⭐⭐⭐ Was I hooked by that book? Yes. Participating in an online crime-solving group is all fun and games until real bodies start turning up around Bailey Evans.

An online crime-solving group is just the kind of adventure Bailey Evans needs. She loves her nursing career and small-town life, but her days are predictable. Her confidence bolstered by having her sheriff cousin Zac nearby, Bailey’s up for some innocent fun and intrigue. Until she starts receiving unnerving texts. Once the game begins, there’s no backing out of The Murder Club. Then the game gets real. First, Bailey is shut out at work after an elderly patient dies and leaves her a shocking inheritance. Then a priceless necklace from an anonymous source arrives in her mail, along with a bone-chilling threat. Determined not to involve expectant father Zac, Bailey contacts the charming Las Vegas businessman who’s never left her mind. Dom Lucier knows real gems, and Bailey is the most precious thing he’s seen since they met at her best friend’s wedding. Returning to Pike to trace the jewelry’s bloody history, Dom helps Bailey kick open a murderous cold case. But as death and disaster escalate, they’ll need a new strategy to escape a killer who won’t be satisfied until the streets of Pike are soaked in blood.

MY THOUGHTS

Throughout the entire story, the villain was like a spider that had cast a wide web and every so often it would cause a disturbance in the web meant to attract Bailey’s attention. Meanwhile, Bailey and Dom were scrambling trying to connect the dots, but always just a step behind. The author cleverly concealed the villain’s identity and threw in enough red herrings to keep the reader on their toes.

Even though the concept of The Murder Club was intriguing, the link between the murderer and Bailey was a bit tenuous. But the plot packed plenty of suspense and uncertainty.

I loved how Bailey and Dom were on the same page at every step in their relationship. Things between them escalated quite quickly to become very serious. Bailey was clearly kind, caring, and smart. We learned plenty of facts about Dom and his life, but it didn’t get explored in depth much.

The Murder Club is book 5 in the Pike, Wisconsin series, but stands well on its own. It’s not necessary to read any of these books in order. I can recommend this series if you like steamy romantic suspense.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Were you hooked by that book? Let me know in the comments below.

Genre: Romance, Suspense
Published: February 20, 2024
Sensuality Rating: Warm
Series: Pike, Wisconsin