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Prime crime on deadline.
When Pecan Springs Enterprise crime reporter Jessica Nelson gets an anonymous tip about a year-old death that might be murder, she’s already facing too many deadlines, so the story is low on her to-investigate list.
Plus, she’s distracted by the possibility of a hot lead in the cold-case arson deaths of her parents and twin sister, deaths for which she suffers survivor’s guilt and a phobic fear of fire.
And time is running out for the Enterprise. The newspaper is facing a deadline that threatens to destroy it—and the jobs of everybody on the staff.
But China Bayles helps her discover the secret identity hidden in hand-crafted notepaper, Jessica knows she has to get the story.
When Pecan Springs Enterprise crime reporter Jessica Nelson gets an anonymous tip about a year-old death that might be murder, she’s already facing too many deadlines, so the story is low on her to-investigate list.
Plus, she’s distracted by the possibility of a hot lead in the cold-case arson deaths of her parents and twin sister, deaths for which she suffers survivor’s guilt and a phobic fear of fire.
And time is running out for the Enterprise. The newspaper is facing a deadline that threatens to destroy it—and the jobs of everybody on the staff.
But China Bayles helps her discover the secret identity hidden in hand-crafted notepaper, Jessica knows she has to get the story.
92 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2020
About the author
Susan Wittig Albert
119 books2,398 followersSusan is the author/co-author of biographical/historical fiction, mysteries, and nonfiction. Now in her 80s and continuing to write, she says that retirement is not (yet) an option. She publishes under her own imprint. Here are her latest books.
A PLAIN VANILLA MURDER, #27 in the long-running China Bayles/Pecan Springs series.
Two Pecan Springs novella trilogies: The Crystal Cave Trilogy (featuring Ruby Wilcox): noBODY, SomeBODY Else, and Out of BODY; and The Enterprise Trilogy (featuring Jessica Nelson): DEADLINES, FAULTLINES, and FIRELINES.
THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE POINSETTIA PUZZLE #8 in the Darling Dahlias series, set in the early 1930s in fictional Darling AL
THE GENERAL'S WOMEN. Kay, Mamie, and Ike--the wartime romance that won a war but could have derailed a presidency.
LOVING ELEANOR: A novel about the intimate 30-year friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok, based on their letters
A WILDER ROSE: the true story of Rose Wilder Lane, who transformed her mother from a farm wife and occasional writer to a literary icon
THE TALE OF CASTLE COTTAGE, #8 in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter
DEATH ON THE LIZARD, the 12th and last (2006) of the Robin Paige series, by Susan and Bill Albert
TOGETHER, ALONE: A MEMOIR OF MARRIAGE AND PLACE
AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR OF ORDINARY DAYS
WORK OF HER OWN: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO RIGHT LIVELIHOOD
WRITING FROM LIFE: TELLING YOUR SOUL'S STORY
A PLAIN VANILLA MURDER, #27 in the long-running China Bayles/Pecan Springs series.
Two Pecan Springs novella trilogies: The Crystal Cave Trilogy (featuring Ruby Wilcox): noBODY, SomeBODY Else, and Out of BODY; and The Enterprise Trilogy (featuring Jessica Nelson): DEADLINES, FAULTLINES, and FIRELINES.
THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE POINSETTIA PUZZLE #8 in the Darling Dahlias series, set in the early 1930s in fictional Darling AL
THE GENERAL'S WOMEN. Kay, Mamie, and Ike--the wartime romance that won a war but could have derailed a presidency.
LOVING ELEANOR: A novel about the intimate 30-year friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok, based on their letters
A WILDER ROSE: the true story of Rose Wilder Lane, who transformed her mother from a farm wife and occasional writer to a literary icon
THE TALE OF CASTLE COTTAGE, #8 in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter
DEATH ON THE LIZARD, the 12th and last (2006) of the Robin Paige series, by Susan and Bill Albert
TOGETHER, ALONE: A MEMOIR OF MARRIAGE AND PLACE
AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR OF ORDINARY DAYS
WORK OF HER OWN: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO RIGHT LIVELIHOOD
WRITING FROM LIFE: TELLING YOUR SOUL'S STORY
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 23, 2021
I have enjoyed the China Bayles mystery series. When I noticed this novella focusing on a different character from the series I was intrigued. I am looking forward to the second novella in this three part collection.
July 15, 2020
too short--looking forward to the rest!
July 20, 2020
Deadlines
This is another novella written by Susan Albert. She can write a fine story. Her stories set in Pecan Springs are always interesting and fast moving. Jessica is a reporter at the local newspaper who is more of an investigator that just a local reporter. Once she gets a story she doesn’t quit until she uncovers The Who, what, where and how of the story.
This is another novella written by Susan Albert. She can write a fine story. Her stories set in Pecan Springs are always interesting and fast moving. Jessica is a reporter at the local newspaper who is more of an investigator that just a local reporter. Once she gets a story she doesn’t quit until she uncovers The Who, what, where and how of the story.
July 18, 2020
Another great read!
I love Susan Albert’s books. This one is no exception. Exciting and well-crafted. The characters are old friends. I have preordered the next two novellas in the trilogy.
I love Susan Albert’s books. This one is no exception. Exciting and well-crafted. The characters are old friends. I have preordered the next two novellas in the trilogy.
August 14, 2020
This is the first in the trilogy that features Jessica Nelson, cops and court reporter for the Enterprise. It gives back story and more insight into her past and present. Read this trilogy after the Crystal Cave trilogy. Both are great.
July 8, 2020
Deadlines
Is excellent as all of Susan Wittig Albert’s books are. Jessica is a new friend. Anxious for the second book in this trilogy.
Is excellent as all of Susan Wittig Albert’s books are. Jessica is a new friend. Anxious for the second book in this trilogy.
August 10, 2020
Enjoyed this well put together novella. Looking forward to reading more. Susan Witting Albert spins a good story. Short and Sweet.
August 24, 2020
really enjoyed the story
January 17, 2021
Good shot story around the reporter, Jessica, from Pecan Spring
April 10, 2021
I love the China Bayles mystery series and it’s Pecan Springs setting. Nice to see different views from other citizens. In addition, this was a decent mystery for a novella.
November 18, 2022
great new series
January 24, 2023
very good mystery, characters, plot!
August 22, 2020
The first of three novellas, so it’s really like completing 1/3 of the whole story. I hope it improves!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews