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If you're a fan of China Bayles, Ruby Wilcox, and Pecan Springs, Texas, you'll love Susan Wittig Albert's new novella!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 after Jessica and her friend China Bayles discover the secret identity hidden in hand-crafted notepaper, she knows she has to get the story.WHAT READERS SAY about Susan Wittig Albert's novella trilogies----"This first novella in the series is intriguing, believable, and features characters we love from China's mysteries. Cannot wait to read more!"--"The story will grab you and will not let go. Can't wait for the next novella to come out!"--"Enjoyed it very much.- Short enough to read in one sitting, with crisp dialogue, likable characters and a great story line."--"Nobody can write a story better than Susan Wittig Albert."

92 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 4, 2020

173 people are currently reading
130 people want to read

About the author

Susan Wittig Albert

121 books2,381 followers
Susan 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

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5 stars
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88 (36%)
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Larae Thomas.
229 reviews3 followers
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.
147 reviews1 follower
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.
Profile Image for Cindy Cynthia.
61 reviews1 follower
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.
353 reviews
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.
154 reviews2 followers
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.
Profile Image for Connie.
379 reviews
August 10, 2020
Enjoyed this well put together novella. Looking forward to reading more. Susan Witting Albert spins a good story. Short and Sweet.
Profile Image for Kathy Nealen.
1,282 reviews25 followers
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.

Profile Image for Kristie.
817 reviews
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

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