A Natural State Murder Mystery, Book 1
Murder Mystery
Date to be Published: 10-04-2024
When Atlanta Detective, Tammy Sharp’s past collides with her present, it’s
a wild ride of bullets, broken hearts, and chilling mysteries.
In her hometown of Pocahontas, Arkansas, she faces not just her ex, Jace
Eubanks, but also a dangerous killer on the prowl.
With murders old and new intertwining, Tammy faces a choice: team up with
her ex or let justice slip away.
As the clock ticks down to a sinister ultimatum, will Tammy outsmart the
sociopath or fall prey to a deadly game of cat and mouse?
Author Interview
- Tell us about your current release
- “To Find a Killer” tells Tammy Sharp’s story. She is a determined detective in Atlanta who overcame the loss of her father. Despite facing tough challenges, including being injured in the line of duty and losing her uncle Ellis, Tammy returns to her hometown of Pocahontas in search of peace. However, she is unexpectedly confronted by her ex, Jace Eubanks, and a dangerous killer on the loose. This book isn’t just a murder mystery; it’s also about love, forgiveness, moral dilemmas, small-town living, and more.
- When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
- I wanted to write when I was still in high school, but I let life get in the way. I realized that I wanted to take it seriously after healing from Ovarian Cancer in 2019.
3. Have you published any previous books?
-
- Yes, my first two works are titled The Hidden and The Missing (Moon Lake Series). I also have a Christian Romance series (Seeds of Faith) that includes Keatyn’s Journey, Sylvia’s Journey, and Frankie’s Journey. I have a Historical Fiction novel titled Petunia 1949.
- What can we expect to see from you in the future, any books on the backburner?
- Oh yes! I am working on two novels: the fourth in my Seeds of Faith series titled Lottie’s Journey and the second in A Natural Stare Murder Mystery series (title pending). Lottie’s Journey will tell the story of Lottie McKenna, a woman who has been addicted to drugs and alcohol since her teenage years. It will be a raw look at how addiction not only affects the person but also their family, specifically Lottie’s daughter, Rhnae. We will see how Lottie handles her struggles and deals with the aftermath of damaged relationships, insecurities and more. Stay tuned for more info on both books!
- What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
- Study my Bible. I also love to travel and spend time outdoors. My family means the world to me, and spending time with them is my main priority.
- Did you learn anything from writing your book? What was it?
- I learned that the story doesn’t have to be all about the protagonist. I feel that To Find a Killer features my strongest character development out of all my novels.
- Some writers have something playing in the background, do you and what?
- I do not. Not that I’m opposed to it, but I do most of my writing in the early morning hours, so I like to drink coffee and write in silence.
- Tell us a little about yourself. Perhaps something not many people know about?
- Hmm… I am an open book for the most part. One thing not many people know is that I am a closet Justin Bieber fan…
- What do you hope your writing brings to your readers?
- I hope that when people read my books, they can escape whatever they have going on in their lives, even if it’s just for a little while.
Excerpt
IF THERE WAS ONE thing Tammy Gail Sharp had learned over the past ten years as an Atlanta homicide detective, it was never to hesitate when facing a killer. Then what would cause her to stand there like a fool instead of pulling the trigger? Because Chip Reeker looked young enough to be her child. The child she’d never have.
The basement in the home Chip shared with his grandmother reminded Tammy of the sauna she frequented at the gym – tiny and hot enough to melt a bucket of Rocky Road ice cream in seconds. Sweat clung to her scalp, and she had no doubt her chestnut hair looked as greasy as Chip’s bleached blonde locks.
His right hand shook as it clung to the pistol. His open-mouth breathing caused his chest to move up and down. Despite his bloodshot eyes, Chip’s round face almost looked angelic as his finger twitched on the trigger of the 22-caliber pistol in his short, plump hand.
“There’s no need for anyone to get hurt,” Tammy said, her eyes working to align with Chip’s. ”Your grandmother asked me to stop by to talk to her.”
A tendon in Chip’s neck twitched before he adjusted his view downward. “She was going to fill your head with lies.” The bulge of his throat rippled with every swallow.
She didn’t want to believe he’d shoot her. He hadn’t even been on her radar as a suspect in his father’s murder – not with his solid alibi. Now that they’d made an arrest, what could be the reason? And where was his grandmother?
About the Author
Leah Brewer writes all kinds of things.
Sometimes, she writes Christian Fiction (Seeds of Faith Series). Other
times it’s Historical Fiction (Petunia 1949). Right now, it’s
all about murder. The first novel in her Natural State Murder Mystery
series, To Find a Killer, is set to release this October.
In 2019, after an Ovarian Cancer diagnosis, Leah decided to pursue her
passion for writing. Being cancer-free, she now revels in her life as an
author.
With an extensive 28-year career that encompasses diverse leadership roles
in a Fortune 500 company, Leah brings an authentic perspective to her
storytelling.
Contact Links
Facebook: @writingleahbrewer
Twitter: @leahlbrewerr
Instagram: @writingleahbrewer
