Friday, July 12, 2024

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.


Sunday, June 16, 2024

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


Monday, February 26, 2024

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.

Saturday, February 17, 2024

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.


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?


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.



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 cha
llenge. 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.



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.

Welcome

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...