After three members of Carter Rogers' close-knit New England family end up dead within weeks of each other, the family begins to suspect that one of their own may be responsible. Carter soon realizes that most of his family, and even the investigators, suspect his wife and he is determined to prove her innocence.
Available in paperback and ebook
When a series of murders hits too close to home, Detective Daniel Trevors' life is ripped apart forcing him to question everyone and everything he's ever believed in.
Detectives Daniel Trevors and his partner, Ben Wilson, are hot on the trail of a murderer who appears to kill just for the fun of it, but they soon realize that the case is more complicated than they thought.
Available in paperback and ebook
In 1840's Ireland, with most of her family wiped out from disease and the fields ravaged by the potato famine, Maggie Quinn, along with her younger brother Patrick, realizes she has no choice but to leave her beloved Ireland. Leaving Ireland isn't as easy as she thinks and she's forced to make a daring escape for the better life she's been told awaits her in America.
Available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook
When a teenager is brutally murdered in The Pinelands, his friends insist it was the work of The Jersey Devil.
Christine Daniels, an investigative reporter, works with the police to determine what really happened to the teen that night.
Available in paperback and ebook
All Farrel Drake wanted was a normal family life for her two daughters and herself. When her second marriage ends up worse than the first with daily physical, emotional and verbal abuse, Farrel seeks the help of a counselor.
She eventually finds the courage to leave her husband and settles into a happy routine with her daughters. Just when Farrel's starting to believe her new beginning will work, threatening phone calls shatter her peace. When Farrel realizes fear is no longer able to rule her life, her real new beginning starts.
Available in paperback and ebook.
"Josh owns you now, Blaine. You’re his girl—his exclusive property—until he decides if and when to share you," she cried. "Don’t you see? I had no choice and I never wanted you to become involved in this. But once Josh Barnes sets his mind on something, there’s no stopping him."
"What are you talking about, Kami? Nobody owns me." Her eyes narrowed as she looked into Kami’s haunted eyes. "What’s really going on?"
Tears rolled down Kami’s face. "How did you possibly think that I could afford all of this?" she asked, throwing her arms up. "Are you that naive? A private secretary doesn’t make enough to afford this kind of luxury or to live in an apartment in this neighborhood. Josh owns this building and everyone in it." She took a deep breath. "I sell my body for money. You deserve to know the truth. Surely you must have wondered about all the nights I told you I was busy and especially the obvious fact that I never had a steady man in my life. I couldn’t."
Blaine stared in disbelief. "I don’t want to hear any more," she moaned, placing her hands over her ears. "Get away from me! You make me sick."
Kami grabbed her hands and held them tightly. "You have to listen to me!" she pleaded. "I belong to Josh and so do the other girls and there is nothing we can do about it! Don’t you think we’ve tried? If there was a way to get out, I would have done it a long time ago."
Available In Paperback and Ebook
Patrick dropped to his knees by the other side of the bed and took his mother's hands, while Maggie set the bowl on the table and then sat quietly looking at Catherine's drawn face. Every breath she took was an effort as she struggled to speak.
"We're here, Ma," Maggie whispered. "Paddy and I are here."
"Where's Paddy?" Her faded eyes struggled to focus. "Paddy?"
"I'm here, Ma." His eyes welled with tears and he swallowed hard.
Catherine slightly turned her head and focused her eyes on Patrick. Maggie leaned closer and Catherine, with great effort, slightly turned her head as her lips tried to form a smile. "My beautiful children." Her voice was growing weaker, and Patrick and Maggie had to strain to hear her. She paused and drew a ragged breath after each word, struggling to make herself heard.
Every breath she took was labored as though it would be her last, and Maggie swallowed the lump in her throat as she listened. Her eyes misted, but she knew her mother couldn't see. "Don't try to talk, Ma," Maggie said quietly. "Keep your strength."
"No. I need to talk."
Maggie glanced at Paddy. His eyes revealed that he was as frightened as she was at their mother's worsening health. She didn't know how to help her mother and did the only thing she could do, which was to offer up another silent prayer for her healing. But she had to face the truth. The Lord would soon take her beloved mother the same as He’d taken Da and her brothers and sisters. She wanted to scream and pound her fists. What had they done to deserve this? She drew a deep breath. No, her faith was being tested. She had to hold on. She had to accept whatever burdens the Lord had placed on their family. She couldn't forsake everything Ma had taught her.
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, or Ebook
Maggie gazed out of the kitchen window at the thickening clouds then slowly stood up, scraping the chair across the worn linoleum floor. She hoped the impending rainstorm would give some relief to the heat. She was restless tonight, and a feeling of loneliness overtook her. She hated these melancholy moods. Sometimes they’d creep up out of nowhere, almost suffocating her.
She eyed her meager possessions. This was all she had to show for years of her hard work. It hadn’t always been this way. Once she had everything she ever wanted or could possibly want, but that seemed like a lifetime ago. Right when she was at the top, an error in judgment caused her to topple and land in a crumpled heap back down at the bottom. All she could do was lie there wondering what had happened and try to claw her way back to the top. But that was never to be again. Her life would have to begin anew.
Today she lived in a tiny, rented, rundown trailer, barely able to afford the monthly rent and utilities. She was grateful to have her job as a waitress, even though it paid only minimum wage plus whatever tips her customers gave her. She had quickly learned that a customer would be more willing to part with his hard-earned cash if she were friendly. In time she felt a distinctive bond growing with the regulars, as they became the family she yearned for, filling the empty void within her. Her friendliness toward them soon became less forced and instead genuinely sincere. Maggie had grown accustomed to their stories and jokes, and when they talked about their families and adventures, she felt like she was a part of their lives.
Available in Paperback and Ebook
He moved closer to Blaine. "Stand up," he said softly, extending a hand to help her to her feet.
She cocked a suspicious eye at him. "Why?"
"Because I asked you to," he answered in the same soft voice.
Blaine smirked, shooting a sideways glance at Kami as she noted Josh’s expensive suit and the ease with which he wore it. She assumed that his classic movie star looks and obvious wealth made him think he could demand whatever he wanted whenever he wanted it. "Who do you think you are?" Her voice was icy. "No offense, Kami, but I am definitely not impressed. Someone should have taught your friend some proper manners."
Josh kept his eyes on her as his lips turned up into an amused, but at the same time, eerie smile.
"Just do as he asks," Kami said in a low voice.
Blaine’s eyes narrowed. "Why should I?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "I don’t know who you think you are, but you certainly don’t impress me." She folded her arms across her chest.
Josh laughed. "We’re going to get to know one another very well before this night is over."
"I don’t think so," she replied disgustedly. "Maybe you’re used to women throwing themselves at your feet, but I’m not one of them. I am definitely not interested in anything you have to offer."
He inched closer. "I don’t give a damn what you are or are not interested in." His eyes traveled over her body.
Available In Paperback and Ebook
"Then what the hell is it?" he demanded.
She shook her head. "I don’t know. There’s something strange about her. She’s so secretive about her past."
He lifted his eyebrows. "No, she’s not."
Payton frowned. He wouldn’t listen and she wasn’t in the mood to get into a debate. "I think we should end this line of conversation. But just remember, Carter, that I care about you. I always have and always will."
"If you care, then please treat my wife with the respect she deserves," he replied.
She decided to change the topic. "Who’s watching Becca this afternoon?"
"Morgan."
She frowned. "Do you think it’s wise to bring the baby to the funeral?"
"Morgan’s not going."
"What do you mean she’s not going?" Payton exclaimed. "Doesn’t that prove my point to you?" she smugly asked.
"And what point is that?" Morgan asked, entering the room with Becca tagging behind her.
"Nothing, honey," Carter, flushed, quickly said.
Morgan looked suspiciously at Payton.
Payton caught her eye, and then quickly looked away from the penetrating stare. She forced herself to keep her mouth closed.
Available In Paperback and Ebook
Daniel sat at his cluttered desk with his eyes focused on a stack of files, all needing his attention. He rubbed his jaw. The murders plaguing Vickville made the other cases seem trivial by comparison. Four murders with no clues or possible motives. The killer was slick, but somewhere, somehow, he’d slip up. Someone knew something. He gulped his coffee and signed a few reports.
Ready to call it a night?" Ben called to him from his desk.
Daniel closed a folder and stood. "Yeah, the rest of these can wait until tomorrow. Lately I’ve been spending more time here than at home. When I am home I’m only there long enough to grab a few hours of sleep, and I’m back here again." He stretched.
Ben grinned. "So what else is new? But all work and no play makes Ben a dull boy. I think I’ll go to Vito’s for a couple. Care to join me?" he asked, pulling on his jacket.
Daniel glanced at his wristwatch. "Not tonight, Ben. Thanks anyway."
"Got a hot date?" Ben teased.
"Don’t I wish? Nah, I’ve got to get home. I need to touch base with Taylor."
"Such are the demands of single parenthood. But you’re lucky. Taylor’s a good kid.
Formats: Paperback and Ebook
She did have a glimmer of hope, though. If what Paddy told their mother was true, they at least wouldn't starve to death. She didn't know which was worse, dying of the fever or dying from starvation. "Is it true what you told Ma, Paddy? Do we have some potatoes? Can we afford some decent food for Ma?" she asked optimistically.
"I didn't tell Ma anything, Maggie. I can't lie to her. I told her we would be fine." Patrick was thoughtful for a minute. "I suppose I was not truthful with her because we won't be fine." He ran a hand over his chin. "We have nothing, Maggie. There's nothing left! Year after year, the crop has failed. There's no hope left. The land is in ruins." He glanced around the almost barren room. "We don't have anything left of value to sell even if we could find a buyer." He shook his head. "It's done," he said wearily. "All hope is lost."
Maggie jumped to her feet. "No, Paddy! I won't give up! There has to be a way. We need to stay strong and keep our spirits high for Ma's sake. We need to keep trying."
Patrick's eyes welled with tears as he looked at his sister. "The earth has swallowed up the beautiful land we once knew, and left nothing but a filthy putrid black mass in its place. It will never be the same, Maggie. Can't you see?" His jaw jutted out defiantly. "You are a dreamer. Your dreams never come true. This is the real world, Maggie. Why can't you see? You need to face the truth."
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, and Ebook
"I don't care about any of that!" Jensyn screamed. "I only remember walking to the car. Everything is a blank after that." She charged at him again. "What did you do, Evan?"
He grabbed her wrists again. "Stop it, Jensyn! You need to listen to me. I took you two home. That's what I did!" he spat at her. "Now both of you better shut up and listen to me." He drew several deep breaths to calm himself. "Don't tell the police you don't remember anything about last night. And especially don't tell them we were drinking. Do you know what they'd do to us?"
"I doubt underage drinking is a top priority when a kid is dead, Evan," Kennedy said, dabbing at her eyes with a paper napkin.
"Do you want the police to think that we had something to do with it?" Evan hissed.
"Why would they think that?" Jensyn sniffed.
Evan's jaw tightened. "They'll want to know why he didn't leave with us," he explained. "You know how they twist everything." He stared at Jensyn. "Don't forget, Jensyn, you did argue with him. They'll try to twist that into a motive."
Available in Paperback and Ebook
Farrel struggled to hold back her tears. Why couldn’t her husband be this gentle all of the time? This same scene played out over and over after his abuse. She had it memorized. Robert would act as though nothing had happened, and even express surprise at her bruises and deny responsibility for her injuries. His excuse would be that she happened to be in his way and stumbled, or that she was imagining the abuse and then feign shock that she could ever think he would hurt her. Robert even offered to help her find a counselor for the mental and emotional problems he insisted she had. Sometimes she wondered if she was losing her mind. Her daughters witnessed many of his attacks, but his answer was always the same. They were lying about him because they hated him and wanted to make him look like a monster to the world. Farrel knew that somewhere within himself, he knew his guilt. He had to.
Available in Paperback and Ebook
Maggie Allen's world of corporate money and power comes crashing down after she is taken in by a man who is only out to use her for his own gain. When she is released from a short stint in prison, she refuses to give up even though no one will give her a second chance. She loses everything she's worked for and is forced to move to the other side of town where she is determined to make a new life for herself. Her life would be perfect if it wasn't for Brant Evans, a corrupt police officer, who makes it a point to constantly remind her about her past and all that she has lost. She can't understand his vendetta against her, but she refuses to be intimidated by him and is not afraid to stand up to him no matter the consequences.
Brant Evans has Cedar Pines under his thumb. His wife Janna controls the social and political levers of town with her money. The two of them work hard to ruin the lives of anyone they don't like, or anyone who crosses them. Maggie Allen is caught up in their web of hate. Brant has special plans for Maggie. Plans that include arrest, imprisonment, and ruin.
Available in paperback and ebook
Blaine Kirsten unwittingly gets pulled into a prostitution ring when her best friend, Kami Matthews, introduces her to Josh Barnes. When Blaine refuses to become a part of his operation, she faces brutal consequences.
Detectives Jane Adams and Casey Jorgan are assigned to the case. Almost immediately, Casey finds herself unable to separate her personal emotions from this case, which jeopardizes her career.
Available in paperback and ebook
After three members of Carter Rogers' close-knit New England family end up dead within weeks of each other, the family begins to suspect that one of their own may be responsible. Carter soon realizes that most of his family, and even the investigators, suspect his wife and he is determined to prove her innocence.
Available in paperback and ebook
When a series of murders hits too close to home, Detective Daniel Trevors' life is ripped apart forcing him to question everyone and everything he's ever believed in.
Detectives Daniel Trevors and his partner, Ben Wilson, are hot on the trail of a murderer who appears to kill just for the fun of it, but they soon realize that the case is more complicated than they thought.
Available in paperback and ebook
In 1840's Ireland, with most of her family wiped out from disease and the fields ravaged by the potato famine, Maggie Quinn, along with her younger brother Patrick, realizes she has no choice but to leave her beloved Ireland. Leaving Ireland isn't as easy as she thinks and she's forced to make a daring escape for the better life she's been told awaits her in America.
Available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook
When a teenager is brutally murdered in The Pinelands, his friends insist it was the work of The Jersey Devil.
Christine Daniels, an investigative reporter, works with the police to determine what really happened to the teen that night.
Available in paperback and ebook
