DIRTY
BUSINESS
MYSTERY
SERIES
WIN
ALL
THREE!
GIVEAWAY ENDED
ON THURSDAY, YOU READ ABOUT
ON THURSDAY, YOU READ ABOUT
BY ROSEMARY HARRIS...
NOW LEARN ABOUT THE FIRST
TWO BOOKS IN THE
DIRTY BUSINESS MYSTERY SERIES
SO YOU CAN WIN THE WHOLE SET!
PUSHING UP DAISIES
Dirty Business Mystery #1
BY ROSEMARY HARRIS
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Thirtyish former television exec Paula Holliday relocates from New York City to sleepy Springfield, CT, determined to turn her passion for gardening into a new, less stressful career.
When an eccentric spinster dies, her landmark property is left to the local Historical Society, and Paula sees the garden’s restoration as a way to get her fledgling business off the ground. She’s prepared for everything, but not for the mummified baby she digs up her first day on the job. After a cursory investigation, the local police decide it’s an old secret, not a recent crime, so they drop the matter, but . . . Paula’s not so sure.
Casual snooping turns serious when someone is impaled on a garden tool and one of Paula’s helpers is arrested for the crime. Aided by the still-hot aging rocker who owns the local greasy spoon, a Shakespeare-quoting massage therapist, and a handsome Mexican laborer with a few secrets of his own, Paula unearths more dirt the suburban town has kept buried.
Rounding out the cast, and among the suspects, a randy Congressman and his gin-swigging mother, an amoral newspaper reporter, an octogenarian ladies’ man, childhood sweethearts reunited after 50 years, and a tattooed lady you wouldn’t want to mess with.
PRAISE FOR PUSHING UP DAISIES:
“A clever mystery full of garden lore, fast-paced and engaging, with a heroine who isn’t afraid to get down in the dirt.”—Seattle Post-Intelligencer
“A charming debut.” —Library Journal
“[A] funny and entertaining first installment. May there be many more.”—Kingston Observer
“Quirky, original, and captivating…sure to please.”—Carolyn Hart, Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity Award-winning author of the Death on Demand series
Pushing Up Daisies is an Anthony and Agatha Nominee for Best First Novel!
Named to Library Journal's Best First Fiction List 2008, Mystery Guild Selection, IMBA Bestseller, and Killer Book
PRAISE FOR THE BIG DIRT NAP:
“A charming debut.” —Library Journal
“[A] funny and entertaining first installment. May there be many more.”—Kingston Observer
“Quirky, original, and captivating…sure to please.”—Carolyn Hart, Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity Award-winning author of the Death on Demand series
Pushing Up Daisies is an Anthony and Agatha Nominee for Best First Novel!
Named to Library Journal's Best First Fiction List 2008, Mystery Guild Selection, IMBA Bestseller, and Killer Book
THE BIG DIRT NAP
Dirty Business Mystery #2
BY ROSEMARY HARRIS
ABOUT THE BOOK:
An all-expenses paid weekend at an upstate hotel with her oldest friend seems like a good idea to Paula Holliday. After all, gardening season doesn’t really kick in for another few weeks and she and Lucy Cavanaugh haven’t had a chance to catch up since they worked together in the television business. Besides, the hotel is playing host to a rare corpse flower which is just about to bloom. But when Lucy doesn’t show up and a dead guy does, it seems like less of a good idea.
Add some Ukrainian mobsters, a pair of ladykilling brothers, a bankrupt businessmen and a group of college kids who know how to party, and Paula has her hands full trying to find her friend and figure out what it is that everyone seems to think she knows.
Add some Ukrainian mobsters, a pair of ladykilling brothers, a bankrupt businessmen and a group of college kids who know how to party, and Paula has her hands full trying to find her friend and figure out what it is that everyone seems to think she knows.
PRAISE FOR THE BIG DIRT NAP:
"a nifty puzzle that involves native American casinos, mysterious Russians and a stinky, slow-blooming flower." --Publishers Weekly
“An absolute must-read for cozy lovers. Readers of Susan Wittig Albert and Earlene Fowler will relish Rosemary Harris’s exceptionally engaging new voice. Harris’s delightfully witty A Dirty Business series is in full flower.” --Julia Spencer-Fleming, Edgar finalist and author of I Shall Not Want
"..a wild and funny ride with a cast of characters brought to life by Paula's salty comments..a lot of fun to read."
--Crimespree Magazine
--Crimespree Magazine
"
Another winner, with a protagonist who is a delight. In Paula (Harris) has created someone you'd like to have as a friend." --Midwest Book Review
"The irrepressible Paula Holliday is back for her second outing and remains as fresh as the daisies pushed up her first time out." --The Mystery Reader
AUTHOR INTERVIEW:
1. Thank you for agreeing to a few questions for this interview, Rosemary. I
know you are really busy with the tour of the new book, DEAD HEAD. Is there a personal photo, bio, or website you would like to share with us?
Well, here is my "official photograph" and website: http://www.rosemaryharris.com/
AUTHOR INTERVIEW:
1. Thank you for agreeing to a few questions for this interview, Rosemary. I
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6YfM2FfES0LNgc9Ij8ZTCbp0OgjtxrP8t1lO3Rd1NkhLFyyIe_AXGbrlA6NVyVlspteso5WlIQVX9RlD16-w3ITD9p-8V31AlRJLDbQjQLBWb6gCxy3wvSgzfa67qDaGGYwJoYaZrXDO/s200/Ro+headshot.jpg)
Well, here is my "official photograph" and website: http://www.rosemaryharris.com/
2. Where did you get the inspiration or idea for this book?
I was inspired to write Dead Head when I read an article about a woman in southern California who’d been arrested when it was discovered that she was actually a fugitive from the law. I was fascinated by the fact that someone could live a lie for so long.
3. How did the title of your book come about?
Gardeners will sometimes cut off the dying bloom of a flower to encourage new growth. It seemed to me that’s what my character did – she essentially killed her old identity for a second chance at life. I also loved the rock and roll definition.
4. Do you see yourself in your characters? Which characters are easiest or more difficult to write?
I see a little of myself in each of the characters…even the men and the bad ones. None of them is really easy to write, but sometimes a character will just stand up and tell you who he is. Lucy Cavanaugh and Babe Chinnery are fun characters to write. They can be a little wilder than Paula Holliday, my heroine.
5. What books would you say have made the biggest impression on you, especially starting out? What are you currently reading?
Hard to say, I’ve been reading mysteries for years. I particularly love PD James and Carl Hiaasen. Right now I’m reading The Queen of Patpong by Tim Hallinen.
6. What is the next or current book/project you are working on?
Slugfest, book four in my Dirty Business series, will be released April 2011 and I’m working on my next book already.
7. What is something about you that you would want people to know about you that we probably don’t know?
In this day and age with websites and Facebook people probably know more about me than they need to!
8. What is your best advice to anyone, including young people, who want to be writers?
Just do it.
GIVEAWAY
THANKS TO ROSEMARY HARRIS, I HAVE
A WONDERFUL GIVEAWAY JUST IN TIME
FOR HALLOWEEN! ALL THREE BOOKS
IN THE DIRTY BUSINESS MYSTERY
SERIES! THESE ARE THE FIRST TWO
IN THE SERIES YOU CAN WIN!
+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON ONE OF THE TWO NEW BOOKS DETAILED ABOVE AND TELL WHICH YOU WOULD PICK IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE TO WIN ONLY ONE! (BUT YOU DON'T AS YOU CAN WIN ALL THREE)
+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND COME BACK AND LEAVE A LINK THAT I CAN FOLLOW
CHECK OUT DEAD HEAD: IF YOU MISSED MY REVIEW OF DEAD HEAD, GO HERE AND CHECK IT OUT AND ALSO ADD MORE ENTRIES SO YOU CAN WIN THIS GREAT SET OF DIRTY BUSINESS MYSTERY SERIES BOOKS!
GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, OCTOBER 31!
GOOD LUCK!
THANKS TO ROSEMARY HARRIS, I HAVE
A WONDERFUL GIVEAWAY JUST IN TIME
FOR HALLOWEEN! ALL THREE BOOKS
IN THE DIRTY BUSINESS MYSTERY
SERIES! THESE ARE THE FIRST TWO
IN THE SERIES YOU CAN WIN!
--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!
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_veNpSgyHFMy-cJikn8Avk4V7dhuwRhrDdq0SSkO7I-LV8wmbKl77cVqp6bgpoQ_aygyJz8XbYwr125_AxV5__8KT2ZZEgbHcvtIt7Xfe0syd4mpQOQKZw1gfUy8dNXcw0=s0-d)
HOW TO ENTER:
--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 ONE OF THE TWO NEW BOOKS DETAILED ABOVE AND TELL WHICH YOU WOULD PICK IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE TO WIN ONLY ONE! (BUT YOU DON'T AS YOU CAN WIN ALL THREE)
+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND COME BACK AND LEAVE A LINK THAT I CAN FOLLOW
+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FOUND INTERESTING IN ROSEMARY'S INTERVIEW ABOVE
CHECK OUT DEAD HEAD: IF YOU MISSED MY REVIEW OF DEAD HEAD, GO HERE AND CHECK IT OUT AND ALSO ADD MORE ENTRIES SO YOU CAN WIN THIS GREAT SET OF DIRTY BUSINESS MYSTERY SERIES BOOKS!
GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, OCTOBER 31!
GOOD LUCK!
44 comments:
I think I would choose pushing up daises. The cast of characters sound funny, and I think the plots is interesting.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
I think if I could only receive one, it would be Pushing Up Daisies, so I could start at the beginning of Paula's career change! It looks like a great series. Thanks for the chance to win!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
I think it's great that one of Rosemary's favorite authors is Carl Hiassen. No doubt, that's where some of the quirky comes into the cozy! Thanks!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
I'd take Pushing Up Daisies, just because I like to start at the beginning of series and get all the background!
nbmars AT yahoo DOT com
I would choose The Big Dirt Nap since it sounds so unique and special. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
Her interest in mysteries is wonderful particularly P.D. James. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
Since this author is new to me and her books all sound entertaining I would start with Pushing Up Daisies. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com
Her interest in real crimes is incorporated into the books which makes the plots more realistic. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com
Pushing Up Daisies sounds fun. Well, they both do, but you said we had to choose.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I liked the info about how the Dead Head title came about.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
If I had to choose just one book I think I'd like Pushing Up Daisies. The cast of characters sounds interesting. Thank you for the opportunity to win it this great giveaway.
Smiles,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com
I always like to hear about an author's favorite author. It inspires me to read the 'new' author if it is someone I've never read before. I'll need to try P.D. James and Carl Hiassen.
Smiles,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com
I would start with the first book first since I have never read any of her book but they all sound really good. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
One would have to be Pushing up the Daises because it is the first in the series. ybutler@oppcatv.com
I'm surprised that Rosemary said she sees a little of herself in all of her characters, even the men and the bad ones. ybutler@oppcatv.com
I have always been intrigued or at least amused by the phrase “Pushing up daises.” I think that the first time I heard the phrase was in a western movie and likely by John Wayne … not positively sure as my gray matter is much older and much closer to actually and literally trying out the phrase “Pushing up daises.” Because of my partiality too this phrase and also the review of the above book using the same phrase I would think that this would be my most favorite book of the three … but I warn you that my gray matter is much older and I may not be making the best choice in my latter years of life. I am sure I would like any of the three … and with that I drop my name in the hat. Thanks for hosting this great giveaway!
steven(dot)capell(at)gmail(dot)com
I think they all sound great but if I had to pick.. I'd say Pushing Up Daisies...
Please enter me in the giveaway.
justpeachy36@yahoo.com
I think the books she chose in her interview as influencing her were very interesting choices, not what I would have figured....
justpeachy36@yahoo.com
I would choose "Pushing Up Daises". I'm drawn more to the 'sleepy' town stories and what a cast of unusual characters! I am excited about the chance to win these books! Thanks!
gcpeach17 at aol dot com
I love the way she explained how she named the book. A little bit of garden and alot rock 'n roll! lol
gcpeach17 at aol dot com
The Big Dirt Nap because it deals with the corpse flower which is intriguing.
dlodden at frontiernet dot net
tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/darcy1956/status/27591108150
dlodden at frontiernet dot net
It's interesting that Rosemary found her inspiration for Dead Head from a newspaper story.
dlodden at frontiernet dot net
I would also have to pick Pushing Up Daisies because I love to read series in order.
I LOVE the cover for Dead Head!
stephaniet117 at yahoo dot com
Thanks for the chance, Bingo!
I think it's really cool how she came up with the title. I like how the character is going for a second chance at life and how the title is a metaphor of that.
Wow..thanks for all of the interesting comments and good luck with the giveaways. Grannyvon, I guess it sounded strange that I see a bit of myself in each of the characters, but you do have to climb into a character's skin if you are going to have them come to life. Most of my bad guys are average people pushed to the edge. Those people are easier to identify with than serial killers - which happily I don't write!
Oooh - they both sound great! I guess I'll pick "Pushing up Daisies" since it was the "debut" novel.
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
I was intrigued she got her premise from a news story.
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
I'd pick Pushing Up Daisies because it's the first in the series. And the supporting characters sound like a hoot!!
bingomamanorma(at)gmail(dot)com
Nice interview. Love the title of her upcoming book - Slugfest!
bingomamanorma(at)gmail(dot)com
I'd like THE BIG DIRT NAP with the Ukrainian mobsters!
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
I'd love Pushing Up Daisies, I think the title is fun and quirky.
dreyshouse at gmail dot com
If I had to choose one I would choose "Pushing Up Daisies". The author had me at "mummified baby". Besides, I like to read series in order. :-)
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
Tweeted giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/MamaHendo3/status/27873719810
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
I found out from your interview with the author that the next book in the series, "Slugfest" is due out in April 2011.
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
I would choose "Dead Head"!
skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net
I would choose the Big Dirt Nap because with all the different characters/plot lines it looks like there is some opportunity for follies like comedy.
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com
A fourth book, I smell another giveaway :) and it's so true with so much information these days if you're remotely in the public eye there's so much (probably too much) info. out there about you.
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com
tweeted
http://twitter.com/HendyMartin/status/28625765217
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com
I'd like to read Pushing Up Daisies.
allisonsbj3(at)gmail(dot)com
I like her advice to writers.
allisonsbj3(at)gmail(dot)com
I'd choose to read the Big Dirt Nap! The list of characters that show up in the book make it look like a CRAZY good read!
I tweeted! http://twitter.com/amweeks/status/29100001116
I liked your author interview! And especially her advice to folks about writing to Just Do It!
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