Linda Griffin

Morgan's Landing will be released May 19th. 

 

In the small town of Morgan's Landing, fourteen-year-old Julie Morgan disappears on her way to school after a spat with her twin sister. Detective Jim Brady uncovers a few suspects—Is it fired school janitor Bear Wayans, paroled sex offender Raymond Ochner, Julie's computer teacher David Hartwell…or his own teenage son Colin? Jim can't believe his son could be involved, but his wife is convinced the boy is hiding something. He needs to find Julie before the worst happens—and keep the peace at home.

 

See my Pinterest board for an introduction to the characters:

 

   "Julie Morgan is missing."

   Jim Brady took the call at 10:30. He had been with the Morgan's Landing Police Department for twelve years, and this was only his second missing person case. The first had involved a three-year-old boy who had wandered away and been found within the hour. He still remembered the emotions associated with that hour: the overwhelming anguish of the boy's mother, the sharp desire to make sure his own son was safe. This time Colin was in school, and Jim resisted the urge to call Frances—of course the baby was safe with her.

  "The twist at the end was a wonderful surprise that I hadn't seen coming. I enjoy it when mysteries play around with the rules of their genres and expect their readers to keep thinking of new possibilities from the first scene to the last one. Kudos to Ms. Griffin for her creativity here! It's a big part of the reason why I get a thrill every time she comes out with a new book." ~ Long and Short Reviews

 

  "Without overt criminal displays or needless gore, Linda Griffin builds suspense in her novel like a Hitchcock film creates fear, with an uneasy atmosphere and the internal struggles of relatable characters. Morgan's Landing is a fast-paced, unpredictable mystery you'll devour in a single sitting." ~ Indies Today

  

  "Griffin's storytelling is swift and humane, offering a bird's-eye view of small-town life and introducing a wide range of characters with human complexity, whether they're a wealthy Morgan or a registered sex offender working at the car wash. The novella length means readers just scratch the surface of what there is to know about the town and its inhabitants as Jim encounters dead ends, false leads, and the uneasy feeling that the truth may be bleak. The conclusion, though, is unexpected and surprisingly humane, cutting against reader expectations for a missing-girl mystery." ~ BookLife

 

   "The plot—and the eventual resolution—is original and intriguing and will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend you grab a drink, some snacks, and prepare to read this novella in one sitting." ~ N.N. Light's Book Heaven

 

  "Anchored by a haunting narration from Eric Priessman, this audiobook version delivers a gripping, character-driven mystery you'll want to finish in one sitting."   

   ~ K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

 

  "With taut, unrelenting prose, the novel delivers a psychological gut punch wrapped in a sharp, small-town thriller. It's a story of justice, family, and the cracks that form when the two collide. The twists come hard and fast, and the emotional stakes cut deep. Crime fiction fans, especially those drawn to domestic suspense, will be hooked." ~ The Prairies Book Review

 

  "Mystery readers seeking a cozy mystery immersed in blossoming interpersonal relationships as well as impressive intrigue will find Morgan's Landing chooses directions and twists that are delightfully difficult to predict." ~ D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

 

  "Morgan's Landing by Linda Griffin...explores the dark places our minds can go when faced with unimaginable situations. Linda Griffin skillfully introduces readers to Morgan's Landing, portraying it as a perfect community filled with ordinary residents. However, beneath this idyllic exterior lies a web of secrets. The revelation that the town harbors registered sex offenders, teachers with hidden lives, and dysfunctional families shatters its façade of safety and normalcy. The story also addresses societal judgment and the desperation that arises when a loved one goes missing, prompting readers to examine how much they can truly trust their families, friends, and neighbors...Overall, Morgan's Landing is a compelling drama that keeps readers on the edge of their seats while prompting reflection on the fragile nature of trust within our closest relationships." ~ Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

 

     "Gripping and suspenseful, this book was a super fast read, short chapters and very intriguing. It kept me so invested and I couldn't put it down. I loved the writing style, and the characters. I highly recommend!" ~ Simone on Goodreads