What do you think?
Rate this book
Rocky Nelson Boxing Mystery #1
A Deadly Combo
"In DEADLY COMBO, debut author, Karen A. Phillips introduces Rocky Nelson, a feisty and intriguing protagonist. This fast-paced read, filled with twists and turns, will keep readers glued to the pages until they reach the very satisfying ending. " —Cindy Sample, National Bestselling Author of the Laurel McKay Mystery Series “ Rocky Nelson is just the kind of heroine I love: strong, smart, fierce, and yet still vulnerable. She fights inner demons and those who would bring her family down with equal determination while she travels through a northern California landscape brought deftly alive by Phillips.” —Eileen Rendahl, award-winning author What do boxing and vintage trailers have in common? Meet Raquel AKA Rocky Nelson, a retired single woman with an attitude and love for boxing. Sisters Rocky and Bridget are enjoying each other’s company at a vintage trailerfest until they stumble over a corpse. The dead guy is none other than the local trailer restorer Bridget was overheard threatening to kill. Mounting evidence leads police to focus on Bridget as a person of interest. Desperate to prove her sister innocent of murder, Rocky dons her own deerstalker cap and goes sleuthing until she runs into police detective Thompson who warns her off his case in no uncertain terms. But Rocky is tenacious if not stubborn. Combined with a 78-year-old father who becomes her sidekick, Rocky uses her courage and skills learned in boxing lessons to protect her family and keep from becoming the killer’s next victim.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2023
10 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Read
May 6, 2023I bought this book based on a recommendation from one of my favorite cozy mystery authors, Cindy Sample, and I wasn't disappointed. It was well-written, fun and full of twists and turns, with characters wearing many masks. I was rooting for Rocky to figure it out, and look forward to more adventures with Rocky and her dad!
March 29, 2023
A Cozy Little Mystery
I don't read many mysteries, but downloaded this to give it a try. It's well written and keeps the pace moving, drawing the reader page by page into the crime and the search for a murderer. Like all good mysteries, there is a roomful of potential suspects and the focus and who it might be keeps shifting as the pages go by.
A good read!!
I don't read many mysteries, but downloaded this to give it a try. It's well written and keeps the pace moving, drawing the reader page by page into the crime and the search for a murderer. Like all good mysteries, there is a roomful of potential suspects and the focus and who it might be keeps shifting as the pages go by.
A good read!!
February 22, 2023
A DEADLY COMBO is the first book in the Rocky Nelson Boxing Mystery series by Karen A. Phillips. This debut mystery delivers a one-two punch with its fast-paced plot and characters that make you sit up and take notice. I adore that the protagonist, Raquel, aka Rocky, is a retired woman of a certain age. Instead of whiling away time sitting in a rocking chair, knitting away (not that there’s anything wrong with that!) she’s kicking butt and holding her own in the boxing ring at the Never Look Back gym. This brings a unique component to the cozy mystery/noir genre in that our heroine is physically strong and can defend herself if the need arises. Personally, I think Rocky is a reflection on modern day women’s mindset of strength and resilience, compared to those of previous generations… and myself being one of those women of a certain age, I heartily approve. Joining Rocky in sleuthing is her 78-year-old father. His innocent, flirtatious manner and witty banner add some humor to the pages, and he steals each scene he inhabits.
The author’s attention to detail and strong descriptive, and often humorous, voice makes the words on the pages leap to life. It adds to the enjoyment as the story unfolds. With strong characters, a great setting, and humor to round the book out, a mystery still needs well-plotted clues with compelling suspects. Have no doubt, Ms. Phillips delivers it all and more! When Rocky’s sister, Bridget, is suspected of murdering the vintage trailer restorer after she’s heard threatening him, Rocky immediately jumps in to prove her innocence. Rocky and Bridget have a tenuous relationship and Ms. Phillips adds in an element of emotional depth, that includes a long-buried family tragedy. Rocky must learn to overcome the tragedy and find inner strength to track down the killer and protect her family. With a hair-raising conclusion, I found myself turning the pages faster and faster, until I got to the end. The terrific start to this first book in the series has me eagerly waiting for a ringside seat to the next book!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The author’s attention to detail and strong descriptive, and often humorous, voice makes the words on the pages leap to life. It adds to the enjoyment as the story unfolds. With strong characters, a great setting, and humor to round the book out, a mystery still needs well-plotted clues with compelling suspects. Have no doubt, Ms. Phillips delivers it all and more! When Rocky’s sister, Bridget, is suspected of murdering the vintage trailer restorer after she’s heard threatening him, Rocky immediately jumps in to prove her innocence. Rocky and Bridget have a tenuous relationship and Ms. Phillips adds in an element of emotional depth, that includes a long-buried family tragedy. Rocky must learn to overcome the tragedy and find inner strength to track down the killer and protect her family. With a hair-raising conclusion, I found myself turning the pages faster and faster, until I got to the end. The terrific start to this first book in the series has me eagerly waiting for a ringside seat to the next book!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 18, 2023
The seeds of this intriguing mystery lie with the relationships among the characters. Raquel (Rocky) Nelson is an artist by day and a boxer by hobby. Both art forms help her in her quest to prove her sister innocent of a murder.
Rocky's father owned the Never Look Back gym, but he won the lottery, cashed in his winnings, and retired, selling his gym. Still, he and Rocky hang out there as she learns the fine art of boxing. Her sister, Bridget, is determined to win the Best Of Show trophy at a local trailer fest, where people create vintage trailers by renovating them in interesting and innovative ways. Unfortunately, Opal was last year's winner, and Bridget is so fiercely competitive that words are spoken, and she threatens to do Opal in. Next thing you know, Opal's husband and trailer carpenter, Wes, is found electrocuted, and Bridget's gold cup is missing, mysteriously showing up near the crime scene.
While Bridget is a "person of interest" to Detective Thompson, she joins her sister Rocky and dad in their investigation of Wes's murder. What makes this a worthwhile plot is the relationships among these characters. Rocky is a complex protagonist, with difficulties she still hasn't overcome from her family's past. It's obvious her father loves both of his daughters and uses his charm to help them gather clues. Rocky and Bridget fight sometimes like only twins can, but they also work together to uncover the killer. Skillfully planted clues, a great setting, and complicated characters make for a solid plot, and Phillips' ability to hide the killer in plain sight is classic.
Rocky's father owned the Never Look Back gym, but he won the lottery, cashed in his winnings, and retired, selling his gym. Still, he and Rocky hang out there as she learns the fine art of boxing. Her sister, Bridget, is determined to win the Best Of Show trophy at a local trailer fest, where people create vintage trailers by renovating them in interesting and innovative ways. Unfortunately, Opal was last year's winner, and Bridget is so fiercely competitive that words are spoken, and she threatens to do Opal in. Next thing you know, Opal's husband and trailer carpenter, Wes, is found electrocuted, and Bridget's gold cup is missing, mysteriously showing up near the crime scene.
While Bridget is a "person of interest" to Detective Thompson, she joins her sister Rocky and dad in their investigation of Wes's murder. What makes this a worthwhile plot is the relationships among these characters. Rocky is a complex protagonist, with difficulties she still hasn't overcome from her family's past. It's obvious her father loves both of his daughters and uses his charm to help them gather clues. Rocky and Bridget fight sometimes like only twins can, but they also work together to uncover the killer. Skillfully planted clues, a great setting, and complicated characters make for a solid plot, and Phillips' ability to hide the killer in plain sight is classic.
March 9, 2023
Looking for something fresh? Different? You’ve found it!
The sleuth in this story is an artist, but also a boxer as a hobby.
Her father owned The Never Look Back gym and after he sold it, he and his daughter Rocky Nelson were frequent visitors. Rocky feels like the place is her church and the current owner, and her trainer, Cutter speaks the gospel there.
She’s also a fraternal twin to Bridget, both fifty-five years old. Their relationship is entertaining, true sisters, squabbling, but adoring each other.
They pick up their elderly father from the Sunny Hills retirement home to attend a tour of refurbished retro camper trailers. Bridget and her third husband Steve, are in the running for the contest, which Bridget very much wants to win, because she wants to beat Opal, whose trailer is parked next to theirs. Opal, however, is very much connected to Wes Petry, the genius who fixed up her trailer and some of the others.
All bets are off, though, when Wes’s body is found in Opal’s sumptuous, but not quite finished camper. One big problem, Bridget is immediately the best suspect, due to her open rivalry with them, and some clues that point straight to her.
Rocky, even though she doesn’t see eye to eye with her sister all of the time, calls on the skills she has learned in the ring to punch through, clear Bridget, and find the real killer.
The sleuth in this story is an artist, but also a boxer as a hobby.
Her father owned The Never Look Back gym and after he sold it, he and his daughter Rocky Nelson were frequent visitors. Rocky feels like the place is her church and the current owner, and her trainer, Cutter speaks the gospel there.
She’s also a fraternal twin to Bridget, both fifty-five years old. Their relationship is entertaining, true sisters, squabbling, but adoring each other.
They pick up their elderly father from the Sunny Hills retirement home to attend a tour of refurbished retro camper trailers. Bridget and her third husband Steve, are in the running for the contest, which Bridget very much wants to win, because she wants to beat Opal, whose trailer is parked next to theirs. Opal, however, is very much connected to Wes Petry, the genius who fixed up her trailer and some of the others.
All bets are off, though, when Wes’s body is found in Opal’s sumptuous, but not quite finished camper. One big problem, Bridget is immediately the best suspect, due to her open rivalry with them, and some clues that point straight to her.
Rocky, even though she doesn’t see eye to eye with her sister all of the time, calls on the skills she has learned in the ring to punch through, clear Bridget, and find the real killer.
March 24, 2023
This was a fun, twisty start to a new mystery series. I especially enjoyed the smart and relatable heroine, Rocky and her passion for boxing. As the story kicks off, Rocky is newly retired from her government job and still smarting from her twin sister Bridget abandoning their post-retirement plans to open an after school theater program for kids. Bridget is the impulsive twin, and her whirlwind romance culminates in marriage #3 and the purchase of a vintage trailer threw Rocky's plans out of whack.
Rocky's also still dealing with old wounds from her mother's suicide when she was young, especially since moving back into her childhood home.
Despite hurt feelings, Rocky is still trying to maintain her relationship with her sister, and supports her at her first vintage trailer showcase. During the trailer show, the guy fixing up Bridget's new trailer dies unexpectedly, with Bridget, the first on the scene and other incriminating evidence pointing to her. Even with the strain in their relationship, Rocky is determined to find the real killer and prove her twin sister innocent.
The mystery kept me guessing until the end, and I really enjoyed seeing Rocky grow and break down some of her walls. I look forward to more books in this series.
Rocky's also still dealing with old wounds from her mother's suicide when she was young, especially since moving back into her childhood home.
Despite hurt feelings, Rocky is still trying to maintain her relationship with her sister, and supports her at her first vintage trailer showcase. During the trailer show, the guy fixing up Bridget's new trailer dies unexpectedly, with Bridget, the first on the scene and other incriminating evidence pointing to her. Even with the strain in their relationship, Rocky is determined to find the real killer and prove her twin sister innocent.
The mystery kept me guessing until the end, and I really enjoyed seeing Rocky grow and break down some of her walls. I look forward to more books in this series.
May 8, 2023
Trailer festivals can be killers—in more ways than one.
About The Book: Rocky Nelson, newly retired and anxious to start her new life, reluctantly agrees to attend a trailerfest at a local winery in hopes of healing the rift between herself and her twin sister. After awhile, peeking into vintage travel trailers starts to wear thin—then the guy who renovated her sister’s trailer ends up dead—and her sister ends up high on the cops’ list of suspects. Rocky slips into amateur investigator mode, not just to save her sister but perhaps heal herself.
Our Review: A Deadly Combo takes the reader on a ride filled with snappy dialogue, quirky characters and unexpected turns on a road that leads toward family healing and personal redemption.
On a scale of 1-5, A Deadly Combo merits a 4.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
About The Book: Rocky Nelson, newly retired and anxious to start her new life, reluctantly agrees to attend a trailerfest at a local winery in hopes of healing the rift between herself and her twin sister. After awhile, peeking into vintage travel trailers starts to wear thin—then the guy who renovated her sister’s trailer ends up dead—and her sister ends up high on the cops’ list of suspects. Rocky slips into amateur investigator mode, not just to save her sister but perhaps heal herself.
Our Review: A Deadly Combo takes the reader on a ride filled with snappy dialogue, quirky characters and unexpected turns on a road that leads toward family healing and personal redemption.
On a scale of 1-5, A Deadly Combo merits a 4.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
February 26, 2025
Raquel "Rocky" Nelson is a retired state worker who trains in boxing for exercise. She has a twin sister, Bridget, that she likes to spend time with. They were supposed to open a children's theater together, but her sister ends up meeting a man, falling in love and they made different plans. One of them was to renovate a vintage trailer. It's at a vintage trailerfest that Raquel finds the body of Wes, the man who helped them remodel the trailer. Rocky looks at the body next to make sure he really was dead since Raquel had run out so fast. Since Raquel becomes the primary suspect, Rocky begins to investigate because she knows her sister would never kill someone. With the help of her sister and their father they find out that things aren't as they seemed and a lot more is going on then they knew. I really enjoyed this book.
March 5, 2023
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
This is a really fun start to a new cozy mystery series. We meet Raquel better known as Rocky. She is an older lady but instead to needing help or anything she instead is a boxer at a local ring kicking behind every chance she gets. This makes her more then able to handle herself if she finds herself in danger which just may happen after she starts investigating a murder when her sister is accused of doing it. Whether they get along or not Rocky is not having that leading us along on an adventure that is funny at times while keeping you guessing all the way. I look forward to more in the series. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
This is a really fun start to a new cozy mystery series. We meet Raquel better known as Rocky. She is an older lady but instead to needing help or anything she instead is a boxer at a local ring kicking behind every chance she gets. This makes her more then able to handle herself if she finds herself in danger which just may happen after she starts investigating a murder when her sister is accused of doing it. Whether they get along or not Rocky is not having that leading us along on an adventure that is funny at times while keeping you guessing all the way. I look forward to more in the series. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
February 25, 2025
A Deadly Combo by Karen A Phillips is a excellent cozy mystery. Twin sisters Rochelle (Rocky) and Bridget discover a dead body in a vintage trailer at the vineyard trailer festival. Bridget is a person of interest so Rocky, with her dad's help, starts investigating to help clear her sister from suspicion. The sisters have genuine relationship that many can relate to. Their dad is a fun character but gives Rocky some anxiety trying to protect him from himself. On top of all this, Rocky is still working to come to terms with her guilt over her mother's death. The narration is excellent and brings the characters and story to life.
March 9, 2023
I became familiar with Karen A. Phillips' writing through her gift for telling compelling short stories. So I was thrilled to get hold of A DEADLY COMBO, the first of what I hope will be many Rocky Nelson stories. Rocky is a twin with a sister who has a temper and an attraction to trouble. A boxer and artist, coming to terms with her past, Rocky is also loyal and tenacious, ready to jump in the ring with anyone who threatens someone she loves. Karen's characters are wonderfully drawn and the plot is tailor made for a Netflix series. Highly recommended.
May 18, 2023
I purchased this book from the author's launch at my local independent bookstore. I enjoy cozy mysteries overall and loved this one. I really appreciate how relatable the characters are, the family relationship the protagonist has, especially the relationship with her dad. This character is a flawed character, and yet that is also very relatable. I couldn't put it down, with the minimal time I have to read, I read this in two days! I look forward to more stories from this author.
February 26, 2025
3.5/5 STARS! Anyone else addicted to cozy mysteries? I just love them so much. This is a fun one, with an interesting & unique murder plot (who knew trailers could be so deadly), great characters, & easy & relatable writing. I really enjoyed the protagonist Rocky a lot. She is a great lead & I'm interested to see what other murder adventures she gets involved in.
Thank you to the author for the free audiobook in exchange for a review.
Thank you to the author for the free audiobook in exchange for a review.
April 15, 2024
A Deadly Combo Provides Punch in Combination
The characters are a bit overstated and the story a bit far-fetched, but it was a worthwhile read. One twin a boxer; the other a ditz. A bit of a stretch. And the other characters somewhat extreme in themselves. Again, a worthwhile read that held my interest.
The characters are a bit overstated and the story a bit far-fetched, but it was a worthwhile read. One twin a boxer; the other a ditz. A bit of a stretch. And the other characters somewhat extreme in themselves. Again, a worthwhile read that held my interest.
May 3, 2024
A Knockout!
Excellent first in series book. The story revolves around Rocky, fighting her internal demons, while nailing a murderer. Protecting her family is her first priority. I enjoyed the training scenes from the boxing gym. Very believable characters and world building. Highly Recommended.
Excellent first in series book. The story revolves around Rocky, fighting her internal demons, while nailing a murderer. Protecting her family is her first priority. I enjoyed the training scenes from the boxing gym. Very believable characters and world building. Highly Recommended.
January 27, 2025
A fun cozy mystery you won't want to miss. I enjoy cozy mysteries, and A Deadly Combo kept my attention trying to figure out whodonit while getting a taste of the boxing world. I was impressed that the author is a boxer who could speak from her own experience. I highly recommend Karen Phillip's murder mystery, A Deadly combo.
March 23, 2023
Excellent read
I met this author in woodland,can where she spoke to us about writing books. I loved this mystery and I am glad to have read the book and to have met the author. I highly recommend this book.
Thanks for a great read. Nanci Townsend
I met this author in woodland,can where she spoke to us about writing books. I loved this mystery and I am glad to have read the book and to have met the author. I highly recommend this book.
Thanks for a great read. Nanci Townsend
August 3, 2023
This was a fun-to-read mostly cozy mystery. Phillips manages to keep the reader guessing with her twists and turns. As a mystery and thriller reader, I was pleasantly surprised and pleased with A Deadly Combo.
October 26, 2023
A Deadly Combo is an enjoyable fast-paced cozy mystery that hooks you from the first page. Follow along Raquel “Rocky” Nelson as she proves her sister’s innocence after she stumbles into a dead body at a vintage trailer fest and is the main suspect. I’m looking forward to future books in the series and am hoping we see more interactions with Rocky & Detective Thompson.
October 1, 2023
Love mysteries but not this one. Clearly written by a "flatlander". Strong bias against people from the foothills. To silly and unrealistic. I took offence.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews