If you read the original edition of this story, back when it was called The Candidate, you’ll know it leaned a little too close to “political thriller” territory in title only. The story itself was always a murder mystery, just one wearing the wrong coat. Think: fur coat in the height of summer. So, in this blog post, I’ll share with you the next chapter in the Reporter at the Gate
I have some exciting news! If you’ve a James Lalonde Insider, you’ll know that I’ve released a second edition of book one in the Rookie Reporter series with a new title: The Reporter at the Gate. The original title, The Candidate, sounded a bit too much like a political thriller when in reality it was a gripping murder mystery, which created some minor disappointment for readers expecting something political. The new title better reflects the murder mystery at the heart of the story.
Every few days, I will release a chapter from my cozy mystery short story, Entitled to Murder on this blog throughout the next few weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for the next chapter. If you want to receive notifications via email, then sign up for updates by filling out your first name and email address in the opt-in form below, and you’ll receive an email from me, letting you know the latest chapter is available, plus a copy of the ebook when the story is finished. By the way, the story you will receive will be professionally edited just like the copy I plan to sell on the various ebook retailers.
The end of act one has arrived. And, I’m excited to share this next chapter of my cozy mystery short story with you. Partly because I’m excited about writing this story and the series, and the story changes after this point. But, more on that later. One of the exciting things about writing within the murder mystery and cozy mystery genres is the research. Although, I suspect I might be on some time of watch list, thanks to my internet search history after the various research sessions I conducted. You’ll see what I mean when you get to the end of the chapter. Don’t worry, this story is still gore-free.
A.D. Hay is a passionate bibliophile and can usually be found reading a book, and that book will most likely be a murder mystery. Amelia is the author of The Lawn, Suspicion, and Duplicity—the first three books in the James Lalonde Amateur Sleuth Mystery Series and The Locked Room. The Candidate is the first book in the Rookie Reporter Mystery series.
When Will Thatcher doesn’t show up for work, James Lalonde must attend afternoon tea at the Carmichael Estate. The pleasant gathering ends abruptly when a body is discovered on the front lawn with strange markings on its neck, and a priceless Van Gogh is missing from the wall.
Rookie reporter James Lalonde finally gets his first story – a simple interview with soon-to-be magistrate Albert Harrington. But when he arrives, he finds blood, an empty safe, and no body. With Detective Khan suspecting him of murder, James must clear his name and solve the case before losing his story.
£2.49
James Lalonde thought being a groomsman at his ex-girlfriend’s wedding would be the most awkward part of his weekend. He was wrong. After the bride’s body is found floating in the château lake, he becomes the prime suspect, and awkward becomes deadly.
Can James clear his name before the killer strikes again?
£3.99
When James Lalonde’s girlfriend leaves him, he’s forced to cover her story about the local museum’s latest acquisition—the legendary sword Excalibur. But when he arrives, Excalibur is missing and there’s a dead body at the crime scene. Can James clear his name and find the real killer?
£2.49 £0.00
James Lalonde’s university reunion takes a deadly turn when a hooded figure murders a professor and steals a priceless mediaeval manuscript, moments after James discovers a secret code within its pages.
With his passport confiscated and everyone hiding secrets, can James find the killer before they strike again?
£3.99
It’s the opening of Clovervale Hall, an exquisite bed-and-breakfast in England. James Lalonde has an all-expenses-paid trip. But there’s one thing he didn’t count on—a killer roaming the halls. Soon, James discovers everyone has secrets worth killing for.
Can James solve the murder before the bodies start to pile up?
£2.49
