Excerpt of A Margin for Murder by Lauren Elliott

Addie begrudgingly folded her arms and stared at the
board. “Now we need motives for murder,” she said as
she wrote . . .

Money or Greed
Revenge
Fear
Crimes of Passion
Personal Vendetta
Jealousy
Anger
Hatred
Self-defense and in-defense

“Although, I don’t think that last one really fits here
because poisoning indicates premeditation, not spur-of the-
moment or a reaction.”

“Don’t forget blackmail, power plays, and whistle blowing.”
Paige pointed to the board.

“Right,” said Addie, scribbling those on the list.

“Wow,” said Paige, reading the list. “It’s sad to think
all those are the reasons why people justify murdering
someone.”

Addie scanned the board. “Yes, but you know what’s
missing when I look at all these possible motives for murder?”

“What?”

“We’re the only two people on the board without a
probable motive, and yet we’re Turner’s number one suspects
. . .”