"A smart, sympathetic protagonist, lots of colorful details, and even tips on creating trompe l'oeil paintings . . . A Palette for Murder is a work of art" (Ellen Byron, USA Today–bestselling author).

Summer is sizzling in Vista Beach, the home of computer programmer and tole-painting enthusiast Aurora "Rory" Anderson. The abnormally high temperatures are hard on everyone in the quiet Los Angeles county beach community, especially the city's homeless population. Residents are doing everything they can to stay cool, including leaving windows open to catch the faintest breeze. Not the best idea when a string of burglaries is plaguing nearby towns.

Still, Rory doesn't expect to find her neighbor's body just a few doors down. When suspicion falls on a friend and fellow painter, Rory must discover the truth before the police paint the wrong picture and send her friend away permanently.

"Johnson has crafted a clever mystery with a colorful protagonist. Set along the vibrant Southern California coast, this story resonates with a rich understanding of the artistic as well as the homeless communities. A smooth read!" —Daryl Wood Gerber, national-bestselling author of Grilling the Subject

"A well-crafted tale of betrayal, revenge, and the power of family ties, set in a Southern California beach town." —Maggie King, author of Murder at the Moonshine Inn