Root of all Evil

#mystery #privateinvestigator #laurelhighlandsmystery

by Liz Milliron

September 18 – 29, 2023 Virtual Book Tour

Rumors of a meth operation in rustic Fayette County catch the attention of Pennsylvania State Trooper Jim Duncan. When he learns that Aaron Trafford, a man who recently dodged a drug conviction, has returned to the county, the conclusion seems obvious. Trafford has set up a new operation.

Meanwhile, assistant public defender Sally Castle’s colleague, Colin Rafferty, has become uncharacteristically nervous and secretive. Her suspicion that he’s hiding something serious is confirmed when she learns of a threatening visitor and discovers a note on his desk stating, “You’d better fix this”

Colin’s subsequent murder is the first frayed thread in a complex web of deceit. Jim fears Sally’s stubborn determination to get justice for her friend will put her in a killer’s crosshairs, but Sally won’t rest until she finds answers–even if it costs her everything.

Get wrapped up in the thrilling world of Liz Milliron’s Laurel Highlands Mystery series! From the captivating Root of all Evil to the latest release, Thicker Than Water, this gripping series is a must-read for any mystery lover. Don’t wait, grab your copy today!

Praise for Root of all Evil:

“With a compelling plot, engaging concept and characters worth cheering for, Root of all Evil will keep you rooted to your seat.”
~ Kathy Valenti, Agatha-nominated author of the Magging O’Malley mysteries

“Big city crime encroaches on the lush backdrop of Pennsylvania’s rustic Laurel Highlands in this tense and gritty debut. Liz Milliron has crafted a tightly written, heart-pounding tale of suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat from page one until its explosive conclusion.”
~ Annette Dashofy, USA Today bestselling author of the Zoe Chambers Mystery Series

“Lawyers, guns and money; Root of all Evil is a true page-turner.”
~ Bruce Robert Coffin, bestselling author of the Detective Byron Mysteries

“Root of all Evil is a gripping read! Sally Castle and Jim Duncan are complex characters with genuine depth, and the pacing is impeccable. Tensions on multiple levels will keep you turning the pages of this riveting police procedural.”
~ Cynthia Kuhn, author of the Agatha-winning Lila Maclean Academic Mysteries

“Fast-paced, authentic and compelling – this tightly written procedural is action-packed and full of heart. Milliron definitely knows her stuff – what a wonderful new voice in crime fiction!”
~ Hank Phillipi Ryan, nationally best-selling author of Trust Me

Book Details:

Genre: Mystery – Police Procedural
Published by: Level Best Books
Publication Date: August 14, 2018
Number of Pages: 301
ISBN: 9781947915053 (ISBN10: 1947915053)
Series: Laurel Highlands Mystery (#1)
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Level Best Books

My Thoughts:

As soon as I started reading, I felt fully submerged in the action that takes place from cover to cover! The pacing is on point – steadily building up to each factor of the case. It makes you feel completely invested in the case with the characters!

Although this book is pretty subdued as far as graphic descriptions go, I still felt that tingle of the unknown providing personal tension while I read. When money is involved, the idea of evil typically follows suit. Milliron does an excellent job of creating the build-up of evidence, exposing greed, corruption, and murder. As the alignment begins, you’ll get comfortable in thinking you know how everything fits together, but that is when you’ll find this book shines at its best — it throws you for such a hard loop that you won’t know if you’re coming or going.

The scenery helps amplify the situation with the crimes as well as with the budding relations between Duncan and Castle. These two are some of the strongest characters who felt like real people you would come across in your own hometown. They’re engaging, intricate, and a breath of fresh air as their flirtation doesn’t overshadow the real reason I enjoy reading police procedurals.

About the Author:

A recovering technical writer, Liz Milliron is the author of The Laurel Highlands Mysteries, set in the scenic Laurel Highlands and The Homefront Mysteries, set in Buffalo NY during the early years of World War II. She is a member of Pennwriters, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers and The Historical Novel Society. She is the current vice-president of the Pittsburgh chapter of Sisters in Crime and is on the National Board as the Education Liaison. Liz splits her time between Pittsburgh and the Laurel Highlands, where she lives with her husband and a very spoiled retired-racer greyhound.