Murder, She Rolled

Shelly Jones

Oct 2025 · Tule Publishing

About this ebook

Solving a murder can get dicey.

Wren Winters is thrilled when her gaming group is invited to join the town’s new superstar streamer Noelle Williams for a live demo—after all, a little publicity could put Wren’s board game shop, the Cardboard Sheep, on the map. But moments before they go live, Noelle collapses on camera, and by the time Wren arrives at her house, Noelle is dead and the police are swarming.

Detective Greene, who still remembers last summer’s murder at Wren’s shop, is back with questions—and suspicions. As Wren and her friends reel from the shock, secrets about Noelle’s life emerge: relentless online harassment, jealous exes, and a sister desperate to pull her offline. Then another member of the group falls ill with similar symptoms.

With danger closing in and a game board full of suspects, Wren refuses to sit on the sidelines. She’s determined to solve the puzzle before her friend’s game is over for good.

Ratings and reviews

No sophomore slump here! The Cardboard Cuties are back in action. Wren and her friends are invited to test a game live streaming but when the streamer dies and another falls ill it’s all hands on deck to get to the bottom of this mystery. Detective Green is also back and being his usual grump/skeptical self. Nothing but love for the by the book detective. You don’t have to be a gamer to enjoy this story. I do think it’s a very cool backdrop. Time to roll the dice and see if you can guess who!.

Murder, She Rolled is a twisted, suspenseful, engaging, cozy mystery. Wren and friends are set to live stream playing a video game when the hostess collapses on screen. By the time the ambulance and girls arrive, Noelle is dead. Later Esther also falls ill with the same symptoms. There are plenty of suspects and possible motives, plus a few red herrings, to keep the reader's interest. I did not figure it out which is a plus for me. I really enjoyed playing along!

The writing in this was great. It was easy to follow, and the author does a wonderful job of showing both neurodivergency and chronic illness. Also that those 2 things don't make us less capable if given the accommodations we need. The mystery was well done, and I love the use of games. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.