Releaes Day Blitz ~ Halloween is Murder (McKinley Mysteries, Book 11) by Carolyn Arnold

Happy Release Day to Halloween is Murder!

Halloween is Murder

McKinley Mysteries

Book 11

Carolyn Arnold

Published by: Hibbert and Stiles

Publishing Inc.

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 154

Word Count: 38,534

Release Date: October 3, 2017

About the Book:

Beware of all that goes bump in the night…

Sean and Sara McKinley are excited about the haunted house they’ve set up as a Halloween charity fund-raiser, but things take a ghoulish turn when the reporter covering their story is found dead. With the media keeping mum about how she died, Sara’s curiosity is piqued, and she convinces Sean to take on the investigation through their PI firm.

But this case is not without its challenges. The police are actively investigating it, as well, and it’s not even clear that the woman was murdered. It will take a little cloak-and-dagger, dress-up, and finesse for the McKinley’s to get to the bottom of it, but they aren’t the kind to give up.

As they troll for leads and work through the skeletons in the reporter’s closet, they unearth a few suspects, but they’ll need to carve out the whole truth if they’re going to find her killer. If they do so fast enough, there might even be time for a little trick-or-treating.

Purchase Links: 

Amazon.com      Amazon Universal      Barnes and Noble     Apple iBooks

Kobo             Google Play          Goodreads

Read an Excerpt:

Excerpt from chapter 5 of Halloween is Murder (McKinley Mysteries)

Chapter 5

GRIM REAPER CLAIMS A VICTIM

“THERE SURE IS A LOT of secrecy surrounding Chloe’s death,” Sara said. “And they’ve all been ordered to keep quiet?” She looked over at Sean, who was behind the wheel, and arched an eyebrow. “That seems suspicious to me.”

“The station could be protecting their image. She could have had a drug overdose, something else…” he pointed out as he took a left turn, as directed by the GPS.

She wished she could run with that theory, but given their background as homicide detectives, her mind had to rule out murder first. “No, Sean, I don’t think so.”

“Well, before we get carried away, let’s talk to Jackson.” Sean steered the car into an apartment building parking lot.

She’d been working to quiet the voices in her head speculating about how Chloe had died, but speaking with Allison had only ratcheted up their chatter. She needed answers to quell her mind. She also felt a personal obligation to ensure justice was found, probably because she’d known Chloe—even if only for a brief time. Of course, that was assuming she’d been killed.

“And that poor man discovering his coworker,” Sara began. “I wonder where he found her and if he knows how she died.”

“Hopefully we’ll find out.” Sean got out of the car, came around, and opened her door. He held out a hand to her. “Keep in mind that Jackson might not be too happy to see us.”

“I know,” she said, taking his hand. “But if nothing else comes of this, maybe we’ll find out what happened to our segment.”

“Yeah, but will you be satisfied if that’s the only question we get answered?” He looked over at her as he held the front door of the building open for her. The glint in his eyes told her he doubted she’d let the matter of Chloe’s death go until she had all the boxes checkmarked and found out what had happened.

“I’d be lying if I said otherwise, and you know it. But please—” she took his hand “—just keep an open mind.”

Sean nodded. Sara often ran with her feelings, her hunches, her higher knowing, and did so on a whim. In contrast, Sean was compelled by reason, logic, and solid evidence.

They walked up to Jackson’s apartment on the third floor and knocked. Sean was about to knock again when footsteps padded toward the door. Then all went quiet for a bit. She imagined Jackson looking at them through the peephole.

“Jackson?” Sara called out. “It’s the McKinleys.” When he didn’t say anything, she added, “From the haunted house.” Maybe he needed a little more of a reminder.

Sean was shaking his head, and if she was reading his mind properly, he was thinking their coming here had been a bad idea.

“We’d like to talk to you about Chloe,” she said, certain to articulate in such way that he’d sense concern, not suspicion.

The chain rattled as it was being undone, and the handle turned. The door opened slowly.

Jackson was standing there in tattered jeans and a T-shirt. His eyes looked weary, and they were wet with unshed tears. Based on his complexion, she guessed that they had interrupted him crying.

“She’s dead.” He spat out the words in a cool manner, as if trying to separate reality from emotion, but it only made his pain that much more tangible.

What to Expect from the McKinley Mysteries:

Romance. Humor. Murder. Are you looking for a murder mystery without all the graphic violence and foul language? Something that you can enjoy in an afternoon and walk away feeling good about afterward? How about a dash of humor and romance? If so, meet former detectives Sean and Sara McKinley. When a billionaire leaves them all his money, they no longer have to work, but they find themselves sticking to what they’re good at—solving murders. Undercover, off the books, and around the world, they’ll get to the bottom of things…and romance it up along the way.

Meet the Author:

CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has four continuing fiction series—Detective Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher FBI, McKinley Mysteries, and Matthew Connor Adventures—and has written nearly thirty books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy to hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures.

Both her female detective and FBI profiler series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining, leading her to adopt the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.

Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.

She currently lives just west of Toronto with her husband and beagle and is a member of Crime Writers of Canada and Sisters in Crime.

Connect with CAROLYN ARNOLD Online:

Website - http://carolynarnold.net/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/Carolyn_Arnold

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolynArnold

And don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter for up-to-date information on release and special offers at http://carolynarnold.net/newsletters .

McKinley Mysteries Series Spotlight by Carolyn Arnold #Giveaway

August 14 - 28, 2017

Series Information:

Romance. Humor. Murder. Are you looking for a murder mystery without all the graphic violence and foul language? Something that you can enjoy in an afternoon and walk away feeling good about afterward? How about a dash of humor and romance? If so, meet former detectives Sean and Sara McKinley. When a billionaire leaves them all his money, they no longer have to work, but they find themselves sticking to what they’re good at—solving murders. Undercover, off the books, and around the world, they’ll get to the bottom of things…and romance it up along the way. This is the perfect book series for fans of Hart to Hart, Castle, Colombo, Monk, Rockford Files, Psych, and Magnum PI.

Book Overviews (in published order):

1. The Day Job is Murder (2014)
2. Vacation is Murder (2014)
3. Money is Murder (2014)
4. Politics is Murder (2014)
5. Family is Murder (2014)
6. Shopping is Murder (2014)
7. Christmas is Murder (2014)
8. Valentine’s Day is Murder (2015)
9. Coffee is Murder (2015)
10. Skiing is Murder (2016)
11. Halloween is Murder (2017) - the cover will be available by the end of May/June, with some retailer links coming through in July, the rest in August.

Books in the Series:

The Day Job is Murder:



The bad guys aren’t the only ones on his radar…

For Albany PD homicide detective Sean McKinley, catching killers is the easy part of his job. Working next to his beautiful partner, Sara Cain, is what’s difficult. It might have something to do with the fact that he’s fallen in love with her, though. Fortunately, she feels the same way about him. But she’s convinced they should just be friends.

If only there was some way to change her mind…

Major Retailer Links for this book: Amazon Barnes & Noble Kobo Apple Google Play

Vacation is Murder:



This wasn’t in the travel brochure…

There’s only so much relaxation two former detectives can handle—even if they’re on their honeymoon. With their recent fall into money, Sean and Sara McKinley should be living it up, enjoying the sun and beaches of Cancun. But heading into their third week they’ve had just about enough lying around.

When the husband of a couple they’ve befriended is kidnapped and held for ransom, it has the McKinleys putting their experience to use. As they set out in the unfamiliar landscape of paradise, the investigation will have them risking their lives to stop a killer.

Major Retailer Links for this book: Amazon Barnes & Noble Kobo Apple Google Play

Money is Murder:



It’s in the fine print…

Old Man Quinn left Sean more than his billions–he left him a murder to solve.

Inside the chest given to him from the executor of Quinn’s Will, Sean finds a key and implicit instruction that the contents are for his eyes only. After Sean discovers where the key fits, he finds another letter–Quinn wants a closed case reopened, and Sean is shocked to learn who the victim was.

As Sean and his wife, Sara, uncover clues, it leads them from the back rooms of Quinn’s corporation to the streets of New York City, but they will stop at nothing to get to the truth.

Major Retailer Links for this book: Amazon Barnes & Noble Kobo Apple Google Play

Politics is Murder:



There’s no time for a debate…

Sean and Sara’s popularity as a murder-solving duo has gained momentum. But it’s not until it comes time for a local television interview that they meet Reanne Mable and end up finding themselves involved with a high-profile investigation.

Reanne is the sister-in-law of Albany’s Mayor Davenport and his daughter, Halie, has gone missing from her university campus. With a desire to keep the matter out of the media spotlight, Davenport turns to Sean and Sara to find her. But with the police already investigating the matter, taking this case would pit them against their friends from the police department, including their former sergeant Jimmy Voigt.

As time moves on, though, the fate of the girl is not up for a vote, and the McKinleys set out to find out what really happened. With the mayor taking the heat for a recently passed zoning bylaw, is an enraged small business owner behind Halie’s disappearance? Or did she simply grow tired of living in her father’s limelight and run away?

To get the answers, Sean and Sara will need to use all the resources at their disposal and may have to call upon their good friend Jimmy for help, after all.

Major Retailer Links for this book: Amazon Barnes & Noble Kobo Apple Google Play

Family is Murder:



If only there were someone to clean up this mess…

Sean and Sara McKinley put out an ad for a maid, but they never expected Sara’s birth mother to apply—or at least that’s who the woman is claiming she is. While Sean is suspicious of her true identity and motive, Sara opens her heart to the woman. But when a dead body turns up soon after Sara’s supposed mother takes off without so much as a good-bye, they both start to question the truth.

Could they have welcomed a killer into their home and not even known it?

Major Retailer Links for this book: Amazon Barnes & Noble Kobo Apple Google Play

Shopping is Murder:



They find more than a bargain…

Black Friday should be all about shopping and discounts, but when Sean and Sara only have a few more items left to buy, screams fill the mall—and for good reason. A man has fallen to his death from the second level.

But what exactly happened isn’t that straightforward, and normally, Sean and Sara would leave this matter to the police, but the widow was a childhood friend of Sara’s. While the police are leaning toward the belief the man intentionally took the leap, the widow is adamant her husband would never jump and asks Sara for her help.

Despite the fact there is an unresolved past between the friends—in which Sara feels she let her down—Sara can’t turn her back on her now. Fueled by guilt and the need to find answers, Sara convinces Sean they should look into the man’s death.

But the answers aren’t all coming quickly. Mall security has dropped the ball and there’s no seeming motive for murder. To find out the truth will take unconventional means, a little undercover work, and the help of their friend Jimmy. And if it all comes together, they just might have this case wrapped up in time for the holidays. Maybe even with a pretty little bow.

Major Retailer Links for this book: Amazon Barnes & Noble Kobo Apple Google Play

Christmas is Murder:



Mistletoe and mischief…
Albany’s the perfect image of a winter wonderland, and Sean and Sara’s friend Jimmy is going to be Santa Claus for the upcoming Christmas parade. The trees and decorations have been selected and the gifts have been purchased. The season has truly cast its magical spell–until Sean and Sara’s neighbors die in a horrible house fire.

While the fire department ruled holiday-related hazards as the cause, Sara suspects there’s more to it. Her determination to find the truth has her and Sean toeing the line between what’s legal and what’s not.

As they sort out fact from fiction, the McKinleys make the final decision about whether or not they should open a private investigation firm.

Major Retailer Links for this book: Amazon Barnes & Noble Kobo Apple Google Play

Valentine’s Day is Murder:



Cupid’s arrow may have missed its mark…

Jimmy finally takes a vacation–and a chance on love–only to be abducted. His female companion originally thinks he had cold feet about their relationship, but Sean and Sara know there’s more to it. Jimmy isn’t the type to just up and disappear, let alone leave a lady stranded.

Setting out on their private jet, Sean and Sara reach the tropical paradise of Ocho Rios, Jamaica with sightseeing as the last thing on their minds.

With a gold coin being their initial tie to Jimmy’s kidnapper, Sean and Sara even speculate about the involvement of pirates. Yet as the hours pass, and there’s no word from Jimmy’s captors, Sean and Sara will need to figure out the real motive before it’s too late.

With help from their friend, Adam, back in Albany, the pieces come together and not a moment too soon.

Major Retailer Links for this book: Amazon Barnes & Noble Kobo Apple Google Play

Coffee is Murder:



A cup a day won’t kill you, but a few might.

Their first case as private investigators have Sean, Sara, and Jimmy neck-deep in coffee beans trying to find a killer. With their client certain that her mother was poisoned through her coffee of the month club, it has them setting out to Williamsburg, Virginia. But instead of approaching matters from the traditional standpoint, Sean and Sara brew a robust plot and stir Jimmy into the blend, all to get close to their top suspect and grind out the truth.

Going undercover at Tasty Beans, the coffee company, the three of them work to expose the culprit before anyone else dies.

Major Retailer Links for this book: Amazon Barnes & Noble Kobo Apple Google Play

Skiing is Murder:



They’re ready to hit the slopes when things go downhill…

Sean and Sara are supposed to have a relaxing vacation in Vail, but it all goes up in a puff of powder when there’s a suspicious death on the mountain. And the deceased is not just anyone; it’s Adrian Blackwell, a two-time Olympic skiing gold medalist.

Rumor has it Adrian died in a skiing accident, but he was too skilled for Sara to accept that as fact. But she doesn’t want to disappoint Sean by ruining his ski trip, even though she’s convinced Adrian was murdered and she’s itching to find the killer.

Sean has never been able to say no to Sara, but this time he plans to. However, all it takes is a call from their PI firm back in Albany to change his mind. A job’s come in to investigate Adrian’s death, and his agent is the one footing the bill, leaving Sean with more questions than answers.

Yet one major problem remains: their New York State PI licenses hold no legal authority in Colorado. They still can’t help but look into Adrian’s death on the sly, though. This case will definitely involve some underhanded tactics, all while trying to dodge the local police over the course of the investigation.

Major Retailer Links for this book: Amazon Barnes & Noble Kobo Apple Google Play

Halloween is Murder

About the Author:
CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has four continuing fiction series—Detective Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher FBI, McKinley Mysteries, and Matthew Connor Adventures—and has written nearly thirty books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy to hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures. Both her female detective and FBI profiler series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining, leading her to adopt the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™. Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower. She currently lives just west of Toronto with her husband and beagle and is a member of Crime Writers of Canada.

Connect with CAROLYN ARNOLD Online:

Website - http://carolynarnold.net/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/Carolyn_Arnold
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolynArnold

And don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter for up-to-date information on release and special offers at http://carolynarnold.net/newsletters.

Enter the Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway Tour Participants
August 14 – T's Stuff – INTERVIEW, REVIEW – The Day Job Is Murder
August 14 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT – The Day Job Is Murder
August 14 – The Layaway Dragon – REVIEW – The Day Job Is Murder
August 15 – Must Read Faster – GUEST POST - Book 1 – The Day Job Is Murder
August 15 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT – Vacation Is Murder
August 15 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – GUEST POST – Book 2 – Vacation Is Murder
August 15 – Books, Dreams, Life – REVIEW – The Day Job Is Murder
August 16 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT – Money Is Murder
August 16 - Readsalot – SPOTLIGHT – Valentine’s Day Is Murder
August 16 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT - Series, GUEST POST – Book 3 – Money Is Murder
August 16 –Books, Dreams, Life – REVIEW – Vacation Is Murder
August 17 – Socrates' Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT - Skiing Is Murder
August 17 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT – Politics Is Murder
August 17 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW – The Day Job Is Murder
August 17 –Books, Dreams, Life – REVIEW – Money Is Murder
August 18 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT – Family Is Murder
August 18 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW – Shopping Is Murder
August 18 –Books, Dreams, Life – REVIEW – Politics Is Murder
August 19 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST – Book 4 – Politics Is Murder
August 19 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT – Books 1-5
August 19 - Community Bookstop – REVIEW – The Day Job Is Murder
August 19 - Books, Dreams, Life – REVIEW – Family Is Murder
August 20 – Babs Book Bistro – REVIEW – Christmas Is Murder
August 20 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT -Blogger’s Choice
August 20 –Community Bookstop – REVIEW – Vacation Is Murder
August 20 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW – Family Is Murder – GUEST POST – Book 5 – Family Is Murder
August 20 – Cozy Up With Kathy – SPOTLIGHT
August 20 –Books, Dreams, Life – REVIEW – Shopping Is Murder
August 21 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW – The Day Job Is Murder
August 21 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT – Shopping Is Murder
August 21 –Community Bookstop – REVIEW – Money Is Murder
August 21 –Books, Dreams, Life – REVIEW – Christmas Is Murder
August 22 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT – Christmas Is Murder
August 22 – Cassidy's Bookshelves – REVIEW – The Day Job Is Murder
August 22- Community Bookstop – REVIEW – Politics Is Murder
August 22- StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST – Book 6 – Shopping Is Murder
August 22 - Books, Dreams, Life – REVIEW – Valentine’s Day Is Murder
August 23 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT – Valentine’s Day Is Murder
August 23 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW – Money Is Murder
August 23 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW – Family Is Murder
August 23 – Valerie's Musings – GUEST POST – Book 7 – Christmas Is Murder
August 23 –Books, Dreams, Life – REVIEW – Coffee Is Murder
August 24 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT – Coffee Is Murder
August 24 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW – Shopping Is Murder
August 24 –Community Bookstop – REVIEW – Shopping Is Murder
August 24 – Books, Dreams, Life – REVIEW – Skiing Is Murder
August 25 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT – Skiing Is Murder
August 25 – Bea's Book Nook – REVIEW – The Day Job Is Murder
August 25 –Community Bookstop – REVIEW – Valentine’s Day Is Murder
August 26 – Sleuth Cafe – GUEST POST – Book 8 – Valentine’s Day Is Murder
August 26 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW, SPOTLIGHT – Books 1-3
August 26 - Community Bookstop – REVIEW – Coffee Is Murder
August 26 –Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT – Books 5 - 11
August 27 – Brooke Blogs- REVIEW, SPOTLIGHT – Book 4 – 5
August 27 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW – Skiing Is Murder
August 28 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW, SPOTLIGHT – Books 6-7 - GUEST POST – Book 9 – Coffee Is Murder
August 28 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT – Blogger’s Choice
August 28 – Laura's Interests – GUEST POST – Book 10 – Skiing Is Murder