In Memoriam

Aunt Gayle with some of  her beloved grandchildren.

What's the best way to honor someone after they pass away? For me, I chose to dedicate Museums Can Be Murder to my sister-in-law, Gayle Elaine Biggs, known in my family as Aunt Gayle, a saint, and the most loving grandma — hands-down — that any child could wish for. Gayle had a dry wit that kept us laughing at family reunions. She also cooked non-stop for her family. My sister-in-law was so loving that she encouraged my brother to build a pool just so their family would congregate at her house and she could cook for them.

Available on Amazon  Smashwords Kobo iBooks

I based one of Jillian Bradley’s sisters-in-laws, Paige, on Gayle. Her character first appears in Book 5 Pacific Beach, again in Book 6 Waiting for Santa, and lastly in Book 11 Museums Can Be Murder. I gave her only one child, Kaitlin Romero, who plays an important role in Book 11 as it's her boss Amanda Corbin who's murdered. In reality, Gayle had three amazing children.

I don't understand why Gayle got cancer. Does anyone understand this horrible disease? The only good thing I can surmise is in remembering the old saying, “Only the good die young.” Gayle was good. She was young. Fortunately, her death was painless and she died knowing the Lord had prepared a place for her when she left her earthly home. And amazingly, she was able to say goodbye to her pastor, her husband, her children and their spouses, and all nine grandchildren, one by one. They will never forget her.

Neither will I.

It's a good thing to remember those we love. Now Gayle can also be remembered every time someone reads these books.

Thanks for letting me share my heart.

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 Texas and is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) CenTex Chapter.

To learn more about Nancy Jill, visit these sites.

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New Book on the Way: "Museums Can Be Murder"

This summer, look for Book 11 to come out - "Museums Can be Murder." Here's the synopsis:

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!

It's true! The life of an author can be full of distractions, mine not withstanding. Thus the reason I'm not writing a new book every six months. But the distractions are the good kind - downsizing to a new cottage size home, doing more traveling to see the kids and grandkids, spending more time with my husband who simply golfs and does whatever he wants to do.

However, this leads to my wanting to relax and play, too. Sigh...I must roll up my sleeves, open my computer and start writing again. And I will, just as soon as I finish the laundry, putter in the garden a bit, and fix a snack to go with a cup of tea.
  
There comes a time when everything has to be just right before the creative juices can flow. I'm looking forward to that moment, just after my 6 month dental checkup, singing with our senior choir for the Thursday Club, shopping for new plants for the yard, and making an appointment with the piano tuner. 

And, oh, yes, I need to call the window cleaners, too.
Wishing you all a Happy Spring!

See you in my books,

~Nancy Jill

A Favorite Book of Mine

Amazon.com

When visiting my daughter in California I often come across good books to read due to the entire family being voracious readers down to the 12 year old.
   I've read a variety of subjects, from suicide, special pets, to best sellers. All enjoyable. But one book remains one of my favorites, a simple, beautifully written memoir of Anne Morrow Lindbergh when she spent a vacation alone in a small cottage on Captiva island off the Florida Gulf Coast.
   What I like best about this "Gift from the Sea" is the way Lindbergh correlates seashells to the various stages of adult womanhood. You'll have to read the book to understand.
   This is the second time I've read this work. I choose to read it at the beginning of a new year to further ground my outlook of life now as a senior.
   Fascinating for me is to realize that although Anne Lindbergh suffered through the terrible tragedy of the murder of their infant son, she found strength through her writing, her husband, and in later years her five children.
   Not all of us can spend a week or two in solitude on a remote island. But what we can do is step into Anne Lindbergh's experience, read about her journey, and discover that each one of us has the capacity to be a whole person no matter what life hands us.

Please let me know if you have read this book or plan to. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Cheers!

Nancy Jill  

                  

Top Six Reasons to Celebrate in 2016

It's been a whirlwind writing year for me. Time to look back at reasons I'm celebrating in 2016. I hope it's been a good year for all of you as well.

Amazon.com $.99

"Sweets, Treats and Murder"
by Nancy Jill Thames 

   When a celebrated author like Joanna Campbell Slan invites you to be part of her holiday anthologies, your answer is a resounding YES! The Happy Homicides anthologies have been a big hit for cozy mysteries starting with the first Christmas edition in 2015.

   Happy Homicides 2: Thirteen Cozy Mysteries centers around Valentines Day with Crimes of the Heart. "Sweets, Treats and Murder" is the story I wrote centered around a murdered employee of a chocolate and gift shop in Jillian Bradley's hometown of Clover Hills.

Amazon.com $2.99

"Birthday Bash"

by Nancy Jill Thames

   The second reason to celebrate is the Summertime Crime edition of Happy Homicides sharing my story of "Birthday Bash" as Jillian's niece Lexis (introduced in Book 4 "Pacific Beach") is embroiled in the murder of her date for Grandmother Lovejoy's 90th birthday celebration, also taking place in Clover Hills.

 Special Offer! $.99
Buy Happy Homicides 4 and get Happy Homicides 3 Free!
Amazon.com 

   Joanna didn't stop there. I'm also celebrating her decision to commission more authors to write "Fall into Crime," the fall edition for "Happy Homicides 4." You'll read about a murder at the Clover Hills Historical Society's Gala Event in "Raven House." To sweeten the deal, we offer a boxed set of Happy Homicides 3 and 4 at one low price.

Amazon.com $10.99 Paperback/$3.99 Kindle

Barnes and Noble $11.00 Paperback/$3.99 Nook

Smashwords and iBooks $3.99

   With new stories flying off my keyboard I simply had to publish a collection. I'm celebrating "The Jillian Bradley Short Story Collection" release containing all four "Happy Homicides" short stories plus two additional stories published in the "A Cup of Cozy" collections. 

 Christmas Stories from the Authors of Cozy Mystery Magazine
Including Holiday Menus and Recipes!
Amazon.com $1.99

   The fifth reason I'm celebrating in 2016 is this latest collection. After three editions of "A Cup of Cozy" it was time to publish a boxed set for everyone to enjoy this Christmas. You'll find not only three of my short stories included in the set, but wonderful holiday menus and recipes, too.

Number six on the list is our Happy Homicides Christmas Anthology out in paperback.

NEW!

In Paperback Amazon.com $14.99

Includes "Teddy Saves Christmas"

When Jillian Bradley finds herself alone for the holidays, her dog Teddy, a cute little Yorkie, finds a homeless woman with an interesting but dangerous secret. Teddy won't leave her on the street so Jillian has no choice but to take her home.

   As we come to the end of 2016, let us pause to always remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. Praise God for his Unspeakable Gift! Merry Christmas, everyone!

~Nancy Jill

It's a Mystery! Live Podcast

YouTube

Get some insight into Nancy Jill Thames' books...and her little dog, too!

Valentine's Day 2016 - Top 10 Tips for Married Couples

Tip #1: Always believe you're right, even if what your spouse says may make a little sense. You don't want to confuse them.

Tip #2: Spend as much time as possible away from your spouse. This will give you little reason to ever argue.

Tip #3: If you're the wife, always wear makeup even if it's only lipstick. Your husband doesn't like looking at the 'Before' picture.

Tip #4: If you're the husband, refrain from covering up your messy unkempt hair with a baseball hat. Your wife knows you're not paying attention to personal hygiene.

Tip #5: If you're the wife always demand gifts on Valentine's Day, your birthday, anniversary and Christmas. This is a real proof of your husband's love.

Tip #6: If you're the husband take your wife shopping starting three weeks ahead of any event to make sure you know exactly what she would like for Valentine's Day, her birthday, anniversary and Christmas.

Tip #7: Husbands should always remember "A Happy Wife is a Happy Life."

Tip #8: Wives should always remember their husbands live to serve.

Tip #9: If you're a wife remember that all men are the same so it won't do any good to trade yours in for a later model.

Tip #10:If you're a husband remember that if you are thinking the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, all cows eat grass.

What tips do you have for keeping love in your marriage?

~Nancy Jill
Married 47 years.

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

A Bright 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

Cozy Mystery Holiday Gift Guide

Hello, dear readers! 

I hope this holiday season finds you and your family well and safe. In these turbulent times, I'm reminded that we must treasure each day God gives us.  As we press on, Thanksgiving seems to be officially blended in with Christmas as more and more people choose to decorate early, including myself. With traveling more to grown children's homes for the holidays, I find myself compelled to decorate earlier every year when the holidays get closer. Now, instead of decorating the day after Thanksgiving, we will be having our tree-trimming party the weekend before. Anyone else experiencing this change of events?

The next thing to start thinking about is gifts and what to give. I find parents are the most challenge. My mom didn’t need a thing, but she did love to read. Books bring a different world to readers and provide great entertainment for hours. I count a new book as a definite treat!

If you'd like to give a friend or a loved one a gift that keeps on giving, the Jillian Bradley mysteries might be a good choice. Rated G with no profanity or offensive scenes, they are the perfect gift choice for readers on your list. Books range in price from $7.99 to $11.99 for paperbacks and FREE to $3.99 for eBooks. Not bad when you consider one can purchase the entire series for under $99.00 + tx and s/h. (Amazon Prime members enjoy free s/h!) 

Besides the 10 book series, there are short stories about Jillian and Teddy included in the holiday anthologies "A Cup of Cozy" series, and the latest one out "Happy Homicides." The "Cup of Cozy" anthologies include recipes and menus, and recipes and crafts abound in the bonus issue of "Happy Homicides."

Here is a complete list of books and buy links: 

    Book Purchase Sites 

Whatever gifts we give and receive, may we be reminded of the greatest gift of all - Jesus, God's only begotten Son. 

Happy Holidays!

~Nancy Jill

God has blessed me beyond even my wildest imagination, always guiding my life, giving me a loving husband, four wonderful children, and a number of precious grandchildren. I hope you enjoy the Jillian Bradley mysteries - they are works of love.

To stay in touch please visit these sites.

Twitter - @mystriterdva

Blog - Author Nancy Jill Thames, Queen of Afternoon Tea
Pinterest - mystriterdva
Blog - Cozy Mystery Magazine
Goodreads - Nancy Jill Thames
Facebook
Linkedin
Google +
jillthames@gmail.com

"A Cup of Cozy 3" is Out!

Amazon.com

And now there are three, with the first book as our free gift. So excited to announce the launch of  "A Cup of Cozy 3"  in this cozy mystery anthology series filled with short mysteries and holiday recipes.

This issue introduces Janice Hanna Thompson, a popular award-winning and well-loved author familiar to many in the Christian literary world.

Linda P. Kozar writes a story taking place in Turkey, while Cynthia Hickey's story revels in a masquerade mystery. My story "Final Performance" takes place in San Francisco when Jillian and her garden club friends attend "The Nutcracker" in the heart of downtown.

I hope you enjoy the stories as well as the yummy recipes at the end. Happy Holidays! And reviews would be simply lovely. Thank you, dear readers.

~Nancy Jill 

NANCY JILL THAMES

   I suppose the most logical explanation of where imagination for writing my books comes from would be the fact I was an Air Force brat who moved around constantly until I was in the sixth grade. We lived in interesting places, too. Casablanca, French Morocco, where camels and gendarmes (French policemen) passed our house on a daily basis and Las Vegas, Nevada - boy, was it hot! Valdosta, Georgia,  Albuquerque, New Mexico....One night I lay awake counting the number of places I've lived and it came to fourteen!

   My mother was always off playing bridge or bowling with the other officers' wives while my three brothers and I entertained ourselves, making up adventures and getting into mischief. We had servants or baby-sitters, of course, but as long as we were busy, they left us alone.

   Coupled with the fact that I never saw a TV until I was eight and having two type-A parents, I guess it was inevitable I would be a writer someday. 

   I became a believer when I was almost nine thanks to my parents who were devout Christians. They made sure we attended Sunday school and church every week. It was at that time I was given piano lessons. I went on to playing in church, singing in a Madrigal group in high school, and getting a music degree from UT Austin. 

   God has blessed me beyond even my wildest imagination, always guiding my life, giving me a loving husband, four wonderful children, and a number of precious grandchildren. 

   I hope you enjoy the Jillian Bradley mysteries - they are works of love.

To stay in touch please visit these sites.

Twitter - @mystriterdva

Blog - Author Nancy Jill Thames, Queen of Afternoon Tea
Pinterest - mystriterdva
Blog - Cozy Mystery Magazine
Goodreads - Nancy Jill Thames
Facebook
Linkedin
Google +
jillthames@gmail.com

AWARDS

                 

                           

"Happy Homicides" Big Event

Calling all cozy mystery lovers to the huge release of 13 holiday mysteries in one anthology with 669 pages of some of the industry's  best mystery authors. These heartwarming, brain-puzzling, and character-driven traditional mysteries will keep you reading for hours.

And the good news is this collection is only $.99 - our way of introducing readers to writers who may be new to you. 

That's not all! When you order your copy of "Happy Homicides" there's a bonus offer of a collection of our favorite holiday recipes, crafts and tips inside.

So join me and authors Joanna Campbell Slan, Neil Plakcy, Lois Winston, Annie Adams, Teresa Trent, Jenna Bennett, Nancy Warren, Sara Rosett, Camille Minichino, Linda Gordon Hengerer and Joyce and Jim Lavene for some holiday stories guaranteed to keep you entertained throughout the holidays.

Available now for only $ .99! Join the fun! Click links to order.

Kindle    Nook   Kobo

Cheers!
~Nancy Jill

Do You Know Your State Flower and Tree?

Amazon

What a delightful read! "The Official State Flowers and Trees Their Unique Stories" by Glynda Joy Nord was an extremely interesting history of our beloved flowers and trees that we often see, are studied in classrooms, and appear in government institutions. I had no idea what battles were fought in passing adoptions of some of these symbols. California's golden poppy, for instance, took 13 years to become the state flower! My favorite story, though, was about the bluebonnet, the great state of Texas' flower. It was chosen from a Comanche legend about the sacrifice of a Chief's daughter. You'll have to read the book to learn what happened. The sketches were renderings based on the author's granddaughter initial drawings, which added a personal touch to the book. I also enjoyed the author's humorous comments laced throughout the stories. It's a book I'll treasure!

Learn more about Glynda Joy on her Website.

Cheers!

~Nancy Jill Thames

Purple Plums Dripping With Memories

Oh, yum! As I passed through the produce section at Walmart the other day, I inhaled a whiff of purple plums. Not only did the scent of the sweet fruit engage my senses, but the childhood memory of the plum trees in our backyard also flashed in my mind.

There were two mature trees smack dab in the back of our yard, big enough to climb and hide in, and prolific in the amount of plums they bore each summer. Mom would make plum jam, which would last through the winter, and we never ran short of fresh fruit to eat. With a family of six, that's saying something.

Looking back at all the fun I had with my brothers and the neighbor kids, I realized the incredible importance child's play has on the development of the imagination. For instance, we'd overturn the Adirondack furniture on the lawn, scooting the  pieces together to make a fort, or even better, we'd make a pretend airplane which we would fly all over the place, taking off and landing in exotic places. Of course, we'd be munching on plums while we played, climbing up the trees for supply as needed. 

During other times of play, our bikes became horses which we'd water in little red wagon troughs, then take on a cattle drive around the block, setting up camp in a vacant lot around the corner. Yes, we morphed into Spin and Marty from the Micky Mouse Club.

Sadly, we moved from that fun existence when I was in the 6th grade. By the time I was in the 8th grade, though, I had determined to be a yacht designer, an architect, or a foreign diplomat. I spent hours drawing boats, buildings, or reading about foreign lands, believing I could become anything I wanted to be.

• AMAZON
• BARNES & NOBLE
• KOBO
• SMASHWORDS

It turns out after taking piano lessons, I wound up in music, playing the organ in church, and eventually leading a choir. But I never forgot the childhood ambitions. Now, I write murder mysteries where I can incorporate all the dreams of my youth, as well as experiences we've shared as a family. "Murder at the Empress Hotel" is a good example. The story is based on a summer vacation our family took, along with both sets of grandparents. 

What about you? Did you have ambitions as a child that turned into reality? Or do you sometimes bite into some delicious food that reminds you of your past? It would be fun to hear about your experiences.

Until next time,
      
Cheers!

~Nancy Jill

Bird Wars

It began when we discovered a huge nest in one of our trees in the backyard built by a long-tailed grackle, which is in essence a big blackbird. The nest must have been a foot and a half in diameter, nestled 20 feet up in the tree.

Their squawking was annoying but that was not the worst of it. 

A young sparrow ventured too close to the nest and was brutally attacked by a female grackle,  while its mother watched helplessly. The blackbird viciously pecked the small bird's eyes out, and then five or six of them went for its face. My husband's righteous indignation grew to the point that he was ready to go to Walmart and buy a shotgun to blast the venomous creatures. He tried shooing the grackles away, but it was too late. The poor little sparrow just sat there on the ground with no face.

If that wasn't bad enough, the female blackbird was now empowered to call a bunch of her  group to settle in our trees to form a community.

After the vicious attack, we weren't going to let that happen.

We wanted our robin and mockingbird families back with their sweet songs, and so the Bird Wars began.

Whenever the blackbirds attempted to land in our trees, I'd run outside shooing them away by waving a dish towel, and yelling, "Go away, get out of here. Shoo!" I'd yell and scream at them until they would finally take the hint and fly into a different yard.

My husband took a different tactic by attaching an extension handle onto the hose creating a powerful water canon to discourage them away. 

That worked well until the hose sprung a leak and the water turned to a trickle.

Finally, when we asked our gardener to remove the nest, he scurried up the tree and knocked it down.

The birds were not discouraged. Not wanting to give up the place they'd chosen to nest, their numbers increased.

We keep chasing them away whenever they fly into our trees.

My husband will buy a new hose, and keep spraying them.

For now, the blackbirds seem to understand the message that they're  unwanted, and other birds are returning to our yard.

We'll see if we won the war now that we've been gone a few days.

Who knows? Maybe they will only have moved to the front yard.

Do any of you have tips for getting rid of unwanted blackbirds? We'd love to say, "Quoth the grackles, never more."

Cheers! 

~Nancy Jill