Chapter 1 It started like any other day. My alarm woke me, dragging me out of an exhausted, unsatisfying sleep. Between my night terrors and inability to quiet my mind, it was a constant battle to get enough rest. I stumbled to the kitchen to get the first pot of coffee started—I went through at […]
Short Stories & Fiction
Excerpt: “Mysteries, Midsummer Sun and Murders”
Note: Mysteries, Midsummer Sun and Murders is a cozy mystery anthology I’m a part of with a Charlie Kingsley story called Loch Ness Murder. Below is an excerpt. Chapter 1 “Wait, which monster did you say you wanted to document again?” Nancy’s voice floated across the lobby as I pulled open the door to the Redemption Inn, […]
What Does Charlie think about “Murder Next Door?”
Author note: If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you already know that for every book I release, I do a Story Behind the Story version where I share a little bit about the inspiration and writing of each book. As Charlie always has a lot to say, I thought I’d invite her to […]
Excerpt: “Murder Next Door”
Chapter 1 “Charlie!” Mildred, my tea customer, opened her door and ushered me inside, straight into a cloud of floral perfume so strong, I could feel my eyes watering. Her blue pantsuit was clean and pressed, and her grey, permed hair looked freshly styled, like she had just returned from the hairdresser. “Oh, you didn’t […]
Excerpt: “Ice Cold Murder”
Chapter 1 “Are you out of your mind?” Pat’s hand paused mid-air, chocolate chip cookie halfway to her mouth as she stared at me, eyes wide. Forsaking her cookie like that, I knew she was serious. “She asked,” I said matter-of-factly. “I’m being a good friend.” “You’re being insane,” Pat muttered as her hand finally completed […]
Excerpt: “The Murder Before Christmas”
Chapter 1 “So, Courtney, is it?” I asked with what I hoped was a comforting and nonthreatening smile. I set the mug holding my newest tea blend I’d created for the Christmas season—a variety of fresh mint and a couple of other secret ingredients— down on the kitchen table. I called it “Candy Cane Concoctions,” […]
Short Story Excerpt: “A Grave Error”
Wanna sneak peek of my new Charlie Kingsley Mystery series? Keep reading for a a brand new Halloween short story, A Grave Error, that’s now available for MPW Virtual Book Club members. What does it take to become a member? Why it’s free! All of you have to do is create an account. The Charlie Kingsley Mysteries […]
Excerpt: “The Third Nanny”
Chapter 1 It all started with the letter. It was waiting for me when I arrived home after my late-afternoon class, sitting patiently under a pile of other envelopes like a fat spider hiding in the shadows until its prey appears. Of course, at the time, I had no idea how it would eventually destroy […]
Excerpt: “Make Them Pay”
Make Them Pay is a thriller anthology that includes 22 never-seen-before stories, including one from me called “Mine,” which takes place in Redemption. Keep reading for a sneak peek: The girl was nervous. Her head kept whipping around as she strode down the darkened street, trying to take in everything at once. The death grip […]
Short Story: Henry’s Last Wish, Part 3
Note from Michele: This is Part 3 of a complete short story that takes place in the Secrets of Redemption universe. However, if you haven’t read the free novella, The Secret Diary of Helen Blackstone, you may want to start there as this short story builds on what was revealed there. You can also check out […]