I am thrilled to welcome Cindy Brown back to the blog with the cover reveal for her latest crime fiction novel, coming May 2026 and now up for preorder. Cindy wrote the “Ivy Meadows cozy mystery series, but with this book she is venturing into the suspense genre.
Publication Date: May 12, 2026
Genre: Suspense
Format: Print, Digital
Author Website: www.cindybrownwriter.com
Book Synopsis
One retired detective. One frightened boy. One daring librarian. The case that will unravel everything. A tense, emotional mystery perfect for fans of Michael Connelly and Liz Moore.
He usually had something to go on: a body, a name, a weapon . . . What did he have now?
Retired detective Ster McCaffrey has lived in isolation since the death of his beloved wife. Recently disabled from a traumatic brain injury, his quiet life is interrupted when he wakes in the dead of night to find a child sobbing on his doorstep—leaving him with more questions than answers.
After learning that the boy and his missing mother are unhoused with no official investigation underway, Ster decides to solve the mystery himself. To do so, he’ll need to interview a community whose voice is rarely heard: the houseless of Portland, Oregon. Diving deeper into their tight-knit circle, Ster realizes trust is hard-won, and answers even more so. The further he goes, the more difficult it is to tell where the case ends, and his past begins.
With threats to his home, new evidence found in the river, and signs pointing to murder—friends and enemies are closer than Ster realizes. Only one thing is clear: the boy is in grave danger.
Follow Ster and a cast of characters in this suspenseful mystery full of twists and turns as he navigates a murder unlike any he’s seen before. For fans of Cindy Brown’s Macdeath, now comes a fresh take on classic crime thrillers.
About the author
Cindy Brown’s body of work defies genre, yet her serious crime fiction, humorous mysteries, disability news stories, and comedic plays all share themes of justice and community. She has been shortlisted for an Agatha Award for her debut novel, Macdeath, and has had over a dozen plays produced. She also was awarded a disability journalism fellowship by Women’s eNews in 2024. Cindy and her husband live in their favorite city in the world, Portland, Oregon, where she continues to write stories that speak to her, hoping to shine a light on the goodness that surrounds us.
I’ve been missing Cindy Brown ‘s mysteries! Can’t wait to read this new story. Hope she comes to Malice!
Thank you, Beth, that’s so nice to hear! I have to miss Malice this year, but maybe 2027.
And BTW, you can catch up with my writing with my Slightly Silly Newsletter. You can sign up at my website, cindybrownwriter.com, or on Substack.
This sounds amazing!
Thanks, Sherry! I miss you!
Great cover! Love the way LOST dips into the water.
Thank, Charlotte – I am thrilled with this cover! It’s even better when you realize the role that the river plays in the mystery
I hadn’t noticed that right off, but now that I have…shivers, straight up the spine!
It sounds very intriguing, I must say!
Ooh, shivers are good! Thanks , Kathy!
Oh, I can’t wait to read this. It sounds amazing! Congratulations, Cindy!
Thanks, Susan! This is the book we talked about a few years ago – so thankful for your support!
So excited you have a new book coming out, this sounds great!! And the cover grabs attention, perfect.
Thank you, my friend!
Congratulations Cindy! I’m sure the story is just as good as that great cover. I can’t wait to read it!