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Mystery, She Wrote #0.5
Invitation to Murder
New friends, a book signing, and a dead author. All the makings of an exciting mystery.When Jessica Murdoch, the successful, established author, Fiona, Lori, and Christie convene at the East Coast's largest book signing, they never expect to find one of the authors dead at the foot of the stairs. With the help of a nosy basset hound and their own detective skills, the four authors form the Mystery Writers' Murder Club to begin uncovering the truth. Was it an accident… or murder?Invitation to Murder, is a thrilling prequel to the Mystery, She Wrote series.If you like fast-paced mysteries with quirky characters, an inquisitive basset hound, and unexpected twists, you're going to love this series.
43 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2023
91 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Delta James
319 books2,302 followersAs a USA Today bestselling romance author, Delta James aims to captivate readers with stories about complex heroines and the dominant alpha males who adore them. For Delta, romance is more than just a love story; it’s a journey with challenges and thrills along the way.
After creating a second chapter for herself that was dramatically different than the first, Delta now resides in Florida where she relaxes on warm summer evenings with her loveable pack of basset hounds as they watch the birds, squirrels, and lizards. When not crafting fast-paced tales, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, and white-water rafting.
Her readers mean the world to her, and Delta tries to interact personally with as many messages as she can. If you’d like to chat or discuss books, you can find Delta on Instagram, Facebook, and in her private reader group https://www.facebook.com/groups/34898....
After creating a second chapter for herself that was dramatically different than the first, Delta now resides in Florida where she relaxes on warm summer evenings with her loveable pack of basset hounds as they watch the birds, squirrels, and lizards. When not crafting fast-paced tales, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, and white-water rafting.
Her readers mean the world to her, and Delta tries to interact personally with as many messages as she can. If you’d like to chat or discuss books, you can find Delta on Instagram, Facebook, and in her private reader group https://www.facebook.com/groups/34898....
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 5, 2023
E-book freebie at the time of download. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.
Set in Maine, this short story introduces four mystery writers gathered for a conference when one of their own is murdered! The writers are determined to figure this one out ahead of the stern detective.
This is a very short story and as such, it doesn't work as an introduction to the series. It's filled with the usual tropes and ends very abruptly without solving the murder.
Fiona is the oldest, a long ago bestseller, now dropped from her publisher when she can no longer produce a hit. She called in a few favors to attend the Mystery Readers of Maine signing and it doesn't seem as if it was worth it when the officious woman handling the sign-in table doesn't recognize Fiona. Fiona is a little prickly given her experiences in publishing. She's also resigned to being a has been and doesn't know that she's actually still quite popular, even with other writers.
Christie is a retired Baltimore detective using her experiences to write bestselling novels. She's tough and nothing bothers her. She doesn't hesitate to stand up for what's right or do what she think is best. I have a feeling that might get her into trouble a lot.
Lori Sykes is the new whiz kid in the industry and constantly cranking out hits. She's a retired teacher and it shows. She's methodical and takes notes on the situation! She's also as curious and nosy as the middle schoolers she used to teach. She's crazy! Lori sneaks into the crime scene to "soak up ambiance" for her next book, or so she says. Actually she just wants to solve the murder.
Jess, a dog lover, and romantic suspense writer, seems more introverted than some of the others. She's kind and helpful. The Mystery Writers Murder Club was her idea - as a joke, she threw the idea out and the others jumped on it. yeah no. Not a great idea.
Stella, the woman at the registration desk, is awful. She seems to think she holds a lot of power and is certainly very rude about it. I wouldn't have been surprised if she had been murdered. Alas, it was Sandy Parkinson, a woman who never appears on page until she's dead. She was a super snobby, mean girlish mystery writer and someone pushed her to her death.
Detective Wilder is tough and not sympathetic or kind but I don't blame him. He catches these fiction writers red-handed doing things they shouldn't be doing. Let him handle the homicide!
This short story didn't really make me want to read Murder Before Dawn. The cute dog on the cover isn't even in this short story which is why I read it in the first place. It wasn't a good introduction and I didn't click with any of the characters enough to want to keep going.
Set in Maine, this short story introduces four mystery writers gathered for a conference when one of their own is murdered! The writers are determined to figure this one out ahead of the stern detective.
This is a very short story and as such, it doesn't work as an introduction to the series. It's filled with the usual tropes and ends very abruptly without solving the murder.
Fiona is the oldest, a long ago bestseller, now dropped from her publisher when she can no longer produce a hit. She called in a few favors to attend the Mystery Readers of Maine signing and it doesn't seem as if it was worth it when the officious woman handling the sign-in table doesn't recognize Fiona. Fiona is a little prickly given her experiences in publishing. She's also resigned to being a has been and doesn't know that she's actually still quite popular, even with other writers.
Christie is a retired Baltimore detective using her experiences to write bestselling novels. She's tough and nothing bothers her. She doesn't hesitate to stand up for what's right or do what she think is best. I have a feeling that might get her into trouble a lot.
Lori Sykes is the new whiz kid in the industry and constantly cranking out hits. She's a retired teacher and it shows. She's methodical and takes notes on the situation! She's also as curious and nosy as the middle schoolers she used to teach. She's crazy! Lori sneaks into the crime scene to "soak up ambiance" for her next book, or so she says. Actually she just wants to solve the murder.
Jess, a dog lover, and romantic suspense writer, seems more introverted than some of the others. She's kind and helpful. The Mystery Writers Murder Club was her idea - as a joke, she threw the idea out and the others jumped on it. yeah no. Not a great idea.
Stella, the woman at the registration desk, is awful. She seems to think she holds a lot of power and is certainly very rude about it. I wouldn't have been surprised if she had been murdered. Alas, it was Sandy Parkinson, a woman who never appears on page until she's dead. She was a super snobby, mean girlish mystery writer and someone pushed her to her death.
Detective Wilder is tough and not sympathetic or kind but I don't blame him. He catches these fiction writers red-handed doing things they shouldn't be doing. Let him handle the homicide!
This short story didn't really make me want to read Murder Before Dawn. The cute dog on the cover isn't even in this short story which is why I read it in the first place. It wasn't a good introduction and I didn't click with any of the characters enough to want to keep going.
October 21, 2023
Well, this was… not good. I was expecting a short story, but it’s pastiches of the characters in another novel, with none of the hallmarks of an actual short story. There is little plot and a lot of expository dumping about the characters in a way that I didn’t find held my interest at all. The writing is mostly fine but quite flat, and the author does a lot of telling versus showing.
There is no attempt to solve the mystery, presumably so that the reader will be tempted to purchase the accompanying novel. I didn’t find any of the characters interesting or compelling.
Someone should also explain to the author that it’s not, in fact, possible to “literally drip authority.” Authority is not a liquid, last time I checked. (This is a quibble, I know many people now use “literally” to mean “metaphorically,” and if the writing had been better overall I probably would be more forgiving.)
In short, I can’t I’m good conscience recommend this story, nor will I be reading anything else by this author anytime soon. It’s too bad, because I was excited by the potential in the title and the premise.
There is no attempt to solve the mystery, presumably so that the reader will be tempted to purchase the accompanying novel. I didn’t find any of the characters interesting or compelling.
Someone should also explain to the author that it’s not, in fact, possible to “literally drip authority.” Authority is not a liquid, last time I checked. (This is a quibble, I know many people now use “literally” to mean “metaphorically,” and if the writing had been better overall I probably would be more forgiving.)
In short, I can’t I’m good conscience recommend this story, nor will I be reading anything else by this author anytime soon. It’s too bad, because I was excited by the potential in the title and the premise.
May 17, 2024
Introduction to new series…good starting point
Short intro to the characters who make up The Mystery Writers’ Murder Club: Lori Sykes, Jessica Murdoch, Fiona Fowler and Christie Crofton. These women all have fascinating back stories which may or may not play out in future books. I have already read several of this series which is known as “Mystery, She Wrote.” They come highly recommended if you enjoy short, fast-paced murder mysteries with a romance between a most deserving couple. Keep in mind that this is strictly an introduction to future writings.
Short intro to the characters who make up The Mystery Writers’ Murder Club: Lori Sykes, Jessica Murdoch, Fiona Fowler and Christie Crofton. These women all have fascinating back stories which may or may not play out in future books. I have already read several of this series which is known as “Mystery, She Wrote.” They come highly recommended if you enjoy short, fast-paced murder mysteries with a romance between a most deserving couple. Keep in mind that this is strictly an introduction to future writings.
November 12, 2023
This is a prequel to the Mystery, She Wrote series and introduces the four writers who form the Mystery Writers Murder Club. It’s a good introduction to the series and the characters.
June 11, 2025
Good start to a series
Liked the setting and the four authors into solving a murder.
I was disappointed when it finished on a cliffhanger, but ready to read the next . book
Liked the setting and the four authors into solving a murder.
I was disappointed when it finished on a cliffhanger, but ready to read the next . book
July 5, 2025
Disappointing non-ending
This mini novella held my attention so much that I didn't realize that I was approaching the end. I would have given four stars if there had been a proper ending!
This mini novella held my attention so much that I didn't realize that I was approaching the end. I would have given four stars if there had been a proper ending!
February 17, 2024
short story with cliff hanger.
This is a short prequel to the Mystery, She Wrote books. It is an interesting short story which ends up with a cliff hanger.
I enjoy Delta James’ books. To find out what happens next. You need to read the first book in this series. All the books in the series can be read as standalone stories, but it is advisable to read them in order.
This is a short prequel to the Mystery, She Wrote books. It is an interesting short story which ends up with a cliff hanger.
I enjoy Delta James’ books. To find out what happens next. You need to read the first book in this series. All the books in the series can be read as standalone stories, but it is advisable to read them in order.
October 2, 2023
MYSTERY WRITE’S MURDER CLUB
The prequel, Invitation to Murder, whet the appetite and had this reader excited for more in this new series. What a place for an actual murder to take place—at the Mystery Readers of Maine Book Signing, Cabot Cove, Kennebunkport, Maine.
The story’s plot will have Fiona Fowler as a last-minute author attending the book event when someone else dropped out. Then to discover that she is in a corner between retired Baltimore Detective, turned successful author, Christie Crofton, and Jessica Murdoch, with over one hundred mystery and romantic suspense books, and Lori Sykes, an up-and-coming author.
“Come on, Fiona, you’re sitting over with Jess and me. We’ve got Lori sitting with us, as well. This should be so much fun. I was so glad to see you were here and would be sitting with us. I absolutely love your books. You’re my inspiration.”
The story’s plot will have Fiona setting up and meeting Christie and Jessica when there is a scream—sending Christie into action to investigate. A murder, of one of the attending authors, will lead to speculations.
“You can take the girl out of the homicide business, but you can’t take the detective out of the girl.”
Jessica: You think she was pushed?
Christie: I do, and that makes it murder.
Lori: We should try to solve it.
Christie: Just what the cops don’t need. Four amateur sleuths involving themselves in their murder investigation.
Fiona: But we were right here. Christie was the first one on the scene. We might be able to help.
Jessica: And we might just be in the way.
I liked the four main female mystery writer characters and look forward to seeing where these tales take us. This was just enough to set up the scene, throw in a teaser, and entice readers to want more—I know I do.
The prequel, Invitation to Murder, whet the appetite and had this reader excited for more in this new series. What a place for an actual murder to take place—at the Mystery Readers of Maine Book Signing, Cabot Cove, Kennebunkport, Maine.
The story’s plot will have Fiona Fowler as a last-minute author attending the book event when someone else dropped out. Then to discover that she is in a corner between retired Baltimore Detective, turned successful author, Christie Crofton, and Jessica Murdoch, with over one hundred mystery and romantic suspense books, and Lori Sykes, an up-and-coming author.
“Come on, Fiona, you’re sitting over with Jess and me. We’ve got Lori sitting with us, as well. This should be so much fun. I was so glad to see you were here and would be sitting with us. I absolutely love your books. You’re my inspiration.”
The story’s plot will have Fiona setting up and meeting Christie and Jessica when there is a scream—sending Christie into action to investigate. A murder, of one of the attending authors, will lead to speculations.
“You can take the girl out of the homicide business, but you can’t take the detective out of the girl.”
Jessica: You think she was pushed?
Christie: I do, and that makes it murder.
Lori: We should try to solve it.
Christie: Just what the cops don’t need. Four amateur sleuths involving themselves in their murder investigation.
Fiona: But we were right here. Christie was the first one on the scene. We might be able to help.
Jessica: And we might just be in the way.
I liked the four main female mystery writer characters and look forward to seeing where these tales take us. This was just enough to set up the scene, throw in a teaser, and entice readers to want more—I know I do.
September 27, 2024
The writing seems very good, and I like the 4 main characters. It was so nice to see them all come together, when being all different. The cosy vibe is present, with also some fun elements.
The only thing is, what is that ending?? I can’t understand if this is an excerpt from a book or it just ends abruptly like that and will continue in the main novel. What is on the USB??? And who killed the victim??
Looking at the plot of the first book, I can’t tell if it’s the same story or even just a remix of the novella. While very confusing, it still is so enticing and I really want to read more.
The only thing is, what is that ending?? I can’t understand if this is an excerpt from a book or it just ends abruptly like that and will continue in the main novel. What is on the USB??? And who killed the victim??
Looking at the plot of the first book, I can’t tell if it’s the same story or even just a remix of the novella. While very confusing, it still is so enticing and I really want to read more.
November 11, 2023
This wets the appetite 😋
"Invitation to Murder is the anticipated prequel to Delta James' newest series "Mystery, She Wrote". Four authors meet at a book signing. A death was discovered in an employee stairwell. A mysterious thumb drive was taken by one of the authors who is a retired homicide detective. An active detective determined to keep these ladies out of his investigation. There are just enough details to be intriguing and I'm excited to see where Ms. James takes us on this new adventure.
"Invitation to Murder is the anticipated prequel to Delta James' newest series "Mystery, She Wrote". Four authors meet at a book signing. A death was discovered in an employee stairwell. A mysterious thumb drive was taken by one of the authors who is a retired homicide detective. An active detective determined to keep these ladies out of his investigation. There are just enough details to be intriguing and I'm excited to see where Ms. James takes us on this new adventure.
November 17, 2023
"Invitation to Murder" sets the stage for the Mystery, She Wrote series with a riveting tale of new friendships, a mysterious death at a book signing, and the formation of the Mystery Writers' Murder Club. Delta James delivers a fast-paced narrative with quirky characters and unexpected twists. This prequel promises an enticing blend of steamy small-town intrigue, humor, and suspense, offering readers a thrilling glimpse into the world of the upcoming series. If you enjoy quick-paced mysteries with unique characters and a touch of steaminess, dive into this captivating prequel today.
September 30, 2023
O.M.G!
Two paragraphs into this delightful story and I’m hearing the theme song from a certain well-known TV show playing. From being set in the same place to one of the ladies having the same name, there are numerous connections to be found. One such connection is to the incomparable Agatha Christie.
While I don’t normally care for mystery books, I do enjoy watching them. This prequel to the series has me hooked for more! Thank you for the opportunity to enjoy it!
Two paragraphs into this delightful story and I’m hearing the theme song from a certain well-known TV show playing. From being set in the same place to one of the ladies having the same name, there are numerous connections to be found. One such connection is to the incomparable Agatha Christie.
While I don’t normally care for mystery books, I do enjoy watching them. This prequel to the series has me hooked for more! Thank you for the opportunity to enjoy it!
October 15, 2023
Good prequel for new series
I was excited to read this short series intro. Mystery, She Wrote seems like it will be a great series. The ladies are a fun bunch despite their writing choices. Too bad there was a murder at the book signing, but it definitely livened things up. Two questions - Who killed Sandy? Did the detective ever get that thumb drive? Looking forward to the next book to find out.
I was excited to read this short series intro. Mystery, She Wrote seems like it will be a great series. The ladies are a fun bunch despite their writing choices. Too bad there was a murder at the book signing, but it definitely livened things up. Two questions - Who killed Sandy? Did the detective ever get that thumb drive? Looking forward to the next book to find out.
November 13, 2023
Invitation to Murder is a very short introduction to the author's new series. As the title clearly states, it is a prequel, introducing the heroines of the books to come, their first meeting and the first murder that leads them to form their club. As such, it's only a teaser, meant to whet our appetite for what's to come - and that is does, ending in a cliffhanger with the murder unsolved.
February 18, 2025
Awesome preview!
Reading the beginning of this definitely makes me want to finish it! There's an author's signing and book show and before it even begins, one of the mystery writers is found dead at the bottom of the hotel stairs and it appears she was murdered! Thus begins what promises to be an excellent mystery series!
Reading the beginning of this definitely makes me want to finish it! There's an author's signing and book show and before it even begins, one of the mystery writers is found dead at the bottom of the hotel stairs and it appears she was murdered! Thus begins what promises to be an excellent mystery series!
October 26, 2023
This is a short quick read that is the introduction to a new series by an amazing author. I loved it. Meeting the new ladies first is nice. I am looking forward to the follow up stories and meeting the men who try to tame them. I enjoyed this tantilising taste and I recommend it. Worth reading.
November 10, 2023
You are Invited…
This is a great little prequel to a new series, as we are introduced 4 new mystery authors who group together to solve a murder and maybe fall in love along the way…
Can’t wait to read the new book…
This is a great little prequel to a new series, as we are introduced 4 new mystery authors who group together to solve a murder and maybe fall in love along the way…
Can’t wait to read the new book…
February 19, 2024
A short and sweet intro to the 4 authors. As I have already read the first 2 books in the series I recognize excerpts from the books.
This prequel still had a bit of fleshing out bits we may not have known about the 4.
It is a great little series and I am really enjoying it.
This prequel still had a bit of fleshing out bits we may not have known about the 4.
It is a great little series and I am really enjoying it.
February 22, 2024
Great preview of the new series
A short prequel/novella to introduce the Mystery Writer’s Murder Club.
This looks to be a fun and exciting series with some interesting characters and storylines.
A short prequel/novella to introduce the Mystery Writer’s Murder Club.
This looks to be a fun and exciting series with some interesting characters and storylines.
October 8, 2023
Ends on a Cliffhanger
This book doesn't tell the whole story. It only tells a snip of what happened.
I own this book. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
This book doesn't tell the whole story. It only tells a snip of what happened.
I own this book. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
October 12, 2023
slay
It was short and just a little fun. It gives us a good look at our four characters (who I assume are going to be our main characters for the rest of the series)
It was short and just a little fun. It gives us a good look at our four characters (who I assume are going to be our main characters for the rest of the series)
October 12, 2023
is this a few sample teaser pages only? sounded interesting - too bad it's incomplete...
October 15, 2023
left on a cliffhanger
I think this is going to be a fun series to read. The prequel stops at a cliffhanger so hopefully, the story will continue and we’ll discover whodunit.
I think this is going to be a fun series to read. The prequel stops at a cliffhanger so hopefully, the story will continue and we’ll discover whodunit.
October 19, 2023
Great start to a good story.
December 7, 2023
😁😁😁😁
Perfect lead in to the new series. Short and sweet, but with background info on the leading characters. Continued in Book one.
Perfect lead in to the new series. Short and sweet, but with background info on the leading characters. Continued in Book one.
January 24, 2024
This was a short teaser. I plan on reading Murder Before Dawn by Delta James soon.
February 7, 2024
The staircase!
Very nice prequel murder mystery story with four authors dining together to talk about a murder that happened at a book signing event.
Very nice prequel murder mystery story with four authors dining together to talk about a murder that happened at a book signing event.
March 5, 2024
Cute beginning
August 24, 2024
This is just the first four chapters of book 1 Murder before Dawn. It makes you want to get book 1 as soon as it comes out.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews