A rare astrological event could help San Francisco astrologer Julia Bonatti avoid a deadly destiny Julia Bonatti loves the freedom of working for herself as a professional astrologer. But after receiving several unexpected bills, she considers a temp job offer from her old boss a stroke of luck too good to pass up. On her first day, the posh law office becomes a crime scene when one of the … one of the partners is found dead. Julia discovers that a series of death threats have been sent to several employees of the firm, and she uses her astrological expertise to discover possible motives. But before she can convince the authorities of what she knows, the killer strikes again. Will Julia unmask the culprit before he, or she, takes another life?
Praise:
“Connie di Marco does a good job keeping the reader guessing whodunit in this psychic cozy.”–Publishers Weekly
“A by-the-numbers cozy distinguished…by its San Francisco setting and astrological appeal.”–Kirkus Reviews
“[An] engaging mystery…The author’s characters are quite believable and appear to be made of flesh and blood, not simply pen and ink. She also does an exceptional job of making the city of San Francisco a character itself by incorporating vivid depictions of the fabled city by the bay.”–US Review of Books
Praise for the Zodiac Mysteries
All Signs Point to Murder
“Di Marco crafts an intricate, twisting plot and layers on the astrological details that fans of psychic mysteries so enjoy.”–Booklist
The Madness of Mercury
“This smartly written debut from di Marco sets the stage for a promising series.”–Kirkus Reviews
“Di Marco’s series starter features a clever plot and a smart and feisty heroine with feet firmly planted on the ground while she searches the stars.”–Library Journal
“Danger figures in the stars for Julia, along with mixed astrological energies, some wolves in sheep’s clothing and an amiable stranger with a down-under accent.”–BookPage
“With The Madness of Mercury, Connie di Marco begins a fascinating new series set in the intriguing world of astrology in San Francisco. I really loved this book! The writing is clever and compelling and the protagonist is smart and gutsy. The villains are seriously sinister and the darkly intricate plot will keep you turning pages late into the night. I’m looking forward to many more in this series. Connie di Marco knows her stuff!”–Kate Carlisle, New York Timesbestselling author
“Connie di Marco blends real-life tragedy, heart-rending betrayal, loyal friends, and the kindness of strangers in this fast-paced, entertaining read.”–Leslie Budewitz, two-time Agatha Award-winning author of the Seattle Spice Shop Mysteries
“The stars may not align for the unlucky characters in The Madness of Mercury, but they certainly do for readers who discover this book. An astrologer with her eyes on her charts and her feet planted firmly on the ground, Julia Bonatti is an original sleuth, juggling astrological readings with a mysterious death and a Jim Jones-like cult leader. Dark wit and darker motivations unite to create a satisfying read.”–Kim Fay, Edgar Award finalist for The Map of Lost Memories
“A great read is in the stars! With the Zodiac Mysteries, Connie di Marco gives us a bright and interesting heroine and a mystery with plenty of twists and turns. Lots of action and well-written suspense equal good fortune for readers.”–Casey Daniels, author of Graveyard Shift
“An enjoyable read.”–Reviewing the Evidence
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I read this book as part of a Cozy Mystery group that I belong to where we get opportunities to win ARCs. I have found so many good books and new authors, it’s really fun. This week’s novel, Tail of the Dragon, the third in the Zodiac Mystery series, was published in 2018 by Connie di Marco. And she signed my copy, how lucky am I! I would definitely recommend this book to others and have given it somewhere between 4 and 5 stars.
At first, I wasn’t sure I’d love the book. There were a lot of characters dropped in the first few chapters when the murder happened. I normally love tons of characters, but everyone was so quick, I had to just pretend I’d figure it out later. And then I did. It takes place in the corporate office with tons of attorneys in San Francisco. When a colleague is murdered (and then some more) and death threats come in the postal mail… you know it’s gonna get crazy! From about 20% in, the book took off, and it was completely smooth sailing. I find myself thinking about this story and the main sleuth a lot lately.
Weaving in astrology and a search for the hit-and-run driver of her late fiance, the story captures your heart. It’s a bit darker than a traditional cozy, but I think it made the book quite a splash. I will definitely go back to read the first two in the series. I felt like I was back in San Francisco and had all the good feels and connections.
If you’re looking for a twisty cozy book, this is it. I thought I figured out the killer about 2/3 thru, then switched when a new story line came up. I figured it out, except… BOOM! There was a second major twist which I did not expect. Kudos to the author for making that fantastic ending.
This is the first story that I have ever read by Connie di Marco, and this is the first ever astrological mystery novel that I have ever read. I have to say this story was truly fascinating from start to finish. This author weaves an engaging mystery from start to finish. This book was so hard to put down.
Julia is enjoying her freedom doing astrological readings for her clientele and writing responses to questions for the Zodiac column in the paper. She loves her job, but when some bills pile up she’s a little relieved when her old boss calls her asking for a favor. Too bad on her first day there temping a dead body is discovered in one of the offices. Things only go downhill from there. Julia learns that more than one person in David’s firm has been threatened and when Julia goes digging for a common thread to connect them all she finds her own life may be in danger.
Julia is an engaging character and as I read I could honestly almost believe that she was a real person that you could go out on the street and meet. I found myself fascinated by her usage of not just the Zodiac but astrology to discover things about the people around her. Once she learned a few personal facts about them of course. Even though this book is part of a series, I love that it can be read as a standalone and I be able to follow along with everything that is going on. I appreciate the author bringing in Julia’s love life as well. This helps to round her out as a character. She’s still struggling with the sudden loss of her fiancee, and while it was almost 3 years prior she still struggles with the pain. I like how even though others dismissed her theories concerning the individuals being targeted that Julia never lets up. She comes off as determined but not hard-headed about it. This story has a few twists that I thoroughly enjoyed and one that I didn’t see until it was almost too late. I love a good mystery novel that keeps me in suspense and from figuring out who the bad guy is before the author is ready for me to do so.
There honestly isn’t anything overtly that I didn’t like about this book. The book has been professionally edited, and there the storyline never wanders around. I appreciate how the author stays focused on the storyline and gives us an engaging novel from start to finish. My only wish is that I wish that Julia hadn’t been so afraid of the dragon in her dreams. Especially when she learns the meaning of them from her grandmother’s friend.
I will warn that this story has some tragedy in it. These tragic moments are more than a couple, and they made me sad, but all-in-all, for me, they truly added more depth and humanity to the story. Which, for me, only went to enhance the story more.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I love a good mystery novel with some thrilling moments, a bit of romance and edge of your seat page turning. This book absolutely fits the bill. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy books by this author or who are just looking for a good mystery novel to sink their teeth into.
This is the third in a series. I hadn’t read any of them previously and though some previous events are referred to, it was done in such a way that I don’t believe there were any spoilers. I guess when I read the others, that’ll be confirmed or not.
I loved the concept of an astrologer using their skills to help solve cases by learning more about the individuals involved and what’s going on in their lives based on their astrology charts. I learned just enough about astrology to know that I need to learn a lot more. Connie di Marco definitely knows her stuff and I was a little lost a few times. I did like how she used some characters and their conversations to “dumb it down” for the rest of us for lack of a better term.
Real issues are addressed like moving on after the loss of a loved one, re-entering the dating scene, and I felt like there’s a long-term mystery that will be dealt with throughout the series. I hope that’s the case.
Overall, this was an interesting, well-written book that I highly recommend.
Thank you to Midnight Ink, Connie di Marco, and NetGalley for allowing me the chance to read this book and share my thoughts and opinions with others.
I just finished reading this book and my heart is still pounding!
I have read each of the books in this series so far and hope it goes on for many more.
The characters, the pace of the story unfolding, and oh the emotional results of getting drawn into the story!
Julia is called back to her former position at a law firm, presumably to fill in for a vacationing secretary. It seems her previous boss may have something else on his mind but before anything is spelled out tragedy strikes! There may be a lot of people who feel lawyers deserve to suffer but murder is never justified. Whoever killed one of the firms top attorneys seems to have targeted specific people and given them “fair warning.”
This plot is a mix of old and new cases, both for the law firm and for Julia, herself.
We learn more about the various characters as different parts of the plot blend together.
Not to give anything away but I want to reassure you, the cat is fine during whatever happens.
Inbetween Julia’s various activities and investigations the reader also gets a vivid tour of historic San Fran neighborhoods. Whether you believe in Astrology and natal charts and planets aligning affecting behaviors or not, the astrology aspects of the book were intriguing. I wish we had shops such as The Mystic Eye closer to where I live.
Lawyers and mystics and fortune tellers, shop keepers, artists and smarmy potential dates, Connie di Marco has a way of making them all seem fully dimensional and in full color.
Julia can’t seem to keep trouble from tailing her, even in her dreams.
“Tail of the Dragon” earns 5/5 Zodiac Revelations…Murderously Fun!
With so many excellent cozy authors and mysteries from which to choose, sometimes it takes a while to get to all of them, but “better late, than never” as I’ve finally arrived at Connie di Marco’s Zodiac Mystery series. I started with book three, the newest release, and found there was more than enough references to background and character connections, no spoilers, to keep any newbie, like me, engaged, and very intrigued to go back and read the first two books.
“Tail of the Dragon” grabs you right off with the first murder. Fussing about the late hour and having to complete grunt work for an upcoming trial, a man is met with a knife in the throat. He knew his assailant, and the thought of “cold” revenge gives us and Julia Bonatti something to ponder. Being a Virgo, I’ve been told that I hold grudges, but having them fester to first-degree mayhem? I couldn’t stop turning the pages on this first-person narrative as the story continued with Julia returning to her former place of work, Meyers, Dade, & Schultz, LLP, and as a favor to her old boss David Meyer, subbing as his secretary. However, she didn’t expect her first order of business would be to investigate the murder of one of the lawyers and death threats sent to the victim and the other litigators. As the story unfolds, suspects in the firm show their true colors highlighting a contentious office hierarchy, one-upmanship politics, and backstabbing…well, in this case, neck stabbing, and a link to a former case will need to be explored.
I enjoyed the descriptions of San Francisco, delightful banter, clever twists and turns, another victim, personal jeopardy, and a final “Oh, my!” ending. But, the most interesting part, woven through the story, was the information on astrology, a topic of which Connie is an expert. I was fascinated by all the insights and connections made to the events, even though some of the language I didn’t fully understand, but I knew from personal experience that a natal chart can offer a wide range of curious information. I highly recommend Connie di Marco’s third book. It’ll be the perfect aspect in your tenth house of…enjoyment!
An exciting well plotted cozy mystery with plenty
of twists and turns that keep Julia Bonatti and the
reader involved in a puzzling series of death threats
followed by murder. This all happens at the law firm
where Julia used to work. She is filling in at the firm
this week as one of the secretaries is out for the
week but now she finds herself in the role of
ameutuer sleuth to help uncover who is killing off
the partners.
The story takes off very quickly and keeps an
invigorating pace right up to its conclusion.
Detailed descriptions takes the reader on a trip
of San Francisco where Julie lives and works at
her usual job as an astrologer.
The story also includes information on astrology
and astrological charts . You will also learn about
the Tail of the Dragon in astrology.
A Highly Recommended Cozy Mystery Read!!
I volunteered to read the book. Thanks to the author and
publisher via The Cozy Mystery Review Crew for the book.
My opinion is my own.
Synopsis:
San Francisco astrologer Julia Bonatti never thought murder would be part of her practice, but when her former boss and current client asks for help she agrees to go undercover at his law firm. Three people have received death threats and the only common denominator between them is a case long settled–the infamous Bank of San Francisco fire. Julia’s astrological expertise provides clues but no one wants to listen. Before she can solve the mystery, two people are dead and her own life is in danger. Julia must unmask the killer before he, or she, takes another life. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Julia is a smart, hardworking and caring woman. She has a lot on her plate but she is willing to help out her old boss when he asks her to. That leads to murder and mayhem that she must try to get under control. It will not be easy and she finds herself in some dangerous situations. Will she be able to solve the mysteries and keep herself safe, or will she become a victim?
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. It is written in a such a way that the reader cannot help but be pulled into the story. I found myself reading much later into the night than I had planned. The author’s story telling and descriptive writing made me feel like I was right there, watching all of the action taking place and eavesdropping on conversations.
The mystery was well plotted and not easy to solve. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through. With the twists and turns and red herrings thrown in, you have to be on top of your game if you hope to solve it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. The subject of astrology is not the usual occupation of cozy protagonists and that made the book even better.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Midnight Ink, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Julia Bonatti is back in the latest Zodiac Mystery, and she going to work for former boss, David. Three of his team members are being targeted by someone unknown. The only thing linking all three people is a large case years ago involving a fire in bank in San Francisco that left one man dead. Things really heat up when the death threats turn out to not be threats but, rather, promises. Julia jumps right into the fray to help her temporary boss, and his legal firm, to prevent any more deaths. Someone knows what she’s up to, however, and she finds herself a target in the killer’s games. Using her astrology, Julia must catch a killer before anyone else, including herself, gets injured or winds up dead. No pressure, or anything!
Tail of the Dragon is a good addition to the Zodiac Mystery Series. The twists and turns in the book had my head spinning as I desperately tried to piece things together. The author pulled in several characters that had motive, means, and opportunity to I enjoyed at the ebb and flow of the book and how the author tied everything together. The multi-faceted story kept me engaged and interested throughout the entire book.
I found Julia’s critical thinking skills to be pretty lacking in Tail of the Dragon, though. There were several instances that fully warranted the police being called, if for nothing else, a police report, and she just didn’t. Pretending nothing happened because you don’t want to deal with it is a good way wind up dead.
I was really bummed about the extra helping of astrology talk we got in this book, too. If you’ve read my reviews of the first two books you’ll know that I’m not into astrology. I am, however, open minded enough to read books that feature things that are different from what I believe, practice, or find interesting. For those of us who don’t know a thing about astrology, there was just too much in this book. Most of it wasn’t really explained well enough for non-believers, or those who are unfamiliar, to understand. I was lost every time Julia got in her Zodiac zone.
As someone who isn’t really interested in astrology, I had a hard time relating to her in that respect. However, as the story progressed, I was able to push the astrology parts aside and focus on the characters and the plot. I was able to relate to her better throughout the non-astrological sections of the book. During the parts where she had to revisit her past, I really felt her emotions bleed through the pages. She’s still grieving because there really hasn’t been any closure to the tragedy that struck her a few years prior. When information regarding the cold case is found, not only does hope bubble up, but her scars are reopened.
Regardless of my opinions (and that’s all they are) about the astrology content, I still find the series interesting and read-worthy. I would like to see where the author takes Julia in terms of her love life and the resolution of the tragedy from her past. The author does a great job weaving together different threads so I have no doubt the next book will be just as fun, unpredictable, and suspenseful as Tail of the Dragon and the first two books.
San Francisco astrologer Julia Bonatti has taken a temporary job with her former boss at a San Francisco law firm. But on her first day there, one of the partners turns up dead. He is one of three people in the firm who has received death threats concerning a case that was long settled, the infamous Bank of San Francisco fire.
Julia’s astrological expertise provides clues but no one wants to listen. Before she can solve the mystery, two people are dead and her own life is in danger. Julia must unmask the killer before he, or she, takes another life.
Intense and tightly written, Tail of the Dragon is a wonderful addition to the Zodiac Mystery series. I enjoyed getting to know Julia in the last two books, but watching her grow in this one made this book the perfect read to me. I enjoyed it so much that I read it in one setting, and then went back and reread portions that really touched me. I did not see the ending coming, which is always a plus in my book.
I like Julia. She has the character and strength to carry a book series. At times she did things that had me shaking my ereader and telling her to watch out, but it provided excitement that kept me turning the pages.
And while the mystery was intriguing, watching Julia deal with her fiancee’s death, and feeling the emotions that she felt, really made this book for me. This series has been one of my favorites since its inception. Tail of the Dragon cements it to the top of my to buy list.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
TAIL OF THE DRAGON by Connie di Marco
The Third Zodiac Mystery
Office drama is one thing, but people are getting death threats at Meyers, Dade, & Schultz, LLP!
Julia Bonatti gets more than she bargained for when she agrees to help out her former boss by filling in as his secretary for a week. From his astrological chart she knew things at the office were bad, but she never dreamt they were this bad! Her first day on the job one of the lawyers is found murdered in his office. Now Julia’s using her skills to discover what exactly is going on and if more people are in danger. Will the stars align to help Julia solve the murder or will she wind up another victim?
Connie di Marco pens a great traditional mystery. A sense of danger permeates the book along with a lot of subterfuge which masks the killer. There are so many suspects, so many motives, and lots of suspicious activities that muddy the waters. So many characters are guilty of so many things, but what impact, if any, does it have on the murder? Yet the author brings everything together to in a remarkable conclusion.
I love the astrological details found in the Zodiac series. I was close when I had an idea as to why Julia kept seeing dragons…I was wrong, but I was close! This series always makes me want to learn more and study my own astrological chart in depth. But the beauty of these books is that you don’t need to know anything, or even care about astrology, to enjoy a deftly plotted, sitting on the edge of your seat mystery. Wonderfully drawn characters enrich the story as does the ongoing drama of the loss of Julia’s fiance. Indeed that death colors the series and in TAIL OF THE DRAGON we find ourselves one step closer to closure.
TAIL OF THE DRAGON is an edgy mystery that combines astrology and murder to create an engrossing, pulse pounding tale.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.