"Murder Pays a Call" By Nancy J. Cohen: Review/Giveaway

Review by Tracy Condie

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook copy of the book and a link to purchase it. 

It never ceases to amaze me how cozy authors continue to create interesting and sometimes unusual day jobs for their sleuths. Keryn “Keri” Armstrong is the owner of A Friend in Need Agency, a personal concierge service. Keri is the backbone, Purdy is the former accountant turned office manager, and Staz is the techie and corporate event planner. Keri’s business is located in Sunny Grove, Florida, a suburb of Orlando

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Image Source Orange Grove Press

Keri left a busy corporate career that was sure to give her ulcers for a job helping others. Keri’s clients include corporations, nonprofits, the elderly, busy moms, and even a chef who resembles a cross between a dock worker and James Bond. One of Keri’s clients, Fiona Sullivan, is killed during a break-in at her home. Keri viewed Fiona as more than a client; she was a mentor, so Keri gets involved in solving the murder, even though Detective Jeff Saunders is more than capable of conducting a thorough investigation.

Fiona was a well-heeled, retired antiques dealer who was a major donor to a local charity. In addition to collecting antiques, Fiona collected secrets which made her persona non grata in most social circles. Keri is caught between her admiration for Fiona and confusion as she tries to reconcile the two sides of her friend.

There are multiple suspects with plenty of motives. Is the killer a family member, an officer of the charity board, a neighbor, or someone from Fiona’s past? Keri must follow the leads like threads in an intricate pattern which doesn’t take shape before the big reveal. Another interesting thread involves the possibility of romance for Keri, as not one but two potential suitors are introduced.

This multi-layered story is well crafted and has interesting characters with unique names. Our sleuth, Keri, is a bit of a paradox. Although her job helps people get things done or helps simplify their lives, she never takes time for herself.

This series starter checks all the cozy boxes and promises plenty of possibilities for future reads.

To enter to win an ebook copy of Murder Pays a Call, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "murder pays,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen September 20, 2025. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors! 

You can click here to purchase this book.

Tracy Condie is a paralegal by day and cozy armchair sleuth by night. When she is not working or reading, she enjoys preparing the recipes found in culinary cozies or researching recipes of meal items described therein and sharing reviews of both books and food on Instagram and on KRL. She lives in Corona, California with her husband and dog Zoolie, and looks forward to visiting with their grown sons when their time permits.

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.