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Pharaoh’s Forgery ~ Karina Cardinal Mystery, Book 4

She just wanted a little downtime. But now she’s running out of time…

Karina Cardinal’s more than ready for a short-girls’ getaway to Cancun—until Jilly breaks her leg. With Jilly injured and Mike working, her fellow lobbyist Rodrigo volunteers to share some sun, sand, and margaritas in Cancun.

It’s tough for Karina and Rodrigo to relax in Cancun, knowing what’s in her suitcase. A package she promised to hand off to Mrs. Thundermuffin. Mrs. T’s evasive maneuvers around Karina’s questions wave more red flags than a bullfighter. Turns out it’s an Egyptian death mask that attracts crooks, conmen, kidnappers, and killers. When chaos erupts, Karina and Rodrigo are lucky to have friends in the right place—at their backs. But they’re in one hell of a jam. And they could be going home in something tackier than a souvenir t-shirt—more like a body bag.

“I simply love Karina Cardinal as an amateur sleuth. In this installment, we follow Karina to Mexico for a vacation adventure focused on the black market for art antiquities. The characters keep the story moving, especially her clandestine retired CIA neighbor Mrs. Thundermuffin. For those (like myself) who loved the escapades of Emily Pollifax written by Dorothy Gilmore, you will love the latest edition to the Karina Cardinal series.”-Colleen Shogan, Author of the award-winning Washington Whodunit mystery series

“Conmen, kidnappers, and chaos, oh my! Buckle up, adventure-lovers! Karina Cardinal, Stephanie Plum with a master’s degree and FBI connections, is off for fun in the sun until her Mexican vacation takes a National Lampoon-style turn with a side of mayhem. Brimming with vivid, relatable characters, Pharaoh’s Forgery is a well-written page-turner that will keep you chuckling and on the edge of your seat until the very last twist.”  – Judith Gonda, Author of the Tory Benning mystery series

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~ Diamonds & Deception ~ Karina Cardinal Mystery, Book 3 

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Karina’s stuck between a rock and a hard place…and these rocks are hot property.

Sadira Manon, friend and colleague of Karina Cardinal’s sister Jillian, has been moonlighting at a jewelry store. When a loose diamond falls out of her purse, the police sing her the song of their people—”Miranda Rights.”

Karina, Jilly, and Silverthorne Security join forces to investigate who’s setting Sadira up to take a fall, and why. By the time Karina realizes they’ve dug too deep, Jillian’s in trouble, and Karina’s forced to make that dreaded phone call to Mike Finnegan, her estranged lover…hoping Mike doesn’t let it go to voice mail.

“Ellen Butler continues her bestselling Karina Cardinal mystery series with a sparkling new book: Diamonds & Deception. Butler’s confident, breezy writing style drew me in immediately and I breathlessly followed Karina and her sister Jillian as they fought for their lives in this well-crafted and timely adventure. Don’t miss it!” ~ Julie Hyzy, New York Times bestselling author

~FATAL LEGISLATION  ~ Karina Cardinal Mystery, Book 2

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Lawmaking can be a murderous affair

When a senator drops dead at Karina Cardinal’s feet, her status quickly changes from “dogged DC lobbyist” to “person of interest.” Certain the FBI could change that status to “suspect” at any moment, she conducts her own back-channel investigation…which could change her status to “dead.”

“Fatal Legislation is a perfect Washington suspense novel. Ellen Butler has created an intricate plot with realistic characters embroiled in the world of policymaking, lobbyists, and Congress. There’s even a FBI love interest for good measure! D.C. denizens and those curious about our nation’s capital will enjoy this book.” – Colleen J. Shogan, Author of K Street Killing

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#1 International Bestseller

 ~ Isabella’s Painting ~

 Karina Cardinal Series, Book 1

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Bestselling author Ellen Butler’s Karina Cardinal mystery series kicks off with Isabella’s Painting.

Peeling back layers of lies can save a masterpiece…or reveal a killer.

When Karina Cardinal accidentally glimpses an infamous stolen painting, she faces a dangerous choice. Back off while she still can, or dig for the truth with the help of an old flame. Either way, the next move she makes could destroy innocent lives…including her own.  

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Thanks for visiting my website, I’m glad you found me. I write sassy romance and page-turning suspense novels. On this site you’ll find my upcoming public appearances, newsworthy events and information on new releases. If you want to interact with me and get a daily dose of all things author, or talk about wine, chocolate and shoes,  follow me on Facebook or Twitter. If you want sneak peeks, previews, and the chance to get Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) of my new releases, before the general public, join my newsletter.
My suspense novels are excellent books for reading groups and book clubs, and I provide guided questions.

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