Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

A Deadly Combo by Karen A. Phillips is a Rocky Nelson Boxing Mystery. Raquel, aka Rocky, has trained in boxing for years with the help of family friend Cutter and is confident that she can face anything thrown her way, except perhaps her own demons. When her sister Bridget returns with her new husband, Rocky pays her a visit to check out her new trailer and quickly learns that her sister hired a professional restorer to fix up the place. When the restorer is found dead soon after Rocky meets him, she worries that this could come back on her family and soon learns that Bridget has caught the attention of the local police. Determined to prove her sister’s innocence, Rocky begins her own investigation with the help of her father, though she quickly butts heads with Detective Thompson.

Rocky is a great character. She’s well-rounded with multiple layers to her that include sleuthing, boxing, familial relationships, and inner demons. These qualities make her instantly likable and relatable in how she closes herself off and handles the issues in her life. Each character that surrounds her helps to draw out one of these aspects of her personality. Her dynamic with Detective Thompson has a hint of rivalry as she goes against him, which gives humor to the story. Her familial relationships are the most important ones in her life with her father and her trainer being two influences that guide her. Scenes with each of them are so rich and rewarding, each time revealing something about Rocky as a character.

Karen A. Phillips specifically focuses on the relationship between the two sisters which is at the heart of the mystery and what drives Rocky forward. Their dynamic is realistically portrayed as they’re total opposites and each faces family demons that still have a presence in their lives. Phillips explores a variety of emotions with Rocky as she’s struggling to deal with past pain and hurt feelings that still impact how she reacts to situations and deals with her sister. The mystery takes them into trailerfest which is a fun backdrop to the story and helps to give the cozy aspect to it. A Deadly Combo is a delightful read with incredible characters that feel fully formed from their personalities to their dynamics and effectively draw you into this world.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Treat yourself to a steamy sleuth mystery with Glendall C. Jackson III's Naked Came the Detective. After receiving news of the brutal stabbing of one of her clients, a high-end escort plying her trade in Washington, D.C. takes it upon herself to solve the mystery behind the killing of Ben, an influential businessman who has links to some of the most powerful men in the city. The unnamed narrator insidiously retrieves information about the infamous murder from her clients, who come from varied backgrounds and aren't hesitant to share their thoughts about the murder. As she delves deeper into the case, she realizes that Ben was involved in a financial Ponzi scheme, which may have put him on the wrong side of many people. However, she must be careful lest she put herself in grave danger.

Glendall C. Jackson III offers a healthy dose of erotic thrills with this racy murder mystery. As a reader, you're drawn into the story from the very first page, and the author keeps feeding information in little bits and pieces to keep you engaged through to the end. The well-placed twists and turns of the plot keep things fresh, and you find yourself looking forward to what's going to happen next. I already am a big fan of sleuth murder mystery stories, and Naked Came the Detective is such a fresh take on the genre that I loved the book. The author's unique approach to the narrative adds to the intrigue and makes the tale all the more captivating. Murder mystery readers shouldn't miss out on this one.

Reviewed by Priya Mathew for Readers' Favorite

Bewitched, Bothered, and Beheaded is the tenth installment of The Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries by Heather Haven. The story starts at a police station where PI Lee Alvarez has been detained on murder charges. Readers are thrown into the deep end along with Lee and learn that she is there because a magic act involving a guillotine went wrong and magician Marvin the Magnificent's head was severed. When the Alvarez family gets behind the investigation to clear Lee’s name, things become more interesting. They learn about the considerable fortune Marvin amassed and the details of his will, which sheds light on the dynamics of inheritance. The provision mentioned in the will creates a potential motive for murder, as each heir stands to inherit a larger share of the estate if others die. In between misdirection and wrong twists and turns in the story, the Alvarez family races against time to find clues on who the real culprit could be.

As a huge fan of cozy mysteries, Bewitched, Bothered, and Beheaded hit all the right notes for me. The victim is portrayed as someone who wasn’t well-liked, and many characters had valid reasons to off the victim, other than just for the inheritance. The whacky mannerisms of the Alvarez family, the blend of humor and sarcasm in the dialogues, and the eccentric traits of their pets added to the comedic element of the story. I could imagine being part of the audience watching this narrative being played out as an interested bystander, all while cheering for the Alvarez family and especially Lee to get to the bottom of the mystery. Heather Haven has developed each of the characters well with their unique speech patterns and mannerisms, and although previous cases were mentioned in the narrative, I could easily follow along as a first-time reader of the series. This author has successfully added me to her fanbase.

Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite

Karen Ann Hopkins’ Demons Live Here is an engaging sleuth mystery that blends the charm of small-town life with the haunting legacy of the past. In the picturesque hills of southern Kentucky, Sheriff Sadie Mills finds herself drawn back to a derelict plantation house that she and her best friend, Tanya Beaumont, once frequented in their youth. When their old haunt comes up for sale, the two friends team up with the town’s coroner, forming a trio determined to restore the Helena House. However, their plan is disrupted when a series of murders and unsettling revelations about the plantation’s dark history begin to unravel. Sadie, now caught between a complex investigation and her personal ambitions, is forced to uncover long-buried secrets of betrayal, loss, and redemption, all while navigating the dangers that surround her.

Demons Live Here is an ideal read for fans of sleuth mysteries, particularly those who appreciate a strong female lead. Sheriff Sadie Mills is an intricately developed character, bringing together the traits of a resilient investigator and a woman seeking solace in her personal life. The narrative's blend of small-town gossip, historical intrigue, and compelling suspense will appeal to mystery lovers who enjoy books with a rich, atmospheric setting. Karen Ann Hopkins expertly weaves the plantation’s history into the present-day murder mystery, offering readers a layered narrative that slowly reveals its twists. The interactions between Sadie, Tanya, and the coroner also provide moments of humor and camaraderie, balancing the darker elements of the plot. Demons Live Here captivates with its steady pacing, rich dialogue, and memorable characters, making it a must-read for fans of mysteries with emotional depth.

Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite

The Itch of Murder by Christa Nardi is a fast-moving murder mystery that is solved by ordinary everyday people. It captures the reader's attention from the opening chapter right to the last one, which leaves the reader wanting more stories about the Di Sante family. It is written in such a way that will make the reader look forward to the next book as the twist in the tale at the end is very interesting and unusual. The characters lead the reader through the story with the ease of people very familiar with the world of solving murders. The main characters are Chloe and Izzie Di Sante and they are surrounded by friends and family, and victims – Chance Corcoran, Henry Jacobs, Kathleen Lucci, Evan Wheeling, Heather, Patrick Channin, Ryan, and many more. They are all part of this fast-moving story.

The author, Christa Nardi, makes good use of her characters and sets the pace of the story, allowing them to guide the reader through the many twists and turns and unexpected happenings in the most normal manner as if it is part of everyday life. Each character has their place in the story and is used to their fullest extent which makes the reader wonder about their lives as well. I found The Itch of Murder: An Izzie Di Sante Mystery to be a very light but delightful read and really enjoyed it. It is a book well worth reading. Thank you for an interesting and unexpected story, Christa; a very good read.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Vessels of Wrath is a gripping sleuth mystery set in the fictional town of Split Tree, Arkansas. It's the early 1960s. Police Chief Raymond "Big Ray" Elmore has enough doubts to convince himself that Ring Johnson committed suicide by blowing off his head with a gun. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Ray, alongside his deputy Ricky Forrest, follows the clues that point to something deeper beneath the surface. Meanwhile, a dangerous man named Gilbert Gervais has recently broken out of Tucker Prison and is suspected to be coming after the head of the town council, Carl Trimble. Carl is an abrasive man who maneuvers a DOJ investigation against Ray, leading to his temporary suspension. Carrying the sins of his past himself, will Ray be able to catch the killer before more people get hurt?

With a character-driven narrative and a plot as unpredictable as it is absorbing, Thomas Holland delivers a timeless sleuth mystery yarn for the ages. Holland maintains an even pace with the narrative, keeping your eyes glued to the pages with a plot full of well-placed curveballs to keep you guessing. But it is the characters who steal the show. Holland's characters are grounded, and when placed in a realistic setting like the town of Split Tree, the stakes feel real, and you will find it hard to put the book down even for a moment. Ray is someone with gravitas, and his relationships with the inhabitants of Split Tree create conflict and drama that is delicious to consume. Overall, Vessels of Wrath is a stellar installment from the Big Ray Elmore series.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Bowled Over Americano by Carolyn Arnold revolves around detective and author Sara Cain, who faces writer's block while working on her murder mystery novel until a stray beagle named Magnum leads her to the murder of his owner. Sara takes care of Magnum while investigating the case with her partner, Sean, and together they begin to peel back a series of linked mysteries, including a murder involving bowler Cliff Cunningham and a highly suspect woman he was speaking to before his death. Sean has his own personal grief to work through and is drawn closer to Sara. Undeterred, the pair goes undercover as a couple from Texas to investigate Cliff's past and dig up leads. As they progress and start to make some headway, Sara advocates for more control over the cases, Sean is overwhelmed by an unexpected legal document, and both confront emotional shake-ups while working to uncover the truth and deliver justice to those involved.

In her novel Bowled Over Americano, author Carolyn Arnold taught me two very important things: bowlers know a lot of super dodgy women, and fake beards exist off film sets. I also learned that Arnold is a crackerjack of a writer. The book has several things going for it that make it a really well-balanced cozy mystery, and the standout is Arnold's ability to develop really good characters. Sara is struggling somewhat professionally but it's clear she has the tenacity to push through because, as we find out, this is a woman who does not give up. She is imperfect and that tenacity to push through is sometimes just plain pushy, but that's Sara, and we like her because Arnold got us there comfortably. Sean is lifted up several times by Sara and it ultimately pays off. We'll leave it at that. Overall, this is the perfect book for a beach weekend or a couple of nights on the sofa. I look forward to seeing what Arnold gives us next in the Sara and Sean Cozy Mystery Series. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

The Islamorada Murders is the tenth novel in the Joey Mancuso, Father O'Brian Crime Mystery series by Owen Parr. Investigators Joey and Marcy Mancuso were on a well-deserved vacation at Islamorada, Florida Keys, when something strange transpired. A weirdly dressed man came up to them and asked them to do something baffling - he wanted Joey and Marcy to investigate his murder. This strange yet intriguing case was enough to lure them in. However, things became terrifying when people went missing or were found murdered. The turning point occurred when bodies started appearing. Their stranger was considered the prime suspect. What were Joey and Marcy going to do without their team? Getting help from the local police and detectives was all very well, but was this case too complicated for the detective duo?

I love this series! Owen Parr makes that sure each of the novels in the series is entertaining and stands out. The Islamorada Murders are intriguing from the very first chapter. From the moment the stranger was introduced in his suspicious clothing, I knew he was either bad news or the man of the hour. I loved the cohesive yet very persuasive way Marcy and Joey handled this case. They were out of their element, but they worked well as a team. I loved the pace and the dialogues, and Joey’s dry sense of humor was the highlight of the series for me. The mystery behind the murders was fantastic and handled remarkably well. I was invested and didn’t want to stop. The banter between Tico and Jote was hilarious yet their teamwork was outstanding. Once again, a job well done!

Reviewed by Bil Howard for Readers' Favorite

The fourth novel in the Myrtle Beach Mystery series, Death on the Causeway moves forward with the life of Clark Thomas, a widower, author, bookstore owner, and solver of murder mysteries. Clark gets pulled into solving a mystery when he stops to help out an attractive young girl stranded far from Louisiana. Shelly had been abandoned at a coffee shop on the 501 in Conway by her boyfriend, Brian. The two were food bloggers who had traveled the country reviewing various restaurants, making their final stop in Myrtle Beach before returning to Louisiana and a life together in the corporate world. Following a series of leads, Clark and Shelly do their best to track down Brian, hoping to find the answers to why he left her behind, but there is a lot more to the story than Clark could have imagined when he stopped to help the stranded girl. Once again, Clark puts his life in danger and has another murder to solve as he unravels several combined mysteries.

Caleb Wygal hits another out-of-the-park novel with Death on the Causeway. Whether new to the series or stepping in for the first time, you’ll be hooked. Clark’s troubled vulnerability and kindness drew me in immediately. I wanted him to have answers to his wife’s death and yearned for him to hook up with Gina Gomez, a steadfast heroine throughout the series. Even Shelly’s innocence had me hoping she’d get the answers she sought, which plays right into the sinister plot of a murder mystery that will keep you guessing from start to finish. Captivating, intriguing, and brilliantly laid out, Death on the Causeway is teeming with the intensity that mystery readers thrive on.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Mystic Pieces by Ada Bell is the first book in the Shady Grove Psychic Mystery series. Aly has several responsibilities including helping take care of her nephew, being the emotional support for her brother who recently lost his wife, and preparing for college classes to start. Now on top of all that, she has a job that lands her with even more responsibility than she is prepared for; working at an antique store and helping her eccentric new boss Olive. On the upside, Aly finds herself drawn to her boss's handsome son. As if she doesn't have enough on her plate, Aly discovers she has psychic visions, but she couldn't possibly be actually psychic. Could she? Then one of their customers at the store is found dead and the police think Olive is the one behind it. Aly must use her newly discovered abilities to prove her boss's innocence and catch a killer.

Ada Bell delivers a tangled mystery seen through the complex character of Aly who must find a balance between her roles as an aunt, a sister, a student, an employee, and now a psychic sleuth. The antique shop gives her a new opportunity and her strange boss Olive quickly becomes her mentor as she navigates this new stage in her life. The new job creates a catalyst for her psychic abilities just as the death connected to her boss is what pushes her into solving the murder herself. She's drawn into the role of a sleuth to prove her boss is innocent and it doesn't hurt that her boss's handsome son asks her for help. Olive's son has immediate chemistry with Aly which adds a flirty component to the story and to the lighthearted quality of the tone. The mystery falls into the cozy genre with the amateur sleuth, the light tone, and charm with Bell weaving the genre with a paranormal element. As Aly takes on the role of sleuth, she's also learning how to use her psychic abilities and searching for understanding about where they come from. Mystic Pieces is a charming, humorous, and original mystery that weaves a tale of murder and self-discovery with heart, family, and psychic visions.