What do you think?
Rate this book
The Hartfield Mysteries #3
Two O'clock Slump
It’s time for Alexa’s bi-annual trip to her hometown. In the wake of her dear friend’s arrest and her recent engagement, the trip should have been a welcome diversion. However, her trips to California’s Mojave Desert only bring pain and reminders of why she moved halfway across the country in the first place.
Any hope for a quiet rest away from the drama of recent months disappears as an alarm clock in the hotel room next to hers awakens her at two o’clock in the morning.
To her astonishment, Alexa finds herself under suspicion for the murder. When the evidence piles up against her, Joe decides it’s time for her to leave. While Alexa stays “off the grid” and out of the hands of her hometown police, Joe works quickly to find who is really responsible.
Any hope for a quiet rest away from the drama of recent months disappears as an alarm clock in the hotel room next to hers awakens her at two o’clock in the morning.
To her astonishment, Alexa finds herself under suspicion for the murder. When the evidence piles up against her, Joe decides it’s time for her to leave. While Alexa stays “off the grid” and out of the hands of her hometown police, Joe works quickly to find who is really responsible.
304 pages, ebook
First published February 11, 2014
About the author
Chautona Havig
278 books1,854 followers**fingers skittle across the keyboard. Stop. Eyelids blink over the top**
Oh, was this bio day? Oops! I forgot. I was lost in my latest manuscript. Umm... bio. Yeah.
Hi! I’m Chautona Havig. (for those who care, that’s Shuh-TONE-uh HAVE-ig). Yeah. Just work with me here. I should have used a pseudonym, but when you grow up with a name like Chautona, it kind of sticks.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ~ Hebrews 10: 23–25
Those aren’t just words on a page for me–they’re why I write. I write to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. The stories I create are to make people laugh, cry, question, consider.
They’re for you.
When the world screams for hope, I try to point you to the true Source of hope–Jesus.
Sometimes life in the church no longer seems a refuge from the pain of a self-serving world around us, but through my stories, I try to point you to the only Refuge that can truly help–the Father’s Everlasting Arms.
And sometimes we just need an escape from the monotony, the emptiness we see around us. We need joy, laughter–what I like to call “just the write escape.”
Christian fiction without apology or pretense–lived, not preached.
What does that even mean?
It means I care–about you. About your walk with Jesus. I care about the words you put before your eyes, the mental pictures those words conjure. It’s difficult to express just how much I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s difficult to share just how much I love you.
But I do.
And I write for you. I sit in my little house in California’s Mojave Desert and I write to show you why one sister believes one thing, why a brother believes another. I write to show you how some Christians handle trials or triumphs–for you. So when you’re faced with something–good or bad, it doesn’t matter–maybe it’ll spark a memory. Maybe that memory will smolder until you pull out your Bible and see what the Lord said about it–about His great love for you. For YOU!
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll share that love with another hurting, confused, or blessed-with-more-than-she-knows-what-to-do-with soul.
I just happen to think that’s the most blessed giving anyone could hope to receive.
Oh, was this bio day? Oops! I forgot. I was lost in my latest manuscript. Umm... bio. Yeah.
Hi! I’m Chautona Havig. (for those who care, that’s Shuh-TONE-uh HAVE-ig). Yeah. Just work with me here. I should have used a pseudonym, but when you grow up with a name like Chautona, it kind of sticks.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ~ Hebrews 10: 23–25
Those aren’t just words on a page for me–they’re why I write. I write to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. The stories I create are to make people laugh, cry, question, consider.
They’re for you.
When the world screams for hope, I try to point you to the true Source of hope–Jesus.
Sometimes life in the church no longer seems a refuge from the pain of a self-serving world around us, but through my stories, I try to point you to the only Refuge that can truly help–the Father’s Everlasting Arms.
And sometimes we just need an escape from the monotony, the emptiness we see around us. We need joy, laughter–what I like to call “just the write escape.”
Christian fiction without apology or pretense–lived, not preached.
What does that even mean?
It means I care–about you. About your walk with Jesus. I care about the words you put before your eyes, the mental pictures those words conjure. It’s difficult to express just how much I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s difficult to share just how much I love you.
But I do.
And I write for you. I sit in my little house in California’s Mojave Desert and I write to show you why one sister believes one thing, why a brother believes another. I write to show you how some Christians handle trials or triumphs–for you. So when you’re faced with something–good or bad, it doesn’t matter–maybe it’ll spark a memory. Maybe that memory will smolder until you pull out your Bible and see what the Lord said about it–about His great love for you. For YOU!
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll share that love with another hurting, confused, or blessed-with-more-than-she-knows-what-to-do-with soul.
I just happen to think that’s the most blessed giving anyone could hope to receive.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 12, 2022
This was a great book, although really, really sad.
June 9, 2020
Yes! A well-written mystery that kept me on my toes.
March 31, 2022
I absolutely loved this! These books just keep getting better and better, and so does Joe. He's awesome, made made me laugh several times.😂 Aunt Faye is really fun/funny too. Detective Pearson was annoying at first, but he was great as the book progressed. I enjoyed every bit of this book. ❤️
April 10, 2019
Not disappointed
I am definitely not disappointed in this book! Following Alexa and Joe as they solve crimes will keep you intrigued as you dismiss one suspect ,then have to come right back!
I am definitely not disappointed in this book! Following Alexa and Joe as they solve crimes will keep you intrigued as you dismiss one suspect ,then have to come right back!
May 23, 2025
excellent series!
Havig always leaves me wanting more of her suspense, mystery, and action books! This is the 3rd on this series, and it is a winner! I hope she writes more about these characters and places!
Havig always leaves me wanting more of her suspense, mystery, and action books! This is the 3rd on this series, and it is a winner! I hope she writes more about these characters and places!
November 9, 2018
Christian Romance, suspense
The characters in this book are interesting, the crime convoluted and intriguing, fun read. Be sure to read the other books in the series too
The characters in this book are interesting, the crime convoluted and intriguing, fun read. Be sure to read the other books in the series too
April 3, 2019
Wonderful!
I love The Hatfield Mysteries! I love characters that are quick witted, funny, serious, mysterious and loveable. Gotta get started on book 4.
I love The Hatfield Mysteries! I love characters that are quick witted, funny, serious, mysterious and loveable. Gotta get started on book 4.
February 14, 2014
This review is from: Two O'clock Slump (The Hartfield Mysteries) (Kindle Edition) To begin this review will probably be updated at a later time since I am fighting the flu but just "had to be first" not just because I love the book but because this book came at a time when I really needed it This book is a "bright spot in my sadness" lately So first. Thank you Chautona for lifting my spirits GOD uses you so mightily. I cannot tell you how long I have waited for this book. My first Chautona Havig book was the first in this series and now I have everything (and I do mean EVERYTHING) she has written. I was sort of worried that I was so anxious to have this next "Alexis" that nothing could live up to my hopes. I w a s so wrong. Not only was a not sure till the end who really had "done it" but so much was happening I never got tired of waiting to find out. I don't like recapping books so let me just say...find a comfortable spot and prepare to be entertained and b l Essex. One little hint...Alexis/Annette has her champion Joe with her. Her family has met their match
Merged review:
This review is from: Two O'clock Slump (The Hartfield Mysteries) (Kindle Edition) To begin this review will probably be updated at a later time since I am fighting the flu but just "had to be first" not just because I love the book but because this book came at a time when I really needed it This book is a "bright spot in my sadness" lately So first. Thank you Chautona for lifting my spirits GOD uses you so mightily. I cannot tell you how long I have waited for this book. My first Chautona Havig book was the first in this series and now I have everything (and I do mean EVERYTHING) she has written. I was sort of worried that I was so anxious to have this next "Alexis" that nothing could live up to my hopes. I w a s so wrong. Not only was a not sure till the end who really had "done it" but so much was happening I never got tired of waiting to find out. I don't like re capping books so let me just say...find a comfortable spot and prepare to be entertained and b l Essex. One little hint...Alexis/Annette has her champion Joe with her. Her family has met their match
Merged review:
This review is from: Two O'clock Slump (The Hartfield Mysteries) (Kindle Edition) To begin this review will probably be updated at a later time since I am fighting the flu but just "had to be first" not just because I love the book but because this book came at a time when I really needed it This book is a "bright spot in my sadness" lately So first. Thank you Chautona for lifting my spirits GOD uses you so mightily. I cannot tell you how long I have waited for this book. My first Chautona Havig book was the first in this series and now I have everything (and I do mean EVERYTHING) she has written. I was sort of worried that I was so anxious to have this next "Alexis" that nothing could live up to my hopes. I w a s so wrong. Not only was a not sure till the end who really had "done it" but so much was happening I never got tired of waiting to find out. I don't like re capping books so let me just say...find a comfortable spot and prepare to be entertained and b l Essex. One little hint...Alexis/Annette has her champion Joe with her. Her family has met their match
February 20, 2014
[N.B.: I have been a beta reader for two of Chautona Havig's books, and the two books I read for her were given to me as gifts as thank you for my "work"]
This is the 14th book I have read by this author, and I really like her style. In a world full of injustice of all kinds, Alexa Hartfield reflects faith filled justice in her work, and in her life, public and private.
Visiting with her estranged family during a book tour, Alexa wakes up in the middle of a 'true crime' in a town she hasn't called home in years. And the biggest secret she's had is forced to the surface as part of the backstory, one she's paid dearly for for a lot of years.And Alexa is seen as the prime suspect. Enter Joe, now her fiance, to help her try to figure out "whodunnit".
We get more backstory of both Joe and Alexa, and how strong their faith is. And Alexa wants her family to meet her intended in part because she wants them to know she's not as immoral as they think. We are also introduced to Alexa's Aunt Fay, who will move back to Fairbury with them. Fay has always been in Alexa's corner and is a breath of fresh air in her family.
Connecting with old friends/acquaintences and making new ones is a developing story in these stories. I really liked this book. Amazing read
This is the 14th book I have read by this author, and I really like her style. In a world full of injustice of all kinds, Alexa Hartfield reflects faith filled justice in her work, and in her life, public and private.
Visiting with her estranged family during a book tour, Alexa wakes up in the middle of a 'true crime' in a town she hasn't called home in years. And the biggest secret she's had is forced to the surface as part of the backstory, one she's paid dearly for for a lot of years.And Alexa is seen as the prime suspect. Enter Joe, now her fiance, to help her try to figure out "whodunnit".
We get more backstory of both Joe and Alexa, and how strong their faith is. And Alexa wants her family to meet her intended in part because she wants them to know she's not as immoral as they think. We are also introduced to Alexa's Aunt Fay, who will move back to Fairbury with them. Fay has always been in Alexa's corner and is a breath of fresh air in her family.
Connecting with old friends/acquaintences and making new ones is a developing story in these stories. I really liked this book. Amazing read
September 8, 2016
My first time through this book in 2014, I wrote this: "I love Alexa and Joe, and so I devoured this book, but I just thought it was ok. Some of the conversations they had and the decisions they made seemed out of character to me and like they were just there to move the plot forward. In general, I'm a Havig fan, and I'll keep reading her books, but this wasn't a favorite."
I just finished re-reading this book in anticipation of book 4 coming out in a few weeks and I'm so surprised now to read my first review because I loved it this time through! I have no idea what was different other than that I knew who the culprit(s) was/were (don't want to give anything away :)!) Maybe that allowed me to focus on other nuances of this book or something, but I found I really enjoyed the character development that happened in this book, and I really enjoyed visiting the author's hometown through the eyes of Alexa and Joe. It was also super fun to meet Aunt Faye, and I'm so excited that she will feature prominently in the next book. I can't wait to read it!
I just finished re-reading this book in anticipation of book 4 coming out in a few weeks and I'm so surprised now to read my first review because I loved it this time through! I have no idea what was different other than that I knew who the culprit(s) was/were (don't want to give anything away :)!) Maybe that allowed me to focus on other nuances of this book or something, but I found I really enjoyed the character development that happened in this book, and I really enjoyed visiting the author's hometown through the eyes of Alexa and Joe. It was also super fun to meet Aunt Faye, and I'm so excited that she will feature prominently in the next book. I can't wait to read it!
October 3, 2014
I loved this book! I thought it was a wonderful conclusion to the series. Although I wish that the series continued. I loved Alexa and I liked Joe even more in this book. I really loved how he desired to protect Alexa and did everything possible to do so, even when it meant putting himself in danger.
I had my suspicions on who had committed the murder. I thought there might have been a couple people involved, but I was certain who at least one of them was.
Again, I really enjoyed this series. This author did a fabulous job with it.
I had my suspicions on who had committed the murder. I thought there might have been a couple people involved, but I was certain who at least one of them was.
Again, I really enjoyed this series. This author did a fabulous job with it.
August 15, 2016
The third book in "The Hartfield Mysteries" focuses more on Alexa's family, as she travels to her home town to visit on her way to charm the West Coast for various book signings. When she gets there, however, something horrible happens.
This book was a trigger for me, as someone that has spiritual abuse in my past. I really enjoyed the story, and am excited for the fourth book.
This book was a trigger for me, as someone that has spiritual abuse in my past. I really enjoyed the story, and am excited for the fourth book.
April 21, 2014
Another winner
Another winner from Chautona Havig. It kept me guessing until the end. Great characters and learning more about Alexa's past made her actions and reactions more understandable.
Another winner from Chautona Havig. It kept me guessing until the end. Great characters and learning more about Alexa's past made her actions and reactions more understandable.
October 21, 2015
.
There were 3 books available in this series. Sometimes reading a series gives more depth in an attempt to connect a character to events for greater impact. More interesting than the others.
There were 3 books available in this series. Sometimes reading a series gives more depth in an attempt to connect a character to events for greater impact. More interesting than the others.
January 27, 2015
Clears up the back story about the main character. But having the main character surrounded by so much hate in all three books was a little off putting
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews