Crime and mystery: women sleuths / detectives

Book SynopsisA terrified voice on the phone. The line goes dead. The mystery begins. During a superstorm, Holly Boswell receives a panicked call from her sister, Vivian: Come get me…There’s somebody coming. But when Holly arrives at a Long Island marina, there’s only her sister’s abandoned car. Vivian is gone. It’s all eerily familiar. Holly and Vivian used to play hide-and-seek as children. It was a reprieve from the mental abuses of their parents, psychology professors who raised the siblings as if it were research. Decades later, Holly is reminded of their childhood games. In her relentless search for the answers, Holly is reading between the lines in Vivian’s journals. She’s untangling clues in their mother’s diary and discovering secrets from her sister’s private world that are casting a dangerous shadow. Maybe Vivian has reasons for wanting to disappear from her well-to-do life. Or is it something more sinister? As Holly follows Vivian’s trail, she can’t shake the feeling that someone might be following her.Trade Review“…one wild ride.” —Kirkus Reviews “[In] this spellbinding psychological thriller from Reinard (Sweet Water)…Reinard keeps the suspense high through to the surprise ending. Readers will have trouble putting this one down.” —Publishers Weekly “Into the Sound is an atmospheric, character-driven thriller about how far a woman will go to save her sister. With propulsive, evocative prose, Reinard delves into family secrets and lies—and the reliability of memory. It doesn’t get much better than this!” —Melissa Colasanti, author of Call Me Elizabeth Lark “A missing sister, a bad marriage, a woman broken and trapped—Into the Sound will have readers under its spell from the first word until the final, shocking pages. The tension is explosive as past and present collide in this intense, fast-paced, and twisty thriller; and Reinard’s in-depth understanding of the ways in which childhood trauma follows into adulthood adds a deep and unforgettable layer to one woman’s hunt for her sister and the long-buried secrets of their difficult upbringing.” —Danielle Girard, USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author of Far Gone “In Into the Sound, Cara Reinard crafts a world of secrets that will leave you breathless as you scour the pages for answers.” —Dea Poirier, Amazon bestselling author “I’m always a sucker for a sister book and Into the Sound delivers in spades. The pace is electric, and the twists are completely unpredictable, but underneath the high-tension story is a fraught, but very real and complicated bond forged in childhood trauma. Reinard includes a tangle with the mob, and a delve into the psychology of false memories, all without letting up the pace. Harlan Coben fans will love Into the Sound, especially if they’re looking for a female protagonist and some deeper meaning. Highly recommended!” —Kate Moretti, New York Times bestselling author of The Vanishing Year and Girls of Brackenhill

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Book SynopsisThe past and the present collide in the final installment of USA Today bestselling author Debra Webb’s Devlin & Falco series, threatening everything these two detectives care about. Birmingham detectives Kerri Devlin and Luke Falco arrive at the scene of a double homicide to discover that nothing makes sense. A woman and her child are dead, and though the husband says he killed them, the evidence says otherwise. Why would a man confess to unspeakable murders he didn’t commit? What starts as an open-and-shut case explodes into a web of new leads. Devlin and Falco get to work tracking down every single one—including a disturbing connection between the murders and Falco’s dark past. Falco knows the incident from eight years ago will jeopardize the partnership he’s built with Devlin, both on and off the job. If he could go back, he would—but what happened happened, and there’s a murderer on the loose. Devlin and Falco must slog through the pain to get to the truth; and so far the only truth they know is that everyone is lying.Trade ReviewPraise for Debra Webb Can’t Go Back “A complex, exciting mystery.” —Kirkus Reviews “Police procedural fans will be sorry to see the last of Kerri and Luke.” —Publishers Weekly “Threats, violence, and a dramatic climax…Good for procedural readers…” —Library Journal Gone Too Far “An intriguing, fast-paced combination of police procedural and thriller.” —Kirkus Reviews “Those who like a lot of family drama in their police procedurals will be satisfied.” —Publishers Weekly Trust No One “Trust No One is Debra Webb at her finest. Political intrigue and dark family secrets will keep readers feverishly turning pages to uncover all the twists in this stunning thriller.” —Melinda Leigh, #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Cross Her Heart “A wild, twisting crime thriller filled with secrets, betrayals, and complex characters that will keep you up until you reach the last darkly satisfying page. A five-star beginning to Debra Webb’s explosive series!” —Allison Brennan, New York Times bestselling author “Debra Webb once again delivers with Trust No One, a twisty and gritty page-turning procedural with a cast of complex characters and a compelling cop heroine in Detective Kerri Devlin. I look forward to seeing more of Detectives Devlin and Falco.” —Loreth Anne White, Washington Post bestselling author of In the Deep “Trust No One is a gritty and exciting ride. Webb skillfully weaves together a mystery filled with twists and turns. I was riveted as each layer of the past peeled away, revealing dark secrets. An intriguing cast of complicated characters, led by the compelling Detective Kerri Devlin, had me holding my breath until the last page.” —Brianna Labuskes, Washington Post bestselling author of Girls of Glass “Debra Webb’s name says it all.” —Karen Rose, New York Times bestselling author

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Book SynopsisHer old schoolfriends are dead. She might be next. When Ruby hears from her best friend Elizabeth that two of their old classmates have been murdered, Ruby is more certain than ever that leaving her hometown was the right decision. But after Elizabeth suddenly stops responding to texts, and Ruby hears a third classmate has been killed, she knows in her heart what has happened. Elizabeth is dead too. Missbrook Bay is a place haunted by memories Ruby wanted to forget, and people she never wanted to see again, but Ruby has no choice but to go back to investigate. While staying with her ex-boyfriend, she notices a pattern in their full school year photo—the killer seems to be working through victims in a specific order. And after her ex’s house is broken into, Ruby realises nowhere and no one is safe. There are still many faces left in that photo. Any one of them could be the next victim—and any one of them could be the killer. And with each death, the killer is getting closer to Ruby.

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Book SynopsisA journalist begins to question everything she knows about her mother’s murder in a startling novel of suspense by the New York Times bestselling author of The Body Reader. Culpable in an exposé gone tragically wrong, investigative journalist Jupiter Bellarose takes her boss’s advice: head back to her hometown for a fluff piece and get her world in balance. But in Savannah, the past is waiting. Twenty years ago Jupiter’s mother, actress and celebrated beauty Marie Nova, was murdered, leaving many in her wake: Jupiter’s father, who has erased memories of his wife’s murder with alcohol. The matriarch of the cosmetics company who helped make Marie a star—and who takes every opportunity to reopen old wounds. Then there’s the fragile cop with blood on his hands, and the killer whose confession no longer seems convincing. With so many lingering questions, Jupiter must revisit the grisly event that has influenced every decision in her life. Maybe her homecoming will bring closure. Or maybe the worst is yet to come.Trade Review“[An] unsettling tale of murder, intrigue, and family secrets...Frasier neatly ties up each loose end with plausible answers. Psychological thriller fans will be satisfied.” —Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisIn this unforgettable psychological thriller, the dark is a terrifying mystery for a woman on the edge. Seven hard-won months into her sobriety, sociology professor Maris Heilman has her first blackout. She chalks it up to exhaustion, though she fears that her husband and daughter will suspect she’s drinking again. Whatever their cause, the glitches start becoming more frequent. Sometimes minutes, sometimes longer, but always leaving Maris with the same disorienting question: Where have I been? Then another blackout lands Maris in the ER, where she makes an alarming discovery. A network of women is battling the same inexplicable malady. Is it a bizarre coincidence or something more sinister? What do all the women have in common besides missing time? Or is it who they have in common? In a desperate search for answers, Maris has no idea what’s coming next—just the escalating paranoia that her memories may be beyond her control, and that everything she knows could disappear in the blink of an eye.Trade Review“Flanagan keeps the reader guessing to the surprising climax. She remains a writer to watch.” —Publishers Weekly “Intense and creepy, Blackout is a slow-burn thriller that explores the intersection of cutting-edge technology and the Me Too movement. You won’t be able to put Blackout down until you find out how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together!” —Aggie Blum Thompson, author of I Don’t Forgive You

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Book SynopsisThis second entry in USA Today bestselling author Debra Webb’s Devlin & Falco series proves that sometimes the past is best left forgotten. As veteran detectives of the Birmingham Police Department, Kerri Devlin and Luke Falco have seen it all. So when the city’s new hotshot deputy district attorney turns up dead as part of a double homicide, the partners immediately get to work. But this is no ordinary case. Devlin and Falco quickly link the murdered DDA to one of their own: former BPD detective Sadie Cross. But Sadie’s fractured memory is yet another puzzle to decipher, as she only recalls bits and pieces of her violent past…a past that may hold clues to the motive behind the murders. As the group slowly begins to unearth the truth, they soon discover that the more secrets are revealed, the more fatal the consequences.Trade ReviewPraise for Gone Too Far “An intriguing, fast-paced combination of police procedural and thriller.” —Kirkus Reviews “Those who like a lot of family drama in their police procedurals will be satisfied.” —Publishers Weekly Praise for Trust No One “Trust No One is Debra Webb at her finest. Political intrigue and dark family secrets will keep readers feverishly turning pages to uncover all the twists in this stunning thriller.” —Melinda Leigh, #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Cross Her Heart “A wild, twisting crime thriller filled with secrets, betrayals, and complex characters that will keep you up until you reach the last darkly satisfying page. A five-star beginning to Debra Webb’s explosive series!” —Allison Brennan, New York Times bestselling author “Debra Webb once again delivers with Trust No One, a twisty and gritty page-turning procedural with a cast of complex characters and a compelling cop heroine in Detective Kerri Devlin. I look forward to seeing more of Detectives Devlin and Falco.” —Loreth Anne White, Washington Post bestselling author of In the Deep “Trust No One is a gritty and exciting ride. Webb skillfully weaves together a mystery filled with twists and turns. I was riveted as each layer of the past peeled away, revealing dark secrets. An intriguing cast of complicated characters, led by the compelling Detective Kerri Devlin, had me holding my breath until the last page.” —Brianna Labuskes, Washington Post bestselling author of Girls of Glass “Debra Webb’s name says it all.” —Karen Rose, New York Times bestselling author

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Book SynopsisA troubled detective learns that the fires of the past are still burning in this haunting, emotional thriller. When detective Claire Calderwood is called to a grisly murder scene, she’s haunted by memories of her murdered sister. The victim is tied to a motel bed, her head covered in plastic and her body sprinkled with ashes. Claire’s dealt with vile crime scenes before, but this one strikes close to home. Claire’s boyfriend, reporter Noah Washington, once helped find her sister’s killer, but now he’s a distraction to this new investigation. She wants to help him resolve the mysteries of his past, but Noah has been distant, and Claire knows he’s keeping something from her. When another girl is murdered like the first, Claire suspects the work of a serial killer. As the case heats up and evidence mounts, she finds herself in profound danger. Claire’s been burned before; now she must decide if she can trust Noah to help her solve the case and uncover the truth that lies beneath the ashes.

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Book SynopsisA string of copycat crimes leads a reporter down a terrifying path in a heart-stopping thriller by New York Times bestselling author T.R. Ragan. Crime reporter Sawyer Brooks still grieves for the family she and her two sisters never had. Raised in a house of horrors, they continue to fight through the trauma—releasing their rage by seeking justice for those who are just as vulnerable as they were. When a little girl’s bones are unearthed in Sacramento’s Land Park and twelve-year-old Riley Addison disappears, solving these cases becomes an obsession for Sawyer—one that puts her job at risk. Yet she can’t turn back, and the deeper Sawyer’s investigation goes, the darker it gets. A psychopath is on the loose and has been trolling Sacramento for years—hiding in plain sight behind a motherly facade. The more Sawyer persists, the closer she gets to a disturbing place reminiscent of her own terrorized childhood. With time running out, Sawyer will risk anything to save Riley from the dark. But the killer will do anything to keep her there.

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Book SynopsisAgainst all odds, Bobbi Logan, a statuesque transgender woman, has become one of Chicago's most celebrated hair stylists and the owner of one of the city's poshest salons. She is finally comfortable with who she is, widely admired in her community, about to enjoy the success she deserves. Then her impossibly perfect life falls apart.In the space of a few weeks, the Great Recession drags her business to the brink of failure, her beloved ex-wife needs help in facing a terrible tragedy, and a hateful police detective storms back into her life, determined to convict her of the five-year-old murder of John Strand—pillar of the community—and a sexual predator.As the detective builds an ever more convincing case against her, both of them will be shaken by revelations—about themselves, about their own deeply held secrets, and about the bizarre ritual murder of John Strand. Trade Review"You've most likely never met a narrator like Bobbi. Tough, tender, funny, full of heartand a transgender womanshe is navigating not just a new life, but also an unsolved murder that a detective is trying to pin on her. Renee James takes the reader on a whirlwind of a ride, while subtly revealing the honest heartbreaks and successes of the trans community. A welcome, diverse addition to the writing world!" Jodi Picoult , New York Times best-selling author"The comprehensiveness with which Renee James draws you into the world of her characters would be enough reason to read this satisfying novel, but the straightforward elegance and grace of her writing is the real reward." S. J. Rozan , award-winning author"Renee James writes with an acute and deeply sympathetic understanding of the human condition. In her work, readers also find suspenseful, engaging thrillerswriting that both accelerates the heartbeat and maps the heart's mysteries." Christine Sneed , award-winning author" A Kind of Justice crackles with energy right from the beginning. Not only does Renee James eloquently impart empathy for what it's like to be transgender in an uncaring and judgmental world, but she does so while telling an engaging and compelling story populated with richly nuanced characters. Yes, it's a story about justice. But it's deeper than that. It's as deep and complex as family, friendship, love, andperhaps most importantlychange." John DeDakis , mystery-suspense author, writing coach, and former Senior Copy Editor, CNN's The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer"In addition to being a well-written mystery with great character development and a surprise ending, A Kind of Justice focuses on one of the most talked about topics of the day: the transgender community. How can it not be a hit?" Windy City Reviews"...this outing is effective." Publishers Weekly"Mission accomplished." The Big Thrill"There was some real brilliance in the detective's character..." The Novel Approach

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Book SynopsisPerfect for fans of Louise Penny, P. D. James, and Donna Leon When a skeleton is discovered in the hidden crypt of a deconsecrated church, everyone is convinced the bones must be those of Conor Devitt, a local man who went missing on his wedding day six years previously. But the postmortem reveals otherwise. Solicitor Benedicta "Ben" O'Keeffe is acting for the owners of the church, and although an unwelcome face from her past makes her reluctant to get involved, when Conor's brother dies in strange circumstances shortly after coming to see her, she finds herself drawn in to the mystery. Whose is the skeleton in the crypt and how did it get there? Is Conor Devitt still alive, and if so, is there a link? What happened on the morning of his wedding to make him disappear? Negotiating between the official investigation headed up by the handsome but surly Sergeant Tom Molloy and obstructive locals with secrets of their own, Ben unravels layers of personal and political history to get to the truth of what happened six years before. Death at Whitewater Church is the first in a series of Ben O'Keeffe mysteries set on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, Ireland.Trade Review"With Death at Whitewater Church , Andrea Carter announces herself as one of the most exciting new voices in Irish crime fiction. A wonderfully written debut, the rugged beauty of Donegal provides a stunningly realized backdrop to the twists and turns of Ben's investigations." Brian McGilloway, New York Times best-selling author"An entourage of fascinating people and mysterious places lace this mystery with plenty of bark and bite. A captivating gem." Steve Berry, New York Times best-selling author"Some readers will be happy to go with Carter's languorous pace, relishing every particle of vividly described landscape. Still, Carter's world is a bit like that of Ann Cleeves, and this might well appeal to the latter's fans." Booklist"Writing with Agatha Christie in mind, Carter draws her heroine as curious, if bordering on interfering, and her debut's pacing as she explores the story encourages readers to seek the same connections she does." Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisNational Indie Excellence Award Winner for Historical FictionPlucked from a personal hell, Molly Ferguson—now a Pinkerton agent—ventures far behind enemy lines in the Deep South to spy for the UnionMolly Ferguson’s comfortable life unravels when her Louisiana home is burned to the ground, her family murdered, and she is enslaved in a Baltimore brothel. Amidst the threat of the Civil War, Molly learns of secessionist plans to assassinate President-elect Abraham Lincoln as he makes his way to Washington for his inauguration. She manages to pass this information on to a Pinkerton agent posing as a client.Impressed with her fortitude and intelligence, the Pinkerton Agency arranges for Molly’s freedom and brings her under the tutelage of Mrs. Kate Warne, America’s first female detective. After they save Mr. Lincoln in Baltimore, Molly is sent by the Pinkerton Agency into the Deep South—where the Civil War now rages—a spy behind enemy lines.Molly threads a thin line between revenge and redemption as she races to unravel a sinister plan that will doom the Union and allow the Confederacy to win the Civil War—while coming face to face with the demons from her tragic past.Perfect for fans of espionage thrillers, historical fiction, and indefatigable female protagonist

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Book SynopsisUSA Today best-selling authorAn ex-con traces a victim’s clues to set a cold case ablaze Between fending off a lecherous parole officer and trying to get by in 1978 San Francisco, private investigator Colleen Hayes struggles to put her life back together so she can reconnect with her runaway teenage daughter. Then her life changes dramatically. She accepts a case from wealthy, retired industrialist Edward Copeland. The old man is desperate to solve the brutal murder of his daughter, a murder that took place in Golden Gate Park eleven years earlier—during the Summer of Love. The case has since gone cold, her murderer never found. Now, in his final days, Copeland hires Colleen to find his daughter’s killer in hopes he might die in peace. Colleen understands what it means to take a life—she spent a decade in prison for killing her ex. Battling her own demons, she immerses herself in San Francisco’s underbelly, where police corruption is rampant. Her investigation turns deadly as she pries for information, yet there is little to go on. However, a song on the radio makes her wonder—did the murdered girl leave any clues that others may have missed?Perfect for fans of Elmore Leonard and Gillian Flynn While all of the novels in the Colleen Hayes Mystery Series stand on their own and can be read in any order, the publication sequence is:Vanishing in the Haight Tie Die Bad Scene Line of Darkness Night Candy (coming 2023)Trade Review"As beautifully written as it is expertly crafted, Vanishing in the Haight features characters drawn with the touch of a master artist and a story that sizzles even as it scintillates." Jon Land, USA Today best-selling author"Atmospheric and tense, this one sizzles with twists that entertain and magnetize, whetting the appetite for more." Steve Berry, New York Times best-selling author"With a strong, intelligent female sleuth, a colorful location, a tantalizing puzzle, and an abundance of San Francisco lore, this will please a wide variety of mystery readers." Booklist (Starred Review)"I've just three words to say about Vanishing in the Haight by Max TomlinsonWow. Just. Wow. Tomlinson's taut, spare, evocative writing style is an absolute beauty. You couldn't ask for a better guide through the dark, shadowy flashback haze of '70s San Francisco." Tracy Clark, author of Broken Places"Max Tomlinson serves up the perfect mystery in this edgy new detective series set in '70s San Francisco. Colleen Hayes, an ex-con in search of her missing teenage daughter, finally lands her first big case. There's just one problem: she must find a killer who's been lurking since the Summer of Love. Not to be missed." James N. Frey, author of How to Write a Damn Good Thriller"[In Vanishing in the Haight ,] Tomlinson's confidence in his characters will have readers ready for his follow-up." Kirkus Reviews"Max Tomlinson delivers a gritty, gripping story set in a fascinating time. Colleen Hayes is a deeply sympathetic sleuth, all too human. I can't wait for her next adventure." Evan Marshall, author of City in Shadow"[In Tie Die , Tomlinson] deepens the character of his multi-layered lead, Colleen Hayes, an unlicensed PI and ex-con who's still on parole. Readers will want to learn more about this surprising and pragmatic woman." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

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Book SynopsisIn the Mormon community of Draper, Utah, seemingly perfect families have deadly secrets.

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Book SynopsisIn this freshly baked series, author Maddie Day lifts the lid on a small town in southern Indiana, where a newcomer is cooking up a new start--until a murderer muddles the recipe...Nursing a broken heart, Robbie Jordan is trading in her life on the West Coast for the rolling hills of southern Indiana. After paying a visit to her Aunt Adele, she fell in love with the tiny town of South Lick. And when she spots a For Sale sign on a rundown country store, she decides to snap it up and put her skills as a cook and a carpenter to use. Everyone in town shows up for the grand re-opening of Pans ‘n Pancakes, but when the mayor''s disagreeable assistant is found dead, Robbie realizes that not all press is good press. With all eyes on her, she''ll have to summon her puzzle-solving skills to clear her name, unscramble the town''s darkest secrets, and track down a cold-blooded killer--before she''s the next to die...Advance praise for Flipped for Murder   “What a terrific debut! This deliciously clever cozy—set in a deceptively charming little town—is fresh, intelligent, and delightful. A winner!” —Hank Phillippi RyanAgatha, Anthony, Macavity, and Mary Higgins Clark award winning author“You’ll flip for this mouth-watering new series. Maddy Day serves up a tasty mystery with a side of scenic country charm.”—Leslie Budewitz, two-time Agatha Award winning author of the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries

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Book SynopsisIn an old Victorian in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Amish country, Daisy Swanson and her aunt Iris serve soups, scones, and soothing teas to tourists and locals—but a murder in their garden has them in hot water . . .  Daisy, a widowed mom of two teenagers, is used to feeling protective—so when Iris started dating the wealthy and not-quite-divorced Harvey Fitz, she worried . . . especially after his bitter ex stormed in and caused a scene at the party Daisy’s Tea Garden was catering. Then there was the gossip she overheard about Harvey’s grown children being cut out of his will. Daisy didn’t want her aunt to wind up with a broken heart—but she never expected Iris to wind up a suspect in Harvey’s murder.   Now the apple bread and orange pekoe is on the back burner while the cops treat the shop like a crime scene—and Daisy hopes that Jonas Groft, a former detective from Philadelphia, can help her clear her aunt’s name and bag the real killer before things boil over . . .   Includes delicious recipes for Iris’s Lemon Tea Cakes and more!

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Book SynopsisAurora Teagarden should be used to surprises by now. Yet when a local handyman begins dancing naked in her yard, she's thrown for a loop and suspects it could be a bad omen of unwelcome events to come. When her husband's niece, Regina, appears in Lawrenceton with a baby in tow and evading questions, tensions escalate. It's not much longer before Regina's husband is found murdered and Regina herself has disappeared, leaving both her baby and a large amount of money behind.Traveling north to Ohio seeking relatives to care for the abandoned child, and accompanied by a friend of Regina's who seems to know more than he's letting on, Roe and Martin search for clues that will point them to Regina's location and why she abandoned her baby. There's a killer at large and Roe, snowed in in rural Ohio, will have to peel back the layers of secrets to find the truth before more people die.

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Book SynopsisNational bestselling author Heather Blake is back with wishcrafter Darcy Merriweather in her eighth magical Wishcraft mystery adventure.Wishcrafter Darcy Merriweather might be a witch with the ability to grant wishes for others, but wishing isn’t going to help her catch a killer...When wishcrafter Darcy Merriweather’s personal concierge company is hired by elite runner Abby Stillwell to organize the Wicked Mad Dash, a competition that takes place in the Enchanted Village, Darcy is more than willing to help her friend. As blizzard conditions rage on the morning of the race, Darcy’s main concern is the terrible weather—until Abby goes missing...and is later found dead, buried in the snow.As Darcy investigates her friend’s untimely death, she learns that she didn’t really know Abby well at all. And those closest to the woman—her secret fiancé, her roommate, her ex-boyfriend, and her co-workers at Balefire Sports—seem to have plenty to hide too. As Darcy digs deeper, she uncovers complicated relationships, a possible embezzlement scheme, and allegations of cheating against a top athlete. Just when Darcy is convinced she’s hit a dead end in the case, a startling burglary and the hunt for Abby’s elusive ex send Darcy down a dark, dangerous trail. It will take the help from friends, family, and a little bit of magic for Darcy to stop a stone-cold killer from striking again.

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Book SynopsisThe beguiling story of a young journalist whose investigation of a murder leads her to the most legendary healer in all of Mexico, from one of the most prominent voices of a new generation of Latin American writersPaloma is dead. But before she was murdered, before she was even Paloma, she was a traditional healer named Gaspar. Before she was murdered, she taught her cousin Feliciana the secrets of the ceremonies known as veladas, and about the Language and the Book that unlock their secrets.Sent to report on Paloma’s murder, Zoe meets Feliciana in the mountain village of San Felipe. There, the two women’s lives twist around each other in a danse macabre. Feliciana tells Zoe the story of her struggle to become an accepted healer in her community, and Zoe begins to understand the hidden history of her own experience as a woman, finding her way in a hostile environment shaped by and for men.Weaving together two parallel narratives that mirror and refract one another, this extraordinary novel envisions the healer as storyteller and the writer as healer, and offers a generous and nuanced understanding of a world that can be at turns violent and exultant, cruel and full of hope.“A story of the world’s repeated failure to control feminine power and the sheer magic of language itself. An enthralling, passionate story about secrets both holy and profane.” —Catherine Lacey, author of Pew and Nobody Is Ever Missing

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Book SynopsisA gated dream town for the megarich becomes a murderous nightmare in a riveting Eve Ronin thriller by #1 New York Times bestselling author Lee Goldberg. Hidden Hills is a private celebrity enclave of white picket fences and horse trails that seems to exist in a dreamworld. But when reality superstar Kitty Winslow is killed within their gates and corpses are found in the vast state park outside them, LASD detective Eve Ronin realizes there is a deadly, razor-thin line between what’s real and what’s imagined. Eve discovers that Kitty’s surreal on- and off-camera life, a blur of fact and fantasy, shockingly mirrors her own as she struggles to investigate the killings, wade into a music industry war, and battle a vicious Chilean gang—all while her life is being turned into a fictional cop show directed by her estranged father. Eve’s grip on reality and the case is strained to the breaking point as the slayings continue, the media frenzy reaches a fever pitch, and the only inescapable truth she can see is death…and it’s coming for her.Trade Review“Old bones, paparazzi, rappers, sex tapes, the whole nine yards—topped off with a surprisingly Big Reveal.” —Kirkus Reviews “Fans of fast-paced police procedurals will enjoy Goldberg’s trademark humor and his insight into the entertainment world in his latest Eve Ronin novel (following Movieland).” —Library Journal (starred review) “Lee Goldberg consistently writes entertaining and engaging stories with relatable characters and plots that feel recognizable, yet fresh. Dream Town is the perfect continuation of the Eve Ronin series—an equal mix of Hollywood theatrics, personal/family drama, criminal mayhem and investigative prowess.” —Steve Netter, Best Thriller Books Praise for Lee Goldberg “Goldberg has created a terrific character in Eve Ronin, and he knows how to write a fast-paced thriller mixed with humor and inside jokes with no fluff.” —FirstCLUE Malibu Burning “Malibu Burning is a blistering thrill ride full of Southern California thieves, cops, and firefighters, all facing high stakes and imminent danger. Superbly researched and told, fast-paced, and downright fun, this is Lee Goldberg at his best!” —Mark Greaney, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Gray Man series “By turns tense and rambunctious, wildly entertaining, and breakneck-paced, Lee Goldberg’s splendid Malibu Burning is pure storytelling pleasure from beginning to end.” —Megan Abbott, Edgar Award–, Anthony Award–, Thriller Award–, and Los Angeles Times Book Prize–winning author of The Turnout “Malibu Burning is classic Lee Goldberg at the top of his game: a fast-paced, funny, and deeply satisfying page-turner.” —Jess Lourey, Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Quarry Girls “An inventive, twisty, and funny caper from one of crime writing’s true pros. Elmore Leonard and Donald Westlake would’ve loved this wild heist.” —Ace Atkins, New York Times bestselling author of Robert B. Parker’s Bye Bye Baby and The Heathens “This is a book I couldn’t put down. Lee Goldberg is a master when it comes to building tension and writing heart-pounding action scenes. Malibu Burning is a roundhouse kick of a thriller, a true nail-biting race against time.” —Simon Gervais, former RCMP counterterrorism officer and author of The Last Protector and Robert Ludlum’s The Blackbriar Genesis Movieland “Goldberg’s compelling follow-up to Gated Prey is a fast-paced, riveting police procedural influenced by actual events in California. A character-driven series entry that skillfully depicts Hollywood corruption.” —Library Journal (starred review) “The fourth book in Lee Goldberg’s series is his most ambitious and best realized yet…Movieland is crime writing of the highest order. Goldberg’s style touches on both Michael Connelly and Robert Crais, in whose company he now squarely belongs.” —The Providence Journal “Movieland, Lee Goldberg’s fourth novel featuring Ronin, is every bit as good as the first three. The characters, including victims, suspects, and an assortment of lazy, hardworking, honest, and corrupt cops, are quirky and well developed. The depiction of police procedures feels authentic. The writing is vivid and precise. And with startling twists around every corner, the suspenseful tale unfolds at a furious pace.” —Associated Press “Lee is fantastic at combining clever plotting, humor, and thrills in his stories.” —Boyd Morrison, #1 New York Times bestselling author “LA noir is real; so is Malibu noir, and no one does it better than Lee Goldberg.” —Luanne Rice, New York Times bestselling author “Finished this on the plane home. Typically classy police procedural from Lee Goldberg—giving Michael Connelly a run for his money.” —Ian Rankin Gated Prey “The seamy side of California dreaming…Goldberg not only ties up…but links some of Eve’s investigations in ways as disturbing as they are surprising.” —Kirkus Reviews “Lively descriptive prose enhances the tight plot of this episodic crime novel, which reads like a TV show in narrative form. Columbo fans will have fun.” —Publishers Weekly “A great series…Eve Ronin continues to dazzle and show her gritty side as she progresses in the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.” —Mystery and Suspense Magazine “Goldberg finds the perfect balance of treachery and resolve in the strong female character of Eve Ronin. She is a force to be reckoned with that all criminals will hate to come face-to-face with and one that is deserving of the big screen.” —Chris Miller, Best Thriller Books “Violent crimes and desperate criminals and homicide detectives, oh my! Lee Goldberg delivers an intriguing, fast-paced, satisfying novel in Gated Prey.” —Steve Netter, Best Thriller Books “This is going to be a must-read series for me year after year. Eve is such a badass character who will stop at nothing to see that justice is done.” —Todd Wilkins, Best Thriller Books “Another suspenseful, fast-paced yarn with engaging characters.” —Associated Press “I whipped my head back and forth reading Gated Prey. So twisty, so funny, and so LA—a few of my favorite things. After zooming through these pages, I’ll ride shotgun with Lee any day!” —Rachel Howzell Hall, bestselling author of And Now She’s Gone Bone Canyon A Mystery and Suspense Magazine 2021 Best Book of the Year Selection “Goldberg follows Lost Hills with a riveting, intense story. Readers of Karin Slaughter or Michael Connelly will want to try this.” —Library Journal (starred review) “Goldberg knows how to keep the pages turning.” —Publishers Weekly “Lee Goldberg puts the pro in police procedural. Bone Canyon is fresh, sharp, and absorbing. Give me more Eve Ronin, ASAP.” —Meg Gardiner, international bestselling author “Wow—what a novel! It is wonderful in so many ways. I could not put it down. Bone Canyon is wrenching and harrowing, full of wicked twists. Lee Goldberg captures the magic and danger of the Santa Monica Mountains and the predators who prowl them. Detective Eve Ronin takes on forgotten victims, fights for them, and nearly loses everything in the process. She’s a riveting character, and I can’t wait for her next case.” —Luanne Rice, New York Times bestselling author “Bone Canyon is a propulsive procedural that provides high thrills in difficult terrain, grappling thoughtfully with sexual violence and police corruption, as well as the minefield of politics and media in Hollywood and suburban Los Angeles. Eve Ronin is a fantastic series lead—stubborn and driven, working twice as hard as her colleagues both to prove her worth and to deliver justice for the dead.” —Steph Cha, author of Your House Will Pay Lost Hills “A cop novel so good it makes much of the old guard read like they’re going through the motions until they can retire…The real appeal here is Goldberg’s lean prose, which imbues just-the-facts procedure with remarkable tension and cranks up to a stunning description of a fire that was like ‘Christmas in hell.’” —Booklist “An energetic, resourceful procedural starring a heroine who deserves a series of her own.” —Kirkus Reviews “This nimble, sure-footed series launch from bestseller Goldberg…builds to a thrilling, visually striking climax. Readers will cheer Ronin every step of the way.” —Publishers Weekly “The first book in what promises to be a superb series—it’s also that rare novel in which the formulaic elements of mainstream police procedurals share narrative space with a unique female protagonist. All that, and it’s also a love letter to the chaos and diversity of California. There are a lot of series out there, but Eve Ronin and Goldberg’s fast-paced prose should put this one on the radar of every crime-fiction fan.” —National Public Radio “This sterling thriller is carved straight out of the world of Harlan Coben and Lisa Gardner…Lost Hills is a book to be found and savored.” —BookTrib “Lost Hills is Lee Goldberg at his best. Inspired by the real-world grit and glitz of LA County crime, this book takes no prisoners. And neither does Eve Ronin. Take a ride with her and you’ll find yourself with a heroine for the ages. And you’ll be left hoping for more.” —Michael Connelly, #1 New York Times bestselling author “Lost Hills is what you get when you polish the police procedural to a shine: a gripping premise, a great twist, fresh spins and knowing winks to the genre conventions, and all the smart, snappy ease of an expert at work.” —Tana French, New York Times bestselling author “Thrills and chills! Lost Hills is the perfect combination of action and suspense, not to mention Eve Ronin is one of the best new female characters in ages. You will race through the pages!” —Lisa Gardner, #1 New York Times bestselling author “Twenty-four-karat Goldberg—a top-notch procedural that shines like a true gem.” —Craig Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of the Longmire series “A winner. Packed with procedure, forensics, vivid descriptions, and the right amount of humor. Fervent fans of Connelly and Crais, this is your next read.” —Kendra Elliot, Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author “Brilliant! Eve Ronin rocks! With a baffling and brutal case, tight plotting, and a fascinating look at police procedure, Lost Hills is a stunning start to a new detective series. A must-read for crime-fiction fans.” —Melinda Leigh, Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author “A tense, pacy read from one of America’s greatest crime and thriller writers.” —Garry Disher, international bestselling author and Ned Kelly Award winner

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Book SynopsisDeidre experiences what all parents dread: the disappearance of one of her children. A number of suspects emerge, including a convicted sex offender, an out-of-place vagabond, a rapist, and even a wife abuser. One by one, the usual suspects are crossed off the list of those who might be responsible, until Deidre receives a call from the Minneapolis police. Her child is in custody, being held for her own safety, and will be released into Deidre's custody as soon as arrangements are made. The girl in custody possesses her daughter's purse, ID, and debit card. However, she has changed almost to the point of being unrecognizable. Deidre's family is rocked by what is happening, and struggle with coping so they can go on with life.

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Book SynopsisA summer boating excursion on Lake Pepin takes a nasty turn when the five members of the No Ordinary Women book club discover a body aboard the Wayward Wind. Louise and Robin begin to suspect murder, but only after unwittingly destroying evidence on the ill-fated sailboat. A local paranormal investigator gets caught up in the mystery as the amateur sleuths once more put themselves in danger in their rush to prevent other would-be victims from a watery death.

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Book SynopsisRT Reviewers'' Choice Award finalist for Best MysteryColorado Book Award finalist for Best Mystery2018 Silver Falchion Award FinalistTopShelf Indie Award NomineeCritically acclaimed author Margaret Mizushima is back with her most thrilling read yet.Deputy Mattie Cobb is in a dark place and has withdrawn from Cole Walker and his family to work on issues from her past. When she and her K-9 partner, Robo, get called to track a missing junior high student, they find the girl dead on Smoker?s Hill behind the high school, and Mattie must head to the Walker home to break the bad news. But that?s only the start of trouble in Timber Creek, because soon another girl goes missing?and this time it?s one of Cole?s daughters.Knowing that each hour a child remains missing lessens the probability of finding her alive, Mattie and Robo lead the hunt while Cole and community volunteers join in to search everything?to no avail. It seems that someone has snatched all trace of the Walker girl from their midst, including her scent. Grasping at straws, Mattie and Robo follow a phoned-in tip into the dense forest, where they hope to find a trace of the girl and rescue her alive. But when Robo does catch her scent, it leads them to information that challenges everything they thought they knew about the case.Mattie and Robo must rush to hunt down the kidnapper before they?re too late in Hunting Hour, the heart-pounding third installment in Margaret Mizushima?s exhilarating Timber Creek K-9 mysteries.

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Book SynopsisHalloween in North Carolina’s Outer Banks becomes seriously tricky when librarian Lucy Richardson stumbles across something extra unusual in the rare books section: a dead body.Wealthy businessman Jay Ruddle is considering donating his extensive collection of North Carolina historical documents to the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, but the competition for the collection is fierce. Unfortunately, while the library is hosting a lecture on ghostly legends, Jay becomes one of the dearly departed in the rare books section. Now, it’s up to Lucy Richardson and her fellow librarians to bone up on their detective skills and discover who is responsible for this wicked Halloween homicide. Meanwhile, very strange things are happening at the library—haunted horses are materializing in the marsh, the lights seem to have an eerie life of their own, and the tiny crew of a model ship appears to move around when no one is watching. Is Lucy at her wit’s end? Or can it be that the Bodie Island Lighthouse really is haunted? With The Legend of Sleepy Hollow on everyone’s minds and ghoulish gossip on everyone’s lips, Lucy will need to separate the clues from the boos if she wants to crack this case without losing her head in The Spook in the Stacks, the delightful fourth in national bestseller Eva Gates’ Lighthouse Library mysteries.

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Book SynopsisDon't miss the first book in a brand-new gripping and hilarious bookish cozy mystery series by author Tamara Berry! Put your sleuthing hat on-Buried in a Good Book features: A thriller writer who knows way more than anyone should about death and dismemberment Her young daughter who's more intrigued by dead bodies than she probably should be An isolated cabin in the woods that's probably-definitely-hiding something The tiny mountain town that seems less than troubled by a sudden abundance of murdersBestselling thriller writer Tess Harrow is almost at the end of her rope when she arrives with her teenage daughter at her grandfather's rustic cabin in the woods. She hopes this will be a time for them to heal and bond after Tess's recent divorce, but they've barely made it through the door when an explosion shakes the cabin. Suddenly it's raining fish guts and...is that a human arm?Tess was hardly convincing Gertie that a summer without Wi-Fi and running water would be an adventure. Now she's thrust into a murder investigation, neighbors are saying they've spotted Bigfoot in the woods near her cabin, and the local sheriff is the spitting image of her character Detective Gabriel Gonzales-something he's less than thrilled about. With so much more than her daughter's summer plans at stake, it's up to Tess to solve this case before anyone else gets hurt.

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Book SynopsisOnly a sap would try to ruin a bride's special day...Spring has finally come to Sugar Ridge, Vermont, and with it the end of syrup-making season. But Leila Khoury, new owner of Sappy Endings Farm, won't be making like molasses any time soon. Her best friend Heather's wedding is coming up, and Leila will do anything to make sure it lives up to all her sweetest dreams.Even with Leila's own romantic past stirring up trouble, everything is going to plan until the bridal shower ends up with a body count.Heather's rich and backstabbing aunt had a whole orchard of enemies, so Leila will have her work cut out for her. Can she tap the killer before Heather's dream wedding becomes a nightmare?Includes delicious Middle Eastern recipes!

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Book SynopsisCape Kidnappers, New Zealand: On a cliff overlooking the ocean and one of the largest gannet bird colonies in the world, American CEO Harlan Quinn has built his "Plan B"--a lavish estate, complete with an underground doomsday bunker. When the cleaning staff finds a body within, it appears the victim died of natural causes but advanced facial decomposition leaves him unidentifiable. It can't be Quinn, according to his property manager/mistress and his wife back in the states, both of whom insist that the tech mogul is in Germany on business. But the uncooperative wife will not allow the police to search the main house for signs that the billionaire was on site, and so forensic odontologist Alexa Glock is called in to identify the body via dental records. Teeth never lie; the victim is indeed Harlan Quinn. All that's left is an autopsy to determine the cause of death.But something odd in the deceased's mouth sets Alexa and the team on a new track--to find Quinn's murderer. As they work to narrow the suspect field, a second homicide--and a stolen cache of weapons from a locked room in the bunker--ramp up the investigation and the risk to Alexa's life. Will she be able to solve this particular riddle before she becomes victim #3?With cutting-edge forensic technology, a stunning setting, and a deepening relationship between Alexa and D.I. Bruce Horn, The Bone Riddle will delight science geeks, armchair travelers, and procedural buffs who like a little romance with their body count.

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Book SynopsisIn a case deciding the future of clean energy, everything hinges on how the chief justice of Supreme Court will lean. DANGEROUS WOMEN stirs up the perfect cocktail of ingenious spy-craft and political intrigue of Thomas Perry's The Old Man brightened with the charming, uncanny energy of Killers of a Certain Age. This urgent, cleverly plotted high stakes thriller is set in motion by botched attack on two law clerks leaving one dead and the other in a coma. The ensuing cover up leaves a string of bodies and too many players at cross-purposes. It also leaves Chief Justice Clarissa Baxter with a target on her back.We'll need an off the grid hero with friends in high places: enter retired FBI agent-turned-boardinghouse landlady, Ethel Fiona Crestwater (legend) and her double-first-cousin-twice-removed Jesse Cooper (sidekick). Although in her mid-seventies, Ethel is no bumbling amateur sleuth; she's a seasoned pro with razor-sharp instincts and Bond-worthy skills. College-aged Jesse brings tech savvy and boundless enthusiasm, along with an innate talent for intrigue. Together, the unlikely duo will face malicious back-stabbing political sycophants, conniving lobbyists, and a motivated assassin bent on removing the Chief Justice from the equation-along with Ethel, who stands defiantly between the hitman and his payday.

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