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Keri Clark
has been published by Orchard Press Mysteries and Mystery
Time, with more stories appearing soon in Mysterical-E and Flashshot. She
belongs to Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. When not writing
about mayhem and murder, she works in the cutthroat world of advertising. Your New Fan by Keri Clark
To: LayleBurke@cyberstamp.com From: molly@free-e.com Subject: DRAWN TO MURDER
Dear Ms. Burke,
I've never written to an author before, but I had to tell you that I'm loving "Drawn to Murder." I bought it last night after work and stayed up waaay too late reading. What a great mystery! I can hardly wait to find out what happens next to Olive.
You know what's funny? I live in Springdale, just like Olive--AND I visit The Happy Baker for coffee and scones all the time! We have a lot of other things in common, too: we're both short and blonde, we knit to relieve stress, and we both had difficult childhoods. I'm sure I can't draw as well as Olive, though. And, of course, I've never investigated a murder before. LOL!
Your new fan, Molly
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To: LayleBurke@cyberstamp.com From: molly@free-e.com Subject: THANKS!
Dear Layle,
It was so nice of you to write back! I really appreciate it. Guess what? I just finished "Drawn to Murder." Wow, what a twist at the end! I never would have guessed that the killer was the half-brother, but he sure had a good motive for the murder.
I'm glad Olive wasn't afraid to defend herself during that garage scene. In a lot of books when the murderer goes after the heroine, she does something stupid, like kick her attacker in the knee when there's a perfectly good knife lying on the table. Not Olive! I cheered when she bashed the guy's head in with the paint can. Too bad he didn't die, but a coma is a good alternative. <grin>
The only thing that bothers me is Olive's relationship with Nate. I don't like the way he treats her. I think she deserves better, don't you think?
Well, I'm off to buy "A Sketchy Death" and "A Colorful Corpse," and then pick up a scone from Olive's favorite bakery. I wouldn't be surprised if I ran into her there. ;-)
Your new fan, Molly
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To: LayleBurke@cyberstamp.com From: Molly@free-e.com Subject: A SKETCHY DEATH
Hi Layle,
Another awesome book! Just a few chapters left before I'm done. I think I know who the killer is, but I'm sure you'll surprise me! Olive's so smart (except when it comes to Nate, who's getting on my nerves). I bet she's an extremely talented illustrator, too. Does she illustrate your book covers? <grin> They're so pretty.
By the way, will you be doing a signing in Springdale sometime this year? I'd love to meet you in person.
Your new fan, Molly
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To: LayleBurke@cyberstamp.com From: Molly@free-e.com Subject: OLIVE & NATE
Hi Layle,
I'm so excited to hear that you'll be in Springdale this summer for a book signing. Maybe I could buy you a cup of coffee and a scone at The Happy Baker.
Now, about "A Sketchy Death." I loved everything about it except one thing. Nate. He's really pissing me off. Why does Olive stay with him? I would never put up with a boyfriend who canceled dates and then showed up in the middle of the night wanting sex. I think he's cheating on her. Believe me, I know the signs. My ex was a user, just like Nate. Guys like him don't change and Olive should know better. I hope she gets rid of the scumbag in the next book. Is he the "Colorful Corpse"? I hope so!
Your new fan, Molly
P.S. When is book #4 coming out?
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From: LayleBurke@cyberstamp.com From: molly@free-e.com Subject: I HATE NATE
Layle,
I was right! Nate IS cheating on Olive! I just read the scene in "A Colorful Corpse" where Olive catches him leaving the restaurant with that bitch lawyer. He deserves whatever Olive has planned for him. Something painful, I hope. Nate needs to learn that when he betrays another woman's love and trust, he can't just walk away like it's no big deal.
That's what my ex learned when he cheated on me.
Molly
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To: LayleBurke@cyberstamp.com From: molly@free-e.com Subject: $%@&%
I'm so mad I can barely type. I was counting on Olive to punish Nate for his sins. A slap in the face is NOTHING. (I bet it didn't even leave a mark.) He's a lying bucket of pus who shouldn't be allowed to keep walking around with a big smile on his face and screwing every woman he sees without suffering any consequences.
* * * To: LayleBurke@cyberstamp.com From: molly@free-e.com Subject: HELLO?
Why haven't you emailed me back, Layle? Maybe you're busy writing your next book. I hope you finish it soon!
You know, I really care about Olive. I feel like we're on the same wavelength about so many things, except men. But no one's perfect. Even if she's afraid of punishing Nate, I'm not.
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To: LayleBurke@cyberstamp.com From: molly@free-e.com Subject: THE END
I looked up Nathaniel Jefferson in the Springdale phone book and there were six listed. But it wasn't that hard to figure out which one is Olive's boyfriend. He's a little heavier than I'd pictured him and his hair is longer, but the instant I saw him, I knew. Tell Olive that her dear friend Molly is going to take care everything. In a few hours, there'll be one less snake slithering around on this earth.
THE END Keri Clark © 2007 |