Cotswold Crimes Mystery

When Maddie McGuire lands an archeology internship at the Roman Baths in England, she assumes everything will go her way. But when this college sophomore discovers a severed human ear on her doorstep, she must solve its meaning before she becomes the next victim, or worse, gets deported. Her tentative friendship with young constable Edward Bailey and the beauty of the Bath Abbey are no comfort as her aristocratic coworker Simon Pacock sabotages her every move. And the danger only increases when she discovers a dead body, both ears intact.

When Maddie McGuire finds herself tumbling over a cliff while hiking The Cotswold Way, she uncovers much more than ancient woods. Terrified by her shocking discovery, she returns to the safety of her international internship at the Roman Baths only to find competition in the form of the tittering, aristocratic Gwendolyn De Valence, who has captured the attention of everyone Maddie hopes to impress. Turning to her boyfriend Constable Edward Bailey, only reveals dark secrets about his past, leading her down a dangerous path which, this time, she may be unable to escape.

A charred heart pinned to her door with an ancient Celtic dagger isn't the worst thing Maddie McGuire has discovered on her doorstep, but it isn't great. In fact, the heart is an unwelcome distraction from protecting the Chedworth Roman Villa from the ravages of winter and throws Maddie into a world of danger. Student workers Jill, Dion, and Gabriel have also joined the dig site, bringing with them secrets that invite chaos into this idyllic but remote Cotswold forest. Unable to rely on dashing Constable Bailey as he works toward a promotion, Maddie is stuck with Constable Douglass, who, convinced of her guilt, jeopardizes her safety rather than keeping her from it. "Fires, daggers, and druids, oh my! This action-packed Cotswold mystery with a colorful cast of suspects burns bright." - Carlene O'Connor, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Irish Village Mystery series "Madeline McGuire is in the thick of it again. This time in Death Plays with Fire at the Chedworth Villa, the Archeological find of fourth-century Roman occupation in the Cotswolds of England. Of course, it's beautiful, but Maddie soon finds death and destruction that require her energy, intelligence, and unusually high level of curiosity to find her way through it. Sharon Lynn has again crafted an entertaining story that allows her readers to enjoy the vicarious excitement of a wild adventure in the gorgeous country of the Cotswolds." - Emma Dakin, Author of Storms in the Cotswolds: The British Book Tour Mysteries Book 6 "In Death Plays with Fire, Sharon Lynn has penned another entertaining mystery. Maddie McGuire takes us on a tour of the Chedworth Roman Villa while solving a dangerous case. Cozy up with this taut and satisfying read because you won't want to put it down." - Margaret Mizushima, author of the award-winning Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries, including Gathering Mist Raised in Arizona, award-winning author Sharon Lynn developed a profound connection to the English countryside during her teenage years in England, a bond that has only strengthened with her frequent returns. This affection vividly colors the pages of A Cotswold Crimes Mystery series. As a professor of theater, film, and writing, she coaches and mentors aspiring artists. Her short stories can be found in anthologies from Malice Domestic and Desert Sleuths. She is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, Crime Writers Association, and Blackbird Writers.