TVA Blues Mysteies

Announcing a New Series

TVA Blues Mysteries

The next generation of the good people from Zofia's Baltimore Bakery. Beginning in 1934 when the oldest children return from college, TVA Blues will shock (and hopefully amaze, or at the very least entertain) the gentle readers.

Keep the tissues handy. Things rarely go as suspected.

Available as of February 2025:

Man of Constant Sorrows

 

It's An Old Southern Custom

Coming soon: 

Remember My Forgotten Man

Where Did You Sleep Last Night

Rising of the Moon

Sleepy Time Gal

Sing, Sing, Sing

Down Below (Bonus Novella)

 

Down Below

Monument City Mysteries ended in 1925.

Fast forward to 1931.

The Shay and Dougherty children are in college. Donagh is away at medical school in England, while his twin is law school in Baltimore. Mary Faith is at St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing and Chiara at Towson State Teacher's College. 

Considering their families consist of working women and law enforcement officers, their formative years have involved more than their share of intrigue. Faith thought going to nursing school would be calmer than living with people who thought nothing of discussion autopsy results over the dinner table.

Boy was she wrong.

End of a Perfect Day (Book 24)

 

The End of a Perfect Day

https://a.co/d/2lqtR9M

'Neath the Southern Moon (Book 23)

'Neath the Southern Moon

Book 23 of Monument City Mysteries

https://a.co/d/hawTKsH 

 

It's The Same The Whole World Over (Book 22)

 

It's The Same The Whole World Over

Baritone Isaac Pick is making his international debut. His music master has traveled with him to teach him his part during the trip.

Marcel Duprey's estranged father shocks him down to his socks when he receives a command to bring his wife and children to his estate. But he's even more shocked when his half-brother Klaus and Klaus' wife arrive uninvited.

Meanwhile, in Tennessee, the families are still trying to recover from when the KKK attacked their homes. In Baltimore, rose was in charge of remodeling the restaurant, and has hired a young woman to work in the kitchen. Was it a mistake?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DF5YRN3F

1. 
   

Those Endearing Young Charms (Book 21)

Those Endearing Young Charms

Book 21 of Monument City Mysteries

Things are heating up in Coatesville. The Klan has taken umbrage because there is a group of Catholics in their "Christian" town. Worst of all, those Catholics are doing well for themselves and have the audacity to do things like hire and befriend people of color.

Meanwhile, in Baltimore, things are getting even hotter. Dr. Karl Reichmann has established a medical practice near a college where he has young men working as "Therapists" for some of his female patients.

Isaac, the young baritone who has graduated from Peabody, has been invited to sing in Europe. His music master has a month to teach him a major role he has never before performed.

Then things happen.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDB931T7

Review for Those Endearing Young Charms

5.0 out of 5 stars

 Another winner by Anne Arrandale

Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2024

This is another book in the series by author Anne Arrandale. This series follows several people through the early 1900s. I have enjoyed these books tremendously and have fallen in love with the characters. I love the way she writes true facts about that era and even tells you about them in the back of the book. This specific book introduces such things as racial and religious prejudice and the things that were done in that time at the expense of the innocent. A super story and I highly recommend!

 

Oh Danny Boy (Book 20)

 

Oh Danny Boy

January, 1923. The United States Marine Corps has occupied Haiti since 1915.

Danny Shay joined up as soon as he turned 18, figuring he'd get sent to Europe to fight in the War to End All Wars. Instead he got shipped off to Haiti, where he was witness to some of the atrocities being perpetrated against the Haitian population. As soon as he was able, he left the service and began working his way back to Baltimore. He arrives in town only to discover that his brothers have moved to Tennessee.

Marcel's half-brother, Klaus, has been letting his jealousy get the better of him. He wants what his brother has, no matter what he has to do to get it.

Marcel Duprey former German spy, now head master of a prestigious music academy, welcomes the former Marine as part of his security force at his campus, just in time for Danny to foil a break in by the man who burned Marcel's former school.

---

Review for Oh Danny Boy

The author does a fantastic job of weaving historical events with an intriguing plot full of suspense and action. Danny Shay is a compelling protagonist, and his journey from war-torn Haiti back to the United States is both fascinating and heartfelt. The dynamic between Marcel and Klaus adds another layer of tension that kept me hooked. There are a few slow parts, but overall, the storytelling and character development are top-notch. Highly recommend for anyone who loves historical fiction with a thrilling twist!

Box Sets

 Now Available:

Box Sets, of four books each.

Box Set One:

Why Are You Weeping, Sister?

The House that Jack Built

That Was Before I Met You

Oh Mr. Porter

Box Set Two

Goodbye Muirsheen Durkin

Everybody Two-Step

There's a Girl in the Heart of Maryland

After The Ball

Box Set Three

Somewhere in France There's a Lily

Come to the Church in the Wildwood

When the Roll is Called Up Yonder

Johnny Has Gone For a Soldier

Box Set Four

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Father Dear Father Come Home

Alcoholic Blues

At the Devil's Ball

Box Set Five

St. Louis Woman

Sweet Mystery of Life

Power in the Blood

Oh Danny Boy

More to Come

 as new books are released

You can see the series here

Power in the Blood (book 19)

 

Power in the Blood

Book 19 of Monument City Mysteries

Families. It's a shame we don't get to pick who are in them. Some family members are wonderful. Others aren't worth the powder to blow their noses.

Dylan and Rhys Shay have moved their families to Tennessee, where Dylan is the new chief of police. They had thought there would be far less crime in a rural town than they had to deal with in Baltimore. They are soon to learn that crime in the country is different only because there are fewer people. Dead bodies begin turning up in the fairgrounds.

Marcel Duprey and his little family are doing quite well with their music school. Parents are clamoring for their children to be admitted. Everything is going along swimmingly until he receives the letter that brings his past screaming into their lives, and maybe not for the better.

Sweet Mystery of Life (Book 18)

 

1922: Eugenics has taken hold. A woman of color gives birth to a biracial baby who is a light complexioned blond cherub. She is told the child was stillborn. She and her husband refuse to accept that.

Meanwhile, evil is afoot in Baltimore City. Someone is kidnapping little girls. When they are found, they have been raped beaten and sometimes killed. The police feel as if they are running in circles.

Sweet Mystery of Life

Review for Sweet Mystery of Life:

This is a dark book, yet sometimes that's exactly what we need to break the monotony of reading about sunshine and flowers. Set in 1922, the world is vivid and lends the narrative a special atmosphere, and the quality of prose supports an already-interesting setting. While the story contains a lot of horrible beats, it's engaging and well-written, and the characters are candid and realistic, adding to the narrative's overall gloomy feeling.

 

St. Louis Woman (Book 17)

 

A neighborhood grocery store has been firebombed and the owner killed. Some woman is going around town selling "insurance" so the same thing doesn't happen to them.

Baltimore City was really living up to its name of "Mob Town" in 1921. Will the police be able to stop the St. Louis Woman? And is she the only guilty party?

Saint Louis Woman

Review for St. Louis Woman:

I found this book to be incredibly engaging and thought-provoking. It is a captivating story that is based on real events from a specific era and place. I appreciate how the author has taken inspiration from history to create a compelling narrative.

I would like to mention that while reading this book, it is important to be aware that there may be content that could be triggering for some readers. The author has handled sensitive subjects with care and authenticity, but it is advisable to approach the book with caution if you are sensitive to certain topics.

Overall, I highly recommend this book for its historical accuracy and the way it sheds light on significant events. It is a powerful and impactful read that will leave a lasting impression.

 

At The Devil's Ball (Book 16)

 

A minister has been murdered along with his paramour, their bodies found in the basement of church's residence. The preacher's wife is missing.

Gabrielle Walsh, a former traveling evangelist, knew both the preacher and his wife. A year after the man's demise and the woman's disappearance, a "man" surfaces in a neighboring community operating a "spiritualist camp", where "he" offers to contact dead loved ones. Gabby knows the medium is the missing wife.

Gabby agrees to assist the police by going undercover to try and apprehend a murderess.

At The Devil's Ball 

Review for At The Devil's Ball

In this book, a minister and his lover are found dead, and the preacher's wife is missing. Gabrielle a former evangelist, joins the hunt for the murderer, who turns out to be operating a spiritualist camp. What's unique? It portrays post-WWI America realistically and offers real characters. The author's favorite part is when Gabby explains how mediums manipulate people for money. This book is part of the Monument City Mysteries and focuses on a crooked medium, not witchcraft. It's well-written, full of twists, and entertaining, with great characters. You'll love the humor, descriptions, and historical accuracy. Fans of the Counterfeit Lady Series, Gaslight Mystery Series, and more will enjoy it.

 

Alcoholic Blues (Book 15)

 

 

Prohibition is just getting started. Baltimore City Police are told to stand down from any enforcement involving the Volstead Act, as the Governor has claimed his state would be "just as wet as ever".

Gabrielle Lane Pennington is out of jail, and ready for a new challenge. Joshua McAleese, the brother of her former associate, has taken over Mickey's operation. He presses Gabby into working with him in order to open a nightclub. Everything is going along swimmingly, the club is making more money than anyone anticipated. Then Gabby made the mistake of asking for more money.

---

Alcoholic Blues

Review for Alcoholic Blues

"Alcoholic Blues" is an engaging read set in Prohibition-era Baltimore. The story is full of action, interesting twists, and well-drawn characters. Millie, the central character, is particularly endearing. The book captures small but significant details like the introduction of electric refrigerators, adding to the authenticity of the setting.

Father Dear Father Come Home (Book 14)

 

February, 1920. Prohibition went into effect a month before. Prohibition agents are political hacks, most having bought their positions, and more apt to make more in graft from the bootleggers than from their salaries.

At the same time, the Governor of the State of Maryland declared his state would remain as "wet as ever". Police were told to stand down on all matters regarding enforcement of the Volstead Act or the 18th Amendment.

Gabby Lane Pennington is no longer running a patent medicine mail order business. Now she has a full blown distillery, making not just Pennington's Tonic, but Maryland Rye Whiskey. They claim the whiskey is being sold only to pharmacies for prescription distribution. No one told the speakeasies who pull up every Sunday to take delivery on cases of the stuff.

Newly minted police officer Rhys Shay is sent into the factory undercover. Not to investigate the making of illegal liquor, but the death of Barnaby Fogg, Gabby's former bed partner and partner in crime.

---

Father Dear Father Come Home

Review for Father Dear Father Come Home:

I like the author's mix of history and fiction in this book. She transports us into the Prohibition era. The world of bootlegging, corrupt politics, and murder is part of the interesting and complex plot that kept me glued to the book. Do not miss the "Notes on the book" at the end, where the author provides links to music and some additional historical notes that will enhance your appreciation of the times.

 

Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder (Book 13)

  

The eleventh month, the eleventh day, the eleventh hour, the eleventh minute. Armistice Day. The end of the War to End All Wars. The toll in lives was tremendous.

Spanish flu brought an even greater toll. Men who came through the war unscathed succumbed to the plague. In the end, no one was left untouched.

This was especially true for the families of Zofia's Cakes and Tarts.

Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder

Review for Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder:

What a wonderful tale. It will make you cry and laugh at the same time. I fell in love with Millie from the very first page and loved her relationship with her hubby. To have her strength. A powerful story

Johnny Has Gone For a Soldier (Book 12)

 

Young men are being drafted, while young women volunteer to serve in auxilary positions, freeing "A Man to Fight."
Rhys Shay has his draft notice, and is preparing to report any day now. Lucy Goodheart, the young woman his brother rescued from a sex trafficker five years before, has learned the art of telegraphy from her foster father. Now that she is out of school, she joins the U.S. Navy in the only capacity available, as a Yeoman (F). Not only does being a Yeomanette enable her to make use of her telegraphy skills, it lets her feel closer to young Mr. Shay.

One of the first thing Lucy does is intercept communications from a German spy ring.

Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier

Review for Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier:

This story is history-based fiction about World War I. The book's main hero, Lucy Goodheart, is a woman who uses her telegraphy skills by joining the Navy. While working in the Yeoman branch, she intercepted communications of a sabotage cell ring. I did not know about women's contributions during WWI, and I found the story, as well as the bibliography at the end of the book, interesting.
 

When the Roll is Called Up Yonder (Book 11)

 

1914: England has entered the War to End All Wars.. Germany seems determined to force the British to split their forces and to fight against the Irish rebels in the north.

Mounted Police Officer Tadhg Nagel has become somewhat of a local hero. First he was instrumental in breaking up a peonage operation for the Bureau of Investigation. Then he foiled a major theft at a society fashion show. That wasn't enough for Officer Nagel. He needed to do something to stop the Germans from destroying his homeland. Joining the Britsh Army would most likely mean coming home in a pine box. Nagel didn't know what else to do until he was sent on special assignment to the aerodrome in College Park to provide security for members of the Lafayette Escadrille.

Gerhardt Weissmann is still on the loose. After his escape from the police, he's still not exactly honest. Teaching music isn't a bad way to earn a living, but it serves even better as a front for sabotage and espionage.

When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder

Review for When the Roll is Called Up Yonder:

When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder by Anne Arrandale is a historical fiction novel set in 1914. This book paints a vivid picture of what life was like for those living through World War I and offers realistic depictions of its horrors.
The main character, Mounted Police Officer Tadhg Nagel, is an unexpected hero who seeks to protect his homeland from the German forces. He is brave and resourceful, and readers will find him a compelling protagonist. The story follows him as he joins the British Army in an effort to put an end to the war.
Through his travels and experiences, Officer Nagel encounters various characters who help or hinder his progress in unexpected ways. This novel is full of exciting twists and turns that will keep readers of all ages engaged.
Overall, When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder is an entertaining and thought-provoking book that captures the essence of living through war. It’s a great read for those looking to learn more about World War I or simply escape into a good historical fiction story.