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Show Me Mysteries #1

Show Me Betrayal

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Two deaths occur decades apart. Is it possible these deaths are related? What motivates a killer, who got away with murder sixty years ago, to kill again? Was it uncontrollable rage or the hope of silencing someone who fit all the puzzle pieces together and deduced who committed the crime? Set in the picturesque town of Mexico, Missouri, Show Me Betrayal takes flight in words and emotions of rich characters woven together into a story you won’t want to put down.

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2023

11 people are currently reading
89 people want to read

About the author

Ellen E. Withers

8 books42 followers
Ellen is an award-winning fiction writer, freelance writer and retired insurance fraud investigator. She is excited about her mystery/dual-time series, Show Me Mysteries, set in her picturesque hometown of Mexico, Missouri. Scrivenings Press released the first book of the series, Show Me Betrayal, May 16, 2023. It was a dual finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writer's 2024 Carol Awards in the Debut Novel and Mystery/Suspense/Thriller categories. It was the Scrivenings Press Reader's Choice Award for Best Mystery/Suspense for 2023. Book two in the series, Show Me Deceit, released May 14, 2024 and won the Scrivenings Press Reader's Choice Award for Best Mystery/Suspense for 2024 . Book three in the series, Show Me Skullduggery, will be published May 2025.

She is also proud to be one of three contributors to a Christmas novella collection titled A Gift for All Time, released September 26, 2023, from Scrivenings Press.

Ellen has a nonfiction book to help writers win writing contests. Magic Words: How to Enchant Judges & Conjure Contest Wins was published by Scrivenings Press January 2025.

More information about Ellen’s books, writing tips and guest author highlights can be found at her website www.ellenewithers.com.

Her Facebook page is Ellen E. Withers.

When not writing or reading, Ellen enjoys spending time with her family, traveling the world with her adventurous friends and performing with Top of the Rock Chorus, a Sweet Adeline chorus in central Arkansas.

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5 stars
68 (63%)
4 stars
28 (26%)
3 stars
7 (6%)
2 stars
4 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author 1 book513 followers
July 2, 2023
I am always delighted when I find a new author to enjoy, so I’m pleased to report that Show Me Betrayal – my introduction to Ellen W. Withers’ writing – has whet my appetite for more! I was immediately roped into the mysteries, in both the past and the present, and I stayed invested in figuring out how, or even IF, they were connected.

Liesl is instantly likable and relatable, and we feel as though we are running up those stairs into that grand Victorian house right along with her, desperate to find out how Aunt Suzanne is even though we haven’t met her yet. I enjoyed Liesl’s personality and appreciated how the author helps us get to know her backstory and her various layers. Liesl’s dialogue sometimes felt too formal/old-fashioned, and I would have liked to delve more into her work as a romance author – but perhaps we will in future stories. Only so much you can fit into one book, after all! I really liked Liesl as a protagonist and would love to spend more time with her character in the future.

In the storyline that takes place in the 1960s, we do meet Aunt Suzanne right away and you will easily love her as well. She is a strong young woman with sharp instincts who cares deeply about her friends. A senseless tragedy has her growing up quickly and then investigating the murder of her best friend – something she has continued into the present timeline, too, and Liesl soon picks up the investigation. The murder of Winnie (Aunt Suzanne’s best friend) is well-layered with creative twists that carry across both timelines and kept me guessing until nearly the end. I put the pieces together just a tad before Liesl does, but not much before, and the other mysteries (that may or may not be connected – you’ll have to read it to find out!) were also cleverly constructed to bring out my inner Nancy Drew.

A variety of supporting characters fill these pages with some romantic potential, some solid & long-standing friendships, and – of course – suspects then and now. I am most interested in Liesl’s ex-boyfriend Kurt and his adorable little boy. It’s clear Kurt has never quit loving Liesl, even if he doesn’t directly say so, and I hope he gets his act together in future books so he doesn’t lose her to someone else. There’s a lot between them that needs to be worked out, not all of it pretty, but the author’s choice to make him a local detective aided in keeping him and Liesl on the same page (literally and figuratively lol) in this story. I’m excited to see where this romance potential leads, but I know how I want it to turn out!

Bottom Line: Show Me Betrayal by Ellen E. Withers engages readers with a great old house, a cozy small town, two likable strong women, two timelines, an overarching mystery to solve – and a few others that pop up in the meantime, a hint of romance, and a gentle dose of faith. I look forward to reading future books in the series and seeing where the author takes her characters developmentally. The ending was a little abrupt for my liking but it definitely has me wanting the next book right away! Is it 2024 yet?? Show Me Betrayal is a great choice for fans of Ramona Richards and Amanda Wen, as well as Liz Johnson’s Georgia Coast Romance series!

(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Profile Image for Regina Merrick.
Author 17 books63 followers
May 25, 2023
I was hooked from the beginning of this dual-time novel. Two murders, two crimes to solve - and they're connected? Yes, please! I'd like to see a sequel to explore the main characters a bit . . . hint-hint! :) Looking forward to more from Ellen E. Withers!
Profile Image for Staci.
2,306 reviews668 followers
June 12, 2024
1961 & present day Mexico, Missouri

Enjoyable time slip mystery! I like reading about cold cases and getting to know a recently deceased character in the current timeline through their teenage years in the 1961 timeline was a good approach.

Glad this is part of a series and look forward to reading book two.
Profile Image for Heather Greer.
Author 15 books346 followers
December 31, 2024
I don’t usually read mystery or suspense stories because I don’t like unsettling things. However, I purchased this book for my grandson who reads adult mysteries regularly. I didn’t want to pass it on without doing my due diligence and reading it first. Being Christian fiction, I knew there wouldn’t be gore, language, or sexual content. But I still wanted to see how the details of the crimes were handled before giving it to a preteen.

I’m so glad I did. Not because I found anything concerning, but because I throughly enjoyed the story. First, the setting. Mexico, Missouri is a town I didn’t know existed until this book, but if it is anything like the author describes it, the place sounds charming, fictional murder aside. And the description of the Victorian house perfectly captures the equal parts charm and creepiness that often reside in Victorian homes. I’ve always thought they must keep the best secrets. The one in this book certainly does.

I also enjoyed the characters. Liesl, Kurt, and Nicole are friends that grew up together. They’re tied together with all the love, camaraderie, shared experiences, and even hard times between them that often accompany small-town friendships. And though theirs takes a totally different path, the friendships in the historical thread of the book are just as realistic and relatable.

And the historical portion of the story is well done too. References to common events and activities of the time are true to the period. And even though some of them may be foreign to me, not having lived in that time period, they were written in an easily understood and relatable manner. Teenagers are teenagers in every time period.

As for the mystery itself, I won’t go into details since the last thing I suspect a mystery reader wants is spoilers. What I will say is the little glimpses the author gives into the mind of a killer are well-done. They really make the reader feel how unhinged the villain truly is. She also balances giving hints to the identity of the murderer with believable alternatives. You may think you’ve got it figured out, but you won’t know for sure until the big reveal.

I may not typically go for mysteries, but I’ll definitely be checking out book two in the series
Profile Image for Patricia Bradley.
Author 29 books1,299 followers
June 16, 2023
I got caught up in this dual-timeline mystery on the first page. Ellen E. Withers did a great job of weaving both stories together, and I loved the characters and setting of Mexico, Missouri. I felt like I knew the town and the people.

There were plenty of clues pointing toward the killer, but I didn’t know who it was until almost the end! That’s unusual for me. The characters quickly came to life and Liesl won my heart right away, as did Kurt. And in the earlier timeline, Suzanne was a force to be reckoned with.

Ellen E. Withers did a great job of making my suspense-loving heart ratchet up. This is a story both mystery and suspense lovers will enjoy!
Profile Image for Courtney Pityer.
703 reviews41 followers
May 26, 2025
This mysterious dual timeline novel will surely keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. The modern timeline deals with a young woman visiting her aunt on her death bed and she soon comes into an inheritance however some things her aunt said on her death bed puzzles her. The other timeline deals with the aunts life in the 1960's and an incident that changes her life forever.
Lisel receives a call that her Aunt Suzanne is dying. On her death bed she mentions details concerning the death of her friend in the 1960's. Lisel then discovers she has inherited a lot from her aunt's estate. However, after moving in Lisel keeps having some peculiar things happening and soon she starts to believe that her Aunt was murdered. She teams up with her old friend Kurt who is a detective and while they investigate they start to wonder if her aunts death is connected to her friend Winnie's murder in the 1960's.
In the 1960's Suzanne is a typical teenage girl with a loving family and great friends. However, one night while having a birthday party for her friend Winnie something tragic happens and soon everyone around is being questioned for Winnie's death. Suzanne and the citizens of Mexico Missouri try to move on with their lives but the killer is still at large and everyone is unware that the killer is one of their own. However, in later years Suzanne later finds some sketchy dealing in a charity she is involved in that could lead to her own downfall.
I will admit this novel literally had me on the edge. I orginally thought that the murderer was someone else but before the reveal I switched my answer to another person and it turned I was right.
A huge thank you to the author who sent me a copy to read and review.
3 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2023
Captivating and heartwarming mystery

Loved the characters and setting as well as reference to familiar places and foods, such as Meng cheese and Kwikis, two hometown favorites. This is a book I will enjoy reading again and can hardly wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Heather Greer.
Author 15 books346 followers
November 22, 2024
I don't usually read mystery or suspense stories because I don't like unsettling things. However, I purchased this book for my grandson who reads adult mysteries regularly. I didn't want to pass it on without doing my due diligence and reading it first. Being Christian fiction, I knew there wouldn't be gore, language, or sexual content. But I still wanted to see how the details of the crimes were handled before giving it to a preteen.

I'm so glad I did. Not because I found anything concerning, but because I throughly enjoyed the story. First, the setting. Mexico, Missouri is a town I didn't know existed until this book, but if it is anything like the author describes it, the place sounds charming, fictional murder aside. And the description of the Victorian house perfectly captures the equal parts charm and creepiness that often reside in Victorian homes. I've always thought they must keep the best secrets. The one in this book certainly does.

I also enjoyed the characters. Liesl, Kurt, and Nicole are friends that grew up together. They're tied together with all the love, camaraderie, shared experiences, and even hard times between them that often accompany small-town friendships. And though theirs takes a totally different path, the friendships in the historical thread of the book are just as realistic and relatable.

And the historical portion of the story is well done too. References to common events and activities of the time are true to the period. And even though some of them may be foreign to me, not having lived in that time period, they were written in an easily understood and relatable manner. Teenagers are teenagers in every time period.

As for the mystery itself, I won't go into details since the last thing I suspect a mystery reader wants is spoilers. What I will say is the little glimpses the author gives into the mind of a killer are well-done. They really make the reader feel how unhinged the villain truly is. She also balances giving hints to the identity of the murderer with believable alternatives. You may think you've got it figured out, but you won't know for sure until the big reveal.

I may not typically go for mysteries, but I'll definitely be checking out book two in the series. I give Show Me Betrayal five stars.
Profile Image for Angie Hyche.
Author 2 books66 followers
February 22, 2024
I was definitely hooked from the beginning pages, and I finished the book very quickly. Now I just need book #2 to be ready! I loved the masterful way the author weaved the two stories in two timelines. Great writing!
Profile Image for Mary Johns.
Author 5 books262 followers
June 7, 2023
A mystery that spans decades. Loved this concept. Loved this author. I found this story believable and thoroughly engaging. An all around fun read that will keep you guessing "whodunit" to the very end. Looking forward to more "Show Me Mysteries"!
18 reviews
June 3, 2023
Interesting plot which was well thought out. Good research of events and location. Dialogue was a little difficult to follow at times.
1 review
June 3, 2023
Fun read

Fun book to read especially if you have ever been to Mexico, Mo. The plot moved smoothly and quickly. I look forward to reading more books from Ms. Withers
Profile Image for Beth Westcott.
Author 6 books30 followers
June 3, 2023
In this dual time mystery, the author weaves together the clues from the past and a woman's dying words in the present to solve two murders 60 years apart. Three friends work together following the clues, unsure who they can trust. Lots of suspense and a little romance with authentic characters and an intriguing plot.
Profile Image for DianFlow.
439 reviews43 followers
August 30, 2024
BAM! That's the sound of the author hitting this page-turner way out of the ballpark! I was mesmerized by this fascinating dual-timeline set in the picturesque small town of Mexico, Missouri—where everybody knows your name—and your business!

I typically enjoy contemporary fiction more than historical (depending on the author), but I couldn't wait to get back to the past and the events that occurred way back when. Just decent teens evolving into adulthood—their first exciting parties, first cars, stolen innocent kisses—and murder? Who and how? . . . and certainly nothing any teenager should ever have to go through.

Fast forward 60 yrs to Liesl Schrader who inherits her beloved aunt’s opulent Victorian home. A huge, creepy house, but Liesl loves it so I guess that's all that matters! Aunt Suzanne's last words send her on a journey to find the missing pieces of the puzzle and bring a murderer to justice.

There are just snippets of romance, but nothing between the hero (Kurt) and Liesl except a renewed friendship. Although there is resolution and the mystery is solved, there is a sorta cliff-hanger leading the reader to the next book in the series—Show Me Deceit—starring none other than Liesl and her detective friend, Kurt! Guess I'll be returning to Mexico! 😃
Profile Image for David Williams.
Author 3 books30 followers
November 26, 2024
I got interested in this series when I spotted Show Me Betrayal on display at a writers' conference some months ago. I met the author, a gracious and friendly woman who has more stories to tell as a former insurance fraud investigator than she can fit in her books. I appreciated the added layer of authenticity her former profession brings to bear on this work. Withers writes extraordinarily well, and her scene descriptions are vivid and engaging. I've actually been to Mexico, MO, and description of that little town is spot on. Throw in a fun red herring or two, some memorable characters, and you know your time with these pages is well spent fun.
Profile Image for Mary.
Author 10 books61 followers
May 26, 2024
I absolutely loved the setting of the old house. I especially liked the dance floor put in the attic. Hosting dances long ago. I would think it was wonderful. Withers painted such a wonderful place for this story to take place. Her main character had a lovely name, Liesl and heart love for her family both present and from the past.

Show Me Betrayal is a dual-time story. Two murders linked. This captivating story keeps readers curious, wondering who killed Winnie and later Aunt Suzanne in this lovely setting in Mexico, Missouri.

Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Linda Dindzans.
Author 2 books43 followers
November 9, 2024
The setting of an old Victorian house, in a fishbowl small town, and two mysterious deaths, sixty years apart, immediately grabs the reader and doesn’t let go through the entire story. Withers has created a dual time mystery, full of suspense both in the past and present, inhabited by endearing characters. There are cleverly woven plot twists that kept me guessing and turning pages. While the mystery is solved, the reconciliation and growing love story between Liesl and Kurt is not. The reader is left satisfied, but eagerly awaiting the next book.
Profile Image for Christa Jacimore.
40 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! The characters were very well described and likeable and/or very interesting. The mysteries throughout were intriguing for sure and I didn't figure it out until it was revealed for sure, or almost at that point. I loved the description of the old house and the town and the specific small town stuff and feel. Great first book for sure and just a great book! Way to go, Ellen Withers.
78 reviews2 followers
November 4, 2023
A great bok

I enjoyed the book very much. It was kinda complicated at first to understand that Suzanne and Winnie was part of the mystery. But when I understood the story, I enjoy the book and story.
6 reviews2 followers
May 26, 2024
Suspense grabbed me from cover to cover!

Loved the author's characterization of each person in the novel! Ellen Withers' novels are certain to win raves! I've bought the next book on Kindle.
Profile Image for Jen Dodrill.
Author 5 books156 followers
July 9, 2024
Wonderful book full of mystery!

Fabulous mystery in, Show me Betrayal. Great characters, and interesting red herrings. The history in the town and the house was very fascinating. Great book!
Profile Image for Teresa Wells.
Author 1 book32 followers
September 4, 2024
great dual time mystery!

I really like the way Ellen Withers connected the past mystery to the present suspicious death. The beautiful old home was so vivid, almost like a character in its own right. I loved the story and look forward to reading the second book in the series.
25 reviews
April 6, 2025
Great read!

I loved the characters, the dual story line and the Victorian house! I t was a very interesting story with a great ending. I love it when a plan comes together! Thank you Ellen!
Profile Image for Jennifer Hallmark.
Author 5 books74 followers
October 6, 2025
Good Mystery

I love mysteries with a touch of romance and Show Me Betrayal by Ellen E. Withers is both. Just enough romance and a good mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. You’ll like this book…
5 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2023
My hometown

I grew up I mexico, it was wonderful to relive my memories, thank you. I can not wait until the next installment.
26 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2023
Awesome book! The dual time lines flowed really well. The characters and plot were well developed. Can't wait for the next in the series.
6 reviews
November 5, 2023
Great book!

Kept me in suspense until the end. Hard to put this book down. I enjoyed the setting being in Missouri!
Profile Image for Deva J.
43 reviews
June 25, 2024
Delightful! I really enjoyed the flashbacks and the look into the past as Leisl sought the truth about what happened to her Aunt Suzanne, and solved a cold case along the way!
Profile Image for Melmo2610.
3,639 reviews
September 12, 2024
This was a really interesting mystery. I enjoyed the dual timelines and the Missouri setting. The mystery was well done and the ending fit the the story. I will definitely read more in this series.
Profile Image for Crissy Loughridge.
42 reviews
September 14, 2024
I could not put this book down! The mystery, characters, split time...all very well done and kept me turning pages! I can't wait to read book two! Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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