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Mia Murphy Mystery #1
Double Twist
In this new mystery series from New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Rowe, the irreverent, underappreciated, and alarmingly talented Mia Murphy risks it all to do the right thing…even if it means doing the wrong thing.
A high-octane, feel-good romp starring women you'll wish were your best friends, an inconveniently attractive cop, a posse of gray-haired quilters with a fondness for margaritas, and an eccentric town with more secrets than Mia's con artist mom.
All Mia Murphy wants is an ordinary, law-abiding life.
Accidentally marrying a drug kingpin? Easily fixed with an anonymous tip to the FBI…which resulted in a not-so-voluntary, surprisingly stressful stint as an undercover spy against him.
But with her ex finally in prison and assassins in her rearview mirror, Mia is off to Diamond Lake in Bass Derby, Maine with King Tut, her rescue (aka purloined) cat, to start over.
Upon arrival, Mia quickly finds a couple of soulmates in a blue-haired "I'll show you what old is" café owner and a baton-twirling mail carrier. Life is headed in the right direction...until the trio stumbles across a dead body during a slightly illegal but well-intentioned home invasion.
When one of her new besties is arrested for the murder, Mia is the only one with the skills to ferret out the real killer…but she can't afford to resurrect her morally flexible past. Can Mia keep her life on the straight and narrow with so much at stake? Or will a homicidal, jet-skiing moose, a dead Mr. January firefighter, and an overzealous mayor take them all down?
Mia has to step up, or she'll lose her chance for the life she's always wanted and the friends she's never had. Even worse, she might wind up dead…
A high-octane, feel-good romp starring women you'll wish were your best friends, an inconveniently attractive cop, a posse of gray-haired quilters with a fondness for margaritas, and an eccentric town with more secrets than Mia's con artist mom.
All Mia Murphy wants is an ordinary, law-abiding life.
Accidentally marrying a drug kingpin? Easily fixed with an anonymous tip to the FBI…which resulted in a not-so-voluntary, surprisingly stressful stint as an undercover spy against him.
But with her ex finally in prison and assassins in her rearview mirror, Mia is off to Diamond Lake in Bass Derby, Maine with King Tut, her rescue (aka purloined) cat, to start over.
Upon arrival, Mia quickly finds a couple of soulmates in a blue-haired "I'll show you what old is" café owner and a baton-twirling mail carrier. Life is headed in the right direction...until the trio stumbles across a dead body during a slightly illegal but well-intentioned home invasion.
When one of her new besties is arrested for the murder, Mia is the only one with the skills to ferret out the real killer…but she can't afford to resurrect her morally flexible past. Can Mia keep her life on the straight and narrow with so much at stake? Or will a homicidal, jet-skiing moose, a dead Mr. January firefighter, and an overzealous mayor take them all down?
Mia has to step up, or she'll lose her chance for the life she's always wanted and the friends she's never had. Even worse, she might wind up dead…
386 pages, ebook
First published May 3, 2022
About the author
Stephanie Rowe
122 books1,532 followersHailed as a "paranormal star!" by J.R. Ward, Stephanie Rowe is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty-five novels. She is the 2018 RITA® winner for Best Paranormal Romance, as well as a five-time nominee for this prestigious award. For more on Stephanie and her books, visit her at www.stephaneierowe.com, or on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/StephanieRow....
A life-long reader, she began crafting stories at age ten, but didn't realize it was her dream until she was an adult.
Once the light dawned, she immediately left behind "work" as the world defines it and went to "work" as she defines it, which means getting up every morning with a smile in her heart so she can spend the day doing that which makes her spirit sing.
Stephanie believes in learning to listen to your heart in order to figure out what your dreams are, and then opening yourself to the inspiration that will direct you there. She believes we all deserve the right to enjoy life, and for the ride to be as easy as we want it to be, and that we all should accept nothing less than making our dreams come true.
Stephanie lives in New England, and spends every day doing her best to fill it with people, observations and activities that uplift her soul, which include writing, tennis, dancing, friends, and her amazing family.
A life-long reader, she began crafting stories at age ten, but didn't realize it was her dream until she was an adult.
Once the light dawned, she immediately left behind "work" as the world defines it and went to "work" as she defines it, which means getting up every morning with a smile in her heart so she can spend the day doing that which makes her spirit sing.
Stephanie believes in learning to listen to your heart in order to figure out what your dreams are, and then opening yourself to the inspiration that will direct you there. She believes we all deserve the right to enjoy life, and for the ride to be as easy as we want it to be, and that we all should accept nothing less than making our dreams come true.
Stephanie lives in New England, and spends every day doing her best to fill it with people, observations and activities that uplift her soul, which include writing, tennis, dancing, friends, and her amazing family.
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May 3, 2022
Double Twist by Stephanie Rowe
A Mia Murphy mystery, book 1. Cozy mystery.
After testifying against her mob boss husband, Mia declines witness protection and buys a marina, sight unseen, in a small town in Maine. It may not have been her best decision given the old and decrepit marina, the threat of moose and finding a dead body with her two new besties. What’s a girl to do but solve the crime and make sure her new friends are protected?
Humorous and a bit crazy, Mia is resourceful and clever and constantly stirring up trouble. With Lucy and Hattie egging her on, Mia is pulling her skills from her grifting days and putting an end to the threat to her quiet and peaceful life goals.
Entertaining, twisty and a romping good tale.
I can’t wait for the next Mia adventure.
A Mia Murphy mystery, book 1. Cozy mystery.
After testifying against her mob boss husband, Mia declines witness protection and buys a marina, sight unseen, in a small town in Maine. It may not have been her best decision given the old and decrepit marina, the threat of moose and finding a dead body with her two new besties. What’s a girl to do but solve the crime and make sure her new friends are protected?
Humorous and a bit crazy, Mia is resourceful and clever and constantly stirring up trouble. With Lucy and Hattie egging her on, Mia is pulling her skills from her grifting days and putting an end to the threat to her quiet and peaceful life goals.
Entertaining, twisty and a romping good tale.
I can’t wait for the next Mia adventure.
March 23, 2022
Double Twist is a delightfully witty, fast paced whodunit with incredibly likeable characters whose hair-raising schemes trying to solve a murder to prove their friend innocent are priceless.
Mia Murphy has been through the mud. After two years in hiding for turning her now ex-husband, a drug Kingpin no less and his family into the FBI she is ready to start a new life. She decides to change course and buy a marina, although she has no idea what it entails, which she finds for sale in Bass Derby, Maine, as far away from her past as possible. Along with her she takes a “borrowed” cat named King Tut, the closest thing she has to family considering her mother has been on the lam for years.
Mia quickly gets into trouble when someone hits her car, and she is blamed for ruining a very important town sign. Who knew a sign could be so important as to almost get her arrested! When she finally arrives at her new “home” she finds a dilapidated, smelly, old marina which she finds out has been vacant for about ten years. Boy, can pictures be deceiving!
Her only solace are the two women she meets immediately. Harriet is the elderly owner of the cafe which sits on Mia’s property. Mia is her landlord and Harriet seems to feel she should pay her rent in meals rather than money. Lucy is the new mail carrier on her route who is quirky, but likeable, with baton twirling skills no less!
When the three women decide to go on a retrieving expedition of property from the ex-husband of one of them, something Mia really does not want to partake, but you know, new peer pressure, they are surprised to find him dead and someone fleeing the scene.
As the clues all seem to point to the ex-wife, the women begin to believe she is being set up, and as much as Mia insists she has left her old life behind, she seems to be the only one with the logic and common sense to figure out who is the real murderer. So she decides to help train her two new friends in the art of snagging a killer. But unfortunately not only is Mia schooled by a few low-life’s, a very handsome officer and jet-skiing moose, she finds she herself in danger of being killed.
Some quiet peaceful town she picked! Will the women be able to solve the crime before one of them gets put in jail for a very long time? And who is trying to drive Mia out of town and why? Only Mia Murphy’s luck could have her evade assassins for two years only to be stalked buy a pack of smelly moose!
Double Twist is an enjoyable, funny story with a unique plot and eccentric characters. A can’t put down book you will read with a smile on your face from start to finish.
Double Twist will be out on May 3.
Mia Murphy has been through the mud. After two years in hiding for turning her now ex-husband, a drug Kingpin no less and his family into the FBI she is ready to start a new life. She decides to change course and buy a marina, although she has no idea what it entails, which she finds for sale in Bass Derby, Maine, as far away from her past as possible. Along with her she takes a “borrowed” cat named King Tut, the closest thing she has to family considering her mother has been on the lam for years.
Mia quickly gets into trouble when someone hits her car, and she is blamed for ruining a very important town sign. Who knew a sign could be so important as to almost get her arrested! When she finally arrives at her new “home” she finds a dilapidated, smelly, old marina which she finds out has been vacant for about ten years. Boy, can pictures be deceiving!
Her only solace are the two women she meets immediately. Harriet is the elderly owner of the cafe which sits on Mia’s property. Mia is her landlord and Harriet seems to feel she should pay her rent in meals rather than money. Lucy is the new mail carrier on her route who is quirky, but likeable, with baton twirling skills no less!
When the three women decide to go on a retrieving expedition of property from the ex-husband of one of them, something Mia really does not want to partake, but you know, new peer pressure, they are surprised to find him dead and someone fleeing the scene.
As the clues all seem to point to the ex-wife, the women begin to believe she is being set up, and as much as Mia insists she has left her old life behind, she seems to be the only one with the logic and common sense to figure out who is the real murderer. So she decides to help train her two new friends in the art of snagging a killer. But unfortunately not only is Mia schooled by a few low-life’s, a very handsome officer and jet-skiing moose, she finds she herself in danger of being killed.
Some quiet peaceful town she picked! Will the women be able to solve the crime before one of them gets put in jail for a very long time? And who is trying to drive Mia out of town and why? Only Mia Murphy’s luck could have her evade assassins for two years only to be stalked buy a pack of smelly moose!
Double Twist is an enjoyable, funny story with a unique plot and eccentric characters. A can’t put down book you will read with a smile on your face from start to finish.
Double Twist will be out on May 3.
April 26, 2022
Cute book with fun characters... could have used some editing, but overall, I liked it!
3.5 stars rounded up
3.5 stars rounded up
August 10, 2022
This was a funny, laugh out loud in parts first in series book. Mia is hilarious. Hattie and Lucy as her partners in crime are a perfect fit and King Tut the “cat” is awesome. After helping to put away her drug lord husband, Mia is just wanting to start over and have a peaceful life, not get embroiled in more crime let alone murder. But the universe has other plans for Mia. Fun and quirky character, ridiculous escapades, bumbling police chief and hot detective - please don’t ruin the series with a love triangle 😒😒
Overall, very good start to the series
Overall, very good start to the series
April 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this first book in the series. It starts out fast paced and does not let up for the whole book. The characters were fun and believable and the mystery definitely kept me guessing right along with Mia and her friends. The writing was funny and flowed well. Looking forward to the next one (excerpt in the back!)
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
May 3, 2022
I absolutely loved this fun and fast moving cozy mystery.
After helping to put her drug lord husband behind bars, Mia Murphy just wants a quiet life in a small lakeside town in Maine. What she gets is landing smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation with a target on her back.
“I didn't get up.
Instead, I laid down in the parking lot, crossed my ankles, and clasped my hands behind my head, staring up at the sky. "I refuse to have this be my life," I informed the universe. "I no longer attract crime, murder, drugs or anything else like that into my life. It's over. I'm done."
The universe said nothing.”
The town of Bass Derby, Maine is populated with the best fun, quirky characters including one extremely good looking police officer…
Double Twist was pure entertainment from start to finish. The story never dragged and I can’t wait to get more Mia stories!
-5 Stars!- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After helping to put her drug lord husband behind bars, Mia Murphy just wants a quiet life in a small lakeside town in Maine. What she gets is landing smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation with a target on her back.
“I didn't get up.
Instead, I laid down in the parking lot, crossed my ankles, and clasped my hands behind my head, staring up at the sky. "I refuse to have this be my life," I informed the universe. "I no longer attract crime, murder, drugs or anything else like that into my life. It's over. I'm done."
The universe said nothing.”
The town of Bass Derby, Maine is populated with the best fun, quirky characters including one extremely good looking police officer…
Double Twist was pure entertainment from start to finish. The story never dragged and I can’t wait to get more Mia stories!
-5 Stars!- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 3, 2022
Delightful, Unexpected, awesome mystery with twists and turns
Double Twist is a great and fun mystery that I couldn’t put down. Author Stephanie Rowe has long been one of my favorite romance and romantic suspense authors but with Double Twist she takes a turn to the lighter side, and she does a great job of it. Double Twist falls in the cozy and amateur mystery genre with a strong female protagonist. Pulled into a years-long investigation when she reports her husband for dealing drugs, Mia is more than ready for peace and calm, so she moves to a lakeside community with dreams of being part of a welcoming community and running a successful business. It turns out that she is no safer than she was sleeping with a villainous drug lord. In spite of her resistance to being dragged into another dangerous investigations, her crazy new friends manage to pull her into helping them figure out what is happening in their community. The con artist life that she led with her mother and would like to put behind her for real makes her particularly prepared to help in this escapade.
I adore Mia and her new friends.
Double Twist is a great and fun mystery that I couldn’t put down. Author Stephanie Rowe has long been one of my favorite romance and romantic suspense authors but with Double Twist she takes a turn to the lighter side, and she does a great job of it. Double Twist falls in the cozy and amateur mystery genre with a strong female protagonist. Pulled into a years-long investigation when she reports her husband for dealing drugs, Mia is more than ready for peace and calm, so she moves to a lakeside community with dreams of being part of a welcoming community and running a successful business. It turns out that she is no safer than she was sleeping with a villainous drug lord. In spite of her resistance to being dragged into another dangerous investigations, her crazy new friends manage to pull her into helping them figure out what is happening in their community. The con artist life that she led with her mother and would like to put behind her for real makes her particularly prepared to help in this escapade.
I adore Mia and her new friends.
March 21, 2022
Mia Murphy is finally out of hiding. Growing up with a con artist mother, she learned to pickpocket (among other things) at an early age. And when she married, she had no idea her husband was a kingpin drug dealer. But in giving a tip to the FBI, it only made things worse -- she had to work with them for nearly two years to take down the man -- and leave her open to hitmen. But when things are finally over, Mia decides to move to Bass Derby, Maine, and open a marina.
Unfortunately, the pictures are nothing like what she just bought: a run-down dilapidated wreck that definitely needs some TLC to open. Did I mention that she brought along King Tut, a massive Maine Coon that she rescued (purloined) from its previous owner?
What she also finds is that she only has one tenant, a woman named Hattie who runs a café, is somewhere south of sixty and drives like a maniac. That, and Lucy Grande, a mail carrier who's new to Mia's route and wants to be her friend, not to mention an employee that's named Cargo that Mia isn't even sure exists. Mia doesn't know what to make of all this, but she's willing to try and make everything work.
Unfortunately, there was a slight accident coming into town that didn't put her in the best light. And people are starting to figure out that she's the 'drug lord's wife' even if she did change her hair color. The sheriff (younger than her) doesn't like her, and the deputy (definitely hot) is curious about her, but suddenly things go south. When she's kind of pushed into helping her new friends get Lucy's truck back from her ex, they find the truck...and his dead body. Now Lucy is the main suspect, and Mia vows to keep her out of prison. After all, she put her ex Stanley in prison, so this will just be in reverse. If she can avoid jet skiing moose who are trying to kill her...
This is the first in a new series and I have to be honest and say that I have never read any of Ms. Rowe's books before. But given the chance to read this I found it extremely intriguing. Believe it or not, there were some things said that brought tears to my eyes (Trust me, this is rare for me), a lot of laughter, and images of some people (the old ladies, e.g., but you have to read the book) that might have me wanting to wash my eyeballs.
This is one of the funniest books I've read in a long time. It also brought sadness for Mia, who just wants a new life -- but maybe not the current one. The descriptions are some of the best I've ever been shown, and the people who live in Bass Derby are beyond quirky; some of them are downright insane. But Mia is determined to keep the new life she's made for herself, even if it means skirting the law (sort of) to help her new friend.
What ensues is actually two days of pure havoc in Mia's new life. Two days of eluding police, rabid killers, and refusing to sleep in her new apartment because of the smell (you'll get there). Then there's King Tut, who surprises me at every turn and makes me want to make him my own (I love cats). He's just strange and special...really strange.
In the end, when the killer is found, it really is an unexpected surprise, but it brings everything together full circle in the most delightful way possible. I loved this book so much that I want to read the next in the series right now. Kudos to the author. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher but this in no way influenced my review.
Unfortunately, the pictures are nothing like what she just bought: a run-down dilapidated wreck that definitely needs some TLC to open. Did I mention that she brought along King Tut, a massive Maine Coon that she rescued (purloined) from its previous owner?
What she also finds is that she only has one tenant, a woman named Hattie who runs a café, is somewhere south of sixty and drives like a maniac. That, and Lucy Grande, a mail carrier who's new to Mia's route and wants to be her friend, not to mention an employee that's named Cargo that Mia isn't even sure exists. Mia doesn't know what to make of all this, but she's willing to try and make everything work.
Unfortunately, there was a slight accident coming into town that didn't put her in the best light. And people are starting to figure out that she's the 'drug lord's wife' even if she did change her hair color. The sheriff (younger than her) doesn't like her, and the deputy (definitely hot) is curious about her, but suddenly things go south. When she's kind of pushed into helping her new friends get Lucy's truck back from her ex, they find the truck...and his dead body. Now Lucy is the main suspect, and Mia vows to keep her out of prison. After all, she put her ex Stanley in prison, so this will just be in reverse. If she can avoid jet skiing moose who are trying to kill her...
This is the first in a new series and I have to be honest and say that I have never read any of Ms. Rowe's books before. But given the chance to read this I found it extremely intriguing. Believe it or not, there were some things said that brought tears to my eyes (Trust me, this is rare for me), a lot of laughter, and images of some people (the old ladies, e.g., but you have to read the book) that might have me wanting to wash my eyeballs.
This is one of the funniest books I've read in a long time. It also brought sadness for Mia, who just wants a new life -- but maybe not the current one. The descriptions are some of the best I've ever been shown, and the people who live in Bass Derby are beyond quirky; some of them are downright insane. But Mia is determined to keep the new life she's made for herself, even if it means skirting the law (sort of) to help her new friend.
What ensues is actually two days of pure havoc in Mia's new life. Two days of eluding police, rabid killers, and refusing to sleep in her new apartment because of the smell (you'll get there). Then there's King Tut, who surprises me at every turn and makes me want to make him my own (I love cats). He's just strange and special...really strange.
In the end, when the killer is found, it really is an unexpected surprise, but it brings everything together full circle in the most delightful way possible. I loved this book so much that I want to read the next in the series right now. Kudos to the author. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher but this in no way influenced my review.
April 28, 2022
I'm not much into mysteries but if they were more like this book I'd read more. Mia is clumsy, smart, witty, and a thinker. Everything you need for solving a mystery to save a friend.
And it helps there's a hot cop and her fearless feline there to help protect her.
And it helps there's a hot cop and her fearless feline there to help protect her.
May 6, 2022
I’ve had my eyes out on Double Twist by Stephanie Rowe for a few weeks now so when a rep from Valentine PR reached out asking if I wanted an ARC to review the novel, I definitely did not decline.
I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge cozy mystery reader (although I do love Janet Evanovich) but after reading the synopsis, I just knew I didn’t to add this to my (ever growing) TBR pile.
I’m always grateful when an author, publisher, editor, etc reaches out to me to review their novel. It’s always a privilege.
Double Twist is set to be published May 03, 2022. So if you’ve read the synopsis (swipe right) and it catches your attention, definitely think about adding this book to your shelf.
I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge cozy mystery reader (although I do love Janet Evanovich) but after reading the synopsis, I just knew I didn’t to add this to my (ever growing) TBR pile.
I’m always grateful when an author, publisher, editor, etc reaches out to me to review their novel. It’s always a privilege.
Double Twist is set to be published May 03, 2022. So if you’ve read the synopsis (swipe right) and it catches your attention, definitely think about adding this book to your shelf.
October 19, 2023
Double Twist
Mia Murphy Mystery, Book 1
I Picked Up This Book Because: B&N Serial Read
Media Type: eBook
Source: Barnes & Noble
Dates Read: 8/3/23 - 10/12/23
Stars: 3.5
The Characters:
Mia Murphy:
King Tut(the huge cat):
Hattie, Officer Devlin, Lucy Grande
The Story:
Yes, you read that correctly. It took over two months for me to finish this book. I do not blame the book in any way. The story was interesting, the characters were charming and lovable (or the complete opposite). I just fail at holding print in front of my face for more than two minutes at a time.
The Random Thoughts:
I would like to continue the series, but I definitely need to find the audiobooks.
Mia Murphy Mystery, Book 1
I Picked Up This Book Because: B&N Serial Read
Media Type: eBook
Source: Barnes & Noble
Dates Read: 8/3/23 - 10/12/23
Stars: 3.5
The Characters:
Mia Murphy:
King Tut(the huge cat):
Hattie, Officer Devlin, Lucy Grande
The Story:
Yes, you read that correctly. It took over two months for me to finish this book. I do not blame the book in any way. The story was interesting, the characters were charming and lovable (or the complete opposite). I just fail at holding print in front of my face for more than two minutes at a time.
The Random Thoughts:
I would like to continue the series, but I definitely need to find the audiobooks.
April 25, 2022
This is seriously a laugh out loud can this really be happening type of book . Loved the characters, the crazy situations and the whole who was the murderer?
Looking forward to next lot if hijinks at the marina in the next book. I reviewed an arc copy of this book with no obligation to review.
Looking forward to next lot if hijinks at the marina in the next book. I reviewed an arc copy of this book with no obligation to review.
May 3, 2022
Fantastic characters. I loved Mia but I think Hattie stole the show. So many twist abs turns. It kept you guessing till the very end. What a page turner. Loved this book I didn’t even miss the romance as her usual writing style. Even thought I think she could add it in. This book is a great mystery.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
May 4, 2022
The Gangs All Here
If you want to read about a group of ladies who have nothing in common coming together to solve pride that this is your book. Mia, Hattie and Lucy have nothing in common but boy with these ladies get together you don't know whether to laugh or to cry because they will definitely keep you on your toes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book to the end can't wait for the next and this series.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it with no obligation to the author. It was worth reviewing
If you want to read about a group of ladies who have nothing in common coming together to solve pride that this is your book. Mia, Hattie and Lucy have nothing in common but boy with these ladies get together you don't know whether to laugh or to cry because they will definitely keep you on your toes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book to the end can't wait for the next and this series.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it with no obligation to the author. It was worth reviewing
April 29, 2022
3,75⭐️
Thank you ValentinePR for providing a copy of this book in exchange of my honest opinion.
If you love small-town mystery, this is definitely for you!
In this novel we follow Mia, who is actually followed by criminal her whole life. Her mother was a con-artist, she married and drug dealer…She’s a truly sweet character and I loved to see her doubts and joy!
I’m not used to small town mystery, so that was a first for me, and I had trouble to get into the book for the whole half, because I didn’t really understand the dynamic.
The other characters, beside Devlin, were (for an European like me) hard to understand in the beginning, but once you get it, you cannot not love them. I thought I didn’t like them, until I finished this book and started to actually miss them.
The plot was really good, it was well made, with hints to help you figure it all out, and that felt great.
Overall, it was a nice mystery novel, I can’t wait for the second book to be released!
Thank you ValentinePR for providing a copy of this book in exchange of my honest opinion.
If you love small-town mystery, this is definitely for you!
In this novel we follow Mia, who is actually followed by criminal her whole life. Her mother was a con-artist, she married and drug dealer…She’s a truly sweet character and I loved to see her doubts and joy!
I’m not used to small town mystery, so that was a first for me, and I had trouble to get into the book for the whole half, because I didn’t really understand the dynamic.
The other characters, beside Devlin, were (for an European like me) hard to understand in the beginning, but once you get it, you cannot not love them. I thought I didn’t like them, until I finished this book and started to actually miss them.
The plot was really good, it was well made, with hints to help you figure it all out, and that felt great.
Overall, it was a nice mystery novel, I can’t wait for the second book to be released!
May 1, 2022
3.75stars— DOUBLE TWIST is the first instalment in Stephanie Rowe’s contemporary, adult MIA MURPHY cozy mystery series set in Bass Derby, Maine focusing on twenty-nine year old Mia Murphy.
Told from first person perspective (Mia) DOUBLE TWIST follows the former wife of a Boston drug kingpin as she embarks on a new life in Bass Derby Maine. For two years Mia Murphy was forced to work undercover for the FBI in an effort to take down the man she thought she had loved. Fast forward to present day wherein Mia, refusing to go into protective custody in the wake of her husband’s guilty conviction, heads to the small seaside town of Bass Derby where she buys an old Marina, anticipating a life of leisure on Diamond Lake, Maine but all does not go well from the outset for our heroine when she is befriended by two local women, who eventually find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation, and all three are considered prime suspects. When a large group of jet-ski riding moose threaten our story line heroine, Mia goes into overdrive in an attempt to protect her new investment, as well as the people in Bass Derby , Maine.
DOUBLE TWIST is a fast paced and captivating story of intrigue and mystery, betrayal and vengeance, drugs and power, murder and mayhem. Stephanie Rowe pulls the reader into an entertaining story with moments of humor and sorrow, acceptance and friendships. We are introduced to FBI Agent Rob ‘Hawk’ Strauss, Officer Devlin Hunt, as well as real estate agent Ruby Lee Hanrahan, Mayor Eloise Stone, police chief Stone, and local cafe owner Hattie Lawless, and mail carrier Lucy Grande. The requisite evil has many faces. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, DOUBLE TWIST is a wonderful start to a new series.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from first person perspective (Mia) DOUBLE TWIST follows the former wife of a Boston drug kingpin as she embarks on a new life in Bass Derby Maine. For two years Mia Murphy was forced to work undercover for the FBI in an effort to take down the man she thought she had loved. Fast forward to present day wherein Mia, refusing to go into protective custody in the wake of her husband’s guilty conviction, heads to the small seaside town of Bass Derby where she buys an old Marina, anticipating a life of leisure on Diamond Lake, Maine but all does not go well from the outset for our heroine when she is befriended by two local women, who eventually find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation, and all three are considered prime suspects. When a large group of jet-ski riding moose threaten our story line heroine, Mia goes into overdrive in an attempt to protect her new investment, as well as the people in Bass Derby , Maine.
DOUBLE TWIST is a fast paced and captivating story of intrigue and mystery, betrayal and vengeance, drugs and power, murder and mayhem. Stephanie Rowe pulls the reader into an entertaining story with moments of humor and sorrow, acceptance and friendships. We are introduced to FBI Agent Rob ‘Hawk’ Strauss, Officer Devlin Hunt, as well as real estate agent Ruby Lee Hanrahan, Mayor Eloise Stone, police chief Stone, and local cafe owner Hattie Lawless, and mail carrier Lucy Grande. The requisite evil has many faces. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, DOUBLE TWIST is a wonderful start to a new series.
www.thereadingcafe.com
May 12, 2022
Mia Murphy turned in and testified against her drug lord ex-husband, and now that he's been convicted, she's ready to start a new life. She decides to buy a marina in a small town in Maine, sight unseen, even though she knows nothing about marinas, boating, or even running a business. Mia arrives in her new hometown of Bass Derby to find that the photos in the real estate listing were misleading and the marina has been neglected for years. She's determined to make a success of her new life despite the unexpected challenges but doesn't get off to a good start when she's nearly run over trying to take a selfie on the way into town. Accidentally getting involved in a murder investigation doesn't help either, but for the first time in her life, Mia's making real friends and feels like she may have found a place to fit in. She's not going to let anyone take that from her, even if it means standing up to a gang of jet ski-riding moose and solving the murder herself.
I'm mostly a romance reader, but every once in a while I enjoy a cozy mystery as a palate cleanser, and this was a good one! It reminded me a bit of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series because of the humor and the fact that the main character managed to get herself into so many absurd situations. There was also a group of wacky but lovable friends and acquaintances, as well as a hot cop for Mia to flirt with. My favorite part, however, may have been Mia's cat, King Tut. He had a very unique personality and the way he came to live with Mia was just so perfectly her.
Overall, "Double Twist" was a fun story with plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing, and I very much enjoyed it. I'd recommend it for all cozy mystery fans and will definitely be picking up the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the author via Valentine PR. All opinions expressed are my own.
I'm mostly a romance reader, but every once in a while I enjoy a cozy mystery as a palate cleanser, and this was a good one! It reminded me a bit of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series because of the humor and the fact that the main character managed to get herself into so many absurd situations. There was also a group of wacky but lovable friends and acquaintances, as well as a hot cop for Mia to flirt with. My favorite part, however, may have been Mia's cat, King Tut. He had a very unique personality and the way he came to live with Mia was just so perfectly her.
Overall, "Double Twist" was a fun story with plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing, and I very much enjoyed it. I'd recommend it for all cozy mystery fans and will definitely be picking up the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the author via Valentine PR. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 5, 2022
Laughs and mystery! What’s not to love.
Mia Murphy, a former con artist who spent the last two years spying on her ex-husband for the FBI is trying to start over in beautiful Bass Derby, Maine. The proud owner of a marina she’s dreamed about since a child, she’s ready to start her new life. However, the marina doesn’t turn out like she was lead to believe. Did the con artist get conned? Before she steps foot in town, she’s wrongfully accused of damaging an iconic town landmark, and her new apartment smells like stale fish! A dubious start to her new life.
I love Mia‘s character, her wit and street smarts, and her “rescue cat“ King Tut. Before long Mia is involved in a Zaney escapade to save her new friend Lucy from being arrested for murder. The quick pace and twists and turns of the story made reading enjoyable.
I found myself laughing out loud at several places while reading this book. The characters in Bass Derby are quirky, eccentric, and a bit crazy. Mia does her best to maintain staying on the legal side of the road, but can’t help get involved to save her new friend. Her previous skills she learned from her mom may come in handy.
I have read and enjoyed several of Ms. Rowe’s books, and this new genre seems to be a perfect fit for her. The humor is both situational and witty at the same time. It was like watching a 1940’s comedy with Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn. Intelligent and fun!!! Once I started, I couldn’t put it down! I’m really looking forward to the next Mia Murphy escapade!!!
This is my voluntary review.
Mia Murphy, a former con artist who spent the last two years spying on her ex-husband for the FBI is trying to start over in beautiful Bass Derby, Maine. The proud owner of a marina she’s dreamed about since a child, she’s ready to start her new life. However, the marina doesn’t turn out like she was lead to believe. Did the con artist get conned? Before she steps foot in town, she’s wrongfully accused of damaging an iconic town landmark, and her new apartment smells like stale fish! A dubious start to her new life.
I love Mia‘s character, her wit and street smarts, and her “rescue cat“ King Tut. Before long Mia is involved in a Zaney escapade to save her new friend Lucy from being arrested for murder. The quick pace and twists and turns of the story made reading enjoyable.
I found myself laughing out loud at several places while reading this book. The characters in Bass Derby are quirky, eccentric, and a bit crazy. Mia does her best to maintain staying on the legal side of the road, but can’t help get involved to save her new friend. Her previous skills she learned from her mom may come in handy.
I have read and enjoyed several of Ms. Rowe’s books, and this new genre seems to be a perfect fit for her. The humor is both situational and witty at the same time. It was like watching a 1940’s comedy with Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn. Intelligent and fun!!! Once I started, I couldn’t put it down! I’m really looking forward to the next Mia Murphy escapade!!!
This is my voluntary review.
May 7, 2022
Thank you to Valentine PR for sending me an early copy of this book! All opinions are my own!
This book was an absolute joy from start to finish! It had me hooked from the first page, but it also had me laughing from the first page, and every page in between. There was just the right amount of suspense and mystery mixed in with the humor and coziness of it. If I wasn't smiling, my brain was churning trying to put the pieces together and figure out what was going on (which I did a very poor job of).
I really loved just how real Mia is. She's funny and down to earth, and she's just someone that you can relate to even with all the crazy things that are happening to her. She struggles with doubt and so many other things, and she just feels like someone that you would call up and talk to for hours about anything. I loved how spunky she was and how she never backed down, even with all her doubts. She was someone very easy to root for, and it made the book that much more enjoyable.
I also really like the beginning of this relationship between her and Devlin. It's almost like they were enemies at first, but their friendship is progressing slowly enough that it's going to be believable and they are actually learning to trust each other instead of just diving in. And don't get me started on King Tut!
If you're a fan of mysteries, this series is going to be one that you absolutely will not want to miss!
This book was an absolute joy from start to finish! It had me hooked from the first page, but it also had me laughing from the first page, and every page in between. There was just the right amount of suspense and mystery mixed in with the humor and coziness of it. If I wasn't smiling, my brain was churning trying to put the pieces together and figure out what was going on (which I did a very poor job of).
I really loved just how real Mia is. She's funny and down to earth, and she's just someone that you can relate to even with all the crazy things that are happening to her. She struggles with doubt and so many other things, and she just feels like someone that you would call up and talk to for hours about anything. I loved how spunky she was and how she never backed down, even with all her doubts. She was someone very easy to root for, and it made the book that much more enjoyable.
I also really like the beginning of this relationship between her and Devlin. It's almost like they were enemies at first, but their friendship is progressing slowly enough that it's going to be believable and they are actually learning to trust each other instead of just diving in. And don't get me started on King Tut!
If you're a fan of mysteries, this series is going to be one that you absolutely will not want to miss!
April 22, 2022
This is the first book in what I assume will be a cosy mystery series. The author is more known for her romances. As a first book it sets up the characters and the setting. Mia Murphy is a skilled pick-pocket, raised by a con-artist mother and was married to a drug kingpin. The book begins after her husbands conviction. She contacted the FBI who then forced her undercover for two years to gather evidence against her husband. But that is all over and the FBI is letting her keep enough money for a fresh start. She chooses the small town of Bass Derby, Maine where she buys a dilapidated marina on Diamond Lake.
Mia makes her first ever friends in her lone renter Hattie and a baton twirling local mail carrier Lucy. When one is set up for the murder of her ex-boyfriend Mia is in hot pursuit of the truth. This is filled with fun with small town silliness, cops that have squeamish stomachs and of course mayhem. I already follow a few different cosy mystery series and I didn’t love Mia enough yet to automatically add this series to my reading list. I will look for the next adventure to see how it progresses. Thank you to NetGalley and Authenticity Playground Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Mia makes her first ever friends in her lone renter Hattie and a baton twirling local mail carrier Lucy. When one is set up for the murder of her ex-boyfriend Mia is in hot pursuit of the truth. This is filled with fun with small town silliness, cops that have squeamish stomachs and of course mayhem. I already follow a few different cosy mystery series and I didn’t love Mia enough yet to automatically add this series to my reading list. I will look for the next adventure to see how it progresses. Thank you to NetGalley and Authenticity Playground Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2022
A great start to this series - I love Mia
Mia Murphy and her best friends/amateur sleuths were so fun to read. The story hooked me in and took me along for a hilarious and twisty ride. Mia has a colorful past. She is the daughter of a conwoman and pickpocket, she spent the last two years as an FBI informant to help convict her drug kingpin husband. Now she’s bought a marina and moved to Bass Derby, a small town in Maine, to be normal. But nothing is what she envisioned - not her newly purchased marina or the sleepy pretty town. When one of her new friends, Lucy’s ex is murdered right before they show up to steal back Lucy’s property and Lucy is left holding the murder weapon, the three friends decide they’ll solve the murder to save Lucy. The three amateur sleuths get themselves into absurdly funny and sometimes dangerous situations. They are witty and endearing characters who are also real, relatable people who have flaws, but are really trying to just do their best. This book has a little bit of everything just like you would expect from a good cozy mystery - sweet moments, strong friendships, snort worthy situations, real life issues, imperfect characters, painful pasts, dangerous situations, small town quirky people, shady characters, incompetent police, competent sexy police, twists and turns, mystery and secrets. The book was well written, contained witty dialogue, characters with depth and an engaging storyline. I need more Mia Murphy in my life. I willingly reviewed an early copy of this book.
Mia Murphy and her best friends/amateur sleuths were so fun to read. The story hooked me in and took me along for a hilarious and twisty ride. Mia has a colorful past. She is the daughter of a conwoman and pickpocket, she spent the last two years as an FBI informant to help convict her drug kingpin husband. Now she’s bought a marina and moved to Bass Derby, a small town in Maine, to be normal. But nothing is what she envisioned - not her newly purchased marina or the sleepy pretty town. When one of her new friends, Lucy’s ex is murdered right before they show up to steal back Lucy’s property and Lucy is left holding the murder weapon, the three friends decide they’ll solve the murder to save Lucy. The three amateur sleuths get themselves into absurdly funny and sometimes dangerous situations. They are witty and endearing characters who are also real, relatable people who have flaws, but are really trying to just do their best. This book has a little bit of everything just like you would expect from a good cozy mystery - sweet moments, strong friendships, snort worthy situations, real life issues, imperfect characters, painful pasts, dangerous situations, small town quirky people, shady characters, incompetent police, competent sexy police, twists and turns, mystery and secrets. The book was well written, contained witty dialogue, characters with depth and an engaging storyline. I need more Mia Murphy in my life. I willingly reviewed an early copy of this book.
May 7, 2022
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Double Twist is a new small-town cozy mystery series starter by Stephanie Rowe. Released 3rd May 2022, it's 358 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is such a fun and promising start. The protagonist is plucky, intelligent, loyal, and just out of a harrowing two year investigation and prosecution of her druglord ex-husband which she was coerced into by the FBI. She's bought a run-down marina in a small town and is determined to leave the past behind her with her purloined (she says "rescued") cat.
It's not long until she's neck deep in a new murder investigation and being threatened by thugs in moose costumes on jet-skis. The local law enforcement is a buffoon and she's definitely not willing to pay for a murder she knows neither she nor her friends committed.
Four and a half stars. The entire book is genuinely funny and reminded me in all the best ways of Janet Evanovich. It's a caper from start to finish and will likely make my yearly cozy wrap-up list. Definitely one to watch. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next for Mia and her buddies.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Double Twist is a new small-town cozy mystery series starter by Stephanie Rowe. Released 3rd May 2022, it's 358 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is such a fun and promising start. The protagonist is plucky, intelligent, loyal, and just out of a harrowing two year investigation and prosecution of her druglord ex-husband which she was coerced into by the FBI. She's bought a run-down marina in a small town and is determined to leave the past behind her with her purloined (she says "rescued") cat.
It's not long until she's neck deep in a new murder investigation and being threatened by thugs in moose costumes on jet-skis. The local law enforcement is a buffoon and she's definitely not willing to pay for a murder she knows neither she nor her friends committed.
Four and a half stars. The entire book is genuinely funny and reminded me in all the best ways of Janet Evanovich. It's a caper from start to finish and will likely make my yearly cozy wrap-up list. Definitely one to watch. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next for Mia and her buddies.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
April 18, 2022
MIa is one of my new favorite characters!
All Mia wants to do is leave her current life behind and start new.. Living in a new town where no one knows who she used to be or who she was married to. When she arrives in her new home of Maine she gets quite the welcome, first shes almost run over, then sees the marina that will be her new home and business... Lets just say the photos of the place were not current.
However Mia and her feline companion King Tut are determined to make this work.. So when her new friends Hattie and Lucy need one of her special skills to get some property back, she reluctantly helps.. she doesn't expect to find a body. Or when one of her friends ends up being framed for the murder she knows that as much as she doesn't want to have any contact with the police, or anyone on the shadier side of the law that she will do whatever it takes to make sure that Lucy doesn't go down for a crime she didn't commit.
This book and Mia had me laughing out loud! King Tut is one of the most awsome kitty sidekicks Ive ever seen, and I can't wait to see what new trouble he and Mia can get into next! I really hope we get to meet Mias mom at some point she sounds like a hoot and a half.
I hope this ends up being a long running series Mia, King Tut and the rest of the gang are already my new favorite characters!
All Mia wants to do is leave her current life behind and start new.. Living in a new town where no one knows who she used to be or who she was married to. When she arrives in her new home of Maine she gets quite the welcome, first shes almost run over, then sees the marina that will be her new home and business... Lets just say the photos of the place were not current.
However Mia and her feline companion King Tut are determined to make this work.. So when her new friends Hattie and Lucy need one of her special skills to get some property back, she reluctantly helps.. she doesn't expect to find a body. Or when one of her friends ends up being framed for the murder she knows that as much as she doesn't want to have any contact with the police, or anyone on the shadier side of the law that she will do whatever it takes to make sure that Lucy doesn't go down for a crime she didn't commit.
This book and Mia had me laughing out loud! King Tut is one of the most awsome kitty sidekicks Ive ever seen, and I can't wait to see what new trouble he and Mia can get into next! I really hope we get to meet Mias mom at some point she sounds like a hoot and a half.
I hope this ends up being a long running series Mia, King Tut and the rest of the gang are already my new favorite characters!
April 30, 2022
I absolutely loved this book and can not wait for the next installment. I laughed so hard I cried at the scene in the Ugly Man Bar. Mia is a riot and Hattie and Lucy are great friends, the Seam Rippers are so funny for senior citzens. I read this book in about 3 hours I couldn't put down Mia and Devlin will make a fantatic couple and I love King Tut he is an amazing cat. Looking forward to the next installment of Mia Murphy.
May 1, 2022
Ok … so it was everything I thought it could be and more! Murder, mystery, mayhem and Mia! The flow was awesome and the character were priceless, as usual! Love the quirky sense of humour throughout the entire book. Still can’t decide who I love best … Mia, Hattie, Lucy, King Tut, why even the highly entertaining Seam Rippers. Why choose? I love them all! Can’t wait for more Mia, King Tut, and the girls! Oh yeah … and a certain Hot Cop! Wink Wink
August 24, 2023
Read 8.2023 for free as the August serial read by www.barnesandnoble.com
What. A. Hoot! I’m gonna stick with this series, I do believe…Murph and the gang are totally my people!
Cheers! ☺️🫶🏻☀️✌🏻🎗️
What. A. Hoot! I’m gonna stick with this series, I do believe…Murph and the gang are totally my people!
Cheers! ☺️🫶🏻☀️✌🏻🎗️
August 3, 2024
3.5 stars
February 8, 2022
Mia Murphy has paid her debt to society, by bringing down her drug lord ex husband and just wants a fresh, quiet start to a new life in rural Maine. Buying a marina to start her new life, Mia finds she may have bitten off a little more than she can chew, especially when her first entry into town ends with her being fined for something she didn’t even do.
As Mia settles in, she meets her one renter and the local mail person…who turn out to be her first friends, ever. When Lucy is set up for the murder of her ex boyfriend, Mia knows she can’t sit by and let an innocent woman get railroaded, so she joins forces with them and hopes to save her new friend and her new business, which isn’t what it was presented as. Now Mia has to hope to find the evidence to prove Lucy was set up, find the killers and stay alive long enough to do it all…because only her cat King Tut has nine lives.
While reading this new cozy I was channelling a mix of Stephanie Plum sass, Gilmore Girls banter, and Thelma and Louise if there were a third in the group…AND I laughed out loud quite a few times. Now I want King Tut…because who doesn’t want a guard cat that looks like a bobcat? I love it and can’t wait for the second entry to hit. THIS IS THE COZY SERIES TO READ AND FOLLOW!
As Mia settles in, she meets her one renter and the local mail person…who turn out to be her first friends, ever. When Lucy is set up for the murder of her ex boyfriend, Mia knows she can’t sit by and let an innocent woman get railroaded, so she joins forces with them and hopes to save her new friend and her new business, which isn’t what it was presented as. Now Mia has to hope to find the evidence to prove Lucy was set up, find the killers and stay alive long enough to do it all…because only her cat King Tut has nine lives.
While reading this new cozy I was channelling a mix of Stephanie Plum sass, Gilmore Girls banter, and Thelma and Louise if there were a third in the group…AND I laughed out loud quite a few times. Now I want King Tut…because who doesn’t want a guard cat that looks like a bobcat? I love it and can’t wait for the second entry to hit. THIS IS THE COZY SERIES TO READ AND FOLLOW!
May 3, 2022
Mia Murphy is a former petty thief who also got tangled up with a drug lord. After turning on him, getting him convicted, and surviving an assassination attempt, all Mia wants is to lie low and live an ordinary life. Buying a marina in a small Maine town seemed like the perfect plan. Yeah, about that plan...Mia soon finds herself on opposing sides of jet skiing moose, avoiding incompetent Chiefs of Police, drooling over a certain cop, and aiding and abetting her new friends, Hattie an Lucy, in a homicide investigation. So much for lying low and trying out the ordinary lifestyle.
Poor Mia leaves her old life behind to start fresh and new but the town of Derby Bass has other ideas. She gets tangled up with Hattie and Lucy and when they discover a dead body, one her new friends is immediately considered a suspect. Now it looks like Mia might have to rely her previous like to help catch a killer.
Double Twist is a humorous mystery with great characters. Mia is snarky and hilarious. Hattie is a really bad influence, and I love her. Lucy is low-key but as enjoyable as Mia and Hattie. The story is fast-paced and I was engaged from the synopsis. The book, characters, and setting are all captivating and I enjoyed the romp through Derby Bass, Maine.
Poor Mia leaves her old life behind to start fresh and new but the town of Derby Bass has other ideas. She gets tangled up with Hattie and Lucy and when they discover a dead body, one her new friends is immediately considered a suspect. Now it looks like Mia might have to rely her previous like to help catch a killer.
Double Twist is a humorous mystery with great characters. Mia is snarky and hilarious. Hattie is a really bad influence, and I love her. Lucy is low-key but as enjoyable as Mia and Hattie. The story is fast-paced and I was engaged from the synopsis. The book, characters, and setting are all captivating and I enjoyed the romp through Derby Bass, Maine.
July 4, 2022
I want to live in Bass Derby and be friends with Mia! Double Twist is such a fun read, the story and the eclectic and lovable characters had me hooked the whole way through.
Mia has spent the last two years informing on her (now ex) husband who she discovers is a big old drug king-pin. Wanting a fresh start, she moves to Bass Derby to run her very own marina. Things do not go as smoothly as she hopes, and the new life she is imagining starts to unravel pretty quickly. Murder, moose, mayhem and Mia make for a hilarious read. Throw in Mia's partners in crime - Lucy and Hattie, her giant rescued/purloined cat, a sexy cop, a grumpy FBI agent, and you have a truly addictive masterpiece.
I cannot wait for more Mia!
Mia has spent the last two years informing on her (now ex) husband who she discovers is a big old drug king-pin. Wanting a fresh start, she moves to Bass Derby to run her very own marina. Things do not go as smoothly as she hopes, and the new life she is imagining starts to unravel pretty quickly. Murder, moose, mayhem and Mia make for a hilarious read. Throw in Mia's partners in crime - Lucy and Hattie, her giant rescued/purloined cat, a sexy cop, a grumpy FBI agent, and you have a truly addictive masterpiece.
I cannot wait for more Mia!
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