MURDER IN FOUR
PART HARMONY

Murder In Four Part Harmony

Protagonist Alexandra Walters tours from church to church as a solo gospel performer, having begun in the business years before with her family quartet. The religious-music world is a tight one and when one-time crush Jerry Web is arrested for murder, Alex offers to help out. Alex's current love, P.I. Stephen Carlucci, the offspring of a Mafia biggie, joins her in the investigation. Not only is he jealous of Jerry, but he wants to keep Alexandra out of any potential trouble. Good luck. But could Jerry have killed his cousin, after all? Family black sheep Tony had a blackmail scheme that would have caused pain to Jerry's terminally ill and beloved father.

Light and cute does it in MURDER IN FOUR PART HARMONY, although the story is not completely spun from air. The serious side, in part, is the question of the Christian music scene and just how well Christian ethics are maintained therein. Author Ham herself is steeped in that world, having sung on the circuit since she was five. The description of the pressures in the gospel industry, therefore, are entirely authentic. The book is not a missionary effort -- it's an entertainment -- but the protagonist does take her religion seriously. She's family oriented, too, devoted to her child and other members of her household. Ham's style is easygoing and carries the reader along without pain. Though relationship matters sometimes take precedence over the mystery, the whodunit aspect of the book is never ignored. MURDER IN FOUR PART HARMONY is a capable series start.

— G. Miki Hayden

America House will release a new mystery in October that marks an auspicious debut by Lorie Ham. MURDER IN FOUR PART HARMONY introduces us to charming Alexandra Walters, gospel singer and amateur sleuth. A divorced mother of one, Alex has just returned from a tour, the first one she has made without her four-year-old daughter, Jessica. Gospel music is not the best-paying career on earth, but Alex still feels called to that ministry, and feels she cannot give it up. So, to make ends meet, she has rented out rooms in her huge home to tenants who have also become friends. Most need help from time to time, and Alex has always been in the business of helping people. When long-time friend, Jerry Web, calls and says he has been accused of murdering his cousin, Tony Web, Alex rushes to his aid, calling in lawyer cousin Paul Unruh, who calls in a mutual friend of his and Alex's, Stephen Carlucci, the best private investigator in Donlyn, Calfornia. Stephen would like to be more than a friend to Alex, and so would Jerry Web, despite the fact he's married. Gospel singers don't all practice what they sing. Alex had a crush on Jerry when she was a teenager, and she still harbors mixed feelings for him. She isn't sure she should be close to him, but when the proprietor of the local bed-and-breakfast kicks Jerry out, she feels compelled to put him up with one of her tenants in the apartment over her garage. And she is determined to prove Jerry's innocence.

However, that isn't as easy as it looks. Tony Web died from an allergic reaction to penicillin. Only family members and close friends knew the severity of his allergy, though he wore a gold medic alert bracelet. Still, someone had slipped him a fatal dose of the antibiotic. Before his death, Tony had argued with Jerry and had attempted to blackmail him. Jerry had been heard threatening Tony's life if he went to Jerry's father for the blackmail. This problem is compounded when Alex finds out Jerry had had a prescription for penicillin for a throat infection. On top of that, Alex receives a warning to lay off by phone, and then by note when her kidnapped cat, Watson, comes home.

From the opening page of the prologue to the last word, this book will keep you guessing. Lorie Ham not only does a good job of not revealing the killer until the very last, she gives us an insight into the world of gospel music that none but those who have been there could imagine. I'm glad I had just a short time to read it; it gave me a good excuse for not putting it down! I look forward to more mysteries by this very talented author.

— Thelma Jo Rogers

In MURDER IN FOUR PART HARMONY, Lorie Ham has created a most unique heroine. Alexandra supports herself and her daughter as a gospel singer. A strong Christian, Alexandra is also very human. She struggles with temptation as she helps clear a former romantic interest of a murder charge.

— Marilyn Meredith

Lorie Ham’s debut mystery, MURDER IN FOUR PART HARMONY, offers an exciting glimpse behind the scenes of the gospel singer’s circuit. When Alexandra Walters, a singer, single parent and former reserve officer, discovers her first love is accused of murdering his cousin, she sets out to help prove his innocence. It won’t be easy solving the crime in the quiet San Joaquin Valley town, also known as the "Fruit Basket of the Nation." Jerry Web was the last person to see Tony alive; he knew about Tony’s health problems, and the two men had a fight just before Tony died of an allergic reaction to penicillin. To complicate matters, Alex finds her feelings for Jerry have been rekindled -- but he’s still a married man. The tension builds -- and so does the emotional and physical danger for Alex -- as she tries to prove his innocence, while dealing with her mixed feelings. In the end, we find the world of the gospel singer isn’t as harmonious as it appears.

— Penny Warner

In gospel singer Alex Walters, Lorie Ham gives readers a peek at an unusual profession and offers a new slant on the amateur sleuth. Alex's curiosity gets her into trouble, but her faith and her .45 see her through. All the while, she is good company.

— Jonnie Jacobs

Lorie Ham's debut novel, MURDER IN FOUR PART HARMONY, is a charming and provocative addition to the mystery genre. Her insider knowledge of the insular world of professional gospel singing and its possibilites for skullduggery and murder will undoubtedly enlighten and fascinate readers, leaving them hungry for more.

— Earlene Fowler

MURDER IN FOUR
PART HARMONY

THE TROUBLE
WITH TENORS

The Trouble With Tenors

Lorie Ham's heroine, gospel singer Alexandra Walters, has a weakness for tenors. When her ex-husband, a tenor of course, shows up with his new barbie doll bride, Alexandra's troubles are just beginning. His demand for custody of their daughter results in a very loud and very public fight. When he is shot on stage, Alexandra's nemesis, Police Chief Hofer, is positively delighted to arrest her for the murder. Lorie Ham has created wonderful characters in a unique setting and enough suspense that you won't want to stop reading until the end. THE TROUBLE WITH TENORS, the second in the series, is definitely a must read. Highly recommended.

— Judith R. Parker

Alexandra Walters travels the country sharing her gift of gospel singing. Alex worked hard to make ends meet while raising her 4 year old daughter, Jessica. Alex's ex-husband, Mike Evans, rarely, if ever, acknowledged Jessica at all. When Alex returns from her latest tour she finds Mike and his new bride, Leslie, in her home. Mike has decided her wants custody of Jessica. Alex's long time friend in the gospel singing circuit, Patrick Hoffman, calls her to emcee at the convention in town, which she reluctantly accepts.

Mike and Leslie are part of the convention, and of course when they run into each other, Alex makes a scene about Mike trying to take Jessica away from her. During the sound check, Mike’s singing group, The Arkansas Boys, start to rehearse. Out of the blue a gunshot is heard. Who has motive to kill Mike Evans? When Alex and her boy friend, Stephen Carlucci, a private investigator, start to investigating the murder and realize the list of suspects is fairly large.

Detective Knight is new to the police Department. During his investigation of Mikes murder, he comes to the conclusion that Alex killed Mike. Putting more pressure on Alex, she pushes harder into the investigation. When the murder weapon is recovered, it is determined to belong to Alex. Who could have gotten her gun?

THE TROUBLE WITH TENORS is a compelling mystery that will have you screaming, "Who done it?" As the mystery unfolds, it adds colorful characters and shady suspects. Lorie Ham keeps you on your toes as you read in a rhythmic pace. Keep your back to the wall and don't trust anyone.

— Tabitha Tasker

When Alexandra's tenor ex-husband, Mike, shows up on her doorstep with his red-haired, bimbo bride, Leslie, announcing that he and Leslie are seeking custody of Alex and Mike's only child, Jessica, Alex loses it. The fighting between the divorced couple goes public. Then Mike, killed with Alex's gun, falls into the orchestra pit during a West Coast music convention. Hot for action between the sheets, Mike, before his violent demise, has impregnated another young gospel singer who fatally takes a letter opener in her back ... Alexandra Walter's letter opener.

Suspects emerge like crazy. Most are from the plethoric queue of hair-sprayed, pompadour wielding songsters inhabiting the seamy, underside of the gospel music circuit.

THE TROUBLE WITH TENORS is the second book in Ms. Ham's gospel singing series. The heroine is appealing and presents solid values. Her small town background and realistic family life are heart warming. Alex's snooping and amateur police investigating are engaging. Though Sinatra's music belts out frequently, and the heroine tools around in a Bel Air in foggy California coast weather, this book is not noir. It is instead, a breezy, comfortable read.

— Jonni Rich

She’s baaaack…Alex Walters, heroine from Ms. Ham’s debut novel, Murder In Four Part Harmony, returns for another installment of singing, sleuthing and sarcasm in her hometown of Donlyn, California. Beginning with the return of her ex-husband, Mike Walters and his new wife Leslie, Alex is positive her day can’t get much worse—until they tell her they want full custody of Alex’s daughter Jessica. Mike’s visit coincides with a weekend gospel convention in town, in which Alex is asked to emcee. Calling in as many favors as possible, Alex leans on her cousin the lawyer, her boyfriend Steven the private investigator and her always-dependable sister to get her through this crisis. Reacting badly to Mike’s reappearance in town and jealous as all get-out of his new, younger wife, Alex has several very public arguments with Mike and Leslie, making her the number one suspect when Mike is shot during rehearsals for the convention. Despite Alex’s presence back stage during the shooting, her lack of alibi and unquestionable motive, the police are hesitant to arrest her, giving her and boyfriend Steven ample time to investigate the case on their own. Depending on friends in the police department to give her leads and shady favors from ex-mob bosses, Alex’s investigation seems to be turning up plenty of motives but few suspects when another victim appears murdered.

Written in Ms. Ham’s uncanny, witty style, THE TROUBLE WITH TENORS is an unabashed whodunit, throwing suspects and motives at the reader almost faster than you can keep track of them. Full of plot twists and inner challenges for Alex as she struggles to come to terms with her feelings towards her ex, her boyfriend, and the new police sergeant, this novel is an engaging read. I look forward to the next Alex Walters installment and hope to see her deepen her relationship with Steven.

— Aimee McCleod

Alex Walters just thought things could not get worse when her ex-husband and his new wife arrive in town for a gospel singers' convention and demand custody of her daughter, Jessica. Things only get worse from there when the ex, Mike Evans, is found murdered, and Alex is the prime suspect. However, as she investigates, it is soon clear that there were many people with reasons for wanting Mike to die. The world of gospel singing is surely full of sinners. Adultery and blackmail permeate what should be sweetness and light. There is a second murder, and someone begins stalking Alex. Ironically, she is safer asking for help from her boyfriend's mafia family than from the police or her fellow singers. All of these events build to a climatic confrontation with a deranged killer who may cost Alex her life.

Alex is a wonderful entry into the growing population of gutsy ladies fighting crime in their off hours. The book offers an eye opening glimpse into a world that most of us would never suspect as containing darkness, and as a bonus, sets up a love triangle worthy of Evanovich for future volumes.

— Amanda Faye Killgore

Alexandra Walters, a gospel singer, has always had trouble with tenors. The best example of this is Mike Evans, her ex-husband. The only good thing that ever came out of their relationship was their four-year-old daughter, Jessica. Mike decided early on in Jessica's life that he was too busy with his career to take care of a young child (and apparently even to pay child support!). This is why is comes as such an unwanted shock to Alexandra when Mike breezes into town with his bimbo wife and demands full custody of Jessica. Mike claims that he could provide a more stable home life for Jessica. Now, is it any wonder that Mike is found dead and Alexandra is the prime suspect? Of course, it seems like an open-shut case to everyone but Alexandra. She knows she didn't do it and must prove it before she winds up singing from behind bars.

THE TROUBLE WITH TENORS is the second installment in Lori Ham's gospel singer series. This book is much stronger than the first one. While I enjoyed the first one, I loved THE TROUBLE WITH TENORS. All of the characters were well fleshed out and Alexandra's emotions are portrayed with the utmost sophistication. There is never any overreacting, which many authors are known to do with their characters. The writing is smooth and although I was able to figure out the killer halfway through the book, it didn't detract from my satisfaction of the book. Lorie Ham has grown so much from her first book to the second that I can't wait to see what she has in store for us in her third book!

— Robyn Glazer

THE TROUBLE
WITH TENORS

DEADLY
DISCRIMINATION

Deadly Discrimination

Somebody has murdered the most unpopular businessman in Kingsbury. Most folks in this picturesque northern California town are content to believe it was a 17-year-old Latino boy with a police record. The boy’s knife was found in the victim’s back, and the murder took place soon after the businessman foreclosed on the boy’s parents’ business. But, if truth be told, the real reason most folks in Kingsbury are content to blame this particular suspect is because the boy is Latino. Prejudice, you see, is as much a point of conflict as murder in Lorie Ham’s latest mystery, DEADLY DISCRIMINATION. And that’s what makes it so special, and one I highly recommend.

Fans of Ham’s previous mysteries, MURDER IN FOUR PART HARMONY and THE TROUBLE WITH TENORS, may be saddened to learn that her gospel singing, single mom, crime solver Alexandra Walters does not appear in this new novel. If so, they won’t be disappointed for long, because her new crime solver, Pastor Mike Raffles, is as tenacious and charming as Ms.Walters. It also won’t hurt that Walters’ private investigator boyfriend, Stephen Carlucci, is Pastor Mike’s best friend and a major supporting character. For once the murderer really is the last person you would expect, although Ham plays fair with the clues throughout the story. Ham also does an excellent job of presenting the kind of prejudice that can exist beneath the surface of even a quaint town as Kingsbury or in a so-called “enlightened” state as California, as well as the type of resistance that can arise and challenge bigotry when it is brought to light. Pastor Mike believes that most people, rather or not they are Christian, are good and will prove it if given a chance. In DEADLY DISCRIMINATION he puts his faith in people on the line, and, like a true hero, doesn’t flinch from his beliefs even when things look their darkest.

The problem of illegal aliens is a hot button topic across the country, especially after President Bush’s recent proposal to offer amnesty to illegals now working in the United States. What too many Americans once dismissed as a problem for Californians, Arizonans and Texans has become one that has and will continue to affect people throughout our country. In the months ahead there will be a lot of articles and textbooks published about the ramifications and possible solutions to this problem. But these will all be non-fiction, while one of the great things about fiction is its ability to take any topic and humanize it by running it through its paces through a series of realistic events.

DEADLY DISCRIMINATION is just such a book.

Ham sets you in the middle of a mystery that involves illegal aliens, presenting clues at the same time presenting different sides to the problems of illegals. While challenging readers to solve the businessman’s murder, Ham likewise challenges them to decide what their beliefs about this problem are or reconsider previously held beliefs. This is just the kind of story that a master wordsmith like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who never backed away from the challenge of championing a cause in his fiction, would appreciate.

DEADLY DISCRIMINATION will entertain you and make you think. If that isn’t as good as it gets, I don’t know what is.

— Steven Philip Jones

This mystery novel by local writer, Lorie Ham, is well worth reading. Ham sets her novels in the Fresno area, using vaguely shielded names for the small towns, which provide the unique atmosphere for her books. This story deals with the fact that racial discrimination exists and poisons even small-town America. Her characters are well drawn and appealing. The details of small-town life are authentic and especially interesting to Central Valley people since it’s easy to picture some of our local towns in her descriptions.

Lorie Ham has a well-developed ability to hold her mystery so that the final conclusions are a surprise and she combines suspense with a Christian viewpoint. Her characters are varied enough to give her a chance to deal with an issue like discrimination from several perspectives.

Ham has written two other novels, Murder in Four Part Harmony, and Trouble with Tenors. These are also set in the Fresno area.

— Tim Kahn

DEADLY DISCRIMINATION is a classic whodunit with motives and clues a-plenty. I thought I had the perp pegged, but got a big surprise at the end. It's Agatha Christie meets Jan Karon...a mystery lover's delight.

— Rosey Dow

Pastor Mike Raffles glows with optimism as he relocates from New Orleans to Kingsbury, California. However, the quiet simple life of a small town farming community seems more like home when someone murders Toews, an individual universally detested though he was to be the Grand Marshal in the upcoming parade. After a public incident between Toews and the Martinez family and the location of the body, police hone in on the Mexican-American community. They quickly arrest teenager Eddie Martinez. Pastor Mike has problems with the rush to judgment as he feels many townsfolk regardless of race, religion or national origin had motives to kill the obnoxious victim. With the help of a private sleuth, Mike makes his own inquiries and begins to believe that a form of de facto prejudicial profiling led to the arrest of Eddie without looking at the full possibilities. Mike needs to uncover the real culprit and expose discrimination for how worthless and negatively crippling a practice it is.

DEADLY DISCRIMINATION is categorized as a Christian amateur sleuth, but though Mike is a pastor and provides sermons against discrimination, the tale is more a deep look at the implications and fallout from prejudice. Mike is a delightful protagonist who seems to have it together, but loses a bit of his inner peace by the novel's end as the incidents impact him (he is human). The townsfolk for the most part are decent pious people yet many look down on the Mexican-Americans living there as being beneath them. The message is deep, but it is cleverly interwoven into the who-done-it investigation by Mike and pals so that the audience regardless of religion will appreciate a powerful mystery.

— Harriet Klausner

Lorie Ham writes very nice Christian mysteries. She has both a series starring her gospel-singing amateur sleuth Alex Walters and a standalone mystery, DEADLY DISCRIMINATION, with Pastor Mike Raffles as an unlikely investigator.

DEADLY DISCRIMINATION is out as of this month. It is a very good story. Lorie has "warned" readers about the Christian focus, but I think anyone would enjoy the story of this new pastor who finds that a deadly pattern of discrimination has caused the wrong person, a Mexican teen, to be arrested for the murder of a prominent, but universally disliked, town citizen.

Pastor Raffles is in a good position to ask questions, and his empathetic manner generally gets answers from everyone. But there are forces in the town who don't want their activities looked into and would prefer that the crime continue to be attributed to Eddie, the young Mexican kid who faces murder charges. The pastor faces some minor threats, but he refuses to back down on his stance against prejudice. The ending is both gradual, surprising, and sad. No one really wins in this story.

Pastor Mike doesn't preach--he's a sensitive man with a clear vision of what it means to be a Christian, but he doesn't get in anyone's face about it. Readers are treated to two partial sermons on the subject of discrimination as the pastor faces the dissatisfaction of some of his parishoners who belong to a white supremist group.

This story also reflects the way of life in a small California town where everyone knows everyone and hides and tolerates a little too much. It is a story where secrets and the desire to keep them destroys lives, causing pain for guilty and innocent alike. There is a message here, but it certainly does not detract from the mystery.

Lorie is developing as a writer and she has many stories to tell. I recommend her Christian mysteries for those of the faith or anyone who likes cozy but serious mysteries.

— Nancy Marple

When Pastor Mike Raffles moved to the farming community of Kingsbury, California he thought he was retreating to a quiet town where all of the neighbors were friendly and where he could build a peaceful congregation. However, he soon realizes that the quiet town is not so quiet, as a businessman’s dealings are enraging nearly everyone since he will soon be forcing many local shops to go out of business. When he is found stabbed to death just before leading the town’s parade in a fair suspicion immediately falls on Eddie Martinez, a Mexican-American teenager with a history of juvenile crime and whose family Mr. Toews had recently engaged in an angry confrontation. Appeals from Eddie’s family proclaiming his innocence soon has Mike questioning the quick arrest and the reasons behind it. There’s a plethora of suspects, as it emerges that even Toews’ family had reasons to hate him. Just as disturbing to Mike as the murder is the discovery, following his spot on a radio show, of racism and hostility towards the Mexican-Americans who live in the community. When the local white supremacy organization begins to pressure Mike to stop his pleas for peace and his support of Eddie, Mike puts both his position within the church and his life at risk.

Mike Raffles is an engaging hero who is at peace with himself and his beliefs and who wants to create the best congregation possible. Mike’s relationship with Steve Carlucci, his childhood best friend, is appealing and very humorous as the two harass each other with the nicknames “Preacher Boy” and “Heathen Boy.” The two have an usual friendship, as the private detective (crossing over from Lorie Ham’s other series featuring Alexandra Walters) is an atheist whom Mike continues to attempt to lead towards the Christian faith. The two make a good team though, as Steve provides the muscle and street smarts while Mike brings in the heart. Ham also perfectly describes the setting of the California farming community and the clash of cultures that occurs between whites and the Mexican-Americans. Although this is labeled a “Christian” mystery the engaging characters and universal theme of racism make it accessible to all readers. This is an enjoyable read full of humor, suspense, and heart.

— Cynthia Chow

I'd like to add my praise for Lorie Ham's DEADLY DISCRIMINATION. It's an intriguing mystery involving a small-town preacher who faces the politics and ugly bigotry in a small California town and the same problems in his own church and even in the Christian radio station where he works part time. Unfortunately, many of the obstacles Pastor Mike must overcome are far too realistic. As with all Lorie's books, it's an enjoyable read.

— Marilyn Meredith

DEADLY
DISCRIMINATION

OUT OF
TUNE

Out Of Tune

Gospel singer Alex Walters lives in Donlyn, CA, the small town where her family grew up and her egomaniacal grandmother, Edna, still resides. After receiving a threatening letter, Edna summons her family home for a memorial service on the theory that her family will protect her. At the service, Edna's chief adversary, Mrs. K, is poisoned, and a chandelier falls on Edna. Everyone wonders whether the two events are connected.

Alex, knowing that every member of her family has reason to hate Edna, fears that one of her relatives may be the culprit. Compelled to uncover the truth, she teams up with her PI boyfriend Stephen to investigate. But even as she and Stephen are working together, Alex finds herself making excuses to drop in on the attractive police detective, Will Knight.

New clues keep popping up and the suspect list grows rapidly. Both Edna and Mrs. K had their share of enemies, and Alex has no way to know if she's dealing with one villain or two

This book is filled with twists and surprises and has a strong sense of mystery. The romantic triangle Alex finds herself in adds another layer to the complex plot. An excellent, fast paced read.

— Alex Matthews

When mean, manipulative and cruel Edna Harms receives a threatening letter she is so afraid she decides to host a memorial service for her husband who she buried in Kenya. The whole family gathers in Donlyn, California to attend the service and even Alexandra Walter cuts short her trip to attend the service and spend time with the extended family. At the service, the chandelier falls almost hitting Edna while Mrs. Kliewer suddenly collapses and is rushed to the hospital and is later pronounced dead.

Edna expects her family to watch her compete in the bike race but during the event, someone twice puts something in her water causing her momentary discomfort. A motorcycle almost mows her down and hers tires are cut. Since nobody in the family likes Edna, everyone is under suspicion; the detective on the case seems to believe that Mrs. Kliewer was murdered and that someone is getting away with a homicide while everyone is concentrating on Edna's troubles. Alex investigates both cases much to the chagrin of Will, a detective on the force who is romantically interested in her and her boyfriend Stephen who is worried about her safety.

Anyone who likes an exciting amateur sleuth who-done-it should read OUT OF TUNE. Lorie Ham is a very talented writer who has placed amazing plot twists in her storyline so that readers never lose interest in the tale. The protagonist is torn between her growing feelings for Will and her relationship with Stephen while raising her five year old daughter. Adding to her personal dilemma is deciding what kind of job she wants because her profession singing on tour takes too much time away from her daughter.

— Harriet Klausner

Alexandra Walters knew that the California reunion of her gospel singing family would be stressful, but she didn't count on murder. When Alex discovers that her grandmother is being threatened, the question isn't who has a reason for hating the dowager but just who doesn't. What is a surprise is that the first victim isn't the manipulative Edna Harms but instead the nice Mrs. Kliewer. Alex soon feels compelled to investigate when she suspects that the death may be related to the attacks on her grandmother, who has a financial hold over many in her family. As Alex looks into her own family and friends she discovers a secret that shocks her to the core and has her questioning the trust she has in those around her.

Although the single mom Alex is finally settled in a comfortable relationship with Stephen, a private investigator, she's unsettled by her growing attraction to Detective William Knight. As the investigation begins to put her between the two men Alex realizes that she's going to have to make some choices in her life.

Once again Lorie Ham has created an entertaining and intriguing mystery featuring the very likeable Alex Walters. Ham excels at portraying the realistic relationships between the dynamic Walters family and she always leaves the readers wanting to know more. Readers looking for a novel full of mystery, romance and humor need to look no further.

— Cynthia Chow

OUT OF
TUNE