A Halloween Mystery

It was the week before Halloween, shortly after I'd moved into a new apartment. I went for a walk in the neighborhood and spotted an old Victorian. I've always loved old houses so I stopped, gazing up at it. And I wondered what those walls would say if they could talk.

Intrigued, I wanted to find out more about the house and the area so I went to the Cincinnati Historical Society and immersed myself in research. The more I learned, the more certain I was that I wanted to write a mystery novel that took place there. 

I continued to take walks in the neighborhood, always with my camera. Little by little, I began to come up with plot ideas and the characters who would live in my fictional version of the house.

So, that's how I came to write Mixed Messages, my first Malone mystery. Proof that you never know where an idea for a book (or a series) will come from.

A rose by any other name. . . .

When I choose names for the characters in my novels, I want to use names that suit the image I have of them in my mind. I’m not talking about physical characteristics, although they’re important too. I’m talking about personality traits, including the little idiosyncrasies that make each character a unique person. 

The process is interesting and fun. Lots of times, I’ll use a name that I associate with someone I’ve known. That can be a positive or a negative thing. For example, when I chose the name for the main character in my Malone mystery series, I decided on “Ann” because the personality and qualities of that character reminded me of my Aunt Ann, a kind and gracious woman. On the other hand, when I decided to name Ann’s mother-in-law “Louise,” I did so because someone from my past had that name and, let’s just say, she was “difficult” to deal with. 

Sometimes, I want to use a name simply because I like it. I have a third cousin named “Marnie.” I liked the name the minute I heard it. Although I’ve known her mother all my life, I didn’t meet Marnie until a few years ago, long after I decided to use her name. In my series, Marnie is Ann’s older sister, an attorney who lives in South Carolina. Here’s an excerpt about her from Mixed Messages: “Marnie said that the ocean gave her something nothing else could: a sense of peace and serenity; that she felt closer to God there than anywhere else.” 

I often look up names in my “Name Your Baby” book to see if the meaning of the name accurately describes the character. I'm not sure what I'd do if the name didn’t “fit” but, fortunately, the names I chose for my series have worked out so far. Here are some of the names I used in Mixed Messages and Unfinished Business. (Check out the definitions for Ann, Louise and Marnie in particular.)

Ann – Graceful one or Gracious one

David – Beloved one or Friend

Marnie – From the sea

Olivia – Olive tree or olive branch; symbolic of peace

Lawrence - Laurel-crowned

Bernard (Bernie) – Bold as a bear

Louise – Famous warrior-maid; famous in battle

Picture this

It's a beautiful day in October. The sun is shining and the air is cool and crisp, a welcome relief after summer's heat and humidity. You're walking down the tree-lined street where you live, admiring the changing colors of the leaves. Calm. Peaceful. Serene.

You smile as you walk past the Halloween displays in your neighbors' yards.

What you don't know is that there's a serial killer lurking in the shadows.

"Mixed Messages"

https://tinyurl.com/y73ueljt 

Binge reading a mystery series

When you've finished reading the most recent book in a mystery series, a series you really enjoy, have you ever wished you could read the next book right away? That you didn't have to wait several months or more to see what happens next?

I recently published the second novel in my Small Town Mystery series. But, of course, it will be next year before the third book comes out. However, my five-book Malone Mystery Series is complete. You can follow my characters from their inception in Mixed Messages through the last book, Marnie Malone. In other words, you can binge read the entire series without having to wait.

If that appeals to you, here's an overview of the series:

The Malone Mystery Series isn’t just about the mystery. It’s the story of Ann Malone Kern and her family and the struggles they face. As the series progresses, you will see Ann and the other characters change and grow as they deal with a multitude of problems and are involved in several dangerous, sometimes life-threatening, situations.

 

http://tinyurl.com/8sd2cz4

February: the month of mystery and romance

Someone is stalking Marnie. 

As an attorney, Marnie Malone has made enemies through the years and she’s received her share of verbal threats. But no one has ever acted on them - until her last week at Cliburn & Reeves. However, in spite of the threatening phone calls, black rose on her desk and other ominous messages, Marnie refuses to be intimated.

But when it becomes apparent that the stalker knows where she lives, Marnie becomes nervous and apprehensive. Sam is out of town on business and she’s alone in the big, old farmhouse with strange noises in the attic, creaking floorboards and someone watching her from the woods.

As she tries to determine the identity of the stalker, the list of men who have grudges against her grows longer each day. Is the stalker someone from the past or one of the men on her list? And, how far will he go?

https://tinyurl.com/yc87jjec

5 Star Reviews:

“Marnie Malone by Patricia Gligor had me hooked before the end of the first chapter.

As Marnie prepares to leave the law firm she’s been with for years to step out on her own, someone has begun to stalk her. Between being a Family Law attorney and a strong woman, she’s made her share of enemies over the years.

Threats, notes and unsavory characters are dogging her steps. Her strength of character may be her best defense, but only time will tell. Someone wants her dead.

Who can save her, if not Marnie herself?

I highly recommend this book to those who love suspense and surprises. This one will have you on the edge of your seat.”

Marja McGraw

“Marnie Malone is being threatened by a stalker. But who is this person? Marnie practices family law for a firm in Charleston, South Carolina. She has made numerous enemies among wife and child abusers over the years by fighting for the rights of her clients. There are also several men in her firm who qualify as possible stalkers. In addition, a large land developer wants to buy her house which she won’t sell. He sees her as the only hold-out. One of her neighbors is also angry.

However, Marnie refuses to be intimidated. She is an independent woman of strong character. Still, the various actions of the stalker do frighten her. Marnie’s boyfriend, Sam Miller, is out of town and the stalker takes advantage of that. Marnie has to stand up for herself and she does so. She’s a well-developed, realistic character who readers will admire. When she makes mistakes, she learns from them.

This mystery novel is a page-turner, a thriller that readers will not want to put down until the last word is read.”

Jacqueline Seewald