Still Life, Still Dead by Sydney Abrams is a Spring Into Books Festival pick #cozymystery #cozy #mystery #mustread #giveaway
- N. N. Light
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Title:
Still Life, Still Dead
Author:
Sydney Abrams
Genre:
Cozy Mystery
Book Blurb:
Alex and her colorful cohort of artists at the Creative Workshop are gearing up for their first artist retreat. She’s prepared for every eventuality to make sure the week is a success, except, that is, for finding special guest artist Niko dead at the bottom of the cliff at Flat Rock Falls State Park. Alex sees that her business could go down the drain as quickly as rinsing paint from a paintbrush, so she stumbles her way into the investigation, determined to unveil the killer’s identity before she loses everything, including her own life.
Excerpt:
I was walking at a good clip but slowed my pace as I passed the darkened storefronts along Main Street. The vintage streetlights cast a soft glow and illuminated the window displays filled with pumpkins, fall leaves, and corn husks, officially ushering in my favorite time of year. It had been dark when I left my apartment this morning, but by now, the faint predawn light was beginning to contrast with the hills that surrounded our town, and I took a deep breath of the cool crisp air as I welcomed the new day.
Okay, that sounded corny even to me, but as those who knew me could attest, I just really liked fall. I frequently noted how the air felt different here in Flat Rock Falls, and I have, on occasion, spontaneously shouted, “I feel alive!” during the transition from summer to fall.
Although I no longer had to get up this early, I often did because I loved the stillness of this hour. Back in Philly, the golden hour was also when the best brainstorming took place, so when a thought struck me, I didn’t hesitate before pulling out my phone to call Maggie, my assistant manager.
After a number of rings, a sleepy voice answered, “Alex, is the building on fire?”
“No! Of course not.”
“Okay then. You’ve just forgotten, again, that most of us aren’t up with the first chirp of the birds.”
I came to a halt and inwardly groaned. “Omigosh, Maggie, I’m so sorry—Go back to sleep,” I added in a hoarse whisper, as if lowering my voice would lessen the aggravation of the wake-up call.
“You might as well tell me why you called.” Her voice sounded farther away now, as if she had put me on speakerphone and buried her head under the pillow.
“Never mind, it’s not urgent. Go back to sleep.”
“Mmm,” she mumbled. “I’ll text you when I get there.”
“Yeah, sure, I’ll...” She disconnected the call before I could say anything further. It’s difficult to kick oneself while walking, but I tried.
And then, as if Maggie had sent a message to the universe, the skies opened up, and I was caught in a driving rain. I ducked under the awning outside the Sugar Rush bakery, which, sadly, wasn’t open yet, and as I stared at the enticing signage for coffee and pastries, I couldn’t help but think this was a special kind of karma.
It didn’t take long for the rain to let up, and I was debating whether to continue walking or head back to my apartment when I noticed the silhouette of a lone figure across the street. It was dark where they stood, but I could tell they were facing my direction, and it was a little creepy how motionless they were.
Were they watching me? Maybe someone would join them, pick them up, or they would move on. I waited a few minutes, pretending to read a poster in the bakery window, but when no one came, and the figure still hadn’t moved, I felt a tingling sensation on my arms and neck that I recognized as fear. This made the decision for me, and I headed straight home with a purposeful stride.
I looked over my shoulder a couple of times but didn’t see anyone following me, and by the time I reached my building, I felt silly. This was, after all, Flat Rock Falls. Nothing ever happened here.
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
What’s your favorite thing about springtime?
I’ll admit, I’m a big fan of the winter, but I have to say, when the trees become peppered with their tiny green leaves, I do feel an extra spring in my step. The smell of the earth, new grass, and the first bloom of flowers—it’s a special time of year. It represents longer days and a slower pace, which means it feel like there’s more time to read!
Why is your featured book a must-read this spring?
It’s a great opportunity to meet the gang at the Creative Workshop, and get your creative juices flowing. As we move into spring, we seem to equate more daylight with more hours, which allows us more time to do our leisure activities such as reading! It’s also is the perfect time to dive into a new art project, and this series will hopefully tempt you to explore the world of arts and crafts.
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $100 Amazon gift card.
Open internationally.
Runs April 1 – 30, 2025
Drawing will be held on May 1, 2025.
Author Biography:
Sydney Abrams’ arts and crafts cozy mystery series is steeped in a life’s experience in the arts coupled with a love for mystery books. She was immersed in both these worlds from childhood, and that influence stayed with her as an adult. Sydney has created artwork for auctions and commissions, and has been part of an art group of professional and amateur artists for twenty years. Literature and the arts go hand in hand, but these worlds collided when Sydney realized that her art group offered up the perfect cast of characters for a cozy mystery.
Sydney currently lives in Stowe, VT with her husband and their big scruffy dog, Charlie.
To learn more about Sydney or to check out ideas for art projects, please visit https://www.sydneyabrams.com/
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