Blog Tour Review and Giveaway: Picking Lemons by JT Toman

I'm excited to participate in the Picking Lemons Blog Tour.  In this post you will find book and author information, my review, and a GIVEAWAY.

About the Book . . .

Picking Lemons by JT Toman

Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Cozy Cat Press (October 2, 2013)
Paperback: 194 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1939816221
E-Book File Size: 1384 KB
ASIN: B00GF4ZZA0

 

Synopsis
Economic theories can predict many things – just not the death of a renowned Economics professor. When Professor Edmund DeBeyer is found dead in his office, strangled to death by his own Ph.D. hood, the police don’t have to look further than his colleagues in the Economics Department for suspects. After all, Edmund was the most despised member of the department. C.J. Whitmore, the department’s only tenured female, (who also has a penchant for wearing pink cowboy boots to class) resolves to get to the bottom of the mystery using economic principles. Comparing tracking down murder suspects to selecting a used car, she attempts to discern the real deals from the “lemons.” That is, which suspects are really telling the truth and which are lying to protect their guilt. Will C.J. be able to pick the lemon before her clever adversary strikes again?

My Review . . .

Eaton University is a typical Ivy League school, a community of aspiring students and self-absorbed faculty where competition, pettiness, and one-upmanship are common practice. Murder, however, is way beyond the norm.  Thus, when distinguished professor Edmund DeBeyer is found strangled to death in his office on the first day of the fall semester, the entire Economics Department is thrown into a tizzy.  It’s no secret that DeBeyer was detested by his co-workers for his despicable, backstabbing ways.  And in a department full of suspects with strong motives and shaky alibis, several professors become persons of interest.  One is quickly arrested, and yet another confesses to the crime.  But when a second professor is found murdered on campus, it is apparent that the real killer is still at large.

As the police investigation drags on, one faculty member begins to connect the dots.  C.J. Whitmore, the department’s only female tenured professor, applies her research skills and knowledge of economic theory to analyze the “data” and solve the crimes.  In her own inimitable style, this sassy, outspoken transplanted Texan who favors pink cowboy boots and flashy clothing unravels the secrets behind the suspicious behavior of her colleagues and discovers the truth.  In true academic fashion, C.J. delivers her findings in a departmental seminar.  

Picking Lemons is a highly entertaining, rapidly-paced whodunnit peppered with snappy dialogue, witty sarcasm, and over-the-top characters.  Besides poking fun at the foibles of academia, author JT Toman introduces a colorful, spunky protagonist who is a welcome addition to the cozy mystery genre.  This series is off to a spectacular start, and I eagerly await Professor C.J. Whitmore’s further adventures.

Note:  I received an ebook copy of Picking Lemons from the author in exchange for an honest review.

About the Author . . .

J.T. Toman lives in Boulder, Colorado. She received her Ph.D. in economics from Yale University and has taught econometrics at the University of Sydney and the University of Colorado at Boulder. She also has a degree in zookeeping from Pikes Peak Community College and has cared for everything from butterflies to elephants. She now teaches math at Front Range Community College, and truly believes fractions are useful in everyday life.

In her spare time, J.T. Toman joins the rest of Colorado hiking, biking and skiing. However, much like her cats, she finds food more inspiring than scenery. J.T. particularly loves home-grown tomatoes, udon noodles and tall glasses of chocolate milk, but not at the same time.

Picking Lemons is her first novel.

Visit the author's website at http://jttomanauthor.com/

Purchase Links: Amazon  Barnes & Noble 

The Giveaway . . .

I am giving away 1 ebook copy of Picking Lemons courtesy of Escape With Dollycas.  To enter for a chance to win an ebook copy of Picking Lemons, here's all you need to do:
1.  Leave a comment with your contact information
2.  You can earn an additional entry if you:

• are already a follower or start following this blog
• tweet about this giveaway
• post about this giveaway

Giveaway Terms and Conditions: No purchase required to enter this giveaway. It is open INTERNATIONALLY to anyone over the age of 18. No cash alternative will be offered. Giveaway entry begins on January 30, 2014 and closes at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on February 7, 2014. There is no cost to enter this giveaway.

 Picking Lemons Tour Participants

January 26 - Kelly P's Blog - Interview

January 27 - Queen of All She Reads - Review

January 28 - Books-n-Kisses - Review

January 29 - readalot blog – Review

January 29 - StoreyBook Reviews - Review

January 30 - Book Club Librarian - Review

January 31 - Books Are Life - Vita Libri - Review

February 1 - rantin' ravin' and reading – Review - Interview

Enjoy life with books . . .

Catherine

Blog Tour Review and Giveaway:  Picking Lemons by JT Toman was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.com. This post cannot be republished without attribution.
  


FTC Disclaimer:  Unless otherwise noted, the statements and opinions expressed in reviews and posts on this blog are those of Book Club Librarian. Authors, publishers, and tour guides are welcome to contact me and/or send an ARC or finished copy of a book in exchange for an honest review. All reviews will mention the material source. Opinions shared by others in comments may not reflect my own views, and I reserve the right to moderate comments.