Carolyn Arnold sure knows how to write a good mystery, be it a cozy or police procedurals. She creates magic with her pen. Every time I pick up one of her books, I know I would be entertained and she would have me guessing from start to finish. Exercise Is Murder was no different. This is the twelfth book in the McKinley series. Readers can the series out of order as the author provides sufficient background information, so readers can follow the lives of the main cast.
The title captured my attention. As we, all know exercise can be brutal but rarely is it fatal, unless there is some underlying health condition. However, it proved fatal for Katie Carpenter, not because of an underlying health condition, but because someone pushed her to her death while she went jogging.
Once again, Sean and Sara McKinley are called on to investigate, as the police had closed the case, ruling it as an accident. On the face, one may consider it an accident, but as the McKinley’s dug deeper, there was more to Katie’s than they first realized. Who would want Katie dead and why?
The large pool of suspects, which ranged from a fitness instructor to a lover, proved that this would not be an open and shut case. Ms. Arnold kept me guessing at each page turn. Just when I thought I knew who the guilty person was, the author places another plausible suspect on my radar and I find myself re-thinking who it could be, several times throughout the story.
I had a great time re-visiting with the main characters. Sean and Sara (former police officers) are enjoying married life with few minor disagreements. Working, exercising and having fun together helps to cement their relationship. James, an investigator, and Adam their technical adviser are a riot. Their interactions with each other were fun and snarky. Persons who are not familiar with them may think they are trading insults, but it was their way of showing respect for each other skills. Then there was the grumpy medical examiner, Dr. Needham who happens to get along with the dead more than he does with the living.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Exercise Is Murder was an entertaining and addictive read. Overall, this was another great addition to the series. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, then you should give this series a chance.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
About Carolyn Arnold
CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international best-selling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has four continuing fiction series—Detective Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher FBI, McKinley Mysteries, and Matthew Connor Adventures—and has written nearly thirty books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy to hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures. Both her female detective and FBI profiler series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining, leading her to adopt the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™. Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower. She currently lives just west of Toronto with her husband and beagle and is a member of Crime Writers of Canada.
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I’ve never read her but that sounds pretty good.
LOL, exercise is murder I love that title. This sounds good and was new to me!
Yey a fitting title.
This is an author that I have wanted to read but haven’t pick up yet for some reason. This sounds like such a great series.
It is, Carole
I’ve really enjoyed other books by this author but didn’t pick this one up. Sounds like I definitely need to read it!
Great review, I like Carolyn’s hard hitting thrillers but I’m not sure about the cosy series as I’m not a cosy mystery lover.
oh fun! it looks great there!
Looks like a great book 🙂 I’ve been meaning to check out more cozy mysteries and that title would definitely grab my attention, as well.
Megan | Ginger Mom and Company
I love cozy mysteries, I love really well written, entertaining cozy mysteries. This fits the parts. Lovely review.
Great review, I am really glad you are enjoying this series so far, this book looks and sounds absolutely fantastic and right up my alley as well. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post.
Glad you enjoyed this read!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this! looks like a fun cozy mystery!
Oooh this looks like a good light read. Need to check it out
I used to be all thriller chillers but since I’ve been reviewing cozies for Mystery Scene Magazine I’m really enjoying the genre. Great review thanks Nadene
Looks like an author I need to check out