What do you think?
Rate this book
Breaking News: Local Heiress Dead
A woman betrayed. A marriage trashed. A body in the lake.
Less than two weeks before police slap handcuffs on Olivia Mercier’s wrists.
When divers discover Shauna Wylie’s body, encased in a barrel of concrete in Donner Lake, Olivia is of two minds. The death of her former best friend traumatizes her. At the same time however, Shauna is the reason Olivia’s husband is living in a bachelor pad. And now someone has dispatched Shauna from Earth. Is it wrong to feel vindicated?
When police discover a bag of cement in Olivia’s garage and learn she stands to inherit $17.5 million from Shauna, Olivia rockets to the front of the suspect line. Positive that the police won’t look for other suspects, especially when forensic results arrive, Olivia launches her own search for Shauna’s killer. Her investigation uncovers long-buried secrets and, unknown to her, earns Olivia top billing on the killer’s hit list.
Less than two weeks before police slap handcuffs on Olivia Mercier’s wrists.
When divers discover Shauna Wylie’s body, encased in a barrel of concrete in Donner Lake, Olivia is of two minds. The death of her former best friend traumatizes her. At the same time however, Shauna is the reason Olivia’s husband is living in a bachelor pad. And now someone has dispatched Shauna from Earth. Is it wrong to feel vindicated?
When police discover a bag of cement in Olivia’s garage and learn she stands to inherit $17.5 million from Shauna, Olivia rockets to the front of the suspect line. Positive that the police won’t look for other suspects, especially when forensic results arrive, Olivia launches her own search for Shauna’s killer. Her investigation uncovers long-buried secrets and, unknown to her, earns Olivia top billing on the killer’s hit list.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2024
5 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Morganti
17 books13 followersCharlotte Morganti is a Canadian writer of crime fiction. She has been a burger flipper, beer slinger and a corporate finance/mining lawyer. In addition to her law degree, she holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing. Now retired from legal practice, she focuses on writing crime fictionnovels and short stories, ranging from gritty investigations to lighter capers. Charlotte usually sets her stories in small towns that harbour both villains (often cunning, occasionally inept) and the sleuths who pursue them.
find out more at https://charlottemorganti.com
find out more at https://charlottemorganti.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 22, 2024
Charlotte Morganti's Breaking News: Local Heiress Dead is a must-read for fans of character-driven amateur sleuth mysteries. Stakes are high for Prospect, California-based investigative reporter Olivia Mercier. She's the prime suspect in the murder of her former best friend, local heiress Shauna Wylie. As misleading evidence mounts against her, Olivia launches her own investigation to identify the true murderer and clear her name. She soon unearths a series of long-buried secrets and finds herself in the killer's crosshairs. Buckle up and enjoy the ride as Olivia employs her investigative skills, spunky determination, and assistance from a quirky collection of small-town friends and even her estranged husband to identify the killer before she becomes the next victim. Olivia is a delightfully relatable protagonist, and I look forward to her next adventure.
I received an advance readers' copy of this novel. My review reflects my honest opinion and was not influenced by receiving an advance copy.
I received an advance readers' copy of this novel. My review reflects my honest opinion and was not influenced by receiving an advance copy.
February 29, 2024
This was a stunning thriller that I couldn't put down or stop reading until it was done. I kept following all the possible clues and suspects, and I was honing in on the wrong person the whole time. I should have known better, because that person was too obvious. I liked being wrong, and the reveal of it step by step is always a sweet pleasure to me. The twist at the end with all the drama kept me riveted in my chair. I loved it all.
June 27, 2024
Olivia Mercier is still reeling from the betrayal of her husband with her best friend, Shauna Wylie. After learning about their sordid affair, she ended a thirty-year friendship and kicked out her husband, Dom, in one fell swoop.
Now, Shauna’s body has been recovered from Donner Lake, encased in a cement barrel, and somehow, the police are pointing fingers at Olivia. The scorned woman is shocked to learn that according to Shauna’s will, Olivia stands to inherit millions of dollars. Between the scorching betrayal and a large sum of money, Olivia is the prime suspect.
The only way Olivia is going to escape being charged for this deplorable murder is to take matters into her own hands and use her sleuthing skills to find the cold-blooded assailant.
“Breaking News: Local Heiress Dead” by Charlotte Morganti is a cleverly written whodunit about a seriously unlucky journalist whose marriage and friendships have been decimated. All evidence is pointing towards her for a murder charge (talk about kicking someone when they’re down!). Between sifting through a laundry list of possible suspects, someone sending her cryptic texts related to the investigation, and dodging her cheating husband’s attempts at getting back together, Olivia needs to catch a break! She has a sinking suspicion that the killer may be someone in her inner circle.
This cozy mystery has it all: small-town sleuthing, quirky characters, and an absorbing investigation that will appeal to readers who love piecing together puzzles. Every chapter was like playing a game of Clue. As Olivia skillfully eliminated possible suspects, my heart thundered with anticipation, and I read more fervently. Moreover, Morganti has done an excellent job of foreshadowing and dropping subtle hints that are cleverly woven into the mystery, which proves her talent for writing novels of this genre.
In addition to scratching my itch for an immersive mystery, Morganti focused on developing character relationships and highlighting Olivia’s opposing feelings regarding Shauna’s death. How can you properly grieve when anger and deception mar your memories? That inner conflict was well-illustrated, uncovering how Olivia flip-flopped between banishing feelings and wanting to do right by her late best friend.
Drama, crime, and secrets—Charlotte Morganti’s “Breaking News: Local Heiress Dead” has it all, and readers will be wrapped up in Olivia’s quest to clear her name. The tough-as-nails journalist takes sleuthing to another level, making her a root-worthy protagonist.
S
Now, Shauna’s body has been recovered from Donner Lake, encased in a cement barrel, and somehow, the police are pointing fingers at Olivia. The scorned woman is shocked to learn that according to Shauna’s will, Olivia stands to inherit millions of dollars. Between the scorching betrayal and a large sum of money, Olivia is the prime suspect.
The only way Olivia is going to escape being charged for this deplorable murder is to take matters into her own hands and use her sleuthing skills to find the cold-blooded assailant.
“Breaking News: Local Heiress Dead” by Charlotte Morganti is a cleverly written whodunit about a seriously unlucky journalist whose marriage and friendships have been decimated. All evidence is pointing towards her for a murder charge (talk about kicking someone when they’re down!). Between sifting through a laundry list of possible suspects, someone sending her cryptic texts related to the investigation, and dodging her cheating husband’s attempts at getting back together, Olivia needs to catch a break! She has a sinking suspicion that the killer may be someone in her inner circle.
This cozy mystery has it all: small-town sleuthing, quirky characters, and an absorbing investigation that will appeal to readers who love piecing together puzzles. Every chapter was like playing a game of Clue. As Olivia skillfully eliminated possible suspects, my heart thundered with anticipation, and I read more fervently. Moreover, Morganti has done an excellent job of foreshadowing and dropping subtle hints that are cleverly woven into the mystery, which proves her talent for writing novels of this genre.
In addition to scratching my itch for an immersive mystery, Morganti focused on developing character relationships and highlighting Olivia’s opposing feelings regarding Shauna’s death. How can you properly grieve when anger and deception mar your memories? That inner conflict was well-illustrated, uncovering how Olivia flip-flopped between banishing feelings and wanting to do right by her late best friend.
Drama, crime, and secrets—Charlotte Morganti’s “Breaking News: Local Heiress Dead” has it all, and readers will be wrapped up in Olivia’s quest to clear her name. The tough-as-nails journalist takes sleuthing to another level, making her a root-worthy protagonist.
S
April 14, 2024
Oh, this character! Honestly, as I progressed through the book, I started slowing down my reading 'cause I knew I'd miss hanging out with Shauna, our heroine...
That's my overall.
But specifically, Ms. Morganti has a gift for storytelling. Yes, there's trouble at home - yes, there's a murder - yes, Shauna is a suspect. But it's the writer's voice in telling this story, allowing the pieces to be revealed, all while keeping us engaged. I guess I like snark, 'cause Shauna has it in spades. But snark can only carry a reader so far. In a good story, we need to give a damn; we must want our heroine to win.
Morganti does a terrific job digging in to Shauna's personal upsets while never losing sight of why we care about her. And, of course, the murder victim. I carried the book around while I read it - jumping at chances to read a page or two.
Morganti's scope and skill are highlighted in her two novels ("The End Game" is also a great read) - I can't wait for her next book!
That's my overall.
But specifically, Ms. Morganti has a gift for storytelling. Yes, there's trouble at home - yes, there's a murder - yes, Shauna is a suspect. But it's the writer's voice in telling this story, allowing the pieces to be revealed, all while keeping us engaged. I guess I like snark, 'cause Shauna has it in spades. But snark can only carry a reader so far. In a good story, we need to give a damn; we must want our heroine to win.
Morganti does a terrific job digging in to Shauna's personal upsets while never losing sight of why we care about her. And, of course, the murder victim. I carried the book around while I read it - jumping at chances to read a page or two.
Morganti's scope and skill are highlighted in her two novels ("The End Game" is also a great read) - I can't wait for her next book!
March 6, 2024
This story is sure to keep you guessing right up to the surprising conclusion. Olivia, as an investigative reporter, is present when a body is removed from the lake. What she isn’t expecting is to be considered a suspect in her best friend’s murder!
Shauna is a local heiress that appears shallow on the surface but as you read on, you realize there was much more to her than people realized. Enjoy learning together with Olivia and the others what she was really like. Who disliked her enough to actually kill her? An estranged husband, questionable happenings in the police department and more - can Olivia learn forgiveness through all of this?
An early copy was received through Haledan Press, BookFunnel and CelebrateLit. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.
Shauna is a local heiress that appears shallow on the surface but as you read on, you realize there was much more to her than people realized. Enjoy learning together with Olivia and the others what she was really like. Who disliked her enough to actually kill her? An estranged husband, questionable happenings in the police department and more - can Olivia learn forgiveness through all of this?
An early copy was received through Haledan Press, BookFunnel and CelebrateLit. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.
November 22, 2024
Local Heiress Dead
A very interesting, emotional novel. I found that once I started it, I couldn't put it down. The twists and turns are smooth, the only thing I could say is "Well, I didn't see that one coming," All in all, a very enjoyable book that I highly recommend.
A very interesting, emotional novel. I found that once I started it, I couldn't put it down. The twists and turns are smooth, the only thing I could say is "Well, I didn't see that one coming," All in all, a very enjoyable book that I highly recommend.
March 21, 2024
“Local Heiress Dead” is a very good, enjoyable and easy to read cozy mystery. The plot has many twists and turns. Good character and location descriptions. I look forward to reading more of Charlotte’s stories.
Joan
Joan
March 3, 2024
Enjoyed this story even though I found it a bit slower then I usually like. The book is based on a good idea. Characters were well written. Give it a try!
March 20, 2024
Lots of twists and turns as a local reporter tries to solve a murder before becoming the next victim.
March 21, 2024
suspense and action packed drama featuring a small town reporter, an estranged husband with dubious choices, and a one time best friend who betrayed her with him
the connections between the people seem so much more vital to the story than the really murderous elements
the deep mourning on the part of the wronged friend and wife is very compelling
the individual key players are more than stock characters- there are layers of human choices and errors built in, which makes it feel almost sad to suspect some of them of various wrongdoing
it was exciting and conflicting to be a part of the journeys of the key figures
Looking forward to the next release from this new to me author so I can meet more of the people who have lived in her imagination
the connections between the people seem so much more vital to the story than the really murderous elements
the deep mourning on the part of the wronged friend and wife is very compelling
the individual key players are more than stock characters- there are layers of human choices and errors built in, which makes it feel almost sad to suspect some of them of various wrongdoing
it was exciting and conflicting to be a part of the journeys of the key figures
Looking forward to the next release from this new to me author so I can meet more of the people who have lived in her imagination
June 9, 2025
This novel is set near Donner Lake, CA. Remember the Donner Party's tragic attempt to cross the Sierra Nevadas? Yes, that Donner Lake. Wondering how I settled on that area for the book?
When I first plotted the novel, I wanted an American setting and I needed a lake. In my younger days a crowd of us always took ski trips to Lake Tahoe, so that was my first choice. I tagged along with my husband on a business trip to Reno, borrowed his car, and investigated Truckee which I thought might stand in for my fictional town of Prospect. I also set up an appointment with the Truckee Police to talk about policing a small town in a resort area.
I met with captain of operations and told him I wanted to set the murder in Lake Tahoe. He asked me a bit about the plot, and then said "Lake Tahoe won't work."
I saw my novel disintegrating. "Why not?" I asked. The answer? "Because the Coast Guard polices Lake Tahoe, not local police."
Hmmmm. I definitely did not want to deal with a federal policing agency in the book.
Then he said, "you need Donner Lake." And proceeded to talk about the atmosphere of the area (because of the Donner Party). He talked about seasonal visitors, local residents, the challenges of policing two distinct sets of resident.
I got a lot more information from him, all of which made the book zing.
When I first plotted the novel, I wanted an American setting and I needed a lake. In my younger days a crowd of us always took ski trips to Lake Tahoe, so that was my first choice. I tagged along with my husband on a business trip to Reno, borrowed his car, and investigated Truckee which I thought might stand in for my fictional town of Prospect. I also set up an appointment with the Truckee Police to talk about policing a small town in a resort area.
I met with captain of operations and told him I wanted to set the murder in Lake Tahoe. He asked me a bit about the plot, and then said "Lake Tahoe won't work."
I saw my novel disintegrating. "Why not?" I asked. The answer? "Because the Coast Guard polices Lake Tahoe, not local police."
Hmmmm. I definitely did not want to deal with a federal policing agency in the book.
Then he said, "you need Donner Lake." And proceeded to talk about the atmosphere of the area (because of the Donner Party). He talked about seasonal visitors, local residents, the challenges of policing two distinct sets of resident.
I got a lot more information from him, all of which made the book zing.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews