Black Friday Book Deals: #Romance for 99 cents or free! #BlackFriday #BookGiveaway #FreeBook

Felony Melanie in Pageant Pandemonium: The Teenage Adventures of Felony Melanie is on sale for 99 cents! 

Based on characters from the movie Sweet Home Alabama

By the scriptwriter, Douglas J. Eboch, and Kris Bock

Meet “Felony Melanie” seven years before the events of the movie Sweet Home Alabama.

​​Before Melanie Smooter became hot fashion designer Melanie Carmichael, she was known as Felony Melanie, the teenage troublemaker of Pigeon Creek, Alabama. Aching to escape the boredom of small-town life, she gets into many reckless adventures. Her boyfriend, Jake, is always by her side – and the local sheriff is usually close behind.

When Melanie qualifies for the Miss Alabama Princess Pageant Southern Regional, the first prize scholarship could be her ticket out of Pigeon Creek. But can a “trailer trash” girl outshine the snooty debutantes? Meanwhile, Jake and his friends suspect someone is sabotaging the pageant. They try to follow the clues, but it isn’t easy when everyone dismisses you as redneck kids.

Melanie needs to prove herself on stage. Jake and the gang need to make sure she gets the chance. Can they show they’re more than what people see on the surface?

Readers say:

“Fun loving, laugh out loud read!!!!” 

“Such a fun book! If you enjoyed Sweet Home Alabama this will be a treat.” 

“These stories are awesome! They're so much fun to read," 

Get The Teenage Adventures of Felony Melanie at all retailers! 

Snowed in with a Cowboy: the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys book 1 is FREE at all ebook retailers for a limited time! 

He has everything this Christmas, but all he wants is the quiet ranch life he’s losing…

When Josh Tomlinson’s Texas ranching family discovers their lottery ticket is a big winner, they need help navigating the chaos. Josh contacts family friend and now attorney, Carly Garza.

Carly’s crushed on Josh for years, and she’s hoping he’ll finally see her as someone other than his younger brother’s middle school girlfriend. But when Josh needs advice on how to handle his family’s lottery win, his client and billionaire statuses put him firmly out of reach. 

They’re already keeping the family’s lottery win a secret from the town. Can they also hide their budding romance during the most magical time of year?

Readers say:

“What a wonderful book! I loved every word of this book and highly recommend it.”

“I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see where these characters go next.”

“I highly recommend this book. I look forward to the next book. Kris has a winning series here.” 

The Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series is available all retailers.

Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café: a Furrever Friends Sweet Romance book 1 is also free! 

Kari doesn’t have time for love when she’s opening her new cat café. She’s busy hiring employees, fighting with the health inspector – oh, and welcoming 16 shelter cats. But when a sexy master baker walks in, she can’t let him get away. So what does she do with the guy of her dreams? Set him up with her sister, of course.

Colin has other ideas. It’s Kari who makes him want to turn up the heat. But he’s spent the last two years recovering from physical and psychological wounds. Is he really ready for a relationship? He’s not even sure he should commit to Samson, the sweet Siamese cat who steals his heart.

The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the workers and customers at a small-town cat café, and the adorable cats and kittens looking for their forever homes.

Readers say: “I absolutely love this heartfelt series.”

“Sweet romance with the kind of people you wished you knew.”

“Small town romance with cats ... what more could you want?”

“Anyone who likes a sweet story about relatable, cat-loving characters will enjoy Coffee and Crushes.”

Visit the Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series on Amazon US or Amazon UK or see the series with links to all retailers.

For an even better deal, buy the Furrever Friends Cat Café Sweet Romance Collection of six books directly from the author. 

Snowed in with a Cowboy: the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys #romance book 1 is FREE at all ebook retailers for a limited time! #BookGiveaway #FreeBook #books

Snowed in with a Cowboy: the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys book 1 is FREE at all ebook retailers for a limited time! 

He has everything this Christmas, but all he wants is the quiet ranch life he’s losing…

When Josh Tomlinson’s Texas ranching family discovers their lottery ticket is a big winner, they need help navigating the chaos. Josh contacts family friend and now attorney, Carly Garza.

Carly’s crushed on Josh for years, and she’s hoping he’ll finally see her as someone other than his younger brother’s middle school girlfriend. But when Josh needs advice on how to handle his family’s lottery win, his client and billionaire statuses put him firmly out of reach. 

They’re already keeping the family’s lottery win a secret from the town. Can they also hide their budding romance during the most magical time of year?

Readers say:

“What a wonderful book! I loved every word of this book and highly recommend it.”

“I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see where these characters go next.”

“I highly recommend this book. I look forward to the next book. Kris has a winning series here.” 

The Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series is available all retailers. (This series was previously published with different titles and covers.)

Kris Bock writes romance, mystery, and suspense. Her Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats. In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a billion-dollar lottery. Can they build new dreams and find love amidst the chaos?

In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty.

Learn more at KrisBock.com. Get a free 30-page story set in the world of the Furrever Friends cat café when you sign up for Kris Bock’s Romance and Mystery newsletter. You’ll also get a printable copy of “22 recipes from the cat café” and free short stories: an Accidental Detective mystery, a Tales of a Reluctant Psychic mystery and a Sweet Home Alabama romantic comedy story.

Happy National Cozy Mystery Day! Check out some fun #mystery #books

National Cozy Mystery Day is September 15 each year. It’s mystery writer Agatha Christie’s birthday and a time to celebrate cozy mysteries!

A cozy mystery is one where the detective is an amateur sleuth rather than a police officer or an investigator. They often take place in small towns or at least have characters who form a small community. They have little or no violence, sex, and cursing on the page. 

My mysteries might be called “cozy adjacent” – In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. Technically a journalist could be considered a professional sleuth. Also, the series is set in the Phoenix, Arizona area and touches on some tougher topics. Still, this is a lighthearted series with a recurring cast of fun characters!

This humorous series starts with Something Shady at Sunshine Haven, which made Barnes & Noble's list of “Handpicked Favorites You'll Love!” It's free at major retailers this month!

Readers say: “The characters in this book remind me of those in Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. I love their quirks and I was fooled until the very end.”

“I love the amateur detective sisters solving the crimes along with their friends and family who help them. There is lots of witty banter and interesting situations that keep this story moving along at a fast pace.”

“A great start to a new series... Readers will enjoy this new cozy mystery and eagerly wait for more sleuthing with Kate and the Coffee Shop Irregulars!”  

“Kris has done a wonderful job providing a suspenseful mystery for the reader to help solve, as well as shared some interesting and quirky characters.”

In the Reluctant Psychic Mystery series, a quirky loner who can read the history of any object with her touch gets drawn into mysteries at the museum of oddities where she works. This is more typically cozy in the sense that it’s a small town setting and the main character is a geologist/museum employee. The mood may be more serious than some cozies though, as main character Petra struggles with a psychic power she doesn’t want.

Readers say:

“…what truly resonated with me was Petra’s emotional journey. Her anxiety about being discovered, her cautious approach to forming friendships, and her affection for her pets (the cats! the ferrets! my heart!) made her character incredibly relatable. I found myself laughing, gasping, and perhaps shedding a tear or two.”

“A Stone Cold Murder is exactly the kind of book I crave—tightly plotted, emotionally rich, and impossible to put down. Kris Bock blends murder, mystery, and psychic suspense seamlessly, and I’m obsessed.”

“Kris Bock has crafted a story that’s equal parts murder mystery, psychological deep-dive, and small-town gothic horror (in the best way).”

I’ve also written romantic suspense novels, including stories of treasure hunting, archaeology, and intrigue. Readers have called these novels “Smart romance with an Indiana Jones feel.”

So if you’re looking for cozy(ish) mysteries, check out my books. Something Shady at Sunshine Haven is free at major retailers September 2025!

Kris Bock writes mystery, suspense, and romance, often with smart, snarky heroines finding adventure (sometimes against their will) in the Southwest. She lives in New Mexico where she enjoys hiking with her husband and playing with their ferrets.

Mystery: In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. This humorous series starts with Something Shady at Sunshine Haven, which made Barnes & Noble's list of “Handpicked Favorites You'll Love!” In the Reluctant Psychic Mystery series, a quirky loner who can read the history of any object with her touch gets drawn into mysteries at the museum of oddities where she works. Kris’s romantic suspense novels include stories of treasure hunting, archaeology, and intrigue. Readers have called these novels “Smart romance with an Indiana Jones feel.”

Romance: In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery. Who wouldn't want to be a billionaire? Turns out winning the lottery causes as many problems as it solves. The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series stars the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats.

Sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter and get an Accidental Detective short story, a Reluctantly Psychic short story, and other freebies. Then every two weeks, you’ll get fun content about pets, announcements of new books, sales, and more.

Find Kris

Website

Blog

BlueSky

GoodReads Author Page

BookBub

Amazon US page or Amazon UK page

Coming Soon! Death at Rock Bottom (A Reluctant Psychic Murder Mystery series book 2) #books #mystery

Death at Rock Bottom (A Reluctant Psychic Murder Mystery series book 2) is out in print and ebook at all major retailers.

After solving the mystery of her predecessor’s death, geologist Petra Cloch wants to focus on her job as the rocks and minerals curator at a quirky, small town New Mexico museum. But her friend and colleague Liberty is suspicious of the supposedly accidental death of Frank Underwood, a retired petroleum engineer and rockhound who died while hiking. Frank acted odd in his last weeks, talking about something incredible he found in the desert and whispering about aliens. Was he showing the first signs of dementia, or were more sinister forces at work?

Petra wants to help Liberty uncover the truth, and before long their book club has somehow become a crime-fighting club. Petra uses her gift and her brains to fight through the confusing and contradictory clues along with her new found family, but has someone gotten a taste for murder?

Early reviewers say: “I am really enjoying this series, with it’s quirky characters, wonderful community and setting and the intriguing plotlines.” - Carla Loves To Read blog

“This second Reluctantly Psychic Murder Mystery was another very entertaining read from Kris Bock. Death at Rock Bottom takes us to the New Mexico desert, with an interesting protagonist that I really like, and a very intriguing mystery. Kris Bock’s detailed descriptions pull readers right into the story. From the museum to the desert and every place in between, I felt like I was right there. - Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

"Petra Clock is a likable and unique protagonist with her unusual gift .... As in the previous book, the dialogue and narrative are clever .... Readers new to the series should be able to pick up the story in this latest volume, but the first book is really an entertaining ‘must-read’ as well.” - Boys’ Mom Reads! blog

Readers praised book 1, A Stone Cold Murder:

• “A Stone Cold Murder is exactly the kind of book I crave—tightly plotted, emotionally rich, and impossible to put down. Kris Bock blends murder, mystery, and psychic suspense seamlessly, and I’m obsessed.”
• “…what truly resonated with me was Petra’s emotional journey. Her anxiety about being discovered, her cautious approach to forming friendships, and her affection for her pets (the cats! the ferrets! my heart!) made her character incredibly relatable. I found myself laughing, gasping, and perhaps shedding a tear or two.”
• “Kris Bock has crafted a story that’s equal parts murder mystery, psychological deep-dive, and small-town gothic horror (in the best way).”
• “A Stone Cold Murder is one of the most vivid books I’ve ever read. Kris Bock doesn’t just tell a story—she immerses you in it.”

Learn more or buy The Reluctant Psychic Mystery series – in print and ebook at all major retailers.

Kris Bock writes mystery, suspense, and romance, often with smart, snarky heroines finding adventure (sometimes against their will) in the Southwest. She lives in New Mexico where she enjoys hiking with her husband and playing with their ferrets.

In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. This humorous series starts with Something Shady at Sunshine Haven, which made Barnes & Noble's list of “Handpicked Favorites You'll Love!” 

Kris’s romantic suspense novels include stories of treasure hunting, archaeology, and intrigue. Readers have called these novels “Smart romance with an Indiana Jones feel.”

The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series stars the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats. 

In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery. Who wouldn't want to be a billionaire? Turns out winning the lottery causes as many problems as it solves.

Sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter and get an Accidental Detective short story and other freebies. Then every two weeks, you’ll get fun content about pets, announcements of new books, sales, and more.

Kris also writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama. The Felony Melanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade before the events of the movie. Sign up for the romantic comedy newsletter to get a short story preview, or find the books at Amazon US or All E-book retailers.

Huevos Rancheros #recipe and the Reluctant Psychic Murder #Mystery #book series

In A Stone Cold Murder, Petra moved to New Mexico to start a job at a quirky smalltown museum. She quickly falls in love with the state, for a variety of reasons – including the food! 

These mysteries don’t include recipes in the books, but food is a great way to get to know a place. Huevos rancheros is a popular breakfast dish in New Mexico (and in Mexico and other places). You can probably get it in any diner in the state, but it’s easy to make at home as well.

Huevos Rancheros

Serves 4-6
8-12 corn tortillas (2 per person)
One can refried beans
Shredded or sliced cheddar (about 1/4 cup per person)
4-6 eggs (2 per person)
enchilada sauce (available, canned, in the Mexican section of most groceries)

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Sauté the hash browns in a little oil until nicely cooked. Set aside.
3. Lightly brush a warm skillet with oil. Fry the tortillas until warm and turning golden, 30-60 seconds per side.
4. Place the tortillas in stacks of two on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Spread refried beans over the top tortilla in each pair.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese or lay a slice of cheese on each serving.
6. Put the baking sheet in the oven for 12-15 minutes, so the beans heat and the cheese melts.
7. Meanwhile, warm the enchilada sauce on the stove or in the microwave. Fry the eggs to the hardness of your choosing.
8. Move the tortillas to individual plates. Add two eggs to the top of each. Pour enchilada sauce over it all. Serve immediately.

Options:

• You can use only one tortilla and one egg per person.
• You can heat the tortilla, beans, cheese, and enchilada sauce on a plate in the microwave and then add the egg on top.
• Try whole pinto beans or black beans instead of refried beans. Experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or queso fresco.
• Use green chile sauce, salsa, or hot sauce instead of, or in addition to, enchilada sauce.
• Add fresh or canned tomatoes, chopped avocado, jalapenos, diced yellow onion, lettuce, or cilantro to garnish.

In the Reluctant Psychic Mystery series, a quirky loner who can read the history of any object with her touch gets drawn into mysteries at the museum of oddities where she works. In book 1, A Stone Cold Murder, Petra Cloch started a new job as the rocks and minerals curator at a quirky private museum in smalltown New Mexico.

Book 2, Death at Rock Bottom, comes out July 30: Petra gets drawn into another mystery after a retired petroleum engineer and rockhound died while hiking. Frank acted odd in his last weeks, whispering about aliens. Was he showing the first signs of dementia, or were more sinister forces at work? As Petra’s book club becomes a crime-fighting club, Petra must use her psychic gift and her brains to fight through the clues along with her newfound family.

Kris Bock writes mystery, suspense, and romance, often with Southwestern landscapes. In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats. 

In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery and find out winning the lottery causes as many problems as it solves. Kris’s romantic suspense novels include stories of treasure hunting, archaeology, and intrigue.

Sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter and get an Accidental Detective short story and other freebies. Then every two weeks, you’ll get fun content about pets, announcements of new books, sales, and more.

Kris also writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama. The Felony Melanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade before the events of the movie. Sign up for the romantic comedy newsletter to get a short story preview, or find the books at Amazon US or All E-book retailers.

A Stone Cold Murder #Mystery tour stops: bloggers review "a complex mystery with many layers" #books

A Stone Cold Murder: A Reluctant Psychic Murder Mystery Book 1: A quirky loner who can read the history of any object with her touch gets drawn into mysteries at the museum of oddities where she works. 

Several bloggers reviewed the book!

“The mystery was unique and so well done. Her psychometry gives her clues, but not enough to know what exactly is going on. I love how she slowly investigates, how she slowly begins to trust, and how she gradually starts to accept her gift. Plenty of suspicious characters and red herrings keep readers on their toes.

“Quirky characters in an unconventional museum pulled me in to this captivating mystery. I loved this series debut and I can't wait to return to the Banditt Museum!” ~Cozy Up With Kathy

“I swiftly became sympathetic to Petra’s uneasy adaptations and her sad and lonely past. The plot is well-paced, and Petra’s reaction to her first handling of potential evidence of murder reveals her startling ability very effectively...

“The author’s writing is easy to read, and I was so engaged with the story that I read it from start to finish one evening... I recommend A STONE COLD MURDER to cozy mystery readers, especially those interested in psychic elements, museum settings, rocks, and minerals.” ~Boys' Mom Reads

“The author did a wonderful job explaining Petra’s gift and included ways it shook up her life. I became invested in her life easily. Her inner dialogues touched my heart… Ms. Bock has surrounded Petra with a well-crafted, quirky cast of characters…

“Ms. Bock penned a complex mystery with many layers. With Petra taking over not only the deceased’s office but his rental home as well, she is immersed in the mystery of his death. She knows there is more to his story, but can she find the truth? I appreciated the pace that was set for this story. Time was allowed to introduce the characters while Petra debated how to move forward. This draws readers in, then the twists start to happen. A wanted man, an important object or two in the museum, a crazy filing system, an unexpected visitor, a new friend with a gift of their own, all come together as Petra follows clue after clue and learns something surprising about her gift. This culminates in an exciting chase and takedown that will have readers on the edge of their seats.

Kris Bock at the Mineral Museum

“A Stone Cold Murder is an excellent start for this series. Petra Cloch is a character that will stick with you. The author’s detailed depictions will put you right on the scene of everything that happens. Petra has come a long way within these pages, but the progress is still new. I am excited to see her journey continue. Death at Rock Bottom will be released on July 30. I have saved a spot on my calendar.” ~Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

Read a sample or get A Stone Cold Murder: A Reluctant Psychic Murder Mystery Book 1.

Kris Bock writes mystery, suspense, and romance, often with smart, snarky heroines finding adventure (sometimes against their will) in the Southwest. She lives in New Mexico where she enjoys hiking with her husband and playing with their ferrets. 

In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. This humorous series starts with Something Shady at Sunshine Haven, which made Barnes & Noble's list of “Handpicked Favorites You'll Love!” Kris’s romantic suspense novels include stories of treasure hunting, archaeology, and intrigue. Readers have called these novels “Smart romance with an Indiana Jones feel.”

The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series stars the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats. In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery. Who wouldn't want to be a billionaire? Turns out winning the lottery causes as many problems as it solves.

Sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter and get an Accidental Detective short story and other freebies. Then every two weeks, you’ll get fun content about pets, announcements of new books, sales, and more.

A Stone Cold Murder #Mystery tour stops: author and main character interview; two different heroines in my two mystery series #books

A Stone Cold Murder: A Reluctant Psychic Murder Mystery Book 1: a quirky loner who can read the history of any object with her touch gets drawn into mysteries at the museum of oddities where she works.

The Stone Cold Murder book tour stopped by Christy’s Cozy Corners with an author interview on favorite place to write, childhood book memories, author friends, and “What made you choose the cozy mystery genre?” If you missed it, find it here.

At Ascroft, eh?, main character Petra Cloch talks about how she evolved as the main character, her favorite other characters, and Bonneville, population 2000. Find that one here.

At Carla Loves To Read, I discussed "Two Very Different Heroines" in my two mystery series. She also reviewed the book: “This was an interesting introduction to a new cozy mystery series… I found this an intriguing story with great characters and an interesting plot... I am looking forward to the next book in this series, Death at Rock Bottom.” Read it here. 

Read a sample or get A Stone Cold Murder: A Reluctant Psychic Murder Mystery Book 1.

Take a stress-relief break with a new paranormal mystery! #books #paranormal #mystery

The Reluctant Psychic Mysteries Book 1, A Stone Cold Murder, is out now! Petra Cloch studied geology because rocks rarely ‘talk’ to her, and she’s dodged friendships so she won’t need to explain her gift or feel like a voyeur. She’s starting work at a private museum in a small New Mexico town. When she picks up a jagged crystal in her new office, she's flooded with flashes of rage, fear and death. Everyone says her predecessor died in a car crash, but what if he was murdered? Petra normally avoids involvements, but if the previous curator died because of the job, she could be next … 

Early readers say:

“Kris Bock, you have created a novel that is both heartwarming and suspenseful. For those who appreciate mysteries that offer depth, a distinctive supernatural element, and a protagonist to cherish, A Stone Cold Murder is an essential read. Well done!” – Sarah W. on GoodReads

“This was an entertaining mystery that kept me guessing until the end... With a sympathetic main character, quirky secondary characters, and an intriguing mystery, this was a fun read. I am looking forward to Petra’s next adventure!” Robin S. on BookBub

“I’m not exaggerating when I say A Stone Cold Murder is one of the most vivid books I’ve ever read. Kris Bock doesn’t just tell a story—she immerses you in it. From the dusty, claustrophobic halls of the Banditt Museum to the eerie silence of Petra’s new home (which may or may not be haunted by a dead man’s secrets), every setting pulses with life.” Lauren M. on GoodReads

Learn more about The Reluctant Psychic Mystery series or order copies. Available in ebook and print at all major retailers.

Sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter and get an Accidental Detective short story and other freebies. Then every two weeks, you’ll get fun content about pets, announcements of new books, sales, and more.

Kris Bock writes mystery, suspense, and romance, often with Southwestern landscapes. In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty.

The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats. In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery and find out winning the lottery causes as many problems as it solves. Kris’s romantic suspense novels include stories of treasure hunting, archaeology, and intrigue.

Meet the Reluctant Psychic in a new #mystery series launching soon! You'll love relaxing with these exciting #books set in smalltown New Mexico.

I got my start in writing for adults with romantic suspense (after writing for children for 15 years). I moved into sweet romance and mystery. Many of my books are set in the southwest. I live in New Mexico, which means that when I meet people at conferences, they say, “I love Santa Fe/Taos!” I explain that I live a couple of hours south of there in an entirely different landscape and cultural atmosphere, in a town of 8000 people with a science and engineering school. Then the next time they see me, they say, “Oh, you’re the writer from Arizona, right?” 

After publishing six books in The Accidental Detective humorous mystery series (actually set in Arizona), I’m writing a new series. In the Reluctant Psychic Mysteries, a quirky loner who can read the history of any object with her touch gets drawn into mysteries at the museum of oddities where she works, in smalltown New Mexico. 

The weeks before a new release can be nerve-wracking for an author. Will people like it? Will they get what you were trying to do? Fortunately, I've had some excellent reviews from readers who got an advance copy!

“A Stone Cold Murder by Kris Bock isn’t just a murder mystery—it’s a haunting, immersive experience that blends the supernatural with raw human emotion. As someone who adores crime fiction with a twist, this book grabbed me from the first page and refused to let go.” – Kora B. on GoodReads

“I’ve never read a psychic protagonist who felt this real... The murder mystery itself is brilliantly layered. Reggie Heap’s death seems straightforward—until Petra picks up that fluorite crystal and feels his murder. The way Bock slowly unravels the truth—through missing keys, a hidden laptop, and a wanted criminal lurking in the museum—had me flipping pages like a madwoman. 

“And the small-town dynamics? Perfection. Everyone knows everyone, secrets simmer beneath polite smiles, and Petra’s outsider status makes every interaction deliciously tense. Kris Bock, you’ve created something special here. The prose is sharp, the mystery is addictive, and Petra’s journey is one I won’t forget. If you love atmospheric thrillers with a deeply human core, you need this book.” – Lauren M. on GoodReads

“Kris Bock has crafted a story that’s equal parts murder mystery, psychological deep-dive, and small-town gothic horror (in the best way). And the murder plot? So clever. Reggie’s death is ruled an accident, but Petra’s ability tells her otherwise. The way she pieces together clues—through objects, through hesitant conversations with coworkers, through that creepy hidden laptop—is masterful. And the fact that the killer might still be in the museum? I was looking over my shoulder while reading.” – Lesa R. on GoodReads

The Reluctant Psychic Mysteries Book 1, A Stone Cold Murder, comes out April 28 and is up for preorder now. 

She hates her gift – but it just might save her…

Geologist Petra Cloch can touch an object and sense the emotions of the people who’ve held it. It’s a miserable way to live. She studied rocks because they rarely ‘talk’ to her and she’s dodged friendships so she won’t need to explain her gift or feel like a voyeur. But when she takes a job as the rock and mineral curator at an unusual western history museum and picks up a jagged crystal in her new office, flashes of rage, fear and death hit hard.

Everyone says her predecessor died in a car crash, but what if he was murdered? Under normal circumstances, Petra would never become involved, but what if the previous curator died because of something he did on the job? She could be next. Petra knows she’ll need evidence, not her psychic sense she hides. Can she trust her chatty colleagues who invite her to lunch and to join a book club? And what about the far too watchful Sheriff who keeps showing up unexpectedly…

Learn more about The Reluctant Psychic Mystery series or order copies. Available in ebook and print at all major retailers.

Sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter and get an Accidental Detective short story and other freebies. Then every two weeks, you’ll get fun content about pets, announcements of new books, sales, and more.

Kris Bock writes mystery, suspense, and romance, often with Southwestern landscapes. In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. 

The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats. 

In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery and find out winning the lottery causes as many problems as it solves. 

Kris’s romantic suspense novels include stories of treasure hunting, archaeology, and intrigue. 

Kris also writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama. The Felony Melanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade before the events of the movie. Sign up for the romantic comedy newsletter to get a short story preview, or find the books at Amazon US or All E-book retailers.

New Mexico small towns filled with eccentric characters (in fiction and in real life) and a new paranormal mystery #books #mystery

After publishing six books in The Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, I’m writing a new series. In the Reluctant Psychic Mysteries, a quirky loner who can read the history of any object with her touch gets drawn into mysteries at the museum of oddities where she works. Book 1, A Stone Cold Murder, comes out April 28.

Reviews are coming in, and several mention the setting:

“The depiction of the small-town environment is so vivid that I could almost sense the dust in the museum and feel the heat of the desert. The mystery itself is exceptionally well-crafted.”

“The murder mystery is fantastic. The idea that a museum curator was killed with a rock (how chillingly ironic) and that Petra is the only one who knows? Genius. And the small-town setting? So atmospheric. The Banditt Museum feels like a character itself, full of hidden corners and whispered history.”

The museum, town, and characters in the novels are fictional, but New Mexico has plenty of similar small towns – ones filled with eccentric characters.

In some parts of the West, the Old West is alive and well – at least for a day or two each year. Magdalena is a small town in central NM. Magdalena was known as Trails End, because cowboys used to drive thousands of cattle and sheep there to meet the railroad spur that would take the livestock onward.

Today Magdalena features small shops with artists and plenty of historic buildings. It sponsors the Old Timers' Festival, which typically includes a mini-cattle drive, a rodeo, western dance and song, a fiddlers contest, and sometimes a mock battle between lawmen and gunslingers.  

 
Kelly, a few minutes away, was once home to around 3,000 people. Now all that's left is a small church, still in use, and ruins of the old Kelly mine.

 
One reason I like setting novels in the southwest is that it gives me a chance to get out hiking and exploring!

The Reluctant Psychic Mysteries: Petra Cloch studied geology because rocks rarely ‘talk’ to her, and she’s dodged friendships so she won’t need to explain her gift or feel like a voyeur. She’s starting work at a private museum in a small New Mexico town. When she picks up a jagged crystal in her new office, she's flooded with flashes of rage, fear and death. Everyone says her predecessor died in a car crash, but what if he was murdered? Petra normally avoids involvements, but if the previous curator died because of the job, she could be next …

Learn more The Reluctant Psychic Mystery series or preorder Book 1, A Stone Cold Murder, for delivery April 28. Available in ebook and print at all major retailers.

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Kris Bock writes mystery, suspense, and romance, often with Southwestern landscapes. In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. 

The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats. 

In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery and find out winning the lottery causes as many problems as it solves. Kris’s romantic suspense novels include stories of treasure hunting, archaeology, and intrigue. 

Kris also writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama. The Felony Melanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade before the events of the movie. Sign up for the romantic comedy newsletter to get a short story preview, or find the books at Amazon US or All E-book retailers.