Judy L. Murray: When Readers and Writers Celebrate Together

Please welcome July L Murray who has a fantastic approach to a book launch to share:

My launch of the fourth novel, Villain in the Vineyard, in my Chesapeake Bay Mystery Series, became proof how enthusiastic readers can be such a lift to writers. Its launch evolved into a very special kind of celebration, one I certainly didn’t plan all on my own.

I’ve long been an author that travels here and yon to meet with book clubs. Since the release of my first book in this series, Murder in the Master, a book club a few miles outside my Chesapeake Bay village of North East, Maryland, chose my latest as their pick. This year, when they heard that my book was entitled Villain in the Vineyard, this club suggested hosting a launch party at a local vineyard.

To cover the room rental charge we sold tickets to anyone in the area who wanted to attend. I proposed that our net proceeds from ticket sales would support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program in our county. Dolly’s program enables any enrolled child between ages one and five to receive age-appropriate books in their home mailbox each month free of charge. As an author it is a favorite charity of mine. The club loved the idea. My book talk evolved into a sold-out event with eighty-five attendees and generated $900 for the charity. An amazing and enjoyable evening for everyone. Its success inspired me to try to set up similar future events.

Here’s a taste of my storylines and Villain in the Vineyard from an unknown reader on Goodreads. Hope this gives others a taste of my storylines and style which tends toward a traditional Agatha Christie. 

Goodreads Review – Rating: 5 out of 5 stars  Villain in the Vineyard by Judy Murray was captivating! I found myself reading faster and staying up far too late as this story kept building. It was an easy read, which I really appreciated as I feel as though many mystery’s throw so much information at you that it just gets lost in a bunch. I loved the small-town intrigue that Helen Morrisey finds herself in the middle of. A tangled web of vandalism, murder, and local gossip surrounding her listings. What makes this book shine is Helen herself: smart, loyal, and refreshingly no-nonsense. Her determination to clear her name and uncover the truth is both relatable and compelling. The pacing is brisk, with just enough red herrings to keep you guessing without overwhelming the plot. Murray’s real estate background adds authenticity to the setting, and the coastal Maryland atmosphere is vivid without being overbearing.  This is a cozy mystery that doesn’t shy away from real stakes, but still delivers the warmth and wit readers love. Whether you’re new to the series or a returning fan, Villain in the Vineyard is a satisfying, twisty read that pairs perfectly with a glass of wine and a quiet evening.

Judy L Murray has won  the Silver Falchion Award, IPPY Gold and Silver Awards, an Agatha Award Nominee, and recipient of two PenCraft International First Place Awards. Her Chesapeake Bay Mystery series debuted in 2021 with Murder in the Master, followed by Killer in the Kitchen and Peril in the Pool House. A former Philadelphia real estate broker and restoration addict, Judy has worked with enough delusional sellers, jittery buyers, testy contractors, and diva agents to fill her head with back-office insight and truth versus gossip. She began her professional writing career, after graduating in newspaper journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School at Syracuse University, as a reporter and magazine columnist, and holds an MBA from Penn State University. She lives atop a cliff on the Chesapeake Bay with her husband. They’re buffeted by winds in winter and invaded by family and dogs in summer. She is represented by Level Best Books and Blackstone Audio Publishing. Sign up for her newsletter at www.judylmurraymysteries.com to learn more or email her at judylmurray@gmail.com.

MIss Demeanors

Author

Marni Graff is the award-winning author of The Nora Tierney English Mysteries and The Trudy Genova Manhattan Mysteries. Her story “Quiche Alain” appears in the Anthony-winning Malice Domestic Anthology, Murder Most Edible.  Managing Editor of Bridle Path Press, she’s a member of Sisters in Crime, Triangle SinC, Mavens of Mayhem SinC, the NC Writers Network, and the International Crime Writers Association.