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ALL FOR A DEAD MAN'S LEGBook one in the romantic suspense series
TOUR DIRECTOR EXTRAORDINAIRE BLURB A dead tourist, a prosthetic leg, and a gorgeous secret agent...just another day in the life of a Tour Director. Meet Harriet Ruby, a well-balanced MIT graduate with a degree in languages, whose life has been good but ordinary and predictable. Wanting new experiences before she settles down to a career and family, she accepts a position as a tour director in Europe. Meet Will Talbot, a handsome Europol spy and covert operative for the US government with a dark troubled past, major trust issues, and dissociative amnesia. Driven by guilt over something he believes he did, he has a penchant for rescuing innocent victims caught up in dangerous circumstances. Harriet’s first solo stint as a tour director in Spain and Morocco is going well until they get lost in the medina in Tangier. There, one of her tourists becomes ill. Harriet needs to find a doctor, can’t speak Arabic, and doesn’t know how to get out of the walled city. A handsome and mysterious stranger, Will Talbot, examines the tourist, pronounces him dead, and offers to help her smuggle the body out of Morocco. At this moment, Harriet’s once-predictable life turns upside down. Little does she know that getting out of Morocco is only the beginning of an incredible adventure in pursuit of murders, smugglers, terrorists, and a meaningful relationship. |
EXCERPT
“Mez Harri Boobies!” The shrill cry sliced through the confusion of sweating bodies crowding the market. An arm shot out of nowhere, and a brown hand clamped about my wrist. I swallowed my shriek of surprise. Tangier was rife with hands that grab at foreigners.
“Mez Harri Boobies, you come queek,” the man whispered in my ear. “Mezter Pillpot no good, yes? You come.”
“It’s R-u-b-y, not Boobie.” I repeated my name for Mr. Takamura, one of the three almost-English-speaking Japanese tourists in the small group I was directing through Spain and Morocco. While my name was not destined to be in lights on Hollywood marquees, for the past twenty-four years it had served me well enough. I had a sentimental attachment to it.
Without a reply, he released my arm. Insinuating his slight body into the crush of street peddlers, dirty children, and veiled ladies, he moved quickly out of sight. With a deep sigh, I followed him, devastated by the foreboding that I would be nicknamed Hairy Boobies for the rest of my career as a tour director, which might not be very long after this little incident.
He penetrated further into the ancient market through twisted narrow passageways filled with malodorous bodies and a myriad of colors rippling in the heat—the red, blue, amber, purple of clothing, goods for sale, food, tents. In pursuit, I skirted white-robed Moroccans bartering for goods, men sipping Mint tea, and women painting the hands of girls with rich sienna-colored henna. The humid air, replete with an exotic mixture of scents—ginger, curry, rare perfumes, cigarette smoke, donkey dung—stirred my senses. The babbling of many languages and the lilting of pipes assaulted my ears.
“Wait!” How in the world had they gone this far in such a short time?
He stopped for an instant, turned and waved. Then he disappeared again. Finally, Mr. Takamura stopped in a small plaza with a colorful tiled fountain in the center, a calm refuge in the midst of chaos. In stray beams of sunlight, tiny motes of dust danced in the thick atmosphere. The Japanese gentleman waited for me to catch up, then smiled and bowed.
My gaze followed his nod. “Ohmigod!”
Archibald Philpot of London, the most distinguished and eldest of my tourists, knelt doubled over the lip of the fountain, hurling his guts. Oh, boy.
My tourists—three American and two Swedish couples and the other two Japanese—watched with helpless concern on their faces, while a growing knot of Moroccans glared at us with mayhem in their dark eyes. The disbelief and thin-lipped anger on their faces indicated they were not pleased about the desecration of what was probably their water supply. I couldn’t blame them. This could get dicey. A drop on sweat dribbled into my eye.
Edith Johnson, a ditzy fiftyish blond trying to look thirty, was the first to see me. She clapped her hand to her bosom and cried, “Thank goodness you’re here, Harriet. Do something.”
Who, me?
I dropped down beside Archie. His complexion was gray-green, his rheumy eyes were glazed over, and by the stench, I guessed the poor man might have a case of diarrhea. My stomach heaved. Swallowing hard, I managed to maintain my tour director decorum.
This was definitely not in my job description.
REVIEWS
Review by MY COZIE CORNER
October 20, 2012 by Susan Peck
Rating: 5 stars Must Read
"All For a Dead Man's Leg' is a fast paced romance that is action packed and totally hilarious story. R. Ann Siracusa pens her characters colorful and loveable in the well developed plot that will keep you wanting more. Highly recommended for all romance and non-romance fans. I give "All For a Dead Man's Leg" a 5 star rating.
Review by RWASD
March 2009 by Tami Valahik
Rating: Must Read
If you need a mood lifter this is a book for you. Meet Harriet Ruby a 24 year old American as she tries to find herself by being a Tour Director Extraordinaire with Adventure Seekers Tour. In her unexpected fledgling tour through parts of Spain, Harriet’s karma takes a turn and leads her off on a series of madcap adventures that introduce her to none other than William Talbot, Superspy Guy. Between the instant chemical reaction between Harriet and Will to the antics that are just too real to make-up; you will laugh out loud and groan with frustration at yet another hiccup at the most inopportune time.
Harriet Ruby, Tour Director Extraordinaire; at least she thought she was worthy of that title; until one of her tourists died in the middle of her first, solo European tour. Teaming up with William Talbot, a seemingly kind stranger who turned out to be a spy in disguise, Harriet tried to keep her tourists happy and unaware while smuggling the body out of Morocco. She never expected her newfound hunk of a friend and helper to be the love of her life. Before the romance was properly started, they’re chased by terrorists, smugglers and murderers. Little did Harriet know that getting out of Morocco was just the beginning.
Review by YOU GOTTA READ
08/19/09 By Brynna C.
Rating: You Gotta Read
When tour guide Harriet Ruby tries to round up her tourists in a Moroccan market, she returns to find one of her charges violently ill. He dies shortly after. Clearly a damsel in distress she accepts the help of Will Talbot, who turns out to be a Europol agent. He insists they smuggle Archie's body out of the country by pretending he just isn't feeling well, but when Harriet almost dies trying to rescue Archie's prosthetic leg out of the water, they realize there is more to the unexpected death than either of them could know.
I found All for a dead man's leg hilariously funny at times. The author literally had me in tears with laughter, but balances this with a constant impending sense of doom, eventually bringing the couple together. A great story, and one you've gotta read.
Review by BETWEEN THE LINES (WRDF Review)
07/18/09 By Lisa Mitchell (Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction)
Rating: No Ratings Given
All for a Dead Man’s Leg is a comical romantic mystery. Harriet Ruby has stepped out of her comfortable box, agreed to guide a European tour and is hopelessly over her head in misadventure. From the death of a tourist, to meeting a handsome spy; this was definitely not the trip she expected.
Harriet is a likeable heroine who good-naturedly endures the griping, whining, complaining tourists, some of whom can’t even say her name correctly. It is her kind nature that endeared her to me as I read. She’s doing her best to keep things going after the death of a tourist turns out to be more than just “a death.” Will Talbot, her hero, is a true romance hero—to quote Bonnie Tyler, ‘big, strong, and larger than life.” And it is Harriet who uncovers that sensitive side that he tries so hard to hide.
R. Ann Siracusa has done a great job weaving this tale. For those who enjoyed Romancing the Stone, this is reminiscent of the film. While the plots are very different, the story was in the same tone. All For a Dead Man’s Leg is a good rainy day—or any day read.
Review on NIGHT TIME ROMANCE REVIEWS
06/21/09 By Estefanie Larranaga
Rating: 5 Stars
R. Ann Siracusa managed to keep me smiling throughout "All For A Dead Man's Leg," and had me from the beginning with this line: "Mez Harri Boobies." I just couldn't love Harriet and Will more because no matter the danger they were in, both managed to do some major banter and flirting.
This is a genuine gem. It kept me in awe with each new chapter. From the middle to the end there's plenty of action packed scenes. Harriet is determined to save a friend of Will's whether he helps her or not. Here's to Harriet and Will for rescuing the good and catching the bad guys. I definitely enjoyed the talks between Will and Harriet. Cute nickname Will has for Harriet.
"All For A Dead Man's Leg" is an amazing romantic comedy with well written action scenes mixed in, well written characters and storyline that is well thought out. It's hard to find great humor novel. Ms. Siracusa sure knew how to work this into an A+ charming tale. I definitely recommend this top choice of the week! I don't know how much more I can say, but that I love "All For A Dead Man's Leg" and give it a rating of 5 stars!
Review on ROMANTIC CRUSH JUNKIES
06/19/09 By C.S.Morehouse
Rating: Do Not Pass On It
All Harriet Ruby wants to do is get her little tourist troop through Morocco without incident. This being her first guided tour since graduating college she would like to get every one through and out of the country without a hitch. One problem, one of her tourist Archie Philpot keels over making a once easy job now a very huge complication.
Enter undercover bad boy agent William Talbot, he’s on a mission of his own when the sultry Tour Director falls into his arms. With one dead man, a group of errant tourist and assassin s chasing their every step how is a girl to have a real relationship?
Oh. My. Gosh. Reader get your self a hanky because “All for A Dead Man’s Leg” is this years go-to romantic comedy is sure to have you shedding tears. Tears of joy. Tears of laughter. Ms. Siracusa has masterfully created long lasting and endearing characters that had this reader laughing through one escapade to the next. Get ready to split a stitch and shed a few tears because reader this story is too funny to not pass it on.
Review on NIGHT OWL ROMANCE
06/08/09 By Arianne
Rating: No ratings given
Harriet is a tour guide who conducted her people to the medina in Tangeir when one of the tourists died leaving her with a dead man, Mr. Philpot. She has to get him out of the medina and the country but she does not know how to do it. Lucky for her, she meets a man named William Talbot, a.k.a. Will, who comes to her aide. Will said that Mr. Philpot had been poisoned. Will, a spy, helps her get the dead man out of the medina with help from some of his friends in Tangier.
Will they find out who killed Mr. Philpot? Was he smuggling something? This is an entertaining story that keeps you riveted until the end. It is a mix of a little romance and a huge dash of mystery. The characters being portrayed are believable and appealing; they go well with the rest of the story.
Review by CK2S KWIPS and KRITIQUES
05/23/2009 By Melissa
Rating: No Ratings Given
This book has a lot of action in it. Readers will be kept guessing as to who are the bad and good guys. There is also humor in the book, whether through the escapades of the tourists or through Harriet's spying events. Readers will care about Harriet and Will and want them to solve the mystery and get to safety. Besides the humor and action, this book has some steamy romantic scenes.
Harriet and Will have good chemistry. There is a sexual chemistry to them, plus they seem very comfortable with each other, even though they just met. Will is a dashing romantic hero--the handsome spy. This book seems to be the possible start of a series and that is a good thing. Readers will want more of Harriet and Will. Harriet has the makings of a fine spy. She did not have a clue when she began to look into the murder mystery but she had decent instincts and a good dose of courage.
Review on THE ROMANCE STUDIO
04/08/09 By Theresa Joseph
Rating: Recommended
This is an hilarious romp filled with amusing escapades and quirky characters. Harriet Ruby is just so entertaining and I can relate to her disaster prone accidents. Will is a bit of an enigma. But who doesn't love a tall dark and handsome operative with a provocative past?
The secondary sightseers and spies are engaging and the dialogue is straight forward and witty. The plot twists are good and the varying pace enjoyable. I liked that every time I thought the adventure was close to over something else popped up. This author has a great comedic touch and I can only hope to see a series staring this appealing couple. I found this to be a quick page turner that kept me laughing out loud and I will happily recommend it.
Review on COFFEE TIME ROMANCE AND MORE
05/04/09 By Shannon
Rating: 3 Cups
It is original in its story line, the narrative is written in a casual and humorous tone, and you will never know what is coming next. There are plenty of mystery, plots and love to make fans of romantic comedy and suspense happy.
□
“Mez Harri Boobies!” The shrill cry sliced through the confusion of sweating bodies crowding the market. An arm shot out of nowhere, and a brown hand clamped about my wrist. I swallowed my shriek of surprise. Tangier was rife with hands that grab at foreigners.
“Mez Harri Boobies, you come queek,” the man whispered in my ear. “Mezter Pillpot no good, yes? You come.”
“It’s R-u-b-y, not Boobie.” I repeated my name for Mr. Takamura, one of the three almost-English-speaking Japanese tourists in the small group I was directing through Spain and Morocco. While my name was not destined to be in lights on Hollywood marquees, for the past twenty-four years it had served me well enough. I had a sentimental attachment to it.
Without a reply, he released my arm. Insinuating his slight body into the crush of street peddlers, dirty children, and veiled ladies, he moved quickly out of sight. With a deep sigh, I followed him, devastated by the foreboding that I would be nicknamed Hairy Boobies for the rest of my career as a tour director, which might not be very long after this little incident.
He penetrated further into the ancient market through twisted narrow passageways filled with malodorous bodies and a myriad of colors rippling in the heat—the red, blue, amber, purple of clothing, goods for sale, food, tents. In pursuit, I skirted white-robed Moroccans bartering for goods, men sipping Mint tea, and women painting the hands of girls with rich sienna-colored henna. The humid air, replete with an exotic mixture of scents—ginger, curry, rare perfumes, cigarette smoke, donkey dung—stirred my senses. The babbling of many languages and the lilting of pipes assaulted my ears.
“Wait!” How in the world had they gone this far in such a short time?
He stopped for an instant, turned and waved. Then he disappeared again. Finally, Mr. Takamura stopped in a small plaza with a colorful tiled fountain in the center, a calm refuge in the midst of chaos. In stray beams of sunlight, tiny motes of dust danced in the thick atmosphere. The Japanese gentleman waited for me to catch up, then smiled and bowed.
My gaze followed his nod. “Ohmigod!”
Archibald Philpot of London, the most distinguished and eldest of my tourists, knelt doubled over the lip of the fountain, hurling his guts. Oh, boy.
My tourists—three American and two Swedish couples and the other two Japanese—watched with helpless concern on their faces, while a growing knot of Moroccans glared at us with mayhem in their dark eyes. The disbelief and thin-lipped anger on their faces indicated they were not pleased about the desecration of what was probably their water supply. I couldn’t blame them. This could get dicey. A drop on sweat dribbled into my eye.
Edith Johnson, a ditzy fiftyish blond trying to look thirty, was the first to see me. She clapped her hand to her bosom and cried, “Thank goodness you’re here, Harriet. Do something.”
Who, me?
I dropped down beside Archie. His complexion was gray-green, his rheumy eyes were glazed over, and by the stench, I guessed the poor man might have a case of diarrhea. My stomach heaved. Swallowing hard, I managed to maintain my tour director decorum.
This was definitely not in my job description.
REVIEWS
Review by MY COZIE CORNER
October 20, 2012 by Susan Peck
Rating: 5 stars Must Read
"All For a Dead Man's Leg' is a fast paced romance that is action packed and totally hilarious story. R. Ann Siracusa pens her characters colorful and loveable in the well developed plot that will keep you wanting more. Highly recommended for all romance and non-romance fans. I give "All For a Dead Man's Leg" a 5 star rating.
Review by RWASD
March 2009 by Tami Valahik
Rating: Must Read
If you need a mood lifter this is a book for you. Meet Harriet Ruby a 24 year old American as she tries to find herself by being a Tour Director Extraordinaire with Adventure Seekers Tour. In her unexpected fledgling tour through parts of Spain, Harriet’s karma takes a turn and leads her off on a series of madcap adventures that introduce her to none other than William Talbot, Superspy Guy. Between the instant chemical reaction between Harriet and Will to the antics that are just too real to make-up; you will laugh out loud and groan with frustration at yet another hiccup at the most inopportune time.
Harriet Ruby, Tour Director Extraordinaire; at least she thought she was worthy of that title; until one of her tourists died in the middle of her first, solo European tour. Teaming up with William Talbot, a seemingly kind stranger who turned out to be a spy in disguise, Harriet tried to keep her tourists happy and unaware while smuggling the body out of Morocco. She never expected her newfound hunk of a friend and helper to be the love of her life. Before the romance was properly started, they’re chased by terrorists, smugglers and murderers. Little did Harriet know that getting out of Morocco was just the beginning.
Review by YOU GOTTA READ
08/19/09 By Brynna C.
Rating: You Gotta Read
When tour guide Harriet Ruby tries to round up her tourists in a Moroccan market, she returns to find one of her charges violently ill. He dies shortly after. Clearly a damsel in distress she accepts the help of Will Talbot, who turns out to be a Europol agent. He insists they smuggle Archie's body out of the country by pretending he just isn't feeling well, but when Harriet almost dies trying to rescue Archie's prosthetic leg out of the water, they realize there is more to the unexpected death than either of them could know.
I found All for a dead man's leg hilariously funny at times. The author literally had me in tears with laughter, but balances this with a constant impending sense of doom, eventually bringing the couple together. A great story, and one you've gotta read.
Review by BETWEEN THE LINES (WRDF Review)
07/18/09 By Lisa Mitchell (Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction)
Rating: No Ratings Given
All for a Dead Man’s Leg is a comical romantic mystery. Harriet Ruby has stepped out of her comfortable box, agreed to guide a European tour and is hopelessly over her head in misadventure. From the death of a tourist, to meeting a handsome spy; this was definitely not the trip she expected.
Harriet is a likeable heroine who good-naturedly endures the griping, whining, complaining tourists, some of whom can’t even say her name correctly. It is her kind nature that endeared her to me as I read. She’s doing her best to keep things going after the death of a tourist turns out to be more than just “a death.” Will Talbot, her hero, is a true romance hero—to quote Bonnie Tyler, ‘big, strong, and larger than life.” And it is Harriet who uncovers that sensitive side that he tries so hard to hide.
R. Ann Siracusa has done a great job weaving this tale. For those who enjoyed Romancing the Stone, this is reminiscent of the film. While the plots are very different, the story was in the same tone. All For a Dead Man’s Leg is a good rainy day—or any day read.
Review on NIGHT TIME ROMANCE REVIEWS
06/21/09 By Estefanie Larranaga
Rating: 5 Stars
R. Ann Siracusa managed to keep me smiling throughout "All For A Dead Man's Leg," and had me from the beginning with this line: "Mez Harri Boobies." I just couldn't love Harriet and Will more because no matter the danger they were in, both managed to do some major banter and flirting.
This is a genuine gem. It kept me in awe with each new chapter. From the middle to the end there's plenty of action packed scenes. Harriet is determined to save a friend of Will's whether he helps her or not. Here's to Harriet and Will for rescuing the good and catching the bad guys. I definitely enjoyed the talks between Will and Harriet. Cute nickname Will has for Harriet.
"All For A Dead Man's Leg" is an amazing romantic comedy with well written action scenes mixed in, well written characters and storyline that is well thought out. It's hard to find great humor novel. Ms. Siracusa sure knew how to work this into an A+ charming tale. I definitely recommend this top choice of the week! I don't know how much more I can say, but that I love "All For A Dead Man's Leg" and give it a rating of 5 stars!
Review on ROMANTIC CRUSH JUNKIES
06/19/09 By C.S.Morehouse
Rating: Do Not Pass On It
All Harriet Ruby wants to do is get her little tourist troop through Morocco without incident. This being her first guided tour since graduating college she would like to get every one through and out of the country without a hitch. One problem, one of her tourist Archie Philpot keels over making a once easy job now a very huge complication.
Enter undercover bad boy agent William Talbot, he’s on a mission of his own when the sultry Tour Director falls into his arms. With one dead man, a group of errant tourist and assassin s chasing their every step how is a girl to have a real relationship?
Oh. My. Gosh. Reader get your self a hanky because “All for A Dead Man’s Leg” is this years go-to romantic comedy is sure to have you shedding tears. Tears of joy. Tears of laughter. Ms. Siracusa has masterfully created long lasting and endearing characters that had this reader laughing through one escapade to the next. Get ready to split a stitch and shed a few tears because reader this story is too funny to not pass it on.
Review on NIGHT OWL ROMANCE
06/08/09 By Arianne
Rating: No ratings given
Harriet is a tour guide who conducted her people to the medina in Tangeir when one of the tourists died leaving her with a dead man, Mr. Philpot. She has to get him out of the medina and the country but she does not know how to do it. Lucky for her, she meets a man named William Talbot, a.k.a. Will, who comes to her aide. Will said that Mr. Philpot had been poisoned. Will, a spy, helps her get the dead man out of the medina with help from some of his friends in Tangier.
Will they find out who killed Mr. Philpot? Was he smuggling something? This is an entertaining story that keeps you riveted until the end. It is a mix of a little romance and a huge dash of mystery. The characters being portrayed are believable and appealing; they go well with the rest of the story.
Review by CK2S KWIPS and KRITIQUES
05/23/2009 By Melissa
Rating: No Ratings Given
This book has a lot of action in it. Readers will be kept guessing as to who are the bad and good guys. There is also humor in the book, whether through the escapades of the tourists or through Harriet's spying events. Readers will care about Harriet and Will and want them to solve the mystery and get to safety. Besides the humor and action, this book has some steamy romantic scenes.
Harriet and Will have good chemistry. There is a sexual chemistry to them, plus they seem very comfortable with each other, even though they just met. Will is a dashing romantic hero--the handsome spy. This book seems to be the possible start of a series and that is a good thing. Readers will want more of Harriet and Will. Harriet has the makings of a fine spy. She did not have a clue when she began to look into the murder mystery but she had decent instincts and a good dose of courage.
Review on THE ROMANCE STUDIO
04/08/09 By Theresa Joseph
Rating: Recommended
This is an hilarious romp filled with amusing escapades and quirky characters. Harriet Ruby is just so entertaining and I can relate to her disaster prone accidents. Will is a bit of an enigma. But who doesn't love a tall dark and handsome operative with a provocative past?
The secondary sightseers and spies are engaging and the dialogue is straight forward and witty. The plot twists are good and the varying pace enjoyable. I liked that every time I thought the adventure was close to over something else popped up. This author has a great comedic touch and I can only hope to see a series staring this appealing couple. I found this to be a quick page turner that kept me laughing out loud and I will happily recommend it.
Review on COFFEE TIME ROMANCE AND MORE
05/04/09 By Shannon
Rating: 3 Cups
It is original in its story line, the narrative is written in a casual and humorous tone, and you will never know what is coming next. There are plenty of mystery, plots and love to make fans of romantic comedy and suspense happy.
□