Copper Waters: A New Zealand Cottage Mystery
by Marlene M. Bell
Antiquities expert Annalisse Drury and tycoon Alec Zavos are at an impasse in their relationship when Alec refuses to clear up a paternity issue with an ex-lover.
Frustrated with his avoidance when their future is at stake, Annalisse accepts an invitation from an acquaintance to fly to New Zealand—hoping to escape the recent turbulence in her life.
But even Annalisse’s cottage idyll on the family sheep farm isn’t immune to intrigue.
Alec sends a mutual friend and detective, Bill Drake, to follow her, and a local resident who accompanies them from the Christchurch airport dies mysteriously soon after. A second violent death finds Annalisse and Bill at odds with the official investigations.
The local police want to close both cases as quickly as possible—without unearthing the town’s dirty secrets.
As she and Bill pursue their own leads at serious cost, the dual mysteries force Annalisse to question everything she thought she knew about family ties, politics, and the art of small-town betrayal.
5 out of 5 fairies
This was a great mystery. From cold and snowy NY to warm and sunny New Zealand, Annalisse never seems to have a dull moment. Fleeing from her problems in NY, she finds herself in the middle of murder central in New Zealand. I loved seeing familiar faces like Alex and Bill from previous books, and getting to know Annalisse and Bill more. I love easily Bell draws you into the story, and how smoothly the plot moves along. It’s easy to imagine the scenes unfolding in front of you as you read, and you’ll be trying to solve the mystery right along with Annalisse. Highly recommend for mystery lovers!
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads
Marlene M. Bell is an eclectic mystery writer, artist, photographer, and she raises sheep in beautiful East Texas with her husband, Gregg, three cats and a flock of horned Dorset sheep.
The Annalisse series has received numerous honors including the Independent Press Award for Best Mystery (Spent Identity,) and FAPA— Florida Author’s President’s Gold Award for two other installments, (Stolen Obsession and Scattered Legacy.) Her mysteries with a touch of romance are found at marlenembell.com. She also offers the first of her children’s picture books, Mia and Nattie: One Great Team! Based on true events from the Bell’s ranch. The simple text and illustrations are a touching tribute of compassion and love between a little girl and her lamb.