The Begonia Killer

Third Chance Enterprises #3

by Jeff Bond

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.

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Pub Date Jun 01 2021 | Archive Date Oct 15 2021

Jeff Bond books

General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers | Romance

Description

You know Molly McGill from her death-defying escapes in Anarchy of the Mice, book one of the Third Chance Enterprises series. Now ride along for her first standalone caper, The Begonia Killer.

When Martha Dodson hires McGill Investigators to look into an odd neighbor, Molly feels optimistic about the case — right up until Martha reveals her theory that Kent Kirkland, the neighbor, is holding two boys hostage in his papered-over upstairs bedroom.

Martha’s husband thinks she needs a hobby. Detective Art Judd, who Molly visits on her client’s behalf, sees no evidence worthy of devoting police resources.

But Molly feels a kinship with the Yancy Park housewife and bone-deep concern for the missing boys.

She forges ahead with the investigation, navigating her own headstrong kids, an unlikely romance with Detective Judd, and a suspect in Kent Kirkland every bit as terrifying as the supervillains she’s battled before alongside Quaid Rafferty and Durwood Oak Jones.

The Begonia Killer is not your grandparents’ cozy mystery.

When...

Advance Praise

Books #1 and #2 of the series both received Kirkus starred reviews and earned spots on Kirkus' Best 100 Indie Books of 2020.

Early reviews of The Begonia Killer:

Kirkus Reviews (starred): “An entertaining private-eye yarn with off-kilter skulduggery and domestic comedy … nerve-wracking scenes … raucous humor … (Bond) tells the story with his usual well-paced plotting, sharply etched characters, and atmospheric prose … a diverting mystery with a beguiling, shrewd, and tough hero.”

IndieReader (IR Approved, 4.1 stars) “Short, fun, and easy to read - from its pulp-inspired cover to its dramatic ending, THE BEGONIA KILLER is an entertaining escapade with a good narrative flow, quirky but believable characters, and plenty of intrigue - perfect for fans of crime fiction, female protagonists and intriguing mystery stories.”

Clarion Reviews (4/5 stars): “Capturing the intensity of a search for missing children, The Begonia Killer interjects an element of romance into its propulsive mystery … (Molly) McGill is a reliable narrator, capable of questioning her motives and perceptions and able to change her behavior based on reflection and past experience … she, Kent, and the detective evolve in organic ways as the plot unfolds and new information is uncovered. Their moral perspectives shift, as does each one’s need to be in control, adding depth to the story’s surface action.”