Fool's Puzzle by Earlene Fowler (reading eggs books .TXT) 📕

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

EARLENE FOWLER

joins the ranks of today’s most celebrated

mystery authors with her outstanding debut of

the Benni Harper mystery series!

“Fool’s Puzzle is a ripping read. It’s smart, vigorous, and

more than funny: Within its humor is wrenching

insight ... Not a word is out of place, not a haunting picture

missed ... A new voice to delight hungry mystery readers.”

—Noreen Ayres, author of A World the Color of Salt

“[Fowler] made me laugh out loud on one page and

brought tears to my eyes the next. Benni Harper and her

extended family... live and breathe and occupy a real slice

of California that I haven’t seen before in the mystery field.

An exquisite sense of place ... I can’t wait to read more.”

—Margaret Maron, Edgar® Award-winning author of

Bootlegger’s Daughter

“I thoroughly enjoyed Fool’s Puzzle ... Fowler’s

characters are terrific ... A super job.”

—Eve K. Sandstrom, author of The Devil Down Home

FOOL’S PUZZLE

A Benni Harper Mystery

by Earlene Fowler

“Fool’s Puzzle,” also known as “Drunkard’s Path,”

“Falling Timbers,” and “Country Husband,” is a popular

traditional quilt pattern made with two contrasting

colors. It is easily cut, but very confusing to set together.

The overall pattern is not apparent from a single block

but must be viewed as a whole.

Don’t miss Earlene Fowler’s next Benni Harper

mystery, Seven Sisters, available from

Berkley Prime Crime.

Berkley Prime Crime Books by Earlene Fowler

THE SADDLEMAKER’S WIFE

LOVE MERCY

The Benni Harper Mysteries

FOOL’S PUZZLE

IRISH CHAIN

KANSAS TROUBLES

GOOSE IN THE POND

DOVE IN THE WINDOW

MARINER’S COMPASS

SEVEN SISTERS

ARKANSAS TRAVELER

STEPS TO THE ALTAR

SUNSHINE AND SHADOW

BROKEN DISHES

DELECTABLE MOUNTAINS

TUMBLING BLOCKS

THE BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUP

Published by the Penguin Group

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Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

FOOL’S PUZZLE

A Berkley Prime Crime Book / published by arrangement with the author

Copyright © 1994 by Earlene Fowler.

The Edgar® name is a registered service mark of the Mystery Writers of America, Inc.

Quilt designs by Pepper Cory.

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

For information, address: The Berkley Publishing Group,

a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.,

375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014

eISBN : 978-1-101-50023-1

Berkley Prime Crime

Berkley Prime Crime Books are published by The Berkley Publishing Group,

a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.,

375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014.

BERKLEY PRIME CRIME is a registered trademark of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

The Berkley Prime Crime design is a trademark belongng to Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

http://us.penguingroup.com

For my husband, Allen—

Without a doubt, I’d choose you again

and

For Mary Edith, sister, friend and

“partner in crime” since

the day I was born

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

As with most endeavors there are always people to thank.

First, I’d like to thank God for grace and blessings I did nothing to deserve.

I’d also like to thank my parents, family and friends for their support, the Fountain Valley Police Department, the staffs at the Huntington Beach and Newport Beach Public Libraries, Steve Bradley for expert gun advice, Darwin Sainz for sharing his knowledge on cattle, my agent, Deborah Schneider, for her hard work and for taking a chance on a new writer, my editor, Laurie Bernstein, for her expert advice and for never failing to make me feel like a million bucks and to Ann Lee, poet and friend, for her unwavering faith in my ability.

And finally, to Jo-Ann Mapson, writer, critic, friend and cowgirl extraordinaire. If there was a silver belt buckle awarded for teaching, you’d be wearing it.

FOOL’S PUZZLE:

A popular traditional quilt pattern best made with two contrasting colors. It is easily cut, but very confusing to set together. The overall pattern is not apparent from a single block but must be viewed as a whole. Also known as “Drunkard’s Path,” “Falling Timbers,” and “Country Husband.”

1

MY DAY DIDN’T start with murder, although the thought crossed my mind.

“Save me,” the voice on the phone whispered.

I jerked the instrument underneath the down comforter. Perfect temperature control was shattered, causing me to growl at my caller. “Go away.”

“You’re my last chance.” It was a harsh, old voice, as ratchety as a Las Vegas Wheel of Fortune.

I laughed in derision. “Tough luck.” It was cruel perhaps, but not without justification. I’d been burned by this voice before.

“I won’t be held responsible for what I do!”

There was, I noted with satisfaction, a hint of panic.

“You know you’ll pay if you try anything rash,” I cautioned. “I wouldn’t mess