The Rogue Reviewer (Primrose, Minnesota Book 3) by Mia Dymond Read Free Book Online

and tucked himself behind
several thick, neighboring bushes. When the door opened, a woman
practically flew at them. Sara Winston. What a strange bird. He
didn’t like her writing at all. Way too dark – not at all like
Dara’s well-written mysteries.
    He snuck back to his car and pulled away from
the curb. He’d fully anticipated that she’d visit Sara. He’d give
her time to process and ultimately she’d come to appreciate his
sacrifice.
     
    ***
     
    Standing on Sara’s front porch, Dara rang the
doorbell and then took a deep breath as she widened her stance and
glanced at her friend. “Okay Marnie, take three steps back.”
    “What?”
    “Just do it,” she said under her breath,
“she’s a hyper-hugger.”
    “A hyper —”
    Dara didn’t have time to explain as the door
opened and Sara Winston launched herself straight at her, arms wide
open until she closed them around Dara’s arms and squeezed like two
hungry pythons.
    “Dara! I’m so glad you called!”
    She almost felt guilty when Sara released her
then reeled Marnie in. Helpless, she worked to pull air into her
lungs while Marnie suffered the same wrath.
    Sara finally released Marnie and reached to
give Dara’s shoulder a squeeze. “Are you okay?”
    “Yes thank you, Sara. I’m trying to focus on
the investigation.”
    “Good for you. Nothing like a good plot to
keep your mind off the uglies. Come inside and we’ll talk it
out.”
    Sara turned to open the door and Dara
motioned with her eyes for Marnie to follow. Her friend raised both
eyebrows and mouthed a silent no way . With no other choice,
Dara followed Sara, hoping she’d hugged enough for one day.
    Sara practically bounced as she led them down
a hallway and then into a room at the very end. A variety of bright
orange and blue geometrical shapes covered each wall, not to
mention the pillows on the two white sofas and matching chairs.
Vibrant, just like the author’s personality.
    “So, any word from the police?” Sara took an
opposite chair and folded her legs beneath her.
    “Zip. Nada. Zilch.” Dara shook her head as
she answered. “I’m not entirely convinced they know where to
start.”
    “Funny how we’re usually one step ahead.”
    She silently agreed. Somehow plotting a murder just didn’t seem to fit Mace’s usual m.o. “I can’t for the
life of me figure out how a murderer entered my house.”
    “Let’s go about this a different way. How
your suspect got inside is still a mystery but the fact remains
that he got in.”
    She raised an eyebrow. “He?”
    “Was the scene messy?”
    “Unfortunately, yes.”
    “Then I’d bet your suspect is most likely
male.” Sara tilted her head to one side. “I only know a few men
who’ve received Evelyn’s attention. What about your maintenance
man?”
    “Griffin is one creepy little guy,” Marnie
answered.
    “Do you suspect him?”
    Dara shrugged. “As far as I know he doesn’t
have access to my unit.”
    “What about the head of the Homeowner’s
Association? Male or female?”
    “Male but I’ve never seen him or interacted
with him.”
    “Okay, what about a stalker?”
    Dara paused. “I have received a few e-mails
from a devoted reader, but I have no idea if the author is male or
female.”
    “What about the content?”
    “Nothing but complimentary.”
    Sara twisted her lips, almost as if
perplexed. “Well, Evelyn obviously ticked off someone. Her wicked
tongue finally got the best of her.”
    “She reviewed me, you and Georgette Swanson.
I have an airtight alibi with four witnesses to back me, and I
happen to know you do too.”
    “You saw the morning paper.”
    “Yes, and congratulations on your achievement
award.”
    “Thanks, but I only attended the banquet
because my agent insisted.” Sara unfolded her legs. “Although I
will admit I’m grateful he did. I only write murder.”
    “I don’t know how you guys do this.” Marnie
rubbed her brow with one hand. “My mind is