Hush Money: A Novel

T. E. Woods

Aug 2017 · Hush Money Mystery Book 1 · Sold by Alibi

About this ebook

The author of The Fixer (“A must-read for those who enjoy crime fiction.”—Kirkus Reviews) unleashes a twisted tale of politics, passion, and murder in the nicest big city in America: Madison, Wisconsin.

The mayor is smart, funny, and loved by all. Except for the person who leaves him in a pool of his own blood. . . .

Madison is booming with dreamers and drifters, visionaries and entrepreneurs. Among them is Sydney Richardson, the daughter of a cop who died on these streets and now the proud, stressed-out owner of Hush Money, one of the city’s top new restaurants. Like everyone else in town, Sydney is shocked when Madison’s popular mayor—a crusty, charismatic man of the people—is shot to death in his own home. But the news hits especially close to home for Sydney because one of her own stands accused of the brutal crime.

Sydney’s the one person that Wanda Fields, a quiet, hardworking waitress and single mother, can think to call after her arrest. Now she might be Wanda’s only hope. As Sydney gets wrapped up in the case, she runs up against powerful people with secrets to hide—and a mayor who wasn’t the person everyone thought he was. After Wanda divulges a bombshell of her own, Sydney’s sure the real killer is still out there, hiding among Madison’s elite, perhaps even dining in her beloved restaurant . . . with more than enough motive to kill again.

Praise for Hush Money

“A sleek, delicious new mystery novel . . . With a smorgasbord of suspects and friends, a main course of action and suspense, and a side order of hot romance, T. E. Woods has delivered the perfect menu for the most discerning mystery lovers. I can’t wait for a second helping. Bon appétit!”—Tom Savage, USA Today bestselling author of the Nora Baron series

“Told with skill and gritty sympathy for its imperiled characters . . . A compelling look into a strong-willed woman looking out for her own in the face of evil.”—Tom Shawver, author of the Rare Book Mystery series

“Deeply satisfying . . . Veteran crime writer and clinical psychologist Woods serves up a rich cast of characters, myriad motives, and a complex plot.”—Eve Karlin, author of City of Liars and Thieves

Don’t miss any of the gripping Hush Money mysteries from T. E. Woods:
HUSH MONEY | BAD GIRL | PRIVATE LIES
 
And look for the Justice series:
THE FIXER | THE RED HOT FIX | THE UNFORGIVABLE FIX | FIXED IN BLOOD | FIXED IN FEAR | DEAD END FIX

Ratings and reviews

Hush Money is the name of a new upscale restaurant owned by Sydney Richardson. She is the daughter of a cop that was killed on duty. In his honor, she also also opened the adjacent bar and grill for the cops, first responders, firemen. The mayor of Madison, Wisconsin is beloved by all ... except the person that murdered him. The police think this is an open and shut case as a young woman is seen leaving his residence covered in blood and her prints on the murder weapon. She's also a new employee of Sydney's and she's bound and determined to help her out and find the real killer. But as Sydney discovers secrets and lies about the mayor, the more danger she faces. The is the first of a 2-part series written by a well-known proficient author... and it looks like a winner. There's a good amount of suspense, a little romance thrown in, with credible characters .. some you will love, some you won't. A few twists and turns keep the reader guessing what will happen next. I really look forward to the next book ... BAD GIRL. Many thanks to the author / Random House Publishing Group - Alibi / Netgalley for the digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

About the author

T. E. Woods was a clinical psychologist in private practice in Madison, Wisconsin. She was the author of the Justice series (The Fixer, The Red Hot Fix, The Unforgivable Fix, Fixed in Blood, Fixed in Fear, and Dead End Fix) and the Hush Money series (Hush Money, Bad Girl, and Private Lies). She died in 2018.