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Tales from Stool 17: Finding Port St. Joe by Kirk Jockell


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Craks in a Marriage


Barbara Barrett - 2018
    A few days later, the husband is found dead, his head bashed in. Fearing she’ll be considered the most likely suspect, the widow prevails upon Sydney and her three friends—Marianne, Kat and Micki—to find out who really killed him. Though none of these four fun-loving, take-charge retirees has any training as detectives, the women agree to launch a secret investigation. As they dig under the happy veneer of their community’s social life, they find more than enough suspects, from shady ladies to resentful golf buddies, to keep them looking over their shoulders. Could the murderer be lurking among the talent in a chaotic production put on by Sydney’s husband, who will do anything to keep busy in retirement? Could the sheriff, who may have more than a professional interest in chanteuse Kat, end up pinning the crime on the women instead? Each discovery during their investigations and their weekly mah jongg game keeps them running as they close in on the killer—but the killer may also be closing in on them. This cozy mystery, the first in the Mah Jongg Mystery series, features four retired amateur sleuths who live in the small Florida town of Serendipity Springs, all female and all friends who play the game of mah jongg together. Though they don't set out to investigate murder, after their first experience in this story, others start looking to them to help investigate subsequent homicides and questionable accidents. In this first book, Sydney Bonner takes the lead, although she turns to her three friends for help. Though this series features four protagonists, the others will take the lead in subsequent stories. Two are married, one is divorced and the fourth, who has been single all her life while she tended to her ailing mother, now finds herself the object of the sheriff's attention in this series. The four don't seek out murder; somehow the circumstances and those affected drag them in. Meanwhile, as they attempt to gather information, life goes on in their community in such activities as a women's club, a social group for those over 50, real estate transactions, numerous stops at the local coffeehouse, and even a shopping trip to Naples. Sydney's husband, Trip, and her friend Marianne Putnam's husband, Beau, are golf buddies who spend many a day on the course. When not there, Trip is busy seeking to build a new post retirement life, and Beau is often prevailed upon to join in Trip's latest activity, which in this first book is a town follies. Kat Faulkner has lived a frugal life until winning big in a lottery shortly after her mother's death; suddenly, Kat has money and doesn't know how to spend it. But her divorced friend and freelance writer, Micki Demetrius, does, even if it's to guide Kat through a makeover and wardrobe change for her lounge act. This cozy mystery is the first book in the Mah Jongg Mystery series. Barbara Barrett is already published in contemporary romance. She is a member of the Mystery/Romantic Suspense chapter of Romance Writers of America. Like her protagonists, she is retired and is a resident of Florida, although she spends her summers in her home state of Iowa. She spent over three decades as a human resource management analyst with Iowa state government. She can be contacted at barbarabarrett747@gmail.com. Check her website at barbarabarrettbooks.com.

Nuts and Dolts


Marc Jedel - 2020
    See Marty before he becomes the super-sleuthing, crime-busting hero of the Silicon Valley Mystery series. In this short read, you’ll meet the lovable hero, an amateur sleuth who constantly frustrates and astounds everyone around him.Can Marty complete the retelling of a story without bumbling into yet another mystery? Nuts and Dolts is the humorous prequel novella in a refreshingly modern cozy mystery series set in Silicon Valley. If you like quirky sleuths, wacky side characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, you’ll love this offbeat whodunit.Try Nuts and Dolts to log in to a great mystery series today!

Christmas Justice: A Christmas Historical Western (Western Justice)


Sam Scott - 2019
    Her horse is about played out, leaving her afoot in the frozen wilderness.And she’s soon to have a baby.To get the woman and her unborn child to safety, Nick must sacrifice any thought of saving his own neck.*** Outdoors it might be snowy but inside this novella is a warm-hearted Christmas tale of justice, the gift of a new life, and the miracle of Christmas on the Western Frontier. No profanity or swearing. This novella is short enough to be read in a break between buying Christmas gifts and wrapping them.

Killing Rebecca


K.J. North - 2022
    Her heart is filled with love for them. It’s a life that excites her every morning when she gets out of bed. She is lucky to be living in a beautiful home overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and she loves her career as a crime fiction novelist.Until Her Life is Shattered…A late-night knock at the door destroys her world when news of her family’s fate is too devastating to bear. Her life turns into one of the stories she only writes about.When She Finds Out Who is to Blame…Marni must act on the shocking truth. Like in her books, the perpetrator needs to be caught and held prisoner until she decides their fate. Nothing too quick—they need to suffer slowly before they’re sentenced to death.

Healing Hearts


Mary Jane Morgan - 2018
    After a disastrous marriage, Angie Jamison has no interest in giving her heart to another man. Angie now devotes her life to training and placing therapy dogs. When her German shepherd pup bonds instantly with a friend’s brother, Angie offers to loan him the shepherd on one condition: he socialize the pup and teach her basic obedience under Angie’s instruction. Ryan figures he has nothing to lose by giving the pup a temporary home. The dog’s companionship might even help him cope with the all-consuming guilt that has plagued him since the night his best friend died in his arms. Can the love of a therapy dog help heal Ryan and Angie’s damaged hearts and give them the courage to trust in love?

A Cowgirl's Dream


Edith Mackenzie - 2020
    Neither is love …Frankie’s not interested in romance. Her goal of becoming a champion barrel racer requires her full attention. So when the opportunity of a lifetime presents itself, she’s willing to chase it halfway across the globe. Now, with her dream so close she can almost taste it, staying focused is more important than ever. Nothing will stand in her way—especially not the annoyingly handsome Brazilian bull rider who seems so determined to rope her heart.Everything Luciano’s ever wanted is finally within reach. Fame, fortune, validation that he’s the best in the world…it will be his. But when he meets a feisty Aussie who sets his soul on fire, he's forced to realize there’s one more thing he’ll need in order to truly be happy—and that’s Frankie. Now all he has to do is convince the cowgirl of his dreams to give him a chance…When the road to happily ever after gets rough, will Frankie find the courage to trust in love and ride off into the sunset with Luciano? Or will they always be destined to go their separate ways?A Cowgirl’s Dream, book 1 in the Barrels and Hearts series, is a clean and wholesome contemporary romance featuring a commanding cowboy with a heart of gold, and a tough, smart, cowgirl heroine who isn’t afraid to go after exactly what she wants. HEAs are always guaranteed. Download your copy today and let the wild ride begin…

Archer Sisters of Goldrush 3 Book Box set


Faye Sonja - 2015
    Adeline Archer is twenty-five and she is DESPERATE!She needs to run from the luxury she's known in New York.Their affluent lifestyle is at an abrupt end! Now her father has taken his own life, leaving either Adeline or her younger sisters commanded to marry to Lex Baxtor- the man they hated most!Well . . . so she needs an ESCAPE PLAN - to become a Mail order Bride with a strict no-love policy. Perfect!Gold Rush . . . and James Blair, are her ONLY option.What will happen in a marriage when two hearts committed to a strict-no-love policy?Will they go through with the annulment they think they want?AMELIA - The Idealistic Bride for Her Insecure Rancher ~ Book 2Amelia Archer is almost twenty - a romantic artist and DREAMER by nature...As a matter of fact, she's imagined her wedding day for as long as she can remember.Along with a wonderful wedding, her thoughts had often to be with her one true love. The touching and poetic letters from Jack Blair have had Amelia's heart in a spin and she knows he's the perfect husband for her.Everything had worked out perfectly well......well... until reality struck...What will happen when Amelia comes crashing down to earth on a ranch which is more rustic than she expected and nowhere near as romantic as she imagined?Dashing Jack Blair loves the ranch but hates ranching. He's insecure about his future and maybe a bride can help give him hope for the future.Will he choose his own bride for love and not for her ability to further the family empire?AVERILL- The Careful Bride for Her Impulsive Sheriff ~ Book 3Averill Archer is eighteen, an intellect, careful and YEARNING for a NEW FUTURE to fulfill all her ambitions . . . and at the same time to fulfill her sister's escape plan.If she must marry, she will do so with a man to match her bright and active mind. When well-written letters arrive from Jacob Blair,. she's EXCITED and absolutely POSITIVE he's the one for her.But there's a problem . . . . .Averill Archer hates liars and drinkers!What will happen if her future husband - Jacob Blair is both a liar and a drinker?Jacob can't read or write and doesn't believe he can ever learn.Being impulsive and hot-headed, his main answer to problems is a bottle of booze.Will Averill's discovery about Jacob's lies and deceit over the letters that captured her heart and his pig-headedness be the end of budding young love?The Big Feisty Bride tamed by Her Scarred Banker ~ BONUS STORY: Book 1 in

Molly Grey Cozy Mystery Collection: 6 Book Box Set


Donna Doyle - 2019
    They are amateur sleuths with a nose for a great mystery. If you like light, clean, Cozy Mysteries with a cat-loving sleuth, quirky characters, and unexpected surprises you will love this bumper bargain collection of Christian cozy mysteries. No cliffhangers, swearing, gore or graphic scenes, just good, clean cozy fun that will keep you guessing until the very last page. ALL SIX BOOKS Wedding Cake Wipe Out When poor Abe Mortimer, the town Mayor, keels over during the wedding reception of his dear daughter, Miss Molly is certain it’s no accident. Seedy characters on the scene, old ghosts from a shady past, and a grasping son-in-law with ulterior motives, lead Molly into the crosshairs of Calmhaven’s most frightening conspiracy. The clues pile up, but the culprit remains at large! Will Molly and her assistant Dora be able to solve the case before Abe Mortimer ends up in the mortuary? The Bridal Dress Disaster Michelle and Brian seem to be the perfect match, until an unexpected break-in leaves them reeling and thrown headlong into a mystery. Who would target a couple’s happiness only days before they tie the knot? Obstructive friends, competitive dressmakers, broken windows and broken promises. Can Molly and her assistant, Dora, uncover the culprit and save the big day? A Fishy Murder Most Foul When wealthy tycoon, Albert Gravel, lifeless and blue-faced on the floor after eating The Crystal Grill Restaurant’s fish special, Molly sniffs something fishy at play. Followed by an eager reporter looking for a scoop, the Gravel case quickly uncovers Calmhaven’s dark underbelly! Sheriff J J Barnes sees it as a cut and dry case – the owner of the Grill had plenty reason to want Gravel out of his way. Molly thinks otherwise, and together with her enthusiastic assistant Dora, is determined to get to the bottom of this decidedly smelly case. Can she do so before an innocent man goes to jail? The Mystery of the Missing Bride Bernard Bloomsteyn, the wealthy owner of Greenacre Manor, the most prestigious mansion of Calmhaven, is about to say his vows to Deborah Smythe, a lonely widow of means. But not all that glitters is gold, and not all who decide to tie the knot are as sincere as they claim to be. Several days before the wedding Deborah Smythe, the lovely bride goes missing, and nobody knows what happened to her. Did Deborah get a dose cold feet or run because of some unknown fear? Is there a more sinister reason for her disappearance? Missing Cash and the Corpse in a Cabin Molly has earned a reputation for her work as an amateur sleuth, but are you familiar how Miss Molly Gertrude's adventures began? On the fateful day that Molly Gertrude arrived in Calmhaven, it appeared that the benevolent philanthropist Samuel Given slipped and hit his head. Sheriff JJ Barnes is convinced it is merely an accident and wants to close the case, but Molly Gertrude isn’t so sure and begins her own investigaton. Molly Gertrude herself tells how she solved the mystery and became one of Calmhaven's most celebrated figures… The Dead Man’s Stolen Book Pastor Julian, the faithful shepherd of the flock, fears that a terrible storm is brewing, as travel

Legionnaire


James Gawley - 2014
    But is he ruthless enough to earn their respect? Praise for Legionnaire: "Stands out among the others like a beacon on a dark winter night." –Cindy Callens, Draumr Kopa Blog "I'm hooked, waiting for the next installment!" –David H. Birley, Amazon Vine Voice "This book is a thoroughly enjoyable read." – Eileen Granfors, Amazon Top 1000 Reviewer Primus is the only son of the legendary general Marcus Seneca. In the wake of a civil war, he has grown to the cusp of manhood far from home, exiled along with his father’s army to the heart of the Boreal forest. Tested as much by his brutal comrades as the savage cold, he burns to prove himself a soldier worthy of his father’s name. But when a dangerous mission throws him into the center of the general’s schemes, Primus is confronted with the ugly truth behind his father's towering reputation. With enemies closing in and treachery weakening the ranks around him, Primus must decide what he is willing to sacrifice in order to survive. 'Legionnaire' is the literary debut of author James Gawley, a PhD student in Classics at the University at Buffalo. "Pray all you like. You cannot command the gods."

Who Shot the Serif?


Daisy Robyns - 2019
    Jamie confronts Earleen Culp, the ruthless owner of the local stationery shop, in front of the most popular breakfast spot in the small town of Cedar Valley. Of course, Earleen professes shock and innocence, so when she’s found dead in front of Jamie's home the next morning, Jamie becomes the prime suspect.Jamie's one cross-stroke short of acquittal, and even her best friend has her doubts. But Jamie's not the only one in town with a motive for wanting Earleen silenced for good. To clear her name, Jamie's going to need every last drop of ink in her quill. With the hot police chief Ridge, and her makeup artist friend Nora on her side, she’s prepared to go out with a flourish if that's what it takes to catch the real murderer. She’s desperate to save her hand lettering business, but will her quest lead her right into a killer’s snare?

The R.E.M. Effect: A Science Fiction Thriller


J.M. Lanham - 2016
    And the results are a nightmare. From J.M. Lanham comes a heart-pumping thrill ride that puts a sci-fi twist on the future of medicine, technology, and philosophy. It’s 2021 and Paul Freeman just landed a job with Asteria Pharmaceuticals, a world leader in revolutionary drug development. Paul knows the company’s future is riding on the success of their latest product—a sleeping pill designed to interact with the human genome to deliver the perfect eight-hour sleep cycle. Just a few blocks from Asteria’s Atlanta headquarters, troubled self-help guru Donny Ford is selling a different kind of drug, empowering followers to take control of their lives using a sacred meditation technique skeptics believe may have already taken his mind to a dangerous place. 3,000 miles away, war-hardened journalist Claire Connor sits captive in a top-secret facility hidden deep in the Costa Rican jungle, guilty of two offenses: seeking help for a sleep disorder, and asking too many questions. When these worlds collide, the three will discover just how far some companies are willing to go to protect the bottom line. --------------------------- The debut novel by J.M. Lanham, The R.E.M. Effect is a new addition to the science fiction tradition of Michael Crichton, Preston & Child, Marcus Sakey, and Dean Koontz. Dive into fast-paced suspense that explores Big Pharma corruption, clandestine government experiments, and the mysteries of the human mind to create a world where taking a pill could mean taking lives. Want to download the first few pages of this book for FREE so you can try before you buy? Click the 'Send a free sample' button and start reading now! And if you like this title, don't miss out on The R.E.M. Project (The REM Series Book 2) available now!

Small Town Shepherd


Nala Henkel-Aislinn - 2021
    Sam lost her career and her boyfriend on the same day. Needing an escape, she makes a radical decision—leave the big city for a small town, get a regular job, and take a break from men and romance.Brody is picking up the pieces after divorce. He’s hoping for a fresh start in the small community of Maple Cove. Instead, he’s forced to co-manage a failing animal hospital with Sam, who seems ready to hate him on sight.Watch two people learn to face their fears and love again in this sweet, small-town enemies to happily-ever-after romance.Small Town Shepherd is the first book in the sweet romance series Maple Cove Dog Lover’s Society.

The Secret


Stephen Bentley - 2020
    No ordinary life. Just how does someone become an undercover cop?Find out in this gripping prequel to the Steve Regan Undercover Cop series by tagging along with the young detective in 1970's Liverpool. Mentally scarred by a tragic event involving a fatal car crash and the loss of loved ones, he is summoned to see the Chief Constable. Instead of being assessed for his fitness for duty as he expected, he finds himself offered the chance of his first undercover role.On accepting the role, his life is now changed forever as he moves to London with a different identity. The legend of Steve Regan is created with a foolproof backstory so he can infiltrate the international crime gang behind England’s biggest sporting secret. A secret so shocking it could taint the image of British sport irreversibly if it were ever divulged.What is that secret? Is it worth dying for?A page-turning thriller of a novella packed with suspense. If you like fast-paced plot-driven thrillers, discover Stephen Bentley’s undercover cop series today.

A love So Legendary with Special Introduction Edition (Harvey House Series Book 1)


Ellen Anderson - 2018
    However, the real appeal of Fred Harvey’s industry, the reason so many people still remember his businesses today, is because of the Harvey Girls.Far more than mere waitresses, the Harvey Girls were a group of courageous young women who ventured west to hire on with Mr. Harvey, not really knowing the scope of the challenges they would be facing. Ultimately, these women became the wives, mothers, daughters, aunts, sisters, and grandmothers who helped populated the west.Using the work experience they gained at Harvey Houses, they also became some of the country’s first female archaeologists, architects, doctors, lawyers, etc. In truth, Harvey Houses were a springboard for the women who helped shape the western half of the United States, in more ways than one, and this introduction to the series unfolds that riveting story.Then, Book 1 of the Harvey Girl series, A Love So Legendary,�tells the story of the first New Mexico Harvey House, set in the rough and tumble, isolated little town of Raton. When Mary Jane Colter hires on as a Harvey Girl, she has dreams that few women of her day and age are allowed to fulfill.Then she meets Tom Gable, the Raton Harvey House manager, and not only finds the love of a lifetime but a man who might just help her chase her wild dreams. Then a dangerous mystery puts their brand-new relationship to the test and risks their very lives.Love and legend collide as Mary Jane and Tom walk right out of the pages of history and into a timeless romance that could only ever take place in New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment. HARVEY HOUSE SERIES BOOK 1 A Love So LegendaryBOOK 2 A Love So UntamedBOOK 3 A Love So FaithfulBOOK 4 A Love So UnstagedBOOK 5 A Love So MiraculousBOOK 6 A Love So HealingBOOK 7 A Love So BoldBOOK 8 A Love So TrueBOOK 9 A Love So DevotedBOOK 10 A Love So EternalBOOK 11 A Love So CourageousBOOK 12 A Love So Enchanting Historical western romance short story series.

Nine Golden Retriever Mysteries


Neil S. Plakcy - 2020
    Join semi-reformed computer hacker Steve Levitan and his clue-sniffing golden retriever, Rochester, as they go nose to the ground to collar criminals."The Golden Retriever Mysteries are Barking Good" - Sparkle Abbey, author of the Desperate Housedogs series.