Karen Cantwell

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About Karen Cantwell
Welcome!
Thank you for visiting my author page.
Since you're already here, you probably know that my name is Karen Cantwell. If you've seen my picture, you know I have silver hair. Hopefully you also know that I write the Barbara Marr Murder Mystery series, but if you didn't know that before... well, now you do!
Probably the most important thing you need to know about me is that I love to laugh and I love to make others laugh. When I set out to write the first Barbara Marr book back in 2009, my goal was to create a fun story with lovable characters--the kind of book that I'd like to read. Because I think we need a little more fun in the world and whole lot more laughter, right?
Besides the Barbara Marr books, I have two books in the Sophie Rhodes Ghostly Romance series, which features the endearing British ghost, Marmaduke Dodsworth. More than a few readers have told me he is quite the funny fellow. Try, KEEP ME GHOSTED first.
I also have many short stories - my. newest favorite, "The Dame and Thaddeus Birdwhistle," can be found in the mystery anthology, CHESAPEAKE CRIMES: INVITATION TO MURDER.
Public service announcement: the Barbara Marr books in order are, TAKE THE MONKEYS AND RUN (#1), CITIZEN INSANE (#2), SILENCED BY THE YAMS (#3), SATURDAY NIGHT CLEAVER (#4), DEAD MAN STALKING (#5), and DIAL MARR FOR MURDER (#6) The seventh book, RISKY FITNESS, will be released May of 2021.
I love hearing from readers and connecting with them on Facebook. Feel free to drop me a line at the email address below and/or like my Facebook page @karencantwellauthor
Again, thank you for stopping by and have a lovely day!
email: karencantwellauthor@gmail.com
www.KarenCantwell.com
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Author Updates
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Blog postIf you are like me, and you find a series you like, you want an easy way to find out the titles of that series listed in order so you can read them chronologically. Barbara Marr Murder Mysteries – 1. Take the Monkeys and Run
2. Citizen Insane
3. Silenced by the Yams
4. Saturday Night Cleaver
5. Dead Man Stalking
6. Dial Marr for Murder
Sophie Rhodes Ghostly Romance 1. Keep Me Ghosted
2. Some Like it Haunted
Love in Rustic Woods8 years ago Read more -
Blog postIt’s finally here! The fifth Barbara Marr Murder Mystery, Dead Man Stalking, is now available in ebook for Kindle, Nook, and Kobo! Even more exciting, until midnight, September 1st, it is only .99 cents.
Click here for Amazon’s Kindle
Click here for B&N’s Nook
Click here for Kobo
When Howard and the girls leave town, Barb thinks she’ll have some quiet, peaceful alone time. Of course, this is calamity-prone Barbara Marr. Her life doesn’t know quiet or peaceful.8 years ago Read more -
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Blog postHello again!
I’m very excited to announce that the second Barbara Marr novel, Citizen Insane, is now available in audiobook format! Narrated by the incredibly talented Nan McNamara (who also narrated Keep Me Ghosted and Take the Monkeys and Run), this newest audiobook is already selling like hot cakes. I’m very proud of this latest project and hope you’ll take a listen to the free sample available at Amazon.com. CLICK HERE NOW.
I hope you have a very wonderful day and remember8 years ago Read more -
Blog postIf you enjoyed reading the first Barbara Marr novel, Take the Monkeys and Run, I think you will really love hearing the book as narrated by award-winning actress, Nan McNamara. She brings all of the crazy characters to life so perfectly, that you will find yourself laughing-out-loud more than once.
Go to Amazon to hear a sample and if you like what you hear, I hope you’ll consider grabbing yourself the audio copy!
I hope everyone is staying warm during this unusually cold wint8 years ago Read more -
Blog postI am so excited to announce the release of Keep Me Ghosted (Sophie Rhodes Romantic Comedy #1) in audiobook format!
Narrated by Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award Winner, Nan McNamara, you can now listen as the story and characters come to life.
If you’re already a member of Audible, you can use one of your credits, or if you’re not, you can get it free if you try a three month trial membership and listen to it on your Kindle Fire.
Click here to listen to the sample9 years ago Read more -
Blog postDo you believe in ghosts? I bet we can make you say “boo!”
Grab these six highly-rated ghost stories for free October 24-25 only on Amazon.
TROUBLE IN MUDBUG by NY Times bestselling author Jana DeLeon
Genre: Humorous Mystery
Scientist Maryse Robicheaux thought a lot of her problems had drifted away with her mother-in-law’s death. The woman was rude, pushy, and manipulative, and used her considerable wealth to run herd over the entire ba9 years ago Read more -
Blog postI was so pleased in 2012 when my short story, “Next Stop, Foggy Bottom,” was chosen to be one of several mystery short stories to be published in the anthology, Chesapeake Crimes: This Job is Murder. If you have that anthology, you have probably read my short little tale of revenge. If not, you now have the opportunity to read it online OR to have it sent to your Kindle for Free. How? My friend and fellow author, Maria E. Schneider, is hosting the story on her blog and has provided the easy “9 years ago Read more
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Blog postJust to whet your appetite for my next release, here you are! The cover for my 5th Barbara Marr Murder Mystery, Dead Man Stalking. What do you think?
9 years ago Read more -
Blog postIt’s here at last! Kiss Me, Tate, the first book in Love in Rustic Woods Series, is now available in ebook for your Kindle, Nook, or Kobo, and in paperback as well!
If you haven’t purchased yours yet, click the appropriate link below to be transferred to the online bookstore.
Description of Kiss Me, Tate:
Tate Kilbourn was Bunny Bergen’s long-forgotten, secret high school crush. But that was 24 years ago, and a lot has happened since. Devastated by a nasty divorce, tryin9 years ago Read more -
Blog postKiss Me, Tate, the first book in my new Love in Rustic Woods Series, is now available for Kindle Pre-Order!
If you own a Kindle and would like to have Kiss Me, Tate sent to it as soon as it is released on August 23rd, you can Pre-Order Here.
DESCRIPTION:
Tate Kilbourn was Bunny Bergen’s long-forgotten, secret high school crush. But that was twenty-four years ago, and a lot has happened since. Devastated by a nasty divorce, trying to juggle kids, bills and her new job – n9 years ago Read more -
Blog postIs the summer heat making you cranky? Feeling a bit stressed? Need some giggles to brighten your day? Never fear, Barb is here!
Barbara Marr is a mom, like any in the world, who just wants to make her kids happy. When youngest daughter, Amber, begs to see the great magician Bjorn! on the Fourth of July, Barb can hardly deny her. But, in Barb’s world, the road to happiness is… rocky. Will Barb and Amber overcome life’s hurdles in time to see the magical Bjorn!? Will they be amazed?9 years ago Read more -
Blog postSo, I have a couple of announcements:
First, I have had to delay the release of KISS ME, TATE to mid-July for a couple of reasons beyond my control. But rest assured, you’ll have it in July!
Second, I have a surprise – Barb will be back in a short story to be released for summer holiday reading. The title? BJORN! ON THE FOURTH OF JULY. Barb just wants to have a fun 4th of July with her family – do you think that will happen? I don’t have a cover yet, but will share here as soo9 years ago Read more -
Blog post
A new series is on the way! For those who love a touching romantic comedy, I present the first in my new Love in Rustic Woods novels, Kiss Me, Tate. We last met Bunny Bergen in the Barbara Marr Mystery, Citizen Insane. She returns now, facing more problems after being fired because her boss’s wife didn’t like her. Luckily, she lands a new job at the Rustic Woods Nature Center, but the boss’s wife continues to stir trouble. And if that isn’t bad enough, Bunny now works wit9 years ago Read more -
Blog postIt’s almost time! Do you like free books? How about a Vera Bradley tote, or Amazon gift cards?
Then join me in the Keep Me Ghosted Release Extravaganza running on my Facebook page between April 1 – 15.
Every morning I’ll announce an ebook giveaway on my FB Fan Page, and each evening I’ll announce the winner. Everyone who comments on the giveaway post is entered and has a chance to win. There will be some surprise giveaways as well, and on the 15th, I will be giving away a Vera9 years ago Read more
Titles By Karen Cantwell
With mountainous murders galore around the world, this anthology is full of peaks and valleys!
Climb every mountain, search low and high
For clues to a murder, and try not to die
Second in the DESTINATION MURDERS series, Murder in the Mountains follows the well-reviewed Murder at the Beach.
Four seasons of Murder:
Spring
DOUBLE BLUFF by Gretchen Archer. A new short story in the Davis Way series. Two trophy wives and one dead body equals a trip to Lookout Mountain, Tennessee for Davis Way and her co-worker.
FIVE DAYS TO FITNESS by Barb Goffman. A visit to a fitness camp in the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains was supposed to be a new beginning for Bree Winterbourne. Instead, it’s a final ending for one of the attendees.
Summer
THE SOUND OF MUZAK by Karen Cantwell. Another short story in the Barbara Marr series. When Barb and friends take a trip to the Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts, they are asked to help uncover the owner’s dark past—one that may involve murder.
THE PICTURE OF GUILT by Leslie Budewitz. A new short story in the Food Lovers’ Village series. Erin Murphy loves her town of Jewel Bay, Montana, which attracts artists, foodies, and other tourists. But one artist’s visit turns deadly.
Fall
THE LYIN’ WITCH IN THE WARDROBE by Eleanor Cawood Jones. Lorrie George and friends visit the Land of Oz theme park on Beech Mountain, North Carolina, filled with celebrities and jealousy and murder, oh my!
A KILLER POCONO HIKE by Tina Kashian. A short story in the Kebab Kitchen series. Lucy Berberian is desperate for a break from the stress of wedding planning, and the Poconos should have fit the bill. But finding a body in a sinkhole leaves Lucy with a sinking feeling.
Winter
A PERFECT CLIMB by Shawn Reilly Simmons. A skiing trip in the Australian Alps was supposed to be the perfect start for Caroline Cabot’s perfect marriage. Unfortunately, everything quickly goes downhill, as sore muscles, fighting couples, and a murder ruin the perfection.
THE EDELWEISS EXPRESS by Shari Randall. A new short story in the Lobster Shack series. Allie Larkin was looking forward to her trip to Austria: the snow, skiing, and a Sound of Music Tour. But she wasn’t expecting that the hills would be alive with the sound of…murder?
ONE FLEW OVER THE COCOA’S NEST by Cathy Wiley. A new short story in the Food Festival Fatalities series. Former celebrity chef Jackie Norwood was invited to judge a Hot Cocoa festival at a Utah ski resort. Instead, thanks to a blizzard and a murder, she ends up judging the guilt of her fellow guests.
These light, often funny stories of mystery and intrigue, will transport you to a variety of shores, from the rocky coastlines of New England, to the white stretches of sand on the Atlantic, to the teal and emerald waters of the Gulf Coast, the surfing havens on the Pacific, and even beaches in between.
Praise for Murder on the Beach, A Destination Murders Book 1
"Each story features great characters and a story that kept me engaged the entire way through. All these stories can be read as stand-alones whether they are part of a series or not. That's a good thing since I was only familiar with the characters in one of the stories before I picked up this book. And the two authors I hadn't read before? I definitely need to check them out in the future.
This is the first in a series of Destination Mysteries short story collections. Based on this book, I'm already packing my bags for the next vacation."--Carstairs Considers
"All of these stories, no matter where they are set, dead body or no, provide two wonderful things: a great location, and an array of characters who would be great friends or who may remind you (and cause you to appreciate more) friends and family you already have. That's certainly the gift to readers on the part of the cozy mystery. Do yourself a favor and spend your lunch break at the beach."--Aunt Agatha's Mysteries
"I'm not a short story or anthology reader, but I did enjoy MURDER ON THE BEACH...This light and fresh, fast-paced cozy whodunit kept me entertained from the first story to the last. Bravo authors."--Dru's Book Musing
"Entertaining short stories about vacation mishaps, murder and mayhem. Perfect for a summer beach read. Very enjoyable collection of stories."--Christine Gentes, Book Reviewer and Mystery Critic
A TALE OF TWO SISTERS, Barb Goffman. When Robin's sister gets married at Lake Michigan, Robin will do whatever it takes to protect Emma's special day. Nominated for Agatha award, 2021, for Best Short Story.
FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND, Shari Randall, a new short story in the Lobster Shack series. A jewelry theft and attempted murder upset the tranquility of Allie's quaint New England town.
COAST BUSTERS, Karen Cantwell, another short story in the Barbara Marr series. Barb and her friends figure Florida and a quirky chic resort would be the perfect Mom vacation...until it's not.
BEACH PARTY BODY, Lucy Carol, a new story from the world of Madison Cruz Mysteries. A photo shoot on the beach should be fun, but when someone's wild behavior turns deadly, the party's over!
FROG DAYS OF SUMMER, Cathy Wiley. Former celebrity chef Jackie Norwood's attempt to revive her career goes badly when murder interrupts a food festival on the Gulf Coast of Louisiana.
FRUGAL LISSA NEEDS A BREAK, Ritter Ames, the newest short story in the Frugal Lissa series. Lissa and her friend, Abby, head to Galveston for a girls' weekend. All is perfect until Lissa's dog, Honey, digs up a dead body.
CABO SAN LOCO, Eleanor Cawood Jones. Lorrie George wants to enjoy a celebratory trip with her friends to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. But the all-expenses-paid, exclusive trip keeps getting ruined by attempts on her friends' lives.
This fourth book in the Barbara Marr Murder Mystery Series teams Barb with her handsome husband Howard in yet another rollicking and hilarious suburban fiasco..
A flu epidemic seems to have wiped out the volunteer force at the Rustic Woods Nature Center. Never fear, Barbara Marr to the rescue! When Nature Center activities director, Bunny Bergen finds herself without a crew to decorate for the annual Halloween Nature Walk, she dials Barb for assistance. Always the helpful friend, Barb rises to the occasion. Of course, this is Barbara Marr we are talking about. Five minutes into her task, and she discovers a dead body by the frog pond. Five hours later, she’s a trending hash tag. How does Barb do it? Read this sixth book in the Barbara Marr Murder Mystery series, and find out! #ThatBarbaraMarr
When Howard and the girls leave town, Barb thinks she'll have some quiet, peaceful alone time. Of course, this is calamity-prone Barbara Marr. Her life doesn't know quiet or peaceful. And forget alone. With her air conditioning on the fritz, Barb accepts an invitation from a famous thriller writer to spend a few days in a cool and comfortable lakeside house. There is just one problem: the house has a few odd characters lurking about. They aren't after Barb, but that doesn't stop her from becoming outrageously tangled in the lunacy and danger than ensues.
In this fifth installment of the Barbara Marr Murder Mystery Series, Barb finds herself fumbling through another laugh-out-loud caper while making some new and interesting friends along the way
What’s more chaotic than a house with a canary, two hungry cats, and a yappy poodle with elimination issues? Answer: Barbara Marr on a murder investigation. That’s right, when Barb attends her first movie review screening, film director Kurt Baugh dies within twenty minutes of meeting her. If that isn’t bad enough, her friend, ex-Mafioso, Frankie Romano, is arrested for the murder. In usual Barbara Marr fashion, a whole load of trouble ensues when she seeks to vindicate Frankie of the crime. More laughs, more fun, more Barbara Marr!
This third book in the popular Barbara Marr Murder Mystery Series brings Barb out of the suburbs and into the slimy, urban world of bright lights, nightly news, and drive-by shootings. Luckily, she never loses her sense of humor or her ability to befriend some decidedly quirky characters.
Books in the series: Take the Monkeys and Run (#1), Citizen Insane (#2), Silenced by the Yams (#3), Saturday Night Cleaver (#4)
Michael Allan Mallory - L D Masterson - Lorraine Sharma Nelson - Alan Orloff - A.B. Polomski - Rima Perlstein Riedel - Verena Rose - Barbara Ross - Harriette Sackler - Shawn Reilly Simmons - Louise Taylor - Elaine Togneri - Leslie Wheeler
Semi-Finalist, 2009 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest
"Barbara Marr is...perhaps the most hilarious amateur sleuth in literature....Cantwell handles her characters with flair and pizazz...blending page-turning action with those little tender moments that get you right in the gut..."
Book 1 in the bestselling Barbara Marr Murder Mystery Series
Film lover Barbara Marr is a typical suburban mom living the typical suburban life in her sleepy little town of Rustic Woods, Virginia. Typical, that is until she sets out to find the missing link between a bizarre monkey sighting in her yard and the bone chilling middle-of-the-night fright fest at the strangely vacant house next door. When Barb talks her two friends into some seemingly innocent Charlie’s Angels-like sleuthing, they stumble upon way more than they bargained for and uncover a piece of neighborhood history that certain people would kill to keep on the cutting room floor.
237 pages of laugh-out-loud fun.
Reviews:
“The story is fast-paced, fun and with quite a few twists all rolled into one cute adventure.” – Socrate’s Book Reviews
“It was just plain fun to read.” Red Adept Reviews
"Take the Monkeys and Run by Karen Cantwell could easily become one of my favorite books of all time." -- Syria Says
“If you like a good mystery but want a refreshing new take with a bit of light fare, enough to make you laugh out loud, then Karen Cantwell's Take the Monkeys and Run will take you there.” Reviewed by Lee Libro at Literary Magic
Books in the series: Take the Monkeys and Run (#1), Citizen Insane (#2), Silenced by the Yams (#3), Saturday Night Cleaver (#4)
Tate Kilbourn was Bunny Bergen's long-forgotten, secret high school crush. But that was 24 years ago, and a lot has happened since. Devastated by a nasty divorce, trying to juggle kids, bills and her new job - not to mention a boatload of insecurities - the last thing Bunny needs is to fall for Tate again. But then she finds herself working with him, and gee, he sure did grow sexier with age...
Quiet and deeply private, Tate barely knew that Bunny was alive in high school. And now that he's back in Rustic Woods, he has a million reasons to fight his growing attraction for this gorgeous woman with the less-than-stellar reputation. His life is too complicated for a relationship, much less a relationship with a woman like Bunny Bergen.
On the surface, Tate and Bunny appear to be an unlikely match. But, as Bunny knows all too well, appearances can be deceiving.
Kiss Me, Tate is the first book in the new Love in Rustic Woods Series, a romantic spin-off from Karen Cantwell's Barbara Marr Murder Mysteries. If you are a fan of Cantwell's zany, problem-prone protagonist, Barbara Marr, you'll remember lovable Bunny Bergen from the fun and hilarious mystery, Citizen Insane.
Her new tenant, mysterious, bumbling Myron Standlish carries wads of cash and hoards vials of blood.
Her new assistant, Knot Knudsen, loves shoes and conservative politicians, but man can he sell Foxy’s antiques.
Amanda, Foxy’s teenage daughter, thinks they’re all crazy. But, when she hooks up with Nick, a cute guy at school, she’s in for some crazy of her own.
Ultimately, they’re all in for some romance with a dash of suspense and a sprinkle of supernatural. And laughs ... as an added bonus.
From Socrates' Book Review Blog
"This is a cute book which has a little bit of everything – romance for adults as well as young adults, comedy, and a touch of paranormal. The book has characters you will really come to care about. I know I did. An old Yiddish vampire? Too funny. You might not want to read this one in public or people will wonder why you are laughing out loud. This is the first book of a series “The Reluctant Vampire” and I’m already looking forward to the next one."
What readers are saying …
“Full of snappy characters, laughs, and mystery, peppered with lively details of Washington, DC., and brimming with enough shoe shopping to satisfy any fashionista. This new joint effort from Karen Cantwell and L B Gschwandtner is guaranteed to please! Can't wait for the next installment in this lively new series!”
– Misha Crews, Author of Her Secret Bodyguard
"Foxy’s Tale is irresistible fun – full of lively characters with a knack for trouble, laugh-out-loud dialogue, and story twists that will keep you reading deep into the night."
– Kim Wright Wiley, Author of Love in Mid Air
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