When a small business owner dies in an automobile accident. Jolene investigates his claims of possible
corruption in awarding city contracts. Jolene is relentless in uncovering the truth, bringing attention
to people in power and an ongoing investigation. Enjoyable read.
#TheStoryThatWouldntDie #StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #NetGalley

Reviewed for NetGalley:

Never try to pick up a story after the initial book came out. Not that it was hard to pick up after missing the first one, just wasn't for me.

This was FUN!
I was kinda skeptical but was pleasantly surprised.
Jolene was an interesting, persistent character.
After not believing a small business owner’s car accident wasn’t an accident, she goes down the path of investigative journalism and her journey will keep you turning the pages.
This would be perfect for your next vacation/beach read.

This story was okay, and the author clearly knows what the life of a reporter is like. But I kind of felt like there was a lot of extraneous stuff that wasn't really necessary, some loose ends, and more build-up than actual story. Maybe that just makes it all more realistic because real life is a bit like that, although it seems to me like books should be more concentrated as far as what is essential to the main story. So for me, it was just okay. Having said that, you may absolutely love it. Thanks to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read an advance review copy. This is my honest opinion.

“The Story That Wouldn’t Die” is a stirring follow-up to “Off the Air.” Jolene (protagonist and television reporter) is an assertive, driven, and at times a real mystery herself. Jolene keeps digging for clues while risking her job and relationships in order to remain competitive in local TV news. I really enjoyed the thrill, the twists and turns, and humor, too. A great summer read!

The Story That Wouldn’t Die by Christina Estes
Our bold reporter is back on the prowl for her next big news story that will earn her another Emmy. Jolene and the team are back trying to find footing in the world of digital media, and this story just keeps unraveling.

I enjoyed the detail in this book and the further development of Jolene’s backstory. It was well-written and engaging. It is awesome getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how an idea becomes news.

I love how dedicated, caring, and ambitious Jolene is. But she is also empathetic and wants to do the most good. She just wants to report things that matter, even if they are deadly.

This was filled with twists and turns. I am enjoying how this series is developing and the plot continues thickening. What is next for Phoenix’s own Jolene Garcia?

Publication date: August 19, 2025
Publisher: Minotaur Books

TV reporter Jolene (yes, named after Dolly's song) follows her journalistic instincts (or plain curiousity) to investigate a death of a small business owner. Her tenacious resolve follows the clues to a bigger story = if only all the sources did not unexpectedly. Are they just accidents or murders? Jolene gets to the truth while her bosses want to refocus her on "feel good" clickbait stories.

Very enjoyable story and characters.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

I liked, but didn’t love, this mystery. Jolene, an investigative reporter, is a good protagonist, but I had trouble connecting with her. There are so many characters and so much going on in her newsroom that it was hard to keep track of everyone and everything (such as which storylines were relevant and which were filler).. While that chaos did create drama, it also created pacing issues and confusion. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.

Jolene Garcia is a very interesting character. She never gives up and goes after the story at all costs. This costs her friendships and leaves her in very dangerous situations. The writing is wonderful. Got very caught up in the plot. There are twists and turns. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Sometimes a book isn't the right fit and unfortunately, this was the case for me. I made it about halfway through before realizing I just wasn’t invested. It felt in some spots that the writing style changed. The murder plot never really grabbed me, and my attention kept drifting. Might be a better fit for other readers. I did like her pet goldfish though!

2.5 stars rounded up to 3 stars.

This wasn't bad by any means, it just didn't do much for me. While I liked the fact that the MC was named for a Dolly Parton song, that was about the only thing I liked about her. The Phoenix setting added to the story, and the behind-the-scenes look at a TV newsroom was moderately interesting, but for me, those were the positives. The story was pretty slow and really not engaging. I had to force myself to finish, which is never a good sign.

Will I read more from the author? Probably not.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.

I read Christina Estes first book, "Off The Air," and became her unwavering fan, so I knew this one was going to be great too! Jolene is a great character, and I can't wait to see what else she goes through in the future! The fact that the author is/was a reporter lends this storyline great depth and interest.
If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, you will love this book as much as I did. It is fast-paced with a few touching moments that make you smile, even though someone died. The ending is perfect too!
Excuse me, so I can go get some carne asada fries!
I received this advanced reader copy as a gift from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books, delivered by NetGalley. All opinions are my own and truly honest.

Jolene Garcia is the name of the main character in this story. I don't have any issue with the name Garcia but I do believe the name Jolene detracts from the story. In my brain Jolene will always be the name of the hussy in the Dolly Parton song with the same name. The story, also, has too many other characters. Because the writing is jerky, the story is challenging to follow.

I did not finish reading this book. It is part of a series, and perhaps if I had read the first one, I would have been able to get more involved with this one.

Jolene is hot on the trail to find out who and why murders are surrounding the bidding for city work. Suspense, murder, intrigue all included in this read. I was given N advanced reader copy by NetGalley and I am freely sharing my review. #netgalley #christinaestes #minotaurbooks

Four and one-half stars
Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley

Investigative reporter Jolene Garcia wants a “real” story; instead her executive producer, David Matthew, sends her to city hall to cover the “story” of the mayor being trapped in an elevator. Not exactly the story the Emmy-winning reporter had in mind.

But when a local businessman, Carlos Rios, dies in a suspicious automobile accident, Jolene is certain there is more to the story. After all, wasn’t he asking questions about the awarding of contracts and the possibility of corruption at city hall?

Will Jolene’s suspicions lead her to the truth to light or will they endanger her life?

=========

Second in the author’s Jolene Garcia Mysteries series, readers will find sufficient backstory here for this book to be read as a standalone. The central character, Jolene Garcia, is strong and smart, willing to search out the details of the story [even when her boss wants her to do some other story]. The strong sense of place within the newsroom adds belief and realism to the unfolding narrative.

With a plot that has several unexpected twists and turns, readers will discover the difficulty in setting this book aside before reaching the final page. A compelling plot and what feels like a true-to-life corruption exposé help to keep the pages turning and pulling the reader into the world of investigative journalism. It’s easy to empathize with Jolene when her efforts to pursue important stories are repeatedly ignored and she is given more frivolous assignments. Another plus in the telling of this tale is the Phoenix location and the author’s obvious familiarity with the city.

Readers who enjoy mysteries and tales of investigative journalism are sure to find themselves on the edge of their seats as the unfolding narrative reveals long-held secrets and unsuspected alliances.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#TheStoryThatWouldntDie #NetGalley

This is the second book in Christina Estes's series. You don't need to read her first book, "Off the Air," but it provides nice groundwork for the detective/sleuth persona. I liked her first book, but I loved this second, "The Story That Wouldn't Die," because it's smart. If you like thought-provoking stories that feel realistic, this book is a great choice. The plot is grounded and believable, which is what I appreciate about this mystery. It's also clear that the author invested time and research into the book's details. Living in Phoenix for several decades and being a former reporter, there was some history in this book I didn't know. Although the book is a work of mystery fiction, it has a true crime feel. Estes gives readers a firsthand look at the life of a reporter, and the plot realistically portrays how power and wealth can influence and conceal the truth. Thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC.

"The Story That Wouldn't Die" was a decent sequel. Jolene's overzealous pursuit of the story will fracture an alliance, strain work relationships, and endanger her once again but will also bring justice and closure to a grieving family. This time she finds herself chasing a story about corruption at city hall -- rigged contract bids, suspicious deaths, etc.

Granted- I did not realize this was a sequel and didn’t read the first book. But I found the storyline to be extremely confusing. So many random mysteries and I couldn’t keep everything straight. The author would seem to jump from one location to the next within the same paragraph and it was really hard for me to follow. I finished this book out of sheer determination not to DNF it. It wasn’t for me!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I’m really enjoying this series. I’d call it cozy, but it’s maybe not as lighthearted as I think cozies - and she talks to her pet goldfish, rather than a dog, lol. But I appreciate that Jolene is tough, sometimes tough to like, and doesn’t apologize for it. And her colleagues call her out on her crap (to be helpful?). Bottom line, this book/series feels a little different, and that makes me like it even better. Thanks to Minotaur Books for the ARC.