Just A Stale Mate
Just A Stale Mate by J. Ivanel Johnson, published by Black Rose Writing on June 8, 2023, is a traditional whodunnit mystery that invites readers into a captivating investigation. Set in the summer of 1969, the story follows P.J. Whistler as she travels from her Appalachian village to southwestern Ontario. When her godson, Inspector Philip Steele, seeks her observational skills to help solve a murder involving a young man who fell from a railway trestle, P.J. finds herself entangled in a web of secrets among a diverse cast of suspects.
Readers will discover a blend of humor and suspense as P.J. and her companions navigate the complexities of the case, which is set against the backdrop of a therapeutic riding school. The narrative is enriched with Dickens references, adding depth to the characters and their motives. With 290 pages of engaging storytelling, this edition offers a unique take on the cozy mystery genre, featuring elements of crime and traditional detective work.
Official synopsis Publisher
“Thoroughly enjoyed this clever mystery… the characters are charming, diverse, and well-developed, and the story keeps you turning those pages!” -Sherry Hobbs, author of MAC and Bird of Passage
-A traditional whodunnit mystery-
When P.J. Whistler leaves her Appalachian village of Victoria, New Brunswick in the summer of 1969 to visit her godson’s family in south-western Ontario, she isn’t prepared for her keen observational skills to be in demand for solving a murder.
But when her godson, homicide consultant Inspector Philip Steele, and his mother Lary, who is now running their family farm, the “JUST (e)STATE”, as one of the first therapeutic riding schools in North America, ask P.J. to help with the investigation of a young man who fell to his death from a railway trestle, she is happy to oblige.
The many suspects, from as far as Yorkshire, who are staying at the rural retreat outside Sandytown all seem to have a motive. Or, at least a secret. And what of the constant Dickens references behind which they all hide? Will Phil and P.J., along with Detective Trevor Ames (closeting a secret of his own), be able to ‘unearth’ the killer? Or, is what’s buried on the retreat’s property destined to remain there forever?
All author royalties from the sales of this book (in any format) from Dec. 2024 to Dec. 2025, will go to the Canadian Cancer Society in memory of two people who asked to be characters in the novel.
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