Release date - 9th December 2023
Book length - 206 pages BUY LINKS: UK - www.amazon.co.uk US - www.amazon.com Happy New Year everyone! I'm delighted to share an extract today as part of the blog tour for A Cocktail to Die For by Helen Golden. Thank you to Rachel from www.rachelsrandomresources.com for letting me be a part of this wonderful tour. Enjoy!! ABOUT THIS BOOK Cocktails, chaos, and an unexpected twist. Can Perry and his hens unveil the truth before time runs out? Death at Prestigious Hotel and Spa, Chasingham House We are hearing reports that a young woman has been found dead at ChasinghamHouse, the exclusive venue in the Cotswolds. She has not been named, and the cause of death is unknown at this time. This will no doubt cast a cloud over the bachelor weekend being hosted there by Lady Beatrice (36), the Countess of Rossex, for her business partner Perry Juke (34) ahead of his wedding to bestselling author and celebrity chef Simon Lattimore (40). Also staying at Chasingham House are top models Camile Redmaine (35) and Mel Parks (35), who are celebrating newly-single Cammy’s birthday with agroup of friends. When one of the birthday girls is found dead in her room, it’s clear Bea plans for her, Perry, and their friends to chill around the pool, have a few treatments, and generally relax, seem to have gone down the drain. When the local police are quick to dismiss the death as an accident, Bea is determined to help investigate anyway, along with the rest of Perry’s party. Can Perry and his hens catch the killer before the weekend is over and the trail goes cold? EXTRACT Intro Lady Beatrice and her business partner Perry Juke are at Chasingham House, an exclusive hotel and spa in the peaceful Cotswolds, for his bachelor weekend. Among Perry’s hens is DCI Emma McKeer Adler from PaIRS, and they are all looking forward to a relaxing weekend… “Oh my giddy aunt,” Perry Juke said in a low voice to his friends gathered around the table in the Chasingham House restaurant. “Something’s up.” Lady Beatrice, the Countess of Rossex, followed his eyes towards the tall figure of Henry Greenhill, the manager of the prestigious country house, who was standing by the entrance. His usually impeccable dark suit appeared somewhat creased, and his short, well-styled hair seemed less than pristine. Squinting, his eyes darted around the room, betraying an inner turmoil that was wholly out of character for the composed manager. Perry’s right. Something’s wrong. Shielding her eyes against the morning sun peeking through the large windows of the restaurant, Bea watched as Greenhill’s gaze stopped when it got to their table. Then, with furrowed brows and a tense jaw, he moved towards them, his long strides betraying the urgency of his mission. “Sorry to disturb you, my lady,” Greenhill said in a hushed tone, attempting to keep his voice steady as he gave Bea a small bow. “May I have a word with Chief Inspector McKeer-Adler, please?” He turned away from the king’s niece, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down his neck, and addressed the dark-skinned woman sitting to Bea’s right. “In private if you don’t mind, chief inspector.” Well, that clinched it. If he was referring to Adler in her official capacity, then there was something serious going on. Detective Chief Inspector Emma McKeer-Adler from the Protection and Investigations (Royal) Services (PaIRS for short) dabbed her lips with a napkin, then exchanged a quick glance with Perry, who gave a short shrug. “Yes, of course, Mr Greenhill.” She gave them all a brief smile as she rose to join the manager, who had moved to her side. Holding out his arm, he gestured towards the door, and Adler’s petite frame glided across the room as she followed him out. Bea took a sip of her coffee, trying not to stare too blatantly as they left the room. “What’s that all about?” Ellie Gunn flicked her fringe out of her eyes and cast a curious glance towards the disappearing pair. Claire Beck shook her head, her red glasses slipping down her nose as she leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. “I’ve no idea, but he looked very flustered. He’s normally the epitome of calm. Something’s definitely off.” “Indeed.” Bea nodded, her green eyes narrowing. Is it something to do with me? She hoped not. Adler was here this weekend, along with Ellie, Claire and herself, to celebrate Perry’s last weekend as an unmarried man, and she was therefore not on duty. But if there’s a threat to me, will she shift from friend to protector? Bea felt her pulse quicken, then caught herself. Don’t be so melodramatic, Bea. She was at a private club in the middle of nowhere in the Cotswolds, where the security was tight and the clientele pre-vetted. It’s unlikely I’m in any danger. Glancing around the room, her eyes rested on the only other occupied table in the restaurant, where three women sat. Cammy Redmaine and Flick Spencer, their backs to her, had their heads together, deep in conversation. Mel Parks, sitting opposite, ran her hand through her short swept-back hair as she stared at the door, frowning. There was an empty chair next to her with a half-drunk cup of tea on the table in front of it. Wasn’t Vikki Carrington there the last time I looked? Bea nudged Perry, who was sitting beside her digging into his full English breakfast. “Did you see Vikki leave? I’m sure she was here earlier.” Perry put his fork down and looked over at the other table. “She was. No, I didn’t see her leave. I hope she’s okay.” He frowned. “Looks like Mercy’s not there either.” He was right. A fifth place on the other side of Mel was also empty. Where was Mercy Bright? Bea’s heart sank. Was that what Greenhill needed Adler for? Was it something to do with the two women? Her mind raced with possibilities as Bea tapped her fingers on her cup. Should she go over and ask Flick if everything was okay? The ‘birthday girls’, as Perry had named them, had arrived at the same time as them yesterday. Bea had met all the birthday girls except Mercy prior to this weekend as they had all been school friends of Bea’s cousin, Lady Caroline Clifford. Felicity ‘Flick’ Spencer, however, was the one Bea knew best as she was a close friend of Caroline’s. Studying Flick in conversation with Cammy, Bea decided they didn’t look concerned or worried about anything. She’d best leave it for now. “Any guesses what Mr Greenhill and Em are discussing?” Ellie whispered, leaning in conspiratorially. “Perhaps there’s been some sort of issue with the hotel,” Claire suggested, adjusting her glasses on her nose. “Something has been stolen, or there’s a problem with an unruly guest?” “The birthday girls are the only other guests here at the moment,” Bea reminded her, nodding at the other table. “Maybe he’s confessing his undying love for her?” Perry suggested with a playful grin, seemingly trying to lighten the mood. Bea smiled. Whatever was going on, Perry clearly wasn’t going to let it dampen the mood of his bachelor weekend. Bea suppressed a sigh. I have a feeling it might be too late. Sensing movement in her peripheral vision, she flicked her gaze towards the door just as Adler appeared. Even from this distance, she could see Adler’s face was grim and determined. Bea’s heart sank. Whatever it was she was about to tell them, Bea knew it wouldn’t be good news. Adler reached their table and took her seat without a word. She quickly glanced over at the birthday girls’ table, then turned back to them. Leaning in, she sighed heavily. “Mercy Bright has been found in her room. She’s dead.” AUTHOR INFO Hello. I’m Helen Golden. I write British contemporary cozy whodunnits with a hint of humour. I live in small village in Lincolnshire in the UK with my husband, my step-daughter, her two cats, our two dogs, sometimes my step-son, and our tortoise. I used to work in senior management, but after my recent job came to a natural end I had the opportunity to follow my dreams and start writing. It's very early in my life as an author, but so far I'm loving it. It’s crazy busy at our house, so when I’m writing I retreat to our caravan (an impulsive lockdown purchase) which is mostly parked on our drive. When I really need total peace and quiet,I take it to a lovely site about 15 minutes away and hide there until my family runs out of food or clean clothes. Social Media Links –Insta: www.instragram.com/helengolden_author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helengoldenauthor TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helengoldenauthor https://twitter.com/HelenGolden DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT ALL OF THE WONDERFUL STOPS ON THIS TOUR!!! Comments are closed.
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