Nothing defines a book more than its cover. In fact, fifty percent of readers purchase books based on the cover art. As a humorous mystery author, I not only want to create an enticing cover, but I also need to find a way to combine humor with homicide.

Now that can be a challenge!

My amazing cover artist, Karen Phillips, has come up with two concepts for BIRTHDAYS ARE MURDER, the first book in my new Spindrift Cove Mystery series set in the Puget Sound area of Washington State. The series features Sierra Sullivan, a former cruise ship director, and the cousin of Laurel McKay. You first met her in DYING FOR A DIAMOND.

As you will note, the covers are similar but differ in title font, lighthouse shape, whimsical tree vs. regular tree, butterfly vs. seagull, and a table full of gifts vs. a tasty cake. Feel free to vote on the individual elements of the covers. They can be mixed and matched.

And yes, that foot is attached to a dead body!

As always, feel free to come up with your own recommendations. It’s fun for me to read your suggestions. If you leave a comment on this post by March 5, you’ll be entered in a giveaway for one of two $25 gift cards to the retailer of your choice.

So have at it!

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