Ritter Ames

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About Ritter Ames

Ritter Ames is the USA Today bestselling author who writes the two cozy mystery series, the ORGANIZED MYSTERIES and the FRUGAL LISSA MYSTERIES, as well as the fast-paced BODIES OF ART traditional mystery series.

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Ritter loves to hear from her readers. Feel free to contact her at her website www.ritterames.com, and look there for more information about her and her books. Or subscribe to her newsletter at http://smarturl.it/NewsltrSubcribe to get updates about news and sales. You can also find her Facebook author page at https://www.facebook.com/RitterAmesBooks and Follow her on Twitter @RitterAmes.

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Titles By Ritter Ames

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Organized for Murder: A Cozy Mystery (Organized Mysteries Book 1) Sep 4, 2018

by Ritter Ames

( 825 )

$3.99

Starting a small business is tough. Becoming prime suspect when your first client gets murdered is a killer…
"If you haven't discovered this series yet, I highly recommend picking it up"
-- Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
First book in the USA Today bestselling Organized Mysteries series

A move to small-town New England meant a new start for the McKenzie family. When Kate opened her organizing business and immediately gained a rich client, she thought everything was finally stacked in their favor.

Until her client is found dead. Then the police take a hard look in her direction.

Things only get worse when forensics evidence finds her fingerprints on the murder weapon--and suddenly Kate shoots to the top of the list as prime suspect.

The stopwatch is ticking for Kate to prove she had nothing to do with the murder. The odds are further stacked against her when stolen items turn up in the McKenzie home.

She must trust her methodical skills and expert eye to sort out who is trying to frame her and uncover the real killer before she's organized right into a jail cell.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT ORGANIZED FOR MURDER

"Ritter Ames really hit it out the park with this debut… If you haven't discovered this series yet, I highly recommend picking it up." Cozy Mystery Book Reviews

"Ritter Ames keeps ratcheting the suspense ... thoroughly enjoyable with well-developed, three-dimensional characters." BookTalk with Eileen

"The story is well-written, and the mystery kept me guessing… Great characters, fantastic writing, and a clever mystery all combine to make a really wonderful book." Brooke Blogs

Organized for Murder is a USA TODAY bestselling mystery and the first book in the popular Organized Mysteries series from USA TODAY bestselling author Ritter Ames. The series features a small-town New England setting and interesting characters, along with humor, strong family and friendship ties, and absorbing cozy mysteries.

Other Formats: Paperback

Organized for Picnic Panic: A Cozy Mystery (Organized Mysteries Book 6) Aug 24, 2019

by Ritter Ames

( 103 )

$1.99

A cozy mystery in the USA TODAY Bestselling Organized Mysteries series.
A town wide picnic is all fun, food, & games—until Kate stumbles on another body…

The annual Hazelton, Vermont Labor Day Picnic is something all the residents look forward to each year. Kate has spent the past week organizing everything to help her family and neighbors enjoy a relaxing community event. As a relatively new family to the area, the McKenzies look forward to beginning this tradition. Things start off terrific, with the kids competing for great prizes, and the parents getting all the picnic eats ready.

Until a bit of discourse enters the scene and disturbs the family-friendly vibe of the day.

Things seem to settle down again, thankfully, and everyone returns to their previous high humor. However, as everyone drifts toward an after-lunch spectacular show, Kate stumbles onto a different kind of spectacle—a dead body. And this time she and Keith find themselves slapped into the middle of the mystery. They must capture the killer before the murderer flees. Or before another killing occurs…

Please note: This title originally appeared in a much shorter version in a multi-author short-story anthology, when it was titled “Organized for Labor Day Foul Play.” New content has been added to this novelette release.

Organized for Picnic Panic is an end-of-summer holiday novelette in the popular Organized Mysteries series from USA TODAY bestselling author Ritter Ames. The series features a small town New England setting and interesting characters, along with humor, strong family and friendship ties, and absorbing cozy mysteries.

Other Formats: Paperback

Organized for Homicide: A Cozy Mystery (Organized Mysteries Book 2) Sep 3, 2018

by Ritter Ames

( 95 )

$3.99

A cozy mystery in the USA Today bestselling Organized Mysteries series
Packing up a client's home can be deadly business. Staying one step ahead of a killer is murder…

"Once again, Ritter Ames has crafted a story that pulls the reader right in... I could not put this book down." My Shelf Reviews

The job sounded straightforward enough: organize the cross-country move for a divorced father and his children. Until a dead body turns up, and Kate's carefully organized plans get turned to chaos.

When the chain of evidence points police to someone she believes is innocent, Kate must discover the truth before it’s too late. With the killer watching her every move.

Leading her into a dangerous investigation--if she doesn't watch her step...

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT ORGANIZED FOR HOMICIDE

"Once again, Ritter Ames has crafted a story that pulls the reader right in. This well-plotted cozy mystery is the second in the delightful Organized Mysteries series. I found that I could not put this book down...Cozy mystery readers will love these characters and like me will want to read more of their adventures. So, if you like your mystery well organized, then you should be reading Organized for Homicide." My Shelf Reviews

"If you enjoy cozy type mysteries, I think you'll enjoy this light fast read." Murder Most Cozy

Organized for Homicide is the second title in the popular Organized Mysteries series from USA TODAY bestselling author Ritter Ames. The series features a small town New England setting and interesting characters, along with humor, strong family and friendship ties, and absorbing cozy mysteries.

Other Formats: Paperback

Organized for Scheduled Sabotage: A Cozy Mystery (Organized Mysteries Book 3) Oct 16, 2017

by Ritter Ames

( 39 )

$3.99

A cozy mystery in the USA TODAY Bestselling Organized Mysteries series.
Who knew planning a photo shoot could be so dangerous…?

Kate & Meg are excited when hired to organize location opportunities for a photo shoot featuring a bestselling calendar author. Even better, they learn royalties from annual sales help fund an animal rescue program in Vermont.

Until acts of sabotage start… Followed by murder.

As the police look for suspects, Kate and Meg find their lives suddenly upended by chaos and their own reputations at risk—along with their client's.

Now, it’s not enough to fulfill the terms of their contract. They must also find a way to save their client and her rescue program, too.

Can they accomplish all that and avoid finding their next work outfits are matching orange jumpsuits? Or worse...?

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT ORGANIZED FOR SCHEDULED SABOTAGE

"Another chance to solve an organized mystery with Kate and Meg? Yes, please!... Already looking forward to the next adventure!" Ellie's Reads

"The plot was well-paced and the author added some great twists. I was surprised by the actual murderer. I enjoyed all the organizational tips that started each chapter." Escape with Dollycas into a Good Book

Organized for Scheduled Sabotage is the third title in the popular Organized Mysteries series from USA TODAY bestselling author Ritter Ames, which features a small town New England setting and interesting characters, along with humor, strong family and friendship ties, and absorbing cozy mysteries.

Other Formats: Paperback

Counterfeit Conspiracies (A Bodies of Art Mystery Book 1) Feb 2, 2016

by Ritter Ames

( 199 )

$2.99

Laurel Beacham may have been born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but she has long since lost it digging herself out of trouble. Her father gambled and womanized his way through the family fortune before skiing off an Alp, leaving her with more tarnish than trust fund.

Quick wits and connections have gained her a reputation as one of the world’s premier art recovery experts. The police may catch the thief, but she reclaims the missing masterpieces.

The latest assignment, however, may be her undoing. Using every ounce of luck and larceny she possesses, Laurel must locate a priceless art icon and rescue a co-worker (and ex-lover) from a master criminal, all the while matching wits with a charming new nemesis.

Unfortunately, he seems to know where the bodies are buried—and she prefers hers isn’t next.

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COUNTERFEIT CONSPIRACIES by Ritter Ames | A Henery Press Mystery. If you love one, you’ll probably love them all.

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback

Organized for S'more Death: A Cozy Mystery (Organized Mysteries Book 4) Mar 2, 2018

by Ritter Ames

( 36 )

$2.99

A cozy mystery in the USA TODAY Bestselling Organized Mysteries series.
A weekend family getaway. Another dead body…

A family outing in a national forest seemed like the best kind of R&R to Kate & Meg. Until an afternoon scavenger hunt in the woods ends the day with a dead body--and the natural beauty around them takes a decidedly sinister twist.

Worse, after interviewing witnesses, the police suspect one of them could be the prime suspect. Or the next victim.

Can they get off police radar and stay out of the killer’s crosshairs in time to keep their families safe?

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT ORGANIZED FOR S’MORE DEATH

“This was one of the best books in the series. Once again, Kate gets involved in a murder mystery and it was fun to read, from finding the body to picking up clues along the way. And the camping tips at the beginning enhanced my reading pleasure. Ritter knows how to tell a story that captivates...” -- Dru’s Book Musing

“LOVED it. The best part of any good book is spending time with the character, and Kate and Meg are two of my favorites. Their warmth, casual humor, and intelligence draw me just as they would in real life… Already can't wait for the next one!” -- Jeanie J., Amazon & GoodReads

Organized for S’more Death is the newest release in the popular Organized Mysteries series from USA TODAY bestselling author Ritter Ames, which features a small town New England setting and interesting characters, along with humor, strong family and friendship ties, and absorbing cozy mysteries.

Other Formats: Paperback

Organized for Masked Motives: A Cozy Mystery (Organized Mysteries Book 5) Sep 10, 2018

by Ritter Ames

( 39 )

$1.99

A cozy mystery in the USA TODAY Bestselling Organized Mysteries series.
Fun might be on the schedule for Halloween, but Kate & Meg find crime doesn't take a holiday...

Kate McKenzie never dreamed when she started her business, Stacked in Your Favor, that she'd spend nearly as much time crime solving as organizing.

However, with Halloween approaching, and too many items on the to-do list, she and Meg Berman find themselves in another puzzling—and risky—dilemma. Where every answer leads to another question.

And more danger…

Please note: This title originally appeared in a shorter version in the Halloween anthology, Midnight Mysteries. New content has been added to this release.

Organized for Masked Motives is a holiday novelette title in the popular Organized Mysteries series from USA TODAY bestselling author Ritter Ames. The series features a small town New England setting and interesting characters, along with humor, strong family and friendship ties, and absorbing cozy mysteries.

Other Formats: Paperback

Year-Round Trouble: 14 Original Cozy Holiday Trouble Cat Mysteries Jan 13, 2020

by Susan Y. Tanner, Miranda James, Carolyn Haines, Joanne Pence, Caroline Fardig, Connie Shelton, Ritter Ames, Larissa Reinhart, Pamela Sue DuMond, Jaden Terrell, Susan Boles, Ava Mallory, Claire Matturro, Rebecca Barrett

( 65 )

$4.99

14 talented mystery authors team up with Trouble, the black cat detective, to take a whirlwind tour of mystery locales—and holidays—across the country and the calendar. In this unique collection of original stories, the black cat shows his charm and sass as he works with cozy sleuths you know and love!

From facing down the spirits of Halloween with a Maine Coon Cat named Diesel in Mississippi to Christmas in Taos, Trouble is on the prowl for arch criminals, and he’s never needed the skills he learned from watching Benedict Cumberbatch on the telly as Sherlock Holmes more.

Join the wise-cracking cat and a host of “biped” sleuths for a romp across the mystery map—where he works with only the finest amateur sleuths to bring justice.

Authors are Ritter Ames, Rebecca Barrett, Susan Boles, Pamela Sue DuMond, Caroline Fardig, Carolyn Haines, Miranda James, Ava Mallory, Claire Matturro, Joanne Pence, Larissa Reinhart, Connie Shelton, Susan Y. Tanner, Jaden Terrell.

Read the stories all at once—or savor them as each holiday approaches! Just remember: Life is never the same when Trouble takes a holiday!

Other Formats: Paperback

Marked Masters (A Bodies of Art Mystery Book 2) Feb 2, 2016

by Ritter Ames

( 127 )

$2.99

“Ames, with her great writing and brilliant story, has created a masterpiece of her own in Marked Masters. She leaves her readers doing their own research between the pages. Like Laurel, Ritter keeps the story with its rightful owner—the reader.” – Crimespree Magazine

Laurel Beacham made working solo a personal success story and is known for her nerve, instincts, and ability to do whatever necessary to return each priceless masterpiece safely intact. As the world’s leading art recovery expert, she’s thwarted more heists than the average law enforcement professional. Museums applaud her skills. Thieves admire the cunning way she operates.

Her last job landed her the head position over the London branch of Beacham Foundation, but bringing one case to a close only opened a bigger one. More importantly, the new case inextricably ties her to Jack Hawkes, a man smart enough to be her equal but who keeps her trust meter firmly in the red zone. Trying to stop a rumored heist of the century, the pair leap headlong into a plot that gets more dangerous and illusive by the minute. The clock counts down as the bodies and forgeries stack up.

“Laurel and Jack are back! Once again I have to hold on to my hat while we zip around Europe and land in lovely Florence where author Ritter Ames lures me in with her delightful vignette of Italian life seen through the eyes of an art expert. The scenes call out to all the senses, and who am I to say no? Ciao.” – Maria Grazia Swan, Author of the Lella York Mysteries

“This author is sheer perfection when it comes to using descriptions and locations that are richly done and offer sharp details throughout the entirety of the story.” – Suspense Magazine

“What Ritter Ames does so admirably well is parcel out just enough information–just enough of back story or relationship history–to keep a reader hooked. She sets a maddeningly expert pace and keeps you on the edge of your seat scene after scene, all the time dropping you deeper and deeper into the plot. In a word, she’s masterful.” –Girl with Book Lungs

“Boasting a great cast of characters, good conversations and the global background, this was a very enjoyable read and I look forward to the third book in this exciting series.” – Dru’s Book Musing

“Well-plotted and will keep you guessing until the very end...The action is nonstop and you will find that you can’t put this book down. Mystery readers will enjoy the chase and be pleased with the outcome. I can’t wait to read the next in the delightful series. If you like you mystery filled with hunky spies, then you should be reading Marked Masters.” – MyShelf Reviews

Related subjects include: women sleuths, cozy mysteries, amateur sleuth books, murder mysteries, whodunit mysteries (whodunnit), book club recommendations.

The Bodies of Art Mystery Series by USA TODAY Bestselling Author Ritter Ames:

COUNTERFEIT CONSPIRACIES (#1)
MARKED MASTERS (#2)
ABSTRACT ALIASES (#3)
FATAL FORGERIES (#4)

Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you'll probably like them all.

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback

Murder on the Beach: A Destination Murders Short Story Collection May 28, 2021

by Karen Cantwell, Ritter Ames, Lucy Carol, Barb Goffman, Eleanor Cawood Jones, Shari Randall, Shawn Reilly Simmons, Cathy Wiley

( 55 )

$3.99

Searching for the perfect Beach Read? Then grab this fun, well-reviewed collection of eight beach-themed stories written by award winning and best-selling cozy mystery authors.

These light, often funny stories of mystery and intrigue, will transport you to a variety of shores, from the rocky coastlines of New England, to the white stretches of sand on the Atlantic, to the teal and emerald waters of the Gulf Coast, the surfing havens on the Pacific, and even beaches in between.

Praise for Murder on the Beach, A Destination Murders Book 1
"Each story features great characters and a story that kept me engaged the entire way through. All these stories can be read as stand-alones whether they are part of a series or not. That's a good thing since I was only familiar with the characters in one of the stories before I picked up this book. And the two authors I hadn't read before? I definitely need to check them out in the future.
This is the first in a series of Destination Mysteries short story collections. Based on this book, I'm already packing my bags for the next vacation."--Carstairs Considers

"All of these stories, no matter where they are set, dead body or no, provide two wonderful things: a great location, and an array of characters who would be great friends or who may remind you (and cause you to appreciate more) friends and family you already have. That's certainly the gift to readers on the part of the cozy mystery. Do yourself a favor and spend your lunch break at the beach."--Aunt Agatha's Mysteries

"I'm not a short story or anthology reader, but I did enjoy MURDER ON THE BEACH...This light and fresh, fast-paced cozy whodunit kept me entertained from the first story to the last. Bravo authors."--Dru's Book Musing

"Entertaining short stories about vacation mishaps, murder and mayhem. Perfect for a summer beach read. Very enjoyable collection of stories."--Christine Gentes, Book Reviewer and Mystery Critic

A TALE OF TWO SISTERS, Barb Goffman. When Robin's sister gets married at Lake Michigan, Robin will do whatever it takes to protect Emma's special day.
FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND, Shari Randall, a new short story in the Lobster Shack series. A jewelry theft and attempted murder upset the tranquility of Allie's quaint New England town.
COAST BUSTERS, Karen Cantwell, another short story in the Barbara Marr series. Barb and her friends figure Florida and a quirky chic resort would be the perfect Mom vacation...until it's not.
BEACH PARTY BODY, Lucy Carol, a new story from the world of Madison Cruz Mysteries. A photo shoot on the beach should be fun, but when someone's wild behavior turns deadly, the party's over!
FROG DAYS OF SUMMER, Cathy Wiley. Former celebrity chef Jackie Norwood's attempt to revive her career goes badly when murder interrupts a food festival on the Gulf Coast of Louisiana.
FRUGAL LISSA NEEDS A BREAK, Ritter Ames, the newest short story in the Frugal Lissa series. Lissa and her friend, Abby, head to Galveston for a girls' weekend. All is perfect until Lissa's dog, Honey, digs up a dead body.
CABO SAN LOCO, Eleanor Cawood Jones. Lorrie George wants to enjoy a celebratory trip with her friends to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. But the all-expenses-paid, exclusive trip keeps getting ruined by attempts on her friends' lives.
BAY OF RECKONING, Shawn Reilly Simmons.

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

Bronzed Betrayals (A Bodies of Art Mystery Book 5) Jun 26, 2018

by Ritter Ames

( 62 )

$4.99

Here comes the fifth globetrotting adventure in the fast-paced Bodies of Art Mystery series from USA TODAY bestselling author Ritter Ames.

A masterpiece swapped for a forgery, a murder victim left behind, and a relentless game of hide and seek keeps Laurel Beacham and Jack Hawkes on the run. They are racing to find answers despite roadblocks at every turn.

The chase crisscrosses the Atlantic as they pursue threads to murders and thefts that extend from the current day and back several decades.

A startling forgery points toward an unexpected new nemesis, and the team pursues a Paris forger for additional clues.

When evidence starts falling into place, Laurel must use her connections and engage an unconventional resource to help bring an arrogant murderer to justice for crimes both contemporary and long past.

Crimes that tie both personally and professionally to the Beacham name.

While the ruthless criminal’s acts include art history ties, the threat to Laurel is a clear and present danger. It will take every trick and technique she and Jack can conjure to gain the evidence necessary to nab their enemy and start pulling down his empire—before he takes them down instead.

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BRONZED BETRAYALS by Ritter Ames A Henery Press Mystery. If you like one, you’ll probably like them all.

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback

Abstract Aliases (A Bodies of Art Mystery Book 3) Oct 11, 2016

by Ritter Ames

( 79 )

$4.99

“As engaging and entertaining a worldwide romp as the first two books…Ritter Ames has penned a marvelous story with Laurel Beacham continuing to show her cleverness and intuition portraying a strong character…I was thrilled!” – King’s River Life Magazine

Abstract clues lead to new questions. New leads turn to “dead” ends. A heist plot ties to forgeries. Adversaries resurface twisting an already complicated case. And art recovery expert Laurel Beacham must not only outwit criminals, but keep her wits around Jack Hawkes’s cheeky ego.

Before the criminals they were tracking headed underground, evidence pointed toward two organizations as key to an epic art heist. Despite their best efforts, Laurel and her team haven’t caught a break in months—even Jack’s unofficial intel stuttered to a halt. But on New Year’s, as Big Ben’s bell tolls midnight, the guilty return and nowhere is safe. A source in Rome is killed within hours. Other allies are attacked in Rome and London, and a contact in Germany reports dangerous shadows closing in. The nearer the answers, the higher the stakes. Worse, Jack may not be the only one Laurel must learn to trust to avoid another brush with death.

“This third tale in the author’s Bodies of Art Mystery series takes off as fast as a speeding locomotive…The twists in this story will keep you reading until the amazing end…Have a great deal of fun while delving into the art trade filled with betrayal, old secrets, greed, and some extremely strange gifts.” – Suspense Magazine

“Ritter has done it again with this fast paced, riveting, non-stop action roller-coaster ride filled with a multitude of surprising twists and turns that kept me reading until the end…Snappy dialogue, great cast of characters and the chance to explore the art world was what the author expertly brought to this story and I can’t wait for the next installment.” – Dru’s Book Musings

“Bad guys, threats, secrets, forgeries, stolen art, fraud, and more guys turning up dead or almost dead…This volume is the most action-packed of all three…The characters are so complicated and realistic they inspire you to turn the pages...These books can each be read alone, but they are so much more enjoyable when you know the whole story by reading all three, in order.” – Book Review Crew

“She’s done it again. Ritter Ames has left me breathless with action-packed, globe-trotting duo Laurel Beacham and Jack Hawkes…think espionage, art forgeries, high dollar crime, mysteries entwined within mysteries and unexpected twists, both caper-wise and personally for the characters…love that the story takes so many suspenseful twists and turns…I can’t wait for book four.” – Ellie’s Reads

Related subjects include: women sleuths, cozy mysteries, amateur sleuth books, murder mysteries, whodunit mysteries (whodunnit), book club recommendations.

The Bodies of Art Mystery Series by USA TODAY Bestselling Author Ritter Ames:

COUNTERFEIT CONSPIRACIES (#1)
MARKED MASTERS (#2)
ABSTRACT ALIASES (#3)
FATAL FORGERIES (#4)

Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you'll probably like them all.

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback

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