Title: Broomsticks & Blooms
Author: Lucinda Race
Genre: Paranormal Witch Cozy Mystery
Book Blurb:
Bookstore owner and witch, Lily Michaels, is prepared for takeoff. She’s on cloud nine after finally obtaining her permit for broom-flying lessons. But her excitement comes crashing down when she stumbles over another dead body. All she wanted to do was discuss flower arrangements for her upcoming wedding—however, somebody had other plans for the unfortunate florist.
At the crime scene, Detective Gage Erikson, a.k.a. Detective Cutie, discovers a menacing message on the floor of the flower shop. Its target: Lily—he’s sure of that. Though he appreciates Lily’s extraordinary abilities, his puzzle-loving fiancée has a unique talent for attracting trouble. This time, he’s determined to keep her out of the investigation. Is this message meant to throw him off the scent of the killer?
Keeping Lily out of a murder investigation is like telling the sun not to rise. It’s not like this will be the first time she bends—okay, breaks—the rules. Suspicions and threats are sprouting like mushrooms in a dank shack. Flying high can lead to falling far—and this time, her life’s not the only one on the line. Can Lily follow the clues and solve the puzzle of the florist’s death before her dreams of a happily ever after with Gage end up as dead as last year’s roses?
Excerpt
I skipped down the sidewalk like a school girl waving the slip of paper in my hand that stated Broom Riding Permit. “Will you look at this, Nik? After all these months, I’ve finally gotten my permit. I think this is sweeter than when I got my drivers permit.”
She laughed. “It’s close to winning the lottery.”
I ignored her sarcasm tinged comment. “You’re just jealous since nothing cool happened at the council meeting for you.”
The grin plastered on her face remained bright and she didn’t take my teasing to heart. “I was glad to hear your dad’s request was approved. It’s good when businesses grow, it helps the entire community not just the coven.”
Running toward us was Rowan Riley. She turned her face away as she pushed past us. Was that an attempt to hide her identity? I called after her, “Rowan, is everything all right?” But she ignored me.
When I looked down the sidewalk Hazel Greene and Cliff Piper were headed in our direction. Their voices were at full volume as they argued about the perfect sub sandwich. As they drew closer they smiled at me and Nikki.
Cliff said, “Ladies,” before they hurried past.
I wondered what that was all about but put it out of my mind as we stopped in front of a large plate glass window. BLOOMS was painted in bright green letters across the front. There was a light on in the back room but the front looked the same as it had earlier and the OPEN sign was still on the door. I tried the knob, but it was locked. “We should go around through the alley.”
“Lily. Maybe we should call Gage first. It’s after eleven and if you think something’s hinky that usually means we’re about to find trouble.”
Wrapping my fingers over my wand handle I whispered, “Are you coming with me?”
She sighed, “Yes.”
I knew she was less enthusiastic than I was about tracking down clues for any sort of mystery. In her defense, I’d dragged her into a multitude of dangerous situations but this was different. Our friend might need help. “We’ll be fine.” My voice held more bravado than I felt but now was not the time to show I had doubts.
Looking over our shoulders I wondered if anyone was around, but all I noticed were long dark shadows from streetlights scattered around the town square. As we entered the alleyway, Nikki and I were shoulder to shoulder. We were alert, our senses in overdrive. I wasn’t nervous, I didn’t sense any malevolence. My fingertips tingled as I moved slowly, giving my eyes time to adjust to the dim light. Should I take the chance of pulling out my phone with the flashlight app? No. We’d be fine; the protection amulet I wore was cool to my skin.
We reached the end of the alley. One solitary light at the end of the side street did nothing to illuminate our path. I pointed to the left. Staying close to the buildings, our footsteps and the swirl of our capes were silent. The weak light from the back of the flower shop spilled onto the pavement. The hair on the back of my neck stood at attention as my steps faltered. I grabbed Nikki’s arm. “Look,” I hissed.
“That’s not good.”
I nodded at the dark mound which held open the door. I scanned the area for anyone as Nikki bent over the body.
“It’s Madeline. Her eyes are open but they’re not blinking.” Stumbling back, she reached for my cloak to stop my forward motion. “Call Gage.”
I had to see for myself so I could give an accurate report to him. “It’ll be fine. Just keep your eyes peeled.”
She nodded and turned her back to me. “I’ll go one better, and cast a protection spell.” She whispered a few words and I knelt on the cold, unforgiving ground.
I pressed my fingertips just below her jaw line. Her skin was cool to the touch and the rhythmic pulse that should have been there, wasn’t. Sadly, this wasn’t my first body so I didn’t want to scream. However, that familiar squeamish feeling washed over me. It was momentary. Clues needed to be documented before the police arrived since; if history was accurate, Gage wouldn’t give me copies of crime scene photos.
Withdrawing my cell phone, I took a series of pictures after I cast a quick spell to light the area. I glanced at the door debating if I should go inside. I might contaminate the crime scene. A shiver raced down my spine as I remembered the last time I was on a hot cauldron for a murder. I wasn’t going there again.
I tapped the speed dial key and Gage answered on the first ring. “Hey Sweetheart, are you on your way home?”
“Not exactly.” I exhaled. “After the meeting Nikki and I walked over to Blooms. I had tried a couple of times to stop by and talk to Madeline about flowers for the wedding, you know, just to get some ideas.”
“Lily, I don’t like where this is going.”
“Yea. You’re going to like it even less when I tell you that Nikki and I found Madeline lying in the shop doorway that leads into the alley.”
“Is she breathing?”
“No.”
I heard a few choice words come from his mouth before he said, “I’m on my way and don’t touch anything.”
“No worries. I haven’t and I won’t.” I’d like to point out this was my tenth situation, and I had never disrupted evidence, well, at least not on purpose. But I didn’t. He’d already disconnected and I was positive he was calling his two newest detectives, Sharon Peabody and Mac Sullivan.
“Nikki, once we see flashing lights, drop the protection shield. Gage and team will be here shortly.”
“And until then, what are we supposed to do?” She glanced at the body and at the open door. In a hoarse whisper, she said, “Do you think the murderer is still in there?”
“Maybe she had a heart attack?” I heard the hopeful question in my words but in my heart, I knew foul play had been the culprit.
“Lily Michaels. What did you see when you felt for a pulse?”
She knew me so well and knew if there had been a clue I would’ve found it. This time it was obvious. “She was strangled. There are bruises on her neck.” Stepping back, I took a closer look at her hands. “She fought back; look, her fingernails are broken.”
“The poor girl. Fighting for her life and it ended being left in an alley.” Nikki wiped her cheeks with the sleeve of her cloak. “I need to call Steve and let him know what’s happened. I don’t want him to worry that I’m late.”
“Tell your hubby that you’re safe and Gage is on his way.”
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Author Biography:
Award-winning and best-selling author Lucinda Race is an avid fan of fiction. As a young girl, she spent hours reading cozy mystery and romance novels and getting lost in the fun and hope they represent. While her friends dreamed of becoming doctors and engineers, her dream was to become an expert at crafting a captivating novel.
As life twisted and turned, she found herself writing nonfiction but longed to return to her true passion. After developing the storylines for the McKenna Family Romance series and the Paranormal Cozy Nook Bookstore Series, she decided it was time to start living her dream. Her fingers practically fly over computer keys. She weaves paranormal cozy mystery stories and romance with guaranteed happily ever afters.
Lucinda lives with her two little dogs, a miniature long hair dachshund and a shitzu mix rescue, in the rolling hills of western Massachusetts. When she's not immersed in her fictional worlds, writing mystery, suspense or romance novels, she’s reading everything she can get her hands on.
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