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Ozarks #2

Murdered Underground: The Ozarks Cozy Mystery Series

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Della's tranquil evening at a dinner party spirals into a chilling mystery when a corpse is discovered in the depths of a notorious cave, catapulting her into a dark investigation that rattles the serene Ozark Mountains.

A decade-old secret, hidden amidst the stalactites, beckons Della into a world where the echoes of illegal activities still linger. As she defies the pleading Sheriff Metcalf, who harbors his own secret — a burgeoning, protective affection for her — Della wrestles with the whispers of the past, a convict's tales, a lover's sorrow, and a sister's grief.

This cavern isn't just a tomb; it's a vault of dark secrets where every clue unearths shocking truths and perilous trails. Join Della as she navigates through veiled dangers, unearths buried truths, and confronts the stark realization that she might be entwining her fate with the very mysteries she seeks to unravel.

A tale of suspense, romance, and risk — Della's adventure unveils more than mysteries, revealing the enigma of the human heart amidst shadows.

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2023

479 people are currently reading
94 people want to read

About the author

Dianne Harman

296 books615 followers

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5 stars
448 (59%)
4 stars
210 (27%)
3 stars
78 (10%)
2 stars
18 (2%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
22 reviews
July 29, 2024
Very nice read

I enjoyed the book very much and I liked the way it ended as well. The characters will become more rounded out as the series progresses.
1,995 reviews
Read
November 17, 2025
Not interested. stopped at 53% see note

Amazon synopsis:
Della's tranquil evening at a dinner party spirals into a chilling mystery when a corpse is discovered in the depths of a notorious cave, catapulting her into a dark investigation that rattles the serene Ozark Mountains.

A decade-old secret, hidden amidst the stalactites, beckons Della into a world where the echoes of illegal activities still linger. As she defies the pleading Sheriff Metcalf, who harbors his own secret — a burgeoning, protective affection for her — Della wrestles with the whispers of the past, a convict's tales, a lover's sorrow, and a sister's grief.

This cavern isn't just a tomb; it's a vault of dark secrets where every clue unearths shocking truths and perilous trails. Join Della as she navigates through veiled dangers, unearths buried truths, and confronts the stark realization that she might be entwining her fate with the very mysteries she seeks to unravel.

A tale of suspense, romance, and risk — Della's adventure unveils more than mysteries, revealing the enigma of the human heart amidst shadows.
Profile Image for Mark.
429 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2025
This is supposed to be the first book of the Ozark series, but it quickly became obvious that there was another book where a lot of things happened before this one. In the first chapter, the main character downloads a book, then a page or two later, sticks something between the pages to act as a bookmark. My expectations were quite low after this.

Things did improve, and there weren't any more glaring errors after that. There's a credible plot here, but that's not enough to carry the story. I didn't find Della, the main character, very likeable. There was also too much repetition, with thoughts or ideas repeating themselves in sequential paragraphs.
Profile Image for Tari.
3,634 reviews103 followers
May 8, 2023
This time Della's adventure was in a cave tour with a different friend named Liz and trust me, they weren't gonna forget that weird experience for a long time! A body was found which was an older missing persons case, but with Della's determination (and poor Metcalf's worrying about her the whole time) justice was brought to the man, and the showdown was one of the kinds I like as a change, non-confrontational and almost a little sad. I realize Della's not ready for actual dating yet, but I hope she doesn't make Jared wait too long!
Profile Image for Patricia White.
293 reviews3 followers
May 6, 2023
Refreshing

This new series is adorable. Della is a widow trying to get her together. She’s not really interested in dating. But she likes Sheriff Jared Metcalf. She’s also good at solving puzzles. Someone dying under suspicious circumstances is a puzzle for her. So she’s able to think outside the box in a way official police can’t. I’m glad that this series isn’t based on a romance. I’m glad she and the sheriff as just friends.
Profile Image for Carolyn G. Manuel.
1,070 reviews
May 1, 2023
Caves Are Dark and Deep

Della had been a widow for a while but was beginning to move forward she ran a second hand shop with a bookstore. When get’s to go on a tour of a soon to be reopened cave, they run into a mystery that she has to pursue. A great cozy mystery in small town in the Ozarks.
Profile Image for Cindy.
779 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2024
Nosy cozy

Sometimes the noseyness of the character in cozy mysteries gets a little over the top. Della is with a group of people in a cave when they come across the bones of a guy. If you like cozy mysteries where the shop owner figures out the killer before the police, then go for it. I just find Della's noseyness irritating.
324 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2024
Nice Storyline

This little mystery was interesting and enjoyable to read. Dianne Harman created a colorful cast of characters and the setting for the book is practically in my back yard. I loved the way Cells worried the clues together to help Sheriff Metcalf solve the mystery. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
1 review
August 3, 2024
Enjoyable mystery

Really enjoyed reading book two, Murdered Underground and watched the main characters develop along with the logical progression of the mystery. I have a soft spot for Della and her dog Moose. The author has a real feel for how it is to be widowed, the slow growth to restarting her life.
31 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2023
A new story line?

Della finds murders. Her love interest,the sheriff fights a losing battle against her investigating them so she will be safe. It doesn’t go well with him because she continues to investigate.
Who is the killer? Will she survive the attempts on her life?
4,417 reviews43 followers
May 1, 2023
Who killed Winston Malloy and why?? Della will figure things out though, won't she??? Especially since she finds some interesting things in her shop??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
Profile Image for Michele.
1,852 reviews63 followers
May 21, 2023
When a long dead body is found in a newly opened cave by it's new owners---well Della just had to figure out what really happened. She has to question many people until all the secrets are revealed. I can't say too much more or I'll give it all away!!
11 reviews
August 24, 2023
I like the setting and characters

This series is a page turner but it's soft and calm. Della is an interesting, relatable character. She gathers clues and solves the mystery without making my heart race.
Profile Image for Heather.
689 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2023
Second in the series. This was an ok mystery. Della kind of got on my nerves. She was a bit arrogant. Apparently she thinks she, as a big city girl, is more capable of solving a crime than a small town Sheriff.
277 reviews2 followers
December 22, 2023
Another can't put it down book by Dianne Harman.

I love the way the mystery unfolds, slowly as our heroine slowly gathers the clues. Its got mystery, a few laughs, romance and a very good story line. I just love these books and I have the next one now that I'm going to start.
1,077 reviews7 followers
July 26, 2024
This was the second book in this fun and easy mystery series in the Ozarks. Della gets herself involved in another murder when a body is found in a local cave. She just can’t help trying to assist Sheriff Jared in solving the case. Moving onto book 3!
130 reviews
September 20, 2024
Sweet but not saccharine

It' s a bit like watching A flower developing and opening to see this character slowly re-enter the life outside her shell.
Afraid to even respond to others she has actually gone to reaching out.
394 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2024
interesting story

Ok, this was an interesting story in that Della likes to do investigations even though the sheriff wants her to stop because it’s too dangerous. She loved working in her store, and liked investigating and taking care of her dog, moose.
71 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2025
Fast moving good mystery

I enjoyed the characters and the interactions. The descriptions were good and I could feel I was right there. Harmon does a great job . look forward to reading more of her stories.
Profile Image for JudyAnn.
137 reviews4 followers
October 11, 2025
Cozy to a T

This is a sweet read and exactly what you want in a 'cozy.' Light, but without slapstick humor, a little romance, some deep devotion and commitment. There's maybe a little good in almost everyone.
Profile Image for JANE VAN HORN.
2,085 reviews12 followers
May 1, 2023
Great book

I really like this new series by Dianne Harman. It's a bit different from some of her other series, but I really like the way it is going.
20 reviews
May 8, 2023
Good story

This book held my attention from the beginning. I enjoyed the twists and turns as the story unfolds. Good. read.
Profile Image for Stephen Levesque.
2,794 reviews
May 15, 2023
Totally enjoyed it! This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!
844 reviews40 followers
May 28, 2023
Curiosity

Loving this new series. Great story lines and I’m enjoying getting to know these characters. I’m looking forward to my next trip to The Ozarks.
38 reviews
July 1, 2023
Good read.

Food mystery. Good plot. Great start of a romance. Hope it continues. If you like mystery, coupled with this book is just right for a rainy night. Enjoy 😉
Profile Image for Ginger.
79 reviews7 followers
August 9, 2023
Underground

This is really a good book! I love the Ozark setting and this plot kept me turning the pages. Well done, Dianne!!
715 reviews5 followers
March 31, 2024
Sweet stuff!

A humorous, suspenseful and slightly romantic story. Great characters make for great storytelling, along with a cleverly written plot. Well done!
24 reviews4 followers
June 21, 2024
The start of a new series got me. I am looking forward to the next one.
224 reviews
September 10, 2024
Good book

I enjoyed reading this book. I liked that it wasn't as initial some of the murder mysteries I have read. Good storyline with surprises along the way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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