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Seth VerBeek Crime Mysteries #2
The Scarlet Key
A scarlet key
A bittersweet secret
A corpse with cryptic tattoos
When an envelope with a key and address lands on his newsroom desk, Seth VerBeek is thrust into a thrilling new crime adventure. The reporter's challenge is to identify the body of a tattooed lady. Why and how did she die? Above all, he must live up to his reputation: Seth VerBeek will know what to do.
The cast of unforgettable characters includes a psychic tattooist, a greyhound trainer, a retired art teacher with an outrageous plan, and a personal handyman who fixes matters of the heart. Each character's story unfolds like a slow striptease. Layers of subterfuge come off one by one until all is laid bare.
The Scarlet Key is a page-turner that tackles themes of positive ageing, finding love, psychic healing, forgiveness, and end-of-life choices.
A bittersweet secret
A corpse with cryptic tattoos
When an envelope with a key and address lands on his newsroom desk, Seth VerBeek is thrust into a thrilling new crime adventure. The reporter's challenge is to identify the body of a tattooed lady. Why and how did she die? Above all, he must live up to his reputation: Seth VerBeek will know what to do.
The cast of unforgettable characters includes a psychic tattooist, a greyhound trainer, a retired art teacher with an outrageous plan, and a personal handyman who fixes matters of the heart. Each character's story unfolds like a slow striptease. Layers of subterfuge come off one by one until all is laid bare.
The Scarlet Key is a page-turner that tackles themes of positive ageing, finding love, psychic healing, forgiveness, and end-of-life choices.
265 pages, ebook
Published October 17, 2016
About the author
Debbie Terranova
6 books20 followersDebbie Terranova is an Australian author of WWII historical fiction, crime mysteries, and gripping short stories. She has published four novels and several prize-winning short stories. Her self-styled genre is ‘fiction with a conscience’: fiction based on true events and controversial issues.
In 2022, she was awarded a special commendation in the 29th Scarlet Stiletto Awards for her story, a short crime mystery set on the gem-fields of Central Queensland.
She has a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), a Master of Public Administration, and is a former human resources professional and Fellow of the State Library of Queensland (SLQ).
In 2022, she was awarded a special commendation in the 29th Scarlet Stiletto Awards for her story, a short crime mystery set on the gem-fields of Central Queensland.
She has a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), a Master of Public Administration, and is a former human resources professional and Fellow of the State Library of Queensland (SLQ).
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 5, 2016
I absolutely loved Debbie Terranova's novel 'Baby Farm' so couldn't wait to read her latest book 'The Scarlet Key.' It didn't disappoint! Set in Brisbane, many of the locations in 'The Scarlet Key' are familiar to me and those that aren't, are so well described that I feel I could find my way there blindfolded. The characters are a real mixed bag. All authentic, all easy to picture. Some parts of the story are truly moving without being overly sentimental, while the steady pace, multi-layered plot and attention to detail invite eager turning of the page. 'The Scarlet Key' is all about life choices. It shows us that even when we think we don't have a say, our future really is in our hands. A riveting read.
November 14, 2022
Another great read by Debbie Terranova. Love her very Queensland descriptions.
December 8, 2016
The cover blurb is arresting:
A scarlet key
A bittersweet secret
A corpse with cryptic tattoos
What a cast: "A psychic tattooist, a greyhound trainer, a retired art teacher with an a=outrageous plan, and a personal handyman who fixes affairs of the heart. Each character's story unfolds like a slow striptease."
I can vouch that The Scarlet key is "a page-turner that tackles positive ageing, finding love, psychic healing, forgiveness, and end-of-life choices."
Debbie Terranova keeps her topical finger on society's pulse. She is ahead of issues and writes with witty images. Her able reporter Seth VerBeek and his street smart offsider Cate Bradshaw unravel a poignant story that may make sense of the present propensity to cover skin with tattoos. But Isla Bright's angel tattoos are works of art.
An easy read novel, which weaves between absorbing and likeable characters and timeframes.
Disclaimer: as Debbie's writing buddy I have travelled with this story from its genesis to a tour de force triumph. Brava!
A scarlet key
A bittersweet secret
A corpse with cryptic tattoos
What a cast: "A psychic tattooist, a greyhound trainer, a retired art teacher with an a=outrageous plan, and a personal handyman who fixes affairs of the heart. Each character's story unfolds like a slow striptease."
I can vouch that The Scarlet key is "a page-turner that tackles positive ageing, finding love, psychic healing, forgiveness, and end-of-life choices."
Debbie Terranova keeps her topical finger on society's pulse. She is ahead of issues and writes with witty images. Her able reporter Seth VerBeek and his street smart offsider Cate Bradshaw unravel a poignant story that may make sense of the present propensity to cover skin with tattoos. But Isla Bright's angel tattoos are works of art.
An easy read novel, which weaves between absorbing and likeable characters and timeframes.
Disclaimer: as Debbie's writing buddy I have travelled with this story from its genesis to a tour de force triumph. Brava!
July 3, 2018
Absolutely enjoyed this brisbane based story!
November 10, 2020
4.5 stars - a great read, interesting storyline
April 15, 2017
Loved this story! It was a beautiful, Brisbane-set murder mystery with a fascinating collection of ensemble characters.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews