by Kathleen Costa

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win either an ebook or print copy of Arrowed, and a link to purchase it from Amazon.

Resorting to…Murder
Julienne LeMere is the manager-in-training, as well as some tutelage in security matters, for an upscale Colorado Springs resort, so her responsibilities can be varied and all consuming including visiting other properties to gain experience or provide assistance. However, she has had a few “not in my job description” experiences with murder (an ice sculpture malfunction, family disfunction, and a nosy private investigator), but with friends like Porsche and a few family members, she has more than few sidekicks to come to her rescue. Of course, it’s often in conflict with local law enforcement. Julienne has had her “unlucky in love” moments, but that part of her life has been slowly improving. Mason Sheridan is quite eclectic, yet suffers through the antics of a military father. He is a poker expert, professional photographer, skilled Special Forces Marine, and a bodyguard to the rich and famous. He kept his bodyguard assignments secret often pretending to be his client’s intimate partner to throw off the tabloids, and however innocent, it was the proverbial “monkey wrench” in their budding romance. But whether it’s interruptions, interferences, or interrogations, someone is always resorting to…murder.

Arrowed earns 5/5 Bows & Arrows…Engaging Entertainment!
Despite being part of Julienne’s work assignment, she and Mason, her now official boyfriend, jumped at the chance for a romantic getaway; many of their alone time rendezvous have been interrupted by family or friends, so being six hours away may be the buffer they need. Her boss, Chandler Carlton, recently purchased the Enchantment Canyon Resort, a “mind, body, and spirit wellness” retreat just outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, and she has been tasked to train the staff on new operating procedures and software linking it to the Colorado facility. Milling around are guests taking advantage of the healthy activities, peaceful atmosphere, and the corporate facilities for team building and strategy meetings. Eavesdropping isn’t usually Julienne’s MO, but when some don’t realize how easily voices carry, it just happens. Just like murder…an ancient arrow, a curse, and another corporate head bites the dust!

Bullseye! Avery Daniels has penned another exciting adventure in the fourth book of her Resort to Murder series, but this time, set in New Mexico with delightful references to Mexican and Native American culture, food, and a fascinating legend of a vengeful brave to hang a murder on. It’s been almost two years since the release of the last book in the series, so for newbies and regulars, like me, who’ve read the previous book, revisiting the background and character connections was welcomed…no spoilers to previous investigations. The mystery was clever, not overly complex, easily read in a weekend, with disgruntled employees, a wife with a pre-up, and employees that have nothing glowing to say about the victim, but with enough gossip, banter, and informal inquiries along with another dead body and a vision, it was an entertaining challenge to one’s own inner Sherlock. I had a few suspects and motives on my radar, and it was quite the surprise how the final reveal was made. The side story exploring Julienne’s and Mason’s relationship was exciting, and when Mason’s ex showed up intent on rekindling their relationship…watch out!

Avery’s writing style is colorful, steady paced, and offers a bit of humor to cut the murderous elements. The well-developed characters are definitely the star with a strong female lead, realistic up and down romance with a hunky ex-marine, and a supporting cast offering a range from accommodating to devious, capable to needy, and innocent to sadly guilty. And…top it all off with a delicious drink recipe that Avery mentions is “practically the national cocktail of Mexico.” The Gran Paloma mixes tequila and Gran Marnier into a refreshing respite…it’s up to you to add the clay goblet, the mariachi, and the desert breeze!

Resort to Murder series
Although the giveaways have concluded, the reviews offer some great insights.
Iced (2017] KRL Review HERE
Nailed (2018) KRL Reviewed HERE
Spiked (2019) KRL Reviewed HERE
Arrowed (2021)
Stoned (Soon)

Be a Big Avery Daniels Fan!
Avery Daniels is the author of this four-book Resort to Murder Mystery series, and as a native of Colorado, she can really add the right amount of realism to the setting. Although she first released the series in 2017, the covers have been delightfully reimagined and rereleased HERE on Amazon. As she explained on her website, “Before you ask, I have wanted to write since I was a teen. My first attempt was a rather syrupy “Old Yeller” tale involving an injured fawn and the young girl who nurses it back to health. I believe I was in High School at the time and had no proper creative writing training to guide me. I have come a long way baby since then.”

Facebook – Avery Daniels Author
Website – Avery Daniels

To enter to win either an ebook or print copy of Arrowed, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, with the subject line “arrowed,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen April 3, 2021. Only US entries and you must be at least 18 to enter. Please include your mailing address for the doll in case you win. You can read our privacy statement here if you like. BE SURE TO STATE WHETHER YOU WANT PRINT OR EBOOK.

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Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.