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Ever After Mysteries
Series · 7 books · 2021-2023

Books in series

The Last Gasp book cover
#1

The Last Gasp

2021

At the pinnacle of his Hollywood career, Garrison Prince’s reign ends tonight. As plain old Gary Prinz, he can pursue his Bible education, buy a bungalow in Pasadena, acquire a few chickens, and marry the girl of his dreams. He just never imagined trading the silver screen for a pulpit would wreak such havoc. A cigarillo girl, Lucinda Ashton spends her days with her boyfriend, Gary, and her evenings selling candy and “gaspers” to the Hollywood elite at the Taj Mahal Theater. However, when gunshots ring out just as intermission begins, Lucinda finds herself smack-dab in the middle of a brouhaha that leaves three dead, and no one has a clue why. All the police know is that the evidence points to Lucinda as the killer and Gary as the intended target. Four new friends, one young orphan, and a potluck of clues that don’t seem to fit anywhere leave the police baffled, Lucinda in fear for her freedom, and Gary ready to trade in his acting shoes for gumshoes if it’ll save his “Cinda.” The first book in the Ever After Mysteries combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries, The Last Gasp. This Cinderella retelling blends a murder with enough crime and story clues to keep you on the edge of your seat.
A Giant Murder book cover
#2

A Giant Murder

2021

Would you like a shot of… death with that, sir? Josephine Jacobs was just doing her job, serving at an exclusive party, so why is she now being accused of shooting TG Taggert? At a party full of suspects in the murder of Taggert, Josie served the food giant everything but an eternally “parting shot.” Who really killed TG Taggert? His wife? His son, Jack? What about his Harper Davis? Rumor has it, she was having an affair with him—motive for her or Taggert’s wife! The list of those who seemed to hate him keeps growing, including a chemist and a chef! With her long-time friend, Office Porter O’Brien, Josie sets out to clear her name and find out who really killed “the giant,” and clear her name. Find out in this next book in the Ever After Mysteries, combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries. A Giant Murder offers a retelling of “Jack and the Beanstalk” with enough clues and suspects to keep you looking over your shoulder. We’d recommend Kevlar… but it hasn’t been invented yet!
When the Pilot Falls book cover
#3

When the Pilot Falls

2021

In 1923, there aren’t many pilots, but Willie Labeau didn’t let that stop… her. A bear of a man, Hugh Taylor, needs a stunt plane pilot, and despite their rocky introduction, Willie sets off for golden California and a new life as his pilot. There’s just one little thing she has to do in addition to flying. Leave his past alone. Period. When the flame of her own curiosity becomes fanned by encouragement from Willie’s sister, the feisty pilot can’t help but do just a little investigating. And Hugh vanishes. Friends rally around her, and with all the information she can find in hand, Willie sets off to rescue Hugh and battle the evil family holding him hostage. A fierce air race, a sincere act of humility—are they enough to free Hugh and give Willie a chance to be with him… forever? Find out in this next book in the Ever After Mysteries, combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries. When the Pilot Falls offers a retelling of “East of the Sun, West of the Moon” that will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat as you watch hearts soar and daring dos.
The Lost Dutchman's Secret book cover
#5

The Lost Dutchman's Secret

2021

There’s a deadly secret in them thar hills—and gold, or so they say. Deeply in debt to a wealthy local, Charles Sinclair, Dorothy Hodges’ father finally promises she’ll pay and in gold, no less. If only Dorothy could take to take the promises he spins out of thin air and turn them into that gold, all would be well. With the help of a strange, rumpled man, Dorothy does manage to bring payment to one of Sinclair’s sons only to discover it won’t pay off the debt. Will the next payment be enough? The next? When Charles Sinclair ends up dead, Dorothy is the obvious prime suspect, but Sinclair’s son isn’t so certain. Together they work to clear her name and find the real murderer of the Superstitions, but will they find the answers buried in those hills? Find out in this next book in the Ever After Mysteries, combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries. The Lost Dutchman’s Secret offers a retelling of “Rumplestilskin” that requires more digging than a miner searching for The Lost Dutchman Mine.
Silencing the Siren book cover
#7

Silencing the Siren

2022

Andrew Grayson thought he had everything... until he met her. The indulged son of wealthy parents, Andrew has always gotten whatever he wanted almost before he knew he wanted it-clothes, gadgets... even a car! What more could a young man desire? Enter Annabel Thompson. Freakshow mermaid extraordinaire... in a wheelchair! Of course, her beauty attracts him. How could it not? Add to that a kind heart, and Andrew can't help but fall for her. Annabel's connection with the freakshow repels his parents and their society friends. They want him to sever all ties with her and his new friends. Oh, and marry the "right" girl with the "right connections." But he won't do it. He'll defy them and marry his little mermaid. When Annabel turns up missing, declared dead, things don't add up, Andrew begins asking some difficult questions, the most important being, "What happened to the little mermaid of the Coney Island freak show?" Find out in this next book in the Ever After Mysteries, combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries. Silencing the Siren offers a retelling of "The Little Mermaid" that will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat as you watch the story unfold.
A Troll Falls book cover
#10

A Troll Falls

2023

Murder. Even the word sounds ugly. Almost as ugly as the corpse on the shore. Dallas, Texas, 1948 Opal Stedman enjoys caring for old Mrs. Farnesworth. But keeping her sister Ruby out of trouble, well that is another issue entirely. Especially now that Ruby has stepped into high society with her new beau. A dubious man. Maybe even duplicitous. Even the handsome security guard warns her sister about him. When a body is dragged onto the shore of the lake that borders their home, rumors and worries over the new man become assurances. But why has he involved her household in these gruesome shenanigans? And why are Opal’s loved ones suddenly having “accidents”? Loosely based on the little-known fairy tale of “Snow White and Rose Red” this mystery twists its way all along the banks of White Rock Lake during its heyday.
A Vanishing Act book cover
#11

A Vanishing Act

A 1940s Fairytale-Inspired Mystery

2023

On screen they’re a darling duo, but it’s a whole different story backstage. Hollywood legend Kent Selwood isn’t happy sharing the limelight with rising star Stella Sanders. Tired of her diva drama, Kent makes it clear—he wants Stella gone. Seamstress Bonnie Roseland is practically invisible to everyone at the studio, except for slick actor, Jerry Jackson—the one man she wishes would leave her alone. Her deep-rooted faith helps her see beyond the glitz and glamor to the broken realities and dysfunctional atmosphere at the studio. She sometimes wonders if God has a purpose for her there or if she should just move on. When the studio receives blackmail letters, Kent’s attitude makes him the prime suspect, and he’s swiftly banished from the lot, despite insisting that he’s been framed. Only Bonnie believes him—and she’s confident she knows who the real culprit is. But when a ransom note arrives after Stella goes missing and evidence is discovered that clearly implicates Kent, will Bonnie help him uncover the truth in time to save his career… and Stella’s life?

Authors

April Hayman
April Hayman
Author · 1 books

April Hayman lives in the high desert of California with her husband and their three sons. During the day, she focuses on homeschooling the boys and working on client projects. She writes at night when the temperature outside is only somewhat cooler than during the day. April collects fountain pens, has too many pen pals (and always looking for more), journals sporadically, creates art when she can squeeze it in, and hordes stationery.

Chautona Havig
Chautona Havig
Author · 143 books

**fingers skittle across the keyboard. Stop. Eyelids blink over the top** Oh, was this bio day? Oops! I forgot. I was lost in my latest manuscript. Umm... bio. Yeah. Hi! I’m Chautona Havig. (for those who care, that’s Shuh-TONE-uh HAVE-ig). Yeah. Just work with me here. I should have used a pseudonym, but when you grow up with a name like Chautona, it kind of sticks. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ~ Hebrews 10: 23–25 Those aren’t just words on a page for me–they’re why I write. I write to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. The stories I create are to make people laugh, cry, question, consider. They’re for you. When the world screams for hope, I try to point you to the true Source of hope–Jesus. Sometimes life in the church no longer seems a refuge from the pain of a self-serving world around us, but through my stories, I try to point you to the only Refuge that can truly help–the Father’s Everlasting Arms. And sometimes we just need an escape from the monotony, the emptiness we see around us. We need joy, laughter–what I like to call “just the write escape.” Christian fiction without apology or pretense–lived, not preached. What does that even mean? It means I care–about you. About your walk with Jesus. I care about the words you put before your eyes, the mental pictures those words conjure. It’s difficult to express just how much I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s difficult to share just how much I love you. But I do. And I write for you. I sit in my little house in California’s Mojave Desert and I write to show you why one sister believes one thing, why a brother believes another. I write to show you how some Christians handle trials or triumphs–for you. So when you’re faced with something–good or bad, it doesn’t matter–maybe it’ll spark a memory. Maybe that memory will smolder until you pull out your Bible and see what the Lord said about it–about His great love for you. For YOU! And maybe, just maybe, you’ll share that love with another hurting, confused, or blessed-with-more-than-she-knows-what-to-do-with soul. I just happen to think that’s the most blessed giving anyone could hope to receive.

Marji Laine
Marji Laine
Author · 8 books

Marji is a "graduated" homeschooling mom who's thrilled to avoid the empty nest for a while longer. She lives in the Dallas area with her hubby of 35 years, her twin daughters, and a rescue pup named Rosie (or Madam Barksalot, depending on the day). When Marji isn't editing or formatting for her authors or writing on her own projects, she leads a ladies' Bible study, works with the women's ministry at her church, and sings alto in the adult choir. As often as possible, she's playing strategy games and card games with friends and family. She prefers mountains to beaches, dogs to cats, Tex-Mex, white roses, and the Pumpkin Pecan Waffle candle from Bath & Body Works. Her watching preferences include Hallmark mysteries, NASCAR, NFL games, and Perry Mason reruns. You can find her here on Goodreads or at her website MarjiLaine.com

Edwina Kiernan
Edwina Kiernan
Author · 5 books

Edwina Kiernan is the Christian author of the award-winning novel, Ruby’s Redemption. An enthusiast of classic novels and history, Edwina combines her faith, imagination and research in hope-infused tales set in times past. A lifelong word admirer, with Welsh and Irish heritage, she started writing stories early in childhood. She is a committed follower of Jesus (the Living Word), and endeavours to use her pen to point others to Him. When she’s not writing, Edwina loves spending time with her dashing husband and lively little son, reading and studying the Bible, getting lost in a captivating novel and drinking more types of tea than most people realize even exist. Join her mailing list for free gifts, updates, regular giveaways, and lots of classic and historical fiction goodness. Subscribe at EdwinaKiernan.com

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Ever After Mysteries