Bowled Over Americano by Carolyn Arnold is the first book in the Sara and Sean Cozy Mystery series. This is a revamped and extended version of The Day Job is Murder, which was originally published in 2014.
Sara Cain isn't your typical thirty-two-year-old woman. Murder detective by day, writer and… sleuth by night? Just as long as there’s enough coffee to keep her going…
Title: Bowled Over Americano
Author(s): Carolyn Arnold
Series: Sara and Sean Cozy Mystery Series #1
Published by Hibbert & Stiles Publishing Inc on April 11, 2023
Pages: 263
Genre(s): Cozy Mystery
Source: Publisher
Format: eArc 
Purchase: Amazon|Audible
When her first novel gives her trouble, Sara goes for a walk to clear her writer’s block and ends up stumbling right into a real-life murder mystery. Magnum, an adventurous beagle, comes running off leash toward her in the local park, and she returns him home only to find his master dead on the entry floor.
Cliff Cunningham was a championship bowler with a mean streak and a temper, and police are pegging his Golden Pin bowling trophy as the murder weapon. While any number of people could have clocked a strike by knocking him on the noggin, the prime suspect is a friend of Sara’s mother—and she expects Sara to prove the woman’s innocence. A tall order, as the case isn’t officially hers and belongs to a rival detective.
But a promise is a promise, and Sara soon finds herself sleuthing undercover—and off the clock—in a world of polyester shirts and rental shoes. It’s not all bad, though, as she’s taking her friend and partner Sean McKinley along for the ride. They are better together than they’ve ever been split, and they’re not amateurs at finding killers.
Despite being up against small-town hijinks and colorful characters who threaten to roll their efforts into the gutter, they are having fun. That is, until they get close to the killer and a dangerous twist puts their lives at risk.
A completely addictive caper full of twists that offers up a serving of murder, a dollop of romance, and a dash of humor. This perfect blend of robust and sweet is bound to hit the spot with readers who are fans of Verity Bright, Tonya Kappes, and Agatha Frost.
Bowled Over Americano introduces Sara Cain and Sean Mckinley, who are both homicide detectives with the Albany police department. Sara is fairly new to the department, after only working there for two years. She writes a mystery novel in her spare time. One night while experiencing writer’s block, she goes for a run to clear her head. While on her run, she came across her neighbour’s dog, Magnum on the loose. She goes to return the dog to its owner but in doing so she stumbled onto a murder scene.
Another detective is assigned to the case. Sara’s mother, however, pleaded with her to investigate the murder, as the detective in charge considered her friend to be the main suspect. Knowing she couldn’t legitimately investigate, Sara conducts her own investigation secretly with the help of her partner Sean McKinley. This was in addition to their own case involving the murder of an investment banker.
As the story progresses, readers learn that Sean and Sara love each other, but a relationship between them was off the table – mostly because it went against departmental rules. It was evident from the outset that they cared about each other and that they worked well together. Sara and Sean share similar traits, in that they are both smart and perceptive. However, while Sara is spontaneous, Sean prefers to follow a plan. These traits manifest throughout the story.
The story hidden between the pages of Bowled Over Americano was exciting, entertaining, and fun. In true Arnold style, the story came with twists and surprising revelations. Not for one moment did I guess the outcome of both investigations. Also amidst both investigations, Sean received news that brings about changes in both his and Sara’s working and personal relationship.
Bowled Over Americano delivered a delightful small town murder mystery infused with humour and a fun romance. I look forward to what’s next Arnold has for her readers.
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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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