Railroad Ties: The Marmion Grove Murders by M.S. Spencer

Railroad Ties:  The Marmion Grove Murders

by M.S. Spencer

A Cozy Mystery

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Book Blurb:

When Sophie Childress discovers a letter written in 1920 by the witness to a murder, she enlists Noah Pennyman—owner of the house where it took place—to investigate. Who was the victim? What did the killer do with the body—not to mention a carpetbag full of money? Together they expose a complex web of family ties and lies that has persisted through four generations in the historic village of Marmion Grove. When two more corpses are unearthed, Noah and Sophie are faced with too many victims and not enough murderers.

Excerpt:

The men shuffled their feet. Finally, Fred said, “Look here, we have probable cause to consider this a crime scene. Murray, get Captain Hinckley on the horn—see if we need a warrant. If he thinks the mayor should be informed, he can contact him.” Murray returned after a minute, clicking his phone off. “He says we don’t require a search warrant since it’s on public property, but to get permission from the mayor to be on the safe side. If we find anything, we’re to secure the scene.” There was a moment of uncertainty. The dog walkers closed in. “Hey, Peggy, what’s going on?” “Never you mind, Matthew Crockett. You neither, Angela.” They sauntered by, casting inquiring looks. Noah turned to Mrs. Dane. “We could use another shovel. Do you have an extra?” “Certainly. I’ll get it.” “And maybe a tarp to hold the plants and soil.” “I’ll help you.” Sophie followed Peggy around the back of the building. Peggy unlocked a shed and drew out a long-handled spade and a folded tarp. Sophie asked tentatively, “Do you think they’ll find anything?” Peggy chortled. “You’d be astounded how many bodies are buried in a small town. This wouldn’t be the first.” Bodies. “Um, Mrs. Dane? Oscar said you and he were old friends. That’s why you called him. Has he…has he told you anything he’s not telling us?” Peggy’s response was sudden and dramatic. She flushed as pink as her bathrobe and stood stock still. Eyes glittering, she snapped, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Sophie plunged on. “I noticed you two exchanging…um…signals.” The older woman fingered the top button of her robe nervously. “This can’t go beyond these walls.” Sophie refrained from pointing out they were outdoors. “I understand.” Peggy’s voice dropped. “Oscar and I… We are… We were…” Sophie saw the light. “You two are—” She cut her off. “That’s all you need to know.” “So Oscar didn’t just happen to be in the neighborhood.” “No.” Peggy’s color gradually returned to normal. “Here, take this tarp, and I’ll bring the spade.” When they returned, Noah and Ian had their jackets off. “George says go for it.” Oscar lurched forward. “No!” Kendrick held him back. “It’s for the best, Dad. We’ve kept the secret long enough.” The policeman looked at them in consternation. “Secret?” “A family tragedy.” Sophie wondered if they were going to come up with yet another whopper. This family is the slickest bunch of dissemblers I’ve ever seen. Aside from Harry, that is. Noah and Ian set to, Noah on the south side and Ian on the north. “Let’s hope it’s not under the shelter itself.” The mound of dirt on the tarp rose higher and higher. The sun was reaching its zenith when Ian’s spade struck something. “Help me here, Noah.” They scrabbled in the dirt. “Wait—stop! It looks like a hand.” Peggy turned her face away. The others looked on. “Be careful! That’s the arm bone. Oh, and a leg. Is that a hat?” Murray got a whisk broom from his patrol car. “Brush away the soil from its head. Be careful!” Noah did so. They stood back. “Huh.” “Huh.” The skeleton that lay exposed still wore the tattered remains of denim overalls. A ball cap covered its skull. “Pretty sure it’s a male.” Ian said, “He’s not dressed like a businessman. Can’t be Filou.” Kendrick contemplated the figure. “Blue collar. Laborer.” “Wait, there’s a patch on his shirt.” Murray bent down. It says ‘B&O.’ He must have worked for the railroad.” “But who the hell is he?”

Author Bio:

Librarian, anthropologist, research assistant, Congressional aide, speechwriter, nonprofit director—M. S. Spencer has lived or traveled in five of the seven continents and holds degrees in Anthropology, Middle East Studies, and Library Science. She has published eighteen mystery or romantic suspense novels. She has two children, an exuberant granddaughter, and currently divides her time between the Gulf Coast of Florida and a tiny village in Maine.

 

GATHERING THE FACTS

 By Caroline Clemmons

An author friend and I were talking recently about starting a new book or series. It's always an exciting time, but there are many factors that go into laying the background for a series. For instance, in my recent book SHAD, for the Guns For Hire series, I deliberated where to have the action happen. Back in the Depression (the big one), my father-in-law as a young man worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps, the CCC. This was about the time of the Works Progress Administration, the WPA. My father-in-law felt lucky to be assigned to a work crew up in the northern New Mexico forest. He had photos that showed how pretty it was there. The pictures were black and white, but you could visualize the beauty.

A friend had a cabin at Questa. She talked about how much she loved the area. She would sit on her front porch and watch the wildlife. She even saw a bear go by, but it didn't bother her, fortunately. Her description sold me on that location. I got off the beaten path and started checking locations that would work,  chose the area, then made up the town.

 You see, if I used a small town that was real, I'd have to be careful to put in the right streets, the right buildings, and so forth. If I make up the town, I can place the buildings I want just the way I need them. So, that's what I usually do for my books—with a few exceptions, such as Santa Fe and San Antonio. It's fun to create a new community.

I have been to northern New Mexico, but not the exact place where I said in the book. I've been to Taos. As I mentioned, one of my friends has a cabin at Questa, a town I used in SHAD. I looked online to see what features it had. (The internet is such a blessing for research.) I was surprised to find Questa has a walled downtown that sounded interesting. But I didn't want my main set there. I made up the town of Ben Rock. I visualized a large rock shaped like a flat bench, sort of hanging on the side of a mountain over this town, like a bench for a giant.

 Next, I had to learn the type of ranching and farming, or whatever was going on in that area. Goats as well as cattle stock the ranches. Another aspect I must consider is the weather—the temperatures, the rainfall, when the first snow falls, and when the last snow falls. Frequently, I use weather in my books as I did in SHAD. You might think I do too much research, but having actual things correct in my fictional stories is very important to me.

 You can see that there's often a lot of research before authors begin writing, and more popping up while they’re immersed in the world they’re creating.

 Thanks for stopping by. Stay safe and keep reading.

The Marriage Matrix by Joan Esser

The Marriage Matrix

by Joan Esser

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Book Blurb:

  Treating her search for a husband as a research project, socially inept Dr. Wanda Walling creates a marriage matrix listing the qualities she wants in a husband. All candidates will be evaluated by how many boxes are ticked off. Then Wanda meets handsome Detective Jack Pendleton, who excites and delights her, but doesn't meet any of her requirements, and he has a phobia about marriage.

  Jack is enthralled by Wanda and wants her any way he can get her. Even though he is appalled that she is hubby hunting, he still wants to bed her. Can he convince her to have a fling with him when he doesn't check off any boxes in the matrix? Will Wanda be diverted from her goal by a sexy detective?

Excerpt:

 Once they were seated at the opera, Wanda's awareness of the man next to her kept her attention off the opera. Though the music was good and the new tenor was superb, every whiff of his lime-scented aftershave sent her heartbeat speeding. Mentally giving herself a shake, she reminded herself that she was looking for a husband and he was definitely not a candidate. He had made that abundantly clear. Yet, she was here next to him, jumpy with nerves. What was the matter with her?

  When the standing ovations quieted down and the performers took their final bow, Jack asked, "Would you like to stop for a bite to eat? I'm certainly hungry."

  Her mind said, "No, no," but her head nodded, "Yes, yes."

Author Bio:

Ever since she learned to read, Joan has been fascinated by books and their ability to take her to a different time and place. Reading ignited her imagination and made her want to share her stories with others to enjoy. A New York native, she currently lives in Florida.

 

The Matchmaker's Mare by Hywela Lyn

The Matchmaker's Mare

by Hywela Lyn

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C 

Amazon US  https://www.amazon.com/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C 

Book Blurb:

When Megan Johnson inherits an old cottage in the Welsh countryside, she seizes the opportunity to cut ties with her past life, after a broken romance. Her nearest neighbour, a horse trainer, is also something of an enigma. Single dad Glyn Phillips does his best to balance his love of horses and hard work, with his devotion to his son. When he meets his new neighbour, he knows he should resist any attraction. A feisty pony mare which mysteriously appears on his land adds to his problems, but another, larger problem lies ahead. Two matchmaking spirits find their carefully laid plans may not go as smoothly as they hope. 

Excerpt:

Perhaps now she would be able to put the past behind her and instead look forward to the new possibilities this inheritance had given her. She smiled. No more business suits and severe hairstyles. No more working in a stuffy office at a monotonous, if well-paid, job. No more paying an extortionate rent for a small London flat—and no more trying to please Richard. From now on she intended to be totally independent, needing to please no-one but herself.   

A faint scent of lavender drifted toward her on the warm, silky breeze. She sniffed appreciatively. It seemed a bit early for lavender, but she would have to check out the back garden once she settled in. There must be lavender bushes at the back of the cottage since she couldn’t see any in the rather overgrown and neglected front garden.   

She inserted the key in the door and paused. Something like the tinkle of little bells sounded close by. She looked up to see if anything in the trees could account for the sound. It might be garden chimes, but her great uncle had not been the type to have such ‘fripperies’ as he would have called them. She didn’t think there were any other houses close enough for the sound to carry. She must be imagining things.  

Megan took a deep breath and stepped into the cottage. A new home, a new job and a new beginning: A chance to put behind her the traumas of the last twelve months and start afresh.   

Author Bio:

Hywela Lyn was born and raised in Wales, whose beautiful landscapes, myths and legends inspired her to write. A horse and dog lover, she weaves romantic futuristic adventures, and fantasy romances set in Wales, past and present.  

Beloved Enemy, the third book in her Destiny Trilogy, was shortlisted in the Paranormal category of the prestigious Romantic Novelists Association RoNA awards and was a Runner up in the RONE Award. Her latest release is a ‘feel-good’ ‘sweet’ romance, incorporating a little mystery, a feisty stray mare – and not forgetting two rather playful but well-meaning spirits. 

Her penname, Hywela Lyn is a combination of her first two names. (She has always been known by her second name 'Lyn' and thought it was time her Welsh first name was used as well.) When not writing or reading, she can usually be found outdoors with horses or her little ‘rescue’ dog - or just eating chocolate! 

 

An Interview with Hamish Adams by Caroline Clemmons

 

Welcome, Readers. Today we have a guest who's a bit different than our usual visitors. Hamish Adams is the father of Avonleigh, our heroine in SHAD in the Guns for Hire series. Mr. Adams is an impressive man with the air of one used to being in control. He’s dressed in dungarees and plaid shirt. As he enters, he is removing his western hat—probably a Stetson.

CC: Come in, Mr. Adams, and have a seat. I'm so glad you're here today so our readers can meet you.

HA: Thank you for inviting me today, but don't know why you thought anyone would be interested in what I had to say.

CC: Our readers will be very interested. You've had such an exciting life. Why don't you tell us about growing up?

HA: Well, I grew up in the Scottish Highlands not far from Loch Loman. Sure is pretty country up there but there just isn’t enough land available to the likes of me. You see, I had my heart set on being a rancher. Sure was hard to leave my family, but they understood and gave me their blessing. I'd heard about free land out West so that's where I headed. Met a man in Texas who told me about this part of the country in northern New Mexico Territory.  I sure am glad. I never saw a place so pretty and now I live here.

CC: You certainly have a nice ranch, at least that's what I've heard. As I understand it, some of it is federal grazing land but some of it is your own land. Is that right?

HA: Yes, ma'am that's right. My wife and… um … maybe I should back up and mention I met my wife in Boston. I fell in love with her immediately first time I saw her and she latched on to me, too.  We had a short courtship, then came West. She was the love of my life. We set up this ranch and I built a house—of course, it was small, but we were happy there. (Grows solemn and looks wistfully at the wall for a moment, then shakes his head.) I don't guess I'll ever get over losing her.

CC: That must have been hard, having a small child and no wife and trying to get your ranch running. How did you manage?

HA: If it hadn't been for the Montoya family, I don’t know what I would have done. Lupe and Marcia Montoya saved me. Marcia took charge of the house and my darling girl. Lupe continued to help me as my foreman and best friend. As their family grew, they were like my family. Sure are fine people.

CC: When did your current struggles start?

HA: When that low-down rascal Larkin bought the spread to ours. We hadn't had any trouble from that side until he arrived, then he wanted to buy my  ranch. I refused to sell. You can't tell me that isn't why I got shot in the back.

CC: Oh no, that sounds terrible! I'm so glad you survived.

HA: Only because Lupe heard the shots and came to investigate. He found me lying on the grass and took me home. I needed a doctor in the worst way, so Lupe and his two sons snuck me out of the house … oh it’s complicated. They eventually got me to town and the doctor.

CC: Goodness, that was fortunate as well as complex. Since you're here today, it must mean that everything all worked out.

HA: Harumph, not by a long shot. My darling girl had a confrontation with that Larkin, who tried to hold her hostage, but she got away. Fellow name of Shad found her and saved her life. (He chuckles and his eyes sparkle with humor.) Not sure that young man realizes she has set her cap for him, so he might as well just give up. Seems like a real nice man, but I told him I'm gonna shoot him when I'm well. He didn't even look worried. (He stands and gestures with his hat.) Ma’am, I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me. I see a couple of Larkin’s riders out the window and I sure don't want them to catch me here. Lupe’s waiting for me out back, so I’ll slip out that way. Thank you for inviting me.

CC: Thank you for coming, Mr. Adams. I wish you and your daughter the best of success in getting your ranch back and getting rid of all those troubles. Well, readers, Mr. Adams has left the room and is on his way somewhere else. I surely hope he's successful, don’t you?

If you haven’t yet read SHAD, I hope you'll be intrigued and want to fall into the adventure and into romance. SHAD's at Amazon and is also in kindle unlimited as are all my books. click HERE to buy  SHAD.

  Thanks for stopping by—keep reading books!

Winter's Kiss by Darlene Fredette

Winter's Kiss

by Darlene Fredette

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Blurb:

Her high heels flattened the snow, and his defenses didn’t stand a chance. 

 Danielle Lerato adores the ocean breezes of Victoria, the comfort of her curated routine, and a life that requires minimal interaction with snow boots. But when her company relocates to Redford Falls, with a population of unpredictable charm, she agrees to train her replacement with one intention: get in, get out, and never look back. 

Andrew Bailey, a local restaurant owner with a fierce protective streak, doesn’t believe in second chances. Yet, Danielle’s fiery spirit, stubborn streak, and snow-fueled scowls shift his expectations and crack open the door to a future he never dared to imagine. 

As chilly glares thaw into cozy glances and sarcastic banter flirts over shared cups of hot cocoa, Danielle suspects the town’s snowy landscape is warming more than her toes. Add in the legendary matchmaker, Thumper, stirring Redford Falls into a romantic frenzy, and maybe this snowy wonderland isn’t a detour. Maybe it’s destiny. 

Excerpt:

 

The thunderstorm blonde had sworn she would never set foot in Redford Falls again. So, what was she doing here, in the middle of a blizzard? Sighing, he reached inside the car. “What are you doing?” She raised a shaky hand. “Saving your butt.” He slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. She slid out of his hold and landed in a heap at his boots. “You dropped me on purpose!” “What? Why would I do that?” “Payback. For the water—” He hoisted her upright, this time holding her firmly. “I’m quite capable of standing.” She shoved at his chest. The combination of a squirming woman and a furious wind knocked them both off balance. Andrew toppled backward, and Blondie landed on top of him with a thud. She scrambled to stand, using him as leverage and forcing him deeper into the snow. “I can walk on my own.” She stumbled. He glanced at her boots. “Not in those. Who wears ankle boots with needle-thin heels in a blizzard?” Gusts of wind stung his cheeks like icy slaps. “I’ve had enough of this storm. You have two choices. Stay here and freeze. Or let me help you to the truck.” #WintersKiss #RedfordFallsSeries #SmallTownRomance #ContemporaryRomance #RomCom

Author Bio:

Darlene Fredette is a multi-published author of contemporary women’s fiction with a passion for storytelling across various mediums. She brings both creative vision and strategic insight to her craft of heartfelt stories, character-driven moments, small-town magic, wit, twists, and a touch of intrigue. Residing on Canada’s Atlantic Coast, she finds inspiration in nature, family, and everyday moments, and shares her life with her husband, daughter, and two oversized, loveable dogs. 

Website: http://www.darlenefredette.com/ 

Blog: http://findingthewritewords.blogspot.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlenefredette1/ 

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/darlenefredette.bsky.social 

 

Cupid Grants A Second Chance by Carissa Harper

Cupid Grants A Second Chance

by Carissa Harper

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A Tale of Two Writers

Most stories start with ‘what if…’

Ours had a different conception.

Mother and daughter watching a rom-com.

Daughter: We could have written that.

Mother: You’re right.

Daughter: We should write a book together.

Mother: I love that plan. Got a kick-ass idea?

Daughter: Not yet. I’ll get back to you.

Mother: It needs to be high-concept.

A short time later, once the idea has germinated, the brainstorming and character creation begin. Slowly a plot emerges, the sequence of events is roughed out, plot points and turning points are in place, secondary characters pop in and out, and the all-important romance trope—friends-to-lovers—has been fine-tuned, along with the setting, Seattle Washington, and a secondary trope, Rockstar Romance (light).

With sixty published romances under her belt, mother quickly bangs out what she calls a ‘shitty first draft’ and hands it over to daughter to practice her newly-minted writing skills by fleshing out and glitzing up. Much the way one might layer clothing, accessories and makeup onto a naked mannequin.

Shockingly, there are flaws. Plot holes. Inconsistencies. Saggy middle. Weak black moment. Rewrites take place. And more rewrites. And more revisions. Followed by a total overhaul of the plot.

Like any good romance, there is a happy ending. Mother and daughter are still friends and early readers are loving the book, staying up late and highlighting favorite scenes. Whew!

Time to move on to the second book in the series. Surely the next one will go more smoothly.

Anyone else with co-authoring experience, good, bad, or ugly, please feel free to share in the comments below.

Blurb:

A swoony, slow-burn romantic comedy for anyone who's ever wondered... what if? 

Assistant producer Lexy Smith may have trouble deciding what to order in a restaurant, but there are two things she is absolutely clear on. One, her boss will only promote her to producer if she comes up with a brilliant show idea that can’t lose. And two, she’ll never date a guy friend again. 

 

Charismatic frontman of a local band, Nate Douglas knows Lexy from his day job as a studio sound tech. When she confides her idea for a new reality show, Nate dives in to help her craft a first-rate pitch. 

 

Their friendship is on fire, and the show—where contestants compete for a second chance with someone from their past—becomes the hottest thing on the air. 

 

Her dream job. Her dream guy. Everything is falling into place better than she could have imagined…until the night it all falls apart. 

Vulnerability, fueled by rum cocktails and the perfect soundtrack, turns friendship into fireworks, with a promise of something more. But then her best intentions backfire, leaving Nate feeling betrayed. And Lexy devastated. 

Like the show’s contestants, Lexy and Nate have a choice. Will they let their past hold them back? Or will they, with a little help from Cupid, win a second chance at love? 

Set in the bustling city of Seattle, "Cupid Grants a Second Chance" is a heartwarming tale of friendship, love, and the power of following your dreams. Fans of The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory will love this charming romance. 

Excerpt:

Lexy wasn’t taking any chances.  

She checked her watch, nerves churning in her stomach. Her interview was in forty-five minutes, and Google Maps told her Manor House Productions was a two-minute walk away. She’d allowed for plenty of time in case she got lost, the trolly derailed, the lions escaped from Woodland Park Zoo, or any other disaster that might cause her to be late.  

Interviews made her nervous at the best of times, but this wasn’t any old interview. This was a face-to-face with Merelda Sterling, founder and owner of Manor House Productions. Legendary in the television industry, and rumored to be terrifying.  

Shaky hands smoothed back her blonde ponytail, ensuring no stray tendrils had escaped in the Seattle springtime breeze. Landing a position as Assistant Producer at the distinguished boutique production company would be the next step in her five-year career plan.  

A chalkboard sign outside The Coffee Pod invited customers to “Come in and try the worst coffee that one woman on TripAdvisor ever had.” Chuckling, she pushed open the door. What the heck? She had time. If today went well, this might become her regular stop on her way to work. 

The sharp tang of ground coffee beans filled the warm air inside, and the shrill whistle of the espresso machine steaming milk drowned out the chatter of conversation around her. Waiting for her order, she studied the mural of whales painted on the wall, a clever play on the name of the coffee shop. 

“Medium latte,” The barista called out.  

She grabbed the drink and took a cautious sip, mostly foam.  

“For Nate,” the barista continued.  

She froze mid-swallow. She had taken someone else’s beverage? How mortifying! 

“I’m so sorry,” she said to the guy with tousled brown hair who stepped up to the counter, looking for his drink. “I took yours. I have an interview down the street, and I'm nervous.” 

“Ah, you need it more than me then,” he said. His green eyes crinkled with laughter.  

“Plus, I already drank from it.” 

“Consider it yours.” He adjusted the motorcycle helmet in his grip. “Is your interview at Manor House Productions?” 

“Yes. Do you work there?” Inside info would be a good thing. 

“Mostly in their studio location across town. Nate.” He offered his hand. “Sound tech.” 

“Lexy. Assistant Producer hopeful.” His hand clasped hers in a reassuring shake.  

“Medium latte for Lexy,” the barista said. 

Nate released her and reached for the coffee, flashing a grin as he covered her name with a paper sleeve. “If the guys see your name on my cup, they'll never call me anything else.”  

“I really am sorry.”  

“No problem. A word of advice regarding Merelda?” 

“Happily.” 

“Don’t let her intimidate you. That way, she'll respect you.” 

“Easier said than done.” 

“If you start to feel intimidated, picture her in those high heels she totters around on, trying to ride the S.L.U.T.” 

“Excuse me?” 

“The Seattle Lake Union Trolley. The S.L.U.T. Are you new to the city?” 

“No,” she laughed. “You just caught me off guard.” 

“See? You're already less nervous.” 

She nodded. “I am. Thanks, Nate. If I get this job, I'll owe you a coffee.” 

“I’ll hold you to that.” 

It wasn’t until they’d parted ways that she realized Nate, ‘sound tech’, was also Nate Douglas, lead guitarist in the up-and- coming local band, The Rainy Day Astronauts. If she landed this job, not only was she one step closer to her goal, she’d be working with a celebrity.  

Author Bio:

Carissa Harper is the pen name for mother-daughter writing team, USA Today Bestselling Author Kathleen Lawless, and her daughter Reyna. They live on Vancouver Island where Reyna spends as much time as possible on her surfboard, while Kathleen prefers to sit on the beach and watch. They love to hear from their readers.  

www.carissaharper.com is where you can find out more about them and what’s up next for The Boys in the Band 

They also hang out here @carissaharperauthor