Even Roses Have Thorns

Lori Lowell is a spirited young lady trying to escape an unhappy love affair when she accepts a new position as assistant editor for Mr. Bradford Brasington, owner of Brasington Press, a publishing company in Southport, NC. She previously worked as a reporter in the small daily newspaper in her hometown of Laurinburg, but without much chance for advancement, she came to the coast-only to become involved in a new love affair with Mr. Brasington’s son, Brad, who also lives in this house, which is enshrouded by murder and mystery. Lori’s own life is suddenly in danger; at first, they were just harmless pranks spurred by jealousy but then become much more destructive. Her possessions are searched, some of her things maliciously destroyed, and a harsh note appears on her mirror ordering her to “Get Out.” Then important business papers disappear from Mr. Brasington’s desk just after Lori finished typing them . . . and a new mystery manuscript under review for possible publishing also disappears under her watch. Mr. Brasington’s sister, Vi Stewart, is killed; and Lori, who cannot swim, also ends up floundering in the pool. When she is trapped inside a burning building, she realizes that the murder will not rest until she has also been destroyed.