Death Wears a Crimson Hat

Best Year Ever

Last year, 2023, was my best royalty year in the 9 years I’ve been an indie author/publisher.

And that was almost entirely due to proceeds from one book: Death Wears a Crimson Hat, which is the first book in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles multi-author series.

Watch the Meet the Author vodcast to learn about the beginning of the series.

In October 2023, I released my second contribution to the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. You can watch the Meet the Author vodcast to learn more about Ten Million Ways to Die. One reviewer thought the book was better than my inaugural book, Death Wears a Crimson Hat.

And on February 20th, Who Mourns Elektra?, my third book in the series will launch.

You can watch the Meet the Author vodcast to learn more about my newest book.

Where can you buy these books? Just tap or click the title and you’ll go to Amazon.

Death Wears a Crimson Hat

Ten Million Ways to Die

Who Mourns Elektra? (Link will go live when the book does)

And for the entire series (lots of great reading awaits), go to the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles series page on Amazon.

Comments are always welcome! And until next time, happy reading!

CW Hawes is a playwright; award-winning poet; and a fictioneer, with a bestselling novel. He’s also an armchair philosopher, political theorist, social commentator, and traveler. He loves a good cup of tea and agrees that everything’s better with pizza.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider buying me a cup of tea. Thanks! PayPal.me/CWHawes

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One Of My Favorites

With my own contribution to the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles, Death Wears A Crimson Hat, leading the way as the top sales getter of any book in my oeuvre since its publication in April, I thought I’d give a shoutout to my own Justinia Wright mystery series.

It is obvious readers enjoy mysteries, if sales of the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles is any indicator.

So, if you have read Death Wears A Crimson Hat and/or any of the other books in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles, then I encourage you to take a trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota and spend some time with Tina and Harry Wright.

The Justinia Wright Private Investigator Mysteries are classic whodunits just like many of the Magnolia Bluff stories.

If you enjoyed the sleuthing of Harry and Ember, or Graham Huston, or Caroline McCluskey, then you will enjoy the escapades of Tina and Harry Wright.

Each Justinia Wright mystery is a standalone. But since there are overarching character arcs, you may want to start at the beginning with Festival Of Death.

Or you might start with one of my favorites: But Jesus Never Wept.

Before I tell you why I like the book, let me share with you two reviews.

From Mark Scott Piper:

Great Characters, a Complex Plot, and Plenty of Surprises

But Jesus Never Wept is the third book in CW Hawes’s Justinia Wright Investigator Mysteries series. You don’t need to have read the first two to understand the characters and their steady and unsteady relationships. This one is a good read all on its own.

The title implies the focus of the novel may be about exploring the basic tenants of Christianity, but it’s not. Yes, there is an ongoing dialogue between the characters about whether Jesus ever existed in physical form, but this issue doesn’t carry the novel. In fact, the question of faith works more as a metaphor for examining and trying to understand what’s real and what’s not with the gory crimes and relentless criminals the characters must face. Like life, there are always questions here. And not all of them are answered by the end of the book.

The plot is at once intriguing and complex, and Hawes seamlessly mixes the basic murder investigation with an unexpected profusion of other themes and references including, the basics of the Christian religion, family dynamics, love relationships, high-end online prostitution, and the wrath and violence of the Yakuza crime syndicate. Not an easy task, but Hawes pulls it off with aplomb. And by telling the tale from Harry Wright’s point of view, Hawes provides some humor, even occasional sarcasm to the narrative. A nice touch, especially given the gruesome murders and constant threats from powerful enemies.

Hawes’s characters are memorable but never “average.” Justinia, Harry, Bea, and Cal all have their quirks and unique abilities. The relationships between all four have been established before in the series, and we can assume they develop further in this one. Even the minor characters and victims prove to be much more complex than they seem. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the bone-chilling weather in Minnesota. Dealing with the ice, snow, and painfully low temperatures colors the action and the attitude of the characters in the book.

The descriptions of the weather also help pull the reader into the novel, even those of us who’ve never been to Minnesota. That’s also true of the detailed descriptions of the many meals Justinia, Harry, and Bea share. Harry is a gourmet cook, and you’ll often feel the compelling desire to sit down with them and get a taste or two of his latest culinary delight.

Jesus Never Wept is a good read, and the skill and insights of Hawes turn the standard murder mystery plot into something more—and something better. Highly recommended.

And from Joseph A Congel:

Another GREAT, 5 STAR read! This series just keeps getting better!

This is the third book in the Justinia Wright Private Investigator series, and it is a top-notch addition to a top-notch series, written by a top-notch author. If you’ve been following the brother/sister PI team, you already know this series is rich in storyline and character development. If you are discovering the Wrights for the first time in this book, you will not be disappointed. However, treat yourself, and go back and read the first two books in this wonderful series.

In this installment, the author mixes religion, the Japanese mob, and high-end prostitution, and wraps it all up in a very engaging murder mystery. But what truly drives this story is the relationship between the main characters – Justinia, Harry, Bea, and Cal. The subplot of their lives is intertwined masterfully with the main plotline of the book, which is the mystery that needs to be solved. And although the idea of an intriguing mystery may have brought you here, the well thought-out, fun, realistic, characters is what will bring you back for more. A great murder mystery will make a great book, but a deeply developed cast of reoccurring characters is what makes a great series… and this is a great series.

I loved the first two books, and this one is no different. It’s why I bought the whole series. I look forward to seeing what the Wrights get themselves into between the pages of the next book. But don’t take my word for it, try them for yourself – just don’t be surprised if you become addicted.

Reviews like those two, really lift a writer. They are a light to illuminate the dark days that touch every storyteller.

So why do I like But Jesus Never Wept? I love the characters.

If I do not like the characters, then the book, movie, TV series, short story, or stage play are dead to me. It is as simple as that. I am there for the characters. And I love Tina and Harry. They are my children.

Characters aside, I also like the storyline in this novel. It touches on religion, something important in my life. The story also asks us what is of importance in our short lives. What’s life all about? Is love the answer? Or is it something else? Or maybe there is no answer.

As both Raymond Chandler and Erle Stanley Gardner noted, the murder mystery is the simplest of stories.

A kills B. The police think the killer is C, until the sleuth shows them the perpetrator is A.

The task of the writer is to use style to turn a very simple story into one that is not only complex, but beautifully satisfying; perhaps even elegant.

I think But Jesus Never Wept is a cut above. And I ask you to give it a try. Pick it up at Amazon.

Comments are always welcome! And until next time, happy reading!

CW Hawes is a playwright, award-winning poet, and a fictioneer, with a bestselling novel. He’s also an armchair philosopher, political theorist, social commentator, and traveler. He loves a good cup of tea and agrees that everything’s better with pizza.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider buying me a cup of tea. Thanks! PayPal.me/CWHawes

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Meet the Characters of Magnolia Bluff: The Investigator

Once again I’m taking a stroll down the streets of Magnolia Bluff, Texas.

I say hello to those I meet on my morning walk. There’s Gunter Fight entering his bank. We exchange waves.

I pass by the bakery, mostly because my waistline says I should, but I do wave to Noonan Leigh, the owner. He’s busy so I don’t know if he saw me or not. Best pastries, cakes, and doughnuts in town at Bluff Bakery. At least so I hear.

Down by the courthouse I run into Reece Sovern. He’s the police investigator in Magnolia Bluff. And rather than my words to tell you about Reece, I’m going to once again let Caleb Pirtle talk to you and fill you in on Magnolia Bluff’s detective.

You can find the original blogpost here.

Down deep inside, Detective Reece Sovern may be the happiest man in town. He has a murder to investigate. He’s in the big-time now.

Reece Sovern has been a policeman all of his life.

Spent years driving a patrol car.

Kept his nose clean.

Worked his way up the chain of command.

And now he’s a detective in the small town of Magnolia Bluff.

Mostly he investigates the small stuff.

Thefts.

Burglaries.

Peeping Toms.

But in Death Wears a Crimson Hat, Book 1 of the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles, Reece Sovern finds himself with a murder and a hit-and-run.

Maybe the hit-and-run was an attempted murder.

He’ll find out.

Down deep inside, Reece Sovern may be the happiest man in town.

He’s in the big-time now.

He’ll begin his investigation by talking to the biggest and probably the richest flirt in Magnolia Bluff.

Standing on the sidewalk, Reece Sovern unwrapped a cigar, stuck it in his mouth, and walked back to the city hall and police complex to get his car. He’d start by talking to Scarlett Hayden.

Sovern drove around the north end of Burnet Reservoir to Hayden’s Resort, which was situated on the northwest shore of the reservoir.

He remembered when the Haydens bought the fifty acres, put in twenty cabins, and then added a campground with twenty spots. They’d built a fabulous Prairie-style home for themselves, as well.

After all these years, the whole shebang must be worth a few millions, the detective thought, as he pulled into the drive, which was marked private. He wound his way through bald cypress, pecan, Texas ash, cottonwood, bur oak, and cedar elm. He emerged in a clearing. He recognized Scarlett’s big Land Rover and speculated that the beat up Honda parked next to it belonged to some young guy from the college. If one were to believe the gossip, that is.

Of course, if one did believe the gossip, Scarlett Hayden would rarely, if ever, be vertical. And he’d just seen her a little while ago in a vertical position. Besides, she had a resort to run, even though the Smiths did much of the day to day management, Scarlett still had to watch the big picture, which probably meant she was vertical quite a bit of the time.

He parked his car, got out, and walked up to the door. A vision flashed before his eyes of Scarlett walking into Thurgood’s coffee shop. He shook his head and pressed the doorbell.

After what seemed forever, the door opened.

“Mr. Sovern. What a pleasant surprise. What can I do for you?”

She was wearing one of those filmy white outfits that women wore in the movies from the 1930s. Jesus, he said to himself. Out loud he said, “I’d like to ask you a few questions.”

“Sure. C’mon in.” She stepped away from the door and headed for somewhere in the house.

He entered, closed the door, and followed. Her outfit billowed behind her like a cumulus cloud until she stopped at a door.

“We can talk in here.” Her hand motioned for Sovern to enter the room, which he did.

Scarlett followed and sat on the sofa, then tucked her legs under her.

Sovern sat, met her gaze, swallowed, pushed his glasses up his nose, and asked, “What happens if Mary Lou dies? With the society, that is?”

“We elect a new queen. And we’ll add a couple new members.”

“What does the society actually do?”

Scarlett chuckled. “It doesn’t do anything, Mr. Sovern. We girls just wanna have fun. So, we have fun.”

“I find it difficult to picture Mary Lou Fight having fun.”

Scarlett laughed loudly. “Then you don’t know Mary Lou. She has the most fun of us all. All of her gossipy little doings. She damn well has everyone in fear of her. What will she tell? What will she not? And at what price?”

“And you? Does she have you in the palm of her hand?”

“Good lord, no. But that’s only because I don’t give a damn.”

“So who do you think would want Louisa Middlebrook and Mary Lou Fight dead?”

“Louisa?” Sovern watched her cock her head and aim her eyes at the ceiling, and hold that pose for a moment, before turning those dark orbs of hers back to him. “I don’t have a clue. Most likely someone she pissed off when she became Mary Lou’s lap dog.”

“Lap dog?”

“Oh, yes. Mary Lou gave Louisa social standing. Made her somebody. And for that honor, she practically worshipped Mary Lou.”

Sovern thought on that for a moment, and then said, “And Mrs. Fight?”

Once again, Scarlett’s throaty laugh filled the room. “You’d be better off asking, Reece…”

The investigator couldn’t help but notice how she drew out his name and that her eyes became filled with longing. He cleared his throat.

“You’d be better off asking who didn’t want to kill her.”

“And who might that be?”

“I’d guess her husband, Harry Thurgood, and myself, of course. Actually, I have second thoughts about her husband.”

“Why do you exempt Thurgood and yourself?”

“Because neither one of us gives a damn about this little pimple on the butt of nowhere.”

Please click HERE to find Death Wears A Crimson Hat on Amazon.

Sandy Signing In wrote on Amazon:

Death Wears A Crimson Hat is a well-written mystery. It’s filled with characters, especially members of the Hats, who are deeply flawed and very believable. Mary Lou’s unprincipled character is one that evokes both dread and disgust. So, I’d have to say that the author, CW Hawes, definitely elicited an emotional response in this reader. Hawes also used character personalities, dialog and action in a way that kept me completely engaged throughout the book. Great job, Mr. Hawes! This is a story that I can highly recommend.

You can’t beat that for a hearty recommendation. Thank you Sandy Signing In!

Comments are always welcome. And until next time, happy reading!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider buying me a cup of tea. Thanks! PayPal.me/CWHawes

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The People of Magnolia Bluff

The Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles, Book 3, is on pre-order right now!

The Great Peanut Butter Conspiracy by Cindy Davis goes live on June 20th. You’ll meet Bliss; Tommy, the police chief; Olivia, the pizza shop owner; and a whole lot more folks who make Magnolia Bluff, Texas home. Reserve your copy today! On Amazon!

More Good Folk

Caleb Pirtle III, author of Eulogy in Black and White, the 2nd book in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles, is running a series on the good (and bad) folk of Magnolia Bluff.

With his kind permission, I reproduce one of his posts. You can see the original on his blog.

Impossible Love:
The Characters of Magnolia Bluff

Harry Thurgood, handsome man with a checkered past, meets Ember Cole, a lovely young Methodist Minister in Magnolia Bluff, and sparks fly.

Who is Harry Thurgood?

He is the dashing man of mystery in Death Wears A Crimson Hat, Book 1 of the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles by CW Hawes.

He owns the Really Good Wood-Fired Coffee Shop.

It’s first-class.

It’s high-class.

It has few customers.

How does it survive?

Where does Harry get his money?

Who is Ember Cole?

She’s the new minister of the Methodist Church.

She’s lovely.

She immediately catches Harry’s eye.

He’s looking for love.

She’s interested.

But she’s afraid of the gossip in town if he finds love with her.

They want each other.

They need each other.

Both are outsiders.

The candle of love flickers between them.

But will Ember ever let it burn?

A Snippet from the Book

Harry Thurgood got out of bed, showered, shaved, dressed in his custom made Tom Jones suit, and quickly descended the stairs to the Really Good Wood-Fired Coffee Shop, which he owned, operated, and lived above.

Harry paused a moment in the doorway and let his eyes roam the coffee shop. He was pleased with what he saw.

“What a contrast to the dump this place was three years ago,” he murmured.

The tables and chairs he’d brought in from T.A. Tandy in Chicago. Henri Vernier of New York had supplied the flooring and lighting. He was especially pleased with the commissioned paintings by California artists Jane Dillon and Lawrence Pruett that hung on the walls.

A smile formed on his lips. This was a coffee shop worthy of any that could be found in New York, Chicago, or San Francisco.

The smell of high-end brewed coffee filled the air…

Harry crossed the street to the green, took his phone out of his suit coat pocket, and told it to call “Em.”

After four rings, he heard, “Hello, Harry. I think it best if I say no.”

“Say no to what? I haven’t said anything yet.”

“Good. I don’t want you to say anything I might say yes to.”

“What’s the matter? Did I say or do something you don’t like?”

“No, you didn’t. It’s not you. It’s us.”

“We’re an us?”

“Well, no, we aren’t and I want it to stay that way.”

“I have no idea what’s going on, Em, but maybe we should talk.”

“We are talking.”

“In person.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Harry. If people see us, they’ll talk, and right now I don’t need that.”

“Okay. I get it. This has something to do with the Queen of Dirt and her minions, doesn’t it?”

“That’s a good one. Did you make that up?”

“I did. Just now. Look, how about you drive out to some place and I’ll meet you there and then we’ll go to Austin. We can have supper and you can tell me all about it.”

“Not a good idea, Harry.”

“Didn’t I learn in Sunday school that Bible verse, ‘Greater is he that is within you, than he that’s within Mary Lou?’”

Ember burst out laughing.

“Glad I can make you laugh, Em.”

Her laughter subsided. “Thank you. I needed that.”

“So why don’t I meet you in the college parking lot. Will that work? Or do you have a better place?”

“I don’t know why I’m letting you talk me into this.” There was a pause, and then she said, “Yes, I have a better idea. Pick me up at the cemetery.”

“Huh. That’s novel. You don’t think Mary Lou communes with the dead?”

“Being a bloodsucking vampire, she probably does. But she definitely prefers the living.”

“Wow. I think you’re going to have to go to confession.”

“I’m Methodist. I talk directly with God.”

“Hope he’s talking back.”

“Ha, ha. Meet me at the cemetery at eight. And I still don’t know why I’m letting you talk me into this. It really isn’t a good idea.”

“If it isn’t a good idea, then why are you giving in?”

“Because, right now, you’re the only person I trust, and I’d really like to talk to someone who comprehends the definition of the word discretion.”

Hope you enjoyed the guest post. You can get the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles on Amazon.

Comments are always welcome. And until next time, happy reading!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider buying me a cup of tea. Thanks! PayPal.me/CWHawes

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Magnolia Bluff — Alive and Well

I’ve been living in the Texas Hill Country town of Magnolia Bluff for quite a few months now. And aside from the murder rate (think Cabot Cove and Midsomer), it’s a nice place to live.

Even though I’m not a coffee drinker, I like to hang out at Harry Thurgood’s Really Good Wood-Fired Coffee Shop. Harry’s an interesting conversationalist.

And even though I’m not Methodist, I often go to St. Luke’s Methodist Church on Sundays because, well, the Rev. Ember Cole is easy on the eyes. I may end up going to hell for writing that, but perhaps she’d be willing to save my soul. Wait a minute, I think that’s Harry’s line.

This past Thursday, Death Wears A Crimson Hat, Book 1 in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles series, dropped, as they say. Then, again, maybe they don’t say that anymore. At my age, I can hardly remember if I had toast and tea for breakfast and I have it every morning.

In any event, Death Wears A Crimson Hat is out there in the wild, available on Amazon. Make sure to get yourself a copy. I’ve been told it’s pretty doggone good. (BTW, the book even reached the Top 100 on Amazon’s Amateur Sleuth category.)

Read a review by SS Bazinet on her blog: http://ssbazinet.com/wp/reviews/death-wears-a-crimson-hat/

Here’s one of several nice reviews I found on Amazon:

Harry Thurgood and Ember Cole, independently, have come to the small Texas Hill Country town of Magnolia Bluff to get away from their past. And while they like each other, they are kept apart by the secrets from their past lives. Yet this delightful little town has its own secrets. One powerful woman is capable of imposing her will on others, and often her will is to harm someone not in her inner circle. But someone objects to this and that leads to a person being killed and another almost dying.

Ember, now the Reverend Ember Cole, is accused of murder. Forgetting their own hidden history, Harry and Ember must work together to keep Ember from being arrested for the murder. The problem is, as they begin to make headway on finding the murderer, they become the new targets for the killer.

Author CW Hawes has drawn several interesting characters with such careful work that you begin to believe they are your long-time friends. You are drawn not only into the charming town but also into the lives of these characters. If you like a good mystery and great characters, grab a copy of Death Wears a Crimson Hat. You won’t be disappointed.

I’ll take their word for it because I’m biased.

I can tell you that the next two books coming down the pike are dynamite. I’ve read them and thoroughly enjoyed them. So stayed tuned for more news.

Each of the next 2 books, and the 6 after them, gives a different slant on my favorite town. Which is good. It keeps me honest. About the town, that is. And that’s important, because we writers have a bad habit of making stuff up. Some call that lying. I called it rearranging the facts. Then again, others call it news.

Magnolia Bluff. That beautiful little town on the shore of Burnet Reservoir. Just make sure you look behind you. Often.

Death Wears A Crimson Hat. Book 1 of the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. Get it on Amazon.

And after you’ve read Death Wears A Crimson Hat and while you’re waiting for Book 2, Eulogy in Black and White by Caleb Pirtle III, coming out around May 20th, you might want to check out my Justinia Wright Mystery series and Caleb Pirtle’s The Boomtown Saga.

Comments are always welcome. And until next time, happy reading!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider buying me a cup of tea. Thanks! PayPal.me/CWHawes

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Death Wears a Crimson Hat – Snippet 2

Book 1 of the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles: Death Wears a Crimson Hat — is LIVE! Get your copy today at Amazon!

Last week I gave you Chapter 1 to sample. This week, I give you Chapter 2. Enjoy!

Chapter 2

The Reverend Ember Cole walked through the door of the Really Good Wood-Fired Coffee Shop at precisely five minutes after one and froze.

There, in the corner, Mary Lou Fight was holding court with the five members of her Crimson Hat Society, all decked out in their red hats, yellow feather boas, and indigo attire.

Mary Lou and her husband Gunter were prominent, very prominent members of Ember’s church. And an unrelenting source of grief for her.

Scarlett Hayden saw her and waved.

The only honest one in the bunch, Ember thought, and waved back. She proceeded to the counter where Harry was standing at the end opposite from where Mary Lou was holding court. The eyes of the Queen of the Crimson Hats followed Ember.

The Reverend took a seat, and Harry handed her a menu. “I realize you don’t need this, but ol’ eagle-eye is watching us.”

“And I bet her mouth is still talking to her flock.”

“It is. And was that a note of disdain I heard? Isn’t that a sin or something?”

“That woman makes the Devil look like Gabriel.”

“You know what they say: there’s telephone, telegraph, but don’t tell Mary Lou.”

Ember smiled. “I don’t think that’s how it goes.”

“But it’s the truth.”

“That it is.”

“You want your usual?”

“Sure. Especially since this drizzle isn’t letting up.”

Harry turned towards the window to the kitchen. “Bowl of chili, with cornbread for the Reverend.”

“Si, Mr. Thurgood.”

He turned back to Ember. “You having a good day so far?”

“Not bad. Just wish I’d hear more good news. People tend to see me when they need something fixed.”

“That’s usually how it goes. When you’re in the fix-it business, that is.”

“Ain’t that the truth.”

“Order up for the Reverend.”

Harry grabbed Ember’s plate of cornbread and bowl of chili and set them before her, and added a set of tableware and a napkin.

“Thanks, Harry.”

“Water? Or would you like to be more adventurous today?”

“Water’s fine.”

Harry filled a glass and set it before her.

Between spoons of chili, Ember asked, “What are the Hats doing here? It’s not their regular day.”

“Don’t know. Hang on. I’m being flagged. Probably another chamomile tea, with soy milk and Allulose. I’ll be back.”

Ember didn’t watch Harry Thurgood walk over to the table of Hats because she knew Mary Lou would be watching to see if she did.

A spoon of chili made its way to Ember’s mouth. That woman makes my blood boil, she thought as she swallowed the chili. Just something else I need to leave in your capable hands, Jesus. But I do wish you’d do something real quick.

Harry left the table, stopped at the window to give the orders to Miguel, and returned to where Ember was sitting.

“How is it,” he said, “that information just flows to some people and usually to the people you don’t want to have it?”

“Wish I knew. Did they say something critical about us over there?”

“Mary Lou made a couple of suggestive comments about you and me. I told her I needed to keep my very few customers satisfied, and if she could send more business my way, I’d give her and her group free drinks next time.”

“What did she say?”

“Purred on as to how they all would do their best for me.”

“Good luck with that. Since you didn’t get a loan through her husband’s bank, she’d just as soon see you go under as to help you out.”

“Maybe. But where would Charmaine get her chamomile tea?”

“As if Mary Lou gave a damn about that.”

“Whoa, Reverend! I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.”

Ember smiled. “I shouldn’t let her get under my skin. It’s just that she makes life very difficult for me. And can make it worse, if she chose to do so.” She paused, and added, “God, I hate walking on eggshells.”

“Let’s change the subject. You doing anything later? We could get a bite to eat and watch a movie at my place. Or yours.”

“I’d like that, Harry. But…”

“Yeah, yeah. You have to be above reproach, so gossip hags like Mary Lou won’t have any ammunition.”

“Sorry. You see, every year I’m up for review. I don’t want to get sent somewhere else. I… Well, you know… I like it here.”

“In spite of being an outsider?”

“There are some nice people here. And it’s beautiful country.”

“Gotcha.” He paused, then said, “If you change your mind…”

Ember nodded.

“Order up, Mr. Thurgood.”

Harry took the tray to the Crimson Hat table, and Ember put a spoonful of chili in her mouth. She slowly chewed and thought of Harry asking her out. He was definitely an attractive man. Tall. With that wavy blond hair. Probably in his forties.

A man of the world interested in me. She smiled, but a frown quickly pushed the smile away. Mary Lou. If it wasn’t for her, I could go out with him. But that will never happen.

She took a bite of cornbread. But if we did go out, nothing could come of it. We can only be friends. Because if he knew…

Ember didn’t want to go down that road, not now, and quickly finished her lunch. She got up, fished a twenty out of her purse, remembering she hadn’t paid for breakfast, and put it on the counter next to her plate. After smoothing her skirt, she cast a glance at the Hats, and saw Mary Lou looking at her. She smiled at the Queen of the Magnolia Bluff Society of Gossips, Backbiters, and Character Assassins, and headed for the door.

Once outside, she stopped, took hold of the cross that hung on a chain around her neck, and whispered. “Anytime, Lord. Anytime.”

I hope you enjoyed that sample.

Here is a brief summary of Death Wears a Crimson Hat.

Secrets, gossip, and a murder that could reveal all.

Harry Thurgood just wants a quiet life, and to leave his past in the past. And he thinks he’s found the perfect place in sleepy Magnolia bluff, Texas. Until the murder of a prominent citizen threatens to let the skeletons out of his closet.

Quiet and unassuming, the Reverend Ember Cole wants nothing more than to be a good pastor to her congregation. And when her friendship with Harry threatens her job, she has to choose between friendship and the church.

However, when the murder is pinned on Ember, Harry decides he and Ember have to find the real killer to keep Ember out of jail and Harry’s past in the past.

But when Harry and Ember are almost killed in a hit and run, they realize the killer will stop at nothing to avoid being found. Even if he has to kill again.

Death Wears a Crimson Hat by CW Hawes is the first book in the new multi-author crime series: The Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. Each book in the series will be written by one of The Underground Authors and will feature action, suspense, humor, and, of course, murder.

Get in on the action, and see if you can solve the mystery!

And you can do that starting Thursday, April 21st!

Comments are always welcome. And until next time, happy reading!

CW Hawes is a playwright, award-winning poet, and a fictioneer; as well as an armchair philosopher, political theorist, and social commentator. He loves a good cup of tea and agrees that everything’s better with pizza.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider buying me a cup of tea. Thanks! PayPal.me/CWHawes

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Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles – Part 2

Had a wonderful time Wednesday, April 6 with my fellow Underground Authors, Caleb Pirtle III and Cindy Davis, and hosts Rob and Joan Carter on the Meet the Authors podcast.

If you missed the live show, watch the replay:

Carters’s website at: https://indiebooksource.com/podcast/ . This is the best place to go, because you can see all the links for the show.

Video: https://youtu.be/pZ8SW7lRKc4

Audio: https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/49347972/download.mp3

Now, on to the books!

April – Death Wears A Crimson Hat

April 21st is the official launch day of Book 1 in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles by The Underground Authors. And that book is my Death Wears A Crimson Hat.

It’s an honor for me to launch what is going to be a fabulous series.

So what’s the book about? It’s about Harry Thurgood and the Rev. Ember Cole. And murder, of course.

Harry and Ember have known each other for about 3 years when the story begins. Three years ago being when they arrived in Magnolia Bluff. Harry to get away from, well, we don’t really know, and Ember to take charge of the flock at St Luke’s Methodist Church. As the story opens, Harry’s come to the realization that he’s in love with Ember.

However, both have a secret past. Things get further complicated when one of Ember’s parishioners decides she wants Ember gone.

And if that isn’t enough to scuttle a relationship, murder splashes right down in the middle of the puddle — with Ember as the chief suspect.

Does Harry ever have his work cut out for him. But will he get Ember off the hook, and put a ring on her finger? Will he be able to find out whodunit? You’ll find out on April 21st.

Death Wears A Crimson Hat is a classic whodunit (with a heartwarming splash of romance) that will have you scratching your head trying to figure out, well, whodunit!

May – Eulogy in Black and White

Eulogy in Black and White is about murder and revenge. It’s also about life and death. It’s about what the dead know, that we, the living, don’t: how precious life is. It’s also about what’s just and unjust.

Graham Huston should have died in Afghanistan. He didn’t. His friend, Harley, did. Harley was from Magnolia Bluff, the town where someone dies every May 23rd.

And Huston, as if by Fate, has the chance to unravel the mystery of the murders plaguing Magnolia Bluff. His chance to earn redemption for the bullet that killed Harley instead of himself.

Caleb Pirtle knows how to write a powerful novel, and this is one heck of a powerful novel. It’s one heck of a whodunit, with things twisting and turning right up to the end.

Impossible Love: The Characters of Magnolia Bluff

Impossible Love:
The Characters of Magnolia Bluff