Prior Restraint
by Stephen McGruire
” Prior Restraint”–America’s most famous news anchor is brutally murdered by terrorists, and the entire media establishment is paralyzed by the fear of who may be next. Seemingly overnight, a pernicious wave of self-censorship grips the airwaves, and no one dares to further criticize religious fanaticism. A corrupt Senator, intoxicated by ambition and greed, exploits the ensuing chaos, while a tenacious, young reporter risks her career and her life to uncover the truth. “Prior Restraint” is a chilling story about fear, greed and power that blurs the borders between reality and illusion, with a plot line even more terrifying in its disturbing proximity to our everyday reality.
What kind of person would dream of harming the elderly? How could such a thing ever happen in a place as nice as Marian Manor? These are the thoughts that plague Nora Brady, the young student nurse assigned to the lovely nursing home in Jacobsport, a small coastal town in northern California. When cherished belongings of the residents begin disappearing and several residents die unexpectedly, Nora is forced to act. While carefully observing those around her, she looks for clues, follows her hunches and plays detective as well as student nurse. But not everyone involved is happy with Nora’s investigation and Dan Maguire is one of them. He’s the young police detective assigned to the case who believes that the police should handle all crime investigations. Eventually, however, he realizes that it helps to have someone on the inside—and the inside of Marian Manor is certainly filled with colorful characters, from Nora’s co-workers and nurse managers to the residents with whom she loves spending time. Mystery at Marian Manor offers a glimpse into the world of nursing today and how one student nurse succeeded in making a difference!
