A rural New Zealand vacation turns poisonous. Antiquities expert Annalisse Drury and tycoon Alec Zavos are at an impasse in their relationship when Alec refuses to clear up a paternity issue with an ex-lover. Frustrated with his avoidance when their future is at stake, Annalisse accepts an invitation from an acquaintance to fly to New Zealand—hoping to escape the recent turbulence in her life. But even Annalisse’s cottage idyll on the family sheep farm isn’t immune to intrigue. Alec sends a mutual friend and detective, Bill Drake, to follow her, and a local resident who accompanies them from the Christchurch airport dies mysteriously soon after. A second violent death finds Annalisse and Bill at odds with the official investigations. The local police want to close both cases as quickly as possible—without unearthing the town’s dirty secrets. As she and Bill pursue their own leads at serious cost, the dual mysteries force Annalisse to question everything she thought she knew about family ties, politics, and the art of small-town betrayal. "Sleuthing aficionados who love being led to a solution that relies on both technical and social clues, and fans of Bell's ready for a middle story in Annalise's arc, will find this story solidly on-point. Copper Waters will satisfy fans of both sheep and sleuthing stories." - Booklife "Marlene M. Bell's COPPER WATERS is a well-written murder mystery with descriptive scenes, an intriguing setting, and enough push and pull between the characters and within the plot to keep readers engaged." - IndieReader " Marlene M. Bell is a master storyteller when it comes to the cozy mystery genre." - Book Review Directory " Bell's meticulous detailing and comprehensive research are unmistakable, immersing readers into the vibrant landscapes, indigenous culture, and even the intriguing sphere of sheep farming. This novel offers a refreshing deviation from traditional locales that imbues the narrative with depth and texture." ☆☆☆☆☆ - Literary Titan " Copper Waters is emotional and thrilling, surprising and life-changing." - Review by Book Excellence