⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The tale immediately drew me in—into the town, the mystery, and the people. A real treat to read.” —Deb, Amazon Hall of Fame Top 100 Reviewer
Laurel Falls, North Carolina – 1985
My life was saved by a murder.
At the time, I didn’t realize it. All I knew was that year turned out to be the best of my life. Given everything terrible that happened, maybe I should be ashamed to say it—but that year was a blessing for me.
It all began with a wave. Della Kincaid, a former D.C. crime reporter, drove past my daddy’s old store and spotted the For Sale sign. She said she was done with the violence of big-city crime and wanted peace in our small mountain town.
For a while, it was heaven—ancient ridges, songbirds in the trees, and the quiet rhythm of Laurel Falls life.
Until Della found the body.
The sheriff called it suicide. No way. Della agreed. So we teamed up—just her, me, and her dog Jake—tracking clues across the mountains, chasing down whispers, and coming face-to-face with folks you wouldn’t want to meet after dark. Our mission? Catch a killer before we became the next victims.
TERRIFIC SERIES! The characters are awesome. I can't stop reading. I don't want these books to end!
If you love Elly Griffiths, Sue Grafton, or Kimmy Cunningham Grant, you’ll fall for the Appalachian Mountain Mysteries—rich in natural beauty, quirky characters, and small-town secrets.
A Life for a Life is the first novel in Lynda McDaniel’s award-winning series. Perfect for readers who love suspenseful mysteries without over-the-top violence—more British style than bloody crime scene—with wit, heart, and just a touch of romance.
📚 Series Order:
A Life for a Life
The Roads to Damascus
Welcome the Little Children
Murder Ballad Blues
Deep in the Forest
Up the Creek
Unwrapped
After Dusk
Waiting for You (free prequel)
“Reminds me of To Kill a Mockingbird. You are a treasure of a writer.” —J.M. Grayson
“Held my interest to the point I didn’t want it to end.” —M. Ballard
