Marlene M. Bell’s Annalisse series invites readers into a world of art, history, and crime that stretches across continents and generations. At the heart of the series is Annalisse Drury, an antiquities appraiser who discovers that the objects she studies often carry not only beauty but danger—and that following the truth can come at a cost.
The journey begins in Stolen Obsession, when Annalisse’s best friend is murdered and a cursed piece of jewelry may hold the answers. Her search leads her to Alec Zavos, the enigmatic son of a powerful family, and together they race from Manhattan galleries to the Aegean Sea to unravel a deadly conspiracy. In Spent Identity, Annalisse’s return to her hometown in Upstate New York uncovers a body in her family’s barn and the mysterious disappearance of her beloved aunt, plunging her into secrets that strike closer to home than she ever imagined.
Scattered Legacy expands the scope to Italy, where the Zavos family’s reputation collides with Mafia ties, embezzlement, and a conspiracy that could destroy everything Alec holds dear. And in Copper Waters, Annalisse travels to New Zealand seeking peace, only to find herself at the center of a local mystery involving suspicious deaths and small-town politics. Each installment heightens the suspense, balances peril with romance, and delivers twists that keep readers guessing until the final page.
Enjoy an Excerpt from Scattered Legacy
The reception area is completely empty, and there’s a smell like metal in damp dirt circulating overhead. Farther in, the ceiling fan is hovering on high speed, and the windows are open.
A dead body inside a warm office leaves an unmistakable odor behind, as did the body Ethan found inside the stall at Walker Farm. Decomp is one smell that sticks with you forever. Adding to the office creepiness, who chose the interior’s decor? We’re surrounded by limestone walls painted an ugly shade of ochre, slightly more yellow and definitely more unappealing than the building’s exterior. The rooms will need another coat of fresh paint to cover a harsh stench known to stick to the walls like cigarette tar does.
No one is nearby, not even the receptionist.
The office cubicles are silent but for a few flapping papers. Not a single desk phone is ringing.
It’s like the office decided to have a fire drill midday, and the employees left their computers on and didn’t bother to close folders—open to anyone passing by. Frames holding pictures of sweethearts and children stand by as guardians for the people who are absent from their high-back swivel chairs.
Officer Raffa returns and mutters in heavy Italian brogue, “Il signore is waiting for his…avvocato difensore.” He points to the room with a closed door. “Come, Mr. Zavos. Your friends stay here.”
“Josh is in there waiting for his defense attorney. Back soon.” Alec touches my arm and looks at Bill, sending him a private message.
Alec’s led to a side office, and the solid door closes behind them.
“Is Alec signing autographs, or should I even worry about what’s going on in that room? Has Josh been here the entire time messing with evidence?” I ask Bill.
“Alec’s prepared for all contingencies. I’m surprised they haven’t taken Jennings down to the station by now.”
A few minutes later, Alec emerges by himself. “They weren’t going to allow us to talk to Josh, but I persuaded him. It shouldn’t be much longer.”
For what feels like an eternity, we sit in ladderback pine chairs with brown cushions while Alec keeps adjusting his watch. I don’t know what Alec had to promise the officer. Autographs are fine with me, but if he had to pay him off, I’d rather not know.
About the Author: 
Marlene M. Bell is more than an author—she’s a multifaceted creative whose passions for storytelling, art, photography, and sheep ranching all find their way into her work. Her Annalisse series has been recognized internationally, with honors including Best Mystery awards, the IPPY for Best Regional Australia/New Zealand, the Global Award for Best Mystery, and Chanticleer’s International Mystery and Mayhem shortlist for Copper Waters. Marlene also writes for children, most notably in Mia and Nattie: One Great Team!, a tender picture book inspired by true events on her East Texas sheep ranch that celebrates belonging and unconditional love. Whether she’s behind the camera, at the easel, or at her desk, Marlene is committed to creating work that entertains, inspires, and connects with readers of all ages.
Learn more about her on her website, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Buy the book at Amazon.
Thanks so much for your Annalisse series books spotlight in the AME tour!