SUNSET IN OLD SAVANNAH - Mary Ellis - One Free Book

Welcome back, Mary. Do you have a favorite genre to write? If so, what is it?

Yes, I love mysteries and romantic suspense. It’s the genre I began my career with, and I am so glad to be back. My current series is Secrets of the South Mysteries.

And these are my favorites of all the books of yours I’ve read. If you didn’t live in the part of the country where you do, where would you live?

I would live in the South, in South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, or Louisiana. I absolutely love where I was born and raised—Ohio—but the older I get the more adverse to cold weather I become. When my husband retires, we plan to become snowbirds for 3 or 4 months out of the year.

A lot of Snowbirds come to Texas. What foreign country would you like to visit and why?

I would like to visit France, especially the countryside. France looks so romantic and quaint. I love the old and quaint places of the world. Too bad I can’t speak a word of French!

Describe what you think would be the most romantic vacation you could take.

When I watch Masterpiece Theatre on PBS, Viking Cruise Line is usually one of their sponsors. I would love to take a Viking cruise in Europe—Germany, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, France—anywhere!

Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done yet?

I would like to set a story in St. Augustine, Florida. I love the old, historic section of town. I visited it several times, once while on a sailboat cruising the Intracoastal Waterway down to Fort Lauderdale. It was New Year’s Eve, and I can still remember walking through the cobblestone streets like it was yesterday.

I set a small part of my pirate book in historical St. Augustine. What is the main theme of this novel?

Since the story deals with marital infidelity, the theme of the novel is forgiveness. A Christian needs to set an example of forgiveness for others—not an easy task, to be sure.

Tell us about the story.

In Savannah, everyone has something to hide. Investigative partners and best friends Michael Preston and Elizabeth Kirby are hired by a wealthy socialite to do surveillance on her wayward husband. When the husband turns up dead, the socialite becomes the police’s chief suspect. Mike and Beth must follow the clues through the historic town with more secrets than branches of moss-draped oaks. The duo uncovers a hodgepodge of potential murderers, including a scheming business partner, a resentful mistress, and a ne'er-do-well brother. As praise of their agency gets around, Mike and Beth must hire investigator Kaitlyn Webb to ease the workload. But will ghosts of Kate’s past threaten everyone's safety before a killer can be put behind bars?

Please give us the first page of Sunset in Old Savannah:

If ever there was a perfect time for Beth Kirby to get out of town it was now. While other parts of the country were enjoying the first crisp days of fall, the streets of Natchez, Mississippi, could melt the rubber off her worn-out tires. Her mother’s hints that she should attend dance lessons with them at the community college had become insistent demands. After all, lots of eligible men were taking lessons these days. Rita’s criteria would include any unmarried male between twenty-five and sixty who’s still breathing without mechanical assistance. Then there was the obstruction of justice charge pending against her in district court. Despite her current partner’s assurance, the D. A. wouldn’t drop the second degree felony until her former partner withdrew his complaint. And nasty Jack was living up to his reputation by taking his sweet time.

So why do I feel so uneasy? Beth parked in the shade and headed toward the back entrance of Price Investigations, only to be intercepted by her partner.

“I see you’re here on time for a change.” Michael Preston practically levitated from his shoes with excitement.

“I’m always on time, give or take ten minutes.” She stepped around him on the metal steps. “Could we not act like sixth-graders on a field trip to Graceland?”

Michael kept pace at her heels. “I thought you couldn’t wait to get out of Natchez for a while. Are you homesick already?”

“Hardly, but I know better than to get my hopes up too soon.” Beth pulled open the door and waved him in.

Always the gentlemen, Michael refused to precede her inside. “You first, Miss Kirby.”

“One of you should come in,” called the office secretary. Maxine dragged Beth across the threshold by her sleeve. “Nate’s chomping at the bit to deliver some good news.”

Before she could free her arm from Maxine, Nate hollered from his office. “That you, Beth and Michael? Grab a cup of coffee and get in here.”

“Donuts, Miss Maxine?” Michael produced a bag from behind his back. “Cream-filled with icing and chocolate sprinkles—your personal favorite.”

Maxine snatched the bag from his fingers. “Be still, my beating heart.”

Beth rolled her eyes as she filled her mug. “Bring me a donut, too,” she called over her shoulder.

Belatedly, she remembered eating most of Nate’s M&M’s and then neglecting to replace the bag.

Their boss straightened in his upholstered leather chair, looking tan and well-rested after his three-week vacation at the beach. “Make yourselves comfortable. I’m sorry that yesterday’s staff meeting deteriorated into an impromptu celebration, complete with mystery guests from all over the state.”

Beth took the chair closest to the door. “Never apologize for a party during work hours.”

“It’s not every day we hear a honeymoon was an unqualified success. A new baby on the way—congratulations, Nate.” Michael leaned against the windowsill, two donuts in one hand, coffee in the other.

“He and Isabelle have been married for two years, Einstein. It’s not like they’re rookies—” Recognizing the indelicate ground on which she tread, Beth swallowed a gulp of coffee. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…”

“No problem,” laughed Nate. “The pregnancy came as a pleasant surprise, but enough about that. While Isabelle and I were sightseeing, I found a case for both of you.”

How can readers find you on the Internet? 

Readers can find me at www.maryellis.net or on Facebook at MaryEllis/author.

Thank you, Mary, for sharing this new book with us. I’ve been eagerly awaiting its release. These books have the best covers.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

The book is available for pre-order Here:

Sunset in Old Savannah - Christianbook.com
Sunset in Old Savannah (Secrets of the South Mysteries) - Amazon Paperback
Sunset in Old Savannah (Secrets of the South Mysteries Book 4) - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com