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by Carolyn ArnoldAlso by this author: Eleven, The Little Grave
What to expect from the McKinley Mysteries:
Romance. Humor. Murder. Are you looking for a murder mystery without all the graphic violence and foul language? Something that you can enjoy in an afternoon and walk away feeling good about afterward? How about a dash of humor and romance? If so, meet former detectives Sean and Sara McKinley. When a billionaire leaves them all his money, they no longer have to work, but they find themselves sticking to what they’re good at—solving murders. Undercover, off the books, and around the world, they’ll get to the bottom of things…and romance it up along the way.
This is the perfect book series for fans of Hart to Hart, Castle, Colombo, Monk, Rockford Files, Psych, and Magnum PI.
Read in any order or follow the series from the beginning.
The Day Job is Murder by Carolyn Arnold
McKinley Mysteries Book 1
The bad guys aren’t the only ones on his radar…
For Albany PD homicide detective Sean McKinley, catching killers is the easy part of his job. Working next to his beautiful partner, Sara Cain, is what’s difficult. It might have something to do with the fact that he’s fallen in love with her, though. Fortunately, she feels the same way about him. But she’s convinced they should just be friends.
If only there was some way to change her mind…
The Day Job is Murder by Carolyn Arnold is the first book in the McKinley Mysteries. It is a novella length story, and, while there is a mystery in the background, the story serves to develop characters and set up back story. There is a big focus on romance in the book, so as long as you like that more than mystery, you’re good. 🙂
I have previously read some of the later books in the story, so it was really nice to get to learn the back story. I liked getting to know Sean and Sara in this book before embarking on the next adventure.
3.5 Stars!
Vacation is Murder by Carolyn Arnold
McKinley Mysteries Book 2
This wasn’t in the travel brochure…
There’s only so much relaxation two former detectives can handle—even if they’re on their honeymoon. With their recent fall into money, Sean and Sara McKinley should be living it up, enjoying the sun and beaches of Cancun. But heading into their third week they’ve had just about enough lying around.
When the husband of a couple they’ve befriended is kidnapped and held for ransom, it has the McKinleys putting their experience to use. As they set out in the unfamiliar landscape of paradise, the investigation will have them risking their lives to stop a killer.
Vacation is Murder by Carolyn Arnold is the second book in the McKinley Mysteries. Sara and Sean are enjoying Cancun, and spending time with another couple they’ve met at the resort. They find themselves wrapped up in the husband’s disappearance, and things are not quite as they seem. At just about double the length of the first book, this story really develops the mystery plot, while keeping the romance front and center. I enjoyed seeing Sara and Sean navigate a foreign country while trying to solve the various crimes related to the other couple.
I found myself not wanting to put it down until I finished. I enjoyed this quick read!
3.5 Stars!
Money is Murder by Carolyn Arnold
McKinley Mysteries Book 3
It’s in the fine print…
Old Man Quinn left Sean more than his billions–he left him a murder to solve.
Inside the chest given to him from the executor of Quinn’s Will, Sean finds a key and implicit instruction that the contents are for his eyes only. After Sean discovers where the key fits, he finds another letter–Quinn wants a closed case reopened, and Sean is shocked to learn who the victim was.
As Sean and his wife, Sara, uncover clues, it leads them from the back rooms of Quinn’s corporation to the streets of New York City, but they will stop at nothing to get to the truth.
Home from their honeymoon, Sara and Sean discover there’s another murder to solve. This has been my favorite of the series so far. It kept me up past my bedtime wanting to know how the story was going to play out.
4.5 Stars!
About Carolyn Arnold
Carolyn Arnold was born in a small Canadian town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower. As an internationally bestselling and award-winning author, she has several continuing fiction series, including her popular Detective Madison Knight series. She offers readers nearly three dozen published books in genres ranging from crime thrillers and hard-boiled mysteries to cozy mysteries and action adventures. She currently lives north of London, Ontario, with her husband and two beagles.
These cozies look really good. I like the vacation one.
This sounds like an amazing cozy series. Looking forward to reading.
They look good & varied.
All of the McKinley Mystery books look great! Love the Vacation is Murder cover!
This sounds like a fun series.
Thank you for hosting the McKinley Mysteries tour, and the reviews of THE DAY JOB IS MURDER, VACATION IS MURDER, and MONEY IS MURDER.