Books by Joanne Pence

Two troubled strangers, a remote mountain cabin. Both arrive at the same time. Both expect to be alone. And neither expects the cabin to be haunted...Carly Fullerton's catering business is failing, and she heads to her family's remote and unused cabin to make plans to rebuild the business and her passion to run it. As a child, the cabin always felt "spooky," but she's sure that was youthful nonsense.She has no idea that thriller writer Alex Townson has rented the cabin from one of her sisters. Alex needs to get away from a troubling situation to finish an overdue manuscript and is thrilled to find a vacation rental that also allows his huge 150 lb. Newfoundland dog to stay there.While Carly and Alex's initial encounters are fraught, they are soon caught in a whirlwind of strange but often oddly humorous encounters with "something" in the cabin. Is the cabin haunted, or is it all a farce? And if haunted, what motives drive these mischievous spirits?The two must grapple not only with each other, but discover the need to unfold the forgotten memories of their remote refuge. Slowly, the line between friend and foe blurs as the secrets of the cabin combine with the goals of its ghostly inhabitants.Don't miss all the books in the whimsical and warm Donnelly Cabin Inn series when humor, the supernatural, and romance intertwine with the goals of the cabin's ethereal matchmakers.What readers are saying:"I love the Donnelly Cabin series""kept my interest, made me laugh""a sweet, simple romance with a touch of the paranormal""Had many surprises and twists.""Characters have humor and they're realistic."

A murder. Missing children. And the crimes have only begun.When Homicide Inspector Rebecca Mayfield investigates the murder of a delivery man and the disappearance of his two children, she suddenly finds herself a target. Boyfriend Richie Amalfi is convinced someone with position and power in the city's government wants Rebecca out of her job ... or dead. But who? And why?As Rebecca becomes increasingly embroiled in a murder investigation with surprising and far-reaching tentacles, Richie intervenes on his own to keep her safe. He must use every weapon he has, including people with dubious ties to well-placed politicians, to learn about the sinister, unseen forces against her, and what to do about them.But when the very people he thinks are targeting Rebecca become targets themselves, the situation turns even more deadly.Don't miss Seven O'Clock Target as Rebecca and Richie deal with one of the most personally dangerous cases in her career. 

A murder. Missing children. And the crimes have only begun.When Homicide Inspector Rebecca Mayfield investigates the murder of a delivery man and the disappearance of his two children, she suddenly finds herself a target. Boyfriend Richie Amalfi is convinced someone with position and power in the city's government wants Rebecca out of her job ... or dead. But who? And why?As Rebecca becomes increasingly embroiled in a murder investigation with surprising and far-reaching tentacles, Richie intervenes on his own to keep her safe. He must use every weapon he has, including people with dubious ties to well-placed politicians, to learn about the sinister, unseen forces against her, and what to do about them.But when the very people he thinks are targeting Rebecca become targets themselves, the situation turns even more deadly.Don't miss Seven O'Clock Target as Rebecca and Richie deal with one of the most personally dangerous cases in her career.The best-selling Inspector Rebecca Mayfield series combines fast-paced mysteries with a touch of humor and a hint of romance. Starting with One O'Clock Hustle, you'll find the hours just seem to fly by.

Past and present collide in this spellbinding tale by USA Today bestselling author Joanne Pence.Over two hundred years ago, a covert expedition shadowing Lewis and Clark disappeared into the wilderness of Central Idaho. Now, seven anthropology students and their professor vanish in the same area. The key to finding them lies in an ancient secret, one involving alchemy, gold, and immortality...a secret that men throughout history have sought to unveil.Michael Rempart is a brilliant archeologist whose colorful and controversial career has earned him admiring fans and implacable foes, but he is plagued by a troubling sense of the supernatural and a mysterious spiritual intuitiveness. Joining Rempart in this adventure are a CIA consultant on paranormal phenomena, a washed-up local sheriff, and a former scholar of Egyptology. All must overcome their personal demons as they attempt to save the students and, ultimately, the world.From the Journal of Francis Masterson, 1806--All hope is gone. Evil is victorious.In the time I have remaining I will, herewith, impart a tale so filled with Dread and Terror that my heart overflows with immeasurable Sorrow to tell it. It began with the highest of Good Will and Promise and, on my part, great Excitement. I can only trust to Providence that one day this small account which I leave in a land of unimaginable desolation and Wildness, may be discovered, and that it will serve to warn others of the wickedness that may ensnare Good men.Ours was to be a Secret Expedition...Top Idaho Author and Book Award Winner

One by one, a horror film director, a judge, and a newspaper publisher meet brutal deaths. A link exists between them, and the deaths have only begun ... Archeologist Michael Rempart finds himself pitted against ancient demons and modern conspirators when a dying priest gives him a powerful artifact--a pearl said to have granted Genghis Khan the power, eight centuries ago, to lead his Mongol warriors across the steppes to the gates of Vienna. The artifact has set off centuries of war and destruction as it conjures demons to play upon men's strongest ambitions and cruelest desires. Michael realizes the so-called pearl is a philosopher's stone, the prime agent of alchemy. As much as he would like to ignore the artifact, when he sees horrific deaths and experiences, first-hand, diabolical possession and affliction, he has no choice but to act. The dark legends are true. To stop the artifact's evil Michael must follow a path along the Old Silk Road to a land that time forgot, and to somehow find a place that may no longer exist in the world as he knows it.

A long-lost diary, a rare book of ghost stories, and unrelenting nightmares combine to send archeologist Michael Rempart on a forbidden journey into the occult and his own past.When Michael returns to his family home after more than a decade-long absence, he is rocked by the emotion and intensity of the memories it awakens. His father is reclusive, secretive, and obsessed with alchemy and its secrets-secrets that Michael possesses. He believes the way to end this sudden onslaught of nightmares is to confront his disturbing past.But he soon learns he isn't the only one under attack. Others in his life are also being tormented by demonic nightmares that turn into a deadly reality. Forces from this world and other realms threaten madness and death unless they obtain the powerful, ancient secrets in Michael's possession. Their violence creates an urgency Michael cannot ignore. The key to defeating them seems to lie in a land of dreams inhabited by ghosts … and demons.From the windswept shores of Cape Cod to a mystical land where samurai and daimyo once walked, Michael must find a way to stop not only the demons, but his own father. Yet, doing so, he fears may unleash an ancient evil upon the world that he will be powerless to contain.

A long-lost diary, a rare book of ghost stories, and unrelenting nightmares combine to send archeologist Michael Rempart on a forbidden journey into the occult and his own past.When Michael returns to his family home after more than a decade-long absence, he is rocked by the emotion and intensity of the memories it awakens. His father is reclusive, secretive, and obsessed with alchemy and its secrets-secrets that Michael possesses. He believes the way to end this sudden onslaught of nightmares is to confront his disturbing past.But he soon learns he isn't the only one under attack. Others in his life are also being tormented by demonic nightmares that turn into a deadly reality. Forces from this world and other realms threaten madness and death unless they obtain the powerful, ancient secrets in Michael's possession. Their violence creates an urgency Michael cannot ignore. The key to defeating them seems to lie in a land of dreams inhabited by ghosts … and demons.From the windswept shores of Cape Cod to a mystical land where samurai and daimyo once walked, Michael must find a way to stop not only the demons, but his own father. Yet, doing so, he fears may unleash an ancient evil upon the world that he will be powerless to contain.

Her brother vanished in a mysterious, foreign land, and the only man who can help her is even more dangerous...C.J. Perkins is trying to find her brother who went missing while on a Peace Corps assignment in Asia. All she knows is that the disappearance has something to do with a "White Dragon." Darius Kane, adventurer and bounty hunter, seems to be her only hope, and she practically shanghais him into helping her. In this romantic adventure, C.J. and Darius follow a trail that takes them through the narrow streets of Hong Kong, the backrooms of San Francisco's Chinatown, and the wild jungles of Borneo as they pursue both her brother and the White Dragon. The closer C.J. gets to them, the more danger she finds herself in-and it's not just danger of losing her life, but also of losing her heart.

When opposites attract, the results can be deadly …Rebecca Mayfield has been a by-the-book cop until Richie Amalfi enters her life. He’s accused of murder and runs to Rebecca to help him prove his innocence. The more she learns about the case, the more convinced she becomes that he's not guilty. He’s more than a little shady, but as dangers lurk and more deaths happen, Rebecca discovers there's a lot more to Richie than she thought and a lot more to like than she imagined. Soon, she fears not only for her life, but also her heart. For mysteries with a touch of humor and romance, join the growing number of Inspector Rebecca Mayfield fans, as the books proceed from One O’Clock Hustle, to Two O’Clock Heist, Three O’Clock Séance, and so on. Once you start them, you’ll find the hours just seem to fly by."Joanne Pence is a master of the mystery genre. She pulls the reader in and sets the roller coaster in motion."--Carolyn Haines, USA Today bestselling author "Joanne Pence provides laughter, love, and cold chills." --Carolyn Hart, NY Times bestselling author What readers are saying:"Not a police procedural at all, but a fun, romantic, humorous whodunit. Pure pleasure."   "Richie's and Rebecca's relationship is priceless and a lot of fun. For that reason as well as the solid mystery, I loved this book!""Rebecca Mayfield would not last a day as a real life "investigator." With that being stated, that is what makes this book an enjoyable read. She is quirky, likable, and of course, looking for love in all the wrong places. The carefree and whimsical tone that permeates this murder mystery novel makes it unique. Unrealistic? Yes. Enjoyable and an easy read? Yes.""The fact that Richie is someone from Rebecca's past makes this is a fun, fast, sometimes laugh out read.""Joanne Pence plays with the cop-cozy dynamic in One O'Clock Hustle by making the cop a woman and the damsel-in-distress a dude-in-distress in a way that works really well.""Although the Inspector would never get away with the things she does on and off the job, it's all in good fun. And the romantic twist adds to the flavor of the story. A nice read and a good start for the series.""Saying a detective wouldn't break the rules, is a little shortsighted. It does remind me a little of Remington Steele, suave, debonair, full of surprises. But this book is so much more. Enjoy!""I enjoyed the wild ride.""A "by the book" homicide inspector and an attractive, though probably "connected", male provide numerous opportunities for watching the sparks fly. Enjoy!""If you have to love the bad guy, you will definitely love Richie. A little unbelievable .. really a lot unbelievable... where the detective and suspect are concerned but it is a story and not true crime." "I was immediately pulled into this story and learned to love Rebecca and understandable the pull between the heart and common sense."North American Book Award recipient - Mystery Category 

A prickly, tormented ghost; a lonely young woman seeking a fresh start; and an old, mysterious house ...For decades, the home built by reclusive artist, Paul Squire, stood empty on a windswept cliff overlooking the ocean. Those who attempted to live in the home soon fled in terror. Jennifer Barrett knows nothing of the history of the house she inherited. All she knows is that she's glad for the chance to make a new life for herself. It's Paul Squire's duty to rid his home of intruders, but something about this latest newcomer's vulnerable status...and resemblance to someone from his past...dulls his resolve. Jennifer would like to find a real flesh-and-blood man to share her life with, but living in the artist's house, studying his paintings, she is surprised at how close she feels to him. 

***Willa Cather Literary Award finalist***A young woman faces unimaginable tragedy and a broken, guilt-ridden gunfighter is driven to help her in this harsh and powerful page-turner that explores the darkness in the human heart.Gabriella Devere grows up quickly after a gang of outlaws attacks her family. When the law won''t help her, she takes matters into her own hands. Jess McLowry left his war-torn Southern home to head West, where he hired out his gun. When he learns what Gabriella plans, he knows a young woman like her will have no chance against the outlaws, and vows to save her the way he couldn''t save his own family.But the price of vengeance is high and Gabriella''s willingness to sacrifice everything ultimately leads to the book''s deadly and startling conclusion.From readers:"Compelling, thrilling, entertaining""The story is about horrible acts against human beings, secrets that will hurt no matter what path the guy takes but he''s determined to do the right thing. It costs him.""Captures your heart and your mind.""What a great book!!! I couldn''t put it down!!!""Never has a setting more captivated me than it did in this book. I could see it all, the desert, the wild towns."

Past and present collide in this spellbinding tale by USA Today bestselling author Joanne Pence. Over two hundred years ago, a covert expedition shadowing Lewis and Clark disappeared into the wilderness of Central Idaho. Now, seven anthropology students and their professor vanish in the same area. The key to finding them lies in an ancient secret, one involving alchemy, gold, and immortality...a secret that men throughout history have sought to unveil.Michael Rempart is a brilliant archeologist whose colorful and controversial career has earned him admiring fans and implacable foes, but he is plagued by a troubling sense of the supernatural and a mysterious spiritual intuitiveness. Joining Rempart in this adventure are a CIA consultant on paranormal phenomena, a washed-up local sheriff, and a former scholar of Egyptology. All must overcome their personal demons as they attempt to save the students and, ultimately, the world. From the Journal of Francis Masterson, 1806-- All hope is gone. Evil is victorious. In the time I have remaining I will, herewith, impart a tale so filled with Dread and Terror that my heart overflows with immeasurable Sorrow to tell it. It began with the highest of Good Will and Promise and, on my part, great Excitement. I can only trust to Providence that one day this small account which I leave in a land of unimaginable desolation and Wildness, may be discovered, and that it will serve to warn others of the wickedness that may ensnare Good men. Ours was to be a Secret Expedition...

When some workmen dig up a skeleton, Homicide Inspector Rebecca Mayfield finds herself investigating a death that took place years earlier. She never imagines that it will have major repercussions on the lives of people she now cares deeply about, or that it will put each of them in danger.Despite the bitter memories resurrected, as a cop, Rebecca has no choice but to pursue the inquiry wherever it might lead. But that doesn't make it easier, especially when it's clear that the special man in her life, Richie Amalfi, wants her to stop.Dangers abound, moving quickly from warnings to out-and-out attacks. The past is shrouded in mystery, but as the truth begins to emerge, it becomes apparent that one or more people are willing to kill to keep it buried. Yet, Rebecca refuses to abandon the case because the dead, although silent, do speak. And it's her job to listen.Join the growing number of Inspector Rebecca Mayfield fans, as the books proceed from One O’Clock Hustle, to Two O’Clock Heist, Three O’Clock Séance, and so on. Once you start them, you’ll find the hours just seem to fly by…

A foggy night. A dog's bark. This one just turned personal ...Homicide Inspector Rebecca Mayfield hopes to come to terms with her confused emotions over alluring but troubling boyfriend Richie Amalfi, but her plans quickly change when her neighbor is viciously attacked. And it seems one of Richie's former girlfriends holds the key to the situation. As the body count grows, Rebecca's investigation takes a deadly turn when she becomes the killer's target. Rebecca and Richie find themselves on a danger-filled route from a cold and foggy Pacific Ocean beach to the chambers of City Hall to the back alleys of San Francisco's Chinatown. Between killers on-the-loose, plus new as well as old "friends" to deal with, Rebecca isn't sure which one of them might prove to be the biggest threat to her life … or to her heart. Five O'Clock Twist is the fifth book in the best-selling Inspector Rebecca Mayfield series--fast-paced mysteries with a touch of humor and a hint (or more) of romance. Join the growing number of Inspector Rebecca Mayfield fans, as the books proceed from One O’Clock Hustle, to Two O’Clock Heist, Three O’Clock Séance, and so on. Once you start them, you’ll find the hours just seem to fly by.

When Homicide Inspector Rebecca Mayfield's would-be boyfriend, Richie Amalfi, is named as one of San Francisco's "most enticing bachelors," she's not amused, but she never expected it would lead to his life being threatened. As a restaurant owner, men's upscale clothing store owner, hotelier, and more--handsome bachelors all--are attacked, Rebecca realizes the danger is very real.Who's killing the city's "enticing bachelors" and why? Rebecca must answer those questions as she grapples with her own questions and feelings about Richie. Rebecca soon discovers that where there's smoke there's fire. As she gets closer to the bachelors to learn why they're in danger, she finds their happy surface images hide troubling conflagrations below. When she's forced to dive below the steamy surfaces to learn what's really going on, only Richie has the insider knowledge she needs to do it. And while she might sizzle over Richie, the more she learns about both him and the case, the more she realizes that she may have just moved from the frying pan into the fire--with equally deadly results.Join the growing number of Inspector Rebecca Mayfield fans, as the books proceed from One O’Clock Hustle, to Two O’Clock Heist, Three O’Clock Séance, and so on. Once you start them, you’ll find the hours just seem to fly by.

San Francisco Homicide Inspector Rebecca Mayfield has vowed to have nothing more to do with mystery man Richie Amalfi, but when he tells her about the strange deaths of clients of a local psychic medium, her decision changes. Rebecca has always been intrigued by the paranormal and, despite her logical and practical nature, she can't resist looking into the deaths.A handsome medium, a tormented ghost, and the FBI lurking around because of their interest in Richie and some stolen ancient artifacts, show Rebecca that the dead don't always stay dead and buried. And her emotions can't be buried, no matter how hard she might try. But following both just might lead Rebecca straight to the Great Beyond ... permanently.Join the growing number of Inspector Rebecca Mayfield fans, as the books proceed from One O’Clock Hustle, to Two O’Clock Heist, Three O’Clock Séance, and so on. Once you start them, you’ll find the hours just seem to fly by.

Out of her jurisdiction with no backup, except for the one man she doesn't want to trust ...When San Francisco Homicide Inspector Rebecca Mayfield inquires about the murder of an old friend, a gang of Russian mobsters takes note, soon thrusting her into the most dangerous situation of her life. Richie Amalfi, who Rebecca sees as a charmer with an indifference to the fine points of the law, knows way too much about the people trying to stop Rebecca's investigation. This makes her question exactly who Richie is, and how much she dares to believe him. But for now, he's the only one helping her in the face of threats to her life.Through Richie, she looks beyond hard evidence to the secrets at the heart of the case, and in turn, to the secrets of her own heart. But through it all, Rebecca has to wonder if she'll end up as dead as a cold Russian winter. Join the growing number of Inspector Rebecca Mayfield fans, as the books proceed from One O'Clock Hustle, to Two O'Clock Heist, Three O'Clock Seance, and so on. Begin the series, and you'll find the hours just seem to fly by ...

After a powerful earthquake strikes, culinary sleuth Angie Amalfi finds herself in a different world, where nothing is as it should be, and nothing is as it seems. Not only are her fiance and friends acting beyond weird, but it seems Angie is being stalked by "The Zodiac"--one of the Bay Area's most notorious serial killers ... from the 1970's! Join Angie on this magic sleigh ride straight into a Christmas stockingful of suspense. Although she struggles to find a way to stop this nightmare, in a season of surprises she finds herself feeling a lot like Alice in Wonderland as her once merry Christmas grows curiouser and curiouser...This is an Angie & Friends series "extra"--a mystery-fantasy for your enjoyment. 

***Willa Cather Literary Award Best Historical Finalist***Gabriella Devere grows up quickly when she witnesses the murder of her family by a gang of outlaws, and vows to make them pay for their crime. When the law won't help her, she takes matters into her own hands. Jess McLowry left his war-torn Southern home to head West, where he hired out his gun. When he learns what happened to Gabriella's family, and what she plans, he knows a young woman like her will have no chance against the outlaws, and vows to save her the way he couldn't save his own family. But the price of vengeance is high and Gabriella's willingness to sacrifice everything ultimately leads to the book's deadly and startling conclusion.

Lee Reynolds is unprepared for the torrent of memories that fill her when she returns to her small hometown. She fled soon after high school, breaking ties with her mother and friends, including her high school sweetheart. The reason why is a secret she divulged to only one person, the aunt she turned to during that devastating period. Lee Reynolds of New York City has achieved more fame, wealth and success than little Lisa Marie Reynolds from Miwok, California, ever imagined possible when she was growing up. Now, she plans to quickly ready her deceased mother’s home for sale, and then to hurry back to New York. But she soon discovers that, as much as she doesn’t want to be there, events conspire to cause her to finally face her past.The most difficult part of that past is Tony Santos. The poor son of a Mexican ranch hand he, like young Lisa, had big dreams for his future. For a while, the two of them saw their future together. But the ugliness of prejudice and ambition, expectation and failure, got in the way.Lee is surprised to learn Tony has moved back to Miwok to raise his young son. Little does she expect that her feelings for him are still so strong…or his for her. But it is possible to forget the past? Or if not to forget, to forgive? Both she and Tony have changed a lot. Yet seeing him, simply talking with him, she finds that in her heart, it seems like old times…

Angie Amalfi's wedding-her Big Day-is on the verge of becoming a Big Mess. She had planned every detail of the day with the utmost care, wanting everything to be perfect. But now people across the city are dying to put the wedding on hold. A crazed killer here, a bumped off bride there. In her mind, nothing less than a criminal conspiracy must be at work to keep her wedding from being where and when she wants it. Angie's fiancé, San Francisco Homicide Inspector Paavo Smith, the entire SFPD Homicide Squad, her friends and family all jump into the fray to help save her wedding plans. But as dangers and catastrophes grow faster than yeast-overloaded bread dough, Angie can't help but wonder if her Big Day will turn into her Biggest Disaster ever.

Gourmet cook Angie Amalfi has big plans for her life as a soon-to-be married woman, but between nervous kitchen remodelers, clever murderers, and possibly ghosts ... what could possibly go wrong? Angie hopes a romantic evening out with her fiance, Homicide Inspector Paavo Smith, will bring a welcome reprieve from the hectic pace of remodeling the older house she and Paavo bought to make it move-in ready before their upcoming wedding. But circumstances--worldly and seemingly other-worldy--conspire against her. Not the least of which is her newest acquaintance, a lonely heiress, who quickly involves Angie in the heiress's bizarre family history of indiscretions, high finances, and murder. Angie suspects the key to all the weirdness going on with the family lies in the mansion that is now in her new friend's hands--a place that, if it isn't haunted, certainly looks like it should be. Angie drags several old cohorts into the fray to help her newest pal, but as the situation gets murkier, Angie wonders if she'll ever see her own happy ending.

Culinary queen Angie Amalfi has put aside her gourmet utensils to concentrate on planning her upcoming wedding to San Francisco homicide detective Paavo Smith. What could possibly go wrong? Instead of the answer to her heart's dreams, she scrambles to deal with wedding planners with bizarre ideas, wedding dresses that don't flatter, squabbling relatives with hurt feelings, a long-suffering groom, and worries over where she and Paavo will live after the wedding. But all of that pales when Angie finds the perfect house for them, except for one little problem--the house may be haunted. Many years ago, the newlyweds who lived in the house were murdered, and the case was never solved. While Angie pursues what happened to the couple who now may be haunting the house, Paavo obsesses over his own case involving the murder of unlikely lovers. The trail leads to ghosts, murders, unhappy families, and enough obnoxious wedding buttinskis to fill a graveyard. But when eerie happenings turn deadly, Angie fears she may be spirited away for good!

When Santa Claus lies dead and flattened (as if he'd fallen from his sleigh) in the middle of a shopping mall on Christmas Eve, Homicide Inspector Rebecca Mayfield is on the case. As she attempts to solve the homicide, a stranger shows up seeking help in tracking down a van full of Santas creating havoc throughout San Francisco. Rebecca is certain he has information that will help her case ... but she never expects he could also bring her some much-needed Christmas cheer.