Deadly Fun

Police Chief Gordon Hepler has settled in to married life with his dear wife Angie. For the police in Mapleton, speeding tickets and minor violations are the norm until one of his civilian patrol members is killed. Although it appeared to be an accident, they soon learn that it was a homicide. With assistance from the sheriff’s office, they search for clues as to who would have wanted the man dead. In the meantime, Gordon has received a letter from an unknown source, then a second letter and a package. When it is revealed that a previous victim received similar letters, Gordon realizes that someone might be after him and with no idea why. An entertaining small-town Mapleton mystery. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

This is a terrific series. While Deadly Fun may not be my favorite, it certainly held my attention and kept me turning the pages. Nice to be back with familiar characters. I felt as if some situations were dropped and I am still confused about the identity of the mayor (female/male). The culprit was revealed and there was a clever theme.

I'm happy I requested this ARC because i discovered a new to me entertaining cozy series.
It's a well written and engrossing story with a solid mystery and a cast of likeable and interesting characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

4.5 Stars

This is the ninth book in the Mapleton mystery series by Terry Odell

I think the blurb for this book totally over hypes how “bored” Mapleton’s police chief is. I didn’t feel that vibe at all really. When he himself receives an unusual letter in the mail, he overlooks it as not important. Later when a man in what seems to be a simple automobile accident has a similar letter in his possession, Gordon knows that something fishy is going on.

We don’t realize how important this letter is until later and what the mysterious “V” or “Aries” Symbol really means. As time goes on in the investigation, more people are discovered to have received a similar note right before their untimely demise.

This story really hooks you and keeps you interested until the end. What a roller coaster of an investigation! I particularly enjoyed how the author paired Gordon’s personal life and the police stuff together. It all felt so natural and effortless. This totally didn’t seem like the ninth book in a series. It still felt very fresh and new. I am totally going to go back and read books 1-8 since this book so intrigued me!

If you love a good police procedural/detective fiction, definitely check this one out! Recommended!

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

An entertaining and well written cozy murder mystery. I received an arc from the publisher and this is my unbiased review

Not quite a cosy mystery but equally not a cutting edge thriller, this was a perfect bedtime read - enough twist to keep my brain engaged but nothing to give me a sleepless night or nightmares. The book is well written and paced well, with interesting characters and you are given a good sense of the town and main inhabitants. This was my first foray into this series and the books are written so you can read them as a stand-alone, as I did. That said, I would be interested to read others in this series from having read this one.

If you like police procedural, you’ll really enjoy this one. The reader will soon discover that this book has more than one mystery connecting into the search for a serial killer. While the story line is set in a small town, the officers are on their game and follow the trail of the killer to the end.
Nathan “Nate” Romash retired to Mapleton a decade ago and was a valued volunteer for both the fire department and civilian patrol. He was a good friend of Police Chief Gordon Hepler who is saddened by his death. Notifying his widow is very difficult for him to do. It’s more difficult now the forensics report indicates it wasn’t an accident. Jurisdiction makes it necessary to work closely with county officials to seek the real crime scene, compile Nate’s movements, and review available evidence. His phone is missing, and the mystery of a package he may or may not have picked up is a puzzle challenging everyone.
Some strange things begin to happen at the police station as well: Hepler finds a red folder on his desk with an envelope addressed to him personally and inside a cryptic message “Hey, Gordon...” Then another one arrives and no one is taking credit for having put it on his desk. Later we discover just how important the symbol "V" really means. As time goes on in the investigation, more people are discovered to have received a similar note right before their untimely demise. The victims also received anonymous messages and the team uncovers similar murders across the country for the past several years. Hepler and his team have their work cut out for them...a killer is on the loose!
I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I received an ARC of this book for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

A great thrilling ride filled with intrigue and excitement, where the COP Hepler and his boys had a frustrating time trying to catch a killer. An exhilarating and down right captivating book, where the characters had you glued to every page. I love this book, it has that element of deep intrigue which captivates and holds you prisoner with its gripping words. A must read I say.

If you enjoy police procedurals this is a series I have always enjoyed. The characters are well-developed and well-rounded. The mystery is entertaining and well-plotted. The story just draws you in.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.