Murder in the Rough - Softcover

J.S. Borthwick lives with her family on the Maine coast, where many of her mysteries are set.

"Just when you figured she couldn't get much better, Borthwick kick[s] it up another notch."-Rockland (ME) Courier-Gazette

After weeks of relentless rain and fog, summer graces the Maine coast. Sarah Deane wants only to help her in-laws adjust to living in Ocean Tide, an "architect-designed home-town community," and enjoy the warm weather before she returns to teaching in the fall. She absolutely does not want to become embroiled in another murder investigation. Even when police find the body of an 18 year-old on Ocean Tide's golf course, Sarah vows not to let it sidetrack her from an agenda of rest and relaxation. But after a frightened boy causes her to discover a second murder victim, her curiosity-and protective impulses toward a child who may have seen too much-overpower her better judgment. Tiptoeing into territory better left to the authorities, Sarah unearths disturbing family ties and a lethal secret hidden just beneath Ocean Tide's veneer of squeaky clean community values...

"From the fog that sometimes engulfs the land to the crystal clear Maine days, this novel will delight existing Borthwick fans and should attract new ones."-Publishers Weekly

"[Borthwick] has a sharp eye for character and setting."-Chicago Tribune

Critical Acclaim for the Mysteries of J.S. Borthwick

Coup De Grace
"Borthwick spins another enjoyable, literate tale."-Chicago Tribune

"Borthwick's easy style and charming characters make this a first-rate fireside read."-Publishers Weekly

"The campus humor is pointed and the idiosyncratic characters are saturated with enough color to brighten the dark side of academic life."-New York Times Book Review

"Go and get your copy--this one's a must-read."-Courier-Gazette (Rockland, ME)

"Stylish, sharp, satiric, this is a mystery in the best traditional vein."-The Poisoned Pen

My Body Lies Over the Ocean
"More engaging work from a proven author."-Library Journal

"Always witty, sometimes farcical, full of wonderfully arcane allusions to old movies, this novel succeeds as a tightly controlled and unflagging thriller."-Publishers Weekly

Dolly Is Dead
"[Borthwick's] plots are more intricate than most in this genre...[and] best of all, the literacy level is high enough to support the odd bookish quip. Is the wind up yet? This is perfect fireside reading." -The New York Times Book Review

The Bridled Groom
"The smashing finale of a murderer on horseback is hair-raising."-Houston Post

"Engaging and literate."-Publishers Weekly

"Riveting, and suspense-filled, generously seasoned with good humor and a touch of the macabre...[a] deftly crafted thriller."-Bangor Sentinel

"The characterizations are well done, and the storyline is smooth and interesting...Good interplay between the characters...The author keeps your interest."-Mystery News

Bodies of Water
"A terrific yarn...The setting is perfect and the plot will keep you guessing all the way. Borthwick just gets better and better as her hand gets surer."-The Courier-Gazette (Rockland, ME)