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Writing Unique Island Mysteries
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 Published: December 2002 Coastal Carolina Press $7.99 Paperback: ISBN # 1-928556-38-8 A Callie McKinley Outer Banks Mystery
DEATH OF A MERMAID
Forced by a tragic accident to leave her old life behind, it's
been six months since Callie McKinley made her way to North
Carolina. The isolated Outer Banks provides Callie with the
anonymity she needs to start her life over as a restaurant
manger at the Holiday House Hotel. The only things disturbing
her sleep now are thoughts about Kyle Tyler, owner of Sharkey's
Bar & Grill.
But, the serenity of Callie's new world is shattered when a
skull is uncovered in a dune outside of the hotel. If that
isn't enough, Callie's head waitress, Margie, has disappeared
and the police don't seem too concerned. Determined to find her
young friend, Callie searches for clues to Margie's whereabouts
and finds herself unwittingly poking her nose into a police
investigation.
Callie's inquiry reveals more questions than answers: Are the
remains those of the "Murdered Mermaid", a sensational
five-year-old unsolved homicide? Is Margie's resemblance to the
"Murdered Mermaid" tied to her vanishing act? Why does Margie
claim to be someone she's not? Who at the Holiday House Hotel
knew Margie's secret? And who is willing to resort to murder to
prevent Callie from finding the truth?
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Reviews Mystery News: Death of a Mermaid starts off with a bang and ends with an explosion... highly recommended to anyone looking for a wonderful read." I Love a Mystery: Definitely no sophomore blues for Wendy Howell Mills. Her second Callie McKinley mystery is as good, if not better, than the first Fine writing, excellent plotting and involving characters make for a first rate read. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Capital City Free Press: Death of a Mermaid is fun reading, great to curl up with late at night with the lights turned down low... plenty of twists and surprises that holds the readers' rapt attention and keep them comfortably immersed in the mystery. Heartland Review: This was an enjoyable read with enough twists to keep the reader guessing. The author uses her knowledge of the restaurant business to good effect. This is a mystery of place and occupational style that is popular these days. It's a comfortable companion on a cold, rainy night. Ginny Welding, Reviewer: There are so many mysteries here it could have been three books, but this is a delightful read containing all of them a really great book I highly recommend it and give it 5 daggers...5 stars. Mysterious Women: The story moves along nicely, with enough twists and possibilities to keep us guessing. We also get more insight into Callie's past and a glimpse of a possible future. Good reading! Reviews from Fellow Mystery Authors "Wendy Howell Mills dishes up page-turning suspense seasoned with wit and style in the second book of her well-crafted series featuring gusty restaurant manager Callie McKinley. Callie struggles to keep murder off the menu as fast-paced action and unexpected twists keep us guessing right to the end." -- Anne White, Agatha-nominee for Affinity for Murder "Gripping suspense from the opening chapter; Wendy Mills combines the captivating charm of the outer banks with a superb story and well-drawn characters that leap off the page." -- Kate Grilley, award-winning author of the Kelly Ryan/St. Chris Caribbean mystery series
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