"A heart-wrenching and poignant story of bravery. An impressive debut; I loved it." —Robert Dugoni, New York Times bestselling author of The World Played Chess and the Tracy Crosswhite series

A young farmer turns into a courageous resistance fighter after Nazi Germany invades Norway and steals his way of life.

Bjørn Erliksen lives a peaceful life on Norway’s west coast and has never considered himself anything but a farmer. But when Nazi Germany invades, and his country’s ill-equipped military collapses in less than two months, it falls on him and other ordinary Norwegians to fight back.

He escapes to England, trains with an elite Norwegian special forces army unit, and is smuggled back into his homeland as a commando. When Bjørn’s resistance work eventually reunites him with a lost love, they join forces to carry out dangerous sabotage missions, all the while working in the shadows to evade the Gestapo. He weighs love against duty, wrestling with his own conscience as he is forced to commit unspeakable acts and unexpected betrayals. Can Bjørn survive long enough to see Norway’s liberation and find his own peace?

Filled with thrilling historical details about a corner of Europe often forgotten in the story of WWII, A Coat Dyed Black illuminates the struggles and sacrifices of ordinary people compelled to do the extraordinary.

More Reviews:

"The narrative storytelling skills of Don Pugnetti Jr. as a novelist is clearly demonstrated, giving the reader an inherently fascinating entertainment." —Midwest Book Review

"An exciting, high-stakes story skillfully told." —Kirkus

"Through the lens of a reticent young farmer turned resistor, Don Pugnetti Jr. paints a vivid portrait of honor, duty, heartbreak, and survival during Nazi Germany's oppressive WWII occupation of Norway. Meticulously researched—a brilliant debut novel."  —DL Fowler, award-winning author of The Turn

"Readers discover a relatively unexplored corner of the war that resonates in light of current events, and we're entertained while we learn—no easy feat. A Coat Dyed Black will stay in your mind long after you close the final page." —Neil Turner, author of the suspense/thriller Tony Valenti series

Author Bio:

A woman fleeing her past finds more than she bargains for in a new suspense series by New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank.

A woman on the run with no one to trust.

With the ink barely dry on her new identity, Cary Moore just wants to disappear...but fate has other plans.

Broken down car, next to nothing in her bank account, Carly is stuck in a Smoky Mountain town that time has forgotten. Drum is riddled with secrets and outsiders are eyed with distrust. Still, it isn't until she witnesses a cold-blooded murder in a darkened parking lot, that she realizes she's escaped one nightmare, only to land in another.

As the clock ticks down and more bodies pile up, Carly doesn't know who to trust. If she doesn't stop the killers, they just might stop her...permanently.

Deceit and death in the country...

When Rose Beckingham receives a threatening message from a shadowy figure of the criminal underworld, she's forced to face her greatest fear--the exposure of all her secrets.

Forced to do the bidding of the man who calls himself the Chess Master, Rose accompanies Lord and Lady Ashton to their country estate and tries to thwart a murder before it happens.

With the Chess Master watching her every move and the brilliant French detective, Achilles Prideaux, dragging the deeds of her past out of the shadows, can Rose capture a killer in time to protect everyone she loves? Or will a weekend at Ridgewick Hall end the same way it began - with bloodshed?

Our darkest secrets are best left buried...

When a local journalist is found dead in an isolated spot on Roydon Common, lying beneath a hangman's noose on the anniversary of a teenager's suicide, DI Tom Janssen is asked to take on the investigation as a favour to local colleagues and must unpick the deceased man's life to discover how he came to be there. The dead man was working on something, a story he was keeping close to his chest and even those closest to him, loved ones and colleagues, were kept in the dark. He had his own secrets, a side to his character that he rarely showed to others unless they were unlucky. But what did he know that was so damaging as to be worth killing for? As the team delve into his life, past and present, the investigation pulls in successful business people, grieving family members, and a local celebrity with fascinating stories to tell. As the investigation develops it becomes clear that more than one person is harbouring a secret... but are they secrets that are worth a man's life? As past sins threaten to be exposed, will someone be forced into killing again?

Set within the mysterious beauty of coastal Norfolk, this fast-paced British detective novel is a dark murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end when the final shocking twist is revealed.

About the Author
Dalgliesh, J. M.: - Jason Dalgliesh was born on the south coast of England and grew up in Hampshire, UK. He has worked in the power transmission industry, the retail sector, call centres and as a night-owl in a bakery. His greatest challenge of all is ongoing, as a stay at home parent. Having spent time abroad, Jason has lived and worked in various parts of England as well as the Scottish Highlands. He currently resides in Norfolk with his wife and two young children.

Jack Noble has 37 hours to stop a madman hell bent on tearing him down.

Washington, D.C. Midday. A man waits at a bus stop, his intentions unknown. Two government operatives have been stalking him for days, waiting for him to make his move. Unexpectedly, the man takes off running and heads for a deserted warehouse.

Jack Noble and his partner, Frank Skinner, believe the man to be part of a terrorist organization that is involved in smuggling drugs and guns and men into the country. But it turns out their plan involves far more export than import...

And hits a lot closer to home.

As the case unfolds, the man behind it all reaches out to Jack with a simple message...

37 hours.

This fast-paced crime thriller with over 2000 5-star reviews by Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author L.T. Ryan will have you burning through the pages as Jack Noble races to stop a madman before he claims Noble's life.

37 HOURS...
TO STOP A MADMAN...
HELLBENT ON TEARING NOBLE DOWN.

L.T. Ryan's Jack is back in the second epic page-turning novel in the USA Today bestselling Jack Noble Thriller Series.

Washington, D.C. Midday. A man waits at a bus stop, his intentions unknown. Two government operatives have been stalking him for days, waiting for him to make his move. Unexpectedly, the man takes off running and heads for a deserted warehouse.

Jack Noble and his partner, Frank Skinner, believe the man to be part of a terrorist organization that is involved in smuggling drugs and guns and men into the country. But it turns out their plan involves far more export than import, and hits a lot closer to home.

As the case unfolds, the man behind it all reaches out to Jack with a simple message...

37 hours.

This fast-paced crime thriller with over 1000 5-star reviews by USA Today bestselling author L.T. Ryan will have you burning through the pages as Jack Noble races to stop a madman before he claims Noble's life.

Fans of Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, Lee Child's Jack Reacher, Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp, and Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne will enjoy the Jack Noble Thriller Series.

______________________________________

Readers are saying...

★★★★★ "JASON BOURNE, JACK RYAN, JACK REACHER. AND NOW JACK NOBLE..."

★★★★★ "I totally agree with the reviewer who said if you like Jack Reacher, you'll love Jack Noble."

★★★★★ "I enjoy the Jack Noble character as much as Mitch Rapp, Scott Horvath, or Jack Ryan."
______________________________________

Other Books in the Jack Noble Series of Political and Action Thrillers

A Deadly Distance is the second of thirteen Jack Noble espionage thriller books. In addition, a recently released prequel, and five series spin-offs are available. The series has earned thousands of five-star reviews, and has been downloaded over two-million times to Kindles around the world.

If you enjoy gripping thrillers loaded with suspense, action, twists & turns, Jack Noble is for you

Noble beginnings was a top 100 book on Amazon from June 2018 through August 2018

L.T. Ryan spent 15 consecutive months in Amazon's top 100 authors list from June 2018 through September 2019

USA Today Bestseller L.T. Ryan: 3/27/2014, 3/5/2015, 7/7/2016, 12/15/2016, 5/25/2017

Perils and plots in British India...

When Rose Beckingham's pursuit of an international spy leads to the uncovering of an assassination plot, she'll have to race against time to prevent a crime before it occurs. The dangerous investigation will threaten her relationship with Achilles Prideaux, while leading her from the dusty streets of Morocco to the deep jungles of India.

With the roots of the mystery leading back to the deaths of the real Rose and her parents, the case is personal. Rose is drawn to the site of last summer's explosion, where a ruthless murderer strikes again. Can she discover the terrible secrets behind the fate of the Beckinghams before it's too late? Or will a mercenary killer escape and carry the truth away with him?

As a homicide detective, Rosemaria Baker is known for her street smarts, her feisty personality and her ability to nail the bad guys.

Being the daughter of a cop and an actress gave little Rosemaria a dichotomous view of life. Her mother was inclined to get lost in her fantasies while her father had to face the harsh realities of a world filled with murder and mayhem. Nine-year-old Rosemaria loved both her parents and admired her mother's talent but even at a young age she felt drawn to her father's work as a detective, constantly begging him to share with her every detailed description of the dangerous criminals and close calls he survived while chasing the bad guys.

Whatever Rosemaria did she did it well; be it hitting baseballs, shooting baskets, writing school papers, she put her all into every endeavor. When tragedy invaded her world at the tender age of ten, she survived because of her innate ability to compartmentalize her feelings and move forward.

While still in college she was faced with a terrifying situation where she had to use all of her mental and physical capabilities in an effort to save her father's life. Ignoring what would have been safe and expected of her and asking no one's advice, she risked everything to find him and bring him home alive.

A deadly welcome...

On her return to London, Rose Beckingham's reunion with her relatives is marred by shadows from the past. When a family wedding moves the party to the English countryside, it isn't long before old resentments resurface and dark suspicions are awakened.

With a sudden death throwing everyone into turmoil, can Rose unmask the killer stalking the corridors of Ridgewick Hall? And what of Rose's own secrets? Has the time come for a final reveal?

I should wonder why I feel so comfortable with Taylor. Why I'm so enamored with a stranger I met at a bar.I should, but I don't.

Alice Brewster is at a low point. After being let go from her job at the ritzy Grant Hotel, she's taken to hiding out at a dingy Manhattan pub just so that she won't have to tell anyone the shameful truth.


So when blonde, beautiful Taylor waltzes in one sunny afternoon, Alice is ready for the distraction of an unpredictable new friend.

As Alice and Taylor get closer, Alice confesses the real reason she lost her job - a hotel guest, the wealthy real estate mogul Weston Chambers, assaulted her.


But while Alice wants sympathy, Taylor's rage is white hot. We could kill him, she says.


Alice thinks she's joking. Of course she's joking.


But then Weston Chambers turns up dead.


And Taylor is nowhere to be found. Now Alice is the prime suspect in the murder. But can she track down Taylor - and unravel the truth about her new friend's real motives - before it's too late?

August 1925 After a slew of cases for Jack, a new book, and a series of business meetings for Vi, and an excess of Violet's stepmother for them both, Vi and Jack determine to flee to a lodge in the woods. A little fresh air, a ramble or two, afternoon naps, lingering mornings over a cup of Turkish coffee and perhaps all will be aright again. Only one morning walk ends with a body and yet again, Violet, Jack, and their friends find themselves involved in a mysterious death. The main suspects for the killer are none other than the victim's long-time friends. Just why do you turn on an old friend? And if you've done it once, will you do it again? Book THIRTEEN in the Violet Carlyle Mysteries. Are you ready for the roaring twenties? You'll love Vi, her patient husband Jack, her indulgent twin Vic, and their friends. For fans of Carola Dunn, Jacqueline Winspear, Georgette Heyer, and Lee Strauss. A light, cozy mystery with a fun peek into life in the life of a bright young thing. No swearing, graphic scenes, or cliffhangers.The Violet Carlyle Mysteries1- Murder & The Heir2- Kennington House Murder3- Murder at the Folly 4- A Merry Little Murder*5- Murder Among the Roses6- Murder in the Shallows 7- Gin & Murder 8- Obsidian Murder 9- Murder at the Ladies Club 10- Wedding Vows & Murder11- A Jazzy Little Murder12- Murder by Chocolate*13- A Friendly Little Murder 14- Murder by the Sea15- Murder on All Hallows16- Murder in the Shadows17 A Jolly Little Murer*There are two short stories that fall between A Merry Little Murder and Murder Among the Roses. They are: New Year's Madness and Valentine's Madness. There is a short story that falls between Murder by Chocolate and A Friendly Little Murder found in Candlelit Madness.

”Henrietta and Inspector Howard are the best pair of sleuths I've come across in ages. A fantastic start to what is sure to be a long running series.” ―Tasha Alexander, New York Times bestselling author
 
Henrietta Von Harmon works as a 26 girl at a corner bar on Chicago's northwest side. It's 1935, but things still aren't looking up since the big crash and her father's subsequent suicide, leaving Henrietta to care for her antagonistic mother and younger siblings.
 
Henrietta is eventually persuaded to take a job as a taxi dancer at a local dance hall―and just when she's beginning to enjoy herself, the floor matron turns up dead. When aloof Inspector Clive Howard appears on the scene, Henrietta agrees to go undercover for him―and is plunged into Chicago's grittier underworld.
 
Meanwhile, she's still busy playing mother hen to her younger siblings, as well as to pesky neighborhood boy Stanley, who believes himself in love with her and keeps popping up in the most unlikely places, determined to keep Henrietta safe―even from the Inspector, if need be. Despite his efforts, however, and his penchant for messing up the Inspector's investigation, the lovely Henrietta and the impenetrable Inspector find themselves drawn to each other in most unsuitable ways.

More Reviews:

2021 Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY Awards): Gold Winner in Book Series – Fiction
2017 IPPY Awards: Gold Mystery Winner
2016 Readers Favorite: Gold Mystery Winner
2016 Foreword Indies: Gold Mystery Winner
2016 Foreword Indies: Romance Finalist
2016 Shelf Unbound: Top 100 Notable Indie
2016 Chanticleer Awards: Mystery and Mayhem 1st place Winner
2016 USA Best Book Awards: Fiction Romance Finalist
2016 Beverly Hills Book Awards: Regional Fiction Winner – Midwest
2016 Next Generation Indies: Romance Finalist
2019 Next Generation Indie Book Awards: Finalist in Series
2016 Reader Views: Historical Fiction Winner; Regional Winner – Great Lakes; Tyler Tichelaar Award

”Henrietta and Clive are a sexy, endearing, and downright fun pair of sleuths. Readers will not see the final twist coming.” ―Library Journal

“Fans of spunky, historical heroines will love Henrietta Von Harmon.” ―Booklist

“Cox’s use of literary detail brings scenes into full focus as the reader anxiously races through the pages of this deliciously written cloak and dagger affair. A delightful story.” ―Readers’ Favorite

“A Girl Like You is very intriguing, well-written, and the plot very entertaining. Readers will be drawn into the sights, smells, and seedy side of Chicago.” ―Reader Views

“Even if a mystery didn’t enfold, this would be a thoroughly satisfying novel…. The embedded mystery, however, takes this book to another level, a feat of successful merging of genres.” ―Chanticleer Reviews

“Chicago in the 1930s: Be still, our history-obsessed hearts. Dashing inspector Clive Howard convinces Henrietta Von Harmon to go undercover in Chicago’s dark underworld of crime, and her mission for evidence leads to an undeniable romance sure to leave readers swooning.” ―Bookstr, Top 5 Historical Fiction Reads for Romance Lovers

“Here is another wonderful mystery series set between the wars that is less Maisie Dobbs and more Amory Ames (albeit with a lower class main character) or Kate Shackleton but should appeal to fans of all between the wars mysteries or even just fiction for that matter.” ―ReadSpace

“As the two continue to sleuth together, Henrietta realizes that the most difficult thing to keep under wraps might be her heart.” ―Buzzfeed, 5 Historical Mysteries for Romance Lovers

“The authentic setting rich in cinematic detail of Chicago during The Great Depression is the perfect backdrop for a plethora of vivid characters in Michele Cox’s novel A Girl Like You. A highly entertaining mystery.” ―Sande Boritz Berger, author of The Sweetness

“Anyone who enjoys a well-written romantic mystery set in a gritty time and place will enjoy A Girl Like You.” ―M.A. Adler, author of In the Shadow of Lies

“The book’s cast of additional characters, headed by Inspector Howard, accompanies Henrietta through a murder, a dangerous job, and touching reminders that life turns on small intimacies. This engaging book bodes well for the following works in the series!” ―Barbara Stark-Nemon, author of Even in Darkness

*Listed as a “Top Read” by PopSugar, Elle, Buzzfeed, Brit&Co, Culturalist, Redbook, Bookstr, Bustle, Shelf Unbound, and many others*
 
Author Bio:

Michelle Cox is the author of the multiple award-winning Henrietta and Inspector Howard series as well as "Novel Notes of Local Lore," a weekly blog dedicated to Chicago's forgotten residents. She suspects she may have once lived in the 1930s and, having yet to discover a handy time machine lying around, has resorted to writing about the era as a way of getting herself back there. Coincidentally, her books have been praised by Kirkus, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and many others, so she might be on to something. Unbeknownst to most, Michelle hoards board games she doesn't have time to play and is, not surprisingly, addicted to period dramas and big band music. Also marmalade.
 
Shop the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series

Self-published with She Writes Press

Death and danger on the streets of London....

When Rose Beckingham disembarks the ship from Bombay, she expects England and her distant relations to welcome her home with open arms. Instead, she walks straight into the embrace of danger.

After witnessing a murder on the docks, Rose is plunged into an investigation that will lead her from the luxury and glamour of high society to the noise and glare of London's glitziest jazz clubs.

With the French detective, Achilles Prideaux, trying to uncover Rose's secrets, can she conceal her past, while tracking down a cold-blooded killer? Or will the murderer strike again, this time closer to home?

Secrets unraveled...

When Rose Beckingham is hired to investigate a baffling museum robbery, the case leads her into a trap set by her nemesis, the Chess Master. While working to ensnare the mysterious villain once and for all, Rose must finally confront the lies of her own past.

Drawn into a dangerous game by the most elusive criminal in London, Rose risks everything to track down her enemy before time runs out. But with her quarry about to escape, taking all the answers with him, will Rose and Achilles unravel the final truth before it slips out of reach forever?

June 1925. Violet and Jack have returned home from their honeymoon and are back to their old lives. Jack is taking cases again. Violet is writing books with her twin, managing her business interests, and decorating her house.When their crew of friends gather for a night on the town, they intend to enjoy cocktails, jazz, and maybe a very late dinner. What they don't expect is one of the band to fall dead while they dance. The celebration comes to a stumbling halt, and the group turns their attention-once again-to why someone would kill a member of the band.Book ELEVEN in The Violet Carlyle Mysteries. Are you ready for the roaring twenties? For a spunky young woman determined to craft her own life? If so, you'll love Vi, her indulgent twin Vic, and their friends. You might even find your imagination caught by the detective Jack Wakefield. For fans of Carola Dunn, Jacqueline Winspear, Georgette Heyer, Leighann Dobbs, and Lee Strauss.A light, cozy mystery with a fun peek into life in the life of a bright young thing. No swearing, graphic scenes, or cliffhangers.The Violet Carlyle Mysteries1- Murder & The Heir2- Kennington House Murder3- Murder at the Folly 4- A Merry Little Murder*5- Murder Among the Roses6- Murder in the Shallows 7- Gin & Murder 8- Obsidian Murder 9- Murder at the Ladies Club 10- Wedding Vows & Murder11- A Jazzy Little Murder12- Murder by Chocolate 13- A Friendly Little Murder14- Murder by the Sea15- Murder on All Hallows*There are two short stories that fall between A Merry Little Murder and Murder Among the Roses. They are: New Year's Madness and Valentine's Madness.

December 1925 Violet Wakefield is determined to dive into the holiday and enjoy every occasion. She's going to see the live nativity, listen to Handel's Messiah, and attend the Nutcracker ballet. She'll cover her house in all the holly and lights. In fact, Vi wants nothing more than to put up the largest Christmas tree she can locate and stuff it with gifts. She little expects, however, to stumble across a crime in action. When she gets pulled into the madness, her biggest concern isn't the crime, it's keeping Jack from committing a holiday homicide.Book SEVENTEEN in the Violet Carlyle Mysteries. Are you ready for the roaring twenties? You'll love Vi, her patient husband Jack, her indulgent twin Vic, and their friends. For fans of Carola Dunn, Jacqueline Winspear, Georgette Heyer, and Lee Strauss. A light, cozy mystery with a fun peek into life in the life of a bright young thing. No swearing, graphic scenes, or cliffhangers.The Violet Carlyle Mysteries1- Murder & The Heir2- Kennington House Murder3- Murder at the Folly 4- A Merry Little Murder*5- Murder Among the Roses6- Murder in the Shallows 7- Gin & Murder 8- Obsidian Murder 9- Murder at the Ladies Club 10- Wedding Vows & Murder11- A Jazzy Little Murder12- Murder by Chocolate 13- A Friendly Little Murder 14- Murder by the Sea15- Murder on All Hallows16- Murder in the Shadows17- A Jolly Little Murder*There are two short stories that fall between A Merry Little Murder and Murder Among the Roses. They are: New Year's Madness and Valentine's Madness. There is also a short story that falls between Murder by Chocolate and A Friendly Little Murder found in Candlelit Madness.

“A Lion in the Grass has strong historical hints, a story with realistic characters, and elements of style that deepen the suspense and the overall entertaining quality of the story.” —Readers' Favorite

“Fans of Ludlum, Clancy, and other writers who hold the ability to craft high-impact spy scenarios within the broader scope of world events and interpersonal relationships will relish the attention to detail and the realistic action and perceptions cultivated in A Lion in the Grass.” —Midwest Book Review

Set over the course of six decades, A Lion in the Grass documents the despair and hope of a spy who suffers the murder of friends and enjoys the success of mentoring protégés.

The story is told through alternative viewpoints of Raymond, his protégés, and the French villain. The novel digs deeply into questions of love, self-doubt and hatred, all foisted upon Raymond during a career from which, he discovers, it is impossible to retire.

An octogenarian at the end, Raymond learns that the Frenchman is planning to kill again. To thwart the Frenchman's plot, the old spy and his protégés must engage in one last mission.

Author Bio:

Mark Zvonkovic is a novelist and recovering lawyer who lives in Baja, California with his wife Nancy and their two dogs, Finn and Cooper.

Shop The Raymond Hatcher Stories 

Christmas 1923. It's the first Christmas without Aunt Agatha and Violet is having a hard time finding the will to be bright or young. Her brother, Victor, is determined to cheer her up, so he arranges a party between friends to brighten their holidays. When a body is discovered, Detective Inspector Jack Wakefield is on hand. Their romance may be a off-kilter, but he knows them well enough to be sure neither twin killed the victim. So just who killed this person and why? In finding the killer, will Jack and Violet also discover just what the future holds for them?The Violet Carlyle Mysteries 1- Murder & The Heir2- Kennington House Murder3- Murder at the Folly 4- A Merry Little Murder*5- Murder Among the Roses6- Murder in the Shallows 7- Gin & Murder 8- Obsidian Murder 9- Murder at the Ladies Club 10- Wedding Vows & Murder11- A Jazzy Little Murder12- Murder by Chocolate *There are two short stories that fall between A Merry Little Murder and Murder Among the Roses. They are: New Year's Madness and Valentine's Madness.

June 1926

Violet and Jack are the matron of honor and best man at Rita and Ham's wedding. Rita's father is so excited, he's bought the couple a country house near Vi's and arranged a several day long celebration culminating in a wedding, wedding breakfast, and wedding ball.

On the first day, there is a large picnic in the ruins near the house. On the second day, there is a snipe hunt and the winner receives a shocking prize. On the third day, the bright young winner falls dead in his soup. Who would kill the lively young man? And why?

Book TWENTY-ONE in the Violet Carlyle Mysteries. Are you ready for the roaring twenties? You'll love Vi, her patient husband Jack, her indulgent twin Vic, and their friends. For fans of Carola Dunn, Jacqueline Winspear, Georgette Heyer, and Lee Strauss. A light, cozy mystery with a fun peek into life in the life of a bright young thing. No swearing, graphic scenes, or cliffhangers.

'Til death do us part...

They say every action you take has a series of consequences. And that death is an inevitable end.
There is truth to all of that, but for a price.
The precious thing you lost, might just find its way back to you...

Fourteen years ago, Blake Wilder's life turned into one of tragedy.
In an instant she lost her family... Her parents murdered, and her sister taken.
At the age of 22, Blake joined the FBI in hopes of discovering the truth behind the mysteries of her past.
Now, she is called to a homicide scene involving a brutal murder of a male victim.
But, what started out as a simple case turns into one that involves a sadistic killer that preys on young women.
And the further Blake dives into the case the more she realizes that the killer has a dark and twisted fantasy life of romance and courtship.

And with his eighth victim already in his grasp, it's up to her to get into the man's head and figure him out before the clock runs out on this girl and he moves onto his ninth victim.

Roses are red.
Violets are blue.
What ever you do, don't let him catch you.

“A story full of family secrets, twisted plots, and a striking English setting, A Promise Given is the perfect novel for fans of Sherlock Holmes.” ―Brit + Co.

This third book in the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series provides a delightful romp through the English countryside and back.

Anxious to be married, Henrietta and Clive push forward with their wedding plans despite their family differences, made worse now by Oldrich Exley’s attempts to control the Von Harmons. When the long-awaited wedding day arrives, there is more unfolding than just Clive and Henrietta’s vows of love. Stanley and Elsie’s relationship is sorely tested by the presence of the dashing Lieutenant Harrison Barnes-Smith and by Henrietta’s friend Rose―a situation that grows increasingly dark and confused as time goes on.

As Clive and Henrietta begin their honeymoon at Castle Linley, the Howards’ ancestral estate in England, they encounter a whole new host of characters, including the eccentric Lord and Lady Linley and Clive’s mysterious cousin, Wallace. When a man is murdered in the village on the night of a house party at the Castle, Wallace comes under suspicion―and Clive and Henrietta are reluctantly drawn into the case, despite Clive’s anxiety at involving his new bride and Henrietta’s distracting news from home.

Delicately attempting to work together for the first time, Clive and Henrietta set out to prove Wallace’s innocence, uncovering as they do so some rather shocking truths that will shake the Linley name and estate forever.

More Reviews:

2021 IPPY Awards Gold Winner in Fiction Book Series
2018 Chanticleer Awards Grand Prize Winner in Mystery and Mayhem, First Place Winner in Romance (Chatelaine), and Finalist in Historical Fiction (Goethe)
2019 IBPA Ben Franklin Award Silver Winner in Romance 
2019 Indie Excellence Awards Winner in Cross Genre 
2019 Independent Press Award Winner in Romantic Suspense
2019 International Book Awards Finalist in Cross Genre
2019 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist in Best Series and Romance
2018 Best Book Awards Finalist in Romance and Cross-Genre
2019 Pulpwood Queens Bonus Book Selection

“Series fans will cheer the beginning of Clive and Henrietta’s private investigation business in an entry with welcome echoes of Pride and Prejudice.” ―Publishers Weekly

“The mix of sleuthing and aristocratic life pairs well with Rhys Bowen’s Royal Spyness series.” ―Booklist

“Cox’s eye for historical detail remains sharp… A pleasant, escapist diversion.” ―Kirkus

“A well-paced romantic mystery that sizzles with love and suspense. This third novel in the Inspector & Henrietta series will have readers begging for more! Highly recommended.” ―Chanticleer Reviews

“The writing is gorgeous and reflects the cultural and historical setting. Cox’s novel is filled with deeply moving passages and emotionally charged scenes. The characters are as sophisticated as they are relatable and the plot is designed to make for the perfect page-turner.” ―Readers Favorite

“Cox is a talented wordsmith who knows how to flawlessly write crime and mystery. She knows to capture her reader’s attention and entertain them from beginning to end.” ―Red Headed Book Lover

“Many of the book’s scenes could easily read like a Jane Austin novel, as Cox possesses that distinct ability to plant a reader directly into a specific room or landscape. The two partners, Henrietta and Clive, make a perfect sleuthing team that left me wanting more.” ―Reader Views

“What Cox captures so perfectly in Henrietta’s character is what a marriage would have been like at this time for an independent woman. We ride this rollercoaster of nerve and doubt up to the anticipated wedding night and fall even more deeply in love with Clive right along with Henrietta. The passion that is plastered all over the pages of A Promise Given is truly remarkable and a testament to the world that Cox has been able to create.” ―Paperback Paris

“A Promise Given is a well-told story which…had me immersed and wanting more. Well done!” ―Windy City Reviews

“Romantic and atmospheric, A Promise Given offers an intriguing glimpse into 1930s Chicago by weaving in authentic period details and exploring the social tensions of the day. The unlikely pairing of the Howards―two characters from very different worlds―provides a tender love story.” ―Susanna Calkins, award-winning author of the Lucy Campion Historical

Author Bio:

Michelle Cox is the author of the multiple award-winning Henrietta and Inspector Howard series as well as "Novel Notes of Local Lore," a weekly blog dedicated to Chicago's forgotten residents. She suspects she may have once lived in the 1930s and, having yet to discover a handy time machine lying around, has resorted to writing about the era as a way of getting herself back there. Coincidentally, her books have been praised by Kirkus, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and many others, so she might be on to something. Unbeknownst to most, Michelle hoards board games she doesn't have time to play and is, not surprisingly, addicted to period dramas and big band music. Also marmalade.

Shop the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series

Self-published with She Writes Press

Ironclad allegations. Airtight alibi.
With the truth debatable and the real players a mystery, can justice prevail? And at what cost?

A Best Thriller Book Awards Winner!

When the FBI arrested Professor Eldridge for the murder of his archrival, they relied primarily on eyewitnesses' accounts and a security camera. The professor had been on the other side of the country when the crime took place, where he gave a lecture to hundreds of students. Or was he?
Did he use the laws of nature to commit an impossible homicide?

"A Quantum Alibi delivers a torrent of surprises as the narrative ventures into unexpected territory. But thanks to Fialkov's uncommon gift for plot and just enough information about quantum theory, readers won't require a leap of faith to enjoy the stunning conclusion." - Best Thrillers

Delving deeply into the clues, Michael, an investigative journalism teacher, is stumped by the paradoxical footage of the accused man at the scene of the homicide.
Can Michael discover the truth before more people die?

"Superbly written, well-rounded characters and a riveting storyline filled with twists and turns."
- Readers' Favorite(R)

A revered Native American healer and shaman trains his only grandson to follow in his footsteps. The curious boy is on a quest for his life's purpose. After high school, the young man goes to the university, where he experiences the promises, depths, and risks of love.

"An intelligent crime drama, thoughtful and complex."
- Kirkus Reviews

"A captivating tale that blends murder, mystery, and legal thriller into one explosive piece of entertainment."
- Readers' Favorite(R)

Carefully crafted and deeply absorbing, Liam Falkov's genre-bending novel blends the taut, page-turning nature of a legal thriller with a moving coming-of-age story. As two seemingly unconnected narratives surge closer and closer together, their inevitable intertwining leads to a searing conclusion you won't expect.

"Fialkov has created an exciting new entry that will broadly appeal to fans of murder mysteries, science fiction and legal thrillers."
- Best Thrillers.

"Filled with mysteries that any reader would be eager to uncover. This crime fiction deserves a perfect rating because it is educative, intriguing and engaging."
- Online Book Club, Official Review.

A Quantum Alibi is an original and timely novel. Defying classification in a particular genre, Fialkov blurs the line of science and reality throughout this fast-paced tale. There are bursts of snappy dialogue, thought-provoking themes, and unexpected plot twists, making this an enjoyable read."
- Self-Publishing Review

"An engrossing scientific thriller that challenges metaphysical orthodoxy. Fialkov offers a tantalizing interpretation of scientific possibility, one that stretches the ordinary categories of understanding."
- Kirkus Reviews

A timely mystery novel, weaving a legal thriller, an inspiring coming-of-age story, and environmental themes.
If you like captivating characters, sensational surprises, and exciting storylines, then you'll love Liam Fialkov's imaginative enigma.

"There are enough twists and turns in the story to keep a reader hooked."
- BookLife

- American Book Festival Award Winner!
- Readers' Favorite(R) Award Winner!

You are cordially invited to visit the new Black Hills Manor Writing Retreat.

That's how it all begins-with a simple invitation.

For five authors, it's meant to be the start of a restful week, filled with free food, drinks, and likeminded company.

But shortly after their arrival, things take an unsettling turn.

Broken property, missing items, and strange noises are just some of the odd occurrences that have each member questioning their companions. As suspicions mount, the authors are pitted against each other.

Whom can they trust in a house full of strangers?

With tensions rising, the writers find themselves in the middle of their own mystery. Death, terror, and despair are common elements in their books, but at Black Hills Manor, the murders being plotted are their own.

“This addicting historical fiction novel will have you wishing you could have experienced 1930s Chicago.” ―Buzzfeed

In this second book of the series, Henrietta and Clive delightfully rewrite Pride and Prejudice—with a hint of mystery!

Newly engaged, Clive and Henrietta now begin the difficult task of meeting each other’s family. “Difficult” because Clive has neglected to tell Henrietta that he is in fact the heir to the Howard estate and fortune, and Henrietta has just discovered that her mother has been hiding secrets about her past as well. When Clive brings Henrietta to the family estate to meet his parents, they are less than enthused about his impoverished intended. Left alone in this extravagant new world when Clive returns to the city, Henrietta finds herself more at home with the servants than his family, much to the disapproval of Mrs. Howard—and soon gets caught up in the disappearance of an elderly servant’s ring, not realizing that in doing so she has become part of a bigger, darker plot.

As Clive and Henrietta attempt to discover the truth in the two very different worlds unraveling around them, they both begin to wonder: Are they meant for each other after all?

More Reviews:

“Henrietta and Inspector Howard make a charming odd couple in A Ring of Truth, mixing mystery and romance in a fizzy 1930s cocktail.” ―Hallie Ephron, New York Times bestselling author

“The crème de la crème of historical fiction.” ―Brit+Co

“Brimming with dark plot on every page, this unpredictable literary thrill ride will transport you to the heart of 1930s Chicago and the love story of a lifetime.” ―POPSUGAR

“Light romance with witty writing, while still maintaining a somber and serious story, this book is a delight.” ―Independent Book Publishers Association

“The characters are well-drawn, with depth. Cox builds anticipation by foreshadowing issues that will come up in future volumes of the series. Hen and Clive’s romance is real and touching.” ―Historical Novel Society

“Once that glass slipper fits, how hard is it for Cinderella to adapt to life as the princess after so long as the scullery maid? And how many people are just itching for her to fail? A Ring of Truth features the same well-developed characters, adding depth and complexity to the story, while also giving readers that same “you are there” feeling of a walk back in time.” ―Chanticleer Reviews

“A Ring of Truth is the second book in the delightful Henrietta and Inspector Howard series, but there's plenty to dive straight into even if you haven't read the last one.” ―Bustle

“There’s a lot to love about the bloodhound couple at the center of this cozy mystery.” ―Foreword Reviews

“The second book of this mystery series is laced with fiery romance so delicious every reader will struggle to put it down. If you devoured Pride and Prejudice, this love story will get your heart beating just as fast.” ―Redbook

“A 1930s Chicagoan love story with a heavy dose of thrilling mystery―we bet we have your attention. If you aren’t already addicted to Clive and Henrietta’s epic love story we recommend you indulge your imagination with the first book and then move on to A Ring of Truth―the absolutely unputdownable sequel that centers around Clive’s mysterious fortune and strange wrath of his affluent family.” ―Bookstr

“Set in the 1930s, this romantic mystery combines the teetering elegance of Downton Abbey and the staid traditions of Pride and Prejudice with a bit of spunk and determination that suggest Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs.” ―Booklist

“An engaging and effective romp rich with historical details.” ―Kirkus

“A sensational story with an exciting setting that readers will enjoy navigating.... Clive and Henrietta are well-developed, real, and memorable. They are an incredible pair of sleuths and the reader learns to care about them as they are eager to see what happens at the end. A Ring of Truth features great writing with exceptional dialogues and a plot that is swiftly paced, driven by a strong conflict.” ―Readers' Favorite

“Cox does an excellent job of bringing the 1930s to life with the Chicago setting and details true to the era. The couple’s chemistry is endearing, and the background stories, colorful characters, and vividly described scenes also add a lot to the authenticity of the drama.” ―Reader Views

Author Bio:

Michelle Cox is the author of the multiple award-winning Henrietta and Inspector Howard series as well as "Novel Notes of Local Lore," a weekly blog dedicated to Chicago's forgotten residents. She suspects she may have once lived in the 1930s and, having yet to discover a handy time machine lying around, has resorted to writing about the era as a way of getting herself back there. Coincidentally, her books have been praised by Kirkus, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and many others, so she might be on to something. Unbeknownst to most, Michelle hoards board games she doesn't have time to play and is, not surprisingly, addicted to period dramas and big band music. Also marmalade.
 
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Self-published with She Writes Press

The violent death of a friend plunges Helen Lightholder into another case of danger and deceit as she struggles to unravel the truth behind the grisly killing. With her own past continuing to haunt her, Helen works to uncover the ultimate answer behind the mystery that has plagued her since the beginning.

Return to the quaint - and deadly - village of Brookminster a final time for the dramatic conclusion to Helen's adventures.

Death returns to the country ...

A quite country life continues to elude Helen Lightholder, as she wrestles with her recent bereavement. When the grisly murder of a nameless vagabond shocks the local community, Helen sets out to unearth the truth behind the inexplicable killing.

But Bookminster hides secrets almost as old as it's 14th century market place, and the village's inhabitants will do anything to thwart a prying outsider. Helen's snooping at a convalescent home for wounded soldiers leads to an apparent dead end, even as other obstacles loom in her path. With Inspector Graves blocking her investigation at every turn and a mysterious, shadowy figure continuing to dog her steps, can Helen unmask the most dangerous killer she has ever faced?

Death, and Helen Lightholder, return to Brookminster with the murder of the village vicar. As Helen investigates the ghastly crime, she soon finds herself a suspect of the local police. To clear her name and protect her friends, Helen must discover the truth and outwit a devious killer. But Helen's personal life is not without its own mysteries and one of them continues to stalk her in the shadows...