Message in the Dress

Messages of Murder #10

by Dawn Merriman

A hunter on the run targets Gabby as his next prey.
Only she knows who he is, but she’s not in a position to tell anyone. With Dustin off the case and Gabby out of commission, Detective Lucas Hartley searches for the killer all on his own.
Grandma Dot would help, but she has her own problems to deal with. When the mysterious letters she has been receiving become threatening, she and Mrs. Mott do some hunting of their own.
Throw a wedding into the mix and you have an explosive ending to the Messages of Murder series.

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 11, 2026

About the author

Dawn Merriman lives in northeastern Indiana on a small pig farm with her husband and teenage children. She enjoys animals, auctions, reading, snorkeling and writing small town murder mystery novels. Dawn Merriman completed her first novel in Middle School and a few others in High School and college. She won 1st place in the Northeast Indiana Young Writers short story contest in 1990. After a writing hiatus to raise her children, she published her debut novel, "How Murder Saved My Life" in 2019.

Reviews

[Cheryl Davis]

Another action packed story, Gabriella despite being in a coma, finds her unborn child talks to her, the man who put her in a coma is still after her, her friends are suffering after what happened and this book picks up where the last one left us.
It's a cracking story and Gabriella has to push herself to identify the dead women and despite just waking up and then leaving hospital, the killer is still out there and she can't rest.

[Jeanette]

Young adult mystery

The title of the book was what got me interested in reading the story. I realized that it was a young adult book. I'm 74 and I found it a pleasure. Mystery and psychological issues are wonderful and I didn't have to wade through sex scenes and foul language. It was truly a pleasure to read. I look forward to reading more of Gabby,s adventures in the future. I am an avid reader. I hope that future readers will enjoy it as much as did. J.Stone

[Katym521]

Another wonderful book!

I love the Gabby series. In anticipation for the coming of this book, I reread the whole series. It takes Dawn longer to write it than it does for me to read it. Lol I loved the twist that came about who "loved" Gabby. That was a big surprise!

[Kandy]

Wow! What an excellent addition to this series. It picks up where the last one left off and it was definitely worth the wait. So exciting and suspenseful. I love Gabby and her friends and family. I am looking forward to whatever comes next for them.

[Christine Cunningham]

love this set

I have read the ten books following gabby and her family absolutely loved these books so easy to read always catching the killers love love love them!!! Already been recommending them to others

[Amanda]

What a great read!! The ending was quite an unexpected twist of things and what I found about this book and its little hints and clues is that the author can make more series with newly introduced characters. Can’t wait for the next book!

[Jennifer A.]

Nonstop action & a great story!

The previous book ended on cliffhanger & I’m so happy this book picks up right where the our story ended. Gabby has a lot going on in this book & I did not guess who the bad guy was.

[Diana Schwartz]

you won’t want to put it down

When I started reading I didn’t want to stop but then I couldn’t stop. It’s a definite page turner. I love reading the Gabby books and can’t wait for the next and the next. I’m sure when Dawn gets done with Gabby books I will feel a loss.

[Ashley Rice]

Loved, Loved, Loved!!! Fantastic read!! Couldn't put this down!

[Patryssa]

U caught me with the plot twist

A lot of twists and turns, with a few surprises thrown in. Well worth the cliffhanger and the wait. Ty for the HEA.

[Alexandra Dresel]

Fast and great read !

Had me on edge , read it in one sitting. Love the characters and fierce strong women ( and little girl) in this series, A must read!

[Brandi]

Loved

Loved this book. I was like oh no outloud while I was on an important phone call that I waa on hold for, from one part. I was shocked!! Mind still blown!!! But great book!!

[April Torres]

Love it

I love all 10 books so far. Can't wait for more books!! I do hope that you write more. Please

[tina]

Again a great read.lots of emotions and action.
I thought I had it figured out but to my surprise wasn't want I thought wow that was a shocker.

[Shannon]

readgoid read, quick to read hope you writes some more.

[Stephen Levesque]

Totally enjoyed it! This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!

[Elly Munoz]

Not disappointed

Thank you for writing this for us. I love Gabby and her family. This is not what I expected, but I loved it so much. Can't wait to read more.

[Corey]

Love it

Gabby finds herself in more sticky situations in this book. there is one he'll f a twist I didn't see coming and loved every minute of it.

[Audrey]

Read this in one afternoon! I do hope there is more to come !