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One Of You
With her life on the California Coast behind her, Roxi Carlucci is beginning to feel at home in the Tower District—the cultural oasis of Fresno, CA—where she now lives with her cousin P.I. Stephen Carlucci, her pet rat Merlin, a Pit Bull named Watson, and a black cat named Dan. She has a new entertainment podcast, works as a part-time P.I., and is helping local bookstore owner Clark Halliwell put on the first-ever Tower Halloween Mysteryfest! The brutal summer heat is gone and has been replaced by the dense tule fog—perfect for Halloween!
She just wishes everyone would stop calling her the “Jessica Fletcher” of the Tower District simply because she found a dead body when she first arrived. But when one of the Mysteryfest authors is found dead, she fears she jinxed herself! The Carlucci’s are hired to find the killer before they strike again. Will Mysteryfest turn into a murder fest? How is the local gossip website back, and what does it know about the death of Roxi’s parents?
She just wishes everyone would stop calling her the “Jessica Fletcher” of the Tower District simply because she found a dead body when she first arrived. But when one of the Mysteryfest authors is found dead, she fears she jinxed herself! The Carlucci’s are hired to find the killer before they strike again. Will Mysteryfest turn into a murder fest? How is the local gossip website back, and what does it know about the death of Roxi’s parents?
278 pages, Paperback
Published June 4, 2024
About the author
Lorie Lewis Ham
2 books75 followersLorie Lewis Ham lives in Reedley, California and has been writing ever since she was a child—her first stories were about her stuffed animals. Her first song and poem were published when she was 13, and she has gone on to publish many articles, short stories, and poems throughout the years, as well as write for a local newspaper. Four out of 5 of her previously published mystery novels feature gospel singer Alexandra Walters and are set in the San Joaquin Valley. Those books were inspired by the many years she spent traveling and singing gospel music with her family. "One Of Us" was the first in a brand new mystery series set in the Tower District of Fresno, California featuring podcaster and part-time detective Roxi Carlucci. "One of You" is book 2. Lorie has also been the publisher of the online magazine Kings River Life for the past 14 years (kingsriverlife.com), and of its sister website KRL News & Reviews (krlnews.com). She also launched a mystery podcast called Mysteryrat’s Maze (mysteryratsmaze.podbean.com) 5 years ago which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors, including the first chapter of this book. You can find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and all of the other usual places. You can learn more about Lorie on her website mysteryrat.com and find her on Twitter @mysteryrat and Facebook. Another way to keep up with Lorie’s writing is to subscribe to her newsletter—you can find info on doing that on her website.
Lorie has been married to Larry for over 30 years and they have 2 grown children—Jayce and Joseph Ham, and grandson Joel. She currently has 5 cats (Merlin, Sam, Dean, Sidney, and Willow), 4 dogs (Lestat, Huey, Xander, and Phoebe), 2 pet rats (Shoto and Mookie), and a pet dwarf rabbit (Sherlock). For many years, she worked in pet rat rescue, and has had many pet rats of her own over the years.
Lorie has been married to Larry for over 30 years and they have 2 grown children—Jayce and Joseph Ham, and grandson Joel. She currently has 5 cats (Merlin, Sam, Dean, Sidney, and Willow), 4 dogs (Lestat, Huey, Xander, and Phoebe), 2 pet rats (Shoto and Mookie), and a pet dwarf rabbit (Sherlock). For many years, she worked in pet rat rescue, and has had many pet rats of her own over the years.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 20, 2024
Lorie Lewis Ham has invited us back to the now fog shrouded Fresno in California’s Central Valley in her newest book, “One of You,” as the community celebrates Halloween with Mysteryfest. Along with artistic and seasonal activities and a theater production of Poe’s “Murder in the Rue Morgue” to keep tourists and residents engaged, an eclectic group of authors arrive for a meet and greet and book signings. But, murder?
Roxi Carlucci, Ham’s delightful young “snoop,” lover of Sherlock mysteries, King Arthur’s Excalibur, and four-legged creatures like Merlin the rat, joins Stephen, her PI cousin, to look into the shocking crime. Together they uncover personal connections, professional jealousies, and secrets and rumors courtesy of a reemerged local “gossip” monger on social media. This creates a plethora of suspects requiring close scrutiny. But, the investigation is not without its missteps, misdirection, and mistakes that includes some personal peril. From an ecelectic cast first introduced in book one, “One of Us,” to the artistic hub known as the Tower District, the story has a true air of realism bringing the reader a familiar small town vibe, more professional investigative methods, recognizable multi-generational personalities, and reasonable actions and reactions to keep one interested to the last page. Ignore the urge to leap forward to learn the killer’s identity, the journey is exciting all by itself.
This second installment has it all from entertaining personalities to an intriguing murder mystery. But, Lorie Lewis Ham also includes some fascinating quirks from Roxi’s replica sword and little menagerie to theater/movie-themed mugs and Stephen’s t-shirt collection. Mental health issues are included, but treated with respect. Romance? Well, there are inklings, but nothing overt … it’s all endearing friendships. No recipes included, but lots of visits to coffee shops, cafes, and of course, pizza delivery for the busy detectives. I highly recommend this standalone book, but do not overlook book one!
Disclosure: I received an advanced reader copy, but the opinions, insights, and comments are mine alone.
Roxi Carlucci, Ham’s delightful young “snoop,” lover of Sherlock mysteries, King Arthur’s Excalibur, and four-legged creatures like Merlin the rat, joins Stephen, her PI cousin, to look into the shocking crime. Together they uncover personal connections, professional jealousies, and secrets and rumors courtesy of a reemerged local “gossip” monger on social media. This creates a plethora of suspects requiring close scrutiny. But, the investigation is not without its missteps, misdirection, and mistakes that includes some personal peril. From an ecelectic cast first introduced in book one, “One of Us,” to the artistic hub known as the Tower District, the story has a true air of realism bringing the reader a familiar small town vibe, more professional investigative methods, recognizable multi-generational personalities, and reasonable actions and reactions to keep one interested to the last page. Ignore the urge to leap forward to learn the killer’s identity, the journey is exciting all by itself.
This second installment has it all from entertaining personalities to an intriguing murder mystery. But, Lorie Lewis Ham also includes some fascinating quirks from Roxi’s replica sword and little menagerie to theater/movie-themed mugs and Stephen’s t-shirt collection. Mental health issues are included, but treated with respect. Romance? Well, there are inklings, but nothing overt … it’s all endearing friendships. No recipes included, but lots of visits to coffee shops, cafes, and of course, pizza delivery for the busy detectives. I highly recommend this standalone book, but do not overlook book one!
Disclosure: I received an advanced reader copy, but the opinions, insights, and comments are mine alone.
July 4, 2024
"One of You (A Tower District Mystery #2)" by Lorie Lewis Ham is set leading up to Halloween while Roxi and crew are hosting a Mystery Fest in the Tower District. We get to see some returning characters from the first book and a bunch of new ones. Roxi and her cousin get hired to investigate the death of the local queen of cozy mystery books when she is found under a pile of mystery books at Clark's book store. Also, is Tower Gossip back and who is behind the tweets now?
The mystery in this one did have me jumping around a bit. Mostly between the same couple of characters. In a way I was right to jump between two of them. I was also only partly right about motives as well.
The mystery in this one did have me jumping around a bit. Mostly between the same couple of characters. In a way I was right to jump between two of them. I was also only partly right about motives as well.
June 21, 2024
ONE OF YOU by Lorie Lewis Ham
The Second Tower District Mystery
Adjusting to life in the Tower district Roxi Carlucci is more than happy to help out with the Halloween Mysteryfest created by her friend, bookstore owner and Booktuber, Clark Halliwell. While interested in the plays and other events featured, Roxi is most looking forward to meeting Marilyn Bradford, the Queen of Cozy Mysteries. After putting our a few fires, Roxi is ready to mingle with the authors at the mixer. While munching she notices a few arguments and tension, even Marilyn, known for being nice and good-natured, seemed mad. After the festivities ended Roxi, finds Clark next to a mess of books on the floor, under which lies Marilyn…dead. Who could have killed the charming Queen of Cozy Mysteries? Did it have something to do with the surprise she intended to share at the event? Roxi and her cousin, Stephen, are immediately hired to investigate. Will the two PIs be able to assist the police and find the killer?
One thing that sets the Tower District Mysteries apart from other cozies is the pop culture references. Scooby Doo, Supernatural, Charmed, these TV shows bring smiles to fans, who can feel more of a kinship with Roxi through these fandoms. These references could, however, be problematic as not all readers may be familiar with them. I didn’t get them all though that didn’t mar the experience for me. I also really like the manner in which rescue animals are treated, especially those who, unfortunately, due to bad stereotypes are less likely to be adopted. I absolutely love Merlin and am thrilled that a pet rat is featured. Rats make wonderful pets and it’s nice to have that shown.
The mystery in ONE OF YOU had lots of twists and surprises, the first one being the murder victim. I thought for sure that the arrogant Edward, publisher and Marilyn’s husband would be killed! For the victim to be the nice Queen of Cozies herself, the very woman Roxi was fangirling over, was a stunner. I like the interplay our two PIs have with the police, showing a good working relationship instead of a snarky and adversarial one. It was also interesting to see that Tower Gossip is back continuing the overarching mystery, or non-mystery, about the deaths of Roxi’s parents as well as spouting tidbits about the current murder.
With a few Halloween tricks ONE OF YOU is a Halloween treat with a solid mystery showcasing friendship in a unique California enclave.
The Second Tower District Mystery
Adjusting to life in the Tower district Roxi Carlucci is more than happy to help out with the Halloween Mysteryfest created by her friend, bookstore owner and Booktuber, Clark Halliwell. While interested in the plays and other events featured, Roxi is most looking forward to meeting Marilyn Bradford, the Queen of Cozy Mysteries. After putting our a few fires, Roxi is ready to mingle with the authors at the mixer. While munching she notices a few arguments and tension, even Marilyn, known for being nice and good-natured, seemed mad. After the festivities ended Roxi, finds Clark next to a mess of books on the floor, under which lies Marilyn…dead. Who could have killed the charming Queen of Cozy Mysteries? Did it have something to do with the surprise she intended to share at the event? Roxi and her cousin, Stephen, are immediately hired to investigate. Will the two PIs be able to assist the police and find the killer?
One thing that sets the Tower District Mysteries apart from other cozies is the pop culture references. Scooby Doo, Supernatural, Charmed, these TV shows bring smiles to fans, who can feel more of a kinship with Roxi through these fandoms. These references could, however, be problematic as not all readers may be familiar with them. I didn’t get them all though that didn’t mar the experience for me. I also really like the manner in which rescue animals are treated, especially those who, unfortunately, due to bad stereotypes are less likely to be adopted. I absolutely love Merlin and am thrilled that a pet rat is featured. Rats make wonderful pets and it’s nice to have that shown.
The mystery in ONE OF YOU had lots of twists and surprises, the first one being the murder victim. I thought for sure that the arrogant Edward, publisher and Marilyn’s husband would be killed! For the victim to be the nice Queen of Cozies herself, the very woman Roxi was fangirling over, was a stunner. I like the interplay our two PIs have with the police, showing a good working relationship instead of a snarky and adversarial one. It was also interesting to see that Tower Gossip is back continuing the overarching mystery, or non-mystery, about the deaths of Roxi’s parents as well as spouting tidbits about the current murder.
With a few Halloween tricks ONE OF YOU is a Halloween treat with a solid mystery showcasing friendship in a unique California enclave.
June 3, 2024
ONE OF YOU is the second book in the Tower District Mysteries by Lorie Lewis Ham. The setting is the artsy Tower District in the large city of Fresno, during Halloween festivities, and the author effectively captures the essence of the spooky season. As the protagonist, Roxi Carlucci, and her friends prepare for the Tower Halloween Mysteryfest, the feeling of a small-town community is forefront. I greatly enjoyed the close comradery Roxi has with her cousin (who is also her roommate and works together as private investigators), as well as local business owners and friends. There’s a nice banter that brings the characters and their personalities to life and makes you want to hang out with them. There are a lot of characters to keep track of because of the Mysteryfest, and early on it slowed me down a bit. But, as the book progressed, each character’s value became apparent, and I became invested in what happened.
With the Mysteryfest the focal point of the book, there are many people to consider as a suspect when the Queen of Cozy Mystery is murdered at the local bookshop. Roxi is meticulous in tracking down clues, and with her job as a private investigator, she’s more thorough than the average amateur sleuth. Yet she still works together with her cousin and her friends and doesn’t go it alone, which adds to the appeal. Ms. Ham weaves in several twists and turns—I wasn’t even sure if the victim was the intended target—and kept me on my toes as clues were uncovered. Amongst the investigating, the community Halloween and Mysteryfest events continued as secrets were revealed…and boy were there secrets! I found myself reading faster and faster as the story headed toward the conclusion. This is a strong addition to the series and gives the reader a taste of the Tower District while celebrating Halloween and puzzling over a well-plotted mystery!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
With the Mysteryfest the focal point of the book, there are many people to consider as a suspect when the Queen of Cozy Mystery is murdered at the local bookshop. Roxi is meticulous in tracking down clues, and with her job as a private investigator, she’s more thorough than the average amateur sleuth. Yet she still works together with her cousin and her friends and doesn’t go it alone, which adds to the appeal. Ms. Ham weaves in several twists and turns—I wasn’t even sure if the victim was the intended target—and kept me on my toes as clues were uncovered. Amongst the investigating, the community Halloween and Mysteryfest events continued as secrets were revealed…and boy were there secrets! I found myself reading faster and faster as the story headed toward the conclusion. This is a strong addition to the series and gives the reader a taste of the Tower District while celebrating Halloween and puzzling over a well-plotted mystery!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 3, 2024
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.
https://novelsalive.com/2024/07/03/4-...
One of You by Lorie Lewis Ham is the second book in A Tower District Mystery series. While it can be read as a standalone book, it’s best as part of the series. There’s a lot of depth to the characters and the plot and many clues to help us solve whodunnit. Once again, there’s a murder the police are trying to solve along with cousins Stephen and Roxi, who are PIs.
This time, the story is set during Halloween, and a Mysteryfest Weekend brings all the characters and suspects together before and after the murder is committed. Tower Gossip tweets are active once again and always seem one step ahead of the clues piling up. But who’s behind the tweets since everyone thought the gossip was silenced when the last murder was solved? I enjoyed getting to know the characters better whom we’ve met before and visiting the various small businesses. Food and coffee once again play a part throughout.
There are twists and turns in the story, and it has a good flow. There are authors galore along with their books, secrets, and whereabouts questioned when the Queen of the Cozy Mystery is found dead before the events even get underway. Several other crimes are committed, but are they just to throw attention elsewhere? As we sift through the clues and the red herrings, will we figure out whodunnit before it’s too late?
Solving the crime brings closure, and the location is so apropos for the Halloween theme. But there are hints of what could be in the next book of the series, and I look forward to reading it.
One of You is a mystery that brings mystery writers and their books and secrets front and center. Grab that cup of coffee and keep turning the pages as the fog rolls in to figure out whodunnit!
https://novelsalive.com/2024/07/03/4-...
One of You by Lorie Lewis Ham is the second book in A Tower District Mystery series. While it can be read as a standalone book, it’s best as part of the series. There’s a lot of depth to the characters and the plot and many clues to help us solve whodunnit. Once again, there’s a murder the police are trying to solve along with cousins Stephen and Roxi, who are PIs.
This time, the story is set during Halloween, and a Mysteryfest Weekend brings all the characters and suspects together before and after the murder is committed. Tower Gossip tweets are active once again and always seem one step ahead of the clues piling up. But who’s behind the tweets since everyone thought the gossip was silenced when the last murder was solved? I enjoyed getting to know the characters better whom we’ve met before and visiting the various small businesses. Food and coffee once again play a part throughout.
There are twists and turns in the story, and it has a good flow. There are authors galore along with their books, secrets, and whereabouts questioned when the Queen of the Cozy Mystery is found dead before the events even get underway. Several other crimes are committed, but are they just to throw attention elsewhere? As we sift through the clues and the red herrings, will we figure out whodunnit before it’s too late?
Solving the crime brings closure, and the location is so apropos for the Halloween theme. But there are hints of what could be in the next book of the series, and I look forward to reading it.
One of You is a mystery that brings mystery writers and their books and secrets front and center. Grab that cup of coffee and keep turning the pages as the fog rolls in to figure out whodunnit!
July 2, 2024
“One of You,” the second in Lorie Lewis Ham’s Tower District Mystery series, is a delightful continuation of the series starring Roxi Carlucci, former children’s book author and new podcaster. After loosing her publishing contract, Roxi has moved in with her cousin Stephen and settled in, making friends, starting a podcast and working for Stephen as a part-time P.I. She’s also made freinds with Clark Halliwell, the local bookstore owner and is helping him with a Mysteryfest celebration taking place during Halloween. When a murder occurs during the convention, Roxi, despite being thought of as the “Jessica Fletcher of the Tower District” investigates along with Stephen.
This is a fun series with a lot to recommend it. Roxi is very appealing, smart, and as a thirty-something she has some life experience to help her along with the investigations. The supporting characters are all great. My favorites are Clark the bookstore owner, Roxi’s cousin Stephen, and her best friend Lucas. And there’s also the menagerie living with Roxi and Stephen, including Merlin, her pet rat, who is himself an appealing character.
The Tower District is brought to life by Lorie Lewis Ham’s vivid descriptions, I feel like I am there while I am reading. If I ever do visit Fresno, I will know exactly where to go. The restaurants sound great and I also love the community theater that is at the heart of a lot of activity. Good food, good community theater and a bookstore - what more could a reader want?
Perhaps the best thing about this series is that the mysteries are very well plotted. I’ve read a few mysteries recently where I was able to guess the killer very easily. Not so with these books. Roxi and Stephen investigate in an organized and methodical manner and the reader is taken right along on the ride with them. I was not able to figure out the killer in this book or in the first in the series, “One of Us.”
I’m very much looking forward to the next installment in the series, since there was a mystery hinted at at the end of this book that I hope is solved (or at least investigated more). Either way, I will enjoy spending more time with Roxi and company.
This is a fun series with a lot to recommend it. Roxi is very appealing, smart, and as a thirty-something she has some life experience to help her along with the investigations. The supporting characters are all great. My favorites are Clark the bookstore owner, Roxi’s cousin Stephen, and her best friend Lucas. And there’s also the menagerie living with Roxi and Stephen, including Merlin, her pet rat, who is himself an appealing character.
The Tower District is brought to life by Lorie Lewis Ham’s vivid descriptions, I feel like I am there while I am reading. If I ever do visit Fresno, I will know exactly where to go. The restaurants sound great and I also love the community theater that is at the heart of a lot of activity. Good food, good community theater and a bookstore - what more could a reader want?
Perhaps the best thing about this series is that the mysteries are very well plotted. I’ve read a few mysteries recently where I was able to guess the killer very easily. Not so with these books. Roxi and Stephen investigate in an organized and methodical manner and the reader is taken right along on the ride with them. I was not able to figure out the killer in this book or in the first in the series, “One of Us.”
I’m very much looking forward to the next installment in the series, since there was a mystery hinted at at the end of this book that I hope is solved (or at least investigated more). Either way, I will enjoy spending more time with Roxi and company.
June 27, 2024
One of You is a worthy addition to the Tower District Mystery series by Lorie Lewis Ham. The resourceful first-person protagonist, Roxi Carlucci, lives with her cousin Stephen in the artsy Tower District of Fresno and helps him in his private investigator business.
When the story opens, the town is planning its first-ever Halloween Mysteryfest. Roxi's friend, bookstore owner Clark Halliwell, is organizing the event, and she agrees to help. A slate of local authors will do book signings and panel discussions, and the theatre crowd will put on several performances. Roxi is excited that her favorite author, Marilyn Bradford, will be the keynote speaker. She even gets to interview Marilyn for her podcast.
But just after the opening mixer, when most attendees have scattered, some heading to the theatre for rehearsal, Roxi and Clark find Marilyn dead on the floor of the bookstore, with books scattered all around her.
Although the police are called, Clark hires Roxi and Stephen to help find Marilyn's killer. Fortunately, they all work well together, sharing information and keeping each other updated on their latest findings.
Suspects abound. Each of the authors has a secret. Marilyn's long marriage to Edward, who is also her publisher, has some cracks. He's had affairs with numerous other women and doesn't seem terribly upset that his wife is dead.
The author did a good job keeping readers guessing. I thought I'd figured out whodunnit fairly early, but then new evidence steered me away from my pick.
I read the first book in this series when it came out, so some characters were familiar, but I think this one could be read as a stand-alone. The author gives enough backstory so you won't be lost.
When the story opens, the town is planning its first-ever Halloween Mysteryfest. Roxi's friend, bookstore owner Clark Halliwell, is organizing the event, and she agrees to help. A slate of local authors will do book signings and panel discussions, and the theatre crowd will put on several performances. Roxi is excited that her favorite author, Marilyn Bradford, will be the keynote speaker. She even gets to interview Marilyn for her podcast.
But just after the opening mixer, when most attendees have scattered, some heading to the theatre for rehearsal, Roxi and Clark find Marilyn dead on the floor of the bookstore, with books scattered all around her.
Although the police are called, Clark hires Roxi and Stephen to help find Marilyn's killer. Fortunately, they all work well together, sharing information and keeping each other updated on their latest findings.
Suspects abound. Each of the authors has a secret. Marilyn's long marriage to Edward, who is also her publisher, has some cracks. He's had affairs with numerous other women and doesn't seem terribly upset that his wife is dead.
The author did a good job keeping readers guessing. I thought I'd figured out whodunnit fairly early, but then new evidence steered me away from my pick.
I read the first book in this series when it came out, so some characters were familiar, but I think this one could be read as a stand-alone. The author gives enough backstory so you won't be lost.
July 18, 2024
This was such a great read for so many reasons! First, the mystery itself was well thought out and plotted. I loved following along as Roxi and her PI cousin Stephen investigated the murder, especially as they found themselves uncovering all sorts of information that led to many twists and turns. I had my guesses, but was never sure until the end, which, as someone who reads a lot of mysteries, I love it when I’m stumped!
That the mystery was set around Halloween added another layer of enjoyment. I enjoyed (despite the murder) the idea of the Mysteryfest and the other activities created to attract folks to the festival. Authors, readers and theater people blend seamlessly together in my mind and it was fun to see that reflected on the page. The foggy weather of the Tower District in the fall made for an excellent setting. I’d most certainly like to visit the area and pop into Clark’s bookstore. I’m not so sure about a lavender latte, though!
I adored the characters. Roxi is so likable – she’s thoughtful and caring and that’s clear by the many different friendships she has with the characters. I appreciated how mental health situations were handled both by Roxi and the author. Representation handled with care is so important. I also enjoyed Roxi’s varied interests from her replica sword, to podcasting, to manga to her many different pets. Until reading this series I did not know rats could be such lovable pets.
Lots of great details, wonderful characters and a solid mystery make this a fun entry into a unique mystery series!
That the mystery was set around Halloween added another layer of enjoyment. I enjoyed (despite the murder) the idea of the Mysteryfest and the other activities created to attract folks to the festival. Authors, readers and theater people blend seamlessly together in my mind and it was fun to see that reflected on the page. The foggy weather of the Tower District in the fall made for an excellent setting. I’d most certainly like to visit the area and pop into Clark’s bookstore. I’m not so sure about a lavender latte, though!
I adored the characters. Roxi is so likable – she’s thoughtful and caring and that’s clear by the many different friendships she has with the characters. I appreciated how mental health situations were handled both by Roxi and the author. Representation handled with care is so important. I also enjoyed Roxi’s varied interests from her replica sword, to podcasting, to manga to her many different pets. Until reading this series I did not know rats could be such lovable pets.
Lots of great details, wonderful characters and a solid mystery make this a fun entry into a unique mystery series!
June 20, 2024
One of You is the 2nd book in A Tower District Mystery series and it was even better than the first book! The characters are !ikable.and the cozy mystery kept me guessing. Roxi Carlucci works with her cousin Stephen as a Private Investigator. In this book, several authors are visiting the local bookstore, owned by Roxi's friend Clark, for a Halloween festival. One of the authors who was well-liked ends up.dead. Carlucci Investigations is hired to find the culprit. There are a lot of secrets and fact finding as to the suspects' movements. The book moves at a good pace and with everything going on it kept my interest. There is the beginning of a romance (a few actually). There are several pets at home as an added bonus. This was a very enjoyable cozy mystery and I look forward to reading the next book. I received a review copy for free from the author, Lorie Lewis Ham and I voluntarily leave this review.
#OneOfYou #ATowerDistrictMystery #MysteryRatsBooks
#OneOfYou #ATowerDistrictMystery #MysteryRatsBooks
July 30, 2024
I already knew from the first book that I would get along well with Roxi. The second book made it more clear with more Supernatural references. I was about to put on my Supernatural shirt when Roxi put on hers!
The second book definitely had more packed into it. There were a few things that I did not see coming. It was almost unraveling like a ball of yarn. There were so many potential suspects. I do like how the detective is willing to work and share information with Stephen and Roxi.
I am glad I took my time and read both books back-to-back because Roxi’s daily routine started to feel like mine. I enjoyed having her be a part of my day.
Tower Gossip is back and now taking shots at Roxi! I need to know what happens next with that. The ending left it open for the next book and I so hope there will be one. I have some questions that need to be answered.
Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for my review.
The second book definitely had more packed into it. There were a few things that I did not see coming. It was almost unraveling like a ball of yarn. There were so many potential suspects. I do like how the detective is willing to work and share information with Stephen and Roxi.
I am glad I took my time and read both books back-to-back because Roxi’s daily routine started to feel like mine. I enjoyed having her be a part of my day.
Tower Gossip is back and now taking shots at Roxi! I need to know what happens next with that. The ending left it open for the next book and I so hope there will be one. I have some questions that need to be answered.
Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for my review.
July 2, 2024
This is the second book in this series; I also read and enjoyed the first book in the series, but this book can stand alone pretty well. The setting is very unique—the Tower district of Fresno, California, which sounds like the neatest cultural area. I love that they’re putting on a MysteryFest at Halloween, where they’re putting on some mystery dramas and also featuring various authors. Roxi is a likable main character, and she’s recently moved to the area and lives with her cousin, Stephen, who is a PI. Since Roxi has previously helped solve a murder and is helping her cousin a bit with his PI business, when one of the authors at the MysteryFest is murdered, she and Stephen are hired to solve the murder, working alongside the police. This is a well-written mystery and I can definitely recommend it; I was provided an ARC, which I appreciate, but these opinions are my own.
July 30, 2024
I had already decided to check out the Tower District Mysteries when I learned of the connection to the book site, King River Life, so I expected to love good things of One of You by Lorie Lewis Ham. I did! In fact, I can see this book as a nominee if not winner of more than one mystery award. With the community feel and comradery of a cozy mystery even though it does not fit in other ways, the newest A Tower District Mysteries is a great read for those who love amateur detective mysteries or books about PI's. Note the main character is working as an assistant to her cousin who is a professional PI, and she studied criminology, so she may be certified. It is still pretty much a laid-back investigation and a fun novel. There is a timeless feel enhanced by Halloween costumes and heavy fog creating a wonderful atmosphere.
June 16, 2024
Halloween is a great time to set a mystery, and this one also included a book festival. There's lots of drama and secrets among the participants, so no shortage of suspects. It's a fun story, with lots of references to shows and movies. There's also some details from the previous book, but nothing that should inhibit someone who hasn't read it. But some things are revealed that set up for future plotlines.
September 17, 2024
I loved this book every bit as much as the first one! This time around, Roxi has settled in to her new home and life, and is stepping up to help a friend with a Halloween-themed MysteryFest! Of course, someone winds up dead, and Roxi (along with her P.I. cousin/roommate Stephen) has to try to figure out what really happened.
Many of the characters I loved from the first book are back, and plenty of new suspects/potential victims are added to the mix this time around. I'm really enjoying Roxi's relationship with Stephen, as well as other characters, evolve. It's nice to see the "main" relationship be between cousins, not the sleuth and a potential love interest.
The events of the Fest were lots of fun to read about, as was the accompanying theater production of Murder in the Rue Morgue. I felt like I was right there, attending all these great events along with the characters!
I always enjoy the pets in cozy mysteries, and I love it that Roxi has a pet rat named Merlin. (There's also a dog and cat, for those who don't agree that rats make great pets!)
A fun and interesting cozy mystery!
Many of the characters I loved from the first book are back, and plenty of new suspects/potential victims are added to the mix this time around. I'm really enjoying Roxi's relationship with Stephen, as well as other characters, evolve. It's nice to see the "main" relationship be between cousins, not the sleuth and a potential love interest.
The events of the Fest were lots of fun to read about, as was the accompanying theater production of Murder in the Rue Morgue. I felt like I was right there, attending all these great events along with the characters!
I always enjoy the pets in cozy mysteries, and I love it that Roxi has a pet rat named Merlin. (There's also a dog and cat, for those who don't agree that rats make great pets!)
A fun and interesting cozy mystery!
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