Murder, She Wrote: Manuscript for Murder

Written by Jon Land and Jessica Fletcher

Narrated by Laurel Lefkow

Jessica Fletcher has had plenty to worry about over her storied career, both as a best-selling novelist and as a part-time sleuth. But she's never had any reason to doubt her longtime publisher and trusted friend, Lane Barfield. When mounting evidence of financial malfeasance leads to an FBI investigation of Lane, Jessica can't believe what she's reading.

So when it appears that Barfield has committed suicide, Jessica takes on the task of clearing his name. Sure enough, Jessica turns up several inconsistencies in the case against Barfield, as well as signs he might have been murdered. Jessica knows something is being covered up, but what exactly? At the heart of her investigation is a manuscript Barfield had intended to publish, after all other publishers had turned it down. The problem is the manuscript has disappeared, with all traces of its submission and very existence having been wiped off the books. Jessica's search for answers immerses her in a shadowy underworld and puts her on a dangerous path that leads all the way to the White House.

With her own life now in jeopardy, Jessica refuses to back off and sets her sights on uncovering the truth behind what lies in the pages of the mysterious manuscript, as well as the identity of the person who penned it. But will she close the book on the case before the killer can write her obituary?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dreamscape Media Audio
• Release date: Nov 6, 2018
• ISBN: 9781974920433

Jon Land

Jon Land is the USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty books, over ten of which feature Texas Ranger Caitlin Strong. The critically acclaimed series has won more than a dozen awards, including the 2019 International Book Award for Best Thriller for Strong as Steel. He is also the author of Chasing the Dragon, a detailed account of the War on Drugs written with one of the most celebrated DEA agents of all time. A graduate of Brown University, Land lives in Providence, Rhode Island and received the 2019 Rhode Island Authors Legacy Award for his lifetime of literary achievements.

Reviews for Murder, She Wrote

[Phyllis Moody · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have always enjoyed a cosy mystery and murder she wrote is just that. Easy listen

[gincam · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"MURDER, SHE WROTE: A TIME FOR MURDER" is the 50th entry in the best-selling book series based on the beloved, long-running TV series "Murder, She Wrote" featuring amateur sleuth and successful mystery writer Jessica Fletcher. This story is an involving mystery-within-a-mystery that engages the reader while giving fans a glimpse into the early adult life of the much-loved character of Jessica, who began her working life as an English teacher. The story line weaves action from the present day between Jessica's recollections of the first murder case which drew her in twenty five yeas ago. Always a sharp-eyed observer with a keen, intellectual curiosity, Jessica could never lave a clue unturned, a question unasked, or a mystery unsolved. Author Jon Land has captured the essence of "Murder, She Wrote"--giving readers an irresistible taste of the flavor of the quaint Maine setting, the lovably quirky characters, and the undeniable knack that Jessica has for becoming immersed in murderous mysteries. I am a longtime "Murder, She Wrote" fan, and I greatly enjoyed visiting with Jessica and her friends, and I laughed at their banter. Following along with Jessica (at any age) as she rides her bicycle through the great mystery trails of life is always a special treat.Book Copy Gratis Author

[thegenreminx · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Murder, She Wrote: Murder in Red is the forty-ninth book in the Murder, She Wrote series and is based upon the hit show by the same name which aired from the mid 80s to the mid 90s. Jessica feels quite authentic to what I remember from the Murder, She Wrote show, although I will freely admit that I was no faithful connoisseur of the show as I prefer books over television. In this book, as in the show, Jessica Fletcher spots situations that just don’t make sense and then she starts to nose around and ask pointed questions until she finds something to unravel. The plot engaged my curiosity and took me in directions that I was not expecting. The inclusion of a friend from the past added a mysterious air to the story, especially since the motivations behind his arrival were so vexing to Jessica.What was a pleasant surprise was that this cozy mystery had a thriller blend. I certainly enjoy a story with a dark conspiracy, detestable evildoers, and with more than one morally grey character. Not what I was expecting with a Murder, She Wrote novel but a welcomed plot addition in my opinion. Although, there were some actions that Jessica engaged in that just didn’t strike me as realistic given her age. I know that she stayed in shape but there are just some things that change with age. For example, her running after an armed perpetrator just didn’t seem realistic to me because what was she really going to do in that situation? There were also parts that dragged a little for me and where Jessica came off as slightly obtuse even though I know her character is historically not. Overall though, Murder, She Wrote: Murder in Red was a fun whodunit and was a relaxing way to spend a few hours.This review is based on a complimentary book I received from Berkley Prime Crime. It is an honest and voluntary review. The complimentary receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating.

[ellajames-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In Jon Land’s second installment in the famed Murder She Wrote series, Jessica Fletcher is about to solve, yet, another murder. The story starts with Jessica being told by fellow writer Thomas Rudd that their mutual editor friend and publisher, Lane Barfield, may be stealing money from their accounts.The next day, Barfield asks for Jessica’s opinion on a manuscript entitled, The Affair. Barfield states that it will be the next big political thriller. It is a confidential manuscript that Barfield is hoping will save his company from bankruptcy. Jessica is supposed to have the only copy, but Rudd has stolen a copy that was on a flash drive after he challenged Barfield about the thieving. Soon, both of the men turn up dead, from what appears to be suicides. Jessica is left to sort out the conundrum of whether the volatile manuscript could be the reason for their deaths.Jon Land does it again with his new volume in the Jessica Fletcher mystery writer series. In Manuscript for Murder, Jessica is given a modern and more up to date persona as she gets more into technology and goes from Cabot Cove, Maine to New York City and, later, to Washington DC. The President is in danger and Jessica is at her very best as she manages the twists and turns that solving this mystery takes her on.Fans will love Manuscript for Murder, as it is a compelling and engaging whodunit. If you love cozy mysteries, this will be right up your alley. Readers will be guessing at every turn of the page. This book is unputdownable and will keep all mystery fans up late at night turning the pages quickly to find out what happens next. Filled with action, excitement and intrigue, Jessica, once again, stumbles upon another mystery to be solved. In her capable hands, this murder mystery is puzzling, up to date, irresistible and complete. With plenty of well thought out clues, Jon Land gives readers a run for their money and a challenge for their minds.Manuscript for Murder hits the ground running and gives readers an entertaining and enjoyable good time. I am a diehard Murder She Wrote fan and Manuscript for Murder has to be at the very top of my list for best sellers. I was drawn in and immersed from the very first chapter right to the eye opening and satisfying finale. Jon Land has been given the privilege and challenge of writing the Murder She Wrote series and he is doing a highly remarkable job. He is an excellent bestselling author and they couldn’t have chosen anyone more worthy of the assignment to carry on this popular magnificent mystery series.Jessica Fletcher is better than ever. I highly recommend Manuscript for Murder by Jon Land to all mystery and Jessica Fletcher fans and beyond.

[jguidry-1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Wrong on so many levels. I've read the stories in the series by Donald Bain, and I love them. He kept true to the TV series as much as possible. After reading Jon Land's version, I wonder if he ever even watched an episode of the show. I'm sure he was trying to put his personal spin on the series now that he has taken over, but some changes cannot be made. Mort Metzger called her Mrs. F, not Jessica! But mostly, Jessica was not a conspiracy theorist! She solved cozy murder mysteries! Really?! I mean, really?!

[grandmacootie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Jessica’s back! And I for one am very happy about it. Co-authors Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran have perfectly captured the essence of the TV series and the early books. Jessica is still thorough, competent, determined (nosy), fearless, and even though she never takes any guff from anyone, she always retains her wit, humor, manners and common sense.Everywhere she is, whether she stays home or goes visiting, a murder happens. And that’s the fun, because Jessica is the perfect one to solve it, and she’ll continue to “help” the authorities until solved it isI was delighted to see Harry McGraw at work again in this story and to hear from grumpy best buddy Seth. I felt as if I was viewing another episode of the series; I could picture the characters, their voices, their mannerisms and enjoyed the often mundane but much needed descriptions of clothes, food, surroundings, Jessica’s jogs . . . .Moran has done an excellent job with her first pairing with Fletcher. Looking forward to many more books in this totally enjoyable and satisfying series.