by: Joyce Proell and Brenda Whiteside
Series: Chocolate Martini Sisters
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release Date: September 23, 2025
Lost puppies, endangered birds…
The sisters are birddogs on a murder most fowl.
The sisters are thriving like mountain sage in an Arizona autumn. Nicole’s yoga business is gaining a foothold in Wyatt. Emma’s first mystery novel is scheduled for release. But a proposed, expansive building project in the pristine area of the bird sanctuary has the community in an uproar. It’s Environmentalists versus Big Business, and the sisters are caught in the cross-fire.
When one of Nic’s yoga students is found dead near the planned resort, the amateur sleuths are back on the trail of a killer. Who has the most to gain from her death—the morally challenged developer, the money-grubbing boyfriend, her jealous brother, a nasty neighbor, or a co-worker with dark secrets? And where has Skittles, the dog, gone?
While the Chocolate Martini Sisters sort through the litany of villains, they’re leaving no mystery unsolved. The stakes are escalating, throwing the sisters on divergent paths that all come together at a dangerous intersection. As they unsnarl the tangled mysteries, will they expose the murderer before the killer finds a way to silence them?
Happy to be here.
If I’d never met you, and we arranged to meet at a café, how would I identify you?
I’d be the middle-age woman dressed in hunter green slacks and long sleeve tee, with Tom Edelman loafers, a leather belt, and a practical cross-over bag. I’m all about simplicity and comfort. No high heels for me. I wear my brown hair with auburn highlights in a short, wavy cut.
What did you dream of becoming when you were a child?
An anthropologist, a pastry chef, a landscape architect, a brain surgeon. I always wanted a career, but couldn’t seem to land on one that stuck until I reached junior year in college.
You currently work at a mental health clinic. How did you choose social work as a career, and specifically the specialty of mental health?
In school, I took a social work course to fulfill one of my psychology requirements. The instructor’s enthusiasm and the types of work he described appealed to me. I wanted a career where I could affect positive change in a person’s life. I got degrees in both Psychology and Social Work.
Your work has its rewards, but also must be very stressful. What do you do to unwind and relax?
Meditation and running are critical to me.
What are your hobbies?
Reading, writing, and a little gardening
What’s your greatest passion these days?
Writing mystery
What are three words that best describe you?
Organized, Analytical, Compassionate
What is the happiest moment of your life?
I have three. My first date with Jonathan, the day I married him, and the birth of my son, Liam.
What is the worst moment of your life?
The day Jonathan died.
What is your most embarrassing moment?
Honestly, there are so many. Once, there was a young man I hoped to impress. On our first date, we went to see a film. When the movie ended, we followed the crowd up the theatre aisle toward the exit. As I walked, the toe of my shoe slid into an empty box of popcorn. I kept walking while trying to shake it off, hoping my date didn’t notice. When we got out to the lobby, my only alternative was to reach down and wriggle it from my foot. My date appeared even more mortified than I felt. Needless to say, I never saw him again.
What is one thing people should know about you?
I speak my mind and won’t take no for an answer.
Thank you for being with us today.
My pleasure.
“Yeah. On the other hand, maybe the sanctuary money is going to a public relations firm and not huge gambling debts. Although, I’m inclined to side with Lenny on his facial injuries being a result of a fist whomping from loan sharks.” Nic slipped her phone from the pocket of her sweater jacket. “Maybe there’s a way to find out.”
“Who you calling?”
“Rodney.”
Her sister tapped phone buttons, Emma’s curiosity mounting as the call, set on speaker, rang nosily.
“He’s got the pulse on all the illegal stuff happening in Wyatt.”
“Such a cutie,” Lydia enthused. “Cowboy boots notwithstanding.”
A male voice answered in a comfortable tone like the warmth of rustling sheets after a restful sleep. “Nic! Sunday night, a football game on, and a call from my favorite gal. Could my evening get any better?”
Nic rolled her eyes, delight evident in the sudden flush in her cheeks. “Hey, hope I’m not disturbing you, but Em and I could use your help.”
“I aim to serve. What’s up?”
“This is related to Maggie Alcott. It’s assumed her boss, Josiah Falconer, has a gambling problem. Word is, he might be stealing money from the bird sanctuary to cover his debt.”
Emma sipped her tea, captivated with the direction of Nic’s train of thought, content to remain silent.
“Recently, somebody beat him up. We’re thinking the person who loaned him money is responsible. Are you familiar with any loan sharks or thugs who do collections?”
A noise, like a semi-truck growling with a gear change rumbled in his throat. “These are not the sort of people you want to fool around with.”
“Not my intention. Just a quick verification the man owes money.”
Emma’s gut twisted the longer Rodney remained silent.
“I don’t know, Nic.”
“C’mon Rod. This could help us narrow down who might have killed Maggie. It’s possible motivation. If not, it could explain where some of the sanctuary funds have gone. We won’t be in danger.”
A silent pause ensued, no doubt Rodney parsing the risks of assisting somebody he cared about on such a dubious path. “I can sit with that. If they don’t want to answer, which they probably won’t, they’ll tell you to take a hike, and not in a nice way. Promise me you’ll play it safe. Don’t go all Calamity Jane on me.”
Again, the eye roll. “Of course.”
A jolt of excitement fissured along Emma’s spine. This was really happening.
“There are a couple of dudes, enforcers if you want to get precise, who hang out at a dive bar called Shots.”
“We know it well.”
“You do?” Shock ratcheted up his voice.
“Long story. Anyway…names?”
“Ask for Tuffy and Scruggs.” He barked a laugh. “Gotta love the names, right?”
“Thanks, Rodney. I owe you. Oh, there’s one more thing. Can you tell me whether a guy named Lenny Moffat”—she spelled the name—“has ever been arrested? Does he have any criminal baggage?”
“Sure, I can ask around, but it won’t be until tomorrow.”
“Stellar. Talk to you then. And Rod. Thanks, big time.” Nic disconnected, shooting a victory fist into the air. “Yes!”
“Good thinking on the Lenny bit, Nic. I’m proud of you.” Emma beamed at her sibling.
“A lawyer can access police records?” A questioning brow buckled in Lydia’s forehead.
“Some records are public knowledge. Besides, Rodney’s dated at least three of the courthouse clerks.” Nic smiled. “He’ll get the goods—a persuasive guy like him.”
Emma glanced at her watch. “The night is young. How about we mosey over to Shots and knock back a few. Care to join us, Auntie?”
“I think not. Never liked dives.” She jolted forward in her seat, blue eyes widening with alarm. “Unless you need my help.” She stroked her throat, worry etched in her face. “Three might be safer than two.”
“We’ll be fine.” Emma rose from the table, appreciating the woman’s protectiveness, and setting her empty cup on the counter. “Just a quick in and out.” With Trixie and Gus bouncing at her heels, she snatched her crossbody bag and car keys from the kitchen counter, then patted each on their heads. “We’ll be back in an hour or so. If not, call the hospital.” She laughed and grabbed a jacket from a hook in the back entryway, stuffing her arms into the sleeves. “See you soon.”
“Who you calling?”
“Rodney.”
Her sister tapped phone buttons, Emma’s curiosity mounting as the call, set on speaker, rang nosily.
“He’s got the pulse on all the illegal stuff happening in Wyatt.”
“Such a cutie,” Lydia enthused. “Cowboy boots notwithstanding.”
A male voice answered in a comfortable tone like the warmth of rustling sheets after a restful sleep. “Nic! Sunday night, a football game on, and a call from my favorite gal. Could my evening get any better?”
Nic rolled her eyes, delight evident in the sudden flush in her cheeks. “Hey, hope I’m not disturbing you, but Em and I could use your help.”
“I aim to serve. What’s up?”
“This is related to Maggie Alcott. It’s assumed her boss, Josiah Falconer, has a gambling problem. Word is, he might be stealing money from the bird sanctuary to cover his debt.”
Emma sipped her tea, captivated with the direction of Nic’s train of thought, content to remain silent.
“Recently, somebody beat him up. We’re thinking the person who loaned him money is responsible. Are you familiar with any loan sharks or thugs who do collections?”
A noise, like a semi-truck growling with a gear change rumbled in his throat. “These are not the sort of people you want to fool around with.”
“Not my intention. Just a quick verification the man owes money.”
Emma’s gut twisted the longer Rodney remained silent.
“I don’t know, Nic.”
“C’mon Rod. This could help us narrow down who might have killed Maggie. It’s possible motivation. If not, it could explain where some of the sanctuary funds have gone. We won’t be in danger.”
A silent pause ensued, no doubt Rodney parsing the risks of assisting somebody he cared about on such a dubious path. “I can sit with that. If they don’t want to answer, which they probably won’t, they’ll tell you to take a hike, and not in a nice way. Promise me you’ll play it safe. Don’t go all Calamity Jane on me.”
Again, the eye roll. “Of course.”
A jolt of excitement fissured along Emma’s spine. This was really happening.
“There are a couple of dudes, enforcers if you want to get precise, who hang out at a dive bar called Shots.”
“We know it well.”
“You do?” Shock ratcheted up his voice.
“Long story. Anyway…names?”
“Ask for Tuffy and Scruggs.” He barked a laugh. “Gotta love the names, right?”
“Thanks, Rodney. I owe you. Oh, there’s one more thing. Can you tell me whether a guy named Lenny Moffat”—she spelled the name—“has ever been arrested? Does he have any criminal baggage?”
“Sure, I can ask around, but it won’t be until tomorrow.”
“Stellar. Talk to you then. And Rod. Thanks, big time.” Nic disconnected, shooting a victory fist into the air. “Yes!”
“Good thinking on the Lenny bit, Nic. I’m proud of you.” Emma beamed at her sibling.
“A lawyer can access police records?” A questioning brow buckled in Lydia’s forehead.
“Some records are public knowledge. Besides, Rodney’s dated at least three of the courthouse clerks.” Nic smiled. “He’ll get the goods—a persuasive guy like him.”
Emma glanced at her watch. “The night is young. How about we mosey over to Shots and knock back a few. Care to join us, Auntie?”
“I think not. Never liked dives.” She jolted forward in her seat, blue eyes widening with alarm. “Unless you need my help.” She stroked her throat, worry etched in her face. “Three might be safer than two.”
“We’ll be fine.” Emma rose from the table, appreciating the woman’s protectiveness, and setting her empty cup on the counter. “Just a quick in and out.” With Trixie and Gus bouncing at her heels, she snatched her crossbody bag and car keys from the kitchen counter, then patted each on their heads. “We’ll be back in an hour or so. If not, call the hospital.” She laughed and grabbed a jacket from a hook in the back entryway, stuffing her arms into the sleeves. “See you soon.”
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Brenda Whiteside is the award-winning author of romantic suspense, romance, and cozy mystery. She writes children’s books under the pen name, Brenda Sue. After living in six states and two countries—so far—she and her husband have settled in Central Arizona. They admit to being gypsies at heart and won’t discount the possibility of another move. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW fishes, Brenda writes.
Places to find Brenda Whiteside:
You can follow the Birds, Puppies, and Murder Blog Tour here.
Thanks so much for being a stop on our tour!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Congratulations on the new release. Thank you for stopping by.
DeleteA big thanks for hosting our tour.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Joyce. Thank you for doing the character interview. Congratulations on the new release, and thank you for stopping by.
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