The Princes of Shelby County

The second book in the Murder in the Mississippi Delta series, The Princes of Shelby County is finished! The first reviews are out – and it’s a hit with readers! Click on the links the read the review over at Amazon.com

• Wayne W. 4.0 out of 5 stars Political Dynasties, Family Secrets, and a Murder Mystery” Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2024 Ember Prince is a captivating and thought-provoking political thriller. As Marnie Gellhorn unravels the layers of the Prince family’s storied past, the narrative takes on the richness of historical drama while maintaining the edge of a murder mystery. The exploration of how the Princes have navigated scandal, tragedy, and political power through generations is brilliantly done. The addition of Rex Lester as a strong, grounded detective complements Marnie’s investigative zeal perfectly. The book’s portrayal of women in political dynasties—often hidden behind the men who build empires—adds a layer of depth that elevates this from a simple crime novel to an exploration of power and legacy. A must-read for fans of complex characters and political thrillers.
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• Bruce Iacovelli 5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read for fans of deeply evocative and thrilling mysteries Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2024 Marnie Gellhorn’s The Princes of Shelby County is a gripping southern noir that masterfully intertwines mystery, intrigue, and the complex dynamics of the Mississippi Delta. In this second installment, Gellhorn deepens the richly atmospheric setting while exploring themes of power, betrayal, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. The plot unfolds with relentless tension, keeping readers hooked as dark truths emerge. Her characters are vividly drawn, embodying the struggles and contradictions of a region steeped in history and conflict. With its sharp prose and twisting narrative, this book is a must-read for fans of deeply evocative and thrilling mysteries.

The Princes of Shelby County brings readers the story of another royal family of the Mississippi delta. The Princes political dynasty goes back generations and breaks the rigid codes of the antebellum South. Their dynasty is now threatened by the untimely murder of a local playboy and political opponent.

Meet the characters

Frederick , the patriarch 

A stoic, strong and logical man, who serves as the patriarch of the Prince family. He is unable to forgive or forget any of the horrors inflicted on his family as he watches his young wife, Catherine grow bitter.

Catherine, his wife

From their initial flight to Virginia, through the birth of their children, Catherine has been friend, helpmate and lover to her husband, Frederick. But after betrayal, heartbreak and tragedy, she has changed, into the matriarch of the family, with a steel backbone and unforgiving nature.

The children:

Langston, the oldest. He carries the weight of responsibility on his shoulders along with the expectations and ambitions of this family. He is the first to enter politics. With his ambitious wife, Dorothy by his side, the Langston Princes will pull the Prince family up the rungs of Memphis society.

Arthur,  a doomed romance with a local girl changes his life forever.

Josephine, too beautiful for her own good.

Their children:

Lysander and his wife, Desdemona would be the first to establish the family’s empire

Daphne – she embarks on her own path; one that takes her far from Memphis and all that she had ever known

Teremity – she shouldn’t exist but she does. The child that is lost to the family.

And their children:

Harriet: Headstrong, stubborn and strong. Life will test her, but she remains unbroken.

Langston Henry: Unforgiving yet determined, he and his wife Bernice instill the Prince family’s strength into their large brood.

And their children:

Barbara, whose conservative exterior hides her heartfelt convictions

Joyce Her rebellious streak is fed by anger and envy

Jack  for which is all comes so easily

Richard  Bound by family tradition to stay the course

Robert “Bobby” the prodigal son, who will do anything to win

Desdemona “Dessie” the youngest daughter, coming of age in a world turned upside down

And their children:

Ember  the daughter of the rakish Jack, newly returned from Hollywood

Jonah  Bobby’s other son, who, like Ember, he struggles to carry the legacy of the Prince family on his slim shoulders.

Robert Jr.  following in the footsteps of his namesake

The other Memphis players

Robert Church,  unorthodox and uncompromising, this shrewd businessman was the wealthiest man in the community. However, his unscrupulous ways earned him the enmity of the Prince family.

Julia Hooks  A musical prodigy, this angel of Beale Street is dealing with her own demons.

E. H. Crump  the unofficial emperor of Memphis, who rules with an iron fist. Defy him and you would pay the price.

Lee Filderman a notorious Memphis defense attorney, known for his fashion sense and his brilliant legal tactics

Sgt. Rex Lester a down home Mississippi native and long-time Memphis homicide detective. His slow southern drawl hides a keen intellect