Ciao, amici! I know I usually post reviews on Tuesdays, but this week Marcia Meara was kind enough to post a review of one of my books on her site, and Joan Hall reviewed another of my stories on hers. I couldn’t run this yesterday because Mae Clair shared her review of The Scout. And I didn’t want to hold this one until Tuesday because it’s already been too long since I’ve read it. I want to share! (Besides, I have TWO reviews scheduled to share on Tuesday, anyway.)
So, long story short and review long overdue, here are my thoughts on Judi Lynn’s latest cozy mystery, The Body in the Gravel, book three of the Jazzi Zanders Mystery series.
Review:
★★★★★ Home Improvement, Pets, Food, Mystery… What’s not to love?
Judi Lynn has done it again. This latest installment of the Jazzi Zanders Mystery series is my favorite to date.
We once again spend time with our favorite characters (welcome back, Ansel and George) but meet some new characters, as well. One in particular, Walker, really caught my attention. Jazzi’s and Gaff’s, too. She wants to fix him up with someone. He’s considering arresting him for murder.
Yes, Jazzi’s construction site is once again the center of a murder mystery, and this time the suspect list keeps growing. Some even wonder if the victim was a murderer himself.
It was a sheer joy to follow the clues along with the characters and try to unravel the mystery. When I started reading the story, I didn’t expect this ending but was absolutely delighted by it. Fans of cozies should absolutely read this one.

Blurb:
Even in a lovely town like River Bluffs, Indiana, flipping houses can be a challenge. Especially when there’s the proverbial skeleton in the closet—and a literal corpse in the driveway . . .
House-flipper Jazzi Zanders has her work cut out for her. Her latest flip, which she co-purchased with her fiancée Ansel and cousin Jerod, is a three-story fixer-upper that’s more of a droopy-downer. One corner of the house is sinking and needs to be jacked up with a new cement foundation. That costs money. And causes headaches. And creates a work environment that’s not only hostile, it’s downright deadly . . .
Jazzi knows it’s a tough job. Which is why she hired Darby to lay the cement. But when Darby gets into a fiery argument with the furnace man—and then never shows up to lay gravel for the driveway—Jazzi starts to wonder if the rumors about Darby are true. Did he kill his wife and son and bury them in the yard like some folks claim? When Darby’s dead body comes pouring out of a gravel truck, murder upstages the real estate market as her biggest concern . . .
The Body in the Gravel is available for preorder right now. Don’t forget to order your copy (here’s the Amazon link) then join me in wishing Judi much success with this latest installment of her series. I’m sure she’d be delighted if you used those share buttons, too (hint, hint).
Grazie!
Another add to my TBR! Great review, Staci! (and another reminder I’m behind on writing reviews….)
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It’s hard to stay on top of everything, isn’t it? Glad the book sparked your interest, though. 🙂
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This looks great… I loved the blurb. Intelligent writing. Eek… another book to add to my ever-growing pile!
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She has the cozy genre mastered. And the dog…
Thanks, Jess.
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Reblogged this on Loleta Abi Author & Book Blogger.
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Many thanks, Traci.
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You’re welcome, Staci!
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THANK YOU so much!! I’m happy you liked this one. Walker’s such a sweetie, and Darby was so fun to write:) I know you have a ton of projects of your own, so thanks for taking the time to read and review my book.
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The pleasure was all mine, Judi. I adore this series and always love reading about Ansel and George. (And Jazzi, too, I suppose. 😉 )
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This sounds very interesting. A body coming out of a gravel machine is rather horrifying.
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I can’t even imagine. Thanks for visiting, Robbie.
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Cozies have the best covers! This sounds like a great whodunit, congrats, Judi!
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This is an attention-grabbing one, that’s for sure. Thanks, Jacquie.
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Thank you, Jacquie! Kensington has done a great job on my covers. I’ve loved every single one of them.
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I absolutely LOVE that book cover! That would entice me even without your awesome review! Thanks, Staci!
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I hope her publisher knows what a great job they did. This cover is getting lots of love. Thanks, Jan.
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Well, another book has been added to my TBR list. 🙂 Great review, Staci!
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Delighted to hear that, Joan! Thanks.
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What a clever book and great cover. I’m intrigued!
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Cozies are such fast and fun reads. And I love Judi’s series. If you like cozies, you’ll want to check out all the Jazzi books. Thanks, Jacqui.
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Very cool, and I used the buttons.
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You’re always generous with the buttons. 🙂 Thank you.
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Thanks, Craig!
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Great review, Staci – and that cover is adorable.
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If there’s a pet on the cover, I’m instantly drawn in. And the dog in the series has won my heart. Thanks, Teri.
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Great job on the cover! Sounds like a great read. Thanks for sharing, Staci.
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The cover is turning a lot of heads. I had nothing to do with it, but I’m sure Judi (and her publisher) will be thrilled to know it’s getting a lot of love. Thanks, Mark.
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I am all over this pre-order! I love the Jazzi Zander mystery series. The first two were knockouts. Hearing this is your favorite to date has me eager to get my hands on it.
Great review and congratulations to Judi!
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They just keep getting better. (And I love Ansel.) Thanks, Mae.
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Thanks, Mae. Any compliments from you or Staci are high praise. I admire both of your writing so much.
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You’re so sweet, Judi. Thank you. The admiration is mutual.
(And you’re right; Mae is amazing!)
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Aww, thanks. And that’s back’atcha!! 🙂
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Aw, it sounds like a cute book, and cozies should be cute as well as intriguing for the mystery buffs. I love Jazzi Zanders’ name.:-)
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“Cute and intriguing” is a perfect description for this, Priscilla. Thanks for visiting.
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This is a great review, and The Body in the Gravel sounds like a great read. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Staci. Reblogged on: https://harmonykent.co.uk/judi-lynns-cozymystery-the-body-in-the-gravel-bookreview/
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If you’re a fan of cozies, you need to read this series. Thanks, Harmony. (For the comment and the reblog.)
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Thanks for sharing, Harmony!
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You’re welcome, Judy 🙂
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Great review:) I have book 1 on my TBR list. I can’t wait to read a new author to me.
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Oooh! Book one! That was a good one. If you like cozies, you’ll tear through it. Thanks, Denise.
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