Book picks similar to
Burn by Paul Slatter


mystery
crime-in-fiction
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Midnight Beach: A Port Stirling Mystery


Kay Jennings - 2020
    

Duke Investigations: Complete Series


Harper Maguire - 2019
    To this day, Emma carries around a lot of guilt for not having been home on that fateful night. When her own home is broken into, a world of old emotions erupts and Emma can’t rid herself of the anxiety that has surfaced and so she hires Duke Investigations to finally figure out who killed her mother all those years ago. Private Investigator Sean Murphy is just about as hardened as they come. He drinks. He smokes. He curses. And he’s never let himself be distracted by a relationship, which isn’t to say he hasn’t seduced at least half of the female population in Waterville Valley. But when new client Emma Sorkin walks into his office, he soon discovers that she has a way of softening his heart. Part 2 Kind and intelligent, Hayley Mills struggles to keep her bookstore afloat while managing her autistic brother’s highly regimented schedule. If anything is amiss with him, his emotions turn turbulent and he can easily spiral out of control. Even so, he is her best friend. But when Hayley’s neighbor is found dead, the residents quickly suspect her autistic brother, and the dark cloud that this casts over her family is enough to motivate Hayley to hire Duke Investigations. Part 3 Athletic and daring, Megan Freeman works as a ski instructor at the nearby resort by day and spends time with her twin sister at night, who lives in the cabin neighboring her own. The two are identical except for one major difference, Megan’s twin is blind and not because of natural causes. Four years ago, when the twins were camping together over a long weekend and Megan’s twin left for the campsite restrooms, Megan was attacked by a predatory man. Her sister made it back just in time to fight the attacker off of Megan, but that wasn’t all. When the man ran off through the thick forest, Megan’s twin sprinted off after him. But instead of catching him, she was struck badly in the eyes by a spikey tree branch, which damaged her vision beyond repair. One day while giving a ski lesson, Megan can’t tell if her eyes are playing tricks on her. Is her attacker back in Waterville Valley? She doesn’t feel safe and so she immediately hires Duke Investigations to look into the man who has the hairs on the back of her neck pricking up. Part 4 Brilliant and highly introverted, Dawn Stevens has dedicated her life to working at the Wildlife Conservation Center as a biologist. Of course, the peace of spending her days outside with nature is nothing like the war unfolding at home. Months ago, out of the goodness of her heart, Dawn decided to take in her drug addicted cousin, who at the time promised to get himself help. When her cousin is arrested for killing someone in a robbery gone wrong, he insists he didn’t do it. The man who he and his addict friends robbed was alive when they left him. Is Dawn’s cousin lying to her or telling the truth? She’s at a complete loss for figuring it out, which is why she hires Duke Investigations. Part 5 Bubbly and upbeat, Kendra Cavanaugh loves her managerial position—she started at the golf course as a high schooler and truly worked her way up—but life on the whole hasn’t been easy as of late. A murder investigation extremely close to Kendra’s heart just went from active to cold. It happened one year ago, Kendra’s lifelong friends, married couple Mindy and Carl were killed, leaving their twelve-year-old daughter to Kendra since she is the girl’s godmother.

If Errands Could Kill


Jim Bronyaur - 2012
    Their oldest daughter, Delaney, is one game away from moving onto the soccer championships, their son, Cody, skipped school yesterday, and innocent 7 year old Penny is trying to communicate with her goldfish. Eve’s days are that of a typical stay at home mom.Her typical day changes drastically after she drives Cody to school as part of his punishment for skipping school. Cody’s creepy science teacher, Mr. Jackson, approaches Eve to let her know that her check for Cody’s field trip had bounced. Knowing it had to be an error, Eve heads to the bank to figure it out. While in line, she chats with her mother in law who works at the bank. Then she notices Janet, another bank employee and self-made town outcast, acting very strange at the back counter.Eve’s concern grows when she is leaving the bank and sees Janet open the gas tank door and then drives away. Against her better judgment, Eve follows Janet. What happens next is something unheard of in quiet Marysville, Pennsylvania.Janet is murdered in front of Eve’s eyes, and the police find drugs in her car.Murder and drugs? It doesn’t make sense. Eve is now a witness and determined to disprove the “drug deal gone wrong” theory. Can she convince the police that she knows who the killer is, save her family, and make it to Delaney’s big soccer game in time?__The Minivan Mom Mystery Series is a creation from horror, thriller, and mystery writer, Jim Bronyaur. Jim has had over a hundred pieces of fiction published and won Best Horror Short Story for 2010. If you enjoy horror or thrillers, be sure to check out Jim's other books here on Amazon including Within the Walls (part one), The Failed, The Devil's Weekend, and more!Don't miss his next crime series, featuring one of the most interesting characters you'll ever meet: Johnny Cooper. The first book of the Johnny Cooper crime series is titled "Nice Day For a Red Wedding" and is scheduled for a 2012 release.*New release!*The second book in the Minivan Mom Mystery Series is now available! Don't miss A Mess to Die For, available on Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Mess-Minivan-My...

Death of a Wolfman


Susan Boles - 2016
    Quicker than she can stitch together the threads of a genealogy project she's just signed on to research, Lily Gayle Lambert finds herself embroiled in investigating the murder of a stranger who suffers from 'wolfman syndrome’. And, when a member of a prominent family turns up dead soon after the 'wolfman', Lily Gayle must find the link between the two and solve the mystery before she becomes the next target. Escaping from a trailer in the woods owned by two good ole boys and a confrontation with the eldest son of the town's wealthiest family have Lily Gayle hot on the trail of the killer…much to the consternation of her cousin. Who just happens to be the County Sheriff. With the help of her lifelong best friend, Dixie, and town busybody, Miss Edna, she pieces together the clues leading to a conclusion that shocks the entire town

Staging is Murder


Grace Topping - 2019
    But when a body falls from a laundry chute and lands at Laura’s feet, replacing flowered wallpaper becomes the least of her duties. To clear her young assistant of the murder and save her fledgling business, Laura’s determined to find the killer. Turns out it’s not as easy as renovating a manor home, especially with two handsome men complicating her mission: the police detective assigned to the case and the real estate agent trying to save the manse from foreclosure. Worse still, the meddling of a horoscope-guided friend, a determined grandmother, and the local funeral director could get them all killed before Laura props the first pillow. - - - - - - - - - - - - - STAGING IS MURDER by Grace Topping | A Henery Press Mystery. If you like one, you’ll probably like them all.

My First Murder


Susan P. Baker - 2015
    When greasy-spoon cafe owner Carl Singleton shows up wanting to hire Mavis to solve the murder of one of his waitresses, Doris Jones, a woman with whom he has fallen in love, Mavis reluctantly takes the job especially when Carl confesses that all the other private investigators in Houston have turned him down. But, facts are facts, and Mavis has to face the fact that she has bills to pay that serving legal papers won't cover. Though the Houston Police Department, including Mavis' boyfriend Sgt. Ben Sorensen, get in her face and try to discourage her, Mavis dives head first into the case. What she learns is, there is scandal deep in the heart of Texas. She only hopes she can uncover it before it's too late for her.

Harry Starke


Blair Howard - 2015
    Harry Starke was there, on the bridge, and he want's to know why Tabitha Willard decided to kill herself. Was it his fault? . “….she saw me, stopped running, put her hands to her mouth, looked desperately around, then turned, ran to the rail, and started to climb….” Tormented by guilt and the thought that he might have caused the girl’s death, Harry vows to find out why Tabitha killed herself and plunges headlong into an investigation that pits him against a corrupt congressman, a beautiful United States senator, a local crime boss, and a sadistic killer. It's a case that will push Harry to the extremes of the law as he works his way through a web of deceit, extortion, high finance, corruption, sex, and three murders. In the end… well, as always, there’s a twist in the tale, several, in fact. Scroll up and grab a copy today.

Lost Cause


J.L. Simpson - 2014
    She can deal with anything her new job throws at her, except the bullets, bombs and working with P.I. Solomon Liffey. Her husband's best friend is supposed to be looking out for her, but when she uncovers Solomon’s biggest secret he's the one who needs protection.

The Sea Breeze Cottage:


Amy Rafferty - 2020
    Along the way, Jennifer and her family will discover the true meaning of trust and friendship as they learn to open their hearts to love.The Sea Breeze Cottage. A La Jolla Cove Series is a heartwarming, edgy, and all-around entertaining read filled with romance, excitement, intrigue, butterflies, and adventure.This must-read book rekindles hope after a tragic loss, trust after bitter heartache, shows that life lessons are learned throughout your life and that finding your soulmate has no time or age limit.An ageless inspiring adventure romance that can be enjoyed by everyone.La Jolla, a hilly sea-side coastal town, perched along the rugged shores of the Pacific Ocean forms part of the city of San Diego. Having spent the summers there with her Aunt, it was the place Jennifer had called home as a young girl. It had always been a place filled with the happiest of memories and times for Jennifer. Even as an adult, La Jolla was Jennifer’s haven and place to recuperate from the fast-paced world of New York where she had moved to so she could pursue her career after law school.Now a single mother of three children and a messy divorce behind her, her safe haven is scarred by a tragic accident that rips a hole in her world. Not only does she lose someone she loves dearly, but she unwittingly gets tangled up in a web of betrayal, mystery, and lies.The Sea Breeze Cottage. Book 1 is the first in a series of sun, mystery, and romance. Join Jennifer, her family, and friends as they learn that even the closest of families have secrets. Get tangled in the many twists and turns Jennifer, along with her family, starts to unravel as they dig up buried family pasts to reveal shocking revelations.Fall in love with each of the characters as they each play their part in the mysteries of the cove. Follow them through their heartaches, betrayals, and adventures as they find a way to open their hearts and let true love in.

Tied to Deceit


Neena H. Brar - 2018
    Brar enhances her taut murder mystery with an engaging setting that effectively incorporates the local culture. The smart, believable denouement will have readers looking forward to Brar's next endeavor."-Kirkus Reviews"A literary mystery saga that includes far more depth and psychological and cultural insights than your typical murder mystery's scenario."-Midwest Book Review"Tied to Deceit definitely is a book to recommend to crime fiction fans, especially if you love ‘’who dunnit’’ mysteries! "-San Francisco Book Review

The Sixth Cadfael Omnibus


Ellis Peters - 1996
    The visitor in the coffin has come to be buried in the Abbey's grounds, and it is his attendant Elave's mission to carry out his master's final wish. But Gerbert, the mighty prelate and guest of the Benedictines, remembers the dead man as a heretic. When a violent death ensues, Brother Cadfael is called once more to turn detective and solve the murder - but matters are complicated still further by the marvellous treasure box in Elave's care...The Potter's Field: During the ploughing of the Potter's Field in October 1143 the grisly remains of a woman's body are unearthed. Recently abandoned by her husband, the tenant potter, rumour had it that the wild, beautiful Welsh woman had returned to her homeland - perhaps with a lover. But the discovery of the corpse on Abbey land raises all sorts of questions, and ones that impel Brother Cadfael to leave the tranquillity of the herbiary in order to piece together the cryptic clues of a baffling crime.The Summer of the Danes: In April 1144 Brother Cadfael leaves his monastery once more, in the company of the youthful Brother Mark, representing the bishop on a matter of church diplomacy. Cadfael does not foresee trouble on their errand, but then the travellers become entangled in the affairs of Heledd, a young woman desperate to escape an arranged marriage, and in the conflict between Owain Gwynedd and his treacherous brother Cadwaladr, who has allied himself with a Danish mercenary fleet in order to vanquish Owain...

Phone Kitten


Marika Christian - 2010
    Throw in a gig as a phone sex operator, an unexpected hunk of a boyfriend, and a client's murder, and you have all the ingredients for the perfect chick lit romp. Even bloggers at Trashionista just had to read it: "A fabulous book.” Shy, funny, loveable Emily’s a pretty unlikely candidate for a phone sex operator. She’d die if she had to talk dirty face-to-face—especially to her hot cop boyfriend. She sure didn’t set out to do phone sex—she wanted to be a writer. But when her BFF framed her for plagiarism, she got in a tiny financial hole and saw this ad for “phone actresses”… Hey, it’s not nearly as bad as it sounds. No pantyhose or pantsuits, no regular hours, you’re your own boss, and lots of people to talk to. Guys, that is. But here’s the odd thing—lots of them want to talk about more than Emily’s imagined attributes; they start to think of her as the best friend they’ll never have to meet. Next thing you know, one of her customers gets killed. What’s a phone kitten to do? Solve the murder herself, of course! “Phone Kitten was a fun debut read with an interesting premise and some great characters – excellent chick lit.” -The Brazen Bookworm “Marika Christian's debut novel was one of the most fun reads I have had this year. Sweet Emily taking a job as a 'phone actress' has to be one of the funniest things ever.” -Just Jump A fun, refreshing treat for fans of Jennifer Crusie, Janet Evanovich, and Stephanie Bond, Phone Kitten is your ticket to hours of giggles—so long as you’re not looking for raunch. Because this is so not it! “When I first heard of this book I was intrigued; a phone-sex worker turned sleuth? Sounds like the perfect mix...a fabulous book. --Trashionista Excerpt: The girl who answered the phone sounded a lot like me. She was perky, upbeat, and wanted me to come in that night for an interview. The thought terrified me, but my only other option was Walmart. I heard Walmart locks employees in the store. I've often wondered what would happen if one of the employees were pregnant and went into labor while locked up. Would they let her out? Would her supervisor deliver the baby in housewares and slap a little smiley face sticker on the baby's bottom? Phone sex had to be better than twenty-four hour retail. The company name was Dimensions. Located in the back of an industrial park, it was a little scary. There was a gravel parking lot with a dozen cars and only one door with a camera to capture anyone who pressed the call button. I was buzzed in immediately. I wondered, Why does a phone sex place need this much security? I was met by Taylor, the bubbly girl I talked to on the phone. “Come on, I'll take you in the back and we can talk.” She wasn't what I pictured. Taylor was a tattooed Goth chick, with every piercing imaginable. Taylor isn't what most people envisioned when it came to “bubbly.” Once we were in her office, she quickly closed the door. “Look, we talk dirty here. The language is sexually explicit. You have to say it all. Tits, cock, and fuck. Can you do that?” “Yes.” There, I said it. I said I could do it. I hoped I really could. She whipped out a headset, plugged it in, and said, “I want you to listen to a call.

Vow of Silence (The Jill Shannon Murder #2)


Chris Patchell - 2018
     Five years after the brutal slaying of her husband, software executive Jill Shannon is ready to take the next step in her life. But with her wedding to prosecuting attorney Conner Manning just eight weeks away, her future father-in-law’s political ambitions for her fiancé threaten all her hopes. Jill’s past holds dark secrets. Secrets she can’t afford to have exposed under the relentless lights of a political campaign. When Phoenix Detective David Shaw turns up at Jill’s door asking questions about a reporter's murder, he has no idea what a lethal Pandora’s Box he’s just opened. Was the womanizing reporter killed by a jealous husband, or was it related to his drug use? Or did it have something to do with the secret expose the reporter was working on? Jill Shannon looks like a dead-end lead but Shaw can’t shake the feeling the beautiful widow has secrets she’s not sharing. Jill is caught between the sins of her past and the shattered hopes for her future. Shaw finds himself drawn deeper into a twisted labyrinth of lies and danger. One thing is clear: some vows are made out loud in front of witnesses. But some vows are made in silence, and witnesses can’t be left alive.

Engulfed


Kathleen Cosgrove - 2012
    What she finds are dead bodies, a kidnapping, the mob and a certain Jewish Cuban detective that she has developed a school girls crush on.It's not long before she's engulfed in events that will either destroy her or prove to her that it's never too late to begin again and that life isn't over until it is.This book is filled with fun and unforgettable characters and situations that never leave a dull moment from page one to epilogue.

Her Last Summer


Melinda Woodhall - 2020
    A Heartless Killer Plays a Deadly GameWhen a celebrity author dies under mysterious circumstances in a small Florida town, a vulnerable young woman is the only witness, and Willow Bay's new chief of police must begin the hunt for a ruthless serial killer who will stop at nothing to hide his true identity.As reporter Veronica Lee investigates the breaking story, a local woman is brutally killed, exposing a disturbing connection to a dangerous con man who has eluded capture for almost a decade.After Veronica's efforts to uncover the killer's motives lead to a horrifying discovery, she comes face to face with the cunning killer and must overcome her deepest fears to survive his deadly game. Written by Melinda Woodhall, author of the addictive Mercy Harbor Thriller series