Reviews

“Murder Pays a Call introduces a new murder mystery series featuring personal concierge Keri Armstrong, who is up for any job as long as it’s legal … until she finds her client dead in bed, which immerses her in a dangerous investigation that threatens her reputation, her agency, and her ethical compass. The story opens in Orlando, where Keri has spent two years converting a travel agency office into a point of pride for her new service. Her reputation for solving different kinds of client problems through her concierge service is coming home to roost on her shoulders, though, as she finds herself involved in an unexpected relationship with Chef Jarek, a new client, along with fielding murder accusations. It’s beyond the call of her job description but also, strangely, lies well within her abilities as Keri hones her problem-solving skills in a different way that propels her in unexpected directions. As in her other mysteries, Nancy J. Cohen’s attention to cementing not just intrigue but the personalities and places that surround it makes for a thoroughly realistic read. Replete with satisfying twists, unexpected character developments, and a plot to die for, Murder Pays a Call is a cozy mystery that readers will find thoroughly engaging.” D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

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Excerpt

“There’s something else we need to talk about while I’ve got you,” Fiona said, lowering her voice. “But it’s not a discussion we can have on the phone.”

Fiona sounded so serious that a moment of panic engulfed her. “What is it? You’re not ill, are you?” She’d lost her mother three years ago. She couldn’t bear the thought of losing Fiona, too. Then she’d truly feel alone.

“No, I’m fine,” Fiona reassured her. “It’s just that … I fear I’ve made a terrible mistake. I need to tell you about it in person. You’re the only one I can trust.”

“Now I’m concerned. What kind of mistake?” Had Fiona offended someone in her social circle? Made a rude comment to the wrong person? That would be unlike her.

“We’ll discuss it tomorrow. Maybe I’m imagining things.” Yet her fearful tone told Keri that whatever she felt might have merit.

“O-kay. Should I come earlier?”

“No, no. I know you have a gazillion things to do this time of year. I wish I could still drive, but I can’t seem to find my way these days. I’m lucky to have you to help me.”

Keri’s heartstrings thrummed. If it were up to her, she wouldn’t even charge Fiona, but then Purdy would berate her for being too soft. “We’re lucky to have each other. Is there anything else I can get for you tomorrow, like your favorite chocolate croissant?”

Fiona laughed, but her voice lacked true mirth. “No, thanks. I have some apple strudel that we can eat with our tea. I’ll look forward to seeing you at ten o’clock.”

Keri rang off, curious as to what was on Fiona’s mind. She’d find out soon enough.

Purdy swiveled in his chair to glare at her. “I didn’t hear you mention the horticultural club. You know how much we need to snag their monthly meetings to boost our budget. That income could make up for the rent increase in January.”

Keri sighed, knowing he was right. “I’ll ask Fiona for a recommendation after the PHEADA party. The mayor will be there, along with his entourage tomorrow night, and I’m hoping to make some new connections at this event to bring in more revenue.”

Staz glanced over her shoulder. “Do you want company? I was going to work on the necklace for my jewelry-making class, but I can come along if you need support.”

Keri waved a hand. “I appreciate it, but I’ll manage.” She knew Staz loved her crafting classes, while Keri didn’t have the patience to create art of any kind. She’d rather support the artists. But Staz had given her an idea. Maybe next year, they could include a wider variety of talents at PHEADA events to broaden the appeal.

Work consumed her for the better part of the day, though her mind kept wandering to Fiona’s remarks. What had concerned her so much that she couldn’t tell Keri on the phone?

Purdy stretched and spoke, intruding on her thoughts. “What are you gals doing tonight? I’m heading over to Boxi Park if either of you want to join me.”

Keri shook her head. “No, thanks. I’m going to bed early. I’ve too much to do tomorrow.”

Purdy might enjoy the Friday night scene at Boxi Park, but it was a far drive for her. He’d do well enough by himself, though. Short and stout, he wasn’t the type you’d think would attract women, but each outing netted him new admirers. Keri suspected he turned on his wit and charm away from the office.

“It’s tempting, but I’ll still be here making phone calls,” Staz said with a pout. “I got a request from a woman who makes holiday wreathes to see if we can find her a spot at a seasonal festival. It’s almost impossible to get an opening at this late date.”

Purdy snorted. “Good luck with that.”

“Check with the churches if you can’t find any space at town events,” Keri suggested. “They all hold bazaars this time of year and might have spots available. You could try the farmer’s markets, too.”

Staz gave her a grateful nod. “I will, thanks. Before I forget, your friend Lora from the print shop emailed me the proofs for our Christmas cards. I hope it was okay that I gave my approval.”

“Sure. That’s one more thing off our list.” Keri sifted through the clutter on her desktop, searching for the manila envelope Fiona had sent. She’d better review the vendor contracts for her party before their meeting tomorrow. Oh, there it was.

When she dumped the contents on her desk, a photo fell out from among the papers.

Whoa, what’s this?

She lifted the picture. An attractive woman with wavy red hair and green eyes clung to the arm of an older gentleman in a tuxedo. He had a cigar stuck in his mouth, while the redhead wore a black cocktail dress with a star-shaped brooch and sparkly earrings.

Wait a minute. That woman looks like Fiona, only a younger version. A glance at the back showed no date stamp or other imprint.

“Look, this picture was inside Fiona’s package,” she told her staff. “I’m not sure if she meant to include it or not.”

Purdy spun around and squinted at it. “Maybe she wants you to make a collage for her birthday. You can ask her tomorrow. She might have sent this as a reminder.”

“She has been forgetful lately, so you could be right. A collage is a great idea.” Keri snapped a picture of the image to keep on her phone and stuck the print in her purse. She’d return it to Fiona in the morning.

Another thought surfaced. Could this photo be related to what Fiona intended to tell her? If so, it made tomorrow’s appointment even more imperative.

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