BY LUCY ARLINGTON
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After receiving her first pink slip at the age of forty-five, former newspaper journalist Lila Wilkins is desperate for work, even if it means taking a pay cut. After combing through the classifieds, Lila accepts an internship at A Novel Idea, a thriving literary agency in the utopian town of Inspiration Valley, North Carolina.
Lila can’t imagine anything better than being paid to read, but with a crew of quirky co-workers and a sky-high stack of query letters, she doesn’t exactly have time to discover the next great bestseller—especially when a penniless aspiring author drops dead in the agency’s waiting room.
No one else seems too concerned about the man’s demise, but when Lila uncovers a series of threatening letters, she’s determined to uncover what—or who—killed the man’s dreams of literary stardom…
Lila can’t imagine anything better than being paid to read, but with a crew of quirky co-workers and a sky-high stack of query letters, she doesn’t exactly have time to discover the next great bestseller—especially when a penniless aspiring author drops dead in the agency’s waiting room.
No one else seems too concerned about the man’s demise, but when Lila uncovers a series of threatening letters, she’s determined to uncover what—or who—killed the man’s dreams of literary stardom…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lucy Arlington is an avid reader, cook, and gardener. If she had her way, she'd divide her time between preparing delectables in her kitchen, traveling the globe on her scooter, and sitting in a comfortable chair with a cup of coffee and a paperback until her legs cramped. Lucy is devoted to her husband and children-especially when they ply her with chocolate and gift cards to bookstores.
PRAISE FOR BURIED IN A BOOK:
“This first book in a new series is snappy, funny and charming, with delightful characters and a cozy plot, all wrapped in a package of a publishing agency, slapped down in the middle of a small town and tinged with a New Age aura. It may sound like too much, but Arlington’s new protagonist makes it all work.”
--Romantic Times Review
“Cheer up, there's no middle-age malaise for Lila. This cozy debut, written by a pseudonymous duo, excels at describing bucolic North Carolina. Think Kate Carlisle for her intergenerational ensemble style or Mark de Castrique's series for regional Tar Heel flavor.”
--Library Journal
FROM THE BERKLEY PRIME CRIME NEWSLETTER:
--Library Journal
FROM THE BERKLEY PRIME CRIME NEWSLETTER:
A Letter from Lila Wilkins (aka Lucy Arlington)
Dear Reader,
I’m Lila Wilkins, the brand new intern at A Novel Idea Literary Agency, and it’s my pleasure to take you on a tour of Inspiration Valley, North Carolina. You could reach my bucolic berg by car, but the road is curvy and winds through the blue-green mountains curling around our little town like a sleeping cat. So let’s take the train. On the Inspiration Express, you can relax on plush seats and read a novel or select a cappuccino and cinnamon roll from the pastry cart and watch the scenery go by.
The moment you step off the train you’ll inhale a breath of pure air scented with a hint of jasmine from the trellis at The Secret Garden, the plant and flower store. As we get closer to my office, we’ll pass by Six Pence Bakery and the heavenly aromas of baking bread and chocolate croissants fresh from the oven will have you drooling, but I promise to buy you a treat at Espresso Yourself, the coffee shop located right below A Novel Idea.
Here’s the quaint brick building where I work. I have a view of the park and the Nine Muses Fountain. And did you notice that the streets are all made of cobblestone and are lined with urns bursting with marigolds and snapdragons? This is the prettiest downtown I’ve ever seen.
Come on into the coffee shop and meet Makayla, the beautiful barista. Not only does she make the world’s best caramel latte, but she also keeps a little lending library in the café and she and I talk about books every day. And take a look at all the walls! Local artists created all of these gorgeous watercolors and oil paintings. Inspiration Valley is loaded with writers, potters, photographers, weavers, musicians, foodies, and book lovers.
After I show you around the literary agency and try to not to feel too guilty about the stack of query letters and proposals pilling up on my desk, we can have lunch at Catcher in the Rye, which is an amazing sandwich shop, or head over to the hot food bar at our local grocery store, How Green Was My Valley. For dinner, I recommend trying out Voltaire’s. I’ve been dreaming of sharing a candlelight dinner there with Officer Sean Griffiths, the dashing policeman I met when an aspiring writer died at A Novel Idea.
Yes, there’s been a murder in this Southern paradise! But don’t let that keep you from visiting. My mother’s a psychic and she’s predicted that with the help of Makayla, Sean, and the other literary agents, I’ll find out who decided to silence an innocent author forever.
To learn more about Inspiration Valley and the fascinating life of a literary agent, pick up a copy of Buried in A Book: A Novel Idea Mystery.
Happy Reading!
Lila Wilkins
Read more about me at www.lucyarlington.com/
Thanks to Berkley Prime Crime Newsletter. Sign up for their newsletter HERE.
Dear Reader,
I’m Lila Wilkins, the brand new intern at A Novel Idea Literary Agency, and it’s my pleasure to take you on a tour of Inspiration Valley, North Carolina. You could reach my bucolic berg by car, but the road is curvy and winds through the blue-green mountains curling around our little town like a sleeping cat. So let’s take the train. On the Inspiration Express, you can relax on plush seats and read a novel or select a cappuccino and cinnamon roll from the pastry cart and watch the scenery go by.
The moment you step off the train you’ll inhale a breath of pure air scented with a hint of jasmine from the trellis at The Secret Garden, the plant and flower store. As we get closer to my office, we’ll pass by Six Pence Bakery and the heavenly aromas of baking bread and chocolate croissants fresh from the oven will have you drooling, but I promise to buy you a treat at Espresso Yourself, the coffee shop located right below A Novel Idea.
Here’s the quaint brick building where I work. I have a view of the park and the Nine Muses Fountain. And did you notice that the streets are all made of cobblestone and are lined with urns bursting with marigolds and snapdragons? This is the prettiest downtown I’ve ever seen.
Come on into the coffee shop and meet Makayla, the beautiful barista. Not only does she make the world’s best caramel latte, but she also keeps a little lending library in the café and she and I talk about books every day. And take a look at all the walls! Local artists created all of these gorgeous watercolors and oil paintings. Inspiration Valley is loaded with writers, potters, photographers, weavers, musicians, foodies, and book lovers.
After I show you around the literary agency and try to not to feel too guilty about the stack of query letters and proposals pilling up on my desk, we can have lunch at Catcher in the Rye, which is an amazing sandwich shop, or head over to the hot food bar at our local grocery store, How Green Was My Valley. For dinner, I recommend trying out Voltaire’s. I’ve been dreaming of sharing a candlelight dinner there with Officer Sean Griffiths, the dashing policeman I met when an aspiring writer died at A Novel Idea.
Yes, there’s been a murder in this Southern paradise! But don’t let that keep you from visiting. My mother’s a psychic and she’s predicted that with the help of Makayla, Sean, and the other literary agents, I’ll find out who decided to silence an innocent author forever.
To learn more about Inspiration Valley and the fascinating life of a literary agent, pick up a copy of Buried in A Book: A Novel Idea Mystery.
Happy Reading!
Lila Wilkins
Read more about me at www.lucyarlington.com/
Thanks to Berkley Prime Crime Newsletter. Sign up for their newsletter HERE.
GIVEAWAY
THANKS TO KAYLEIGH AND THE GOOD
FOLKS AT BERKLEY PRIME CRIME AND
PENGUIN BOOKS, I HAVE ONE COPY
OF THIS EXCITING MYSTERY,
BURIED IN A BOOK, TO GIVE AWAY
BURIED IN A BOOK, TO GIVE AWAY
--U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES
---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
--ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO
COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!
HOW TO ENTER:
+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON WHAT YOU THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT YOU READ ABOVE ABOUT BURIED IN A BOOK THAT MADE YOU WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK, AND DON'T FORGET YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG AND/OR TWEET ABOUT BURIED IN A BOOK AND COME BACK HERE AND LEAVE ME YOUR LINK
+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG AND/OR TWEET ABOUT BURIED IN A BOOK AND COME BACK HERE AND LEAVE ME YOUR LINK
+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FIND INTERESTING AT LUCY ARLINGTON'S WEBSITE HERE
+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON ONE CURRENT GIVEAWAY YOU HAVE ENTERED. YOU MAY COMMENT ON MORE THAN ONE YOU HAVE ENTERED BUT YOU MUST COMMENT SEPARATELY IN ORDER TO RECEIVE MORE ENTRIES
GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, MARCH 6
GOOD LUCK!
184 comments:
Okay...first of all, I want to move to Inspiration Valley. I don't care if there was a murder there. The description of the train ride alone got me all settled in! This book is on my wish list and whether I win it or not, I will locate it for sure. A psychic mom, eating lunch at Catcher in the Rye! A dream job reading! Need I say more? These are just a few of the reasons I would like to win this book (plus at 44, I feel I am already close to Lila) :) Please enter me!
kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
I shared via twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/kellyblackwell/status/171130720553680896
Thank you!
kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
I found out that Lucy blogs once a month at Cozy Chicks AND includes a recipe! Oh yum! I have to say that I immediately rushed there to check it out and sign up for their newsletter too. Thank you for the link to Lucy's website. I probably wouldn't have found it without you (nor thought of looking). There are also great writer links too.
kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot0com
I entered your giveaway for Ali In Wonderland.
kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
I like your blog on Facebook for February bonus. (kelly blackwell)
kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
I would love to read this cozy. I would like to see how she starts all over again, and solves a murder at the same time.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
I entered gourmet gifts.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
I entered the dark rose.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
I entered the magic room.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
I entered the bond girl.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
Lila Wilkins does have a dream job, I am so envious!
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I love the promise of quirky characters and a literary agency! Looks great!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
We can find Lucy blogging at Cozy Chicks once a month.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
I entered Spin.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
I entered Ali in Wonderland.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
I entered Gourmet Gifts.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
I entered Dark Rose.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
I entered snow child.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
I entered Magic Room
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
I entered Walled Flower
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I entered Private Games
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
I entered Death on Heels
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
I entered A Fitting End.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
Under links, I found all the recipes that she posted for Cozy Chicks. She lived in Canada but now lives in Bermudu and still longs for cold weather comfort foods.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I entered the giveaway for 'Ali in Wonderland'.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I entered the giveaway for
'The Dark Rose'.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I entered the giveaway for
'The Snow Child'.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I entered the giveaway for
'The Walled Flower'.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I entered the giveaway for
'The Private Games (audio).
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I entered the giveaway for
'Death on Heels'.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I entered the giveaway for
'A Fitting End'.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I entered the giveaway for
'Pineapple Grenade'.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I entered the giveaway for
'Agorafabulous'.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I entered the giveaway for
'Spin'.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I entered the giveaway for
"The Obamas" (audio).
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I entered the giveaway for
'The Bond Girl'.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
+5 February Bonus Entry
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
+5 February Bonus Entry
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
+5 February Bonus Entry
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
+5 February Bonus Entry
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
+5 February Bonus Entry
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
Getting paid to read books...and getting involved in a murder...what fun! This sounds like a great new series. Thanks for the giveaway.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
I find it interesting that the author likes to travel the globe on her scooter. Very adventurous!
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
FB fan - 1
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
FB Fan - 2
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
FB Fan - 3
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
FB Fan - 4
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
FB Fan - 5
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Swag - 5
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
entered for Dark Rose
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
entered for Snow Child
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
entered for Walled Flower
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
I want to read more about this beautiful town. I also want to know more about Lila and her mom.
lag110 at mchsi dot com
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/lag32583/status/171246891017846785
lag110 at mchsi dot com
I learned that on the first of every month, Lucy blogs with the Cozy Chicks in her feature, Lucy’s Cozy Cuisine. She shares recipes.
lag110 at mchsi dot com
I entered the ALI IN WONDERLAND GIVEAWAY
lag110 at mchsi dot com
I entered the GOURMET GIFTS GIVEAWAY
lag110 at mchsi dot com
I entered the THE DARK ROSE GIVEAWAY
lag110 at mchsi dot com
I entered the THE SNOW CHILD GIVEAWAY
lag110 at mchsi dot com
I entered the THE MAGIC ROOM GIVEAWAY
lag110 at mchsi dot com
The setting sounds so pretty and I want to find out who the murderer was!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I entered the THE WALLED FLOWER GIVEAWAY
lag110 at mchsi dot com
+5 February facebook
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I entered the PRIVATE GAMES AUDIO BOOK GIVEAWAY
lag110 at mchsi dot com
+5 February facebook 4
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
+5 February facebook 5
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I entered the DEATH ON HEELS GIVEAWAY
lag110 at mchsi dot com
Entered The Dark Rose
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I entered the PINEAPPLE GRENADE GIVEAWAY
lag110 at mchsi dot com
Entered Gourmet Gifts
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I entered the A FITTING END GIVEAWAY
lag110 at mchsi dot com
entered Ali in Wonderland
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I entered the AGORAFABULOUS! GIVEAWAY
lag110 at mchsi dot com
Entered Private #1 Suspect
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I entered the A TOWN CALLED VALENTINE GIVEAWAY
lag110 at mchsi dot com
Entered The Snow Child
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I entered the FIRST YOU TRY EVERYTHING GIVEAWAY
lag110 at mchsi dot com
I entered the SPIN GIVEAWAY
lag110 at mchsi dot com
I entered the THE OBAMAS AUDIO BOOK GIVEAWAY
lag110 at mchsi dot com
I entered the BOND GIRL GIVEAWAY
lag110 at mchsi dot com
1. +5 February Facebook
lag110 at mchsi dot com
2.+5 February Facebook
lag110 at mchsi dot com
Entered A Fitting End
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Entered Agorabaulous
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Entered A Town Called Valentine
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Entered Spin
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Entered Bond Girl
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I love a good murder mystery. Please enter me in contest. I am a follower and email subscriber. Tore923@aol.com
I enjoy quirky mysteries
msboatgal at aol.com
I'm happy too with gift cards and chocolate
msboatgal at aol.com
entered town called valentine
msboatgal at aol.com
This sounds like a super book in a terrific new series! I hope trains have a part in future books.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
+5 February FB bonus entry #2.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
+5 February FB bonus entry #3.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
+5 February FB bonus entry #4.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
+5 February FB bonus entry #5.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
Entered THE MAGIC ROOM.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
Entered PINEAPPLE GRENADE.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
Buried in a book - I love books. The description of the town is lovely. A phychic moms going to solve the murder - interesting
amhengst at verizon dot net
Lucy lives in Bermuda. She also does blog writings on Cozy Chicks - I go there for recipes.
amhengst at verizon dot net
1. February Bonus points +5 - amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net
2. February Bonus points +5 - amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net
3. February Bonus points +5 - amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net
4. February Bonus points +5 - amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net
5. February Bonus points +5 - amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net
I entered Walled Flower
amhengst at verizon dot net
ENTERED FITTING END GIVEAWAY
amhengt at verizon dot net
ENTERED DEATH ON HEELS
amhengst at verizon dot net
entered the dark rose giveaway
amhengst at verizon dot net
entered the snow child
amhengst at verizon dot net
I'm at a start over point in my life at around the same age so this book greatly interests me. I've added it to my TBR
maynekitty///at///live///dot///com
looks like a great new series!
great giveaway
follow via gfc
drakebdog@gmail.com
entered walled flower
great giveaway
follow via gfc
drakebdog@gmail.com
great giveaway
follow via gfc
drakebdog@gmail.com
entered private games
I've always wanted to visit North Carolina---now I can by reading a fun cozy---the description of a sleepy little town just has me entranced.
sue farrell.farrell@gmail.com
On Lucy's website I found a link to the Cozy Chicks blog---there I found a recipe - not by her but by someone else - for a easy looking pineapple cake that I'm going to try.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
I entered The Dark Rose.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
I entered The Walled Flower.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
I entered Private Games.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
I entered Death on Heels.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
I entered Pineapple Grenade.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
I entered A Fitting End.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
I entered Agorafabulous.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
I entered A Town called Valentine.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
I entered The Obamas.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
I entered Bond Girl.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
+5 February facebook bonus - #1
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
+5 February facebook bonus - #2
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
+5 February facebook bonus - #3
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
+5 February facebook bonus - #4
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
+5 February facebook bonus - #5
suefarrell.farell@gmail.com
I entered your Gourmet Gifts giveaway. Looks awesome too!
kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
I entered your giveaway for The Dark Rose.
kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
I entered your giveaway for The Snow Child.
kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
I entered The Walled Flower giveaway.
kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
The letter from Lila Wilkins was so inviting, I want to go visit or maybe move there...after the murder is solved. Oh, yeah, they do that in the book.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
On the first of every month, Lucy blogs with the Cozy Chicks in her feature, Lucy’s Cozy Cuisine. Each month she shares a recipe. I had to check the site out. What a fun spot.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
+5 February facebook
1
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
+5 February facebook
2
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
+5 February facebook
3
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
+5 February facebook
4
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
+5 February facebook
5
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Entered THE DARK ROSE
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Entered THE SNOW CHILD
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Entered THE MAGIC ROOM
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Entered THE WALLED FLOWER
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Entered PRIVATE GAMES AUDIO BOOK
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Entered DEATH ON HEELS
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Entered PINEAPPLE GRENADE
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Entered A FITTING END
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Entered AGORAFABULOUS!
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Entered SPIN
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Entered FIRST YOU TRY EVERYTHING
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Entered BOND GIRL
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I entered your giveaway for Death in Heels.
kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
I entered your giveaway for A Fitting End. Looks awesome too!
kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
Lila has my dream job!
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I entered THE WALLED FLOWER
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I entered PRIVATE GAMES
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I entered DEATH ON HEELS
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I entered A FITTING END
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I entered A TOWN CALLED VALENTINE
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I entered BOND GIRL
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
#1 +5 February Facebook
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
#2 +5 February Facebook
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
Something interesting I found on Lucy's website is she has a bright yellow scooter!
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I entered Old Haunts
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
This book looks up my ally, working in a profession with manly boys too! Loved to enter
ezamskyhunt@gmail.com
Plus one for being a follower
Mommahunt
ezamskyhunt@gmail.com
I entered The Legacy of Eden
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
Entered CLOBBERED BY CAMEMBERT.
kpbarnett1941@aol.com
I entered Clobbered by Camembet
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I entered File M for Murder
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I entered Scones and bones.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
I love Cozy Mysteries and to be able to read the very first in the series and a debut is wonderful. I love the description of Inspiration Valley and would love to live there. Lila has a fantastic job and I can't wait to find out "who done it".
Thanks for this opportunity to enter giveaway.
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/misskallie2000/status/176433415606894592
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
Monthly, Lucy blogs with the Cozy Chicks in her feature, Lucy’s Cozy Cuisine.
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
Entered THE DOG WHO DANCED GIVEAWAY
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
"+5SWAG" #1
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
"+5SWAG" #2
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
"+5SWAG" #3
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
"+5SWAG" #4
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
"+5SWAG" #5
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
I entered Cruising Attitude
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