A Cici Gurule Mystery

A sister’s voice from beyond.

A bond that death can’t sever.

A murder that changes everything.

Anna Carmen has been dead for six hours, but Cici Gurule still hears her name whispered in the dark. Identical twins fused by an unbreakable connection, now torn apart by violence.

As Cici confronts the unbearable truth, she races to uncover the forces behind Anna’s murder. But danger lurks in every shadow—and the answers may be more devastating than she imagined.

This prequel novella ends on a cliffhanger and sets the stage for the award-winning Reverend Cici Gurule Mystery series. Start here for a haunting, unforgettable journey into love, loss, and justice.

◆Please note: This is a companion novella that should be read prior to or after A Pilgrimage to Death as it offers further insights into Cici, Sam, and the murder of Anna Carmen. It ends on a cliffhanger.◆

Although these books are best read in order, as a series, the rest (after A Pilgrimage to Death) can be read as a standalone. The chronological order is:

Identical Death

A Pilgrimage to Death

A Heritage of Death

An Artifact of Death

A Revelation of Death

A Counsel of Death

TIMELESS PRAISE FOR J.J. Cagney

“A wholly absorbing gumshoe tale elevated by an extraordinary detective.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Vivid, alluring, and heart‑wrenching… every reason I love mystery.” —New York Times Bestseller Darynda Jones

“Written in a clear, distinct style, Padgett uses the prose to elicit tension and emotion and creates a tense, fast-paced story.” —The BookLife Prize

"An edge-of-my-seat thrill ride that kept me guessing all the way through." — USA Today Bestseller Allyson Lindt

“The prose is…sublimely concise.” —Kirkus Reviews

“I’m pretty giddy that this will be a series! It’s packed with a good mystery and the cat and mouse makes it hard to put down.” —Next Book Review

“An exhilarating entry in a thoroughly enjoyable series.” —Kirkus Reviews