At 35, children's book author Roxi Carlucci finds herself starting over again after her publisher drops her book series. With no income, she has to pack up her life on the California Coast, along with her pet rat Merlin, and move in with her cousin, P.I. Stephen Carlucci, who lives in Fresno, CA. The one redeeming factor is that Stephen lives in the Tower District-the cultural oasis of Fresno.
Stephen talks Roxi into helping out with a community theatre production, which is also a fundraiser for a local animal rescue. Little did she know that someone would be murdered during a rehearsal, and that she and Stephen would be hired to find the killer. The killer has to be one of Roxi's new acquaintances since the theatre was locked at the time of the murder, but no one seems to have a motive. How can they solve a murder without a motive? Could the local gossip website hold any clues? Can they stop the killer before they strike again?
Praise for One of Us-
An entertaining mystery with a unique setting-the Tower District in Fresno. And an adorable pet named Merlin. He's a rat. Trust me on this -- you'll love clever Merlin.
Elaine Viets, author of the Angela Richman, Death Investigator mysteries
In her new novel, Lorie Lewis Ham brings the Tower District of Fresno charmingly alive. I loved the charming, quirky, instantly endearing Roxi with her love of all things King Arthur and Sherlock Holmes, her pet rat Merlin, her intense curiosity about everything and her eagerness to plunge into her new life. That plus the Mafia family she's trying to disassociate from, the circle of new friends, and a fast-paced mystery makes One of Us a treat for mystery readers and a fab start to a promising new series.
Vicki Delany/Eva Gates
One Woman Crime Wave
2019 Derrick Murdoch Award for Contributions to Canadian Crime Writing
