OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Stone’s Throw State Park Ranger Maudy Lorso spends her days playing cards and sipping drinks with her millennial gal pals, hiking steep sand dunes with her scruffy dog, Martin Short, and trying to ignore the pain of a recent, devastating breakup. After building a quiet life in the Lake Michigan coastal village of Stone’s Throw, Maudy’s emotional safety net is turned inside out when her boss informs her of looming budget cuts that threaten to permanently close the park—and eliminate her job. Determined to prove the park’s value, Maudy throws herself into organizing a successful campground opening weekend, just one week away. But when the body of a missing tourist is discovered in the park, her hope of saving Stone’s Throw State Park quickly begins to fade. In order to save her dream job and maintain her quirky, quiet life, Maudy jumps in to solve the murder of the dead man.

"With small town vibes, a likeable cast of characters, and a little bit of murder to liven things up, Off the Beaten Path is everything I want a cozy mystery to be. Put on your hiking boots and pay a visit to Stone’s Throw. You won’t regret it!" 

~ Tamara Berry, Edgar Award-winning author

of the By the Book Mysteries

"Fans of smart heroines, atmospheric settings, and irresistible whodunits will devour this must-read series debut!" 

~ Cate Conte, bestselling author

of the Cat Cafe Mysteries

"From scenic Stone’s Throw State Park comes a cozy mystery with the kind of pacing and twists that will keep you guessing until the very end. Off the Beaten Path will have you rooting for Maudy Lorso (and her sidekick pup named Martin Short) as she navigates a murder investigation that threatens everything she holds dear. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with relatable characters, small-town charm, and unexpected twists, this is your next must-read." 

~ David Gwyn, host of the Thriller 101 Podcast

“Full of small-town drama, quirky characters, and immersive settings, Off the Beaten Path is a cozy mystery that will hook you from the start!”  

~ Deana Lisenby, psychological thriller author