(Mystery, She Wrote, #1)

Publication date: November 3rd 2023

Genres: Adult, Cozy Mystery

Synopsis:

The only thing more exciting than a famous local author staying at the bed and breakfast is a real murder mystery.

Mystery novelist and member of the Mystery Writer’s Murder Club, Jessica Murdoch, heads off for a staycation at a bed and breakfast in her hometown of Badger’s Drift, Maine for some rest and relaxation. When a murder takes place in her luxurious suite, she figures it’s up to her to uncover the town’s secrets and find the killer.

Thorn Wilder, of the Major Crime Unit of the Maine State Police, is assigned to investigate the murder. Thorn, an astute and methodical investigator, is familiar with Jessica's work and quickly recognizes her as a potential asset in solving the case. Jessica finds herself irresistibly drawn to the enigmatic detective and becomes an unofficial consultant in the investigation.

Join Jessica Murdoch, Tracer, her faithful basset hound, and Thorn Wilder as they unravel the dark mysteries that lurk beneath the surface of this small town, and discover the shocking truth that lies at the heart of it all.

Murder Before Dawn is the first story in the Mystery, She Wrote series. Four mystery authors meet at a book conference and discover they all live in small towns in Maine. After a fabulous weekend together they decide to form the Mystery Writer’s Murder Club. They meet monthly at a different house to check out cold cases in the area, write, and relax. They soon discover the only thing more exciting than a good murder mystery book is an actual murder mystery.

If you like fast-paced mysteries with quirky characters, an inquisitive basset hound, and unexpected twists, you’re going to love the Mystery, She Wrote series.

One-Click Murder Before Dawn and get started on your next murder mystery adventure today!

Excerpt

Thorn directed Jessica’s attention to the piece of paper lying on the floor. He bent over, carefully picking up the note by the corner and placing it in an evidence bag. The note was handwritten with a veiled threat and instead of a signature, the author of the note had used a rubber stamp, depicting a young maiden reclining on a barren rock.

“Curious,” said Jessica.

“Do you know what that’s supposed to be?”

“I’m pretty sure it’s Lorelei—she’s from German folklore. Supposedly she threw herself into the river after she was betrayed by a faithless lover. She was transformed into a siren who lures fishermen and ships to their death and destruction.”

Thorn chuckled. “So pretty much in keeping with the threat.”

“I’d say so.”

Kenny, one of the forensic team members, came in through the plastic bubble. “Hey, Thorn, you’re going to want to take a look at this.”

Thorn, with Jessica close behind him, followed Kenny. Just outside the French doors leading to the private garden and the beach below was a distinct set of footprints.

“I haven’t had a chance to do a true analysis or even a comparison,” said Kenny, “but I don’t think those match the shoes of the victim. I’d also expect them to be deeper and bigger if they’d been his.”

Thorn nodded. “I agree, but we’re going to need to rule out the B&B guests…”

“Already on it. One of our guys is scouring the trash dumpster and will then move on to other possible dump sites and another two have obtained permission from the owner to search the rooms. I figure you can check people when you interview them and if you see something suspicious, you can call us in.”

“As always, Kenny,” said Thorn, “you’re right on top of everything. I’m glad you’re here.”

Kenny grinned. “Me, too. It’s almost like a locked-room mystery, except for the fact that the French doors were open to the outside, presumably giving the killer a means to escape. Come to think of it, those open doors tend to negate a locked-room mystery, don’t they?” Shaking his head, he continued, “Do you ever get tired of amateur sleuths trying to horn in with their theories and assumptions?”

Glancing pointedly at Jessica, Thorn said, “You have no idea, but in all fairness, I must say that some amateurs have a real talent for this kind of thing.”

Thorn and Jessica went back inside.

“Thank you for that,” said Jessica. “I think.”

“Much as I hate to admit it,” he said, “I have to say you have a talent not only for sticking your cute little nose in where it doesn’t belong, but for solving puzzles, which is basically what detectives do. We’re given a set of clues, and we solve the mystery.”

“I will say it’s easier to solve the mystery when I’m writing it than just being given clues with no plot or outline to follow. So, what do you make of what little we know so far?”

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About the Author

As a USA Today bestselling romance author, Delta James aims to captivate readers with stories about complex,curvy heroines and the dominant alpha males who adore them. For Delta, romance is more than just a love story; it’s a journey with challenges and thrills along the way.

After creating a second chapter for herself that was dramatically different than the first, Delta now resides in Florida where she relaxes on warm summer evenings with her loveable pack of basset hounds as they watch the birds, squirrels and lizards. When not crafting fast-paced tales, she enjoys horseback riding, walks on the beach, and white-water rafting.

More about Delta, including a full list of her books and audiobooks, can be found at www.deltajames.com.

Her readers mean the world to her, and Delta tries to interact personally to as many messages as she can. If you’d like to chat or discuss books, you can find Delta on Instagram, Facebook, and in her private reader group https://www.facebook.com/groups/348982795738444.

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