In this third entry in Connie diMarco’s zodiac mystery series, Julia Bonatti, a professional astrologer, decides to accept the offer of a one-week temporary job at the law firm she worked for before she went out on her own as a full-time astrologer. Before she can even get started, one of the firm’s partner’s is killed in his office. Shortly thereafter, she’s told that three employees, including the dead man, had received death threats.

Adam Schaeffer, a private investigator hired by the law firm, and Julie begin a collaboration in search for the killer. There is an attraction between them, but Julie isn’t sure she’s capable of a romantic involvement.

This book is well-written and Julia is a well-drawn character. However, the secondary characters are amorphous. Perhaps diMarco should have introduced the secondary characters more fully, but since they don’t really play a major role in the story, the fact that they’re a little nebulous shouldn’t matter.

This entry in diMarco’s series is a stand- alone and readers coming late to the series can read this book without too much difficulty.

The author took me right out of her story on several occasions. The book reads like a guide to the city more often than necessary. The author gives her readers a street-by-street description of the streets and neighborhoods through which Julie traverses. So many of diMarcos’ readers probably have never set foot in San Francisco, while many of those who have probably haven’t left the touristy areas, so none of the street names will have any meaning to them and their addition adds nothing to her story. She should have taken all those words and added them to other descriptions to have them make more sense. The same holds true when she studies the astrological charts she creates. Not many people—far fewer, one suspects, than are familiar with the street names in San Francisco—will know, or care, what transits are or what it means when the moon conjuncts the natal planet in terms of who the murderer is. So while to diMarco transits, street names, etc., may be important, they hold little meaning to the reader, who may find herself simply skipping over the paragraphs where Julie is in a car or she fires up her PC.

Regardless of the above, this is a very good read and by the end the reader will find herself rapidly turning the pages as Julie closes in on the killer.

What a treat! This is the 3rd book in the Zodiac Mystery Series. I read the 2nd one "All Signs Point to Murder," and I was hooked.
Julia Bonatti is a professional Astrologer who loves working for herself she's published a few books and also has a weekly column in the local newspaper. When her old friend and ex-boss, Attorney David Meyers calls to ask if she would be interested in filling as his secretary for the week she couldn't refuse him.
When she gets there, she is for a huge surprise when of one of the leading litigators for the firm, Jack Harding is found dead slumped over his desk by a file clerk. It seems he murdered on Sunday, he's wasn't a very likable person, so he had made quite a few enemies but how did they get into the building without security noticing them. Could it be someone who works for the firm?
David pulls Julia aside and asks for her help, there have been some odd things happening around the litigation department that he's concerned about, and he was hoping Julia would be able to gather information for him on the sly. He has already hired a security team to help out, and the head of the Agency, Adam Schaeffer who happens to be easy on the eyes has hit off with Julia. She's a bit smitten with him as well. David is a firm believer in Julia's astrology skills and hopes that the two of them can get to the bottom of what's plaguing his litigation department especially after this murder.
Julia is going through the files of all the litigator's department to get the pertinent information she needs to start looking at their star charts. I have no idea about the astrology process, but it does seem interesting to me. When she's pulling all the birthdays to enter into her computer program at home, I'm a bit lost, but it doesn't take anything away from the series. I think it', it makes it more interesting for me.
When more tragedy strikes the department, Julia feels like she's getting closer to the what is happening, she starts getting having odd dreams and feels like she's being watched. Is she a bit too careless in regards to her safety?
Julia finds herself still haunted by the death of her fiance who was killed by a hit and run driver a few years back. His sister, Maggie thinks they may have discovered a clue in regards to hit and run accident that killed him.
Ms. di Marco has made this an excellent series that is a pleasure to read; it's a fast read as in "I can't put this down type" read as well as being interesting.
I love the San Francisco setting and the cast of the regular characters like Gloria, Julia's grandmother, and Kuan, plus her friends from Gale's shop.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series!
I want to thank Midnight Ink and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this e-galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Julia Bonatti is back in the latest Zodiac Mystery, and she going to work for former boss, David. Three of his team members are being targeted by someone unknown. The only thing linking all three people is a large case years ago involving a fire in bank in San Francisco that left one man dead. Things really heat up when the death threats turn out to not be threats but, rather, promises. Julia jumps right into the fray to help her temporary boss, and his legal firm, to prevent any more deaths. Someone knows what she’s up to, however, and she finds herself a target in the killer’s games. Using her astrology, Julia must catch a killer before anyone else, including herself, gets injured or winds up dead. No pressure, or anything!

Tail of the Dragon is a good addition to the Zodiac Mystery Series. The twists and turns in the book had my head spinning as I desperately tried to piece things together. The author pulled in several characters that had motive, means, and opportunity to I enjoyed at the ebb and flow of the book and how the author tied everything together. The multi-faceted story kept me engaged and interested throughout the entire book.

I found Julia’s critical thinking skills to be pretty lacking in Tail of the Dragon, though. There were several instances that fully warranted the police being called, if for nothing else, a police report, and she just didn’t. Pretending nothing happened because you don’t want to deal with it is a good way wind up dead.

I was really bummed about the extra helping of astrology talk we got in this book, too. If you’ve read my reviews of the first two books you’ll know that I’m not into astrology. I am, however, open minded enough to read books that feature things that are different from what I believe, practice, or find interesting. For those of us who don’t know a thing about astrology, there was just too much in this book. Most of it wasn’t really explained well enough for non-believers, or those who are unfamiliar, to understand. I was lost every time Julia got in her Zodiac zone.

As someone who isn't really interested in astrology, I had a hard time relating to her in that respect. However, as the story progressed, I was able to push the astrology parts aside and focus on the characters and the plot. I was able to relate to her better throughout the non-astrological sections of the book. During the parts where she had to revisit her past, I really felt her emotions bleed through the pages. She’s still grieving because there really hasn’t been any closure to the tragedy that struck her a few years prior. When information regarding the cold case is found, not only does hope bubble up, but her scars are reopened.

Regardless of my opinions (and that’s all they are) about the astrology content, I still find the series interesting and read-worthy. I would like to see where the author takes Julia in terms of her love life and the resolution of the tragedy from her past. The author does a great job weaving together different threads so I have no doubt the next book will be just as fun, unpredictable, and suspenseful as Tail of the Dragon and the first two books.

Could not put this book down. I liked the premise of the book. Julia Bonatti’s astrological expertise gives her insights into a few murders at her previous place of employment. Julia is filling in while a few people are on vacation.

The characters, plot and descriptions are well written and thought out. I like strong characters and there are plenty.

I can’t wait to place the two previous books into my TBR list.

Tail of the Dragon by Connie di Marco is the third book in the Zodiac mysteries, starring astrologer Julia Bonatti. The first two books in the series are on sale now at Amazon. Madness of Mercury ($0.99, https://www.amazon.com/Madness-Mercury-Zodiac-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01A5OGTRS/ref=pd_cp_351_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=C7WDC9NSCE26YAV48MRS) and All Signs Point to Murder ($1.99, https://www.amazon.com/Signs-Point-Murder-Zodiac-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01M14L2YK/ref=pd_cp_351_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=C7WDC9NSCE26YAV48MRS). Ms. di Marco also writes the Soup Lover mysteries as Connie Archer.

This was my first di Marco book, although i'm a huge fan of her Soup Lovers series. I couldn't seem to connect with the main character Julia Bonnati a moderately successful astrologer and former law secretary. The writing was tight, I found nothing "wrong" with the book but no matter what happened to Julia I was either unmoved by most situations and confused by some references. I did not find this to be a jump on in kind of book, although each story is said to be completely self contained. As, I worry that I'm not able to give this book a fair shake as a new reader I have purchased the previous two stories on sale in the hopes I can find something about this main character to fall in love with, rather than confused by. The astrology references seemed to fit in without any issues.

This review may be amended after I read the first two in the series, only to let you know if a love connection occurs between Julia's character and I. But for now four stars for clear writing with good pacing but minus one for this readers' lack of connection. An ascetically enjoyable read.

Thank you to Netgalley, Midnight Ink and Ms di Marco for allowing me to read and review a advance copy.

San Francisco astrologer Julia Bonatti has taken a temporary job with her former boss at a San Francisco law firm. But on her first day there, one of the partners turns up dead. He is one of three people in the firm who has received death threats concerning a case that was long settled, the infamous Bank of San Francisco fire.

Julia’s astrological expertise provides clues but no one wants to listen. Before she can solve the mystery, two people are dead and her own life is in danger. Julia must unmask the killer before he, or she, takes another life.

Intense and tightly written, Tail of the Dragon is a wonderful addition to the Zodiac Mystery series. I enjoyed getting to know Julia in the last two books, but watching her grow in this one made this book the perfect read to me. I enjoyed it so much that I read it in one setting, and then went back and reread portions that really touched me. I did not see the ending coming, which is always a plus in my book.

I like Julia. She has the character and strength to carry a book series. At times she did things that had me shaking my ereader and telling her to watch out, but it provided excitement that kept me turning the pages.

And while the mystery was intriguing, watching Julia deal with her fiancee's death, and feeling the emotions that she felt, really made this book for me. This series has been one of my favorites since its inception. Tail of the Dragon cements it to the top of my to buy list.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

This is the third in a series. I hadn't read any of them previously and though some previous events are referred to, it was done in such a way that I don't believe there were any spoilers. I guess when I read the others, that'll be confirmed or not.

I loved the concept of an astrologer using their skills to help solve cases by learning more about the individuals involved and what's going on in their lives based on their astrology charts. I learned just enough about astrology to know that I need to learn a lot more. Connie di Marco definitely knows her stuff and I was a little lost a few times. I did like how she used some characters and their conversations to "dumb it down" for the rest of us for lack of a better term.

Real issues are addressed like moving on after the loss of a loved one, re-entering the dating scene, and I felt like there's a long-term mystery that will be dealt with throughout the series. I hope that's the case.

Overall, this was an interesting, well-written book that I highly recommend.

Thank you to Midnight Ink, Connie di Marco, and NetGalley for allowing me the chance to read this book and share my thoughts and opinions with others.

Julia is an astrologer and an amateur detective. Sure. This is cozy territory and DiMarco has done it well. I hadn't read the first two books in this series but found that wasn't a problem at all. Julia's agreed to help out at her old law firm where, as it happens, three people have received death threats and now one of them is dead. There's a love interest- Adam- who works for the security company. I liked how Dimarco wove the astrology around the story (it could have been the other way around!) and I liked the characters. My quibble, per usual in this genre, is that there would have been more law enforcement involvement in many of the things that happened (or should have been!). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This was engaging and entertaining- and I'm going to look for diMarco in the future.

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book for review.. My opinions are m y own.
This is the 3rd book in the zodiac series by Connie Di Marco . I have read the entire series and do highly recommend the series for your reading enjoyment for all that enjoy a great cozy mystery.

Wow this was a great cozy mystery read ! I was on pins and needles unable to put this book down. I was fully drawn into the story and found it fascinating.
I adore this series as it has all the perfect elements of a great cozy series. The perfect setting of San Francisco adds mystery, interest and beauty to the background. I like the protagonist and how she is clever and savvy to solve difficult cases putting clues together one by one and I enjoy the supporting charcters as they all add to the series. This book has it all
In this next in series our protagonist Julia is temporarily working at her former law firm to fill in. One of the firms attorney's has been murdered and the top attorney's seem to be a target as well. The murders center around new and old cases which Julia quickly puts together clue by clue.

I enjoy books set in San Francisco I enjoyed the visual description of the tours of historic San Francisco neighborhoods which the author brings to life for her readers. There are quaint shops and a fun new age shop included in the story with all the great sights and sounds of this beautiful city by the bay. I loved the addition of fortune tellers, artists and the new age world that Julia lives in. The paranormal side of these books is done to perfection and a enjoyable addition to this series and works perfectly with Julia's abilities to solve crimes.

A perfect cozy mystery read. I look forward to further books in the series. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book. Cross posted review.

Astrologer Julie Bonatti finds herself temping briefly for the law firm for which she worked in the past. Her former boss David Meyers needs someone to cover for his vacationing secretary and since several new bills have popped up in her life, Julia decides to take the job. There's palpable tension in the office among the other employees, but disaster awaits in the form of a dead partner found in his office. David is an astrology client of Julia's and when doing his chart recently she saw some difficult transits in it. A few days later when a second attorney is found dead, Julia worries the problems may be more down to earth. Julie learns that these two attorneys and another have received threatening letters. The only common denominator among them is a long-ago insurance case involving a fire at the Bank of San Francisco. An excellent adventure in the Julia Bonatti series.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. I promised to give a honest review, so here it will be.

This was first Connie di Marco book to me and the author made quite big surprise because the ending. Not sure what kind of book series is like whole, when this Tail of the Dragon is the 3rd book in Zodiac Mystery series, but I liked it. Someone might things that the book was dark, but I liked it, because it isn't always important to be too light even thought the genre of the book seems to be cozy mysteries. Characters can makes the reader feel the same pain and sadness what the characters feels, and this is also one of the best thing what authors can make. So when some one are happy, I feel the same joy and when there was sad things, those makes me feel that I need cry. So this was quite emotional book and maybe the theme makes its to be just like that.

And sometimes I needed think that there must be something more, because many things seems quite difficult to see in firs time. Or maybe reason is that English isn't my mother language so I didn't saw many things in my first time, than the second time when I read again the page. So maybe I will hope that some day this will be in translated, because I know that this series will be popular in here, if people can read this in their mother tongue. Maybe because we (Finns) love to read crime, mysteries and thrillers, usual and they are quite popular genres in here. Maybe the reason is long and dark winter. And I think this book will be nice to read again in the winter time and see how different reading experiment will be when there is darkest time in year and not the lightest or the warmest time in the year.

Tail of the Dragon by Connie di Marco, an interesting take on a world where your sign and birthdate can give more than just glimpses into your personality. A nicely written fantasy novel.

Another fun installment to one of my favorite cozy mystery series! I was excited to get an ARC so I could continue Julia’s story. If you like astrology and cozies this is the series for you. I liked how this ended and am happy with how characters were left for now. I do wish we got some more of grandma Gloria. I look forward to more from this series.

This book was alternately charming and frustrating. It was charming in the descriptions of San Francisco - the atmosphere created by the fog creeping in, feeling the dampness and hearing the foghorns; the history of some of the areas of San Francisco; or the fact the main character's home is on solid bedrock - and she sleeps better because of it! Even the cover adds to the charm of the book; I loved the richness of it and how it echos the theme of dragons in the book. The frustrating part is where there is an abundance of minutia that doesn't advance the the plot or enhance the characters. When it's mentioned a character has loosen his tie at 8:30 Monday morning, there's no followup. Does he always do it, indicating he's laid back, is at a rare occurrence, indicating he's worried, or is it perhaps foreshadowing of something else (it wasn't)? Or all the description given to driving - whole paragraphs detailing turning on one street, circling around looking for parking spot - without it adding to the plot. Yes, traffic's bad, but that could be said about a number of cities; since I'm not familiar with San Francisco, it comes across as just padding the book. There's also a number of paragraphs describing people's charts without giving the reader what "transitioning Pluto in Capricorn" actually means. Again, without some context, those paragraphs become more padding when they could enlighten the reader about astrology.

Overall, an intriguing book with a few flaws.

Julia Bonatti is back and embroiled in another fascinating case. What was supposed to be an easy week of temping for her former boss, quickly morphed into a murder investigation. Julia has to use all of her skills - sleuthing and astrological to solve the case and stay alive.
Tail of the Dragon is a satisfying cozy mystery, with a pulse pounding ending. This is the second Zodiac Mystery I have had the pleasure of reading. I hope to read many more.

Nice mystery with such a vivid setting. I liked the characters, and the astrology angle makes the story that much more interesting.

The concept of a legal secretary solving a murder strains belief a bit for sure, but no more than is normal for cozy mysteries. A nice continuation of the series.

What a great mystery! A bit darker than the standard cozy and more action packed it's a real page turner.
I loved the heroine, so unusual and fascinating, and the cast of characters that are interesting and described with a lot of nuances.
The plot is sound, no plot hole or rushed solution.
I look forward to reading the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Midnight Ink and Netgalley for this ARC

Whew, what a fast paced story! Definitely had me hanging on the edge of my seat at the end! Fun read!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book, which I voluntarily chose to review.

I just finished reading this book and my heart is still pounding!
I have read each of the books in this series so far and hope it goes on for many more.
The characters, the pace of the story unfolding, and oh the emotional results of getting drawn into the story!

Julia is called back to her former position at a law firm, presumably to fill in for a vacationing secretary. It seems her previous boss may have something else on his mind but before anything is spelled out tragedy strikes! There may be a lot of people who feel lawyers deserve to suffer but murder is never justified. Whoever killed one of the firms top attorneys seems to have targeted specific people and given them "fair warning."

This plot is a mix of old and new cases, both for the law firm and for Julia, herself.
We learn more about the various characters as different parts of the plot blend together.
Not to give anything away but I want to reassure you, the cat is fine during whatever happens.

Inbetween Julia's various activities and investigations the reader also gets a vivid tour of historic San Fran neighborhoods. Whether you believe in Astrology and natal charts and planets aligning affecting behaviors or not, the astrology aspects of the book were intriguing. I wish we had shops such as The Mystic Eye closer to where I live.

Lawyers and mystics and fortune tellers, shop keepers, artists and smarmy potential dates, Connie di Marco has a way of making them all seem fully dimensional and in full color.
Julia can't seem to keep trouble from tailing her, even in her dreams.

This book has an interesting premise in the form of an astrologer as the protagonist.
I enjoy the character of Julia and this latest mystery kept me interested and guessing.
I would have liked to see more of Julia’s grandmother featured.
The characters were interesting and the solution at the end was one I did not see coming.
All in all, I recommend this book, and look forward to reading the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.