Blog Tour: Nick Bancroft Mystery Series

~Author's Thoughts: And The Band Played On~

The last novel featuring Nick Bancroft in the Bancroft Mystery series is And the

Band Played On. In order to avoid hitting a sour note in his relationship with his

lover Maggie, he agrees to an evening under the stars at the outdoor band shelter in

Oakglen Park. Once more, Nick is attempting to distance himself from the

adrenalin rush of politically entangled murder mysteries. But, what is a detective to

do when the new case practically lands in his lap?

Not only is Nick drawn into the dirty details of the crime, Maggie and Nick

come face to face with the life changing events surrounding 9-11. Will the final

case and the attack of September 11 th break their spirits and crumble their love, or

will they emerge stronger and committed to a life together?

Preparing Dad’s books for re-release has given me a unique insight into who my

father was and who he hoped to be. See for yourself how the character of Nick

Bancroft struggles to find his place and to grow into what he believes. I will be

forever grateful for the stories and legacy left by my father, Bob Liter.

I am excited to carry the torch forward to live, love, learn, and leave a legacy. I

plan to release the sixth novel in the Bancroft Mystery series in the last quarter of

2020. The newest protagonist, J.B. Bancroft, will be introduced. Not all girls are

made of sugar and spice and everything nice. Some are made of adventure, dark

chocolate, intelligence, cuss words, and courage.

Back to And the Band Played On. . . The instruments are tuned; the musicians

are ready; and the music is about to begin.

~Try an Excerpt!~

A whip-crack sound bit into the air. A scream followed. The director's baton remained frozen in space. An instant of silence was shattered by, "Somebody help. She's bleeding. I think she's been shot."

The screamer stood in the third row to our left on the far side of the amphitheater. I dodged benches and people and raced to the scene. I put my hands on the screamer's shoulders and assured her it would be all right to rest her lungs. She collapsed and edged away from the body of a young woman sprawled on the bench. Blood dripped from the young woman's forehead.

I pressed a finger into her neck. No pulse. She was dead.

"Who is she? Is she really dead? Did anyone call the police?"

I stood on the bench beside the body, ignored the questions, and announced in my best imitation of authority, "Stay back. Don't disturb the scene."

Big Ed, breathing deeply, the cigar clamped at the edge of his mouth, said, "Who put you in charge, Bancroft?"

"Nobody's in charge until the police get here. I'm just trying to preserve the integrity of the scene."

A police siren grew louder and groaned to silence while the patrol car skidded to a stop on the edge of the parking lot. Two cops trotted down into the crowd and muscled their way to the death scene. One of them, Thomas something, a young guy with a square jaw, a big nose and brown eyes, said, "What's going on Mister Bancroft? The caller said someone was shot. We were just a block away."

~Meet Bob!~ 

Robert T “Bob” Liter (1923-2008) was born in Hartley, IA to Charles and Hazel Liter and grew up in Des Moines, IA.  His sisters June and JoAnn, joined the family before the decade was over. Bob was a U.S. Navy veteran, and was honorably discharged after two tours of duty, one tour in World War II and the other tour in the Korean War. A Graduate from Drake University in Des Moines, IA, he earned his degree in journalism, and married Lillian in 1950. 

What Happened Next...

I came along 9 months later; my name is Martie. I was soon followed by my sister Jeannie and two brothers, Jeff and Ron.

Later in Dad's journalism career, he worked as a copy editor for the Peoria Journal Star, Peoria, IL until his retirement. Through the years he was also a writer. Early in his sideline career he was published in various True Confession magazines. When Dad retired to take care of Mom he continued to pursue his passion for writing. Much of his work has been available since 2002 in EBook format. 

First Five Novels Available On Amazon NOW

It is my honor to introduce new readers to the Bancroft Mysteries where the character Nick Bancroft has an uncanny resemblance to my Dad, Bob Liter with his wit and bodacious gutsy approach to life.  Then there is Nick’s on-again off-again lady, Maggie Atley, who is just like Mom, Lillian Liter, in the way she deals with a self-proclaimed “male chauvinist piggy.” 

While Nick solves mysteries in the fictitious, but very real, community of Central City, IL he still finds time for his love-hate relationship with bowling, and his avid undying passion for the Chicago Cubs and Bears.

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Bob will be awarding a $Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via a Rafflecopter giveaway