Did you miss reading THE SHARK when it first came out? Or perhaps you have a friend who never returns books who’s asked to borrow yours. Regardless, if you haven’t read it yet or would like to share Book 1 of The Forgotten Files with a fellow reader, here’s a chance to win the print edition. Enter below. Good luck and, as always, happy reading.
A decades-old crime scene is discovered . . .
Novak watched as Natasha photographed and bagged the rope. “Dr. McGowan, be on the lookout for any marks on the bone that might suggest blunt force trauma or a knife wound.”
“Will do.”
He followed the pair to the stairs, and when Dr. McGowan moved to heft her end of the stretcher, he nudged her aside and took the weight. It was unwieldy more than heavy and slow going up the stairs. It took maneuvering to get the stretcher around the tight kitchen door corner. When they cleared it, he and the assistant carried the gurney out to the sidewalk.
“Thanks,” Dr. McGowan said. “I’ll never say no to a bit of brawn.”
“How well do you know Agent Vargas?”
Since Novak and Julia had started sleeping together, he had resisted the idea of learning more about Julia Vargas. He respected her privacy and halfheartedly believed she would eventually open up to him about herself. Now, asking about her didn’t feel as intrusive. She was part of his case, so it was business. And when it came to a case, all bets were off.
“She’s worked with my husband, Agent Sharp, on a couple of cases. She’s new to the criminal investigations unit. She’s dedicated. Did a couple of years’ worth of undercover work near Virginia Beach. We’ve been out for drinks once, so I can’t say I know her well.”
“Does she ever say much about herself?”
Dr. McGowan cocked her head. “If you want to ask her out, then do it.”
“It’s not like that. We found evidence connecting her to this body.”
“This body? She would have been a kid when the woman died.”
“I know.”
“What did you find?”
“A picture of her with her father in the victim’s wallet.”
Dr. McGowan brushed a strand of hair from her eyes. “Did you ask her?”
“I did. She didn’t recognize the woman’s name or face.” And if she had, he wasn’t sure she’d have told him. She guarded her thoughts closely. “I thought you might know about her family.”
“Like I said, we went out the one time, but she never mentioned her family.”
“What’s she like in general?”
“When it comes to a case, Julia’s a straight shooter. She’ll tell you what she thinks. If she says she didn’t know the victim’s name, she didn’t know.”
“I’m not questioning her integrity. Have you heard about her father?”
“She doesn’t talk about family, but I know he was a cop. I was at the awards dinner when she went to pick up his award.”
“I was there as well. She didn’t stay long.”
“Can’t be easy. Not everyone was happy that Jim Vargas received recognition.”
© Mary Burton The Hangman 2017
Happy 2017! I hope it’s been good to you so far. I’m excited to share some bargains on digital editions of several of my titles. Right now (1-11-17) two of my Alexandria titles, SENSELESS and MERCILESS are available from Amazon/Kindle as a “bundle” that includes both for $2.99. Digital editions of my Morgan Family novels are currently $1.99 – $3.99 at Amazon, Nook/B&N, Blio, Books-a-Million, iBooks and Kobo. They are I’LL NEVER LET YOU GO ($1.99), VULNERABLE ($2.99), COVER YOUR EYES ($3.99) and BE AFRAID ($3.99).
Meanwhile, the Kindle editions of my The Forgotten Files novels THE SHARK and THE DOLLMAKER are each $4.99. You can also still grab them via Kindle Unlimited.
Wishing you happy reading whatever your weather this time of year. Here at home, I’m anticipating turning up the heat a bit and snuggling in with a new book and a cup of tea.
Flash Giveaway! I’ve got two copies of OUR FIRST CHRISTMAS to share with readers who’d like to spend some of their holiday down time curled up with tales of suspense and romance. Enter soon for a chance to win a copy of this USA Today bestselling anthology. Winners chosen just after midnight on Wednesday, December 21st.
You may remember my gingerbread cookies recipe, which I first shared back in 2014. I still love making these so, with a few days left for last minute holiday baking, it seems like a good time to revisit it. I hope you enjoy them.
Gingerbread Cookies
7 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
4 tablespoons dried ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
2 cups molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla
Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger and salt. In another bowl beat together butter, brown sugar, molasses and and vanilla. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet. Turn out the batter onto a floured board and knead until a smooth ball. Refrigerate for about an hour and then again place dough on a floured board. Roll out until about 1/8-inch thick and, using a cookie cutter, cut it into rounds. (Optional: dust with white sugar.) Bake in a 350-degree oven for 8-10 minutes.
