Murder’s never on the reading list, until the book club starts dropping dead.

Single mom Sophie “Phee” Kimball isn’t a detective; she’s an account clerk in the chilly town of Mankato, Minnesota. But when her eccentric mother in Arizona insists that members of her retirement‑community book club are dying because of a “cursed” novel, Phee reluctantly heads to sun-soaked Sun City West to snoop.

Phee doesn’t believe in curses, and the deaths appear to be accidents: a golf cart crash, pneumonia, an allergic reaction, but something is clearly not right under the blazing desert sun. As Phee digs deeper, she uncovers secrets, rivalries, and motives lurking behind friendly smiles. Now, it’s up to Phee to read between the lines before the killer strikes again, turning the next chapter into someone’s last.

The perfect cozy mystery debut for fans of Richard Osman, Robert Thorogood and Jesse Q. Sutanto.

“A thoroughly entertaining series debut, with enjoyable, yet realistic characters and enough plot twists—and dead ends—to appeal from beginning to end.”

—Booklist, starred review

"Eaton's debut introduces a retirement community filled with quirky characters and a sleuth who may have more talent for solving puzzles than she admits."

—Kirkus Reviews

J.C. Eaton is the pen name of Ann I. Goldfarb and James E. Clapp, a wife-and-husband team celebrated for their witty cozy mysteries, including the Sophie Kimball Mysteries, Wine Trail Mysteries, and Charcuterie Shop Mysteries. Based in Arizona, their page-turners charm readers with quirky sleuths, lively settings, and plenty of humor.

Laurence Bouvard

Stem