SPARKS, S'MORES, AND SCANDALS
A Taryn O’Kelly Mystery, #3
by MICHELLE L. CLIFTON
Cozy Mystery
Publisher : Salty Inspirations
Publication Date: April 13, 2026
Print length : 293 pages
SCROLL DOWN FOR A GIVEAWAY!
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About Sparks, S'mores, and Scandals
Wildfires weren’t part of Taryn O’Kelly’s summer plans. Neither was arson.
When a string of suspicious wildfires erupts in the mountains, authorities clear out the KOA Campground and surrounding homes, forcing Taryn to postpone her long-planned summer kick-off picnic. As smoke drifts over town and neighbors settle in at the fairgrounds, unease spreads right along with it. Then an insurance adjuster goes missing, and rumors of arson begin to take hold.
Determined to protect her town and her livelihood, Taryn starts asking questions. Corporate land grabs, bitter zoning disputes, and simmering grudges point in several directions. Even Silver Springs’ resident prankster seems to know more than he is saying. But the deeper she digs, the clearer it becomes that someone is playing a dangerous game, and the fires may be only the beginning.
Set against the backdrop of a Colorado mountain summer, Sparks, S’mores, and Scandals blends small-town charm, wry humor, and heartfelt community spirit with a mystery that smolders long after the last ember fades.
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GUEST POST
BY MICHELLE CLIFTON
What Kind of Sidekick Would You Be in a Cozy Mystery?
Thank you so much for sharing your space with me. Meeting new readers is the reason I love writing.
Let me introduce myself. I’m Michelle L. Clifton, and I write high-stakes, lighthearted cozy mysteries where you’ll find humor, romance, quirky friends, unlikable killers, and a quick escape from the real world.
Personally, I feel like the world can be a little dark, so I try to brighten it with my series.
What Kind of Sidekick Would You Be in a Cozy Mystery?
The crazy, off-the-rails best friend, the straight-and-narrow worrywart, a cat or dog companion, or maybe even an attractive detective with way too much attitude? Whatever you choose, remember: not all of us are cut out to be the sleuth, but every sleuth needs someone in their corner.
The real question is … if a murder happened in your town, what role would you play?
The Crazy Off-the-Rails Best Friend
The one who doesn’t hesitate. The one who pushes, guides, and, if necessary, dives headfirst into trouble right alongside her friend. Probably with a “this might be a bad idea … but let’s do it anyway” attitude.
Taryn, the amateur sleuth in my series, has a best friend just like that.
Kandice Rossi, her best friend since kindergarten, is somewhat of an adrenaline junkie. She’s smart, sexy, confident, and not afraid to say exactly what’s on her mind. She has saved Taryn a couple of times with her self-defense knowledge.
Kandice is loyal, fierce, and protective. But push her too far, and you’ll hear about it. Then again… at least you always know where you stand.
The Straight-and-Narrow Worrywart
This is probably me, more realistically. And Taryn falls somewhere in the area as the reluctant sleuth.
Every story also needs that friend who sees danger from a mile away. The one who says, “This is a terrible idea,” while already grabbing their keys to come along anyway.
They’re the planners. They notice small details, ask the hard questions, and keep everyone (mostly) out of trouble. They may not love chaos, but they’re often the reason things don’t spiral completely out of control.
The Loyal Companion (Cat or Dog Energy)
Some sidekicks don’t need to say much at all. They’re steady, observant, and always paying attention.
Maybe you’re the loyal, enthusiastic “dog energy” friend who sticks close no matter what. Or maybe you lean more toward “cat energy,” quietly watching and noticing what others miss until it really matters. Either way, these companions are the ones who make a difference without saying a word.
In Taryn’s world, that would be Giselle, her cat. She’s not much of an investigator, more interested in naps, cuddles, and judging everyone. But she’s always there for moral support… and the occasional warm lap. Either way, these companions are the ones who make a difference without saying a word.
The Attractive Detective with Too Much Attitude
The one who insists they’re in charge and tells the sleuth to stay out of it … but secretly knows they won’t. There’s often a grudging respect for the amateur sleuth who keeps showing up where they shouldn’t, and sometimes a spark.
In Taryn’s world, that would be Detective David Parker, Alex’s best friend. He’s capable, clever, maybe a little intimidating, and keeps the investigation on track, sometimes with a bit of tension or witty banter when Taryn can’t help but get involved.
Then there’s Alexandar Cruz, Taryn’s boyfriend. As a private investigator and pilot, he often helps out in a professional capacity while navigating the fine line between wanting to protect Taryn and knowing full well she’s not going to stay out of anything for long.
The Complicated One (Past Complication)
And then … there are people from your past. The ones who know you a little too well.
For Taryn, that would be Robert Campbell, her ex, who brings his own complications into the mix. Because sometimes it’s not just the mystery that keeps you on your toes; it’s the history you didn’t expect to revisit.
The truth is… No mystery gets solved alone.
It’s the mix of personalities, the bold, the cautious, the observant, and even the stubborn, that brings everything together. Friendship, trust, and a little bit of chaos are often just as important as the clues themselves.
In Taryn’s world, she might be the one asking the questions… but it’s the people around her who help her find the answers.
I would like to think I would be the crazy best friend, but in reality, I would be the voice of reason. But maybe with a crazy edge!
So Tell Me: Which Sidekick Would You Be?
- The fearless one charging ahead?
- The voice of reason?
- The loyal observer?
- The one trying (and failing) to keep everyone in line?
- The mysterious one quietly watching from the sidelines?
- Or the blast from the past, complicating things while helping?
And more importantly… would you watch a cozy mystery from the safety of the couch, or dive right into the middle of it?
If you’re curious about Taryn and her quirky, chaos-loving friends, join her latest adventure, Sparks, S’mores, and Scandals, and find out which sidekick you’d be!
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About Michelle L. Clifton
Michelle L. Clifton writes lighthearted, high-stakes cozy mysteries filled with humor, romance, and small-town shenanigans. She is the author of the Taryn O’Kelly Mysteries, a fast-paced series featuring party planner and amateur sleuth Taryn O’Kelly and her growing circle of friends who somehow keep stumbling into trouble. Her stories blend the charm of traditional cozies with the quick pace and comedic flair readers love in Janet Evanovich books, always with a satisfying, happy ending.
Michelle serves on the board of the Southwest Florida Fiction Writers and is Editor-in-Chief of Inkwell Magazine. She is also the founder of Salty Inspirations, her blog, journal pen name, and publishing imprint, which serves as a home for her writing, creative projects, and behind-the-scenes insights into life as a cozy mystery author.
She lives in Cape Coral, Florida, with her husband. Her books are perfect for readers who enjoy humorous mysteries with heart, memorable characters, and a touch of romance mixed with murder.
You can learn more about Michelle and her books at her website and blog, Salty Inspirations.
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GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!
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Three winners each receive an ePUB copy
of Sparks, S’mores, and Scandals
(US and Canada; ends 4/27/26)
April 13 – Salty Inspirations– AUTHOR KICK OFF
April 13 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW
April 14 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT
April 14 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT
April 15 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
April 15 – Angel’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT
April 16 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT
April 16 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT
April 17 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW
April 18 – deal sharing aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 19 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST
April 20 – Sarandipity’s – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 20 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
April 21 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT
April 22 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST
April 22 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT
April 23 – Reading Is My SuperPower – AUTHOR GUEST POST
April 23 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
April 24 – Hall Ways Blog – AUTHOR GUEST POST
April 25 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT
April 26 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
April 13 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW
April 14 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT
April 14 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT
April 15 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
April 15 – Angel’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT
April 16 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT
April 16 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT
April 17 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW
April 18 – deal sharing aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 19 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST
April 20 – Sarandipity’s – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 20 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
April 21 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT
April 22 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST
April 22 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT
April 23 – Reading Is My SuperPower – AUTHOR GUEST POST
April 23 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
April 24 – Hall Ways Blog – AUTHOR GUEST POST
April 25 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT
April 26 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
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