Congratulations to author Valerie Taylor on the April 22 release of Switched at Death, the second installment of the Venus Bixby Mystery series of award-winning cozy mysteries with a romantic twist.
The series began with A Whale of a Murder, released almost exactly one year ago in April 2024. In book two, Valerie brings back scrappy sleuth Venus Bixby and her mischief-maker twin sister, this time with a holiday theme that can be enjoy all year long.
Switched at Death
New Release: April 22, 2025
Book 2 of the Venus Bixby Mystery Series
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Paperback: From $16.69
Ebook: From $4.99
2025 Firebird Book Awards Winner - Cozy Mystery
2025 Firebird Book Awards Winner - Holiday
Thanksgiving weekend always marks the start of Christmas festivities in Chatham Crossing. But this year, when the annual tree lighting ends in flames, this charming and usually joyful town finds little to celebrate.
After the town's long-time, beloved mayor collapses and dies at the scene of the tree lighting, nearly a week passes before details as to what actually caused his heart attack begin to emerge.
Preoccupied with the recent opening of her kitty daycare service, Venus Bixby thinks twice before getting involved in the investigation. But once her popular cookie bakery is linked to the mayor's death, she has no choice.
As clues begin to surface, Venus grapples with the possibility that someone she cares about may be responsible for the mayor's death. Will Venus's clever sleuthing be enough to save Christmas for this charming seaside town?
Includes cookie recipes and a playlist!
A Whale of a Murder
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Book 1 of the Venus Bixby Mystery Series
4.2 stars, 180 ratings on Amazon
Paperback: From $13.98
Ebook: From $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
Sea breezes and fireworks fill the air in cozy Chatham Crossing, the peaceful and historic whaling town situated between Providence and Cape Cod.
Venus Bixby, owner of the forever popular music store Oldies & Goodies, is counting on the festivities over the Fourth of July weekend to propel her to a position on the prestigious Town Committee. After years of living in the shadow of her late husband, Venus will finally be the center of attention this holiday weekend: starting with her fiftieth birthday celebration and ending as the parade’s Grand Marshal.
Faster than a cookie crumbles, her dream collapses on the morning of her party when she trips over orange platform shoes in the gardens of the Sofia Silva Whaling Museum and breaks her thumb. When it’s discovered the shoes are attached to the body of the manager of the museum’s gift shop, Venus becomes both a suspect and a sleuth in Chatham Crossing’s first murder in decades.
Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Katie Gayle, or Ellery Adams.
About the Author
Valerie Taylor is a novelist and book reviewer who was born and raised in Stamford, Connecticut. She had a thirty-year career in the financial services industry as a marketer and writer, including stints in Boston and Seattle. When she retired, she resettled in her home state to be near her two grown children and granddaughter.
Valerie is a published book reviewer with BookTrib.com and a member of the Westport Writers’ Workshop. She enjoys practicing tai chi and being an expert sports spectator. Learn more about Valerie and her work at ValerieTaylorAuthor.com, sign up for email updates from Valerie, and be sure to follow her online:
