Money isn’t worth killing for, or is it?When her estranged husband is murdered, Stacie Maroni Noth is quickly identified as the main suspect. With divorce papers not yet signed, she may get a substantial inheritance – a clear motive in the eyes of both Noth’s family and the police. His family and law firm strive to keep up the pretense that all is above reproach and idyllic. In her quest to prove … quest to prove her innocence, however, Stacie discovers she’s not the only one with a motive for murder. Could it be a colleague at the prestigious law firm where he worked? Or is it tied to the victim’s stance on domestic violence? Or maybe even his threats to reveal family secrets? Whatever the true motive may be, it soon becomes clear that Stacie might be the next victim.
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Enjoyed this book a lot. Loved the main character and the minor characters, too. Lots of intrigues to keep you guessing. The blurb snagged me and that it was in Kindle Unlimited. I also liked that it wasn’t a huge book, so can be read over a few days.
This was my first Christa Nardi’s book, and won’t be my last. This is the first book in the Stacie Maroni Mystery Series. This is a great cozy mystery, fast paced, with interesting characters and a well crafted plot. The storyline has mystery, and twists and turns. Naomi Rose-Mock did a great job with the narration. Looking forward to listening to the next book in the series.
Everyone will tell you I love a good mystery. This book is slightly deeper than a cozy, but lighter than suspense – so perfect holiday weekend reading. The characters are engaging and varied, making you feel for the protagonist’s position when she is accused of murdering her ex. Stacie is refreshingly sensible as a suspect, and does all the right things, making the reader root for her all the way. The subject of domestic violence is sensitively handled, and the clues are littered about easily enough for the reader to play along. The killer didn’t surprise me, but the dénouement was satisfyingly wrapped up with the promise of more from these characters. I will be reading more of this series.
Surprise ending.
Stacie is drowning her frustrations of an upcoming divorce at a bar one night and wakes up to a knock on her door the next morning. Standing there are two detectives waiting to give her bad news. She doesn’t take the death of her soon to be ex-husband well. I know I shouldn’t laugh but one of the detectives just happens to be the man she had a drink with the night before. Can you say awkward? I wasn’t surprised at all that she was a suspect because they always suspect the spouse. Stacie is beside herself with the news and now having to convince the detectives she is innocent.
The author describes the interrogation room perfectly and I was just as nervous as Stacie was when she started being questioned. I always wonder what goes through a detective’s head while questioning a suspect. Stacie will soon find out that she has a hard road ahead as the investigation heats up. Stacie’s father-in-law is a powerful and intimidating person. He definitely sent shivers down my spine. There is certainly no love lost between him and Stacie. I could picture him as this overbearing man who demanded everything to go his way. He is one person I kept my eye on during the story. Does he know more about Ted’s death than he is telling? There does seem to be secrets floating around the family that could raise suspicion for several members.
The author tackles a tough issue dealing with domestic violence in a very graceful way. It is an integral part of the story and one that will leave several people stunned. The description of domestic violence in the story was hard to read about but I’m glad the author shed a light on a topic that needs more awareness. I really liked the story and found it to be intense at times which is exactly what I would expect due to the topic. The author is direct and really does a great job of showing how someone in a battered relationship thinks and feels. I was quite surprised at who the killer was. The book is very well written and I look forward to the next in the series.
I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.
law-enforcement, murder, murder-investigation, divorce, class-consciousness, dog, romantic, domestic-violence, women-s-shelter, empowerment, family-dynamics, friendship*****
First note that the Domestic Violence is not denoted, only efforts to empower the battered.
Stacie has been married for ten years and is nearing the end of divorce proceedings because of husband’s infidelities. His sister is the battered woman who is scandal averse while the brother tries to advocate. Stacie only finds out how little she knows about her husband after he is murdered and she is flabbergasted as she tries her best to help the detectives (especially after she felt re-assured that she was no longer the chief suspect). Thankfully, she has a lot of friends to help her, a very concerned papa from another state, and a recent acquaintance turns out to be a patrolman. The rich certainly are different! Good world building and fine characterizations along with excellent sleuthing (even if she does faint a time or two). Looking forward to the next in series!
The voice artist is Naomi Rose-Mock who flawlessly delineates characters, emotions, and attitudes.
I won this audio in a giveaway!
This review is for the audio book.
I loved this book. I was hooked with the first couple of words and couldn’t stop listening until i finished it. I have enjoyed the authors other series The Sheridan Hendley mysteries but some how this book seemed more grown up and just as good if not better. I don’t know why more grown up as there is no sex, no violence or swearing. I just loved it and think I have found a new favourite series/ character. Stacie comes across as bright and capable and unlike most heroines she isn’t afraid to turn to the police for help. Despite being involved in the case it was more because of what was happening to her rather than her asking nosy questions, she still managed to get herself in trouble though. I also liked the rest of the cast of characters, who were just right for such a serious topic of sexual harassment and abuse. The mystery was good, I had no clue who the killer was and was surprised when it was revealed. A good start for a new series.
Stacie unlike her cheating husband is unable to go through with a one night stand. Which is why she is surprised when the man she tried to pick up would be at her front door. Then he sends her world spinning when he informs her that her soon to be ex husband is dead. Is her inheritance enough for her to kill him? Her ex in-laws think so. But strange things start happening to Stacie as she is nearly involved in a hit and run, her house is broken into and the media are following her every move. Stacie gets a mysterious package from her ex showing signs that he was looking into some of his work colleagues. Could that be the reason for his death? Stacie hadn’t seen her husband in months but they were both involved in a womens shelter, helping woman of domestic abuse, could that be the connection for her being targeted now? If so what are they looking for?
I liked the narrator. I have heard a few books read by her and Have always found her to be a pleasant narrator with a good range of voices.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.