As an author of mystery suspense novels, A.J. McCarthy is always on the lookout for new ideas. Her friends and family are cautious, concerned they may become a victim in her next novel. Those who are more adventurous offer up ideas and are willing to sacrifice certain family members for the cause. A.J. bides her time, waiting for the right moment and the perfect victim. She hides behind a quiet façade, and few know what she’s really thinking.
A.J. grew up reading Agatha Christie, Sidney Sheldon, and many other masters of mystery and suspense. A lifelong love of the genre evolved. She’s a member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. When she isn’t writing, chances are she is reading.
As an author of mystery suspense novels, A.J. McCarthy is always on the lookout for new ideas. Her friends and family are cautious, concerned they may become a victim in her next novel. Those who are more adventurous offer up ideas and are willing to sacrifice certain family members for the cause. A.J. bides her time, waiting for the right moment and the perfect victim. She hides behind a quiet façade, and few know what she’s really thinking....
“McCarthy’s The Boy on the Dock is like Shari Lapena’s The Couple Next Door meets Lisa Jewell’s Then She Was Gone-psychological tension from start to finish!” -Cam Torrens, bestselling author of the Tyler Zahn mystery/suspense series
She came to the lake to grieve alone. What she finds is a terrified boy no one else sees.
“McCarthy perfectly weaves together suspense, dangers, and an intriguing storyline that will compel readers from start to finish...an enthralling and energetic writing style that is sure to enrapture any reader.” -The Red-headed Book Lover
A History of Secrets
Successful businesswoman Charlene Butler prefers not to discuss her past, or how she...
“A murder mystery that is as charming as it is absorbing. Perfect for fans of Nancy Atherton and Patricia Cornwall.” –BestThrillers.com
Murders or a series of coincidences?
Charlie is worried her ex-PI husband, Simm, is bored with his new role helping her manage their pubs in Montreal. Offered the chance to investigate the disappearance of a man...
At ten years old, I knew I would die from a lightning strike. It was then that my mother told me the story of what happened when I was two. According to her tale, I was in the living room, standing on the couch at the time. I didn’t ask her why I was doing such a thing. It was always forbidden to stand on the couch in our house, but on this occasion, I was either doing it behind her back, or the rule only came into effect after the incident I’m about to share with you.
With the warm sun on her back, she set out with confidence and strength, and yes, with excitement. Because she loved excitement. And adventure. She loved to laugh and enjoy life.
She stood at the bottom of the mountain, her hands on her hips, and for a brief moment, doubts crept into her mind. This was something she hadn’t done before. She was young and healthy, but could she do it alone? Did she really need to do it alone? She turned and looked back toward where she’d come from. She was...
It was love at first sight, as would be expected for first-time grandparents, or any grandparents, for that matter. The couple, in their early fifties at the time, were thrilled about the idea of having a grandchild, and the event was much anticipated and eventually celebrated.
The grandfather, a quiet, hard-working man, couldn’t get enough of the baby girl. She was the apple of his eye, and, as she grew, they developed a special bond.
Proximity and time were advantages for them. Both homes...