Welcome
When I was eight, my dream was to be a super cool detective like Nancy Drew, racing around town in a sky blue roadster. At sixteen, my goal was to be an awesome mystery writer like Agatha Christie. A few decades and diversions later, I was a newly divorced Mom and CEO, driving my kids to cheerleading and soccer practice. In a sky blue SUV.
Welcome to the world I share with Laurel McKay, a single soccer mom with attitude. Enjoy her laugh-filled adventures in Dying for a Date as she dips her toe into the dating pool and ends up in a tsunami-sized murder investigation.
In Dying for a Dance, lead-footed Laurel gets talked into learning a choreographed foxtrot routine for her best friend’s wedding. After tripping her instructor and crashing into a pair of dance pros, Laurel discovers ballroom dancing can be dangerous. When she stumbles over the body of a dance instructor, she realizes it can also be deadly.
Buzz For Dying For A Dance
Dying for a Dance is the Northern California Publishers and Authors Association 2012 Best Fiction Award recipient
Lynn Farris, Mystery Book Reviewer at Examiner.com writes about Dying for a Dance: “All of the elements of an excellent cozy mystery. Interesting characters, plot and setting. Fast paced writing. I struggled to figure out what it was that stood out that made me really enjoy the book and I decided it was the tone. It is a feel-good book, it makes you smile” 5 STARS
Stephanie Rollins of Book Reviews R Us loves Dying for a Dance. “Cindy Sample has mastered the art of REAL dialogue. The characters are wacky and believable. Any woman who constantly finds herself in awkward situations will love this book! The plot is light-hearted without being full of fluff. This is a story that will make you wonder “who did it” and make you laugh out loud. Of course, the romance simply is divine!” 5 STARS
Romance Junkies Reviewer Chrissy Dionne calls Dying for a Dance: “A fun suspenseful read that holds your attention, captures your imagination and keeps you chuckling at Laurel’s antics. Cindy Sample’s writing is positively fun, imaginative and all around tantalizing – she’s definitely an author well worth adding to your ‘watch’ list.” 5 BLUE RIBBONS
Christy Tillery French of Midwest Book Review says of Dying for a Dance: “This follow-up to Dying for a Date featuring Laurel McKay is another hilarious romp filled with twists and turns and a vexing mystery. Sample introduces her readers to the fiercely competitive world of competition dancing and does not disappoint with the sizzling chemistry between Laurel and Detective Hunter. Sample’s one-liners are amusing and her development of Laurel McKay as a caring, self-deprecating, everyday woman is well-done. This reviewer looks forward to the next in this series.” 5 STARS
Wendy Schultz of the Mountain Democrat reports about Dying for a Dance: “Cindy Sample’s second romantic comedy and sequel to Dying for a Date, begins in a dance studio in El Dorado Hills, quicksteps its way through downtown Placerville and ends up in Lake Tahoe – literally. Along the way, Sample lavishly sprinkles references to local businesses, a lot of humor, romance and a couple of murders.”
Praise For Dying For A Date

Dying for a Date has been voted the # 1 Romance in the just-released 2010 Preditors and Editors Readers Poll.
San Francisco Book Review notes: “Cindy Sample’s highly enjoyable book Dying for a Date combines the fun of a spunky and smart heroine with an exciting murder mystery. Chick lit has never been more fun. This is an excellent entry to the world of romantic mysteries. If you’re looking for a light, entertaining, and mildly thought- provoking read, pick up this one.”
National reviewer Rebecca’s Reads says: “Dying for a Date is a delightful romantic mystery. The characters are intriguing, the plot entertaining and I was kept guessing the murderer’s identity right until the reveal at the end. I look forward to reading more mysteries from this talented new author.” 5 STARS.
Midwest Book Review states: “Dying for a Date is filled with zany characters, humorous situations and laugh-out-loud narrative. Laurel McKay is amusing, her antics entertaining, and her interactions with her family and friends bring smiles as well as nods of recognition. Consider reading this book in one sitting because once you start you will be reluctant to put it aside.” 5 STARS
From Long and Short Reviews: “Dying for a Date is a book that should appeal to all romantic suspense readers because it is lively, entertaining, a true who-done-it combined with a romance that will warm the heart and sheets. I’m thrilled that I got to read this book and I intend to look for other stories written by Ms. Sample. She knows how to weave a story that satisfies and excites” 5 STARS
DYING FOR A DANCE was a 2012 finalist for
05-07-13: Cindy's Guest Blogging! Check Out Her Post
04-11-13: New Blog Post







