In her debut mystery, Motive for Murder, gutsy private investigator Erica Coleman proved that when it comes to sleuthing, she takes the cake. Now, the fast-talking, food-loving heroine is back, and she’s sure her next assignment will be as easy as pie . . . Erica and her family happily anticipate Grandma Blanche’s eighty-first birthday celebration in the picturesque town of Florence, Oregon. But when the feisty matriarch, a savvy businesswoman, enlists Erica’s help in an investigation of her company, things quickly get sticky. Before the investigation can begin, Blanche’s unexpected death leaves Erica with more questions than answers—and it soon becomes clear that Grandma’s passing was anything but she was murdered. When Aunt Martha, Blanche’s reclusive sister, becomes the next victim of someone with a taste for homicide, Erica uses her flair for cooking to butter up local law enforcement and gather clues. As she narrowly escapes becoming the third victim, Erica is more determined than ever to solve the case—before she bites off more than she can chew.
Background I grew up in Sandy, Utah, where my parents had a mini-farm on an acre and a half. My father raised a lot of things, but the two main ones were gladiolus and mink. Think flowers and fur coats. My mother, a creative person, was a florist. I was blessed to be raised as a Christian and I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). I’m thankful to know God lives and loves me and I’m grateful for Jesus Christ, my Savior.
Loves and Interests I love my children and am so proud of them. They are all so amazing and wonderful, as are their terrific spouses. And although I know others brag about their grandchildren, I have to smile indulgently, because my grandchildren actually are the cutest, smartest, sweetest, and most talented kids in the world!
I have a lot of interests. For one thing, I’ve always loved animals. Right now, I only have four cats, and three dogs—a dachshund, a Westie, and a Welsh Corgi.
For fun, I like to read. A few of my favorite authors are; Maeve Binchy, Elizabeth Berg, Agatha Christie, Andriana Trigiani, and Anne Siddons. I also enjoy watching animated movies like Despicable Me, Over the Hedge, How to Train Your Dragon, Ice Age, Frozen, etc. I’m a kid at heart, I guess.
I also love to go camping, although I no longer enjoy roughing it. Must. Have. Popcorn. Which means we need to take along a popcorn popper. During the summer, my husband and I take our RV to the mountains, to explore new places, and we often travel to research new settings for my books.
I also like to garden. I love flowers and often go a little nuts planting in the spring and adding a few more tulip, hyacinth, and daffodil bulbs each fall. I’m having fun raising iris—right now I have more than 70 varieties and each year I add a few new colors.
On Writing I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I started writing stories in elementary school and after receiving parental acclaim for one of my masterpieces, “The Old Blue Car,” felt encouraged enough to continue.
In college, I met and married Kelly R. Sullivan and my writing career was put on the back burner when we had children.
As my children got older, I began carving out some time to write and began writing short articles and stories for magazines. Then I started an LDS, non-fiction book.
When my husband and I found we needed a second income, we remodeled our garage and opened a floral shop. I enjoyed the work but regretted that it left me very little time to write. However, as the years passed, I managed to finish my first book, Latter-day Saint Heroes and Heroines.
After being a florist for ten years, I had a health scare and while waiting to learn the results of the tests, I took stock of my life. I asked myself, “If I had the chance to live my life over, would I do anything differently? Other than wishing I had been a better mother and person, I could only come up with one thing—I wished I had been able to spend more time writing. So, with my dear husband’s support, we sold the floral business and I began writing full time.
My next three books were about angelic experiences in early LDS church history; And There Were Angels Among Them, Visits From Beyond the Veil, and By the Ministering of Angels. Then I wrote Brigham’s Boys.
Around this time, I went back to college. It had always been another dream of mine to graduate. So I returned to college and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Utah.
While in college, I began working on my first novel. One thing I decided when writing fiction was that all of my novels would be “clean”—without profanity and free from inappropriate sexual scenes. Being a novice, it took me three years to write Light on Fire Island and I was thrilled when became a best-seller.
Next I wrote the LDS, non-fiction book, Gaze into Heaven; Near-death Experiences in Early Church History.
I then bounced back to writing a second novel, a fun mystery
I've read all of Marlene's books, and have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. This is a favorite because I LOVE the setting, and the original victim, Grandma Blanche (even though we know her for only a short time). The family dynamics are very realistic--all the way down to the crazy aunt that we all have in some way, right? Fun book with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing to the end.
A good “whodunit” should leave you ruminating about murder suspects until the book’s end is in sight, and if it meanders here and there, adding several possible leads and misleads, along with a host of worthy suspects, then all the better.
And so it is with the second book in author Marlene Bateman’s new Erica Coleman murder mystery series, A Death in The Family. Bateman leads her readers along a variety of tantalizing plot twists, while dishing up a complex cadre of possible suspects and motives which builds until very near the end, and when the murderer is finally revealed, Bateman throws in another twist that keeps the reader flipping pages until the fat lady finally sings.
From the book’s back cover:
In her debut mystery, Motive for Murder, gutsy private investigator Erica Coleman proved that when it comes to sleuthing, she takes the cake. Now, the fast-talking, food-loving heroine is back, and she's sure her next assignment will be as easy as pie...
Erica and her family happily anticipate Grandma Blanche's eighty-first birthday celebration in the picturesque town of Florence, Oregon. But when the feisty matriarch, a savvy businesswoman, enlists Erica's help in an investigation of her company, things quickly get sticky. Before the investigation can begin, Blanche's unexpected death leaves Erica with more questions than answers—and it soon becomes clear that Grandma's passing was anything but natural: she was murdered. When Aunt Martha, Blanche's reclusive sister, becomes the next victim of someone with a taste for homicide, Erica uses her flair for cooking to butter up local law enforcement and gather clues. As she narrowly escapes becoming the third victim, Erica is more determined than ever to solve the case—before she bites off more than she can chew. (There is one error in the back cover synopsis. Aunt Martha is Blanche’s daughter, not sister.)
On the night of her eighty-first birthday party, Grandma Blanche makes a passing comment to Erica about hiring her to investigate problems in the family business. When she is found dead the next morning, seemingly of natural causes, Erica enlists herself to fulfill Grandma’s last request, and to make sure no foul play is involved. She butts heads with local law enforcement and every family member, most of whom also work in the family business where greed and power grabs add to the list of possible motives.
When the majority of your suspects are members of your own a family, a murder investigation becomes particularly sticky, no matter how justified, as Erica soon discovers. Since most of the Coleman family members are also members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, religion comes up from time to time. In most places it is worked into conversations seamlessly, although such conversations felt a bit inserted in a few places.
The pace of the book feels a bit slow in the beginning, as the complex relationships of the large family are explained, but pay close attention as clues begin dropping, like chocolate drops, along the way.
A successful series requires a strong, extremely connectable main character readers can bond with and trust to guide them on these adventures. Marlene Bateman has achieved that in private eye Erica Coleman and her husband, David, a cop. Their repartee is sweet and loving, and their conversations are smart and savvy. David provides an able muse and sounding board for Erica, and their marriage and family life round out Erica’s characterization, giving her dogged professionalism that’s grounded in a strong marriage and family life.
Bateman further intrigues readers by providing glimpses into the couple’s humor and deep friendship. Their conversations are sprinkled with quotations that somehow relate to the current topic they are discussing. This little game they play provides additional characterization and added depth to the individuals and to their relationship, which then makes it possible for David to come off sympathetically when he playfully correct Erica’s quirky OCD behavior.
Yes, Erica is a clean freak who loves animals but who can’t touch them or a car seat, or much of anything for that matter, without the use of latex gloves, (which she keeps handy in her purse and pockets) or sanitizing wipes which she also keeps in abundance.) This OCD behavior provides comic relief while also distracting Erica during case work, but her obsession with order also gives her a keen eye for detail, which helps her observe what others miss. Watching these details unfold made the second half of the book breeze by in a delightful flash.
As if anything else were needed to make this book a winner, Erica is also an excellent cook, and the recipes for most of the culinary treasures featured in the storylines are included in the back of the book.
A Death In the Family, is a smart, complex murder mystery with charm and wit featuring a bankable heroine. Erica Coleman has staying power. This attractive, savvy cross between Monk and Jessica Fletcher, and her husband David, will appeal to men and women. It would make a great family read, and who knows? Maybe husbands and wives will start quoting the Coleman’s.
Covenant is the publisher of this charmer, and I’m happy to report that the book is available in all formats, including audio, so it can be enjoyed in the car or while snuggling on the sofa. I’ve nominate the book for a Whitney award. Yep. I loved it.
And take a moment to acquaint yourself with the author. Though A Death in the Family, is only Ms. Bateman’s second mystery, she is accomplished author of many LDS novels and uplifting books on gospel themes. Her story is as fascinating as Erica’s.
A Death in the Family can be found in any of these locations:
This book was more like a Family history story than a murder mystery. Sure some people died and they were both from the same extended family, but it took too long to get the murders solved. There was a lot of the family drama after the Grandmother died and then all the details of the family business for my liking. You could just go chapter 25 and not miss a thing about the family.
the only way you could get me to write a novel is if you let me put a bunch of recipes in the back. i sincerely hope there is no mention of them in the plot only bc i would find that hilarious
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i was tempted to try the recipes after finishing the book but i can’t risk enjoying a meal that came from a book that i wanted to yeet across the room every four pages
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the ending would have made up for the rest of the nothing that happened in this book except it’s just a modern Mormon version of Agatha Christie’s After the Funeral which is practically sacrilege
"A Death in the Family" is a cozy, culinary LDS murder mystery. It is the second book in this series. I didn't have the chance to read the first book, "Motive for Murder", and even though I could feel that at some points, especially in the beginning, I don't think it set me back all that much. This is a book where the characters are LDS and it mentions going to church but there is nothing preachy or overly religious.
This book started off slow for me and took awhile to get into. That may be due to the fact that I didn't read the previous book, I'm not sure. About a third of the way through the book, my interest was peaked. I think I was finally getting a handle on all the characters and who they were. That always helps.
Erica is one OCD germ freak girl. But hey, it helps her with her sleuthing so more power to her. The woman even puts on latex gloves to pet baby kittens. Where is the joy in that? You don't get to feel that kitty softness. Sad.
I think I suspected everyone in the book at some point. There is no way I, as a reader, could have come up with the murderer based on the information I was given because a lot was left out of what Erica actually does to find out who the murder is. It's just part of the "big reveal". What I really liked was how the ending caught me off guard. I was expecting the end and then I actually got this whole other intense situation that actually made the book for me. Great ending.
Since this is somewhat of a culinary mystery, there are recipes in the book that go along with the story. Those were some yummy sounding recipes and I'm hoping to try a couple of them myself.
A DEATH IN THE FAMILY by Marlene Bateman is an intriguing Cozy Mystery. An Erica Coleman Mystery #2, featuring heroine, gutsy, Erica Coleman, but can be read as a stand alone. Although, I would recommend reading #1 in this fast paced, thrill ride of a tale, "Motive for Murder".
Erica is at it again, in "A Death in the Family", this time she is out to help Grandma Blanche, matriarch of the family, who is found dead the morning after her eighty-first birthday. She had enlisted Erica in finding out the problems in the family business. Erica soon learns that the list of suspects is long and family related.
While, this story starts out a bit slow to me, it picks up nicely. But, pay close attention to the complex relationships, because, if not, you might just miss a clue or two along the way. A very complex, but intriguing tale of faith, mystery, suspense, and a heroine who has a COD issue.
The characters are enduring, charming with a bit of wit,lots of savvy, and friendship. Ms. Bateman has a great act of storytelling and in A DEATH IN THE FAMILY, she pulls out all the charm and mystery of a Cozy Mystery. Well done! I look forward to the next in this intriguing tale. I would invite you to pick up A DEATH IN THE FAMILY, you will not regret your choice. Received for an honest review from the author.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Erica is happy to be visiting her grandmother and extended family, ever since she married her husband her grandmother has loved her like her own. But she knows something is not right when her grandmother says she wants to hire her, as she is a private detective, to investigate her own company. She never gets a chance to find out why or what about as her grandmother is found dead in her bed that night.
Erica than has to use her detective skills for a very personal case, while her own life is at risk, with possible suspects all around her.
This is a great murder mystery that kept me wondering who was guilty until the very end. There are clues throughout that get you thinking and wondering but I was not able to figure it out, something I definitely appreciate as too often I can figure out what is going to happen.
Erica has a lot of OCD tendencies, which I admit started to get annoying at times, but it is these tendencies which actually help her be the great investigator that she is.
The book reads at a great pace and is a clean book, free of language or graphic material. It is written within an LDS culture, however that aspect of it is minor enough that it would not be confusing for anyone not familiar with the LDS culture.
If you love a good murder mystery I definitely recommend this book.
What do you get when you combine a penchant for sleuthing, a love for cooking and a moderate case of OCD? A whale of a private detective. Carrying a plate of Texas Brownies. In this, her second assignment, Erica Coleman, wife, mother and ex-cop turned PI, uses her talent for cleaning, organizing and seeing the details that ordinary lawmakers miss to uncover a deviously twisted murder plot. The victim is savvy businesswoman, Blanche Coleman, Erica’s own grandmother. With the clues piling up, throwing suspicion on nearly every member of her large family, Erica must somehow sift through the chaff and discover the malevolent, desperate mind hiding behind seemingly innocent eyes. When a second murder closely follows the first, Erica’s skills are put to the test as she urgently tries to unknot the mystery. Knowing that she may well be next. Looking for a fun bit of mystery and mayhem? A diverting glimpse into the mind and heart of a desperate killer? With a large dose of family and some excellent cooking thrown in? A Death in the Family is a crisply-written, sure-fire romp for the murder mystery lover in your life. Especially if it’s you.
Marlene continues the Erica Coleman mystery in a WONDERFULLY INTRIGUING way!
Erica has come to celebrate her grandmother's eighty-first birthday at which her grandmother tells her she might need Erica's detective skill to solve a puzzling problem with her company.
But before her grandmother can tell her what that problem is they find that her grandmother has passed away.
An autopsy shows that her grandmother did not die from natural causes.
Erica is determined to find out not only what happened to her grandmother, but what problem her grandmother could possibly need her to solve with the company.
As family members are the most likely suspects...
Emotions will flare... Accusations will fly... And fingers will point...
It becomes even more upsetting when grandmother's sister, Aunt Martha is also found dead in the woods...and her house has been ransacked.
To top it all off Erica becomes a target as she gets closer to solving these multiple crimes...
Wait until you find out who really did it and WHY! GREAT TWIST!
I find I quite enjoy this type of mystery. The characters are appealing and likable, but not perfect. The plot is intricate and interesting to follow and the excitement builds to the often surprising climax. I confess, I did not expect the story to take the turns that it did, but I was glad that things worked out the way they did. In a family story like this the relationships always complicate things and that is certainly the case here. Erica faces the uncertain prospect of trying to figure out who murdered her husband's grandmother and why. And everything points to issues regarding her grandmother's will and concerns about the family business. Investigating can be awkward to begin with, add family to that mix and things get very murky indeed. While the characters are LDS (Mormon) and that effects the feelings and actions of the characters, it does not in any way overwhelm the story and the focus on the murders. Well-written and enjoyable, I can easily recommend this to those who enjoy clean mysteries with plenty of tension.
Overall a very enjoyable read. I have never read one of Bateman's books before. Some authors in thrillers rely on mis or lack of communication to move the story so you don't know what is happening. I was so glad that this author did not do that. There were a couple of head shakes, for example, we know that this person has used a blunt instrument to brutally beat an elderly woman's face in to be unrecognizable. This means, this is not a sweet, friendly person. Yet, we bring this person in to a room of people to confront the individual and then get surprised that this person reacted with a gun. Huh? If you need to do it front of everybody rather than arrest the individual then for heaven's sake have a policeman in the room standing close guard. The police in this were not portrayed as bumbling idiots either which also was nice.
I was way excited to read this new mystery about Erica, and I was not disappointed! Erica is one of my very favorite characters, her OCD makes things crazy and she's super smart. I really like that I can see a bit of myself in her. The plot of this one was fun, I liked that there were so many possibilities of suspects and you could see just how it could have been whichever person. In the end, I was really surprised by just who the killer was and how Erica figured it all out, when it didn't seem as though there had been a clear forerunner the whole book. I loved this book and Erica's recipes and I hope to be able to read more books about her soon!
The is the 2nd in the series about Erica Coleman, an LDS PI with OCD. This time around she is involved in solving two murders. I'm not sure the recipes are an integral part of the plot, but it seems like a popular thing to dish out recipes that have been discussed. If you listen to the audio book, they aren't available, however.
My recommendation is to read it rather than listen to it. One of the things I didn't like was the reader. I felt like her dramatic reading was over the top and her voice began to grate on my nerves. I enjoyed the mystery portion of the book but Erica's OCD seemed inconsistent and over the top and becomes irritating, too.
The first part moved REALLY slow! My husband stopped listening to it as he got board. I stuck with it and enjoyed the last 2 cds especially but I have to say the twist at the end was a little too dramatic twist, I can see how some might like that it's not predictable but it really made the first two cds almost pointless and the main track of the story take an almost too dramatic twist. I can't say more without spoiling it.
I quite enjoyed this second in the Erica Coleman series. She reminds me of Mr. Monk with her particular brand of OCD. Who would be unable to sit in a car with a gun pointed at her head unless she wiped the seat down with a wipe!?