Source: Publisher
Description: Over the years, small-town Pike, Wisconsin, has seen its share of shady characters, murderers, and serial killers—and not all of them have landed behind bars. For some folks, solving cold cases from the safety of the virtual world is a harmless diversion—but the stakes can be deadly . . .
An online crime-solving group is just the kind of adventure Bailey Evans needs. She loves her nursing career and small-town life, but her days are predictable. Her confidence bolstered by having her sheriff cousin Zac nearby, Bailey’s up for some innocent fun and intrigue. . . . Until she starts receiving unnerving Once the game begins, there’s no backing out of The Murder Club. Then the game gets real . . .
First, Bailey is shut out at work after an elderly patient dies and leaves her a shocking inheritance. Then a priceless necklace from an anonymous source arrives in her mail—along with a bone-chilling threat. Determined not to involve expectant father Zac, Bailey contacts an expert the charming Las Vegas businessman who’s never left her mind . . .
Dom Lucier knows real gems—and Bailey is the most precious thing he’s seen since they met at her best friend’s wedding. Returning to Pike to trace the jewelry’s bloody history, Dom helps Bailey kick open a murderous cold case. But as death and disaster escalate, they’ll need a new strategy to escape a killer who won’t be satisfied until the streets of Pike are soaked in blood . . .
Genre: Mystery - Romantic Suspense
Why I Picked This Book: The blurb for this one really caught my attention and I thought it sounded like a fun read.
My Impression: This was the first time I've read anything by this author and while it is the 5th in the series I had no problem starting here. The series is pretty much location based with each book being a separate story so I had no problems jumping in here.
Bailey's life is a bit bleak. She works as a nurse at a nursing home where they aren't treated well or paid very much. Pike, Wisconsin is run down and crime ridden and people leave as soon as they can. The most exciting thing that has happened is the marriage of Bailey's friend to a wealthy TV star (this was the previous book) and the fact that the now wealthy TV star's business partner, Dom Lucier, is now house sitting for them. Part of the reason he agreed to housesit so readily is because he remembered Bailey from the wedding and wanted to get to know her better. I liked that there was a connection and interest already started before things went off the rails. It made their connection feel a bit more authentic.
The book had a bit of a slow start and at times the writing felt a bit blocky and awkward. As well, Bailey is a bit hard to connect to. She's a nice woman and motivated by helping people but I never felt like she was well fleshed out. I also found her apologetic attitude towards her interest in true crime a bit odd - as honestly I would imagine the target market for this book is mostly people interested in true crime. That said I did end up enjoying this book and I enjoyed figuring out what happened with the deaths and the private murder club. I would read more from this author if I found another blurb that interested me.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? I would if the blurb interested me.
Would I Recommend this Book? If you're in the mood for a light romantic suspense this is an entertaining read overall.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
Would I Recommend this Book? If you're in the mood for a light romantic suspense this is an entertaining read overall.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
I am glad this one can be read as a stand-alone. It's on my TBR for the same reason it landed on yours. I have read other books by the author and enjoyed them for the most part. This sounds different than the series I did read by her, which is a good thing since it doesn't sound nearly as dark. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on The Murder Club!
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