Blitz: Death Hits the High Notes (The Sweet TOOTH Murder Mystery Series) by GG Calpo with an excerpt and a giveaway

Death Hits the High Notes

Series: The Sweet TOOTH Murder Mystery Series

by GG Calpo

Release date: October 7th 2026

Genres: Adult, Cozy Mystery, Mystery

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/256083741-death-hits-the-high-notes

Blurb:

Trouble is brewing at Whitman’s Port Choral Society as choir members drop dead and Detective Jonathan Storm raises more questions than answers in his investigation. When Stefan, the choir’s soloist, gets weaker by the day, Meg and her friends take matters into their own hands. And if a murder investigation was not enough to elevate anyone’s blood pressure, Meg finds herself in danger tied to her past that she’s struggling to understand.

Will Meg and her friends stop the killer before Stefan becomes the next victim—and before Meg’s past catches up with her?

Join these golden-age sleuths as they follow the clues, protect their own, and prove that friendship is the strongest weapon against a killer.

Purchase:

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B04kzPLdl

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/death-hits-the-high-notes-gg-calpo/1151020222?ean=9781509266845

iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/death-hits-the-high-notes/id6796010133

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/death-hits-the-high-notes

Excerpt:

We were at the school to meet our friends. Stefan sang in the Whitman’s Port Choral Society, and they were rehearsing for their annual fall concert this Sunday. He had asked everyone to meet him at the school auditorium. Said we might as well listen to the rehearsals. Except we were late, as the voices sounding from the auditorium made clear to me when I pushed the doors open. The rehearsal had started. Barbara took a seat beside Liz, sitting in the last row of chairs by the center aisle. The chair hinges squeaked as Barbara pushed the seat down.

“They still haven’t fixed these chairs,” Barbara grumbled.

“Fix? The school board should replace them,” I whispered back, eyeing the faded velvet-covered chairs and the dark stain marking the middle of the seat next to Barbara. Facing Barbara’s wrath was better than risking my brand-new jeans, so I scooted past her and Liz, who, of course, was on time.

“You’re late,” Liz whispered.

“Shush.” Barbara waved her hand at the stage. “Stop talking; we’re here to listen, in case you’d forgotten.”

Catching Liz’s eye and her grin, I knew she didn’t mind being told to shut up. She was used to Barbara. She had taught fifth grade at Post Elementary School until retiring a year after Barbara. Settling my back firmly against the school auditorium’s chair, I let the music take me away. Listening to music was my second favorite way to relax, next to drinking my morning latte. All that beautiful melody filling my heart and flying away with it up to the heavens. What could be better than that? Choral music soothed my worries away, even with the auditorium’s dismal acoustics.

“Why hold rehearsals here and not at Saint Anthony’s Cathedral? The acoustics in this auditorium are awful. It’s killing my listening pleasure,” Liz said.

“Your whining is killing mine.” Barbara didn’t even bother to turn her head toward Liz.

Liz winked at me and continued complaining. “I heard the choir members were giving the conductor grief about the acoustics, but he told them they’re lazy and they just need to project their voices more. That singing from their diaphragms will strengthen and bring energy to their voices.”

I raised my eyebrows to urge Liz on. We ignored Barbara’s huffing, knowing she’d make us pay but wanting to rile her up anyway. I know, I know. We were acting juvenile, but at our ages, we took our amusements where we found them.

“One of the choir members whispered to me that any energy coming from this cost-cutting is energizing the conductor’s pockets.” Liz chuckled. “They’re betting on whether—”

But then Barbara transferred her gaze from the choir to us, her eyes fierce and brooking no mutiny. It was time for us to behave. Liz and I sank back into our chairs, like our students did when we sent them to the principal’s office for Barbara to deal with.

Karma’s a bitch, as if I didn’t know that by now.

GIVEAWAY

Blitz-wide giveaway (INT) ends October 15

• $10 Amazon gift card

https://gleam.io/BorCX/death-hits-the-high-notes-blitz

AUTHOR BIO:

GG Calpo is a retired lawyer and accountant who traded contracts and numbers for the far more enjoyable chaos of fictional crime. Now she writes cozy whodunits featuring warm-hearted golden-aged sleuths who’ve seen it all, heard it all and will investigate a murder with zero hesitation. She loves stories where the stakes are personal, family and friendships are paramount, with characters who refuse to follow the outline and endings that pull the rug out. When not plotting twisty crimes—on paper only, of course—she spends her time reading, crocheting blankets and sweaters for her five grandchildren, watching mystery TV shows and taking long walks in her neighborhood. She lives in Central New Jersey with her husband and two corgis, Whiskey and Nugget. 

Author links:

https://ggcalpo.com/

https://www.facebook.com/gg.calpo

https://www.instagram.com/gg.calpo 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/62170493.G_G_Calpo 

Blitz: Breakfast at Bernie's: Waffles and Wisdom by D.L. Norris

 

Breakfast at Bernie's

Waffles and Wisdom

by D. L. Norris

Small Town Mystery

Date Published: September 6, 2026

In the heart of historic Columbus, Wisconsin, Bernie’s Café is more than a place for waffles, bacon, and hot coffee. It is a morning refuge where old friends gather at the same window table to trade jokes, argue over faith and politics, remember the people they have loved, and carry one another through the ordinary aches of aging. Ed Johnson, a Norwegian storyteller with a talent for embellishment, Bill Welcher, a widowed hardware-store owner with more opinions than patience, Grant Belmont, a retired dentist facing fragile health, and Leo Gibson, a minister emeritus whose quiet wisdom steadies them all, have built a brotherhood out of breakfast. Watching over them are Lou, the sharp-tongued waitress whose fierce loyalty hides a difficult past, Marlene, steady and observant, and Bernie himself, the café owner who understands that food can be a form of mercy.

Their familiar routine shifts when newcomer Myra Davis walks through the door. Polished, watchful, and impossible to ignore, Myra brings new energy to the café—and new questions. She charms Bill, unsettles Lou, and begins asking about River Road, old land records, and the reclusive Deakins sisters whose estate may hold secrets the town has tried to forget. As Bill’s loneliness makes him vulnerable to the possibility of a second chance, Lou’s instincts tell her Myra’s interest in Columbus is no accident. What begins as small-town curiosity becomes a search through courthouse files, faded maps, family rumors, and memories preserved beneath pantry floorboards and long forgotten ledgers.

While Grant confronts a medical crisis that may pull him toward his daughter in Madison, Bill risks his heart on a woman he barely knows, and Lou must decide whether her suspicion is wisdom, jealousy, or an old wound warning her too loudly.

As Myra’s connection to the Deakins estate becomes clearer, another force emerges: preservationist Charles Pritchard, a man determined to protect history even if protecting it means controlling who gets to claim it.

 

Warm, humorous, and gently suspenseful, Breakfast at Bernie’s: Waffles and Wisdom is a story about friendship in the later seasons of life, the cost of loving deeply, and the danger of secrets left too long in the dark. Set against the comforting rhythms of a small-town café, it blends tender character drama with a mystery rooted in family history, land, memory, and belonging. At Bernie’s, every cup of coffee carries a story, every argument hides affection, and every person at the table must decide what is worth protecting—and what must finally be brought into the light.

 

About the Author

 

 Award-winning New England author, D. L. Norris is widely recognized for her insightful contributions to literature and personal development. With a prolific career spanning several decades, Norris has explored themes of health, emotional wellness, family dynamics, and cultural history, earning her a devoted readership. Her acclaimed novels, "The Long Way Home," "Where the Heart Is," "Old Books and Faded Dreams: Collector's Edition," "Field of Memories: A Tapestry of Heartwarming Short Stories," The Intercessors: They Walk Among Us," and "Voyagers: Homeland to Heartland"—are celebrated for their vibrant, oft-humorous stories and authentic portrayal of real-life events and mindsets inspired by her beloved Scandinavian heritage. Norris's writing is characterized by its warmth, wit, and ability to capture the complexities of human relationships, drawing from her own experiences and family traditions. Through her work, she invites readers to reflect on the importance of resilience, hope, and unconditional love, weaving together narratives that resonate across generations. She and her husband, Quincy, reside in the picturesque city of Hartford, Connecticut, where they continue to inspire others through their commitment to storytelling and community engagement.

 

Contact Links

Website

Facebook

BookBuzz

Purchase Link

Amazon

B&N

Blitz: Hook, Line, and Murder (The Sweet TOOTH Murder Mystery) by GG Calpo with an excerpt and a giveaway

Hook, Line, and Murder

Series: The Sweet TOOTH Murder Mystery

by GG Calpo

Published by: The Wild Rose Press

Release date: February 9th 2026

Genres: Adult, Cozy Mystery, Mystery

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244161501-hook-line-and-murder

Blurb:

What does Meg, a retired kindergarten teacher, do when the killer of her husband and only child still walks free a year after dirt had covered their graves? Go rogue, of course!

When the detective responsible for Meg’s nightmares takes over the murder investigation of her former student, Meg hunts the killer down with help from her friends. Their cozy lunches at Sweet Buns Café turn into tactical meetings while these retired grade school teachers get themselves in trouble better suited to those in their twenties. And to put the icing on their cream scones, someone is after Meg. Is it the killer? Or has Meg uncovered secrets better left buried with her loved ones?

Purchase:

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B02ibmT4v

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hook-line-and-murder-gg-calpo/1148773282?ean=2940184995168

iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/hook-line-and-murder/id6755481320

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/hk/en/ebook/hook-line-and-murder-1

Excerpt:

The other two divers stood waiting for their turn. And the detective was in the thick of everything, ordering his men around.

“I don’t care. He’ll mess this up like he did with Rich and Jim.” I glared at Barbara. I saw my friends look at each other.

“We can’t get him fired from the case, if that’s what you’re thinking. We don’t know anyone,” Liz said. “And even if we did, what’s our excuse?”

“Is that all you guys can say? A student, a former student of ours, was killed in such a horrible way. And all we can do is…What? Wash our hands of her?”

“We’re not washing our hands of Brie,” Liz protested. “The girl gave up on us first. We all tried to love her. We knew her mother was never there for her. But did she care? No! She never listened to any advice we gave her or showed any affection to any of her teachers.”

“Forget Liz and her sentimental nonsense. The point is, Meg, we’re school teachers, not detectives. We’re simply saying it’s not our job to look for murderers,” Barbara said.

Liz gave an indelicate snort. “Why did she have to come back here, anyway? She left town six years ago, right after she finished high school.”

“Brie said she came back to work at her Aunt Janet’s catering business,” I said.

“Work? Brie? Those two words do not go together,” Liz said.

GIVEAWAY

Blitz-wide giveaway (INT) ends October 5

• $10 Amazon gift card

https://gleam.io/J4a4w/hook-line-and-murder-blitz

AUTHOR BIO:

GG Calpo is a retired lawyer and accountant who traded contracts and numbers for the far more enjoyable chaos of fictional crime. Now she writes cozy whodunits featuring warm-hearted golden-aged sleuths who’ve seen it all, heard it all and will investigate a murder with zero hesitation. She loves stories where the stakes are personal, family and friendships are paramount, with characters who refuse to follow the outline and endings that pull the rug out. When not plotting twisty crimes—on paper only, of course—she spends her time reading, crocheting blankets and sweaters for her five grandchildren, watching mystery TV shows and taking long walks in her neighborhood. She lives in Central New Jersey with her husband and two corgis, Whiskey and Nugget. 

Author links:

https://ggcalpo.com/

https://www.facebook.com/gg.calpo

https://www.instagram.com/gg.calpo 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/62170493.G_G_Calpo 

Books I Plan to Read September 27 - October 3 and last week's results

 

Shikamoo (Hello in Swahili)

I hope everyone is doing fine. This weekend, we are being hit by a Nor'easter on and off. Some areas have major or minor flooding, but so far my home is fine, just downpours occasional and once in a while some thunder. The rain is expected to be on and off until Tuesday. Perfect reason to stay in and read, then do more packing. I am getting there, folks.

My reading went well this week. I even managed to sneak in an extra ebook. This is how it went.

Ebooks:

(finished) Prey for Me by Allie Oleander - 4 1/2 stars

How to Ruin a Rake by Kate Pearce - 4 1/2 stars

Devil's Snare by Nikki Landis - 5 stars

(extra read) The Marquess's Forbidden Bride by Julia Justiss - 5 stars

Audiobooks:

(finished) Can't Run with the Big Dogs by Tracy Carter - 5 stars

Goode Tidings by Jennifer Millikin - 4 1/2 stars

Planned Reading for September 27 to October 3

Ebooks: 

Audiobooks: 

Seems light once again, but we will see. I want to explain my rating system. You may notice that I give 1/2 stars. When I do, I select the next star down. For example, on the site where I am reviewing, I select 4 if I feel that it was a 4 1/2 rating. Half stars mean that it was a good story with a little more (or less if I feel that there is too much description or narrative that takes me out of the story), but not quite "I couldn't put it down" which gets the 5 stars. In the heading box and at the beginning of the review, I will put 4 1/2 stars so that readers will know. Do you write reviews? How do you rate those stories?

If you have a question about my rating system or my reading preferences, just let me know.

Kwaheri (Goodbye in Swahili)

Audiobook Review: Can't Run with the Big Dogs (A Veronica Kildare K-9 Mystery #4) by Tracy Carter, narrator Alyssa Baumann

Blurb: 

The escape of Veronica Kildare's vindictive, long-time nemesis from prison overshadows what should be a festive holiday season for her and her team. Law enforcement is convinced that Tommy Arnett perished in a fiery car accident, but Veronica can't shake the sinking feeling that she hasn't escaped that easily from his relentless pursuit of revenge against her.

Other unsettling factors are swirling through Colorado along with the encroaching harsh winter weather as Veronica and her Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Leda, search for several missing young women who've been abducted and pitilessly left to face the elements, and the daughters of her search and rescue partner, Sgt. Tim Donovan, are targeted by a mysterious man with an unknown agenda. All is not as it seems with regard to the kidnappings, however, as one case ties back to a local thoroughbred racetrack where a nefarious scheme has been enacted by a villain willing to eliminate anyone who stands in their way.

While Veronica also trains a C. diff sniffing canine for nursing homes and a dog able to identify illegal equine performance-enhancing drugs at Blue Columbine Downs, she and her father examine the undercurrents affecting the racetrack in an effort to pinpoint the source of the wrongdoing there.

As malign forces gather around them, will Veronica and Leda be able to outrun a terrible fate when their brutal past and their present day life collide?

Amazon: Can't Run with the Big Dogs (A Veronica Kildare K-9 Mystery Book 4) - Kindle edition by Carter, Tracy. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Audible: Can't Run with the Big Dogs Audiobook by Tracy Carter

B&N: Can't Run with the Big Dogs | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: Can't Run with the Big Dogs eBook by Tracy Carter - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Bookbub: Can’t Run with the Big Dogs by Tracy Carter - BookBub

Goodreads: Can't Run with the Big Dogs: A Veronica Kildare K-9 Mystery, Book 4 by Tracy Carter | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

I loved this story, and the narration by Alyssa Baumann added more to it. Wonderful job. As to the story, I enjoyed the descriptions of how to train and what to train the dogs for. I found it very interesting. There were a fair amount of search and rescues amongst the main thread with the race horses, all with happy endings. Veronica was such a trooper with all the requests that came to her and couldn't say no. I also loved the depth of the relationship and friendships that were explored in this story. I had moments of tears and breath holding as the end of the book came closer. Well worth reading/listening to.

I received an audiobook ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.

Books I Plan to Read August 16-22 and last week's results

 

Hello to all of you,

I hope your week went well. The weather here has basically been 70-80 degrees, mostly with clouds and a little rain. I spent most of the time inside - reading, packing, and chilling. I did get out with my husband to see Spiderman: A Brand New Day and thoroughly enjoyed it. Packing is going slow but I can see the end of the tunnel.

Reading went well. I even snuck in a paperback. Here are last week's results:

Ebooks: 

Redeeming Bolt by Barbara Nolan - 4 1/2 stars

The Bake-Off Conspiracty by Sylvie Brooks - 4 stars

Eternal Craving by Vanessa Fewings - 4 1/2 stars

Murder at the Agency by Kylie Forsythe - 5 stars

A Merry Misfit Christmas by Darlene Tallman and Nikki Landis - 5 stars

Marked by Myth by Kate Bonham - 5 stars

Audiobooks: 

(finished) Fractured Games by Simran - 4 1/2 stars

Colt by Jessica Peterson - 5 stars

Paperback:

Biker Boo by Morgan Jane Mitchell - 4 stars

Reading for August 16-22: 

Ebooks:

Audiobooks: 

Well, that is it for this week. I know that this is appearing late. I ended up packing for longer than anticipated today. Have a good week. Take the time to see a movie, read a book, or do a craft. 

Phir Milenge (we will meet again in East Indian)

Ebook Review: Murder at the Agency (A Cassidy Blayne Mystery) by Kylie Forsythe

 

Blurb: 

Who knew the marketing world could be so dangerous?

Just when it seems like everything in twenty-eight year old Cassidy Blayne's life is falling apart, a thrilling coffee shop encounter leads to the opportunity of a lifetime. Landing her dream job as Creative Director with an elite advertising firm in a nearby lakeside town fills her with renewed purpose. She’s no longer going to allow herself to settle, and resolves to rebuild her life on her own terms.

But from the moment she steps foot out of the elevator, she senses things may not be as they seem at Turner & Nash Advertising. Despite her wariness, Cassie puts all her energy into landing her first big account. Arriving early on the day of the presentation, she's shocked to find one of the owners dead and herself a suspect.

She embarks on a desperate search for answers, unknowingly putting her and the people she cares about in danger. As she pieces things together with some help from her spunky new roommate, twin childhood best friends, an uptight detective, and a gorgeous up-and-coming rock star, warnings and threats escalate. It's clear the killer will stop at nothing to keep her quiet.

Cassie must risk everything to unravel the murder before someone takes her off the market for good.

Fans of “Olive You To Death” by Lynn Cahoon or “A Limited Edition Murder” by Lauren Elliott will enjoy “Murder At The Agency” by Kylie Forsythe.

Amazon: Amazon.com: Murder at the Agency eBook : Forsythe, Kylie: Kindle Store

B&N: Murder at the Agency | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: Murder at the Agency eBook by Kylie Forsythe - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: Murder at the Agency by Kylie Forsythe - Books on Google Play

Bookbub: Murder at the Agency by Kylie Forsythe - BookBub

Goodreads: Murder at the Agency by Kylie Forsythe | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

A fun cozy mystery. Cassie was newly hired by a man who would soon be murdered. I loved how she took on the job of finding the killer while she continued to being great at the job. Danger began to follow her around as she made new friends, found clues, and worked with the police. I was a little surprised at the end with the reveal, but I enjoyed the journey to get to that ending.

I received a copy through Rowan Publishing, and this is my unsolicited review.

Ebook Review: The Bake-Off Conspiracy (A Lavender Lane Mystery) by Sylvie Brooks

 

Blurb: 

The annual Lavender Lane Bake-Off is supposed to be a celebration of sugar, spice, and friendly competition.
Until one of the contestants ends up dead.

When rival baker Celeste Marrow collapses behind the judges’ table, bakery owner Grace Harlow finds herself uncomfortably close to the crime—and even closer to suspicion when evidence is planted in her tote. But as Grace begins digging beneath the frosting-thick rivalries, she uncovers something far more dangerous than competitive bakers.

The Bake-Off’s prestigious sponsor isn’t just funding the event… it’s hiding a web of financial fraud tied to powerful names in town.

With help from Officer Owen Brooks—who is trying very hard to keep both the investigation and his growing feelings for Grace under control—Grace must untangle a conspiracy that reaches from syrup bottles to Town Hall. But someone is willing to poison, threaten, and tamper with evidence to keep the truth buried.

In Lavender Lane, reputations are delicate.

And this time, the icing isn’t the only thing hiding something deadly.

Can Grace expose the corruption before the town she loves crumbles?

Or will this bake-off be her last?

Perfect for fans of:
✔ Small-town settings
✔ Amateur sleuth heroines
✔ Culinary-themed mysteries
✔ Curious cats
✔ Clean, twisty whodunits

Amazon: The Bake-off Conspiracy: A Lavender Lane Cozy Mystery - Kindle edition by Brooks, Sylvie . Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Goodreads: The Bake-off Conspiracy: A Lavender Lane Cozy Mystery by Sylvie Brooks | Goodreads

My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

This was a quick entertaining read. Grace Harlow was intelligent and caring, and worked with Owen, a policeman. I enjoyed the personal side as we got to see Grace and Owen figure out the mystery as well as admit to their feelings. The mystery itself had several layers and plenty of clues, not that I was 100% sure I had it right.

This is my unsolicited review.

Books I Plan to Read August 9-15 and last week's results

 

Happy weekend to all,

The weather here is hot and quite confused. Some days there were torrential downpours, nasty thunderstorms, and then the sun would come out. Humidity and heat were fairly consistent. I did some volunteer work this week which kind of messed up my reading time but kept me inside, away from the heat. I can say that I made enough headway with packing that I felt decent about the progress. I do hope to get closer to finished by the end of this week.

As to my reading for the past week, I did not quite finish the audiobook Fractured Games nor did I complete the Redeeming Bolt/Nicoletta duet, so the plan will be to finish them this week.

Last week's results: 

Ebooks:

Twin Flames by Beth D. Carter - 5 stars

Dad Bod Cowboy by Kat Baxter - 4 1/2 stars

Their Forbidden Storm by Christina Diane - 5 stars

The Gunslinger by Sarah Lamb - 5 stars

The Seance Garden by Juliet Blackwell - 5 stars

I squeaked in a quick story - Spells, Seances and Sordid Sorcery by Amelia Morgan - 4 stars

Books for August 9-15:

Ebooks: 

(finish) Redeeming Bolt/Nicoletta by Barbara Nolan

Audiobooks: 

(finish) Fractured Games by Simran

I hope to have a successful week with reading and packing (which is when I get in most of my audiobook listening). The reading is my relaxation time so that I do not lose my mind altogether. Take the time to enjoy each day, despite cloudy days or sweltering sunny ones. I will be back next Saturday.

Totziens (Dutch for "see you later")

Books I Plan on Reading August 2-8 and last week's results

 

Good evening/good day to everyone,

I hope your week has been a good one. Did you take the time to relax? Go on a vacation? Summer is half over, and it is moving quickly still. The weather was fairly steady this week, temperatures in the 70's and 80's for the most part with the sun playing peek-a-boo most days. 

This past week, I did manage to complete my reading, only just, by finishing up one book and one audiobook today. Packing up my house in preparation to moving is taking up a fair amount of my time. I seem to be getting there. Fingers crossed.

Last week's results - 

Ebooks:

Property of Hayride by Nikki Landis - 5 stars

Death's Prescription by Jeffrey Marti - 4 1/2 stars

The Plus-One Pact by Suzy Langevin - 4 stars

Pride Comes Before a Fall by Virginia Heath - 4 1/2 stars

Audiobooks: 

I've Got a Crush on You by Lauren Blakely - 5 stars

Killer Candy Corn by Amelia Pine - 4 1/2 stars

Planned Reading for August 2-8:

Ebooks: 

Audiobook:

Most of the ebooks should be quick reads, and I am looking forward to reading them. 

Enjoy the second half of the summer. Make sure to relax, keep yourself centered, and smell the flowers as you go. 

Until next week, 

Hwyl fawr (goodbye in Welsh)