Charmed Cocktail Cozies by Maureen Bonatch
Give a Spooktacular welcome to Maureen Bonatch, author of Charmed Cocktail Cozies.
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cauldron. Take your choice of a bat wing Chocolate Chip or Pumpkin, or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Maureen and her Charmed Cocktail Cozies.
Who loves Halloween more than witches? While writing my Charmed Cocktail Cozy books I thought about how Willow Hill’s retirement community of witches might embrace this time of the year by going all out for Halloween. But there is one problem with wearing costumes and disguises — it’s the perfect cover for a crime. What’s worse than a bunch of elderly witches in provocative Halloween costumes? One dead one.
I can’t wait to hear about Charmed Cocktail Cozies!
What’s worse than a bunch of elderly witches in provocative Halloween costumes? One dead one. Hi, I’m Marissa Hale. I should’ve known that mixing cocktails, costumes, and meddling would end with a corpse.
One of the best things about living at the Willow Hill retirement condos with Gran is that Halloween is a month-long celebration. One of the worst things is that the elderly witches gorge on more gossip than treats. These magic mavens love to get the scoop, as long as they aren’t the headline.
When the informant for the condo newsletter ends up dead at the Halloween party, there are more suspects than skeletons in these closets. While I’m trying to figure out whodunit to the hostess most likely to be stabbed, the thirsty rambunctious residents raid my charmed cocktail station.
My furry sleuthing side-kicks and I might need a few tricks to ensure that things don’t get even more deadly…
“I didn’t realize they were going to clear the shelves of the cheap, provocative costumes from the discount store.” I turned and got my first look at Gran crammed into my cocktail waitress uniform. Her abundant bust was straining the seams. “You could have at least taken off my name tag.”
She put her hands on her hips and shimmied to and fro. “You don’t think people will think I’m Marissa?” She winked and then gave me a once-over. “What are you supposed to be?”
I pulled the hard white hockey mask over my face. My pink hair made it hard to fool anyone since, well that, and being the youngest resident by multiple decades since I’d temporarily moved in with Gran. “I’m a Halloween horror character.”
Gran shook her head. “Why didn’t you wear a sexier costume than those coveralls and boots?”
“Wait, my costume isn’t complete.” I scanned the table where I’d gathered a variety of glasses, alcohol, mixers, and spelling ingredients. “Where’s my machete?”
Gran waved me off. “Let’s hit the dance floor.”
“I’ll stick with mixing drinks.” Not much could keep me from shaking my groove thing, but I was in my element mixing my charmed cocktails. Sometimes the unexpected side effects could be good, like the magical mishap that enabled me to communicate with my cat, Jasper. Other times, well, I was still learning.
“I’m ready for more shots.” Fran Stokes filled her tray as if she were actually delivering medicine with her nurse costume. She didn’t fool me. That prescription pad was nothing more than a place to compile gossip for her next edition of the Willow Words newsletter.
Gran rushed back from the makeshift dance floor and gripped the edge of the table. “Marissa, did you bring a real machete?”
I set the tequila bottle down. “Yes. I wanted my costume to be authentic, plus I needed something to cut the lemons and limes. Why?”
Gran peered over her shoulder and then worried her lower lip between her teeth. “I think I found it.”
I followed Gran’s gaze and gasped. Martha was face down in what looked to be a plate of rum cake. This was an early-to-bed, early-to-rise group, although Martha hadn’t even made it to bed. “Maybe she’s sleeping it off?”
I abandoned my post to follow Gran. When she bent to shake Martha I thanked the goddess she wasn’t wearing a thong today or we’d all be subjected to a full moon.
Martha slumped over, spilling her drink. The ruler she’d been clutching to accent her teacher costume fell from her grip.
It appeared Martha had her last Murderous Marissa Martini. I now regretted using my name for the cocktail, even though it didn’t appear to be the cause of death—not with my machete protruding from her back.
“Maybe this is someone’s idea of a joke,” I said with a tremble in my voice. I’d been fooled by spells before when one of the witches started with the shenanigans. Halloween was one of the biggest holidays for pranks and especially for paranormals. “Are you sure that Martha isn’t trying to combine the sexy and scary look as a bloody teacher?”
“Nope. That’s real blood.”
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlbonatch.author/
Newsletter: https://www.maureenbonatch.com/free-book/
It’s been great having you with us today. Good luck with Charmed Cocktail Cozies!
Happy Halloween!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Charmed Cocktail Cozies, Halloween, Maureen Bonatch, Mystery, Paranormal, Shih Tzu dog, Willow Hill retirement condos, Witches by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
Friday the Thirteenth – Scary?
In a year of “what else can possibly go wrong?” August, Friday 13th, 2023 has
Friday the 13th
arrived. As dawn’s early light swept in my bedroom window, I peeked from beneath the covers hesitantly wondering what the day would bring. Never being one to be overly superstitious, I found this feeling unnerving. The date associated with bad luck, black cats, towering ladders not to walk under, and scary happenings creates a perfect storm for the superstitious! I’m not one of those, at least I wasn’t, I long ago embraced Friday the thirteenth, and all things thirteen probably because it wasn’t done in my household.
My mom was the queen of superstitious. She avoided walking under ladders, tossed salt over her shoulder when she spilled some, never broke a mirror to my recollection, and would walk or drive blocks out of her way to avoid allowing a black cat to cross her path. Until that fateful day I brought home the cutest solid black kitten with the bluest eyes. Named him Panther after my high school mascot. He blessed us with his presence for twenty-two years. I miss that cat! He was my lucky charm.
The irrational fear of the number thirteen has been given a scientific name: “triskaidekaphobia”; and this the fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia, from the Greek words Paraskeví (Παρασκευή, meaning “Friday”), and dekatreís (δεκατρείς, meaning “thirteen”). Yeah it’s probably more than you wanted to know. LOL
Ever wonder what started this Frrday the 13th Fear?
Knights Templar
The predominant 20th-century theory suggests that it stemmed from an event that occurred on Friday, October 13, 1307, when thousands belonging to an influential religious military order called the Knights Templar (officially, the Poor Knights of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon) were arrested for blasphemy and other affronts at the command of France’s king, Philip IV. Many were later tortured, coerced into making false confessions, and executed.
When the knights were burned at the stake in Paris, the order’s leader, Jacque de Molay, cried out, “God knows who is wrong and has sinned. Soon, a calamity will occur to those who have condemned us to death.” The holy warrior’s curse and wrongful death put a hex on Friday the 13th through the ages.
Norse Mythology
Do you know the story of Loki? (No not Thor’s brother) At a dinner with 12 of the Norse gods, Loki was not invited. However, the trouble-maker showed up, fighting ensued, and one of the most popular gods (Baldur) was killed that day.
Now that I’m on a roll, got more Friday the 13th fun facts!
Wonder why the mere mention of 13 is considered unlucky? Look no further than Friday the 13th. Today, modern skyscrapers will often skip the 13th floor–going straight from 12 to 14. Similarly, airlines often avoid the number altogether for airplane rows and arrival gates.
Weddings dates, new job starts, going on a trip, or any other auspicious occasions are usually planned to avoid the 13th day of the month — especially Friday the 13th — to ensure good fortune.
The number 13 has been associated with bad luck since the time of Christ, when the Last Supper was attended by Jesus and his 12 apostles. Judas, who would ultimately betray Jesus, was believed to be the last and 13th member to arrive.
Famous people born on Friday the 13th include actors Christopher Plummer, Steve Buscemi, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, director Alfred Hitchcock and Cuban leader Fidel Castro.
Franklin Roosevelt had such an irrational fear of Friday the Thirteenth that he would avoid traveling on Fridays.
For Stephen King, (the famous horror author) the number 13 is scary. Yep he has triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13). But when the date falls on a Friday, it’s horrifying. Such a double-whammy of fears has its own name: paraskevidekatriaphobia. Imagine that!
Jack the Ripper claimed his final victim on Friday the Thirteenth in 1888.
Bet you didn’t know months that begin on a Sunday will always have a Friday the 13th. I kid you not!
To sprinkle a little good cheer on this Friday the 13th, heaven knows we need it, take a peek at A Witch’s Journey Series. There are twists, turns, elements of mystery but this is a story about magic, power, love, second chances, and redemption. Not to mention several 5-star reviews!!
In A Witch’s Journey, The McKay Magic is legendary. But when Pepper inherits the property little known secrets emerge.
A heart warming tale, A Witch’s Holiday Wedding, Pepper and Lathen are torn in too many directions, with a covert mission thrown in, will they make it to the alter?
As wildlife rehabilitator, Gwen and veterinarian, Brock at Salem Sanctuary discovery the consequences of Hidden Gypsy Magic, the series continues.
In Chocolate Raspberry Magic – Prim and proper Trinity Shilo is the assistant manager for Salem’s Wildlife Sanctuary. Paul Thorp is a wounded Special Forces veteran now working in security and computer support. When a fire breaks out at Puffin Cove Rescue, they are called in to help with the recovery and ice cream social fundraiser. Sometimes things are not what they seem, and neither are people. When magic is unleashed, will what they learn bring them closer together or push them apart?
Join the magical adventures, pick up the series today! https://buff.ly/2p28qJU UK links https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tena-Stetler/e/B014E0PEPM
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Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged A Witch's Journey Series, fantasy, Friday the thirteenth, ghosts, magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
A Witch’s Protocol – Sunday Snippet
This week’s Sunday Snippet is a bit different A WITCH’S PROTOCOL. It’s a short story I wrote for inclusion in an anthology entitled Australia Burns, Vol III with other authors from The Wild Rose Press to help with the recovery efforts from the 2020 Australia wildfires.
What is A Witch’s Protocol about?
Megan, a witch and cybersecurity specialist, has sworn off men after an incident reported to the Witch’s Council. When ex-special forces Braiden crosses her path sparks fly. She is in panic mode when her lucrative government contract is expedited. Offering his assistance is mixing business with pleasure an explosive combination. Is it worth the risk?
A sneak peek between the pages of A Witch’s Protocol:
A month later, Megan braved the Council’s hearing and escaped with a strong warning and probation. She’d never used magic so irresponsibly before, and looking back, she wasn’t sure what had happened. One minute she was furious and casting Zack aside, the next, all hell broke loose. Of course, she didn’t admit that to the Council or the punishment would—she didn’t want to think about it. She straightened, held her head high, and thanked her lucky stars, determined that her loss of control wouldn’t happen again. To prove it to herself, the next morning she drove back to the park for a run. Maybe the good-looking guy will be there again. Oh no, stop right there. No more relationships. I can’t afford more trouble.
Stepping out of the car, she started through her stretching routine and glanced up. There he stood, not ten feet in front of her—shoulder-length wavy blond hair tousled by the wind, wide muscular shoulders narrowing to… She licked her lips. The dude who played Thor has nothing on this guy. A furry black dog followed at the man’s heels. For a split second, Megan considered ducking back into the car.
One hand on his waist and the other stretched over his head, Braiden bent slowly from side to side and front to back. He looked up, a genuine smile curving his full lips. “Hi there, nice to see you again. Megan, right?”
Too late. She groaned. She didn’t have the self-discipline to walk away. Besides, it would be rude. “Morning. How are you?”
Buy Links: Amazon
I hope you’ll take a minute to check out the book and wonderful stories it contains.
See you back here next month for another segement of Sunday Snippets.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Protocol, Australia Burns Vol 3, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Skeleton Squad Meet Aliens
Squad Meets Aliens. Welcome back to another installment of the Skeleton’s Squad Search for the Halloween Spirit.
As we overheard, the Skeleton Squad planned to hitch a ride with us to Roswell, New Mexico. How they knew our destination, we’ll never know. We certainly didn’t tell the little buggers. But here we are and so are they:
We rolled into Roswell with reservations at the Red Barn RV Park. What a welcoming place. Octavia found the RV Park with out a problem. The Skeleton Squad made friends with the first Alien they met.
The squad enlisted the rest of the family to search downtown Roswell, New Mexico.. We didn’t have any luck finding the Halloween Spirit, though we looked high and low. but we did find friendly aliens.
.
They gave us a ride in their spaceship. Meanwhile Toil and Trouble of the Skeleton Squad called Dave, their friends who now moved to Ohio to come help. Unfortunately, Dave and his friend were under the weather unable to help at this time.
The next day we all packed up and headed to Santa Fe, New Mexico where we found some excellent places to eat but the Skellon Squad weren’t allowed inside. The Rancheros De Santa Fe RV park (under new ownership) were welcoming!
Speaking of a little dose of the paranormal, let’s take a peek at my A Magic Redemption!
Click on the cover to read more or purchase
What’s A Magic Redemption about? Well….. Even with magic, finding your place in the world proves more difficult than imagined especially when someone is out for revenge.
Synn, a demon, carries extraordinary magic and power, but there is more within her than she dreams. Kidnapped as a child, her captors murdered her family and forced her into training as a warrior assassin. When an assignment goes horribly wrong, she finds herself at the mercy of the friends and family of her intended target. Offering valuable information in exchange for protection, she gains her freedom, but it is not without its challenges.
Gavin Shaughnessy is the publican at his family’s Irish pub. He is certain Synn is meant to be his and isn’t bothered by her past. He must find a way to convince her, their future together is stronger than the dark memories that haunt her dreams.
When her past comes calling for revenge, will their love survive the raging inferno she brings down upon them? Or will the searing path of destruction destroy all they hold dear?
A sneak peek between the pages of A Magic Redemption: Snuggled deep under the covers, she drifted off to sleep. She tossed and turned through several nightmarish scenarios, waking often, until… surrounded by evil she couldn’t identify, she screamed herself awake to find a gleaming silver sword floating over her. Storm howled in her crate, and Gavin burst through the door to the room.
“What in the hell?” He skidded to a halt at the foot of her bed.
In all the chaos, she was calm. Her sheets damp from sweat that beaded on her forehead. The sword glinted in the ray of sunlight streaming through the curtains. The jewels encrusted on the handle sparkled as the weapon slowly lowered toward her, handle first. When she reached out, Gavin made a strange sound in his throat. She touched it and wrapped her fingers around it. It was warm. A sudden sense of well-being flooded through her, then the sword disappeared.
“Well, that’s quite a rush first thing in the morning. What the hell was that?”
“I’ve no idea.” She sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand. “Came with some of the ancient magic I inherited? Didn’t feel like demon magic. Maybe we should contact Tristian.” “No. No way. Today we’re going to have fun and forget all about magic, power, and dire consequences. Besides, Ma’s waiting for Storm.”
Happy Halloween Season. See you next week for more adventures of the Skeleton Squad’s Halloween Spirit Search!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Magic Redemption, Aliens, ghosts, Halloween Spirit Search, Skeleton Squad, Witches by Tena Stetler with 1 comment.
