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This page lists novels that feature the amateur detective Jenny Cain.

Cover images are, where possible, of the first US edition and a recent paperback or digital edition.

Generous Death

Nancy Pickard

1984

A Jenny Cain novel.

"As director of the Port Frederick Civic Foundation, Jenny Cain is privy to the charitable intentions of the town's wealthiest citizens. There's eccentric old Arnie Culverson, who's promised millions to the local art museum. Who's found there one bright winter morning, neatly tucked into a priceless antique Chinese bed. With pillow and blanket. Dead. Then another dearly beloved donor dies in the night. And the killer leaves behind a nasty rhyme suggesting rich and beautiful Jenny will be next!"

Say No to Murder

Nancy Pickard

1985

A Jenny Cain novel.

"Jenny Cain was thrilled about the Liberty Harbor Restoration, a picturesque collection of shops, museums and restaurants. But when a runaway truck barreled into the project committee, it seemed someone in Port Frederick was out to sink Liberty Harbor. Then a wooden cross raised in unholy wrath made the message clear. Murderously clear. As director of the town's Civic Foundation, Jenny should have been glad when police detective Geof Bushfield reeled in a prime suspect. Unfortunately, it was the one person she was desperate to prove innocent. Fishing for a ruthless killer, she had to bait her trap fast - before the cold New England waters closed in over her own head!"

No Body

Nancy Pickard

1986

A Jenny Cain novel.

"Bright and beautiful Jenny Cain, director of the Port Frederick Civic Foundation, was dying of curiosity. A hapless visitor had slipped in the mud at the town's historic cemetery - and fallen right into an empty grave! When Jenny discovered that all the graves were vacant, it was the beginning of murder. Now Jenny has to dig up some answers, and fast--before the killer leaves her silent as a tomb!"

Marriage is Murder

Nancy Pickard

1987

A Jenny Cain novel.

"Jenny Cain and police detective Geof Bushfield already had pre-nuptial jitters. Then a sudden wave of domestic violence rocked placid Port Frederick - in just two weeks, the husbands of three battered wives were shot dead. Homicide was all too familiar to Geof, but this was enough to make him want to quit the force. Except that none of the wives confessed - and none of the guns were found. As Geof searched for clues, Jenny uncovered a dangerous secret - a murderous obsession that threatened to tear Port Frederick apart!"

Dead Crazy

Nancy Pickard

1988

A Jenny Cain novel.

"Jenny Cain didn't particularly like pompous, wealthy do-gooder MaryDell Paine, but she wasn't unsympathetic to her plea. MaryDell wanted the Port Frederick Civic Foundation - which Jenny headed - to fund a recreation center for former mental patients in the basement of an abandoned church. Despite competition from another buyer, Jenny was optimistic. Most of the neighbors didn't object to the center - until a man was found slashed to death in the basement, and all clues pointed to a paranoid schizophrenic patient. But when Jenny plunges into the shifting motivations of nervous neighbors, jealous lovers, greedy realtors and even her own charming, ne'er-do-well assistant, she comes up with another conclusion - one that puts her squarely in a cold-blooded murderer's line of fire!"

Bum Steer

Nancy Pickard

1990

A Jenny Cain novel.

"Charming amateur sleuth Jenny Cain returns in Bum Steer, to solve a mysterious murder that sends her on a twisting adventure in the wild, wild West."

I.O.U.

Nancy Pickard

1991

A Jenny Cain novel.

"After lying for years in a coma in a psychiatric hospital, Jenny's mother dies. At her funeral someone whispers a mysterious message in Jenny's ear. Jenny tries to discover the events in her family's past that led to her mother's mental collapse, but she is stonewalled by an old boy network."

But I Wouldn't Want to Die There

Nancy Pickard

1993

A Jenny Cain novel.

"When Jenny's friend Carol is killed while jogging in New York, the police write it off as another Manhattan mugging. But Jenny soon discovers that the story of Carol's life and death is full of dark and unexpected twists."

Confession

Nancy Pickard

1994

A Jenny Cain novel.

"David Mayer isn't looking for an emotional reunion when he reveals to Jenny and Geof Cain that Geof is his biological father. Geof is a cop and David wants him to help solve the alleged murder/suicide of his parents. But, when another violent murder is committed, the stakes rise and the pace heats up."

Twilight

Nancy Pickard

1995

A Jenny Cain novel.

"Jenny Cain is up to her ears in plans for the Port Frederick Autumn Festival when a young widow comes to her with a heart breaking story. Melissa Barney's husband was recently hit by a car at the intersection of a nature trail and a highway. Barney wants to close the trail, and Jenny is drawn into a long-running controversy that threatens disaster for all she holds dear."