Something went wrong at Hallstrom House...
read about it for free
It was my turn to read at my last writers’ group, and I chose something a little different—a “reader magnet.”
This is a short, in-between story (think book 1.5) set between book one and book two of my Apothecary cozy mystery series. It’s the kind of bonus story I offer as a gift for newsletter subscribers, and I’d love your thoughts on it before I share it more widely.
It’s about 29 pages, and here’s a peek at what it’s about:
The story behind the salve—and the secret that almost destroyed it all.
In this exclusive bridge story between Death in the Dillweeds and The Mugwort Tea Murders, Amelia Bellamy steps away from the bay to study under the legendary master herbalist, Sol Hallstrom. When the greenhouse becomes a crime scene, Amelia must rely on her grandmother’s secret remedies to prevent a disaster.
Discover the origins of Amelia’s “Shepherd’s Salve” and meet the most important guest at Hallstrom House: a soulful dog named Bongo.
I’d be so grateful for your honest feedback.
You can read it here: The Shepherd’s Salve Secret
Thank you so much to those of you who’ve shared early reviews ) of Inn Trouble. Even a few words makes a huge difference in helping other readers discover the book. Here’s what readers are saying:
Short & enjoyable
April 26, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery, and the chaotic romp through Wisteria, Wisconsin. The characters were interesting and colorful, and the fast-paced story kept me intrigued and fully engaged from start to finish. The ending actually came before I was ready for the fun to be over. There were small hints of possible romances throughout the book—one that materialized, and one that didn’t—at least not in this book, I look forward to diving into the next book as soon as it comes out. I received a copy of this book from the author,’¡and have given my honest and voluntary opinion.
A great read
April 20, 2026
Inn Trouble book one of Mystery on Lilac Lane by Kristy Tate, Wow what a way to start a series. Lots of mystery, twists and turns some you don’t even see coming. Great book, I love clean romance and how the story held my interest throughout the book. This story is a complete page turner and who doesn’t love a good cliff hanger? I can’t wait to see what is going in the next story. I would highly recommend.
Intriguing mystery
April 18, 2026
Sow, this book was NOT what I was expecting! At first, based on the title, I thought it was associated with a paranormal cozy series of a similar name. Of course, that is not the case. So…mental reset. With my prior expectations out of the way, I then settled down to enjoy it on its own merits. It’s an intriguing tale that held my interest and I found it to be an enjoyable read. I received an ARC of this book.
Love this author
April 18, 2026
This author has interesting characters and the reading is fast paced. I was a bit disappointed that the original problem wasn’t resolved but I will just have to wait for the next book
Intrigue
April 18, 2026
A very intriguing murder mystery. I can’t wait to read the next book as it leaves you with some unanswered questions. Willa is a widow with famous relatives in both the publishing and TV world. She’s being harassed by a stalker in Chicago so she goes to stay with her aunt in a small town. There’s a death on the train she is traveling on. That is just the beginning of the puzzle as the story continues in Wisteria, Wisconsin.
Her Fan
April 18, 2026
Willa loved Chicago, but she had a stalker and was sent to her Aunt Iris in small town Wisteria, Wisconsin. As luck would have it, an older lady sitting beside her on the train died. This was a huge story in Wisteria. A romance and another murder happened and everyone became detectives. As the murders were solved she went home to Chicago. It didn’t feel like home anymore and she still had a stalker. She had turned into a detective herself and decided she would figure it out.
A quick clean romance mystery
April 17, 2026
This clean romance mystery never failed to hold my attention. Willa, a crossword creator with famous family ties, heads to small-town Wisconsin to escape a creepy stalker—only for things to get weird immediately when a woman (who turns out not to be who she seemed) dies beside her on the train. Back in Wisteria, with help from her aunt Iris, Royce, and Ashley, the puzzle keeps twisting. It’s a quick, addictive read with plenty of intrigue. I’m not a cliffhanger lover, but totally get that it’s a part of a series.
Great Clean Mystery Romance
April 16, 2026
This is a clean romance mystery. It is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone. However, it does contain a cliffhanger. Willa is being sent to live with her aunt as she has a stalker. She used to spend summers in Wisteria, Wisconsin. Her journey starts off with a lady sitting next to her dying. A series of issues and connections are happening. Her Aunt Iris is trying to help her. Royce, who she knew when she was younger helps her at times as does his sister Ashley. Can they figure out what is happening and the connections? Will Willa be able to stay safe? This was a great book. It kept me turning pages and being so invested in what was happening that I didn’t want to put it down. A good quick read. I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.
You can leave your review: HERE
Thank you again for being part of this—I truly appreciate your support more than I can say.
Happy reading,
Kristy