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Betting Off Dead by Tonya Kappes
Spies and Spells Book 2
Krew Publishing
August 29, 2016
182 Pages
And they’re off!
Gambling on horse racing is Kentucky’s number one sport but when Kentucky Derby Thoroughbred picked to win the Derby, Rails and Nails, ends up poisoned, SKUL special agent Mick Jasper and rookie witch Maggie Park, who keeps her witch powers a secret, are called in to investigate a world of illegal gambling where a run for the roses can prove to be deadly.
What on earth is a Mint Julep?
I’m a born and bred Kentuckian. The Kentucky Derby is far more important to us than the royal family, any celebrity out there. . . and pretty much everything else. We love our beautiful and fast horses.
Every year the Derby comes just as exciting as any holiday. We take off school and work to celebrate the weeklong event schedule. And every year I have my one and only Mint Julep.
The drink really just consists of crushed iced, sugar, a sprig of mint and some good Kentucky Bourbon. The mix is refreshing to me. I like the sugary mix that turns a little syrupy. The chilled souvenir cup is worth the $11 cost at the track.
It’s the official drink that’s served at all the parties and at the Derby. It’s become part of the Derby just as the big hats, the celebrities, and the playing of My Old Kentucky Home. Churchill Downs sells around 120,000 during the Derby week at the track.
What I love about the Mint Julep for the past couple of years is how Woodford Reserve Bourbon, a Kentucky bourbon, is selling the Mint Julep in special cup along with rose petal shaped chocolates for a donation of $1,000-2,000. The donation goes to the Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Center for former race horses and that more than $354,000 has been raised with the program. Now that steals my heart! We need a place for our horses that have retired!
Would you try a Mint Julep if you went to the Derby?
My Thoughts
Betting Off Dead by Tonya Kappes is the second book in the Spies and Spells series. This fun, light paranormal mystery that is fast paced and enjoyable from start to finish. In this installment, Maggie and Mick are off to the races at the Kentucky Derby to investigate some illegal doping and gambling. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with Maggie and the other characters again. This is a great series if you love books that have a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romantic sparks, and a little bit of humor. I laughed out loud several times as I enjoyed this book. I’m already looking forward to book 3!
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Thanks for the Author spotlight and info on Mint Juleps.. Is it too early to have one this morning??
I want to try a Mint Julep! This book was great and I also am looking forward to book 3.
Great review. I haven’t ever tried a mint julep but if I where at the derby I would try one.
Love Tonya’s books. I have never had a Mint Julip. Sounds like it is really sweet.
Well, I guess I’ll just have to try a mint julep now!
Thank you so much!! ???
I bought fresh mint at the farmer’s market today just so I could make mint juleps tonight. Betting off Dead is up next on my reading list – so it will be perfect.
This book is awesome! I’m not a whisky/bourbon fan (I know…gasp…I’m a Kentucky girl and don’t drink bourbon) so I wouldn’t try it…. 😉 but it is a popular drink on Derby day!
Never tried a Mint Julep so I guess I would have to try it, like you said at least for the souvenir cup…lol. I am not much of a drinker and not sure if it sounds all that great but I would try it. 🙂