CELTICLADY'S REVIEWS: Bowled Over Americano (Sara and Sean Cozy Mystery Series) by Carolyn Arnold!

About Bowled Over Americano

Bowled Over Americano (Sara and Sean Cozy Mystery Series)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – New York
Hibbert & Stiles Publishing Inc. (April 11, 2023)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 263 pages
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BKQC62FH

Sara Cain isn’t your typical thirty-two-year-old woman. Murder detective by day, writer and… sleuth by night? Just as long as there’s enough coffee to keep her going…
When her first novel gives her trouble, Sara goes for a walk to clear her writer’s block and ends up stumbling right into a real-life murder mystery. Magnum, an adventurous beagle, comes running off leash toward her in the local park, and she returns him home only to find his master dead on the entry floor.
Cliff Cunningham was a championship bowler with a mean streak and a temper, and police are pegging his Golden Pin bowling trophy as the murder weapon. While any number of people could have clocked a strike by knocking him on the noggin, the prime suspect is a friend of Sara’s mother—and she expects Sara to prove the woman’s innocence. A tall order, as the case isn’t officially hers and belongs to a rival detective.
But a promise is a promise, and Sara soon finds herself sleuthing undercover—and off the clock—in a world of polyester shirts and rental shoes. It’s not all bad, though, as she’s taking her friend and partner Sean McKinley along for the ride. They are better together than they’ve ever been split, and they’re not amateurs at finding killers.
Despite being up against small-town hijinks and colorful characters who threaten to roll their efforts into the gutter, they are having fun. That is, until they get close to the killer and a dangerous twist puts their lives at risk.
A completely addictive caper full of twists that offers up a serving of murder, a dollop of romance, and a dash of humor. This perfect blend of robust and sweet is bound to hit the spot with readers who are fans of Verity Bright, Tonya Kappes, and Agatha Frost.

“Sara, there you are. I’ve been trying to reach you.”

At the sound of her mother’s panicked tone, Sara wished she’d answered her mother’s first call. “Is everything okay? Dad?”

“Yes, yes, we’re both good. But Gladys, I’m afraid Gladys isn’t.”

Given how worked up her mother was, it somehow felt wrong to inquire who Gladys was, but for this conversation to have any footing… “Who is Gladys?”

“Gladys is in my book club. But that’s not important. She’s going to be charged with murder.” Her mother spoke so fast, she put flapping hummingbird wings to shame.

“Just take a few deep breaths.”

“No, Sara, you don’t understand. I can’t. Gladys didn’t kill him. She’s innocent, but this brute of a detective has her pegged. He can see nothing else but her.”

“I’m sure everything will work out. The detective will follow the evidence, and if Gladys is innocent, they will release her.”

“You’re not hearing what I’m telling you. The detective thinks she’s guilty, and he’s lining up evidence against her.” Her mother overreacted sometimes.

“I’m sure that’s not the case.”

“I’m telling you it is, Sara.”

She took a calming breath. “Then tell Gladys to have her lawyer petition the district attorney or the police chief.”

“This detective is from your department.”

Sara wished to defend everyone with Albany PD, but she couldn’t in good conscience. “What is their name?”

“Detective Davenport.”

Sara dropped onto her couch. Her wine, in hand, begged to be sipped, but why did she have this feeling that would have to wait? “Who is it Gladys is supposed to have killed?”

“Her ex-boyfriend.”

“Name, Mom?”

“Cliff something…”

“Cliff Cunningham?”

“Yes, yes, that’s the one.”

Goose bumps trickled down her arms. Leave it to Detective Davenport to do a shoddy job and narrow in on a suspect within the first twenty-four hours. For him, that was standard operating procedure.

“Please, get over to the house. Gladys is here. Her lawyer got her out for the night, but at the rate this detective is going after Gladys, it’s only a matter of time, Sara, and she’ll be in a jumper. Gladys is too old for prison, and orange… It’s no one’s color.”

CAROLYN ARNOLD is an internationally bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers readers police procedurals, hard-boiled and cozy mysteries, thrillers, and action adventures. Her crime fiction series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining. This led to her adopting the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.

Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.

She currently lives near London, Ontario, Canada with her husband and two beagles.

Author Links

Website https://carolynarnold.net/

Blog https://carolynarnold.net/blog-posts/

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GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4893460.Carolyn_Arnold

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