The Performance

by Ellys Phox

Detective Maxine Ferrari was sure the sheer boredom of this job would be her undoing. In the four months since she took the position in the tiny, high desert town of Prineville, Oregon, the only crime requiring any detection was a break-in at the state liquor store. There hadn’t been a murder in all of Crook County since Lucy O’Conner found her husband in bed with a hooker, and shot him dead, some seven years ago.

All that changed with the arrival of Sarah Castleman. Before the summer was over, two men had gone missing, one had been murdered and Max was, inexplicably, infatuated with the prime suspect. The detective didn’t have a clue, until it was too late, that the bombshell about to land in her lap was going to destroy everything she believed to be true about her investigation. More than that, it would call into question Max's own beliefs about herself.

Unknown Binding

First published August 21, 2013

About the author

For years, I have been a writer of the short stuff one can fit between raising an amazing child (as well as two husbands) while pursuing a career. Upon reaching retirement, I found a wife (smile) and the time needed for the other love of my life –writing the long stuff.

I write fiction under the pseudonym Ellys Phox (a combination of my wife's and my names). The Performance is my first full-length novel. It is a mystery/romance featuring a female detective in a small Oregon town. It is available through amazon.com. I had so much fun writing it, I had to do it again. My second work of fiction, In the Mean Time, is a coming of age story, with several twists, and will be available on Amazon in Summer,2014. You can read a synopsis of each at www.ellyphox.com. I am currently working on two additional books, this time, in the fantasy genre.

Residing in Sonoma County, California, I am a retired social worker, who also paints and gardens. My wife, Lynell, is my biggest fan. Without her encouragement, I may never have jumped into writing fiction.

My daughter Jesse, the other inspirational force in my life,
is also a writer as well as an amazing artist. Her skills as an editor have been invaluable to me.

Reviews

[Sarah Byrnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent debut novel. Full of twists and intrigue, you will not be able to put it down. You will want to follow Det. Max Ferrari as she pieces together the clues and investigates the suspects in a gripping tale where nothing is as it seems.

[Mark Rochford · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would.

I was recommended this book and am glad I read it.

This is the first time this author has written a book and if her future books are like this I will be on her list to buy more. The story is full of twists and turns and keeps you guessing until the end. A who done it with a bit of romance thrown in.

Would certainly recommend this book to other readers

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that THE PERFORMANCE by Ellys Phox is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!