Happy New Year Murder

Rachel Woods

Dec 2023 · A Reporter Roland Bean Cozy Mystery Book 8 · BonzaiMoon Books

About this ebook

All journalist Roland "Beanie" Bean wanted was a quiet New Year's morning after celebrating fireworks at the neighborhood festival with his wife, Noelle, and their sons, four-year-old Ethan and two-year-old Evan.

But instead of sleeping in after the midnight festivities, Beanie finds himself awake at 5 AM putting away lawn chairs when a bleeding stranger staggers into his backyard, collapses in the grass, and gasps a woman's name before losing consciousness. So much for a peaceful start to the new year.

When the wounded man is identified as wealthy island philanthropist, Saul Biaggio, Beanie's reporter instincts battle his urge to protect Noelle and the boys from whatever danger just landed in their backyard.

Chasing the story for the Palmchat Gazette, Beanie uncovers a twisted web of suspects: a fired money laundering CFO, an ex-business partner out for revenge, and a mysterious Russian mob connection. Conducting interviews between Ethan's pre-school drop-offs and Evan's potty training would be challenging enough, but dodging a suspicious detective who’s convinced Beanie’s involved and meeting his editor's relentless deadlines? That's another level entirely. When a second victim turns up dead, and the evidence points in shocking directions, Beanie realizes the attack on Saul is just the beginning of a sinister conspiracy.

With a killer growing desperate and bodies piling up, Beanie must untangle a deadly scheme involving betrayal, extortion, and a cold-blooded plot that hits far too close to home ...

Beanie must expose the truth before the murderer strikes again and ensure his family's backyard stays a place for cricket practice, not crime scenes.

A New Year's cozy mystery featuring a devoted dad and journalist navigating murder, mayhem, toddler meltdowns, and bedtime routines in the sun-drenched Caribbean. Perfect for readers seeking clever sleuthing with heart, family warmth, and a tropical twist. Can be read as a standalone.

Ratings and reviews

I completely enjoyed this book, it's my first with this writer but she gives enough background information so I didn't feel lost at all. I love that Beanie, main character, and his wife Noelle have a strong loving relationship, you don't often see that. Beanie is an investigative reporter for the local small town paper who discovers a man stabbed in his own backyard. Join him as he tries to unravel this mystery and the others that follow!

Several twists and turns in the story that have to be discovered to find out the truth. Keeps you guessing till the end. Interesting character to follow as he gathers and reviews the evidence and clues to find out what happened. Good read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I have read many books written by this author because she is the TRUTH!! I love a good mystery. My favorite show is Columbo (I’m aging myself) and for some reason, this author reminds me of him.