Tag: traditional mysteries

Father Frank to the Rescue

I love the clerical sleuth genre, which is actually a sub-genre of the amateur detective genre.

There’s something about a man or woman of faith matching wits with a murderer. That combination elevates the moral nature of the story.

Philip Grosset of the Clerical Detective website has identified 376 clerical detectives. That’s an awful lot of men and women of the cloth bringing criminals to justice. A clear case of faith in action.

Father Frank first appeared in the book Cleansed by Fire, published in 2012.

You Won’t Know How… Or When, Book 4 in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles, is also the latest Father Frank mystery. And it’s a good one.

Father Frank has never been to the Texas Hill Country and hasn’t had a vacation in 4 years. His friend from seminary, Father Lee, is the priest at Christ the King Catholic Church in Magnolia Bluff, that idyllic little town on the shore of Burnet Reservoir. So Father Frank decides to pay his friend a visit and do a little sight seeing.

When Father Frank arrives, Father Lee has to attend to an emergency and Father Frank volunteers to do confession for him. And that’s when the fun begins.

Confessions are sacred. Their content cannot be divulged. So what do you do when someone tells you they’re going to kill you? You won’t know how, or when. But they are going to get you.

Then it hits you — the “confession” wasn’t meant for you, but for your friend. And you can’t tell him he’s a marked man. You can’t break the seal of the confessional.

That is Father Frank’s dilemma. And it’s a very difficult one. It turns his holiday into a hunt for a man determined to kill his friend.

In the course of his investigation, he befriends Rev. Ember Cole, the pastor of the Methodist Church, and Harry Thurgood, owner of the Really Good Wood-Fired Coffee Shop, and takes a special interest in their relationship, offering Ember some “fatherly” advice. That gave the story a tender and personal touch.

The book’s storyline is fairly straight-forward. What I enjoyed most was seeing Father Frank working out his faith to achieve tangible and rewarding good works.

Callan doesn’t wield a heavy club when it comes to his faith. His approach is rather matter of fact. An approach that works well for me. An approach that makes the Christian faith accessible and desirable.

You Won’t Know How… Or When is another fabulous entry in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles series, as well as a worthy addition to the Father Frank series. Two birds with one stone.

Do you like puzzles? Or Wordle? Or just figuring out the instructions on how to put together the table you just bought?

If you do, pick up a copy of this suspense-filled whodunit and see if you can figure out how it will all end. It’s on pre-order 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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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!

 

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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Christmas with the Wrights

 

Even hard-nosed detective Justinia Wright can get into the Christmas spirit.

Three cases. Three chances to spread some Christmas cheer.

There’s Cordell Oscar Hellman, the conservative political pundit, who’s recreational morphine use has come to the attention of a vicious blackmailer.

Mrs. Solberg’s dope of a husband is being hoodwinked by the office minx and Mrs. S doesn’t like it.

Then there’s Emil Papenfuss, who’s homeless and a millionaire. Only he doesn’t know he’s a millionaire.

Three cases. Three chances to do a good deed. And with the inducement of three big fat fees and Harry’s help, Tina delivers the goods. But not without difficulty.

Christmas with the Wrights. Not like any Christmas you’ve ever experienced. Get in on the action and fun today!

You can get a copy on Amazon for only 99¢.

I love writing the Justinia Wright mysteries. For me, Tina and Harry’s world is a place I want to be. And I’ve written and published more stories about them than I have any of my other characters.

The 2 novelettes and 1 short story that make up Christmas with the Wrights were originally written for my mailing list. My Christmas present to my fans and followers. After several years of sitting in the desk drawer, I decided to make them available to a wider audience.

A couple years back, internationally bestselling authors Caleb and Linda Pirtle named me one of the top 25 mystery writers you should be reading. That was quite an honor, and quite a testimony for the Wrights.

The Pirtle’s are featuring Christmas with the Wrights as their Book of the Moment. Read about it on their blog.

Spending Christmas with the Wrights just might be the best Christmas you ever had. Like being a kid again.

Get it on Amazon!

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

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Ripples on the Pond

Ripples on the Pond, the latest story in the Justinia Wright Private Investigator canon, is live on Amazon. It’s a short story and only 99¢.

Originally, I gave the story to my mailing list as a gift. After 3 years, I made some minor changes, re-titled the story, and now offer it to the public.

Harry discovers that the old lady who stood on the street corner, and from whom he bought flowers, was killed in a hit and run accident. He also learns she left him a sizable inheritance.

He decides to hire his sister, ace Minneapolis private eye, Justinia Wright, to find out who killed the Flower Lady.

I won’t tell you anymore, as I don’t want to spoil the story. I will say, it has all the elements that people love about the Justinia Wright mysteries.

It has the warm, cosy atmosphere of a place you just want to be.

It has humor threaded throughout a fun and often tense story.

There’s good food, good wine, and good music. What more do you want out of a story?

I know thrillers are all the rage. Books where the pages turn themselves. I’ll be honest here. After a long day, the last thing I want are thrills and excitement.

I want to relax. I want to go to a place that feels like home. And if there is excitement, I want it to grow naturally out of what’s going on in the story. Not impossible stuff that smacks me in the face from page one.

So, if you want to go to a place where you can take your shoes off, and sit in your easy chair by the fire — then the adventures Tina and Harry find themselves in are right for you. Mysteries told in the British tradition, but set in contemporary Minneapolis, Minnesota. America’s Northland.

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

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Indie April Suggestions – Part 8

Indie April will be over in a few days. Nevertheless, I’ve 4 more authors I want to introduce you to before the month is out.

Today, you’ll meet Jack Tyler and Joe Congel. So let’s get to it!

Jack Tyler

I’ve known Jack Tyler for just about as long as I’ve been an independent author-publisher. We met on a now defunct steampunk forum.

Jack taught himself how to write stories. He learned the ins and outs, and honed his craft to an art. He not only knows how to write, he knows how to write well. He’s mastered the art of storytelling.

To date, he’s published the 3 book Beyond the Rails series, which is steampunk high adventure; and the epic fantasy novel The Stone Seekers, which breaks refreshing new ground in that genre.

He has lots more stuff in the wings, and I hope he let’s those books take center stage. Because Jack is far and away one of the better indie writers I’ve read. 

He has the ability to create a world and people it with characters who draw you in, and make you a part of their world. His stories have an air of the classic about them. Which puts them head and shoulders above much of the contemporary drivel being put up on Amazon today.

So if high adventure and lots of action is what you’re looking for, head on over to Amazon and pick up Jack’s books. You won’t be sorry.

Joe Congel

Joe Congel has created a fabulous private detective in Tony Razzolito, aka the Razzman.

And at the same time, he’s managed to bring the essence of the hardboiled detective into a contemporary setting. Which is very refreshing. 

I love private eye mysteries. And Congel does them right. He follows the formula and pacing of the masters, while eschewing the modern penchant for constant mind-numbing action. 

Not that there isn’t any action in the Razzman series — because there’s plenty of it. But it’s action done right, action that heightens the mystery, threatens the sleuth’s ability to gather the clues. 

Congel, like his mystery writer forebears, gives us a mystery that focuses on solving the crime. It is the classic literary puzzle. The action is the spice that makes the experience all the more delightful.

Joe Congel does mystery right. If you love the tales of Marlowe, Spade, and Mike Hammer, then head on over to Amazon and pick up the Razzman books. You won’t be sorry.

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

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Snippet Time

It’s been a while since I’ve offered a snippet of one of my works in progress.

At present, I’m writing two Justinia Wright mysteries, and editing a third.

Today’s snippet is from the Justinia Wright novella I’m working on. (Please note: this is the initial draft prior to any editing.) Enjoy!

***

We were in the office digesting our lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches, and cream of kale and butternut squash soup,  when the doorbell rang.

On the doorstep, was a tall, heavy-set fellow. He wore a dark brown suit. His shirt was white, and his tie was intricately patterned with irregularly shaped orange-red dots.

I opened the door and asked what he wanted.

“I’d like to see Justinia Wright. My name is Helmar Johanson. I’m on the orchestra’s board of directors, and I understand Ms Wright is investigating the death of Juliette Boudreau.”

“Wait right there. I’ll see if Miss Wright is available.” 

Back to the office. I poked my head inside the doorway. “Helmar Johanson from the orchestra’s board is here to see you. Shall I let him in?”

Tina looked at her cigar, turned her gaze in my direction, and with a frown on her face, said, “Yes.”

Back out to the front door. I let in our guest, took a look at the curb, and had to pick my jaw up off the floor. At the curb was a white sports car.

As I took Johanson’s jacket, I asked as calmly as I could, “Is that car out front, yours?”

“The Porsche?”

I nodded, and hung his jacket on a peg. 

“Yes, it’s mine. Why do you ask?” 

“Just curious. Do you like it? Does it handle well?” 

“Of course. It’s a Porsche.”

I nodded, led him into the office, made introductions, and indicated he should sit in the oversized oxblood wingback. The chair was certainly not oversized for him.

“What may I do for you, Mr Johanson?” Tina asked.

“I’m on the chamber orchestra board, and I contribute significantly towards the operating expenses.”

Tina shrugged. “Okay, I’m impressed.” 

A look of surprise swept across his face and disappeared. “I want to know what you are doing to find Miss Boudreau’s killer. Are you, in fact, doing anything?”

“Is there a reason I should tell you?” 

This time incredulity swept across his face, lingering a moment before disappearing. Apparently, Mr Johanson wasn’t used to people talking to him that way.

“I just told you I’m on the board. I have a right to know.” 

“Is this right written down somewhere?” 

“What do you mean? Of course it’s not written down.”

“Then what makes you think you have the right to know?”

“What? Of course I do.” 

“Of course you don’t. We have no contractual obligation to each other. Therefore, you have no right to demand anything of me. Natural rights do not infringe on another person’s freedom. In other words, they are not coercive. Free speech takes nothing away from anyone. It is not coercive.” 

“What the hell are you going on about?” 

“Just this, Mr Johanson: you have no right to demand that I give you information about my client and his case. In other words, you have no right to know anything. You may earn the privilege of my willingness to share. Or you may simply ask me to share. But you have no right to know anything about my investigation.”

“I help fund the orchestra. I’m on the board.”

“So?” 

“I’m entitled to know what’s going on.”

“Who says so? I don’t. You have no right, legal or moral, to the information that I have about my client. I may choose to share it with you. And for me to consider doing so, you must ask. Demanding will get you nowhere. However, you must realize that I have a duty to protect my client’s interests — and that may mean I tell you nothing.”

Now, my sister has resorted to a lot of tricks to get people to leave her office, but when she opened the humidor and took out a cigar that was a first.

“Are you going to smoke that thing?”

“That is what one generally does with a cigar. Personally, I don’t like chewing on them.” 

“I have a lung condition.”

“No one is forcing you to stay.” 

“Well, I’ll be…” He looked at me, I suppose expecting I come to his aid, both of us being men and all. I just shrugged.

He stood, opened his mouth, no words came out, so we closed it. He turned around and left. I followed to make sure he didn’t forget his jacket and that the door got closed, which it did after I watched his white sports car drive off.

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