~Barbara D'Amato

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Marked by Fate

Thirty five years ago, seven-year-old Hannah Daltry hid under a desk—alone and terrified. She didn’t cry. She didn’t yell. She didn’t move.

If she had, they would have found her.

Today she’s a grown woman, teaching in a community college, sharing her passion for the written word with her students. But she hasn’t forgotten those terrifying moments from her childhood. In fact, she’s decided to use that memory as a teaching exercise in her creative writing class.

In that same class is Elise Jenkins, a local reporter who’s eager to stretch her writing wings. She—like all the other students—is inspired by the teacher’s ability to bring a scene to life on paper. To put readers under that desk, to instill the same fear she’d once felt.

But inspiration turns to shock when Ms. Daltry is found dead in her classroom.

Her only mistake? Being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Again.

Is her murder simply a cruel twist of irony? A fate she was destined to meet? Or is there more to the story?

That’s what Elise intends to find out. No matter what the cost.

"Laura Bradford’s latest mystery, Marked by Fate, is enchanting. Confident writing and a beautifully drawn setting make you feel like you’ve come home to cozy up with a cast of marvelous characters. But before you get too comfortable, Bradford plunges you into a story full of suspense and intrigue that will keep you guessing—and worrying."

--Tasha Alexander, A Poisoned Season

"Marked by Fate is a breezy, carefully-constructed mystery with real heart. You care about the characters while searching for clues, smiling all the way. Bradford has a real winner here."

--JA. Konrath, Dirty Martini

Forecast of Evil

Elise Jenkins thinks she’s stepped into a fairy tale when she and Detective Mitch Burns arrive on a remote Michigan island for their long awaited winter getaway.

But like all fairy tales, there’s evil lurking—haunting family secrets, a blizzard that cuts off communication to the outside world, and a killer who’s circling.

It could be the story of a lifetime for a news reporter like Elise…

If she lives.

The Harlequin Worldwide Mysteries cover.

"Forecast of Evil is atmospheric and tension-filled"

--Mystery Scene Magazine

"With unexpected twists and turns as well as a great surprise ending, Ms. Bradford pens a satisfying murder mystery (in Forecast of Evil). The Jenkins/Burns duo is a winning combination whose clever sleuthing readers will look forward to following in future endeavors by this talented author."

--New Milford Spectrum
July 14, 2006

 

"Forecast of Evil is a forecast for enjoyment."

--Barbara D'Amato

“This is a fresh voice featuring an usual setting and a snappy story with an endearing main character.”

--Robin Agnew, Aunt Agatha's Mystery Bookstore

 

"Forecast of Evil is a great mystery written in a style that increases the thrills and immediacy of the hunt."

--A reader review on epinions.com

Jury of One

2005 Agatha Nominee for Best First Novel

A JENKINS & BURNS MYSTERY
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Elise Jenkins’ college professors did their best to prepare her for the world of news reporting, droning on and on about those five, all-important little words all reporters must answer.

Who, what, when, where and why.

The same five questions that Detective Mitch Burns asks every time he investigates a crime in the small beachside town of Ocean Point, New Jersey.

But when clients of a boardwalk fortuneteller start dying, those five little questions take on an importance neither Elise nor Mitch could ever imagine.

Questions with very deadly answers...

The Harlequin Worldwide Mysteries cover.

Jury of One has received a 4 Cups ("a keeper") review from Coffee Time Romance...

"Ms Bradford has written a terrific debut novel that will have you turning the pages quickly to solve the mystery. This book has everything: action, adventure, mystery and romance. After reading “Jury of One”, I cannot wait to read Ms Bradford’s next book."

--Sherry, Coffee Time Romance

"JURY OF ONE is a thoroughly enjoyable read that shows off Laura Bradford's ability to capture individual characters in meticulous detail and paints a picture so vivid, yet uncluttered with minutiae, that readers will feel "at home" in Ocean Point."

--Roundtable Reviews

"Anyone who enjoys reading murder mysteries knows what makes a good one--an intriguing plot that keeps the reader guessing throughout, combined with interesting and likeable characters. This summer, mystery lovers will enjoy Laura Bradford's "Jury of One"."

--Patricia D’Ascoli of The Greater New Milford Spectrum in New Milford, Connecticut.

"I loved [Jury of One]. I couldn't put it down. The story was really well put together and kept me guessing throughout. I also really liked the characters and can't wait for the next one."

--Terri, a reader from the Malice Domestic Conference

"Elise Jenkins is a new reporter plunged into a series of murders. Emotionally involved and sympathetic, Elise is a fresh, new voice and a very likable detective."

--Barbara D'Amato

“Young reporter Elise Jenkins and Detective Mitch Burns are determined to solve a series of crimes terrifying a beach community. Appealing Characters.”

--Carolyn Hart

She Looked Up

Orchard Press Mysteries Online
April 2002 archives

When Megan Callahan walks into a junk store in a small town a few hours from home, she buys an old chair that she plans to repaint for her tiny apartment. Instead, she unknowingly leaves the store with a major piece of evidence in a murder investigation. As she sets about the task of refinishing the chair, she finds an ominous message crudely etched-backwards-in the wood under the cushion. By the time she figures out who left the message and what it means, her own life is at stake.

A Disguise of Innocence

Orchard Press Mysteries Online
June 2003 archives

All Kelly McCormick wants is to find her way out of the woods and away from the body of a woman hanging in a tree.

What she doesn’t realize at the time, is that not only can she get away from it...she can also get away with it.

Repercussions

Orchard Press Mysteries Online
January 2004 archives

Mark Walters is the epitome of a man spinning out of control. His son is on his deathbed awaiting a new heart. He is working for a man he loathes. Feeling backed into a corner with little control over his life, Mark makes a split second decision that he hopes will solve his problems. Unfortunately, the result is nothing like he expected.

Explosive Truths

Futures Mysterious Anthology Magazine
3rd quarter 2004

Molly Davis thought the worst was behind her when she checked out of the psychiatric hospital and reclaimed her daughter. But it wasn’t. Not by a long shot!

Murderous Debut

Futures Mysteries Anthology Magazine
4th quarter 2004

Nominated by Futures to be considered for the prestigious Edgar award!

Jessie McDaniel is riding high these days. A script she wrote won a major contest, giving her the opportunity to have it produced by the best in the business and the chance to select the actors to bring her story to life. Jessie chooses herself to play the leading role, fulfilling a lifelong dream in the process.

Unfortunately, Jessie’s success breeds jealousy among some in her inner circle. Jealousy that turns deadly for Jessie on opening night as she delivers her final line.