Grim Paradise


Book Description

When widow Frances Lacey was murdered in July 1960 on Mackinac Island, only a few meager clues were found by police, and the case soon turned cold. But more than sixty years later, will those same clues finally solve the mystery? On July 24, 1960, the quaint charm and serenity of Mackinac, nestled between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, was shattered by Lacey’s brutal death. Despite a massive manhunt and thousands of pages of police reports, her killer was never caught. Now, in GRIM PARADISE, true crime author Rod Sadler (Killing Women) delves into the secrets of one of Michigan's most perplexing murder cases. Offering an in-depth and suspenseful account of the long-standing mystery, he poses the question: Could advanced DNA technology lead to the identity of the Mackinac Island murderer as it did recently in the case of the Golden State Killer?




Murder in Mackinac


Book Description

Roy Nelson is a college professor who usually leads a peaceful and uncomplicated life, but becomes entangled in an ominous global plot that could alter the future of the world. The plot is fictional, but based on actual historical mysteries that will keep you guessing until the very last page.




The Pink Pony


Book Description

The world-class Port Huron-Mackinac sailboat race has just finished at Mackinac Island. As soon as the boats dock, the sailors head for the legendary Pink Pony. But the night takes a grisly turn, and Jimmy Lyons is found dead the next morning in the bar, strangled by a string of Christmas tree lights. Murdo Halverson, a wealthy manufacturer from Detroit and Jimmy's former partner, is arrested for the murder. It turns out that the free spending Jimmy was broke. Each of his crew, including Murdo, had a reason to kill him. As did his wife, Jane. Burr Lafayette, recently divorced and the deposed head of the litigation department of a major Detroit law firm, is recruited to defend Murdo by his wife, Anne, and his mother, Martha, the widowed matriarch of the family. A man at loose ends, Burr is a brilliant litigator who prefers boats and dogs over courtrooms and clients. But he's not a criminal lawyer, and this looks like a losing case. Did Murdo kill Jimmy or was it someone else?




Killing Women


Book Description

This true crime biography reveals the disturbing story of a serial killer who terrorized central Michigan—and now has a chance to go free. As a former youth pastor who attended the Michigan State University School of Criminal Justice, Don Miller seemed like a decent young man. But in 1978, he was arrested for the attempted murder of two teenagers. Police soon connected Miller to the disappearances of four women. In exchange for a controversial plea bargain, he led police to the missing women’s bodies. Now, thanks to the deal he was offered and changes to Michigan law, Miller is allowed to seek parole once a year. In Killing Women, author Rodney Sadler examines the crimes, the “justice” meted out, and the possibility that Miller could be unleashed on the world once again.




Mystery on Mackinac Island


Book Description

Mackinac Island is a summer vacation spot in Michigan where no cars are allowed, so everyone uses horses and bikes to get around. Thirteen-year-old Hunter Martineau lives on the island year around and knows everything about the place. Well, almost everything. When bikes start to mysteriously disappear all over the island, Hunter is determined to catch the thief and claim the reward money. But that isn't so easy, even for someone as smart as Hunter. Hunter gathers clues and follows suspects to secret places. But every lead turns out to be a dead end - until the thief gives himself away, and Hunter realizes that he is in real danger. Along the way, Hunter makes new friends, grows closer to his dad, and learns why his heritage as an Ottawa Indian is so important to him. Full of fun and surprises, Mystery on Mackinac Island is about adventure, loyalty, and the discoveries of growing up. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.




Murder on MacKinac


Book Description

Murder on Mackinac is a mystery thriller set on the magnificent resort island of Mackinac, Michigan. The backdrop is The Grand Hotel. Ira Dempsey gives up his PI business to become police chief of Mackinac City since he thinks nothing happens there and he can drift through the years to retirement. Little does he know what is in store. Drugs, sex, murder and alligators are the mainstays of this fast paced novel. No alligators on Mackinac? But there are on Gasparilla Island in Florida, where Ira finds himself pursuing the killer. The staid and venerable Gasparilla Inn where the Bush families stay when they come to the island plays a prominent role in this thriller. The question becomes: can Ira find the killer before death becomes his final retirement plan.




Oh, Fudge!


Book Description

USA Today bestselling author Life is always sweet in Allie McMurphy’s delectable fudge shop. But murder can make things unpleasantly sticky . . . A DEADLY CONFECTION After Allie inherited her family’s McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop, cousin Tori moved off to California in a bitter huff, and the two haven’t spoken since. So to have her cousin reappear on Mackinac Island without warning is a big surprise—but not as surprising as finding her standing over a dead woman impaled with a garden spade in the Mackinac Butterfly House. Butterflies may be free, but Tori won’t be for much longer—unless the cousins can bury the hatchet and work together to catch a killer who’s taken flight. Because when it comes to family, blood is thicker than fudge . . . Praise for Nancy Coco and the Candy-Coated Mysteries “Memorable characters, a charming locale, and a satisfying mystery.” —Barbara Allan “Beautiful Mackinac Island provides the setting for a puzzling series of crimes . . . plenty of plausible suspects and mouthwatering fudge recipes.” —Kirkus Reviews “I know I will be counting down the days until the next mystery with Allie McMurphy.” —Cozy Mystery Book Reviews




All Fudged Up


Book Description

Welcome to the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop--where life is sweet, revenge is sweeter, and murder is here to to stay. . . You Can't Fudge An Alibi Allie McMurphy is up to her neck in renovations at the grand old hotel that's been in her family for generations. With its quaint Victorian charm--and world-famous fudge shop--the place is one of Mackinac Island's most beloved landmarks. Sure, every family has a skeleton or two in the closet. But Allie didn't expect to find an actual corpse inside hers, especially one Joe Jessup, who had a long-running feud with her dear departed grandfather. Which makes Allie the number-one suspect. Can she sniff out the culprit before another victim checks in? "A sweet treat with memorable characters, a charming locale, and satisfying mystery." --Barbara Allan, author of the Trash ‘n' Treasures mysteries




A Midsummer Night's Fudge


Book Description

After a summer celebration on Michigan’s Mackinac Island ends in murder, hotel and fudge shop owner Allie McMurphy puts on her sleuthing hat . . . THERE’S NO SUGARCOATING A KILLER’S SCHEME During the Midsummer Night’s Festival, Allie decides to take her bichonpoo, Mal, home to spare her furry little ears from the sounds of fireworks. But on her way back, Allie spots a body in the lake. Just minutes ago, Winona Higer was crowning the event’s Queen—could the competition have really been that deadly? While she ponders the mystery the next morning, Allie prepares her favorite dark chocolate cherry fudge recipe. But she’s soon recruited to sub for the late Winona and serve as parade float judge, among other duties. As she hears rumors and gossip, and learns of mean pranks and threatening notes, her instincts kick in—despite her boyfriend the cop’s disapproval. Now, between managing a new hire and keeping the tourists filled with fudge, she’s dealing with a case that’s boiling over . . .




The Dockporter


Book Description

The Dockporter. He's got a bike, a basket ... and a whole lotta baggage. It's the summer of 1989. Jack McGuinn is a dockporter, transporting tourists' luggage, piled high in the basket of his bike on Mackinac Island, Michigan, a tiny summer resort where cars are outlawed and pedal-power rules. He's got the season wired tight: a family cottage on the bluff, a dream job, and a loyal crew of hell-raising, tip-hustling buddies. When his old friend-turned bitter rival challenges him to ride a record-setting load, he takes the bet and soon realizes he's not just carrying suitcases, he's carrying the future of the island, which is about to be paved over for profit. With the help of his pals on the dock and the love of a romantic, free-spirited Irish cellist named Erin, Jack digs deep to discover skills he didn't know he had. The Dockporter is an offbeat, nostalgic coming-of age-story that appeals anyone who ever had a summer job. If Rushmore director Wes Anderson remade Caddyshack but it emerged as a hybrid of Footloose and Meatballs (and was a book) it would be The Dockporter. Genre-smashing, hilariously fresh, yet refreshingly familiar, it's a novel about friends, family, love, luggage, and the summers we never forget. We feel the same way you do. The world's gotten a bit serious lately. So kick back, pour yourself something cold, and take a summer vacation, even if it's just in your mind. Because let's face it: we all need an island.