I’m a professional organizer, not to be confused with an event organizer. I’ve been asked before, and it’s a fair question. I work with organizations, families, and businesses. People often need help when they get married, have children, and downsize their homes. And some people are just messy. Whatever their need, I’m available to declutter and create systems to help clients get organized and stay that way.

I discovered my passion for organization while I was a real estate agent in Kentucky. When sellers allowed me to organize and stage their homes, they made more money, and their houses sold faster. Not long after I became an empty nester, I quit selling homes, moved to Fox Island, Georgia, and started a professional organizing business with my best friend, Bess Walker.

It turns out, organizing skills come in handy for solving murders. Why would I delve into something as messy as solving crime? Loyalty. My brother was accused of a crime, and I had to prove he was innocent. This experience proved I had some sleuthing skills.

I recently connected with the love of my life, and our relationship may have inspired Bess to try dating events to find a man to love. Bess has always lived in Fox Island and has spent most of her life working at the church. She is smart but has little experience with romantic relationships. This week, a matchmaking organization is hosting a variety of dating events at a resort on the island, and the participants are not just locals. People come from different towns and states to participate.

Right now, I’m sitting in the shade, wearing dark sunglasses, while my eyes recover from being dilated at the eye doctor’s. People close to me have teased me about my poor vision, and it turns out, they were right. I need glasses. I’d rather think about the murder than getting older. So, back to Bess.

Is my best friend a grown woman? Yes. She’s also beautiful and sweet. Bess is the perfect target for a dating scam, and when the event leader is murdered, it turns out that Bess was one of the last people to see him alive. Naturally, I must step in to help solve the latest murder and prove my friend is innocent.

This investigation will put my skills to the test. I need to meet new people and delve into secrets from the past, confidential information, and family ties. You wouldn’t believe how much drama I stumble upon. Drama, drama, drama, if you know what I mean, and I’m sure you do.

My vision is better, and I’m off to track down clues. Have a safe and orderly day.

KILLER SECRETS – An “Organized Crime” Mystery, Book 3
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: November 2025
Format: Digital, Print
Purchase Link

Speed dating sabotage?
Or straight-up murder?

Kate Sloan’s best friend Bess Walker decides to try speed dating and convinces Kate to go with her for moral support.

The night of the event is filled with many emotions. Excitement, hope, jealousy, fear, greed, and even anger. Emotions spiral out of control for one person.

Before the second round, the event’s host is murdered.

Kate will use her skills at organizing, list-making, and questioning to try and solve the murder. Can she unravel the mystery before the killer leaves town for the next weekend of singles events?

About the author
Jackie Layton is the author of cozy mysteries with Spunky Southern Sleuths. Her stories are set in Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina. She lives on the coast of South Carolina, where she enjoys walks on the beach and golf cart rides around the marsh. Reading, gardening, and traveling are some of her favorite hobbies. Jackie always keeps a notebook handy to write down ideas for future stories. Many of her ideas come from observing people and watching Dateline and American Greed.