Shortly after a second murder in Sinful had been solved, Fortune believes she has recognized a woman, now going by the name Georgia Fame, who has been using her affections to prey on well-to-do elderly men, leaving them heartbroken, penniless and sometimes even... dead. Ingeniously clever, the woman has alluded authorities for decades and Fortune soon begins to understand why. With Ida Belle and Gertie at her side, the swamp team begin to build their case but the woman always covers her tracks and stays one step ahead of them. Fortune gets close but Georgia always manages to stay just out of reach. When she realizes her suspect may get away forever, she tries one last act of desperation. “Fortune and Fame” is fast-paced, filled with humor, romance, twists and turns. From KindleWorld’s Mark Len Mayfield, author of the Wayward Pines novel, “The Journey of Peter McCall.”

    I'm Merlin. Yeah, Fortune Redding's cat. I'm with the Sinful Feline League. And together with older-than-the-Sphinx Lula Mae and her sidekick, Spoolie, we solve mysteries and protect the welfare of cats all along the bayou.We make sure life is good for the cats of Sinful.Until one of us goes missing. Then another. And another. Something doesn't smell right, and it's not the kitty litter.Merlin's Misfortune is a fast-paced novella (approximately 24,000 words) set in the world of the Miss Fortune Mysteries, complete with tail-switching suspense and a few licks of humor.AUTHOR'S NOTE: Merlin's Misfortune is a story in the Miss Fortune World, wherein Jana DeLeon has allowed writers to create stories using the world of Sinful and the wacky characters it's famous for. I wish to thank Ms. DeLeon for graciously allowing other writers to explore their own writing in a most Sinful way.

    Deserts, jungles, even held captive by the enemy, and never lost her cool, but when town loud-mouth, Celia Arceneaux, confronts her about her lack of domestic ability in front of her main squeeze Deputy Carter LeBlanc, Fortune let’s her mouth write a check she knows she can’t cash. Now, with Valentine’s Day only a day away, and no idea how to cook a meal fit for a king, or a hunky deputy to be exact, she needs help… and a lot of it. With her partners in crime, Ida Bell and Gertie, and their friend, culinary genius Ally by her side, they’ll help her either create a night Carter will never forget, or one they all wish they could.

    and Madison's overly exuberant cousin to Texas. Unfortunately, the R.V. breaks down on the edge of Sinful, Louisanna - on a Sunday.

    Elrod's picked 15 of her favorite short works for this multi-genre collection spanning 15 years of publication.Also included is a never before published VAMPIRE FILES story, featuring her urban fantasy vampire PI, Jack Fleming!Each story has been polished afresh for this anthology, with pages of new material added.More information -- and previews of the stories! -- may be found at her website vampwriter-dot-com.Titles:1. A Night at the (Horse) Opera (Vampire Files, Fleming)2. The Breath of Bast (Vampire Files), Ecsott)3. Bossman (Original mystery, no vamps)4. Slaughter (Vampire Files, Fleming & Gordy)5. The Devil's Mark (Original historical vampire)6. You'll Catch Your Death (Vampire Files)7. Izzy's Shoe-In (Historical mystery introducing Izzy DeLeon, fearless girl reporter)8. The Quick Way Down (Vampire Files, Fleming and Gordy)9. The Scottish Ploy (Original romance/mystery)10. Grave-Robbed (Vampire Files, Fleming)11. The Company You Keep (Vampire Files, Gabriel Kroun)12. Death in Dover (Jonathan Barrett before he got vamped, historical mystery)13. Drawing Dead (ALL NEW VAMPIRE FILES, Fleming)14. King of Shreds and Patches (Hamlet from a different point of view, mystery)15. Fugitive (Science fiction/space opera)16. BONUS STORY! The Wind Breathes Cold (Quincey Morris: Vampire)

     On the journey, he is presented with an opportunity to begin anew but there’s a catch, this new lease on life requires him to assume a new identity…that of a dead sheriff. Soon afterwards, he’ll discover his burdens aren’t so easily discarded or forgotten.

    C. Fullerton. Both J.C.’s and Laura’s passion for the cause is deeply personal, and their growing feelings for each other are just as strong. But with so many secret hurts to overcome, can these two vulnerable lovers find the strength to believe in happily ever after?Where Azaleas BloomContractor Mitch Franklin is an unlikely knight in shining armor for single mom Lynn Morrow. A widower with two grieving sons, Mitch once admired Lynn from afar. Now he sees in her not only the sweet girl who got away, but a determined woman desperately in need of support. While rushing to the rescue comes naturally to Mitch, he’s also wise enough to encourage Lynn to find her own way…hopefully straight into his arms.Swan PointWith a new home and a new job, Adelia Hernandez is ready to start over as an independent single mom after her divorce. Gabe Franklin, back in town to make amends for past mistakes, has no intention of settling down, but Adelia’s proving irresistible. He’s bringing long-absent passion and laughter into her life. To their surprise, sometimes a rolling stone is just what it takes to build the rock-solid foundation of a family.

    Life is good until the father who abandoned her as an infant turns up dead in the swamp. Who else can help her but Ida Belle, Gertie and Fortune? And they've got their work cut out for them as they try to solve two mysteries - who Hugo Ancelet really was, and who killed him?

    She imagined spending days at the café while learning about the relaxed southern lifestyle from retirees Ida Belle and Gertie.However, Sinful isn't the sleepy little town she expected. While Pepper is busy trying to educate southern taste buds about the beauty of sweet iced coffee, she also ends up in the middle of murder and kidnapping.And she meets Jaxson, the hottest man south of the Mason-Dixon line. Problem is, Pepper has just decided to get her life together without a man.But this Yankee schoolteacher can't stop herself from dreaming...NOTE: This quick-read novella is licensed fan fiction available as part of Jana DeLeon's Miss Fortune World. It was previously published under the same title through the Kindle Worlds program. Many thanks to Ms. DeLeon for allowing authors to tell new stories and create characters within her world!

    Successful in her career and happily surrounded by friends and family, she was content. Until the day she learned her former heartthrob, Dr. Eli Webster, was moving back to town.Because of a past incident involving Eli and her twin sister, Callie is determined to keep her distance from the handsome doctor. That quickly proves impossible. First, Eli moves into the cottage right next door! Then her car breaks down and he’s the one who comes to her assistance. And when a baby is left on his doorstep (with a note indicating he’s the father), Eli asks her to watch the child while he tracks down the mother. Despite her hesitation, Callie finds the offer impossible to refuse. It’s her summer break and she desperately needs the extra money for a new transmission. If Callie didn’t know better, she’d think the Almighty was deliberately throwing them together.Yet, as she begins to get to know the grown-up Eli, Callie wonders if God has a better plan for her life than she ever dreamed possible. And the man she once thought was perfectly wrong for her is actually perfectly right.

    And who is in danger of taking their final bow next! Homicide in High Heels - book #8 It's springtime in California, which means baseball season in Maddie Springer's house. But when the girlfriend of the L.A. Stars rookie MVP winds up dead at a chic Beverly Hills salon, it's suddenly up to fashion designer Maddie Springer to track down the "Tanning Salon Killer." Deadly in High Heels - book #9 When fashion designer Maddie Springer is invited to help style contestants in the Hawaiian Paradise Beauty Pageant, she jumps at the chance! But trouble follows her to paradise when one of the beauty queens winds up dead. With the televised crowning approaching, the danger escalating, and a killer on the loose, this is one beauty pageant that's about to turn ugly. Also available: High Heels Mysteries Boxed Set Vol. I (books 1-3) High Heels Mysteries Boxed Set Vol. II (books 4-6) High Heels Mysteries Boxed Set Vol. III (books 7-9) Books in the High Heels Mysteries series: Spying in High Heels - book #1 Killer in High Heels - book #2 Undercover in High Heels - book #3 Christmas in High Heels - short story Alibi in High Heels - book #4 Mayhem in High Heels - book #5 Honeymoon in High Heels - novella Sweetheart in High Heels - short story Fearless in High Heels - book#6 Danger in High Heels - book #7 Homicide in High Heels - book #8 Deadly in High Heels - book #9 REVIEWS: "A saucy combination of romance and suspense that is simply irresistible." —Chicago Tribune "Stylish... nonstop action...guaranteed to keep chick lit and mystery fans happy!" —Publishers’ Weekly, starred review "Maddie Springer is like a cross between Paris Hilton and Stephanie Plum, only better. The dialogue is snappy and the suspense beautifully interwoven with Ms. Halliday’s unique humor. This is one HIGH HEEL you’ll want to try on again and again " —Romance Junkies "It's rare to find a romantic mystery that's so funny, but this is certainly one of them. Maddie Springer (is) a ‘Versace’ Nancy Drew everyone can appreciate." —Press & Sun Bulletin

    Does your dream man fight fires or catch bad guys as a cop or undercover? Maybe he's a doctor saving lives? Perhaps he's a military man, who's put his life on the line as a wounded warrior or working security? You'll find each of these stories simply...IRRESISTIBLE. Two Hearts Unlikely Heroes: Tamara Ferguson, USA Today Bestselling author: When wounded warrior Captain Samantha Caldwell is targeted by terrorists after killing their leader in Iraq, can AFOSI Agent Captain Ben Nash keep her safe? Simply Love: Natalie Ann, USA Today Bestselling author:Being strong doesn't make you a hero, but doing what is right does. She's Having A Baby: Suzanne Jenkins, USA Today Bestselling author:During the worst fire season in California history, a wildland fire changes life for Mike and Aisling Saint and their best friend. Johnny's Girl: Cynthia Cooke, USA Today Bestselling author:Will he choose the mission or the girl? Fire Me Up: Alicia Street, USA Today Bestselling author:After an FDNY fireman loses his fiancée to a rich Wall Streeter, he seeks a new start in a sleepy village on Long Island's North Fork, only to fall for a shy schoolteacher who shakes up his world like never. SEAL of Refuge: Alyssa Bailey, USA Today Bestselling author:Becoming vulnerable for a chance at true happiness takes a special kind of courage. Never Gone: Stephanie Queen, USA Today Bestselling author:Joe is a regular guy from Boston--except when he's called on by the Zero Go Team. So when he's sent to protect a sexy Hollywood costume designer, the last thing he expects is a crazy attraction that's anything but regular. Handle With Care: Patrice Wilton, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author:An ER doctor and a wounded veteran find each other, but can their love survive?

    Scandal by night. Duke Weston must marry soon or forfeit his title. The notion of a relinquishing his hedonistic lifestyle does not appeal until she waltzes into his life and challenges his preconceived ideas of relations between men and women. Headstrong. Stubborn. Challenging. Lady Eliza appeals to him on every level. Hell bent on seeking justice for her murdered sister, Eliza gives no thought to romance or marriage. She is a woman on a dangerous mission and now is not the time for society’s diversions, that is, until she meets a man who could uncover her greatest secret. Evil abounds and the threat of discovery lies around every corner. Only together, can she and Nicholas fight their gravest enemies and find the love of a lifetime along the way.

    

    Is it a prank, or a grim warning? Julia’s fears that somebody is trying to kill Barker are confirmed when a dead body with a striking resemblance to him is found on his doorstep the very next day, just as their romance is deepening. Barker might be on temporary suspension from his role as Detective Inspector at the village police station, but that doesn’t mean he’s short of enemies in Peridale, especially when a dark face from his past arrives in the small village to stir up painful memories. With an unclear list of suspects and motives, Julia vows to keep Barker safe, but can they figure out the puzzle as they work outside of the law in a race against time to stop Barker paying the ultimate price? SHORTBREAD AND SORROW (Book 5) When Julia’s gran, Dot, wins an all-inclusive spa trip to Scotland, Julia finds it difficult to refuse the offer of a relaxing week away from her café. Along with her sister, Sue, they pack up her tiny vintage car and drive all the way from Peridale to Seirbigh Castle, ready to be pampered. The last thing Julia expected was to be caught up in another murder investigation, but when the cruel owner of the family-run spa, Henry McLaughlin, is shot dead, she can’t resist ditching the facemasks and massages in favour of cracking the case. Julia quickly befriends the young cook and talented-baker, Blair, and acquires a job in the kitchen so she can observe the strange family in the wake of the murder. Henry’s wife and children are acting suspicious, and with an incompetent young Detective Inspector on the case, Julia makes it her mission to discover the secrets held within the ancient walls before Seirbigh Castle claims another victim. ESPRESSO AND EVIL (Book 6) When a coffee shop opens in the village, Julia is surprised when her customers flock to the new business, leaving her café almost empty. A failed protest against the corporate chain store leaves Julia wondering if her café can survive, but she suddenly has bigger fish to fry when the owner of the coffee shop is poisoned, and she is framed for his murder. As Julia attempts to clear her name, she is stopped in her tracks when an unwanted familiar face arrives in Peridale. Her past and present crash together, threatening to jeopardise her blossoming relationship with Barker. Julia's history is back to haunt her, and she is forced to deal with the consequences of her actions before it is too late. Somebody is trying to frame Julia for her rival's murder, but can she juggle her most challenging case yet with her complicated love life before she loses more than just her café? Books 4-6 books in the Peridale Cafe series! Can be read as standalones but will be enjoyed more as part of the series. A light, cozy mystery read with a cat loving and cafe-owning female amateur sleuth, in a small village setting with quirky characters. No cliffhangers, swearing, gore or graphic scenes! FULL PERIDALE CAFE READING ORDER: 1. Pancakes and Corpses 2. Lemonade and Lies 3. Doughnuts and Deception 4.