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I received this book for free from a book tour. This review is voluntary. My opinion is not influenced in any way.
by Carolyn ArnoldSource: a book tour
Also by this author: Eleven,
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.
Shopping is Murder by Carolyn Arnold
McKinley Mysteries Book 6
They find more than a bargain…
Black Friday should be all about shopping and discounts, but when Sean and Sara only have a few more items left to buy, screams fill the mall—and for good reason. A man has fallen to his death from the second level.
But what exactly happened isn’t that straightforward, and normally, Sean and Sara would leave this matter to the police, but the widow was a childhood friend of Sara’s. While the police are leaning toward the belief the man intentionally took the leap, the widow is adamant her husband would never jump and asks Sara for her help.
Despite the fact there is an unresolved past between the friends—in which Sara feels she let her down—Sara can’t turn her back on her now. Fueled by guilt and the need to find answers, Sara convinces Sean they should look into the man’s death.
But the answers aren’t all coming quickly. Mall security has dropped the ball and there’s no seeming motive for murder. To find out the truth will take unconventional means, a little undercover work, and the help of their friend Jimmy. And if it all comes together, they just might have this case wrapped up in time for the holidays. Maybe even with a pretty little bow.
Shopping is Murder by Carolyn Arnold is the sixth book in the McKinley Mysteries series. This was such a fun read! I loved that the crime took place in the mall on Black Friday. Sean and Sara have to work together to find out the truth. I read this book all at once…it was great and I couldn’t wait to get to the end and solve the crime alongside Sean and Sara.
4 Stars!
Christmas is Murder by Carolyn Arnold
McKinley Mysteries Book 7
Mistletoe and mischief…
Albany’s the perfect image of a winter wonderland, and Sean and Sara’s friend Jimmy is going to be Santa Claus for the upcoming Christmas parade. The trees and decorations have been selected and the gifts have been purchased. The season has truly cast its magical spell–until Sean and Sara’s neighbors die in a horrible house fire.
While the fire department ruled holiday-related hazards as the cause, Sara suspects there’s more to it. Her determination to find the truth has her and Sean toeing the line between what’s legal and what’s not.
As they sort out fact from fiction, the McKinleys make the final decision about whether or not they should open a private investigation firm.
Christmas is Murder by Carolyn Arnold is the seventh installment in the McKinley Mysteries book series. I keep saying that certain books are my favorite in the series, and it’s true…these books keep getting better and better. I’m a sucker for stories set at Christmas time, and this one was no exception. Sean and Sara find themselves investigating a fatal fire. This story also sets up more information for stories to come. It was a great, all-around holiday set mystery.
4.5 Stars!
Spotlights
Valentine’s Day is Murder
McKinley Mysteries Book 8
Cupid’s arrow may have missed its mark…
Jimmy finally takes a vacation–and a chance on love–only to be abducted. His female companion originally thinks he had cold feet about their relationship, but Sean and Sara know there’s more to it. Jimmy isn’t the type to just up and disappear, let alone leave a lady stranded.
Setting out on their private jet, Sean and Sara reach the tropical paradise of Ocho Rios, Jamaica with sightseeing as the last thing on their minds.
With a gold coin being their initial tie to Jimmy’s kidnapper, Sean and Sara even speculate about the involvement of pirates. Yet as the hours pass, and there’s no word from Jimmy’s captors, Sean and Sara will need to figure out the real motive before it’s too late.
With help from their friend, Adam, back in Albany, the pieces come together and not a moment too soon.
Trouble Brewing in Paradise
Cupid’s bow has struck, but did it miss its mark?
Sean and Sara’s friend Jimmy has found love, and decides to sweep his female companion off her feet to Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Nothing like paradise for a romantic getaway, but the magic of the island only holds for so long. Jimmy goes missing and leaves behind his confused girlfriend who starts questioning if he left her intentionally. Sean and Sara have questions, too, but it’s not about Jimmy’s intentions. After all, this woman is new to them and they know so little about her. Is she somehow behind Jimmy’s disappearance?
The McKinleys set off to the island to find their friend and follow the first clue they get: a gold coin. This leads Sean and Sara to speculate about the involvement of pirates, but what would their motive be?
It’s only with a little help from back home that the pieces eventually start coming together. And it’s a good thing, too, because there’s no time to spare!
Carolyn Arnold
Coffee is Murder by Carolyn Arnold
McKinley Mysteries Book 9
A cup a day won’t kill you, but a few might.
Their first case as private investigators have Sean, Sara, and Jimmy neck-deep in coffee beans trying to find a killer. With their client certain that her mother was poisoned through her coffee of the month club, it has them setting out to Williamsburg, Virginia. But instead of approaching matters from the traditional standpoint, Sean and Sara brew a robust plot and stir Jimmy into the blend, all to get close to their top suspect and grind out the truth.
Going undercover at Tasty Beans, the coffee company, the three of them work to expose the culprit before anyone else dies.
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.
Valentine’s Day is Murder sounds like quite the adventure.
Thank you for hosting the McKinley Mysteries tour, and the reviews of SHOPPING IS MURDER and CHRISTMAS IS MURDER.