Lavinia Thompson

@laviniathompson

Just an old garden witch who writes about murder, true and fictional. Mystery author. True crime blogger. Check out my free serial book "Beyond Cover" on Substack. Canadian. NO AI.

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Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· 24d

Martha, seeking information about the case she's getting into - but not all is as it appears. #WIPSnips #Booksky

An excerpt from a book called "Martha Holmes Mysteries" by Lavinia Thompson.

I continued making notes and contemplating. Without anything in writing, it would be hard to prove such an agreement was ever made. Owen knew he couldn’t leave such a paper trail; an indication that perhaps this wasn’t his first time mishandling such a mishap at his company.
And how much truth did his claims about Mia hold? Had she truly been Owen’s unraveling, financially, or was she a convenient scapegoat?
“Have you talked to WCB already?” I wondered.
“I have. They have all my paperwork. They need proof that Owen lied to me and convinced me to not file,” Henry explained.
“Got it. So I guess my next stop is talking to WCB. Do you have a representative with them already?” I said.

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· 25d

I don't have "acquire" in either of my WIPs so it's "obtain" for today. Emily and Dwayne are risking more and more to protect their undercover identities. How far will this go? #WIPSnips #BookSky

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· 26d

No "rush" but I had hurry in this scene of "Martha Holmes Mysteries 2." What has spooked Martha's target, indeed? #WIPSnips #BookSky

An excerpt from a book called "Martha Holmes Mysteries 2: The Bitter Obsession" by Lavinia Thompson.

She eventually pulled into the parking lot of a real estate office, as she did every morning at almost nine. Upon stepping out of the car, clutching her bag to her shoulder, she scanned the parking lot and street as I drove past, eyes sharp yet brushing over my car before hurrying to the doors, fumbling for her keys, unlocking the doors, then entering. Her slender figure in a pinstriped, navy blue skirt suit, over a lacy grey buttoned top leaned against the wall.
Calm and collected until she got to work. Why the change in demeanor? What happened there that kept her spooked?

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· 27d

Doing vibes today. Dwayne is Emily's mentor while undercover as she's a rookie - but a big opportunity shows itself, leaving her with a decision, and Dwayne with the possibility of being left undercover alone. What does she choose? #WIPSnips #Booksky

An excerpt from a book called "Beyond Cover 1: Diamond Gamble" by Lavinia Thompson

Emily took a step towards him. “If I do this, are you going to be okay?”
“I can’t say. But you don’t deserve to go down with me if that’s what happens,” Dwayne replied.
Emily sighed and gazed at Dwayne. He could feel her piercing questions and agonizing worry. The weight of his words. Fly, little bird, away from the battle zone. He’d either end up shot in the street, miraculously survive, or put a bullet in his own brain by the end of it all. And he didn’t want her to be around to see the worst of those options.
“This better not be you pushing me away because this is your last act of self-destruction,” Emily said sternly.

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jul 9

Not from a main WIP today, but in honor of Bonnie Tyler passing away, I wanted to share a snippet from a rock star story I want to return to one day. Heavily influenced by old school rockers like Bonnie. #WIPSnips

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jul 5

A trailer: "Beyond Dark 1: Belladonna." A haunting serial killer is murdering women in Ottawa's entertainment industry. Can criminal profiler Alyssa Rawkesby hunt her down by getting in her head - even at the risk of opening her own demons up? #BookSky #SASale2026 www.smashwords.com/books/view/1...

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jul 5

Didn't have bench so "chair" it is! The moment Martha discovers just what a mess this insurance fraud case really might be. #WIPSNips #BookSky

An excerpt from a book called "Martha Holmes Mysteries 2: The Lost Girls"

I sat forward in the chair after pulling out a notebook and pen.
“Consider me intrigued. How long ago did Owen and his ex break up?”
“About six months ago,” Isaac replied, waving a pen in his hand. “I took this case on behalf of the former employee who wants to sue. We need proof Owen was the one who failed to report, and what involvement Mia might have. They both have a criminal history. Owen’s for drug trafficking, and hers for drug possession.”
“Ah,” I said. “A toxic relationship, I take it?”

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jul 5

A trailer: PI Martha Holmes faces a sudden divorce as a life-changing case lands on her desk. Can she find 2 girls who have been missing for a decade, and rediscover herself in the process? This novella is 50% off right now on Smashwords! #BookSky #SWSale2026 www.smashwords.com/books/view/1...

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jul 4

With all the rain we got here in Alberta, my herbs are going WILD. I just harvested a bunch of dill and cilantro. I froze the cilantro to use in salsa at a later time and am dehydrating the dill. I have some more green onions to harvest too eventually.

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jul 4

Has Martha been busted already? 👀 #WIPSnips #BookSky

An excerpt from a book called "Martha Holmes Mysteries 2: The Bitter Obsession" by Lavinia Thompson

His dark eyes seemed to pierce right through my driver’s side window, where I held my phone out in front of me as though I was answering messages or waiting for a phone call. But his gaze met mine the second I looked up to check what was going on. He paused, tilted his head, then walked around to the driver’s side and got into the car.

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jul 3

A few shady characters seem involved in this case - is it more than it seems? #WIPSnips #BookSky

An excerpt from a book called "Martha Holmes Mysteries 2: The Bitter Obsession" by Lavinia Thompson

“How awful,” I said. “I’m so sorry you went through that. How did Owen handle it?”
“Initially, he sounded like he was going to do everything by the books. He said I’d be taken care of. But then… he came back and began saying I should avoid filing with WCB. Something about how he still had an open case with them and didn’t want scrutiny on his company. He just needed some time to get this out of the way and he’d file. Man, I’ve never dealt with WCB before. I had no idea how they operated. I trusted Owen.”

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jul 2

Emily and Dwayne are faced with some difficult decisions while undercover. 👀 #WIPSnips #writingcommunity #Booksky

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jul 2

It is the circle of cats. The grey floof is Sir Harold Wobbles, and the black and white floof is my girl, Miss Karma. They are both about 15. My best friends. They are always on this chair beside me while I write. #cats #CatSky #writingcommunity

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jul 1

I love incorporating little character moments in between all the action in this series. #WIPSNips #BookSky

An excerpt from a book called "Beyond Cover 1: Diamond Gamble" by Lavinia Thompson

When she spun around to look in the full length mirror, her hazel eyes stared back at her; the only thing that seemed familiar anymore. Emily pulled on a pair of crimson wool gloves and added a matching scarf. A crimson cloche hat atop the wig became her final touch.
She checked her purse for Kira’s ID, burner phone, and wallet, adding the lipstick and eyeshadow, to be safe. On the outside, Emily deemed herself ready. Yet a churning dread in the pit of her stomach wouldn’t quit plaguing her.

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jun 29

For the month of July, both "Martha Holmes" and "Beyond Dark" will be 50% off over on #Smashwords! With both sequels coming out in the next year, now is a good time to catch up on the first in series! #SWSale2026 #Booksky www.smashwords.com/profile/view...

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jun 29

Because the best friend moments matter as much in these books as the mysteries 💛 #WIPSnips #writingcommunity #BookSky

An excerpt from a book called "Martha Holmes Mysteries 2: The Bitter Obsession" by Lavinia Thompson

What was left, after all? Recording the first episode of our new podcast left me ruminating on that question. An empty road behind me he had stepped off of months before the marriage ended. A lonely tunnel ahead and I had no idea where it ended or what awaited me there. Maybe I had felt alone for a long time already, but to walk it without Darren by my side felt desolate despite everything.
“So, how are you feeling after all that?” Daisy asked. She poured hot water from a kettle into two mugs which held Earl Grey tea bags. The floral scent permeated through Daisy’s yellow kitchen.

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jun 28

Naturally, with any form of crime, the media gets sensational about it. It's no different for Emily and Dwayne in "Beyond Cover." #WIPSnips #BookSky #writingcommunity

An excerpt from a book called "Beyond Cover 1: Diamond Gamble" by Lavinia Thompson, free on Substack.

The sun had barely come up but reporters around Ottawa were all over the news that suspected Russian mobsters and Shadow Eagles had it out overnight. Ten dead in a motel parking lot. Articles ruminated on how the death of a gang leader often left a void which would inevitably be filled with more violence as other members fought for the position of power.
Emily paced the safehouse floors. Dwayne had mentioned he and Oliver were meeting at a motel. Out of all the ones in the city, was it possible they got caught up in that shooting?
And if they had, where were they now?

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jun 28

Vibes today: Martha getting to the root of why this mundane case feels so off. #WIPSnips #writingcommunity #Booksky

An excerpt from a book called "Martha Holmes Mysteries 2: The Bitter Obsession" by Lavinia Thompson

“And how do you figure it was Mia’s idea not to report?”
Julian sighed and leaned forward. “I went to the office after the ambulance left. Overheard Mia and Owen talking. This was shortly before they broke up. I just heard Mia telling him maybe it was better if they didn’t talk to WCB. Something about how the company was already in trouble.”
“Trouble how?” I asked with a frown.

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jun 22

#WIPSnips

An excerpt from a book called "Beyond Cover 1: Diamond Gamble"

“This isn’t the same place you were at yesterday?” Dwayne said with a frown.
Emily shook her head. “Not at all. He seems to think someone is out to get him.”
“Well, let’s wait here and see if he shows up.”
Both Gustav’s paranoia and her unsettled premonition from the night before still sat restless in her stomach. Heavy. It only grew more cumbersome as Dwayne parked the car out front of the home. The curtains drawn. No vehicle parked outside. No sign of life.

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jun 21

Back to "Beyond Cover" today - seems natural, since the Garnet Lounge is a central setting to the story. #WIPSnips #Booksky

An excerpt from a book called "Beyond Cover 1: Diamond Gamble" by Lavinia Thompson

Emily swallowed her reluctance about going into the Garnet Lounge. On the outside, it appeared to be nothing other than another upper-class bar with the brick exterior painted black and a red neon sign above the doors. Like many social clubs where mobsters discreetly conducted their business, few people would guess what truly happened within.
Anxiety rose in her chest. Dwayne still hadn’t told her everything about his previous meeting at Club Euphoria. Nor had she confronted him with the fact Kaz had told her. Yet he couldn’t hide it all; the accelerated chain smoking, his edge of temper ever closer to detonating, followed up by Gustav’s murder. Emily had suspected they were on the brink of being assassinated. But it would have been nice to have a partner more forthcoming about the truth even Oliver couldn’t deny. There came a time when being overprotective became a shelter that blinded them both from the approaching danger.

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jun 18

The sequel in my novella series, "Martha Holmes Mysteries" will be out in 2026. Join PI Martha Holmes as she navigates a sudden divorce and some bizarre cases. Is there life after love? And what new adventures await her? #mysterybooks #BookSky

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jun 18

No "resume" so "continued" it is instead today! #WIPSnips

An excerpt from a book called Martha Holmes Mysteries 2: The Bitter Obsession."

I continued making notes and contemplating. Without anything in writing, it would be hard to prove such an agreement was ever made. Owen knew he couldn’t leave such a paper trail; an indication that perhaps this wasn’t his first time mishandling such a mishap at his company.
And how much truth did his claims about Mia hold? Had she truly been Owen’s unraveling, financially, or was she a convenient scapegoat?

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jun 17

Right, so this feels out of left field from my norm BUT the only book I have used the word "platform" in as of late is my fantasy side project?? Welcome to Avardellia. A dark fantasy world about witches, witch hunters, and pirates. I work on this off/on. One day it'll be a serious project #WIPSnips

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jun 15

Another ✨vibes✨ snippet in which Martha's best friend, Daisy, points out they are both in their single girl eras for the first time in years. #WIPSnips #BookSky

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jun 14

It's a ✨vibes✨ day here. The podcast is their project on the side of their regular jobs. Experiencing womanhood in different stages is also a theme in this series! #WIPSnips #mysterybooks #booksky

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jun 12

Didn't have blade in "Martha Holmes Mysteries" but I did have "cut" so once more going with vibes. Is there already more to this seemingly mundane insurance fraud case? #WIPSnips

An excerpt from a book called "Martha Holmes Mysteries 2" The Bitter Obsession" by Lavinia Thompson.

“What else did Owen ever say about Mia?”
“Oh, man. He said she was a drug addict who stole money from him and that he had tried to get her into rehab. That she chose cocaine over him. Said he’d spent all this money to help her get her real estate license and she never paid him back. It sounds like she had a lot of problems Owen was trying to help her through and they broke up when he cut her off from his money,” Henry said.
I raised an eyebrow and met Tina’s gaze after she rolled her eyes. A silent acknowledgment of what most women knew: that toxic men loved to make us the problem after break ups. I cleared my throat.

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jun 10

Changing it up today! Also, going for ✨vibes.✨ This scene is a "clip" of a podcast my MC does with her best friend. From my other series, "Martha Holmes Mysteries," for which I am working on book 2. Martha is a PI going through a divorce. #WIPSnips

An excerpt from a book called "Martha Holmes Mysteries 2: The Bitter Obsession."

I paused. Put a hand over my mouth, then moved it before continuing.
“Ladies, don’t settle. The moment you feel alone with someone who is supposed to love you is the moment you lay the ultimatum down or leave. Something has to change or your are gone. I never did that. I let him… do what he wanted. I worked all the time. I wasn’t present in my marriage the way I should have been but did that warrant being cheated on?”

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jun 8

#WIPSnips Blackmail 👀

An excerpt from a book called "Beyond Cover 1: Diamond Gamble" by Lavinia Thompson

He shoved the gun into her stomach.
“Don’t make this harder than it needs to be. This is your last warning. Back. Off. You want these?” he said, shaking the bag. “You need to back off. You get the diamonds, and maybe I tell Dean it’s time to pull you out of this.”
He knew she was desperate. He could smell it. A predator with the need to feed on her fear and inexperience. An attempt to maybe even make her switch sides.

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jun 7

Emily is worried - how long can Dwayne keep going like this? #WIPSnips

An excerpt from a book called "Beyond Cover 1: Diamond Gamble" by Lavinia Thompson

Dwayne went quiet. He stared out the windshield as the street outside the Garnet Lounge faded along more nondescript city scenery. Buildings so tall they might scratch the sky. Afternoon light glinting off windows, a golden hue giving indication of winter’s early sunset. Emily watched his dark eyes remain dim despite it. Once more holding in his rage and need to vent; the things which would only detonate in time. She’d always seen him as so strong, someone experienced at this undercover work who could guide her along in her first mission.

Lavinia Thompson@laviniathompson· Jun 7

A word I use maybe too often! #WIPSnips