McAllister Files

Series · 4 books · 2003-2006

By Patricia H. Rushford

Books in series

Secrets, Lies & Alibis

2003

A headline murder. A rookie investigator. A race against the clock—and against the past. With his newly minted detective badge, “Mac” McAllister reports for his first assignment with the Oregon State a particularly gruesome homicide. It’s a headline case, as the victim—Megan Tyson—was brutally murdered mere weeks before her wedding. The investigation turns up far too many suspects and too little hard evidence. Why would the beautiful Megan, engaged to a wealthy businessman, be involved with the likes of long line-up of questionable characters that seem connected to her in more ways than one? With more questions than answers, Mac tries to uncover the secrets Megan took to her grave. While the autopsy answers how Megan was killed, it doesn’t reveal a killer or a motive. Can Mac and his partner sort through the lies and alibis before Megan’s murderer strikes again? Not sure that he can trust his instincts, Mac depends heavily on the advice of his partner—a seasoned detective with a strong faith in God. A faith Mac has no use for until he must come to terms with his own past and the secrets that haunt him.

Deadfall

2004

Mac is dealing with three difficult cases, two dead bodies . . . and a decision of the heart. It’s been just three months since Detective “Mac” McAllister solved his first homicide case with the Oregon State Police. Now he’s working the search for a ski instructor who has mysteriously disappeared. The man’s parents claim their son wouldn't have committed suicide, but they suspect his girlfriend of something sinister. The case gets more complicated when Mac and his partner, Kevin, are called to investigate a homicide nearby that may or may not be related. A few days later, a body turns up in the Columbia River, and the autopsy reveals surprising information about the victim's suspicious death. When their investigation seems at a dead end, Mac is determined not to let the crimes go unsolved—even if it means putting his life on the line to catch the killer.

Terminal 9

2005

Two dead bodies. A web of conspiracies and cover-ups. A young detective, searching for answers to the case . . . and to his heart. The body of a retired, wheelchair-bound rail yard worker has been discovered on the tracks near his home. A tragic accident—or murder? Detective Antonio "Mac" McAllister and his new partner, attractive rookie Dana Bennett, suspect the worst. And their suspicions are confirmed when they encounter the complicated web of conspiracies and cover-ups that surround the cast, including burglary, arson, and yet another murder. Now Mac and Dana need to find the killer before he can destroy more evidence—or take anyone else's life. Mac also needs answers to a personal life that is just as complicated. He still has feelings for Dana, but after a pleasant dinner with the eccentric medical examiner, he's more confused than ever. Though as his former partner and mentor reminds him, God has the answer that Mac doesn't—for this case, for Mac's doubts . . . and for the longings of his heart.

She Who Watches

2006

A senator's family has been threatened—and now one of them is missing. Can Mac and Dana find Sara before it's too late? The senator had raised this niece as his own daughter. So when she doesn't return home and her abandoned car is found in a parking garage, it alarms not only the family but law enforcement agencies throughout the Northwest. The only a set of menacing letters sent to the senator's office. Now it's up to Oregon state police officers Mac McAllister and Dana Bennett and their team to find a lead . . . or to find Sara . . . before they find her dead. The case will be made harder because not only must they share evidence with the FBI but navigate stand-offs between the government, Native American tribal customs, political pride, family intrigue . . . and even their own hearts. Meanwhile, two questions loom that, if answered, could provide the missing link in their First, is Sara a victim, or a dissatisfied wife who has run away? And second, is politics being used to mask a sordid truth, or has someone's passion for a cause possibly led them to violence?

Author

Patricia H. Rushford

Author · 35 books

Patricia H. Rushford, an award winning author and speaker, has extensive experience in writing and has authored over sixty books, both fiction and non-fiction. In addition to having a nursing degree and masters in counseling, she is also an artist and quilter. The Jennie McGrady Mysteries for young adults have sold well over 500,000 copies. Silent Witness won the Silver Angel Award for Excellence in Media and was nominated for an Edgar Allen Poe Award by Mystery Writers of America. She also wrote the Max & Me Mysteries for middle grade. The various mystery series for adults continue to receive great reviews. Her series include, The Helen Bradley Mysteries, The Angel Delaney Mysteries, The McAllister Files and her latest, the Artisan Mysteries. Her newest releases are: Watercolor Dreams, Deadly Deception and The Quiltmaker's Daughter, both are romantic suspense novels featuring artists. She has been awarded the Golden Quill Award by RWA- Desert Rose Chapter and earned honorable mention in the Silver Angel Awards. Patricia is a member of ACFW and a number of other writing organizations. She has participated in such mystery events such as Bouchercon—the World Mystery Convention, Left Coast Crime, and other conventions for lovers of mystery and suspense. She manages a website and blog and has a presence on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads and Linked-in and also generates a newsletter. Called Mysterious Musings. Additional info at www.patriciarushfordbooks.com