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All the thrills and chills, murder and mayhem, secrets and suspense you can handle--in one collection. Join these New York Times , USA Today , and international bestselling authors for this collection of gripping, heart-pounding mysteries. Intrepid, determined sleuths follow twisty, dangerous paths to bring treacherous killers to justice in 20 brand-new tales of dirty tricks and double-crosses, cons and cover-ups, betrayal and blackmail. There's something for every mystery reader in this collection. Whether you like your mysteries dark and deadly or cozy and cute, murder and intrigue will keep you up late at night reading, looking over your shoulder, and locking all the doors behind you. Fans of Frieda McFadden, J.D. Robb, John Grisham, Patricia Cornwell, and Janet Evanovich will thrill to this collection of mystery and suspense, ranging from domestic thrillers to police procedurals to gumshoe detective mysteries and everything in between. Get your copy now! Featuring stories Stephanie Ayers R.C. Barnes Lane Bellemore Kevin Berry J. T. Bishop Lashell Collins Margo Bond Collins Lucy Connelly Kim Cresswell Doyle Fawcett Brandi Gillilan Deidra D. S. Green Spiro Griffith Ivy Hearne K M Jackways London Kingsley Ember Lawless Amy Richie Raven Rivers Katherine Tomlinson

442 pages, Paperback

First published October 17, 2023

7 people are currently reading
124 people want to read

About the author

Stephanie Ayers

60 books294 followers
A creative ninja with a dark mind and a quirky nature, Stephanie Ayers writes all the words and spins twisted tales filled with horror, fantasy, suspense, and anything in between. With a trunk full of tricks thanks to a checkered past, she haunts Irish castles and snowy mountaintops in her dreams while living the unicorn life in Ohio disguised as a human. When she isn’t listening to the voices in her head, she spends her days as a mom, Gigi, cat lover, and Netflix binger, while avoiding housework at all costs.

Her debut novella, Til Death Do Us Part, was published in 2013, and her work appears in several anthologies and collections. Along with many solo works, she currently has two serials to her name, the stand-alone horror volumes of The 13 series, and her epic 5 book fantasy series, Destiny Defined.

To find out more about Stephanie's daily living and all about her books and writing, subscribe to her newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/o6e0l9

Her favorite quote is: "The blank page is a canvas on which the writer paints a story."-Stephanie Ayers



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5 stars
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18 (47%)
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1 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews359 followers
November 12, 2023
Exciting Mystery Collection !!

There is something special in this collection for every mystery reader fan. You can choose dark and deadly or cozy and cute, but putting these books down will be almost impossible. Unless you have nerves of steel, the author advises locking all the doors behind you – and since she knows more than we do about this, that might be a good suggestion! Below is a review of one of these clever stories to give you an idea of what you will find here.

Titles included are:

🔍👀 Death on A Scottish Yacht – Lucy Connelly
🔍👀 The Magic of Murder – J. T. Bishop
🔍👀 A Woman Presumed – Katherine Tomlinson
🔍👀 Pretty Little Gun – R.C. Barnes
🔍👀 The Chrysanthemum Curse – Doyle Fawcett and Spiro Griffith
🔍👀 The Drowned Dockworker – Kevin Berry
🔍👀 Lucky Charm – Raven Raine
🔍👀 Murder in Sapphire Paradise – Mara Moreno and Margo Bond Collins

*** Review of “MURDER IN SAPPHIRE PARADISE” ***
Sometimes it doesn’t work out when you try to relax and enjoy a stress-free vacation. Our main character, Marlowe Macallan, is taking a break from work and heads off to paradise at a luxurious beach resort on a tiny Caribbean island. Sapphire Paradise Resort has all the amenities and lots to do to find the fun in life. But when a popular local singer, Nina Cortez, is providing entertainment, Marlowe is distracted by something “off” about one of the backup musicians, the saxophone player Eddie Delancey who was swaying unsteadily, struggling to keep up the tempo, and his eyes appeared glazed. When he suddenly collapses on the stage, Liam Foster, the resort’s scuba instructor, runs to help Eddie and Marlowe smells a faint, acrid odor she couldn’t explain. It was obvious Eddie was dead. The cops accepted it as a heart attack, but Marlowe was convinced there was more to it and decided to begin her own investigation. Can she find the murderer without becoming a victim herself?
Profile Image for Janet.
1,962 reviews3 followers
November 10, 2023
I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Death on a Scottish Yacht Lucy Connelly (A Sea Isle Mystery)
So that was interesting. A good mystery and clues were hard to find. I enjoyed the short story.
The Magic of Murder J.T. Bishop (A Detectives Daniels and Remalla Prequel Novella)
Strange and twisted story but very interesting too. The story is twisted you have to read it to know what it is, a little crazy. I enjoyed reading it. I did have to think hard with the twists and turns. A good story though.
A Woman Presumed Katherine Tomlinson
WOW!! Mind blogging. Very good. Did not see that coming.
Pretty Little Gun R.C. Barnes The Chrysanthemum Curse Doyle Fawcett and
Unexpected. A story that could have ended so very differently. Very good story.
The Chrysanthemum Curse Doyle Fawcett and Spiro Griffith
A sad story. It is a very good story though. Rosie is a little hot headed.
The Drowned Dockworker Kevin Berry
A fast story. A PI doing a case. What happened to my Husband? Good story.
Lucky Charm Raven Raine
Well! That was fast. I wounder if the demon who will collect on the souls is the one who cursed the Witch in the first place. Very good story. I enjoyed it.
Murder In Sapphire Paradise by Mara Moreno and Margo Bond Collins
I enjoyed the story so very much. My heart did jump when the bullet hit so close to Marlowe's head. She did piece all the clues together very well.
Profile Image for Toni.
2,341 reviews22 followers
November 12, 2023
DEATH ON A SCOTTISH YACHT--
Dr. Emilia McRoy is a doctor and coroner in Scotland. She's been invited to her friend's birthday party on a yacht of all things!! When her and the local constable arrive they are given small packets that tell them what their role is for the mystery cruise. As they assemble to start the lights dim then go out the return to dim. Shortly after she's asked by the Captain of the ship to come with him for a situation. There she discovers that a friend has been murdered. Now she and the constable have to not only play their parts in the mystery but solve a real one to boot!!!

THE CHRYSANTHEMUM CURSE--
Rosie Lee is a shaman but refuses to study to advance in her abilities. After she has done a ritual to retrieve a male's soul taken by a ghost, she receives a call from Seoul. A celebrity she adores is having issues and after some info she realizes it's paranormal. After she does a tarot reading, she makes arrangements to get to South Korea as soon as she can. There have been several deaths and all connected by chrysanthemum flower left at each victim. Will she be able to solve the cases and save her friend? Will her abilities help or hinder?

WOW! fantastic stories that will keep the reader enthralled throughout the book!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
3,369 reviews79 followers
November 11, 2023
Allow at least two days for this collection of eight 4 1/2* mysteries.

DEATH ON A SCOTTISH YACHT by Lucy Connelly: A murder roleplay on a yacht in September off Sea Isle, Scotland goes bad. 5* 2 hours PG

THE MAGIC OF MURDER by J. T. Bishop: Detectives Aaron Remalla and Gordon Daniels investigate the death of Terry Barton in this 3-hour PG magical procedural. 5*

A WOMAN PRESUMED by Katherine Tomlinson: A very strange PG 1-hour fall double murder in Fredericksburg, VA. 5*

PRETTY LITTLE GUN by R.C. Barnes: A 45-minute contemporary PG paranormal about a babysitter who found a gun in Cedar Park, TX. 5*

THE CHRYSANTHEMUM CURSE by Doyle Fawcett and Spiro Griffith: This 3-hour PG shamanic tale badly needs editing. 3 1/2*

THE DROWNED DOCKWORKER by Kevin Barry: A lovely, family-friendly tale of smuggling in Quake City, New Zealand. 5*

LUCKY CHARM by Raven Raine: A 90-minute YA supernatural tale set in Wellington in the spring. 5*

MURDER IN SAPPHIRE PARADISE by Mara Moreno and Margo Bond Collins: A 2-hour contemporary YA Caribbean adventure.5*.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,331 reviews12 followers
November 12, 2023
Eight engaging novelettes are within this collection of mysteries. The stories are intriguing with likable characters and were enjoyable to read. My review is on:
Murder in Sapphire Paradise by Mara Moreno and Margo Bond Collins
This story was a great collaboration to read. This is about travel writer Marlowe Macallan who took a vacation on a Caribbean Island and at her resort encountered a murder. Taking a rest and enjoying the paradise, Marlowe goes to a club to hear a singer with new friends she met. She runs into Liam the scubas diver who she took a diving class with earlier that day. Liam introduces her to Nina the singer. Loving the show and thinking about writing a story on Nina, Marlowe returns to another show and while watching the show the saxophone player dies. This starts her investigating this "who done it". This genre is different than I read from Margo Bond Collins (I read her alien and paranormal stories), but I totally enjoyed this mystery story.
156 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2023
Talk Deadly to Me
Is a collection of short mysteries written by various writers. Murder in Sapphire Paradise written by Margo Bond Collins features Marlowe Macallan, a travel writer on vacation at an island resort. She is enjoying all the amenities of the area including a night club. At the second show she attends she notices the saxophone player is acting strangely. After intermission, she sees him take a drink and collapse. She tells the police officer but he brushes her off. She firmly believes it is not a natural death. The few people she talks to about her suspicions warn her to be careful and one suggests she not investigate. She is determined to find the truth.
A thoroughly entertaining novella. It is light yet captures your interest. A fast read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Deborah Almada.
1,236 reviews42 followers
October 22, 2023
This review is solely for Death on a Scottish Yacht by Lucy Connelly. I absolutely fell in love with An American in Scotland this spring when I read it. Em is a wonderful character and she is building a wonderful life and practice for herself in her small Scottish village. In this novella she is invited to her friend Mara's birthday bash that takes place on an yacht and also includes a wonderful murder mystery as part of the celebration. Unfortunately during the party, the yacht stops, the lights go out and a real murder occurs. Who sabotaged the yacht, who killed the waitress, can answers be found while they wait for a tug boat to tow them to safely? Definitely a yacht ride you want to be on!
571 reviews5 followers
November 12, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this short mystery. It was set in paradise and had a similar feeling to the TV show Death in Paradise. It involved some old resentments and unsolved murders and an intrepid travel journalist who, unwilling to allow an unexpected death to be swept under the carpet, works to find the murderer. I will be reading the rest of the collection of stories and I do hope that Ms. Collins and Ms. Moreno collaborate on future stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,814 reviews7 followers
November 13, 2023
A nice collection of six short stories, for when you are wanting a quick mystery/thriller/suspense story. I enjoyed the stories within this collection one is 'Murder in Sapphire Paradise' by Mara Moreno and Margo Bond Collins - which is about Marlowe a travel writer, who is taking a vacation and finds herself with a murder mystery on her hands. Can she figure out who is the deadly suspect? I enjoyed Marlowe's story, she is determine and ready for the challenge.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,168 reviews57 followers
November 19, 2023
I've only read the one by Margo Bond Collins, Murder in Sapphire Paradise. Marlow is a travel writer on vacation at an island resort. She's enjoying her vacation after she attends the second show she notices that the saxophone player is acting weird. She sees him take a drink during intermission and then he collapses. She is determined to find out what happened. Read her story and find out what happened. I enjoyed the story very much and am looking forward to reading the other stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Curvy Girl Book Nerd   (Jen S).
4,472 reviews71 followers
November 19, 2023
This review is for the short story Murder in Sapphire Paradise and is part of the Talk Deadly to Me anthology. This story centers around a travel writer, Marlowe Mccallan, who is on vacation at a luxury resort in the Caribbean. While attending a music show in the nightclub, the saxophonist dies, and she suspects foul play. The police pay no attention, and she is warned to let it go. This was a fun, super fast whodunit mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for LeMiliere.
2,885 reviews18 followers
November 12, 2023
This is an excellent collection made up of eight interesting novellas all written by different authors. I love to come across collections like this one as it allows me to find new authors to enjoy.

The stories in this collection are all well-paced mystery thrillers and as well as having some great characters the novellas all have enough intrigue, action, and drama to hold the reader's attention and will keep you guessing "who done it" for a little while.
Profile Image for Laura Spinnett.
205 reviews8 followers
November 13, 2023
This is a nice collection of sleuthing with twists and turns, leaving you wondering "Who done it?" This isn't romance, although there are some love concerns and a few love triangles, but there are good mysteries that will sweep you along for the ride! If you want to read something a little different from the usual genre, this collection of short stories may be right up your alley!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carolyn Valdez.
495 reviews15 followers
November 16, 2023
I have enjoyed reading all eight of these short stories in this collection. Some of the authors were new to me, and some I already knew of and are my favorites. I will be checking on all the authors and following up on finding their stories. I can’t wait to see what other adventures they all have to contribute.. I would recommend this collection to anybody who enjoys suspense and mystery.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
966 reviews9 followers
November 7, 2023
Don’t Miss This Collection!

A collection of eight short stories by different authors will hold you captive for several hours of good reading. All of the mystery thrillers are action packed with who done it intrigued. Don’t miss it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shayay.
2,791 reviews54 followers
November 12, 2023
So far, this review is only for Margo Bond Collins’ Murder in Sapphire Paradise. Looking forward to reading the other stories!

Love a murder mystery! Marlowe is on vacation when a murder takes place, so she can’t help but step in to solve the case. A bit action and fun! Cool Caribbean setting too! A dash of romance too! A fun short story!
Profile Image for Leanne Bryson.
5,141 reviews22 followers
November 16, 2023
This collection of Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense stories was a solid 4 stars from me. I enjoy reading authors that are old favorites and new to me as authors as well. Short reads full of action, drama, twists, turns, and more. There is something for almost all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,702 reviews10 followers
December 6, 2023
There are eight good stories to read in this book from paranormal mysteries to cozy murder mysteries. I enjoyed all the books and would have a hard time to pick a favourite. There were three I really liked. The Magic of Murder, The Lucky Charm and Murder in Sapphire Paradise. I would recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rebel.
2,654 reviews
November 11, 2023
Collection of mystery stories by various authors with Margo Bond Collins being one of them. All are very fun to read with great characters in all the stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
52 reviews
November 12, 2023
A collection of 6 lovely short stories. It introduced me to a couple of authors now on my radar. I love a good mystery..with a bit of romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,938 reviews11 followers
November 13, 2023
I like this collection. It was a good mix of stories and writing styles but they still felt like they belonged together. I did skip one because it just wasn't a match for me, but that left plenty of others to enjoy. There were some good surprises, a little fun and plenty of suspense.
Profile Image for Angie ~aka Reading Machine~.
3,746 reviews135 followers
November 14, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this collection of Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense stories. Each had their own unique flair and style. The cast of characters were rich, bold, flawed, and interesting. This collection has a lot to offer it's readers. Until next time Happy Reading!
10.8k reviews127 followers
November 14, 2023
This is the eight-book collection of the Talk Deadly to Me Series. Each book is well written with interesting story lines and characters.

I received a free copy of this boxset via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
5,450 reviews32 followers
November 25, 2023
4.5 Stars

This was a great anthology filled with stories that were well written and will keep you coming back for more. I wish you luck on picking out your favorite.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for blueyed_cntry_girl.
1,583 reviews4 followers
December 6, 2023
This was a good collection of mysteries. What happens when you’re on vacation and a murder happens. Do you get involved or stay away ? Good characters. Nice short reads.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bonnye Reed.
4,691 reviews108 followers
Want to read
November 1, 2023
Short by favorite author J.T.Bishop included.
Profile Image for Michele.
1,537 reviews9 followers
November 12, 2023
Great collection of stories! Kept my attention from beginning to end! Never a dull moment! Loved the characters and their stories! Check it out! So worth it!
Profile Image for Dawn Milligan.
2,655 reviews16 followers
November 14, 2023
I got this for Margo and she delivers me as always a great read I enjoyed a couple other story's it has some great mysterys
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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