Homecoming Chaos: A Romantic Suspense Murder Mystery

by D.W. Brooks

A dead body in the parking lot of her family’s business, a killer on the loose, and a handsome detective asking a lot of questions…Jamie Scott’s life fell apart four years ago when she broke off her engagement, turned down a dream job, and went overseas to run away from her life. Now she’s back, but the reunion is not without problems. She arrives home just in time to attend the soiree her mother planned, but she’s not prepared for what she finds—a dead employee in the parking lot.Detective Nick Marshall is assigned to the murder case at the forensics lab owned by Jamie’s family. He meets the headstrong Jamie, but he has a job to do. And his attraction to her… well, he’s a professional.Jamie knows the stakes are high. She has to face the past and save her parents’ business while dealing with her family drama and an uncertain future. She also has to deal with Nick, who wants her out of the way of his investigation. But fate keeps throwing them in one another’s paths… and into chaos that they both want to avoid, but neither can seem to escape.

Genres: Thriller, Romance, Mystery, Fiction

450 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2023

About the author

The author and editor lives in Texas with her husband and children. She enjoys trying to stay in shape, sporadically cooking, reading (still), writing, and working on her blog. She is eternally grateful to the woman who donated a kidney to her over 5 years ago and continues to advocate for organ donation as much as she can.

Reviews

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homecoming Chaos by D W Brooks was, all in all, a homecoming that kept me turning pages as the characters developed and the mystery unfolded.

“Can I buy you a drink?”

After a quick visual scan, Rachel couldn’t find anything wrong with him,; his only flaw was that he was there.

I was cracking up from the getgo…But it was all downhill from there for Rachel, and it opened the mystery.

In the middle of her first night home her mother wakes her at midnight. There is a murder at the lab the family owns and she wants Jamie there.

Jamie had run as far from home as you could get, avoiding her helicopter mother. Her Homecoming was sure to be Chaos. Her life seemed to invite chaos. She was determined to live her own life this time.

“…Your mother lives fro drama, your brother dates chaos whenever he can, your sister married into chaos, and you search it out. I should call you Trey Chaos.”

Detective Nick Marshall is on the case and Jamie revels in her ability to annoy him. I thought it was funny too.

As the mystery unfolds and I become more familiar with the characters, the pacing speeds up, the danger amps up, and I am eager to get all the answers before something else happens some of the characters I have come to care about.

I love that the Atlanta are was familiar to me. It’s always fun to visit a place I have been. I love the characters are not your run of the mill characters. They are African American from the wealthy suburbs of Buckhead.

Secrets from the past are revealed and romance flourishes. I feel there will be more to this story. Will this be a series? I do think it will be fun to spend more time with the family.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homecoming Chaos picks up where I Do Chaos left off. Jamie Scott is home from four years in Africa and Europe, just in time for her mom's huge birthday bash, the holidays and an unexpected murder mystery at her parents' business.

I am a huge thriller lover and didn't realize this series would delve into that territory, but I am not mad about it! I really thought the whole series was about romance, but this book was more of a romantic build-up between Jamie and the lead detective on the case. It also dove deeper into family dynamics and contemporary fiction. I actually liked all of the above - Jamie is a complex character so he family drama, murder mystery and budding romance wove together well!

While the romance aspect of this book was still budding, the thriller aspect started off very strong and drew me in right away. Things slowed down a little when Jamie returned home, but really picked up again in the second half of the book and just kept getting wilder and wilder until they reached their crescendo!

The only thing I didn't love was how formal Jamie's relationship with her parents, especially her mom, was. Even the way they spoke to each other felt really formal, whereas the dialogue between Jamie and her siblings felt normal and relaxed. I suspect this is because they are a very wealthy family with a matriarch who is overly concerned with appearances. However, I did like the note upon which Jamie and her mom ended at the conclusion of the book.

Overall, this was a fun and entertaining book - I really like Jamie and her sister Jillian and can't wait to see what happens in the next book in the series!

Content Warnings: Infidelity, drugging, murder, kidnapping, stalking

[Gwen Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

A LITTLE ROMANCE, A LITTLE MYSTERY, A LITTLE MURDER

It’s good to be home, or so Dr. Jamie Scott was hoping. Having spent the past few years abroad working on her medical career, all she wanted was to put the past behind her and reunite with her family. But an overprotective and often overbearing mother, a shameful secret, and the discovery of an employee’s body outside her father’s laboratory put serious brakes on progress towards that goal. Add in finding the detective in charge of the murder case a tad too irresistible puts the reconciliation on hold. So what’s a girl to do to get it back on track? Why solve the murder herself, silly! And that’s exactly what Jamie sets out to do.

HOMECOMING CHAOS is the debut novel of D.W. Brooks, and it’s a good one! The story solid, it’s an adventurous mix of murder, mystery, suspense, and a dash of romance peppered in for a little bit of heat. The characters are all interesting, but none more intriguing than the protagonist, Dr. Jamie Scott. Jamie is one of the accomplished women whose journey through life has been met with huge victories and utter failures. It was a great decision by the author to show both sides of the human condition. It makes Jamie relatable and all too human where emotions come into play. She cares … sometimes too much … and most especially about lead detective Nick Marshall. When the two lock eyes, it's a slow burn that erupts into fireworks and we have front row seats as we root them on.

The writing well-done, the story unfolds as intertwining storylines develop and continue throughout the book. There’s one that keeps track of Jamie’s reunion with her family. Mother, father, sister, and brother make for plenty of fencing to mend, but is it worth it? Jamie’s determined to find out. The second concerns the murder of a microbiologist. Does the victim’s death have anything to do with her father’s lab? And, just as importantly, are there more deaths on the way? The third is told from the point of view of Detective Nick Marshall in trying to arrest the man responsible for the homicide, and keep Jamie safe. He’s learned that the woman he has a thing for has a bad habit of sticking her neck out way too far. The fourth is from the perspective of the murderer, and what happens now that he’s a wanted man. Does he continue with the gameplan? Or throw a curveball that turns it into a gamechanger?

All of the above makes for an easy-to-follow and compelling mystery. While sometimes breezy, it’s mixed with some very serious moments that may tug at your heartstrings. And as for future plans, I’m not sure if the author has any designs on turning this book into a Dr. Jamie Scott series, but the potential is there for her to do just that. Writing about what Jamie’s next move would be more than fun and you wouldn’t find me objecting.

I recommend HOMECOMING CHAOS to all those mystery buffs out there who crave solving murders. This one will give you a run for your money as it just may persuade you to stay up way past your bedtime. But isn’t that what we read books for? The answer to that is a resounding YES. Four stars from me!

[Regina Sage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly as advertised. I love the way Brooks represents characters with grit and determination.

[Jaleesa | Reading Beyond the Book Cover · Rating 4 out of 5]

D. W. Brooks’s Homecoming Chaos is as its name implies. It’s a homecoming full of chaos that culminates into a story worth reading. I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic suspense and look forward to reading more from this author.

Although written in the third person omniscient narration, Homecoming Chaos builds around Dr. Jamison “Jamie” Scott. Jamie has returned home after residing abroad for four years. Her friends and family welcome her back home, but not without lingering emotions of resentment. Jamie’s departure and failure to communicate why she left all those years ago has not left the best impression. Upon her return, she does not hesitate to get her idle hands busy. She spearheads back into her familial role, working through what she avoided four years ago while connecting the dots behind an investigation of the death of an employee of the family business. Little does she know, she’ll be connecting more than that when she lays eyes on the handsome, blue-eyed detective working on the case, Nick Marshall. As the story progresses, we meet a cast of colorful characters that all serve their purpose in carrying this ride of a story along. Pacing is always important, and D. W. Brooks gets it right.

What I enjoyed most about the story is the compelling characters. They are memorable, with distinct voices, and authentic motivations. Even the secondary characters. Speaking of which, I would have liked more time with them, as they seem to have more to them than they let on. I am hopeful they will show up in another book in this series. If not a full-length book, maybe a novella. You’ll have to read the book and see which ones I’m referring to. 🙂

I appreciated the balance between scenes and never felt the story lagged. The perspective in which the story was written, third person omniscient, was a great support to the pacing of the story and its chain of events. How D. W. Brooks changed my feelings about some characters is nothing short of magic. I made a mental note of how often a character annoyed me, only to end up being endeared by them at the end of the novel. I can’t help but smile when I think about it.

Something worth mentioning and of historical reference regarding me and my choice of books is that suspense books I’ve read have little to no romance. Imagine my surprise that my reading experience was as positive as it is, as I don’t usually reach for this specific subgenre of suspense. With that being said, although this book is marketed as romantic suspense, I would be remiss if I did not mention that the level of spice for this novel is on the lighter side and that’s perfect for me. It surely is the reason behind my enjoyment of my overall reading journey with this book. If you are looking for something hot and heavy, this isn’t it. However, in any case, this book does have its moments that’ll make you blush and I’m not mad at it. It’s a fun and light read.

Check out Homecoming Chaos if you want your next read to have family drama, vengeance, suspense, and things that linger; kisses, stares across the room, lies, and past secrets. You will not regret embracing chaos after you read this book.

Thank you to D. W. Brooks for the opportunity to read Homecoming Chaos. I received an advance review copy for free, and my review/reaction is voluntary, all thoughts are mine and unbiased, and receiving an ARC does not influence my rating and/or recommendation.

I hope this review of D. W. Brooks’s Homecoming Chaos finds you all well.

[Crystal Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Homecoming Chaos - it has a little bit of everything and flows really well! If you're looking for something light with a bit of romance and mystery - this is a fast read and is just the book for you! Jamie Scott is a delightful character you can't help but adore. With the holidays quickly approaching and so many people traveling, this is a fantastic book to pick up while riding in a car/plane or even a sweet way to end the day while relaxing. 5 out of 5 for sure!

[Lennie McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read. Catches you from the first sentence and keeps you there. This is one to spend a lazy afternoon reading.
The title definitely reflects the book. Returning home from work abroad some things are different but some are the same.
Tossed into a murder scene right off the bat, a further complication arises when the detective and her are aware of strong feelings.
Love the family dynamics - they are perfect for each character.
A series worth starting and following.
I loved the book.

[Heather Paulsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting, but that isn't a bad thing. I thought the blurb sounded interesting, so I gave it a shot. You get a little bit of everything in this story, but I could have used more action/suspense. At times the story gets really slow and then builds back up. If you are looking for something different to read, I would give this a try.

[Iara Ribeiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all the writing is perfect (5⭐️), I have read books by great editors and well known authors whose writing does not always please me either by the repetition of expressions or even phrases that raise doubts in their morphology.

Homecoming Chaos is a very light romance, but cute in the few romantic interactions it has. I don't usually opt for this type of book but the blunt made me want to know more and there I went, I went to be absorbed in a mysterious investigation that gives us very few clues about what comes next.
I liked reading it, I expected more romance but its interactions are so good that I read it with so much curiosity that I surprised myself.

I’m writing this review some time after finishing it because I had to distance myself from the story and realise why I liked it so much and why it surprised me. Homecoming Chaos challenged me to get out of my comfort zone and read more books that capture my interest even if its main genre is not the one that would so naturally incline me.

Hope you like it as much as me ☺️

[Wall-to-wall books - wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS -

A nice suspenseful read. This book really amps up in the last half and gets quite intense. The first half was a little slow for me, but halfway through I really started enjoying it more.

I really liked the characters. The main character, Jamie, seemed like someone I would like in real life. She was smart, sensitive, strong, a perfect leading lady. I liked reading about her family, and their conversations. I felt like a fly on the wall. That’s what kept me going at first. I kept reading and then BAM! The second half of the book really took off, all the sudden it gets crazy with suspense and excitement.

A nice worthwhile read! I recommend this one. It's a "sit in the Livingroom with a cup of coffee while it snows outside" kind of book. :-)


Thanks to the author, D. W. Brooks, for sending me an ecopy to read and review.

[J.M. Northup]

Good Crime Story With Family Tale

I enjoyed this this story. Elements were well researched and believable. The characters were lovely. Jamison is a layered protagonist.

I struggled with the format. Multiple people talking/thinking in a single paragraph is bad form and head hopping - no! Still, the plot was intriguing, even if Jackson's amateur sleuthing was, at times, a little farfetched. It made for a solid read despite the flaws, earning a 4-star from me in the end.

The author did a great job covering all her bases. She left no stone unturned, so I felt satisfied and finished with a smile. Ultimately, she entertained me, which was the books purpose and what I wanted.

Well done!

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Homecoming Chaos by D.W. Brooks will take you on a ride so buckle up and hold on. This is a tale filled with romance, intrigue and lots of family drama. Before you know it, you will find yourself invested in the characters and what is happening to them. Surprisingly, this is Brooks debut novel. The storytelling is spot on and will keep you invested in the story line and the characters. This was really a fun read, and I am looking forward to the next book by D.W. Brooks. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Margaret Adelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a sucker for a thriller romance . I have devoured countless mass market paperbacks about women adjacent to the law system getting pulled into a murder investigation and falling in love with a hot detective. So when the author offered me a copy of this book, I was happy to accept!

I loved the idea of the mystery. The nagging ideas of what nebulous thing the murder victim did in the past and who else may be on the line. There are the classic scenes of the nameless aggressor approaching a possible future victim. Great for tension. I also loved the idea of the family dynamic. Coming home, redemption arcs, mending old broken relationships, all the good emotional heart-to-heart scenes that make you want to call your family. (No really, you should do that.)

But while the ideas were great, the execution was less so. Despite the fact that this labelled as a romantic thriller, the narrative seems determined to erase the tension. For example, I had expected that the mystery of why Jamie left in the first place would be drawn out a bit. Instead, she explains the entire situation within the first 30 pages. And it continues in that way for the whole book. A new character is introduced, the narrative promptly gives their entire back story, dirty secrets and all. A character mentions their wife had to go to the ER, but doesn't explain. The narrative then reveals the entire secret on the same page.

Now there are some instances in which an paragraph of exposition is the only way to get the information across. But what confused me the most was how much of the information was redundant. Going back to the example of the trip to the ER, the character does end up revealing the reason later in the story. So why lay the entire secret out in the narration? Why not let the reveal in the dialogue be the reveal to the reader?

The worst example of this is the reveal of the murder. Instead of a grand "aha" moment at a crucial plot point shown through dialogue or a character discovering a new piece of evidence after a long investigation, the reader's told directly through the narration at a seemingly random point. And like the ER example, the characters discover the same information for themselves later, through written evidence and piecing things together. So why randomly drop it in the narrative? The details were great in theory, but I couldn't get over how a murder mystery seemed determined to not be a mystery.

As for the romance... I'm not sure that I felt it as a romance. Sexual tension was there in spades, sure. But I couldn't get get the feeling that it didn't go much deeper than that. There were also moments where I would have expected Nick to be in emotional distress over Jamie, but he kept an entirely cool head. I adore a good "tough guy losing his shit because the romantic interest is [spoiler]" and I was bummed he seemed so unfazed. Lessened the romantic aspect for me a lot.

All that being said, I did love the ending scene of Jamie and her mom. In fact, the scenes focusing on the Scotts trying to keep it all together after all the scandals and relationship issues they'd been through (and now a murder) are where the book shines the most. I'd love to see what the author could do writing a contemporary without the mystery.

I don't know that I could recommend this book to mystery fans, due to its overly expository nature. But anyone that likes stories of prodigal returns and healing family hurt will find a lot to love! Three stars.

[Shannaka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book especially with how it began. But unfortunately, there was something about it that just didn’t give cohesiveness. You had so many moving pieces, a lot of descriptive, exhaustive narration that was pointless and redundant and introduction of new characters (who were one-offs) all throughout the book. I think the thing that really threw me off was the main action happened in the last 80% of the book. It went so fast that it didn’t really make sense. I thought we were headed left then all of a sudden we took a sharp right down a dark alley thru a tunnel in a jungle on a boat. There were definitely areas that could have been reduced and areas that could have been expounded.

I can say my favorite character in the book is Jillian. It was something about her that just seemed like she accepted the hand she was dealt, or at least the hand she had a part in being dealt, and is making the best of it. She still has her dreams and goals which is inspiring to see.

The romance between Jamie and Nick was so cute to me. I loved the back and forth banter and cautiousness they both exuded when it came to approaching one other. It seemed that they both were aware of healthy boundaries and were mature in their display of affection and intentions towards one another. I liked that a lot.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to the author and to the publisher. Best wishes!

[Carolyn Norman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book picks up from the first book with Jamie returning from Africa. Where she fled to leave
behind all the things she didn’t want to deal with.

She comes home to a still stifling relationship with her Mother and an attraction to the detective who’s handling the murder case at her parents lab.

This book is billed as a romantic thriller but to me it was a little short on both. That’s why I’m rating it 3.5⭐️.

The romantic situation between Jamie and Nick blossoms but goes no where because of the murder case. Then Jamie and her sister get involved in chasing leads causing Jamie to be kidnapped.

Then there’s additional family drama with her brother and the revolving list of women he dates. The challenges her sister is facing in her 10 year old marriage. Also their mother’s refusal to treat her kids like adults. I think the mother bothered me the most because her kids were all grown adults. They didn’t need her opinions or meddling.

While the murder at the lab is a driving force, the whole investigation drags. The sisters find out more than the cops do.

So it was an okay read. But since I’m 2 books in imma read the last one in the series and finish this up. Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homecoming Chaos by D.W. Brooks took me on a rollercoaster of emotions! From the moment I cracked open the book, I was hooked on Jamie Scott’s journey—a mix of unraveling mysteries and tangled romances that kept me glued to the pages.

Imagine coming home after years away, only to stumble upon a murder scene in your family’s business parking lot. That’s the chaos Jamie finds herself in, and let me tell you, it’s one wild ride. But amidst the turmoil, there’s Detective Nick Marshall, a handsome distraction with a job to do and sparks flying every time he crosses paths with Jamie.

Brooks weaves together a captivating tale of suspense, romance, and family drama, painting vivid scenes and crafting characters that feel like old friends. The mystery at the heart of it all kept me guessing until the very end, and the chemistry between Jamie and Nick added just the right amount of spice to the mix.

As a debut novel, Homecoming Chaos showcases Brooks’ talent for storytelling. The intertwining plotlines kept me on my toes, eagerly flipping through the chapters to unravel the truth. I found myself rooting for Jamie as she faced her past and fought to save her family’s business, all while navigating the twists and turns of her budding romance with Nick.

In short, I couldn’t put this book down, and now I’m counting down the days until D.W. Brooks releases their next masterpiece. If you’re looking for a captivating read with memorable characters and an irresistible blend of mystery and romance, look no further than Homecoming Chaos. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

I received a digital copy of the book for a virtual book tour. This review is my honest opinion.
Please visit my website for more information on this book and its author, including a guest post from D.W. Brooks. https://ginaraemitchell.com

[Linda McCutcheon · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Everyone involved with this case so far is a liar and a cheat...This is destroying my faith in humanity today."

"Your life may be messy, but speaking as a Jewish lesbian, we all got problems."

With a bit of humor, some murder mystery with a twist and a lot of family drama, Homecoming Chaos, by innovative independent author D.W. Brooks, is a whirlwind of suspenseful romance.

Dr. Jamie Scott arrives home in Atlanta after 4 years in Africa working for Doctors Without Borders to a murdered employee in the parking lot of her father's laboratory, her mother trying to fix her up with every influential bachelor in the city, her sister with 2 more sons, and her brother hiding from an angry ex who doused his clothes in bleach...and that was just her first day back.

This book has a bit of everything from the dumbest criminals to a twist in the murder mystery that was actually a bit startling and infuriating all at once. But the instant chemistry between Jamie and Detective Nick Marshall (which MaMa Scott does not approve of) gives us a sweet break from all the... chaos.

I enjoyed the police procedural scenes between Nick and his partner. Their friendship is cop buddies goals. I was a little flustered by Jamie knowing how to track down viable information to solve the murder that Nick should have been aware to do himself.

The real glue to this story is the Scott family. They are messy, secretive, often self centered but also hilariously sarcastic, loyal, and protective of each other.

This writer kept me reading from the intense first chapter, through Jamie's difficult teenage decisions, a ridiculous last minute kidnapping and a true chaotic family conclusion.

I received a free copy of this book from #verseventurestours for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Brittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture this: Jamie Scott comes back home and bam, there's a dead body in the family business parking lot. Drama alert! But wait, there's more – a hot detective named Nick Marshall is on the case.

Jamie Scott is just awesome. She's got this mix of sass and vulnerability that makes you cheer for her from the get-go. And when she's not dealing with family drama, she's caught up in this murder mystery that keeps you turning the pages.

Now, let's talk about Nick. The dude's a detective, all professional and stuff, but you can feel the sparks flying between him and Jamie. It's like, will they, won't they? You gotta read it to find out.

The plot is like a rollercoaster – twists, turns, and you never know what's coming next. The murder mystery keeps you hooked, and you can't help but wonder who's behind it all. I do wish some of the mystery wasn’t solved so quickly, specifically the reason Jamie left.

The setting is described so vividly; you can practically see the chaos unfolding. The mix of mystery and romance is just right, not too much of one or the other. It's like a perfect recipe for a binge-worthy read.

Homecoming Chaos is a blast to read. If you're into drama, mystery, and a dash of romance, this one's for you. D.W. Brooks nailed it with a story that keeps you entertained from start to finish. Four stars for this one! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

#HomecomingChaos #BookReview #MysteryRomance #DramaAlert #PageTurner #BookRecommendation #HomecomingChaos #BookReview #DramaAlert #PageTurner #BookRecommendation #JamieScott #DetectiveNick #DWBrooks

[Brenda Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Dr. Jamie Scott returns home to Atlanta from working abroad, she just wants to put it all behind her and spend time with her family. But when an employee at her dad’s company is found murdered, all of that goes out the window. Adding to the chaos, the handsome Detective in charge, Nick Marshall, has most definitely peaked her interest and a slow burn begins.

I love a good murder mystery, and this was a fun and suspenseful one. As Dr. Scott begins investigating the case on her own, she most certainly annoys the Detective and the delightful banter between the two adds to the tension. While it’s most definitely a thriller first and foremost, the romance adds a little more heat (very much on the tame side still).

The diverse characters are all so relatable, especially Dr. Scott, and I really enjoyed the family dynamics that take place throughout. While often self-centered , they’re also fiercely loyal. A helicopter mother, a tense connection with her father, and sibling relationships in need of mending, all make for some heartache that will resonate with plenty of readers.

The multiple storylines are all woven together in an easy to follow fashion and held my attention throughout, especially when the danger amps up. This was a really great debut novel that most certainly could lend itself to another story.

Thank you D.W. Brooks and Verse Ventures Tours for the ARC and the opportunity to be on this tour.

[Eclectic Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homecoming Chaos is a delightful read that offers a little bit of everything - romance, mystery, and more. 

Dr. Jamie Scott is a strong, smart protagonist with relatable struggles pertaining to her uncertain career after a four-year stint working overseas and a family led by a controlling and manipulative matriarch. Add in a murder mystery at her family's forensic lab and a potential love interest with the detective investigating the case, Nick Marshall, and you have a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

I enjoyed the way the family dynamics were portrayed. Each character had their own unique quirks and flaws, but they all fit together perfectly like pieces of a puzzle. It was fascinating to see how they interacted with each other, and how their relationships evolved over the course of the story.

I did struggle with the third-person format when multiple people were talking or thinking at the same time in one paragraph. Despite that, I was intrigued to the very end.

If you enjoy murder mysteries with compelling characters and a well-crafted plot that picks up the pace and ramps up the danger, then consider picking up this captivating book.

Thank you to Ms. Brooks for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

[Gila]

I just finished Homecoming Chaos by D.W. Brooks. I will be honest, when I committed to reading and reviewing this book, I expected a zany Christmas story where parents and siblings fall in to their old roles and hilarity ensues. And there was some of that, Jamie returned after breaking her engagement and running away to Africa. Her parents (her mother in particular) was not too happy and was not yet ready to let the past stay in the past. This part felt familiar. But adding in a murder mystery was the first surprise. The other surprise for me was about how the book made me think about how we evolve as people and sometimes the people who love us most and who we love as well, have the hardest time seeing that. This element rang very true to me.

The main character in the book, Jamie, has a mantra she uses - "Lean in to the chaos" - a hard thing to do sometimes, but a lesson we could all use to help us live life and enjoy it that much more.

An enjoyable read.

[Nic Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers an interesting blend of romance, mystery and a side order of murder - which I absolutely loved.

This is a debut novel from D W Brooks and I think the writing in this book was so well done. The book is well paced, the plot was compelling and the characters were interesting.

I found it hard to put this book down and wish I hadn’t started it so late - it meant I got very little sleep that night 🤣

The descriptions throughout the book are great and I could visually play it out in my mind while I was reading.

There was a lot going on in this book - it kept it interesting but at times there were some parts which I had to re-read a little as my brain struggled to keep up. That is me being quite picky though because it didn’t impact on my overall enjoyment of the book

A great and enjoyable read

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked on this story from the prologue. There is so much happening in this novel. It really was pure chaos and felt like you were right there in the middle of all the Scott family drama. You learn how a couple can build an affluent life together to provide for their children and how it can impact each child differently. While you learn about the complexities of the Scott family it was the story within a story that was really intriguing to me. Seeing how an employee’s life and previous actions can impact their employer was eye opening and kept me on the edge of my seat. The author did a great job of weaving together multiple, complex storylines that leave you wanting more. My only issue with this story is there is more to be told! Some characters' stories were left as a mystery with their story untold so I do hope there is a part 2 for this novel!

[Abdulwarith Olalekan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thrilling and Engaging Mystery!

Homecoming Chaos is a gripping mystery filled with suspense, family drama, and a touch of romance that keeps you hooked from the first page to the last. Jamie Scott is a compelling protagonist, and her return home quickly takes a shocking turn when she finds herself entangled in a murder investigation. The tension between her and Detective Nick Marshall adds an exciting layer to the story, making their interactions intriguing and unpredictable.

The author does an excellent job weaving together a fast-paced plot, rich character development, and unexpected twists that keep you guessing. The writing is immersive, the pacing is perfect, and the mystery is well-executed. This book is a must-read if you love crime fiction with strong characters and engaging storytelling! Highly recommended!

[Michelle Cornish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Homecoming Chaos by D.W. Brooks is a blend of mystery, romance, and family drama that captivates from the first page. The novel opens with a chilling discovery: a dead body in the parking lot of the protagonist, Jamie Scott's, family business. This sets the stage for a story that weaves together personal struggles and a tantalizing murder mystery. Homecoming Chaos offers a satisfying blend of mystery, romance, and family drama. Brooks' skillful storytelling, combined with relatable characters and an intriguing plot, makes this book perfect for fans of the genre.

[Alison N · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read that kept me hooked. This book had a bit of everything, a murder, family drama, romance, as well as some tougher issues. The investigation ran through the book, it becomes pretty clear what happened, but then becomes laughably dramatic, and took away from the developing relationship between Jamie & Nick. There was also quite a few unresolved issues, in my opinion, so hopefully there'll be a second book. All in all a good book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamie Scott is a delightful character you can't help but adore. She is the main character. Homecoming Chaos by D.W. Brooks is a blend of mystery, romance, and family drama that captivates from the first page. The novel opens with a chilling discovery: a dead body in the parking lot of the protagonist, Jamie Scott's, family business. This sets the stage for a story that weaves together personal struggles and a tantalizing murder mystery. Homecoming Chaos offers a satisfying blend of mystery, romance, and family drama. Nick the detective is a great addition to the story.- Kristina

[HeatherREADS · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS:
Although there was a lot going on, and a lot of characters to keep track, things came together cohesively and I felt like the loose ends were tied up. Jamie as a character developed throughout the novel, and her relationship histories were explained and the relationships grew and changed. There was lots of action, many twists and turns, and some romance sprinkled in. The mystery was engaging and the characters’ motivations and actions seemed on brand for them. If you like thrillers that are engaging with some hints of love, you will enjoy this book!

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when I find a new to me author and they knock it out of the park. I mean there were all kinds of twists and turns in this story that just blew me away. I loved the story line and the characters, and It felt like I was watching a movie. And the suspense of the story, I had no idea what was coming, and when it happened, I was totally flabbergasted. I could not put this book down. This was such an amazing and satisfying read, and I can't wait to see what the author does next.

[Dorothy Winsor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The plot moves along quickly and unpredictably, and the characters are engaging. The author does an especially good job with Jamie's family relationships. You could see her mother loves her, but good lord, the woman's constant interference and criticism would have driven me mad.

My only criticism is that the point of view is loosely handled, sometimes changing even in the middle of a paragraph. I found that distracting, but other readers may not.

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