A BIG GORGEOUS PI, AN UGLY FRAME-UP, AND A CATFIGHT OF EPIC PROPORTIONS…

The kind of villain you love to hate can really make a mystery, but every once in awhile you get something even better-- one who steals the show. For sheer hate appeal, bad-to-the-bone Tawny Bledsoe’s right up there with Nurse Ratched and Hannibal Lector. You just want to leap onto the page and take her out before private investigator Casey Jones does.

And you know you’re going have to be fast— because Tawny’s made it personal by posing as a battered wife and hiring Casey to find her kidnapped daughter. Casey finds the kid all right, but when she’s tricked into participating in a frame-up engineered by none other than wily, poisonous Tawny, she’s understandably as mad as Captain Ahab after meeting a certain marine mammal. And she only gets madder when Tawny stiffs her on her fee.

But her quest to bring Tawny down no matter what it takes is driven not so much by the need for revenge as by something no one else realizes—big, badass Casey is as softhearted as she is bullheaded. Deep down, what she really cares about is separating that little girl—the one she was hired to find—from the nastiest piece of work since Beatrix Lestrange. And it would take Moby Dick himself to stop her.

Throughout this tasty tale of obsession and betrayal, some of Casey’s most appealing qualities are on spirited display—she’s hot, she’s hilarious, and she’s so headstrong her quasi-boss Bobby D. can only shake his massive head and do as the lady says. The hot and hilarious parts go hand-in-hand as the plus-size detective fantasizes her way through a small army of possible inamoratos, now and then anointing one or another, although always off the page and always accompanied by a wisecrack or three.

(“I feel like I’ve been in a train wreck,” says one.
“Of course you do,” replies his lovely date. “Why do you think they call me Casey Jones?”)

BAD TO THE BONE is a rowdy, action-packed adventure with humor, romance, and hard-boiled mayhem aplenty, but its two greatest delights are its vivid antagonists, the big-hearted, tough PI and the petite, pernicious femme fatale, locked in a catfight that should have its own arena.

Casey’s clever quips will remind you of Robert B. Parker’s Spenser, or maybe Rex Stout’s Archie Goodwin, not to mention the daddy of them all, Raymond Chandlers’ Philip Marlowe. And her ace detective work will appeal to fans of all female sleuth mysteries—especially private eyes like Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone, Sara Paretsky’s V.I. Warshawski, Laura Lippman’s Tess Monaghan, Marcia Muller’s Sharon McCone, and Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum.

Evanovich herself is a fan! “Casey Jones joins the ranks of smart and gutsy heroines. The South will never be the same. Don't miss her." --Janet Evanovich

She’s joined by I Love a Mystery-- "Fast-paced and action-packed...The charm here lies in Munger's writing, which is silky-smooth and packs a wallop.”

Along with Publisher’s Weekly: “She is smart, tough, and tenacious... a wonderfully entertaining read”.

“An enjoyable zigzagging plot, though it’s the rather sensational Holly who leaves the strongest impression.” –KIRKUS REVIEWS

Young lawyer Holly Park is hired to defend teenager Naomi Linser–charged with murder in the stabbing death of the local Councilman. The crime takes place in a gritty Koreatown 'room salon' with Naomi holding the murder weapon.

The case is tried in the L.A. media and everyone takes sides. The deeper Holly digs, the darker the secrets become. Holly risks everything to find the truth, only to learn that if she reveals it, Naomi goes to prison for life. If Holly keeps the secret, then Naomi may walk, but Holly will have betrayed her lover. No one will guess the plot twists in K-Town Confidential.

The FIFTH and SIXTH funny, offbeat, and surprising legal thrillers in the Tubby Dubonnet series.
CORRUPTION, MURDER, AND A REALLY GREAT PO’BOY…
“Take one cup of Raymond Chandler, one cup of Tennessee Williams, add a quart of salty humor, and you will get... Dunbar’s crazy mixture of crime and offbeat comedy.” -The Baltimore Sun

A New Orleans lawyer who'd rather eat, drink, and swap stories than get caught in court, Tubby Dubonnet, cleaving faithfully to his guiding principles “Never screw a client and never lie to the judge,” manages, in his own laconic fashion, to right many of the wrongs that beset his clients. In these late-series books, he’s experiencing the pride and satisfaction of new grandparenthood. And he’s taken on some additional civic duties, agreeing to co-chair the reelection campaign of his good friend, Judge Hughes.

But in Tony Dunbar’s books, New Orleans is The Big Sleazy squared. No one is safe, especially from their elected officials. Even if they are an elected official.

Half the fun of a Tubby Dubonnet book is watching his sly creator fit together a plethora of fascinating yet seemingly unrelated jigsaw pieces to form a picture you never saw coming. And the other half is hanging out with Tubby and his crew of eccentrics, sleazeballs, goofballs, and enticing, confusing babes in the Big Easy-to-Love. The food descriptions are no slouch either.

These are funny-hard-boiled mysteries with as many laughs as chills, because no matter how dire things get, Dunbar never loses his sense of humor:

"I think he's going to shoot us once we're out in the Gulf," Tubby whispered to the girl.
“His aura is green,” she agreed.

“Dunbar has an excellent ear for dialogue … His stylish take on Big Easy lowlife is reminiscent of the best of Donald Westlake and Elmore Leonard.” -Booklist

WHO WILL LIKE THESE: Fans of Tremé, softshell crab po’ boys, Domilise’s, the Upperline Restaurant…wait, let’s start over, it's not all about the food—ok, fans of legal mysteries, (particularly Parnell Hall’s Steve Winslow series and anything by Lia Matera), comic mysteries, Elmore Leonard, funny lawyer movies like My Cousin Vinny, TV shows like Ally McBeal and Night Court; and everyone’s favorite New Orleans yarn, Confederacy of Dunces.

Vol. 5: CRIME CZAR

It's a city of sin. And murder is only one of them.

Tubby Dubonnet can't forget the last words that escaped an old friend's lips, and he can't get out of the way of a political campaign that's turning rough. Obsessed with the idea that a shadowy crime boss may be pulling the strings that have cost good people their lives, Tubby is entering into a test of courage with the most violent men in New Orleans. And if that weren't dangerous enough, he’s just picked up the worst ally he could ever find: a beautiful prostitute gunning for revenge.

Vol. 6: LUCKY MAN

When the D.A. himself sets you up, you know you're going down…
So what if Judge Hughes shared a few special moments with Sultana Patel—why is this a matter of public interest? “The stench from that courthouse fills the city,” roars D.A. Marcus Dementhe. “Those hypocritical men and women who wear the robes are filthy with deception.” And Dementhe has a zany plan to snare them.

Hughes, happily, has had the good sense to hire epicurean lawyer Tubby Dubonnet, whose laconic air is belied by his zeal to protect his clients. And what a web they’re ensnared in!

“raffish charm and humor"-- The New York Times

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF A DRUG KINGPIN WANTED TO MURDER YOU?

DEA Special Agent Jackson Parker does what it takes to keep vermin off the streets and our kids safe from drugs.

But now the most vicious sociopath he ever brought to justice wants him dead.

And the crossfire between good and evil threatens the intriguing woman Jack desires.

If you love sexy romantic thrillers with explosive surprises and edge-of-your-seat suspense, grab a copy of DEADLY PURSUIT today!

"Ann Christopher gets it right every time. Emotional, page-turning reads and characters that stay with you long after you close the book."
—Lori Foster, NYT Bestselling Author

"Ann Christopher's gift with words will leave you captivated and breathless."
—Brenda Jackson, NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author

"[An] exciting romantic thriller...[with a] thrilling conclusion."
—Publisher's Weekly

"This is a thrilling, taut drama with a classic on-the-run adventure, a noble hero, a smart heroine and a villain with no redeeming social values. There's enough material here for at least one more book and that's a good thing as readers will be looking forward to the next installment."
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews

“Thrilling. Relentless. Sexy. Romantic suspense for fans of Karen Robards, Lisa Jackson and Karen Rose.
—Eve Silver, National Bestselling Author

Ann Christopher’s DEADLY Series (IMPORTANT NOTE: these books are tightly plotted and should be read in order)--

Book 1: Deadly Pursuit

Book 2: Deadly Desires

Book 3: Deadly Secrets

We are writing with some fabulous news! ICE has been named the Winner in the ACTION/ADVENTURE category of the 2016 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Congratulations!"
Next Generation Indie Book Awards

The debut bestseller that has sold more than 300,000 Kindle and paperback versions!

ICE!
Archaeologist Leah Andrews stumbles upon something inexplicable in southwestern New Mexico: inside a dark cavern lies an undiscovered, Native American cliff dwelling abandoned for 800 years. While twisting through one of the narrow underground passageways, Leah’s flashlight illuminates the remains of a violent massacre.

Ancient human remains—all slaughtered in a long-ago massacre—cover the cavern floor, along with a number of brilliantly colored, granite crystals. The rare crystals are native to only one place on earth: a frozen mountain range in central Antarctica.

Could Native Americans have traveled to the frozen continent of Antarctica 800 years prior to the first known human exploration? If so how? And why?

There’s only one person who can get Leah to those mountains in Antarctica: her estranged husband and climbing guide Jack Hobson.

At their destination they make a stunning discovery that will change history and science forever. But Leah’s team is far from the only interested party.

As her secret makes its way to the highest levels of government, a race to seize the Russian-claimed Antarctic territory brings the world to the brink of nuclear conflict.

The killer is cunning and ruthless, but even the best killers make mistakes.

Emerald O'Brien, author of unpredictable mysteries packed with suspense, brings you the first thrilling novel in the Avery Hart trilogy that keeps readers guessing until the final installment.
Avery Hart narrowly escapes death after being attacked in the woods of Crown River. Ten years later...

The body of a young woman is discovered along the path of a park in the same town.

The next woman to be attacked survives and reveals a potential link between the current killer on the loose and the attack on Avery years ago.

Noah Cotter, an ambitious new inspector, becomes drawn to the case when his curiosity combines with his attraction to Avery.

The dangerous search for truth appears to be muddied with each shocking secret brought to light as they realize that when someone is deceived for too long, sometimes...

Lies Come True

From Eliza Maxwell, the bestselling author of The Unremembered Girl, comes a gripping novel about the mysteries that haunt us and the twists of fate that can unravel them…

Living in the shadow of a decades-old crime that stole his children from him, reclusive Lars Jorgensen is an unlikely savior. But when a stranger walks onto the ice of a frozen Minnesota lake, her intentions are brutally clear, and the old man isn’t about to let her follow through.

Jenna Shaw didn’t ask for Lars’s help, nor does she want it. After he pulls her from the brink, however, Jenna finds her desire to give up challenged by their unlikely friendship. In Jenna, Lars recognizes his last chance for redemption. And in her quest to solve the mysteries of Lars’s past and bring him closure, Jenna may find the way out of her own darkness.

But the truth that waits threatens to shatter it all. When secrets are surrendered and lies are laid bare, Jenna and Lars may find that accepting the past isn’t their greatest challenge. Can they afford the heartbreaking price of forgiveness?

Zara Riddle moved to a small town so her life could be quiet and safe. But now that her witch powers have kicked in, life is anything but. Long-lost relatives are coming out of the woodwork, and it turns out the family tree is riddled with magic.

When a ghost shows up, Zara finds out her Spirit Charmed powers come with a cost. She must solve the woman's murder. Zara teams up with her handsome neighbor, a wolf shifter who's both mysterious and perfect. Maybe too perfect? He did save her life during a vicious attack, but some strange coincidences have Zara second-guessing her alliances.

The town of Wisteria may be quaint on the surface, but danger lurks around every corner. To protect her family, Zara must risk her heart and her life. Forces of good and evil will face off in a battle where one side has a secret advantage.

One thing's for sure. Zara Riddle is keeping these new powers, blue lightning balls and all.

Once you go witch, you never switch.

READERS LOVE WISTERIA WITCHES:

“I enjoyed this book very much...it's not your usual cozy mystery. The characters have a lot more depth and personality. The story line keeps you guessing. I'm looking forward to more in this series.”
- Reader review, Victoria

“I love this series! I am still laughing about sleep-toasting! The main characters have flaws but the story doesn't become a therapy session, just a good paranormal mystery.”
- Reader review, Mys Sherry

“Loved it! It's light-hearted, and a fun, relaxing read. Sometimes that's just what you need -- something entertaining without blood and gore, abusive spouses, etc. I enjoy a variety of books and this is one I would choose to unwind with.”
- Reader R.C.

"It's thrilling! It's funny! And it won't leave you in agonizing pain (except, possibly, from laughter)."
- Robert J. Crane, author of the bestselling Girl in the Box series

"Love the relationship between mom and daughter. Great characters! The head librarian made me LOL."
- Genevieve McKay

"Wise-cracking witches and hunky shifters and magical books... oh my!"
- Amazon reviewer

"A rollicking romp full of humor and heart. The witches of Wisteria will leave you laughing, guessing, and coming back for more!"
- Dana Moss

WISTERIA WITCHES is book 1 in the hit witch cozy series Wisteria Witches Mysteries by Amazon All-Star author Angela Pepper.

This cozy witch mystery series has millions of Kindle Unlimited pagereads. Readers love the characters and fun storylines! Each book is a complete story, and WISTERIA WITCHES can be read as a stand-alone novel. What are you waiting for? Grab your copy today!

After her generous, and unintentional, donation for splinter-free park benches, Velma Harmon gets invited to a charity dinner hosted by the Beautification Committee of Bliss at the home of Everett Gaines, one of the wealthiest widowers in town. With no interest in going, she hopes to find adventure elsewhere, much to the dismay of Ethel and Chief Rayne. Ethel has always wanted to see Gaines Manor up close, and Chief Rayne just wants Velma to enjoy her retirement and stay out of trouble.

When Ethel begs her to go to the event in hopes of finding herself a man, Velma reluctantly agrees. But when a heavy storm takes out a tree and a bridge, Velma finds herself trapped in Gaines Manor with two dead bodies, one handsome mailman, and a vicious killer. Who said nothing exciting ever happens in Bliss, Texas?

Diamonds, Danger, and A Deadly Secret...

A Katerina Carter Legal Thriller

Private investigator and forensic accountant Katerina Carter uncovers a sinister connection between blood diamonds and organized crime. Then two company employees are brutally murdered and her investigation becomes much more dangerous than she had ever imagined. Can she can stay alive long enough to expose the real criminals...or will her first case be her last?

Don't miss Books 2, 3 and 4 in this series, Game Theory, Blowout, and Greenwash, all at a special price, for a limited time only!

POETRY, MURDER, BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE ... AND PROVENCE!
American Professor Havilah Gaie has always seen herself as “an academic version of Pam Grier’s characters: smart, quick on their feet, loyal with a keen sense of purpose.” Now she’s got a chance to suit up for action because suddenly she’s a witness in a murder, having spoken with the victim on her phone moments before he was attacked.

Against the panoramic backdrop of the Cassis cliffs of Provence, France, the beautiful people of poetry--poets, academics, and patrons of the arts--are assembling at a centennial honoring the founder of the Félibrige Foundation. Finding itself with a surplus of talent, the Foundation has awarded one more than its customary dozen fellowships, but even before the gathering can get underway, the unlucky 13th fellow has fetched up dead.

But what's the motive? Professional jealousy? Romantic rivalry? Or something to do with a dark secret about the Félibrige’s founder? Havilah’s at the center of the mystery, and so is Thierry Gasquet, a dashing French agent who doesn't care much for amateur detectives.

A specialist in several academic disciplines, fluent in several languages, honored for her academic achievements by the Ordre des Palmes Académiques, and equally appreciated for her accomplishments in filling out a bikini, Havilah is shocked by her colleague’s murder and determined to ferret out the truth. But she’ll have to stay a few steps ahead of Gasquet, who’s been assigned to protect her and avert an international scandal. He’s bossy, but he’s certainly enjoying keeping her in his sights, which isn't easy—she moves pretty fast!

The 13th Fellow introduces a uniquely contemporary heroine--a worldly academic female sleuth (fashionable as well!) who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, but who solves her mysteries with a blend of action and zee justly famous leetle gray cells. (As well as a lot of well-placed nosiness.) She’ll appeal to fans of Attica Locke and of African-American sleuths like Charlotte Justice, Talba Wallis, Tamara Hayle, and especially Frankie Bailey’s Professor Lizzie Stuart—not to mention Pam Grier! Those who enjoy international settings will love the Provence setting, and everyone who loves a mystery will appreciate this perfect blend of cozy mystery and action-adventure thriller.

Dropped into a world of violence, homelessness, and ruthless killers, Jose has a lot to learn. As the youngest member of a secret society charged with protecting the city of Baltimore, Jose must earn the trust of his partner and find the courage to fight if he and the city are going to live to see another day. The 12 Commandments is a fast-paced supernatural thriller filled with intense action, entertaining characters, and terrifying beasts. This urban fantasy story will keep you engrossed all the way to the last page.

A string of patricides rocks 1916 Dublin and a washed-up Scottish doctor receives a mysterious manuscript from a fellow Scotsman recounting his dark experiences in the pioneer city of Seattle in 1889. As the doctor reads the manuscript, he’s made aware the murders in Seattle are connected to those in Dublin and he and the author crossed paths many years before, and under tragic circumstances. In Seattle, a tale of corruption and conspiracy unravels at the feet of a crazed serial killer hell-bent on halting historical progress. It’s just a matter of time before the city will burn. The doctor must decide if the author is an ally, or the killer himself, amidst an atmosphere of political instability and impending revolt. Throw Away Faces is a raw look into the abuse of power, the well of madness, and the inevitability of tragedy versus the power of redemption.

You can take the girl out of the force, but you can’t keep her away from the action...

Maggie Doyle moves to Ireland to escape her cheating ex and crumbling career in the San Francisco PD. When the most hated woman on Whisper Island is poisoned at her aunt’s Movie Theater Cafe, Maggie and her rock-hard muffins are hurled into the murder investigation.

With the help of her UFO-enthusiast friend, a nun, and a feral puppy, Maggie is determined to clear her aunt’s name. Can she catch the murderer before they strike again? Or will her terrible baking skills burn down the cafe first?

***Includes a recipe for the fatal cocktail—minus the deadly ingredient!***

Dog Days of Voodoo (book 1)
A woman, her dog, and a devilish curse. What more could a girl want?

You, Me, and the Voodoo Queen (book 2)
Things get complicated when you don’t know what you’re voodooing.

Oops, I Voodooed Again (book 3)
Devils can be such slippery buggers.

Voodoo You Love (book 4)
Every devil must have his hell.

Voodoo You Think You Are (book 5)
Angels can be such demons to those who love them.

Look What You Made Me Voodoo (book 6)
Can an angel confined to hell resist the devil’s charms?

Love Me Like Voodoo (book 7)
Is there anything the devil won’t do for the women he loves?

DOUBLE TROUBLE, DOUBLE FUN!

Who is Holmes without his Watson, Scully without her Mulder? Half the fun of a witty, fast-paced mystery is watching two wildly different kinds of detectives duke it out verbally while puzzling out a nearly impossible solution. Especially if they happen to be attracted to each other. In these five, some are, some aren't, but in each case, these dynamic duos complete, complement and—often—thoroughly infuriate each other. (In the friendliest possible way, of course.) Double detectives, double fun at less than half the normal price!

Editor's Note: These are all full-length novels, not short stories, and, in the great tradition of The Omnibus are a collection of themed books, meant to showcase partners working together, not to introduce first novels in a series. Many of these are mid-series--but they in no way depend on the rest of the series. Simply enjoy as stand-alones!

LOUISIANA LAMENT

They’d be Queen Latifah and Danny DeVito if this were a movie. In Louisiana Lament, they’re P.I.s Talba Wallis and Eddie Valentino. Talba's a young, African-American, computer-brilliant, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and a noted poet by night; Eddie's pushing seventy, white, hopelessly tech-challenged, and pretty much burned out. Somehow, they make it work—with Talba’s tech-and-street smarts, and Eddie's old-school hard-earned savvy, they even complement each other.
 

MAKE ME DEAD

How can you go wrong with a 500-year-old vampyre movie star and her mortally attractive crush—a macho, all too human L.A. cop, on a jaunt to New Orleans in this adventure. A flaming hot combo to begin with, but spiced up with author Barbeau’s sassy writing, it’s a treat for cozy and paranormal fans alike. Because, as always in a Vampyres of Hollywood mystery, the biting wit is sharper than a nip from a passing vampyre—humor, wit, and satire are what this engaging series is really all about.

THE 13TH FELLOW

American Professor Havilah Gaie has always seen herself as “an academic version of Pam Grier’s characters: smart, quick on their feet, loyal with a keen sense of purpose.” Now she’s got a chance to suit up for action because suddenly she’s a witness in a murder—in Provence. Havilah’s at the center of the mystery, and so is Thierry Gasquet, a dashing French agent who doesn't care much for amateur detectives. Who resists a dashing French agent? Hint: It's a lot of fun watching Havilah try.

SPIT IN THE OCEAN

Ex-Chicago-cop Jake Samson and his ever-sharp Watson, Rosie Vicente, hired by a bank to find out who made an unauthorized withdrawal, blow into a coastal California town as a savage storm is approaching. It was quite a bank job--the vault emptied out, not a shot fired. In fact, it resembled a burglary more than a bank job, but when you rob a sperm bank, that’s sometimes all it takes. Need we say Jake and Rosie have a ball!

THE DELPHI AGENDA

Papyrologist Lisa Emmer and her cohort, a mysterious banker named Steve, unravel of secrets of ancient history mixed in with a chilling conspiracy that brings to mind the best of Dan Brown. What’s going on: The Inquisition is back! And this time they have technology. An action-packed and very exotic international thriller!

She’s your average twelve-year old, except there’s something about her that’s unthinkable, and quite frankly, unexplainable.

When a lone little girl is abandoned outside FBI headquarters, agent Abby Kane’s investigation points to a human trafficking ring—and something even worse…

For a tense, disturbing thrill-ride, pick up Suitcase Girl. Book one in the Suitcase Girl Trilogy.

Even a Diamond can be shattered…

After the owner of a security company is murdered, his sharp-edged wife goes on the run. Forced to abandon everything she holds dear - her home, her friends, her job in special ops - she builds a new life for herself in England. As Ashlyn Hale, she meets Luke, a handsome local who makes her realise just how lonely she is.

Yet, even in the sleepy village of Lower Foxford, the dark side of life dogs Diamond’s trail when the unthinkable strikes. Forced out of hiding, she races against time to save those she cares about. But is it too little, too late?

**WARNING**
If you want sweetness and light and all things bright,
Diamond’s not the girl for you.
She’s got sass, she’s got snark, and she’s moody and dark,
As she does what a girl’s got to do.

Diamond isn’t polite. She’s got a filthy mouth to go with her dirty mind, and she doesn’t hold back. If you like your books a little milder, you may prefer the clean version of Pitch Black (no on-the-page dirty bits and no swearing) available through my author page.

Please be aware that although one story arc is concluded in this book, Diamond’s full story is told over books 1-3 in the Blackwood Security series.

HE DID ALL THE RIGHT THINGS--AND THEN THE BODIES STARTED PILING UP... The Dirty Lowdown wrote: "Mick James has nailed it. The all too dark side of our legal industry, and the type of character we're all too afraid to admit exists!" It looks like disbarred attorney Bobby Custer has won the lottery. After serving four years of a seven-year sentence, he gets an offer he can’t refuse – from the feds. They just want him to keep an eye out for shady goings-on at one of the most prestigious law firms in the city. And suddenly he’s out – out of jail, but also totally cast out of his old life: shunned by family and friends, living in a bare studio apartment, working the hallways and back alleys of the legal game and finding plenty of shady goings-on to keep an eye on.

He did all the right things -- went to law school, got a job in a good law firm -- right up until the conviction for “a minor dalliance with a trust fund”. You could almost feel for the guy – a young man tempted by the high life could make a mistake he regrets and end up losing everything. And a guy who’ll help you hide a body could just be a good friend. But as the bodies start piling up, you have to wonder if there’s something about Bobby that’s just not … right.

Chilling and action-packed, Corridor Man exposes a dark, violent undercurrent just beneath the surface of “perfectly legal and above-board”.

A combination of Breaking Bad and House of Cards, Corridor Man is a sinister, disturbing thriller that's bound to keep you awake at night.

The FIRST book in the Corridor Man series.

"Don't think you're untouchable…you or your son." Then a dial tone..

Shrewd, hardened New York homicide detective Jasmine (“Jazz") Steele’s just come back from a grisly crime scene involving the body of a brutally-beaten young girl, the second she's investigated this week. That was horrendous, but with these eight words, ending ominously in “your son,” Jazz’s immediate fear is for her vulnerable nephew, Chase, who’s already been through hell in his seven short years. In Kimberly Amato’s hard-boiled yet deeply emotional police procedural, no one is spared tough breaks and turbulent anguish. A lesser cop than Jazz would barely be able to cope.

A year ago, a gruesome car accident claimed the lives of her only brother and his wife, making her the de facto mother of 7-year-old Chase. The sudden household change ended in the loss of her life partner and still best friend, chic police psychologist Frankie, not to mention the dashing of Jazz's lifelong dreams of becoming a successful mystery novelist. Now every day is a battle against Chase’s demons—and her own.

Quick reconnaissance reveals the call wasn't a clever joke courtesy of Hadley, Frankie's droll actress roommate, nor was it Victor, the wry police department coroner who happens to be Jazz's confidante. Further detective work shows the caller wanted Jazz to find him—along with the fresh dead body he left for her in a Harlem warehouse.

With a shadow on Chase and the aid of Frankie's grace-under-fire, not to mention Victor's brandy-fueled heart-to-hearts, Jazz--who has more 'tude than even the toughest investigator, male or female--navigates the cruel streets of New York City while struggling to keep custody of the only family she has left, doggedly in search of the elusive, psychopathic murderer who seems to be summarily killing off women who look suspiciously like someone close to Jazz... and she's not willing to lose yet another person she loves.

Fans of the exciting new wave of hard-boiled women sleuths created by writers like Megan Abbott, Laura Lippmann, Lisa Lutz, and Vicki Hendricks will be attracted to the author’s take-no-prisoners style, and her unflinching attention to harrowing detail.

Yet lovers of traditional mysteries will appreciate the web of fierce loyalty tempered with fearful caution that links Jazz’s tiny but hardy support system—Victor, Frankie, and Hadley, not to mention Chase himself. Somehow or other, Amato manages to mix all the excitement of an action thriller with the swirling emotions of a mainstream psychological novel.

Those with a weakness for badass female cops like Mary Shannon of In Plain Sight and Olivia Benson of Law & Order SVU will revel in Jasmine Steele's gritty determination laced with compassion. Readers of lesbian mysteries will be reminded of  Sandra Scoppettone’s Lauren Laurano and Laurie R. King’s Kate Martinelli.

And it's also a great read for fans of resilient heroines of psychological thrillers like Liz Keen of The Blacklist and Carrie Mathison of Homeland, who will love Jasmine Steele's fearlessness, tinged with the very real emotional roller coaster of love turned to grief.

"(Amato) makes Detective Steele a winning female character, and... introduces comic relief at just the right moments. This is very fine writing by a lady who knows the idiom!"

-- Grady Harp, San Francisco Review of Books

EDITOR'S NOTE: AN EARLIER EDITION OF THIS BOOK WAS ENTITLED STEELE RESOLVE. THIS IS A NEW EDITION, GUARANTEED ERROR-FREE! AND WE DO MEAN GUARANTEED--YOUR MONEY BACK IF YOU DISAGREE