Welcome to Arlene Kay Author
Building compelling characters, creating exciting story lines, keeping the reader engaged.
Published novels include Intrusion; Die Laughing; The Abacus Prize (Mainly Murder Press); The Boston Uncommon Series—Swann Dive; Mantrap; Gilt Trip; and Swann Songs (Bellebridge Books); The Creature Comfort Series—Death by Dog Show; Homicide by Horseshow; and Murder at the Falls (Kensington Publishing); and the Cosmetic Crimes Series—Murder at First Blush; the Mascara Murders; Murder Masque; from (Level Best Books). She recently completed a traditional novel, The Acolyte, a Cape Cod mystery.
My Boston Uncommon Series (Swann Dive; Mantrap; Gilt trip; and Swann Songs) has been sold to the audio book service, SCRIBD!!
Thanks to publisher Bellebridge Books for negotiating the deal. If you prefer audio books to print or e-books, this may be your chance to sample this series that I really love. Details on release to follow.
Published Books
Years as an author
Years of Experience
Years In Business
The Mascara Murders The brutal murder of Tori Amos, a social justice warrior and talented painter haunts Violet Davis. She begs her niece Marketta to join the faculty of a tony Michigan Prep school and investigate the beloved teacher’s death. Marky soon finds that within the halls of ivy, secrets, sins, and shenanigans fester like open wounds. Was Tori’s killer a student, teacher or random stranger? The answer may mean a death sentence for Marky.
MURDER AT FIRST BLUSH was Published on November 1st by Level Best Books . Whether you’re among the cosmetically challenged or a devotee of mysteries with humor and devilishly clever plots, this novel is for you. MURDER AT FIRST BLUSH, the first in the cosmetic crimes series from Level Best Books was released on NOVEMBER 1st. Join fledgling entrepreneur Marky Davis and a captivating crew of pals and suspects as they use guile and guts to unmask a double murderer. Amidst the glamour and glitz, the seaside town of Harbor Bay Michigan holds secrets that no amount of makeup can conceal. Stop by the blog https://drusbookmusing.com/marketta-davis/ and meet Marketta Davis from the new “Cosmetic Crimes Mystery” series by Arlene Kay.
Murder Masque When a national beauty expo hits Traverse City Michigan Marketta Davis, and the Poppet crew are thrilled. An intriguing blend of out-sized personalities, glamorous stars, and exciting products launches sparks excitement , danger and MURDER. The victim had enemies galore including his spurned lover, Aunt Violet. Can Markey save aunt before the killer strikes once more?
Border collies are smart readers.. Marlo knows that Murder at FIrst Blush. Is just her style..She keeps a dog-eared copy next to her bed
From Kensington Publishing Company
The Creature Comfort Series
Dogs, Danger, Death
Who We Are
Arlene Kay & Lord Byron
Arlene Kay spent twenty years as a Senior Federal Executive before repenting of her bureaucratic ways and turning to crime. (writing) Assignments from Texas to Washington DC allowed this unconventional executive to observe both corporate and human foibles and rejoice in unintentional humor. These locations and the many people she encountered are celebrated in her mystery novels.
Fans enjoy the intriguing plots and the snarky sense of humor spiked with the occasional hint of romance, explore exciting urban settings, seaside vistas, and sleepy suburbs where evil can be masked by a smiling face.
Co-author, Grand Champion, Lord Byron is always present and patrolling the office to ensure everyone is busy and providing all the attention he desires.
International Thriller Writers Member
Death By Dog Show
When murder prances into the ring at a Massachusetts dog show, Army vet Persephone “Perri” Morgan and her canine sidekicks must confront a cunning killer who’s a breed apart in this cozy mystery sure to thrill fans of Elizabeth Peters, Carol Bugge and M.C.Beaton.
Homicide By Horse Show
Leathersmith Persephone “Perri” Morgan makes the kind of beautiful custom leashes and saddles that make wealthy dog and horse show lovers swoon—until murder strides onto the course . . .
Murder At The Falls
Army vet Persephone “Perri” Morgan has found a second career handcrafting leather pet accessories—and a satisfying sideline in training therapy dogs. But there’s no cure for a cold-blooded murderer. . . .
Swann Dive
A wisecracking mystery writer and one of Boston’s richest bluebloods share only one tie: her lifelong friend is his twin sister. When someone murders Cece Swann, Eja and Deming become the most uncommon team of sleuths in ye olde bean towne.
Man Trap
Eja and Demming are taking this mystery out for a spin! Munitions heir Dario Peters has a yen for competitive cycling and cash.
Gilt Trip
When bride to be, Eja Kane joins a dojo, things quickly turn deadly. Murder, currency fraud and double dealing make it an exercise in danger.
Swann Songs
For new bride Eja Kane Swann revenge is both sweet and deadly. The ex-husband who kicked her to the curb begs for help with a festering academic scandal.
Die Laughing
There’s nothing funny about murder. When a vicious murder shatters thepeaceful Cape Cod town of Goodhaven, graduate student Nicole Nelson vows to find the culprit.
Intrusion
Young widow Elisabeth Buckley sleepwalks through life until her best friend’s murder changes everything.
The Abacus Prize
Bored to death? Grace Quinn’s first executive assignment may be the death of her!
SULTRY - SNARKY - MURDER
Romance Writers of America is dedicated to advancing the professional interests of career-focused romance writers through networking and advocacy. The association represents more than 10,000 members in over 130 chapters offering local or special-interest networking and education.
The Kiss of Death Chapter of Romance Writers of America is committed to promoting and supporting mystery/suspense fiction with romantic elements by providing and supporting education, and committed volunteers who champion good writing and marketing of mystery/suspense works. By bringing attention to the field, KOD produces understanding and respect among writers and the publishing community.
Mission: “To combat discrimination against women in the mystery field, educate publishers and the general public as to inequities in the treatment of female authors, raise the level of awareness of their women who write mysteries.”
MWA is a storied organization with a golden past and an exciting present. Each spring, the organization presents the Edgar Awards, widely acknowledged to be the most prestigious awards in the genre. The organization sponsor MWA:Reads (a vibrant youth literacy program) and numerous other symposia and events designed to enlighten and inform authors and fans alike. If you’re an author in the mystery or crime genre or an allied professional, you’ll find important services and benefits here. If you’re a reader, fan, librarian, journalist or anybody else interested in learning more about the genre, you’ve come to the right place.
Mason passed almost three years ago at 14 ½, but he’s still with me in so many ways. I couldn’t part with his special food dish or favorite toy, and the collar bearing his Therapy Dog tag holds pride of place in my office. Every time I visit the beach, I visualize Mason streaking gracefully across the sand chasing his beloved ball and attracting a throng of admirers. Friends called him “Big Guy,” and at 105 pounds and 28 inches tall, he was indeed a giant Belgian Tervuren. Together we achieved many goals but one we missed was securing his AKC Championship. Although he amassed 10 of the 15 required points, he grew too tall and was permanently dismissed from the show ring after failing the “wicket” test.
I confess. I am an avid fangirl of a long-dead literary giant whose wit and brilliance defied the conventions of his time and speak as vividly to contemporary society as to his own. Oscar Wilde was fearless, willing to face scorn and incarceration rather than conform. Fame came to him as a playwright, essayist, novelist and poet, but he died penniless, estranged from his family and native land.
Toward the end of his life, he lived in France under the pseudonym Sebastian Melmoth. Little is known of that time in his life, and like many authors, I asked myself that eternal question: what if? Could Oscar Wilde have married again and fathered another child? Suppose a descendant of his discovered the Holy Grail—a sequel to his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray? Fortunes could be made, and literary passions ignited by such a find. The frenzied quest for the manuscript might even spark a murder or two.
Awards
Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award
In 2009 Marriage Penalty was selected as a quarter finalist from among 10,000 competitors worldwide in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award.
Daphne Du Maurier Competition
In 2010 Death Penalty was selected as a finalist in the Daphne Du Maurier competition sponsored by KISS OF DEATH Chapter of Romance Writers of America.
Coming Soon A Stand Alone Mystery
The Acolyte
Why Buy My Books
You’ll be swept into a world of cozy mystery by the Creature Comfort Series featuring dogs, danger, and death, or spun into a world of high-class suspense by reading the Swann Series, Intrusion or the Abacus Prize.
- Page turners with intriguing plots, lively pace and slightly snarky dialogue.
- Humor without excessive gore and just a pinch of romance Diverse characters whose exploits will keep you entertained and engaged.
Get In Touch. Invite Arlene to your book club (in person or virtual) or schedule her as your featured speaker for an event. Exciting presentations are her specialty.
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