Alice Duncan

Con artist and "spiritualist" Daisy Gumm Majesty, a medium to the rich and famous, engages in a passionate battle of wits with Sam Rotondo, an infuriating detective who exposes her clever scam and blackmails her into spying on her wealthy employer, in a delightful romance sent in the 1920s. Original.

Strong Spirits

It's the 1920s and Daisy Gumm Majesty is doing her part to support her family as a medium by holding séances and interpreting tarot cards for the rich and famous. When the wealthy Mrs. Kincaid comes to Daisy to help solve her husband's disappearance, Detective Sam Rotondo isn't far behind. Sam isn't fooled by Daisy's choice of "vocation" and blackmails her into spying on the Kincaids. Then Daisy reads Sam's cards... and the tables turn. From the Publisher: The Daisy Gumm Majesty Cozy Mystery Series is a light-hearted mystery in a historical setting. There are no explicit sexual scenes and minimal cursing and will be enjoyed by readers who appreciate clean and wholesome reads. PRAISE for THE DAISY GUMM MAJESTY MYSTERIES "...teems with period detail... [and] characters who make it so enjoyable, especially effervescent Daisy." ~Booklist THE DAISY GUMM MAJESTY MYSTERIES, in series order Strong Spirits Fine Spirits High Spirits Hungry Spirits Genteel Spirits Ancient Spirits Dark Spirits Spirits Onstage Unsettled Spirits Bruised Spirits Spirits United Spirits Unearthed Shaken Spirits

Historical Cozy Mystery

Strong Spirits (A Daisy Gumm Majesty Mystery, Book 1)

The Daisy Gumm Majesty Boxset

From award-winning, bestselling author Alice Duncan comes the second Daisy Gumm Majesty Cozy Mystery Boxset filled to the brim with "intriguing plots with ample twists. A perfect 10, by gum!" ~RT Book Reviews It's the 1920s and Daisy Gum Majesty is doing her part to support her family as a spiritualist to people with more money than sense... and she's training her dachshund, Spike, too. HUNGRY SPIRITS: Tapped to teach a cooking class for immigrant German ladies, Daisy steps up and forces herself to confront her own prejudices about those she blames for her veteran-husband's war illness. But when a student disappears and Daisy discovers that the help needed has nothing to do with cooking—there's an anarchist's scheme about to boil over. GENTEEL SPIRITS: The movie biz is coming to Pasadena and Daisy and Spike are up to their ears in trouble. A spoiled actress wants Daisy as her very own spiritualist, someone is sending poison-pen letters to the Leading Man, and Spike is butting heads with Detective Sam Rotondo, assigned to the movie-set as security. ANCIENT SPIRITS: When Mrs. Pinkerton's daughter is arrested, Daisy picks up her Ouija board for the first time since her husband's death, and is rewarded with information that sends her to Cairo, Egypt where she lands in the middle of a smuggling ring. AWARDS: Romantic Times Top Pick Reviewer's Choice Awards, finalist THE DAISY GUMM MAJESTY MYSTERIES, in series order Strong Spirits Fine Spirits High Spirits Hungry Spirits Genteel Spirits Ancient Spirits Dark Spirits Spirits Onstage Unsettled Spirits Bruised Spirits Spirits United Spirits Unearthed Shaken Spirits

The Daisy Gumm Majesty Cozy Mystery Box Set 2 (Three Complete Cozy Mystery Novels in One)

Kate Finney, a savvy fortune teller and hootchy-kootchy dancer at the Chicago World Fair who doesn't believe in love, finds her life forever changed by Alex English, a dashing city slicker who will stop at nothing to win her heart - forever. Original.

A Bicycle Built for Two

For her silent movie career, beautiful Brenda Fitzpatrick hides her intelligence behind a facade of a featherheaded blonde. But not when it comes to Colin Peters, a research assistant on the new movie she's starring in. Fascinated by Colin's vast knowledge, she won't shy away from talking to him. Now, producer Martin Tafft asks Brenda to loosen up the too-meticulous Colin.

The Dream Maker

Beauty and the Brain

People are dropping dead after communion services at Daisy's church, Detective Sam Rotondo has finally professed his love for Daisy, and Daisy sees swaying trees in her crystal ball, a prop in which she doesn't place any faith. But when the crystal ball's image leads Daisy to her client's missing butler, and then a bunch of bootleggers, Daisy unknowingly bumps into the man responsible for the parishioners' deaths. She doesn't recognize him, but he recognizes her and that lands Daisy at the top of his to-be-murdered list. PRAISE for THE DAISY GUMM MAJESTY MYSTERIES "Well plotted with a band of whimsical characters and genuine humor... as comforting as a warm mug of cocoa on a blustery day." Diane Morasco, RT Book Reviews "Cozy fans will find [Daisy's] simple, sweet, budding relationship with Sam refreshingly free of artifice." Publishers Weekly THE DAISY GUMM MAJESTY MYSTERIES, in series order Strong Spirits Fine Spirits High Spirits Hungry Spirits Genteel Spirits Ancient Spirits Dark Spirits Spirits Onstage Unsettled Spirits Bruised Spirits ABOUT ALICE DUNCAN: In an effort to avoid what she knew she should be doing, Alice folk-danced professionally until her writing muse finally had its way. Now a resident of Roswell, New Mexico, Alice enjoys saying no smog, no crowds, and yes to loving her herd of wild dachshunds. Visit Alice at www.aliceduncan.net.

Unsettled Spirits (a Daisy Gumm Majesty Mystery, Book 9)

As secretary to private investigator Ernie Templeton, transplanted Bostonian Mercy Allcutt has had some pretty exciting adventures. One hot September afternoon, Mercy sets out to find her wandering boss and discovers not only a corpse, but Ernie bound and gagged. The LA police peg Ernie as the killer, prompting Mercy to prove them wrong.

Fallen Angels

Famed Director and Producer, Milton Halsey Gosset, Shot Dead in Angels of Mercy, a Cozy Historical Mystery from Alice Duncan --1926, Los Angeles, CA-- Former Boston Brahmin Mercy Allcutt is excited to be renting suites of rooms to deserving working women in her new Bunker Hill home. She considers it an act of good-heartedness, no matter how skeptical her boss, private investigator Ernie Templeton, is about her endeavor. When her housekeeper's son is arrested for the murder of a Hollywood big-wig, Mercy presses Ernie to solve the case. She's positive Calvin Buck is innocent. Ernie tells her he'll do his best but she's not entirely convinced he means it, so she does some snooping on her own. In the meantime, Mercy not only takes driving lessons from Ernie, she discovers there's more to being a landlady than meets the eye. One of her "Angels of Mercy" may not be what she appears. Only time, and Mercy and Ernie, will tell. Publisher Note: Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries in historical settings are sure to appreciate the Mercy Allcutt series set in 1920s Los Angeles, California. No vulgarity or explicit sex for those who appreciate a clean and wholesome read. Winner HOLT Medallion, Romantic Times tip pick Two-time RT KISS Award Winner New Mexico/Arizona Book of the Year finalist New Mexico/Arizona Book of the Year Award winner Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Nominee "Mercy Allcutt is a delight." ~Carola Dunn The Mercy Allcutt Mystery Series Lost Among the Angels Angels Flight Fallen Angels Angels of Mercy Thanksgiving Angels Angels Adrift Christmas Angels

Angels of Mercy (A Mercy Allcutt Mystery, Book 4)

Boston Socialite Cracks Band of Bootleggers in Angels Adrift, a Historical Cozy Mystery from Alice Duncan 1926, Pasadena, CA Mercy Allcutt's imagination is more exciting than her job as secretary to P.I., Ernie Templeton. As usual, she has nothing to do except gaze out the office window overlooking Pasadena and imagine the plots of stories she plans to write someday. Generally, when she watches the alley behind the Figueroa Building, she needs to imagine someone being strangled, today was different. She calls the police to report the murder but the corpse is gone before she hangs up the phone. Ernie tries his best to convince her it was her imagination. The police find nothing. Now her reputation is on the line as well as her aspirations for becoming a P.I. With her boardinghouse tenants as advisors, she launches her own investigation, putting her and her friend Lulu right in the middle of a band of bootleggers who don't like nosy secretaries or their friends. Now, Mercy needs to save herself and Lulu before they both wind up floating in a Venice canal. Publisher Note: Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries in historical settings are sure to appreciate the Mercy Allcutt series set in 1920s Los Angeles, California. No vulgarity or explicit sex for those who appreciate a clean and wholesome read. The Mercy Allcutt Mystery Series Lost Among the Angels Angels Flight Fallen Angels Angels of Mercy Thanksgiving Angels Angels Adrift Christmas Angels

Angels Adrift (A Mercy Allcutt Mystery, Book 6)

Local Secretary Foils Murderer in Lost Among the Angels, a Historical Cozy Mystery from Alice Duncan 1920s, Los Angeles, CA Mercy Allcutt is ecstatic to move to California where she knows she’ll learn all about life and–to her Boston blue-blood family's horror--get a JOB; no woman in the Allcutt family has ever actually held a JOB. Mercy lands employment as secretary to Ernie Templeton, Private Investigator. Mercy’s thrilled, and she’s sure, with time and help, she’ll become an invaluable asset to Ernie’s business. Ernie doesn't yet share Mercy's sunny optimism, but nothing tests the resolve of a new employee quite like murder. Publisher Note: Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries in historical settings are sure to appreciate the Mercy Allcutt series set in 1920s Los Angeles, California. No vulgarity or explicit sex for those who appreciate a clean and wholesome read. "Mercy is a pip. I laughed all through this book and stayed up until 4:00 in the morning to finish it. I was still laughing when I turned out the light. Not a bad way to end one day and start another." ~Patricia Browning "This gem reminded me of the old Dick Tracy comic strips (that I avidly read as a child), as well as of the black and white PI movies we all recall with glee. The story takes place in 1926, Los Angeles. I found myself immersed in the first few pages. Author Alice Duncan either did a lot of research or grew up on stories of the era. Each character has a unique personality. The characters all dress the parts, all the way down to the bobbed hairstyle, and speak slang. Don't worry; you won't be lost. This book is headed directly to my "KEEPER" shelf. Highly recommended!" ~ Detra Fitch (Huntress Reviews) "I read Lost Among the Angels in one sitting and found it wonderful and so enjoyable. It is a fast-paced, exciting story and Mercy Allcutt is a terrific sleuth. I can't wait to spend more time with Mercy!" ~ Rob Walker The Mercy Allcutt Mystery Series Lost Among the Angels Angels Flight Fallen Angels Angels of Mercy Thanksgiving Angels Angels Adrift Christmas Angels

Lost Among the Angels (A Mercy Allcutt Mystery, Book 1)

Angelica Gospel Hall Member Murdered, Local P.I. Suspected in Fallen Angels, a Historical Cozy Mystery from Alice Duncan --1926, Los Angeles, CA-- Mercy Allcutt has had exciting times as secretary to private investigator, Ernie Templeton. While it’s true she’s been in what she considers a wee bit of trouble--Ernie considers out-and-out danger--a time or two, she’s determined to continue learning the ways of the “real” world. However, when she sets out to find her wandering boss, Ernie, one hot September afternoon, she not only discovers a corpse, she also finds Ernie, bound and gagged. Even worse, when the police arrive to investigate the crime, they peg Ernie as the killer. Mercy isn’t about to let the police get away with that, no matter how many times Ernie tells her to butt out of the case. The only question is whether she’ll survive her investigatory efforts before she becomes one more “Fallen Angel.” Publisher Note: Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries in historical settings are sure to appreciate the Mercy Allcutt series set in 1920s Los Angeles, California. No vulgarity or explicit sex for those who appreciate a clean and wholesome read. Winner of:The 2012 NM/AZ book of the year award for mystery "Mercy Allcutt is a delight." ~Carola Dunn The Mercy Allcutt Mystery Series Lost Among the Angels Angels Flight Fallen Angels Angels of Mercy Thanksgiving Angels

Fallen Angels (A Mercy Allcutt Mystery, Book 3)

Grandmother of Monty Mountjoy Cruelly Murdered in Thanksgiving Angels, a Cozy Historical Mystery from Alice Duncan --1926, Los Angeles, CA-- Former Boston Brahmin, Mercy Allcutt, moved from Boston to Los Angeles specifically to get away from her overbearing mother and father. Therefore, she’s upset when her boss, P.I. Ernie Templeton, gives her the entire Thanksgiving week of 1926 off so that she can spend the holiday with her parents in their new winter home in Pasadena, California. Her week of vile endurance is made even more miserable when a woman is flung to her death over the second-story staircase railing. Her mother, who deplores the fact that her daughter actually got a job, insists Mercy call on Ernie to help the Pasadena Police Department solve the case. In the end, it is Mercy who must solve the crime and risk becoming a statistic herself. Publisher Note: Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries in historical settings are sure to appreciate the Mercy Allcutt series set in 1920s Los Angeles, California. No vulgarity or explicit sex for those who appreciate a clean and wholesome read. Winner HOLT Medallion, Romantic Times tip pick Two-time RT KISS Award Winner New Mexico/Arizona Book of the Year finalist New Mexico/Arizona Book of the Year Award winner Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Nominee "Mercy Allcutt is a delight." ~Carola Dunn The Mercy Allcutt Mystery Series Lost Among the Angels Angels Flight Fallen Angels Angels of Mercy Thanksgiving Angels Angels Adrift

Thanksgiving Angels (A Mercy Allcutt Mystery, Book 5)

Pasadena Matron Struck and Injured by Motorcar at Rose Parade in Shaken Spirits, a Cozy Historical Mystery by Alice Duncan January, 1925 Daisy Gumm Majesty, her family and fiancé, Sam Rotondo--detective with the Pasadena Police Department--are leaving the Tournament of Roses Parade when Daisy is struck by a passing motorcar. Although scratched, bruised and with a dislocated shoulder, the outcome could have been much worse were it not for Sam's quick action. But the pain and discomfort are quickly replaced by something worse when it becomes obvious that this was no accident--someone wants Daisy dead. Unfortunately, the would-be-killer is not easily discouraged and it's going to take all the investigative savvy Daisy and Sam can muster to save Daisy's life. From the Publisher: The Daisy Gumm Majesty Cozy Mystery Series is a light-hearted mystery in a historical setting. There are no explicit sexual scenes and minimal cursing and will be enjoyed by readers who appreciate clean and wholesome reads. PRAISE for THE DAISY GUMM MAJESTY MYSTERIES "Well plotted with a band of whimsical characters and genuine humor..." ~Diane Morasco, RT Book Reviews THE DAISY GUMM MAJESTY MYSTERIES, in series order Strong Spirits Fine Spirits High Spirits Hungry Spirits Genteel Spirits Ancient Spirits Dark Spirits Spirits Onstage Unsettled Spirits Bruised Spirits Spirits United Spirits Unearthed Shaken Spirits

Shaken Spirits (A Daisy Gumm Majesty Mystery, Book 14)

When an actual spirit invades the body of fake spiritualist Daisy Gumm Majesty, Daisy is compelled to find the spirit's murderer, despite the fact that the death was officially ruled a suicide.

Spirits Revived

Daisy Gumm Majesty has put her Ouija board aside, following her husband's passing. Only when Mrs. Pinkerton's daughter is arrested does Daisy pick it up again, and is immediately rewarded with useful information. Mrs. P is so delighted she pays Daisy an enormous amount of money, which comes in handy when Mrs. P's son (and Daisy's best friend) insists Daisy accompany him on a trip to Egypt. Arriving in Cairo, Daisy makes an innocent purchase of a unique canopic jar and lands in the middle of a smuggling ring. Convinced Daisy is in trouble, Sam hies himself to Egypt where he joins the spiritualist/sleuth in an adventure that will last a lifetime. REVIEWS: "Well plotted with a band of whimsical characters and genuine humor... as comforting as a warm mug of cocoa on a blustery day." ~Diane Morasco, RT Book Reviews "Cozy fans will find [Daisy's] simple, sweet, budding relationship with Sam refreshingly free of artifice." ~Publishers Weekly THE DAISY GUMM MAJESTY MYSTERIES, in series order Strong Spirits Fine Spirits High Spirits Hungry Spirits Genteel Spirits Ancient Spirits Dark Spirits Spirits Onstage Unsettled Spirits Bruised Spirits Spirits United Spirits Unearthed Shaken Spirits

Ancient Spirits (A Daisy Gumm Majesty Mystery, Book 6)

The movie biz has come to Pasadena and Daisy Gumm Majesty is up to her ears in trouble. Spike is in obedience training, a spoiled actress wants Daisy as her very own spiritualist and someone is sending poison-pen letters to the Leading Man. Worse, the motion picture folks claim that Germans are out to steal their new invention being used on the set. Butting heads with Detective Sam Rotondo, assigned to the movie-set as security, Daisy is on the case with Spike in tow. Now, if she can just find a way to keep everyone's secrets a secret without letting the Germans get away with grand theft. REVIEWS: "Perfect 10, by gum! This story is pure entertainment"; ~ Romance Reviews Today "An intriguing plot with ample twists [that] moves along at a fast pace to the startling ending."; ~RT Book Reviews THE DAISY GUMM MAJESTY MYSTERIES, in series order Strong Spirits Fine Spirits High Spirits Hungry Spirits Genteel Spirits Ancient Spirits Dark Spirits Spirits Onstage Unsettled Spirits Bruised Spirits Spirits United Spirits Unearthed Shaken Spirits

Genteel Spirits (A Daisy Gumm Majesty Mystery, Book 5)

Pasadena Matron Struck and Injured by Motorcar at Rose Parade in Shaken Spirits, a Cozy Historical Mystery by Alice Duncan January, 1925 Daisy Gumm Majesty, her family and fiancé, Sam Rotondo--detective with the Pasadena Police Department--are leaving the Tournament of Roses Parade when Daisy is struck by a passing motorcar. Although scratched, bruised and with a dislocated shoulder, the outcome could have been much worse were it not for Sam's quick action. But the pain and discomfort are quickly replaced by something worse when it becomes obvious that this was no accident--someone wants Daisy dead. Unfortunately, the would-be-killer is not easily discouraged and it's going to take all the investigative savvy Daisy and Sam can muster to save Daisy's life. From the Publisher: The Daisy Gumm Majesty Cozy Mystery Series is a light-hearted mystery in a historical setting. There are no explicit sexual scenes and minimal cursing and will be enjoyed by readers who appreciate clean and wholesome reads. PRAISE for THE DAISY GUMM MAJESTY MYSTERIES "Well plotted with a band of whimsical characters and genuine humor..." Diane Morasco, RT Book Reviews THE DAISY GUMM MAJESTY MYSTERIES, in series order Strong Spirits Fine Spirits High Spirits Hungry Spirits Genteel Spirits Ancient Spirits Dark Spirits Spirits Onstage Unsettled Spirits Bruised Spirits Spirits United Spirits Unearthed Shaken Spirits

Historical Mystery

Shaken Spirits (A Daisy Gumm Majesty Mystery, Book 13)

"When a Woman Mysteriously Disappears From an Orange Grove Mansion, Daisy Gumm Majesty, Sam Rotondo, and the Ever Crotchety Lou Prophet Launch A Search in Exercised Spirits, a Cozy Historical Mystery by Alice Duncan --1925, Pasadena, California-- Already irked about having to participate in an exercise class with some church chums, Daisy is horrified when her beloved Aunt Vi--the greatest cook in Pasadena--goes missing from her place of employment, Mrs. Pinkerton's mansion on Orange Grove Street. Daisy, Sam and Lou Prophet launch a search, with some help from Mrs. Jackson, a real live Voodoo mambo from New Orleans, who is at present living in Altadena. In the meantime, food preparation in the Gumm/Majesty/Rotondo households takes a severe downturn. Lou Prophet lends a hand, and the family finds themselves choking down some concoctions they never even knew existed. It's going to take all the shrewd sleuthing Daisy can muster plus Sam, a peg-legged man, and some clever roping to bring Aunt Vi home. From the Publisher: The Daisy Gumm Majesty Cozy Mystery Series is a light-hearted mystery in a historical setting. There are no explicit sexual scenes and minimal cursing (Lou Prophet can be a little coarse) and will be enjoyed by readers who appreciate clean and wholesome reads. Fans of Carola Dunn, Amanda Quick, Elizabeth Peters, Rhys Bowen, and M. Louisa Locke will not want to miss this series. "If you like the 1920's era, cozy mysteries and hints at paranormal this is absolutely a series for you!" ~Peggy, Avid Fan "I love this series! I love the writing style, and the characters. Ms. Duncan has a fun way of telling a story and having Daisy make funny 'asides' to the reader." ~Nova Todd "I always enjoy Daisy's adventures but the addition of Mr. Prophet is the best! I highly recommend to readers of cozy mysteries." ~Joanna Lindsey, Verified Reviewer You can start anywhere, but you'll want to read all of the Daisy Gumm Majesty Mysteries: Strong Spirits Fine Spirits High Spirits Hungry Spirits Genteel Spirits Ancient Spirits Dark Spirits Spirits Onstage Unsettled Spirits Spirits United Spirits Unearthed Shaken Spirits Scarlet Spirits Exercised Spirits Wedded Spirits ABOUT ALICE DUNCAN: In an effort to avoid what she knew she should be doing, Alice folk-danced professionally until her writing muse finally had its way. Now a resident of Roswell, New Mexico, Alice enjoys saying no smog, no crowds, and yes to loving her herd of wild Dachshunds. "

Exercised Spirits

"Alice Duncan masterfully creates a fiercely independent, slightly offbeat heroine the reader can't help but love." ~Cindy Penn, Wordweaving It's the height of the Silent Film era and Marigold Pottersby is trying to hang on to her father's failing silver mine when producer Martin Tafft offers a hefty sum to use the mine in his latest flicker. Mari quickly agrees but balks when the film crew insists she stop mining. Then Mari meets Tony Ewing. Tafft's heaviest investor and a dyed-in-the-wool Easterner, Tony arrives to investigate the film's progress. He has no use for the West, or the mine's country-bumpkin owner and her Great Dane named Tiny. But the show must go on. Tony plies his wares, intent on winning Mari's cooperation and gets more than he bargained for. Mari proves she has no need for his wealth, captures his imagination with her fiery comebacks, and leaves his heart in a dangerous way. Then the film crew discovers that Mari's silver mine isn't a silver mine at all, leaving Mari with a choice: admit she needs Tony and his investor ways, or walk away from the greatest find of her life. "Alice Duncan doesn't fail fans who enjoy her blend of humor and snappy dialog." ~Carol Carter THE DREAM MAKER SERIES, in order . . . Cowboy for Hire Beauty and the Brain The Miner's Daughter Her Leading Man

Alice Duncan

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