by Cynthia Chow
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of The Madness of Mercury, and a link to purchase it from Amazon.
After the death of her fiancé, Julia Elizabeth Bonatti derailed her plans to become an anthropology teacher in order to find answers to such an incomprehensible loss. She turned to astrology as a source to help her make sense of Michael’s death, and perhaps see how it could have been prevented. This led to Julia’s new career as a professional astrologer, with her own ‘Ask Zodia’ astrological advice column in the San Francisco Chronicle.
Breaking one of her set rules of only seeing clients at either her apartment or at the North Beach, California Mystic Eye occult shop, Julia ventures to the home of nonagenarian Evandra Gamble to do a personal reading. Julia never expected that Evandra was looking for confirmation that her life was in danger from her own niece Dorothy, or that the Gamble House gardener would immediately suffer from a fatal fall.
Julia’s attempts to ease Evandra’s concerns lead to the arrangement of a séance with one of Julia’s friends, even though she is not entirely on board. Julia is far more concerned with the attacks upon her home and business being led by the Reverend Roy and his Prophet’s Tabernacle, whose Army of the Prophet followers attack virtually everyone who strays from their stringent beliefs or dares to speak out against them. One of Julia’s columns warning against the Reverend’s cult has made her and her friends the target of break-ins and firebombing, and just as alarming is that they seem to have access to her personal email, phone, business, and home addresses.
Also the writer of cozy mysteries penned under the name Connie Archer, the author explores her astrological background in this fascinating new series. She takes a scientific approach to the study of astrological predictions using birthdates and signs, focusing on the influence of Mercury over one’s mental state. Julia is surprisingly practical and methodical for an astrologer, and one can’t help but sympathize with her frustration in battling the political power of the Prophet’s followers. When Evandra’s sister either joins willingly or is abducted to the Prophet’s Paradise, Julia is propelled into conducting her own invasion upon the commune/fortress. Containing cozy elements of Julia’s cat Wizard, a questionable heir, and possibly poisoned cookies, this new series delves into unique territory that explores the philosophical aspects of astrology and its influence upon one’s life.
To enter to win a copy of The Madness of Mercury, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “mercury,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen July 9, 2016. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.
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Sounds fascinating – would love to win/read!!
Hi Karen – Thanks for visiting! Wishing you the best of luck!
Have added this to my TBR list and can’t wait to read it.
Hi Becky – Just saw your entry, I really hope you enjoy Julia’s adventures! Best of luck!
This sound like a book I would like to read
Hope I am lucky
Hi Barbara – I hope you get to meet Julia and her pals soon! Best of luck!
I’ve just finished reading this book (borrowed from the public library) and I’d love to own it for my own. I have a growing home library (2 rooms close to 3000 books) and I’m sure I can find room for it on the shelves.
Hi Nora-Adrienne – I’m so glad to hear your library finally got a copy to you! Please thank them for me and good luck in the giveaway!
Hmmmmm – haven’t been a fan of astrology but willing to take this for a ‘test drive’.
Hi Valerie – No need to like astrology to enjoy Julia’s adventures and the mystery. Best of luck to you!
This truly sounds like a book that would keep the reader interested and on their toes.
Well, I certainly hope so, Annette! I think you’d enjoy Julia’s adventures in San Francisco. Good luck to you!
This sounds great. Thanks for the opportunity.
I have this fun new series on my TBR.
Hi Brooke – How nice to see you here! Thanks for visiting and good luck!
I don’t know much about astrology or the zodiac and this book sounds fascinating. Can’t wait to read.
diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Dianne – Glad you could stop by! You wouldn’t need to know about astrology to enjoy the mystery and Julia’s adventures. I hope you get to meet all the characters soon. Good luck!
Hi LuAnn – best of luck in the giveaway and happy reading!
Hi Cynthia – thanks so much for your review! I hope I can visit Oahu some day and say hi to you!
I have it on my TBR List as I really enjoy this author’s books. Thanks for the chance to win.
Hi Doward – Glad you could visit! And thank you too. Hopefully you’ll enjoy Julia’s world just as much! Good luck!
I love the sound of it…the reviews are great..thank you for the contest. Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
Hi Marilyn – Thanks for stopping by and best of luck!
This looks like such fun!
Yay! A Wicked Cozy! Thanks for entering, Liz!
I really love the cover of this book. I’d love to win it. Thanks for offering the chance!! lindaherold999@gmail.com
Hi Linda – Thanks so much for stopping by! I’ve sent an email to Mystery Rat’s Maze to find out the winner and I’m waiting to hear. Best of luck!
Love the cover! This sounds like a great read. Thanks for the contest!
Hi Judy- Good luck to you! I’m waiting to hear who the winner is, and will post shortly. Thanks for visiting!
I HAVE WANTED TO GET THIS BOOK. THANKS FOR THE CHANCE! calicolady60@hotmail.com
Hi Shelley – I can tell you’re a cat lover! I hope you’ll get to meet Wizard, Julia’s lovely black cat soon! Best of luck!
We have a winner!