A Murderer Among Us by Marilyn Levinson is a Spring Into Books Festival pick #cozymystery #mystery #mustread #giveaway
- N. N. Light
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
Title: A Murderer Among Us
Author: Marilyn Levinson
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Book Blurb:
“A master of the mystery & suspense genre.” -Midwest Book Review
After her husband dies, Lydia Krause sells her company and moves to an upscale retirement community on Long Island to start a new life. At her first Twin Lakes event, she meets the community's financial advisor, whom she recognizes as the convicted embezzler who drove her sister to suicide. After exchanging heated words with the man's wife, Lydia flees the scene. When the woman is found dead the following morning, Detective Sol Molina considers Lydia suspect number one.
Lydia undertakes an investigation to clear her name. More Twin Lake residents are murdered, and she's determined to find the killer. She’s also dealing with issues concerning her two daughters. Her younger surprises her with news that she's engaged and planning to move to England. Her married eldest appears to be having an affair with an old boyfriend, the very person who might be the Twin Lakes killer.
Romance is in the air as Lydia and Detective Molina spar, then join forces to stop the murderer before Lydia becomes a victim herself.
Fans of Merryn Allingham, Deany Ray, Ellen Byron, and Jacqueline Winspear will enjoy Marilyn Levinson.
Excerpt:
“Marshall’s our HOA’s financial advisor,” Peg offered with pride. “He’s also handling several residents’ portfolios.”
Financial advisor? Portfolios? A frisson ran down Lydia’s spine. This couldn’t be a coincidence!
The growing certainty that she faced an amoral, malevolent fiend vied with her mind’s insistence that he couldn’t possibly be the person she supposed him to be. To cover her dismay, she spoke disparagingly.
“I didn’t realize the homeowners’ association has enough funds to warrant the services of a financial advisor.”
Marshall Weill gazed down at her. “Regardless of the amount, you don’t want to let money lie fallow in a bank. Put it to work, I always say.”
He smiled, revealing a gap between his front teeth. All doubt vanished. Lydia gasped.
“You’re Warren Mannes.” Suddenly lightheaded, she gripped the edge of the table.
The smile returned, but this time it was forced. “You’re mistaken. My name is Marshall Weill.”
The fear and anger Lydia read in his eyes empowered her. She’d recently moved to this Eden-like retirement community and felt obliged to protect her fellow residents from the serpent in its midst. She drew herself up and plunged ahead.
“You’re Warren Mannes, and you’ve no business handling anyone’s money.”
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
What’s your favorite thing about springtime?
Spring is Earth’s awakening. I love the warm weather that heralds new leaves, flowers and birdsong.
Why is your featured book a must-read this spring?
The book takes place in spring, and though it’s a cozy mystery, it also has themes of new beginnings.
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $100 Amazon gift card.
Open internationally.
Runs April 1 – 30, 2025
Drawing will be held on May 1, 2025.
Author Biography:
A former Spanish teacher, Marilyn Levinson writes mysteries, romantic suspense, and novels for young readers. Her Golden Age of Mystery Book Club series was a King Rivers Life Magazine's "Best of 2014," and on Book Town's 2014 Summer Mystery Reading List. She’s an Agatha nominee, a Library Journal "Pick of the Month," on Goodreads's list of the 200 "Most Popular Books Published in 2017,” a Suspense Magazine Best Indie, and was on Book Town's Summer (and) Fall Reading Lists. She also writes under Allison Brook. Marilyn loves traveling, reading, knitting, doing Sudoku, and visiting with her grandchildren. She is co-founder and past president of the Long Island chapter of Sisters in Crime. She resides in New York with her family.
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