by Kathleen Costa

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a signed copy of the first book in the series, Killer Transaction, and a link to purchase the new one from Amazon.

Murder’s Up For Sale

Catherine Bruns first introduced her Cindy York Mystery series in November 2015. An entertaining middle-aged woman, Cindy York is also a conscientious real estate agent who discovers with some peril that murder is “up for sale.” Along with a close friend and colleague, a loving husband, teenage daughter, young twin boys, and a very, very snarky “monster-in-law,” she finds a compelling desire to see “karma,” or justice, is delivered. In Killer Transaction (2015), earning from me 5/5 Murderously Fun Commissions, a “scruples free” colleague whose murder becomes Cindy’s introduction to (1) being closely scrutinized by law enforcement, (2) feeling a need to “prove” her own innocence, and (3) discovering a knack for investigating. In Priced to Kill (2016), earning from me 5/5 Cold Case Conundrums, Cindy is given the opportunity to right a serious wrong. Twenty-five years ago she had found the body of her high-school friend. First determined to be a suicide, she uncovers a murder. In 2018, For Sale by Killer has been released to eager fans…join the excitement!

Cindy York is a delightful character, entering the final month of her pregnancy, hoping to find the right property with the potential to make everyone rich…the seller, Forte Realty, and the soon to be six-member York family. Driving around the area she hopes to find a “For Sale by Owner” property with an owner who finds they need the professional help she can offer. Luck has her discovering just the gem she may need, a Victorian with great potential. However, after making an agreement with owner Percy Rodgers, she finds him to be a very unsuitable client, if not dangerous. He had recently been released from prison. His crime? Murdering his wife. When she finds Percy, himself a victim of murder, she dwells on his final words, “Vanessa. Loved her. I—I couldn’t hurt her, not ever. Her killer—here. Had to shut me…up. Find them…please.”

Cool! I am a big fan of Catherine Bruns’ five-book Cookies & Chance mystery series and her two-books in Gemma Halliday’s Publishing Aloha Lagoon Mysteries, and the Cindy York Mystery is just as compelling, fully satisfying my appetite for all things cozy. The set up was very intriguing and kept me on the edge of my seat with disgruntled family that sound familiar, in-law dynamics with which I can identify, sibling antics again, with which I can identify, personal peril, and an “Oh, Wow!” satisfying final solution. Bruns has penned an engaging first-person narrative for this third book revisiting background without spoilers and weaving in humorous and thought-provoking dialogue. I’ve always said that Catherine uses “karma” well in her storytelling…bringing the hammer down on the bad guys whether as the victim or arrested as the perpetrator. Either way “karma” is a main force; although in Percy’s case, I wished for a different verdict. However, if you’re going to reveal a secret not worthy of exposure, you run the risk of being silenced for good. But my biggest question is…when will the mother-in-law be served up a big dose? She desperately needs it! I highly recommend this third book, and despite life has moved forward, starting with the third book is fine. But don’t miss out some excellent entertainment with book 1 Killer Transaction and book two Priced to Kill.

For Sale by Killer earns 5/5 Contracts…Killer Fun!

Be a Big Catherine Bruns Fan!
Catherine Bruns also pens a delightful five-book Cookies & Chance Mystery series where seemingly innocent fortune cookies herald “karma” looking for justice. Sally Muccio owns a popular Sally’s Samples bakery with BFF Josie Sullivan, and along with a very quirky family, loving spouses, and a plethora of good and bad actors, we are treated to wonderful entertainment…oh, recipes always included. Alert! Late Fall the new Cookies & Chance will be released, Crumbled to Pieces.

But don’t forget, Catherine is also part of Gemma Halliday Publishing Aloha Lagoon Mystery series with her own two books: Death of the Big Kahuna, and Death of the Kona Man. These books follow Carrie Jorgensen enjoying working at the Loco Moco Café, but “karma” is a new item on the menu she helps to serve up.

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To enter to win a signed copy of the first book in the series, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “killer,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen July 7, 2018. U.S. residents only for the print copy. If entering via email please include your mailing address (which will only be used to ship the book to you if you win), and if via comment please include your email address. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

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Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.