Ill-Fated Fortune

February 16, 2024

Ill-Fated Fortune

Ill-Fated Fortune: A Magical Fortune Cookie Novel
by Jennifer J. Chow

About Ill-Fated Fortune

Ill-Fated Fortune: A Magical Fortune Cookie
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – California
Minotaur Books (February 20, 2024)
Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250323037
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250323033
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C1X7YG71

Felicity Jin grew up literally hanging onto Mom’s apron strings in their magical bakery in the quaint town of Pixie, California. Her mother’s enchanted baked goods, including puffy pineapple buns and creamy egg tarts, bring instant joy to all who consume them. Felicity has always been hesitant in the kitchen herself after many failed attempts, but a takeout meal gone wrong inspires her to craft some handmade fortune cookies.

They become so popular that Felicity runs out of generic fortunes and starts making her own personalized predictions. When one customer’s ill-fated fortune results in his murder, Felicity’s suspiciously specific fortune has the police focusing on her as the main culprit. Now Felicity must find a way to turn her luck around and get cleared from suspicion.

About Jennifer J. Chow

Jennifer J. Chow writes cozies filled with hope and heritage. She is an Agatha, Anthony, and Lefty Award-nominated author. Her newest series is the Magical Fortune Cookie mysteries; the first book is Ill-Fated Fortune. Jennifer’s previous series is the L.A. Night Market Mysteries. Death by Bubble Tea was reviewed by the New York Times, featured in Woman’s World, and hit the SoCal Indie Bestseller List. Jennifer currently serves as Immediate Past President on the board of Sisters in Crime and blogs at chicksonthecase.com. She is an active member of Crime Writers of Color and Mystery Writers of America. Connect with her online and sign up for her newsletter at JenniferJChow.com.

Q&A With the Author:

What was your inspiration for writing this book?
Fortune cookies inspired me for this new series. I’ve always gravitated to the sweet treats, whether while at a factory field trip or through serving them at our family restaurant. Only I added a murderous twist to the cookie—what if a fortune suspiciously predicted someone’s death? Then the baker (a.k.a. my main character, Felicity) would be in so much trouble…

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
This is my first foray into magic, and I loved every minute of it. There’s something beautiful about tapping into beyond-the-norm abilities. And I got pair together delicious food and the fantastical!

Do you have any other books you are working on that you can tell us about?
The second book in the series should be coming out next year. Its working title is Star-Crossed Sweet Tarts, where death happens to be the dessert at a wedding.

Can you tell us about what you have planned for the future?
There will definitely be a third book in the Magical Fortune Cookie series. Stay tuned for more magic and more partnering between Felicity and Kelvin (her best friend and possible love interest).

Anything more you would like to say to your readers and fans?
Thank you so much for journeying together me through different cozy mystery adventures! You can also follow me on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Threads under @jenjchow. Also, get monthly updates through my Cozy Connection newsletter—the signup form is at JenniferJChow.com.