Motherless Child

RJ Franklin Mystery #2

by V.M. Burns

Something Borrowed, Someone Dead

Between a challenging part-time gig teaching law enforcement and an intriguing new girlfriend, Detective RJ Franklin's plate hasn't been this full since his last family reunion. But when the richest man in the small town of St. Joseph, Indiana, is discovered murdered at his niece’s wedding reception, RJ really has his work cut out for him…

Figuring out who JP Rollins's friends were is easy—there weren't any. But the list of people delighted to see him six feet under is long. It seems everyone had an axe to grind with the vindictive millionaire, from Rollins's niece and her fortune-hunting fiancé to any number of local businessmen. And as RJ dives into a mire of messy passions and deceptive leads, he's heading toward a showdown with a killer intent on going out with a bang…

144 pages, ebook

First published July 9, 2019

About the author

Valerie (V.M.) Burns was born in Northwestern Indiana and spent many years in
Southwestern Michigan on the Lake Michigan shoreline. She is a lover of dogs,
British historic cozies, and scones with clotted cream. After many years in the
Midwest she went in search of milder winters and currently lives in Northern Georgia with her poodles. Her debut novel, The Plot is Murder was nominated for a 2017 Agatha Award for Best First Novel. Her short story, "The Vermeer Conspiracy" was an Anthony and Edgar Award finalist in 2022. Valerie is a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Crime Writers Association, Crime Writers of Color, and Sisters in Crime. Readers can learn more by visiting her website at vmburns.com.

Contact Info: author@vmburns.com

Reviews

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love the R.J. Franklin series by V.M. Burns! V.M. Burns doesn't create characters, she creates people who live in a world that resonates with reader. I do not share R.J.'s culture but I sure do know people who could live in Mama B.'s world, in fact, I swear I know that woman. There is something universal about the warmhearted and astute Mama B. As much as I enjoy watching R.J. and Harley work the murder, it is the time I spend with Mama B. that I love the most.

In Motherless Child, the 2nd book in the R.J. Franklin Mystery series, R.J. is nervous about teaching a class about law enforcement for law students, frustrated about the current murder investigation for a man no one can stand, and happy about dating Paris but worried about what to get her for her birthday. She means a lot to him but they have only been dating for three months.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved book 1 and book 2 is even better, if that's possible. I can't say enough good things about this. The main character is so smart, charming, and witty. All of the characters are wonderful. The descriptions of the characters and settings are so perfect, you can just image yourself there. Outstanding mystery. Such a puzzle and you need to look for the right puzzle piece, as Mama B would say. Lots of red herrings and a perfect ending. I was totally hooked and looking forward to more adventures with RJ.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and every other book by V.M. Burns for that matter. She writes real characters who deal with real issues. This book was a different look on a typical murder mystery, as the man who was murdered was hated by all. I definitely recommend this book and author!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. R.J. Franklin, Harley, and Mama B are such interesting characters. The premise of this book is the murder of the most hated man in town--no shortage of suspects.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series, Travellin' Shoes, and couldn't wait to read this book. I was not disappointed. The main character RJ Franklin, a police detective, is called to a wedding reception where a man has been found murdered. The victim is JP Rollins, father/uncle of the bride, and not very well liked by anyone. There were no shortage of suspects, but the motive was unclear. He was a very rich man, but was that the reason he was murdered? Also RJ spends some quality time with his girlfriend Paris, from the first book, and Mama B also plays a role in this story. I love Mama B and the role that she plays in RJ's life. This was a great book and I would definitely recommend it.

[Rosemary Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope there will be a book 3

Enjoyed this book. Never had an idea who was the real killer. I liked the details regarding the neighborhood and the church. I am a R. J.Franklin fan. Hope Mama B, Paris and R J will be back soon.

[Donna Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

Motherless Child was an interesting fun read. The characters were believable, the setting felt perfect, and the whodunit was intriguing. I didn't figure it out! Thank you, Ms. Burns, for keeping some of us guessing until the end!

[Marian Bryk · Rating 5 out of 5]

the characters and locales and situations really came to life for me. It was a good mystery and enough clues were given to keep me guessing although i did not figure it out. I intend to continue with this series.

[Harlequin Books]

Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
An RJ Franklin Mystery