Great Escapes Review: Diner Knock Out by Terri L Austin

Diner Knock Out

Rose Strickland Mystery, #4
Terri L Austin

Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Henery Press
Date of Publication: October 20, 2015
Number of pages: 302
Word Count:
Cover Artist:

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Kobo

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

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. 

Review, Interview & Giveaway: Diner Impossible by Terri L. Austin

Diner Impossible

Diner Impossible
Rose Strickland Mystery, Book 3
Terri L. Austin

Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Henery Press

Date of Publication: November 7, 2013

Number of pages: 240

Cover Artist: Lauren Snedden

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN

After shunning her overbearing parents' wealthy lifestyle, waitress and part-time college student, Rose Strickland, is drawn back into their world when she tries to prove the impossible: the innocence of the town's crooked police chief. He's suspected in the gruesome death of Delia Cummings, his secretary and mistress, and all the evidence points to him. While she tracks down clues with the aid of her anime-loving bestie, Rose's pal, Axton, and his Klingon gang are feuding with their Starfleet rivals. Things get hairier than a pile of well-fed Tribbles, so Rose gets involved. In between interrogating Trekkies and quizzing socialites at high tea, she discovers the secrets Delia Cummings took to her grave. Suspects abound, but when Chief Mathers threatens to bring down Rose's criminally mischievous and maybe boyfriend, Sullivan, she makes it her mission to find the real killer before Sullivan finds himself in prison.

Excerpt: 

They say you never forget your first time, but of course some firsts are more memorable than others. A first kiss. A first car. That first disastrous sexual encounter with a prom date because you figured what the hell, might as well see what everyone’s talking about. Turns out, they were talking about something completely different than what James Palmer and I did, fumbling around in the back of a white limo. The point is this: life’s chock full of first times. Some good, some bad, but all of them are turning points, dividing lines separating your life into befores and afters.

My name is Rose Strickland and tonight I racked up two more firsts. A clandestine meeting with a cop and a visit to a restaurant called Bob’s Fine Italian Cuisine. I still wasn’t sure if agreeing to meet with my nemesis was wise, but Bob’s definitely fell under the bad idea category.

Situated on the edge of Huntingford, Missouri and the county line, Bob’s wasn’t fine. The only lighting came from drippy white candles placed at all twelve tables and the darkened interior sucked me in, left me a little disoriented, able to make out only vague shapes and silhouettes spread throughout the small room. What it lacked in illumination it made up for in odor. Overpowering garlic and the stench of fish that had not only gone bad, but had turned downright evil. In fact, if I could have seen two feet in front of my face, I’m sure I would have been horrified at Bob’s lack of fine. Either this was the best place in town to bring a mistress or they didn’t want customers to notice the numerous health code violations.

Thrusting my hands in my coat pockets, I hunkered down and glanced through the deep gloom, searching for Officer Andre Thomas, or as I liked to call him, Officer Hard Ass. Somewhere in his early thirties, he was built tight, with long, lean muscles and chiseled features. His dark wavy hair was cut so short it was just a whisker shy of buzzed and his café au lait skin accentuated his hazel eyes. Those sharp eyes watched the world from behind frameless glasses and didn’t miss a thing. Smart, handsome, observant. Unfortunately, he also had a stick shoved so far up that firm ass, I wasn’t sure how he managed to sit down.

Interview: 

Today, we welcome Terri L. Austin 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?

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

I love Hello Kitty. Obsessed might be a better word. When our Japanese foreign exchange student arrived, she brought me little Hello Kitty treats and sent back HK trinkets and fuzzy pillows from Tokyo. Now I’m an HK fangirl.

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

Beads. All kinds, every color. Beading becomes an addiction—you can never have too many beads. It’s a very relaxing hobby and oh, so shiny!

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

I write multiple genres (mystery, romance, urban fantasy) because I’m more creative when I’m mixing it up a little. Like most writers I have those what if moments. What if a former-rich-girl-turned-waitress had to solve a crime? Sometimes I start out in one direction, but the characters correct me if I’m headed down the wrong path. They’re very insistent about telling their own stories.

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

Janet Evanovich—laugh out loud funny. Karen Marie Moning—fantastic storyteller. Kresley Cole—amazing sexual tension. I’ve always been a hardcore reader (they’re a lot like beads—you can never have enough). I write the types of books I’d like to read. I try to create characters I’d want to know in real life—usually plucky, funny, sarcastic heroines and sexy, flawed heroes.

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

It’s wonderful to hear the compliments, naturally. When someone says they enjoyed my characters or laughed at a particular scene, those moments are very surreal. I’d like to be all cool and say I don’t let the bad stuff bother me, but the truth is when someone doesn’t like one of my characters or doesn’t find my humor humorous, it’s like saying my baby is fugly. It hurts a little. But I’m still glad they gave my book a chance. The fact that a stranger would take time out of their lives to read something I wrote is always humbling.

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

Miss Marple. She’s genteel, yet so wily in the ways of human behavior. She flies under the radar. You think she’s this little old lady knitting in the corner, when in reality, she knows everyone’s dirty secrets and sees past the façade. Marple is the shiz.

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

A burly marine—that’s a luxury, right?—a giant bottle of sunscreen, and a compilation of Jane Austen’s works.

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

Jimmy Stewart because he seemed so normal. You probably wouldn’t turn out too crazy with a dad like Jimmy. Megan Fox—the face, the hair, the boobs. I’d hope to inherit some of those fab genes. And that would be quite a coupling. Now you can’t get it out of your mind, can you? You’re welcome.

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

Leftover pizza, because you know, pizza.

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

Hot and Bothered. Ha! I kid. They’d probably title it: Oh! That Girl. I Sort of Remember Her. Not as smexy, but possibly more apt.

Think Fast
Summer or Winter? Winter
Coffee or Tea? Coffee. No, tea. Don’t make me choose!
Cake or Pie? Seriously, why are you doing this?!
Car or Truck? Car. I couldn’t drive a truck without taking out a light pole, and forget about parking.
Print or Electronic? Both. Print for the keeper shelf, electronic for everything else.

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

Thank you so much for having me on today, Judith. The questions were really fun. Big virtual smooches to all your readers. *Mwah*

Review: 

This is the third book in the Rose Strickland Mystery series by Terri L. Austin and I was lucky enough to get started on it shortly after finishing book 2. There is something wonderful about finishing one book in a series, coming up for a small breath of air, and then diving right back down into a fantastic world of impressive and intriguing characters.

This story starts approximately 5 months after the end of the book 2, with Officer Hard Ass, aka Officer Andre Thomas, asking for Rose's help looking into a murder. The police chief's secretary and mistress was found murdered in her bed. Rumors abound that the Chief of Police did her in due to an unwanted pregnancy, but Officer Thomas has his doubts. Especially since the Police Chief was his mentor early in his career. Officer Thomas wants Rose to do what he can't do, go where he can't go and find out what really happened to the dead woman. Since Rose knows all about the Police Chief's illegal gambling addiction and since he was cheating on his wife, at first she doesn't see why she should get involved.  But then Officer Thomas plays the innocent wife and kids card. Rose can't bear the thought of the children having to deal with the rumors and scandal, so she reluctantly agrees to take the case.

Little does she know that she will soon be getting a call from her mother, asking her to dinner and pulling out all the stops to play nice with Rose. It seems that the Chief of Police's wife is a good friend of Rose's mother. Such a good friend that she can't stand what is happening, and wants Rose to investigate and figure out what happened.

There is also a secondary mystery going on. Axton, one of her best friends, asks her to look into the theft of a signed Star Trek uniform. His group of Klingon's was supposed to present the uniform back to the Starfleet group after they won their bowling competition. Axton asks Rose for help, because their Honor is at stake. Axton is always great fun and I really enjoy whenever we get to see him.

This was another wonderful addition to the Rose Strickland series. It looks like Rose is slowly figuring what she wants out of life. She isn't worried about what society thinks she should have or be, but what will make her happy and fulfilled in the long term. I think we should all strive to be a little more like Rose. This book was a 4 star read for me.

Giveaway: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

November 11:
Musings and Ramblings – Review, Interview & Excerpt
Everything Books and Authors – Excerpt

November 12:
Literary Chanteuse - Excerpt

November 13:
Jersey Girl Book Reviews – Review & Excerpt

November 14:
Chick Lit Plus – Review

November 15:
Ai Love Books – Review & Excerpt
Me, Bookshelf and I – Excerpt

November 18:
Evolved World – Review

Author Bio:

As a girl, Terri L. Austin thought she’d outgrow dreaming up stories and creating imaginary friends. Instead, she’s made a career of it. She met her own Prince Charming and together they live in Missouri. She loves to hear from readers.

To connect with the author online:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Google+ | Pinterest | Henery Press

Review: Last Diner Standing by Terri L. Austin

This is the second book in the Rose Strickland Mystery series by Terri L. Austin.  I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was excited about reading more about Rose and her friends. This book  begins approximately 6 weeks after the conclusion of book 1.

The story opens with Rose receiving that ominous 3 am phone call. Janelle, Rose's friend and college study partner is calling from jail. Janelle was arrested for the assault and attempted murder of her ex-husband, not so affectionately known as Asshat. It turns out that Asshat had come into some serious cash that he was flashing about, so Janelle went over to his place to demand some for his kids. They got into a hugely vocal fight that was witnessed by most of the neighborhood. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter, someone hit him upside the head, leaving Janelle to take the fall.

A strange twist comes into play with Sullivan, Rose's romantic interest and crime lord. We got to see a whole other side to Sullivan and I must admit that I enjoyed it immensely. Where in the first book, I wasn't sure about him, not I am totally rooting for him.

And if that isn't all. Ma has decided that since Rudy of Rudy's Roundup Restaurant is going to serve breakfast, she will just have to start serving lunch. In Ma's words, "Rudy Jorgenson is going down, girls. And I’m the one who’s sending him there." This just means that in between trying to clear Janelle's name, find out where Asshat got the money, figure out how Sullivan is connected, she is also dealing with the craziness of Ma and her plans for lunch domination.

This was a fantastic read. All the people surrounding Rose are these bright, vivid, unforgettable characters. But was more important is Rose's relationship with them. You can tell that Rose is a true friend and has sincere and lasting loyalty to the people she surrounds herself with. This is another 4 star book in the series.

Rose Strickland is having a blue Christmas. Her friend is arrested for attempted murder, her sexy bad guy crush is marked by a hit man, and her boss is locked in an epic smackdown with a rival diner. Determined to save those she loves, Rose embarks on an investigation more tangled than a box of last year's tree lights. With her eclectic gang at the ready, Rose stumbles across dead bodies, ex-cons, chop shops, jealous girlfriends, jilted lovers, and a gaggle of strippers in a battle for freedom she might not survive.

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Kobo     OmniLit

Quote-Tastic: 'Don't Drop the Soap'

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.

Last Diner Standing by Terri L. Austin

At Janelle’s, Tariq and Roxy flirted their way through dinner, feeding each other bites of meatballs. If they each started sucking a long string of spaghetti à la Lady and the Tramp, I was going to gag. Damon still wasn’t feeling very well and Janelle had a perpetual worried air. I was glad she was home, but I felt a pressing need to find that money. I was sure it was the key to finding Asshat’s assailant.

After dinner, I helped with the dishes and Sondra took her kids home.

“Listen, we should go see LD tonight.” Janelle stuck a lid on the plastic container of salad before sticking it in the fridge.

“It’s your first night home.”

“It won’t take that long. Tariq and Roxy can watch the kids. I’ll be home before ten.”

After we finished cleaning the kitchen, we took Janelle’s car. On the drive to LD’s apartment, she gave me Sheik’s family history.

“Well, LD’s the baby of the family and closest to Sheik. They’re thick as thieves.” That was the first time I’d heard her refer to her ex as anything other than Asshat. “LD has himself a little garage downtown. It’s profitable. When Sheik quit the muffler place, Little Donnell gave him side jobs.”

“Fixing cars?” I asked. That might explain the graveyard of dismantled vehicles in Asshat’s yard.

“Mmm-hmm. Off the books. That way, no child support. I’d always liked LD until then, but he helped Sheik dodge his responsibilities. What kind of a man quits his job so he doesn’t have to take care of his children?”

A really terrible one.

She pulled up to the Apple Creek Apartments, not far from my sister’s neighborhood.

“This place is beautiful,” I said, gazing up at the expansive brick building. “His garage must be doing really well to live here.”

“Like I said, off the books. If the IRS ever got a look at what he earned, his ass would be in prison before you could say ‘don’t drop the soap.’”

Available at the following retailers: 
Amazon     BN     Kobo     OmniLit


Asshat, aka Shiek, Janelle's ex-husband was beaten upside the head, left for dead and is now in a coma.  Janelle was arrested since she was seen arguing with Asshat for throwing money around just hours before his injury. Rose is working hard to find out who actually hurt Asshat and clear Janelle. 


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Review: Diners, Dives & Dead Ends by Terri L. Austin

This is the first book in the Rose Strickland Series by Terri L. Austin. This is another of the Henery Press Mysteries. So far everything I have read from them, I have enjoyed. If you are a cozy mystery fan, you really need to check out all their authors, I am sure there will be someone for you to enjoy.

This book introduces us to Rose Strickland, full time waitress and part time student. Rose has a stubborn streak a mile wide. When her parents told her that if she didn't stay at the college of their choosing she would be cut off, she went ahead and is working on forging her own path. That may mean that she lives in a small apartment and some weeks she has to choose gas over food, but Rose is doing it her way.

Rose's parent's are disappointed in and highly critical of Rose's life choices and even her sister, Jacqueline prefers to go along with their parents wishes and not make waves.  Rose has formed a group of friends and co-workers that are know and like her for herself. There is Axton - fellow high society disappointment, Roxy - her best friend and coworker, Ma - owner of the diner where she works and Janelle - fellow student. This circle of friends is Rose's support network and surrogate family. When Axton drops off his 'never-goes-anywhere-without-him' backpack to Rose with instructions to keep it safe and then disappears, Rose fears the worst and fights everyone, including Ax's own brother to believe that Ax is in danger.

This was a very enjoyable first in a series book. Rose is a spunky protagonist who will go to the wall for her friends.  We all want a friend like Rose. I really liked that while she tries to get along with her family, she refuses to bow to the pressure to become something she is not. Rose doesn't take the easy path, but fights for what she believes in, even and especially when it is hard. That is a lesson we can all learn from. I was a bit surprised throughout the story and the plot twists and turns kept me on my toes. This was a very enjoyable read and I gave it 4 stars on Goodreads.

As a struggling waitress and part-time college student, Rose Strickland's life is stalled in the slow lane. But when her close friend, Axton, disappears, Rose suddenly finds herself serving up more than hot coffee and flapjacks. Now she's hashing it out with sexy bad guys and scrambling to find clues in a race to save Axton before his time runs out. With her anime-loving bestie, her septuagenarian boss, and pair of IT wise men along for the ride, Rose discovers political corruption, illegal gambling, and shady corporations. She's gone from zero to sixty and learns when you're speeding down the fast lane, it's easy to crash and burn.

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Kobo     OmniLit