Tamara Berry’s Murder Runs in the Family is the perfect book for the beach, the airplane, or to unwind after a stressful week. Girl power, turtles, and a cozy mystery–what’s not to like?
Amber Winslow just fled her PI job because her partner/boyfriend, Bones, treated her like a secretary and refused to sign the paperwork that would allow her to receive her own license. Because her family already thinks she’s a screw-up, she decides to seek sanctuary somewhere different: in Phoenix’s Seven Ponds, a retirement community where her estranged grandmother, Jade, resides.
Jade had been booted from Amber’s strait-laced mother’s life long ago, and Amber’s never met the woman. When she does, she finds that not only is she glamorous and free-spirited, but she’s part of the true crime podcast she and Bones used to listen to religiously. A half dozen Seven Ponds seniors are involved in its production.
Not long after Amber’s arrival, podcast member George Vincent (a.k.a. “the Admiral”) is found dead in the retirement community’s recording studio. Not only that, but a ring valued in the millions is missing, with the Admiral’s heirs none too happy. The powers that be fixate on Jade as the prime suspect, and she’s eventually arrested for his murder.
Ousted from Jade’s condo and on her own in Seven Ponds, Amber gets to know the posse associated with the podcast. She’s taken in by Chanel, Jade’s BFF and She of All Things Fancy. Amber’s most intimate relationship, however, is with the Admiral’s ancient (and constipated) tortoise, whom Amber whimsically names “Tatiana,” to match the dancing hula girl Bones kept on his dashboard as a good luck charm. Tatiana goes where Amber goes; and the two chase down leads to solve the mystery of the Admiral’s death and the missing ring.
This cozy mystery is a slow burn at first. It takes some time before Jade is charged with murder and Amber is left to her own devices. That’s fine. It’s like going to party featuring a silent auction–so long as you’re in good company, you don’t mind it if the auction is delayed. Here, there’s plenty of humor and color to keep one entertained before the mystery-solving officially commences.
Once Amber is actively on the case, the red herrings and minor characters keep the action rolling. This mystery is light, humorous, and with well-executed twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the end and satisfied with the resolution. There’s also a minor hint of romance but not an actual B-story, which is refreshing–not every mystery needs a romance for additional depth. If there’s any romance here, it involves a tortoise.
Murder Runs in the Family has a misleading title. Neither Amber nor her grandmother (or anyone else in the family tree) has committed such a crime; they’re not even grifters. In fact, they’re pretty nice people. Meet them on April 29, which is the book’s release date (Poisoned Pen Press).
Sarah Reida only reviews books she overall recommends. A writer of dark comedy thrillers, she is in the process of revising her sophomore novel. Her debut, Neighborhood Watch, received a Kirkus Star and was honored as an Amazon editorial pick as one of the Best Books of the Year So Far 2024. Join Sarah’s elite group of Instagram followers here.
