Introducing Deadly Devotion by Sandra Orchard

I am super-excited to share with you a little about the first book in my new mystery series, Port Aster Secrets, set in the fictional town of Port Aster in the Niagara Region of Ontario, Canada.  

 

I had so much fun doing research for this book, because the heroine is a herbal researcher and the hero is a former FBI agent turned detective. 

So...to understand my hero, Tom Parker, better, I attended the Writer's Police Academy, a fabulous, hands-on experience that not only allowed me to see, hear, taste, smell and handle a variety of police and emergency services equipment, it helped me to get into my hero's head. And through the firearms training simulator, I also experienced the emotions and visceral reactions of facing split section decisions of how to react to potentially life threatening situations. 

To understand my heroine, Kate Adams, better, I worked on a sensory panel at our local agricultural research station. I visited the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture and interviewed students. I read dozens of books on poisons and herbal remedies and trolled the internet for little-known facts that would be intriguing to slip into the story. 

What's the book about?

Kate knows her mentor didn’t kill herself by mistakenly drinking the wrong tea and she’s determined to prove it — with or without Detective Tom Parker’s help. Since Tom left the FBI under less than ideal circumstances, he's trying to keep a low profile in his new job, but with Kate investigating a case that his boss insists is closed, that may be wishful thinking. Kate's sleuthing uncovers a web of intrigue that convinces Tom he needs to find the truth before it gets Kate killed.

RT Book Reviews describes Deadly Devotion as: "suspenseful with plenty of action and a fascinating mystery that readers as well as tea lovers will enjoy." 

Publisher's Weekly agrees saying: "Fans looking for a quick read and a unique mystery will surely enjoy it."

The book releases in North America June 1st and internationally in July. But online stores already have it available for preorder at fabulous sale prices. Of particular interest to international readers is The Book Depository, which ships free to 110 countries. 

Check out these pre-release giveaways: 5 copies are available to be won by Canadian and American Goodreads members.  And on May 23rd and 24th, leave a comment at my upcoming interview at The Barn Door Book Loft for a chance to win a copy. (Open to wherever The Book Depository ships free...even if it says US only)

Sandra Orchard is an award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She writes for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, and Revell Publishing. She lives in Niagara, Canada with her real-life-hero husband of more than twenty-five years, and writes full time…when not doting on their first grandchild. You can learn more about Sandra’s books and bonus features at www.SandraOrchard.com or connect at www.Facebook.com/SandraOrchard