This is Ink & Intrigue—the blog where romance ignites, secrets simmer, and every love story hides a twist. I’m your blog host, Sheila Kell, romance author and lover of plot twists, slow burns, and morally questionable book boyfriends.
Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to author Mary Ann Jacobs, whose strong characters will become beloved to you as they strive to solve mysteries in a small town in the Berkshire Mountains where the inept sheriff keeps arresting the wrong suspects. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, this series will have you eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
Mary Ann Jacobs is known for developing strong female characters whose Super Sleuths help solve intriguing, twisty plots. The latest release, Dabbling in Danger, was reviewed by Karen Bartell on Goodreads:
“Dabbling in Danger, the thrilling third installment in the Berkshires Mystery Series by Mary Ann Jacobs, delivers an action-packed, fast-paced ride. Blending small-town kidnappings with a high-stakes Florida murder investigation, it masterfully balances multiple mysteries, making it a highly engaging, unputdownable page-turner for cozy mystery fans.”
In this spotlight, Mary Ann Jacobs shares her unique experience with creating characters.
“My characters appear to me first before the plot has been developed. After I have written several scenes with each character, I create the plot. The most interesting event that happened while writing in this fashion was the night my writing muse woke me up and had my character complain that he couldn’t be the villain because he was too nice. Sure enough, when I reread his scenes, he was too nice, so I had to create another villain.”
Whether you write mysteries, devour them, or dream of doing both, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it and give a warm welcome to Mary Ann Jacobs. 💖
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DABBLING IN DANGER BOOK BLURB
In book 3 of The Berkshire Mystery Series, danger strikes Pittman once again.
Sadie has disappeared. Cindy Lou Bloom has been kidnapped by unknown assailants. With fear gripping their beloved small town, the Super Sleuths are desperate for answers. When the Jr. Super Sleuths receive a call for help from Florida, they must race against the clock to prove their friend Mike’s innocence before he’s wrongly accused of the murder of a surfer.
A counterfeit ring and a blackmailer complicate the lives of our favorite characters. Can the Super Sleuths solve these mysteries before the wrong suspects end up behind bars? Or will the criminals stay one step ahead?
Join the adventure and test your wits. Can you solve the mysteries before the Super Sleuths do?
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DABBLING IN DANGER EXCERPT:
The Sheriff, losing his normally calm demeanor, confronted Fergusson, “Are you aware that someone was murdered last night? Not only are we investigating a murder, but we also are looking for a vandal and a robber. I suppose you think a little noise is more important than all that. You are a self-centered so and so,” sputtered the Sheriff.
Shaking, Sheriff Houtman turned around and said to the rest of us, “I’ll get back to you all later. One crime at a time. I better get back to the station and check out this rumor of arson. Let’s hope my deputy has turned up some evidence. Houtman then rushed for the exit.
I thought, “Wow, he really went off on Fergusson. I wonder why. But the Sheriff is a coward to just leave without even a comment about Billy’s interrogation. I’m worried that Houtman has already tried and convicted Billy in his own snap-judgment mind.”
Fergusson shouted at Sheriff Houtman’s fleeing figure. Fuming, Fergusson left the shop, banging the door behind him.
Billy came back with his head down and his hands stuffed in his pockets. Gone was his cocky attitude. Whatever Houtman said to him seemed to have broken his spirit.
“I’m really sorry, Ms. George, that I crashed through your door and made such a commotion,” said a subdued Billy.
Worried, Sadie went to Billy, and they found a secluded corner of the store and sat and talked. At least he seemed to be open to Sadie’s questioning.
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DABBLING IN DANGER BOOK REVIEWS:
Review on BookBub by Susie Black, author of the Holly Swimsuit Series
Mary Ann Jacobs has written an exciting debut cozy mystery that takes place in a small, quiet town in the Berkshires rocked by two murders that shock the residents and put everyone on edge. The story moved at a clipped pace with a cast of flawed but believable characters readers were invested in and who drove the plot. The characters evoke strong emotions in readers right from page one. Jacobs penned a well-written tale that deftly wove a taut murder plot driven by betrayal, love, loss, trust, and the inner strength one must summon to face adversity. In addition to a compelling plot with twists and turns to keep readers guessing, Don’t Mess with Me takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions fueled by small-town angst where everyone knows everyone’s business. Jacob’s attention to detail in the locale and ethnic food came through on every page and gave the story a ring of authenticity. Don’t Mess with Me is an enjoyable read for any cozy mystery reader.
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Book 1: DON’T MESS WITH ME in the Berkshire Mystery Series
Sheriff Houtman, who left Boston to have a more peaceful career, finds himself faced with two murders and a kidnapping. He is challenged by a band of amateur sleuths who doubt his competence. Will his conclusions hold, or will he have to admit defeat? Unfortunately, Sheriff Houtman’s judgement is impaired because of his infatuation with Sadie an escapee from ISIS in Lebanon and his immediate suspicion of Billy, a homeless teen that Robin and Sadie have befriended.
Robin George narrates the story. She is a widow with a young son who moves to the Berkshires after her beloved husband died. Her bookstore, Bookworms, and Sweet Indulgences, her best friend Sadie’s restaurant, become the hubs for Robin’s amateur detective group where they plan how to solve the local crimes and exonerate Billy, the Sheriff’s main suspect.
Will they prove the Sheriff wrong?
Book 2: PERIL IN PITTMAN in the Berkshire Mystery Series
Fear has engulfed the tight-knit community of Pittman. In this cozy mystery, join the Super Sleuths as they unmask a thief and not one, but three hitmen.
Sadie, a Lebanese immigrant, arms herself to protect her adopted family in her new home. As tensions escalate, a renowned journalist delves into the depths of this quaint New England town, filming a documentary. Will tourists avoid their crime-ridden town, leaving the merchants at risk of financial ruin?
Meet the members of the Geezer Book Club and discover the future plans of the characters you first met and loved in Don’t Mess with Me, #1 in The Berkshire Mystery Series.
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MARY ANN JACOBS’ BIO:
Ms. Jacobs is a writer, a teacher of Creative Writing, and a writing coach. She is excited that her cozy mystery books, Don’t Mess with Me, Book1 in the Berkshires Mystery Series, Peril in Pittman, Book 2 in the Berkshire Mystery Series, and Dabbling in Danger, Book 3 in the Berkshire Mystery Series, have been published by The Wild Rose Press.
I hope you loved getting to know Mary Ann Jacobs and hearing about her latest release, Dabbling in Danger. If you haven’t added this to your TBR yet, now’s the time—trust me, you won’t want to miss it. 💖
You can connect with Mary Ann Jacobs here:
🌐 Website: maryannjacobsauthor.wordpress.com
📧 Email: maryannjacobsauthor@gmail.com
📱 Socials: https://www.facebook.com/maryannjacobsauthor
Twitter: maryann41866
🛒 Grab her books: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Thank you for joining me in spotlighting a fellow author who’s giving us all the feels. Stay tuned for more author features, book talks, and behind-the-scenes romance goodness.
Until next time—keep reading, keep swooning! 💖