Small towns have long memories for the seamy side of life. Triumphs quickly fade into the background, but mistakes live forever. I know that for a fact since I went from hero to zero in record time. I’m Marketta Davis, former golden girl, aspiring artist, and proprietor of Poppet, a high-end beauty emporium in Harbor Bay, Michigan. My testimony in the celebrated murder trial of a former friend caused quite a sensation. Journalists lauded me for bravery and keen detective skills. I even snagged a romance with Daniel Foye, the devastating prosecutor who pledged eternal fealty to me. Until it ended. Life resumed, Daniel absconded to Oxford University, and I fought valiantly to remain upbeat.
My business partner Gemma Reid reminded me that I’d been lucky in life if not in love. “Snap out of it,” she said. “Most women would trade with you any day.” She was right of course but it took my savvy Aunt Violet to erase my blues. Violet challenged me to investigate the murder of her former student Tori Aaron a beloved teacher and social justice warrior. I tried to refuse but my cagey aunt refuted every objection I made. Soon my dog Fantasia and I were ensconced in Sherborne, a pricy prep school on the outskirts of Detroit.
I was surrounded by a cast of characters who had known and, in most cases, adored Tori Aaron. The police dismissed her murder as an isolated mugging, but I discounted that theory. Tori’s killer knew her. What else explained the garish desecration of her face with mascara? Tori never wore cosmetics. Everyone knew that. The killer made a particularly gruesome statement by using them. Besides, Tory walked her dog at precisely the same time each night over the same route. Someone, either a student or faculty member bashed in the head of a woman who championed the dispossessed and fought for her principles.
Could I avenge her in three months, or would I become the killer’s next victim? I pondered that question while masquerading as an unassuming artist and teacher. Deception isn’t my strong suit. My ruse didn’t fool the ruthless killer determined to end my sleuthing days forever.
The Mascara Murders, A Cosmetic Crimes Mystery Book #2
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: September 2023
Format: Digital
Purchase Link
Artist and cosmetic purveyor Marketta Davis faces a daunting task: join the faculty of an elite prep school and avenge the brutal murder of Aunt Violet’s protégé, a teacher and social justice warrior. Soon a clever killer stalks the corridors of this venerable institution imperiling the lives of students, faculty and one upstart sleuth named Marky Davis.
About the author
Former Treasury executive Arlene Kay renounced her bureaucratic ways and turned to crime—writing that is. She is the published author of twelve mystery novels ranging from traditional to romantic suspense and cozies. Readers enjoy the snarky dialogue and clever plots that characterize these books. Check out her next release, The Mascara Murders (Level Best Books) which debut on September 21st.