Tag: Diane Bator

INTERVIEW: Diane Bator, Author of Diamond on the Rocks

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I’ve always been an avid reader, so writing was a natural next step. I’ve loved words and puzzles since I was a kid, as well as reading mysteries. When I came across a contest using an old Murder Mystery Party game, I thought I’d give it a try. I won the contest and my first novella, Murder on Manitou, was published. Opening a fresh box of books is totally addicting and I’ve opened many since!

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

Diamond on the Rocks is book 2 in my AJ Cadell Mystery series. The series was inspired by weekend summers spent at Lake Huron and the thought of a big house on the rocky shoreline, which is where I’d intended the series to take place. Flash forward a few years, and I now live in Alberta rather than Ontario. I had changed the locations to pitch to a publisher, then decided I’d keep the story in Canada. Alison (AJ) Cadell is a budding romance writer who starts off living in Toronto, then moves to the fictional town of Cedar Grove on Vancouver Island when someone makes her an offer to become a Writer in Residence. In book 1, she discovers her long lost family and solves the murders of her grandparents.

In book 2, she’s helping with an annual local event when the caterer disappears.

Book 3 will come out in 2026. Alison’s mother—who kidnapped she and her sister as children—makes a surprise visit and chaos ensues. This will be the final book in the series.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Over the series, Alison learns the importance of family as well as not believing what everyone tells you to be true. She needs to face her own demons generated by childhood trauma in order to move forward with her new life on Vancouver Island.

When her sister and best friend join her, they become more tightly bonded as friends and begin working together to help build each other’s dreams.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I have always loved a good puzzle, a good mystery, and have become pretty good at guessing whodunnit while watching movies and so on. I chose to write cozies, which are light and clean without the blood and gore, so they can entertain on a more humorous level, as well as intrigue.

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I would sit down with the caterer, Blair Diamond, who I found the most interesting since her life leads Alison on a bit of a wild goose chase. She just seemed to be a larger-than-life character who died before Alison could get to know her.

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I’m a big fan of a Facebook page called Cozy Mystery Village, as well as a small publisher called Aconite Café, which is where I got my start writing Dash Allman detective stories. With every new book, I seem to find new readers on both of those.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Don’t expect big things right from the start. It takes time to hone your craft and find your voice. Make friends with other writers and develop a thick skin. We all love to help other authors, but there will be times people give feedback or advice that you’d rather not hear. 

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

Once Diamond on the Rocks comes out in September, I’m taking a brief, much needed vacation! Then I’ll be working on a new romance novel or two.

I will work on Book 3 for AJ Cadell Mysteries over the winter as well as editing Book 3 in my Glitter Bay Mystery series called All That Shimmers. I hope readers will watch for those!

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About the Author

Diane Bator is a mom of three, a book coach, and the author of over a dozen mystery novels and many works-in-progress. She has also hosted the Escape With a Writer blog to promote fellow authors and is a member of Sisters in Crime Toronto, the Writers Union of Canada, and a board member of Crime Writers of Canada. When she’s not writing and coaching authors, she works for a professional theatre. No surprise she’s written her first play, which may lead to more. 

Her website is https://dianebator.ca/ 

Her books are available through her publisher Books We Love at: https://bookswelove.net/bator-diane/ 

Diamond on the Rocks (A.J. Cadell Mystery Book 2) by Diane Bator Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

The caterer to a Christmas Ball is found dead, and a writer and budding bed and breakfast owner must solve the case before a major ice storm hits in author Diane Bator’s “Diamond on the Rocks”, the second book in the A.J. Cadell Mysteries series. 

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The Synopsis

When A. J. (Alison Jane) Cadell took over Thistlewood Manor, she fully intended to turn it into the bed and breakfast Grandma Bebe dreamed of before her death – except for a few minor hurdles. Not only does Alison have a new romance novel to finish, a Writer-in-Residence gig to get through, visitors coming from Toronto, and a party to help organize, the caterer has gone missing. More specifically, Blair Diamond who is catering the McKittrick Christmas Ball in less than two weeks.

Then Alison and her boyfriend, Mac, find Blair’s body on the beach behind Thistlewood and she is dragged into the rat’s nest that made up Blair’s life. Can she track down the killer before the Ice Storm of the Century hits Cedar Grove or will Alison become another target?

The Review

This was a masterful and gripping mystery thriller. The author did an incredible job of balancing the suspenseful atmosphere with rich character development. The small island setting and tension added to the atmospheric nature of the story, and kept the reader invested as the novel developed.

The heart of this narrative was in the compelling mystery and the dynamic character arcs. The author was able to craft characters that felt relatable, lending a cinematic quality to the overall story. The story itself had a good balance of subplots, from the hardships Alison’s sister Roxie endured upon her arrival on the island to the stress of planning a major party, and then the draw of the murder mystery surrounding the death of the caterer. The infusion of her late grandmother’s found manuscript and its relation to the mystery of Alison’s past was an even bigger draw, drawing the reader further and further into the world the author created.

The Verdict

Thrilling, entertaining, and compelling, author Diane Bator’s upcoming mystery thriller novel “Diamond on the Rocks” is a must-read and a grand entry in the A.J. Cadel Mysteries series. The twists and turns in the narrative as Alison uncovers the truth, the hints of romance between herself and Mac, and the mystery of Alison’s past all keep the reader interested and eager for the next entry in this fantastic new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

An award-winning author, Diane Bator began writing as a kid when she fell in love with storytelling. After ten years with various traditional publishers, she’s created her own company, Escape With a Writer Publishing to relaunch her previous work plus many new titles. She is also a member of Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Canada, The Writers Union of Canada, and International Thriller Writers.

Diane is a proud mom of three, a Reiki Master, a blue belt in goju-ryu karate, and an artist who loves stopping at odd places on road trips. She is represented by Creative Edge Publicity.

https://www.dianebator.ca/

Dash Allman, PI Volume 1 (Dash Allman Mysteries) by Diane Bator Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Private investigator Dash must contend with jewel thieves, murderers, a runaway Llamma, and more in author Diane Bator’s “Dash Allman PI Volume 1”, the first in the Dash Allman Mysteries series!

The Synopsis

Meet Dashiell Allman-Dash for short. She loves long walks on the beach, Jimmy Buffet, and a good mystery, which is why she became a Private Investigator and lives in a cottage on the beach.

Join Dash as she tackles jewel thieves, killers, a runaway llama, a cat lady, boyfriends, and many more!

The Review

This was such a fun, thrilling, and engaging story. The author did a fantastic job crafting a collection of short stories that felt like a vignette of different cases from the case files of the PI. The story follows Dash, a private investigator, from the earliest days of her fascination with criminal investigations at the age of twelve to her storied career and beyond. The variety of the cases that the author brings to each story and the entertaining, fun nature of the setting itself allows the reader to get lost in these cases. 

The relatability of the protagonist and the fast pacing of the stories made for a smooth and memorable read. Dash’s stubbornness as she rushes to find the truth and the interesting dialogue between herself and the people in her sphere (police investigators and criminals alike) made her such a powerful protagonist to root for. 

The Verdict

Fast-paced, entertaining, and memorable, author Diane Bator’s “Dash Allman, PI Volume 1” is a must-read cozy mystery. The quirky and fun vibes that the author layers into each story within this volume will stay with readers and leave them wanting more from this brand-new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on November 22nd 2024 or preorder today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

An award-winning author, Diane Bator began writing as a kid when she fell in love with storytelling. After ten years with various traditional publishers, she’s created her own company, Escape With a Writer Publishing to relaunch her previous work plus many new titles. She is also a member of Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Canada, The Writers Union of Canada, and International Thriller Writers.

Diane is a proud mom of three, a Reiki Master, a blue belt in goju-ryu karate, and an artist who loves stopping at odd places on road trips. She is represented by Creative Edge Publicity.

https://www.dianebator.ca/

All That Shines (Glitter Bay Mysteries Book 2) by Diane Bator Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

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A woman balancing her store’s relocation and renovations must contend with her sister’s big-time dreams with the sudden mystery surrounding the death of a famed Hollywood fashion designer in author Diane Bator’s “All That Shines”, the next entry in the Glitter Bay Mysteries series.

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The Synopsis

When Sage Miller’s sister Laken decides to host a fashion show as a grand opening for the new location of Vintage Sage, she’s not amused. Even less so when she discovers her sister hired a Hollywood fashion designer to help. Not only does the designer show up in the middle of renovations, but he drags along his protégé.Then she finds Sebastian Hayward III, dead in her store.Suddenly it seems half of Los Angeles—all unwelcome guests from Laken’s past—appear in Vintage Sage seeking something Sebastian had in his possession. Sage has to deal with renovations, a fashion show, and a murder before she and Laken come unglued.Review: All That Shines is another great “who done it” with Sage and Laken and once again I was wrong! Can’t wait for the next book in the Glitter Bay Series to see what the sisters are up to. Diane Bator has once again successfully completed another beautifully written mystery: “All That Shines” Book 2 in the Glitter Bay Mysteries series. A comfortable, easy read, and a page turner which keeps you guessing right to the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed Bator’s willingness to step into the deep waters of some human issues which rage today’s society. An honest and bold move on her part, Bator writes with absolute grace and dignity. Well done! 5 Stars, Award-winning, bestselling author, Maggie Kirton. 

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The Review

This is another fantastic high fashion meets murder mystery read. The author beautifully captures the essence of the small-town mystery within the grander scale of the setting. The imagery and atmosphere allow readers to feel transported in this story, and the tension can be felt both in Sage’s daily life and the murder mystery. 

Yet it was the character dynamics and the mystery itself that brought this narrative to life. The conflict and drama between Sage and Laken are palpable, while the larger-than-life personality of the soon-to-be murder victim and the impact he made allowed for a wide cast of characters to become potential suspects, adding to the mystery itself. 

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The Verdict

Harrowing, creative, and entertaining, author Diane Bator’s “All That Shines” is a must-read mystery and the perfect next entry in the Glitter Bay Series. The way the author adds more depth to these characters from book 1 to now and the shocking developments will keep readers engaged thoroughly.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to get your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A prolific mystery writer, I am the mom of three kids and two cats as well as author of Wild Blue Mysteries, Gilda Wright Mysteries, Glitter Bay Mysteries, and the Audra Clemmings Mysteries from Books We Love Ltd. with many more to come!

You can find me at:

Blog: http://dbator.blogspot.ca/

Website: http://penspaintsandpaper.com/index.html

Publisher Website: https://bookswelove.net/bator-diane/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dianebatorauthor/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7179945.Diane_Bator

All That Sparkles (Glitter Bay Mysteries Book 1) by Diane Bator Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

The discovery of a trunk of vintage clothes leads to a mystery involving a land developer and a 50-year-old heist that will have one person rushing to end the cycle of violence coming for them next in author Diane Bator’s “All That Sparkles”, the first book in the Glitter Bay Mysteries series. 

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The Synopsis

What do a trunk full of vintage clothes, a handsome land developer, and a fifty year old diamond heist have in common? Laken Miller receives a trunk full of expensive vintage clothing and a stack of newspaper clippings about a fifty-year old diamond heist. Now all she has to do is figure out who murdered Tilly San Vicente before the killer silences her as well.

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The Review

This was a compelling and delightful cozy mystery read. The rich atmosphere and powerful imagery the author’s writing style brought out allowed the reader to feel both transported into this narrative and engaged in the witty banter and gripping character development that the story brought to life. 

The way the author was able to craft a thoughtful mystery while also providing memorable imagery throughout this story, from the dynamic vintage clothing that started this journey to the tense moments of the heist that drive this story forward. The layer of romance that the story brings forth is a great balance to the overall narrative and allows the characters to become more relatable and engaging overall.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, entertaining, and captivating, author Diane Bator’s “All That Sparkles” is a must-read mystery novel and a great entry in the brand new Glitter Bay Mysteries series. The twists and turns the narrative takes on and the shocking revelations, as well as the impactful and emotional bonds that the characters form with one another, make this a fantastic start to a brand-new mystery series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A prolific mystery writer, I am the mom of three kids and two cats as well as author of Wild Blue Mysteries, Gilda Wright Mysteries, Glitter Bay Mysteries, and the Audra Clemmings Mysteries from Books We Love Ltd. with many more to come!

You can find me at:

Blog: http://dbator.blogspot.ca/

Website: http://penspaintsandpaper.com/index.html

Publisher Website: https://bookswelove.net/bator-diane/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dianebatorauthor/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7179945.Diane_Bator

Dead Man’s Doll (Sugarwood Mysteries Book 2) by Diane Bator Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

The holidays bring a bit of horror to the small town of Sugarwood as a woman stumbles across the murder of a local butcher and discovers tales of voodoo and witchcraft integrated into the mystery in author Diane Bator’s “Dead Man’s Doll”, the second book in the Sugarwood Mysteries series!

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The Synopsis

Christmas blooms in Sugarwood in the form of a brightly lit tree in town square, colourful ornaments, and a snowstorm. It’s just Audra Clemmings’ luck that she literally stumbles over the local butcher in Miss Lavinia’s shop. Then a witch doctor arrives in town.

Can Audra solve the mystery before the killer turns their sights on her?

The Review

I absolutely loved the juxtaposition of the holiday settings with the cozy murder mystery meets witchcraft and horror elements of the narrative. The author did an amazing job of bringing a good dose of humor and wit to the narrative amongst the more chilling elements of the story, and the rich detail and atmosphere that the author was able to achieve were inspiring to see come to life on the page.

The character growth and the exploration of our understanding of things like witchcraft, voodoo, and other magical-based belief systems were the true heart of this narrative. The humor and relatability that the author infuses into characters like protagonist Audra and Marilee, and even the inclusion of Audra’s dog Drake, added a depth and captivating element to the cozy murder mystery, while the magical practices element of the story showcased how it is often our own prejudices and misconceptions that make people far more dangerous than the unknown and things classified by society as “supernatural” and having all of this come to life in a Christmas setting was made even better.

The Verdict

Chilling, witty, and entertaining, author Diane Bator’s “Dead Man’s Doll” is a brilliant cozy mystery for the fall/winter season of 2022 and a perfect next chapter in the Sugarwood Mysteries series. The thoughtful and thrilling narrative blends well with the funny character dynamics and rich cultural and spiritual elements explored in the story, making this a one-of-a-kind read you won’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Diane Bator is a prolific writer published by BWL Publishing. She is a A member of WCYR, Sisters in Crime and a board member for the Crime Writers of Canada. She is the author of several mystery series and a budding playwright.

https://dianebator.ca/

https://twitter.com/bator_l

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BG9JCVBP/ref=x_gr_w_glide_sin?caller=Goodreads&callerLink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodreads.com%2Fbook%2Fshow%2F62884670-dead-man-s-doll%3Fac%3D1%26from_search%3Dtrue%26qid%3D4B8y5jPuET%26rank%3D2&tag=x_gr_w_glide_sin-20

Dead Without Remorse by Diane Bator Review 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

An explosion forces an investigator to discover a killer’s identity before the suspects of the case somehow disappear in author Diane Bator’s “Dead Without Remorse”, the fifth book in the Gilda Wright Mystery series!

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The Synopsis

An explosion leaves a gaping hole in the streetscape where the Nine Lives Consignment Shop and the former martial arts school once stood.

When police find remains of a bomb inside, Gilda Wright needs to track a killer before her suspects scatter like debris.

The Review

This is a nice little whodunnit with an explosive twist. The author does a great job of layering the tension and humor of this mystery early on, starting the story with the protagonist and her friend enjoying an at-home vacation and quickly turning the happy friend’s day into a nightmare when a local building explodes. The fast pace of both the plot and the investigation will keep readers on the edge of their seats, and the twists and turns the mystery takes will have readers guessing about the killer’s identity.

The balance of suspense and rich character development was great to read here. The clues uncovered as each chapter plays out and the haunting reality of the character’s backstories were what kept readers hooked, and the beautiful way in which these characters came to life on the page was great to read. The tension between the protagonist, her current romantic interest, and the lone man who keeps becoming a constant in her life, was what kept me invested as the story progressed, adding a very real human element to the story. 

The Verdict

A harrowing, entertaining, and brilliant novel, author Diane Bater’s “Dead Without Remorse” is a must-read mystery novel and a great addition to the Gilda Wright Mystery series. While a knowledge of the series will help readers, the author did a great job of crafting a story and mystery that will allow readers to jump head first into the narrative, and readers will be eager to know what’s next for Gilda and the people in her life. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Diane Bator is a prolific writer published by BWL Publishing. She is a A member of WCYR, Sisters in Crime and a board member for the Crime Writers of Canada. She is the author of several mystery series and a budding playwright.

https://dianebator.ca/

The Conned Lady (Wild Blue Mysteries Book 5) by Diane Bator Review 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A mystery surrounding an eccentric writer’s late husband and his untimely demise sends Katie and her detective boyfriend Danny on a dark and dangerous path, where everyone is a suspect and everyone is equally in danger, in author Diane Bator’s “The Conned Lady”, the fifth book in the Wild blue Mysteries series.

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The Synopsis

Eccentric romance novelist Mimsy Lexington has a secret.

When she approaches Katie Mullins to help find details around her late husband’s death, Katie and her boyfriend Danny Walker are drawn into a web of lies and deceit. The deeper they dig, the more they realize the biggest dangers may lurk close to home and need to suspect everyone—including Mimsy.

The Review

A truly brilliant and inviting cozy mystery meets an adrenaline-fueled crime thriller! The novel does an excellent job of balancing out nods and characters from previous entries in the series with the new narrative that both new and returning readers will be able to dive head-first into. The atmosphere smoothly dips into humorous character dialogue between friends to tense and heart-pounding terror as threats begin to emerge all around the cast of characters. The focus on the cold-case narrative was so fun and relevant to read, as so many cold cases tend to go unnoticed or fade into obscurity, but hold as much mystery as more high-profile cases. 

The character development in this narrative was superb. Getting to see the intimate moments of Katie and Danny’s relationship and the impact of their pasts coming back to haunt them in the midst of this investigation, as well as the mystery surrounding Mimsy and her late husband’s shady dealings, drew me in as a reader and kept me invested throughout this novel. The small-town setting and quick pace of the narrative kept the plot moving at an even pace, and made the characters feel real and relatable all at once. 

The Verdict

An entertaining, mysterious, and intriguing read, author Diane Bator’s “The Conned Lady” is the perfect next entry into the Wild Blue Mysteries series. The harmony found between the character growth and the suspense of this case the protagonists find themselves in made this story shine so brightly, and the twists and turns the narrative takes will keep readers on the edge of their seats as the climax finally plays out. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Diane Bator is a prolific writer published by BWL Publishing. She is a member of WCYR, Sisters in Crime, and a board member for the Crime Writers of Canada. She is the author of several mystery series and a budding playwright.

https://dianebator.ca/

https://twitter.com/bator_l