by Sandra Murphy

Check out our review of mystery author Elaine Macko’s latest mystery novel Poisoned. At the end of this article is a chance to win a copy of Poisoned.

Alex and her sister Sam have enough to do during the Halloween season without another murder popping up. Still, the crisp fall air and spooky season are just the right setting for one to happen.

Another temp agency has set up business in town and is poaching both clients and employees from the Always Prepared agency. Should the sisters expand? It will mean a lot of work and hiring more people—it’s a risk. While thinking it over, Alex is prepared to fill in for one of the temps who works for the wealthy and influential Mrs. Brissart. On her first day there, Alex gets to meet Mrs. Brissart’s nasty sisters, several other relatives and her delightful grandson, Bradley who is writing the family history.

By day two, the murder has taken place. The police are somewhat confused. How could someone be poisoned by something everyone ate? And was the victim accidentally killed or the intended target?

This is the second installment of Alex and Sam’s story. The characters are believable in their sometimes squabbling, the side characters worthy of more ink, and the plot is tangled but believable when all the facts are in.

While the books can be read out of order, for a satisfying read, make a cup of tea (Alex’s favorite beverage) and curl up with both books. You’ll be glad you did. Oh yes, have a bowl of M&Ms handy too—just avoid the blue ones. Alex hates them.

Check out KRL’s review of Armed & a video interview with Elaine.

To enter to win a copy of Poisoned, simply email KRL at life@kingsriverlife[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, with the subject line “Poisonsed”, or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen December 8, 2012. U.S. residents only.

Purchase either of Elaine’s books from Mysterious Galaxy & you help support an Indie bookstore & KRL:

Poisoned

Armed

Sandra Murphy lives in the shadow of the arch, in the land of blues, booze and shoes—St Louis, Missouri. While writing magazine articles to support her mystery book habit, she secretly polishes two mystery books of her own, hoping, someday, they will see the light of Barnes and Noble. You can also find several of Sandra’s short stories on UnTreed Reads including her new one Bananas Foster.