Book Tour Featuring *Carmel Conundrum* by Stacy Wilder @dollycas #characterguestpost

Carmel Conundrum: A Liz Adams Mystery
by Stacy Wilder

About Carmel Conundrum

Carmel Conundrum: A Liz Adams Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – California
Wild Hawk Press (December 10, 2022)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 226 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8985426625
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BPQXHL7Y

Stolen identities, a cult, a kidnapping, an attempted murder, and a budding romance . . .

Join Private Investigator Liz Adams, and her lie-detecting Labrador, Duke, in the scenic town of Carmel By-the-Sea, as the pair investigate the mystery of stolen identities. Complications arise when Liz becomes romantically entangled with her hot new client, Brad.

Enter Apollo, a charismatic cult leader, whose mission to save the homeless has a dark twist. Why does he continue to trespass on Liz’s property? She’s compelled to uncover the answer.

Tensions mount, as the stakes become a matter of life and death. Will Liz and Duke solve both mysteries before the damage is irreparable?

Travel with Liz from Charleston, SC to Carmel, CA, and back to discover the astounding truth.

Character Guest Post

Sam

Hi, my name is Sam. I’m with the local Carmel police force. Typically, we don’t have too much action in Carmel . . . lost purses and cell phones, occasionally domestic violence. That is until Liz Adams shows up in town. At first, Liz and I didn’t get along. To give you an idea, here’s an excerpt from the book from Liz’s point of view:

“The corners of my mouth dropped when Brad returned not only with our cocktails but also with Sam and another woman. “Look who I found. You don’t mind if Sam and her friend join us, do you?”

“I didn’t know it was Brad’s birthday,” Sam commented. “This is my friend, Rosie. She’s visiting from Louisiana.”

My Southern inner bitch and Southern hostess fought with each other before I replied, “Have a seat.” Sam was dressed in a black sleeveless top and white jeans. The hammered silver jewelry accented her tan. Her friend Rosie’s skin was a creamy Cajun latte. Her long auburn hair framed emerald eyes. Ms. Sexy and Ms. Stunning had just joined us. Nice. I leaned back in my chair and crossed my arms. “How long are you visiting, Rosie?”

“For the long weekend.” She sat in the seat on the other side of Brad. “Laissez les bons temps rouler.” Rosie raised her glass. “Happy Birthday to Brad.”

“Cheers.” We all clinked our drinks.

“Might be the best birthday ever.” Brad didn’t seem the least bit uncomfortable being surrounded by women. I had to admit it. I was jealous.

Before we knew it, Liz and I became fast friends. I helped her with the investigation into the identity thefts amongst other things, including securing her recently inherited property. To give you an idea, here is another excerpt from later in the book where we are posting No Trespassing signs on Liz’s property:

“The next day, I met Sam at the entrance to my property. A ponytail hung out the back of her neon yellow ball cap. Dressed in black shorts and a jacket that matched her hat, she was the sunshine missing on this foggy morning. I wore my bright orange windbreaker with an air horn tucked in the side pocket.

“We look like citrus fruit,” I joked. I set the thermos of coffee on the hood of the Rover and hung the bag with Styrofoam cups and bottles of water on the front fender. “Brad says hi. He sent fortification.”

. . .

“OK. Let’s do this.” I positioned a sign on the left side of the gate and punched the staple gun.

After an hour of stapling, my hand was sore, and before too long I’d need to pee. I placed a call to Sam. “How ya’ doing?”

“Making progress. You?”

“I need a pee break. You wanna meet me at the gate and drive down to the porta-potty? I can show you the beach.”

“Girl, just drop your pants and go.”

“Never, I might get my shorts wet.”

“Wuss.”

“A girl’s gotta have her standards.” I harrumphed.

She relented, “OK, I could use a break too.”

Sam was waiting for me when I arrived back at the entrance. “You realize we’ll waste at least half an hour to save your precious shorts.” She smirked and then added, “Let’s take my car, it’ll be quicker.”

I made a beeline for the toilet as soon as I hopped out of her car. When I finished, Sam was sitting on top of the picnic table inspecting her nails.

“Better?” she asked.

“Much. You need to go?”

“No. Unlike some of us, I have skills.”

During the book, I’m promoted to sheriff. Sheriff Sam – has a nice ring, doesn’t it? Shortly after this scene, something happens that I never expected. You’ll have to read the book to find out.

About Stacy Wilder

Stacy Wilder has traveled to six out of seven continents Books have shaped her life and her travels. Her love of mysteries began with Nancy Drew.

Carmel Conundrum is the second book in the riveting Liz Adams Mystery series. In addition to mysteries, Stacy writes children’s stories, short stories, and poetry. She and her husband live in Houston, Texas, with a totally spoiled Labrador retriever, Eve.