Earlene Fowler - Seven sisters

Seven Sisters, a challenging pattern that features a single six-pointed star surrounded by six identical stars, was most likely inspired by an observation of naturethe Seven Sisters is a loose grouping of stars in the constellation Taurus. Although the stars in the cluster appear to be close together, they are, in fact, quite far apart.

Praise for Earlene Fowlers BENNI HARPER MYSTERIES

SEVEN SISTERS

Fowlers regular characters all show significant growth; the mystery itself is satisfying both as a puzzle... and as a story about secrets buried in a familys past.

Booklist

As in all of Earlenes previous books, in addition to the mystery there are numerous other threads cleverly interwoven in the plot... enjoyable... well-written.

San Luis Obispo (CA) Magazine

Benni is feisty, caring, loving, and one heck of a part-time sleuth... a not-to-be-missed view into the worlds of crime and the elite.

Rendezvous

MARINERS COMPASS

Winner of the Agatha Award for Best Novel

Captivating... [an] excellent addition to a notable series.

Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Fowlers plots can be as outrageous as Ellery Queens, her turf is Ross Macdonalds, and her tone is heir to Grafton and Paretsky... [She is] an up-and-comer worth watching.

Nashville Scene

Fowlers best work to date... Mariners Compass points the way to quality reading for the heart, mind, and soul.

Ventura County (CA) Star

DOVE IN THE WINDOW

Nominated for an Agatha Award for Best Novel

Excellent... While the characters are perhaps the most vivid feature, setting nearly edges them out. Best of all is Bennis sharp, sassy voice.

Booknews

Fowler writes beautifully about the picturesque Central Coast, ranching, and local cuisine.

Booklist

GOOSE IN THE POND

Nominated for an Agatha Award for Best Novel

Engaging.

Booklist

Brilliantly crafted romantic suspense... waiting to be devoured by the reader.

The Mystery Zone

A fast, fun read that jumps into the action right from the get-go.

San Luis Obispo (CA) Telegram-Tribune

KANSAS TROUBLES

Nominated for an Agatha Award for Best Novel

Mayhem, murder, chaos, and romance... well-paced mystery ... fun reading.

The Derby (KS) Daily Reporter

Fowlers story about a sassy ex-cowgirl and quilter who loves to solve crimes... is a lot of fun to read. Fowler has a deft touch.

The Wichita Eagle

IRISH CHAIN

A terrific whodunit! The dialogue is intelligent and witty, the characters intensely human, and the tantalizing puzzle keeps the pages turning.

Jean Hager author of Bride and Doom

A blue-ribbon cozy... This well-textured sequel to Fools Puzzle ... intricately blends social history and modern mystery.

Publishers Weekly

FOOLS PUZZLE

Nominated for an Agatha Award for Best First Mystery

Characters come to full three-dimensional life, and her plot is satisfyingly complex.

The Jackson (MS) Clarion-Ledger

Breezy, humorous dialogue of the first order.

Chicago Sun-Times

I loved Fools Puzzle .... [Earlene Fowler] made me laugh out loud on one page and brought tears to my eyes the next.... I cant wait to read more.

Edgar Award-winning author Margaret Maron

Berkley Prime Crime Books by Earlene Fowler

THE SADDLEMAKERS WIFE

The Benni Harper Mysteries

FOOLS PUZZLE
IRISH CHAIN
KANSAS TROUBLES
GOOSE IN THE POND
DOVE IN THE WINDOW
MARINERS COMPASS
SEVEN SISTERS
ARKANSAS TRAVELER
STEPS TO THE ALTAR
SUNSHINE AND SHADOW
BROKEN DISHES
DELECTABLE MOUNTAINS
TUMBLING BLOCKS

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

SEVEN SISTERS

A Berkley Prime Crime Book/ published by arrangement with the author

Copyright 2000 by Earlene Fowler.

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eISBN : 978-1-101-50125-2

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For

Debra Jackson, my wonderful baby sister
and the real quilter in the family

and

Helen May,
dear friend and one of the most
courageous women I know

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I never forget that books and lives are not written completely alone. Some of the people below have helped me with gifts of information and technical advice, some with personal support and friendship, many with touches of both. To each of them I extend my gratitude and also confess that any mistakes in the manuscript are mine alone:

O, Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Clare Bazleyfor your precious friendship, insightful comments and for the great information on quarter horses, and

Tom Bazleyfor giving me one of the best lines in this book.

Tina Davisfor your special friendship and cheerful, giving spirit.

Karen Gray, deputy district attorney, San Luis Obispofor sound legal advice, and research help above and beyond the call of duty (with an extra thanks for being such a tremendous friend).

Jo Ellen Heilfor your Spirit-filled friendship, your graceful suppport, and your prayers, I truly give thanks.