In the fall of 1975, Mikey Thomas, hit man for Tony MartinelliToledos Mafia Crime Bossmoves his family back to his old stomping grounds of Toledo, Ohio after getting into legal trouble in Louisiana. He returns to his old life carrying out contracts for Tony and while doing so, he also finds himself more involved in the seedier side of being a biker. Author Kerri Thomas, Mikeys daughter from a previous marriage, is just ten years old at the time. In Scot Free II, the second book in the series, Thomas shares a fictionalized memoir of her fathers life and how it affected her and her childhood. Inspired by true events, it offers insight into what Thomas life was like growing up in an abusive and criminal environment with a father who dedicated his life to crime. Through Mikeys first-person perspective, this story shares his experiences as a biker who was no stranger to rape, murder, arson, bombings, and more. Praise for Scot Free I live just outside of Toledo and knew where each of the places were that Kerri referred to in this book. Her father was ingenious in how he committed his crimes and got away with them, but extremely cruel and selfish in how he treated his own family, the people he supposedly loved. Kerri, I could hardly put this book down. You have survived a horrendous childhood and I hope that you continue to heal and write more books. You have a wonderful talent.Patricia Haupt
Lexy Campbell fights to prove the innocence of a client she's been providing marriage guidance to after she is accused of murdering her husband. It's the Fourth of July in California and Lexy Campbell is headed home to Scotland. But first she must deliver her final dose of marriage guidance to the elderly Bombarros. They don't turn up for the session, but the cops do. Turns out Mr Bombarro is in the morgue and Mrs Bombarro is in the jail, arrested for murder. Certain of the old lady's innocence, Lexy decides to stay and clear her name. But after her own recent whirlwind divorce, she's got no money and no place to stay. So she checks into the Last Ditch Motel. As the plucky little band of motel guests start to take over Lexy's life, and the shady Bombarro relations come to town, one thing is for sure . . . the fireworks have only just begun.
“I hope no one reads this and expects an apology—they won't get one. I hope no one wants me to feel ashamed of my life—I don't. The best years of my life came while I lived the lifestyle of a biker. The best money I had ever made came from doing contract hits for Tony Martinelli, Toledo’s Mafia Crime Boss. What you are about to read is a chronicle of events during my life of crime and recorded by my daughter. Specific names, dates, and locations have been omitted for obvious reasons.” Mikey Thomas—Hit Man for the Mob
First book: Scot-free Safe in Georgia is based on the real life kidnapping of Scott who stopped to assist, what appeared to be, a lone stranded motorist along I-95 just outside Titusville Florida. While it appears I may have taken liberties with the facts of this crime, as well as the situations and conversations that followed the initial kidnapping, I can assure you that they are true to Scott’s vivid memories of this traumatic event. Scott, his wife Deb, their families, and all their friends, truly hope you enjoy reading this story. A story of how one man’s faith, and his love of his wife, provided him with the courage and mental skills needed in order to survive when most of us would not have. Second book: The Real Inheritance delves into the turbulent world of Paul and Sandy, a couple whose 18-year marriage is shattered by the devastating revelation of infidelity. Their lives unravel in a gripping tale of betrayal, greed, murder, and suspense that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Paul's 83 year old cousin, Kenny, holds a secret that he believes to be a key to their happiness. As Kenny's failing health threatens to bury his secret forever, the race against time intensifies. Infidelity has torn their love apart, greed has poisoned their hearts, and murder looms in the shadows. Will Paul and Sandy find redemption and rebuild their shattered marriage? Or will dark secrets surrounding them plunge them into a world of unforgivable consequences? This gripping tale will keep you guessing until the very last page.
Winner of the 2020 Lefty Award for Best Humorous Mystery Scottish-born California transplant Lexy Campbell sails into trouble when her houseboat party ends on a deadly note. Now settled in her little houseboat, moored in the slough at the back of the Last Ditch Motel, Lexy Campbell wants nothing more than to build her counseling business, avoid her mother's phone calls and—who knows?—meet a nice guy. But when she throws a Halloween party for her motley crew of motel pals, the only single man is too old for her, too wrapped up in the case of beer chilling in the slough, and—oh, yes—too dead. The sensible choice is to leave it up to the cops to identify the body and catch the killer. So faster than you can say "Tam O'Shanter," Lexy and her friends jump into the case themselves, delving deep into their town's past for the roots of a mystifying crime. Praise for Scot & Soda "Peppered with clever red herrings, the mystery gleefully revels in the absurd, but it's Lexy's friendships with the Last Ditch's unusual residents that give this series its big heart. Those who enjoy the Stephanie Plum mysteries will find plenty to like."—Publishers Weekly Praise for Scot Free, Book 1 of the Last Ditch Mystery Series: A 2019 Lefty Award Nominee "[McPherson's] character-driven romp is sparked by the larger-than-life, quirky residents of the Last Ditch Motel, putting this laugh-out-loud whodunit on a par with the early Janet Evanovich."—Library Journal (starred review) "McPherson, a master of creepy psychological mysteries, shows an utterly different side of herself in this zany series kickoff."—Kirkus Reviews "McPherson gives the fish-out-of-water theme a hilarious and original spin with Lexy Campbell, a Scottish therapist who falls for and marries a sexy California dentist who turns out to be more horndog than hero. Throw in a sweet old lady accused of blowing up her pyrotechnic husband and a hilariously bumbling supporting cast, and you have the perfect comic caper. Lexy is my new favorite unwitting detective and her cultural observations and mistakes are laugh-out-loud funny. Scot Free is a little sexy and a lot funny, with a heart and a bang."—Jess Lourey, Anthony and Lefty-nominated author "The only times I stopped turning the pages were when I was laughing so hard it took both hands just to hold the book. McPherson is an ace plotter, a vivid, original stylist, and great company. A great beginning to a new series."—Timothy Hallinan, author of the Junior Bender series "Everyone who knows me knows that I don't throw the word 'hoot' around lightly. So if I were to say that Catriona McPherson's new novel was a hoot, believe me, I would mean it. Filled with an entertaining cast of eccentric characters, Scot Free is a funny and original mystery. Quite frankly, it's a hoot. There, I said it."—Johnny Shaw, author of Big Maria and Imperial Valley "Lexy's snide observations about the California lifestyle can't cover up her affection for her friends, who are as warm-hearted as they are weird. Readers will look forward to Lexy's further adventures."—Publishers Weekly "McPherson, who has earned acclaim for her dark thrillers and Dandy Gilver period cozies, blends jaunty pacing, a comically rendered Southern California setting, and quirky characters in this series starter. A sure bet for fans of Janet Evanovich and Sarah Strohmeyer."—Booklist
The Victorian period in Scotland was remarkable, with rapid changes and immense wealth coexisting alongside entrenched conservatism and great poverty. For the churches also, the Victorian period was a time of transformation - with every assumption being challenged and tested. In this context it is not surprising that some churches fragmented, and the Free Church was one of them.
"[McPherson's] character-driven romp is sparked by the larger-than-life, quirky residents of the Last Ditch Motel, putting this laugh-out-loud whodunit on a par with the early Janet Evanovich."—Library Journal (starred review) For Scottish-Born Marriage Counselor Lexy Campbell, the American Dream Becomes a California Nightmare Lexy Campbell fell in love and left her native Scotland for a golden life in California—hitched to a hunk, building her marriage counseling practice, living the dream. Six months later she's divorced, broke, and headed home. There's just one last thing. Lexy's only client—sweet little old Mrs. Bombarro—is in jail for murdering her husband with a fireworks rocket. Lexy knows the cops have got it wrong; all she needs is a few days to prove it and somewhere cheap to sleep at night. But checking into the Last Ditch Motel brings an unexpected slice of life and a whole world of trouble. Praise: A 2019 Lefty Award Winner "McPherson, a master of creepy psychological mysteries, shows an utterly different side of herself in this zany series kickoff."—Kirkus Reviews "McPherson gives the fish-out-of-water theme a hilarious and original spin with Lexy Campbell, a Scottish therapist who falls for and marries a sexy California dentist who turns out to be more horndog than hero. Throw in a sweet old lady accused of blowing up her pyrotechnic husband and a hilariously bumbling supporting cast, and you have the perfect comic caper. Lexy is my new favorite unwitting detective and her cultural observations and mistakes are laugh-out-loud funny. Scot Free is a little sexy and a lot funny, with a heart and a bang."—Jess Lourey, Anthony and Lefty-nominated author "The only times I stopped turning the pages were when I was laughing so hard it took both hands just to hold the book. McPherson is an ace plotter, a vivid, original stylist, and great company. A great beginning to a new series."—Timothy Hallinan, author of the Junior Bender series "Everyone who knows me knows that I don't throw the word 'hoot' around lightly. So if I were to say that Catriona McPherson's new novel was a hoot, believe me, I would mean it. Filled with an entertaining cast of eccentric characters, Scot Free is a funny and original mystery. Quite frankly, it's a hoot. There, I said it."—Johnny Shaw, author of Big Maria and Imperial Valley "Scot Free is a proper cuppa Scottish mystery served under harsh California sunshine—and everyone's a little crazy from the heat. Lexy and her Last Ditch friends are charming, weird, and laugh-out-loud funny. A real treat."—Lori Rader-Day, Mary Higgins Clark Award-winning author of Little Pretty Things "Lexy's snide observations about the California lifestyle can't cover up her affection for her friends, who are as warm-hearted as they are weird. Readers will look forward to Lexy's further adventures."—Publishers Weekly "McPherson, who has earned acclaim for her dark thrillers and Dandy Gilver period cozies, blends jaunty pacing, a comically rendered Southern California setting, and quirky characters in this series starter. A sure bet for fans of Janet Evanovich and Sarah Strohmeyer."—Booklist
