BLOG TOUR: Murder Strikes a Pose by Tracy Weber

Hi gang!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place that knows how to bring the reading fun every (okay, most) days of the week.

Today, we're welcoming a blog tour via Partners in Crime that stars the first book in a new Cozy Mystery series.  Now, if you've been reading my blog for any length of time you know that I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with this particular genre.  I get pulled in by the title, the cover and the synopsis, but often times the more-than-obvious ending seen from the start, has me joining the league of disappointed readers.  *sigh*  Don't you hate it when that happens?  So why do I keep giving it a chance?  Well, to be perfectly frank (though not actually a person named Frank), to happen upon reading gems like the one you're about to meet. So, if you would do me the honor, but your bookish hands together and grab your wish list (you're gonna need it) as we welcome today's guest and book of choice....

Murder Strikes a Pose

by Tracy Weber

Book Details:

Genre: Cozy Mystery
Published by: Midnight Ink
Publication Date: January 8, 2014
Number of Pages: 288
ISBN: 978-0738739687
Purchase Links:

Synopsis:

When George and Bella—a homeless alcoholic and his intimidating German shepherd—disturb the peace outside her studio, yoga instructor Kate Davidson’s Zen-like calm is stretched to the breaking point. Kate tries to get rid of them before Bella scares the yoga pants off her students. Instead, the three form an unlikely friendship.

One night Kate finds George’s body behind her studio. The police dismiss his murder as a drug-related street crime, but she knows George wasn’t a dealer. So Kate starts digging into George’s past while also looking for someone to adopt Bella before she’s sent to the big dog park in the sky. With the murderer nipping at her heels, Kate has to work fast or her next Corpse Pose may be for real.

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That's right!
This Cozy Mystery read was met with success....as in I enjoyed every minute of it without any of the withdrawal the genre normally brings me.  From our leading Yogi Kate to Rene, her friend that couldn't stop meddling if she wanted too, from Jake the butt landlord (and creeper!) to the unexpected catch that is Michael of Pete's Pets (yes, HIS name is Michael, he owns the store and he called it PETE'S...*-*) to George (who is a mystery himself and whom a mystery is created upon), there is someone for everyone to either call friend or foe.  The real star however is Bella, George's German Shepard.  Sorry, but I'm a dog lover...no wait, scratch that, I'm SO not sorry...and when a canine is featured in a novel, it brings an extra smile to my heart.  They really did her justice too and I should know....we have a GS ourselves!  They are loving, protective and can seem a bit intimidating but ultimately at heart, they are BIG teddy bears.  Anywho, when Bella is left behind after George's unfortunate accident (or was it?  dun dun dunnnnn....), Kate is the one to take the reigns on getting her a family she can call her own; little does she realize just how easily fur-babies can sneak into our hearts for good.  ^-^

Story wise, we have mystery (well, I should hope so considering the genre), a smidge of romance, friendship to boot, an attempt at balancing our inner chi, and a bit of Pet Care 101 (like how LOVE is the way, not a heavy hand...gotta respect the author for putting that angle in there).  At no time do you simply feel like Nancy Drew solving a crime; the other story lines are powerful enough to have it melt into the mix without falling into the background.  I loved the easy flow to the writing style, the effortless way the author weaved everything together and ultimately brought us to a conclusion we can be satisfied reaching.  It was definitely time well spent and a series I shall keep on my radar for future installments as they release.  What say you my fellow readers?  Interested?  Not?  Feel free to share your thoughts because frankly, that's what makes this bloggy world go round.

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About the author....

My writing is an expression of the things I love best: yoga, dogs, and murder mysteries.

I'm a certified yoga teacher and the founder of Whole Life Yoga, an award-winning yoga studio in Seattle, WA. I enjoy sharing my passion for yoga and animals in any form possible.

My husband and I live with our challenging yet amazing German shepherd Tasha and our bonito flake-loving cat Maggie. When I'm not writing, I spend my time teaching yoga, walking Tasha, and sipping Blackthorn cider at my favorite local ale house.

I am a member of Sisters in Crime, The Pacific Northwest Writers Association, and the Dog Writers Association of America.

Catch Up With the Author:

 

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Special thanks to Lance and the entire Partners in Crime team for the review copy and the chance to bring this tour to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this tour as well as those forthcoming, be sure to stop by their official site.  This title is available now via Midnight Ink Books, so be on the look out for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.  In the mean time, discover other views, read an excerpt or two, and maybe even get yourself entered to win a copy to call your own by checking out the other sites on this tour; the list of which can be found below.

Until next time....happy reading!