Welcome to Texas Reads Mysteries, where I get to share my love of books. Today I am offering up a sweet selection. Who can resist chocolate? But then, that could be the problem. Is this a case of a perfect recipe for murder? Add in the International Criminal Witch Police, a chocolate factory, and double-dealing skullduggery, and that’s all I need to add these two enticing novels to my TBR list.  

Fatal Fudge by Cate Lawley 

Cursed Candy Mysteries Book 3 

Magical mind control. 

Lina accidentally gave a batch of her fudge an extra wallop. Anyone who eats it becomes suggestible. Very suggestible. Is it mind control? 

First a nun robs a liquor store, then a kindergarten teacher punches a pedestrian. The International Criminal Witch Police are certain Lina’s fudge is to blame. When a third crime demonstrates an escalating pattern of violence, Lina is terrified a fourth offense will end with murder. 

Does the mastermind behind the crimes have a twisted sense of humor, or is there a more sinister connection behind the crimes? 

Join Lina as she cleans up the last (she hopes!) of her cursed candy messes and tracks down a potential killer. 

About the Author 

USA Today bestselling author Cate Lawley writes humorous, action-filled mysteries that frequently contain paranormal elements.  When Cate’s not tapping away at her keyboard or in deep contemplation of her next fanciful writing project, she's sweeping up hairy dust bunnies and watching British mysteries.  

Cate is from Austin, Texas (where many of her stories take place) but has recently migrated north to Boise, Idaho, where soup season (her favorite time of year) lasts more than two weeks.  

She's worked as an attorney, a dog trainer, and in various other positions, but writer is the hands-down winner. She's thankful readers keep reading, so she can keep writing! 

For more information about the author, please visit: www.CateLawley.com 

Nutty Chocolate by Dawn Greenfield Ireland 

Book 4 in the Alcott Family Adventures 

Lila Mae and the girls are busy planning Bernie’s 93rd birthday party. For an old geezer, it doesn’t appear that he is slowing down anytime soon. Expect Bambi to clobber him a time or two, and for Chewie to keep him in line.  

The chocolate factory has Pearl Hicks making the news, and you’ll meet Miranda Shoo, artist extraordinaire.  

While things are all lovey-dovey with several of our favorite people, there’s a mighty unrest among the clan—a lot of flux with old jobs and businesses. Risks are weighed and taken.  

Henry walks in on an unethical situation with a client and her soon-to-be ex-husband’s attorney. He has harsh words with his law firm over the incident. One of his law partners ends up dead. All fingers point to Henry. 

This is the second time the Divine household has been subjected to a murder investigation. Dorothea and Joseph are strung out on raw nerves with the accusations, all the while with the twins teething and screaming in stereo. And speaking of Joseph, he’s about to make some major changes … after he recovers. 

Chance has to tiptoe through the murder investigation or move to a temporary location until Henry’s name is cleared. Help comes in from the most peculiar and unexpected sources, which has Chance, Stacy, and Uncle Tito raising their eyebrows to their hairlines. 

Bambi has a string of luck no one ever expected, thanks to Jimmy Ray Chaline. 

There’s one thing the Alcott family stands for: solidarity! They will sort this murder out and clear Henry’s name. 

About the Author 

Dawn Greenfield Ireland is the CEO of Artistic Origins Inc, a writing and editing company that has been doing business since 1995. Her first book, The Puppy Baby Book (hardcover), was a finalist in the IPPY book competition (2001) and has been selling steadily ever since. 

In addition to the novels, Dawn is an award-winning screenwriter with fifteen feature film scripts, two of which were optioned. She also creates nonfiction/self-help books and products.  

Originally from Feeding Hills, MA, Dawn migrated to San Antonio in 1968, then moved to Houston where work was more plentiful. She built a 34-year career as a technical writer/editor.  

Dawn has been a member and benefactor of Women in Film and Television (Houston) for decades. Her current day job is writing, creating online courses, and editing books and all things written. 

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

My kind of books!