Books by Mary Daheim

Innkeeper and amateur sleuth Judith McMonigle Flynn's worst nightmare comes true when Vivian Flynnhusband Joe's first wifemoves back into the neighborhood. Vivian, who has become mysteriously wealthy, plans to build a big, bad condoon their idyllic cul-de-sac. Outraged, Judith and her neighbors vow to fight the project to the death.Vivian isn't the only newcomer to the area. Frankie Buss, son of another of Vivian's ex-husbands, has arrived at Hillside Manor with his wife. Vivian was married to his father for what seemed like minutes before she inherited his vast wealthand ran off with his other son. Now Frankie's dying for his share of the pot of gold.Vivian's got more than one mortal enemybut which one ended up dead in her back yard? If she wants her home sweet home to stay happy, Judith will have to find out.

The base-born daughter of an earl, nineteen-year-old Eden is torn from her foster family in Kent, whisked off to London, and groomed to follow in her courtesan mother's footsteps. Her lessons in court etiquette, politics, and charm are overseen by Maximilian, a tall and striking Flemish prince fallen on hard times. Ever since the death of his wife, Max has grappled with his cousin, Count Rudolf-also his brother-in-law-who covets Max's land. Rudolf is just one of the enemies seeking to brand Max and Eden's father, the Earl of Marlborough, as Jacobites bent on killing William of Orange and restoring James to the throne. Eden is Max and the earl's last hope. If she can convince King William to embrace her as his mistress, she can use her influence to clear Max's name and free her father from the Tower of London. Eden has inherited her mother's beauty, but not her guile. Though she must not waver from her goal to seduce the king, she cannot deny her growing love for the Flemish prince. Max in turn is far from indifferent to the claret-curled, ebony-eyed siren who has pledged herself to him body and soul.

When innkeeper Judith McMonigle Flynn promises husband Joe never to find another dead body, she wavers when she receives a dubious B&B reservation at Hillside Manor from a Mary Smith of New York City. More than Judith's curiosity is piqued when she recognizes her new arrival as Ruby Tooms, the world-weary barmaid from Little Bavaria, checking in with an overnight bag and a cold case of murder.Ruby's strangled mother is long gone, but the killer was never caught. To compound interest for both Flynns, the unsolved case was a first for Joe's former homicide partner, Woody Price. Maybe it's time to revisit the scene of the crime.With a reluctant Cousin Renie in tow, Judith ventures into her long-forsaken old neighborhood, the site of the McMonigles' ill-fated Meat & Mingle Cafe. Traipsing from nursing home to nursery garden, from butcher shop and bus stop to beer and betting parlors, Judith and Renie track down a killer intent on seeing them come in dead last.

A bum hip has bed-and-breakfast hostess Judith McMonigle Flynn limping off to Good Cheer Hospital -- a questionable "haven of healing" where two recent patients didn''t make the cut after routine surgery. Judith''s trepidation at undergoing the knife is eased only by sharing a room with cousin Renie, who''s in for rotator cuff repair. Though the cousins survive their surgeries, the ex-pro quarterback next door is permanently sacked after minor knee surgery. With the scoreboard showing Grim Reaper 3, post-op patients 0, Judith decides that she and Renie are obliged to get to the bottom of Good Cheer''s carnage. But in order to sew up the case, Judith and Renie must probe into the suspects'' psyches. And suddenly it looks as if the cousins'' own prognoses could take them out of the game...for good.

As a ten-year-old girl, Honor Dale watched in horror as her Puritan parents were slaughtered by Royalists. Now nineteen, she is the ward of her uncle, Oliver Cromwell, who rules England as Protector of the Commonwealth. En route to visit her powerful uncle, Honor loses her family's jewels to the notorious Captain Hood, who steals to fund Charles Stuart's restoration to the throne. She despises the highwayman's cause but can't help responding to his ardent kiss. Despite the loss of her inheritance, all goes well for Honor under her uncle's Protectorate, including her betrothal to handsome Sir Tyler Vail. But after Cromwell's death, the Protectorate founders in the inept hands of his son. Worse yet for Honor, she's jilted by her fiancé and has become a ward of the sanctimonious Gouges at their towering ivy-covered manor house, Creepers. Honor bridles at their oppressive lifestyle, especially after again crossing paths with Captain Hood. It dawns on her that his vendetta against the Puritans is every bit as justified as hers against the Royalists. What's more, her spirited nature is far better suited to the dashing highwayman than the bovine Uriah Gouge, who is being foisted upon her as a husband. But what is Captain Hood's true nature? Is he a charming, adventurous rake or a desperate nobleman fired by idealism? The Protectorate is toppling and the Royalists are prepared to do battle to put Charles Stuart on the throne. Honor can trust her heart to an outlaw lover, but she can't prevent him from risking his life for the Royalist cause. Originally published in 1990.

A week of "mayhem-as-usual" at Hillside Manor kicks off with the arrival of a mysterious "Mr. Smith" and his floozie "Mrs." from New York City—and it accelerates into chaos when Mr. Smith himself kicks off, a victim of the foulest of plays. Hostess Judith McMonigle Flynn is shocked to learn that her now-defunct roomer was actually "Legs" Benedict—hit man for the notorious Ronzini Family—and that virtually every other guests at her B&B had good reason to want Legs broken. Judith''s policeman-hubby Joe is understandably peeved that homicide happened (again!) under his own roof. And when the FBI moves in—more interested in nabbing a Nazi nutcase than a malicious mobster murderer—the local cops clear out, leaving Judith, Joe and irrepressible cousin Renie to find out who whacked the wiseguy before the hits keep coming.

Hillside Manor''s neighbors all adored proprietor Judith McMonigle Flynn''s festive suggestion to deck the halls and houses in their cul-de-sac with eye-catching Christmas finery -- except Enid Goodrich.The grumpy old humbug refused to cooperate.Then someone cooked her Christmas goose -- silencing Enid''s objections with a handy hatchet. Though Judith''s already got a lot under her tree -- what with holidy business booming and the anticipated unwanted arrival of hubby Joe''s soused ex-spouse -- she''s not about to let murder mess up what''s left of her seasonal spirit. With the help of irrepressible cousin Renie, Judith''s determined to wrap up this case for Christmas -- and expose the Scrooge-slayer who felt strongly that the only Goodrich is a Deadrich.

Topaz-eyed, tawny-haired Morgan Todd of Faux Hall is on the verge of glorious womanhood. Though sent to England''s King Henry VIII''s court as a lady-in-waiting on Queen Anne Boleyn, Morgan has one unwavering desire: to be reunited with the man she loves, Sean O''Connor. But Sean, a Catholic, is not in the good graces of the King, and by no fault of hers, Morgan is no longer the young virgin who first kissed him. Mistaken for a willing servant in a field near her family''s estate, she has been ravished by a passing nobleman. Morgan''s powerful uncle, Sir Thomas Cromwell, arranges a marriage for his niece to further his own ambitions. The alliance with Sir James Sinclair sends a heartsick Morgan to a loveless union and a desolate castle on the North Sea. But the cruelest blow of all is when she discovers that James''s younger brother, Francis Sinclair, is the nobleman who deflowered her. Although pallid James proves to be an indifferent groom, Francis stirs Morgan in ways Sean never did. Who will bow to King Henry''s defiance of the Pope and who will cling to their Catholic faith? The wrong choice can lead to torture, the Tower, and the executioner''s axe. Though strong-willed and courageous, Morgan is a helpless pawn in the games of the King, Cromwell, and their toadies. Motherhood, war, and intrigue will come between them, but through it all, Morgan never stops yearning for Francis. Despite his rough North Country ways, he is an honorable man in a land of schemers. And only Francis shares the passion for life and the instincts for survival that match her own.Originally published in 1984.

There's no "fun" in "fund-raiser" for Judith McMonigle Flynn when she donates an overnight stay at Hillside Manor, dinner included, to the parish school's annual auction?especially when the winning bid goes to the persnickety Paine family. She'll have her hands full sorting through the painfully picky Paines' endless allergies and aversions. Then hubby Joe lands in jail after his latest surveillance job abruptly ends with an insurance fraud suspect being blown away by a .38 Smith & Wesson . . . that just happens to belong to Joe.But finding the real killer and dealing with the Paines' pain are just the tip of the iceberg?what with Judith's cantankerous mother, Gertrude, agreeing to let a wealthy parishioner stable a horse in her toolshed apartment; cousin Renie trying to force-feed her loathsome Shrimp Dump recipe to the parish cookbook fund-raising committee; and a number of parish school kids falling sick after their weekly hamburger lunch.

It''s 1585 at Gosford''s End in the Scottish Highlands where seventeen-year-old Sorcha Fraser is impatient to sample life outside of her close-knit family circle. Graced with the beauty and spirit of her parents, Iain and Dallas, she doesn''t have long to wait. While out riding, Sorcha meets a strangely compelling young man in priestly robes. She can''t foresee that Gavin Napier''s destiny will become forever intrinsically linked with her own fate. As Catholics, they are an endangered species in Protestant Scotland. Even King James has renounced the religion of his mother, Mary Stuart. The lives of all who remain faithful to "popish" ways are in grave danger. Yet every time fate throws Sorcha and Gavin together, they''re cruelly torn apart. At court, she becomes a favorite of King James, who sends her to comfort his imprisoned mother in England. After Mary''s execution, Sorcha returns to Scotland where she finds the capricious monarch entangled in a nest of vipers. The most vicious of all is a dazzling courtesan who wields her beauty to set the clans against each other. But ultimately not even those otherworldly powers can prevail against the will-and the love-of Gavin Napier and Gosford''s daughter. Gosford''s Daughter continues the story that began with The Royal Mile.

As her father lies on his deathbed, Dallas Cameron joins the crowd gathered at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh to witness the triumphant entrance of Mary Stuart into Scotland in 1561. On Dallas' way home, she is rescued from a group of lecherous ruffians by a dashing stranger. Iain Fraser escorts her home where Dallas' mortally ill father recognizes her savior's name and tells him a secret he has never shared with anyone-the identity of Iain's father. Donald Cameron's death leaves Dallas and her two sisters destitute. She tries to earn money by selling meat pies and family heirlooms, but her efforts are in vain. Taking pity on the poor lassie, Iain spares her further humiliation by giving her a loan. Later, she accidentally stumbles across his ship hidden in a cave and discovers that not only is Iain one of Queen Mary's favorite courtiers, but he's also a pirate. To ensure her silence, Iain agrees to marry her, but love isn't part of their strange bargain. She gains respectability and security while he moves on to enjoy his freedom. Iain's dedication to Scotland and the Queen often takes him away from his wife, whose loyalty wavers during times of loneliness. As Dallas' passion is awakened, she realizes that the only man she really loves is her lawful husband. But before they can attempt to heal the emotional wounds they have inflicted on each other, they must first find a way to survive the political and religious turmoil plaguing the dangerous court of Mary, Queen of Scots. First published in 1983 as Love's Pirate.

In this latest Bed-and-Breakfast mystery from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Mary Daheim, innkeeper and amateur sleuth Judith McMonigle Flynn faces her greatest challenge yet . . .Rodney Schmuck and his wife, Millie, Hillside Manor's latest guests, seem normal?until Rodney insists that innkeeper Judith McMonigle Flynn is his long-lost mother. Shocked to meet an alleged son she's sure she never had, Judith can't believe Rodney when he swears he has proof from a Norway General Hospital birth certificate listing her as his mother.The father's name is Unknown.But Judith's got a bigger problem when one of the B&B guests turns up dead in the backyard. To her surprise, Joe is willing to help investigate.Meanwhile, Rodney is seeking compensation for Judith's so-called abandonment of him. What kind of scheme does he have on his devious mind? And why are the rest of the guests in his party acting so strangely? With Joe hot on the killer's trail, Cousin Renie helps Judith discover the truth about the Schmucks and their mysterious hangers-on. If they don't act fast, Hillside Manor could end up as Schmuck's Gold Mine.

In this charming Bed-and-Breakfast mystery from USA Today bestselling author Mary Daheim, innkeeper and irrepressible sleuth Judith McMonigle Flynn and Cousin Renie face off against a cold-blooded killer in a beach communityInnkeeper Judith McMonigle Flynn has a bad case of the January blues. A few days away housesitting at her aunt and uncle's retirement home on Whoopee Island with Renie sounds like the perfect getaway to lighten her mood.But when Judith and Renie arrive, they discover that the seniors of Obsession Shores prefer hot gossip to sets of canasta and gin rummy. It isn't too long before Judith and Renie stumble across a dead body on the beach. But instead of a bad ticker doing the victim in, the culprit was a very sharp knife. With clouds of suspicion hovering over her and Renie, Judith's got to look into the crime.Uncovering dangerous shams, scams, and secrets, Judith and Renie must dig for clams and answers as they discover that retirement can be deadly?at least among the eclectic, eccentric residents of Obsession Shores.

Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, the charming hamlet of Alpine is preparing for Thanksgiving, while Emma Lord, editor and publisher of The Alpine Advocate, feels her spirits sink. There will be no family or friends to share the day, but a call from Sheriff Milo Dodge on the Monday after the holiday weekend leaves her no time to wallow. Three alarming letters, sent to the sheriff from an anonymous writer, assert that the murder conviction of Alpine resident Larry Petersen ten years earlier was the result of a wrongful arrest. Adding to the miscarriage of justice, Petersen recently died behind bars. Then a fourth letter arrives, threatening retribution in the form of another death-most likely Emma's or Milo's. Mary Daheim's Emma Lord novel is a rich and authentic blend of small-town life and chilling menace.

Daheim writes with wit, wisdom, and a big heart. I love her books.Carolyn HartAnother deft and daffy Bed-and-Breakfast mystery from the indomitable Mary DaheimThe reigning Queen of the Cozies (Portland Oregonian)Loco Motive races full speed ahead with mystery and hilarity, as BB hostess and amateur sleuth Judith McMonigal Flynn and her cousin Renie find their train ride to Boston has been derailed by murder most foul.

Innkeeper and amateur sleuth Judith McMonigle Flynn's worst nightmare comes true when Vivian Flynn?husband Joe's first wife?moves back into the neighborhood. Vivian, who has become mysteriously wealthy, plans to build a big, bad condoon their idyllic cul-de-sac. Outraged, Judith and her neighbors vow to fight the project to the death.Vivian isn't the only newcomer to the area. Frankie Buss, son of another of Vivian's ex-husbands, has arrived at Hillside Manor with his wife. Vivian was married to his father for what seemed like minutes before she inherited his vast wealth?and ran off with his other son. Now Frankie's dying for his share of the pot of gold.Vivian's got more than one mortal enemy?but which one ended up dead in her back yard? If she wants her home sweet home to stay happy, Judith will have to find out.