From Amazon bestselling author Diane Moody, The Demise.Tiny Braxton, Tennessee, is a quiet, tight-knit community wrapped around an old town square just a stone’s throw from Nashville. But when the town’s most prominent citizen is found dead at the base of its water tower, news of Peter Lanham’s apparent suicide roars through town like a massive tsunami.Peter, the handsome, beloved CEO of Lanham’s … tsunami.
Peter, the handsome, beloved CEO of Lanham’s Fine Foods, had taken a small, family-owned grocery store founded in 1927, and grew it into a successful national chain. With most of Braxton’s residents employed by Lanham’s corporate headquarters, word of Peter’s demise left them searching for answers. What could possibly have made him take a swan dive off that tower?
Julie Parker is convinced he didn’t. As receptionist at Lanham’s executive office suite, she’s determined to find out what really happened to her boss. An aspiring actor who also stars as “The Lanham Girl” in the company’s TV commercials, Julie prides herself on her perceptive observations and people-skills. Who better to find out what happened to Peter up on that water tower?
Matt Bryson, on assignment as a rookie Special Agent for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, isn’t about to let the attractive receptionist intrude on his first case. She may be a hometown insider, but he’s perfectly capable of solving the case without “Miss Marple” screwing up his investigation.
A perfect setting, a cast of oddball characters, and just enough drama to raise lots of suspicion. The stage is set.
Reader reviews:
“Diane Moody is at the top of my “favorite author” list! This book does not disappoint. The story moves quickly with great character development. The author has a delicious skill in describing each character’s actions so the reader immediately sees the scene.”
“Ms. Moody has done a superb job–right up until the end. Yup, the ending is poi-fect! Loved it and didn’t see it coming. So if you feel a good book coming on, it’s probably this one. Curl up with a cup of tea or hot chocolate and be prepared to be entertained. Great job, Ms. Moody! I shall be reading you again. Definitely five stars!”
“This is an engaging mystery that will keep you guessing until the absolute last minute. And just when you think it is over, there is a brilliant and unusual twist at the end! Well done! This is the first time in a long time that I have stayed up until the wee small hours of the morning to get through a book! It was worth it!”
“More twists & turns than a mountain road! Could not put it down! Dianne Moody is an excellent writer!”
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I was looking for a new author but this was a major disappointment. I read the other reviews and it didn’t seem too bad. The silly characters and the Nancy Drew female character were a real turnoff. The plot was good but the rest was written for a young teenaged girl. My quest for a good writer continues.
The author did not research properly about FBI procedures for cases at all. they work together with the cops. they do not barge in and take over.
The main character, Julie, did things that seemed unlikely. The book was entertaining but I couldn’t see how the guy could be so in love with her when she lied to him repeatedly. Also, the ending seemed to promote theft and lies as long as the benefits to you were substantial and the only person hurt by it “didn’t deserve better”.
Good book, hard to put down and didn’t really see the ending so that was good!
It seemed to begin like a lot of other slow moving mysteries. As it moved along, it got more and more involved. The characters were interesting in that they developed into new and different ways as the story progressed. The plot evolves and twist and turns in directions that are not expected.
This book was mostly very enjoyable reading. I almost took away one star, but only for a fault of the main character Julie. Julie is a Christian, even reads her Bible, and yet she repeatedly gives her word to not get involved in the investigation for her own safety, and then she completely breaks her word. In some of the instances it is obvious she had no intention of keeping her word in the first place. For someone who’s a Christian, you would think she would have a better idea that when you give your word you need to stick by it because when you don’t it is actually lying. Further, I was quite frustrated that no one called her out on her repeatedly lying, particularly her brother when they were discussing Julie’s relationship with Matt. It would have been a great learning moment, but it just never happened. I felt it was a great oversight to have a young Christian woman completely oblivious to the fact that lies are wrong.
Lots of twists and turns and a “gotcha” at the end. Average writer but good content
Was slow starting but picked up and couldn’t wait to get to the end!
I was disappointed in the slow pace of the book and the ending left me wondering why this book could be listed in an inspirational category. I will not read another by this author.
I could read this book again.
A good cozy mystery, with a twist.
Great book. Keeps you guessing. Very surprising ending.
I loved this book! So many twists and turns. Never guessed the ending. Great read during pandemic..
Awesome story telling and a marvelous story as well. The characters are very likable and the narrative is witty and actually funny much of the time. Awesome offering by Diane Moody, and–though mysteries are far from my favorite genre–I can’t wait to read more of the series.
I loved this entire series. Interesting characters.
The characters were the best part of this book. The ending made the book a 3 star. It left me with more questions then answers. In my opinion it would have been a better book if the last chapter had been left out.
Love anything by Diane Moody
This was a great book. I don’t think Diane Moody has written a bad book. I thoroughly enjoy reading her books.
Good clean whodunit. I want to read more by this author.
Unpredictable!