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P. L. Harris P. L. Harris i(14564073 works by)
Also writes as: Polly Holmes
Gender: Female
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Works By

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1 y separately published work icon The Secret Society Polly Holmes , Perth : Gumnut Press , 2023 26547981 2023 single work novel fantasy

'For a woman determined to find her missing mother, the secrets of her past lead them both into dangerous territory.

'Diane Nolan thought she’d hit rock bottom when she was forced to move back home with her mother. She never imagines going home early will turn her world upside down, but the moment she steps into the tattered remnants of her family home, life as Diane knows it is about to change forever. They’re looking for something—something worth killing for.

'With no sign of her mother, except for a strange phone call mentioning the Emerald Pearl and finding something called the Well Watchers, Diane is tasked with keeping the pearl safe and out of the hands of the Viridian Society.

'Lincoln Ryner has enough on his plate after the exam scandal threatens his position at university. When he finds beautiful, shivering Diane hiding in his old family treehouse during a storm, he knows he has to help her, no matter the cost.

'Torn between wanting to go after her mother and keeping her promise, Diane teams up with Lincoln to find the answers she needs. With danger lurking and the Viridian Society on the war path, can they find the truth in her family’s secrets…without getting killed in the process?' (Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon The Secret Princess Polly Holmes , Perth : Gumnut Press , 2023 26547933 2023 single work novel fantasy

'Life takes a turn for the worst when a woman discovers her daughter’s life is in danger and she is her only hope of survival.

'When a mysterious phone caller threatens Katie Garcina’s and her precious daughter’s lives, she’s terrified. They demand she return a package belonging to her late husband, but how can she? She never knew it existed.

'Entrusted with the powers to protect and serve, Katie fears it’s connected to her duties as a Well Watcher. When the threats increase, she calls on a good friend for help.

'For wolf shifter Zac Tanner, protection is his game, but when he failed to protect the one he loved, he closed his heart off to all women. Now he’s determined to live out a life of penance alone.

'He’s out of the protection game for good, but when his old mate, Detective Kayden Langford, calls on him to repay a debt, he can’t say no, or risk going back on his word, and if nothing else, Zac is a man of his word.

'Entrusted with protecting Katie and her daughter, Zac is determined to keep them safe at all costs. Nothing prepared him for having Katie wrangle her way into his frozen heart and ignite a passion in him he thought he’d lost forever.

'With their lives in danger, Zac and Katie must work together to keep her daughter safe and make it out alive so they can have a second chance at love.' (Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon The Secret Curse Polly Holmes , Perth : Gumnut Press , 2023 26547869 2023 single work novel fantasy

'For a woman determined to solve a century-old mystery, unraveling its secret could lead to an untimely death.

'Breckin River Librarian, Lily Keegan discovers a dragon-shaped, jeweled pendant with a ruby center hidden in a 12th century book. Against her best friend’s advice, she wears the pendant. It sets in motion a string of life-threatening near misses, convincing Lily it’s the century-old Cursed Dragon.

'Fireman and Thor lookalike, Brayden Fletcher makes split-second decisions every day of his life. Traumatized by a death in a house fire he couldn’t prevent, Brayden seeks solace with his mother’s dear friend, Carmen, on the other side of the country.

'She shared her theory about the pendant, and it shocks Lily to discover there’s more to her best friend than their age difference. Carmen is a Well Watcher. The future of the Well Watchers is in jeopardy when persons unknown kidnap Carmen. Lily receives a ransom note: the ruby for Carmen. Now Brayden is the only one she can trust.

'By using Lily’s historical knowledge to their advantage, Lily and Brayden race against time to expose the truth and prevent a tragedy. Has Lily made too many mistakes and put their lives in the firing line?' (Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon The Secret Grimoire Polly Holmes , Perth : Gumnut Press , 2023 26547757 2023 single work novel fantasy

'For a woman determined to find her missing twin and their best friend, discovering the secret behind their disappearance could prove deadly.

'Ex museum curator, Lexi Raine, has had it with life, her job, and especially her cheating ex-husband. Broken-hearted, all she wants is to hide away and give her heart time to heal. She seeks counsel in the company of her twin sister Jamie, and her housemate and fellow curator, Jarret Mackenzie, in his hometown of Breckin River.

'Jarret and Jamie fail to appear, and Lexi fears for their safety. She soon learns she has every right to be. Her sister is the one of the magical Well Watchers of Breckin River, fated to protect and serve, but her powers are a sought-after commodity someone would kill to possess. The question is, have they already succeeded?

'Local policeman, Jace Kennedy, is driven and ambitious. Determined to make it to the top of the ranks of the Breckin River police force, his path is clear. No distractions, and that includes women.

'His self-imposed rule goes out the window when he receives a desperate plea from Lexi, insisting her loved ones are missing. The last thing he needs is an inexperienced, self-appointed detective trying to solve the case.

'When her sister’s magical powers transfer to Lexi, she fears the worst. Upon learning Jarret has resigned, Lexi knows something’s wrong and, fearing for his life, she calls on Jace and the other Well Watchers. They’ll need to pool their resources to find them before it’s too late.' (Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon The Secret Legacy Polly Holmes , Perth : Gumnut Press , 2022 26547600 2022 single work novel fantasy

'For a woman determined to wipe away her scandalous past, her future becomes a mind game of survival.

'All Tash Redman wants is to lead a normal life, but she’s far from normal. Tash is a descendant of the magical kind fated to fulfill her destiny as one of the Well Watchers of Breckin River, entrusted to serve and protect. She just doesn’t know it yet.

'When a tragic accident results in her husband’s death, she learns about his mounting debt. Her only way to pay it back was to work it off at the hands of Chicago’s most devious loan shark, Blake Simmonds. Now she’s paid the debt, she wants out, but Blake has other ideas. He’d rather have Tash killed than let another man touch what belongs to him.

'The threat on her life ignites Tash’s powers, leading her down a mysterious path to a past she didn’t know existed.

'Detective Kayden Langford lives for the job and the next drug bust until he lets his guard down, and his partner pays the ultimate price for his mistake. Determined to right his wrong, a chance meeting with Tash interrupts his plans, setting the wheels in motion for an explosive encounter.

'Her life is in danger once again when her past catches up with her, Tash must embrace her new existence if she has any chance of surviving. With Kayden on the case, can she let her guard down long enough to trust him before time runs out?' (Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon The Well Watchers Series Polly Holmes , 2022 Perth : Gumnut Press , 2022- 26547575 2022 series - author novel fantasy
1 y separately published work icon A Disappearance Down Under Polly Holmes , Perth : Gumnut Press , 2022 24860431 2022 single work novel fantasy crime

'Solving the disappearance of my best friends' parents was NOT one of my New Year's Resolutions...

'A trip to sunny Australia in the scorching summer wasn't in my holiday plans, but when Jordi rings in a state of utter panic revealing her parents failed to turn up at the annual Shapeshifters Conference held in country Western Australia, what's a girl to do?

'Despite having solved a murder or two in my time, I am completely out of my comfort zone in the harsh Aussie outback where not only the sun, insects, and snakes bite, but the locals do too.

'The search is interrupted when the body of Harridan Reef local and chairman of the Shapeshifters Executive Council, Shayla Ramos, turns up dead in a sheep paddock at the local country show. I'm convinced her murder is linked to Jordi's missing parents. But what if I'm wrong?

'Forbidden to use magical powers in a town where the supernatural is concealed from view, it becomes apparent the locals have their own secrets. Secrets someone is willing to kill to keep hidden.

'Together with Aunt Edie, Detective Huxton Harriet, Jordi, Tyler and my trusty furry familiar, Miss Saffron, we must all work together to uncover the truth. With a blazing bush fire threatening to destroy all in its path we must race the clock to unlock the secrets before Jordi's parents pay the ultimate price.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 y separately published work icon A Deadly Disappearance Down Under Polly Holmes , Perth : Gumnut Press , 2022 24845244 2022 single work novel crime fantasy

'Solving the disappearance of my best friends’ parents was NOT one of my New Year’s Resolutions…

'A trip to sunny Australia in the scorching summer wasn’t in my holiday plans, but when Jordi rings in a state of utter panic revealing her parents failed to turn up at the annual Shapeshifters Conference held in country Western Australia, what’s a girl to do?

'Despite having solved a murder or two in my time, I am completely out of my comfort zone in the harsh Aussie outback where not only the sun, insects, and snakes bite, but the locals do too.

'The search is interrupted when the body of Harridan Reef local and chairman of the Shapeshifters Executive Council, Shayla Ramos, turns up dead in a sheep paddock at the local country show. I’m convinced her murder is linked to Jordi’s missing parents. But what if I’m wrong?

'Forbidden to use magical powers in a town where the supernatural is concealed from view, it becomes apparent the locals have their own secrets. Secrets someone is willing to kill to keep hidden.

'Together with Aunt Edie, Detective Huxton Harriet, Jordi, Tyler and my trusty furry familiar, Miss Saffron, we must all work together to uncover the truth. With a blazing bush fire threatening to destroy all in its path we must race the clock to unlock the secrets before Jordi’s parents pay the ultimate price.

'If you like witty witches, talking cats, and magical murder mysteries, then step into the fun and flirty romantic paranormal cozy mystery world of the Melting Pot Café series where the spells are flowing, and the adventure is sure to leave you craving more.' (Publication summary) 

1 y separately published work icon Muffins and Magic Polly Holmes , Perth : Gumnut Press , 2021 24860379 2021 single work novel fantasy crime

'What's a witch to do when faced with protecting the ones she loves against an unimaginable evil?

'Ever had one of those days when everything is going too well? When you have that sense that the other boot is about to drop? Welcome to my day.

'It's the Annual Saltwater Cove Show, and this year there are more rides, show bags, food stalls, and competitions than ever before. Witches from worlds near and far have descended to try their hand at winning the prestigious Witch Wonder Trophy for best witch baker.

'When Seraphina Morgan from the Coven of the Night Moon turns up dead, all avenues lead to last year's reigning champion, Aunt Edie, as the guilty party. Dark magic is lurking, and I'm determined to get to the bottom of it and clear Aunt Edie's name before the unthinkable happens, and she's found guilty. Enlisting the help of my two best friends and drop-dead greek-god gorgeous boyfriend, we set about finding the real killer before Aunt Edie's goose is cooked. Or pie is baked as the case may be.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 y separately published work icon Murder, Mayhem and Mistletoe Polly Holmes , Perth : Gumnut Press , 2021 23680654 2021 novel crime fantasy

'Christmas is Saltwater Cove’s favourite holiday of the year, but that didn’t stop murder and mayhem from making an unscheduled visit.

'The festive spirit is out and about, the eggnog is flowing, mistletoe is hung, and the town is pumped for the most exciting event on the Christmas calendar, the Annual Concert. This year aunt Edie decided it would be a brilliant idea to volunteer me and my best friend, Harriet, to run both Santa’s photo booth and the refreshment stall.

'As the celebrations kick-off, things turn complicated fast when my childhood friend, Trixie Snowball, winner of the Elf of the Year contest, reveals she's lost Santa's list and is desperate to find it. I agreed to use my magic to help, but things take a turn for the worse when the runner-up of the contest turns up dead behind the refreshment stall, and Trixie is the number one suspect.

'Christmas day is fast approaching, and now I’m in a race against time to find a murderer, clear Trixie’s name, bring the real killer to justice and find the list before disappointment rains down on children all over the world. How, oh, how did I get myself into such a predicament?

'If you like witty witches, talking cats, and magical murder mysteries, then step into the fun and flirty romantic paranormal cozy mystery world of the Melting Pot Café series where the spells are flowing, and the adventure is sure to leave you craving more.'(Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon Deadly Obsession P. L. Harris , Perth : Gumnut Press , 2021 23574832 2021 single work novel romance thriller

'He's violated her past and haunts her present. Now he's threatening her future.

'Ruby Davenport heard all the horror stories about online dating, but she never thought it would happen to her. One impulsive decision attracts a dangerous secret admirer-turned-stalker. Now she can't seem to evade his endless advances.

'Staying one step ahead in a dangerous game of cat and mouse is proving harder than Ruby expected. When her stalker tracks her down and threatens her family's existence. What could she do? Leave before it's too late or risk her family's blood on her hands.

'Scarred from a terrible mistake, Officer Finn Martinez leaves behind the violence of the city and horrors of the drug squad and seeks refuge in the sleepy town of Burrum Ridge. A fresh start with his focus solely on his job. Until he meets Ruby, a woman with a dark secret. His protective police instincts won't let up, and he becomes determined to uncover the truth.

'Even when the truth could be deadly...'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 y separately published work icon A Husband for the Holidays P. L. Harris , Perth : Gumnut Press , 2021 23574575 2021 single work novel romance

'An unexpected encounter...A Christmas promise...The chance to risk everything for the greatest gift of all.

'Isabelle Lawrence wants her family’s acceptance, but she knows this Christmas the same pressure to marry and produce grandchildren will be there. But if she can produce a fake husband for the weekend, she might be able to pause the inquisition long enough to enjoy the holiday.

'Harley Mitchell wants nothing more than to forget his failed marriage, but with Christmas approaching and his impending divorce, he knows his heart will be shattered all over again.

'When a promise forces him to spend the weekend with the stunning Isabelle and her family, can he keep her at arms length long enough to make it back home or will the blonde beauty wrangle her way into his heart forever?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 y separately published work icon The Librarian’s Curse P. L. Harris , Waratah West : Daisy Lane Publishing , 2021 20483659 2021 single work novel romance

 

'Could the drive to solve a century old mystery lead to an untimely death?

'Little Creek Librarian, LILY KEEGAN discovers a dragon-shaped, jewelled pendant with a ruby centre hidden in a 12th century book. Against Head librarian, Carmen's advice, she wears the pendant which could prove to be the biggest mistake of her life when it sets in motion a string of life-threatening near misses. Fireman and Thor look alike, BRAYDEN FLETCHER makes split-second decisions every day of his life. Struggling to recover from a traumatic event; a death in a house fire he couldn't prevent, Brayden seeks solace with his mother's dear friend, Carmen on the other side of the country. As far away from his mistakes as possible.

'Believing the pendant is the century old Cursed Dragon, Lily's every effort to avoid disaster is failing. When her best friend is kidnapped and held at ransom for the ruby, Brayden is the only one she can trust. Using Lily's historical knowledge to their advantage, Lily and Brayden must race against time to expose the truth and prevent a tragedy.' (Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon Happy Deadly New Year Polly Holmes , Perth : Gumnut Press , 2020 20973074 2020 single work novel fantasy

'Never in my lifetime did I think I’d spend New Year’s Eve knee-deep in mischief, magic, and murder!

'When my high-school nemesis, Prudence McAvoy, chooses The Melting Pot Café to host her New Year’s party, I know I’m courting trouble by accepting her booking. The trouble begins with Prudence turning up dead, face down in a pond, and the finger for her murder is pointed directly at my shape-shifting best friend, Jordi.

'Determined to clear Jordi’s name and bring the real killer to justice, I pool resources with Harriet, Tyler, and my cheeky familiar, Miss Saffron, to find out what happened to Prudence. As the clock counts down to midnight, time is running out in more ways than one.

'Can we find the killer before another body drops? Or will Jordi’s new year begin in the pokey?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 A Killer Christmas List Polly Holmes , 2020 single work novella
— Appears in: Christmas Crackers 2020;

'The yuletide spirit is out and about, the eggnog is flowing, fairy lights are hung, and the town is pumped for the most exciting event on the Christmas calendar, the Annual Concert. This year aunt Edie decided it would be a brilliant idea to volunteer me and my best friend, Harriet, to run both Santa’s photo booth and the refreshment stall.

'As the festivities kick-off, things turn complicated fast when my childhood friend, Trixie Snowball, winner of the Elf of the Year contest, reveals she's lost Santa's list and is desperate to find it. I agreed to use my magic to help, but things take a turn for the worse when the runner-up of the contest turns up dead behind the refreshment stall, and Trixie is the number one suspect.

'Christmas day is fast approaching, and now I’m in a race against time to find a murderer, clear Trixie’s name, bring the real killer to justice and find the list before disappointment rains down on children all over the world. How, oh, how did I get myself into such a predicament?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 y separately published work icon Melting Pot Cafe Polly Holmes , Perth : Gumnut Press , 2020- 20546621 2020 series - author novel
1 y separately published work icon Chasing Love P. L. Harris , Perth : Gumnut Press , 2021 20156514 2020 single work short story romance

'Dee Chambers is no longer looking for love after being burned once too many times in the past. But love comes looking for her in the form of Luke Ashwood. Weary from the fast-paced corporate world, Luke arrives in Stonecrest Bay to make amends with his family. Drawn to the seaside town and the beautiful but prickly Dee, he decides to stick around for a while and finds love, family and the warmth of relationships. But is he ready to stay on for long?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 y separately published work icon Pumpkin Pies & Poisons Polly Holmes , Perth : Gumnut Press , 2020 19667176 2020 single work novel mystery

'Witches, cats, pumpkin pies and murder!

'I’m Evelyn Grayson and if you’d told me by the time I was 23, I’d have lost both my parents in a mysterious accident, moved in with the coolest Aunt ever, lived in a magical town, and I was a witch, I would have said you were crazy. Funny thing is, you’d be right.

'Camille Stenson, the grumpiest woman in Saltwater Cove is set on making this year’s Halloween celebrations difficult for everyone, but when she turns up dead and my best friend is on the suspect list, I have no choice but to find out whodunit and clear her name.

'Amongst the pumpkin carving, abandoned houses, and apple bobbing, it soon becomes apparent dark magic is at play and I must use all my newfound witches’ abilities to find the killer before another spell is cast.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 y separately published work icon Cupcakes and Conspiracy Polly Holmes , Perth : Gumnut Press , 2020 19429312 2020 single work novella mystery

'Armed with an over-zealous love for her town and unlimited tenacity, Betty Brookson takes no prisoners when she openly challenges a construction tycoon at an emergency town meeting. No-one wants to see the nursing home turned into high-rise apartments in the name of progress, least of all Betty.

'The arrival of her broken-hearted granddaughter peps her up. Charlotte McCorrson, an award-winning master baker and passionate soul was just like her grandmother. But she arrives amid the cops questioning her grandmother. And she doesn't like what they were saying.

'When Derek Pantell is found floating unconscious in the nursing home pool with a horrific head injury, all evidence points to Betty. She soon becomes the number one suspect.

'Betty's stellar reputation is on the line and with the help of her trustworthy granddaughter, they set out to uncover the truth. Will they find the person responsible, or will they become the next victims in their master plan?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 y separately published work icon Dead Velvet Cupcakes Polly Holmes , Perth : Gumnut Press , 2019 19430217 2019 single work novel mystery

'A stab at the competition.

'Since arriving in Ashton Point, Master Chef Margarete Becker has managed to turn the dilapidated, old Tea 4 Two Café into a thriving meeting place. She draws both locals and tourists with her mouth-watering treats. Her childhood dream is to own her own 5-star restaurant and with the success of the Tea 4 Two Café, that dream could become a reality sooner than she imagined.

'Margarete's chance to show she has what it takes to run not just a café, but a thriving restaurant arrives when she secures the contract to cater the McCorrson's 30th Wedding Anniversary dinner. With dessert taken care of, Margarete's has only the entrée and main course to perfect. A piece of cake....or so she thought. It proves a slice more difficult than expected when the body of a local chef, Margarete's competition, is found murdered.

'Evidence against Margarete is mounting and it's obvious someone is trying to frame her. She only has one option; enlist the help of the McCorrson sisters to help clear her name and find the real killer before time runs out and her dreams are shattered forever.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

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