NEW MYSTERY - The Inspiration for My New Release

My new story, A TROLL FALLS, is set in what is now the Dallas Arboretum which borders lovely White Rock Lake. This beautiful garden paradise was a yearly field trip with my homeschool kids (pictured there more than a decade ago) and their friends for biology lessons and school photos. 

On my most recent visit, I learned a little tidbit from a fellow who worked there. It sparked all sorts of stories in my head, so when I was invited to participate in this second round of Ever After stories, I decided to use that rumor to fashion a twisted little mystery. And the DeGolyer House, the center of the Dallas Arboretum, inspired my setting for A TROLL FALLS. 

The book is set in 1948 when my mom, a Dallas native, was eleven years old and my grandfather was a fire captain at one of the Dallas stations. It was near the century mark for Dallas and the city was known for amazing Tex-Mex food, yearly cattle round-ups, and Elm Street which was called "the Broadway of the Southwest." 

I used one of the events at the Majestic theatre (which is still an icon of downtown) in a date for one of my characters. The movie, "Red River," starring John Wayne, premiered at the theatre on August 26,  1948. My characters went to the premiere hoping to see the stars, but they were at the Hollywood premiere. It's probably a good thing, because a thunderstorm soaked the block party that the city of Dallas had set up. Square dancers, cattle, trick ropers, and all the guests were thoroughly soaked just before the movie began. That was only the beginning of the trouble for my character that night, though!

I don't want to give any spoilers, so I'll keep the trouble, and the rumor, to myself. I bet you'll be able to figure out what that rumor is by the time you finish reading the book! Here's a little more about A TROLL FALLS: 

Murder. Even the word sounds ugly. Almost as ugly as the corpse on the shore.

Dallas, Texas, 1948

Opal Stedman enjoys caring for old Mrs. Farnesworth. But keeping her sister Ruby out of trouble, well that is another issue entirely. Especially now that Ruby has stepped into high society with her new beau. A dubious man. Maybe even duplicitous. 

Even the handsome security guard warns her sister about him.

When a body is dragged onto the shore of the lake that borders their home, rumors and worries over the new man become assurances. But why has he involved her household in these gruesome shenanigans? 

And why are Opal’s loved ones suddenly having “accidents”?

Loosely based on the little-known fairy tale of “Snow White and Rose Red” this mystery twists its way all along the banks of White Rock Lake during its heyday.

This is based on one of my favorite fairy tales. Share one of your favorite fairy tales and why you like it for a chance to win one of my e-books! Be sure to leave your email address! (US only.)

Just released on Tuesday,
A TROLL FALLS is available in
paperback or e-book at Amazon.com