Review & Giveaway – Hands on Homicide by Sarah Hualde
Hands On Homicide (Massage and Murder Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – California
Publisher : Indie Christian Writers (April 2, 2024)
Synopsis
Almost dying left Corky
With a little something extra…
The ability to see secrets with a single touch.
Not the best gift for a professional masseuse.In the bustling town where faith and fortitude collide, Corky’s life takes an unforeseen turn after a near-fatal incident leaves her with a bewildering gift. Hands On Homicide invites readers into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and a touch can reveal the deepest secrets. This first installment in The Massage and Murder Mystery Series unveils a tale of suspense, faith, and a puzzle that only a strong female character can solve.
Corky, a professional masseuse with a heart as big as her dreams, finds herself entangled in a mystery far beyond the confines of her massage table. After surviving an attack that should have ended her life, she awakens with a peculiar ability: the power to see people’s secrets through a mere touch. This gift, however, is more of a curse in her line of work, plunging her into a world of christian mystery and suspense where every client is a suspect, and every touch brings her closer to danger.
Determined to uncover the truth behind her attack and the mysteries that follow, Corky, with the unwavering support of her best friend Stella, steps into the role of an unlikely detective. Together, they embark on a journey through the shadows of their town, where faith is tested, and the power of friendship shines bright. As Corky hones her abilities, she faces challenges that question her beliefs, her courage, and her resolve.
Join Corky as she navigates this gripping Christian cozy mystery with a superpower twist. Her journey is fraught with danger, divine interventions, and a dash of humor that lightens the heart amidst the darkest clues. Perfect for fans of clean mystery series who crave suspense with a soulful touch, Hands On Homicide is a must-read that promises to keep you hooked till the very end.
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Review
This is a fast-paced, new cozy series that I enjoyed quite a bit. I even figured it out right before the killer was revealed. But I still figured it out!
Corky is a masseuse who was left for dead but came back to life with some paranormal abilities. When she touches people, she can see their secrets. I don’t think I would want that ability or for anyone to use it on me! Luckily, she has friends who help her navigate this new ability. Stella is her best friend and a bit over the top. She dives into trying to uncover the killer of Miss Woods and almost Corky. She takes over a wall in Corky’s house and treats it like a murder board. Steve is Stella’s brother and an aspiring chef. He also has some hidden feelings towards Corky. While it isn’t obvious until near the end, there are hints that any reader could pick up on. But he is sweet towards Corky and handles her with kid gloves…literally! They determine the type of glove they can wear, and Corky can’t see any secrets when she touches someone or they touch her.
All books need a nasty or vicious character toward the protagonist. In this case, it is Melanie. Melanie went to high school with Corky and Stella and seems to be holding things against these two nearly a decade later. There is also a former boyfriend, Brett. He is not a strong character, but it is a good thing that he is involved with Melanie instead of Corky. She is too good for him. But Melanie and Brett together are a good match.
I enjoyed getting to know the cast of characters. There is a nice variety of personalities and motives. Secrets are hiding in town, and uncovering them helps resolve a murder from the past.
I am curious how Corky will revive her career path as a masseuse with this new ability. I think it would be hard on her, especially her reaction after touching someone and the secrets flying into her mind. I’ll have to read the next book to find out!
This was a fun and fast read, and we give it 4 paws up.
About the Author
Sarah lives in California, in a home that brings her happiness and hay fever. She loves God, loves her family, and loves freshly brewed coffee. She has a husband who cooks, a son who stop animates, a daughter who loves animals, a dog that follows her everywhere, and a turtle who scowls at her condescendingly.
Her mother raised her on Mary Higgins Clark, Diane Mott Davidson, and Remington Steele. Her grandmother shared True Crime stories with her as they plotted how to get away with the perfect murder. It’s no surprise that Sarah became an award-winning spinner of suspenseful tales brimming with quirky characters. Mysteries are in her blood. Not that she could survive one of her own stories. She confesses, “I’d be snuffed out by chapter two.”
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