Day 11 - A Texas Christmas Mystery

CHRISTMAS STORY EXTRAVAGANZA - Day 11
Every weekday (Monday through Friday) for the month of December I will spotlight a story here on my blog. Yes, this is 17 days of Christmas book browsing. And on Christmas Eve I will announce the lucky winner (at least two that I know of right now). The person who leaves the most comments throughout the month will receive their choice of any one of the books spotlighted. That's from me. Other prizes are being offered by the individual authors.

Welcome, Anne! When I spotted your little mystery among the Christmas jewels in the Pelican Book Group Holiday Extravaganza Bundle http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/extravaganza-bundle , I of course had to invite you over! So, thanks for coming. I'd love to do an interview, but for this month it's all about the books - and everyone loves a good Christmas story - and this certainly is one!

Blurb:

A lady Coastguardsman searches for a killer. An oil rig troubleshooter accused of murder races to clear his name. The murderer strives to silence them both. As Amber Meredith seeks to arrest Derrick Darbonne, sparks fly. She needs to solve her first case. But the handsome Cajun suspect makes her heart race and her toes tingle. Derrick has worked all his life for his high-paying, adventurous job. When his past threatens his future, will he endanger the woman he loves?

Excerpt:

“Someone wants us to find the murderer as much as we want to find him.” Amber blew out a breath.

“This is the ninth time this week our Marine Environmental Response unit has been called out to check on reported violations and unreported accidents.”

“Yep.” Stan nodded. “Some anonymous caller wants us to find something on this rig.”

“So, I’ll look for any environmental issues and you check out anything that seems suspicious in regard to the young man’s murder.” Amber put a finger to her lips. “But be cautious, the murderer might still be aboard.”

“Yes, ma’am. And you stay alert.”

“Right.” Amber straightened her cover over her short hair, and stiffened her shoulders. She wouldn’t flub her first mission, even if she were only assisting the Commander. She had to help find the murderer. Her commander wanted her to use these environmental issues to give Stan an opportunity to nose around the rig. She had to prolong her investigation long enough to give him time to search the rig’s bunkroom and interview three of the men.

The elevator doors slid open. A tall, muscular man faced her, back to the sun, face in silhouette.

Amber stepped out, grabbed a breath of fresh salt air, turned her chin up to the sunshine and the cries of seagulls, and then looked directly into the gaze of—her tenant.

“Derrick?” She hadn’t expected to meet him so soon.

Review:

Although you know from the start that Derrick is innocent, Amber doesn’t– and she’s the one he has to convince. It’s obvious from the insider perspective we have that Derrick is being set up, but by who, and why is a mystery to us all, and the author keeps that pretty well hidden

Derrick and Amber are priceless as they dance around each other, neither willing to make the first move. His shyness is so endearing! You just want to step in and nudge him along. And her misinterpretation of him is classic. Amber’s single minded focus on her future is praiseworthy, but pretty confining. Seems like she doesn’t know herself as well as she thinks! What a great cast of characters Ms. Greene has created.

The pacing of the story is wonderful as she cranks the tension higher and higher. Kept me turning the pages!

For more about Anne Greene you can finder her at: http://www.annegreeneauthor.com/