Publication date: October 15th, 2025
Synopsis:
A vanished sister. A spooky village. A killer hiding in plain sight.
When Imogene York stumbles upon a long-lost letter hinting at the fate of her sister Felicity who has been missing for over a decade, it leads her to the village of Linwood. Posing as a secretary in the powerful Linwood household, Imogene begins a covert investigation into Felicity's disappearance.
Her only confidant is Spencer St. George, the village architect with secrets of his own. As fellow outsiders, they forge a connection that transcends mere friendship. But as their bond deepens, so do the dangers surrounding them. Imogene's search for the truth causes her to cross paths with a killer whose dark impulses are tightly interwoven with Linwood's past.
As Imogene edges closer to uncovering what happened to her sister, she must confront a chilling truth: the monster she seeks is not be lurking in the shadows... but hiding in plain sight.
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Excerpt
She pulled the next letter to her and opened it happily. Her sister would be engaged now. She was certain.
Dearest Papa,
The picnic at St. James's Park was magical. I know you might think we are rushing, but he wants me to be his wife. I am delirious! The other girls at the store are pea green with envy, but so would I be if the roles were reversed. He is going to make plans for us, but fortunately, he was engaged to another woman and must break it off with her, so he is working on that.
Soon you will toast at our wedding, and won't Immy make an adorable flower girl? She will! I will tell you all about it when I see you.
All my love,
F
Imogene placed the envelope aside and pulled the next one to her.
Dearest Papa,
I know it has been over a month since I have written to you. Things have taken a turn, and not for the good. The man who I have fallen in love with is married. I found out from the girl in the store who has been there longer than I.
The perfumes he was buying for his mother were, in fact, for his wife. I am devastated. I know you are not happy with me, but I am coming home this weekend. I must speak with you. Please do not look down upon me. I was deceived and now I am paying the price.
I will be on the evening train. I will see you soon.
F
Imogene frowned as she reread the letter. Her poor sister. The man had lied to her and had not been free at all. Thank goodness she had only been on a picnic. Nothing that could not be repaired. She took the next letter in hand and began to read.
My darling Papa,
I am writing this even as I have returned to the store this very evening from seeing you. How could you call me those names? Those awful, harmful names that are still ringing in my ears. How could you? I have ever been your loving daughter and do not deserve such hateful words.
Now you know all of it. I was foolish - and the day of the picnic, my friend could not attend as chaperone. I know now that he arranged it. He never wanted to be chaperoned, quite the opposite. The day of the picnic, he brought sweet wine, which I drank. I was foolish. So foolish I can scarce credit it. He had everything neatly arranged. He had done this before. A small hotel near the park and a room had already been secured a week in advance. He was that practiced.
He took me there but under false pretenses. He listed us as man and wife and even slipped a band on my finger to further complete the tale. Once in the room, he took me. I am a maid no more. I am ashamed. I have been stupid and ignorant believing his honeyed words of love and marriage. I would never have told you, save for the fact that I am with child. The man is married, so he can do nothing for me.
I came home to ask for your help. You alone can help me. Instead, you called me foul names and said I was your daughter no more. Thank goodness Immy was out playing or she would have heard you.
Papa, I am with child. It was not meant to happen, but it did. You alone can help me. I beg you. Do not leave me alone in the world. I will wait to hear from you. Please, do not discard me. I have no one else.
F
NICOLA ITALIA is a Los Angeles native. Early in elementary school, Nicola had a great fondness for reading and began to write creatively. She graduated from university with a degree in communications and has held a variety of positions in journalism, education, government and non profit.
Nicola has traveled extensively throughout Europe, China, Central America and Egypt and loves all things historical.
She has nineteen historical romance and mystery novels on Amazon.
