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Libraries Preserve Stories
Dead Drop in Lily Rock follows a newly unhoused hiker as a Fourth of July stopover turns into an investigation of a murder at a library where classic-book devotion and small-town secrets lead to an interesting culprit. What sparked the idea to make a library the crime scene, and to make books function as evidence?
A Little Free Library is one of the last places we’d expect violence. Quiet, ordered, built on the assumption that knowledge is shared freely and stories are preserved with care. That sense of safety is exactly what made it the right crime scene.
Mysteries disrupt what feels stable in a community. A murder in a back alley is tragic. A murder at a Little Free Library is personal. It unsettles a town’s sense of who it is. It forces people to ask not just who did this, but why would anyone violate a community service devoted to ideas?
In Dead Drop in Lily Rock, books aren’t props. They’re catalysts. They carry history, ideology, memory, and sometimes controversy. A bookmark can signal allegiance. A marginal note can reveal motive. A banned title tucked into a Little Free Library can expose fault lines in a community that otherwise prides itself on harmony.
I was also drawn to the metaphor: Libraries preserve stories. A murder investigation uncovers one.
In Lily Rock, stories matter. So when something violent interrupts that space, the truth has to be found between the lines.
Officer Janis “Jets” Jets’s sarcasm is practically a climate. How did her voice develop, and what role does she play in shaping the tone of the series?
Janis’s voice developed before Avery arrived in Lily Rock. She first appeared in the original Welcome to Lily Rock Mystery series, sent as an undercover cop during the holiday season. Once Olivia arrives, in Getaway Death, Janis becomes the counterweight to Olivia’s empathy. When Olivia leans into intuition and connection, Janis leans into process and proof.
Her sarcasm grew organically out of that tension.
Small-town policing is intimate. You’re not just enforcing laws, you’re dealing with neighbors, gossip, fragile reputations, and people you’ve known since high school. Sarcasm became Janis’s armor. It’s how she maintains authority without becoming brittle. It’s how she keeps her footing when emotion threatens to swamp the facts.
In the Avery Denning books, Janis serves as tonal ballast. Avery feels the world deeply—animals, shifts in energy, subtle emotional undercurrents. Janis cuts through that with sharp clarity. Her voice sharpens scenes, prevents sentimentality, and keeps the series from floating away into pure intuition.
If Avery listens to crows, Janis reads warrants and sometimes invents her own to make a point.
Lily Rock feels authentic down to Mayor Maguire’s bookmark celebrity. What’s your process for inventing those hyper-specific town details without overloading the story?
I treat Lily Rock like a real town with zoning restrictions and a Chamber of Commerce. Before I write, I quietly ask the following:
What would this town brag about?
What would they put on a postcard?
What would they argue about at the hardware store?
Mayor Maguire, the labradoodle with local celebrity status, began as a small detail. But once he existed, the town responded to him. Someone would absolutely put him on bookmarks. Someone else would roll their eyes about it. Others called him psychic without knowing why. That’s how details become an ecosystem rather than decoration.
The key to avoiding overload is restraint. I think of world-building like seasoning. The reader doesn’t need the entire spice rack. They need the right pinch at the right moment.
A Little Free Library doesn’t need a full architectural history. It needs one crooked hinge, a banned book tucked inside, and a note written in a hurried hand.
Specificity creates authenticity. Selectivity creates readability.
How do you design clue trails so they feel fair and still deliver a snap of surprise?
For me, fairness is sacred to a mystery.
I design clues in three layers:
- Visible clues – The reader sees exactly what the sleuth sees. No hidden evidence withheld unfairly.
- Misinterpreted clues – These are the magic ones. The clue is accurate, but its meaning is slightly bent by context emotion, or assumption.
- Quiet clues – Small, almost throwaway details that only gain weight later.
The “snap” of surprise happens when a reader realizes: Oh. That was there the whole time.
I avoid surprise for shock’s sake. Instead, I aim for inevitability disguised as misdirection. The ending should feel both startling and earned.
And perhaps most important: I design suspect motivations before I design mechanics. If the emotional truth tracks, the clue trail will feel organic.
Mystery, at its heart, isn’t about trickery.
It’s about perception.
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Instead, she finds a murdered woman at the foot of a Little Free Library.
Arriving in the mountain town of Lily Rock for the Fourth of July weekend, Avery plans to rent a room from Stella Rawlins—a friendly local known for her love of books and quiet acts of defiance. When Stella is killed by a sabotaged firecracker hidden inside her library, Avery becomes the discovery witness… and an immediate suspect.
With parades planned and tensions rising over which books belong on public shelves, Lily Rock’s only police officer, Janis Jets, has her hands full. Olivia Greer, a constabulary consultant with a gift for listening, offers Avery a place to stay—and a chance to explain how she ended up at the scene of the crime.
As Avery begins asking questions, she uncovers a secret network of Little Free Libraries, anonymous religious threats tucked inside children’s books, and a second shocking death that turns the case deeply personal. Along the way, she reconnects with Brad May—older, steadier, and quietly trying to make a better life—awakening feelings Avery thought she’d left behind.
Soon it’s clear this isn’t just about books.
It’s about control, belonging, and who gets to decide which stories are worth protecting.
Armed with sharp instincts, a knack for noticing what others miss, and the growing realization that her outsider status may be her greatest strength, Avery steps into a role she never expected: amateur sleuth.
But in Lily Rock, asking the wrong questions can be deadly…
and staying might mean risking her heart as well as her life.
Dead Drop in Lily Rock launches a new mystery series set in the beloved Lily Rock universe—perfect for readers who love small-town whodunits, strong women sleuths, and cozy mysteries with heart.
Unique Crimes
Better Off Dead follows an amateur sleuth who gets drawn into a case that is initially ruled an accidental swimming death, but a darker theory soon surfaces. Trisha notices social awkwardness and emotional cracks as much as clues. Why was that perspective important?
Trisha is just an ordinary person. She’s not a high-flying private investigator wearing designer clothes and shoes or a whip-smart police detective. Her mother dies while she’s in high school, and her father leaves, so she has to bring up her younger sister. Trisha’s dreams of further education go down the drain when her father walks out the door. But she is determined to keep her sister out of the “system” and focused on college. Although her intellectual education stops early, her natural street smarts become highly developed. She sees what most people miss. She’s innately intuitive, and she uses that ability to ask questions that nobody else wants to. With that instinctive capacity, coupled with her pushiness, she can solve some unique crimes.
The Barlow brothers have a deeply uneasy dynamic. Were you interested in rivalry, resentment, or something subtler?
The Barlow brothers grew up and worked in exclusive, rich Marin County, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. They were always competitive. Both liked money and what it could buy them. But Andy, the dead brother, lived in a fantasy world, which translated into living beyond his means. His unrealistic goals pushed him to gamble and put his shared financial advising business with his brother, his marriage, and his athletic targets at high risk. And the risks eventually killed him. Was the remaining brother overwhelmed with grief? It certainly doesn’t seem so.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Trisha and the direction of the next book?
Trisha is dusting off the day’s work at the San Francisco Giants ballpark with a walk at San Quentin Beach, right around a point of land from the infamous prison. She notices a white object floating at the tideline. As she approaches, the strange ball-like object comes into focus. It’s a skull. Within the following month, more body parts wash ashore at different beaches in Marin County: the skeletal hands of a child and the skeletal feet of an adult. What does the local paper say about the remains: not much. But Trisha is riveted when she learns that all three body parts are from different people and all were female.
The working title for book five is Dead and Gone.
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Trisha digs into the man’s history and finds fractured relationships in his family, his business and his marriage. There’s clearly more than one person who had reason to seek a deadly revenge, but would they go as far as murder?
Calypso Blue: A Len Buonfiglio/Caribbean Mystery
Calypso Blue is a murder mystery set on the lush and vividly imagined Caribbean island of St. Pierre. The story follows Len Buonfiglio, a former New York bartender turned island bar owner, who is reluctantly drawn into a local web of secrets, violence, and intrigue after the suspicious death of Lord Ram, a beloved calypso legend. As the island buzzes with rumors and buried histories start to surface, Len navigates local culture, his own past, and a cast of unforgettable characters to piece together the truth. All the while, the book pulses with the rhythm of soca, rum punch, and the heady, sometimes seedy charm of island life.
The writing is slick, confident, and casually poetic in spots, with Silverman painting scenes that feel both intimate and expansive. What stood out to me most was the deep emotional undercurrent. Len isn’t your average amateur sleuth. He’s haunted, tired, and trying hard not to admit how much he cares. I found myself rooting for him even when he seemed too worn out to root for himself. And the dialogue is sharp, funny, and soaked in local flavor. It felt real, not forced. The island, with all its beauty and bite, practically becomes a character in itself.
I didn’t always feel the plot moved as swiftly as I wanted, especially when the book leans into Len’s reflections or side conversations. But even then, there’s a richness to the detours, whether it’s a discussion about calypso lyrics or a strange bottle of vermouth left on a doorstep, the atmosphere always pulls you back in. It’s a story that trusts its characters and its setting to carry the weight, and mostly, they do.
Calypso Blue is an intriguing whodunit. It’s a meditation on regret, redemption, and the thin line between paradise and ruin. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys mysteries with heart, vivid settings, and characters that stay with you after the last page. Perfect for fans of Caribbean noir, or anyone who wants to feel the heat of an island mystery without leaving their chair. It’s not a beach read, it’s a beach experience.
Pages: 277 | ASIN : B0F2S5TPW8
Switch
Lisa Towles’ Switch is a breakneck techno-thriller that dives headfirst into the world of private investigations, buried family secrets, and high-stakes covert operations. At the center is Marissa Ellwyn—a sharp, seasoned former CIA operative turned private investigator—who’s recovering from a hit-and-run attack that lands her in the middle of an investigation laced with mystery, betrayal, and emotional landmines. As she navigates through the murky entanglements of a multi-million-dollar heist, her missing mother, a mysterious John Doe, and a midnight visit from a coroner, the layers of plot unravel in a satisfying tangle of danger and introspection.
I found the writing electrifying and, at times, deeply poignant. Towles excels at keeping the tension high without sacrificing emotional depth. Her dialogue crackles. It’s smart, biting, and authentic, and the first-person narrative gives us raw access to Marissa’s inner world. The pacing is intense. Scenes leap from intimate reflections to explosive action, and it works because Marissa is such a magnetic narrator. That said, the rapid switches in location and the density of subplots made me double back more than once. But honestly, I didn’t mind. The richness of detail, particularly in how Marissa analyzes people and situations, kept me anchored even when the plot went labyrinthine.
What I enjoyed most was the emotional honesty behind all the spy games and shootouts. Marissa’s relationship with her elusive and emotionally detached father resonated with me because it felt real and messy. The themes of abandonment, trust, and resilience ground the story in something human. And the dog, Trevor, was a total scene-stealer. I would’ve liked a touch more clarity around some of the secondary characters, who sometimes blurred together in the thick of the action. Still, this wasn’t a dealbreaker. I appreciated how the book never spoon-fed answers; it trusted me to keep up, and that felt refreshing.
Switch is for readers who crave a smart and emotionally charged thriller with an awesome female lead and just enough espionage spice to keep things edgy. If you love Karin Slaughter, Robert Dugoni, or early Patricia Cornwell, you’ll devour this. It’s not a beach read—it’s a bunker-down, turn-off-your-phone, and hang-on-tight read. And I loved it.
Pages: 372
A Charm Without a Chain
Set against the serene backdrop of a small lake town in Colorado during the year 1974, A Charm Without a Chain, by Carolyn Summer Quinn, is a compelling narrative that introduces us to Monty Farraday, an English and Theater teacher. The tranquility of the setting is disrupted when Monty and his daughter, Jessica, who is on the cusp of starting her freshman year at the local high school, stumble upon a shocking scene. They find the school principal, Reginald Brandenburg, lifelessly sprawled in his office, a victim of a gruesome shooting. This harrowing discovery sets the stage for a riveting mystery that unravels in the corridors of the school and the streets of Lake Covington.
Quinn skillfully weaves a tale that engages readers with its intricate plot and a host of characters ranging from Monty’s colleagues, who exhibit a blend of suspicious and amiable traits, to the local police, his family, and students. The small town, ordinarily unaccustomed to such scandal, becomes a hotbed of speculation and intrigue, where everyone is potentially culpable.
The narrative stands out for its clear delineation of characters and scenarios, which Quinn achieves without overwhelming the reader. The storyline is replete with unexpected twists that keep the pages turning. Quinn’s mastery in setting the scene – the picturesque town in the 70s, coupled with the relatable dynamics of Monty’s family life – enriches the reading experience. Quinn’s storytelling echoes the essence of classic mystery novels, filled with meticulously plotted possibilities, questions, and suspects.
Monty Farraday emerges as a memorable protagonist, whose past aspiration of becoming a detective adds a layer of depth to his character. His investigation into the crime hints at the potential for more stories in what could easily evolve into a series.
A Charm Without a Chain is a book that will particularly resonate with enthusiasts of thriller and mystery genres, especially those who appreciate a modern take on traditional ‘whodunit’ narratives. Quinn’s novel is not just a mystery; it’s a journey into the depths of a small community shaken by an unprecedented event, as seen through the eyes of a compelling protagonist.
Pages: 251 | ASIN: B0CM5YR8TV
The Shady Oaks Division
In L.M. Coppa’s captivating novel, The Shady Oaks Division, we are introduced to Jill, an intriguing protagonist grappling with the unforeseen trials of early retirement. However, this is not your conventional tale of a retiree finding new hobbies or traveling the world; Jill, at the tender age of 45, is departing from a highly unusual career – that of a trained assassin.
From the outset, Coppa expertly ensnares readers into Jill’s unique existence, which is far from ordinary even in her supposed tranquil retirement. Imagine what you might do in the wee hours of a sleepless night; Jill opts for an unconventional choice, tiptoeing into her neighbours’ house to listen to the rhythmic symphony of their snores and subtly adjust their family photographs.
A defining strength of the novel is the decision to center around an inherently flawed protagonist. With Jill, Coppa gifts us an idiosyncratic character who showcases a somewhat dismissive approach to safety and displays a rebellious streak often associated with adolescence. This compelling blend of traits can make her challenging to admire, yet irresistibly fascinating to follow.
The narrative employs a clever, seamless oscillation between present happenings and past events. Coppa skillfully illuminates the traumatic history that shaped Jill, providing just the right measure of detail to instigate understanding without veering into the territory of the gratuitous. However, the novel could benefit from some restraint in the depiction of mundane events.
Coppa’s portrayal of dialogue shines for its authenticity and effective contribution to plot progression. Overall, the book maintains an enticing pace, perfectly balancing action and intrigue to hold the reader captive until an unpredicted conclusion. The Shady Oaks Division, in essence, is an invigorating amalgam of drama, suspense, and an unconventional romance, distinguished by a protagonist whose very flaws make her all the more compelling.
Pages: 369 | ASIN: B0C6FPDMBD
Christmas in Cave Creek: A Lucy Vaughn Mystery
Christmas in Cave Creek: A Lucy Vaughn Mystery, Book Two, penned by the adept Carolyn Fenzl, elegantly unfolds the intriguing tale of our protagonist, Lucy Vaughn. Embarking on a journey from Sacramento to her erstwhile abode, Cave Creek, to celebrate the festive season with her mother, Lucy is accompanied by her boyfriend, Thorne Martin. The plot thickens as Lucy and Thorne, having just reached Cave Creek, meet with an accident that proves to be a pivotal plot point. Miraculously unharmed, they grapple with the haunting uncertainty of what they had collided with. Could it be an unidentified creature dwelling in the quaint town of Cave Creek? With elements of mystery, romance, camaraderie, and familial ties elegantly woven into the narrative, prepare to embark on an enthralling journey of suspense and intrigue.
Lucy Vaughn, as the central character, is a delightful blend of strength and sweetness. Her endearing affinity for sweepstakes, coupled with the deep-seated love she harbors for her mother, boyfriend, and friends, enriches her character. The supporting characters are meticulously crafted, compelling you to eagerly turn each page. Thorne, Lucy’s charismatic companion, adds to the appeal. The pace of the narrative is adeptly managed, sustaining momentum throughout. The world-building is intriguingly executed, making for a captivating read. Cave Creek, the backdrop of the story, is described with such rich detail that it effortlessly transports you to the charming small town. The central mystery— identifying the entity that struck Lucy’s car— is well-constructed, keeping readers engrossed as they follow Lucy and Thorne’s investigative endeavors.
While it is challenging to critique such an impeccably woven narrative, the story could potentially benefit from the inclusion of a few more unexpected twists. This minor suggestion aside, the book stands as a near-flawless piece of writing.
Carolyn Fenzl’s storytelling prowess shines through in this riveting mystery novel, providing an immersive experience that effectively staves off monotony. I am enthusiastically looking forward to delving into the next installment in the series and eagerly anticipate more enthralling tales from this talented author!
Pages: 258 | ASIN: B0B6KH3D5V
Cloudy with a Chance of Answers
Cloudy with a Chance of Answers by Carolyn Summer Quinn is a mystery thriller and the second one in her “unsolved crimes against children” series. Bethany Barrows finds herself in the town of New Jersey in the early stages of Covid-19 when her uncle Ryan passes away and she has to settle his estate. In Bethany’s half-hearted search through her uncle’s belongings, she discovers that her detective uncle dedicated his entire life to finding his daughter Ashley’s abductor. Bethany gets “cloudy with a chance of answers” when she finds a very clear lead. Will she finally solve the mystery her uncle couldn’t solve before his death? To unravel Ashley Barrows’ abduction mystery from 1988, is Bethany willing to sacrifice her own life?
Cloudy with a Chance of Answers is a riveting piece of storytelling. The book is set in March of 2020, right when coronavirus was spreading globally and Quinn’s ability to recreate that environment is applause-worthy. Her attention to detail was spectacular and I felt as though I was transported back into that time. As the story forges ahead and Bethany comes across all types of hints, readers will find themselves trying to solve the mystery as well. This book is a true page-turner and it radiated nail-biting suspense.
Bethany’s character was as realistic as it gets and her naturally curious personality was a great character trait. Her devotion to her cousin’s closed abduction case and her need to solve it was amazing to read about. The sheer possibility of getting the long-anticipated answers not only compelled Bethany but readers as well.
Unlike most thriller novels, Quinn’s writing style takes on a conversational tone which made this book a fast read. I found it very hard to put this book down and I can’t wait for the next one in this series. As for the story, it was near perfect, at no point did I feel like it was being stretched out, and then as the mystery unfolded itself, I too got cloudy with a chance of answers.
Pages: 283 | ASIN: B0BGJNQSHR
