Murder at Veranda House

Texas Heroines in Peril #2

by Cheryl Bolen

Murder at Veranda House
Texas Heroines in Peril

Heat Index: Hot

Lovely young widow Annette Holcombe is forced to turn her Veranda House on Galveston Island into a B & B after the recent death of her husband, a man she'd known only a short time. Upon his untimely death, she learns that the only thing she really knew about him was that everything she knew about him was a lie!

And if being penniless wasn't bad enough, now Annette's got to contend with threatening letters, suspicious guests, fears for her daughter's safety, an impending hurricane – and murder! If only there was someone to trust. Someone like Dr. Grant Garrison, a personable, good-looking guest who's teaching at the island's medical school.

But Grant, too, isn't what he seems.
* * *
Author's Note:
Before I started publishing my Regency historical romances in the 1990s, I had been committed to writing romantic suspense. This book, under previous titles, is very dear to me because it won several novel writing contests, among them The Golden Triangle Writers Guild, Houston Manuscriptors Guild, and Show Me More.

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Contemporary

ebook

First published March 1, 2012

About the author

Since being named Notable New Author for 1997, Cheryl Bolen has published more than 35 books with Kensington/Zebra, Harlequin, Love Inspired Historical, Montlake, and independently. She has broken into the top 5 on the New York Times and hit the USA Today bestseller list. Her 2005 One Golden Ring won Best Historical, Holt Medallion, and her 2011 My Lord Wicked was awarded Best Historical in the International Digital Awards, the same year her Christmas novella was chosen as Best Novella. Her books have been finalists for other awards, including the Daphne du Maurier, and have been translated into eight languages. She’s also been the number 1 bestselling historical romance author in Germany.

She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and English from the University of Texas and a master's degree from the University of Houston. Her favorite pursuits are reading diaries of dead English women, traveling to England, and watching the Texas Longhorns play football and basketball. She and her recently retired professor husband are the parents of two sons. One is an attorney, the other a journalist.

Website: www.CherylBolen.com
Blog: www.cherylsregencyramblings.wordpress.co
Facebook: http://fbl.ink/Facebook

Reviews

[Pamela(AllHoney)]

The second in the Texas Heroines in Peril series by Cheryl Bolen. Annette Holcombe is a recent widow forced to open her home as a Bed and Breakfast when the death of her husband leaves her broke. Her guests arrive and she suspects that at least one is not who they claim as she receives threats. One of her guests is a handsome doctor named Grant Garrison.

This series is a stand-alone series. No cliffhanger or continuing storyline that I could see. While not without flaws, the story was interesting and entertaining. The mystery wasn't hard to figure out and the ending was a bit abrupt but still it was a good read.

[Wendy]

This was a really enjoyable read. It was exactly the kind of book I needed while being cooped up in bed all weekend sick. It had some nice twists and turns, kept you guessing but wasn't too "heavy" of a read. My biggest complaint....and the only reason for my 4 star review....was how quickly the ending was tied up. I felt there could have been more and once the "bad guy" was revealed, there should have been more explanation between the heroine and hero before she just melted into his arms....it just felt a little rushed. But, like I said, it was a really great book otherwise and I would definitely recommend it to others who enjoy a quick fun mystery. I know I will be checking out more of Ms. Bolen's books. :-)

[Suzie]

A quick read, a widow opens her home/bed and breakfast to help pay the bills after her big spender husband dies. Some of the guests are not who they pretend to be, and the chase is on. A bit of mystery, romance, and murder --- good way to spend the afternoon.

[charmaine White]

Wow

Great story,starts off fast and just doesn't slow down.Mystery,suspense and thrills with a whole lot of action.I'll be looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Kay Hudson]

Murder at Veranda House is one of Cheryl Bolen’s Texas Heroines in Peril romantic suspense quartet, but it is a stand-alone novel. Annette Holcombe is a young widow, opening the historic Galveston Island home she inherited from her late (but not particularly lamented) husband as a Bed and Breakfast. Her first week as hostess at Veranda House brings a lot more than she counted on: murder, guests who may not be who they claim to be, a possible missing treasure, and a tropical storm that can’t seem to make up its mind. Annette can’t make up her mind, either, about the handsome guest who charms her young daughter and has designs of his own on her.

This tale of romance and mystery will be especially entertaining to readers who are familiar with Galveston Island, featuring as it does historic houses and island charm. All in all, Murder at Veranda House is a quick and suspenseful read.

[Linda]

This is my favorite Cheryl Bolen book so far, and the best of the Texas Heroines in Peril series. It kept me guessing through the entire book, and the characters were interesting. I love romantic suspense so this fit right in. I also enjoyed some of the historical stuff about Galviston.

[Susan]

Really good. Loved how the characters developed in the story & couldn't wait to find out what happened in the end. Very enjoyable.

[Barbara]

Great read. Excellent tale about con men and dead bodies and a love story. And the little girl wins all.

[Maureen]

I loved this book- it had it all, mystery, murder, romance. Fast paced story line, characters and dialogue. This is my first but not my last Cheryl Bolen book!

[Dr. Lee]

Wonderful book! Delightful mix of romance, suspense and mystery. Agatha Christie meet Nora Roberts!

[kim Brothers]

Veranda House

What a great read! This book kept you on edge and it was hard to put down. Can't wait to read more from this author.

[Susan]

Mystery, romance, murders, and a hurricane, all set in Galveston. Nice, easy to read book when you just want to get away for awhile. Pretty much read this in one afternoon.