Celebrate! Celebrate!

CrimeRib_CV.inddThe focus on the “fiction” part of “Law & Fiction” continues this week, as I celebrate the launch of Crime Rib, second in the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries, on Tuesday, July 1.

Two favors to ask: Early reviews are a big help to authors, so if you’re so inclined, please share your comments about Crime Rib on Amazon, B&N.com, Goodreads, or with your friends. And if you see Crime Rib in the wild — on a bookstore shelf, in a library, in a reader’s hands — please send me a picture or post it on my Facebook page.

Two giveaways! My publisher, Berkley Prime Crime (part of Penguin Books), is joining the fun by giving away 25 copies of Crime Rib on Goodreads. The contest is open through July 15. You need an account to enter, but it’s easy and fun.  And the giveaway at the Debutante Ball  continues through July 5. Extra points if you tell me a chicken joke I haven’t heard.

Come celebrate with me! Join me in Missoula on Wednesday, July 2, for a book talk, reading, and signing at Fact & Fiction Books, 220 N. Higgins, at 7 p.m.

Join me on line: Monday, June 30, I’ll be naming names at Shelley’s Book Case  — giving you the inside scoop on how I name my characters.

On Tuesday, July 1, I’ll be at Fresh Fiction, answering that old question: “Where do you get your ideas?” Some writers roll their eyes at the question, but I love it — and I’ll tell you why!

On Wednesday, July 2, I’ll be in two places at once. Join me at Books N Kisses for “Another Weekend, Another Festival — and Another Body.” I’m also joining my good friend Janet Fisher, author of the new history, A Place of Her Own, for a reflection on the magical critique group she and I were were part of here in Montana.

2014 launch - the foodAnd next Saturday, July 5, join me at Cozy Mystery Book Reviews‘ “Cozy Cooking” feature, where I’ll share Erin’s recipe for Two Bean & Pesto Salad — yummy summer fun. Chef Dan Solberg served it at my launch party Friday night — his version is almost as good as Erin’s!

Speaking of the launch party, it was great fun! Thanks to so many local friends for joining Don, my mother, brother, and me — and to Derek Vandeberg for hosting us as part of the opening reception for the 2d Annual Bigfork in Paint & Print show. If you’re in the Flathead, do drop by and see the lovely pieces created to illustrate this wonderful place. A few photos below.

My thanks, 

Leslie

2014 launch - don2014 launch - Liz and parrot2014 Launch -- girls at leslie's book signing

 

Let the party begin!

It’s that time of year again: Book Launch! For the next two or three weeks, my fiction side will take over — but don’t worry. My Tuesday legal posts and Saturday writing quotes will continue.

And if you’re in western Montana, do join Mr. Right and me for the Launch Party, Friday, June 27, from 5 to 8, at the fabulous Frame of Reference Gallery in Bigfork. More than a dozen artists have created wonderful new pieces for the 2d Bigfork in Paint & Print exhibit, and they’ll be on hand during the opening reception, where I’ll be signing books and the Prosecco will be flowing!

CrimeRib_CV.inddHere’s where you can find me on line this week:

Sunday, June 22: Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen, with an excerpt from Crime Rib, and a recipe for Cabernet-chocolate sauce — EZ-PZ, as Erin would say, and perfect over ice cream. Or pound cake or cheese cake or angel food cake, or fruit.

Monday, June 23: Lisa K’s Book Reviews, an interview with a chance to win a copy of either Death al Dente OR Crime Rib.

Friday, June 27: Killer Characters: Where the Characters Do the Talking. An excerpt from Crime Rib, and a give-away. In fact, Killer Characters is sponsoring  the Cozy Days of Summer Contest! Every day in June and July, leave a comment for a chance to win a book from that day’s author!

Saturday, June 28: The Debutante Ball, a fun interview.

Sunday, June 29, a two-fer: On Jungle Red Writers, I’ll be talking about the Food Lovers’ Bookshelf—some of my favorite recent reads in “kitchen lit.” And on Shelley’s Book Case, I’m naming names, talking about how I name my characters.

And if you’re a member of Goodreads, my publisher Berkley Prime Crime is providing TWENTY-FIVE copies of Crime Rib for a giveaway, open until July 15. 

Finally, two fun print appearances to share this week: A delightful interview with Vince Devlin of  the Missoulian, and my regular column in 406 Woman magazine (scroll to p. 40), featuring an excerpt, a yummy summer steak recipe that plays a key role in Crime Rib, and the story of how Mr. Right and I created it!

Thanks for joining me on this journey!

Leslie 

Take a bite of CRIME RIB

CrimeRib_CV.inddRemember when you were a kid and a big event like your birthday or Christmas or the last day of school seemed so far away? You waited and waited and waited — and then it was here and you could hardly believe it.

I’m in the waiting phase. CRIME RIB, the second book in my Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries, will be out July 1. My author copies have arrived. The first review is in, from RT Book Reviews:

“Budewitz’s latest is deliciously appealing. A strong sense of community among the villagers creates a feel-good setting. … Erin is a spunky and tenacious heroine and a fighter who won’t let anyone bring down her business or her beloved village. Cozy mystery lovers and foodies alike will enjoy this story of good neighbors, luscious food and a bad egg (or two) who is capable of murder.”

IMGP2323You can read an excerpt and find links to online sources and western Montana bookstores  on my website. Both the paperback and the e-book can be pre-ordered now; you’ll be charged when the book ships or downloads to your e-reader. Both pre-orders and early reviews give authors a big boost. Leave a review on any online site and I’ll be grateful.

And yes, there are recipes — for a yummy steak dish, Erin’s favorite grilled chicken, a terrific summer salad, and more, including my very own S’more Sandwich Cookies!

If you’re in western Montana, join me for a killer launch party Friday, June 27, from 5-8 at Frame of Reference Gallery in Bigfork. Though it’s early, books will be available! (Thanks, Penguin!) And we’ll be celebrating in Missoula on Wednesday, July 2, from 7-9, at Fact & Fiction Books.  See you there!

Leslie