New Release Books by Sue Ann Jaffarian

Sue Ann Jaffarian is the author of Too Big to Die (2018), The Ghosts of Misty Hollow (2016), Rhythm & Clues (2016), The Ghost of Mistletoe Mary (2015) and other 23 books.

27 results found

Too Big to Die

release date: Jan 01, 2018
Too Big to Die
An Odelia Grey MysteryIt's the dog days of summer for Odelia and Greg after they rescue a dog from a closed car on a blistering hot day. The culprit is former reality star Marla Kingston, who's married to a client of Odelia's law firm. The dog was saved, but Odelia's job might not be when Kingston demands blood. Things get even stickier when a video of the rescue goes viral, and the man who helped them winds up dead. And who is the mysterious young woman who shows up about the same time?

The Ghosts of Misty Hollow

release date: Dec 06, 2016
The Ghosts of Misty Hollow
The author of Ghost in the Guacamole returns as a spiritual medium and her spectral sidekick encounter murder and mystery in a Massachusetts farmhouse— Mysterious plots abound when spiritual medium Emma Whitecastle offers aid to a famous novelist, but her spectral sidekick Granny Apples will help her write all the wrongs... Bestselling crime writer Gino Costello is working on his next book in a historic farmhouse in the heart of Massachusetts. His story features some paranormal elements so he’s invited family friend Emma to provide her input as a medium. But as soon as Emma arrives—with her fiancé, Phil, and Granny Apples in tow—that’s when the real trouble begins. Emma is immediately contacted by the Browns, a family of ghosts who originally owned the house in the early nineteenth century. They need Emma to help them locate the spirits of their two children who disappeared. Meanwhile, a dead body appears at the house. Now Emma, Granny, and Phil must read between the lines to find answers before a killer books it...

Rhythm & Clues

release date: Nov 08, 2016
Rhythm & Clues
Amateur sleuth Odelia Grey tries to get a band back together—and get her mother off the hook—in book eleven of the award-winning series It's a rockin' flashback for Odelia Grey when her mother asks her to look into the disappearance of her neighbor Bo Shank, the former lead singer for a band Odelia idolized in her youth. But when a body is found in Bo Shank's house, everything quickly gets thrown out of tune. Praise: "Jaffarian's fun, frenzied 11th mystery featuring plucky plus-size paralegal Odelia Grey...is a fluffy mélange of danger, humor, and surprises."—Publishers Weekly "[A] delightful series."—Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine "More corpses surely lie in wait for [Odelia]...But it's fun to see her ditzy niece share the spotlight this time around."—Kirkus Reviews

The Ghost of Mistletoe Mary

release date: Dec 01, 2015
The Ghost of Mistletoe Mary
In this all-new Christmas mystery from the author of Ghost in the Guacamole, Granny Apples, medium Emma Whitecastle, and psychic PI Jeremiah Jones join forces to find a missing homeless woman. When a homeless veteran on LA’s Skid Row claims he’s seen the ghost of Mistletoe Mary, a down-and-out prostitute, private investigator Jeremiah Jones seeks the assistance of medium Emma Whitecastle and her great-great-great grandmother, the spirited Granny Apples, to determine if the woman is merely missing or if indeed someone has murdered her. Praise for The Ghost of Mistletoe Mary "Jeremiah Jones, introduced in Ghost in the Guacamole, is center stage here in Sue Ann Jaffarian’s grittiest and most moving story in this mystery series. With the action all taking place within a few blocks of downtown Los Angeles, the sense of place is present on every page. Sue Ann Jaffarian is one of my favorite living traditional mystery writers—you won’t be able to guess who did it!"—Naomi Hirahara, Edgar Award-winning author of Murder on Bamboo Lane “Gritty, hardboiled and ghostly all in one, Sue Ann Jaffarian invents a new genre—Ghost Noir—and makes it her own in the engaging and fast-paced The Ghost of Mistletoe Mary, the latest in her addictive Granny Apples series.”—Paul D. Marks, Shamus Award Winning author of the noir-thriller White Heat “For fans of Granny, it is well worth reading The Ghost of Mistletoe Mary. It might not be your typical Christmas cozy, but the story is enjoyable and will stick with you after you’ve read it.”—Carstairs Considers Praise for the Granny Apples Mysteries "Sue Ann Jaffarian never fails to make me chuckle."—New York Times bestselling author Joanne Fluke "Likable characters and steady suspense...[Jaffarian] makes paranormal activity seem plausible. One of the best cozy authors for light chatter and low-key humor."—Library Journal (starred review) "A charming tale, as appealing as apple pie."—Harley Jane Kozak, author of Dating Dead Men "Officially proves the vivacious Jaffarian is the literary heir apparent to Lucille Ball...A rollicking good time...Refreshing, enthralling, and absolutely scrumptious...an eclectic mix of laugh-out-loud fun, heart-touching moments, whimsy, and rapid-fire page turning."—The Book Resort "Delectable...[An] appealing ghost story."—Publishers Weekly "Another charming entry in a series that remains fun while seamlessly incorporating an incorporeal spirit who feels real and whose love of pop culture is always welcome...[A] mystery that expertly blends a novel of mature romances, spirits, and exciting action."—Kings River Life Magazine INCLUDES A TEASER FOR THE NEXT GRANNY APPLES MYSTERY, GHOSTS OF MISTY HOLLOW, COMING FROM BERKLEY PRIME CRIME IN 8/16!

A Body to Spare

release date: Nov 08, 2015
A Body to Spare
Odelia Grey's relaxing day of errands is ruined when she finds a body folded like an origami crane in the trunk of her car. And it's not just any dead body—it's the corpse of Zach Finch, a young man who had been kidnapped eight years earlier. But why was he put in Odelia's car? Where has Zach been all these years? With her name at the top of the suspect list, Odelia and her husband, Greg, are determined to find answers. They'll do whatever it takes to uncover the truth, even if they have to give the slip to an arrogant FBI agent and delve into the dangerous world of contract killers. Praise: "Offbeat...the suspenseful climax offers some unexpected turns for everyone."—Publishers Weekly "Fans of G. A. McKevett's Savannah Reid mysteries will enjoy this witty series with its quirky, well-drawn characters."—Booklist

Rhythm and Clues

release date: Jan 01, 2017
Rhythm and Clues
It's a rockin' flashback for Odelia Grey when her mother asks her to look into the disappearance of her neighbor Bo Shank, the former lead singer for a band Odelia idolized in her youth. But when a body is found in Bo Shank's house, everything quickly gets thrown out of tune.

The Trouble with Midnight

release date: Jul 08, 2014
The Trouble with Midnight
What do a plus-sized paralegal, an assistant librarian, and a struggling ski-resort owner have in common? They all have an uncanny talent for getting caught up in solving mysteries. This collection of three first-in-a-series mystery novels is full of trouble . . . in all the right ways. Too Big to Miss Sue Ann Jaffarian Book 1 of the Odelia Grey Mysteries Plus-size paralegal Odelia Grey struggles with her relationships, her crazy family, and her crazier boss. And then there’s her knack for being in close proximity to dead people . . . “I’d love to spend more time with Odelia, a plus-size fat liberationist with a handsome, wheelchair-bound lover.”—The New York Times May Day Jess Lourey Book 1 of the Murder-By-Month Mysteries A hip, humorous, and gripping account of small-town murder, this novel features Mira James, an assistant librarian and aspiring sleuth who can’t seem to stop finding dead bodies in her new home of Battle Lake, Minnesota. “Hilarious, fast-paced, and madcap.”—Booklist (starred review) Tainted Mountain Shannon Baker Book 1 of the Nora Abbott Mysteries Nora Abbott’s recent court victory to save her ski resort should mean good times are ahead. But when her husband’s sudden death becomes an opportunity for an energy tycoon to launch a hostile takeover, Nora is caught in a clash between big business and native culture. “As mysterious and beautiful as the Arizona landscape in which it’s set.”—William Kent Krueger, New York Times bestselling author

Ghost of a Gamble

release date: Apr 01, 2014
Ghost of a Gamble
Spiritual medium Emma Whitecastle knows a good ghost when she feels one—like her own sweet Granny Apples, long gone but still as famous for her apple pies as she is for helping her great-great-great-granddaughter get to the core of the most baffling mysteries... When Emma gets word of a sticky spirit problem in Las Vegas, she and the ghost of Granny Apples hit the road for Sin City. The spooked one is Dolly, a former showgirl. Dolly is haunted by Lenny, a dead Vegas hood worried about an aging mobster named Nemo coming after the leggy old bombshell. Dolly’s playing dumb, but Emma’s making a blind bet that she knows more about Nemo than she admits. When Nemo is found dead, Dolly goes missing—and lands herself on a short list of suspects. Emma, Granny, and their pals comb Las Vegas to find her, only to discover the truth behind a casino heist gone bad, a hidden stash of stolen loot, and a missing wise guy who’s not letting death come between him and setting things straight. And Emma and Granny Apples aren’t about to fold until they save Dolly’s neck and put her past to rest. Praise for the Ghost of Granny Apples Mysteries “Officially proves the vivacious Jaffarian is the literary heir apparent to Lucille Ball!...A rollicking good time...refreshing, enthralling, and absolutely scrumptious! Jaffarian blends...an eclectic mix of laugh-out-loud fun, heart-touching moments, whimsy, and rapid-fire page turning...[Jaffarian]...deserves a standing ovation.” —The Book Resort

Dummy of a Ghost

release date: Mar 04, 2014
Dummy of a Ghost
“A pleasant mix of cozy and paranormal” (The Mystery Reader) this “appealing as apple pie” (Harley Jane Kozak) series “proves the vivacious Jaffarian is the literary heir apparent to Lucille Ball!” (The Book Resort) as a spiritual medium counts on family (those dead and alive) to help her get to the core of the most baffling crimes… A party is giving Kelly Whitecastle a chance to play catch-up with old friends, and she’s especially keen on seeing Chris May again, an up-and-coming ventriloquist. But when Kelly sees his show, and Chris’s dummies, a couple named Shirley and Doug, appear to be staring straight at her, it only rattles Kelly’s nerves. It seems that the ghosts of Chris’s grandparents inhabit those grinning heads full of sawdust and they have a warning for Kelly: Chris is in mortal danger. Now Kelly’s working the nightclub circuit to find out who—or what—wants Chris dead. And she’d better do it fast before the final curtain falls on Chris’s act. Includes excerpts from the first three books in the series, plus a preview of the new Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery, Ghost of a Gamble Praise for the Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery series: “Likable characters and steady suspense… [Sue Ann Jaffarian] makes paranormal activity seem plausible. One of the best cozy authors for light chatter and low-key humor.”—Library Journal “Delectable…introduces Ish Reynolds (aka ‘Granny Apples’), a charming turn-of-the-20th-century spirit and pie maker.” —Publishers Weekly

Ghost in the Guacamole

release date: Jan 06, 2015
Ghost in the Guacamole
When two sisters feud over the family business, medium Emma Whitecastle doesn’t need a Ouija board to know it spells trouble. But with a little help from the spirited ghost of Granny Apples, she may be able to solve one murder and prevent another . . . Sisters Lucinda and Ricarda Ricardo—better known as Lucy and Rikki—are at each other’s throats over the family business, Roble Foods. Lucy wants to sell and Rikki is against it. Rikki asks Emma to contact their deceased father, Felix, to help her convince Lucy not to sell. But the ghost of Felix Ricardo has his own bombshell to drop—his death was not an accident, and Rikki’s life may be in danger if the girls don’t sell. Now it’s up to Emma and Granny Apples to chip away at the mystery and stop a killer from double dipping in death . . .

Secondhand Stiff

release date: Dec 08, 2013
Secondhand Stiff
Final Bid Thanksgiving with her fault-finding mother has Odelia Grey stewing in her own juices. But her husband's cousin Ina—who shows up to dinner alone with ugly bruises—clearly has it worse. Things quickly go downhill after Odelia's mother decides to extend her visit a few extra days to attend a storage auction with Ina, who owns a consignment shop. The day of the auction, the thrill of bargain hunting gives way to tragedy when Ina's husband is found inside a storage locker—dead. Praise: "Witty and well-plotted."—Publishers Weekly "Ina's goods may be secondhand, but Jaffarian's are first-class."—Kirkus Reviews "Odelia and her colorful family and colleagues are as quirky and appealing as those found in Sharon Fiffer's Jane Wheel series."—Booklist "[A] clever, winning tale with lots of laughs along the way."—Suspense Magazine

Too Big to Miss

release date: Oct 08, 2013
Too Big to Miss
Too big to miss—that's Odelia Grey. A never-married, middle-aged, plus-sized woman who makes no excuses for her weight, she's not super woman just a mere mortal standing on the precipice of menopause, trying to cruise in an ill-fitting bra. She struggles with her relationships, her crazy family, and her crazier boss. And then there's her knack for being in close proximity to dead people... When her close friend Sophie London commits suicide in front of an online web-cam by putting a gun in her mouth and pulling the trigger, Odelia's life is changed forever. Sophie, a plus-sized activist and inspiration to imperfect women, is the last person anyone would ever have expected to end her own life. Suspecting foul play, Odelia is determined to get to the bottom of her friend's death. Odelia's search for the truth takes her from southern California strip malls to the world of live web-cam porn to the ritzy enclave of Corona del Mar. Praise: "I'd like to spend more time with Sue Ann Jaffarian's Odelia, a plus-size fat-liberationist with a handsome wheelchair-bound lover. Odelia...does not hesitate to give justice a small, well-plotted forward shove at every opportunity."—The New York Times "[Odelia] is an intriguing character, a true counter against stereotype, who demonstrates that life can be good, even in a world where thin is always in."—Booklist "Balancing her professional skills as a paralegal with her self-doubt as a sleuth, Odelia is one of the most believable amateur detectives in recent fiction. Beautifully plotted and carefully crafted, this is a marvelous start to an exciting new series. Strongly recommended."—Library Journal "With a cast of diverse characters, an intriguing plot, and a credible heroine, this is an enjoyable read."—Mystery Scene "Plus-size reading pleasure—try this one on!"—Lee Child, New York Times bestselling author "Sue Ann Jaffarian does a masterful job in creating the character of a plus-size woman, with different shades of angst, humor, verve, and sensualness. Once you get to know Odelia Grey, you'll love her. I know I do."— Naomi Hirahara, Edgar-winning author of Snakeskin Shamisen "Too Big To Miss is too good to miss, a fun-filled romp that introduces the delightful Odelia Grey and leaves you anxious for more of her. Odelia's definitely worth her weight in reading enjoyment."—Robert S. Levinson, author of Ask a Dead Man, Hot Paint, and The Elvis and Marilyn Affair "A plus-sized thumbs up. Jaffarian's a new sharpshooter in crime fiction, so set your sights on this Odelia Grey mystery for a tightly coiled intrigue that targets a sexy shocker."—Brian M. Wiprud, award-winning author of Pipsqueak and Stuffed "On one level, Too Big To Miss is a classic, fast-paced mystery; on another, it's a passport into a world we either inhabit or live next-door to, but rarely see in popular fiction. Sue Ann Jaffarian breaks rules and breaks ground, with humor, insight and compassion."—Harley Jane Kozak, Agatha, Anthony and Macavity Award winning author of Dating Dead Men and Dating is Murder

The Silent Ghost (Novella)

release date: Mar 05, 2013
The Silent Ghost (Novella)
A brand-new novella in the Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery series, featuring Emma Whitecastle’s daughter, Kelly—only available digitally… Like mother, like daughter? Emma Whitecastle’s daughter Kelly just wants to live a normal life and pursue her studies at Harvard. But that’s not so easy when your mother is a famous medium who hosts a TV show on paranormal activity and when your frequent companion is a ghost named Granny Apples. When reporter Tanisha Costello approaches her, Kelly is understandably skittish. But Tanisha isn’t after a story—she needs help. She’s being haunted. Though Kelly doesn’t want to acknowledge she has the same gift as her mother, Granny Apples steps in to get her to take the case and get the scoop on the spirit. Includes an excerpt from the “delectable” (Publishers Weekly) first book in the Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery series—Ghost á la Mode.

Hide and Snoop

release date: Sep 08, 2012
Hide and Snoop
A merger at Odelia Grey's law firm has put her job in jeopardy, and her new icy-cold boss, Erica Mayfield, has it in for her. The humiliation doubles when Erica dumps her three-year-old niece with Odelia and disappears for the weekend. The nerve! Primed for a confrontation, Odelia impulsively goes to her boss's house in the middle of the night—and finds Erica's sister murdered. Before she knows it, Odelia's madcap misadventure to prove her own innocence ends up in a cuddly cradle of crime. Praise: "Despite Jaffarian's flirtations with vampires and ghosts, her original series is still her best. Odelia takes no nonsense from anyone and stops at nothing to give the bad guys what they deserve."—Kirkus Reviews "Jaffarian is a skilled writer who is able to make extreme situations seem plausible and minor characters multidimensional. This character-rich series will appeal especially to readers of G. A. McKevett." —Booklist "[An] enormously entertaining seventh cozy...tight plotting, first-class humor, and vivid descriptions." —Publishers Weekly "It's nice to read a book in which the heroine is not obsessed over body image. Odelia...is happy, healthy, in love—and utterly charming."—Kathleen Hennrikus, The New York Journal of Books

Baited Blood

release date: Sep 08, 2011
Baited Blood
Who's murdering vampires in Los Angeles and throwing the bodies into the Dedhams' pool? Each victim has been branded, a distinct mark that is the calling card of femme fatale vampire Ann Hayes. The contemptuous undead beauty declares her innocence, but can the vampires believe her? Has Ann returned to reclaim Doug Dedham, whom she once loved? Or is she being framed? Complicating matters are Madison's burgeoning feelings for both sexy vampire Colin Reddy and fellow "beater" detective Mike Notchey. The stakes have never been higher as Madison and the vampires race to solve the mystery and stop the killer. Praise: "This is good, cheeky fun with a solid mystery, loads of possible villains and a genuinely sexy romp on the fang side."—RT Book Reviews "Refreshingly intelligent investigative work...Dark humor, edgy suspense, and an appealing cast of characters will leave readers anxiously awaiting the next book."—Publishers Weekly "This story has lots of surprises all of which gave credence to the story as a whole. A great read."—Suspense Magazine "Jaffarian's tantalizing, tangled mystery and well-drawn characters will keep readers interested in the action."—Library Journal "Sexy repartee, brisk plotting, and splendid supernatural scene-setting... a decidedly fresh spin on vamp lit."—Sophie Littlefield, Anthony Award-winning author of A Bad Day for Sorry

The Curse of the Holy Pail

release date: Aug 08, 2011
The Curse of the Holy Pail
Is the "Holy Pail" cursed? Every owner of the vintage Chappy Wheeler lunchbox—a prototype based on the 1940s TV western—has died. And now Sterling Price, business tycoon and a client of Odelia Grey's law firm, has been fatally poisoned. Is it a coincidence that Price's one-of-a-kind lunch pail—worth over thirty grand—has disappeared at the same time? Treading cautiously since a recent run-in with a bullet, Odelia takes small bites of this juicy, calorie-free mystery—and is soon ravenous for more! Her research reveals a sixty-year-old unsolved murder and Price's gold-digging ex-fiancée with two married men wrapped around her breasts...uh, finger. Mix in a surprise marriage proposal that sends an uncertain Odelia into chocolate sedation, and you've got an unruly recipe for delicious disaster. Praise: "I'd like to spend more time with Sue Ann Jaffarian's Odelia."—The New York Times "Plus-size paralegal Odelia Grey gets more than she bargained for when she accepts an unusual gift from a favorite client...Jaffarian plays the formula with finesse, keeping love problems firmly in the background while giving her heroine room to use her ample wit and grit."—Kirkus Reviews "Jaffarian offers the perfectly flawed alternative for readers sick and tired of picture-perfect characters." —Booklist "Odelia Grey is a keeper."—Library Journal "Jaffarian's writing is sharp and sassy—like her protagonist—and she knows how to keep the suspense high."—Mystery Scene "I have enjoyed both books in the series. Odelia is a resourceful woman, and I didn't chafe at her amateur sleuthing. The book has an inspired cookie recipe."—Deadly Pleasures "Even better than her first...a major hoot!"—Thomas B. Sawyer, bestselling author of TheSixteenth Man, former head writer/producer of Murder, She Wrote "Odelia Gray is a wonderful addition to the mystery genre, a smart, funny, engaging plus-size heroine who takes readers on a plus-size ride. You root for her, laugh with her and cheer at her ultimate triumph. If I were in trouble, I'd want Odelia on my side."—Denise Hamilton, Edgar and Willa Cather Award-finalist and national bestselling author of Prisoner of Memory "More fun than a lunch pail full of plump paralegals, The Curse of the Holy Pail is a tale as bouncy as its bodacious protagonist."—Bill Fitzhugh, author of Highway 61 and Resurfaced "With a legendary curse, a possibly murderous little person, ruthless heirs, [and] charismatic thugs... a lively caper that will keep you guessing right till the end."—Kris Neri, award-winning author of the Tracy Eaton mysteries "A funny read, with off the wall characters, a twisty plot and not a surplus calorie to be had. Recommended."—Bookbitch.com "Well written and nicely paced, this is a good beach or airplane read."—Cycling.Finial.com "Big women of the world, hang on to your hats, you're going to love Sue Ann Jaffarian's plus-sized Odelia Grey, amateur sleuth. This is funny, sexy, romantic, you name it, all wrapped up in one great mystery."—Cozylibrary.com

Booby Trap

release date: Nov 08, 2010
Booby Trap
Booby Trap is book four in this award-winning series starring the plus-sized, middle-aged, and whip-smart Odelia Grey. Could Dr. Brian Eddy, plastic surgeon to the rich and famous, possibly be the Blond Bomber serial killer? Odelia would never have suspected the prominent doctor of killing the bevy of buxom blonds if she hadn't heard it directly from her friend Lillian—Dr. Eddy's own mother—over lunch one day. Newlywed Odelia decides to stick her big nose into the case. But this mystery gets even messier than Odelia's chicken parmigiana sandwich, with everything from homeless kittens to Mob connections. Even with the help of her husband Greg and dog Wainwright, friends Zee and Seth, Detective Dev Frye, and her boss Mike Steele, Odelia discovers just how difficult — and dangerous—it'll be to bust this killer. Praise for the Odelia Grey Mystery Series "Gutsy, smart, and loveable, [Odelia Grey] is the perfect take-no-prisoners heroine for today's woman." —Camryn Manheim, Emmy-winning actress "A priceless series...a real treat for chick-lit and mystery fans who like feisty women."—Library Journal, starred review "Odelia Grey is delightfully large and in charge in Jaffarian's third entertaining romp."—Publishers Weekly "Odelia Grey is everything you want in a heroine...smart, funny, and completely unapologetic."—Tim Maleeny, award-winning author of Stealing the Dragon "An intriguing, well-plotted mystery that will entertain and inspire."—The Strand Magazine "Sue Ann Jaffarian does a masterful job. Once you get to know Odelia Grey, you'll love her. I know I do."—Naomi Hirahara, Edgar Award-winning author of Snakeskin Shamisen

Corpse on the Cob

release date: Sep 08, 2010
Corpse on the Cob
Book Five in the Award-Winning Series Starring Unforgettable Amateur Sleuth Odelia Grey What do you have to lose when you go searching for the mother who walked out of your life thirty-four years ago? I mean besides your pride, your nerves, and your sanity? Odelia finds herself up to her ears in trouble when she reunites with her mom in a corn maze at the Autumn Fair in Holmsbury, Massachusetts. For starters, there's finding the dead body in the cornfield—and seeing her long-lost mom crouched beside the corpse with blood on her hands... Praise: "Ultimately, Corpse on the Cob offers readers much food for thought."—Mystery Scene "The personal story makes this among the most satisfying novels in the series."—Booklist "Jaffarian's delightful fifth cozy to feature supersized sleuth Odelia Grey...Jaffarian keeps getting better and better at blending humor, suspense, and romance."—Publishers Weekly "Like its predecessors, this fifth series title (after Booby Trap) is a delight."—Library Journal "A trip to the East Coast blows a refreshing fall breeze through Odelia's fifth. So does the switch of focus from workplace woes to family drama."—Kirkus Reviews "Suspenseful and thrilling, with just the right dash of humor and romance, Corpse on the Cob is a charming entertaining mystery."—Fresh Fiction

X Is for Xmas

release date: Nov 01, 2011
X Is for Xmas
Christmas is a time for giving, for receiving. . . and for murder. We've collected ten Christmas stories, old and new, that will spike your eggnog, trim your tree, and hopefully add a dash of spice to your Christmas cheer. Included are: "A Christmas Pit," by John Gregory Betancourt; "A Reversible Santa Claus," by Meredith Nicholson; "A Stake of Holly," by Lillian Stewart Carl; "Believing in Santa," by Ron Goulart; "Death Will Trim Your Tree," by Liz Zelvin; "Ho Ho Homicide," by Sue Ann Jaffarian; "Mr. Wray's Cash Box," by Wilkie Collins; "Murder on Santa Claus Lane," by William G. Bogart; and two tales by Johnston McCulley, creator of Zorro: "Thubway Tham's Chrithtmath" and "Death Play Santa Claus."

Ghost in the Polka Dot Bikini

release date: Jan 01, 2011
Ghost in the Polka Dot Bikini
"Imagine spending eternity with your backside hanging out--that's what Emma Whitecastle and Granny Apples think when they meet the ghost of Tessa North frolicking in the surf off Catalina Island. The young starlet died there in the 1960s in her polka-dot bikini, and won't cross over until 'Curtis' comes for her. To help the winsome spirit, Emma and Granny must find out who Curtis is and how Tessa died. The investigation takes them from the grit and glamour of Hollywood to Kennedy-era political intrigue--before hitting close to home"--Page 4 of cover.

Murder in Vein

release date: Sep 08, 2010
Murder in Vein
"Sue Ann Jaffarian never fails to make me chuckle with her three mystery series starring paralegal Odelia Grey, ghost Granny Apples, and now Murder in Vein, starring friendly, and not-so-friendly, neighborhood vampires."—Joanne Fluke, New York Times bestselling author of the Hannah Swensen Mysteries The sight of the blood covered fangs exploded from her deep memory like a ball through a plate glass window. The man had bitten Bobby, torn into him like a barbequed rib on the Fourth of July. Vampires.Vam-pires. Real live—er, dead (undead?)—bloodsucking vampires, living in the City of Angels. Madison Rose, a street-smart twenty-something waitress would never have believed it—until a vampire thwarts a vicious attack against her by appearing in the nick of time and finishing off her assailant in one tasty bite. Madison has been saved by the vampires—or has she? She learns that women have been going missing; their lifeless bodies turning up drained of blood. Now the murderer is after her. As the violence escalates, Madison, LAPD Detective Notchey, and a cadre of alluring and dangerous vampires search for the true killer—while Madison keeps a wary eye on the skittish and thirsty vampires. Will she survive to see the light of day? Praise: "Like Stuart Kaminsky, Jaffarian juggles her franchises deftly, giving each a unique voice and appeal. Her latest series kickoff may be her best yet, blending supernatural sexy with down-to-earth sassy."—Kirkus Reviews "Though Madison is no Sookie Stackhouse, she's definitely a keeper."—Publishers Weekly "It will no doubt appeal to many paranormal mystery fans...[Murder in Vein] is recommended for its likable characters and intriguing plot."—Library Journal "Thrilling, suspenseful, and darkly funny, Murder in Vein will leave you thirsting for more in this fabulous new series."—Kelli Stanley, author of City of Dragons "Sue Ann Jaffarian has added her own inimitable style to the urban fantasy genre. Murder in Vein is fast, fun and, as the cover notes, deliciously fang-in-cheek!"—Jeanne C. Stein, bestselling author of the Anna Strong Chronicles "Luminescent in the night fog, Murder in Vein calls to the reader to come along with its determined protagonist Madison Rose down a road fraught with murder, chills, humor and downright sexy undead suspects. This tale of dangerous things that go bump in the night by Sue Ann Jaffarian makes for a pleasurable and exciting read."—Gary Phillips, author of The Underbelly

Thugs and Kisses

release date: Sep 08, 2010
Thugs and Kisses
With the class bully murdered at her 30th high school reunion and her boss, the annoying Michael Steele, missing, Odelia doesn't know which hole to poke her big nose into first. This decision is made for her as she's again swept into the action involving contract killers, tangled relationships, and fatal buyer's remorse. Throughout this adventure, Odelia deals with her on-again, off-again relationship with Greg and her attraction to detective Devon Frye. Praise: "The best title yet in a priceless series...a real treat for chick-lit and mystery fans who like feisty women."—Library Journal(starred review) "Odelia Grey is delightfully large and in charge in Jaffarian's third entertaining romp (after 2003's The Curse of the Holy Pail)."—Publishers Weekly "The best one yet...an intriguing, well-plotted mystery that will entertain and inspire."—The Strand Magazine "Odelia is a character that could easily be a good friend. She's down to earth and likeable. While she doesn't fit into Hollywood's size 0 body criteria, she's a good, plus size fit for the real people and mystery readers of the world."—Deadly Pleasures "Written with a light touch but a keen eye for detail, this satisfying entry in the Odelia Grey series also has room for a little romance."—Booklist "Jaffarian's clear talent is that she delivers characterization so well drawn it destroys cliché, tramples trite expectations, and delivers a heroine pulsing with personality."—Crime and Suspense "Snappy dialogue."—Kirkus Reviews "I wish I'd had Odelia Grey as my paralegal when I was on The Practice. Gutsy, smart, and loveable, she is the perfect take-no-prisoners heroine for today's woman."—Camryn Manheim, Emmy Award-winning actress "Sue Ann Jaffarian does a masterful job. Once you get to know Odelia Grey, you'll love her. I know I do."—Naomi Hirahara, Edgar Award-winning author of Snakeskin Shamisen "Thugs and Kisses is a very enjoyable reading experience."—Harriet Klausner, Genre Go Round Reviews "[L]ight and breezy...a good time to pass your lunch break with."—Feminist Review "[H]ighly recommended to those interested in a fun, suspenseful mystery. You will not be disappointed."—Reader Views "Odelia Grey is definitely a force to be reckoned with."—ReviewingTheEvidence.com "Jaffarian tells a great story...a delight to read."—ReviewedByLiz.com

Love at Large

release date: Nov 01, 2004
Love at Large
Love at Large is a courageous book of charming romantic stories; each one a celebration of the lives and loves of full-figured women. It is a book of fiction featuring real women searching for real love and finding that men to indeed send long-stemmed red roses to women with double digit dress sizes.

Gem of a Ghost

release date: Jan 01, 2020
Gem of a Ghost
Emma Whitecastle would rather spend time with her boyfriend than help Joanna Reid get rid of her husband's ghost. But when she finds out Joanna's daughter has broken her engagement and attempted suicide, Emma and Granny Apples are compelled to investigate.The multifaceted mystery unfolds in Hollywood, where a vengeful spirit strikes too close for comfort as Emma and Granny unearth a clue hidden in a haunted diamond. When the case leads Emma and a suave stranger to the historic mining town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, Emma must call upon a ghostly group of Molly Maguires to ease the pain of a century-old marriage gone bad.

Ghosts 'n Graveyards

release date: Jan 01, 2020
Ghosts 'n Graveyards
Emma Whitecastle and the ghost of Granny Apples are back in this new short fiction! Emma and her husband Phil Bowers are hosting P.I. and medium Jeremiah Jones and his friend Rose for Thanksgiving. Plans for a relaxing holiday go awry when Granny pops in with a request for help from fellow ghost Albert Robinson. One of the ghosts that haunts Julian's Pioneer Cemetery has been babbling something lately that has Albert concerned. When Emma and Jeremiah investigate, they uncover a sinister plot involving murder.

Finding Zelda

release date: Sep 12, 2019
Finding Zelda
Zelda Bowen was the glue in her dysfunctional family, but who was holding her together? When Bill Bowen ran off with a woman from his office, leaving no word of his whereabouts, he left his family reeling and angry. As always, Zelda, the middle of his three adult daughters, stepped in to keep the family functioning. It was something she was used to doing during her parents' rocky marriage. As Zelda puts her dreams and plans on hold to keep her crazy family going, her own life crumbles around her. Heaped on top are the family secrets she uncovers. Feeling trapped by her family and her own circumstances, it takes her irascible and snarky grandfather to show her the way out.
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