Books published by Kensington Publishing

"Exceptional…the perfect holiday entertainment."- Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW This Christmas season, travel to the North Pole you've never seen before-where Santa's new wife, April Claus, is not only set on creating the perfect holiday-she's also set on solving the perfect crime… Love is full of surprises-though few compare to realizing that you're marrying the real-life Santa. April Claus dearly loves her new husband, Nick, but adjusting to life in the North Pole is not all sugarplums and candy canes. Especially when a cantankerous elf named Giblet Hollyberry is killed-felled by a black widow spider in his stocking-shortly after publicly arguing with Nick. Christmastown is hardly a hotbed of crime, aside from mishaps caused by too much eggnog, but April disagrees with Constable Crinkle's verdict of accidental death. As April sets out to find the culprit, it'll mean putting the future of Christmas on the line-and hoping her own name isn't on a lethal naughty list . . .

An entertaining series perfect for fans for Joanne Fluke that highlights delicious new recipes for you to try this holiday season! A merry Christmas mystery is the festive read you need this time of year… "The lavish food descriptions and appended recipes are the best parts."-Kirkus Reviews Christmas cheer has sent the griddle into overdrive at Robbie Jordan's popular country store and café. And this year, there's a new seasonal special to feast on: murder… As December sweeps through South Lick, Indiana, Robbie's life seems merry and bright like the string lights glistening around town. But strange happenings signal a bumpy ride into the holidays. First a man raises eyebrows at Pans 'N Pancakes when he claiming to be the long-lost half-brother of Robbie's assistant. Then a fire destroys the home of a controversial anesthesiologist, exposing skeletal remains in his attic. Helplessly intrigued, all Robbie wants for Christmas is to stop her winter wonderland from becoming a real nightmare. With a decades-old mystery taking shape, can she run as fast as she can in pursuit of a killer who's harder to crack than a stale gingerbread man?

"Plenty of red herrings, mixed motives, and recipes for foodies make for a spirited holiday cozy."-Kirkus ReviewsWhen Santa is sleighed by a poison gingerbread cookie at a holiday party, Val Deniston's reputation is on the line . . . This holiday season Bayport, Maryland, is a dead ringer for Victorian London. Val and her grandfather are taking part in the Dickens of a Holiday festival. Val is hosting a private tea party serving the festival's costumed volunteers, who range from Dickens divas like Madame Defarge and Miss Havisham to Ebenezer Scrooge and old St. Nick himself. But one costumed reveler may have gotten the holidays mixed up. The winner of the creepiest outfit, robed in black with a gift bag covering the head-okay, Ghost of Christmas Present, Val gets it-hands out gingerbread men with white icing skeleton bones. This year's sour Santa has none of the big fellow's mirth but plenty of his appetite, and it's no secret Santa loves cookies. But when the man in red turns blue, Val and Granddad have a cookie-cutter killer to catch before the New Year . . . Includes delicious five-ingredient recipes! PRAISE FOR CRYPT SUZETTE "Grandad is a hoot and his jobs as a food reviewer and part-time detective provide endless possibilities for fun and murder . . . Charming." -Kirkus Reviews

In these heartwarming, faith-affirming stories, three Amish families face the joys, and challenges, of the holidays-with fruitful results . . . THE CHRISTMAS NOT-WISH New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Shelley Shepard Gray When the foster parents they've cautiously grown to love discover they're expecting, orphaned Roy and Jemima Fisher, ages six and seven, are secretly devastated by the certainty they'll be given up. With Christmas around the corner, their only wish is for new foster parents as nice as Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz. Meanwhile, the Kurtzes have wishes of their own-and with faith, they all may be gifted with twice the blessings . . . NEW BEGINNINGS * Rachel J. Good Still grieving the loss of her husband and unborn baby in an accident several months ago, Elizabeth Yoder is oblivious to her neighbor Luke Bontrager's deepening affection for her. But while she bleakly faces Christmas alone, it's Luke who reminds her it's the season for giving. And when Elizabeth donates her handmade baby clothes to New Beginnings, a home for teen moms, she soon finds her gifts repaid beyond measure, with Luke's love-and new beginnings of their own . . . TWINS TIMES TWO * Loree Lough What happens when two secretive, stubborn people find themselves thrown together to help four rascally youngsters-twins times two!-create a Christmas surprise for their parents? Mischief and mayhem, and just maybe . . . love!

For the Amish of Pontotoc, Mississippi, all roads lead to faith, family, and tradition, even when the path is unconventional-especially at Christmas . . . Tillie Gingerich is so in love with Melvin Yoder that she agrees to leave her conservative Amish home to live with him in the English world. But when the struggle to make ends meet leads to conflict, and reveals troubling weaknesses in their relationship, Tillie returns to Pontotoc-pregnant and unmarried. Her loving family accepts her, but to convince the rest of the community, they must turn to the bishop. Distraught, Tillie runs away on Christmas Eve-only to get as far as an isolated house on the edge of town. Levi Yoder, Melvin's upright distant cousin, is grieving the loss of his wife and wants to be alone. He is hardly pleased to open his door and find a pregnant woman--a painful reminder of all he's lost. But with an ice storm approaching, he can't turn Tillie away. Yet as morning nears, the miracle of Christmas brings unexpected challenges, opportunities-and promises for the future . . . Praise for Amy Lillard and her Wells Landing novels "An inspirational story of romance, faith, and trust . . . will appeal to fans of Wanda Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis." -Library Journal on Caroline's Secret "Fans of inspirational romance will appreciate Lillard's vivid characters and positive message." -Publishers Weekly

"A MASTER STORYTELLER." -RT Book Reviews It was fate that helped fashion executive Skye Delaney survive the crash of a Lear jet. It was also fate that stranded her on a Pacific island with the plane's pilot, a seductive man who is both domineering and unexpectedly tender-a man to desire, but not to trust. Discovering that he is actually Kyle Jagger-a ruthless business tycoon with a reputation as an international playboy-makes Skye even more wary . . . at first. In a sultry Eden where a man's passion and a woman's love are their only hope for survival, she succumbs to Kyle's tender caresses. But Skye has a fiancé back in the States, and Kyle is rumored to have a wife. Once they return to their separate worlds, will they lose each other forever? Or will a love born in paradise bring a lifetime of joy and happiness to two yearning hearts? Praise for Heather Graham and her novels "Graham combines mystery with sizzling romance."-Publishers Weekly "Has a talent for characterization and romantic tension."-New York Daily News

In J.D. Griffo's fourth Ferrara Family Mystery featuring a multi-generational Italian-American sleuthing duo Alberta Scaglione and her twentysomething granddaughter, murder is on the menu at Tranquility, New Jersey's local diner...Alberta Scaglione thinks her cooking is better than anyone's in Tranquility, New Jersey--but she doesn't mind an occasional visit to Veronica's Diner. During the breakfast rush, waitress Teri Jo seems stressed out. Not surprising on a busy morning, though Alberta, her sister Helen, and her granddaughter Jinx find it odd when Teri Jo asks them to deliver a package for her "just in case."Minutes later, Teri Jo rushes back to their table--not with a check in her hand but with a knife in her back. Veronica is upset but says she knows virtually nothing about her employee's past, and the ladies aren't sure whether to view her with sympathy or suspicion. Then they find an unusual figurine on the ground while snooping in the vicinity, and it becomes clear that this is a case for the Ferrara Family. With such a crowd at the crime scene, there are plenty of potential murderers on the menu, and the Ferraras will travel everywhere to figure out exactly where that figurine fits in...

The charming village of Fox Crossing, Maine (founded 1805) is the last bit of civilization before the 100-mile wilderness, the wildest and arguably most beautiful stretch of the Appalachian Trail. The little town has something else to offer as well... something rare, something that a few even call magic. It has The Fox. Crossing paths with a black cat is said to bring bad luck. But crossing paths with The Fox is a whole other story...Crossing paths with a black cat is said to bring bad luck.But crossing paths with The Fox is a whole other story . . .SOME SAY THE FOX IS GOOD LUCKIn the mountain village of Fox Crossing, Maine, everyone knows the story of The Fox. According to local legend, one of the town's founders crossed paths with a curious-looking fox with a distinctive white ear and paw. The unusual fox sighting not only inspired the town's name, it sparked a fantastical piece of folklore that's been passed down for generations. Some people say that whoever sees The Fox will be rewarded with good fortune, love, and happiness. Others say it's just a silly folk tale . . .WHAT DOES THE FOX SAY?Annie Hatherley doesn't believe The Fox legend--even though it was her great-great-great-grandmother who spotted the critter centuries ago. But now it's part of Annie's legacy, along with her family business, Hatherley's Outfitters. For years, Annie's been selling gear to hikers on the Appalachian Trail. But she's never seen The Fox--until now. Out of nowhere, this little white-eared vixen leads her to Nick Ferrone, a woefully unprepared hiker who needs her help. The Shoo Fly Bakery owner also spots the sly creature--who takes him to a homeless dog that needs his love. Annie can't deny that something magical is happening--because she's starting to fall for a certain foxy hiker named Nick . . .Praise for Melinda Metz's Talk to the Paw "Filled with romance and adorable kitty antics . . . a light and cozy read that is awesome to curl up with, particularly alongside your own mischievous cat!" --Modern Cat "Surpassingly cute story of a matchmaking cat determined to pair off his human with a neighbor through the power of stinky laundry." --Kirkus Reviews

In USA Today bestselling author Amanda Flower's second Amish Matchmaker Mystery, Millie Fisher has plenty to keep her busy through her golden years, whether it's minding a pair of rambunctious goats, meetings with her quilting circle, and matchmaking. But the witty widow always makes time to solve the odd murder..."The Amish Miss Marple strikes again...exciting."--Kirkus Reviews"Refreshing...Flower combines quirky characters, close-knit community, and first-class sleuthing to great effect. Fans of Amish mysteries will love this."--Publishers Weekly "There is nothing cozier than the second 'Amish Matchmaker Mystery.'"--Library JournalBetween minding a pair of rambunctious goats, meetings with her quilting circle, and matchmaking, Millie Fisher has plenty to keep her busy through her golden years. But the witty widow always makes time to solve the odd murder . . . Some Amish men don't know what's good for them. That's what Millie Fisher told herself when young Ben Baughman set his heart on marrying Tess Lieb. With Tess's father refusing to give his blessing and Tess's ex-boyfriend being a wet blanket, the hapless couple was bound to butt heads more than Millie's Boer goats. But when Ben tragically dies in a mysterious fire, Millie wonders if someone in her hometown of Harvest, Ohio, wanted Ben out of the wedding picture altogether . . . With the help of her quilting buddies, and her outspoken Englischer friend Lois, Millie is determined to patch together all the clues without even dropping a stitch. She only hopes it won't be the death of her . . . Praise for Amanda Flower and her Amish cozies "As it turns out, Amanda Flower may have just written the first Amish rom com." --USA Today "Flower has hit it out of the ballpark . . . and continues to amaze with her knowledge of the Amish way of life." --RT Book Reviews "At turns playful and engaging . . . a satisfyingly complex cozy." --Library Journal

The New York Times bestselling author of the Flower Shop Mystery series returns with the second installment in her new Goddess of Greene St. Mystery series starring single mom Athena Spencer, who returns to Michigan to work at her family's garden center, raise a pet raccoon, and dig up the dirt on suspects when a wedding rehearsal at the garden center ends up with the murder of a groom...The entire family has been put to work when a big fat Greek wedding rehearsal is booked at the Parthenon. All hands are needed for rolling grape leaves, layering moussaka, and keeping the bride calm. But then the groom goes MIA and there's far more to worry about then just whether Yiayia's lemon rice soup has gone cold.No matter how tangy the tzatziki, everyone's appetite is ruined when the groom is found dead, a pair of scissors planted in his back. When the bride accuses Athena's sister Selene, a hairstylist, of seducing and stabbing her fiancé, it's all-out war--and it's up to Athena to dig up the dirt on the suspects and nip these suspicions in the bud...

Hosting a friendly competition reality cooking show could be the perfect career boost for Chef Courtney Archer--but when her co-host is found murdered, Courtney must work through layers of deception to find the real culprit.Despite a few early hiccups, Courtney is thrilled with her starring role on The American Baking Battle, filmed at a grand resort in the Pocono Mountains. The icing on the cake? The new season has a wedding theme--complete with formalwear. But the first day on set, the producer seems to care more about profits than pastry--and the topper comes when her cohost Skylar falls ill. Little does she know things are about to end in tiers...When a barely coherent, blood-covered Skylar is discovered at the doorway of his room, Courtney is horrified to walk inside and find a towering wedding cake--thoroughly smashed by the body of a woman in a bridal gown. Now suspicion is filling the studio and falling on Skylar, and Courtney has to look at coworkers and contestants, working through layers of deception to find the real culprit...

It's vintage Poppy when the gluten-free baker and B&B owner tries to solve a murder at a Cape May winery in Libby Klein's fifth deliciously witty, paleo-themed Poppy McAllister Mystery.When Poppy and Aunt Ginny agreed to host a Wine and Cheese Happy Hour for a tour group at their Butterfly House Bed and Breakfast on the Jersey Shore, they never anticipated such a sour bunch. Grumpy guest Vince Baker should be in a better mood--he's filthy rich and on his honeymoon with his much younger wife Sunny, who seems to dote on him almost as much as her high-spirited teacup Pomeranian, Tammy Faye Baker.But the honeymoon is over when Vince drops dead the next day touring the Laughing Gull Winery. Turns out he's been poisoned, and it seems like everybody on the tour is hiding something. Now Poppy has to put her gluten-free baking on the back burner and bottle up her feelings for the two men in her life while she charges after a bitter killer with a lethal case of sour grapes...

In the fifth F.B.I. K-9 novel, Sara Driscoll weaves together fast-paced suspense and the fascinating world of law enforcement canines, as Meg Jennings and her search-and-rescue dog, Hawk, are heading south, where it's hunting season. But this time the prey is human.FBI handler Meg Jennings and her search-and-rescue K-9 partner are heading south where it's hunting season. But this time the prey is human. "For dog lovers and action fans. Dogs-in-action junkies will be transported."--Kirkus Reviews "Fascinating...Fans will look forward to Meg's further adventures."--Publishers Weekly One arrow through the heart could be a tragic hunting accident. A second one, within days, looks more like a crime. That's when Meg Jennings and Brian Foster of the FBI's Forensic Canine Unit head to Georgia to investigate. With their dogs Hawk and Lacey, Meg and Brian are enlisted to follow the scent of a killer. At first, nothing seems to connect the two victims-a county commissioner and State Patrol officer. But the blood sport around the southern town of Blue Ridge is just beginning. As the body count rises, the compound bow killer becomes even more elusive, appearing and vanishing like a ghost. However, with each new slaying Meg is beginning to suspect the grim design that's escalating in the shadows. At its heart, a tragic event that reaches back nearly two centuries in Georgia's history is now turning Blue Ridge into a hunting ground. But as Meg gets closer to solving the puzzle, the closer she is to stepping into the crosshairs of an elusive murderer with deadly aim, and motives as deep and dark as the woods . . .