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.

While I wanted to like this book, I found it quite dry in spots and focusing too much on realism of the events and not as much on making the story go forward. Also found the pacing off a bit and the character talking about the Emmy waaaay too much. I did appreciate what the story was about, and the importance.

This was an okay read. Not the worst but not the best either. Took a moment for me to get into. At times I felt like I was on character overload. Eventually it held my attention and gave me a satisfying ending. The second installment of a series, I need to go back and read book one.

3.5 stars, rounded up. This is the second installment of the “Jolene Garcia Mysteries” and I did read the first and thought it was fine but I am sticking with them because the author & setting are fairly local to me and I appreciate that so much. In this one, local TV reporter Jolene investigates city hall corruption & a murder that might be connected. While the MC can be a little abrasive, I do think this series is a bit different for a cozy (not senior sleuths or influencers, gasp!!) And I also appreciate that a lot. Overall, a decent enough read and my thanks to Net Galley & the publisher for my widget for an advance readers copy, greatly appreciate the opportunity!!

Intrepid TV reporter, Jolene, is back! This time she’s investigating government corruption and the death of a community leader. I’m a huge fan of the guest book in this series and was excited for the sequel. While this book focuses more on the mystery and less on the state of local journalism and media, and Phoenix history that I enjoyed so much in the previous novel, I still found it enjoyable and didn’t guess the culprit until near the end. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC of this novel.

This was a good mystery. Sometimes I did feel a little bit hard to follow because there were so many characters but the main storyline was interesting.

Hmmm, this book seemed interesting at first but I just found myself getting bored and not really following along with the story. I also did not realize this was the second book in a series, and while I don't think it's necessary to have read the first, it may have helped me like the main character more. This one was a DNF for me. Others will likely love this one.

Phoenix reporter Jolene Garcia longs to investigate serious news stories but works for boss who insists on sending her out to cover lightweight, "sexy" pieces. When the well-liked owner of a construction business is killed in a car crash shortly after Jolene meets with him and his mother to discuss possible corruption at city hall, she suspects this more than just an accident, and convinces him to let her look deeper.

The story follows Jolene as she untangles a scheme involving a shady lobbyist, rigged bidding and crooked city hall employees. She eventually uncovers all of the criminal activity but gets a little more adventure than she bargained for.

This is an enjoyable book. I read it on an airplane, and it was a perfect book for travelling. This is the second book in the series. I have not read the first book, but this didn't affect my ability to enjoy this one. Fans of tv journalism would probably be particularly interested into the look behind-the-scenes in the newsroom.

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A good mystery by an author reminiscent of Diane Mott Davidson (to me). This is the 2nd book that follows reporter Jolene Garcia, but I don't think it's a requirement to have read the first one. I hadn't read the first but was able to follow along and there are references to the story from the first book throughout. A fairly typical mystery without a lot of 'AHA' surprises but good, nonetheless.

This fast-paced, gripping mystery will keep you hooked from start to finish. Jolene Garcia is a fierce, determined reporter who refuses to back down when faced with a story that could expose corruption at the highest levels. With sharp writing and a compelling protagonist, this novel is a thrilling look at the intersection of ambition, truth, and power. Perfect for fans of investigative journalism and high-stakes drama.

Very enjoyable. Great writing, great plot, great characters. Everything a reader could wish for! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

A small business owner in Phoenix dies in a questionable car accident. Jolene, a delightful, hardworking journalist, is determined to prove that it is a murder connected to influential people getting city contracts. The second book in a series, it can be read as a standalone, however if you’ve read the first one you get to revisit some quirky characters. Author Christina Estes does an excellent job again at channeling her own career as an award winning journalist to present a well paced, clever and engaging mystery. With thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC. My opinions are my own.

I was excited to get a chance to follow Jolene's adventures again in Christina Estes new novel. Jolene was being pushed by her boss to do investigative journalism regarding gluten in gluten free cupcakes from 20 bakers in Phoenix but she had ideas of her own to investigate suspicious deaths with a common theme. It was exciting to travel through Phoenix and revisit local Phoenix news stories with Jolene as she conducts her investigation, convinces her bosses she has the scoop on a big story, and pursues an Emmy. All the other characters from Off the Air are back in the book and we get more of Jolene's backstory. This is a fun book with plenty of Easter Eggs for those familiar with Phoenix and it will leave you in suspense until the end while Jolene figures out if she discovered a murder or an accident.

Was an ok story but I had a hard time keeping the many characters straight. I also had no issue sitting it aside. Which to me is a problem.

As soon as Christina announced her newest novel, I was anxious to crack it open! Fellow newsies will appreciate this series of mysteries inspired by Christina’s own career as a reporter.
Jolene Garcia is back on the investigative beat in Phoenix after winning an Emmy for her report on the death of a popular radio host (see book one!) While newsroom managers have her chasing down frivolous stories, she’s chomping at the bit to tell a story that really matters. It comes to her when a local small business owner dies suddenly in a car crash, though she has a sneaking suspicion it wasn’t an accident. As Jolene digs deeper, she starts to receive threats as it becomes clear - someone doesn’t want the truth out there. But it’s in Jolene’s blood to uncover the truth - and perhaps identify a murderer.
As a former tv reporter, I really enjoy Christina’s stories and this was no exception. Can’t wait to see what Jolene uncovers next!
Thank you to Minotaur Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars. Nice, quick read. I didn’t see the villain coming until right before it happened, so it held my interest.

I did have a hard time keeping all the characters straight because there were so many. But I realize this is a series so maybe the characters would become more familiar if I kept reading.

I like a murder mystery that’s not too dark or heavy, so this was a good fit for that. I would definitely read more of this author, and might read more of the series.
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This is the second Jolene Garcia book by Christina Estes. I believe it was better than the first. Jolene is a reporter who only cares about the truth, even if finding the truth will put her in danger. When a local business owner dies in a very suspicious car accident after filing complaints about the city awarding contracts to certain builders... Then a lobbyist dies in a home invasion gone wrong. Jolene won't let this case go, she needs the truth to come out. She is a spitfire, quick witted, and always objective. Highly recommend.

First things first - I wish I would have read the first booking this series so I wasn't quite so lost beginning this one - not a huge deal but would have been helpful!. Didn't love the MC but it could have been my mood. Enjoyed it!

This is the second book in a new series by a reporter, about a reporter. I enjoyed the first book & was looking forward to this one. I was a tad bit disappointed. The story, while interesting, was kind of convoluted. The ending was somewhat rushed as the various bits and pieces were forced together. Overall, it was still worth the read. I’ll probably continue the series.

Jolene is back at her job of reporting after having won her first Emmy Award. She’s hungry for another meaty story that she can dive into but her boss is more interested in entertaining stories and sends Jolene on mundane stories like the one about the ingredients in cupcakes. When a local builder dies in an odd automobile accident it is written off as being caused by an inattentive driver, but Jolene thinks there is more to the story and wants to investigate. After getting a solid no from her boss she secretly continues to look for information about the crash.

It took me a long time to read this book, the slow pace and Jolene’s character made it very tedious for me to read. I spent time doing puzzles when I would normally be deep into a good book. The story was written from Jolene’s perspective so her desire to investigate this accident was the whole basis for the book. I won’t be reading the next book in the series.