Hidden Gem: the Secret of St. Augustine Releases April 4! Schedule of Events

 RELEASING APRIL 4

Hidden Gem:

the Secret of St. Augustine

Here's the story:

Barnaby and Philo’s story begins with very bad chili and a dead body.

Barnaby is in St. Augustine, Florida, to teach a college seminar, and plans to use The Secret—a treasure hunt book—as a framework for his class. He enlists Philo Brice, owner of an antique map store, to aid him in seeking clues in the historic sites of the ancient city.

Together they face murderers, thieves, thugs, and fanatics, heightening their already strong attraction to each other. Can they solve the puzzle and unearth the treasure before the villains do? Philo and Barnaby pursue several twisting paths and false leads before arriving at a startling conclusion.

Here is the schedule of blog visits, reviews, and announcements along with the links:

4/4 N. N. Light’s Book Heaven, review of HG:

4/4 www.AliciaDean.com

4/5 Rebecca Grace, My Writing Corner: https://rebecca-grace.blogspot.com/

4/7 Vicki Batman: https://vickibatman.blogspot.com

4/8 Christina Lambert: https://christinalynnlambertwordpress.com

4/11 Sorchia’s Universe Novel Magic: https://sorchiadubois.com

4/12 NN Light’s Spring Break Bookapalooza: www.nnlightsbookheaven.com

4/15 Viviana McCade: www.viviana-mackade.blog

4/15-30 Hidden Gem on NetGalley available for review

4/18 Jill Piscitello: https://jillpiscitello.com

4/19 Around the Fire with D. V. Stone: https://www.dvstoneauthor.com/around-the-fire-with-d-v-stone

4/1-30: Marketing for Romance Writers Magazine, April issue

I will give you a heads up before each appearance! Each guest post will feature a different introduction and excerpt--so be sure to check into all of them!

Griffin Tate hero of The Penhallow Train Incident Interviewed

 

Griffin Tate, hero of The Penhallow Train Incident, graciously agreed to an interview, which really gives you an idea of who (what?) he is. The Penhallow Train Incident is ON SALE at Amazon for 99 cents through March 18—so get your copy now!  It is currently featured at the 2022 Winter Readers Challenge as well.

 Link: http://www.amazon.com/Penhallow-Train-Incident-M-Spencer-ebook/dp/B01BOBX5NC

Questions:

Where are you from?

Hard to say. Growing up we traveled a lot—lived in Europe, the Middle East, and lots of U. S. States. I didn’t really settle down until after graduate school when University of Chicago hired me as an assistant professor. Went from there to Queenstown University in New Jersey and now happily ensconced in Maine.

Tell us a bit about The Penhallow Train Incident.

I sure enjoyed being part of the story, although I’d never admit it aloud. The Penhallow Train Incident is a funny, romantic, murder mystery set in Maine.   Rachel Tinker,  director of the Penhallow Historical Society, meets her match in Griffin Tate,  curmudgeonly retired professor (that’s me). Together we wade through a scene awash in red herrings to solve not one, but three murders. If, in fact, they are murders (I was never convinced, but don’t tell Rachel—she’ll just scoff). Along the way we deal with ancient rumors, ancient crime, and ancient tragedy, as Rachel—poor besotted soul--gropes nearer and nearer to love.

What did you think the first time you saw Rachel Tinker?

One more thing I’ll never admit, although she guessed, but I fell for her the first time I saw her on campus at Queenstown, surrounded by young acne-scarred, snot-nosed whippersnappers.

What was your second thought?

That she’d never give me a second glance.

Did you feel it was love at first sight?

Nah, she was way too chilly—you know how those female academics are. Besides, like I said, it wasn’t worth even approaching her—she was always surrounded by pimply-faced, weak-chinned undergrads.

What do you like most about her?

Do I have to say it? Sheesh, nosy little bugger, aren’t you. I suppose I’d have to say her curiosity, and of course her willingness to agree with everything I say. Oh wait, that’s my dog.

How would you describe her?

Well, she is rather beautiful, in a sensible way. She doesn’t seem to mind my occasional moods. She’s very bright for a girl, and willing to learn. Yes, I’d give her an A.

How would she describe you?

You’d have to ask her. Whatever I say she’ll dispute.

What made you choose Middle East history as a career?

I lived in the Middle East in my youth and naturally veered toward it in school.

What is your biggest fear?

Losing Rachel—and having her know that’s my greatest fear.

How do you relax?

Nap. Beer. Sail. Chase after stolen artifacts.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why?

The Queen of Sheba—if in fact she’s fictional. If not, Indiana Jones.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

Sit down and shut up.

 

Penhallow Train Incident at the Winter Readers Challenge

Riders up! Only two more days to go before the Winter Reader Review Challenge. Take deep breaths and exercise those fingers for turning pages. I’m taking this opportunity to give you a bit of background on my featured book The Penhallow Train Incident.

The Penhallow Train Incident is set on the coast of Maine in the fictional town of Penhallow. Midcoast Maine sits right about where the state begins to change from heading due north to “down East.”  The land is quite different from the southern beaches or the North Woods. Fronting Penobscot Bay, it is a region of lakes, farms, small villages, and lobstermen.  Most people have lived there for generations, and refer to anyone who moves to Maine from elsewhere as “from away.” Rachel Tinker and her hero Griffin Tate are both from away, but when a series of murders roils their adopted town, they spring into action.

If you’re not participating in the Winter Reader  Challenge, or want to buy The Penhallow Train Incident to read at your leisure, it is on sale at Amazon for 99 cents from now through the duration of the challenge. Amazon

If you're interested in the Reader Challenge, here is the Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/364535027526617

The Penhallow Train Incident On Sale This Month!

ON SALE!

A corpse on a train, hidden treasure, & the search for the Queen of Sheba’s tomb make for romance and adventure in coastal Maine. 

The Penhallow Train Incident by M. S. Spencer @msspencerauthor #CozyMystery #wrpbks 

On sale at Amazon for 99cents from February 11 to March 18!

https://amazon.com/Penhallow-Train-Incident-M-Spencer-ebook/dp/B01BOBX5NC

Zelda, Zelda, Zelda

 

Bumbershoot 

It's supposed t o be three strikes

That we can deal with

Us women

But when they come fast and furious

Strike after strike

Decimating

Like the Dresden

Bombing

Even a woman falters

And you realize that a woman is only as strong

As the man who holds the umbrella over her head.

12/12/14