Jinxed (A Jinx Fogarty Mystery);

Back on the comeback trail, actress Meg Barnes, beloved for her role as amateur sleuth Jinx Fogarty in a renowned detective show, assumes she’ll star as Jinx in the revamped TV series, only to discover that a young ingénue has been cast instead. Meg swallows her pride for a paycheck to coach Chelsea Horne—until temperamental Chelsea goes missing before filming begins. Meg ignores the warnings from Jack, her FBI-agent boyfriend, not to do her “Jinx thing.” But when Jinx’s iconic top hat goes missing and someone from her past is murdered, it’s clear Meg’s life—and more—is in jeopardy.

Praise for Down and Out in Beverly Heels:

“A fast-paced story complete with eccentric characters and a plethora of mysterious twists and turns.”—Publishers Weekly

“An enticing, witty romp; a sparkling, Hollywood-set tale that will entertain and satisfy.”—Kirkus Reviews

“A classic story of love and loss spiced with mystery that will surely keep readers entertained until the very end.”—Booklist

“5 stars out of 5…Well-written, fast paced; has quirky characters, some great lines…and a surprising and dangerous conclusion.”—Love Romance Passion

Excerpt:

“I’ll ask you again,” he says, his voice low. “Your husband’s kidnapping was a hoax. You helped him disappear, right? Where is he?”

The FBI agent, his blinding white shirt open at the neck, leans in so close I can smell the warm raisin scent of his body. The question echoes in my mind with a dizzying sense of déjà vu. Why can’t I remember anything?

He glances at the pages in his hand, then back to me, a sly gleam in his eye. “C’mon, you should know this, Meg.”

Then it comes to me and I blurt, “No! “You’ve got it all wrong. I had nothing to do with his disappearance. You have to believe me!” I really do have nothing to hide, but the truth sounds strained even to my ears, especially with a pair of caramel-brown eyes looking intently into mine.

“I know you were in on it, sweetheart, but that’s okay.” His voice is husky as he pulls me close and whispers, “Because it’s you I’m after, not him.”

I give him a quick punch in the shoulder and burst into laughter. “I’m reporting you to the Bureau, buster. You’re not getting away with this!”

Jack drops the script in my lap and grins. “Try me.”

“Later.” I swing my legs up on the couch and bury my toes under his knees, wriggling them against the soft sun-bleached denim of his blue jeans. “Come on, you’re supposed to run lines with me, not make them up.” I toss the script back in his lap.