Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle

Arriving October 1!

From Paris runways to country manors, danger is always in fashion.

When intrepid journalist Ariadne Winter leaves behind the glittering cafés and haute couture of 1958 Paris for the misty hills of rural Ireland, she expects champagne toasts and countryside charm at her cousin’s engagement celebration. But amidst party prep excitement the festive mood at Ballyford Manor is shattered when a body is discovered among the ruins of the ancient castle grounds.

The local inspector suspects an accident—but Ariadne knows better. Armed with her sharp wit and a reporter’s determination, Ariadne peels back the polished façade of the O’Connell family, uncovering simmering tensions and long-held grudges that refuse to stay buried. As she navigates a world of crumbling aristocracy, whispered scandals, and dark family legacies, Ariadne realizes someone will do anything to keep the past hidden — even if it means making her the next victim.

Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Tana French, this stylish, atmospheric mystery captures the glamour and shadows of 1950s Ireland, blending intrigue, secrets, and a sleuth you won’t forget.

Ink & Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn

AMAZON BARNES & NOBLE KOBO APPLE BOOKS

A dead body, a magazine deadline, and a race against time—1958’s most fashionable writer turns sleuth.

During 1958, with a predominantly male workforce, societal norms dictate women should be compliant, fashionable housewives. To Ariadne Winter, the sole tradition she aims to embrace is that of being fashionable.

Amidst the ambiance of Ivy Tree Inn, where she’s been dispatched as a writer for Ladies’ Lifestyle Magazine, her focus wavers as she grapples with an interview assignment concerning a Hollywood starlet on the cusp of royal matrimony—an event hailed as the “Wedding of the Century.” While Ariadne dutifully attends to her task, her heart yearns for the pursuit of her collegiate ambition: to be an investigative reporter for a renowned newspaper.

However, fate intervenes when she discovers a dead body and recognizes the opportunity it presents to write her way into the role she desires. Yet, as Ariadne delves deeper into the lives of the inn’s inhabitants, she uncovers a labyrinth of intertwined relationships and long-buried secrets among guests and staff alike, yielding a plethora of suspects. With a murderer on the loose, her magazine deadline looming, and the inn cordoned off by authorities, Ariadne faces a race against time to untangle the web of deceit and solve the murder before she loses more than just her job.

“Like her other books, Butler immerses her readers in a richly detailed world with a likable and relatable main character and complex supporting players, making for an engrossing read.” – Judith Gonda, Author of the landscape architect Tory Benning Mysteries

“This was a great mystery! I loved the main character and her detective abilities.” – Alexa The Book Worm

Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn was a highly entertaining romp back in time with a strong, confident, go-getter female lead. The plot and pacing were spot-on, and I truly enjoyed this book. – Novels Alive

” I recommend Ink and Intrigue at the Ivy Tree Inn for other cozy fans, and especially for readers who also enjoy historical mysteries.” – View From a Birdhouse

“I loved this book ! This was a fast paced read full of mystery in a historical setting! I loved the way the author made all of the book very atmospheric and capable to keep me on edge!” – Midnight Booklover

First Comes Love,

Then Comes Murder

Award Winning Short Story Anthology

Second Place Book Award

AMAZON WHITE CITY PRESS

“Contract Accepted”, by Ellen Butler in the FIRST COMES LOVE, THEN COMES MURDER Anthology.

When Ashley discovers her husband’s infidelity, she makes a bitter wish for his demise. Miraculously, he drops dead on the squash court, and the coroner rules it a heart attack. Just as she begins to grapple with the eerie coincidence, Ashley receives a series of mysterious red cards demanding a million dollars. As the threats intensify, she realizes someone knows her darkest desire—and they’re ready to collect on the debt. Caught in a web of guilt and fear, Ashley must unmask the sinister force behind the notes before her wish costs more than she ever imagined.

First Comes Love, Then Comes Murder features nineteen juicy tales of revenge, betrayal, bad breakups, and a few I dos and some I don’ts. Each short story takes ruthless relationships to an all-new level in all kinds of places like destination weddings, riverboat cruises, wineries, bachelorette parties, creepy stalkers, cheating spouses, and sneaky friends trying for their own version of happily ever after. So, settle in for some love stories with a twist of revenge, infidelity, and murder.

Featuring the writing talents of Teresa Inge, Heather Heather Baker Weidner, Debra Goldstein, Grace Topping, Maggie King, Ellen Butler Books, Kristin Kisska, Shawn Reilly Simmons, Marilyn Levinson, Sandra Murphy, Mary Dutta, Diane Fanning, Libby Hall, Frances Aylor, K.L. Murphy, Eleanor Cawood Jones, Leah St. James, Sheryl Jordan and Allie Marie.