Hi! I'm Penny Warner, AKA Penny Pike. Here you'll find a brief bio, list of my published books, some of my upcoming events, my blog, and a connection to my email: pennywarnerink@yahoo.com.

The latest deliciously appealing mystery from the author of Death of a Chocolate Cheater...

Anxious to take a break from bustling San Francisco, Darcy and her Aunt Abby pack up the food truck and head for the apple festival at Apple Valley, California. Aunt Abby is sure her almond apple tarts will be a hit and Darcy wants to collect more recipes for her food truck cookbook.

But when a fellow guest at the Enchanted Apple Inn is pared-down—and the Inn’s owner ends up the prime suspect—Darcy must peel away the layers of the mystery. Because an apple a day certainly isn’t keeping the killer away...

Book #1 – Death of a Crabby Cook

When restaurant reviewer Darcy Burnett gets served a pink slip from the San Francisco Chronicle, she needs to quickly come up with an alternative recipe for success. Her feisty aunt Abby owns a tricked-out school bus that she's converted into a hip and happening food truck, and Darcy comes aboard as a part-timer while she develops a cookbook project based on recipes from food fests in the Bay Area. But she soon finds someone's been trafficking in character assassination—literally—when a local chef turns up dead and her aunt is framed for the murder. The restaurant chef was an outspoken enemy of the food trucks—and now Darcy wonders if one of the other vendors did him in. With her aunt's business—and freedom—on the line, it's up to Darcy to steer the murder investigation in the right direction and put the brakes on an out-of-control killer...

Book #2 – Death of a Chocolate Cheater

Food truck vendor Darcy Burnett unwraps a murder at the San Francisco Chocolate Festival in this mystery from the author of Death of a Crabby Cook...

At this year's chocolate festival, Darcy and her Aunt Abby hope to win the $10,000 prize in the chocolate contest with Aunt Abby's taste sensation: the chocolate raspberry whoopee pie. A little friendly competition from Darcy's sometime-beau Jake Miller, who plans to enter with his chocolate cream puff delight, only sweetens the deal. But things get sticky when one of the judges, Polly Montgomery, is taken out of commission—permanently.

The suspects include every contestant with reason to believe Polly wasn't too sweet on their sweets, including Aunt Abby's high school friend. Now Darcy must pick through an assortment of secrets to catch a killer before someone else gets a bittersweet finish.

"I picked up this book to read because of its title, Death of a Chocolate Cheater and knew I’d found a new cozy mystery series. I love the background settings, the characters in the book, and that rarefied thing you sometimes find in cozy mystery, humor."
    ~ Top pick!-Suspense/nightowlreviews.com

"I devoured this book from the very first word. By the time I finished my craving for chocolate had me venturing to my nearest store even knowing it could never be as delicious as the book's recipes from the food truck that were featured in Death of a Chocolate Cheater. "
    ~ Acozygirlreads.com

"Author Penny Pike has a wonderful style of writing. Her books read as though the words flow effortlessly from her fingers. With DEATH OF A CHOCOLATE CHEATER there were times that I held my breath, and others where I literally laughed out loud. I am officially addicted to this fantastically tasty series. "
    ~ LisaKsreviews.com

"The characters are strong, likable and come with secrets of their own. In the midst of murder and mayhem, cross your fingers that Darcy will have time to write that cookbook. The recipes are to die for. "
    ~ Kingsriverlife.com

"This is a clever new series that cozy mystery lovers will eat up, with a pinch of romance. It is well-plotted and pulls you right into the story. The author has provided some yummy recipes. Penny Pike, AKA Penny Warner, also writes the Party Planner Mystery series. "
    ~ myshelf.com

"- I absolutely loved Penny’s Party Planning Mysteries so I am glad she has returned with this Death of a Crabby Cook. This story is a lot like the food Aunt Abby serves, comfortable with a few surprises to keep those pages turning at a pretty speedy pace. My only problem with the story is that it didn’t come with food samples!"
    ~ Escapewithdollycas.com

When Cody and her friends get a mysterious e-mail hinting at a treasure on Alcatraz Island, they can’t wait to get started on their clue hunt. Luckily, a class trip to the prison is the perfect cover to start their search.

During the tour, the club members learn that a jewel thief may have hidden his biggest haul on the island and left a series of coded messages to find it. And solving puzzles is what the Code Busters do best!

When deaf reporter Connor Westphal moves to the California Gold Country town of Flat Skunk to publish her own weekly newspaper, she doesn't expect a murder to be her first headline, But she's discovered a body lying on top of a grave instead of in it. With the help of her hearing-ear dog, Casper, her TTY telephone, and her ability to see what others only hear, Connor investigates the mysterious death, while trying to avoid a cemetery plot herself. $.99 on e-readers!

Presley Parker's event planning business is the toast of San Francisco. But when she ventures into Napa Valley to oversee her first wine tasting, an unexpected death could leave a stain on her reputation… For Presley Parker, a wine-tasting event at the boutique winery The Purple Grape is a job worth savoring. But she quickly discovers that even in the idyllic Napa Valley, local politics can have a bitter finish. JoAnne Douglas, president of the Green Grape environmental group, believes the wineries are damaging the local environment and she's determined to sabotage the event. But Presley manages to pull the party off without a hitch. Until JoAnne's lifeless body is discovered under one of the tables... JoAnne had plenty of enemies in the area, but all evidence from her murder points to Purple Grape owners Rob and Marie Christopher. Now it's up to Presley to clear their names before someone else gets corked.

Cody's odd neighbor, "Skeleton Man," has always been a little strange. But when the Code Busters notice something mysterious going on at his house, they think he's sending them a message about a hidden treasure.
When they discover a mysterious couple sniffing around the old man's home, the kids suspect Skeleton Man is in danger. Will they crack the codes and solve the mystery before Mr. Skelton's time is up?
Decipher over a dozen codes in this interactive adventure, and help the Code Busters solve the mystery!

Mixing fun and fundraising seems like the perfect job for Presley Parker, which is why she started her event-planning business to raise money for charities. But when a film soiree goes awry, it could mean THE END for her business...
Presley Parker's event planning business is really rolling. Her newest gig is a film wrap party for big-time producer Lucas Cruz. He's celebrating his latest release—a vampire parody—by throwing a lavish party in a graveyard. It's a pretty gloomy venue for Presley, but she's hoping to make it so much fun that partygoers won't even notice there are more dead than living guests...
And the number of dead grows when an entertainment reporter crashes the party, trying to dig up dirt on an actor, and literally digs his own grave. Presley's reputation is seriously on the line if she doesn't unearth the killer soon. But with a growing list of shady characters and crew members, someone has to match the role of murderer, or it's going to be Presley who won't make the cut...

Becca and the Troop 13 scouts go to a horse ranch for the weekend,where they meet Devyn, a young girl who works at the ranch. Devyn is adopting a wild mustang, Silver Star. When Silver Star goes missing, the Troop 13 girls vow to help Devyn to find him. The clues lead to a nearby rodeo, where the scouts discover the missing mustang--held hostage by a group of devious rustlers.

Check out my videos here for party planning tips and ideas!

The de Young Museum in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park is throwing a murder mystery party to raise money, and the notorious yet benevolent philanthropist Mary Lee Miller wants Presley Parker to host it. Though Presley is surrounded by breathtaking artwork, it's a heated squabble between Mary Lee and her son Corbin that catches her attention. When Mary Lee is found dead with a fake dagger in her chest, Delicia--Presley's friend and Corbin's girlfriend--is the key suspect. Presley begins sleuthing to clear her friend and solve the mounting murders, only to find someone wants this life of the party dead.

"…a wonderful tale taking place at the de Young Museum in San Francisco…This is as good a book as the first one, called How to Host a Killer Party, if not better. I really enjoyed it. The characters are interesting and well thought out and I'm looking forward to the next, which might take place at the Winchester House in San Francisco. I highly recommend this book to all mystery readers cozy or not…"
    ~ Mary, Once Upon a Romance.

"With San Francisco as a backdrop, this traditional mystery is a delight to read. Warner seamlessly weaves many interesting historical facts about the City of San Francisco into the story. Presley finds herself in many unfortunate circumstances, but the way she views them is totally entertaining. Warner has a talent for building suspenseful situations and creating a page-turner with endearing characters. I look forward to reading the next book in this well written series."
    ~ Karen Kiley, Meritorious Mysteries.

"In 'How To Crash A Killer Bash', Penny Warner has written a concise plot with an appealing storyline as well as characters that capture your attention. Detective Melvin is portrayed as a thorn in Presley's side; her mother wins your heart with her likeability; Brad, Parker's neighbor and heart throb keeps you guessing about his intentions. Warner has produced a very enjoyable read with her talented narration."
    ~ Connie's Review.

"HOW TO CRASH A KILLER BASH was just a lot of fun, quirky characters, a very believable plot, suspense, humor and even a little romantic tension. This book is the full package, everything you love about cozy mysteries is here, all wrapped up like a pretty party present. The Party Tips at the start of each chapter are just an added bonus. This definitely is a series to watch and I am excited to read about many more KILLER PARTIES!!"
    ~ Dollycas Blog.

Mixing fun and fundraising for charities seemed like the perfect job for Presley Parker when she's suddenly downsized from her position teaching abnormal psychological at the university. Pres is psyched about her first big gig—hosting a “surprise” wedding for the San Francisco Mayor at notorious Alcatraz prison.

But the party's over when the bride bolts faster than an escaping prisoner, and is later found dead floating in the bay, a victim of poisoned chocolates. When Presley becomes prime suspect, she looks to her quirky Treasure Island co-workers for help, but it's the attractive, mysterious crime scene cleaner Brad Matthews who helps tidy up her tarnished reputation. If she doesn't solve this mystery, she'll be exchanging her party dress for prison stripes.

"Penny Warner blends humor and mayhem to create a unique mystery full of fun. Her cast of offbeat characters and solid plot make this romp through the streets of San Francisco a party you don't want to miss."
    ~ Denise Swanson, Murder of a Royal Pain.

“Penny Warner's scintillating HOW TO HOST A KILLER PARTY introduces an appealing heroine whose event skills include utilizing party favors in self defense in a fun, fast-paced new series guaranteed to please.”
    ~ Carolyn Hart, award-winning author of Dare to Die.

“Penny Warner dishes up a rare treat, sparkling with wicked and witty San Francisco characters, plus some real tips on hosting a killer party.”
    ~ Rhys Bowen, award-winning author of the Royal Spyness mysteries.

“There's a cozy little party going on between these covers. Don't miss Penny Warner's new series.”
    ~ Elaine Viets, author of "Killer Cuts," a Dead-End Job mystery.

“Fast, fun, and fizzy as a champagne cocktail! The winning and witty Presley Parker can plan a perfect party--but after her A-list event becomes an invitation to murder, her next plan must be to save her own life.”
    ~ Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha-winning author of PRIME TIME

Coming in May, 2010: Baby's Favorite Rhymes to Sign! Teach your baby to sign through popular nursery rhymes and songs!

Celebrate your female friendships with this Do-It-Yourself Guide to Girl Time. Host a Wacky Wedding Rehearsal, Valentine's Day Sucks Party, Men-Are-Pigs Break-Up Party, BFF Party–Best Friends Forever Party, Book Lovers Literary Party, Nancy Drew Girl Detective Party, Scrappy Scrapbooking Party, Hot Flash Fiesta, Red Hat Ladies Spa Party, Red Neck White Trash Party, Chocoholic Orgy, Kewl Karaoki Party, Last Laugh Party, Group Therapy Party, Martha Stewart Parody Party… Order Now: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, or IndieBound!

You can find my books at local bookstores nationwide. Find an independent bookstore near you at IndieBound, or check out the sites below.