Murder in the Forest Lab

Carolina Cozy Mysteries #1

by ANDREA KRESS

She traded the rat race to work in an academic lab. Instead of peace and quiet, she discovers jealousy, treachery and murder. And she may be next.

COVID, a stressful job and the end of Gemma’s marriage signaled a need to change everything in her life. Finding a job in public information in a university affiliated lab near Raleigh run by a world-renowned researcher seemed like a dream come true. Lured by warmer weather, a pay raise, cheaper rent and a scenic commute, she wasn’t prepared for another cutthroat environment. Or the murder of a researcher found in a chimp’s cage.

Relieved by the arrival of the small-town detective, Steve Thibault, she realizes he’ll be frustrated by the uncooperative and tightlipped researchers. As they become attracted to each other, he comes to rely on her as an ally. And as he surfaces each hidden truth and buried accusation, he discovers everybody seems to have a motive.

Can they peel back the lies before there is another body?

MURDER IN THE FOREST LAB is the gripping first book in the CAROLINA mystery series. If you like emotionally intriguing characters, blossoming romance, and playful banter, then you’ll love Andrea Kress’s cozy mystery.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 6, 2014

About the author

Hooked on mysteries at an early age by Nancy Drew, Andrea blasted her way through all the Golden Age authors. Her work is reminiscent of that genre with an inquisitive amateur sleuth, a puzzling murder, a slew of suspects, multiple motives, a few red herrings and a surprise ending.

The MASSACHUSETTS COZY MYSTERY series has Amanda, Aggie's cousin, solving mysteries in the neighborhoods of Boston. There are 17 books and counting...

The BERKSHIRES COZY MYSTERY Series features Aggie Burnside, a young nurse and amateur sleuth trying to figure out whodunnit in 1930s small town Massachusetts. There are 9 books.

The CAROLINA COZY MYSTERY series is a contemporary collection of 3 books.

All available as ebook, audio, paperback and hardback in the US and worldwide.

Reviews

[Sammee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC copy to read and review. A quick read with just enough complexity to keep it cozy and hold your interest without being overly complicated.

[Karin Tillotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Walter and why??? Reputation??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.