Bridget Montrose discovers the body of a disliked developer in a dumpster. Cruising Palo Alto with little Mick in his stroller, she uncovers surprising goings-on that involve her friends and neighbors. By the time she (and two simpatico cops) finally track down the truth, the murderer’s right behind her. Bridget Montrose mystery by Lora Roberts Smith; originally published by Perseverance Press

Writer Bridget Montrose finds that the rarefied world of the literati can be hazardous, not only to her self-esteem but also to her life. Bridget is delighted to be accepted at a prestigious writer's retreat on the California coast and is looking forward to high-minded conversations at the dinner table. High-mindedness is, however, in short supply. Instead, Bridget gets an up-close, personal look at the writing and publishing world: authors of pot boilers and of literature, e-published authors and perennially best-selling authors. The eccentric billionaire owner of the retreat, the jealous manager, surfers, and cops enliven the literary mix. Readers will be fascinated by the insider's detail enlivening this closed-circle-of-suspects mystery.