dogwood springs

A reunion ripe with secrets, and a killer among them.

When historian Libby Ballard is asked to offer a series of talks to a group of visiting university alumni, she’s intrigued. When the offer comes with the promise of a large donation to the small-town history museum where she’s the director, it sounds even sweeter. And when she learns the alumni are staying at a retreat center at a lovely local orchard, she readily agrees. What could be better than discussing her favorite topic in an idyllic venue filled with ripe red apples, happy friends, and hayrides?

Yet, the picturesque Missouri setting hides a poisonous secret. When one of the alumni is murdered, it becomes clear there’s a bad apple in the bunch. With the sheriff baffled, and danger lurking among the leaves, the orchard’s desperate owner asks Libby and her beloved golden retriever, Bella, to root out the killer.

As Libby investigates, she discovers that the alumni’s relationships are rotted by long-held grudges and recent rage. If she wants to keep the reunion from culminating in another tragic goodbye, she’ll have to act fast.

Curl up with Libby, Bella, and their friends as they delve into the core of this twisty mystery!

If you like a cozy mystery with a pet who will win your heart, friends who feel like family, and a hint of romance, you’ll love this series!

This is a clean read with no profanity or graphic violence.

Available for purchase here.

Amid a century of styles, a historic fashion show turns fatal.

Libby Ballard couldn’t be more pleased. What could be more charming than hosting a historic fashion show as a special event for the museum she runs in the small town of Dogwood Springs, Missouri? But when tragedy strikes and a spiteful local figure is found dead backstage, the curtain rises on a mystery of murderous proportions.

When the police spotlight a suspect who Libby believes is innocent, she realizes she must step in to catch the true culprit and protect the reputation of her beloved museum, already strained by connection to previous murders. With strong determination, a keen eye for detail, and her trusty golden retriever, Bella, by her side, she embarks on a journey through a labyrinth of lies and long-held grudges.

But the suspects are many, the truth is elusive, and the specter of danger lurks in every shadow. Can Libby outwit the killer before another victim falls?

Join Libby and Bella today to unravel this mystery!

If you like a cozy mystery with a pet who will win your heart, friends who feel like family, and a hint of romance, you’ll love this series!

This is a clean read with no profanity or graphic violence.

Available from Amazon. 

Book 5 in the Dogwood Springs Cozy Mystery Series

In the heart of a celebration, a dark secret festers.

The Dogwood Festival, held each year in the small town of Dogwood Springs, Missouri, is more than just a special event. It’s a cozy haven of springtime charm, live music, and handmade crafts that draws tourists from all around. Libby Ballard, the dedicated director of the local history museum, is thrilled to be a first-time member of the festival steering committee.

As the festival approaches, the air buzzes with excitement.

But secrets simmer beneath the surface, and tragedy strikes when a fellow member of the steering committee is found murdered at the festival grounds.

When the police zero in on the wrong suspect and dismiss any connection to the festival, Libby realizes she must step in. With her loyal golden retriever by her side, Libby dives headfirst into a sea of suspects, each with their own motives, each a piece in a puzzle waiting to be solved.

Can Libby and Bella find their way through the labyrinth of lies and unmask the villain before another life is lost?

If you like a cozy mystery with an adorable dog, a warm circle of friends, and a dash of romance, you’ll love Festivals, Funnel Cakes & Felonies.

Join Libby and Bella to start solving this mystery today!

This is a clean read with no profanity, sex, or graphic violence.

Available from Amazon.