Birds & Bees owner Amy Simms will need help from her fine-feathered friends when an uncommon bird sighting plunges her into a hornet’s nest of black magic and murder most foul . . . Amy’s enjoying a rare moment of relaxation when a customer shows up seeking her expertise in ID-ing an unusual bird she’s seen flying around her wooded cabin at the edge of town. Ruby Lake, North Carolina, newcomer Yvonne Rice resembles an exotic bird herself—apparently the kind that doesn’t fly. When she’s found shot to death in her locked cabin, the only witness found is a statue of a voodoo deity staring down from the mantel. Does the rare yellow cardinal Yvonne spotted hold any clues to her demise? What about the Ouija board spelling out the words I am murdered? As Amy delves deeper into Yvonne’s life and meets her strangely secretive neighbors, she’s determined to stop a fowl-hearted murderer from migrating to a new killing ground . . . You gotta love a cozy with a ouija board and birds. Amy's latest outing (feel free to start here if you haven't read the earlier books-you'll be fine) features a yellow cardinal. Yvonne, a new arrival to Ruby Lake, North Carolina, has seen one, which is very exciting for bird lovers. But then, after a housewarming party, she's found dead! This is a classic cozy with the delightful difference that you learn something about birds. I'm an Amy fan and look forward to the next one! Kathleen G., Reviewer - 4 **** I really enjoyed this one; it is yet another one of those great cozy series that you can jump into at any point and just GET. Like I loved the characters and the settings straight away; I hadn't read any bird cozies although I knew some exist. It added another element of learning to the mystery. Speaking of, the murder was not easily solved and ultimately I wouldn't have guessed the reasons behind it. Basically this is a great book and I can highly recommend it. I definitely need to read the rest! Kirsti F., Reviewer - 5 ***** Amy Simms is at it again in Cardinal Sin, by J.R. Ripley. If you enjoy a fast paced story filled with colorful characters, then pick up your copy today. Lisa M., Reviewer - 5 ***** Cardinal Sin is the ninth book in the Bird Lovers mystery series. This has a great plot and wonderful characters. I will be reading going back and reading the others. Heather B., Reviewer - 4 **** This is book #9 in the series and it's another winner. I'm not a birder but I love this series because of the wonderful cast of characters, the humor and the satisfying mystery. It's full of just enough red herrings and twists and turns to keep me reading well past my bedtime. If you are new to this charming series, no worries, it stands alone very well. Susan E., Reviewer - 4 **** Nationally best-selling author, JR Ripley is one of several pen names of critically acclaimed novelist Glenn Eric Meganck. He is the author of the Five Minutes, a comic caper and other novels. JR writes the A Bird Lover's Mystery series, the Maggie Miller mysteries, and the Kitty Karlyle mysteries (written as Marie Celine). Unfit for the real world and unable to hold a job, prior to writing full-time, JR worked in a multitude of positions (some standing, some sitting and, most preferably, lying down) including archaeologist, cook, factory worker,copywriter, technical writer, editor, musician, entrepreneur, window washer and more - all grist for the writer's mill. Visit JR Ripley.net for more information or connect with JR on Facebook at Facebook.com/JR Ripley & Twitter @JRRipleyAuthor. Cardinal Sin By J.R. Ripley KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP. Copyright © 2019 J.R. Ripley All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-5161-0623-3 CHAPTER 1 It was a quiet afternoon in Birds & Bees, and I was enjoying being lazy. Then again, they say that it's always quietest before the storm. They were right. I was half-drowsing in the sun with a patchwork comforter over my knees — a gift from my aunt Betty — feeling much like a lounging lizard in late August, kicking lazily back and forth in the rocking chair. I'd moved it to the window to be nearer the warm, sleep-inducing sunlight when the bell tolled, announcing a customer. "Hello," I said, struggling to control the yawn that was working its unladylike way out of my mouth. I stood, balled up the comforter, and tossed it on the rocking chair, setting it in motion once again — either that or a ghost had taken up residence. "Welcome to Birds and Bees." "Hi." A lovely, auburn-haired woman smiled at me. "I was across the street when I saw your sign." "Awesome. Welcome." I examined my new customer the same way I would a new bird. There was an exotic quality to her features, including the deep-set brown eyes that were revealed when she pulled off her sunglasses and stuck them atop her head. There might have been some Polynesian or Hawaiian blood coursing through her veins. Arteries, too, for that matter. "This is your first time in our store, I take it?" "Yes."