Welcome to my May edition of Texas Reads, where I get to share my love of books. I’ve added two books to my TBR list. This time I’m sharing a cozy paranormal midlife mystery series and a historical mystery. What fun. 

Death of an Unfortunate Woman: An Alexandra Sinclair Mystery

by Karen Hanson Stuyck 

I love historical English books. Georgette Heyer is at the top of my list of must-read authors. Several of her novels are in my bookcase, old favorites that never lose their appeal. The discovery that Heyer was a source of inspiration for Texas author Karen Hanson Stuyck’s Alexandra Sinclair Mystery Series had me wanting to know more. 

About the Author 

“Karen Hanson Stuyck is the author of eight mystery novels. But before those books were published, she worked as a newspaper reporter, the news editor of a weekly newspaper, a public relations writer for two hospitals and one mental health institution, and a short story writer for a variety of newspapers. She always knew she wanted to be a writer but knew (from her childhood reading of biographies of famous novelists) she would probably have to do other writing to support herself before she got a novel published. Luckily, she enjoys writing almost anything—even to-do lists.” 

For more information about the author, please visit: https://karenstuyck.com/ 

“In 1819 England, Alexandra Sinclair and her new husband, Benedict Nash, Viscount Litton, are celebrating their marriage at an outdoor reception when children and their dogs discover a woman’s body in the adjacent woods. The victim was a resident of The Home for Unfortunate Women, an establishment preparing former prostitutes for responsible work. Local residents demand that the Home be closed. Alex, an ardent social reformer, immediately joins the Home board of directors, determined to keep the establishment open. More deaths follow, each victim in some way connected to the Home. Local constables seem incapable of finding the killer. That leaves Alex and two friends—a fellow board member, and a former Home resident—to find the diabolical murderer before they become the next victims.” 

Crystals, Belladonna, and Murder: A Cozy Magic Midlife Mystery (Silver Circle Cat Rescue Mysteries, Book 1)

by Leanne Leeds 

When I came across Texas author Leanne Leeds’s cozy mysteries, I was immediately captivated by the covers, which were enticing and intriguing. Then add a cozy paranormal mystery, and the author hit all my buttons. 

About the Author 

“Leanne Leeds is a talented contemporary paranormal/fantasy/midlife cozy mystery author who weaves a captivating tapestry of humor, heart, and magic. Her writing style is characterized by a witty and good-natured voice, bringing a lighthearted and optimistic energy to every page. With a cast of quirky characters and events that intersect in delightfully unexpected ways, Leanne delivers a unique blend of comedy, mystery, and action, all sprinkled with a touch of enchantment that will keep readers spellbound. 

Leanne is a proud member of Novelists, Inc., The Alliance of Independent Authors, The Authors Guild, Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.” 

For information about the author, please visit: https://leanneleeds.com/ 

A cantankerous former mayor 

A dead man with a secret. 

A midlife magic gift with a murder mystery that keeps you guessing. 

“When forty-nine-year-old Eleanor Rockwell was laid off from her soul-crushing corporate job, she moved a few miles north of Austin with her daughter, Evie, and opened Silver Circle Cat Rescue in the small town of Tablerock, Texas. 

Five years later, SCCR is Wildebridge County's largest shelter for lost kitties, so it's no surprise when Deputy Markham brings Belladonna—former mayor Fiona Blackwell's cat—to the shelter after she's arrested for murdering her husband, Beau. But why, Eleanor wonders, did the Deputy bring a silver drink tray with the sullen cat—and why is Belladonna talking when she walks on it? 

Something strange is going on in Tablerock, and Eleanor is determined to get to the bottom of it. Can she unravel the mystery before it's too late, or will she fall victim to the town's sinister spell?” 

My kind of books!