RELEASED TODAY: The Wishing Tree: Love, Lies, and Spies on Chincoteague Island

 RELEASED TODAY: 

The Wishing Tree: 

Love, Lies, and Spies on Chincoteague Island

Will the wind whip her token from the Wishing Tree and make her wish come true?

Addison Steele dreams of the day her husband—lost at sea—returns to her. Instead, she meets Nick Savage, whose every word may be a lie. She is soon embroiled in mystery, all related to the top-secret science station at Wallops Island, Virginia.

After a Belarusian scientist at Wallops is murdered, the questions multiply. Was it because he caught the person stealing classified documents or because he wanted to defect? Is Nick the spy—or is it his brother? How can she trust the man who is slowly claiming her heart when his story keeps shifting?

368 pages of fabulous cozy murder mystery and romantic suspense, all for the very affordable digital price of $3.99.

The Wishing Tree is available in ebook and print-on-demand at all fine on-line stores, including ITunes, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.

Coming 2023: The Wishing Tree: Love, Lies, and Spies on Chincoteague Island

Wait for it!

Contract signed! Edits in progress! The Wishing Tree, a new romantic suspense/murder mystery, is coming soon to an online bookstore near you!

Here's the story:

Will the wind whip her token from the Wishing Tree and make her wish come true? Addison dreams of the day her husband—lost at sea—returns to her. Instead, she meets a mysterious man, whose every word may be a lie. She is soon embroiled in espionage, all related to the top secret science station at Wallops Island, Virginia. A scientist is murdered. Was it because he caught the person stealing classified documents? Or because he wants to defect? Is Nick the spy—or is it his brother? How can she trust the man who is slowly claiming her heart if his story keeps shifting?

Wallops Island Flight Facility

Check back here for regular updates!

Five Plus Plus Stars for Hidden Gem!

Five Plus Plus Stars for Hidden Gem!

N. N. Light loved my book! This is my first review for Hidden Gem: the Secret of St. Augustine, and it’s a doozy. Here’s a quote:

“Hidden Gem: the Secret of St. Augustine is a romantic adventure rolled up into a mystery that is one of the best books I've read this year. It has all the components I crave in an unputdownable read and then some. M.S. Spencer writes an addictive mystery with quirky characters, a treasure hunt, all taking place in one of the oldest cities in America.”

You can read the whole review here:

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/hidden-gem-the-secret-of-st-augustine-br

The Pit & the Passion new graphic

How do you like the new graphic for my mystery romance The Pit and the Passion: Murder at the Ghost Hotel? I love it!

She held her gaze steady, mainly so she could delve deep, deep into those chocolate eyes. Together with his sharp, angular nose and intense, almost predatory, expression, he reminded her of a peregrine falcon on the hunt.

At midnight, in the darkness of a deserted hotel, comes a scream and a splash. Eighty-five years later, workmen uncover a skeleton in an old elevator shaft. Who is it, and how did it get there? To find out, Charity Snow, ace reporter for the Longboat Key Planet, teams up with Rancor Bass, best-selling author. A college ring they find at the dig site may prove to be their best clue.

Although his arrogance nearly exceeds his talent, Charity soon discovers a warm heart beating under Rancor’s handsome exterior. While dealing with a drop-dead gorgeous editor who may or may not be a villain, a publisher with a dark secret, and an irascible forensic specialist, Charity and Rancor unearth an unexpected link to the most famous circus family in the world.

Charity, despairing of unearthing any charm in her prince charming, has an unexpected suitor.

Excerpt (G): The Frog Prince

 

As she trudged up the stairs, rain began to fall, sparking a chorus of cheeps from the tiny native treefrogs. It seemed to grow louder and louder. When she reached her door, she found out why. A huge green bullfrog sat in a small wooden cage on the mat. A tag attached to it said, “Kiss Me.” When she picked up the cage, a guttural voice croaked, “If you don’t kiss me, you won’t get your present.” She looked around but couldn’t see anyone. The voice came again. “Down here.”

The frog regarded her solemnly, its large eyes unblinking. She spoke to the air. “I am not going to kiss a frog.”

“Ah, but I’m a special frog. A prince of a frog. Kiss me.”

She had to admit she was tempted. “If I let you out, you’ll hop away.” Why the hell am I talking to an amphibian?

“Then you’d better kiss me quick.”

She shrugged. The rain turned into a downpour, and she moved under the shelter of the overhang. With hesitant fingers, she opened the little door. The frog hopped out. Quick as a flash, she bent down and touched her lips to its back. Surprisingly, it was neither slimy nor wet. She resisted the urge to wipe her mouth. The frog croaked once but remained crouched on its haunches, gazing at her. She shook her head. “No sense in asking. I’m only doing it once.”

“Wait.”

“Wait for what?” “Wait for it…” There was a flash of purple smoke. When it cleared, the frog was gone, and Rancor sat on the step. “Your prince. As ordered.”

“How did you do that?”

“A magician never divulges his secrets.” He opened his palms to reveal a bouquet of gardenias. “For you. Will you be my valentine?”

She held the flowers and inhaled deeply. “They’re my favorite—how did you know?”

“I made inquiries. Jane is delightful by the way. Didn’t care much for Darryl.”

“Find out why he only sees her once a month, and she’ll be your slave for life.”

“That would make a refreshing change.”

“More than you deserve. Coming in?”

“Yes. I have to watch you change into something more suitable for Michael’s on East.”

“Rancor! I can’t afford that.”

“You don’t have to—I have secured a source of funding.”

“I don’t want to know.”

“No. You don’t.” He closed the door behind him. “Now, you haven’t answered my question.”

Busy with the flowers, Charity didn’t reply. He took the vase from her and set it down. Then he took her in his arms. “Will you be my valentine?”

At that, something broke inside her, and the tears flowed.

He dried them. “Should I take that as a ‘yes,’ or a ‘get out of my sight, you ogre’?” She kissed him, unable to talk.

“Go then. Put on that pearly white dress you wore in Paris. And leave your hair down this once.”

She obeyed, savoring the prospect of a Valentine’s Day that just might turn out to be the best ever.

 The Pit and the Passion: Murder at the Ghost Hotel

The Wild Rose Press, January 22, 2018 (Crimson Rose)

Mystery, Humorous/Romantic Comedy

Rating: PG13

418 p.; 97370 words

 

Buy Links:

 

Books2Read    Wild Rose Press

Amazon    ITunes    Barnes & Noble

Google    KOBO    Walmart

Indigo    IndieBound    Goodreads

Bookbub

 

 

Artful Dodging: the Torpedo Factory Murders--New Graphic!

 

Milo Everhart isn’t ready for love. Nor is she ready to find a dead body in the tower of the Torpedo Factory Art Center that snowy December night. She doesn’t have time for the handsome lawyer who wants to destroy the Art Center. Nor does she have time to worry about who has murdered whom and why. She has needlepoint to do.

The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, is a hulking former munitions factory right on the waterfront. Since the 1970s it has been host to art studios, a museum, and an art school. It’s never been renovated and is still a vast open central space surrounded by meandering corridors and rooms tucked away here and there. It is topped by a tower reached by hidden stairs. So you can imagine how our heroine, Milo Everhart, felt when she found herself alone in a dark, empty building. Alone, except for the murderer, that is.

“Hello! Hello? 911?”

“Please state the nature of your emergency.”

“A body. There’s a b…b…body.” The word came out as a gurgle.

“Yes, ma’am. Now tell me where you are.”

Milo looked wildly around the darkened corridor. “Second floor. No lights.”

“Ma’am? Second floor of what?”

“Oh, er, the Torpedo Factory. I ran downstairs. I…”

“The Torpedo Factory? You mean the building at 105 North Union Street?”

Milo almost snapped, “How many torpedo factories do you know?” but thought better of it. “Yes.”

“All right, ma’am. Now, you say you’ve found a body? Is it dead?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Of course it’s dead. Dead. A dead body. In the office.”

“The office?”

“The tower. Look, can you send the police? I’m all alone in the building. Except for the body, of course. I mean, it’s pitch black in here. Please?” She knew she sounded less than rational, but weren’t 911 operators trained to weed out the gibberish and cut to the chase?

“I’ve already sent out a call. The police should be arriving any minute. Now, will they be able to enter the building?”

“Oh! Er. I don’t know. Archie’s already locked up.”

“Archie?”

“The super. He’s long gone, though.”

“Can you get to a door to let them in?”

Milo’s shoes must have found bubble gum on the floor all by themselves, since they appeared to be stuck. “I…uh…I can’t get to the doors.” Nothing but silence on the other end. She must think I’m lazy. Or a coward. I’ll bet she knows how to wait people out, to force them to do her bidding. “I’m not lazy, miss. I’m just…I’m wondering. What if the murderer is hiding somewhere, still in the building?”

“Murderer? You think the victim was murdered?”

  

The Torpedo Factory in Old Town Alexandria

You can find Artful Dodging here:

Books2Read   Bookbub   Goodreads

Amazon   ITunes   Barnes & Noble

KOBO   Google Play   Walmart

Indigo   Overdrive

 

Artful Dodging: the Torpedo Factory Murders

Wild Rose Press, 7/20/2016; Imprint Crimson Rose 

Theme(s): Mystery/Cozy Mystery 
Contemporary romantic Suspense, M/F, 2 flames

Ebook, 66,830 words; Print 268 p 

Rating: Hot (R) 

Griffin Tate hero of The Penhallow Train Incident Interviewed

 

Griffin Tate, hero of The Penhallow Train Incident, graciously agreed to an interview, which really gives you an idea of who (what?) he is. The Penhallow Train Incident is ON SALE at Amazon for 99 cents through March 18—so get your copy now!  It is currently featured at the 2022 Winter Readers Challenge as well.

 Link: http://www.amazon.com/Penhallow-Train-Incident-M-Spencer-ebook/dp/B01BOBX5NC

Questions:

Where are you from?

Hard to say. Growing up we traveled a lot—lived in Europe, the Middle East, and lots of U. S. States. I didn’t really settle down until after graduate school when University of Chicago hired me as an assistant professor. Went from there to Queenstown University in New Jersey and now happily ensconced in Maine.

Tell us a bit about The Penhallow Train Incident.

I sure enjoyed being part of the story, although I’d never admit it aloud. The Penhallow Train Incident is a funny, romantic, murder mystery set in Maine.   Rachel Tinker,  director of the Penhallow Historical Society, meets her match in Griffin Tate,  curmudgeonly retired professor (that’s me). Together we wade through a scene awash in red herrings to solve not one, but three murders. If, in fact, they are murders (I was never convinced, but don’t tell Rachel—she’ll just scoff). Along the way we deal with ancient rumors, ancient crime, and ancient tragedy, as Rachel—poor besotted soul--gropes nearer and nearer to love.

What did you think the first time you saw Rachel Tinker?

One more thing I’ll never admit, although she guessed, but I fell for her the first time I saw her on campus at Queenstown, surrounded by young acne-scarred, snot-nosed whippersnappers.

What was your second thought?

That she’d never give me a second glance.

Did you feel it was love at first sight?

Nah, she was way too chilly—you know how those female academics are. Besides, like I said, it wasn’t worth even approaching her—she was always surrounded by pimply-faced, weak-chinned undergrads.

What do you like most about her?

Do I have to say it? Sheesh, nosy little bugger, aren’t you. I suppose I’d have to say her curiosity, and of course her willingness to agree with everything I say. Oh wait, that’s my dog.

How would you describe her?

Well, she is rather beautiful, in a sensible way. She doesn’t seem to mind my occasional moods. She’s very bright for a girl, and willing to learn. Yes, I’d give her an A.

How would she describe you?

You’d have to ask her. Whatever I say she’ll dispute.

What made you choose Middle East history as a career?

I lived in the Middle East in my youth and naturally veered toward it in school.

What is your biggest fear?

Losing Rachel—and having her know that’s my greatest fear.

How do you relax?

Nap. Beer. Sail. Chase after stolen artifacts.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why?

The Queen of Sheba—if in fact she’s fictional. If not, Indiana Jones.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

Sit down and shut up.

 

Coming Soon! Hidden Gem: the Secret of St. Augustine

Approved! The official blurb for my upcoming mystery from The Wild Rose Press, Hidden Gem: the Secret of Saint Augustine:

Aviles Street, St. Augustine, where Philo lives.

Barnaby Swift is in St. Augustine, Florida, to teach a college seminar in historic methodology and plans to use The Secret, a treasure hunt book, as a framework for his class. He enlists Philo Brice, owner of an antique map store, to aid him in seeking clues in the historic sites of the ancient city.

The Secret: a Treasure Hunt by Byron Preiss

Together they face murderers, thieves, thugs, and fanatics, heightening their already strong attraction to each other. Can they solve the puzzle and unearth the treasure before the villains do? Philo and Barnaby must follow several twisting paths and false leads before arriving at a startling conclusion.

Sound intriguing? I'll keep you posted on publication date!

Lapses of Memory--my new graphic!

 

This is my new banner--I'm learning how to Canva! 

New Graphic for Mrs. Spinney's Secret

 How do you like this one?

Inspiration for Mrs. Spinney's Secret at Alicia Dean's Today

 

Do drop by Alicia Dean’s wonderful blog, where I’m talking about the inspiration for my new Maine mystery romance Mrs. Spinney’s Secret. Here’s the link: https://aliciadean.com/2021/01/22/mrs-spinneys-secret-by-m-s-spencer/

Amber Daulton’s new romantic suspense has a cover!

Wait for it.... 

And Now: Cover Revealed!

Amber Daulton’s brand new romance, Arresting Jeremiah—coming October 14 from the Wild Rose press—has a cover.

 

When threats escalate, will Jim and Calista succumb, or fight for a love they can’t deny?

Arresting Jeremiah is Book 2 of the Arresting Onyx series. Here’s the story:

Injured Parole Officer Jeremiah “Jim” Borden never expected Calista Barlow, the sassy blonde waitress he’s craved for months, to ring his doorbell. She slips into his heart—and his bed—but he’s obsessed with a gangland investigation that threatens his career and maybe even his life.
Calista doesn’t trust easily, not with a daughter to protect and the stalker who keeps calling her. After her violent ex-boyfriend returns, she finds solace in Jim’s arms.

Jim may have to forego his need for answers to protect the ready-made family he adores, but how will he and Calista escape an unseen enemy that is always one step ahead of them?

 

Arresting Jeremiah is a romantic suspense novel (98,000 words) with a heat rating of five flames.

Mrs. Spinney’s Secret—Cover Revealed!

 Mrs. Spinney's Secret Cover Revealed

How about them apples! This is the new, approved cover for my upcoming release, Mrs. Spinney’s Secret. Isn’t it fabulous?

 

What do you do when Hollywood takes over your tiny Maine village to make a movie?

Cassidy Beauvoir, chair of the board of overseers of Amity Landing, is ready to throw the bums out; that is, until she meets Jasper MacEwan, the director of American Waterloo: the Rout of the Penobscot Expedition. It’s instant attraction until a series of deadly incidents threatens their budding romance. Are the attacks directed at the movie crew or the townspeople?

As the two search for answers, the trail leads them to long-held secrets of the worst naval defeat of the American Revolution—including betrayal, murder, and a lost hoard of English gold.

Check back often for a release date!

Great stories; Great Cause: Wild Rose Authors Anthology Fundraiser for Australia Fires

The greatest anthology ever! From the authors of The Wild Rose Press.

February 14 is not just for Valentines—it’s also the release date for Australia Burns: Show Australia Some Love.

This is a three-volume book of stories by more than forty authors at the Wild Rose Press. Romance, thrillers, mystery—whatever you like, in one easy package. The best part is this: we are donating all proceeds to the Australia Red Cross, to be distributed as needed to help rebuild, rehabilitate, and help the thousands of people and animals affected by the horrible fires sweeping across Australia.

Here’s the Wild Rose Press link showing all three books: 

https://www.thewildrosepress.com/australia-burns

My contribution is Che Gelida Manina: a Story of Second Chances. It will be in the second volume.

Here’s the blurb:

Since Jack died, Grace has lost all desire for romance, but she’s lonely and joins a dating site, stipulating companionship only. Edward answers her post, agreeing to the terms. He is true to his word, but Grace soon finds herself wanting more. Can she convince him she’s changed her mind? Will he feel the same?

Australia Burns: Show Australia Some Love will be available at all online stores. Please help us raise funds to help in this tragedy. It is now available on Amazon and The Wild Rose Press.

NOTE: If you buy the print from the Wild Rose Press it will bring in more money to send. https://www.thewildrosepress.com/product/australia-burns-volume-one

Think of it this way: instead of a T shirt or commemorative mug, you get forty wonderful stories to enjoy and you’re supporting relief efforts in devastated Australia.

Buy Links:

https://www.thewildrosepress.com/product/australia-burns-volume-one

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0848W2HQT

All My Ebooks 40% Off at Wild Rose Press

DON'T FORGET--ALL EBOOKS ARE 40% OFF AT THE WILD ROSE PRESS

FROM NOW THROUGH NEW YEAR'S DAY! THAT INCLUDES:

Artful Dodging: the Torpedo Factory Murders

The Penhallow Train Incident

The Pit & the Passion: Murder at the Ghost Hotel

Flotsam & Jetsam: the Amelia Island Affair

Lapses of Memory

Whirlwind Romance

Mason's Mark: Love & Death in the Tower