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Joanne Pence

    This author masterfully weaves suspense and emotion across genres, from historical romance to fantasy and thrillers. Her mystery series, particularly those with a culinary bent, have captivated readers with their sharp insights into human nature and meticulously crafted plots. Through her works, she explores the complexities of relationships and unearths hidden secrets with remarkable skill. Readers can expect rich prose and compelling narratives that transport them to diverse worlds.

    The Da Vinci Cook
    Cook's Night Out
    To Catch a Cook
    Something's Cooking
    Seems Like Old Times [Large Print]
    Ancient Deceptions
    • 2024

      Ancient Passages

      • 410 pages
      • 15 hours of reading

      Set in the heart of Sicily, the narrative weaves together ancient myths with the region's rich historical backdrop. As characters navigate through crumbling ruins, they encounter echoes of long-forgotten gods, blending the mystical with the real. The story explores themes of heritage, memory, and the enduring power of myth, inviting readers to delve into a world where the past and present intertwine.

      Ancient Passages
    • 2024

      A Quiche Before Dying

      • 292 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      Set against the backdrop of the glamorous culinary world, this gripping tale unveils a sinister secret lurking beneath the surface. As the story unfolds, the protagonist navigates a web of intrigue and deception, ultimately confronting the chilling reality of murder intertwined with the allure of fine dining. The narrative explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the hidden dangers that can arise in the pursuit of culinary excellence.

      A Quiche Before Dying
    • 2024

      Time After Time

      • 270 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      An antique hope chest containing a forgotten wedding dress and a packet of letters ignites a profound journey filled with themes of love, tragedy, and self-discovery. As the protagonist unravels the mysteries of the past, they confront deep emotions and uncover hidden truths that reshape their understanding of connection and identity. This exploration promises to resonate with readers through its poignant reflections on life's unexpected twists and the enduring power of love.

      Time After Time
    • 2024

      The Marinara Murders

      • 294 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      Set against a backdrop of culinary delights, the story intertwines murder and romance as the protagonist navigates a web of intrigue involving a mysterious death and dreams of marriage. With suspense at every turn, the narrative explores the complexities of relationships while delving into the world of food and crime, promising readers a thrilling blend of flavors and tension.

      The Marinara Murders
    • 2024

      Close Encounters of the Deadly Kind

      • 240 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      In a unique blend of gourmet cuisine and extraterrestrial intrigue, a culinary adventure unfolds as UFO enthusiasts and government conspiracies intertwine. The narrative promises a thrilling exploration of food and the unknown, where the pursuit of extraordinary dishes leads to unexpected revelations about the universe. Expect a whimsical yet suspenseful journey filled with eccentric characters and tantalizing flavors that challenge both the palate and the mind.

      Close Encounters of the Deadly Kind
    • 2023

      A Certain Smile

      • 266 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      A fashion photographer grapples with unfulfilled aspirations while a former rancher confronts his haunting history. Their paths intertwine in an isolated cabin that harbors ghosts, both literal and metaphorical. As they navigate their intertwined fates, themes of redemption, healing, and the supernatural emerge, creating a poignant exploration of grief and second chances.

      A Certain Smile
    • 2022

      Eight O'Clock Split

      • 270 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      Exploring the aftermath of a break-up, the story delves into how a simple act of kindness spirals into unforeseen and deadly consequences. As characters navigate their emotions and choices, the narrative reveals the intricate connections between actions and the unexpected fallout they can produce, highlighting themes of love, loss, and the ripple effects of seemingly small decisions.

      Eight O'Clock Split
    • 2021

      Ancient Deceptions

      • 336 pages
      • 12 hours of reading

      An unsettling photograph and the gruesome murders of his archaeological dig team propel Michael Rempart into a harrowing quest. As he grapples with the disappearance of a friend, he must confront the dark forces at play in this emotionally charged adventure, blending mystery and horror in a race against time.

      Ancient Deceptions
    • 2018

      Dance with a Gunfighter

      • 310 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      ***Willa Cather Literary Award Best Historical Finalist***A young woman faces unimaginable tragedy and a broken, guilt-ridden gunfighter is driven to help her in this harsh and powerful page-turner that explores the darkness in the human heart.Gabriella Devere grows up quickly after a gang of outlaws attacks her family. When the law won't help her, she takes matters into her own hands. Jess McLowry left his war-torn Southern home to head West, where he hired out his gun. When he learns what Gabriella plans, he knows a young woman like her will have no chance against the outlaws, and vows to save her the way he couldn't save his own family.But the price of vengeance is high and Gabriella's willingness to sacrifice everything ultimately leads to the book's deadly and startling conclusion.From "Compelling, thrilling, entertaining""The story is about horrible acts against human beings, secrets that will hurt no matter what path the guy takes but he's determined to do the right thing. It costs him.""Captures your heart and your mind.""What a great book!!! I couldn't put it down!!!""Never has a setting more captivated me than it did in this book. I could see it all, the desert, the wild towns."

      Dance with a Gunfighter
    • 2018

      Seems Like Old Times [Large Print]

      • 476 pages
      • 17 hours of reading

      Lee Reynolds is unprepared for the torrent of memories that fill her when she returns to her small hometown. She fled soon after high school, breaking ties with her mother and friends, including her high school sweetheart. The reason why is a secret she divulged to only one person, the aunt she turned to during that devastating period. Lee Reynolds of New York City has achieved more fame, wealth and success than little Lisa Marie Reynolds from Miwok, California, ever imagined possible when she was growing up. Now, she plans to quickly ready her deceased mother's home for sale, and then to hurry back to New York. But she soon discovers that, as much as she doesn't want to be there, events conspire to cause her to finally face her past. The most difficult part of that past is Tony Santos. The poor son of a Mexican ranch hand he, like young Lisa, had big dreams for his future. For a while, the two of them saw their future together. But the ugliness of prejudice and ambition, expectation and failure, got in the way. Lee is surprised to learn Tony has moved back to Miwok to raise his young son. Little does she expect that her feelings for him are still so strong...or his for her. But it is possible to forget the past? Or if not to forget, to forgive? Both she and Tony have changed a lot. Yet seeing him, simply talking with him, she finds that in her heart, it seems like old times...

      Seems Like Old Times [Large Print]