San Francisco astrologer Julia Bonatti’s life is turned upside down when she becomes the target of the city’s newest cult leader, Reverend Roy of the Prophet’s Tabernacle. Driven out of her apartment in the midst of a disastrous Mercury retrograde period, she takes shelter with a client who’s caring for two elderly aunts. One aunt appears stricken with dementia and the other has fallen under the spell of the Reverend Roy. To add to the confusion, a young man claiming to be a long lost nephew arrives. The longer he stays, the more dangerous things become. Is the young man truly a member of the family? Can astrology confirm that? Julia’s not sure, but one thing she does know is that Mercury wasn’t merely the messenger of the gods—he was a trickster and a liar as well.
This was a first for me – a cozy with an astrologer as the sleuth. While I myself am not into astrology, that didn’t make the story any less enjoyable. There were times when Julia was doing a reading for someone that I didn’t really understand what she was talking about, but they were brief, and she always explained in layman’s terms what it all meant for the individual right afterwards. So why did I choose to read this one if I’m not “into” astrology? The cat and the purple couch! I couldn’t resist that cover, and I’m glad I didn’t try. This mystery is well-written, the characters likable and realistic, and I ended up reading it in a single sitting!
Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway (ENDED)for a chance to win your own copy!
About the Author
Connie di Marco is the author of the Zodiac Mysteries from Midnight Ink. She was fascinated by astrology at an early age and this was the inspiration that gave birth to Julia Bonatti, San Francisco astrologer and her newspaper column Ask Zodia. Writing as Connie Archer, she is also the author of the Soup Lover’s Mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime. Connie lives in Los Angeles with her family and a constantly talking cat.
Author Links
Website: www.conniedimarco.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ConniediMarco
Twitter: @askzodia
Purchase The Madness of Mercury from Amazon | B&N
Tour Participants
May 20 – A Blue Million Books – Interview
May 20 – Book Babble – Review
May 21 – Laura’s Interests – Review
May 21 – LibriAmoriMiei – Review
May 22 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – Review
May 22 – Mystery Playground – Interview
May 23 – I Wish I Lived in a Library – Review
May 23 – fuonlyknew – Review
May 24 – Moonlight Rendezvous – Review
May 24 – Musings and Ramblings – Guest Post
May 25 – Back Porchervations – Review
May 25 – The Bookwyrm’s Hoard – Review, Guest Post
May 26 – Bea’s Book Nook – Review
May 26 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – Review, Interview
May 27 – The Book’s the Thing – Review
May 27 – Thoughts in Progress – Review
May 28 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review, Guest Post
May 29 – deal sharing aunt – Review
May 30 – StoreyBook Reviews – Review
May 31 – I Read What You Write – Review, Interview
June 1 – A Holland Reads – Review
June 1 – Ashleyz Wonderland – Review
June 2 – Booklady’s Booknotes – Review, Guest Post
June 2 – Brooke Blogs – Spotlight
NOTE: I was provided with a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis from Goodreads: Years after the Willis Asylum closed, the secrets of its past lingered in its decaying halls as a reminder to the good people of Auburn Notch—when Evil closes a door, he also opens a window. Sheriff Promise Flynn was new to the town, and she was about to find out some windows should never be opened.
The Book's the Thing 