Welcome, Bestselling Author Duffy Brown
By Jeff Salter
I’ve wanted for a long time to entice the talented Duffy Brown to Hound Day and finally, she’s here! Not only is she a bestselling author, but a gracious lady and sweet friend.
I have lots to tell you, but be sure to read the part (below) about the two free giveaway packages, to the two winners selected from all who comment here by the deadline.
UPDATE: My wife just reminded me that I neglected to feature a Q&A with Duffy. [My oversight… ran out of time.] But if anybody has any questions for Duffy, please post them in the comments section and we’ll try to get her back during the day to reply.
Consignment Shop Series
First let me say I’ve already read Books 1 and 2 of the Consignment Shop Mysteries – set in Savannah GA – and I’m hooked. Book 3 (Pearls and Poison) is already out (haven’t read it yet however) and I just received a promo card about Book 4 – Dead Man Walker, a novella – which is apparently told from Walker Boone’s POV. Can’t wait to read that one. [Boone owns a ’57 Chevy convertible, which makes him my kind of guy.] And, according to Amazon, Book 5 – Demise in Denim – will be out next month!
Book 1, Iced Chiffon, is also an excellent story, and helps set up things in book 2.
Here’s my review for Book 2 (which I read first):
Killer in Crinolines
By Duffy Brown
[A mini-review by Jeff Salter]
Finally got a chance to read this novel by my friend, the best-selling Duffy Brown, and I’ve got to tell y’all, it’s a hoot-and-a-half.
Since it’s packaged as a Berkley Prime Crime Mystery, I didn’t expect to laugh as much as I did. If you’re a life-long southerner (as I am), Duffy’s humorous observations of people and behavior are spot-on. Heck, even if you’re a Yankee, this will be funny!
Yes, a cad is murdered, and the divorced heroine – barely subsisting on her thrift-shop income – gets involved primarily to help her friend (who’s framed for the killing). I can’t say too much without spoiling things, but suffice it to say there are numerous viable suspects and Duffy kept me guessing ‘til the very end.
Anyone familiar with Savannah GA will feel right at home. If you’ve never visited Savannah, you’ll want to schedule your next vacation there — but NOT during sweltering August.
Though Duffy’s heroine is devoted to solving the crime(s), she still finds time to please her own sweet tooth, try to keep her kooky aunt out of danger, and engage the hunky lawyer who’d been her adversary in a previous novel. You won’t believe all the ‘fixes’ she gets into!
Cycle Path Mystery
A brand new series, the Cycle Path Mysteries, are set in Michigan’s Mackinac Island, which I’ve long wanted to visit. Geared for the Grave, released this recent December, seems to be the first in that group. If Duffy’s Savannah-set titles are any indication, I feel confident this Mackinac Island series will be a hoot.
Duffy’s Bio Blurb
Duffy Brown loves anything with a mystery. While others girls dreamed of dating Brad Pitt, Duffy longed to take Sherlock Holmes to the prom. She has two cats, Spooky and Dr. Watson, her license plate is Sherlok and she conjures up who-done-it stories of her very own for Berkley Prime Crime. Duffy’s national bestselling Consignment Shop Mystery series is set in Savannah and the Cycle Path Mysteries are set on Mackinac Island.
Giveaway!
Two prize packages!
Each package contains:
* Geared for the Grave tote
* Dead man (outline) pen & tablet
Each person who leaves a comment (no matter how brief) on this blog before noon on Friday, Mar. 6 … will be entered in the contest for these two cool prize packages.
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Duffy-Brown/e/B008CI1380/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1425522600&sr=1-2-ent
Angela Schroeder
Patricia Kiyono
Elaine Cantrell
Jeff Salter
Joselyn
Tonette Joyce
Four Foxes, One Hound 
i have read all of Duffy;s books in this series. Love them. I am really looking forward to her next book.
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thanks for commenting, Sharon. Your name is in the contest.
Yeah, I’m eager to read the others of Duffy’s, especially this novella.
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Thank you, Sharon. You are the best. Hugs,Duffy
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Duffy sounds like my kind of gal, and her books, a lot of fun. I love Southern humor, being from the South, and all. 🙂
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You’re in the drawing also, Jenn. Yes, I’m sure you’d enjoy hanging out with Duffy. I’ve met her twice and I felt right at home.
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I love the South and Savannah is amazing…and I love to laugh. Southern humor is like no other. Thanks for chatting. Hugs, Duffy
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I think I’ve been “through” Savannah… but if so, it was back when I was a kid and my parents hardly ever stopped anywhere.
I’d love to go back and have a leisurely visit.
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Hi, Jeff! Thanks for having me at four-foxes-and-one-hound! Love this site and you are always a hoot. Hope to see you at the Southern Kentucky book fair. Keep warm and think spring.
Hugs, Duffy
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I hope I can make it to that book fair this year. Couldn’t go last year.
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This sounds like a great series and something I will definitely enjoy! I am going to go and buy “Iced Chiffon” and hopefully get to start it this weekend.
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thanks for visiting, Denise. Your name is in the drawing.
That’s a great selection — book # 1. I believe you’ll enjoy getting to know all these characters.
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Thanks Jeff. You know I love a good story 🙂
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I think you’ll love it. Quite a ride
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Hi, Denise. Thanks for picking up Iced Chiffon. Have fun with Reagan, Auntie Kiki, Walker and the Savannah regulars. Always something going on. Hugs, Duffy
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although there were a few times I thought Aunt Kiki needed somebody to yank her hair!
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You’re very welcome Duffy. I’m sure I will enjoy the story and will leave a review afterwards 🙂
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yes! reviews are so important
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Hi – I enjoy Duffy’ s Books not only for the “keep you guessing mystery” , but for lovable and eccentric characters that make the stories fun!
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thanks for stopping by and commenting, Jerri. You’re in the drawing.
Yes, Duffy can really bring characters alive in these stories.
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Hi, Jerri. I really appreciate your kind words. The characters and setting are such a a big part of the story. I feel like I actually live in Savannah and Mackinac Island. Hugs,Duffy
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I’ve got to visit that Island. I know so many people who’ve been there and say it’s wonderful.
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Enjoyed the mini review. I like reading books that have places I’ve been, you get a wonderful feel for the story. But sometimes an author does such a wonderful job describing places I’ve never been to, and makes you want to go there. Books sound like great reads. I like reading something that I actually start laughing out loud.
Redrabbitt@aol.com
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Yeah, in this Savannah series, Duffy describes the August heat so well that it makes the reader sweat also!
Thanks for visiting again, Kathy. Your name is in the hopper.
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Hi, Kathy. I so agree about the humor. We all need to laugh more, there is enough angst in the world without me adding to it. LOL. Hugs, Duffy
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A consignment shop owner mystery! Well, that is up my alley; I love all things thrift, etc. What treasure hunts…(and when I say treasure, for me, it’s usually other people’s junk!) That is quite unique.I also have bicycle-crazy friends who’d really appreciate your efforts.
I truly hope to go to SOKY this year.If I do, I will seek you out!
I wish you great success, Duffy!
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I’ve found some cool stuff in consignment shops.
In Duffy’s books, however, the heroine (Reagan) doesn’t spend as much time in the shop as she does interviewing suspects and getting herself into trouble.
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Hi, Tonette!! Yes, I will be at SOKY! I cannot wait to meet you. What fun. I’ve been at the Snooty Fox here in Cincy for 20 years. Consignment shopping is the best. What great deals. Hugs, Duffy
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the Snooty Fox?
You’d fit right in, here at Four Foxes One Hound
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Yes, the Snooty Fox. Fantastic consignment shop here in Cincy. I’ve worked there for 20 years part time. Best deals ever!
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so some of your customers shop there just to check out the lady author?
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I love mysteries, and these sound great. And since the Cycle Path Mysteries are set in my native Michigan I’m definitely going to have to read those! Thanks for visiting the 4F1H blog!
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Patty, you are one of the many new friends I’ve met who either live in Mich. now, or have in the past. Must be a very popular state.
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Hi, Patricia. I love Michigan and Mackinac Island is amazing. The no car thing makes for such a great time with horses and bikes. And the fudge is to die for. We were there for the Lilac Festival. What fun!
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Didn’t you participate in a writer’s retreat there, Duffy?
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I had the pleasure of visiting Savannah with my wife back in 2009. It was September and I don’t think the daytime temperature ever went below 85 degrees. Very friendly people, beautiful houses, and lots of history are there. I’m not familiar with Duffy’s work but I might change that before long. A question: Can a reader of her Consignment Mysteries expect to find references to Savannah’s famous (or notorious) people and places?
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I’d like to visit the sites mentioned in Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil.
Thanks for commenting, Clay
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Hi, Clay. The book is Savannah…all the restaurants, what to order in the restaurants, the hotels, the streets, Tybee Island, the police station are all for real. I think I know Savannah better than Cincinnati where I live. LOL. My daughter went to school there and I fell in love with the city. The Consignment Shop series is like a mimi vacation to Savannah. 🙂
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the two books I read had the feel of someone describing their own turf. Well done, Duffy.
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I’ll have to at least get her first book. I remember Tybee island and I’m sure I’ll recognize some of the restaurants. Jeff, you can visit the house where Jim Williams lived (the Mercer Williams House).
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I heard the author (John Berendt) speak at a library conference. He talked a lot about Savannah and that murder and the trial.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy Duffy’s books. My favorite of the two I’ve read is Book TWO.
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YES! I went through the Mercer house. Since I read the book and saw the show…I’m a Savannah junkie…I had to take the tour. Loved it. And I’ve taken several of the haunted tours and architecture tours and have eaten my way across Savannah more times than I can count. The food is amazing. Shrimp and grits at the Pink House. Holy cow!! And you have to have martinis at Jens and Friends. Nothing quite like a strawberry shortcake martini or a Snickers martini. So much fun!
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Jeff and Duffy, I’m looking forward to reading the Mackinac island series. I haven’t read it yet. I’m excited to read the next Consignment book!! I read Dead Man Walker and am excited to see how Walker gets out of the spot he’s in!! I love the characters. I keep wondering when Walker might “get lucky” if you know what I mean!!! Lol Lol!!!
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Hi, Kathy!! So glad you’re having fun the the Savannah gang. Lots going on in Demise in Denim. Walker and Reagan form a real bond. Wait till you see Bruce Willis in action. I loved writing this book. Thanks tons for reading Dead Man Walker. Big secrets there. Hugs, Duffy
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yes, Kathy. I’m also looking forward to that Mackinac series.
But I’ll have to catch up on the rest of the Savannah books first.
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BTW…anyone here chatting today and who would like a Dead Man pen just email DuffyBrown@DuffyBrown.com with your mailing address and I’ll send you a pen. They are fun…they have the chalk outline of a dead guy on the top Too funny…a real conversation starter. LOL
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This is very sweet of you! I just sent you my address. Thank you 🙂
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this is a great idea. Thanks, Duffy.
I’ll still have the drawing for the two winners of the larger prize package (book tote bag and pen).
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Are you getting kickbacks? I just bought the first book in the series.
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Ha. No kickbacks, but I DID get a hug from Duffy when we met in Cincy about two yrs ago. That was worth a lot more.
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Hi Quilly. Thanks so much! I really appreciate you picking up Iced Chiffon. Have fun with the Savannah gang…always something going. Hugs, Duffy
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I am here because of Jeff Salter. He is a dear friend. I want something lighthearted to read. Where do I begin in your books? Thank you!
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Welcome, Donna! Glad you could show up today. For those who don’t yet know Donna W., she’s not only a dear friend, but has been a huge supporter and encourager of my writing here in Somerset.
Hope you get a chance to read some of Duffy’s stories, Donna.
I started with Book TWO in the Savannah series. So that’s my recommendation to you.
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Hi Donna. All the books are complete. You can start anywhere. If you go to http://www.DuffyBrown.com it gives you a rundown on what each is about. Thank you so very much for giving my books a try. I truly appreciate it. Hugs, Duffy
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Both series sound very interesting. Going to have to put these down on my wishlist.
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Thanks Angela. Great chatting with you here at the Hound. Have a good weekend. Hugs, Duffy
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I’m sure you’ll enjoy Duffy’s books, Angie.
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Folks, as you probably read above, Duffy has offered to send a “dead man” outline pen to anyone who emails her (see address above).
But I’m still going to draw two names for two prize packages (a very cool book tote bag and the awesome ‘deadman’ pen). Deadline for leaving a comment is noon, today. I’ll be back this evening (Fri.) to pick the two winners, so check back tonight!
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Winners in the drawing for the special prize packages — increased to THREE awards — were Sharon Ruffy, Denise Keef, and Donna Wheeldon.
Please send me your mailing address on a FB message.
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Thank you so very much! Congratulations to Sharon and Donna too!
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thank you for participating, Denise
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Thanks, Jeff, for having me at Four Foxes and a Hound. Wonderful chatting with everyone. Have a lovely weekend and Think Spring.
Hugs, Duffy
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Loved having you here, Duffy. And thanks for your extra generosity in offering ‘deadman outline’ pens to all commenters who contact you at the email indicated.
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Guess I commented too late for a prize package, but Duffy’s books sound interesting! 🙂
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If you or anyone would like a Dead Man pen and other goodies just email DuffyBrown@DuffyBrown.com and I’ll send them along. Wonderful chatting with everyone. Hugs, Duffy
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