Hi

Hello and welcome to my blog — I’m Alan Moody, author of The Price of Murder, a mystery novel set in 1985 featuring locked-room intrigue, family secrets, and a determined amateur sleuth named Catherine Forrester.

Whether you’ve stumbled across this page by chance, or you’re here because you love a good whodunnit, I’m glad you’re here. This blog is my space to share the journey of writing and publishing my debut novel, along with behind-the-scenes insights, updates, and a few surprises for readers along the way.

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🔍 A Mystery Thirty Years in the Making

The Price of Murder is inspired by the classic crime fiction I grew up with — the kind of slow-burn, clue-rich storytelling made famous by Agatha Christie, P.D. James, and Ruth Rendell. But while the style may be classic, the story has its own twists.

The novel begins with the shocking murder of Reginald Price — a prominent man found dead behind a locked study door. His daughter Catherine, now married and living away from the family home, returns to Elm Road not only to grieve but to investigate. What follows is a tangle of timelines, missing evidence, conflicting motives, and a growing suspicion that things are not what they seemed.

I’ve loved creating these characters — particularly Catherine, who isn’t a detective by profession, but possesses a sharp mind, an iron will, and a personal stake in the truth.

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📚 Want to Read the First Two Chapters?

As a thank you for stopping by, I’m offering the opening chapters of The Price of Murder — completely free. You’ll meet Catherine Forrester, Inspector Stowe, and the rest of the Price family, and see the mystery take shape.

Just click here to get instant access.

You’ll receive the chapters straight to your inbox — and I’ll keep you updated as more mysteries unfold.

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✍️ What to Expect from This Blog

In future posts, I’ll be sharing:

• The real-life inspirations behind the book
• Deleted scenes, alternate endings, and writing challenges
• Advice for other writers trying to finish their first novel
• Progress on the next book (yes, Catherine will return…)

Whether you’re a mystery fan or a fellow writer, I hope you’ll follow along and share in the journey.

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Thanks for reading — and remember, the clues are always there. You just have to look closely.

— Alan