A Conversation with Mystery Author Victoria Hamilton

with Victoria Hamilton

We are delighted to welcome mystery author Victoria Hamilton to Omnimystery News today, courtesy of Cozy Mystery Book Reviews, which is coordinating her current book tour. We encourage you to visit all of the participating host sites; you can find her schedule here.

Victoria's second "Vintage Kitchen" mystery featuring collector Jaymie Leighton is Bowled Over (Berkley Prime Crime, March 2013 mass market paperback and ebook formats).

We recently had a chance to talk to Victoria about her series. And we don't want you to miss out on the opportunity to win one of four terrific prizes courtesy of Cozy Mystery Marketing; click on the banner at the end of this post for more details.

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Omnimystery News: You have written historical mysteries as Dorothy Lea Simpson and now a new cozy series of mysteries as Victoria Hamilton. What is it about series characters that appeals to you?

Photo provided courtesy of
Victoria Hamilton

Victoria Hamilton: I love writing a series. I get involved with the folks in my books, and want to visit the place and people again and again. I guess that's not so strange since when I'm reading, I want to rush right out and get the next book in the series to go back to that time or town or place. I do try to create characters who are human and changeable; they grow, learn, improve or get worse, experience highs and lows and learn from them. People change with time; I don't expect my characters to stand still.

OMN: Tell us about your writing process.

VH: I don't have one writing process, I have many and use them at different times. It's a helter skelter mish-mash of processes. I always start out with a synopsis … indeed, most writers sell books to the publisher based on a synopsis or proposal. From there, I always tell myself I'm going to do a detailed synopsis then flesh that out into a chapter by chapter outline, and I usually start out that way. But outlining is boring and writing is fun. Guess what I do? I usually race ahead with the writing and end up having to go back and fill in the outline from the actual chapters. That means, of course, that the story does develop as I write and changes from the synopsis I began with, but that's the way it should be. The story is more organic that way.

I do, though, write descriptions for my characters so I can keep it consistent, especially since I write several series. There is nothing worse than going back and finding that you've changed the color of someone's eyes!

OMN: Your new series character, Jaymie Leighton, is a collector. Do you collect, too?

VH: Well, I really do collect vintage kitchenware, enjoy baking muffins and collect teapots and teacups! So yes, I have definitely mined my interests for material. Other than that I enjoy classical music, cats, cooking, crocheting … there seems to be a "c" theme emerging! Oh, and cross stitch! There is never enough time to do all the things I love to do.

OMN: Did you read mysteries as a child?

VH: As a kid I read Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh and Dorothy L. Sayers. But I also read Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte. So, given that I started my writing career as a Regency and historical romance author and have now become a mystery writer, I'd have to say that I have used every bit of my early literary influences.

OMN: What authors do you enjoy reading now?

VH: I think that Sue Grafton ought to, when she is finished the alphabet, go right back to the "A" and keep on writing, that's how much I love her Kinsey Millhone books. I never miss one, but they come out too slowly! I read cozies, of course, and recommend Janet Bolin's Threadville series, as well as Cleo Coyle's Coffeehouse series. Love them! Also, I can't get enough of the Agatha Raisin books by M. C. Beaton.

I do enjoy other kinds of books, too, though, historicals and literary fiction. My favorite that I've read recently are Diana Setterfield's The Thirteenth Tale, A Flaw in the Blood by Stephanie Barron, and I highly recommend the YA series beginning with Uglies by Scott Westerfeld.

OMN: How do you go about interacting with your readers?

VH: I meet a lot of folks on Facebook. I like getting to know people through their photos and likes and dislikes. But letters are wonderful. Actually, I received a lovely letter the other day. The reader enjoyed A Deadly Grind and Bowled Over, and told me that she likes to get out a map, while she is reading a book, and do a little research on the area in which it is set. She told me that she knew Queensville was a fictional town, but asked what Michigan town it was based on. Now that is an engaged reader!

OMN: What's next for you?

VH: I am enjoying the unusual situation of being too busy … and I love it! I am launching a new cozy series September 3rd; the Merry Muffin Mysteries starts with Bran New Death. In June 2014 my Teapot Collector Mysteries written as Amanda Cooper debuts with Tempest in a Teapot. I have my third Vintage Kitchen Mysteries book, Freezer I'll Shoot, coming out November 5th, and the series has been renewed for at least two more books, taking me into 2015!

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Victoria Hamilton is a pseudonym for Donna Lea Simpson, who writes historical mysteries but, like her series character here, is also a collector of vintage cookware and recipes.

You can learn more about the author on her websites, VictoriaHamiltonMysteries.com and DonnaLeaSimpson.com.

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Bowled Over
Victoria Hamilton
A Jaymie Leighton, Vintage Kitchen Mystery (1st in series)

Stirring up trouble …

Vintage kitchenware and cookbook collector Jaymie Leighton has been estranged from her high school best friend Kathy Cooper since they were teenagers, but she never knew what turned Kathy against her. After fireworks at a Fourth of July picnic, Jaymie discovers the body of her former friend in the park. On the ground nearby is Jaymie's own Depression-era glass bowl, broken in two.

With her fingerprints all over the bowl and a troubled history with the victim, Jaymie suddenly finds herself at the top of the list of suspects. Did the killer intend to frame her for the murder? If so, she is ready to mix it up, because solving crimes is vintage Jaymie Leighton …

        

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A Brush with Death by Vicki Briner is Today's Fifth Featured Free MystereBook

MystereBooks is pleased to feature A Brush with Death by Vicki Briner as today's fifth free mystery ebook (An Abby Reed Mystery; Kindle format only).

This title was listed for free as of the date and time of this post, May 03, 2013 at 7:50 AM ET. Prices are subject to change without notice. The price displayed on the vendor website at the time of purchase will be the price paid for the book. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your transaction.

For a summary of all of today's featured titles, plus any that may have appeared before and are repeat freebies, visit our Free MystereBooks page. This page is updated daily, typically by 8 AM ET.

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A Brush with Death
Vicki Briner
An Abby Reed Mystery
Publisher: CreateSpace

Fledgling reporter Abby Reed's world is turned upside down when friend and mentor Patrick McDonnell is found murdered. Wanting to bring closure to their relationship as well as his life and career, Abby decides to finish his last story, and that means she's going to have to start asking a lot of questions.

Marcus Anderson, an amateur art historian and employee of the District Attorney's office, keeps popping into Abby's life and getting under her skin. He proves himself knowledgeable and becomes an important source of information. But as she's beginning to realize, first impressions can be deceiving. And besides, how could someone so attractive be so annoying?

Tracking down Patrick's story leads Abby into the South Florida art scene where she finds out it's not just the brushes that are dirty. She uncovers long-hidden secrets, drawing the attention of powerful men who will stop at nothing to keep her from exposing a decades-long scam with world-wide ramifications.

Someone thinks Abby knows too much. Will she get to tell her story or will she be silenced forever?

  

Important Note: This book was listed for free on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

For more free mystery ebooks, visit our Free MystereBooks page.

Empty Rocker by Judi Ciance is Today's Fourth Featured Free MystereBook

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Empty Rocker by Judi Ciance as today's fourth free mystery ebook (A Casey Quinby Mystery; Kindle format only).

This title was listed for free as of the date and time of this post, May 03, 2013 at 7:40 AM ET. Prices are subject to change without notice. The price displayed on the vendor website at the time of purchase will be the price paid for the book. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your transaction.

For a summary of all of today's featured titles, plus any that may have appeared before and are repeat freebies, visit our Free MystereBooks page. This page is updated daily, typically by 8 AM ET.

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Empty Rocker
Judi Ciance
A Casey Quinby Mystery
Publisher: CreateSpace

James' life was falling apart. How did he allow a sixteen-year-old girl to infiltrate his world? She wanted commitment. It wasn't going to happen.

It was Sunday night. He got home in time to grab a beer before the eleven o'clock news. A young girl, yet to be identified, was found lying face down by the edge of the Scenic Highway … a presumed hit-and-run. He didn't need a name. He'd left no clues that would lead back to him. It was quick and clean … the way he'd planned it.

The name-plate on her desk read, Casey Quinby. She was the head investigative reporter for the Cape Cod Tribune. She worked hand-in-hand with police departments from one end of the Cape to the other. Casey was their ‘Kelly Girl' detective. Her boss gave her free rein to work with the cops, fully knowing she'd get the exclusive. She got to play with the POs, and then got paid to write about it.

Last Sunday night, there was a hit-and-run on the Bourne Scenic Highway. For some reason, Casey wasn't given clearance to mingle with the cops at the scene. Even her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Sam, suggested she step back from this one. Said he'd get in touch with her in a couple of days. Sam was the chief detective in the Bourne Police Department. Imagine telling a reporter, a nosey one at that, to close her eyes and disappear for a few days. Not going to happen.

She knew she had to use her Sherlock Holmes' nose to sniff out well hidden clues — mix them together — and end up with a perfectly assembled table puzzle.

  

Important Note: This book was listed for free on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

For more free mystery ebooks, visit our Free MystereBooks page.

A Crying Shame by Ann Mullen is Today's Third Featured Free MystereBook

MystereBooks is pleased to feature A Crying Shame by Ann Mullen as today's third free mystery ebook (A Jesse Watson Mystery; Kindle format only).

This title was listed for free as of the date and time of this post, May 03, 2013 at 7:30 AM ET. Prices are subject to change without notice. The price displayed on the vendor website at the time of purchase will be the price paid for the book. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your transaction.

For a summary of all of today's featured titles, plus any that may have appeared before and are repeat freebies, visit our Free MystereBooks page. This page is updated daily, typically by 8 AM ET.

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A Crying Shame
Ann Mullen
A Jesse Watson Mystery
Publisher: Afton Ridge Publishing

Jesse and Billy return from their vacation only to discover that Claire is in a state of panic. Her soon-to-be ex-husband, Carl, has kidnapped her children. In Claire's absence, he convinced her mom to let him take Benny and Carrie into town for ice cream. Minnie, stunned by his sudden appearance, but thankful that he had finally shown some interest in his children, agreed to his request. He had driven all the way from Washington, D. C. to see his kids — what could it possibly hurt?

But when Carl fails to return as promised, a late night mission to rescue the children ensues. Billy enlists the help of his three brothers and soon a simple plan is devised. The retrieval is pulled off and Benny and Carrie are reunited with their mother. However, the mission was not without complications. The conversation between Carl and Billy had become heated, and blows were exchanged. Blood was spilled. The next day, Carl turns up missing. Is Carl dead, or is this another one of his practical jokes?

Frank Trainum of the D.C. Police Department is determined to find out. With the help of the Charlottesville Police Department and the Greene County Sheriff's Office, a full investigation begins. While Billy is dealing with the police, and at the same time investigating an unrelated case involving the death of Vicki Cherry, Jesse and Claire head to D.C. in hopes of unraveling the mystery of Carl's disappearance. Their intention is to search his house for clues, but instead, they discover the body of one of his business associates. Trouble is not far behind as Jesse and Claire flee D.C. to save themselves from a psychotic killer who has turned her sights on them, and will stop at nothing.

  

Important Note: This book was listed for free on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

For more free mystery ebooks, visit our Free MystereBooks page.

Vengeance Wears Black by Seumas Gallacher is Today's Second Featured Free MystereBook

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Vengeance Wears Black by Seumas Gallacher as today's second free mystery ebook (A Jack Calder Thriller; Kindle format only).

This title was listed for free as of the date and time of this post, May 03, 2013 at 7:20 AM ET. Prices are subject to change without notice. The price displayed on the vendor website at the time of purchase will be the price paid for the book. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your transaction.

For a summary of all of today's featured titles, plus any that may have appeared before and are repeat freebies, visit our Free MystereBooks page. This page is updated daily, typically by 8 AM ET.

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Vengeance Wears Black
Seumas Gallacher
A Jack Calder Thriller
Publisher: Seumas Gallacher

Jack Calder and his former SAS colleagues at ISP, a specialist security firm, are saved from certain death when an ex-Gurkha is killed smothering a deadly grenade thrown into a lunchtime Chinese restaurant in the West End of London. They learn that murderous turf wars are raging between Asian Triads and Eastern European mobsters vying for control of international fiefdoms of drug smuggling, people trafficking, prostitution and money laundering.

An unexpected visit from the highest levels of international law enforcement offers Jack and the ISP team a means to use their black operations skills to wreak a ruthless retaliation against the drug lords.

Unlikely partners emerge in their onslaught against the gangs as the warring criminal factions threaten an unholy alliance to repel them. The pursuit spins across Europe, Turkey and North Africa before a final reckoning.

  

Important Note: This book was listed for free on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

For more free mystery ebooks, visit our Free MystereBooks page.

The Gemini Factor by Philip Fleishman is Today's Featured Free MystereBook

MystereBooks is pleased to feature The Gemini Factor by Philip Fleishman as today's free mystery ebook (A Medical Thriller; Kindle format only).

This title was listed for free as of the date and time of this post, May 03, 2013 at 7:10 AM ET. Prices are subject to change without notice. The price displayed on the vendor website at the time of purchase will be the price paid for the book. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your transaction.

For a summary of all of today's featured titles, plus any that may have appeared before and are repeat freebies, visit our Free MystereBooks page. This page is updated daily, typically by 8 AM ET.

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The Gemini Factor
Philip Fleishman
A Medical Thriller
Publisher: Philip Fleishman

Murders are common. Serial murders are less common. Serial murders committed in two different countries at exactly the same time, in exactly the same way, are unheard of … until now.

In Toronto, Inspector Raid McTavish stares at the body of the young woman carefully posed in a bed of purple iris, her throat slashed, almost beheaded, her hands placed to cover her empty eye sockets. He knows this is not a random murder, but the first of more to come. What he doesn't know is that 2,000 miles away in Tucson, Arizona, Sergeant Gary Ronstadt is viewing an identical crime scene.

Months later, McTavish and Ronstadt meet at a seminar on telepathy between identical twins, where they are shocked to discover that not only are they investigating identical murders, but their lives are intimately linked by a number of inexplicable similarities and coincidences.

While working together to unravel the clues purposely left by the killers, the detectives realize they have but five days to find the killers before they strike again, only this time the killings will be much closer to home if they fail.

  

Important Note: This book was listed for free on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

For more free mystery ebooks, visit our Free MystereBooks page.

Run the Risk by Lori Foster is Today's Nook Daily Find

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Run the Risk by Lori Foster as today's Barnes & Noble Nook Daily Find.

The deal price of $1.99 is valid only for today, Friday, May 03, 2013.

Note: The price has been matched by Amazon.com for today only.

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Run the Risk
Lori Foster
A Novel of Romantic Suspense
Harlequin

When Detective Logan Riske goes undercover to find Pepper Yates, a potential link to his best friend's unsolved murder, he vows to gain her cooperation by any means necessary. But the elusive beauty is more suspicious — and in far more danger — than he expected. And the last thing Logan needs is to start caring for her….

Pepper has spent years dodging the corrupt club owner who will stop at nothing to keep her silenced. She can trust no one, not even the handsome new "construction worker" who's moved in next door. The heat between them is undeniable. But will surrendering to passion bring her the safety she so desires — or will her feelings for Logan draw them both into a killer's crosshairs?

 

Important Note: This book was listed at the price mentioned above on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

Mystery Bestsellers for the Week Ending May 03, 2013

A list of the top 15 Mystery Hardcover Bestsellers for the week ending May 3rd, 2013 has been posted by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books.

Kate Atkinson's Life After Life retains the top spot, though last week's featured title, The Hit by David Baldacci, moves up strongly into second place.

Three new titles debut this week (below; position in backets).

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[6]: 12th of Never
James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
— Women's Murder Club (12th)

Lindsay Boxer's beautiful baby is born! But after only a week at home with her new daughter, Lindsay is forced to return to work to face two of the biggest cases of her career.

A rising star football player for the San Francisco 49ers is the prime suspect in a grisly murder. At the same time, Lindsay is confronted with the strangest story she's ever heard: An eccentric English professor has been having vivid nightmares about a violent murder and he's convinced is real. Lindsay doesn't believe him, but then a shooting is called in — and it fits the professor's description to the last detail.

Lindsay doesn't have much time to stop a terrifying future from unfolding. But all the crimes in the world seem like nothing when Lindsay is suddenly faced with the possibility of the most devastating loss of her life.

Purchase Options

          

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[8]: NOS4A2
Joe Hill

Victoria McQueen has a secret gift for finding things: a misplaced bracelet, a missing photograph, answers to unanswerable questions. On her Raleigh Tuff Burner bike, she makes her way to a rickety covered bridge that, within moments, takes her wherever she needs to go, whether it's across Massachusetts or across the country.

Charles Talent Manx has a way with children. He likes to take them for rides in his 1938 Rolls-Royce Wraith with the NOS4A2 vanity plate. With his old car, he can slip right out of the everyday world, and onto the hidden roads that transport them to an astonishing — and terrifying – playground of amusements he calls "Christmasland".

Then, one day, Vic goes looking for trouble — and finds Manx. That was a lifetime ago. Now Vic, the only kid to ever escape Manx's unmitigated evil, is all grown up and desperate to forget. But Charlie Manx never stopped thinking about Victoria McQueen. He's on the road again and he's picked up a new passenger: Vic's own son.

Purchase Options

          

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[9]: Best Kept Secret
Jeffrey Archer
— The Clifton Chronicles (3rd)

Harry Clifton, now a bestselling novelist, Emma, their son Sebastian, and orphaned Jessica make a new life for themselves, but all is not as happy and secure as it could be. Emma's brother, Giles, is engaged to a woman who may be more interested in Barrington's fortune and title than in a long and happy marriage. And Sebastian, though he is bright, isn't quite the hard worker that his father was at school, and finds a hard time resisting the temptations that his somewhat unsavory friends provide.

It all comes to a head when a new villain is uncovered, a face from the past with grudges against both Harry and Giles — Fisher, who tortured Harry at school and later took credit for Giles' heroics during the war. Fisher teams up with Giles' now ex-wife to wreak havoc on Giles' latest election as well as meddle with affairs inside Barringtons, while Harry and Emma must deal with a new scheme that Sebastian has unwittingly fallen into with a supposed friend.

Purchase Options

          

Today's Mystery and Suspense Update from Big Fish Games (130503)

Here is today's mystery and suspense update from Big Fish Games …

• The New Release is Shiver: Moonlit Grove (Collector's Edition).

• The Daily Deal is City of Fools, just $2.99 today only!

• The current Catch of the Week is Grim Tales: The Bride, just $2.99 through Sunday, May 05, 2013 only.

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Today's New Release is Shiver: Moonlit Grove (Collector's Edition)

You owe everything to Rene Malot, the man who found you as a child and raised you as his own. So when he goes missing, you're elected by the district to take his place, following in his footsteps as a doctor. On the way to your new job, a wolf attacks your carriage, forcing you to flee for shelter in a nearby village. Something here is very wrong, but the villagers aren’t talking. As you discover their secrets, you might discover something about the foster father whom you've loved so dearly. You'll need all of your wits to survive the long night in this chilling Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game.

This is a special Collector's Edition release full of exclusive extras you won't find in the standard version, including: replayable puzzles; downloadable wallpapers; concept art and video gallery; and a bonus chapter featuring an excitiing epilogue!

A sample version is available to download and play for free for one hour.

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Today's Daily Deal is City of Fools

Play as a newspaper journalist and investigate the small town of Tundel where a UFO is rumored to have landed. The local mayor seems to be trying to cover up the event and it's your job to track him down and learn the truth. The way to the mayor will challenge your courage, selflessness and wit. Overcome all the incredible obstacles, find the mayor and become a hero in this charming adventure game!

A sample version is available to download and play for free for one hour. You can purchase this game today only — Friday, May 03, 2013 — for $2.99.

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The current Catch of the Week is Grim Tales: The Bride

After your sister vanishes on her wedding day no one has any idea what happened to her, so it's up to you to find the truth! Some believe she drowned, but her body was never found. Return to the abandoned family mansion and search for clues. Explore your sister's memories to solve the mystery of her disappearance in this exciting Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game!

A sample version is available to download and play for free for one hour. You can purchase this game at the special price of $2.99 through Sunday, May 05, 2013.

Winners of the 2013 Edgar Awards Announced

The winners of the 2013 Edgar Awards were handed out this evening by the Mystery Writers of America. Thanks to everyone, who tweeted the results, which are …

• Best Novel: Live by Night by Dennis Lehane (William Morrow)

• Best First Novel: The Expats by Chris Pavone (Crown)

• Best Paperback Original: The Last Policeman by Ben H. Winters (Quirk Books)

• Best Fact Crime: Midnight in Peking by Paul French (Penguin Books)

• Best Critical/Biographical: The Scientific Sherlock Holmes by James O'Brien (Oxford University Press)

• Best Short Story: "The Unremarkable Heart" (Mystery Writers of America Presents: Vengeance) by Karin Slaughter (Mulholland Books)

• Best Juvenile: The Quick Fix by Jack D. Ferraiolo (Amulet Books)

• Best Young Adult: Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein (Hyperion)

• Best Television Episode Teleplay: "A Scandal in Belgravia" (Sherlock) by Steven Moffat (BBC/Masterpiece)

• Robert L. Fish Memorial Award: "When They Are Done With Us" (Staten Island Noir) by Patricia Smith (Akashic Books)

• Grand Masters: Ken Follett and Margaret Maron

• Raven Awards: Oline Cogdill and Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore (San Diego CA)

• Ellery Queen Award: Akashic Books

• The Simon & Schuster — Mary Higgins Clark Award: The Other Woman by Hank Phillippi Ryan (Forge Books)

Cinemystery: Stephen King's Joyland Optioned for Film

Stephen King's next thriller, Joyland, has been optioned for film. Set to be published next month by Hard Case Crime, Deadline reports that Tate Taylor (The Help) will direct his own adapted screenplay.

Joyland will initially be available only as a physical book. "I love crime, I love mysteries, and I love ghosts," King said last year, when the book was announced. "I also loved the paperbacks I grew up with as a kid, and for that reason, we're going to hold off on e-publishing this one for the time being. Joyland will be coming out in paperback, and folks who want to read it will have to buy the actual book."

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Joyland
Stephen King

Set in a small-town North Carolina amusement park in 1973, Joyland tells the story of the summer in which college student Devin Jones comes to work as a carny and confronts the legacy of a vicious murder, the fate of a dying child, and the ways both will change his life forever.

  

May 3rd is School Lunch Superhero Day!

Tomorrow, Friday May 3rd, is School Lunch Superhero Day, a day for students, teachers, and school staff to give thanks to the school nutrition professionals that feed over 31 million students each day.

Random House Children's Books and the author of the "Lunch Lady" graphic novels, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, invite you to visit the SchoolLunchSuperheroDay.com website, where you'll find all kinds of activities to celebrate the day.

Krosoczka is the author of nine books featuring the Lunch Lady, who fights crime in her school and community … when she's not serving sloppy joes, that is! We've read two books in this entertaining series, the most recent of which — The Video Game Villain — was published last month.