Today, I am delighted to welcome talented author, Jaye Marie, to Roberta Writes to celebrate the launch of her new book, The Mystery of Folly’s End.
About The Mystery of Folly’s End
Two estranged sisters, a dead husband, a mysterious hotel and a ghost?
Charlie didn’t want to know her cheating sister
Then she phones, desperate for help.
The man she stole from her has died in mysterious circ*mstances
Leaving her with two children and no money.
Unable to ignore the plight of the children, Charlie drops everything,
her life and her job, and rushes to help her family.
Will the fragile truce between them last?
Can she find it in her heart to finally forgive her sister, or will what happened in the past destroy any chance of a reunion?
Can these sisters work together to solve their problems,
or would that be too much to ask?
Meet Charlie Fletcher
Introducing Charlie Fletcher…
My writer has devised a clever idea to introduce myself to the book-reading public.
I am supposed to wow you with my fantastic personality if I remember where I left it.
I am part of a very successful Interior Design company based in London. We are well known for our innovative concepts.
A single, fun-loving woman, the eldest of two warring sisters. We couldn’t get on these days if our lives depended on it.
This wasn’t always the way with us. As children, we were the best of friends, but when she stole the love of my life and married him, she ruined any chance of a happy ever after for either of us. Luckily, my sister had moved away before I could get my hands on her. I have hated her ever since.
So, when I received a frantic call for help years later, I had mixed feelings. Turns out, the love of both our lives was missing, presumed dead, leaving my poor sister with no money and two kids to look after.
Should I ignore the call or tell her to take a running jump?
It’s not as easy as it sounds. As I said before, I am a businesswoman; I can’t take off on a mercy mission at the drop of my sister’s hat. But for some reason, one I can’t seem to put my finger on, I packed a bag and travelled to Bognor on Sea, turning up at her door the next day.
Can I patch up the past, forgive my sister, sort out her problems and get back to London before I am missed?
Why don’t you come along with me on the 4th of August and find out?
Extract from The Mystery of Folly’s End
“When I walked through the front door, the red light on the answer phone was blinking, so I pressed the replay button on my way to the kitchen, expecting a message from Peter. Instead, my sister’s voice followed me as I filled the coffee pot. I wondered what had prompted the call, as it had been so long since she’d had anything to say. When her voice grew louder, I stopped what I was doing and listened.
‘… I have to bury Tom, but I don’t know how without any money, there’s nothing in the bank… please pick up, Charlie, I need you.’ She didn’t wait long before hanging up.
Her words didn’t register fast enough for my exhausted brain. I finished making the coffee before it hit me. Tom was dead?
I rang my sister’s number.
‘Who is this?’ Her voice sounded normal now, not stressed or upset, which probably meant there was an empty wine bottle around somewhere.
‘It’s me, Angie. I was at work and didn’t get your message until now.’
‘So kind of you to call, sister dearest.’
Better make that two bottles of wine. ‘Maybe I should ring back when you’re sober…’
‘Suit yourself, only you’ll have a long wait. I may never be sober again…’
I wanted to put the phone down, but something made me ask, ‘How are the kids, Angie?’
For a moment, I thought she’d passed out. I could hear the television somewhere in the background.
The next voice I heard sounded small, helpless, and lost.
‘Sorry, Charlie. I’m hovering between anger and hysteria and enjoying neither. At least the tears have stopped. I know it’s a big ask, but can you please come and help me?’
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. We hadn’t been close since she married Tom all those years ago, breaking my heart, for he was mine long before she got her claws into him. She had driven a mile-wide wedge through our family before moving away with him, but she was still my little sister. Something terrible had happened, and two helpless children were involved. I knew my fate was sealed, at least for a while. Rather than ask questions, I said I would be there in the morning.
Tom was a successful property developer, so I wondered why they had no money. I made arrangements with Maggie while toasting a cheese sandwich, secretly glad to be passing on that awkward customer. Before turning in that night, I threw an assortment of clothing into a bag, ready to leave first thing in the morning. I fell asleep, wondering what I had let myself in for…”
Purchase The Mystery of Folly’s End by Jaye Marie from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Follys-End-estranged-mysterious-ebook/dp/B0D9P396BL
About Jaye Marie
Jaye Marie came to writing rather late but has always loved books.
She enjoys reading many different genres, so was surprised to discover a passion for writing detective thrillers. Four of them to date, with more to follow.
She also enjoys running a website/blog, https://jenanita01.com and loves meeting all the wonderful people who drop in to say hello!
You can find all of Jaye Marie’s book on Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00O2ZUFOK
