And Now, for the Rest of the Story - Book 11 "Museums Can Be Murder"

My Visit to the MET

As we begin the fall season, giving us more indoor time for reading, it gives me great pleasure to launch the latest book in the Jillian Bradley Mystery Series. It was such fun to visit New York in preparation to write Museums Can Be Murder, especially the Metropolitan Museum of Art. My husband and I are both art lovers, and we loved visiting the MET so much we went back the next day to drink in more.

There is a romantic interest in this book that was especially fun to gather background for by my husband and I. At one point, Jillian stays at The Lucerne Hotel which has a cozy French restaurant called Nice Matin, located next door. The cafe has a private entrance leading from the hotel.

The Charming Lucerne Hotel

Enjoying the French Cuisine of Nice Matin

Nice Matin Before the Evening Rush

In addition to romantic meals at Nice Matin, Jillian enjoys the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, especially the Nativity Scene, and watching the ice skaters in Central Park, just a few sites she experiences in New York City.

 Nativity Scene from the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular

Ice Skaters in Central Park

Available on Amazon Kobo Barnes and Noble  iBooks and Smashwords

Museums Can Be Murder

The Christmas holidays get a morbid start when Jillian Bradley's niece Kaitlin Romero discovers the body of her boss at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. An envelope containing rare Charles Dickens illustrations is missing, and Detective Mickey Wells must reluctantly rely on Jillian's help to solve the crime.

The case goes international when the vendor of the illustrations is murdered and linked to possible fraud. As always, Jillian's Yorkie companion Teddy helps solve the case by discovering an important clue. Afternoon tea included!

Available on Smashwords and Amazon

Including The Jillian Bradley Short Story Collection, there is a total of 17 stories, all in sequence of events and mysteries in the life of Jillian Bradley. Her Little Yorkie companion Teddy appears in every story, helping to find important clues to solve the mystery.You'll want to read them all to learn about Jillian Bradley's life.

I hope you enjoy the book.

Cheers!
~Nancy Jill

A New Year Ahead

The good thing about enjoying a cup of tea together is that we can do it any day of the year. It has been wonderful interacting with all of you in 2015, whether talking about new books launched or life events.
     I promised to share a major life shift that occurred over the past two years. It wasn't always easy, but in the end having our son and his family live with us while he earned his degree was totally worth it.
     And if living with the seven of us wasn't interesting enough, after our son got his degree and an amazing job in Frisco, Texas, my husband decided it was time to downsize.
     Okay. Pack up and move. Not an easy task for someone who collects beautiful china, teacups, teapots, floral arrangements, and paintings. Sigh. But as my daddy used to say, "There's nothing more certain than change." How true in this case. We're moving north to a small town where we'll be living out in the country. Literally.
     Being an eternal optimist, I decided to look on the bright side. A smaller home to maintain will be good. A new home is always nice. I'll be getting the cozy cottage I've always wanted and with not much to do living waaaay out in some pastureland, there will be more time to write!
     Some great news! My husband Ted (yes, I named Teddy after him) has carved out some time to join my writing as publicist and marketing manager which will allow me even more time to write. A good thing.
     Look for three new short stories in the poplular Happy Homicides anthologies - the first, a Valentine's tale called "Sweets, Treats and Murder" will be out for pre-order in January. A beach read called "Birthday Bash" launches in Summer, followed by a story for the Fall edition that I've yet to come up with, and then Book 11 "Murder at the Met" due to launch in November of 2016.

     I hope you're as excited about the new year as I am. As always, it's my great pleasure to entertain you with adventures of Jillian and Teddy. 

Cheers! And Happy New Year!

~Nancy Jill

Nancy Jill Thames was born to write mysteries. From her early days as the neighborhood story-teller to the Amazon Author Watch Bestseller List, she has always had a vivid imagination and loves to solve problems – perfect for plotting whodunits. In 2010, Nancy Jill published her first mystery Murder in Half Moon Bay, introducing her well-loved protagonist Jillian Bradley and clue-sniffing Yorkie “Teddy.”

When she isn’t plotting Jillian’s next perilous adventure, Nancy Jill travels between Texas, California, and Georgia finding new ways to spoil her grandchildren, playing classical favorites on her baby grand, or having afternoon tea with friends.

She lives with her husband in Texas and is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) CenTex Chapter.

To learn more about Nancy Jill, visit these sites.

Facebook

Twitter 
Website

Pinterest

Three Letters to God

Writing can be full of highs and lows. As a Christian I've often wanted to give up whenever I receive a negative review or sales are low (like at the end of the month when readers are pinching pennies). But here's one thing I've done for encouragement early in my writing career - I wrote letters to God. I'd like to share three I've saved. They begin a little over a year after I'd published "Murder in Half Moon Bay." I pray they may inspire you a little with whatever challenges you may be facing.

                                          Sunday, September 11, 2011

Dear Lord,

What do you want me to do with my life? You say, "Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Me. Take care of the orphans and widows." So, show me how to do those things. I think of widows and see a need for reaching out, really, seniors in general. I see a need at the SPCA. I need a community to be a part of, a tribe, a family.

I want to do more for my family. Food, support, attention. Please show me Your will for my life. I don't think it's in being an author.

I love You, Lord,

Jill

                                                                                                          Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Dear Lord,

It seems Ted (my husband) believes in my writing ability. The technology is in my favor. I can only do this with Your help and guidance so I continue to look to You for instruction.

Thank You!

I love You!

                                                                                                                           April 3, 2012

Dear Lord,

Thank you for affirmation that You want me to write books. I've never been so happy!

Book 1 is my free eBook gift to you to start the series.
Kindle  Nook  Kobo  Smashwords (iTunes)

I love You!

Nancy Jill Thames,

Author

Blessings on your day, dear readers.  

Cheers!

~Nancy Jill

Nancy Jill Thames was born to write mysteries. From her early days as the neighborhood story-teller to the Amazon Author Watch Bestseller List, she has always had a vivid imagination and loves to solve problems – perfect for plotting whodunits. In 2010, Nancy Jill published her first mystery Murder in Half Moon Bay, introducing her well-loved protagonist Jillian Bradley and clue-sniffing Yorkie “Teddy.”

When she isn’t plotting Jillian’s next perilous adventure, Nancy Jill travels between Texas, California, and Georgia finding new ways to spoil her grandchildren, playing classical favorites on her baby grand, or having afternoon tea with friends.

She lives with her husband in Leander, Texas, where she is a member of Leander Writers’ Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW CenTex Chapter), and Central Texas Authors. 

To learn more about Nancy Jill, visit these sites.

http://www.nancyjillthames.com

Twitter @mystriterdva

Pinterest

Launch Party for Murder at the Empress Hotel!

O Happy Day! Book 10 is out this summer! Thanks for joining me today. Please have some treats - zero calories online. We'll also need a nice cup of tea. 

I'd like to share with you a few notes on why I wrote the story of "Murder at the Empress Hotel." 

The main reason I used Victoria, British Columbia for the setting was in remembrance of a family trip in 1986. That was when my husband and I started our second family together, unbeknownst to us. We were on a road trip up the Pacific Coast with our two older children at the time and both sets of grandparents. What a wonderful vacation we had visiting many attractions along the way. In Victoria, we strolled the docks of  the inner harbor and fisherman's wharf, and took a day to see the Butchart Gardens. 

Some things have changed since our visit, like moving the Ann Hathaway Cottage as it was called to a nearby island, and the addition of Blue Heron House at Royal Roads University. But one thing remains the same. Afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel still serves their famed spread every afternoon. 

In doing research for "Murder at the Empress Hotel," I learned about the First Nations people who were the first inhabitants of Vancouver Island. It wouldn't be an authentic setting without a few of their stories, even though they're from my imagination. The book is dedicated to them.

"Set in the beautiful city of Victoria on Vancouver Island, a bitter conflict over fishing rights and the love of one woman turns deadly with the murder of a young attorney, drawing Jillian and Teddy into yet another intriguing adventure."

Well, that sums up the story all right, but there's a little more to it. Like the characters for instance: 

Jillian Bradley, garden columnist and amateur sleuth
Teddy, Jillian's Yorkie companion and fellow sleuth
Arthur Wingate, fellow collaborator and good friend
Diana Wingate, wife of Arthur and newly appointed hotel reviewer
Father Goodman, priest and university professor of aboriginal relationships 
Rainbow Knight, sister of Badger and grad assistant to Father Goodman
Gerald Dawson, associate professor of aboriginal studies
Leo Hunter, Director of Canadian Oceans and Fisheries
David Blackwolf, lawyer for Canadian Oceans and Fisheries
Badger Knight, opposing lawyer for First Nations
Kelly Morrison, administrative assistant to David Blackwolf and Leo Hunter
Sergeant Nick Stone, head of Victoria homicide division

Mix all together and somewhere you'll discover a victim and a motive for murder! 

To order copies of "Murder at the Empress Hotel" and Books 1-9, please follow the links:

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

KOBO

SMASHWORDS

Enjoy!

~Nancy Jill 

NANCY JILL THAMES

Nancy Jill Thames was born to write mysteries. From her early days as the neighborhood story-teller to the Amazon Author Watch Bestseller List, she has always had a vivid imagination and loves to solve problems – perfect for plotting whodunits. In 2010, Nancy Jill published her first mystery Murder in Half Moon Bay, introducing her well-loved protagonist Jillian Bradley, and clue-sniffing Yorkie, “Teddy.”

When she isn’t plotting Jillian’s next perilous adventure, Nancy Jill travels between Texas and California finding new ways to spoil her grandchildren, playing classical favorites on her baby grand or having afternoon tea with friends.

She is a member of Leander Writers’ Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW CenTex Chapter), and Central Texas Authors.

To learn more about Nancy Jill, visit:

http://www.nancyjillthames.com

Time for a Tea Party!

Thank you for joining us today on Cozy Mystery Magazine. Please let me pour you a nice cup of tea before we chat. Milk? Sugars?

Do help yourself to savories.

Our authors are launching books right and left for your reading pleasure. These authors are amazing and entertain thousands of cozy mystery lovers just like you! (And me!)

In only a few weeks we are launching our second edition of "A Cup of Cozy." Here's the cover reveal. We've added more original stories, holiday menus and recipes that we think you'll enjoy.

More tea?

Now that we've finished with our savories I believe it's time for the sweets. This dessert tier looks nice. Please enjoy!

I hope you've enjoyed our time together this afternoon. And I hope you'll get a copy of "A Cup of Cozy 2" when it launches. Have a wonderful week, dear readers.

Cheers!

~Nancy Jill

Queen of Afternoon Tea

Nancy Jill Thames has three loves in her life besides her husband and family: murder mysteries, Reuben sandwiches, and afternoon tea. She lives in Leander, Texas - home of the Bagdad Cemetery - setting for the movie "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre." Her favorite actor is Vin Deisel, mostly for his acting ability. She clearly writes Christian fiction because her faith means everything. Learn more about Nancy Jill and The Jillian Bradley Mystery Series at http://nancyjillthames.com.

Kindle Unlimited for Readers - A Cozy Choice?

Ah, a new buying choice for avid readers -- Kindle Unlimited. All the books...well not all the books, you want to read for only $9.99 a month. Let's see, $9.99 times 12 months is about $120 a year. Hum.

The program lets you download 10 books at a time on up to six devices. Those devices don't have to be Amazon devices, as their Prime program requires.The books go off devices at the end of the 30 day period so basically, you've rented the books.

So far, so good, maybe. But what about book choices? One reviewer of the program said he checked his wish list of 75 books and only found six matches.

An interesting fact -- of the 600,000 choices, around 500,000 are indie books, self-published like mine and three other CMM authors.

I checked Cozy Mystery Magazine authors for the KU program and  found three listings, all for Linda Kozar -- "Misfortune Cookies," "A Tisket, A Casket," and "Dead As A Doornail." All fun reads and normally priced at $0.99. If you were to get even seven more books in this price range you'd break even. If any of the other books you want are priced above $0.99 you may come out ahead. But what if you wanted to reread them as so many of us do? Sorry.

For authors to be enrolled in  Kindle Unlimited they must UNenroll their books on all other platforms like Nook, Kobo, and Smashwords, which includs Apple iTunes. For me, this is not an option. I like the fact that readers can purchase my books on any site they like and download it on any device they may own.

For some starving authors another cold hard fact is royalties are earned only if a reader reads at least the first 10 percent of the book. Great incentive to write good novels, but unnecessary since Amazon and many other sites allow refunds for unhappy readers.

For the first month, Kindle Unlimited offers a free trial. And I would add for some authors the program has offered wonderful exposure. If it offers more incentive for readers to discover new authors, I say give it a try. Then please let us know how it works for you.

See you in my books!

~Nancy Jill

Nancy Jill Thames was born to write mysteries. From her early days as the neighborhood story-teller to the Amazon Author Watch Bestseller List, she has always had a vivid imagination and loves to solve problems – perfect for plotting whodunnits. In 2010, Nancy Jill published her first mystery, Murder in Half Moon Bay, introducing her well-loved protagonist, Jillian Bradley, and whimsical Yorkie, “Teddy.”

When she isn’t plotting Jillian’s next perilous adventure, she travels between Texas and California finding new ways to spoil her grandchildren, playing classical favorites on her baby grand or having afternoon tea with friends.

Member of Leander Writers’ Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW CenTex Chapter), and Central Texas Authors

To learn more about Nancy Jill's books, please visit http://www.nancyjillthames.com

Trials in the Mystery of Life

What do you do when trials arise? Do you say, "Oh, good - a trial! Can't wait to see the outcome." Or perhaps you crawl into your shell and wait, hoping it will end soon. As believers, we don't face trials alone; our faith in God gives us what we need to press on. We may feel overwhelmed, scared, or confused when faced with adversity, but have you noticed? Trials pass. Peace comes. We move forward.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * iTunes

"The Long Trip Home" is the story of how Jillian Bradley handles a terrible trial in her life. As  I wrote the book, it was important to include emotions of how she felt. Since I had not experienced a trial like hers, I had to glean from the experiences of others. Such is one of the challenges of being a writer. I write stories to not only entertain, but to depict how our loving Heavenly Father is always there for us. 

I hope you enjoy this latest adventure of Jillian and her Yorkie companion, Teddy. Here are the Reviews.

Cheers!

~Nancy Jill

Buffets for Readers? Coming Right Up!

 By Nancy Jill Thames

Conjecture about where Amazon is headed with book distribution is always in the back of my publishing brain. Subscription services? What's that all about?

Think "NetFlix" for books. 

It turns out that the next wave of book distribution is already making headway with ravenous readers in the form of "book buffets" as a recent article on Jane Friedman's blog put it.

Now, I'm one who not only reads magazines back to front, I also read the fine print. Here's what I think -- on the positive side, book subscription services, which charge roughly between $8.99 and $9.95 a month for all the books you can read will enable voracious readers to download all they want. For readers who read a book or more a week that's a good deal!

If you don't have time to read, and pay for a subscription every month -- that's a disadvantage. But that's the way a subscription service works.

Personally, we have NetFlix for movies, Pandora for music (upgraded for no commercial interruptions), a home warranty plan with First American and Ameriplan for dental. Why not books?

How do authors make money? I'm glad you asked. Whenever readers download a portion of our books or the entire file, we are paid a percentage accordingly. I say, great! Book subscription services are simply other platforms to get people to read.

The Jillian Bradley Mystery Series can be read from the two following subscription services:
SCRIBD BOOK SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE

OYSTER BOOK SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE

Just a hint - both services offer a 30-day trial subscription for FREE! Are you hungry yet?

What do you think of this idea? Do you have a subscription? Inquiring authors at Cozy Mystery Magazine would like to know.

See you in my books.

~Nancy Jill 

NANCY JILL THAMES

Nancy Jill Thames is the author of seven books in the Jillian Bradley series. She is an award-winning blogger and  listed frequently on the Author Watch Bestseller’s List. In addition, she won first place in her church's 4th of July Celebration for her chocolate cream pie.

When she isn’t plotting her next book, she spends time with her six grandchildren in two states, tags along with her husband on business trips, and plays classical piano for her own personal enjoyment. She is an active member of the Leander Writers' Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW CenTex-Chapter), Central Texas Authors, and supports the Central Texas SPCA with a portion of her book sales. She resides with her husband in Leander, Texas.

To learn more about the author and check out her books, please visit her blog at  

Cozy Mystery Author, Nancy Jill Thames.

TOP TEN HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR COZY MYSTERY LOVERS

 By Nancy Jill Thames 

For those of you who like to do their holiday shopping online as I do, here are some great gift ideas for readers on your list. All books are G-Rated and contain no profanity - just good stories! Books are in a series but can be stand-alone.

FOR ADDED FUN, TEDDY (JILLIAN'S SIDEKICK AND SLEUTH-DOG) APPEARS IN EVERY BOOK ALONG WITH A NEW FRIEND OF HIS OWN

1. If you want to give your reader an ocean side stay at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel with all the amenities (plus a little gossip), give them a copy of
"Murder in Half Moon Bay." $8.09

2. For readers who enjoy gorgeous sunsets or insight into endangered species, a mystery set at The Sanctuary Spa Camelback Mountain might make a good gift. Give them a copy of

 "The Ghost Orchid Murder." $10.79

3. To experience a bit of early California history in the Bay Area along with a heart-warming story, give them the Christmas adventure of 

"From the Clutches of Evil." $7.99

 

 

4. Does your reader like whale-watching, Waikiki Beach, or perhaps a cruise to Catalina Island? Then they  might  enjoy 

"The Mark of Eden." $8.99

 

5. For a visit to San Diego complete with Jillian's family reunion at a five-star oceanfront hotel you might want to give a copy of 
"Pacific Beach." $8.09

 6. For Christmas lovers and those on your list who enjoy a bit of romance "Waiting for Santa" might be just the thing. $8.09

7. A London adventure awaits in "The Ruby of Siam" and ends with Jillian's wedding. What happens afterward will have to wait until 2014 when the final book "The Long Trip Home" launches. $8.09

 















 


8. Besides "Murder in Half Moon Bay" as a free e-book gift, another suggestion is "A Cup of Cozy," a free e-book gift on Amazon and Smashwords to you from the authors of Cozy Mystery Magazine.




 







9. If you can't decide which book to buy for those on your list consider giving them the entire series. (Around $60.) They'll love reading about the adventures of Jillian and her sidekick, Teddy, as they help solve homicides which fall across their path. Amazon.com






10. For yourself, when you purchase  paperback copies for those on your list, use the Kindle MatchBook program (new on Amazon) to purchase the e-book versions of the Jillian Bradley mysteries for half-price.  (Only $1.99 each.) Amazon.com


There you have it! Ten holiday gift ideas for everyone who enjoys a good whodunnit, cozy mystery, or animal mystery. Happy shopping, dear readers!

  See you in my books!

 ~Nancy Jill 

Mystery novelist Nancy Jill Thames has published Christian fiction since 2010. The author of seven books in the Jillian Bradley series, she is an award winning blogger and listed numerous times on the Author Watch Bestseller’s List. In addition, she won first place in her church's 4th of July celebration for her chocolate cream pie.

When she isn’t plotting her next book, she spends time with her six grandchildren, tags along with her husband on business trips, and plays classical piano for her personal enjoyment. She is an active member of the Leander Writers' Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW),  CenTex Chapter-ACFW, and supports the Central Texas SPCA with a portion of her book sales. She resides with her husband in Leander, Texas.

CONTACT INFORMATION jillthames@gmail.com