Spotlight Author Susie Black
I’d like to extend another warm welcome to my author friend, Susie Black. Susie has been really busy since the last time we spoke, not only writing, but she has achieved so many worthy awards along the way. If you like a laugh, mixed with the serious business of death, you really need to sit back, relax, and read on….
Death by Jelly Beans
Blurb:
Mermaid Swimwear President Holly Schlivnik discovers the Bainbridge Department Store Easter Bunny slumped over dead and obnoxious swimwear buyer Sue Ellen Magee is arrested for the crime. Despite her differences with the nasty buyer, Holly is convinced the Queen of Mean didn’t do it. The wise-cracking, irreverent amateur sleuth jumps into action to nail the real killer. But the trail has more twists than a pretzel and more turns than a rollercoaster. And nothing turns out the way Holly thinks it will as she tangles with a clever killer hellbent on revenge.
Tag Line:
“Brings a whole new meaning to the rabbit died.”
It is also my pleasure to be able share an excerpt from Susie’s latest novel – Death By Jelly Beans. As you can tell by the title, and possibly the front cover, this story, even with death involved, it’s going to be a hoot. Over to you Susie…
Death by Jelly Beans Excerpt
I dragged my eyes over to the throne. The Easter Bunny sat slumped over with his chin resting on his chest and his body listing to the right. Good grief. A double-whammy. Not only did he dip into the jellybeans again after being warned not to, but he fell asleep on the job in a booze-infused slumber.
Why should I give a flying fig about the jerk who bowled me over without an apology, let alone helping me up? Yet a stab of unexpected pity pierced my heart. I checked the time. Still a few minutes before my command performance. Maybe rouse the poor guy and give him a chance to concoct another story Sue Ellen might buy unless the security cameras sealed his fate.
I laid my messenger bag on the library table next to the throne and gently shook the rabbit’s left shoulder. Nothing doing. I shook him again. This time a bit harder. I put my lips next to his ears and implored him. “Pedro, wake up.” Zilch. Geesh, how much booze did the guy chug? Or maybe booze isn’t the culprit. Perhaps the guy had a late night before or he is just one helluva sound sleeper? Oddly, he wasn’t snoring, but I attributed it to his neck bent down and his head dangling over his body.
I shook him again and got nothing for my trouble. His chest wasn’t rising and falling. Good gravy. Was the guy breathing? I passed my hand over the costume’s mouth opening, but one so small I couldn’t tell. I clasped a paw to check for a pulse, but the heavy gauge costume fabric was too thick to detect one.
I checked my watch. No more time to crap around trying to help this idiot or I’d be late for my meeting. Despite my efforts to rouse him, the guy hadn’t so much as twitched. Annoyance coupled with dread tied my stomach in knots. I panned the department. No one was around except the rabbit and me.
The Goddess short-changed me in the height department but compensated by blessing me with a deep voice and a strong set of pipes. I put my lips next to his ear and shouted loud enough to wake the dead. “PEDRO, WAKE UP!”
I grabbed the rabbit by the shoulder and shook him with all my might. The guy didn’t move an inch. I grasped his arm tightly and yanked it hard trying to right him. Good grief. The bunny was stiff as a board. I might as well try bending a steel beam.
I let go of his shoulder and the rabbit slid off the throne. He crashed headfirst into the library table. Along with my messenger bag, the jellybean jar bounced off the edge of the table and fell onto the cement floor. My messenger bag survived the ordeal, but the jellybean jar broke into a zillion pieces. Jellybeans scattered all over the place. The bunny bounced twice and flopped unceremoniously face-down into a pile of jellybeans.
The concept of shouting loud enough to wake the dead? Trust me, it’s a pile of hot hooey. I didn’t need an MD after my name to make this diagnosis. Pedro Conejo was as dead as the proverbial doornail. When the first responders arrive, they’re gonna close the swimwear department for who knows how long. This ought to put a nice crimp into the Easter promotion. And who gets to break the good news to Sue Ellen? None other than yours truly.
She’s not gonna be a happy camper. Naturally, I burst out laughing.
Susie, as always its been a pleasure working with you. Having also won NN Light Book Award 2021 and 2023 I’m thrilled to learn you have also won the title of Nest winner. What can I say but HUGE CONGRATULATIONS!
Of course, that’s not all folks, please find Susie’s social and buy links below. We would also love it if you could spare the time to comment below and connect with us, (all things writerly of course). Thank you once again to Susie, and all our very important and special readers, it’s lovely having you on board.
Social Media Links:
Updated 6/28/24
Facebook: Susie Black, author of The Holly Swimsuit Mystery Series | Facebook
Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheHollySwimsuitMysterySeries
Instagram: Susie Black (@hollyswimsuit) • Instagram photos and videos
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorsusieblack-61941011
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hollysusie1_saved/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/@hollyswimsuit
mybook.to/twentyone – 1950s London and everyone has a secret
Comments (27)
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Susie Black
Meryl, thank you for reading our post and for your kind words. I am thrilled to have my sixth book published in only three years. A dream come true for me. Thanks for making my special day even more special. Susie Black.
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Meryl Brown Tobin
Congrats on another publication, Susie! This one sounds an interesting and entertaining read. Best wishes for lots of sales, readers and reviews.
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Susie Black
Hello Meryl, So glad you read the post. Yes, this one is different from my earlier books. I have added two hilarious ghosts. Susie.
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Susie Black
Ana, accolades for my work from an author I respect are especially appreciated. Susie Black.
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Mary Ann Jacobs
Love your books, and love the rabbit.
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Susie Black
Mary Ann, I am thrilled you took the time to read my post and comment. I had a lot of fun writing this book. The rabbit is a kick! Susie Black.
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Mary Morgan
Congratulations, Susie! Enjoyed the snippet! This looks like another successful story. Wishing you all the best!
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Susie Black
Mary, I appreciate you reading our post. Fingers crossed that this new book resonates with readers. I'll keep you posted. Susie.
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Terry Segan
Congrats on another release, Susie!
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Susie Black
Hi Terry! Hard to believe this is the sixth release in three years! Hoping my readers love it. Susie.
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Susie
Ilona, Thank You! I am honored that you enjoyed my books. Susie
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Marla White
I love how your characters can fit in any season with humor and panache!
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Susie Black
Marla, Thank you for reading and commenting on my post. I am an author who focuses on character development and your observations on my characters made my day. Susie Black
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Susie
Marla, thank you so much. Accolades from a sister cozy author are especially appreciated. Susie
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Susie
Lynn, Thanks for hosting me and helping introduce my newest book. Susie
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Meryl Brown Tobin
Congrats on another publication, Susie! Best wishes for lots of sales, readers and reviews.