by Kathleen Costa
The week we have a review of the Seagrass Sweets mystery series by Sandi Scott along with an interview with Sandi. Details at the end of this post on how to win either a print or ebook copy of one of Sandi’s books in this series-winners choice-and a link to purchase the latest book from Amazon.
Added note: Books 1 & 2 in the Seagrass Sweets Series are available for free (ebooks) if you join Sandi’s readers group Sandi’s Sleuths at www.SandiScottBooks.com.
A Seagrass Sweets Mystery By Sandi Scott
Review by Kathleen Costa
Ashley Adams was a “techie” with a dream of a life in spy support: decoding data, breaking through firewalls and hacking into secured systems, with her kindred spirit Ryan working along side her. But, without any good-byes, Ashley up and left for Paris…with Sergey…her new dream to be a world-renowned chef though she returns to Seagrass, Texas, two years later, leaving her troubles behind to open up a catering service specializing in French pastries.
Her BFF Patty LaFontaine, from her days at the L’Oiseau Bleu bistro in Paris, partners adding her specialty in French cuisine. Together they soufflé, sauté, and sauce with the hopes of uplifting the pallet of the locals more familiar with barbecue than beef bourguignon. But what she didn’t foresee was that along the way…murder would be on the menu!
As a newbie to Sandi Scott’s Seagrass Sweets Cozy Mystery series, I started with the third most recently released book Madeleine Murder. Partial to French deserts and cuisine, the descriptions made my mouth water sending me to the cupboard for a plate of macaroons. The stories are well written weaving compelling issues with a bit of murder…cozy style.
Sandi’s characters are well developed whether appearing only in just one book or part of the main cast. She treats us with an entertaining BFF dynamic and some evolving love interests. My favorite, of course, is Ashley, strong and capable, but with vulnerabilities that make her realistic…and she has a red VW bug, as I did in my youth! I really like her BFF Patty who is very detail oriented…like me, too, but not just in my youth.
Those who like a little fur-friend in the mix will enjoy Ashley’s dog Dizzy, a Bitsa, you know, “bitsa this and bitsa that.” Seagrass, Texas, small town nuances and residents (a favorite of mine), ins and outs of the catering business (fascinating), and memories of Paris–I have some of my own –play out in the background, along with an easy to follow recipe for the signature French dessert mentioned in the titles: Napolean: Creamy Puff Pastry Cake, Apple Tarte Tatin, and Vanilla-Scented Madeleines. I highly recommend the series…you’ll have everything you need for your next book club!
The current release is…magnifique!
Madeleine Murder earns 5/5 Plates of Madeleines!
Joining her BFF Patty LaFontaine, Ashley Adams is participating in the Seagrass Days annual festival and enjoying some real popularity and even entertaining the idea of expanding their catering businesses with a food truck. But the festival, with some quirky participants and attendees, is having some minor issues such as petty theft, a disgruntled Karaoke singer, rumors of drugs and just plain mischief. Then…there’s the dead body set inside the bonfire display!
When Ashley finds herself a victim of all the mischief after she had used her debit card to buy Dizzy a dog collar, she has to uncover the truth to save herself, others and the life she has cut out for herself.
This was a “magnifique” place to start, a good stand alone story for newbies since enough information is provided on backstory and character connections. So jump in here: Stolen identities? Money issues? Murder? Local festival turned deadly!
The engaging story takes on a couple of investigations that seem at first glance unrelated, but soon the identity theft and murder seem destined to be entwined and the “I didn’t see that coming!” ending was spot on. Added to that are Sandi’s delightful characters, who have evolved well, become more skilled at investigating and strengthened by their connections. And treats…vanilla scented Madeleines!
It all began here…
Cream Puff Murder earns 5/5 Fanciful Croquembouche!
Ashley is thrilled with her “show-stopping croquembouche, a cone tower of heavenly cream puffs adorned with divine, edible flowers and perfectly spun caramel,” that she has presented for her and Patty’s first big catering job, thanks to renewed friend Ryan’s good word. Alas, the event doesn’t end the way one would hope.
While freshening up in the ladies’ room, Ashley overhears a very curious conversation: Delete? Shocking? Threats? And the next day when a dead body is found ? one of the people she overheard ? the quality of Ashley’s cream puffs is the first thing to come into question by law enforcement. To save their reputation, Ashley, a novice and not entirely forthcoming to law enforcement, Patty, and Ryan must use every bit of their culinary and computing talents to solve this one.
I continued my reading adventure by going back to the first book, and now consider myself a big fan, although I was hoping the first book would provide more insight into Ashley’s past, her time in Paris, and her need to return home. The few references indicating it was one of life’s serious challenges makes for a great reason to provide a prequel! This story weaves in several different motives for the murder with issues one might find on front-page headlines, and then there are a few dead ends to challenge one’s inner “Sherlock,” and an excellent “Wow!” conclusion. The characters are delightful and realistic with some quirky moments I truly enjoyed. And, of course, a treat! An easy to follow recipe for Napolean: Creamy Puff Pastry Cake is perfect!
Tarte Tatin Murder earns 5/5 Slices of Tarte Tatin and a Cafe Au Lait!
Ashley’s catering business is doing well, along with her rekindled relationship with Ryan Brady. Her newest gig is for the Seagrass Country Club Charity Golf Tournament raising funds for CURE, a cancer research foundation. While Ashley is setting up her dessert display, she meets Ryan’s Uncle Charlie and despite Ryan’s warning to “Beware crazy Uncle Charlie,” she thinks
he’s a fun guy. She also wants to know what Ryan has been saying about her and their new relationship. However, when he comes back from his round of golf falling down drunk spewing threats against his irritating golf partner, the police have no choice but to arrest him. No, not for public drunkenness but for murder! 
His golf partner, not a nice man some say, is dead–blunt force trauma and Charlie is the prime suspect! Even though the sheriff was willing to share details in respect of Ashley’s previous assistance, he is sure they have their man and there’s nothing to investigate. Well, Ashley would argue with that…of course!
Again, I am very entertained by this series and the second book did not disappoint. Self-proclaimed gift to women? Ethics in question? A drug trial? Again, Sandi weaves in contemporary issues and adds a sprinkle of humor, action and an excellent “Oh, my!” solution. The ‘just for this story’ characters (co-researchers, family, and Uncle Charlie) are well developed and entertaining, and I continue to enjoy Ashley who is still working on her vulnerabilities and confidence with her relationship with Ryan. Oh, BFF Patty is still here and so is Dizzy to round out the fun. And with apple season in Northern California soon in full bloom, a marvelous, easy to follow recipe for Apple Tarte Tatin is included…délicieux!
Alert! New release Praline Murder will be coming in the Fall!
Our Guest…Sandi Scott, Author of the Seagrass Sweets Mystery series:
KRL: It is great to have with us Sandi Scott, author of the Seagrass Sweets Mystery series, celebrating the recent release of the third book, Madeleine Murder. Can you give us a mini biography of Sandi Scott? Who is she and what influenced her to become a writer?
Sandi: I’m a wife and a mom who has been writing for decades, mostly for fun or in a journal for myself. It was only recently that I had the courage to share my writing with readers outside of my family. I am so delighted that I took the risk because it’s been an incredible amount of fun getting to know my readers. They are the most caring, wonderful people!
Sandi Scott Avatar
KRL: Is there a reason you chose to write in the cozy mystery genre? What is it about cozies that interested you?
Sandi: I read to escape, and I want to escape to a nice place. If I wanted to see violence, sex, swearing and other debauchery, I’d only have to turn on the news or prime-time television. So I love to read and write cozies. I also love to dream up mysteries and always have. Years ago, I was on a road trip through a national forest, and I said to my friend, “This would be a great place to hide a body,” and he looked at me slightly side-eyed and then said, “That is why you are meant to be a writer!”
KRL: Cream Puff Murder, published in October 2016, was the first book in this series. Can you give us some insights into how the series started? Tell us a little about Ashley Adams and the residents of Seagrass, Texas.
Sandi: Ashley Adams was inspired by my time spent working in the communications department of a technology company. So many technologists are men, so the women I met were remarkable. When I was trying to think of a lead character, I just saw Ashley in my mind ? someone who is smart, tech-savvy, socially awkward, but fun to be around once you get to know her. I chose Seagrass because I think life on the Gulf Coast would be totally dreamy so “spending time there” while writing is great!
All of my stories have a mystery that is a meditation on a larger issue. The first book is a meditation on how development in a fragile ecosystem is something that deserves careful consideration. With Hurricane Harvey on everyone’s mind right now, I think this is very important conversation people should be having: how much of our natural environment should we trade in the name of progress and growth?
KRL: I personally love anything French, especially desserts! What caused you to make that the theme of your story? What kind of research did you do?
Sandi: I am fluent in French, and I am a huge lover of French desserts, so it was an easy pairing for me. I always start my research with a visit to a local patisserie and then decide what the title of my next book will be!
KRL: I think your characters are very realistic ? they could be our neighbors, shop owners or family. Do you have a personal connection to your characters? Are you like Ashley? Did you write your characters by taking real-life people and “changing the names to…,” you get my drift?
Sandi: I don’t base my characters on people I know, although I certainly borrow characteristics from them, but I do base the relationships in my book on relationships in my own life, if that makes sense. For example, the relationship between Ashley and Ryan, the friends who took a long time to make it to something more, I based that on a friendship of mine from years ago. It never went to the next level, so writing about it is as close as I’ll get to knowing what might have happened.
The relationship between Smoke Daddy and Patty, is based on my husband and me, less heady than Ashley and Ryan, but maybe more grounded! The fun part is that I don’t know what is going to happen when I sit down to write. The characters truly surprise me each time I write a new story.
KRL: You definitely have provided a great deal of entertainment for your fans, but is there something more you want the readers to take away from your work?
Sandi: I want readers to learn something from my books as well as be entertained. As I mentioned early, I like to bring up a bigger issue in the plot of the book for readers to think about.
For example, my upcoming Seagrass Sweets book Praline Murder takes place on a reality television set, a meditation on the price of fame. A new series I have coming out, The Pet Portraits Cozy Mysteries, asks readers to think about what your life would look like if you lived every day like it was a gift. If my readers can say they’ve enjoyed the pleasure of a reading a good story and walked away having learned something new, then I’ve done my job well.
KRL: I know the writing process is unique to each writer. Can you give us an idea about the “Sandi Scott Technique” for writing: writing schedule, specific writing technique or time of day, outlines…are there lots of Post-it notes on the wall?
Sandi: I spend the majority of my time outlining. Before I sit down to write the story, I know the beginning, the end and everything in between. From there, it’s putting together what a favorite writer of mine, Anne Lamott, calls a “shitty first draft.” Then I edit. Honestly, most of my time is spent outlining and editing.
KRL: How did you go about getting published? Do you have any anecdotes to share about getting your work published?
Sandi: I self-publish. I have an entrepreneurial spirit and so I love the challenge of having to work hard but being in control of my own success. The business of publishing is also a nice break from writing in between stories.
KRL: Did you receive any sage advice or encouragement that you might share with an aspiring or beginning writer?
Sandi: Share your work, no matter how scared you are to do it. It likely won’t be as bad as you fear or as great as you dream, but somewhere in between. But once you’ve done it, the next time will be easier.
KRL: Yummmy! You include a mouthwatering recipe in each of your books: Napolean: Creamy Puff Pastry Cake, Apple Tarte Tatin, and Vanilla-Scented Madeleines. Are you a cook or a budding chef? Do you have a signature dish? Or like me, do you just indulge in the final result?
Sandi: I love to bake cookies! They’re certainly not book cover-worthy, but I rarely follow a recipe and love the creativity of experimenting. Sugar is very forgiving but I leave the fancy stuff to the experts and live vicariously through my writing.
KRL: We know you write, but what do you read? Is there another author who inspires you or one you might consider a professional or personal hero?
Sandi: I love to read. LOVE IT! Two of my favorite authors are Alice Walker and Barbara Kingsolver. I also love reading cozies and I have to say that Dianne Harman and Alison Golden are professional heroes to me because they helped me so much when I was getting started. I didn’t know them at all and just emailed them with questions. They both responded with kindness and generosity. I hope to do the same for other authors when I can.
KRL: So many authors speak of connecting with their fans. Do you participate in any special online events, bookstores, or conventions?
Sandi: No but I read every email I get from readers and try to respond to each of them.
KRL: What can we expect from you in the future? Will we be joining Ashley on another adventure? Do you have any plans to write a different series or in another genre?
Sandi: Ashley is an old friend at this point, so I’m nowhere near done with her. I have more series ideas than I have time, but I’m really excited about a new series I have coming out soon ?The Pet Portraits Cozy Mysteries, featuring twin sisters Georgie and Aleta Kaye. Georgie miraculously survived a terminal illness and is now living each day with the joy of someone who has faced death. She is an artist who paints pet portraits. Her twin sister Aleta couldn’t be more different, a retired accountant who is serious and Type A. I love the twins and can’t wait to introduce them to my readers. I’m also really excited because I’m going to feature portraits of readers’ pets on each cover. Books 1, Murder at the Art Gallery, should be out by October at the latest.
KRL: So many authors say writing is all encompassing, but do you have any hobbies you enjoy?
Sandi: I love getting into nature when I can. I’m a night owl, but when I can get up early and take a long morning walk in the woods, I’m very happy.
KRL: What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
Sandi: I’ve lived on all the continents except Australia and Antarctica.
KRL: Ok, here’s something fun, Sandi…Rapid Fire!
Ready! Set! Go!
Coffee or Tea? ? Coffee
Dog or Cat? ? Dog
Carnivore or Herbivore? ? Herbivore
Pie or Cake? ? Cake
Picnic or 5-star Restaurant? ? Restaurant
Print/eBook or Audio version? ? Print
Theater or Wait for the DVD? ? Netflix!
Favorite Actor? ? Gael Garcia Bernal
Favorite Actress? ? Julia Roberts
Dirty Martini or Pina Colada? ? Pina Colada
Beachfront Property or Cabin in the Woods? ? Cabin in the Woods, on a lake
Active or Cuddling in a Comfy Chair? ? Depends on the season! Active summer, cozy winter.Finish these sentences:
If I could meet anyone in the world, past or present, it would be ? my husband’s father, whom I never had a chance to meet.
If I had just one wish, it would be ? for more wishes because the pressure of just one is too great!
If I could trade places with anyone in the world, it would be ? there’s no one I’d rather be. I’m grateful for my life every day…the good and the bad.
KRL: This has been great. We’ve covered so many topics and even had a little fun. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Sandi: My gratitude. My biggest surprise of becoming a writer is how much readers are willing to reach out to connect with me and I absolutely love it! Cozy readers are the nicest readers out there, and I am grateful every day for them.
Thank you, Sandi, for joining us and sharing a little about yourself and your books.
Become a Big Sandi Scott Fan!
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Facebook: Author Sandi Scott
Website – Sandi Scott Books
To enter to win either a print or kindle copy of either the latest book Madeleine Murder, or another one from the series: Cream Puff Murder or Tarte Tatin Murder, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “sweets,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen September 23, 2017. U.S. residents only for the print copy. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address. PLEASE STATE IN ENTRY WHETHER YOU WANT PRINT OR KINDLE & which book you want.
Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & short stories in our mystery section.
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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.
Thanks for this chance!
Lovely interview, thanks for all the info and, they all sound like GREAT reading!
Wow so excited to see Sandi’s book Murder in the Art Gallery. It features my late son’s dog Halia. Thank you for the chance.
I’m new and it sounds perfect! I’m anxious to read it. Paris Texas a dog fun! I like print best.
This is a new to me series. I look forward to acquainting myself with these books.
I would love to win a print copy of Tarte Tatin Murder. I have an ebook of Cream Puff Murder. Thank you.
karen94066 at aol dot com
What a great interview! I love learning about the authors. It was nice to meet Sandi. I look forward to the recipes at the end and getting to know the characters a bit more with each series.
I would love a Kindle version of Tarte Tatin Murder.
Thank you so much – meg85242 at gmail dot com
I’d love to read the Madeleine Murder–ty! karamarks0463@att.net
This was a great interview. The relationship thing should be interesting as I have a similar story. New Author and I hope to read this story. Thank you and I would like an ebook should I be lucky enough to win. I need a new bookshelf…lol..
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
Love the title, I’m a fan of Madeleines and would really like to read the book. Sounds like a great series.
diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Haven’t read any of these books. They sound like they would make for great reading. Going to book store tomorrow and then will be on my list. Looking forward to getting and to read.
Thanks for the chance! I loved reading your interview. I think The Cream Puff one would be lovely to add to my collection 🙂
I loved this interview because it told me so much about Sandi. I liked the way that open ended questions were used because this gives the interview more depth.
I love animal-involved stories as long as the animal doesn’t die.
love Sandi’s books – looking forward to the pet portrait e-book
Loved the interview! Both series sound good!
Would love to win an ebook copy of Madeline Murders.
Thanks for the chance.
kec200@aol.com
Love this interview. Learned a lot about you..Love to read the book. Sounds great. Write on. I get into series and enjoy a good one. I enjoy holding books in my hand…
selahwoman@gmail.com
Sandra (Sandi) Beck
Sandi voiced my thoughts exactly about cozy mysteries. I don’t need more exposure to sex, violence, foul language, etc. It is everywhere!
Since I am knew to this series I would love a PRINT copy of Cream Puff Murder. Thanks for this giveaway.
Blessings!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
i like this series and if I won would like Madeline Murder in kindle format
What a lovely interview!
I would love to win a print copy of Madeleine Murder since I enjoyed both Cream Puff Murder and Tarte Tartin Murder.
barbara.hrrsn@gmail.com
It would be awesome to win Madeleine Murder, thanks for the giveaway! barbie17(at)gmail(dot)com
I really enjoyed the reviews and interview, Kathleen! Thanks for featuring Sandi Scott on KRL. I’d love an ebook if I win ~ bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net
Really enjoyed the 1st book I read – “CreamPuff Myrder”, looking forward to reading this one. thanks for the offer!
Great interview. If I win I would lik ea print copy of Cream Puff Murder. I enjoyed Madeleine Murder!
kckendler at gmail dot com
I love reading about cozy mysteries! Winning a print copy would be great! Thanks for the chance!! lindaherold999(at)gmail(dot)com
interesting insight into Sandi Scott
Great interview. Makes you feel as if you need to run out and get all the books to start reading. jackietansky@gmail.com. Would love paperback of Tarte Tatin Murder. Have US address
Can’t wait to check out this author & series.
Wonderful insight on a gifted author! Thanks for sharing. And, yes, I would like to win a book 8)
WOULD LOVE TO WIN A PRINT COPY OF THE NEW RELEASE. THANKS FOR THE CHANCE! calicolady60@hotmail.com
I loved your interview with Sandi, it was fun and very entertaining and a great way to get to know more about her. I look forward to finding her books now and enjoying a new author to me. If chosen I would love a print copy of Sandi’s first book. Signed if you could swing it.
A wonderful interview…you really helped us learn more about Sandi Scott!
I would love a print copy of Cream Puff Murder.
jaxlass@yahoo.com
This article was so fun! I particularly loved the rapid fire.
It’s so honest, and raw!!
It was a pleasure to read about Sandi Scott, her life, drives and what ultimately brought her to have the courage to write and put out her efforts into words, and worlds of mystery. Alas I wish I had the same. So it was nice to read that she is a success by putting herself out there to readers. I have read Madeleine Murder and thought it was a fun twisty murder mystery. Love to see more as Sandi Scott advances as a writer.
Enjoyed reading Cream Puff and Tarte Tatin. Don’t have Kindle, but am hoping to get one some day, to make it easier to read more of your writing. 🙂
I like very much the way you sound in your answers, it’s like visiting with you in person. Thanks!
I love ?? all these stories! They are perfect stories to just sit curled up in a blanket, by a fire, and read these stories! They are addicting to get into and they are new to me. These books are not to disappoint! I would like The Cream Puff Murders in a print book please. Thank you for the opportunity to win this! ? ?
We have a winner!