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Mrs. Morris and the Mermaid (A Salem B&B Mystery)
by Traci Wilton
Mrs. Morris and the Mermaid (A Salem B&B Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
8th in Series
Setting – Massachusetts
Publisher : Kensington Cozies (February 20, 2024)
Mass Market Paperback : 368 pages
ISBN-10 : 1496741390
ISBN-13 : 978-1496741394
Digital ASIN : B0C6FV91ML
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Set in Salem, Massachusetts, this fun, cozy series sees a widowed B&B owner teaming up with a charming ghost to solve murders—an engaging read for fans who like a paranormal tinge to their mysteries.
Charlene and her handsome spectral friend, Dr. Jack Strathmore, are thrilled that their Salem, Massachusetts, B&B is overflowing with mermaids in advance of the town’s newest attraction—a mermaid parade! Retired Hollywood actress Trinity Powers has even agreed to appear on the lead float to commemorate her breakout role as the eponymous mermaid in the blockbuster cult classic, Sirena. The parade also features Trinity’s rival, an up-and-coming ingénue, who stars in the film’s recent (and somewhat controversial) reboot. Though their rabid fan clubs seem ready to tear each other—and the festivities—apart, the vying actresses are keeping it cool, for now . . .
But when Charlene discovers a mermaid murdered, she realizes a killer is out to steal the show. With the help of Jack and Detective Sam Holden, Charlene plunges into the case, determined to stop a killer from striking again . . .
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Enjoy this peek inside:
Charlene stepped into the dining room and clasped her hands together. Her guests were in varying stages of preparation for the big day and the kids, even Dillon, brimming with excitement.
“Great costumes.” She could see why the twins had won in prior contests because of the intricate beadwork.
Aqua and Jewel were in blue and green bodices and tails. Aqua’s hair had been dyed blue to match and Jewel’s was dyed green. The tails had been propped against the wall to keep them clean as the twins finished breakfast.
“Thank you!” Natalie was finishing some eggs and toast, with coffee and juice. “I’ll get dressed when I’m done here. Linc has to help me with the coconut shells.”
Linc, his bare chest painted blue, winked. “My pleasure.”
Barb and Andrew were in street clothes as they ate. “I have a new clam shell top that I bought to wear with a skirt that ripples like water.”
“It’ll be really pretty,” Andrew said. “But let’s get Natalie’s email and maybe we can buy you a custom tail for next year.”
“That would be nice!” Barb said. “How much are they?”
Linc sipped coffee. “Anywhere from five hundred to ten thousand. Check out Tida Wave’s Creations.”
Charlene swallowed her surprise. That seemed expensive, but Natalie’s work was first-rate. That explained how they could afford to travel.
Andrew didn’t blink at the cost. “Thanks. We will.”
Natalie shifted toward Charlene. “Registration starts at ten, right?”
“Yes.” Charlene bestowed an encouraging smile at each of them, her keys to the Pilot in her palm. “I’ll see you there, so make sure to say hello.” Brandy had rented metal stands for observers though people were welcome to bring their own chairs to watch from the sidewalks or their lawns. “Parade begins at noon. There will be food trucks all day. The King and Queen Neptune will be announced at six. At eight we’ll start Sirena to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the movie at the Common.”
Natalie gestured to Charlene’s shirt. “Is that the T-shirt for registration? It’s very cool. Too bad there wasn’t one with Alannah Gomez on it. The new Sirena.”
Charlene hadn’t realized this would be such a point of contention but after hearing Andrew and Natalie discuss it on Friday, she and Jack had looked up the feud online. Fans were vicious in their defense of their chosen mermaid. Trinity fans claimed that Alannah needed support from her other actors because she wasn’t as graceful in the water, and Alannah fans said that Trinity was boring.
“Trinity is classic,” Andrew said. His tone today wasn’t as friendly as it had been on Friday. She wondered if it had anything to do with the party at Ariel Glitter’s house last night. Jack had told her that the Martins had come in after midnight.
The Bonets wore T-shirts with Darryl Hannah from Splash on the front—nice, neutral ground at the dining table. The Sanchos brothers had on tight silver T-shirts that would be paired with their tails later but for now, wore jeans. Dean was older by a few years than Steve.
“We are Team Alannah too,” Lottie said. “Dillon knows all the songs.”
Dillon, hair dyed dark blue, wore a navy shirt and shorts with painted scales. His parents were in matching shimmering shirts—jeans for Terry, but Lottie wore a skirt.
“I heard there might be trouble at the parade,” Dean Sanchos said to Charlene.
“What kind of trouble?” Charlene hid her dismay behind a cool façade. She hoped to nip the problem in the bud.
Steve plonked his elbow next to his plate with a sigh. “At Ariel Glitter’s party, there was talk of a possible showdown. Trinity’s people want Alannah to apologize in person for all that she’s said.”
“What?” Terry asked, confused. “We don’t know anything about that.”
Andrew slammed his coffee cup onto the table. “Team Trinity will defend their queen.”
“When?” Charlene asked. She’d need to tell Brandy.
Barb waved her hand. “That was just a bunch of people blowing off steam after too much beer. Ariel probably won’t remember anyway. Nothing will happen.”
“Don’t know a time.” Dean glanced around the table. “Me and Steve want a chance at the prize money for the best costume. We created an animated Triton. It’d be cool to meet Trinity, but we don’t care about fighting.”
Charlene cleared her throat to get their attention. “I declare this B and B Switzerland.”
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About Traci Wilton
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From cozy mysteries to seaside romance, USA Today bestselling author Traci Hall writes stories that captivate her readers. As a hybrid author with over sixty published works, Ms. Hall has a favorite tale for everyone. Mystery lovers, check out her Scottish Shire series, set in the seaside town of Nairn, or the Salem B&B Mystery series, as Traci Wilton. Her latest project is an Irish Castle cozy as Ellie Brannigan. Whether it’s her ever-popular By the Sea romances, an Appletree Cove sweet romance, or a fun who-done-it, Traci finds her inspiration in sunny South Florida, living right near the ocean.
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Author Links: Website / Twitter / Amazon / Instagram / Kensington
Facebook / Facebook / Facebook
Purchase Links – Amazon – Kindle – Amazon – Paperback – B&N – Kobo – Bookshop.org
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