Loch Lonach Mystery Series

An ICU nurse unable to save one of her patients finds herself far too close to finding out why in this unique blend of culture and crime from a Best of Texas Books Award-winning author.   Book One in the Loch Lonach Mystery Series   Ginny Forbes is a nurse with an insatiable curiosity, a special talent for critical thinking, and a gift for getting into trouble. When one of her ICU patients dies unexpectedly, she finds herself on the trail of a centuries-old secret.   Ginny is no stranger to investigation. Her hobby requires ferreting out and fitting together the traces of her ancestors, to create a mosaic of their lives. She knows how to dig and she knows how to read between the lines.   When a handsome newcomer offers to help, she allows him to tag along, but reports back on his actions to her long-time boyfriend, also an historian and genealogist. Following the clues seems no more than a lark, but between the cause of death and the growing jealousy of her two helpers, Ginny is about to find out just how dangerous idle curiosity can be.   A page-turning mystery packed with suspense perfect for fans of Miss Marple, Lord Peter Wimsey, and Brother Cadfael.   Read what people are saying about The Arms of Death: "I loved this book. As an avid mystery fan, I'm pretty particular about my authors. Maggie had me by page four, and it was a page turner from there. The book had the perfect amounts of suspense and romance, always a good combination. I look forward to book two of the series." Amazon Reader, Sally S.   "A jolly romp with a strong mystery and excellent characterisation. The setting is marvelous, adding a lot to the atmosphere of the story." UK reader   "Miss Marple but with a strong Scottish theme. Enjoyed it very much!" UK reader   "Murder and mayhem is part of the legacy of the House of Forbes. Ms. Foster weaves a page-turning mystery of twists and turns with a complex yet logical plot that leads to a satisfactory and realistic conclusion." Bart Forbes, President, Clan Forbes Society, Inc.   "A very well-plotted and enjoyable mystery. Highly recommended." The Wishing Shelf Book Awards   FIRST PLACE BEST MEDICAL THRILLER – Texas Association of Authors 2019, Best of Texas Books Awards. SILVER MEDAL WINNER – 2019 PenCraft awards for Writing Excellence. FINALIST – Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2019

An ICU nurse finds the body of a murdered colleague in a setting that points to an inside job in this masterfully plotted second novel by newcomer Maggie Foster   Book Two in the Loch Lonach Mystery Series   No one noticed until the end of the shift that one of the nurses was missing; they were all too busy. Although officially among the suspects, amateur sleuth Ginny Forbes agrees to assist the police in their investigation.   Drugs and drug runners are part of the landscape in the healthcare industry in Texas and Ginny is not surprised to find nurses, even some she knows, on the front lines of the conflict. Her probing brings her to the attention of the shadowy figure behind the pipeline of death running from south of the border to her home on the banks of Loch Lonach. This puts Ginny squarely in the line of fire, but she is not the sort to shy away from a challenge.   Enter the gallóglaigh, a Scottish mercenary hired by the Laird of Loch Lonach to act as bodyguard to Ginny. She slips out behind his back and ends up walking into a trap of her own making. Stripped of all but her brain and hands, can Ginny escape the armed guards? Or will she, too, disappear, adding one more to the growing number of nursing vacancies?   The intriguing plot and escalating tension will keep readers turning pages long after lights out. Perfect for fans of Dick Francis and Janet Evanovich.   Read what people are saying about The Swick and the Dead:   "This is the second installment of the Loch Lonach series by this extremely talented and creative writer. The storyline has interconnecting plots that revolve around the current events of today in Texas: illegal refugees, drug cartels, nursing shortages. I was once again charmed with the Scottish customs and language. The ending is one of those where you have to remind yourself to breathe." Amazon Reader, Sally S.   "True to murder mystery tradition, a body is discovered in the first chapter by the amateur detective who will solve the mystery and uncover the murderer. The story is especially intriguing in that the pool of suspects is relatively small. One expects the truth should be easy to ferret out. One would be wrong." MJF Amazon Reader "Talk about bang for the buck! The story weaves back and forth on itself like a Book of Kells capital letter. Rich with detail, infused with passion, driven by honor, the characters take on the tasks assigned to them by fate and deliver on the promise. The manifest evil at the back of the murder is not vanquished entirely, but the protagonists live to fight another day. Which is just as well because I want another book." Clio B. Amazon Reader   "It's always refreshing to read a twist I didn't see coming. The strong opening chapter hooks the reader, successfully foreshadowing coming events. I appreciated the inclusion of current social issues, which gives the book a sense of greater importance. The entertaining three-dimensional characters and interesting plot make this story shine." Judge, 27th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards   "A cleverly plotted murder/mystery, perfect for fans of Midsummer Murders." The Wishing Shelf Book Awards   "This author knows her red herrings. An enjoyable read." UK reader   "A twisting, turning plot. This is a solid whodunit [with] a satisfying ending. I enjoyed this. Loved the cover too!" UK reader

Alone, in February, in New England, ICU nurse Ginny Forbes must find a way to get a fugitive across the U.S.-Canadian border or forfeit her career, her freedom, and maybe even her life in this captivating third novel by Maggie Foster.   Book Three in the Loch Lonach Mystery Series   When one of the Homesteaders takes revenge on the drunk driver who killed his family, he hides the body in the Viking ship set to be burned during the annual Up-Helly-Aa, expecting the evidence to disappear into the depths of Loch Lonach. Mother Nature decrees otherwise.   Brought before the clan to answer for his crimes, Charles Monroe chooses exile, and the Laird assigns Ginny Forbes and Jim Mackenzie to escort him across the Canadian border. The trip does not go well. Hijacked by an escaped convict, wrecked on the highway in a snow storm, and menaced by hungry gray wolves (among other things), Jim and Ginny find their paths repeatedly barred.   When the Dallas detective assigned to the case catches up with Jim, Ginny must struggle on alone. Unable to escape the tightening police cordon, Charlie sacrifices himself to save a boy in danger of drowning in the icy depths of the Bay of Fundy, leaving Ginny to face the authorities.   A cross-country thriller with plenty of twists and turns and a climax that challenges the disconnect between law and justice.   Read what people are saying about Viking Vengeance:   "What a ride! From one exciting event to the next, these characters really attract trouble! The one-legged race description is a hoot. And what hilarious competition-level names. The handling of a moral dilemma is admirable. I enjoyed all the adventure's details, most of which I did not see coming. This story was a trip I thoroughly enjoyed. Well done!" Judge, 27th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards.   "Pulls the readers into the story and keeps them engaged . . . masterfully woven." Amazon Reader, Barbara B.   "The books are wonderful to read! I truly enjoy them. Keep them coming!" Amazon Reader, Susan G.   "From the smoldering ruins of a Viking death to the triumphant redemption of a man lost, then found, the story transports the reader from one delight to another." Amazon Reader, MJF.   "A solid thriller filled with charismatic characters. Highly recommended." The Wishing Shelf Book Awards   "A thoroughly satisfying read. Fantastic to curl up with." UK Reader   "There is a light humour throughout the book from the two protagonist, which keeps the reader interested in them and, of course, rooting for them. If there's another book coming out, I will happily read it," UK Reader   "Viking Vengeance is compelling, enjoyable, and satisfying. Recommended!  4 Thumbs Up!" Amazon Reader, Bev M.   FINALIST– Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2019

When the wicked witch of the competitive Highland Dance world is found down on the Scottish Games athletic field, her skull crushed by a caber, it seems clear that someone wanted her very dead.   Book Four in the Loch Lonach Mystery Series   ICU nurse Ginny Forbes is not inclined to divert time from the preparations for her wedding to investigate yet another suspicious death. But when the police decide her Maid of Honor is the prime suspect, Ginny vows to do whatever is necessary to clear her friend's name, including a flying trip to New Orleans to collect evidence.   Caught in the act, Ginny is captured, hauled off to an alligator farm, and incorporated into an ancient and thoroughly illegal voodoo ceremony. With no way to call for help and no one who knows where she is, it's a race against time with Ginny's wedding—and her life—hanging in the balance.   A riveting mystery amply supplied with red herrings and spiced with surprises. If you like Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, and Ellis Peters, you'll feel right at home in this highly entertaining fourth book by Maggie Foster.   Read what people are saying about Final Fling:   FIVE STAR REVIEW – Foster breathes new life into the cozy genre with a suspenseful and clever murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. Unlike any cozy mystery you've read, Maggie Foster has created a world that will make you want to join the town of Loch Lonach and be part of the community. Final Fling is a must-read and a must-have for every mystery reader as it possesses true originality and an upbeat spirit with Scottish charm, a suspenseful murder mystery, and a unique world view. Readers' Favorite, Liz Konkel   "I absolutely love the setting for this piece! You have nailed it." Judge, Writers League of Texas, Manuscript Contest   "Final Fling is the fourth in a series, but don't let that stop you. The plotting and characterizations are masterful. The pace is perfect. I never saw the end coming! One thing I can promise, if you haven't read the others, you'll want to after reading this one!" Amazon Reader, Kim S.   "For anybody who loves a good mystery, I HIGHLY recommend this series and this book in particular! The concept in this book is my favorite so far! BONUS FUN-There is an element in here that seems completely implausible but is based on a true story." Mary H., Librarian   "Rich in detail, satisfyingly rife with misdirection, and offers a complete secondary story line for the red herrings. There is no problem understanding why each of the not-guilty might wish to put the victim out of everyone's misery. A new twist is that, in this novel, all of the active red herrings (and there is one who qualifies as passive) think they might actually be guilty. My advice? Read Final Fling, then write Maggie and demand she get busy on the next book!" Amazon Reader, Clio B.

Ginny Mackenzie is thrust back into the role of clan investigator when the matriarch of a prominent Loch Lonach family dies, bequeathing her considerable resources to a man determined to destroy the Scots' way of life.   The Patterson family left Chancie Mor thirty years ago. Maury Patterson, scion of the family and a state Senator from his adopted home in Illinois, has returned. He has plans for the Scots. He likes being rich, and famous, and admired, but most of all, he likes power.   Ambition and superstition reign in this modern take on Shakespeare's "Scottish Play."

Someone is hunting redheads. Ginny Mackenzie's red hair is unusual in the general population, but not among the Scots. Her long braid is also not that uncommon. Lots of women have long hair. Combined, though, she falls into a small subset of women with long red braids—and it just may get her killed.   Ginny can't help feeling just a wee bit nervous when Detective Tran shows her the body of a woman lashed to a rowan tree in Missouri. From behind, they could have been twins. It's not her problem, of course, until it becomes clear that the redhead this predator is hunting is Ginny.   All the missing women have long red braids and all have been taken from Scottish venues. Ginny volunteers to walk the Games grounds, wired for sound, and with a discreet police escort, hoping the criminal will show himself. The plan works, but instead of ending the threat, the killer now knows where to find Ginny when he's ready for her.   Set against the backdrop of the Celtic music community and the Highland Games circuit they play, The Ghillie Knot is a spine-tingling look at obsession and what can happen when someone gets what he thinks he wanted.