Someone Murderous at The Midnight Motel

The Accidental Detective #5

by Kris Bock

She didn’t anticipate a career change at fifty… Forced to leave her celebrated career as an international war correspondent after an injury, Kate Tessler now dabbles in detective work in her Arizona hometown. She and her sister, Jen, need to take any job offered if they want to become true PIs. When Jen’s college friend asks them to investigate suspicious activity at a motel he inherited, it sounds like a free vacation with a little surveillance thrown in. But when Kate’s hot flashes wake her in the middle of the night, she wanders outside to cool off and stumbles over a dead body. Soon they’re caught up in their toughest—and most dangerous—case yet. Kate and Jen can’t trust anyone at the motel or the local police force they suspect of corruption. Good thing they have their eclectic senior sidekicks to share the undercover work. The lies pile up, the villains multiply, and the motel is hiding more secrets than they ever imagined. When they finally get a break in the case, Kate needs to ensure she and Jen aren’t collateral damage.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction

220 pages, Paperback

Published October 2, 2023

About the author

Be sure to follow Kris on BookBub for the latest releases and sales: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kris-...

Kris Bock writes novels of mystery, suspense, and romance, many with outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. In the Accidental Detective series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. This humorous series starts with Something Shady at Sunshine Haven. Get a free Accidental Detective short story and bonus material when you sign up for her newsletter: https://sendfox.com/KrisBock

Her Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats. Get a free 10,000-word story set in the world of the Furrever Friends cat café when you sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter: https://sendfox.com/lp/1g5nx3 You’ll also get a printable copy of the recipes mentioned in the cat café novels.

Kris Bock also writes novels of suspense and romance with outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. Whispers in the Dark features archaeology and intrigue among ancient Southwest ruins. What We Found is a mystery with strong romantic elements about a young woman who finds a murder victim in the woods. In Counterfeits, stolen Rembrandt paintings bring danger to a small New Mexico town.

“Smart romance with an 'Indiana Jones' feel,”

Kris's Southwest Treasure Hunters novels each stand alone and are complete, with no cliffhangers. This series mixes action and adventure with romance. The stories explore the Southwest, especially New Mexico. Desert Gold follows the hunt for a long-lost treasure in the New Mexico desert. In Valley of Gems, estranged relatives compete to reach a buried treasure by following a series of complex clues. In Silver Canyon, sparks fly when reader favorites Camie and Tiger help a mysterious man track down his missing uncle.

Fans of Mary Stewart, Barbara Michaels, and Terry Odell will want to check out Kris Bock’s romantic adventures. “Counterfeits is the kind of romantic suspense novel I have enjoyed since I first read Mary Stewart’s Moonspinners.” 5 Stars – Roberta at Sensuous Reviews blog

Read excerpts at www.krisbock.com or visit her Amazon page at https://www.amazon.com/author/krisbock

Ms. Bock also writes for young people under the name Chris Eboch. The Eyes of Pharaoh is an action-packed mystery set in ancient Egypt. In The Well of Sacrifice, a Mayan girl in ninth-century Guatemala rebels against the High Priest who sacrifices anyone challenging his power. The Haunted series follows a brother and sister who travel with their parents’ ghost hunter TV show and try to help the ghosts while keeping their activities secret from meddling grownups. It begins with The Ghost on the Stairs.

Read excerpts at www.chriseboch.com.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The entire cast of characters is charming. A delightful cozy mystery!

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I now have a new favorite amateur detective in Kate accidental or not. Kate and her sister Jen are on a "free vacation" at the Midnight hotel In actuality they've been asked by a friend of
Jen's , Nathan, to look into strange going ons at the hotel he inherited. It is soon obvious that there is something wrong creating a mystery full of danger, twists and turns, and unsavory people Kate and Jen won me over when they refused to back down. I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I read this as a stand alone-having enjoyed the characters and their banter I will definitely read the first books and look forward to new releases. I highly recommend this fun, imaginative mystery.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another captivating book by Kris Bock! Book 5 in the Accidental Detective series, Someone Murderous at the Midnight Motel, is a page turning read. I was fortunate to receive an arc from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I have enjoyed this series so much. The main character, Kate Tessler is a 50 year old former war correspondent who has returned to her hometown in Arizona after an injury. Through the books we have become acquainted with her eclectic crew of crime solving helpers that include her sister Jen, her elderly dad and his coffee buddies, her parents best friends and their son and his girlfriend and her boyfriend the mayor.

This book was really entertaining. Kate and her sister were asked to come check out a nearby motel by the son of the recently deceased owner. Jen had gone to school with the son and they were anxious to take on the case. Exactly what was wrong wasn’t conveyed to them. When they arrived they noticed problems with the staff’s attitude and the weird behavior of some of the guest and the police security guard. Kate had trouble sleeping and when she woke up from a hot flash, decided to take a walk around outside. To her horror and surprise she discovered a dead body. She called the police but when they arrived, the body was missing. Once they located the body, they realized there were more problems than they first thought. To provide help to their private investigation, Kate calls in a couple of her dad’s senior friends. It becomes apparent to Jen and Kate that they don’t know who to trust, including the local police. Another body is discovered. Eventually Kate’s whole team has assembled to try and solve the mystery of who is the killer, what is the motive and what is going on in the motel.

This is such a fun series to read. I like the characters as they are all so quirky, yet genuine. The little bit of romance between Kate and Todd is a sweet touch in the books. I enjoy the interactions between Kate and her family too. I highly recommend this book and the whole series. Another 5 star book by Kris Bock!

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder and Mayhem at a Motel

This is the fifth book in the series and as such, I didn’t get who all the characters were at first, but the author does a really good job of letting you in on all the background without hitting you over the head with it. Kate is a 50-year-old ex-war correspondent who returns home to Arizona after being injured. She walks with a cane and a limp, has a gentleman friend, a sister who keeps pushing her to exercise more, and a mom and dad (mom has dementia) and friends galore. But she needs to find a new way of life, so has turned to being an amateur detective - supposedly working toward her license.
When an old friend asks her to help him figure out what’s happening at the motel he inherited in return for a “free” vacation, she and her sister jump at the chance. Her hot flashes have her walking around at night - and swimming in the nice cool pool during the day. When a clue leads them to a strip club, they call in reinforcements in the guise of two elderly men who love helping out the “girls”. What they discover at the motel, though, has them calling in the big guns.
There is lots of action, lots of suspects, and even a few laughs as the team uncovers murder and some really nasty stuff. But the ending is satisfactory and leaves you with a smile and anticipation for more to come from this multi-generational team of sleuths.
Recommended.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witty and humorous, Kris Bock really captures the menopausal women in this story. It made me feel right at home and the oddball characters truly bring the book together.

Jen is a bored housewife with teenagers and Kate is an international war correspondent, who has returned home because of an on the job injury. Accidental detectives by chose, Jen is organized, great note taker and has time on her hands while Kate has great instincts, interviewing skills and will solve the mystery. They enlist a team of oddballs to help them get answers.

An old college friend of Jen’s enlists their expertise to help solve what is going on at the motel. Unsure of what they are looking for, they come across a suspicious group of people. The motel staff are rude and secretive. The hotel guests that live there only come out at night. A family hiding out at the hotel in the hopes of locating their daughter keep to themselves. Kate and Jen must fine out what is going on!

Kate wakes up in the middle of the night from hot flashes. She heads outside when she notices a body over by the pool. She goes to check it out and realizes the person is dead. She rushes back to her room to wake up her sister. During this time, the body has disappeared. Kate and Jen’s must solve the mystery of the disappearance.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A group of irregular and accidental multigenerational friends, lead by a female former war correspondent turned PI, reunite again for a new adventure in “Someone Murderous at the Midnight Motel”, by Kris Bock (Tule Publishing).
This is a very enjoyable, quick read, with interesting, relatable characters.
Kate’s personality and issues will resonate with women experiencing middle-age and changes of careers and life styles.
The heroine’s quest as she leaves her work as a journalist and has to embark in another professional journey will speak to lots of people. The portrayal of the changes press is going through and the mystery plot are also very pertinent.
I liked watching how Kate transitions from her turbulent life as an international war correspondent to a different, still informal, job a private detective.
The way Kate handles the changes her body is showing and how she manages the debilitating effects of her work-related injury are also interesting to watch.
What’s great about this series is the easy, affectionate relationship between the amateur investigators, ranging from very young to senior people. I love that everyone has something to do and to contribute to the general investigation goals.
The humor and teasing are also stupendous.
The sisters’ relationship is wonderful, full of banter, rivalry and love. Unfortunately, Todd, Kate's romantic love interest, is scarcely present, what a pity…

[Jennifer Lovelace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This won't be the last time I read one of Kris Bock's books! I thoroughly enjoyed Someone Murderous at the Midnight Motel, and will go back and read the other books in The Accidental Detective series! Someone Murderous is the 5th book in Bock's series about former war correspondent Kate and her newfound detective career. She, her sister Jen, and their ragtag group of friends and family have to solve yet another deadly mystery, this time in a motel inherited by an old friend of Jen's. Menopausal hot flashes cause Kate to get up in the middle of the night, which leads her to stumble across a dead body by the pool. In her mission to solve the murder Kate encounters a precocious little boy, shady men of the law, strippers, and a new motel owner who may not be on the up and up. Add some exuberant sidekicks who are willing to do anything to help Kate and Jen, and you have one entertaining book! Will Kate and Jen solve this murderous mystery? I won't spoil your fun...you need to read it for yourself!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like a murder mystery, fabulous female lead characters and an eclectic group of secondary characters then you’ll love this one. Book five in The Accidental Detective series, Kate and her sister Jen are asked to investigate suspicious activity at a motel Jen’s college friend inherited which they happily agree to, what’s a bit of surveillance in between enjoying time in the pool. Unfortunately one night Kate goes for a wander and discovers a dead body. Pretty soon kate, Jen and their assortment of friends are deeply involved in an investigation that becomes fraught with danger. I absolutely loved the twists and turns of this story, the humour and the way the characters all worked together to solve the many mysteries. Thanks to @tulepublishing for sharing this story with me early, it comes out October 2nd and I highly recommend you read it as well as the previous stories in this series (although you can read this one as a standalone)

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone Murderous at The Midnight Motel (The Accidental Detective Book 5) by Kris Bock has Kate and Jen hired to stay at a hotel, investigating if something strange or more so illegal is going on. The story is rather slow paced much like Kate’s ability to walk with a cane until Kate finds a dead body in the middle of the night. Then the pace picks up moving smoothly but much quicker.

I had very few ideas of who would be the guilty ones which is exactly how Kate and Jen feel. However, some of the Coffee Shop Irregulars show up to help, which includes Kate’s and Jen’s dad. They add so much more to the fun and humor of the story. The plot thickens with an unexpected twist. Still the quirky group is on the lookout to solve and stop the crimes being committed. This is cozy mystery American style.

An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Coco · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* A very tongue in cheek detective story.

An eye catching book cover contains this entertaining story about two sisters who turn snooping Into a business enterprise.

After surviving an injury from a bomb explosion, war correspondent Kate has returned home to Arizona. Retired from active journalism and hampered by her injuries, Kate has teamed up with her sister, Jen, to become private investigators. Frustrated in the length of time it takes to obtain their PI licence, and needing to earn a living, they unofficially accept investigative work.

Assisted by relatives and friends, who're mostly senior citizens, Kate and Jen’s route to solving a case is mostly via absolute chaos.

Entertaining and not to be taken seriously.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although new to the series, this works fine as a standalone as readers are brought up to speed fairly quickly.

When Kate and her sister Jen is asked to determine if there is anything illegal going on in a motel that was recently inherited by a friend, they thought they would be getting a free vacay out of it. But just like there is no such thing as a free lunch, there definitely isn't such thing as a free vacation.

Between police corruption and human trafficking, the sisters got their hands full when dead bodies start piling up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In book 5 of the series, Sisters Kate and Jen think the job they took will only involve research and light surveillance. Their new client wants to sell the motel he inherited from his father. Before he can sell it he wants to make sure that nothing illegal is going on there. So the women "vacation" at the Midnight Motel. When Kate discovers a dead body late one night, their investigation moves in an entirely different direction. They once again get help from the "Coffee Shop Irregulars" and their dad. I liked the setting and the characters. It's fun catching up on the accidental detectives!

[Paula Pugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Midnight Motel is an average place to stay but something devious is going on. Senior sisters Jen and Kate in the process of becoming private investigators are requested to look into the possible shady dealings at the motel by owner Nathan.
A rollicking mystery with humorous comments by Kate, a crew of helpers, and a case to be solved.
Very enjoyable-even with all the dead bodies turning up.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read. This is the first book that I have read in this series and I found it very easy to follow along. I loved Kate and Jen. They are amateur detective sisters but somehow they get the mysteries solved! The story grabbed me from the start. It held my attention to the very end. Even though I tried really hard to figure it out what was going on I was not even close. I look forward to going back and reading the first four books in this series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-stop action.

I could not put the book down. I love the amateur detective sisters solving the crimes along with their friends and family who help them. There is lots of witty banter and interesting situations that keep this story moving along at a fast pace. Just when I thought I solved the crime, I discovered I was wrong. I was so surprised when the suspects and motive were revealed. This book is a great addition to the Accidental Detective Series and I highly recommend it.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone Murderous at The Midnight Motel ~The Accidental Detective#5 by Kris Bock
This is the first book I have read from this author and is book 5 in the series, so not knowing the previous books, I did find this book as a standalone but I could be wrong.
I enjoyed the story I thought it to be well-written with wonderful older characters. The storyline was easy to follow and had me engaged from beginning to end. I do highly recommend this book, I will be purchasing the rest in due course.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 5 in the Accidental Detective series. Kate and her sister Jen are still working on getting their PI license and take a case for the owner of the Midnight Motel. He inherited the motel from his dead uncle and thinks there is something sinister going on and he wants to sell. As the ladies start investigating the evidence isn’t looking too good for the owner. A nice cozy with a great set of sister characters.

[Bobbi Kramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters in this book. Even though it is book #5 in the series there is enough information sprinkled throughout the book to keep you informed on the important things about the characters. I didn’t see the ending coming which also me love this book. I will be reading more of this series.

[Just Me · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this very boring. I wanted to love it. But not exciting and no big surprise ending. I would have stopped reading halfway through but by then I had already invested enough time that I thought I should finish.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable cozy mystery. Kate and her sister, Jen, ave started a detective business and are hired to investigate a motel. They are joined by a funny group as they find a dead body. The characters are likable and the story progresses nicely.

[Sandy Pride · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters in this book remind me of those in Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. I love their quirks and I was fooled until the very end.

[patricia sendelbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

The female lead is a an unexpected detective.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the two main characters.

Undercover? Every other character could easily have known that they were not simple guests of the motel.

[Lorna Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliantly cozy mystery. Madness, mayhem, murder…. What an ending! I can’t wait to read more.

[Lara Stewart-Hodges · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Tule publishers and the author for this ARC.

This is #5 in the series but it can be read as a stand alone. However, I would have liked to read maybe some of others first to get a background but I got the idea.

I always appreciate characters of over 50+ years old but PI sisters Jen & Kate seemed younger than some characters that I've read in past books of same or even younger even if they have gray hair!!

There are some humorous lines and scenes between Jen & Kate and a lot of twists and turns.

A good fast read.