Whispers of Murder by Cheryl Bradshaw

Author praise
     
    for Black Diamond Death, Sloane Monroe Series, Book #1:
     
    The writing and editing are excellent, the characters are interesting, and the plot kept me hooked. The balance between action and detecting worked perfectly.  The main character was a masterpiece. 
    -- Edward G. Talbot, Author of New World Orders
     
    The tone reminded me of Robert B. Parker's novels, so if you're missing the likes of Spenser and Sunny Randall, I'd say that Cheryl Bradshaw looks to be a worthy successor.
    Highly recommended!
    -- Chris Stout, Author of Days of Reckoning
     
    While I've found most mystery/thrillers to be rehashes of the same old plot line, this novel was refreshingly new/original. It is a new twist on the PI murder-mystery with a few nice surprises along the way.
    –- Jack Murphy, Author of PROMIS: Vietnam
     
    This book had me guessing the whole time. Reads like a bestseller .
    -- Julia Crane, Author of Coexist, Conflicted
     

    for Sinnerman, Sloane Monroe Series, Book #2:
     
    Only once in a while do you come upon a novel that sweeps you literally off your feet. The pot-boiling tension in this story is out of this world. Cheryl Bradshaw can write like the pros did at the Turn of the 20th Century. This is an instant classic. Absolutely sensational indisputably.
    -- Glen Cantrell, Author of The Resume  
     
    I really enjoyed the first Sloane Monroe novel, and was looking forward to reading the next in the series. I think Sinnerman was even better than Black Diamond Death. Sloane's personality really came out in this book, and I love the new character, Giovanni. Can't wait to read more from Bradshaw.
    -- Julie Crane, Author of Keegan’s Chronicles  
     
    If you are a Girl with the Dragon Tattoo fan, the first chapter will leave you gasping. I don't think I lifted my whiskey until I had put down the book at the very end.  I enjoyed the continuity from the first book, and how the characters developed further. Lots of "no way" moments. I also appreciated the forensic side of the storyline, putting together the puzzle to find the killer.
    -- Reader  
     
     
     

DEDICATION
     
    This book is dedicated to Kylie. 
    May you never stray far from the vineyard.
     
     

 
     
    “Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. 
    The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”
    -Abraham Lincoln
     
     
     

CHAPTER 1
     
    I sabelle Donnelly’s eyes darted around the room, first to her mother, and then her sister before they came to rest on the man that stood as a barrier between herself and her betrothed.   
    “We are gathered here today in the presence of God to offer up our bounteous thanks for the gift of marriage, and to witness the joining together of Isabelle and Leo,” the pastor said. 
    Isabelle’s gaze returned to her mother who was perched on a pew in the front row.  Her mother’s eyes were riveted on a single piece of lace fabric in her lap that she picked at like she hoped it would unravel, just like she wished the wedding would.  She’d hadn’t made eye contact with her daughter since she entered the church, and Isabelle suspected she wouldn’t, not after the blow up she’d had with her father the night before.  He’d knocked on the door to Isabelle’s hotel room with a request that he speak with her, but it didn’t take long for her to realize it was a latch-ditch effort to dissuade her from the decision she’d made to marry.  When she refused to listen to what he liked to call “the Donnelly voice of reason,” he stomped out of the room, slamming the door behind him.  She hadn’t seen him since. 
    The pastor continued.  “Today is a time for family and friends to share in their commitment to each other by offering Isabelle and Leo our continued support, love and best wishes in their lives together.”   
    Isabelle’s sister, Melanie, slouched back in her seat, rolled her eyes in disgust and exchanged a why-the-hell-are-you-doing-this glance with