Today I'm participating in the Framed for Murder Blog Tour. In this post you'll find book and author information along with my review. Be sure to enter the giveaway contest below.
1st in Series
Setting – California
Publisher : The Wild Rose Press, Inc. (June 17, 2024)
Print length : 284 pages
Digital ASIN : B0D18C415T
My Review . . . Former LAPD police officer Emmeline (Mel) O'Rourke recently relocated to the small resort town of Pine Cove, where she manages the Babbling Brook bed and breakfast. Her radical change in employment and environment is the result of a career-ending injury that left Mel with lingering physical and psychological effects that sometimes exacerbate her new circumstances. Never one to back down from a challenge, Mel is determined to regain both her health and confidence while creating new friendships and an inviting vacation destination--despite her lack of social and innkeeping skills. Her predictable day-to-day existence is thrown a major curve, however, when the criminal who played a role in the incident that ended Mel's career comes to town.
Cat burglar Poppy Phillips turns up at the Babbling Brook B & B seeking Mel's help and a safe shelter after a body is discovered at the site of her most recent robbery. The police are hot on her heels and would like nothing better than to arrest Poppy for murder. While she has a long history as an elusive thief, Poppy has never committed a violent crime. Is it possible she killed scientist Kyle Lange, or is she being framed by the real killer? At first Mel is torn between helping Poppy or turning her in--her cop instincts lead her to believe that Poppy is telling the truth, but if Mel helps Poppy, she risks being charged with aiding and abetting a criminal.
Once on opposite sides of the law, Mel and Poppy join forces to clear Poppy's name. Despite warnings from local Deputy Sheriff and possible love interest Gregg Marks to steer clear of his investigation, Mel can't help herself. Once a cop, always a cop. As the women get closer to finding out who killed Lange and why, Mel finds herself in increasing danger. Will she find the killer before becoming a victim herself?
Framed for Murder contains the essential number of suspects, motives, and red herrings to make it an appealing read. In addition to the murder mystery, the author introduces an element of romance with the protagonist entertaining amorous advances from several directions. The extensive cast of eccentric characters--including family members--reinforces the story's small-town feel and presents the potential for ongoing story lines. My curiosity has been piqued and I'll be on the lookout for future installments of this mystery series.
About the author . . . Marla White is an award-winning novelist who prefers killing people who annoy her on paper rather than in real life. Her first full-length mystery novel, “Cause for Elimination,” placed in several contests including Killer Nashville, The RONE Awards, The Reader’s Favorite, and finishing second in the Orange County Romance Writers for Romantic Suspense. Originally from Oklahoma, she lived in a lot of other states before settling down in Los Angeles to work in the television industry. She currently teaches at UCLA Extension and gives seminars about the art of script coverage. When she’s not working on the next book, she’s out in the garden, hiking, cheering on the LA Kings, or discovering new craft cocktails.
Fun facts . . .
About the book: The quirky Babbling Brook Bed-and-Breakfast is loosely inspired by the Silver Pines Lodge in Idyllwild. Marla highly recommends staying there if you’re ever in that neck of the woods.
About the author: Marla shares Mel’s nearly debilitating fear of heights. Well, not to the same extent--she can climb a set of stairs--but looking down more than a few flights? No way!
There’s a scene where Mel does a singing bowl session. Marla has done that and thinks it’s pretty cool.
Marla accomplished the dream of becoming a published writer in her late fifties after helping other writers craft their stories for thirty years.
Giveaway . . . Enter here for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card.
Purchase links . . . Amazon – Barnes and Noble – Apple Books
Author links . . .
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/TheScriptFixer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marlawriteswords/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarlaAWhiteAuthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marlaw825
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21467766.Marla_A_White
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/marla-a-white
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MHIzkB
Substack: https://substack.com/@marlawhite?utm_source=edit-profile-page
Tour participants . . .
June 17 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT
June 17 – eBook Addicts – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT
June 18 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
June 18 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
June 19 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW , CHARACTER GUEST POST
June 19 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT
June 20 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT
June 20 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST
June 21 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW
June 21 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – AUTHOR GUEST POST
June 22 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT
June 22 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 23 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
June 24 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading – REVIEW
June 25 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT
June 25 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
June 26 – Novels Alive – REVIEW
June 27 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT
June 27 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 28 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
June 29 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST
June 30 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW
