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Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle

now available! 

AMAZON     BARNES & NOBLE   KOBO   APPLE BOOKS

From Paris runways to country manors, danger is always in fashion.

When intrepid journalist Ariadne Winter leaves behind the glittering cafés and haute couture of 1958 Paris for the misty hills of rural Ireland, she expects champagne toasts and countryside charm at her cousin’s engagement celebration. But amidst party prep excitement the festive mood at Ballyford Manor is shattered when a body is discovered among the ruins of the ancient castle grounds.

The local inspector suspects an accident—but Ariadne knows better. Armed with her sharp wit and a reporter’s determination, Ariadne peels back the polished façade of the O’Connell family, uncovering simmering tensions and long-held grudges that refuse to stay buried. As she navigates a world of crumbling aristocracy, whispered scandals, and dark family legacies, Ariadne realizes someone will do anything to keep the past hidden — even if it means making her the next victim.

Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Tana French, this stylish, atmospheric mystery captures the glamour and shadows of 1950s Ireland, blending intrigue, secrets, and a sleuth you won’t forget.

“For readers, this novel offers different pleasures. Those who love Agatha Christie–style mysteries will enjoy piecing together the puzzle of lies and hidden motives. Historical fiction fans will savor the old estate setting, with its echoes of past centuries. And anyone who has ever navigated family politics, whether over a wedding, inheritance, or simple sibling rivalry, will find something resonant here.” – Seattle Book Review

“Butler skillfully weaves in the realities faced by the declining upper classes striving to hold on to their vast estates as the world changes without them.” – Historical Novel Society

“Butler’s tale is well-written with unexpected twists and turns, well-developed characters with distinct personalities, and a well-paced plot.”  – Christa Reads and Writes Blog

“DEADLY SECRETS AT BALLYFORD CASTLE is a delightful mystery that uncovers long held secrets in 1958 Ireland.” – Cozy Up With Kathy Blog

“The plot is fast-paced, and the setting is full of atmosphere and tension as the two families get to know one another, and tragedy strikes.” – Karen Siddall Blogger

First Comes Love,

Then Comes Murder

Award Winning Short Story Anthology

Second Place Book Award

AMAZON    WHITE CITY PRESS

“Contract Accepted”, by Ellen Butler in the FIRST COMES LOVE, THEN COMES MURDER Anthology.

When Ashley discovers her husband’s infidelity, she makes a bitter wish for his demise. Miraculously, he drops dead on the squash court, and the coroner rules it a heart attack. Just as she begins to grapple with the eerie coincidence, Ashley receives a series of mysterious red cards demanding a million dollars. As the threats intensify, she realizes someone knows her darkest desire—and they’re ready to collect on the debt. Caught in a web of guilt and fear, Ashley must unmask the sinister force behind the notes before her wish costs more than she ever imagined.

First Comes Love, Then Comes Murder features nineteen juicy tales of revenge, betrayal, bad breakups, and a few I dos and some I don’ts. Each short story takes ruthless relationships to an all-new level in all kinds of places like destination weddings, riverboat cruises, wineries, bachelorette parties, creepy stalkers, cheating spouses, and sneaky friends trying for their own version of happily ever after. So, settle in for some love stories with a twist of revenge, infidelity, and murder.

Featuring the writing talents of Teresa Inge, Heather Heather Baker Weidner, Debra Goldstein, Grace Topping, Maggie King, Ellen Butler Books, Kristin Kisska, Shawn Reilly Simmons, Marilyn Levinson, Sandra Murphy, Mary Dutta, Diane Fanning, Libby Hall, Frances Aylor, K.L. Murphy, Eleanor Cawood Jones, Leah St. James, Sheryl Jordan and Allie Marie.

 

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