"The Stuff of Malice" By Kathleen Marple Kalb: Review/Giveaway

Review by Sarah Erwin

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.

The Stuff of Malice is book three in Kathleen Marple Kalb’s cozy mystery series An Old Stuff Mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two entries into the series, and I’m happy to report that book three was just as clever.

Readers are back with historian Christian Shaw and her boyfriend, Assistant State’s Attorney Joe Poli, and this romantic pair are finally going to have a big date night! Light the candles and cue the romance…that is until a body turns up on the Unity Town Green.

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Both Christian and Joe are called to the scene of the crime to discover that the victim is Christian’s current client, Sir Jeremy Hightower. Hightower was the director of the summer Shakespeare production, and let’s just say his pretentious personality did not make him many friends. And then there are clues that bring into question – was this a hate crime? Thankfully Christian and Joe work together to uncover the murderer.

Once again, Kathleen’s storytelling pulled me right into the story and readers don’t have to wait long for the action to start. I enjoy the conversation-like style of the writing – it makes this reader feel as if I am walking along with Christian as she balances motherhood, work and a murder investigation. She’s a character I enjoy rooting for – she’s very real and thoughtful. 

The characters shine in this series, both our main characters and the side characters that fill the town of Unity, Connecticut. There’s a found family sense in this town as citizens look after each other. Entertaining dialogue certainly helps, along with the wit sprinkled throughout. It’s a wonderful mix, great dialogue with moments of entertaining wit.

I zoomed through this mystery, enjoying the many clues that pointed the way. I had a slight guess as I neared the end and enjoyed so much seeing it all come together.

To enter to win a copy of an ebook copy The Stuff of Malice, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "stuff of malice,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen May 2, 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.