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.