Welcome to the Blog Tour for Bleeding Heart Librarian by Jackie Layton, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Bleeding Heart Librarian
Series: A Texas Flower Farmer Cozy Mystery #3
Author: Jackie Layton
Publisher: Level Best Books
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Emma Justice is friends with the local librarian and brings her extra flowers once a week. On a hot July morning, when people are gathered outside the closed library past opening time, Emma calls the police. The librarian’s body is found in the building and beside the body is a pink and white bleeding heart plant.
Tess Carranza was a lovely person dedicated to children and patrons of the library in Lutz, Texas. Tess recently confided to Emma about her fear someone was using the library to gather information to commit crimes. Emma didn’t get the entire story from Tess before her death, but now she’s determined to stop the crime and catch Tess’s killer.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Excerpt
Tess turned to us. “Maebell? As in Maebell Franks?”
Brett’s eyes widened. “Yes, do y’all know each other?”
“It’s more like I know of her. Would you give me a minute to speak to your aunt?” Tess’s Mixie hairstyle remained as perfect as the moment she arrived. The Texas heat and humidity hadn’t damaged or frizzed her style in the least.
“She’ll be visiting for a few days. What about I introduce you two, and you can arrange to meet later?”
“That will work.” Tess moved to the other rocking chair, knelt, and started a conversation with the older woman.
Brett looked at me. “What’s that all about?”
I shrugged. “I have no idea, but something is going on with Tess.”
Cowboy wiggled, and I let him down but kept a grip on the leash.
Jake winked at me. “Can I take him for a little walk?”
“Thanks.” I passed the leash to him.
The two headed to the side yard, and I gathered cups and napkins while attempting to eavesdrop on the conversation between Tess and Maebell.
Attorney. Land rights. Offer.
Those were the three words I heard before Brett ended the conversation.
“Aunt Maebell, let’s get you out of this heat.” Brett held a hand out to his aunt.
“Oh, dear, Tess and I just started our conversation.”
Brett paused. “Tess, will you be at the library tomorrow? Can we schedule a time for you two to meet?”
Tess nodded. “I’ll take my break at a time convenient for you.”
More In This Series
About the Author

Jackie Layton is the author of cozy mysteries with Spunky Southern Sleuths. Her stories are set in Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina. She lives on the coast of South Carolina, where she enjoys walks on the beach and golf cart rides around the marsh. Reading, gardening, and traveling are some of her favorite hobbies. Jackie always keeps a notebook handy to write down ideas for future stories. Many of her ideas come from people watching and watching Dateline and American Greed.
Connect with Jackie by visiting jackielaytoncozyauthor.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Author Interview
Q: What inspired you to write Bleeding Heart Librarian?
Q: How long did it take to write this book?
Q: What surprised you while researching/writing this novel?
Q: Do you have a favorite quote from Bleeding Heart Librarian?
I removed the key and showed it to the police chief. “I had permission to be here, and I came and got the plants. Just because Tess is gone, it doesn’t mean her plants should die too.”
Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?
Q: What are you currently reading?
Q: What is your favorite genre to read?
Q: What is your favorite hobby?
Q: What is your favorite season and why?
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a Texas-and-flower themed prize bundle which includes an ebook of Bleeding Heart Librarian, a $5 Starbucks card, lip balm and holder, a blue and white bag, a fabric coaster, a designer Wet-It swedish cleaning cloth, a journal, a car coaster and an alarm key chain!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 19, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 26, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

I liked the excerpt.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing this interview!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great read. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for interviewing me and thanks to everyone who stopped by today!
ReplyDeleteI recently read Bleeding Heart Librarian. Such a fun cozy, and Emma (the protagonist) is an awesome character.👍
ReplyDeleteSounds like a really incredible book.
ReplyDelete