Dead Insider by Victoria Houston is Today's Kindle Daily Deal

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Dead Insider by Victoria Houston as today's Amazon Kindle Daily Deal.

The deal price of $1.99 is valid only for today, Sunday, September 15, 2013.

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Dead Insider
Victoria Houston
A Paul "Doc" Osborne, Loon Lake Mystery
Tyrus Books

In the midst of a catastrophic August rainstorm, a grisly discovery shatters the serenity of a summer evening in northern Wisconsin. Moving quickly to prevent a panic among tourists, Loon Lake Police Chief Lewellyn Ferris enlists the forensic and interrogation skills of her close friend and fellow fly fisherman, the retired dentist "Doc" Osborne. Within hours of launching their investigation, they find themselves faced with a national media circus as Loon Lake becomes the focus of a murderous scenario that links the murder to the race for the U.S. Senate by a woman who is heir to a Northwoods fortune and other, less savory, family traditions.

In the meantime, Doc Osborne's eldest daughter, Mallory, enters into a relationship that may put her life at risk — unless her father and Chief Ferris can find the killer stalking the residents of Loon Lake.

Click on the Amazon button to see also the special Whispersync offer associated with this title.

Important Note: This book was listed at the price mentioned above on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

Today's Mystery and Suspense Update from Big Fish Games (130915)

Here is today's mystery and suspense update from Big Fish Games …

• The New Release is Dark Cases: The Blood Ruby (Collector's Edition).

• The Daily Deal is Mystery Heritage: Sign of the Spirit, just $2.99 today only!

• The current Catch of the Week is Flux Family Secrets: The Book of Oracles, just $2.99 through Sunday, September 15, 2013 only.

Visit the Omnimystery Entertainment Network for more games of mystery and suspense!

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Today's New Release is Dark Cases: The Blood Ruby (Collector's Edition)

Your worst fears came true the night your father never arrived home. Someone killed him during his latest investigation. As you sort through his remaining possessions you discover his diary recording his last moments — and a strange amulet that sends you hurtling back through time to the day before his murder. Time is running out as you race to not only prevent his murder but also to catch the mastermind behind it all. Unravel the trail of clues to locate a deadly ruby before its gruesome powers are unleashed in this heart-pounding Hidden-Object Puzzle Adventure game.

This is a special Collector's Edition release full of exclusive extras you won't find in the standard version, including: Bonus chapter; Concept art and wallpapers; Soundtrack; Re-playable mini-games; Cinematic Collection.

A sample version is available to download and play for free for one hour.

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Today's Daily Deal is Mystery Heritage: Sign of the Spirit

Investigate a mysterious and deadly curse! A recent death in the Williams family brings about rumors of an age old family curse placed upon them by a witch. Was this death part of the witch's revenge? You have been called in to investigate this and stop hysteria from reaching the rest of the town. Was this death the result of the curse, or is it part of something deeper? Find out in this thrilling Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game!

A sample version is available to download and play for free for one hour. You can purchase this game today only — Sunday, September 15, 2013 — for $2.99.

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The current Catch of the Week is Flux Family Secrets: The Book of Oracles

Immerse yourself in the secret world of a time traveling family as they fight to save their future in the final chapter of the Flux Family Secrets trilogy. Follow Jesse as she navigates through time helping historical figures and unraveling a mysterious plot that involves her families' future. It's time to board this thrilling hidden object puzzle adventure that answers all the lingering questions and concludes the Flux Family Secrets trilogy.

A sample version is available to download and play for free for one hour. You can purchase this game at the special price of $2.99 through Sunday, September 15, 2013.

A New MystereBook: Jokerman by Tim Stevens

Here is a mystery, suspense, or thriller ebook that we recently found by sleuthing (as it were) through new or recently reissued titles from independent publishers …

Jokerman by Tim Stevens is the third book in this spy thriller series featuring ratcatcher John Purkiss, whose job it is to track down agents of the intelligence services who are taking kickbacks, committing crimes, or otherwise abusing their positions. And bring them to justice.

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Jokerman by Tim Stevens
A John Purkiss, Ratcatcher Thriller
Publisher: Tim Stevens
Publication Date: September 10, 2013

On a summer's morning in the leafy, well-to-do English county of Surrey, the Home Secretary is conducting a highly secret meeting with a member of MI5, the British Security Service. A sniper takes aim, hits his target, and a chain of events is set in motion that will have momentous repercussions.

John Purkiss is tasked with hunting down rogue spies within SIS, Britain's overseas intelligence service. So when he's asked to investigate an assassination suspected to have been the work of an agent within MI5, he refuses. The Security Service can catch its own rats.

Then Purkiss is subject to a violent attack in his own home, an attack which leaves his closest friend near to death. And suddenly he has a personal reason for becoming involved.

Gradually his pursuit of the truth exposes a tortuous conspiracy which reaches deep into the very heart of British counterintelligence and the body politic. Forced to enlist the help of an old enemy, a man he'd sworn to kill, and in an atmosphere of increasing paranoia and distrust, Purkiss finds himself doubting the motives of the very people closest to him, as he nears the final, climactic showdown with the killer known as the Jokerman …

  

Participate in Creating Three Crowd-Sourced Stories for the CWA Crime Thriller Awards

Do you want to be a crime thriller writer? You can post your ideas on everything from the victim's name to the actual crime in a promotional campaign being coordinated by the organizers of the 2013 CWA Crime Thriller Awards.

From Monday, September 16th, through Friday, September 20th, crime fiction fans will be asked to tweet (using #youdunnit) and post their ideas (on this site). Three crime writers — Nicci French, Tim Weaver, and first time novelist Alistair Gunn — will then create their own stories based on these suggestions.

A free digital book of the three stories will be made available to download in mid-October; a print version will be handed out at the Crime Thriller Awards ceremony on Thursday, October 24th, 2013.

Steeled for Murder, A Jesse Damon Crime Novel by KM Rockwood, Now at a Special Price

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Steeled for Murder by KM Rockwood, now available at a special price, courtesy of the publisher, Musa Publishing.

The ebook format of this title was priced at $0.99 from the listed vendors (below) as of the date and time of this post (09/14/2013 at 3:00 PM ET). Prices are subject to change without notice. The price displayed on the vendor website at the time of purchase will be the price paid for the book. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your transaction.

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Steeled for Murder by KM Rockwood
A Jesse Damon Crime Novel (1st in series)
Publisher: Musa Publishing

After nearly twenty years in prison on a murder conviction, Jesse Damon has been released, a home detention monitor strapped to his ankle. Determined to make it and mindful of his parole restrictions, he struggles with life outside prison. He finds a basement apartment, a job on the overnight shift at a steel fabrication plant and a few people who treat him like anybody else. Especially Kelly, a woman who works in the shipping department. He seems to be making it. Until Mitch, forklift driver on the shift, is found murdered in the warehouse.

Investigating detective doesn't want to look any further than Jesse to close the case He's not fussy about the methods he uses to gather evidence. If Jesse isn't going down for this, he will have to be the one to figure out who killed Mitch and why.

  

Important Note: This book was listed at the above mentioned price on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

The Sound and the Furry by Spencer Quinn, New in Bookstores This Week

Today's new hardcover mystery title, scheduled to be published this week by Atria Books, is The Sound and the Furry by Spencer Quinn.

For a list of more new hardcover mysteries published this month, visit our New Mysteries page for September 2013. For new paperback mysteries, visit The Mystery Bookshelf where a selection of September 2013 mysteries, novels of suspense, and thrillers are shelved.

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The Sound and the Furry
Spencer Quinn
Series: Chet and Bernie (6th)

When Chet and Bernie happen upon a prison work crew that includes Frenchie Boutette, an old criminal pal they sent up the river, getting a new case is the last thing they expect. But Frenchie, who comes from an old Louisiana family full of black sheep, needs help finding his one law-abiding relative, his brother Ralph, a reclusive inventor who has gone missing with his houseboat. Though he's tempted to take another job (with a big payday) in Alaska, Bernie decides to set course for the bayous of Louisiana, a trip that will introduce Chet to a world of sights, smells, and tastes that are like nothing he's ever encountered.

Out in bayou country, Chet and Bernie meet the no-good Boutette family and their ancient enemies, the maybe-even-worse Robideaus, and at first it seems as if Ralph's disappearance is connected to a dispute over a load of stolen shrimp. But when Chet uncovers a buried clue, the investigation heads in a dangerous new direction involving the oil business and an impending environmental catastrophe. The more Chet and Bernie discover about Ralph, the more treacherous the job becomes, and soon they're fighting not only Big Oil, but also shadowy black ops figures, a violent biker gang from back home, and Iko — a legendary bayou gator with a seemingly insatiable appetite. Meanwhile, deep under the Gulf, the pressure just keeps building.

      

Telemystery: Still Life, Based on Louise Penny's Novel, Airs Sunday September 15th on Canada's CBC

Louise Penny's first "Armand Gamache" mystery, Still Life, has been adapted for a made-for-television film and will air tomorrow, Sunday September 15th, 2013 at 8 PM for our friends north of the border on CBC. The two hour film introduces Inspector Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec investigating a suspicious hunting accident.

"Still Life focuses on a picturesque small town that becomes unravelled after a beloved community member is found dead and the investigation into her death reveals layers of deceit, rage and long-simmering resentment," said the CBC.

Two additional movies adapted from the books in the series are planned. Nine have been published to date, including the most recent title, How the Light Gets In.

The author's first book, Still Life was awarded the 2006 CWA New Blood Dagger in the UK as well as the 2006 Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel in Canada and 2007 Anthony Award for Best First Novel in the US. More about the book, below.

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Still Life
Louise Penny
An Armand Gamache Mystery (1st in series)

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Surêté du Québec and his team of investigators are called in to the scene of a suspicious death in a rural village south of Montreal. Jane Neal, a local fixture in the tiny hamlet of Three Pines, just north of the U.S. border, has been found dead in the woods.

The locals are certain it's a tragic hunting accident and nothing more, but Gamache smells something foul in these remote woods, and is soon certain that Jane Neal died at the hands of someone much more sinister than a careless bowhunter.

      

MystereBooks: The Life and Loves of a She Devil by Fay Weldon, Available this Month at a Special Price

Every month Amazon releases a new selection of Kindle books priced $3.99 or less.

Today's featured title from the Mystery & Thrillers category is The Life and Loves of a She Devil by Fay Weldon. This Kindle book was listed at $1.99 as of the date and time of this post, Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 1:30 PM ET, and should be available at this price through the end of the month.

More information about the book is below; if other vendors have priced-matched this title, links to their sites are also shown.

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The Life and Loves of a She Devil by Fay Weldon
A Novel of Suspense
Publisher: Open Road Media

Ruth loves her husband, Bobbo, a handsome, successful accountant. But Bobbo has fallen in love with Mary Fisher, a bestselling romance novelist who lives in a high tower overlooking the sea, pampered by her young, virile manservant.

Mary is petite, dainty, and lovely. He tells Ruth about his affair and when Ruth reacts badly, he promptly moves out. In turn, Ruth decides to orchestrate a fiendish and masterful revenge.

      

Important Note: Prices are subject to change without notice. The price displayed on the vendor website at the time of purchase will be the price paid for the book. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your transaction.

Beyond Justice, A Legal Thriller by Joshua Graham, Now at a Special Price

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Beyond Justice by Joshua Graham, now available at a special price, courtesy of the publisher, Dawn Treader Press.

The ebook format of this title was priced at $2.99 from the listed vendors (below) as of the date and time of this post (09/14/2013 at 1:00 PM ET). Prices are subject to change without notice. The price displayed on the vendor website at the time of purchase will be the price paid for the book. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your transaction.

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Beyond Justice by Joshua Graham
A Legal Thriller
Publisher: Dawn Treader Press

The descent into Hell is not always vertical …

Sam Hudson, a reputable San Diego attorney, learns this when the authorities wrongfully convict him of the brutal rape and murder of his wife and daughter, and sends him to death row. There he awaits execution by lethal injection.

If he survives that long.

In prison, Sam fights for his life while his attorney works frantically on his appeal. It is then that he embraces the faith of his departed wife and begins to manifest supernatural abilities. Abilities which help him save lives — his own, those of his unlikely allies — and uncover the true killer's identity, unlocking the door to his exoneration.

Now a free man, Sam's newfound faith confronts him with the most insurmountable challenge yet. A challenge beyond vengeance, beyond rage, beyond anything Sam believes himself capable of: to forgive the very man who murdered his family, according to his faith. But this endeavor reveals darker secrets than either Sam or the killer could ever have imagined. Secrets that hurtle them into a fateful collision course.

    

Important Note: This book was listed at the above mentioned price on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

A New MystereBook: Death of an Old Git by Andrea Frazer

Here is a mystery, suspense, or thriller ebook that we recently found by sleuthing (as it were) through new or recently reissued titles from independent publishers …

Death of an Old Git by Andrea Frazer is the first book in the Falconer Files, a village detective series with a delightful slice of humor. It was originally published by the author in paperback in June 2012.

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Death of an Old Git by Andrea Frazer
A Falconer Files Murder Mystery
Publisher: Accent Press
Publication Date: September 11, 2013

In the village of Castle Farthing a mean-spirited, spiteful, curmudgeonly old man is found drugged and strangled in the kitchen of his cottage, with no obvious clues to the perpetrator of the crime.

DI Falconer and Acting DS Carmichael are summoned from the police headquarters in the nearby town of Market Darley and begin to uncover a web of grudges against the old man and a sea of familial connections between those who knew him.

As the heat of July continues relentlessly, tempers flare, disturbing the usual rural calm of the village, and the normally imperturbable Harry Falconer. Faced with a crime with no obvious prime suspect and the idiosyncrasies of his new partner, Carmichael, he feels that he is gradually losing his grip on the case as the body count rises.

Undecided whether he has one or two murderers to bring to justice, only a moment of serendipity will show him how events actually unfolded, and allow him to close his File on Castle Farthing, still smarting from the hideous twist with which events finally came to a head.

  

A Conversation with Mystery Author Marian Lanouette

with Marian Lanouette

We are delighted to welcome mystery author Marian Lanouette to Omnimystery News today.

Marian is the author of the "Jake Carrington" mystery series, the second and most recent of which is Burn in Hell (MuseItUp Publishing; January 2013 ebook format).

We recently had the chance to talk to Marian about the series.

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Omnimystery News: When you were writing If I Fail, did you know it would be the first in a series?

Photo provided courtesy of
Marian Lanouette

Marian Lanouette: When Jake Carrington came to me it flashed through my mind like a movie. As I sat there and watched the screen in my mind I knew his story would take more than one book. Once the action stopped, I turned to my computer and outlined four books and wrote the first three chapters for each so I wouldn't lose the flavor of the series.

OMN: Tell us more about your writing process.

ML: I don't create an outline per say. As I stated above, a story comes to me like a movie. I see the whole story, than I sit down and type down a short synopsis and an outline. It will change as I write, because sometimes the original story changes as the characters start speaking with me.

I do have what some call a bible for the Jake Carrington Series. I keep a OneNote file and a hard covered loose leaf note book. In each one I have character and setting descriptions, style of clothing for each repeating character, their bios, what their favorite food is and their backgrounds going back into their teen years. In a series, it's important that you keep your characters descriptions on the money or your readers will call you on it.

OMN: How would you catagorize the books in this series?

ML: If I Fail and Burn in Hell are mystery novels with strong romantic elements (might even be called romantic suspense.) Both books are also Police Procedurals. They do cross-over genres. I do find it can be a disadvantage, because the stories are strong cop stories, but the main character and his partner's personal lives play a big part in the each book.

OMN: Give us the synopsis of Burn in Hell in a tweet.

ML: Murder, sex, stalking, just a normal day for Lieutenant Jake Carrington … that is, until he becomes the one being stalked.

OMN: Is Jake Carrington based on a real person?

ML: No character is based on anyone I know or me. Nor are they based on real events. I love the freedom of fiction. In Burn in Hell I used my background working at a cemetery/crematory to create realistic, fictional settings and characters.

OMN: How do you research the plot points of your books?

ML: I use a combination to check my facts. The Internet is one source. So is firsthand knowledge. I love going to the library to browse through several books and read up on my topics. The most challenging is what I'm working on right now. I'm reading all about serial killers. Let me tell you, this is very dark reading.

The most exciting by far was talking to officers about the job. I enjoyed listening to their stories about procedure and their cases.

OMN: Suppose you were casting for a film adaptation of your book. Whose agents are you calling?

ML: Matthew Morrison or Hugh Jackman would make a great Jake Carrington. For Louie Romanelli I'd say Clive Owen or Emile Hirsch.

OMN: What is the best advice — and harshest criticism — you've received as an author?

ML: The best advice I received was from a bestselling author who said write the next book once your first one is under contract. There is no marketing better than to follow up your books with another. She was right.

The harshest criticism I received was on a stand-alone book. The reader said she didn't like it and should have known better by the cover. She rated it a one because she didn't like the genre. Everyone else rated four or five stars.

The advice I'd give an author just starting out would be to join a professional writing group or groups. I don't believe I would have been published this soon without my two main groups.

OMN: Complete this sentence: "I am a mystery author and thus I am also …".

ML: I am a mystery author and thus I am also a reader of all articles on crime. I love reading true crime and fictional murder mysteries. I got hooked at a young age reading the local newspaper. Much to my mother's horror, she discovered me reading about the mass murder of the nurses in Chicago at the age of five. After that I had to sneak the paper to see if they solved the case. I'm glad to report they did arrest the guy and sent him to prison.

OMN: What authors do you read today?

ML: I love J. D. Robb's In Death series. I love anything by Karin Slaughter, Lisa Gardner, and Karen Rose.

OMN: What kinds of questions or feedback do you enjoy receiving from readers?

ML: I love all feedback, good or bad. It is wonderful when a reader takes the time to reach out.

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Marian Lanouette was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, the seventh child of ten. At the age of eight she wrote every day, whether it be a poem, a short story or in her journal. An eighth grade assignment got her published. Though she failed the assignment, the nun was impressed with her poem. It was supposed to be a four line poem, but she couldn't still her pen. "The Beach", her first official published work, is still her favorite though much longer than four lines. It was the nun who submitted the poem for her to the local paper.

Marian currently resides in New England with her husband. For more information about the author and her work, please visit her website at MarianL.com or find her on Facebook and Twitter.

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Burn in Hell
Marian Lanouette
A Jake Carrington Mystery

A botched missing person's case … A nervous mob boss …

Lt. Jake Carrington's gut tells him Phil Lucci is being cagey — with good reason. Jake can see this case has been mishandled from the beginning. Sloppy police work? Or does Lucci's hand reach as far as the WPD? It's Jake's job to find the answers.

Then Jake meets Kyra Russell, a woman with an unusual job — she runs the local crematory. Despite the heated attraction between them, Jake becomes more and more suspicious of Kyra. Her gambling problem has already cost her a marriage and custody of her son. More than that, she also happens to be friends with Phil Lucci. Kyra assures Jake that it's just coincidence, but Jake's experience and his instincts warn him not to believe in chance. Can Kyra be burning bodies for the mob? If she is, what will Jake do about it?

        

Deadly Election by Arthur Crandon is Today's Third Featured Free MystereBook

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Deadly Election by Arthur Crandon as today's third free mystery ebook (A Novel of Asian Intrigue; Kindle format only).

This title was listed for free as of the date and time of this post, September 14, 2013 at 7:30 AM ET. Prices are subject to change without notice. The price displayed on the vendor website at the time of purchase will be the price paid for the book. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your transaction.

For a summary of all of today's featured titles, plus any that may have appeared before and are repeat freebies, visit our Free MystereBooks page. This page is updated daily, typically by 8 AM ET.

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Deadly Election
Arthur Crandon
A Novel of Asian Intrigue
Publisher: Acid Publications

More innocents will die as the evil Senator Consuelo murders and schemes towards the presidential election. The old soldier Paul is the only one with any power to stop this desperate man from or becoming the president. Can he survive to thwart to powerful senator's plans or will he too meet his end?

Chloe, the beautiful, young, long-suffering wife of Consuelo is left with agonizing decisions to make. Can she save her husband? Does she want to?

After police and army raids, street battles, and daring escapes he eventually wins the election. Or does he?

  

Important Note: This book was listed for free on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

For more free mystery ebooks, visit our Free MystereBooks page.

Escape, A New Life by David J. Antocci is Today's Second Featured Free MystereBook

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Escape, A New Life by David J. Antocci as today's second free mystery ebook (A Suspense Adventure; Kindle format only).

This title was listed for free as of the date and time of this post, September 14, 2013 at 7:20 AM ET. Prices are subject to change without notice. The price displayed on the vendor website at the time of purchase will be the price paid for the book. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your transaction.

For a summary of all of today's featured titles, plus any that may have appeared before and are repeat freebies, visit our Free MystereBooks page. This page is updated daily, typically by 8 AM ET.

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Escape, A New Life
David J. Antocci
A Suspense Adventure
Publisher: David J. Antocci

After saving a drowning man during a savage storm, Abby wakes up in a tropical paradise in a fight for her life. She has no idea how she got there, and notices changes in herself that she cannot explain.

Haunted by unsettling dreams of her past, she sets out to escape, joined by Eric, who finds himself in the same predicament. Standing in their way is a madman, and his band of willing followers, with a mind set on murdering their unwelcome visitors. An eccentric hermit who has been living there for years offers them refuge, but they must deny his generosity. Escape is their only option.

Yet, they discover this deceptive paradise is harder to leave than they had ever imagined. One mystery leads to another, until their escape throws them into even greater danger as Abby's frightening past finally catches up with her. Her escape is only the beginning.

  

Important Note: This book was listed for free on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

For more free mystery ebooks, visit our Free MystereBooks page.

Cocoa and Chanel by Donna Joy Usher is Today's Featured Free MystereBook

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Cocoa and Chanel by Donna Joy Usher as today's free mystery ebook (A Chanel Smith Mystery; Kindle format only).

This title was listed for free as of the date and time of this post, September 14, 2013 at 7:10 AM ET. Prices are subject to change without notice. The price displayed on the vendor website at the time of purchase will be the price paid for the book. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your transaction.

For a summary of all of today's featured titles, plus any that may have appeared before and are repeat freebies, visit our Free MystereBooks page. This page is updated daily, typically by 8 AM ET.

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Cocoa and Chanel
Donna Joy Usher
A Chanel Smith Mystery
Publisher: Lush Publications

Faced with the unattractive options of an affair with her boss's husband or the unknown, Chanel Smith chooses the unknown and unwittingly traps herself into joining the New South Wales' Police Force. More interested in fashion than felony, Chanel staggers through training and finds herself posted to the forces most notorious crime hot spot — King's Cross, where she becomes entangled in a case of the worst kind. A serial killer targeting young women.

As she is drawn further into the seedy underworld in her attempt to unravel the truth, Chanel makes new friends, new enemies and draws the attention of the killer. Can she solve the case in time, or will she become the killer's next victim?

  

Important Note: This book was listed for free on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

For more free mystery ebooks, visit our Free MystereBooks page.