Celina Grace

Improve your English & have fun at the same time with Read Stories - Learn English An exciting, modern crime story (CEFR level A2+)

A Kate Redman Mystery: Book 1

Hushabye

Twenty three years ago, Maudie Sampson's childhood friend Jessica disappeared on a family holiday in Cornwall. She was never seen again. In the present day, Maudie is struggling to come to terms with the death of her wealthy father, her increasingly fragile mental health and a marriage that's under strain. Slowly, she becomes aware that there is someone following her: a blonde woman in a long black coat. As the woman begins to infiltrate her life, Maudie realises no one else appears to be able to see her. Is Maudie losing her mind? Is the woman a figment of her imagination or does she actually exist? Have the crimes of the past caught up with Maudie's present - or is there something even more sinister going on? Lost Girls is the new psychological thriller from Celina Grace, author of The House on Fever Street: a dark and convoluted mystery which proves that nothing can be taken for granted and no-one is as they seem.

Lost Girls

Murder at Merisham Lodge

**Please note - this is a novella-length piece of fiction (about 20 thousand words)** It is 1929. Asharton Manor stands alone in the middle of a pine forest, once the place where ancient pagan ceremonies were undertaken in honour of the goddess Astarte. The Manor is one of the most beautiful stately homes in the West Country and seems like a palace to Joan Hart, newly arrived from London to take up a servant’s position as the head kitchen maid. Getting to grips with her new role and with her fellow workers, Joan is kept busy, but not too busy to notice that the glittering surface of life at the Manor might be hiding some dark secrets. The beautiful and wealthy mistress of the house, Delphine Denford, keeps falling ill but why? Confiding her thoughts to her friend and fellow housemaid, feisty Verity Hunter, Joan is unsure of what exactly is making her uneasy, but then Delphine Denford dies… Armed only with their own good sense and quick thinking, Joan and Verity must pit their wits against a cunning murderer in order to bring them to justice. Death at the Manor is the first in the Asharton Manor Mysteries series: a four part series of novellas spanning the twentieth century. Each standalone story uses Asharton Manor as the backdrop to a devious and twisting crime mystery, from bestselling crime writer Celina Grace, author of The Kate Redman Mysteries.

AMM : Book 1

Death at the Manor

“They don’t fear me, quite the opposite. It makes it twice as fun… I know the next time will be soon, I’ve learnt to recognise the signs. I think I even know who it will be. She’s oblivious of course, just as she should be. All the time, I watch and wait and she has no idea, none at all. And why would she? I’m disguised as myself, the very best disguise there is.” A known prostitute is found stabbed to death in a shabby corner of Abbeyford. Detective Sergeant Kate Redman and her partner Detective Sergeant Olbeck take on the case, expecting to have it wrapped up in a matter of days. Kate finds herself distracted by her growing attraction to her boss, Detective Chief Inspector Anderton – until another woman’s body is found, with the same knife wounds. And then another one after that, in a matter of days. Forced to confront the horrifying realisation that a serial killer may be preying on the vulnerable women of Abbeyford, Kate, Olbeck and the team find themselves in a race against time to unmask a terrifying murderer, who just might be hiding in plain sight… Imago (A Kate Redman Mystery: Book 3) is the third in the Kate Redman Mysteries series, by bestselling crime writer Celina Grace, author of Hushabye, Requiem and Lost Girls. crime mystery, police procedural, female detective, british crime mystery, cosy mystery

(KRM: Book 3)

Imago

Detective Sergeant Kate Redman investigates the death of an African man discovered lying on the sand. Was he a desperate asylum seeker, drowned in an attempt to reach Britain's shores, or is there a more sinister explanation for his death?

Sanctuary

The girl’s body lay on the riverbank, her arms outflung. Her blonde hair lay in matted clumps, shockingly pale against the muddy bank. Her face was like a porcelain sculpture that had been broken and glued back together: grey cracks were visible under the white sheen of her dead skin. Her lips were so blue they could have been traced in ink. When the body of troubled teenager Elodie Duncan is pulled from the river in Abbeyford, the case is at first assumed to be a straightforward suicide. Detective Sergeant Kate Redman is shocked to discover that she’d met the victim the night before her death, introduced by Kate’s younger brother Jay. As the case develops, it becomes clear that Elodie was murdered. A talented young musician, Elodie had been keeping some strange company and was hiding her own dark secrets. As the list of suspects begin to grow, so do the questions. What is the significance of the painting Elodie modelled for? Who is the man who was seen with her on the night of her death? Is there any connection with another student’s death at the exclusive musical college that Elodie attended? As Kate and her partner Detective Sergeant Mark Olbeck attempt to unravel the mystery, the dark undercurrents of the case threaten those whom Kate holds most dear… Requiem (A Kate Redman Mystery: Book 2) is the second in The Kate Redman Mysteries series from crime writer Celina Grace, author of Hushabye (A Kate Redman Mystery), Lost Girls and The House on Fever Street. crime mystery, British crime mystery, police procedural, female detective

(KRM: Book 2)

Requiem

The West Country town of Abbeyford is suffering its worst floods in living memory when a landslide reveals the skeletal remains of a young woman. Detective Sergeant Kate Redman is assigned to the case but finds herself up against a baffling lack of evidence, missing files and the suspicion that someone on high is blocking her investigation... Matters are complicated by her estranged mother making contact after years of silence. As age-old secrets are uncovered and powerful people are implicated, Kate and the team are determined to see justice done. But at what price? Echo is the sixth in the bestselling Kate Redman Mysteries series, by Celina Grace, author of Hushabye and Chimera. Kate Redman Mysteries, British crime mystery, female detective, female sleuth

KRM Book 6

Echo

The body of a young man is found in a graveyard the night after a wild, drug-fuelled party. At first glance, there doesn't appear to be anything sinister about his death, despite the shock of Detective Inspector Mark Olbeck realising that he once knew him. Detective Sergeant Kate Redman has other things to worry about, not least her ongoing affair with her superior officer Chief Inspector Anderton. But when a second body is found in suspiciously similar circumstances, Kate, Olbeck and the rest of the Abbeyford police team realise they are up against a devious killer who will stop at nothing to indulge a literal thirst for blood.

Pulse

The West Country town of Abbeyford is celebrating its annual pagan festival, when the festivities are interrupted by the discovery of a very decomposed body. Soon, several other bodies are discovered but is it a question of foul play or are these deaths from natural causes? It’s a puzzle that Detective Sergeant Kate Redman and the team could do without, caught up as they are in investigating an unusual series of robberies. Newly single again, Kate also has to cope with her upcoming Inspector exams and a startling announcement from her friend and colleague DI Mark Olbeck… When a robbery goes horribly wrong, Kate begins to realise that the two cases might be linked. She must use all her experience and intelligence to solve a serious of truly baffling crimes which bring her up against an old adversary from her past… Chimera is the fifth book in the bestselling series The Kate Redman Mysteries by crime writer Celina Grace, author of Hushabye, Imago and Snarl.

A Kate Redman Mystery: Book 5

Chimera

Some old houses have more history than others... The Asharton Manor Mysteries Boxed Set is a four part series of novellas spanning the twentieth century. Each standalone story (about 20,000 words) uses Asharton Manor as the backdrop to a devious and twisting crime mystery, from bestselling crime writer Celina Grace, author of The Kate Redman Mysteries. BOOK ONE - Death at the Manor It is 1929. Asharton Manor stands alone in the middle of a pine forest, once the place where ancient pagan ceremonies were undertaken in honour of the goddess Astarte. The Manor is one of the most beautiful stately homes in the West Country and seems like a palace to Joan Hart, newly arrived from London to take up a servant's position as the head kitchen maid. Getting to grips with her new role and with her fellow workers, Joan is kept busy, but not too busy to notice that the glittering surface of life at the Manor might be hiding some dark secrets. The beautiful and wealthy mistress of the house, Delphine Denford, keeps falling ill but why? Confiding her thoughts to her friend and fellow housemaid, feisty Verity Hunter, Joan is unsure of what exactly is making her uneasy, but then Delphine Denford dies... Armed only with their own good sense and quick thinking, Joan and Verity must pit their wits against a cunning murderer in order to bring them to justice. BOOK 2 - A Prescription for Death It is 1947. Asharton Manor, once one of the most beautiful stately homes in the West Country, is now a convalescent home for former soldiers. Escaping the devastation of post-war London is Vivian Holt, who moves to the nearby village and begins to volunteer as a nurse's aide at the manor. Mourning the death of her soldier husband, Vivian finds solace in her new friendship with one of the older patients, Norman Winter, someone who has served his country in both world wars. Slowly, Vivian's heart begins to heal, only to be torn apart when she arrives for work one day to be told that Norman is dead. It seems a straightforward death, but is it? Why did a particular photograph disappear from Norman's possessions after his death? Who is the sinister figure who keeps following Vivian? Suspicion and doubts begin to grow and when another death occurs, Vivian begins to realise that the war may be over but the real battle is just beginning... BOOK THREE - The Rhythm of Murder It is 1973. Eve and Janey, two young university students, are en route to a Bristol commune when they take an unexpected detour to the little village of Midford. Seduced by the roguish charms of a young man who picks them up in the village pub, they are astonished to find themselves at Asharton Manor, now the residence of the very wealthy, very famous, very degenerate Blue Turner, lead singer of rock band Dirty Rumours. The golden summer rolls on, full of sex, drugs and rock and roll, but Eve begins to sense that there may be a sinister side to all the hedonism. And then one day, Janey disappears, seemingly run away... but as Eve begins to question what happened to her friend, she realises that she herself might be in terrible danger... BOOK FOUR - Number Thirteen, Manor Close It is 2014. Beatrice and Mike Dunhill are finally moving into a house of their own, Number Thirteen, Manor Close. Part of the brand new Asharton Estate, Number Thirteen is built on the remains of the original Asharton Manor which was destroyed in a fire in 1973. Still struggling a little from the recent death of her mother, Beatrice is happy to finally have a home of her own - until she begins to experience some strange happenings that, try as she might, she can't explain away. Her husband Mike seems unconvinced and only her next door neighbour Mia seems to understand Beatrice's growing fear of her home. Uncertain of her own judgement, Beatrice must confront what lies beneath the beautiful surface of the Asharton Estate. But can she do so without losing her mind - or her life?

(Books 1 - 4)

The Asharton Manor Mysteries

THIS IS NOT A FULL LENGTH NOVEL - IT IS NOVELLA LENGTH (about 20 thousands words).It is 1973. Eve and Janey, two young university students, are en route to a Bristol commune when they take an unexpected detour to the little village of Midford. Seduced by the roguish charms of a young man who picks them up in the village pub, they are astonished to find themselves at Asharton Manor, now the residence of the very wealthy, very famous, very degenerate Blue Turner, lead singer of rock band Dirty Rumours. The golden summer rolls on, full of sex, drugs and rock and roll, but Eve begins to sense that there may be a sinister side to all the hedonism. And then one day, Janey disappears, seemingly run away... but as Eve begins to question what happened to her friend, she realises that she herself might be in terrible danger... The Rhythm of Murder is the third in the Asharton Manor Mysteries series: a four part series of novellas spanning the twentieth century. Each standalone story uses Asharton Manor as the backdrop to a devious and twisting crime mystery, from bestselling crime writer Celina Grace, author of The Kate Redman Mysteries. Praise for Celina Grace from Amazon and Goodreads reviewers: "One of the best I have read this year. I read about a fourth of the book early in the day, then at bedtime, I thought I would read a bit more before sleep. I finished the book at 5:20 AM. Just could not put it down." "...a gripping detective story but the main character engages you, and as well as wanting to know how the mystery turns out you want to learn more about her too." "...amazing book, read it front to back in one visit, couldn`t help myself..." "...the most enjoyable Kindle book I have so far read since the 'low cost electronic revolution' which has been sweeping my reading habits for the last couple of years! Thoroughly recommended." "This was my introduction to the author, and I'm so glad I discovered the book. Well-written and a real page turner." "I was awake till the early hours to finish it !! I really enjoyed it and the characters in it so I'm pleased I also have the sequel downloaded to read at some point. I know it should be great." "Attention to detail and great character building coupled with a mystery that keeps you guessing are all the ingredients that make me keep reading till the early hours of the morning." "Celina Grace has done it again, she compels you from page to page and chapter to chapter, a great, riveting read..." "I found it difficult to put down and was completely distracted from all the other things I should have been doing with my time." "This is a great series that I couldn't put down and grabbed the next book right away at 1 a.m. to keep reading."

The Rhythm of Murder

London, 1932. Kitchen maid, Joan Hart, and lady’s maid, Verity Hunter, intend to enjoy their trip to the theatre, especially as Verity’s uncle Tommy is one of the leading men in the play. Unfortunately, Act Two of the play is curtailed when the lights come up in the interval, and the girls realise a man has been stabbed to death almost under their very noses. The case reunites the servant sleuths with their old ally, Detective Inspector Marks, and whilst the girls do their best to solve the case whilst keeping their jobs, the glitter and glamour of the theatre may prove to be as dangerous as any battlefield… Death at the Theatre is the second book in the historical mystery series, Miss Hart and Miss Hunter Investigate, from crime writer Celina Grace, author of the bestselling Kate Redman Mysteries and The Asharton Manor Mysteries.

Miss Hart and Miss Hunter Investigate: Book 2

Death at the Theatre

**Please note, this is a novella-length piece of fiction - about 20 thousand words** It is 1973. Eve and Janey, two young university students, are en route to a Bristol commune when they take an unexpected detour to the little village of Midford. Seduced by the roguish charms of a young man who picks them up in the village pub, they are astonished to find themselves at Asharton Manor, now the residence of the very wealthy, very famous, very degenerate Blue Turner, lead singer of rock band Dirty Rumours. The golden summer rolls on, full of sex, drugs and rock and roll, but Eve begins to sense that there may be a sinister side to all the hedonism. And then one day, Janey disappears, seemingly run away… but as Eve begins to question what happened to her friend, she realises that she herself might be in terrible danger… The Rhythm of Murder is the third in the Asharton Manor Mysteries series: a four part series of novellas spanning the twentieth century. Each standalone story uses Asharton Manor as the backdrop to a devious and twisting crime mystery, from bestselling crime writer Celina Grace, author of The Kate Redman Mysteries.

AMM: Book 3

A missing baby. A murdered girl. A case where everyone has something to hide... On the first day of her new job in the West Country, Detective Sergeant Kate Redman finds herself investigating the kidnapping of Charlie Fullman, the newborn son of a wealthy entrepreneur and his trophy wife. It seems a straightforward case... but as Kate and her fellow officer Mark Olbeck delve deeper, they uncover murky secrets and multiple motives for the crime. Kate finds the case bringing up painful memories of her own past secrets. As she confronts the truth about herself, her increasing emotional instability threatens both her hard-won career success and the possibility that they will ever find Charlie Fullman alive... Hushabye (A Kate Redman Mystery: Book 1) is from writer Celina Grace, author of Lost Girls and The House on Fever Street. free ebook, free crime mystery, free police procedural, free cosy mystery, freebie, free

(KRM: Book 1)

Joshua Widcombe and Kaya Trent were the golden couple of Abbeyford’s School of Art and Drama; good-looking, popular and from loving, stable families. So why did they kill themselves on the grassy stage of the college’s outdoor theatre? Detective Chief Inspector Anderton thinks there might be something more to the case than a straightforward teenage suicide pact. Detective Sergeant Kate Redman agrees with him, but nothing is certain until another teenager at the college kills herself, quickly followed by yet another death. Why are the privileged teens of this exclusive college killing themselves? Is this a suicide cluster? As Kate and the team delve deeper into the case, secrets and lies rear their ugly heads and Abbeyford CID are about to find out that sometimes, the most vulnerable people can be the most deadly… Creed is the seventh in the bestselling Kate Redman Mysteries series, by crime writer Celina Grace.

KRM Book 7

Creed

The strangled body of a young woman is discovered in a park in the West Country town of Abbeyford, clad in a leopard skin coat but with no identification, no phone, no handbag. DI Kate Redman and her team take on the case and manage to identify the victim through her role in a local theatre production. But the questions keep coming: why was the victim estranged from her family? Who was the shadowy boyfriend she was hiding from her friends? And as Kate and her colleagues know from experience, plenty of people could be hiding many secrets… Performance is the 13th full-length novel in the Kate Redman Mysteries series, from USA Today bestselling author, Celina Grace.

A Kate Redman Mystery: Book 13

Performance

Roland Barry was a respectable, retired academic, beloved of his colleagues and friends. So why did he die so savagely, killed in a frenzied attack?The latest case for the newly qualified Detective Inspector Kate Redman is a puzzle. So is the next murder case the Abbeyford police team deal with, given the victim is a much younger woman. But, as Kate and her colleagues begin to dig deeper into the evidence, a strange link between the two crimes become apparent. What is the real connection between the two murder victims...and will there be any more?Fury is the eleventh full length novel in the bestselling Kate Redman Mysteries series, from crime writer Celina Grace, author of Hushabye and Pulse.Praise for Celina Grace from Amazon and Goodreads reviewers: "The gradual crescendo of action and pace remorselessly increases...""Love Kate. She is human, does not always make good choices just like us.""At last, a mystery that delivers...I found this novel superb because I got all I needed to know and none of what I didn't." "...a gripping detective story but the main character engages you, and as well as wanting to know how the mystery turns out you want to learn more about her too." "...amazing book, read it front to back in one visit, couldn`t help myself..." "...the most enjoyable Kindle book I have so far read since the 'low cost electronic revolution' which has been sweeping my reading habits for the last couple of years! Thoroughly recommended." "This was my introduction to the author, and I'm so glad I discovered the book. Well-written and a real page turner." "I was awake till the early hours to finish it !! I really enjoyed it and the characters in it so I'm pleased I also have the sequel downloaded to read at some point. I know it should be great." "Attention to detail and great character building coupled with a mystery that keeps you guessing are all the ingredients that make me keep reading till the early hours of the morning.""Celina Grace has done it again, she compels you from page to page and chapter to chapter, a great, riveting read..." "I found it difficult to put down and was completely distracted from all the other things I should have been doing with my time." "This is a great series that I couldn't put down and grabbed the next book right away at 1 a.m. to keep reading."

Celina Grace

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