Written to Death by zach abrams
It was scarcely the first time that bestselling author Sheila Armstrong had died on stage; it would most certainly be the last.
DCI Alex Warren and his girlfriend, DI Sandra McKinnon, return from a short holiday, but hardly manage to step from the plane before he’s called to investigate the suspicious death.
Sheila,a member of Eastfarm Writers, has been stabbed to death, on stage, in a school, during a rehearsal of a play she’d written. Her death mimics the plot.
Within hours Sandra is roped into investigating a series of crimes which appear to be mob related.
Both their enquiries run in parallel as they each struggle to make progress while supporting each other professionally and emotionally.
Written to Death is the third novel in the Alex Warren murder mystery series by Zach Abrams.
Description
Find more from this author on:
About the author:
More in keeping with ‘Alex Warren’, Zach was raised in Glasgow and has spent many years working in Central Scotland.
What inspired you to write your book?
Although fiction, the book is influenced by people I’ve met and experiences I’ve had in writers’ groups and internet author groups.
Here is a short sample from the book:
“Good afternoon, Ms Bannister, please take a seat,” Mary ushered, while depositing a portable recorder on the table and then switching it on. “I am DC Mary McKenzie and this is DC Donald McAvoy. We’re here to take your statement, to find out everything you know about what’s happened, and we’ll be recording all that’s said. Afterwards, we’ll prepare a transcript of what you’ve stated and we’ll ask you to check to make sure it’s correct and then sign it. Do you understand?” The lady had been standing staring out of the classroom window as the two police officers entered the room.
“Of course I understand, I’m not stupid. But aren’t you meant to read me my rights or something like that?”
Patricia Bannister’s voice was sharp and nippy matching her small-featured, narrow, angular face. She was tall and her slender frame was slouched forward with her shoulders turned in protectively. Her movements were hesitant and belied her aggressive words.
With thirty years of experience as an investigator, Donny immediately recognised this as her defence mechanism when facing unfamiliar circumstances.
“A caution isn’t required unless we’re charging you with something,” Mary explained.
“Should we be charging you with something?” Donny added, capitalising on her discomfort and seeking to test her.
“Of course not,” she spat back. “I want you to tell me exactly what’s going on. I’m not used to being treated like this. I was told to come into this room and wait to give my statement. That was more than an hour ago. I want you to tell me what’s happened to Mr Singer. He was looking most unwell when I last saw him. I’m used to being taken seriously and treated with respect. I worked as an English teacher up until I took my retirement. So don’t play me for a fool.”
“No-one would dream of it. We’re sorry you’ve been kept waiting, but as I’m sure you can imagine, there are a lot of very important matters to deal with besides yourself. Now, so we can get started, will you please state your name, address and occupation for our records?” Mary requested and Patricia duly obliged.
“You’ve not told me yet about Bert Singer,” Patricia persisted.
“Mr Singer had a nasty shock. He was sedated and I understand he was taken to hospital to be checked over, so we won’t find out any more until later. If you’ll forgive me mentioning it, shouldn’t you be more concerned about Sheila Armstrong?” Donny challenged.
Patricia’s face paled, “Oh, yes, of course.” She paused, “I was assuming there was nothing could be done to save her.”
“No, I’m afraid not,” Donny said. “Now can you please tell us what you saw?” Ordinarily, Donny would take more time to settle a witness before trying to draw out their recollection of an incident. In this instance, he could tell there was nothing to be gained by delaying the inevitable.
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