I am talking about the Malone Mysteries, by Patricia Gligor. Although I have never met Patricia in person, I can feel her presence throughout the series…. Now, I do have one little confession to make. I know that I always recommend reading a series in order… and once again, I will tell you that is the best way to read this series. But, I didn’t take my own advice. I actually have only read three of the five books in the series, But, I didn’t want to wait any longer to introduce you to Patricia. I will tell you a little about her, A little about each of the books and give you my thoughts on the three books that I have already read. And as a special treat, Pat has agreed to answer some personal questions also. Let’s get started!

Pat G

Bk 1Bk 2Bk 3

Bk 4Bk 5

I have not yet read Books One and Two, so I will give you a synopsis from Amazon and once I complete those two books, I will come back and share my review. (cause I already know they will be good).

Book One: Mixed Messages

It is estimated there are at least twenty to thirty active serial killers in the United States at any given time. There’s one on the loose on the west side of Cincinnati. It’s the week of Halloween and Ann Kern struggles with several issues. Her primary concern is her marriage which, like her west side neighborhood, is in jeopardy. Her husband is drinking heavily and his behavior toward her is erratic. One minute, he’s the kind, loving man she married and, the next minute, he’s cold and cruel. Ann dismisses a psychic’s warning that she is in danger. But, when she receives a series of ominous biblical quotes, she grows nervous and suspicious of everyone, including her own husband. As the bizarre and frightening events unfold, Ann discovers a handmade tombstone marked with her name, pushing her close to the edge. Will she be the Westwood Strangler’s next victim?

Book Two: Unfinished Business

Ann Kern is busy preparing for her favorite holiday. She’s especially looking forward to her sister’s annual Christmas visit. But, several things threaten to ruin her festive mood.
The National Weather Service issues a severe winter storm warning for the Cincinnati area, predicting blizzard conditions, and Ann worries that her sister and her new boyfriend won’t be able to make the drive from South Carolina.
Then, a woman is found strangled in Ann’s neighborhood and everyone, including the police, assumes it’s the work of a copycat killer. However, when two more women are murdered in their homes, the police announce their conviction that the Westwood Strangler is responsible.
When Ann hears the news, the sense of safety and security she’s worked so hard to recapture since her attack on Halloween night shatters. If the intruder who died in her apartment wasn’t the Westwood Strangler, who is? And, who will be the next victim?

Book Three: Desperate Deeds

As Ann Kern starts her new business as an interior decorator, the temperatures have risen, tulips and daffodils are in bloom and there’s a feeling of endless possibilities in the air. She has no idea that her world is about to be turned upside down.
When Janis Riley, a woman for whom money is no object, contacts Ann to redecorate her house, she is elated. But the initial visit with her first client leaves her with mixed emotions. Why did Janis react so strangely to seeing a photo of Davey, Ann’s six-year-old son?
But Ann has bigger problems. Her husband, David, a recovering alcoholic, has lost both his mother and his job and Ann worries that he’ll start drinking again. To add to her concerns, their next-door-neighbor, Dorothy Baker, is severely depressed but Ann’s efforts to help her are rebuffed.
Ann is terrified when she wakes up the day before Easter to find Davey gone. Another child, Kelly Kramer, has been missing since December. Where are the children? And what, if anything, can Ann do to get her son back?

My Thoughts:

A page turner from the beginning, Desperate Deeds is definitely an edge of your seat read. The characters are well thought out, and you can’t help but feel sorry for Ann. She could be your sister or your friend. I really enjoy Patricia’s writing style. Throughout the story, which goes in so many directions and has its reader really thinking, Patricia adds a little humor now again to make you smile. Twists and turns, mystery and suspense, Desperate Deeds has it all.

Book Four: Mistaken Identity

Ann feels like she’s in Paradise as she digs her toes into the soft, white sand and gazes out at the ocean. She’s looked forward to this trip to South Carolina for a long time and all she wants to do is bask in the sun, resting and relaxing.
She and her two young children are enjoying their time on Fripp Island with Ann’s sister, Marnie, and Marnie’s elderly friend and former neighbor, Clara Brunner, a longtime resident with a vast knowledge of the island and the people who live there. At the fourth of July fireworks, Clara introduces them to newlyweds Jenny and Mark Hall and their families.
But Ann’s plans for a peaceful vacation are shattered the next morning. When she goes for a solitary walk on the beach, she discovers the body of a young woman with the chain of a gold locket twisted around her neck and she immediately recognizes the locket as the one Jenny Hall was wearing the night before.
Shocked and saddened, Ann is determined to try to find the killer and to see them brought to justice. She convinces Marnie and Clara to join her in conducting an investigation but, in the process, she places her own life in jeopardy.

My Thoughts:

I love the characters in the Malone Mysteries. They are down to earth and easy to relate to. The plot is interesting and keeps you guessing through all the hints along the way. I did guess the person behind the murder but wasn’t absolutely sure until the reveal near the end! I enjoyed Patricia’s writing style and smiled at her mention of “The Women’s Murder Club” by James Patterson, one of my favorite series!

Book Five: Marnie Malone

It’s Marnie’s last week at the law firm of Cliburn & Reeves and she feels like she’s riding an emotional roller coaster. Up when she wins the divorce and custody battle for Callie Jackson against her abusive husband, Jed. And plummeting down when one witness after another decides not to testify against Mark Hall, an attorney at another Charleston firm and an “alleged” serial rapist.
Marnie receives one threat after another and she constantly feels the need to look over her shoulder, convinced that someone is stalking her. With Sam out of town on business, she’s alone in the big, old farmhouse and strange things are happening. Noises in the attic, creaking floorboards and someone watching her from the woods.
As she tries to determine the identity of the stalker, the list of men who have grudges against her grows longer each day. In her line of work, she’s made enemies. Is the stalker someone from the past or one of the men on her list? And, how far will he go?

My Thoughts:

For sure this is my favorite Book Cover of the five books in the series. I can’t say that it’s my favorite read because I have enjoyed all three so far. I can’t wait to go back and read Books One and Two. This plot focuses on Marnie rather than Ann. However, the characters we have come to love are here too. I am not so sure I would be as brave as Marnie is, but I would like to think so. Marnie is a strong character and represents all of us strong women out here. 🙂 Like the other Malone mysteries, Marnie Malone is filled with suspense and mystery, with a touch of romance thrown in. Again, I love the way Patricia relates to everyday life… throwing in comments about TV shows that those of us of a certain age will remember, and those younger folks will know because of all the reruns still going on. I won’t spoil the ending, just know that it ends with a great big 🙂

About the Author: From Amazon

Patricia Gligor lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. She enjoys reading mystery/suspense novels, touring and photographing old houses and traveling.
She has worked as an administrative assistant, the sole proprietor of a resume writing service and the manager of a sporting goods department but her passion has always been writing fiction.
Ms. Gligor writes the Malone Mystery Series. “Mixed Messages,” “Unfinished Business,” “Desperate Deeds,” “Mistaken Identity” and “Marnie Malone” were published by Post Mortem Press and are available at amazon.com, B&N and postmortem-press.com in paper and Kindle formats.

Up Close and Personal: Pat has graciously answered some personal questions, Enjoy getting to know her, I know I did!

I know that for most authors writing is their Dream job! But if you were unable to write for some reason, what profession would you fall back on? 

I shudder to think of that because, after working in retail for many, many years with limited time to write, I’m finally doing what I love most: writing full time. But, since I’m “retired” (funny because I’m busier now than I’ve ever been), I would probably do some volunteer work. There are so many worthwhile causes and so many organizations that rely on volunteers.

If one of your books was made into a movie, and you could be an actor, which character would you play and why? 

If I could be a much younger actor, I would enjoy playing Marnie because I admire her spunk!

Me Too! and I could see you being Marnie!

Have you written or want to write an autobiography? 

No, I never have and I have no desire to write one. Years ago, I wrote three short stories that were published locally. When my father read them he said, “These are about you.” That got me to thinking and I realized he was right. Fortunately, I got the urge to write about myself out of my system with those stories. Admittedly though, I see bits and pieces of myself in Ann and in Marnie.

🙂 That’s funny because even though I have not yet met you in person, I kinda felt like you were in their characters. And with many of your references, I felt like you may be writing about your mom too! 

Have you ever written a song? Or wanted to? If so, tell us about that song! 

Although I love all kinds of music and enjoying singing – when I’m alone; I don’t want to torture anyone – I’ve never written a song. I’ll stick to mystery/suspense novels.

Do you play an instrument? If so, which one/ones? Did you take lessons or learn on your own? 

I play the piano. I took lessons when I was in grade school and I entered a competition and came in second. Now, I’m out of practice. It’s been years since I played more than Chopsticks or the theme song for the old TV show “Seventy-seven Sunset Strip,” which I learned as a child.

My favorite, I have been waiting for one of my author friends to tell me they play the piano. 🙂

If you could move any place you wanted (except Hawaii) as long as it’s in the U. S., where would you want to go? 

Well, I love South Carolina (the setting for my last two Malone mysteries) so, if I have to stay in the U.S., I would probably move to one of the small coastal towns there.

If you could sit on a bench with someone living or deceased, who would it be and what would your first comment be? 

Robert Redford! My first comment? “Come home with me.”

LOL…… Meeeeee Tooooo! 

What famous author would you like to be most like?

Mary Higgins Clark. Not only is she an incredible writer but, having met her at one of her book signings, I can honestly say that she’s also an extremely nice person who took the time to encourage me to “write that novel.”

I enjoy her too, and I am glad you followed her lead.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.

That’s a tough one for me because I’m pretty much an open book. But, like everyone, I have my secrets and, since they are secrets, I’m afraid they’ll have to remain a mystery.

Don’t we all… 

Well, There you have it…. You can find Patricia’s books at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads. And as usual, if I wrote about them,  I can honestly say that I highly recommend them!

I hope you enjoyed my post as much as I enjoyed writing it… and As ALways, Don’t Forget to Live, Love, Laugh, and of course READ! And Leave reveiws!

Have a wonderful week!

Sharon