Where Is Henderson? (Sam Darling mystery #5) (17 page)

With the help of her landlord and her dog, Sam sets out to solve the murder. Along the way, she spends time with the hot new guy in town and tries
not
to spend time with the old high school boyfriend who stood her up on prom night.

Using her vibes, her wit, and her charm, Sam solves the mystery, but not before going in the completely wrong direction more than once.

ANY MEAT IN THAT SOUP?

(Sam Darling mystery #2)

When a man falls down at Samantha Darling’s feet, she thinks it’s pretty funny. But she stops joking when he turns up dead.

Social worker and would-be crime-solver Sam is busy trying to unravel the mystery as the death toll keeps mounting. She’s thrilled to be hired by the handsome local private eye to work in the ER and investigate, but her elation quickly evaporates when she finds out that her sister Jen is being investigated for the murders.

A trio of other suspects, a poisoning scare for her best bud and canine companion Clancy, and the back-and-forth pull of Sam’s attraction to the dreamy Michael and the loyal George keep her unbalanced as she tries to juggle social work, secret sleuthing, and a romantic triangle.

As usual, Sam takes her snooping to extraordinary heights. She can’t seem to stop putting her nose where it doesn’t belong. And this time…she may have gone too far.

CAN YOU PICTURE THIS?

(Sam Darling mystery #3)

If Sam had known when she knocked over the guy’s bicycle that it would put her knee-deep in murder again, she might have thought twice.

Richie Klingman, the only representative of the “paparazzi” in Quincy, chased Sam down with his camera in an attempt to grab a quick shot of the local celebrity sleuth. But when the flashbulb went off in her face, she went off on him—or on his bike—and down it went, Richie and all.
Turns out that one of the photos Richie took caught the precise moment of a murder on film. The next thing Sam knows, Richie himself has been stabbed and is in the hospital with a serious chest wound.
Sam is stumped. There are no suspects. Instead there are round-the-clock police protecting Sam and her kids, who are home from college for the summer. And there is round-the-clock involvement with her old high school beau George, whom Sam has finally forgiven for standing her up on prom night.
When at last a suspect emerges, Sam is confronted with her own mortality yet again. In this third book of the Sam Darling mystery series, you’ll be wondering whodunit right up until the murderer is fully exposed and the picture finally emerges.

WILL YOU MARRY ME?

(Sam Darling mystery #4)

There’s a Chicken Convention in town as Sam Darling takes her curiosity on the road and tries to solve another murder—and this time the feathers are flying!

Savvy sleuth Sam and her canine sidekick Clancy are at it again in the fourth book in Jerilyn Dufresne’s bestselling cozy mystery series. Sam and her sweetheart George are headed off for a well-earned vacation. That is, until Clancy digs up a mysterious human bone. With help from the Bobs—Bob Bob, Jim Bob, Joe Bob, Mike Bob, Billy Bob, and Mary Bob—Sam jumps in as always to help figure out who done it.
How far will Sam go to solve the case? Far enough to squeeze into a fluffy chicken suit and infiltrate the world of those who love to cluck. Once again, intrepid Sam goes from the frying pan into the fire…but will she get burned?

As usual I want to acknowledge all the generous people who have made this book a reality:

My publisher and friend, Patrice Fitzgerald of eFitzgerald Publishing, LLC.

Cover artist Keri Knutson, who took an ordinary photograph and turned it into a great cover

Jason Anderson of Polgarus Studio, who provided prompt and professional formatting services.

Nibby Priest, my advisor for all things Henderson

Kathy and Hugh Roderick for allowing me to use their lovely home on the cover.

Beta readers: Jan Smith, Donna Welsh, Beth Lane, and Nikki Shields

Sue Osier, for inspiring me with her story of wearing Spanx for the first time

Panera Bread Company in Quincy for giving me space in which to write

Lou Ann Clark, for giving a great workshop in Henderson that was the catalyst for this story. Lou, you are nothing like Louise Shannon. Your workshop was valuable and you are not a huckster. For the record.

To the people of Henderson: I loved your town and plan to visit frequently. As you can see, I took great liberties at poking fun at you. I hope you realize it was done with respect and love.

To the people of Quincy: I promise the next book is set totally in Quincy, just as you demanded, er, I mean requested.

Bestselling author Jerilyn Bozarth Dufresne is the oldest in a family of nine children, which is where she got the inspiration for the Darling Family—although her sibs fight a lot more and have cornered the market on sarcasm. She returned to her hometown of Quincy, Illinois after having lived a nomadic life in her middle years.

Jerilyn currently works as an outpatient therapist at a local mental health clinic and teaches at Quincy University. She and her dog Gus live with, and are tolerated by, two cats.

© 2015 Jerilyn Dufresne, all rights reserved, worldwide. No part of this ebook may be reproduced, uploaded to the Internet, or copied without author permission.

The author appreciates your support in respecting her rights to this work. There is much joy in writing, but artists deserve to be paid.

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