Thursday, April 3, 2025

Serving Up Suspects in Tickled to Death—A Murder Mystery with Extra Spice

 

You’ve already been introduced to the whip-smart  doms and cops with a firm grip on justice who’ll be making regular appearances in the Domme Mom Murder Mysteries. Now, it’s time to meet the prime suspects in Tickled to Death—the first in a series of kinky crime capers where the safe word is alibi and everyone’s got something to hide (besides their usual handcuffs and blindfolds).

Before we dive into this whodunit, let’s take a moment to meet our dearly departed—or should we say sensually silenced? Kirk Amenhauser was the executive chef at the Roman Casino, a well-known philanthropist, and three-time reigning Sexiest Man in Atlantic City. A hard-nosed businessman by day, Kirk preferred being tied down in his downtime rather than tying up loose ends. His kinks? Bondage, nipple clamps, and his personal favorite—being tickled until he was gasping for breath. Unfortunately, someone took that a little too literally. No laughing matter.

When it comes to suspects, Detective Dee is convinced the wife is the guilty party—because, well, it’s always the wife, right? Never mind that she happens to be on a first-name basis with the domme who discovered her husband’s bound-and-gagged body. Snooty, condescending, and with an air of someone who corrects your grammar mid-argument, she insists she and Kirk were in an open relationship. But maybe, just maybe, she didn’t find his tickling fetish all that funny—especially when the joke was on her.

Seventeen-year-old Kirk Amenhauser Jr. inherited his father’s taste for variety, but when he thought his dad was cheating on his mom, he wasn’t having any of it. A student at Newman Prep, Kirk Jr. is entitled, athletic, and probably hungrier for power than he lets on. Maybe he was just cooking up a plan to cash in on his inheritance a little sooner than expected. After all, who wouldn’t want to get their hands on the family recipe for success?

Kara Amenhauser is sixteen and usually the tag-along to her older brother.  A model student with straight A’s and the quietest voice in the room, she seems like the picture of innocence—but sometimes the sweetest apple has a bitter core. As the mystery unfolds, her shock and confusion could just be a well-seasoned act, hiding a more sinister side. After all, the quiet ones are often the ones cooking up the juiciest secrets.


Lisa Dunn is the hostess of the Emperor’s Table, a lavish, Roman-themed restaurant Kirk oversaw—where the servers wear togas, but the real action happens off the menu. While officially dating the fiery head chef, Gino, Lisa also moonlighted as Kirk’s personal amuse-bouche—and if the gossip is true, she was part of the all-you-can-eat buffet for a few others as well. Did she serve up revenge because Kirk was helping himself to too many free samples? Rhonda is willing to bet her entire whip collection that this two-timing tart is the main course in this murder mystery.



Gino Mancino is the head chef at the Emperor’s Table, specializing in seafood—and, if you ask the health inspector, extra grease. A walking stereotype of an old-school Italian chef, he sports a wife beater under his chef’s coat, smells perpetually of garlic and bad decisions, and runs his kitchen with all the finesse of a late-night diner after a bar rush. Kirk constantly clashed with him over his slovenly attire and less-than-spotless kitchen, but if Gino found out Kirk was digging into his daily special—aka Lisa—it'd be a recipe for disaster and more than enough reason to turn the boss into the catch of the day.



Blake Freeman is the union rep whose chronic asthma forced him out of the kitchen and into a desk job—because nothing kills the mood in fine dining like a guy wheezing over your filet mignon. Blake was steamed when Kirk blocked his new contract, but that’s not his only beef. The detectives suspect he knew all about Kirk’s off-the-menu specials and, given how jumpy he is, this balding bundle of nerves might have a few kinks of his own—ones he was willing to snuff out the competition to keep under wraps. After all, in both the restaurant business and the dungeon, the wrong exposure can spoil the meat.



Carol Rogers is—well, was—Kirk’s longtime secretary. On the surface, she's the typical conservative old maid, but don’t let the bun fool you; twenty years ago, she was a spicy redhead and Kirk’s very first side-dish. These days, Kirk’s taste has shifted to fresher entrees, and Carol seems fine with her status as the leftovers. But maybe this simmering vendetta has been cooking for two decades, just waiting for the right moment to spice things up. Mrs. Amenhauser  hasn't forgotten the indiscretion that nearly destroyed her marriage and hopes Carol will take the fall for her husband’s well-seasoned demise.


Leo Cramer drove the rideshare for a sinister delivery, dropping off a package that wasn’t exactly on the menu.  This shaggy college kid confesses to everything but the murders when the detectives drag him in. From dropping the ball to spilling the beans, Leo seems like a clueless driver—but is he really as dumb as he looks, or is his submissive act just a clever ploy to wiggle out of the mess? After all, sometimes the best getaway drivers are the ones who play innocent.

So there you have it. One of these eight flavorful characters did it in the hallway with the French Tickler—but who’s the guilty party? Was it the spicy seductress, the greasy chef, the union rep with a sneaky kink? To find out, grab a copy of Tickled to Death and be sure to savor the subtle clues sprinkled throughout. After all, a mystery is like a fine dining—it’s only fun if you have a real chance to savor the clues and whip up the right answer. Bon appétit!


**Images generated by Microsoft Copilot AI**

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Meet the Crossover Stars of Tickled to Death – And Snag Their Backstories for FREE!


 

My regular readers know I’m a total sucker for crossovers—like, tie-me-up-and-call-me-helpless levels of obsession. But if Tickled to Death is your first taste of Laura DeLuca’s world, you might not realize that (with a few exceptions) most of my books are cannon, especially the ones set in my home state of New Jersey—because let’s be real, if any place screams “spicy drama and questionable life choices,” it’s Jersey.

And yes, that includes The Domme Mom series. That’s right, darlings—characters from Dark Musicals and Jersey Girls have strutted right on over. To celebrate the release of Tickled to Death, I’m giving away a few of these books for FREE, so you can get properly acquainted with their backstories before diving headfirst into my newest release.


By day, Leonard Foley Esquire is a top attorney in Cape May and Atlantic Counties, defending the legally doomed with the confidence of a man who’s never lost an argument (or at least, never admitted to it). By night, he trades the courtroom for the spotlight, moonlighting as an actor at a local dinner theater—because apparently, delivering closing arguments just isn’t dramatic enough. Lenny makes his grand debut in Reanimated, where he plays Victor in Ghost Bride—a role that, thankfully, requires fewer objections and more ominous monologues.



Vashaan Jacobs, AKA Black Silk, first made waves  in Brushed by Fate. This retired Marine traded battlefield tactics for physical therapy, working alongside wounded warriors—including our hero, Scott Heron—at the local hospital. Turns out, patching people up is just as intense as taking them down.

And if that wasn’t enough crossover goodness, Rhonda’s neighbors, Lainey and Drew DiPalma, also pop up in the Jersey Girls series—because what’s a tight-knit Jersey community without some familiar faces (and a little well-placed drama)?

Both these titles will be free for a limited time, so grab them while you can! And if you’re new to the Dark Musicals or Jersey Girls series, I highly recommend reading them all—preferably in order, unless you enjoy spoilers and chaos. Happy reading, and remember—safe words are important, but binge-reading is highly encouraged.

Grab a copy of Tickled to Death today. Available exclusively on Amazon.


Karaoke Night at the Bullshot Saloon with the Cope & Doms

 

In the Domme Mom series, when the cops and doms aren’t busy solving crimes or tying up loose ends (literally), they like to kick back with a drink and a round of karaoke at the Bullshot Saloon, a local bar on a shady side street in Atlantic City. Naturally, this leads to some epic playlists. So, buckle up for a selection of songs that totally capture the essence of the characters in Tickled to Death. Some are belted out at the bar during a karaoke showdown, while others set the perfect vibe for the action about to unfold. Whether you’re in the mood for some spicy tunes or a few laughs, this playlist has you covered—just like our favorite characters!

I Want It That Way – The Backstreet Boys
Led by Granger, the Dom boys, and the bodyguards, this is the karaoke performance you never knew you needed. When they hit the stage, it’s a whole new type of boy band in the making—just a little more leather, a lot more attitude, and a dash of mischief. They might not have the synchronized dance moves, but they've definitely got the charisma (and maybe a whip or two) to steal the show. Get ready for some unforgettable renditions that’ll have you questioning everything you thought you knew about boy bands!

Separate Ways – Worlds Apart – Daughtry & Lizzy Hale
This hard rock version of Separate Ways is a game-changer for Rhonda. As the guitars scream and the drums pound, she gets her first glimpse of Jason’s Celtic tattoos—and that voice of his. Formerly in a band, Jason’s not exactly new to the stage, but when Rhonda suggests a duet to solidify their partnership, she expects him to be intimidated. Spoiler alert: it’s her who’s sweating bullets. As their voices merge in an electrifying performance, she starts questioning if maybe, just maybe, going their separate ways isn’t such a great idea after all.

Mrs. Robinson – Simon and Garfunkel
When one of the murder suspects shows up at the victim's house in a gold cross and a skirt suit fit for Queen Elizabeth, Jason can’t help but think of Mrs. Robinson. Hopefully, Jesus has a spot saved for her, because this crime spree is just getting started and this case is about to take a much darker turn.


Baby Got Back – Sir Mix-a-Lot
During a visit to the dungeon, when Emily is looking extra voluptuous, Hashim can’t help but get Baby Got Back stuck in his head. He’s humming it, he’s tapping his foot, he’s living for it—much to Jason’s displeasure.

All Star - Smash Mouth - Everyone knows One Nip isn’t exactly the smartest tool in the shed, but when he grabs the mic at the Bullshot Saloon, it’s his booming baritone that steals the show. For once, it’s not just his impressive physique that’s turning heads.

Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen
Even when Mavis is singing, she sounds like a virtual assistant. But when someone in the crowd catches her eye, she delivers a hilariously off-key rendition of this catchy tune, complete with robotic hand motions. The crowd’s unsure whether to laugh, cringe, or start looking for the nearest reset button. 

Barbie Girl – Aqua
Daphne and her partner Katrina take the mic for this classic, and honestly, no song could be more fitting. With Daphne’s bubbly charm and Katrina’s playful sass, they absolutely slay this iconic anthem.

Strong Woman – Mitch Granger
When Jason breaks out his guitar and harmonica for an acoustic rendition of his sexy, soul-stirring ballad, the entire bar stops and stares—especially Rhonda. She's trying to keep her cool, but let’s be real: she’s absolutely hot and bothered. 

Pink Pony Club – Chappell Roan

Emily, in all her voluptuous glory, absolutely brings it with this toe-tapping number in the epilogue, setting the tone for what it truly means to be dominant.

Want to see how these songs come into play and how they tie into our characters' personalities? Grab your copy of Tickled to Death today and experience the ultimate playlist of mystery, sass, and some seriously kinky moments. Let these tracks whip you into shape as you dive into a world where every song has a little more bite! You’ll be begging for more by the last chapter—no safe words required!

Gran a copy of Tickled to Death today. Available Exclusively on Amazon. 

**Image created with the help of Microsoft Copilot.**