Rona Shively has seen a lot of things in her day, but nothing like the case brought to her by Gilbert Delvecchio. He is looking for his ex-wife, and she's definitely not the woman he married.
Before she knows what is happening, Rona is swept into a web of deception where everyone is both a target and a suspect. A couple of romances and a shootout later, can she find the missing ex-wife before the bull's-eye finds her again?
Or is it too late?
Rona Shively is a private detective. She’s smart, she’s sassy, she’s seriously confused. She’s also got to pay the rent, so she takes on yet another crazy case. Her new client, Ted McCafferty has asked for her assistance in finding out what happened to his sister. All reports say that she was killed in a boating accident, but McCafferty thinks that her husband may be hiding something. At first blush, her new client has a boyish charm and she feels very comfortable around him. But things are never as they seem. Before it’s over, Rona’s trapped in a basement with a dead body and an ex-boyfriend and things get ugly. All of this plus an impromptu visit from her sister, an argument with her current boyfriend, and being questioned in connection with a local murder adds up to one stressed-out private detective who’s ready to crack. Come along for the ride, Rona’s driving.
Hearts and Flowers is a short romance with a hint of mystery. I wrote this piece because occasionally, I like to do something uplifting. Two young dancers receive anonymous gifts following one of their performances. Neither has any idea who sent the gift, but both are secretly wishing that it's someone they know. Set in Anytown, USA, it is a story of young love, secret wishes, and nearly divine intervention. Most of my work is tinged with sarcasm and humor, but Hearts and Flowers is a departure from my usual style and an opportunity for me to show readers that I am really a hopeless romantic. You can order the 10 page Amazon Short for only 49 cents, what are you waiting for?
Hearts and Flowers
Other Projects
Benston is currently working on a non-fiction project related to helping women build and rebuild their self-esteem. The project is scheduled for release in 2009 and there will be a website that includes links to the best internet sites for women. A link will be provided as the project is completed.
Eleven, a short horror story was released as part of a horror anthology, From the Shadows, published by Triad Publishing Group. For more information about Triad Publishing Group click here.
"The story is good, the plotting great. Rebecca Benston draws you into the story from the first page. Read the book. It's a delightful, but short, mystery."
Amazon.com Review by Lucille P. Robinson of Rayne, LA
"An interesting read by talented author Rebecca Benston with plenty of action. This is a tale that lives up to the old radio show opening of "Danger is my business". Recommended for any mystery fan who likes P.I.s with a past. Enjoy. I did."
"I liked Rona Shively because she is so down-to-earth. She is so tough, but underneath that toughness lies a tender heart. The story is good, the plotting great. Rona’s obvious lack of martial arts training, those ever popular talents of most of today’s private investigators and law enforcement authorities, doesn’t affect her ability to handle her criminals. Read the book. It is another delightful, but short, mystery."
Under Lock and Key is an enjoyable, fun book! Rona Shively is a delightful character. I loved her off-beat, quirky personality and her outstanding sense of humor.
Keeping the Faith takes Rona Shively, Private Detective back to her hometown of Clarkston, OH where she tackles a variety of family problems. While untangling her own mess, she begins working on a case for a local reverend and finds that there is much more to it than anyone realized. Will she be able to find the culprit before it's too late?
