more trouble than just a controversial subject. Between ex-boyfriends, her flaky family, an illegal gambling ring, and outwitting a killer on a spree, Cherry finds herself painted into a corner she’ll be lucky to survive.

Book Tour Info: 

Don't forget to check out the other stops on the Book Tour:

Monday April 8 - Darla King Series
Tuesday April 9 - Musings & Ramblings & Lily Pond Reads
Wednesday April 10 - Off
Thursday April 11 - Brooke Blogs
Friday April 12 - Chloe Gets a Clue
Saturday April 13 - Mochas, Mysteries and More
Sunday April 14 - Melina the Reader


Author Bio:

Larissa loves small town characters with big attitudes, particularly sassy women with a penchant for trouble. Her Cherry Tucker Mystery series, beginning with PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY (Henery Press), received a 5/5 Star review from the Examiner.com, is a 2012 Daphne du Maurier finalist, a 2012 The Emily finalist, and a 2011 Dixie Kane Memorial finalist. The second book, STILL LIFE IN BRUNSWICK STEW, arrives in May 2013 followed by HIJACK IN ABSTRACT. A Cherry Tucker prequel will appear in a December 2013 mystery anthology, THE HEARTACHE MOTEL.

After moving around the midwest, the South and Japan, Larissa now lives in Georgia with her husband, daughters, and Biscuit, a Cairn Terrier. When she's not writing about Southern fried chicken, she writes about Asian fried chicken at her blog about life as an ex-expat at http://theexpatreturneth.blogspot.com. You can find Larissa chatting on Facebook on her author page; on Twitter as RisWrites; and on Goodreads. She loves pinning on her Cherry Tucker and other boards at Pinterest.

Purchase links for Amazon: Portrait of a Dead Guy