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MAGNOLIA MOONLIGHT by Mary Ellis

"A delightful southern murder mystery and a lot of sweet tea!"

By: Mary Ellis

Genres: Mystery | Inspirational Mystery

Posted: August 21, 2016

Nate and Isabelle Price never took a honeymoon two years ago when they married. They couldn't afford one; still can't now. But Nate's employees at Price Investigations, Isabelle's co-workers, family and friends all chip in to surprise them with a 3 week honeymoon at a Bed and Breakfast on the Gulf beaches. That means Nate will have to leave his most recently acquired investigation in the hands of Beth Kirby, who has been working in Vicksburg, along with trainee Michael Preston, a forensics accountant. A local pastor's suicide hits everyone in Natchez hard, but his wife doesn't believe he could ever do such a thing. She believes he was murdered, and hires Nate's PI firm to find answers. There is also a lot of money missing from the church building fund, and a few people are pointing fingers at this beloved pastor, saying that is the reason for snuffing out his own life. Beth and Michael start digging into the matter, and what they turn up is a twisted trail of cybercrime.

Meanwhile, Nate and Isabelle get sidetracked on their honeymoon with Isabelle's ex-husband. She left him because of a gambling habit that seems to have reared it head again when she sees him come out of a casino. Then a phone call from his current wife confirms that something shady is afloat. Will they be able to enjoy their time together, or will Isabelle drag Nate into her own investigation?

MAGNOLIA MOONLIGHT is the final book in Mary Ellis's Secrets of the South series. Although I've enjoyed other books by Ms. Ellis, this is my first visit to Mississippi with this quirky collection of characters and their crazy but delightful antics. The dialogue is filled with southern colloquial expressions and words of wisdom that will have you laughing out loud. MAGNOLIA MOONLIGHT is a story about moving beyond the bad choices in our past and finding God's grace for a better future. There's some romance thrown in for good measure, and a budding relationship in the making. If inspirational romantic suspense is your genre, this one's for you. Grab a pitcher of sweet tea, get in your porch rocker and start reading!

Book Summary

After being jilted by his fiancee, Michael Preston, a former accountant, pursues a new job as a private investigator. And, what better place to work than the new office of Price Investigations in Natchez, Mississippi? Unfortunately, Michael's partner, Elizabeth Kirby--a crack shot ex-cop with a past she wants to escape--resents having to work with someone whose only surveillance experience comes from television and video games.

Their boss and his wife, Nate and Isabelle, are two insanely busy newlyweds who are "forced" by their friends to finally take their honeymoon. However, their romantic trip to Alabama turns into an investigation when they bump into Izzy's ex-husband, Craig, who seems to have taken up his gambling addiction once again. In an attempt to save Craig, Izzy discovers her ex doesn't hold all the cards.

Back in Mississippi, Michael and Beth are left to take on their first case when a preacher allegedly commits suicide. His widow suspects foul play, but things look grim when Michael discovers the Reverend may have been stealing from his congregation.

Will Nate, his wife, and his employees be able to uncover the true face of deceit behind the masks that surround them?

Read an Excerpt

Book Club Extrast

Magnolia Moonlight by Mary Ellis

Magnolia Moonlight

by: Mary Ellis

Secrets of the South Mysteries #3

Harvest House Publishers
August 1, 2016
On Sale: August 1, 2016
Featuring: Elizabeth Kirby; Michael Preston
352 pages
ISBN: 0736961739
EAN: 9780736961738
Kindle: B01EBNW5EU
Paperback / e-Book

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