Alexis Morgan
Author of Dark Protector
About the Author
Series
Works by Alexis Morgan
A Soldier's Heart: A Snowberry Creek Novella (A Penguin Special from Signet Eclipse) (2013) 10 copies
To Trust a Hero 1 copy
Associated Works
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Other names
- Pritchard, Pat
Morgan, Alexis (pseudonym)
Prichard, Patricia L. - Gender
- female
- Birthplace
- Missouri, USA
- Agent
- Michelle Grajkowski
- Short biography
- Alexis Morgan has always been an avid reader, and she loves spending her days with hunky heroes and gutsy heroines. By the end of this year, she will have published twenty-five books, novellas, and short stories, including contemporary romances, American West Historicals, and Paranormal Romances. She has been nominated for numerous industry awards, including the RITA© from the Romance Writers of America, the top award in the romance genre. Alexis loves to hear from fans. [retrieved 2/2/2013 from Amazon.com; apparently c. 2011]
Members
Reviews
Abby McCree lives in Snowberry Creek, Oregon, after having inherited her late aunt's home and carriage house tenant, Tripp Blackston. Over the course of time she and Tripp have become closer, even though he keeps his past a secret. But he's enlisted her (without her consent) to be part of the veteran's group, and Abby has retaliated by enlisting him as one of the people who are being "auctioned off" for a date night in order to raise money for the group. What she hasn't said, though, is that show more she plans on making a sniper bid herself and 'winning' him. But just as she's ready to make her bid, a voice in the back of the room yells out a lot more cash than anyone expects -- and Tripp is now being paired with his ex-wife, Valerie. The ex-wife he never told her about...
When Abby sees Valerie arguing with the emcee Bryce, a local boy made good who left town, she notices it because she needs to pay him the rest of his fee. But shortly after, she hunts him down in the parking lot, and finds him dead, hanging half out of his car. Calling Sheriff Gage Logan, who's also attending the event, he tells Abby not to leave while the police figure things out. But it's not long before Valerie becomes the main suspect, and Tripp asks Abby if Valerie can stay with her - because the only other option is Tripp's small one-bedroom home. While Abby's not pleased, she'd rather host the woman she privately refers to as 'the barnacle' than have her in Tripp's home. Now Tripp has asked for Abby's help in proving Valerie innocent, and Gage has warned them both not to investigate or they'll wind up in jail. So what's the worst evil between the two - letting Gage take his time in finding the right person, or having Tripp's ex in her home - making her life miserable and a play for him...
This is the third book in the series and I am glad to say that it's just as good as the first two. I actually like Abby quite a bit, since she's not one of those women who go around blatantly accusing people of being a murderer and at least tries to couch her questions nicely. Her relationship with Tripp is growing every day, and it's nice to see that they're taking their time while they dance around each other, in more ways than one.
Naturally, I couldn't stand Valerie (and I question anyone who liked her) and couldn't wait for her to leave. It was hilarious with Abby calling her 'the barnacle' and was the main indication that Abby was jealous of the woman (although she did have other private thoughts from time to time about it); Tripp, for his part, was completely oblivious to it for the first part of the book, but while he felt sympathetic to Valerie and wanted to protect her, you could tell he was more protective of Abby, which is how it should be.
We had a few red herrings as to murder suspects - and those that were, other than Valerie, seemed to surprise us with their responses to the questions. With the ones that were out there, it seemed obvious who the murderer would wind up to be, but even still, there were surprises yet to come and although there was a hint earlier that made it easy to figure out who the killer would be, the journey getting there made all the difference.
The plot was drawn nicely with Bryce's past eventually coming out and reasons why people would have motives to murder the man; although we knew that this must be the cast all along, it was still interesting to hear the stories why. Even Valerie's reasons seemed plausible, but like Tripp, I couldn't see her doing the deed; as awful as she was, I just couldn't see her killing anyone.
While I'm becoming fond of all the main characters in this series, it's nice to keep getting glimpses of their pasts and who they are now. I really enjoying learning about them and the mystery itself is believable enough to keep you reading in one sitting. While I was sorry for the book to end, it gives me something to look forward to as I wait for the next one to make its appearance. Highly recommended. show less
When Abby sees Valerie arguing with the emcee Bryce, a local boy made good who left town, she notices it because she needs to pay him the rest of his fee. But shortly after, she hunts him down in the parking lot, and finds him dead, hanging half out of his car. Calling Sheriff Gage Logan, who's also attending the event, he tells Abby not to leave while the police figure things out. But it's not long before Valerie becomes the main suspect, and Tripp asks Abby if Valerie can stay with her - because the only other option is Tripp's small one-bedroom home. While Abby's not pleased, she'd rather host the woman she privately refers to as 'the barnacle' than have her in Tripp's home. Now Tripp has asked for Abby's help in proving Valerie innocent, and Gage has warned them both not to investigate or they'll wind up in jail. So what's the worst evil between the two - letting Gage take his time in finding the right person, or having Tripp's ex in her home - making her life miserable and a play for him...
This is the third book in the series and I am glad to say that it's just as good as the first two. I actually like Abby quite a bit, since she's not one of those women who go around blatantly accusing people of being a murderer and at least tries to couch her questions nicely. Her relationship with Tripp is growing every day, and it's nice to see that they're taking their time while they dance around each other, in more ways than one.
Naturally, I couldn't stand Valerie (and I question anyone who liked her) and couldn't wait for her to leave. It was hilarious with Abby calling her 'the barnacle' and was the main indication that Abby was jealous of the woman (although she did have other private thoughts from time to time about it); Tripp, for his part, was completely oblivious to it for the first part of the book, but while he felt sympathetic to Valerie and wanted to protect her, you could tell he was more protective of Abby, which is how it should be.
We had a few red herrings as to murder suspects - and those that were, other than Valerie, seemed to surprise us with their responses to the questions. With the ones that were out there, it seemed obvious who the murderer would wind up to be, but even still, there were surprises yet to come and although there was a hint earlier that made it easy to figure out who the killer would be, the journey getting there made all the difference.
The plot was drawn nicely with Bryce's past eventually coming out and reasons why people would have motives to murder the man; although we knew that this must be the cast all along, it was still interesting to hear the stories why. Even Valerie's reasons seemed plausible, but like Tripp, I couldn't see her doing the deed; as awful as she was, I just couldn't see her killing anyone.
While I'm becoming fond of all the main characters in this series, it's nice to keep getting glimpses of their pasts and who they are now. I really enjoying learning about them and the mystery itself is believable enough to keep you reading in one sitting. While I was sorry for the book to end, it gives me something to look forward to as I wait for the next one to make its appearance. Highly recommended. show less
Abby McCree is a young divorceé who inherited her late aunt's home in small-town Snowberry Creek, Washington. It's getting close to Halloween, and she's on one of the planning committees. But she has more on her mind -- her tenant, ex-Special Forces soldier Tripp Blackston, often has trouble sleeping and walks around, and she's seen him head to the park with a full backpack and come back with it empty. So on this night, she decides to allow her curiosity get the better of her and follows show more him, which isn't a good idea. Mostly because she's accosted by a man who sneaks up behind her and she soon discovers that he's Sergeant Kevin Montgomery, and a friend of Tripp's. Once she meets him and realizes he's having problems, she promises Tripp she'll stay out of it.
But the next day she's having coffee in town and sees him in an altercation with an ornery farmer, Ronald Minter, who accuses him of trespassing and stealing pumpkins from him. Before the altercation can get physical, Montgomery walks back into the park and the forest. But that's not all -- someone is carving pumpkins with very lifelike features and leaving them on peoples' porches around town. It's a puzzle no one seems to be able to figure out.
Then Abby is asked to take her elderly friend Glenda out to Minter's farm to get a box of pumpkins for the Halloween Festival, and she gladly agrees. Because it's raining, she tells Glenda to stay in the car and she'll get them. But she can't find Minter anywhere, so she checks to see if he's in his corn maze -- and he is. Dead. After calling the cops, Police Chief Gage Logan shows up with detectives from elsewhere, since it's their jurisdiction. After being questioned, Abby leaves and figures that will be the end of it. But little does she know that both she and Tripp will be pulled into the investigation, and it will get worse. Montgomery is suspected of the crime, and Abby doesn't think he's guilty. Will she be able to find a killer before an innocent man is arrested for murder?
This is the second book in the series and I enjoyed it immensely. Abby is a delightful character; she's strong, independent, intelligent, has a fierce sense of loyalty; yet she's also soft-hearted and at times a tad (shall we say) overly curious. She stands up for what she believes in, and doesn't back away from confrontations.
The dialogue is witty and fun, and there were many humorous moments along with the somber. It kept the story moving along at a rapid pace, and therefore I read it in one sitting (without even getting up for a new cup of coffee. High praise indeed). The townspeople are more involved in this tale, and we are seeing that Abby's friendship with many of them is growing. While as in any story there are unlikable characters, at least in this one there is a reason for them being around, and it only made it more convincing.
The mystery is, of course, the reason for the story, and it is quite intriguing. While of course we know Sergeant Montgomery isn't the killer, there is a lot of fun looking for the person who may be so. Since I read a lot of these mysteries, I was pretty sure I knew the answer, but it's the journey that is the most fun to see the reason why Minter was murdered. And it's one I don't think anyone could have discovered, yet finding out the identity of the murderer is rather sad. The reasons people kill will never cease to amaze me, even when those reasons are age-old.
In the end, everything comes together perfectly just the way it should be, and we are given a bit of a tease regarding the next book (but I will tell you that this book doesn't 'hold you hostage' because I absolutely detest authors who do that). This author, while new, is a welcome addition to the cozy genre and I eagerly await the next in the series. Recommended. show less
But the next day she's having coffee in town and sees him in an altercation with an ornery farmer, Ronald Minter, who accuses him of trespassing and stealing pumpkins from him. Before the altercation can get physical, Montgomery walks back into the park and the forest. But that's not all -- someone is carving pumpkins with very lifelike features and leaving them on peoples' porches around town. It's a puzzle no one seems to be able to figure out.
Then Abby is asked to take her elderly friend Glenda out to Minter's farm to get a box of pumpkins for the Halloween Festival, and she gladly agrees. Because it's raining, she tells Glenda to stay in the car and she'll get them. But she can't find Minter anywhere, so she checks to see if he's in his corn maze -- and he is. Dead. After calling the cops, Police Chief Gage Logan shows up with detectives from elsewhere, since it's their jurisdiction. After being questioned, Abby leaves and figures that will be the end of it. But little does she know that both she and Tripp will be pulled into the investigation, and it will get worse. Montgomery is suspected of the crime, and Abby doesn't think he's guilty. Will she be able to find a killer before an innocent man is arrested for murder?
This is the second book in the series and I enjoyed it immensely. Abby is a delightful character; she's strong, independent, intelligent, has a fierce sense of loyalty; yet she's also soft-hearted and at times a tad (shall we say) overly curious. She stands up for what she believes in, and doesn't back away from confrontations.
The dialogue is witty and fun, and there were many humorous moments along with the somber. It kept the story moving along at a rapid pace, and therefore I read it in one sitting (without even getting up for a new cup of coffee. High praise indeed). The townspeople are more involved in this tale, and we are seeing that Abby's friendship with many of them is growing. While as in any story there are unlikable characters, at least in this one there is a reason for them being around, and it only made it more convincing.
The mystery is, of course, the reason for the story, and it is quite intriguing. While of course we know Sergeant Montgomery isn't the killer, there is a lot of fun looking for the person who may be so. Since I read a lot of these mysteries, I was pretty sure I knew the answer, but it's the journey that is the most fun to see the reason why Minter was murdered. And it's one I don't think anyone could have discovered, yet finding out the identity of the murderer is rather sad. The reasons people kill will never cease to amaze me, even when those reasons are age-old.
In the end, everything comes together perfectly just the way it should be, and we are given a bit of a tease regarding the next book (but I will tell you that this book doesn't 'hold you hostage' because I absolutely detest authors who do that). This author, while new, is a welcome addition to the cozy genre and I eagerly await the next in the series. Recommended. show less
Death by Jack-O'-Lantern by Alexis Morgan is a 2019 Kensington Books publication.
Snowberry Creek is gearing up for the annual Halloween festival and Abby McCree, the committee queen, is busy with the preparations. When she heads out to pick up an order of pumpkins from the least popular guy in town, Ronald Minter, she discovers his body in a corn maze with a knife in his back.
Abby gets sucked deeper into the investigation when her tenant, Tripp, volunteers her for yet another planning show more committee, a fundraiser for his veteran’s group. As it turns out, one Tripp’s buddy's, a homeless vet, named Kevin, has become suspect number one. Knowing Kevin is innocent, Abby sets out to find out who the real killer is.
I’m in a cozy mystery mood and in the mood for Halloween themed novels, too, which made this book an obvious choice. Although it is the second book in this new series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone, so if you are looking for a fall/Halloween mystery, just dive right in. But, if you are like me, you’ll want to go back and read the first installment and continue with the series from here.
While the characters are in the early stages of their developments, I can see a lot of potential and room for growth. The most intriguing character, for me, was Tripp. The mystery is very solid, with several likely suspects to keep one guessing. Abby’s amateur sleuthing is on the practical side, thankfully, avoiding any insult to my intelligence. I also liked her faithful dog companion, Zeke, as he plays a big role in the story and melted my heart more than once.
Overall, this book is very nice Halloween or fall themed novel, with a solid mystery that kept me guessing to the end, plus I found a new cozy series to follow! show less
Snowberry Creek is gearing up for the annual Halloween festival and Abby McCree, the committee queen, is busy with the preparations. When she heads out to pick up an order of pumpkins from the least popular guy in town, Ronald Minter, she discovers his body in a corn maze with a knife in his back.
Abby gets sucked deeper into the investigation when her tenant, Tripp, volunteers her for yet another planning show more committee, a fundraiser for his veteran’s group. As it turns out, one Tripp’s buddy's, a homeless vet, named Kevin, has become suspect number one. Knowing Kevin is innocent, Abby sets out to find out who the real killer is.
I’m in a cozy mystery mood and in the mood for Halloween themed novels, too, which made this book an obvious choice. Although it is the second book in this new series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone, so if you are looking for a fall/Halloween mystery, just dive right in. But, if you are like me, you’ll want to go back and read the first installment and continue with the series from here.
While the characters are in the early stages of their developments, I can see a lot of potential and room for growth. The most intriguing character, for me, was Tripp. The mystery is very solid, with several likely suspects to keep one guessing. Abby’s amateur sleuthing is on the practical side, thankfully, avoiding any insult to my intelligence. I also liked her faithful dog companion, Zeke, as he plays a big role in the story and melted my heart more than once.
Overall, this book is very nice Halloween or fall themed novel, with a solid mystery that kept me guessing to the end, plus I found a new cozy series to follow! show less
Snowberry Creek always seems to have a lot going for it. Movies in the park for the summer is Abby McCree's latest committee job, and a successful one at that. When a body is found during clean up, Abby's mom's new beau is first on the suspect list. I liked the addition of some new characters, but Abby and her mom's regressive teen like relationship will hopefully even out if her mom decides to remain in town.
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