It’s always exciting to read books by authors you’ve never read before. New plots, different types of stories, and unexpected fun.
This upcoming release is a perfect example. A great choice if you are into cozy mysteries. This is a new author for me and I really enjoyed the fun spark of family and unconventional characters in the story. Check out my thoughts below.
(affiliate link)
Murder Runs in the Family by Tamara Berry
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Pub Date: April 29, 2025
ISBN-13: 978-1464221170
OVERVIEW:
Former PI-in-training Amber Winslow has decided to flee her life in the dead of night, carrying nothing but the clothes on her back. Down on her luck and with no other choice, she heads to the sunny state of Arizona to the luxury accommodations of her grandmother’s retirement community. Never mind that Amber’s never actually met her estranged and eccentric Grandma Jade.
As soon as she sneaks her things into Seven Ponds (a place she technically doesn’t qualify for and definitely can’t afford), she’s shocked to learn that George Vincent, a.k.a. the Admiral, was found dead the very night of her arrival. What’s even more shocking is that no one seems particularly distraught over the news of the Admiral’s death or the disappearance of his prize pet tortoise. All anyone can talk about is a missing Vincent family heirloom, and they’re quick to blame Jade for both the Admiral’s murder and the theft of the priceless ring.
Amber doesn’t want to admit the woman she’s just met―and who accepted her without question―could be behind the Admiral’s death, and she’s determined to clear her grandmother’s name no matter the cost.
Murder Runs in the Family by Tamara Berry Review
I’ve never been a fan of cozy mysteries, and I didn’t really realize that this was a cozy mystery until I dove in. But I love the unconventional characters and the developing plot.
Murder Runs in the Family is lighthearted, even though it brings to light issues at retirement communities with older parental units having little to no family ties.
I love the found family that is developed throughout the story and the close ties developed at the retirement community. The characters are colorful and eccentric, and even our ex PI boyfriend has some good redeeming qualities.
The story is engaging and perfect for light reading when you need something not overly heavy, but humorous and entertaining. For me, I felt that Berry left several threads hanging that could have been further developed or closed, but overall it is a cozy and delightful story with some unexpected twists.
3 STARS!!
Disclaimer: Affiliate Links have been included – Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.