A new mystery series is making its debut with The Last Hurrah, a witty and engaging cozy mystery that blends murder, humor, and history. Written by award-winning authors Judilee Butler and GaGa Gabardi, the novel follows Deputy Phoebe Korneal, a sharp and soulful investigator whose first case in Oresville, Colorado, leads her deep into the secrets of a quirky mountain town.
The story begins when the body of beloved gold prospector Old Al is discovered at the long-abandoned Sunshine Mine. The shocking death sends ripples through the close-knit community, raising the question: was it a tragic accident, or something much more sinister?
Set against the rugged beauty of Colorado’s mining country, The Last Hurrah delivers more twists than a pretzel factory. As Deputy Korneal begins her investigation, she uncovers more than clues about Old Al’s fate. There are whispers of a missing stash of gold, a secret relationship between Old Al and the elusive Augusta, and hidden truths that could disrupt Oresville’s sense of peace.
Balancing the demands of the case with her personal determination to avoid romantic distractions, Phoebe navigates a web of eccentric suspects and unexpected turns. Along the way, she gains deeper insight into the state’s rich mining heritage and the remarkable contributions of the town’s founding women.
“This story is meant to entertain,” Gabardi said. “There’s a mystery here, of course — but also humor, history and the very real tension women face when their goals collide with their relationships.”
The book has already garnered praise, being named a Colorado Authors League Finalist and earning third place from the Colorado Independent Publishers Association.
“Readers will fall in love with the town of Oresville, where the residents are delightfully odd, justice hangs in the balance and the stakes couldn’t be higher,” Butler said.
The Last Hurrah is the first in the Phoebe Korneal Mystery series, promising readers more adventures with the tenacious deputy in future installments. With its lively dialogue, colorful characters, and feminist undercurrents, the novel offers both entertainment and thoughtful commentary.
Whether readers are drawn to the intrigue of a small-town whodunit, the humor in the quirks of its residents, or the rich backdrop of Colorado history, The Last Hurrah delivers a satisfying read.