Speaking Of Murder

The murder of a talented student at a small New England college thrusts linguistics professor Lauren Rousseau into the search for the killer. Lauren is a determined Quaker with an ear for accents. Her investigation exposes small town intrigues, academic blackmail and a clandestine drug cartel that now has its sights set on her. Convinced that the key to the crime lies hidden in her dead student's thesis, Lauren races to solve the mystery while an escalating trail of misfortune circles ever closer. Her department chair behaves suspiciously. A century-old local boat shop is torched. Lauren's best friend goes missing-and the unsettled relationship with her long-time lover threatens to implode just when she needs him the most. Speaking of Murder was first runner up for the Linda Howard Award for Excellence in March of 2012. Entertaining, innovative and suspenseful, this charming traditional mystery debut is just the ticket for those relishing a contemporary puzzler. Tace Baker s first novel shows remarkable polish. Julia Spencer-Fleming, New York Times bestselling author, One Was a Soldier Clever, compelling and terrifically smart, Baker s intelligent writing and wryly wonderful sleuth gives a hip, contemporary twist to this traditional mystery. Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity winning author, The Other Woman What s the recipe for a delicious mystery? A generous helping of academic politics, a dash of small town flavor, a touch of family complications, a savory handful of illegal herbs. Sweeten with a little romance, toss well until combined and then sit back and enjoy Speaking of Murder. Kate Flora, Edgar-nominated author, Finding Amy and Angel of Knowlton Park Debut author Tace Baker combines convincing, diverse characters, a vividly described setting, and a plot that picks up speed until it reaches a surprisingly intense confrontation. Who knew that linguistics professors led such interesting lives? Sheila Connolly, Agatha-nominated author of the Orchard Mystery series and the Museum Mystery series

In this suspenseful mystery by Agatha Award-winning author Edith Maxwell, a startling murder exposes dark dealings in a quiet New England town . . . When a talented student asks her to endorse his controversial thesis on race and language, linguistics professor Lauren Rousseau cautiously agrees to take up the cause—so long as no one at their small New England college finds out about the romantic bonds they’ve formed. But just days later she discovers the student’s been murdered following an acrimonious meeting with the department chair, and Lauren’s concerns go from academic to criminal as she’s thrust into a search for the killer. A determined Quaker with an ear for accents, Lauren won’t be deterred by the escalating danger surrounding her, and she’s soon confronted with alarming small-town bigotry, academic blackmail, and a trail of clues that all lead to a community center for underserved youth. And when her investigation reveals a web of shadowy connections deeply entrenched in her small community, she uncovers a motive and a murderer far more menacing than she had ever imagined . . . This book was originally published under the name Tace Baker. Praise for Speaking of Murder: “Entertaining, innovative and suspenseful . . . just the ticket for those relishing a contemporary puzzler.” —Julia Spencer-Fleming, New York Times bestselling author of Hid from Our Eyes: A Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mystery “Clever, compelling and terrifically smart, [Maxwell’s] intelligent writing—and wryly wonderful sleuth—gives a hip, contemporary twist to this traditional mystery.” —Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha-, Anthony-, and Macavity-winning author of The Murder List “[Maxwell] combines convincing, diverse characters, a vividly described setting, and a plot that picks up speed until it reaches a surprisingly intense confrontation.” —Sheila Connolly, New York Times bestselling author of the Orchard Mysteries, the Museum Mysteries, and the County Cork Mysteries

After a divorce and an early retirement from newspaper reporting, Hank Fowler’s life is back on track—he has a girlfriend, steady freelance work, a teaching job—that is, until he gets a call from his old pal Chris Beckwith. Beckwith, his college roommate and a former drug-addict turned motivational speaker, is found dead not too long after. Following up on Chris’s sudden death, Hank begins to unravel a series of gruesome murders, all involving motivational speakers. Meanwhile, Rachel, newly divorced and trying to write a book, enrolls in Hank’s writing class. With her help, Hank must track down the killer before the killer tracks him. In this suspenseful and tightly woven narrative, Jonathan Black creates a fast-paced murder mystery for the digital age. An homage to Chicago, Speaking of Murder is a noir whodunnit and a gripping read for lovers of the mystery genre.

An exploration of how journalists report on the most sensational crimes. Why do we crave news about these crimes? Do reporters help to bring justice - to the accused, the victims, their families and the community? Or does the distorting glare of the media rob us of the truth?