Publication Date: January 14, 2025
Deadly When Disturbed follows the journey of leading Realtor and philanthropist Dara Banks. When Dara searches for an assistant, finding someone as resourceful as Meryl “Merry” Rafter seems too good to be true. So good in fact, she neglects to run a reference check. Bad move. Before she knows it, Merry, a former “actress” trying to be “helpful,” has insinuated herself into Dara’s business, family, and charity, and may be the only person saving her from prison. Dara becomes suspicious and begins snooping into Merry’s past. Feeling cornered, Merry reciprocates by launching an investigation of her own and realizes—too late—that she may have picked the wrong mark to con. These women’s unsettling discoveries, and their desperate efforts to safeguard their skeleton-filled closets and fragile self-images, lead to an explosive confrontation certain to destroy the lives of everyone in their midst.
Dara Banks manages to juggle a stellar real estate career, a family, and a philanthropic endeavor, typically without losing a beat. When a last-minute catastrophe occurs hours before a huge fundraiser, help comes from an unlikely source.
Author D.M. Barr delivers a psychological thriller riddled with intensity in Deadly When Disturbed. On the surface, Meryl “Merry” Rafter is an absolute dream come true. She not only solves the fundraiser cake dilemma, but she seems to be the perfect fit as Dara’s new assistant.
Merry wins over Dara’s family with home-cooked meals, special gifts, and focused attention. So what if she changes her hairstyle and practically becomes a clone of Dara? As the main character, Dara wrestles with a deep-rooted sense of insecurity that becomes even more prevalent as the storyline develops.
A series of events leads Dara to dig deeper into Merry’s background, where she uncovers startling information. However, she must have proof before speaking out against the woman who has seemingly infiltrated Dara’s family. Getting that proof just might be more dangerous than Dara thought.
With twists and turns packed into the storyline, the author delivers a solid dose of suspense that builds on the shocking prologue. How far will someone go to make sure secrets are kept?
Deadly When Disturbed offers a fast-paced thriller where the bonds of friendship hide underlying dark threats.
Dawn M. Barclay is an award-winning author who writes psychological and romantic suspense as D.M. Barr and non-fiction under her own name.
Her eight other published books include Expired Listings, Murder Worth the Weight, and Saving Grace: A Psychological Thriller. Along with Deadly When Disturbed, in February LBB will also publish the first of her multi-volume series, Vacations Can Be Murder: A True Crime Lover’s Travel Guide.
Dawn recently completed her second stint co-editing a Sisters in Crime NY/Tri-state anthology. New York State of Crime, published by Down & Out Books in the fall of 2024, which includes her third published short story, “Orchestral Removals in the Dark.” She is currently editing an anthology of crime fiction for Down & Out Books inspired by the music of Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
Dawn offers developmental and copy editing through SuggestedDevelopment.com, and ghostwrites personal histories and corporate profiles through LegacyQuest.net. A member of ITW, she has served as president of Hudson Valley Scribes, vice president of Sisters in Crime-NY (still a board member), and the newsletter author/board member of the NY chapter of Mystery Writers of America.
Amy, I’m so glad you liked the book. Thanks for the great review. Based on your bio, two of my other books might appeal to you because they have the same vibe as 50 Shades. Shoot me an email and I’ll give you the titles because I’m not looking to use your comments section as a promo op.