Book Extract: A Cocktail To Die For by Helen Golden
I’m so pleased to be welcoming Helen Golden back to Novel Kicks. She’s here with the blog tour for her novel, A Cocktail To Die For.
Cocktails, chaos, and an unexpected twist. Can Perry and his hens unveil the truth before time runs out?
Death at Prestigious Hotel and Spa, Chasingham House
We are hearing reports that a young woman has been found dead at Chasingham House, the exclusive venue in the Cotswolds. She has not been named, and the cause of death is unknown at this time. This will no doubt cast a cloud over the bachelor weekend being hosted there by Lady Beatrice (36), the Countess of Rossex, for her business partner Perry Juke (34) ahead of his wedding to bestselling author and celebrity chef Simon Lattimore (40). Also staying at Chasingham House are top models Camile Redmaine (35) and Mel Parks (35), who are celebrating newly-single Cammy’s birthday with a group of friends.
When one of the birthday girls is found dead in her room, it’s clear Bea plans for her, Perry, and their friends to chill around the pool, have a few treatments, and generally relax, seem to have gone down the drain. When the local police are quick to dismiss the death as an accident, Bea is determined to help investigate anyway, along with the rest of Perry’s party.
Can Perry and his hens catch the killer before the weekend is over and the trail goes cold?
Helen has shared an extract with us today. We hope you enjoy.
*****beginning of extract*****
Lady Beatrice and her business partner Perry Juke are at Chasingham House, an exclusive hotel and spa in the peaceful Cotswolds, for his bachelor weekend. Among Perry’s hens is DCI Emma McKeer Adler from PaIRS and they are all looking forward to a relaxing weekend. But when the dead body of a guest is discovered, the hotel manager asks Emma if she will step in and secure the crime scene until the local CID arrive…
“It’s okay, chief inspector. I’ll take over from here.”
Em looked up and found herself face to face with a bald man of about fifty who was only a few inches taller than her.
“Detective Chief Inspector Alan Rivers from Chase CID.” He held out his hand.
Em took it, trying not to recoil when her hand found itself in a clammy grip.
Meed stepped forward. “We were just—”
Rivers held up his hand, and Meed fell silent. “I’m here now, sergeant, so I’ll decide what you do next. Understand?”
Rude!
by 
Novel Kicks Book Club: Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben
Hello 2024.
Happy New Year everyone.
I’m looking forward to another twelve months of wonderful books and discussions.
For January, I thought I’d pick a book that is causing a stir thanks to the new Netflix adaptation – Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben.
I’m really excited about reading this book. As usual, our book club is open to all so, if you’ve already read it or will be reading along with me, you’re all welcome.
I’ve put a question in the comments below to start off the discussion. Looking forward to talking about this book with you.
About Fool Me Once –
You think you know the truth. The truth is you know nothing.
If your husband was murdered.
by NK Chats To… Lesley Cookman
Hi Lesley, thank you so much for joining me today. Can you tell me about your latest novel, Murder by Christmas?
Thank you for inviting me! Murder by Christmas is the 25th in the Libby Sarjeant series. Libby is in the final throes of pantomime rehearsals, when she and her friend Fran become involved in the investigation into a local brewery. This involves visits to many pubs – naturally!
What’s your typical writing day like? Do you have any writing rituals?
I write as soon as I can get into the office – any time between 10 and 1pm and for as long as I can before the cats need feeding again.
What are the challenges you found when writing this novel and does writing a series present challenges?
The challenge of this one was the short time (3 months) in which I had to do it. And writing a series is definitely a challenge – trying to come up with different plots and not repeat myself.
Which songs would make up a playlist for your book?
by Christmas Gift Guide 2023 – Ideas for Readers
I do love a good gift guide as I personally find them so helpful when I’m stuck on what to get people and, as this is a blog for writers and readers, I wanted to share five items that I’ve found that I think would be perfect for the book lover in your life.
Penguin Book Print.
The first item is something that I’ve always wanted but never managed to get and that is this classic Penguin book cover print.
There’s something so timeless about these covers and there are so many to choose from, from Jane Austen to Graham Greene.
I think these would look so beautiful up on the wall and it’s a great way to share your favourite classic Penguin novel.
You can buy these prints from Penguin by clicking here.
Interesting Stories about Curious Words by Susie Dent.
What lover of books doesn’t love, well, a book? I’m a great fan of interesting words and came across this non fiction book from Susie Dent, known as the oracle from Countdown’s dictionary corner.
If your loved one is anything like me, I enjoy finding unusual words and their definitions and think this book is perfect for that. What do you think?
You can buy this book by clicking here and heading to The Literary Gift Company website.
Popsy Teacups Print Notebook.
Popsy Clothing is a brand I adore and I will always do what I can to spread the Popsy love. There is almost always a literature/bookish themed top available on the site. The tops are good quality, are so comfortable, are long and the best thing of all, the tops have POCKETS!!! I know!
However, the product I wanted to share is this beautiful Teacups Print Notebook. Maybe the bibliophile you know is wanting to make notes or is part of a book club and needs somewhere to make notes about their book of the month? Or they like making a note of 
passages, words or quotes they particularly liked.
This notebook is A5 and has 90 lined pages.
Click here to head over to Popsy Clothing.
The Book Lover’s 2024 Calendar.
Who doesn’t love a good Calendar and this one from the Calendar club is so pretty.
This square calendar has stunning illustrations of book covers from novels like Jane Eyre, A Catcher in the Rye and 1984.
It is a 12 month calendar and is a Monday start.
This product is going on my Christmas list.
You can get this from The Calendar Club.
Book Journal.
Finally, I wanted to share this book journal from Papier.
This is another brand I’ve used and loved in the past and this journal looks stunning.
It’s the perfect way to keep track of the books you’ve read. Like the notebook from Popsy I shared, this would be good if you’re doing a reading challenge and want to make notes on the books you read or it could 
be a great companion if you or a loved one are a member of a book club and want it to make notes for the catch up.
It also has a few pages to add your book wish list.
Whatever the purpose, this journal looks perfect.
You can buy it from Papier.
As with the writers gift guide, click here to read it, I hope you’ve found this list inspiring. Let me know in the comments below if there’s been a product mentioned that’s filled that hole in your present list.
by Christmas Gift Guide 2023 – Ideas for Writers
It’s my favourite time of year again. National Novel Writing Month is done, the Christmas decorations are up and I’m singing Last Christmas very much out of tune.
As both an avid reader and writer, I love getting related items and I wanted to share some gift ideas for the writer in your life.
First up is a Writers Box.
This Writers Box looks fantastic and seems to have everything a writer might need to assist them in a good session getting those words written.
It includes a handmade notebook, coaster, bookmark, miniature handmade book of quotes from famous writers about writing. a pen and some treats. It looks perfect.
You can order this via Etsy.
Writing Workbook by Lucy Van Smit.
I don’t know about you, but I love a good Writing workbook. It’s a perfect thing to have if the brain needs a little time to fire up and having a prompt will help. This book is one I’ve not come across before and it would be on my list for sure.
This book aims to champion the journey a writer make take in their writing life. It asks the tricky questions, shares some secret practices, and inspires confidence. This isn’t a book about getting published, it’s about helping you find your writing voice, trust in your writing and creativity.
What about you? Do you like a good workbook?
You can buy it via Amazon.
Writing Magazine.
by Book Club
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