Havoc in Hollister (Miranda Marquette Mysteries Book 12)

Havoc in Hollister: A Miranda Marquette Mystery

When Miranda Marquette launches her new food truck venture alongside her sister-in-law Kara and ex-coworker Tea, life finally feels like it's falling into place. But just as the burners heat up, Miranda’s world begins to unravel. Three employees from her trusted motorcycle dealership turn up dead — and to her horror, her husband, Steve, is arrested for their murders. Cryptic notes tied to the victims pull Miranda even deeper into the mystery, forcing her to question the relationships she thought she could trust.

With the loyal WAIT Club — and two new members — at her side, Miranda is determined to uncover the truth behind the dealership’s shady dealings. But as suspicion circles those closest to her, Miranda must face an even harder question: has she been blind to a darker truth about Steve all along?

A sharp, fast-paced whodunit full of unexpected twists, Havoc in Hollister is the twelfth thrilling installment in J.T. Kunkel's beloved Miranda Marquette Mysteries series.

Take a ride into the heart of mystery — grab your copy of Havoc in Hollister today.

Excerpt from the book

March 2014

After six months of trying to get pregnant, I started to wonder if it would ever happen. Then, last month, the miracle test came back positive. I’d been getting very impatient by February because my sister—technically, sister-in-law, but I’d been calling her my “sister” for as long as I’ve known her—got pregnant in December with her second. She was definitely built to make babies. She couldn’t wait to bring a sibling into the world to join her adorable Kelly.

Not to be outdone, my best friend, Patricia, eloped with my friend and sometimes coworker, Bill Kirkpatrick, virtually days after they met in a storybook, love-at-first-sight moment, witnessed by the rest of the WAIT Club—our investigative team made up of her and my friends Margo, Wanda, and Lyanne. Patricia had long been talking about having a sibling for her toddler, Nate—my godson—but she hadn’t envisioned being able to accomplish it married, until now. Life sometimes took strange and wonderful turns.

Being Saturday, I took my motorcycle to Hollister for some much-needed service. Monterey and Marin had Ducati dealerships, but I couldn’t handle their tourist traffic and liked the staff at Hollister Power Sports. Besides, my friend John worked there, and I always enjoyed seeing him.

I figured I’d better get this done before my pregnancy made balancing on a bike more challenging. I couldn’t even imagine what it would be like in a few months attempting to ride. But carrying a child inside of me ranked as the first thing I’d found even more exciting than riding a motorcycle in my whole adult life.

Steve came out of the house as I strapped my helmet on and tightened my boots. He looked worried. He said, “Are you sure this is the best time to ride—and I mean any time over the next eight months? I never wanted to be in a position to lose you, but now I’d lose both of you if something terrible happened.”

His concern touched me. “Oh, Steve, you are so adorable, but you know I am the best rider on the West Coast. Besides, I’d rather do it now when the two of us can actually fit on the bike.” I pulled my helmet off, and we kissed.

He smiled. “Okay, I’m going to trust you, but don’t make me regret it.”

I smiled sweetly. “I promise.” I put my helmet back on and revved up my Ducati for the twenty-minute ride to Hollister. There were only a few vehicles on San Felipe Road, which turned out to be a nice break from the 101, which I traveled more frequently north and south from Gilroy. I arrived a little before they opened at nine and pulled into the McDonald’s next door for a coffee and a sausage biscuit, which I hadn’t had in what felt like a century.

When I got back to Hollister Power Sports, I tried the door, and it wouldn’t open, even though some people were milling around inside. I pressed my face to the window with my hands on either side to try to get a better view. It appeared that someone was lying on the floor and that the rest of the staff had gathered around them. Just then, I heard a siren.