First Line Friday — Magnolia Moonlight

I headed to my poor neglected bookshelves this week to find a first line. Magnolia Moonlight, part of Mary Ellis‘ Secrets of The South series, has been waiting patiently for me to pick it up for a while. I really liked the first two books in this romantic suspense/mystery series, and need to find time to read this one.

But for now, here’s the first line:

Nate Price sat down to breakfast that morning a happy man.

What Sinister Secrets Lurk in the Shadows of Yesterday?Natchez, Mississippi—Private Investigator Nate Price and his new wife, Isabelle, need a vacation. Their coworkers generously team up to surprise them with a belated honeymoon…but the happy trip turns sour when Izzy spies her ex-husband, who appears to have taken up his gambling addiction once again.

While the boss is away, Price Investigations remains in the hands of Beth Kirby, a former police officer, and Michael Preston, a former forensic accountant. Hardly a dream team, as Beth resents working with a man who has no experience in his new job.

But Beth and Michael must move past their differences if they hope to uncover the truth behind a beloved Southern preacher’s demise. The preacher’s widow suspects foul play, despite the evidence indicating suicide.

With tension escalating between these investigators and local law enforcement—and new threats arising on all sides—how will Beth, Michael, and Nate hold on to faith and bring the truth to light?

Mary Ellis is a former schoolteacher turned USA Today bestselling author who’s written twenty-six novels including Amish fiction, historical romance, and suspense. Her first mystery, Midnight on the Mississippi, was a finalist for the RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Award and a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award. She enjoys gardening and bicycling and lives in Ohio with her husband and dog.

Connect with Mary at http://www.maryellis.net or http://www.facebook.com/Mary.Ellis.Author