These days Ginger Struve Barnes, who's been known to solve a crime or two on Philadelphia's affluent Main Line, has troubles of her own. Her husband is acting very distant, and her teenaged daughter is flirting with an eating disorder. Now, Gin is nosing into the dark shadows of the community. What she finds will blow the lid of respectability from her upper-crust neighbors' lives--and bring a killer too close to home.
Fierce competitor Iffy Bigelow gets herself strangled at the world-famous Philadelphia Flower Show; and if she ever wants to hear the end of it, amateur-detective Ginger Barnes must unearth whoever killed her mother's dear old friend.
Stockholders send you death threats, and your son-in-law/Chief Financial Officer just committed suicide. Now something is off about the blonde hanging onto the deceased's remaining brother. Allow her to attend the Caribbean funeral your daughter planned? Friends close/enemies closer. A nod, and ex-cop Lauren Beck is in. Big mistake.
Returning home to star in a movie about going home, Jan Fairchild stirs up old resentments galore. When the actress is found dead the morning after a nostalgic pajama party, several of her former high-school girlfriends become murder suspects—including amateur sleuth Ginger Barnes. Before the police can get it horribly wrong, Gin relates everything she saw and heard since her famous friend’s arrival. Unfortunately, the more she shares, the more the detective in charge believes she committed the crime. Writer's Digest award winning author
Men have once again become an issue for amateur sleuth Ginger Barnes--men who abuse their wives, men capable of murder, and men who ask her out.While working on a DIY project at her newlywed daughter's house, a bag of bricks is thrown from the neighboring third-story window. Next, pops that sound like muffled gunshots have Gin racing for her phone. Eric, who lives in the house with his grandmother, claims she's obsessed with mystery novels. Yet after the septuagenarian falls down a flight of stairs, she's so frantic to keep Eric away that Gin must intervene. Was the fall actually attempted murder?In her husband's eyes, Cissie Voight can't do anything right. Gin occasionally helps the frazzled young mother, and when she needs a dresser carried upstairs, Gin brings Eric along. Bad move! The electricity between the two new acquaintances sparks a chilling premonition. This time Gin's good intentions will produce grave consequences--for everyone involved.
While escorting Bryn Derwyn Academy's most infamous student downtown to be scared straight by a federal judge, amateur sleuth Ginger Barnes is shocked to find her childhood babysitter, textile Professor Charlie Finnemeyer, on trial for fraudulently aging an Oriental rug. Even more alarming, two witnesses against him died suspiciously convenient "natural" deaths.Eager to help Charlie's attorney any way she can, Gin pries a tightly held secret from a university president and exposes murder motives for a popular TV craft show host, and two antique dealers. Charlie's overprotective wife also has a talent for showing up at the wrong place at the worst possible time. Still, the evidence implicating Charlie can't be swept under a rug. Before Gin can persuade anyone else he's innocent, she must first convince herself.
Soon after her husband becomes headmaster of struggling Bryn Derwyn Academy, Ginger Barnes learns that a murder on the campus can kill a school’s reputation in a heartbeat. To move the scandal off the front page before the school goes under, Gin attempts to hurry the investigation along. Will her amateur sleuthing save her husband’s career and her family’s new home? Or will risking the wrath of a killer prove to be the most dangerous thing she’s ever done? Writer's Digest Award Winning Author
Ginger Barnes is a savvy football fan and experienced amateur sleuth, but the front-page murder of a pro quarterback just might be too far out of her league.
Men have once again become an issue for amateur sleuth Ginger Barnes—men who abuse their wives, men capable of murder, and men who ask her out. While working on a DIY project at her newlywed daughter’s house, pops that sound like muffled gunshots send Gin racing for her phone. Eric, who lives next door with his grandmother, claims she’s obsessed with mystery novels. Yet after the septuagenarian falls down a flight of stairs, she’s so frantic to keep Eric away that Gin must intervene. Was the fall really attempted murder? In her domineering husband’s eyes, another neighbor can’t do anything right. Gin takes Eric along to help the frazzled young mother move a dresser, and the electricity between the two new acquaintances sparks a chilling premonition. This time Gin’s good intentions may produce grave consequences--for everyone involved. Finalist, National Indie Excellence Award
A home invasion turns to murder when Ginger Barnes's neighborhood friend comes home at the worst possible time. Discreet inquiries by an experienced amateur sleuth just might hurry the official investigation along, but does Gin have something more daring in mind?
Who could refuse a two-week stay in a chateau perched on the edge of the Mediterranean? Certainly not Richard, who was fed up to his easel with the damp London weather. Babysitting a treasure-filled museum while his old Sorbonne roommate honeymooned in Spain was the least he could do. The vandals who’d been plaguing the chateau wouldn’t dare return, the repairmen Tom hired would be completely trustworthy, and “murder” was only found in something by Agatha Christie. Richard might even meet a woman, someone capable of surprising him like never before. He should go. He really should. He was dying for a vacation.
Is man's best friend also his deadliest enemy? The dog days of Bryn Derwyn Academy's summer holidays yawn ahead for Ginger Barnes-- headmaster's wife, mother of two teenagers and occasional detective. But the tedium is soon shattered when Dr. Karl Vogel, an elite Philadelphia diet guru, is found chewed to death right beside his bloody-mouthed German shepherd, Tibor. And his ex-wife Linda-- a dog trainer with whom he shared custody of the prized pet-- is arrested for programming Tibor to be a lethal weapon. Linda, denying everything, beseeches her old schoolmate Gin to save Tibor from being put down. But who else would murder the good doctor? To hound down the killer, Gin must investigate snarling patients, animal activists, a secretary fired for getting fat, canine teeth prints, and the devious, deadly patterns of the human mind.
Awarded HONORABLE MENTION in genre fiction by Writer’s Digest Posing as a relative’s girlfriend, ex-cop Lauren Beck accompanies the family of a questionable suicide to the deceased’s Caribbean funeral. Blending into the Roitman’s affluent lifestyle is a stretch for the low-maintenance cancer survivor, but observing multiple murder suspects is right up her alley. The narcissistic mother bears watching—she’s certainly watching Lauren. Her billionaire husband receives death threats from his shareholders. Their son is an arrogant creep. The youngest daughter is in therapy, and they all refuse to talk about the night of the suicide. Lauren packed sunscreen and sandals for the private flight. Should she have brought her Glock? “…an incredibly descriptive book, a story that allows you to be drawn into it, coming alive as though you were actually there…written to grab your attention from page one and not let go until…an ending that you won’t see coming. Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers’ Favorite “…a near-perfect mystery with a relatable and lovable female sleuth. Murray’s witty style combined with surprising logic makes Guilt Trip a must-read for mystery lovers….Something I particularly love…the use of strong, active verbs with very few to-be verbs that are only there when nothing else will work. This shows the skill of someone who studies craft and has learned how to apply it. Great job with this book! Writer’s Digest Judge #14 “Lauren Beck, has a depth of character that is often lacking in other female sleuths. She is capable yet imperfect, strong yet vulnerable, a nice blend of true humanity.” 5* Sandra W. “A highly personal case preoccupies ex-cop turned bartender Lauren Beck in Murray’s page-turning sequel to WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU” (BookLife) Publisher’s Weekly “…a fantastic plot…well written and riddled with humour.” E. D. Bird, Zimbabwe “I've read thousands of mysteries…& often spot the killer; this one kept me guessing until close to the end. It's a classic…Enjoy! Angela Norton “…not only a clever who-done-it with a wicked twist, but an equally clever HOW-done-it, as well.” 5* Author K. Barrett “I couldn't put it down, and when it was over I wanted more. Thank goodness it is part of a series…” D. Kiddy, on Amazon
Time-out for Murder No doubt about it, it's a killer of a game. And a major league PR disaster for the NFL when Tomcats' quarterback Tim Duffy is found dead in the training room whirlpool. But it's a family matter for Ginger Barnes, mother and sometime-detective. She's been summoned to Norfolkl, Virginia, to help her pregnant counsin Michelle, whose husband is the Tomcats' starting quarterback--and potential prime suspect. Ginger is meddling in testosterone territory, far from home on Philadelphia's Main Line, as she tackles the case. Is it a crazy fan? Or an insider with a motive for murder...
Ginger Barnes must bring down the curtain on a killer... "Stay away from Ludwig...or else!" Despite the ominous note, glamorous Hollywood actress Jan Fairchild is determined to visit her Pennsylvania hometown. But her old friend, amateur sleuth Ginger Barnes, is dead worried. Tragically, she can't save Jan's life. The beautiful starlet is found murdered during a nostalgic slumber party with high school chums. The night of comfort food, shared secrets, and shocking confessions hasn't led to any bonding moments of sisterhood. Instead it's opened up a Pandora's box of betrayal and jealously. Now Ginger is looking for the killer in a human drama dark with hatred. Or perhaps with obsessive love...
While escorting Bryn Derwyn Academy’s most infamous student downtown to be scared straight by a Federal judge, Ginger Barnes is shocked to find her childhood babysitter, textile professor Charlie Finnemeyer, on trial for fraudulently aging an Oriental rug. Even more alarming, Gin learns that two witnesses against her beloved “Uncle Wunk” suffered suspiciously convenient heart attacks. Eager to assist the professor’s attorney, the veteran amateur sleuth pries secret information from a university president and uncovers past transgressions of a TV craft show host—all while acquiring an overnight education in early American textiles from experts at Winterthur and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Others guilty of questionable behavior: two antique dealers, and Charlie’s overprotective wife. Still, damning evidence can’t be swept under a rug. Before Gin can persuade anyone else that Charlie is innocent, she must first convince herself. Writer's Digest Award Winning Author
Tonight is Bryn Derwyn Academy’ holiday concert, and Ginger Barnes—headmaster’s wife and #1 volunteer—knows nothing dare go wrong. Bad publicity will kill a school’s reputation in a heartbeat. Which is exactly what happens when she discovers the academy’s attorney lying face down on the conference table, dead from a blow with the school’s ceremonial groundbreaking shovel. Hoping to save the struggling young school—and her family’s home and livelihood—Gin risks initiating her own investigation. Why not? Her questions will sound harmless enough—to everyone but the killer! Will Gin’s amateur sleuthing succeed? Or will risking the wrath of a murderer prove to be the most dangerous thing she’s ever done? Writer's Digest Award Winning Author
Cancer survivor and ex-cop, Lauren Beck, is surrounded by hostility. Her friends, phone, home, credit and credibility are all gone, severed with surgical precision by an enemy intent on framing her for murder. Is it one of the insureds she was hired to investigate? The fellow employee she upstaged? Does the daughter of her landlady and dear friend, Corinne Wilder, hate her even more than she thought? Whoever targeted her beware! Lauren Beck knows how to fight for her life.
While escorting Bryn Derwyn Academy’s most infamous student downtown to be scared straight by a Federal judge, Ginger Barnes is shocked to find her childhood babysitter, textile professor Charlie Finnemeyer, on trial for fraudulently aging an Oriental rug. Even more alarming, Gin learns that two witnesses against her beloved “Uncle Wunk” suffered suspiciously convenient heart attacks. Eager to assist the professor’s attorney, the veteran amateur sleuth pries secret information from a university president and uncovers past transgressions of a TV craft show host—all while acquiring an overnight education in early American textiles from experts at Winterthur and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Others guilty of questionable behavior: two antique dealers, and Charlie’s overprotective wife. Still, damning evidence can’t be swept under a rug. Before Gin can persuade anyone else that Charlie is innocent, she must first convince herself. Writer's Digest Award Winning Author
Who could refuse a two-week stay in a chateau perched on the edge of the Mediterranean? Certainly not Richard, who was fed up to his easel with the damp London weather. Babysitting a treasure-filled museum while his old Sorbonne roommate honeymooned in Spain was the least he could do. The vandals who’d been plaguing the chateau wouldn’t dare return, the repairmen Tom hired would be completely trustworthy, and “murder” was only found in something by Agatha Christie. Richard might even meet a woman, someone capable of surprising him like never before. He should go. He really should. He was dying for a vacation.
Awarded HONORABLE MENTION in genre fiction by Writer’s Digest Posing as a relative’s girlfriend, ex-cop Lauren Beck accompanies the family of a questionable suicide to the deceased’s Caribbean funeral. Blending into the Roitman’s affluent lifestyle is a stretch for the low-maintenance cancer survivor, but observing multiple murder suspects is right up her alley. The narcissistic mother bears watching—she’s certainly watching Lauren. Her billionaire husband receives death threats from his shareholders. Their son is an arrogant creep. The youngest daughter is in therapy, and they all refuse to talk about the night of the suicide. Lauren packed sunscreen and sandals for the private flight. Should she have brought her Glock? “…an incredibly descriptive book, a story that allows you to be drawn into it, coming alive as though you were actually there…written to grab your attention from page one and not let go until…an ending that you won’t see coming. Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers’ Favorite “…a near-perfect mystery with a relatable and lovable female sleuth. Murray’s witty style combined with surprising logic makes Guilt Trip a must-read for mystery lovers….Something I particularly love…the use of strong, active verbs with very few to-be verbs that are only there when nothing else will work. This shows the skill of someone who studies craft and has learned how to apply it. Great job with this book! Writer’s Digest Judge #14 “Lauren Beck, has a depth of character that is often lacking in other female sleuths. She is capable yet imperfect, strong yet vulnerable, a nice blend of true humanity.” 5* Sandra W. “A highly personal case preoccupies ex-cop turned bartender Lauren Beck in Murray’s page-turning sequel to WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU” (BookLife) Publisher’s Weekly “…a fantastic plot…well written and riddled with humour.” E. D. Bird, Zimbabwe “I've read thousands of mysteries…& often spot the killer; this one kept me guessing until close to the end. It's a classic…Enjoy! Angela Norton “…not only a clever who-done-it with a wicked twist, but an equally clever HOW-done-it, as well.” 5* Author K. Barrett “I couldn't put it down, and when it was over I wanted more. Thank goodness it is part of a series…” D. Kiddy, on Amazon
Returning home to star in a movie about going home, Jan Fairchild stirs up old resentments galore. When the actress is found dead the morning after a nostalgic pajama party, several of her former high-school girlfriends become murder suspects—including amateur sleuth Ginger Barnes. Before the police can get it horribly wrong, Gin relates everything she saw and heard since her famous friend’s arrival. Unfortunately, the more she shares, the more the detective in charge believes she committed the crime. Writer's Digest award winning author
Men have once again become an issue for amateur sleuth Ginger Barnes—men who abuse their wives, men capable of murder, and men who ask her out. While working on a DIY project at her newlywed daughter’s house, pops that sound like muffled gunshots send Gin racing for her phone. Eric, who lives next door with his grandmother, claims she’s obsessed with mystery novels. Yet after the septuagenarian falls down a flight of stairs, she’s so frantic to keep Eric away that Gin must intervene. Was the fall really attempted murder? In her domineering husband’s eyes, another neighbor can’t do anything right. Gin takes Eric along to help the frazzled young mother move a dresser, and the electricity between the two new acquaintances sparks a chilling premonition. This time Gin’s good intentions may produce grave consequences--for everyone involved. Finalist, National Indie Excellence Award
Fierce competitor Iffy Bigelow gets herself strangled at the world-famous Philadelphia Flower Show; and if she ever wants to hear the end of it, amateur-detective Ginger Barnes must unearth whoever killed her mother's dear old friend.
Quiet Beech Tree Lane has suddenly become a lightning rod for crime. First, Ginger Barnes's friend is murdered by a home intruder. Thefts and threats and smashed mailboxes follow; but it's the mugging of elderly eccentric Letty MacNair that compels Gin to dust off her deerstalker. If an impoverished old woman qualifies as a target, who could be next?
Callie is falling for a handsome stranger. Callie Brandt loves books and thinks she's destined to be her town's next spinster librarian. But a gorgeous newcomer--who inexplicably finds her attractive--is hiding a secret, and Callie aims to find it out. Lane Hutchins has been living a double life for years, and nothing bad has ever come of it. Until now. In tiny Ft. Lob, Wyoming, he unexpectedly falls in love with Callie Brandt. But how can he marry this sweet Christian girl unless he's willing to come clean with the truth? Can Callie help Lane let go of his bitterness and rediscover his faith in God?
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