This week, Susie Black’s Saturday Author Spotlight shines on cozy mystery author Rhonda Blackhurst.
About the author: Rhonda lives in Colorado but frequently escapes to her Arizona home. She is an avid reader, writer, coffee and dark chocolate connoisseur. She has 11 indie-published books: The Inheritance, a contemporary fiction novel; seven books in the Melanie Hogan Mysteries; Finding Abby and Abby’s Redemption in the Whispering Pines Romantic Suspense duology; and a non-fiction book, Finding Peace Through Gratitude. She also has the Spirit Lake Mysteries published by The Wild Rose Press. She was awarded the 2022 Master of Literary Arts Award from the Brighton Chamber.
One of Rhonda’s most popular books is Inn Hallowed Ground: Spirit Lake Mysteries Book 3
Here is a blurb to whet your appetite:
After a troublous first year at her haunted inn, Andie Rose and her support dog, Aspen, finally settle into the quaint, cozy town of Spirit Lake, Minnesota. Tender green shoots of grass and daffodils peek through the melting snow, promising new life. But things turn deadly when two bodies are discovered two days apart at St. Michael’s cemetery. Detective Parker, all too used to Andie Rose meddling in his investigations, isn’t at all surprised when she shows up at the crime scene. This time, his new-in-town twin sister is with her, and tempers flare as he warns them to stay out of his way. But when Andie Rose realizes both victims had recent run-ins with her father, famous thriller author Chandler Langston, she’s dead set to prove her dad’s innocence. But can she clear him before she becomes the next victim?
Here is what readers have to say about Inn Hallowed Ground:
N. N. Light: “Once again, Blackhurst has created the ultimate cozy mystery with a crime puzzling enough to keep you guessing and characters quirky enough to make you laugh out loud. The plot is smart with just enough complications to keep readers interested. While it seems like the suspect list should be just a handful of people, a new possibility pops up at every step of the investigation. If you come for the plot, you’ll stay for the characters. Andie Rose is a relationship coach who’s terrible at her own relationships. And Sister Alice? Well, any resemblance to a Catholic nun is purely coincidental. As her AA sponsor, Sister Alice tries to keep Andie Rose on track, but all too often, she’s right behind her in the sleuthing. Sure, Detective Noah Parker gets frustrated with Andie Rose, but is there some chemistry between the two? And we can’t forget about the ghost of the inn, Lady Lucy, who, as always, is a silent (and sometimes not so silent) partner in the story. Grab a hot beverage, a blanket, and cozy up with this excellent cozy mystery.”
Stacey B: “Oh my, I just love this book! It’s everything I want in a paranormal cozy. A dog, ghosts, a little romance, and a great setting! I love the characters. Aspen is the best! The story flows, and it’s all cozy. This is the first book in the series that I’ve read. I’m going back to read the others. This story has heart along with a great mystery. With so many cozy choices on the market, it’s hard to choose one. If you are looking for a fun, ghostly cozy, then you’ve found it.”
MaryKay Wilson: “Inn Hallowed Ground feels like stepping into one of my enchanted Forest paintings, only this time the shadows hold secrets. The story follows Andie Rose and her loyal support dog, Aspen, as they settle into Spirit Lake, Minnesota. Where a double murder happens. The murders hit close to home with Andie’s dad on the suspect list. Andie Rose’s sleuthing skills kick in, and the plot unfolds from there.
The characters are all unique and charming and work well together. Even Andie Rose’s support dog, Aspen, is charming and a scene-stealer. The town, Spirit Lake, is also as charming as it is haunted. What I loved most about this Cozy Mystery was the gentle layering of mystery and heart. The Inn adds a whisper of the supernatural while the small-town dynamics and family ties keep the story grounded. This one’s definitely a must-read.”
Melanie Notsch: “I absolutely loved this book, Inn Hallowed Ground! Each time Rhonda comes out with a new book or series, I’m on pins and needles until I can read it. The main character is amazing and always leaves me in suspense & wanting more! Way to go, Rhonda Blackhurst!”
https://www.amazon.com/Hallowed-Ground-Spirit-Lake-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0FNX9T4S8?ref
