Veneer over Murder

Ghostwriter Maureen Cooper arrives in Cloverton, GA, to interview Leander Martin about writing a book with him. Convicted of murder at age 16, Martin spent his life in prison, where he educated himself and started a program to help other inmates. Now his conviction has been overturned. While in Cloverton, Maureen has been asked by her daughter, Rebecca, to evaluate a house full of old furniture for possible purchase by their Palmetto Antiques Gallery. When Leander Martin is found dead, Maureen is not convinced it was an accident. As she delves into his death, she discovers that the crime committed years ago has been hidden under a veneer of lies and deception that involve the powerful in this small town. Praise for the series and for Bell's other contemporary mysteries: Vivid and distinctive ... characters grace Bell's story, anchored by narrator Maureen, a ghostwriter by trade whose introverted life is upended by the murder of ex-husband Troy-who even in death remains colorful and complex. Outstanding pacing, intricate but believable twists and turns, and careful attention to Southern small-town details that make for a robustly plotted not-quite cozy thriller. ... transcends the formulaic. -BookLife, for Death by Armoire, 1st Place Writer's Digest self-published book awardsFast-paced whodunit that keeps the reader guessing until the end ... Readers will not be able to put this book down!" -D. E. Johnson, Award-winning author, for Murder My LoveSuperbly crafted, wonderfully written murder mystery that treats the reader to a thrilling detective story meticulously backgrounded with detail. -Midwest Book Review, for Death Goes DutchHits the ground running ... a clever and highly readable whodunit. -Kirkus Review for Fortune's Fool