I really hadn’t planned on making 302 Grace Street, my friend Camden’s boarding house, my home, but the longer I stay the longer it feels as if I belong here. Those of you who remember me know that I’m a private investigator still trying to come to terms with the death of my little daughter, Lindsey. I live here in the house along with an assortment of Camden’s tenants, and use a downstairs parlor for an office. So far, it’s worked pretty well.

Today, I’ve got two cases. The first one is to find wealthy socialite Sandy Olaf’s diamond tennis bracelet. She could easily afford another, but this bracelet has sentimental value, and besides, I like Sandy. She’s a very generous person, and I have an idea I’ll find her bracelet at one of the many venues where she hosted a charity benefit. The other case—well, let me put it this way. It seems I’m doomed to deal with the goofier side of Parkland, NC. Twin magicians Taft and Lucas Finch have lost a special magic box Lucas says once belonged to Houdini. This may or may not be true. But I’ve got a bunch of magicians to interview, and there seems to be quite a bit of resentment and jealousy among them.

As for the other residents of Grace Street, Camden’s been really hoarse lately and freaking out over losing his voice. He doesn’t like his psychic talent, but he feels his singing talent is all he has, so he’s moody. His girlfriend Ellin isn’t happy, either. Seems like a potential sponsor for her Psychic Service Network is insisting that his wife host one of the shows. For a control freak like Ellin, this can’t be good news. And Kary insists on helping me with my cases, and I have to admit she’s been very useful in the past. Now she says she can go undercover as a magician’s assistant. That’ll be one lucky magician. I just hope he’s not the kind who does those sawing in half tricks. Kary’s the love of my life, even though she hasn’t quite figured that out, and I do my best not to be overprotective.

So here I am backstage at the local Magic Club, waiting to talk to Rahnee, the owner, and another magician’s dog is barking and scratching at a large trunk. It might be a good idea to see what’s inside, but the trunk is locked. Rahnee has a key and she gets the trunk open.

Taft Finch is curled up dead inside.

Looks like this case just took a dark turn.

Now You See It is the third book in the “Grace Street Series”, following Stolen Hearts and Mixed Signals, all published by Poisoned Pen Press. Giveaway contests for a copy of the book will be held at Goodreads starting October 24 26.

Meet the author
Jane Tesh, a retired media specialist, lives in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, Andy Griffith’s home town, the real Mayberry. She is the author of the Madeline Maclin Series, A Case of Imagination, A Hard Bargain, and A Little Learning, featuring former beauty queen, Madeline “Mac” Maclin and her con man husband, Jerry Fairweather.

Visit Jane’s website at www.janetesh.com, her Facebook page, Twitter, and her blog.