Death Wears A Crimson Hat: Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles (Book One)
by CW Hawes

Description: Secrets, gossip, and a murder that could reveal all.

Harry Thurgood just wants a quiet life, and to leave his past in the past. And he thinks he’s found the perfect place in sleepy Magnolia bluff, Texas. Until the murder of a prominent citizen threatens to let the skeletons out of his closet.

Quiet and unassuming, the Reverend Ember Cole wants nothing more than to be a good pastor to her congregation. And when her friendship with Harry threatens her job, she has to choose between friendship and the church.

However, when the murder is pinned on Ember, Harry decides he and Ember have to find the real killer to keep Ember out of jail and Harry’s past in the past.

But when Harry and Ember are almost killed in a hit and run, they realize the killer will stop at nothing to avoid being found. Even if he has to kill again.

Death Wears a Crimson Hat by CW Hawes is the first book in the new multi-author crime series: The Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. Each book in the series will be written by one of The Undergound Authors and will feature action, suspense, humor, and, of course, murder.

Get in on the action today, and see if you can solve the mystery!

My Review: A small town mystery that kept me completely engaged throughout the book!

The thought of small, southern towns can evoke a sense of coziness. When I picture living in one, I imagine a less complicated, easy-going life. I think about meeting friendly folk and going to a local bakery that serves lots of yummy pastries. The fictional town of Magnolia Bluff does have an excellent bakery, and there are good people living there. However, there’s also an element that makes it less then desirable. That element is made up of southern ladies. They call themselves the Crimson Hat Society and are often referred to as the Hats.

The Hats are led by a clever woman named Mary Lou who has an aptitude for finding out the secrets others want to bury. She also uses insinuation and rumor to turn residents of Magnolia Bluff against whomever Mary Lou deems unacceptable. Seemingly safe to say and do as she pleases, Mary Lou uses her knowledge and her tongue to control and punish in whatever way she sees fit. As her power to inflict her will on others grows, whoever she chooses as her next victim better be prepared for a venomous attack. Some will be forced to pack their bags and leave Magnolia Bluff.

The Reverend Ember Cole becomes that perfect victim. Targeted by the Hats, she knows her position as a minister will be short lived. As she and her close friend, Harry, try to find a way to foil Mary Lou’s group, a member of the group is murdered. When Ember becomes a prime suspect, she and Harry are desperate to uncover the true murderer.

“Death Wears A Crimson Hat” is a well-written mystery. It’s filled with characters, especially members of the Hats, who are deeply flawed and very believable. Mary Lou’s unprincipled character is one that evokes both dread and disgust. So, I’d have to say that the author, CW Hawes, definitely elicited an emotional response in this reader. Hawes also used character personalities, dialog and action in a way that kept me completely engaged throughout the book. Great job, Mr. Hawes! This is a story that I can highly recommend.

It’s also the first in a series called Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. Each book is being written by a different author. I’m very excited to read the second book, “Eulogy in Black and White” by Caleb Pirtle. CW Hawes has snagged my curiosity, and I can’t wait to know what Magnolia Bluff’s unsavory citizens are up to next.

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