LOVE, MURDER, AND POLITICAL MAYHEM

Penny Sparks has secrets that can ruin a presidential contender, got her family murdered…and mark her as the next hit. 

Inspiration comes in all forms to authors. Considering the political unrest in the U.S. for the last several years, I’d like to claim The Power of Love and Murder was a result of taking the strife and turning it into an entertaining read. But I cannot tell a lie. The story for this book came to me before the antics of the 2016 election.  

The Power of Love and Murder is the fourth book in my Love and Murder Series. Penny (whose real name is Jianna Ricci) had a walk-on part in book one, The Art of Love and Murder. She’s a pixie of a woman. In book one, Lacy dubbed her the Black Fairy for her Goth style and the fact she worked in a haunted hotel. Her story begged to be told. The political bad guys have depth, and the hero is a drug-recovering rock star. I had fun writing it.

Here's a short, never-before-shared excerpt, a conversation between the two villains. Vince Elams is an FBI agent turned hitman for a presidential hopeful, Senator Westingly, who will do anything to reach his goal.

“Jianna Ricci has surfaced,” Vince informed him.

A smile flitted across the senator’s face. “Aren’t we lucky the FBI never closes a case?”

“That depends on which side of the fence you crouch.”

The politician threw a sneer into the air. “Where is she?”

“Flagstaff.”

“Ha!” This time, the senator smiled broadly. “Fate’s been working in my favor lately, Elams. Thursday, I’m scheduled to appear at party headquarters in lovely downtown Flagstaff. An organized crime hit can happen anywhere, can’t it? An up close and personal reason why the Coconino County voters need me.”

            Vince closed his eyes to the sun and the joy on the politician’s face.

 “I’m wondering what’s the point of this meeting.” Westingly’s voice went from joyful to low and menacing. “If you were hoping for a different game plan, perhaps something more creative in dealing with this matter, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. Your order stands.”

            Creative? Game?

“She hasn’t made a move in thirteen years. It’s highly unlikely—”

“Hardly your decision. I’m not asking for input.” He adjusted his glasses and clasped his hands behind his back. “It would seem the crime syndicate that wiped out her family has finally caught up with her. Let’s see…today is Saturday. I’d say the paper should have the story by midweek.” 

THE POWER OF LOVE AND MURDER

For thirteen years, Penny Sparks has managed to hide from the political powers who murdered her family. When she unwittingly exposes her true identity, not only is she marked for death, but the people closest to her risk meeting the same fate. 

Jake Winters is out of rehab and coming to grips with his demons. When he meets his sister’s roommate, Jake believes Penny might be that someone who can help him find life after rock star status…until her secrets blow up his world. 

With a government agent turned hit man closing in on her, Penny and Jake race to expose the presidential contender behind the murders of her family. Even if they win the race with death, the murder that stands between them could end their hope for a new life. 

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON

BARNS & NOBLE

KOBO

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ALSO AVAILABLE IN AUDIO: AUDIBLE