America's Forgotten Roses

(Zachary Gagewood Mysteries)

Murphy Balfour found it difficult to assimilate back into civilian life after dealing with the horrors of war a few years back, but with the help of his husband and friends, he’s a productive member of society again. Murphy wants to help others from the military to achieve what he has, and as a result, he’s started Operation No Man Left Behind, a daring program being run on a wing and a prayer, but he’s seeing some positive results.

The next big project includes getting the group involved with the big Independence Day parade in Gresham, but things take a turn for the worse when one of the more obstinant participants is found dead. At first, suicide is expected due to the high number of service members who take their own life, but it’s soon discovered that the man died at the hands of someone else.

Operation No Man Left Behind’s resources are already limited, but the potential of participants being hurt or killed threatens to destroy the fledgling program. Murphy’s not about to let the program go without a fight, but he’ll need the help of bookstore owner and resident detective Zachary Gagewood. Can Zachary and Murphy figure out who in the village is demented enough to kill defenders of freedom—America’s forgotten roses?

Writing in Progress​

We Ride at Brunch

​(The Heart of Chino Valley)

Tyge, Aaron and Xavi have been close friends since childhood, bonded by the fact that they’re all gay and were often ostracized and persecuted while growing up. Even into adulthood, the three men keep in close contact, gathering together every Sunday at Tyge’s home in Chino Valley, Arizona, for brunch to catch up on each other’s lives and enjoy each other’s camaraderie.

That bond is tested, however, when their dear friend, Kate, dies suddenly and leaves Xavi as the executor of her will. Most of her affairs are in order, except for her restaurant, The Prickly Pear. There’s nothing in the will specifying the transfer of ownership, and when the deed to the property cannot be found, prompting Kate’s estranged brother, Dennis, to file a claim on the building and vow to destroy it based on his hatred of his sister being a lesbian. 

Knowing The Prickly Pear is one of the more popular restaurants in Chino Valley, Tyge, Aaron and Xavi put their own personal problems on hold, resolved to figure out where the deed is and determine who really has ownership, no matter the danger. A journey to Kate's secluded cabin off the beaten path will reveal much, including how Molly died and how the men’s bond is strong in a way none of them expected.

The Completely True Story of Mrs. Claus

​'Tis the season for harboring Santa's fugitive wife...​

​Mrs. Claus has lived for centuries as the better half of the North Pole’s toy empire, keeping the delicate balance of the Christmas season in check as her husband leads the charge to make only the best toys for all little girls and boys. However, she quickly finds herself running for her life as Santa mysteriously disappears, and some of the elves conduct a hostile takeover. With the help of her magic brooch, Mrs. Claus escapes to Winter Woods, a place best known for showcasing everything Christmas.

Justin Dawson is doing everything he can to comfort his husband, Freddy, after the loss of his brother on Thanksgiving. When Freddy doesn’t even want to celebrate Christmas, Justin knows he has to do something to boost his beloved’s spirits, so he rents a cabin in Winter Woods and suggests a quiet getaway for two. The gentlemen arrive at their destination only to find someone has already taken up residence in the cabin, and Mrs. Claus has no intention of leaving, so Justin and Freddy agree to share the accommodations—for now.

Slowly but surely, Mrs. Claus helps Justin to show Freddy that, even with the loss of family, there’s a path to joy by embracing the Christmas season. Before they can settle down and enjoy the holiday, however, Winter Woods has some unwelcome visitors, including the evil elf, Archibald, who led the insurrection at Santa’s workshop. Now the gay boys must help Mrs. Claus find her husband and try to save Christmas before the elves put everybody down for a long winter’s nap—permanently!