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Mahalas Lane
Exhausted and dismayed, Madi Lyons arrives on the rocky shores
of Maine, hoping for a relaxing respite from Madison Avenue’s
relentless grind. Twelve-hour days and the sudden news of
her best friend’s engagement have the aspiring creative director’s head
spinning. Shortly after settling in at the quaint rental cottage, she is
awoken by the local sheriff with startling news: A woman has been
murdered on her private beach. A violent encounter next door and an
elusive stranger draw Madi deeper into Mahalas Lane’s mysterious past,
while a magnetic attraction propels her into the sheriff ’s welcoming arms.
Will she find the solace she seeks, or will a small town’s dark secrets cost her
the ultimate sacrifice—the love of her life?
of Maine, hoping for a relaxing respite from Madison Avenue’s
relentless grind. Twelve-hour days and the sudden news of
her best friend’s engagement have the aspiring creative director’s head
spinning. Shortly after settling in at the quaint rental cottage, she is
awoken by the local sheriff with startling news: A woman has been
murdered on her private beach. A violent encounter next door and an
elusive stranger draw Madi deeper into Mahalas Lane’s mysterious past,
while a magnetic attraction propels her into the sheriff ’s welcoming arms.
Will she find the solace she seeks, or will a small town’s dark secrets cost her
the ultimate sacrifice—the love of her life?
- GenresMystery
230 pages, Paperback
First published November 29, 2013
3 people are currently reading
585 people want to read
About the author
Marianne Cushing
1 book12 followersMarianne Cushing always knew she would pursue a creative career. In the late eighties, armed with her portfolio and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Syracuse University, she knocked on the door of every mega agency, ready to make her mark among New York City’s advertising elite. But Cushing never made it to Madison Avenue.
Perhaps it was the sun, or maybe the margaritas, that possessed the young Cushing and her new groom not to return home from their Florida honeymoon. Yet regardless of the setting, Cushing’s impressive career has spanned more than three decades, mostly spent as creative director of her own international award-winning advertising agency. It was during this tenure that Cushing’s love for the written word flourished.
In a bold move, Cushing retired from the agency in 2010 to live out her dream of becoming a novelist. Fortunately for Cushing (and her wallet), she was recruited shortly thereafter by a women’s fashion brand, which began her tenure in retail marketing.
Cushing’s debut novel, Mahalas Lane, was inspired by the author’s real life summer stay at the quaint Maine cottage on the lane that bears the novel’s name. It was during her family’s 25-hour drive home to Florida that the story of murder and romance unfolded. Five years in the making, Mahalas Lane is a tribute to Cushing’s first love–her husband of 30+ years.
Cushing resides in Cornelius, North Carolina, with her husband Gene and their three fur babies Mia Rosa, Tucker and Olive.
Connect with her at facebook.com/mahalaslane
Perhaps it was the sun, or maybe the margaritas, that possessed the young Cushing and her new groom not to return home from their Florida honeymoon. Yet regardless of the setting, Cushing’s impressive career has spanned more than three decades, mostly spent as creative director of her own international award-winning advertising agency. It was during this tenure that Cushing’s love for the written word flourished.
In a bold move, Cushing retired from the agency in 2010 to live out her dream of becoming a novelist. Fortunately for Cushing (and her wallet), she was recruited shortly thereafter by a women’s fashion brand, which began her tenure in retail marketing.
Cushing’s debut novel, Mahalas Lane, was inspired by the author’s real life summer stay at the quaint Maine cottage on the lane that bears the novel’s name. It was during her family’s 25-hour drive home to Florida that the story of murder and romance unfolded. Five years in the making, Mahalas Lane is a tribute to Cushing’s first love–her husband of 30+ years.
Cushing resides in Cornelius, North Carolina, with her husband Gene and their three fur babies Mia Rosa, Tucker and Olive.
Connect with her at facebook.com/mahalaslane
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 3, 2014
Mahalas Lane is a fictional story, set in a beautiful, seaside Maine town. It tells the story of a young woman, who resides in the hectic, world of NYC and decides to take a relaxing solo vacation in Maine. Although, the vacation starts off as planned, she quickly finds herself in the middle of a murder, mystery. She also becomes romantically involved with the town Sheriff. This is a fantastic story, that keeps you guessing right up until the last page. It combines an intense, charming love story with a fascinating murder/mystery. The characters are interesting and well developed, the setting is beautiful and the overall plot is a great read!
May 6, 2014
This debut novel is one that will make you say, "wow" for this first-time author. It's a charming, captivating, well-written, romantic murder/mystery that takes place in the beautiful setting of a small and quaint tourist town in Maine. I was drawn in right from the beginning and didn't want to put the book down until the end. I look forward to reading more books by this author!
January 9, 2014
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! I could not not put it down, even when my eyes were begging me to go to sleep. I had to keep reading to find out what happened next. This was such an enjoyable read. It even piqued my interest in wanting to visit the quaint, little town of Owls Head, Maine. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to escape and get lost in a book for a little while.
July 8, 2015
stayed at the cottage that this was written about. very fun reading from the author who stayed here as well. Very quick, page turner.
November 30, 2014
There is something about a well written mystery that brings me back to when I first discovered one of my favorite series in the genre, Nancy Drew. I loved the twists and turns, the foiled plots, and of course trying to figure out who the real culprit was. Back then, everything was so new to me. Now, many years later, I search for that same excitement when I open a mystery. I will admit, that some have fallen flat, but there are others that grab hold and keep me guessing until the end. Those are books that keep me coming back for more.
In Mahalas Lane, author Marianne Cushing creates such a well-crafted story, that you will not want to put down this book until the very last page. At every turn of the page, she throws something new at you. Just as the characters get a taste of peace, it is shattered by the events that unfolds in this sleepy Maine town of Owls Head.
Murder, secrets, deception, and abduction are all present and accounted for throughout this book. However, there are also moments between our heroine, Maddi, and the local sheriff, Josh, that create breaks in the story which allow the reader to become even more invested in the outcome. In fact, while I was reading, I found myself wondering, with a dark secret of Mahalas Lane looming over the residents, who will come out of this story alive?
With a touch of romance, a bit of murder and a dark town secret, Mahalas Lane is a perfect winter read to curl up with. It will keep you guessing up until the end.
- See more at: http://artbookscoffee.com/book-review...
In Mahalas Lane, author Marianne Cushing creates such a well-crafted story, that you will not want to put down this book until the very last page. At every turn of the page, she throws something new at you. Just as the characters get a taste of peace, it is shattered by the events that unfolds in this sleepy Maine town of Owls Head.
Murder, secrets, deception, and abduction are all present and accounted for throughout this book. However, there are also moments between our heroine, Maddi, and the local sheriff, Josh, that create breaks in the story which allow the reader to become even more invested in the outcome. In fact, while I was reading, I found myself wondering, with a dark secret of Mahalas Lane looming over the residents, who will come out of this story alive?
With a touch of romance, a bit of murder and a dark town secret, Mahalas Lane is a perfect winter read to curl up with. It will keep you guessing up until the end.
- See more at: http://artbookscoffee.com/book-review...
September 6, 2014
This is more like 4.5 stars out of 5. I wish it were longer, because parts felt a little rushed.
This book is incredibly fun and I had a hard time putting it down. The first half of the book focused more on the burgeoning relationship between Madi and Josh; the second half is when the murder mystery comes into play. (And I don't think it's a spoiler to point out that Josh---as the sheriff---and Madi are incredibly involved in that investigation.)
I did very much enjoy that relationship, incidentally. It felt a bit like insta-love, but it was more like insta-attraction and there were mentions of several dates and conversations. I do also think that intense situations tend to make things move faster than they otherwise would. (Wasn't there a mention of that at the end of Speed?)
Parts of the book felt a little bit rushed (mostly the last 50 pages or so, which makes sense for reasons I can't really discuss, because spoilers, but I wish that the book were a bit longer than its 221 pages because I feel like those events could have been fleshed out a little).
Even so, this book was a complete delight to read and I am very excited to see what Marianne Cushing writes next.
Recommended.
This book is incredibly fun and I had a hard time putting it down. The first half of the book focused more on the burgeoning relationship between Madi and Josh; the second half is when the murder mystery comes into play. (And I don't think it's a spoiler to point out that Josh---as the sheriff---and Madi are incredibly involved in that investigation.)
I did very much enjoy that relationship, incidentally. It felt a bit like insta-love, but it was more like insta-attraction and there were mentions of several dates and conversations. I do also think that intense situations tend to make things move faster than they otherwise would. (Wasn't there a mention of that at the end of Speed?)
Parts of the book felt a little bit rushed (mostly the last 50 pages or so, which makes sense for reasons I can't really discuss, because spoilers, but I wish that the book were a bit longer than its 221 pages because I feel like those events could have been fleshed out a little).
Even so, this book was a complete delight to read and I am very excited to see what Marianne Cushing writes next.
Recommended.
March 13, 2014
I thought it was going to be like all those other romance novels, but it was so much more than that! It had me at the edge of my seat( in this case bed) the whole time. Loved the twist and turns in the plot. awesome awesome book! loved it and its characters.
May 10, 2014
I won this book and read it in two days!! I absolutely could not put this book down. I was not expecting the ending at all. I felt like I was a part of the action and wished that I was in Maine with the characters. Read this book!
June 12, 2015
Excellent book. It kept me guessing until the end! So proud of my sorority sister ;)
April 1, 2014
It was a very good read,well written and kept my attention throughout !!!!!!
Read
August 19, 2014What a fun end of summer read! I was determined to fit one more book in before school started and was glad I found one. For my friends up north, you still have summer left. Enjoy!
August 1, 2015
Enjoyed this booked. A bookstore in Maine recommended it when I asked about a book set in the area where we vacationed recently. Glad I read it!!
October 8, 2023
When my mom invited me to stay with her at a Maine cottage and the description mentioned this book, I obviously had to buy it! So I just finished reading it today during a rainy day at 69 Mahalas Lane!
What an enjoyable book! Loved the setting and reading about some of the places we’ve been this week (and some other places we should check out)! Had fun trying to imagine exactly where things were taking place (I’d have loved a map showing where events happened). Loved the characters. And plot twist! My only real complaint is that I wanted it to be longer so some events could have been fleshed out a bit more!
What an enjoyable book! Loved the setting and reading about some of the places we’ve been this week (and some other places we should check out)! Had fun trying to imagine exactly where things were taking place (I’d have loved a map showing where events happened). Loved the characters. And plot twist! My only real complaint is that I wanted it to be longer so some events could have been fleshed out a bit more!
June 12, 2020
Again set in Maine so it's relatable for me in the places I grew up. Thriller/romance novel.
January 26, 2017
enjoyed it!
Read
February 10, 2015I did not enjoy this book.
Want to read
July 9, 2017just a note reminding me that this is katie bobin's neighbor
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews