Ava O'Neill is a commercial real estate broker in Dallas, Texas. She is not a detective, no matter what she says. Has she been helpful to the police before? Yes. Do they appreciate her assistance? Mostly, no. But does she care? Definitely not. Poisoned starts out with Ava attending an industry dinner with three business associates, one of whom dies at the table. She immediately jumps at the opportunity to help solve the case, despite several warnings to stay out of it. With the help of her aunt, a former FBI forensic scientist, and an unwilling James Abbott, her coworker and close friend, Ava runs all over town searching for answers. Right when she thinks she has it solved, another death and a kidnapping distract her from the truth.
Intertwined in the mystery is a subtle love story between Ava and her long-time friend, Jake. Poisoned is the second novel in the Ava O'Neill Mystery Series. Finding Sally (book 3), and The Organ Thief (book 4), are nearly complete.