The Last Author's Club: Paying It Backward (Greyhound Lady Walking Book 12)

When one has learned too late in life, the concept of “paying it forward”, there is only one redemptive decision; to return to the failed deeds and events of your life, and “pay it backwards.”
Author, Zilphia Godwin Beck
Octogenarian, widow, heiress, and founder of The Last Author's Club vanished. Authorities want to write it off and "senile wandering" but an odd letter is found that dictates if anything wrong or strange occurs, they are to contact an Hawaiian private detective and give him $450,000 to help her. Her only family, fiery Quinn Beck, puts him at the top of the suspect pool for Zilphia's disappearance. The investigation leads many secrets to be revealed, taking the involved parties to Hawaii and into more danger.

A mysterious "angel" is revealed as a regular visitor at one of the Hawaiian graves connected to James Moore. Strange smells of Gardenia begin to influence Quinn, and an apparition at the garden in Hawaii sets James on another path.

James Moore is the pivotal figure in keeping all parties focused on the case, and at 80 years old, he is a major contributor of legal and insightful pursuits and investigative connections. Also a widower, he has a large investment in The Last Author's Club which has become renowned for its competitive and elite workshops and accommodations.

The storyline takes the reader into the world of Hawaiian adoptions, culture, Lau martial arts and traditions. It reveals such influences as "Stink Eye" and "Evil Eye" prejudices that affect the acceptance or rejection of green eyed people. There is also the influence the culture brings against the "half breeds" and the structure of family discipline for those who do not live by the "rules".

A charismatic revelation during the investigation is the discovery of the "Jelly Bean People" and the files on the secret project of The Author's Club; Paying It Backward. Could one of their projects have gone "sideways" bringing retribution on Zilphia Godwin Beck? Would it turn out to be kidnapping and extortion for her millions?

Bringing in the Twyner Security Agency seamlessly brings to a conclusion the Greyhound Lady Walking suspense series as the team comes to Hawaii to help find Zilphia Godwin Beck when indications reveal clues that she's been taken there. The camaraderie and skillful teamwork with the usual humor and surprises take over when Pride Godwin is brought into the investigation.

This novel was inspired by two of the readers who have read all 12 of the Greyhound Lady Walking novels, and all of the other works of the author. It is dedicated to them. The real James Moore and wife Darlene Moore.