"ROMANTIC MYSTERY THAT HAS YOU LAUGHING"
Reviewed by Patricia (Pat) Pascale
Posted January 5, 2017
Mystery | Inspirational Mystery
Third in the Secrets of the South Mystery
Series, MAGNOLIA
MOONLIGHT is not one but two mysteries. One happening in
Natchez, Mississippi, and the other in lovely Bay St. Louis,
a quaint town rebuilt after the devastation of Hurricane
Katrina, and a spot I put on my Bucket List to visit. Nate Price, Private Investigator and his real estate tycoon
wife, Isabel, are finally going on their long awaited
honeymoon. They are
almost ready to go when a new client arrives at Nate's
office. Alice Dean, a grieving widow of Pastor Paul Dean
of the Calvary Baptist Church in town, hires Nate to get to
the bottom of her husband's recent death. The police are
convinced it was suicide but Alice suspects foul play
despite the evidence and is positive Paul would never take
his life. Giving Nate a hefty check, she seeks his help to
find the murderer. Nate turns the case over to his assistant, Beth Kirby, a
former police detective, and the new forensic accountant,
Michael Preston. Beth is instructed to teach Michael the
ropes and their relationship is strained and humorous as
they work together solving their case. Soon, it is apparent
that a huge amount of money is missing from the church and
tied to a shaky investment scheme with a charity. Is this
the motive for the suicide of Pastor Paul? Or is it the
motive for his murder? Beth is dedicated to finding out
what happened to her beloved Pastor and friend. She and
Michael are not a "dream team" but they get it done and
their relationship is blooming. I loved Michael...truly
sweet, funny, a really nice guy with a sense of humor that
sparkles. Mary Ellis writes a good Christian romantic-suspense story
with a sprinkling of humor. Her characters are fun and easy
to root for. Greed and deception are at the heart of each
of the plots with a good look into the Golden Magnolia
Casino and the gaming industry. Beth and Michael are both
trying to get past poor relationships. MAGNOLIA
MOONLIGHT is a fast paced
read that I enjoyed and look forward to the next chapter.
Perhaps a romance blooming for Michael and Beth? It is
coming soon and I will be waiting. You have a new fan.
SUMMARY
After being jilted by his fiancee, Michael Preston, a former
accountant, pursues a new job as a private investigator.
And, what better place to work than the new office of Price
Investigations in Natchez, Mississippi? Unfortunately,
Michael's partner, Elizabeth Kirby--a crack shot ex-cop with
a past she wants to escape--resents having to work with
someone whose only surveillance experience comes from
television and video games. Their boss and his wife, Nate and Isabelle, are two insanely
busy newlyweds who are "forced" by their friends to finally
take their honeymoon. However, their romantic trip to
Alabama turns into an investigation when they bump into
Izzy's ex-husband, Craig, who seems to have taken up his
gambling addiction once again. In an attempt to save Craig,
Izzy discovers her ex doesn't hold all the cards. Back in Mississippi, Michael and Beth are left to take on
their first case when a preacher allegedly commits suicide.
His widow suspects foul play, but things look grim when
Michael discovers the Reverend may have been stealing from
his congregation. Will Nate, his wife, and his employees be able to uncover
the true face of deceit behind the masks that surround them?
ExcerptMagnolia Moonlight ~ Chapter Oneby Mary Ellis Nate Price sat down to breakfast that morning a happy man.
What was there not to like about life? The sun was shining.
He’d just run four miles along the levee in his best time
yet. There were fresh blueberries and candied pecans in his
bowl of cereal. And he had married the prettiest girl ever
to graduate from their high school. Lifting the spoon to his
mouth, he crunched into his whole grains and soy milk with
contentment. “Could you pour that into a to-go cup, honey? I need a ride
to work today.” Isabelle entered their tiny kitchen on
stiletto heels in a faint mist of sweet perfume. In her silk
dress with her long hair coiled into a knot, she looked like
an investment banker or college professor. Nate peered over his coffee mug. “It’s cereal with milk, not
a breakfast shake. What’s with the snazzy get-up? I thought
Realty World agents were required to wear their lime green
blazer at all times. And why do you need a ride when you own
a perfectly good Prius?” “There should be a limit on the number of questions before
nine a.m.” Leaning over for a kiss, Isabelle grabbed his
bowl of cereal and dumped it into a plastic tub. “Take your
spoon. You can eat while I drive.” She filled her travel mug
with coffee. Nate crossed his arms and made no effort to move. “Okay, you win.” Isabelle held up her index finger. “First
of all, my blazer isn’t lime. That particular shade of green
is called ‘kelly.’ Second, Mr. Randall told his agents to
wear their Sunday best, no blazers today. We’re attending a
symposium on mortgage finance at the Grand Hotel. Me? I’m
going for the free lunch.” She winked a magnificent green eye. “You usually fill up with a side salad and breadstick.” Nate
snapped a lid on his mug and reached for his keys. “And now
for the million-dollar question—what’s wrong with your car?” “Remember that little knock in my engine? The mechanic said
I would need a new transmission soon, and that was four
thousand miles ago. Yesterday I could barely hear the radio
over the knocking.” She shrugged. Nate halted midway through the doorway. “You should have
told me sooner, Izzy. What if you had broken down coming
home from an open house? Those country roads don’t have
streetlights.” She slipped an arm around his waist as they walked toward
the car. “We’re saving for our honeymoon and to buy a house.
Our budget can’t stretch any thinner.” “Two working people need two vehicles. With two hundred
thousand miles on that car, I’d say you got your money’s
worth. Nothing lasts forever.” Nate opened the driver’s door
for her. “Well, finances are just a bit tight. You know I loved
moving from Germantown to slower-paced Natchez, but fewer
people mean fewer sales, and less expensive real estate
means smaller commission checks.” She climbed into his SUV
and tugged down her skirt. “It’s nobody’s fault. It’s just life, my sweet bride,” Nate
said around a mouthful of mushy cereal. Isabelle backed down the narrow driveway between the
neighbor’s picket fence and her row of azaleas. “How can I
still be a bride when our second anniversary is in two
weeks? I’m just another old married woman.” “Not to me you’re not.” Nate kissed her cheek. “New rule.
You stay a bride until after the honeymoon, even if we’re in
our forties.” She laughed, a sound that never failed to warm his soul.
“Maybe we should forget our dreams and go to New Orleans for
a few days. We could stay at Nicki and Hunter’s apartment
while they’re in Europe. They have offered the place more
than once.” Nate tipped his bowl to drink the milk. “Nope. I’m not
honeymooning in the French Quarter. I lived there for years,
remember? Let’s buy a used car with what I squirreled away
for the trip and use your next commission check for a
honeymoon. Saving for a new house will remain on track.” “Good idea. We’ll qualify for a senior citizen discount by
then.” Isabelle accelerated on an open stretch of road.
“Maybe we should put a bid on the place we rent. How much
could the landlord want for a nine-hundred-square-foot,
one-bedroom house?” Nate slid the empty bowl under the seat. “You have
illuminated the fly in your ointment—one bedroom.
Call me crazy, but someday I hope we’re surrounded by dozens
of mini Nathaniel and Isabelle look-alikes. We’ll need lots
of bedrooms so when they cry at night my dutiful wife can
hurry down the hall while I get my beauty sleep.” Isabelle shot him an evil glare. “There are so many things
wrong with that mental picture that I don’t even know where
to start. But because we’re almost at work, we’ll continue
this discussion at supper. Whose turn is it to cook?” “Definitely yours. I’m hoping for a nice steak grilled to
perfection over hardwood briquettes, and maybe fresh
asparagus with a tangy hollandaise.” He leaned back and
closed his eyes. “Nope, it’s your turn. So I’ll expect my usual burger,
charred to a crisp, with baked beans and bag salad.”
Isabelle turned into Realty World’s parking lot, the largest
real estate brokerage firm in Natchez. “Good grief, look at
the cars already! Let’s hope these are all eager buyers with
excellent credit scores.” Nate jumped out and jogged to the driver’s side. He had only
enough time to wrap his arms around his wife when Izzy’s
boss interrupted them. “Good morning, Mr. Price. I’m glad you dropped Isabelle off
today.” Mr. Randall, looking professional in his
charcoal-gray suit, approached from the back entrance.
No lime green blazer for the big shot. “Could you
step inside for a few minutes? I need another man’s opinion
on something. You know how these women love to gang up on me.” “Sure, I can spare a few minutes. In fact, I have all the
time in the world.” Nate had finished his recent missing person investigation by
locating the twenty-year-old woman in Las Vegas. The girl
had agreed to call her parents but refused to come home. She
was making too much money dealing blackjack to go back to
selling cosmetics at the mall. And a suspected philandering
spouse turned out to be someone moonlighting at a second
job. The husband had planned to surprise his wife with an
anniversary cruise down the Danube River. Nate felt so sorry
for the guy that he had cut his usual fee in half. The
agency had a corporate fraud case in New Orleans, and the
suspected misuse of a power of attorney case in Vicksburg,
but no new Natchez cases. He needed some more work soon, or
he would be twiddling his thumbs. “Good. I love having you around.” Isabelle beamed as she
reached for his hand. “Be sure to compliment Mary Jo on her
new hairdo,” she whispered. “Chopping off that ponytail was
quite traumatic.” However, once they entered the building, Nate had no
opportunity to assess Mary Jo’s coiffure or do much of
anything else. “Surprise!” Shouts from at least three dozen people nearly
blew the roof off the one-story building. Dumbfounded, Nate and Isabelle gazed around a sea of
familiar faces. Not only had every real estate agent beaten
Isabelle to work, but Nate’s new employees and his assistant
were part of the crowd, along with his partner from New
Orleans, her husband, and most of their friends. “Good
grief,” he muttered. “There’s my Aunt Rose. What’s going on?” Isabelle’s astonishment rivaled his. “My aunt and uncle from
Clarksdale are here. I haven’t seen them in two years.” In a flurry of backslapping, handshaking, and cheek-kissing,
Mr. Randall herded Nate and Isabelle toward the conference
table. But instead of scratch pads, pens, and printouts of
recent listings, it was covered with pink paper, confetti,
and bright streamers. A weighted cluster of helium balloons
offered sentiments of “Best Wishes,” “Congratulations,” and
“Bon Voyage.” “Bon voyage?” Nate asked no one in particular. “The only
place I’m going is my office.” He tightened his arm around
Isabelle as though they were surrounded by dangerous people
instead of their closest friends and relatives. “We’ll just see about that.” Michael Preston, his newest
employee at the agency, clamped a hand on his shoulder. Then his partner, Nicki Galen, stepped front and center.
“You’re not really setting sail, but I needed a short phrase
for taking a trip.” She rocked on her heels, snickering.
“They put me in charge of the balloons.” Nate narrowed his gaze at her. “What are you doing in
Natchez? I thought you and Hunter were vacationing in France
or Switzerland, someplace hoity-toity.” “Nobody says hoity-toity anymore, cousin. Anyway, we flew
back early when we heard about the party. Pretty nice
balloons, no?” Nicki winked mischievously. “Check out the cakes,” a voice called. The crowd shuffled
them toward the table, where decorated cupcakes spelled out
Happy Anniversary. In the center one giant cake had
been emblazoned with, Have fun, Nate and Izzy. A
small white envelope protruded from the frosting. “What is going on?” demanded Isabelle, as though beset with
the same sense of peril. She leaned into his side as the
crowd shouted several commands: “Open the card!” “Pack your bags!” “Stop looking so scared!” Nate plucked the sugar-coated envelope from the frosting.
“Fine, but I have one question. Don’t any of you
people have work to do?” Receiving only laughter in response, he ripped open the
envelope, licked his fingers, and scanned the single sheet.
Then he handed it to Isabelle, his mouth agape. “What it is?” She read key phrases aloud. “Three weeks in a
luxurious beachfront mansion in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
Breakfast served on the porch each morning, afternoon
refreshments on the lawn, true Southern hospitality. Walking
distance to shops, restaurants, and the marina. Porch swing,
free use of bicycles, Wi-Fi, and two bedrooms.” “Two bedrooms?” Michael scratched his head. “Is
someone planning to join them on their honeymoon?” “That’s in case they have a lover’s quarrel.” A disembodied
voice floated from the back of the room. Nate recognized the voice of his Vicksburg based PI,
Elizabeth Kirby. “You’re here too?” He feigned annoyance.
“Doesn’t anyone put in an honest day’s work anymore?” “Not when we needed to take matters into our own hands.” Mr.
Randall squeezed in between Nate and Isabelle. “When it
became clear you two were never going to take a honeymoon,
your fellow agents and Nate’s employees took up a
collection. Then your cousin shook down your friends and
relatives and fattened the purse.” Randall drew a second
envelope from his pocket and handed it to Isabelle. “We were
able to upgrade you to a suite, and there’s enough spending
money for lunch, dinner, dolphin-watching excursions, and
several bottles of suntan lotion.” Isabelle looked ready to faint. “I-I don’t know what to say
other than thank you from the bottom of my…our hearts.”
Teary-eyed, she turned to her husband. Clearing his throat, Nate had his own lump of emotion to
swallow. “We were just discussing a honeymoon this morning.
Your generosity and thoughtfulness are overwhelming. As soon
as we get a break in our schedules—” “Oh, no,” interrupted Michael. “That’s not how this works.
Read the fine print. We have prepaid three weeks during
prime season on the gorgeous Mississippi coast. Clear your
calendars because your honeymoon begins on Sunday.” “This Sunday?” Isabelle clutched her throat as
though choking on a fishbone. “Yep. You two lovebirds leave in three days.” Nicki picked
up a cupcake and took a bite. “I would start packing if I
were you.” “But we need to look for a used car for me.” Isabelle
sounded more like a child than a woman in her thirties. Marie, Realty World’s assistant, took hold of Isabelle’s
hand. “You’ll only need one vehicle while you’re at the
beach, and there will still be plenty of used cars here when
you get back. I’ll make sure your open houses or house
showings are covered by other agents. I’ll bet they’ll even
pass any commissions on to you.” She scanned the room,
honing in on Isabelle’s fellow agents. “Oh, no,” Isabelle protested. “I could never let anyone—” “Nonsense,” said Marie. “You can return the favor sometime
down the line. And when this party’s over, you and I are
going to Victoria’s Secret and Bath and Body Works, my
treat. Now let’s have something to eat.” Marie grabbed two
cupcakes and handed one to Isabelle. For the next thirty minutes, Nate ate sweets, drank bad
coffee, and listened to advice from well-intentioned
friends. He heard about every Gulf Coast landmark,
restaurants worth the money, which fishing charters knew the
best spots, and how to avoid sand fleas. His Aunt Rose
provided tips on foot massage that made him blush. Nicki
snapped a picture each time he took a bite of cupcake. And
his cousin assured him she would watch the paper for great
deals on used cars. Finally, his two employees approached from the sidelines. “I
hate to break this party up, but shouldn’t we be getting to
the office?” Michael took Nate’s empty coffee cup and plate
of cake crumbs. “We have a pile of cases to sort through at
the office.” Nate smiled with gratitude at the ruse. Michael was the last
person one would expect with aspirations of becoming a PI,
but if sheer determination and willpower were indicators of
future success, someday he would be one of the best.
Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be any day soon. Michael had spent his high school and college years with his
nose in a book or staring at a computer screen. Nerd. Geek.
Egghead. The terms for studious types might change from
generation to generation, but the personality remained the
same. These men didn’t hunt, fish, pump iron, or race
custom-built cars on dirt tracks. Instead, they made their
fortunes with Internet start-up companies, investment
banking, or, unfortunately, cybercrime. Michael might be an
untrained PI, but in this day and age, he already possessed
skills Price Investigations needed. “Let me just say goodbye to our host,” Nate murmured to the
pair. He walked over to a little group of people by the
window. “Thanks for organizing this party, Mr. Randall.
Isabelle and I will never forget everyone’s generosity as
long as we live.” He extended his hand to the distinguished
broker. “We all cherish Isabelle at Realty World and were happy to
help.” Elizabeth stepped forward. “We’re glad you included us. I
don’t know what we’ll do while Nate and his wife are basking
in the sun.” “Don’t believe a word of it,” he said to Randall. “These two
won’t even know I’m gone.” Then Nate turned to address the
crowd. “Thanks, everyone, for the incredible gift. Be
prepared for tons of pictures when we get back.” After more
handshaking, Nate finally shrugged into his sport coat,
waved at his wife, and headed for the door. Across the room,
Isabelle was surrounded by women, all talking at the same time. Outside in the parking lot, Nate sucked in a deep breath.
“Wow, I sure didn’t see that coming.” “Having lots of friends comes in handy.” Michael was still
staring at the back door in amazement. “Yeah, but what goes around comes around.” Elizabeth clucked
her tongue. “You and Isabelle will be invited to every
graduation, bar mitzvah, baptism, and retirement party for
years. Not to mention forced to buy raffle tickets and Girl
Scout cookies until you drop over dead.” Nate laughed. “You two sure have different perspectives on
group fund-raising. Thanks for getting me out the door. Not
that I’m not grateful, but that kind of party can last for
hours.” “There’s only so much smiling one face can handle,” said
Elizabeth. Michael shook his head. “On that note, I’ll take my leave. I
have a class on Mississippi gun laws starting in twenty
minutes.” Nate watched him putter away in his fuel-efficient car
before turning to his other employee. “Beth, why aren’t you
in Vicksburg? Don’t tell me you drove here for a going-away
party. You could have sent your ten bucks through the mail.” She chuckled. “For your information, boss, I chipped in
twenty-five. But your cupcake send-off isn’t the sole reason
I’m in Natchez.” She stared at the road even though Michael
was long gone. “My mother asked me to come home for Pastor
Dean’s funeral. She’s worried there won’t be enough mourners.” Nate slicked a hand through his hair. “Yeah, I heard about
that. But considering the number of Baptists in town, there
should be a good turnout. Isabelle and I will be there
because she attended Calvary while growing up. Now we go to
the nondenominational by the freeway.” Beth shrugged. “We’ll see how many folks show up. Some
members might boycott because the preacher offed himself.” “What?” Nate was shocked by her insensitivity. “Sorry, that was crude. I meant to say some might hold it
against Reverend Dean because he committed suicide. A man of
God isn’t supposed to take his own life.” “What are you talking about? The paper said he had a heart
condition, so I assumed that was the cause of death.” Beth hiked her purse up her shoulder. “Not unless a bad
ticker made him climb a stool with a rope around his neck.” Nate shuddered. “That is just awful, especially for whoever
found him.” “My mom said it was his wife. Alice Dean was always nice to
me. I used to babysit for their little girl.” Despite her
earlier detachment, Beth’s eyes filled with tears. “Well, for sure Izzy and I will be there tomorrow. Thank
goodness we don’t leave until Sunday.” “I sure am a downer today. When you’re about to leave on the
best vacation of your life, I’m talking suicide and people’s
fondness for being judgmental.” Beth swiped at her tears.
“Go to the office and clean off your desk. Tell Maxine to
clear your calendar and hold your calls. Don’t worry about
me and Wonder Boy. We’ll hold down the fort while you and
Isabelle have fun in the sun.” “You do have a way with words, Ms. Kirby.” Nate climbed into
his SUV and lowered the window. “Will I see you at the
office later?” “I don’t know. I left Vicksburg at four this morning and
drove straight to the party. I haven’t been home yet. Can’t
wait to see what else Mom has in store for me. My bedroom is
probably exactly how I left it.” “You’ll always be her little girl. So you’re willing to stay
in town while I’m gone? Michael isn’t ready to be on his own.” Beth looked everywhere but at him. “If that’s what you want,
Nate, but I would prefer to go to the funeral, eat a chicken
salad sandwich, and get out of Natchez as fast as I can.” He started the engine. “Your case in Vicksburg should be
wrapping up by now. I thought you had plenty of evidence to
present to the DA.” “True, but I’m working on a lead for new work. I’d love to
stay where I am. That town has grown on me.” She started to
back away. “Any new cases had better come with a fat retainer. I know
you’re living as cheaply as you can, but I can’t afford to
set up a Vicksburg office.” “Maybe if I…” “No, Beth, I need you in Natchez. We can talk about this
when I come back, but right now I need to find a Panama hat
and new flip-flops. The beach and my lovely bride are
calling. Isabelle and I will see you tomorrow at the
funeral.” He drove away to end the argument. Beth Kirby was a great PI, but at times she could be like a
dog with a bone.
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