Between The Pages - Framed For Murder

Framed For Murder

Marla A. White

June 2024 

After a life-changing injury, Mel O’Rourke trades in her badge for bed sheets, running a B & B in the quirky mountain town of Pine Cove. Her peaceful life is interrupted when an old frenemy, the notorious and charismatic cat burglar, Poppy Phillips, shows up on her doorstep, claiming she’s been framed for murder. While she’s broken plenty of laws, Mel knows she’d never kill anyone. Good thing she’s a better detective than she is a cook as she sets out to prove Poppy's innocence. 

The situation gets complicated, however, when the ruggedly handsome Deputy Sheriff Gregg Marks flirts with Mel, bringing him dangerously close to the criminal she’s hiding. And just when her friendship with café owner Jackson Thibodeaux blossoms into something more, he’s offered the opportunity of a lifetime in New Orleans. Should she encourage him to go, or ask him to stay? Who knew romance could be just as hard to solve as murder? 

Between The Pages 

The reader is introduced to Mel in The Starlight Mint Surprise Murder novella but in this book, Mel has settled into Pine Cove. The first chapter pulls the reader in with a blast from Mel’s past. A body is found, and the mystery begins. Poppy and Mel’s grandmother highlight the story, adding fun and mischief. In this book, the growth of Mel’s character is well written as she tries new hobbies. The author sets up a good mystery and introduces several possible suspects. This cozy mystery was a fun read and had a great ending hook. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - The Starlight Mint Surprise Murder

The Starlight Mint Surprise Murder 

Marla A. White 

November 2021 

After injuring herself on the job as a Los Angeles cop, Mel O'Rourke leaves the force battered both physically and mentally. Looking for a fresh start, she moves to a quiet mountain town and opens the Babbling Brook Inn. Excited for her new life, Mel decides to participate in the town's holiday cookie contest, but her newfound joy crashes when one of her guests turns up dead in her lobby. 

Mel is tempted to attribute the death to natural causes, but when another guest dies, her cop sense kicks in. The local Sheriff tells her to stand down, but with her own life in danger, Mel won't back off. With everything on the line, she has to push through her own fears to catch the killer before more bodies drop, perhaps even her own. 

Between The Pages 

This cozy mystery is a suspenseful who-done-it. The author wrote a strong and likable leading character. Mel is an ex-cop who must solve two murders while suffering from an injury, emotional fears, and running an Inn. The engaging storyline has moments of humor and plenty of drama. The author takes you on a fun ride with a list of suspects, leading to an explosive ending. An enjoyable weekend read.

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Cause For Elimination

Cause For Elimination 

Marla A. White 

October 2022 

Reclaiming her life after a devastating riding accident, equestrian Emily Conners' world shatters again when she discovers her friend and boss lying in a stall with a smashed skull. Now jobless and with a handsome cop underfoot investigating the case, she's torn between wanting the killer found and keeping her own secrets safe. 

Detective Justin Butler always gets his killer, but this victim has a stampede of enemies and few leads to go on. Stonewalled by the tight-knit equestrian world, he looks to Emily for help, but she's strangely reluctant. Is she hiding something, or is she afraid of their growing attraction? 

As the search for the murderer heats up, their hearts become entangled and their lives at risk, forcing Emily and Justin to work together to find the killer before they strike again. 

Between The Pages 

This edge-of-your-seat mystery was an interesting read. The author has a great voice for spinning twists and turns into a suspenseful story. With so many possible suspects, the reader wonders who could be the killer and when they will strike again. The plot around the equestrian world was enjoyable, and the author is very knowledgeable in this ring. Justin was a great hero and the perfect person to step into Emily’s life. The banter between Justin, and his partner, Dennis was fun. Lottie was also a great and feisty secondary character. While the author did a good job on the sensitive subject of addiction, a mention should have been added of professional help to assist and maintain the character’s sobriety. But overall, this mystery was a page-turning read. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars