2012 New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards Finalist Murder is a ruby's curse: This fascinating tale of mystery, romance and motherhood teaches Maria Garcia-Stewart lessons of forgiveness and family unity. Maria, a widow and single parent of ten-year old twins, finds her life in danger when she is gifted an historic landmark estate after the death of her neighbor, Mr. Samuel Suarez. Maria is also the primary suspect in Mr. Suarez murder. Jack Parade, an Antiquarian Broker, who discovered the body of the prominent Albuquerque resident, becomes romantically involved with the new heiress of the Suarez Estate. He teams up with Maria, her sons, the meddlesome cat, and Detective Buddy Sullivan, who is the investigator on the Suarez murder, to search for the missing ruby in a secret room in the Suarez' mansion. Maria's main objective is to protect her sons all while dealing with overwhelming emotions, pandemonium and physical threats upon her life. Maria just wants a normal, routine family life with her sons and their cat, but her family keeps growing along with the adventures, the turmoil and the suspense.