Murder Before Dawn: A Steamy Small Town Murder Mystery

Delta James

Nov 2023 · Delta James

About this ebook

The only thing more exciting than a famous local author staying at the bed and breakfast is a real murder mystery.

Mystery novelist and member of the Mystery Writer’s Murder Club, Jessica Murdoch, heads off for a staycation at a bed and breakfast in her hometown of Badger’s Drift, Maine for some rest and relaxation. When a murder takes place in her luxurious suite, she figures it’s up to her to uncover the town’s secrets and find the killer.

Thorn Wilder, of the Major Crime Unit of the Maine State Police, is assigned to investigate the murder. Thorn, an astute and methodical investigator, is familiar with Jessica's work and quickly recognizes her as a potential asset in solving the case. Jessica finds herself irresistibly drawn to the enigmatic detective and becomes an unofficial consultant in the investigation.

Join Jessica Murdoch, Tracer, her faithful basset hound, and Thorn Wilder as they unravel the dark mysteries that lurk beneath the surface of this small town, and discover the shocking truth that lies at the heart of it all.

Murder Before Dawn is the first story in the Mystery, She Wrote series. Four mystery authors meet at a book conference and discover they all live in small towns in Maine. After a fabulous weekend together they decide to form the Mystery Writer’s Murder Club. They meet monthly at a different house to check out cold cases in the area, write, and relax. They soon discover the only thing more exciting than a good murder mystery book is an actual murder mystery.

If you like fast-paced mysteries with quirky characters, an inquisitive basset hound, and unexpected twists, you’re going to love the Mystery, She Wrote series.

One-Click Murder Before Dawn and get started on your next murder mystery adventure today!

 

Ratings and reviews

"Murder Before Dawn" by Delta James invites readers on an exhilarating journey into the intriguing world of small-town mysteries. Jessica Murdoch, a renowned mystery novelist, finds herself at the center of a real murder mystery during her staycation at a Badger’s Drift bed and breakfast. Delta James expertly weaves a tale that blends suspense, romance, and the charm of a close-knit community. The story introduces us to Jessica, her faithful basset hound Tracer, and Thorn Wilder, a seasoned detective with a keen eye for detail. As they team up to unravel the dark secrets of Badger’s Drift, the narrative unfolds with a perfect balance of fast-paced mystery and quirky characters. Jessica's transition from author to amateur detective adds a unique layer to the plot, and her chemistry with Thorn adds an element of romance that enhances the overall reading experience. The setting of a small town in Maine, coupled with the formation of the Mystery Writer’s Murder Club, adds depth to the narrative, creating a captivating backdrop for the unfolding events. The incorporation of cold cases, monthly meetings, and unexpected twists keeps readers engaged and eager to uncover the shocking truth at the heart of it all. If you enjoy mysteries with a blend of quirky characters, an inquisitive basset hound, and unexpected twists, "Murder Before Dawn" is a must-read. Delta James kicks off the Mystery, She Wrote series with a compelling story that promises an exciting murder mystery adventure for fans of the genre. One-click your way into this fast-paced and charming mystery for an immersive reading experience today. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a fun, quick murder mystery with a bit of romance and steam thrown in for fun! Jessica and Thorn were wonderful characters (with interesting names) and lots of chemistry and an insta-love that worked well with the story and didn't seem too rushed. The mystery was pretty interesting, with everyone having a reason to have committed the crime, and a seedy under belly for Badger's Drift. It's a fast read, but not too short to leave you wondering where the next half of the story went.

Jessica and Thorn. He saved her once before from certain peril and now she's a suspect in yet another case. An unpleasant resident in her hometown has been offed. He'll follow the letter of the law to clear her name. Then he'll claim her for his own. Readers finally get the wrap-up of the prequel and get thrown into another mystery. Well-written as can be expected from any DJ tale, with some steamy bits interwoven in a great whodunit. Small-town living was never so exciting. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

About the author

Delta James is a USA Today bestselling paranormal and contemporary romantic suspense author, whose goal is to captivate readers with stories about complex, curvy heroines and the dominant alpha males who adore them. For Delta, romance is more than just a love story; it’s a journey with challenges and thrills along the way.

After creating a second chapter for herself that was dramatically different than the first, Delta now resides in Florida where she relaxes on warm summer evenings with her loveable pack of basset hounds as they watch the birds, squirrels and lizards. When not crafting fast-paced tales, she enjoys horseback riding, walks on the beach, and white-water rafting.

Her readers mean the world to her, and Delta tries to interact personally to as many messages as she can. If you’d like to chat or discuss books, you can find Delta on Instagram, Facebook, and in her private reader group