4/29/26 BookQW = FREE

ART OF DECEPTION 

(a Mystery on Lilac Lane story) 

Every masterpiece tells a story—this one whispers murder.

 

“Not yet,” he agreed carefully. “If we do, we lose control of the narrative.”

She looked at him, surprised. “You think he’d dismiss it.”

“I think he’d try to make it small,” Lucas said. “And whoever’s doing this would love that.”

Skye nodded slowly. “they’d know we were scared enough to call for help then.”

“And because they’d know exactly what we’ve handed over,” he added. “Photographs don’t stay quiet once they hit an evidence locker.”

Her lips pressed together. “I hate that you’re right.”

“So do I.”

Lucas picked up the Polaroid again, studying the angle and the framing. He’d spent years behind a lens. He knew what was accidental and what was deliberate.

“This wasn’t taken by an amateur,” he said. “See the composition? The way you’re centered but reflected in the glass? That takes intention.”

Skye hugged herself. “So, they know photography.”

“They understand it,” he corrected. “Which means they understand me.”

The realization settled heavily in his chest. He crossed to the front windows, scanning the street outside. People moved freely about laughing, shopping, and joyfully living their small-town lives. Nothing looked threatening and that was the problem.

~~~~

Release Day April 30, 2026!

Amazon US: https://tinyurl.com/32yxznv2 / Series: https://bit.ly/4pCtfrJ

Amazon UK: https://bit.ly/4pEsZst

Add to want to read list: Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4altB1F / BookBub: https://bit.ly/3XkQElF

4/15/26 BookQW = FAMILY

ART OF DECEPTION

(a Mystery on Lilac Lane story)

Every masterpiece tells a story—this one whispers murder.

“Andrew Vale’s family owns acreage out here,” she said quietly, circling a point near the river. “Not the barn, but close.”

“And the Hendrickson place backs onto this line,” Lucas added. “So does the old mill.”

Skye’s jaw tightened. “These aren’t random art pieces.”

“No,” Lucas agreed. “They’re surveillance.”

The realization sat heavy between them.

Skye traced the symbol again, thoughtful. “What if Eddie wasn’t the first to notice this?”

Lucas’s throat tightened. “What if he was just the first to ask the wrong person about it?”

She looked at him, eyes steady and fierce. “And now that person thinks you’re next.”

Lucas nodded. “Which means hiding isn’t an option anymore.”

Outside, a car passed slowly, tires humming against the pavement. Lucas waited until the sound faded before speaking again.

“I think this started long before Eddie,” he said. “Before me, even. Whatever this is, it’s been guarded for years.”

“And now it’s unraveling,” Skye said.

He met her gaze. “And someone’s panicking.”

Skye gathered the photos into a neat stack. “Then we stay one step ahead.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Pre-order today for April 30, 2026, release!

Amazon US: https://bit.ly/3KcCujB / Series: https://bit.ly/4pCtfrJ

Amazon UK: https://bit.ly/49KybX9 / Series: https://bit.ly/4pEsZst

Add to want to read list:

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4/1/26 BookQW = OLD

ART OF DECEPTION

(a Mystery on Lilac Lane story)

Every masterpiece tells a story—this one whispers murder.

Ah, there it was. The real reason he wanted to find out who painted on the photo—to uncover what really happened to Eddie, and whether he’d been murdered. Ignoring the churning warning in her stomach, Skye grabbed a light jacket from the tree stand.

“Okay. Why don’t you gather what you think we’ll need? I’ll pop over to Magnolia and get food and coffee, just in case we’re out longer than expected.” Skye dashed out the door, not waiting for Lucas to answer. She didn’t want to go to the crumbling old barn, which looked like it would collapse in a light breeze. Even so, the fact Lucas wanted to go was a step in the right direction. In her mind, she pictured a dead body looking up at her. Shivering, she wondered what Lucas might see.

What if he relapsed, retreating back into grief? She wouldn’t be able to bear it.

Skye returned to the gallery with two large coffees, a bag of pastries, and a couple of breakfast sandwiches, finding Lucas waiting in his SUV.

“It’s about time, Skye!”

“I thought it would take you longer.” She glanced in the back window before sliding into the passenger seat. “Are you sure you have everything? Looks like your entire studio is back there.”

“I grabbed my camera bag when I came over, in case you needed photographs for any insurance claims.” Lucas pulled onto the street, heading out of town.

“Always prepared. Nice to see those Boy Scout values are still in place,” Skye teased, sipping from her paper cup. “Have you thought about what we’re looking for?”

“I think we should start with the ghostly figure painted on the photo,” Lucas said, his fingers gripping the steering wheel. “I put the photo in the back so we can be sure of the exact location. The barn is probably in worse shape than before—”

“We need to be careful,” Skye finished for him.

~ ~ ~ ~

Pre-order today for April 30, 2026, release!

Amazon US: https://bit.ly/3KcCujB / Series: https://bit.ly/4pCtfrJ

Amazon UK: https://bit.ly/49KybX9 / Series: https://bit.ly/4pEsZst

Add to want to read list:

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4altB1F / BookBub: https://bit.ly/3XkQElF