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Boulder Point: Book 2 in the Merrill Connor Mystery Series
BOULDER POINT – BOOK #2 IN THE MERRILL CONNOR MYSTERY SERIES
When beauty and evil collide, trauma ensues for those who witness it. In Boulder Point, Book Two in the Merrill Connor Mystery series, the podcaster/criminologist returns, but this time the crime she investigates is personal.
With the help of her faithful podcast fans, input from her friends at their Thursday night round tables, and some mystical clues from the Afterlife delivered by a Lily Dale medium, Merrill goes in determined pursuit of the perpetrator. Personal trauma, multiple suspects, and plot twists abound, as do forays into events from local history as Merrill continues to host her podcast, A Deeper Dive.
When beauty and evil collide, trauma ensues for those who witness it. In Boulder Point, Book Two in the Merrill Connor Mystery series, the podcaster/criminologist returns, but this time the crime she investigates is personal.
With the help of her faithful podcast fans, input from her friends at their Thursday night round tables, and some mystical clues from the Afterlife delivered by a Lily Dale medium, Merrill goes in determined pursuit of the perpetrator. Personal trauma, multiple suspects, and plot twists abound, as do forays into events from local history as Merrill continues to host her podcast, A Deeper Dive.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2024
2 people are currently reading
About the author
Deborah Madar
5 books44 followersI am a life-long avid reader, a retired English teacher (high school and college),wife, mother, grandmother, and a later-in- life published author. I never aspired to be a writer, but one summer day in 2013, inspiration came calling and nine months later (can't resist the metaphor!) Convergence was born! In May of 2020 NFB published my second novel, Dark Riddle. My third book, A Deeper Dive, Book #1 in the Merrill Connor Mystery series came out in May of 2023. Book #2 in the series, Boulder Point, will be available in June of 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 28, 2024
Once again, Merrill Connor is thrust into a murder investigation when her friend finds a body while combing the beach for sea glass she turns into jewelry. Author Deb Madar brings us Book 2 in her Merrill Connor series, Boulder Point.
Retired librarian turned sheriff’s assistant, Merrill turns to listeners of her popular podcast, A Deeper Dive, to help solve the mystery. Readers who haven’t already read Book 1, A Deeper Dive, will want to do so to learn more about her entry into crime solving, the beginning of her podcast, and her circle of friends.
As in her other books, Madar incorporates contemporary issues in a way that is natural, yet thought-provoking. Readers familiar with rural Western New York will recognize many locales and history. But those who have never been there will find a vivid picture of its small towns and the central role of Lake Erie.
And what sheriff worth their badge doesn’t have a dog? Enter Frank, who just seems to know when someone needs a bit of comforting.
Look beyond what seems obvious, Merrill counsels. Dive deeper. And search for truth even in the face of danger.
In the next book in the series, Merrill is reportedly taking a break from working with Sheriff Johnny Lovallo to travel. What is the likelihood she will find a crime in need of solving during her road trip? Of course she will have her Divers, fans of her podcast, along for the ride.
Retired librarian turned sheriff’s assistant, Merrill turns to listeners of her popular podcast, A Deeper Dive, to help solve the mystery. Readers who haven’t already read Book 1, A Deeper Dive, will want to do so to learn more about her entry into crime solving, the beginning of her podcast, and her circle of friends.
As in her other books, Madar incorporates contemporary issues in a way that is natural, yet thought-provoking. Readers familiar with rural Western New York will recognize many locales and history. But those who have never been there will find a vivid picture of its small towns and the central role of Lake Erie.
And what sheriff worth their badge doesn’t have a dog? Enter Frank, who just seems to know when someone needs a bit of comforting.
Look beyond what seems obvious, Merrill counsels. Dive deeper. And search for truth even in the face of danger.
In the next book in the series, Merrill is reportedly taking a break from working with Sheriff Johnny Lovallo to travel. What is the likelihood she will find a crime in need of solving during her road trip? Of course she will have her Divers, fans of her podcast, along for the ride.
May 29, 2024
Merrill Connor is back at it – sleuthing, hosting her podcast, putting herself in danger, reconstructing her life, exploring past and present mysteries. She has the same witty banter, the same attention to detail, the same friendships as when we originally met her in Book 1 of the series. But in this second volume, author Deborah Madar dives deeper: Merrill’s relationships with her friends, children and the community grow more complex and multi-layered; her hesitant embrace of her sixth sense raises more questions than answers; her perceptive analysis of motive uncovers both truths and deception; her uncanny ability to make connections between clues creates danger as well as provides answers.
Madar once again masterfully interweaves rich and vibrant details that bring the past and present of small-town western New York alive, while exploring timeless themes, interesting and full-dimensional characters (including the police dog Frank), a mystery that will keep you guessing, friendships that will warm your heart, and a haunting landscape that will cause you to never look at sea glass or a lake in the same way again.
Despite a very satisfying conclusion, we are left with hope that a new Merrill Connor mystery will be on the horizon so we can continue to dive deeper into this very real and intriguing world that Madar has created.
Madar once again masterfully interweaves rich and vibrant details that bring the past and present of small-town western New York alive, while exploring timeless themes, interesting and full-dimensional characters (including the police dog Frank), a mystery that will keep you guessing, friendships that will warm your heart, and a haunting landscape that will cause you to never look at sea glass or a lake in the same way again.
Despite a very satisfying conclusion, we are left with hope that a new Merrill Connor mystery will be on the horizon so we can continue to dive deeper into this very real and intriguing world that Madar has created.
May 18, 2024
We are back in western New York in the lakeside town of Dunkirk. A murder occurs with some interesting suspects. Merrill Connor, our intrepid researcher and podcaster of “A Deeper Dive’ is back at it, looking into all the clues and piecing them together. With the help of Sheriff Deputy Johnny Lovallo and of course his service dog Frank, Merrill digs deeper into the evidence. Merrill turns to her listeners of “A Deeper Dive” to gain some valuable clues and they deliver. The characters are believable and the mystery is palpable, you can see the kayak that was bloodied, the lake glass jewelry and quaint storage shed. Not only is there a mystery to solve but we learn about Fredonia Normal School and the fire of 1900 and Lucky Stones, fish balancing organs that can be collected and made into jewelry. Hopefully some of these stories turn into mysteries in future Merrill Connor books. A mystery worth your time reading
May 28, 2024
*My Review: Novels by author, Deborah Madar
I take an unabashed license as I write the following.
I am a Deborah Madar murder mystery fan! Her newest novel Boulder Point will intrigue all readers right to this thriller’s end. Those of us who follow her trail of tales will again not be disappointed!
But first, my few words about Deb’s previous mystery novels.
Well, maybe more than a few. I cannot help myself!
If you haven’t read Convergence, you should! This suspense mystery is your introduction to Deb’s
particular style that will ever so easily draw you into the protagonist’s life past and present as
unpretentious relationships, past and present, methodically spirals to intersect with her, at gunpoint!
If you haven’t read Dark Riddle, do this! You will not soon forget this portrayal of a mass school shooting, a mother’s haunting questions and a community torn apart in need of answers. But the truth is never simple. And sometimes, maybe there is no answer.
If you haven’t read A Deeper Dive, it’s time! Meet for the first time widowed, retired, research librarian, Merrill Connor who is more than ready to settle into retirement in her rural west state New York community. However, her cast of lively women support characters refuse to let Merrill quietly slip into small town obscurity. As the storyline progresses the initial prompting as a podcaster combines instinctive investigative talents that lure her deep into the swells of a 20 year old cold case murder. You will find yourself caught in this whirlpool who-dun-it and your lead into the Merrill Connor mystery series.
Finally! Deb Madar’s newest novel is Boulder Point, Book Two in the Merrill Connor Mystery Series. You now find Merrill Connor, a uniquely recognized community sleuth. Her full support cast of characters return including the ‘Divers’, Johnny Lovello, and introducing Frank! Frank doesn’t say much, but his four sure footed paws method of support cannot be denied. Frank is destined hopefully, a keeper! Boulder Point is an up close and very personal murder mystery. The strength of the plot and the list of solid suspects will keep you guessing right to its suspense filled ending!
I will end by saying although Deb Madar's detective protagonist differs completely, in modern
setting and plots, her female detective and support characters brings to my mind Laura Joh Rowland’s feudal Japan’s detective mystery series of 18 novels in all. Rowland’s male detective protagonist, ultimately called to help solve the murder mystery, weaves her clever support characters into every plot. Like Rowland, Madar's writing will let you enter a stand alone storyline with just enough reflective backstory to easily follow the current intrigue.
In conclusion, and speaking as an enthusiastic member of four book clubs, Boulder Point, Book Two in the Merrill Connor Mystery Series kick-off,...we’re in! Let’s go Deborah Madar!
*Yvonne Makl
I take an unabashed license as I write the following.
I am a Deborah Madar murder mystery fan! Her newest novel Boulder Point will intrigue all readers right to this thriller’s end. Those of us who follow her trail of tales will again not be disappointed!
But first, my few words about Deb’s previous mystery novels.
Well, maybe more than a few. I cannot help myself!
If you haven’t read Convergence, you should! This suspense mystery is your introduction to Deb’s
particular style that will ever so easily draw you into the protagonist’s life past and present as
unpretentious relationships, past and present, methodically spirals to intersect with her, at gunpoint!
If you haven’t read Dark Riddle, do this! You will not soon forget this portrayal of a mass school shooting, a mother’s haunting questions and a community torn apart in need of answers. But the truth is never simple. And sometimes, maybe there is no answer.
If you haven’t read A Deeper Dive, it’s time! Meet for the first time widowed, retired, research librarian, Merrill Connor who is more than ready to settle into retirement in her rural west state New York community. However, her cast of lively women support characters refuse to let Merrill quietly slip into small town obscurity. As the storyline progresses the initial prompting as a podcaster combines instinctive investigative talents that lure her deep into the swells of a 20 year old cold case murder. You will find yourself caught in this whirlpool who-dun-it and your lead into the Merrill Connor mystery series.
Finally! Deb Madar’s newest novel is Boulder Point, Book Two in the Merrill Connor Mystery Series. You now find Merrill Connor, a uniquely recognized community sleuth. Her full support cast of characters return including the ‘Divers’, Johnny Lovello, and introducing Frank! Frank doesn’t say much, but his four sure footed paws method of support cannot be denied. Frank is destined hopefully, a keeper! Boulder Point is an up close and very personal murder mystery. The strength of the plot and the list of solid suspects will keep you guessing right to its suspense filled ending!
I will end by saying although Deb Madar's detective protagonist differs completely, in modern
setting and plots, her female detective and support characters brings to my mind Laura Joh Rowland’s feudal Japan’s detective mystery series of 18 novels in all. Rowland’s male detective protagonist, ultimately called to help solve the murder mystery, weaves her clever support characters into every plot. Like Rowland, Madar's writing will let you enter a stand alone storyline with just enough reflective backstory to easily follow the current intrigue.
In conclusion, and speaking as an enthusiastic member of four book clubs, Boulder Point, Book Two in the Merrill Connor Mystery Series kick-off,...we’re in! Let’s go Deborah Madar!
*Yvonne Makl
May 24, 2024
📚💎🐟NOVEL THOUGHTS🌊💎📚
A Deeper Dive and Merrill Connor returns in this second mystery as Merrill's close friend Jenna discovers a body while sea glass hunting along the shoreline of Lake Erie. This discovery shakes Jenna to the core and sets in motion a whodunit for Merrill and her boss, Sheriff Deputy Johnny to solve. Merrill turns once again to her podcast listeners to help in the investigation as they look to find the person who could have done such a horrible thing to a well respected psychotherapist in town. Merrill is also learning to trust her friend, a spiritualist from Lily Dale, to help gain more insight into the case. Once Merrill and Johnny learn more from the victim's friends and family about her life, they have several possible suspects....but whodunit??
This is a real page turner and fast read. The author is great building suspense and tossing in some red herrings to keep the story going. In this story, Merrill uses her podcast to share stories of loss and strength from others who are trying to find out more about their pasts which was an interesting diversion from the main story while also seeking help from her Divers to work on this current case. The reader will also learn about some historical moments in Chautauqua County, NY that shaped the community a century ago.
One fun character was Frank, Johnny's service dog who seems to have just the right sense of when someone needs a warm canine touch. Jenna, as mentioned before, suffered a good bit after her gruesome discovery in a place she normally finds peaceful and rejuvenating. Will Boulder Point be forever tainted for her? The group of friends we met in the first book will come to help restore Jenna which once again shows the reader the importance of friendship. And in a little twist, Johnny who is usually abrasive and gruff, opens up to Merrill and shares some painful memories of his past in a very vulnerable way.
I enjoyed this book quite a lot and look forward to another Merrill Connor mystery!
A Deeper Dive and Merrill Connor returns in this second mystery as Merrill's close friend Jenna discovers a body while sea glass hunting along the shoreline of Lake Erie. This discovery shakes Jenna to the core and sets in motion a whodunit for Merrill and her boss, Sheriff Deputy Johnny to solve. Merrill turns once again to her podcast listeners to help in the investigation as they look to find the person who could have done such a horrible thing to a well respected psychotherapist in town. Merrill is also learning to trust her friend, a spiritualist from Lily Dale, to help gain more insight into the case. Once Merrill and Johnny learn more from the victim's friends and family about her life, they have several possible suspects....but whodunit??
This is a real page turner and fast read. The author is great building suspense and tossing in some red herrings to keep the story going. In this story, Merrill uses her podcast to share stories of loss and strength from others who are trying to find out more about their pasts which was an interesting diversion from the main story while also seeking help from her Divers to work on this current case. The reader will also learn about some historical moments in Chautauqua County, NY that shaped the community a century ago.
One fun character was Frank, Johnny's service dog who seems to have just the right sense of when someone needs a warm canine touch. Jenna, as mentioned before, suffered a good bit after her gruesome discovery in a place she normally finds peaceful and rejuvenating. Will Boulder Point be forever tainted for her? The group of friends we met in the first book will come to help restore Jenna which once again shows the reader the importance of friendship. And in a little twist, Johnny who is usually abrasive and gruff, opens up to Merrill and shares some painful memories of his past in a very vulnerable way.
I enjoyed this book quite a lot and look forward to another Merrill Connor mystery!
May 28, 2024
My favorite retired librarian turned podcaster and part-timer at the sheriff’s office is back in action in Boulder Point. Merrill Connor receives a call from a good friend, Jenna, who’s discovered a body at Boulder Point beach. This discovery sets off a chain of events to find a killer. As the Sheriff and Merrill interview the victim's family and friends, the list of suspects only grows, keeping the reader guessing until the end. In addition to supporting Sheriff Deputy Johnny's official investigation, Merrill taps into her podcast listeners, listens to clues from beyond the veil in Lily Dale, and learns from local history to pull all the dots together. Along the twisting path of clues, recurring appearances from Frank, Johnny’s dog, bring comfort to both characters and readers while suspension grows. Boulder Point goes deeper than a whodunit to show friendship's power and healing nature. The friendships that pulled Merrill out of a dark place in book one continue in book two, helping Jenna process and overcome discovering the body at the beach where she went to find peace.
Madar treats the reader to fantastic characters, plot twists, and peppers in local history that paints a whole picture of living in a small town in upstate NY. Boulder Point is a must-read to start your summer season!
Madar treats the reader to fantastic characters, plot twists, and peppers in local history that paints a whole picture of living in a small town in upstate NY. Boulder Point is a must-read to start your summer season!
May 25, 2024
FRANK! He was my favorite character in the book! Every police department needs a Frank. :-)
A very enjoyable mystery. Yet again, the author fooled me! I thought I knew who the killer was, but she had me fooled until the end. That's a very good story.
Great characters. Great writing. Great story!
A very enjoyable mystery. Yet again, the author fooled me! I thought I knew who the killer was, but she had me fooled until the end. That's a very good story.
Great characters. Great writing. Great story!
July 10, 2024
A very well written murder mystery that has interesting twists and turns that will keep you guessing. The characters are relatable and one character in particular you will fall in love with. I love how you learn about local history while reading this author’s books-hopefully there will be more in this series!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews