If you’re familiar with my RJ Franklin Mystery Series, you know that it is near and dear to my heart. Not only was this the first mystery series that I wrote (not first published), but it is the story that draws the closest to my real life. This story is set in the fictional town of St. Joseph, Indiana which is based entirely on my hometown of South Bend, Indiana (which is in St. Joseph county). Detective RJ Franklin’s godmother, Mama B, is based on my godmother, Mrs. Ella Bethany. And, the church, soul food recipes, and the community are bits and pieces of my childhood. I grew up in a church very similar to First Baptist Church, just like RJ. Similar to his girlfriend, Paris Williams, I sang in the choir (Paris has the voice I wish I had) and now Paris has a poodle because…well, you get the picture. So, I’m really excited to share the cover for the 3rd book in the series here.
Detective RJ Franklin has worked with Search and Rescue volunteer, Marti Alexander, many times. So, he’s not surprised when he receives a call that she and her dog, Callie, have found a body near the St. Joseph River. What is surprising is when he learns that the body is that of her ex-husband, Jake Harrison. Between Marti’s unusual behavior, the fact that she had motive, opportunity, and the means to kill her cheating ex-husband, RJ doesn’t believe she’s guilty. Overlooking the mountain of evidence that all points to Marti as the killer, RJ starts investigating to see who else wanted Jake Harrison dead. With the help of his partner, Harley Wickfield IV, and his sharp-as-a-whip godmother, Mama B, RJ discovers a web of lies, deceit, and corruption. When one of RJ’s suspects with ties to the underworld gets a bit too close for comfort to RJ’s close-knit church family, he has to decide between his loyalty to his church and his commitment to his badge. Can RJ protect those closest to him, keep the River Bend community safe and catch a killer?
All of the titles in this series come from Negro Spirituals and there are soul food recipes in each book. Preorder your copy today!
Releasing October 13, 2020. BUY LINK