Title: Kat Out of the Bag
Author: Wendy Kendall
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Book Blurb:
Her must-have creations made Katherine Watson the purse designer for fashionistas, influencers and celebrities on both coasts. Tiring of fame, she's giving back to her Washington State hometown by launching the Purse-onality Museum, a one-of-a-kind collection of historical purses. But at its glittering gala opening, Kat's best friend and town mayor, Brenda, is found strangled by a Chanel-style purse chain. And with investigating officer Jason Holmes and his K-9 Hobbs uncovering a stack of circumstantial evidence against hapless Historical Society employee Michael, Kat is determined to cut to the truth.
As Kat clashes with likely suspects, she also finds plenty of murderous motives from which to pick and choose. Faced with bitter political and personal rivalries, decidedly unfashionable secrets and an exclusive selection of lies, she'll have to stop a cunning killer before they knock off another innocent victim.
Excerpt:
“There’s an officer nearby. We’ll alert him. Hold the line.”
Katherine was worried by the operator’s monotone. Did she understand the urgency? Katherine watched in disbelief as the shadow figure moved toward the shed attached to the waterwheel. Too late, she thought to get a picture after the person disappeared inside the shed.
“Oh no,” Katherine muttered. She spoke into the phone, “Hurry. I think it’s the killer, maybe looking for something left behind? Hello?” Had the operator hung up?
“Yes, the officer is on the way. Please stay on the line.” The operator’s voice now sounded bored.
A sharp ray of light from inside the shed cut through the darkness. The light jumped around. Sweat collected on Katherine’s upper lip as she imagined the killer looking through her things for something, maybe critical evidence. Fear gave way to irritation at the invasion. Irritation gave way to anger. Someone had to stop that killer from removing whatever incriminating thing was so critical it had driven a return to the scene of the crime. Katherine wanted to scream. Where were the police? Maybe MJ was right about them. She pressed against the French doors. The light in the shed went out. Her breath caught in her throat. The silhouette walked out of the shed toward the alley leading to the maze that burrowed throughout Bayside and beyond.
Katherine spoke gruffly and fast, “Hello. Where’s your officer? The suspect is getting away.”
“Ma’am, please stay calm and hang on the line. They’re on the way.”
Katherine unlocked the door to the yard and whispered to the 911 operator, “I’m in pursuit.”
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
What makes your featured book a must-read?
A couple of readers' reviews may best describe the must-read dimensions of Kat Out of the Bag –
A well-written and researched mystery. Wonderful facts on purses made me want to upgrade my ratty carryall. I had to reach the end to find out the killer of a rather shocking murder. The characters were unique and especially lovable was MJ who had a mantra for living everyday that was always on point. Purrada the cat practically crept off the page and of course Hobbs the police dog stole my heart.
And also . . . .
Such a great, fun mystery! I love the way the author intertwined fashion in the story. And she kept me guessing about the killer until the very end. The romance was a nice touch too. Great characters and a wonderful read overall.
Giveaway –
Enter to win a $15 Amazon gift card:
Open Internationally.
Runs February 21 – February 28, 2024.
Winner will be drawn on February 29, 2024.
Author Biography:
The result of Wendy Kendall's passion for purses, mystery and romance is the intriguing In Purse-Suit Mysteries. Published by Harlequin at Harper Collins, Kat Out of the Bag introduces Katherine Watson purse designer/sleuth and is available February 20, 2024. The full series is also published by The Wild Rose Press. As Katherine moves from designer bags to body bags, she's uncovering clues to a murder.
The prequel, Purse-Stachio Makes A Splash delves into a chilling cold case. Finalist for Best Romantic Suspense at Killer Nashville, Snow Kiss Cookies To Die For creates a tangle of mystery and love, raising suspicions about a teacher's romantic new sweetheart. A summer romance mystery that will keep you on the edge of your beach towel, Cherry Shakes In The Park blends danger, divas, and frothy delights. And ribbons of love run through the holiday season romance, Heart of Christmas Cookies and Dreams. Wendy enjoys investigating the Pacific Northwest life, and she leaves a trail of her own clues as a blogger, YouTube podcaster, speaker, and syndicated columnist.
Social Media Links:
Website – WendyWritesBooks.com
Facebook – WendyKendallMysteries
Twitter - @wendywrites1
Instagram - wendyekendall