A Light to Kill By

Mourning Dove Mysteries #3

by Mikel J. Wilson

Emory Rome is back in A LIGHT TO KILL BY, the third book in the Mourning Dove Mysteries series and follow-up to the international bestsellers MURDER ON THE LAKE OF FIRE and DEATH OPENS A WINDOW.

Moments after construction tycoon Blair Geister’s death, a mysterious wandering light kills someone on her Southern estate. Is the avenging spirit of the millionairess on a killing spree, or are other forces threatening those in her inner circle? As the will is read, suspicion and jealousy arise, and fingers point to the heirs of her fortune. Private investigator Emory Rome and his Mourning Dove partners accept an invitation to stay at Geisterhaus and unravel its secrets before more lives are lost.

Genres: Mystery, Romance

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 3, 2021

About the author

Mikel J. Wilson is an award-winning mystery and science fiction author. Wilson draws on his Southern roots for the international bestselling Mourning Dove Mysteries, a series of novels featuring bizarre murders in the Smoky Mountains region of Tennessee. The series adheres to a “no guns or knives policy" and includes Murder on the Lake of Fire, Death Opens a Window and A Light to Kill By.

Wilson is also the author of Sedona: The Lost Vortex, a contemporary science-fiction novel centered on the unique mythology of this mystical Northern Arizona town, known for energy vortexes and alien encounters. The novel celebrates its 10-year anniversary with a special new edition in 2021 and the promise of a sequel in 2023.

Reviews

[Ken Knara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to get an advanced copy of author Mikel Wilson’s third book in the Mourning Dove Mysteries- A Light To Kill By. Having read the prior two books in the series I was looking forward to immersing myself in a new murder mystery and see how Jeff, Emery and their assistant Virginia solved the crime. I really enjoyed the evolving relationship between Jeff and Emery. The banter between them is filled with innuendo and keeps me intrigued. The book kept me wondering as to how the murder happened. A found mysterious box only added to the suspense. The Great Smokey Mountains in Tennessee are defiantly on my bucket list now

[PaperMoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another complex murder with a bizarre twist our Mourning Dove PIs have to solve ... the plots keep getting better IMO. Emory's past appears to be catching up with him and impacting his loved ones and I'm on tenterhooks to find out what the masked intruders/attackers are up to. 4.5 stars.

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with the previous books in this series, I quite enjoyed this. I did think it was perhaps not quite as elegantly plotted (with several instances of coincidental knowledge). Jeff came across not as the difficult character he's been, but as quite unlikable for some of the book. And Wayne's sudden change of heart was simply too sudden to be believed. But Emory is still a marvelous character. He pairs well with free spirited Jeff and Virginia. Plus, I'm super invested in figuring out the mystery of Phineas and of Emory's history. There are also several examples of genuinely good people, which is harder to come by than you might think. The writing is readable and the editing pretty clean. I'll be ready and waiting for book four, whenever it comes out.

[Gary Boriero · Rating 5 out of 5]

There will be no spoilers here. It is important to note that reading the first two books, while not necessary, is beneficial to catch many of the nuances of each character. The latest entry in the Mourning Dove Mysteries once again solidifies Mikel as a literary force to be reckoned with. He writes with depth, intelligence and humor. In this 3rd book in the series, Mikel has fine tuned his story telling to pitch perfect. Like Anne Rice does for New Orleans, Mikel does for Tennessee and the Smokey Mountains. You can feel the people, the places and the stories like you are in each scene, or watching a movie (Hollywood, take note!). In a Light to Kill By, Emery, Jeff and Virginia feel like old friends. Like his first two novels, the unique murder sets the stage to introduce the cast of characters and their motivations. After doing so, it takes off like a bullet train. I could not put the book down. Each twist and turn takes you to a new theory where science sometimes meets metaphysical intrigue. Like all of his books, it keeps you guessing until the end and longing for more.

[Robin Kardon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An odd flash of light and wealthy mogul Blair Geister is dead, killed at her sprawling estate in Tennessee's Smoky Mountains. An estate employee is also killed. In fear for her own life, Blair's personal assistant enlists the services of Emory Rome and Jeff Woodard of Mourning Dove Investigations to find out what happened. Thus begins the most challenging, complex investigation our erstwhile private investigators have ever faced. This book features an eclectic list of suspects and twists and turns that will leave you mesmerized until the very end. Wilson continues to enchant with this smart, humorous and always engrossing series.

[Juligie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storyline had me gasping out loud!!

I received an advance reading copy of the book and wow, it was better than I imagined! [I have to note: Promise, no spoilers, so I won't give you details about the characters, but I want to at least mention that I love the array of characters and we continue to learn more about Emory's mysterious past. There are definitely characters that I totally loved and can relate to, and there are others that had me clenching my fist while waving it in the air each time they entered the storyline, LOL!]

I could not put the book down – I enjoyed the energy and action throughout. I might not have guessed the killer but the storyline had me gasping out loud the entire time! I love that it isn’t about some gory murder, but instead it’s a thoughtful mystery with a sci-fi twist. Ideas and details were very creative, thoughtfully intertwined and not over the top. It was fun uncovering how it all related to each other. Be sure not to blink - I love the attention to detail and how the author carefully crafted the story of this unusual and believable death.

I especially love the engagement that the author has with his readers, so be sure to check out his website and follow him on social media channels! He recently put out a playlist for the book and it just brings the storyline to another level, giving it dimension and puts you in the mood of it all. I liked that there are multiple storylines in this series and this book continues to expand on them - answering some but adding more questions to the lineup. I found out that there is going to be a spin-off to a fable that was part of this storyline which I am especially looking forward to reading. Book 3 was an exciting read (highly recommend it!) and Book 4 of this series cannot come fast enough!!

[Dave Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the first two entries in the Mourning Dove series, I have to say A Light to Kill By was my favorite yet. I think the main reason for that was I found myself absorbed in the setting where a large part of the story takes place. There were also several interesting suspects who each had a plausible motive for committing the murder at the center of the story. It all makes for an entertaining read that kept me on my toes the whole way trying to figure out who did it.

Wilson also does a great job at continuing to build character dynamics between Jeff, Emory and Virginia in a way that maintains consistency with the previous books. In ALTKB we learn a big piece of Jeff’s backstory that was teased in the previous book, while other matters related to Emory and his past remain unresolved. This series just continues to build and build, and I’m already looking forward to the next case for the Mourning Dove team!

[Manuel Escarcega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mikel Wilson continues to excel with this latest installment in the Mourning Dove series. It’s a very fun romp through a richly detailed Appalachian setting with several colorful characters. Many subplots run through the main storyline that provide constant engagement and suspense. I enjoyed it cover to cover and couldn’t put it down once I started making me happy to be sequestered at home during a long rainy weekend. As a history buff, I especially loved how he included local historical elements regarding the trail of tears that firmly plants the storyline in its native terroir while tying it directly to the present-day culminating in a satisfying and unexpected ending. He is clearly distinguishing himself as a true talent in full bloom. I’m on pins and needles until the next book.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 3rd and latest book in the Morning Dove Mystery series by Mikel J. Wilson is another great read.

There is another bizarre mystery to solve, lots of great characters, and lots of plot twists. More back story, and more people to be suspicious of. The main characters' interaction is fun and entertaining, and has built up over the past few books. They make a great team, even when they have issues with each other. It really makes for some great character development. And there is a lot of history baked into this book. The author really did his research. I couldn't put this one down and just tore through it. Now I can't wait until book 4.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing series that I don't think gets enough attention. There is a slight romance in the making between Emory and one of his partners at Mourning Dove Investigations, but it definitely plays a back seat to each books individual mystery as well as an ongoing mystery spanning the series. I know the long mystery has something to do with Emory's childhood and there is a frightening figure in a ski mask with sewn eyes and a jagged mouth. It is a creepy thought and I hope the next book is out soon and we can find out what happens next. Listened to the audiobook and I think the narrator does a great job.

[Kelli Godfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! I was lucky enough to get an advance readers copy of this book, and I’m so glad I did! I enjoy the witnessing the relationships between Emory, Jeff, and Virginia, and the banter between Jeff and Emory is entertaining. I especially loved the concept of this book! The mystery was really intriguing and I couldn’t wait to find out what actually happened. Can’t wait for the next book!

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilson's books are well-crafted and engaging. Like the previous ones I have read, the characters are well-drawn, and the larger physical and social context in which the plots take place is strikingly captured.

We have a great lead character who continues to carry the series. I have come to find that mysteries from Wilson are always great reads.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit I have not read all of the books in this series. Before A Light To Kill, I read Death Opens a Window. Both were great reads. I intend to catch up on the other two in the series (I loved Emory's character) and hope there is another book coming.

[Billy Gatton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mourning Dove is at it again!

I believe this was the best volume so far in this series. So many clues left unanswered for future volumes while never losing track of the story at hand. Cannot wait for the next book.

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this wonderfully written mystery.
If you just enjoy a good story with hours and hours of entertainment, mystery, relationships, history and side plots, then this is your book. Enjoy the ride.
I've read the first two books in the series, and I really love each and every one.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

This is the third in the series and I couldn't put it down.it answers some questions and get asks more. Can't wait for more Mourning Dove Mysteries.

[Joann Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story line

[Suze · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*
Mystery deaths to be solved but it is the mysteries of Jeff and Emory that we get more glances into that keep my interest. And also, what Phineas is up to.

[Aethena Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, this series a layered mystery with a pile of puzzles tossed in. The story has a dash of M/M romance, but the romance is a part of the layered mystery.

I enjoy trying to solve the puzzles. This book had some very challenging ones that I had no hope of sorting through. I also enjoy getting to know the characters. The side characters are just as interesting as the main characters. The character development is another aspect the layered mystery.

The resolution was fairly satisfying, but like the previous books in the series it teases another mystery.

This book reverted back to the narrator of the first book, Hugh Bradley. The performance was nicely done, and suited the book.