Ruthless-the-Killer Strikes Again…
When Ruth Smythe moves to the small Aussie coastal town of Pelican Bay, a new beginning seems like a great plan. She’s inherited her father’s cottage in a place where nobody knows anything about her childhood nickname and reputation as a jinx. But then a man turns up dead in her shed—and the secret gets out.
With the help of her best friend Shona, Ruth uses all her wits (and a little Krav Maga) to solve murders, navigate her reputation, and try very hard not to fall for Dan—the infuriating, kind, impossibly attractive man who keeps showing up at the worst and best possible moments. Dan is her type. Her type never ends well.
Expect twisty small-town mysteries with heart and humour, family secrets, friends who have your back, animals who steal every scene they’re in, and a slow-burn romance that will wreck you in the best way.
Start with Book 1, Dead Ahead, or click here to grab the prequel short story Peck Pocket. It’s free when you join my reader club.
Warning: these books contain banter that may make you snort your coffee!
Start here
It’s hard to make a fresh start when you’ve go a reputation for death…
Ruth is desperate for a new beginning, but a body in her shed, an inconvenient romantic attraction, and a secret childhood reputation as a ‘harbinger of death’ get in the way.
New release
Murder, romance and a cockatoo with no filter. What could possibly go wrong?
Ruth Smythe is still getting used to small-town life when she stumbles on a body at Pelican Bay’s annual Easter egg hunt.
Two bodies in just a few weeks is bad enough—but it gets worse when Dan Rivers is arrested for murder.
Coming soon
Murder, movie-making, and mayhem—what more could a girl want?
When a body turns up on Shona’s film set, Ruth doesn’t want to get involved. But Shona has asked for help, and the killer might still be on set. Ruth has never been good at walking away—even with a true-crime podcaster on her heels.
“‘Dead Ahead’ is a fun, absorbing read that kept me guessing. I loved the cast of small-town characters and the spunk of Ruth, the lead character. Looking forward to reading the second book in the series!”
Amazon reviewer
“I really, really enjoyed MOSTLY DEAD. The mystery is complex with lots of red herrings and lots of unexpected threads that lead all over the murder board. There’s incredible love and support from friends and family along with a lovely slow burn romance and a nasty bad guy to hate. Doug the cockatoo is absolutely hilarious!”
Amazon reviewer
Also by Susan J Bruce...
Peck Pocket
Pastries, markets… and a jewel-thieving parrot.
When Ruth and her best friend Shona head to Paris, they expect flaky croissants, not feathered crime. But a missing locket, a desperate girl, and a too-charming busker sweep Ruth into a caper through the City of Light--where adventure lurks around every corner.
This is a lighthearted short read set five years before Dead Ahead.
Running Scared
YA Coming-of-Age/ Romantic Thriller
My name is Melinda and it’s been the worst year ever.
Rory is the one good thing in my world, but Dad doesn’t want me anywhere near him. He doesn’t trust Rory or his family. Rory’s brother is wanted by the police—and now even I’m scared about what Rory might be hiding ...
