Seen and Heard: Detective Evelyn Meyer - Cozy Detective Series, #1

By MaryAnn Burnett

In the world of 1970s policing, Detective Evelyn Meyer stands as a beacon of strength and resilience. Tasked with a cold case as a means to sideline her, she leads an enthusiastic team to uncover the truth behind Mary Sullivan's death. Can Evelyn proves the woman's death was more than just a mugging gone wrong?

With tenacity and wit, Evelyn navigates the male-dominated corridors of her precinct, where she must work twice as hard for half the respect.

Merging the methods of a police procedural with the charm of a cozy mystery, this story transports readers into a world where justice prevails despite societal hurdles.

This series, with its soft-boiled detective flair, celebrates the unwavering spirit of strong people during transformative times. It's a compelling read for anyone who cherishes narratives about tenacious women shaping their own destinies.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Spanielhill Publishing
• Release date: Jan 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224167807

Book preview

1

Chapter 1 Bitter Taste of Success

The detectives' office on the upper floor of the sixth precinct felt like a world apart from the vibrant chaos of the floors below. Here, in this quiet room, the frenetic energy of the main precinct was replaced by a stillness that was almost unnerving. It was as if the room itself was holding its breath, waiting for the mysteries it contained to be unraveled. The desks around the room, steel behemoths, each bore the dents and scratches of time and toil. Typewriters sat atop each desk, their keys well-worn from years of typing reports. Filing cabinets lined the walls, crammed with records of cases. Some that remained unsolved.

The harsh fluorescent lighting cast everything in a stark, uncompromising light. There was no warmth here, only the clarity that the job demanded. The walls, faded to an indistinct color, were unadorned except for the clock. Its ticking was a constant, relentless reminder of the passing of time, of chances slipping away.

A large wooden table sat at the center of the space, a gathering place for the men who worked in this room. The table’s surface, scarred and stained, was a testament to the countless hours spent poring over case files, debating theories, and piecing together fragments of truth. This communal space, with its eclectic array of papers, coffee mugs, and overflowing ashtrays, had witnessed countless hours of debate and discussion. It was here that the male detectives converged, diving into the depths of case files, their shared purpose uniting them and excluding the lone woman in the room.

Having just closed a hard case with resounding success and a compliment from the mayor, Detective Evelyn Meyer was ready to dive into a new mystery.

The sound of sharp, insistent footsteps rang from the tiled hallway. Evelyn looked up from finishing the paperwork on her case. About half the desks in the room were occupied. Each of those men looked up at the sound of the visitor coming.

Captain Richard Donovan, his hair brushed into layered waves and sprayed into place, was dressed in a brown plaid, wide-legged business suit with a wide royal blue tie. He stepped in, his tall frame almost filling the doorway. His presence was one of someone who knew he was good-looking and deserved any and all admiration. He leaned against the doorframe and lifted the ever-present cigarette in his hand. The end disappeared under the dark bushy caterpillar that sat on his upper lip.

After a moment of ensuring all eyes were on him, he pushed off and strode into the room. His gaze focused on Evelyn as he exhaled smoke. Donovan paused to flick his cigarette above one of the overflowing ash trays before continuing on to her desk.

Evelyn stood out of respect for his rank rather than for the man. When Donovan had been a detective, he was a constant thorn in her side with his attitude that women didn’t belong in the police force. Promoted to captain a few months earlier, his attitude had not improved. He was always careful as a detective to not let the then-captain overhear his comments. With Harrison promoted to deputy chief and less involved in the day-to-day operation of the precinct, the newly minted Captain Donovan showed his displeasure, of Evelyn taking a man’s place in the detective division, at every opportunity.

She felt Donovan’s disapproving gaze as he perused her like a man might a disappointing blind date.

Evelyn could image Donovan checking off his list of her offending qualities as a police officer. Her sandy-blonde hair, styled in feathered, shoulder-length waves, was not a serious enough hairstyle for police work. Her sharp features and serious expression too determined for a woman. The unbuttoned collar of her cream-colored blouse provided no glimpse of her cleavage and was covered by a cinnamon and tan sweater vest which did not allow for a form-fitting view of her trim, muscular figure. And worst offense of all, tan-colored, flared-leg corduroy slacks instead of a proper skirt.

Evelyn, he said. A thin veneer of cordiality masking his voice.

Captain, Evelyn replied, her tone neutral. She observed him carefully, trying to discern the purpose of this early morning visit. Donovan liked small talk, but not with her.

The rest of the detectives in the room quickly focused their gaze on something on their desks. But their attention was firmly fixed on Donovan as he stood in front of Evelyn.

Donovan’s eyes briefly scanned her desk. The stack of papers from her latest closed case waiting to be filed, the old coffee mug, the solitary photo of a younger Evelyn with a medal from the mayor, the open file in front of her. Then, his gaze finally settled back on her.

Evelyn, I’ll get straight to the point, he began, leaning a hip on her desk. Donovan never used her last name like he did the rest of the detectives.

He loomed into her personal space with his cigarette coming dangerously close to the pile of papers. The department is starting a new unit. Cold cases. We need someone to head it up.

Evelyn’s brow furrowed slightly. Cold cases, sir?

Yes. Cases that have been... overlooked, shall we say. Donovan's gaze was steady, unyielding. Since you seem to keep coming to the attention of the chief and the mayor, this seemed like a just promotion.

A wave of realization washed over Evelyn. This