Secrets of the Ravine (The MacKenzie Chronicles) - Softcover

Whiteside, Brenda

Softcover

ISBN 13: 9798679280281

Publisher: Independently published, 2020

Synopsis

Lies can haunt, but the truth will kill...

Magpie MacKenzie doesn’t believe in coincidence. But when a ringer for her long-dead love walks into her life the same day skeletal remains are unearthed, she’s convinced the universe is sending her a message. Fearing her father will be accused of the crime, Magpie will do whatever it takes to find the truth. Even risk her heart on this familiar stranger who may hold critical clues to the unsolved mystery.

While visiting purportedly haunted Joshua, Arizona, lawyer Zack Peartree is instantly drawn to the free-wheeling shopkeeper. His attraction propels him on a collision course between past and present, where digging up secrets could prove fatal.

Using decades-old clues and Zack’s déjà vu moments, the couple embark on a treacherous race to prove her father’s innocence before Magpie becomes the next victim. Can they save her from a murderous fate, or will love be the final casualty?

About this title

About the Author

Brenda Whiteside is the author of suspenseful, action-adventure stories with a touch of romance and mystery. Mostly. After living in six states and two countries--so far--she and her husband have decided they are gypsies at heart, splitting their time between Central Arizona and the RV life. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo.While FDW is fishing, Brenda writes.

From the Back Cover

DON'T MISS THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE MACKENZIE CHRONICLES

MYSTERY ON SPIRIT MOUNTAIN, Book 2
PRG Reviewers Choice Award Winner and Maggie Finalist Romantic Suspense

The past never sleeps, and the truth never dies.
Only Harlan MacKenzie can sense the troubled history of the Big Purple House. When he's hired to restore the historic mansion, he doesn't foresee the insidious secrets—secrets that entangle his family in deceit and murder.

Phaedra is selling the house that has been in her family for decades. As her friends-to-lovers relationship with Harlan escalates, she's forced to choose between her way of life or his, even though she risks losing him forever.

After a stranger comes to town, weaving her web of deception, hell-bent on correcting an old grievance connected to the house, dark revelations of the past implode the present. Harlan and Phaedra are plunged into a dangerous mystery, risking their love, their future, and their lives.

CURSE OF WOLF FALLS, Book 3
NN Light Book Heaven Romantic Suspense Winner and Finalist Indie Book of the Year

Secrets can protect what the truth will destroy.
Elidor MacKenzie has a gift she can't return—the ability to absorb the joy, pain, and suffering of others. She's spent her life running from what she considers her curse. Now, her best friend is dead, and she alone holds the key to an archaeological discovery that could destroy a culture. With newfound inner peace, Elidor has returned home to make amends and guard the secret revelation. But greed-driven scavengers have followed her. Once again, the energies of Joshua will stir the hurricane, with her at the deadly center.

Jules never got over Elidor. Twenty years and a famous journalism career later, he's back in Joshua—and so is his first love. If his heart can stand the torture, he'll risk reviving their relationship. But saving Elidor from herself and the secret she won't give up may be the death of them both.

With Jules by her side, Elidor is determined to outrun the scavengers, guard the secret, and renew their love. But fate is coming after her, and there's nowhere the couple can hide.

From the Inside Flap

He sauntered closer. His eyes narrowed studying her. "Have we met?"
Her mouth went dry. "I'm not sure."
"Do you ever get to Copperdale?"
"S-sure. For shopping now and then." Joshua, Arizona focused on art, wine, food, and gifts. Any practical shopping had to be done in Copperdale, less than an hour down the hill.
"Hey, Zac." His friend in the metal sculpture display area called out. "You have to see this."
"Maybe we've run into each other there," Zac said. "I moved to Copperdale from Phoenix recently."
"Maybe."
He stared a moment longer and then handed her the purchase, his fingers trailing along the side of her palm as he transferred the box. "I'll take this. Excuse me."
She managed a nod as he strode to the back of the shop, and she stepped to the checkout counter next to the shelf of music boxes. The last strains of the song ended. Her vision clouded with memories of another time and another's touch.
"I think we're ready." The spiky-haired woman handed over her purchases.
Magpie took a deep breath and donned her shopkeeper persona. "Great." The group of five gathered on the customer side of the counter. "So, you decided. This green jacket looked wonderful on you."
The redhead and the other man—they appeared to be a couple—who'd been in the back of the store, placed a metal sculpture of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church on the counter.
"Great piece."
As she ran the card, Magpie asked, "First time here?" The man named Zac moved closer. A flutter trickled from her chest to her stomach.
"We've all been here, a few years ago. Except for Zac." The other man in the group said.
"I didn't realize what I'd been missing." He spoke to no one in particular, but his smile landed on her.
Zac picked up the sack with the music box. "Are you the owner of this great store?"
"I am." She returned his smile. "Magpie MacKenzie. And you are?"
"Zac Peartree. Is that your real name?"
Accustomed to his reaction, she gave her standard reply. "It's a long story."
"One I'm sure I'd enjoy hearing. Will you be working at your mercantile all weekend?"
She swallowed down the recurring flutter. "Mostly."
"You all should have a drink at the Apparition Room tonight, the bar below the Copper Mountain Hotel down the block." Phaedra finished stuffing paper around the sculpture for protection and then handed the box to the man with the redhead. "Our very own Magpie MacKenzie will be singing."
Magpie scuffed a boot against her friend's foot to quiet her.
"She's on at eight."
The blonde clapped her hands. "Great. Sounds fun."
"I guess that means we'll see you later, Magpie." Zac followed his friends from the store but peered over his shoulder with an unreadable expression before he disappeared out the door and into the chilly wind.
Slightly lightheaded, Magpie braced herself on the counter. "Honestly, Phaedra, I could—"
"Now, Mags, you haven't been this tongue-tied over a guy in years." She retrieved her purse from behind the counter where she'd set it when she came in. "I need to get going, and you need to enjoy the quivers that guy is giving you. I'd guess he's only thirty or close to it, but what the hell, he's hot. Every man should fill his jeans like that, not to mention his shoulders." She stopped by the door. "You two looked at each other as if—"
"As if we know each other?"
"Know each other? I agree he bore a resemblance to Mark, but that's all."
"Really? Sacrebleu, Phaedra. When I stared into that face, I saw Mark...a soul...from twenty-eight years ago." The soul of someone she'd loved.
Who might have been a murderer...or worse, murdered by my father.

Edition details

• Publisher: Independently published
• Publication date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798679280281
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 271