Murder Under A Bitter Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Historical Cozy Mystery
Historical Cozy Mystery
15th in Series
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Worker Bee Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 20, 2026

Synopsis

Mona Moon adores Kentucky Derby week, enjoying all the festivities. She is hosting a ladies’ tea and a Derby breakfast herself. The celebration at Moon Manor will include her former professor and mentor, Dr. Beryl Farris. Mona is delighted to have an old friend visit, but is concerned when Dr. Farris confesses that someone has been threatening her. Worried, Mona assigns Pinkertons to protect the professor.

The night before the Kentucky Derby race, Mona is preparing to attend Ed Bradley’s famous Derby Ball. The entire Mooncrest Farm is aflutter with excitement and gaiety for the upcoming event. Celebrities, politicians, and prominent citizens will be enjoying shrimp grits, burgoo, cornbread, country ham, and mint juleps while dishing the latest gossip at this yearly event. Mona’s anticipation is dashed when she discovers Dr. Farris is missing! And Mona fears the worst!

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Excerpt

Righteous Tuttle went over to Mona Moon, standing with her husband, Lawrence Robert Ementon Dagobert Farley, Duke of Brynelleth, beside several police cars parked in the middle of the road.  Mona shivered in the cool night air as the vehicles’ headlights cast distorted, ghostly shadows onto the surrounding trees and countryside.  She glanced up at the bright moon, which seemed to mock her.

Robert wrapped his arm around Mona’s shoulder, whispering, “Steady, wife.  Steady.”

“Is it?”  Mona asked when Tuttle stopped in front of her.

The Pinkerton nodded.  “They want you to make the official identification, ma’am, since, well, you know,” he mumbled, trailing off.

Mona walked over to the body lying on the ground.  Nodding to the police officer guarding the body, she braced herself.

The officer pulled back the sheet and aimed his flashlight on the woman’s slack-jawed face.  Her eyes were open, staring blankly up at the clear night sky.

Stricken with grief, Mona sadly nodded before her knees buckled.

Robert caught her and placed his hand over Mona’s eyes, leading her away.  When a detective tried to talk to Mona, Robert snapped, “Stay away.  Enough!”

Righteous Tuttle got in between Robert and the detective, pushing the policeman away.

As she and Robert made way to the car, Mona wondered how such a calamity could have occurred.  It was only a few hours ago that she was greeting guests for her Kentucky Derby celebrations.

Mona had been happy then . . .

About the Author

Award-winning author Abigail Keam writes the Mona Moon Mystery Series—a rags-to-riches 1930s mystery series, which includes real people and events into the story line. “I am a student of history and love to insert historical information into my mysteries. There is an addendum at the end of the mystery to give more information. My goal is to entertain my readers, but if they learn a little something along the way—well, then we are both happy.”

Miss Abigail currently lives on the Palisades bordering the Kentucky River in a metal house with her husband and various critters.

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