"Deadly Ambitions" By Terry Odell: Review/Giveaway

Review by Sarah Erwin

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

Deadly Ambitions is book 15 in Terry Odell’s “Mapleton Mystery” series. Like the others in this series, readers can enjoy this latest entry as a standalone. Just don’t be surprised when closing book 15, you find yourself going back to book one!

At the celebration party for the newly elected mayor, Police Chief Gordon Hepler hopes that the drama of the contested election is finally over and he and his team of officers will have a moment to breathe. Unfortunately, the Chief’s hopes are dashed when a group attempts a protest and later in the evening the losing candidate is in a car accident.  

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On the home front, renovations for his wife’s Angie’s Daily Bread diner are horribly delayed. Could these delays possibly be intentional? Despite worries about the delays, Angie does uncover an old journal during the remodel. The journal fascinates Angie and she begins to research who it might have belonged to.

As if all of this isn’t enough, Chief Hepler receives an anonymous warning that there might be shady goings on with a newly elected council member, there’s a murder that shocks the town, and Angie finds herself in great danger. There’s no rest for the weary in Chief Hepler’s office.

Deadly Ambitions is another fascinating and page-turning entry into the series, and this one features more than one complex mystery to solve. Chief Hepler may live in a small town but there’s certainly no shortage of intrigue and mysteries with many moving parts. I was tired on behalf of the Chief, wondering how he was going to solve everything and most importantly keep those he loves safe.

Much of the story offers a behind the scenes look at the police department, as well as a look at how Chief Hepler balances his personal and professional life. Chief Hepler is a wonderful leader and a character this reader loves to root for. The story is also very real in showing the strain of police work on personal relationships. Angie and Gordon care deeply for each other and those feelings come through clearly on the page.   

This is such a unique series that is so easy and enjoyable to read. Highly recommend this latest entry for mystery lovers who enjoy the procedural part of crime solving, but want cozy instead of gory details.

To enter to win an ebook or print copy of Deadly Ambitions(winner's choice), simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "ambitions,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen April 4, 2026. 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.

Sarah Erwin started her career as a children’s librarian, later becoming a public library director and now she’s a stay at home mom. While her career might have changed, her love of reading has been a constant since 4th grade and she reads over 200 books a year. Read along with her on her blog Sarah Can’t Stop Reading or on Instagram. Sarah lives in St. Louis, MO with her two kids, her husband and a family dog and cat.

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.