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Scent of Murder: An Issy Castillo Murder Mystery
Issy Castillo is overjoyed to land her first job teaching Spanish at a small university in her Boulder, Colorado hometown. Here she can pursue her academic dreams, reconnect with her Hispanic roots, and—who knows?—find true love.
But her life takes a decided downturn when she finds her chief romantic interest, the witty and personable theater professor, strangled in his office with her scarf. Discovered kneeling over the body, she becomes a prime suspect in the murder. Driven to clear her name and ferret out the killer’s identity, Issy becomes entangled in a sticky web woven from the threads of passion and pundonor, the Latino interpretation of honor and integrity.
Will Issy find the murderer before a second victim, possible Issy herself, succumbs to the killer’s devious plot?
First in the Latino crime fiction series starring spunky Latina college professor and amateur aromatherapist, the plot will keep readers guessing until the final curtain drops.
But her life takes a decided downturn when she finds her chief romantic interest, the witty and personable theater professor, strangled in his office with her scarf. Discovered kneeling over the body, she becomes a prime suspect in the murder. Driven to clear her name and ferret out the killer’s identity, Issy becomes entangled in a sticky web woven from the threads of passion and pundonor, the Latino interpretation of honor and integrity.
Will Issy find the murderer before a second victim, possible Issy herself, succumbs to the killer’s devious plot?
First in the Latino crime fiction series starring spunky Latina college professor and amateur aromatherapist, the plot will keep readers guessing until the final curtain drops.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2024
1 person is currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 30, 2024
Love that cover, which drew me in from the start; the setting of Boulder, Colorado; and the unique sleuth, a Latina professor/aromatherapist. This first in the series kept me rapt and waiting breathlessly for book 2. Brava!
April 3, 2025
On a Saturday in May Issy Castillo is writing a letter of recommendation for a student. She only started the job earlier that month so can’t know the student very well. In any case, she hasn’t learned to set boundaries yet. She gets a phone call from a department friend to meet up for a bite to eat. When she gets to his office, she finds him lying on the floor. Three other people stop at the office — why are all these people at the faculty building on a Saturday? — and immediately start accussing Issy of murder. Without making the slightest attempt at finding out what is going on.
The story then moves back a few weeks to when Issy first arrived at the department. Several people are openly hostile towards her and she assigned an office in the basement — rather than given the office of her predecessor. The atmosophere in the department is decidedly toxic. At a party departmental reorganisation (including laying off people) is discussed and Issy finds two dead scorpions tacked to her door (which she doesn’t report to the department.)
This glimpse into the past shows there are many people with a grudge against Eddy, the soon to be victim.
I wanted to like this story, but I didn’t. The writing is on the one hand simplistic and many characters are characatures. On the other too much attention is given to detail when describing action or scenes. At one point, Eddy and Issy are talking in the car and after every few sentences of dialogue there is some desciption of car driving action or leaving the car and continue to walk. In that scene a conversation that can’t have been more than a minute is stretched out over ten. That just reads awkward: must I imagine the two characters have really long pauses between eveything they say?
I also didn’t particularly care for the scenes with Doña Isabella. She died long before New Mexico joined the federation, yet speaks modern slang; she could have chosen any embodiment, yet prefers to be an old woman. I can only think this is to keep with the wise old woman characature.
The author may concider getting a sensitivity reader to prevent being unintentionally offensive.
I read an ARC through NetGalley.
The story then moves back a few weeks to when Issy first arrived at the department. Several people are openly hostile towards her and she assigned an office in the basement — rather than given the office of her predecessor. The atmosophere in the department is decidedly toxic. At a party departmental reorganisation (including laying off people) is discussed and Issy finds two dead scorpions tacked to her door (which she doesn’t report to the department.)
This glimpse into the past shows there are many people with a grudge against Eddy, the soon to be victim.
I wanted to like this story, but I didn’t. The writing is on the one hand simplistic and many characters are characatures. On the other too much attention is given to detail when describing action or scenes. At one point, Eddy and Issy are talking in the car and after every few sentences of dialogue there is some desciption of car driving action or leaving the car and continue to walk. In that scene a conversation that can’t have been more than a minute is stretched out over ten. That just reads awkward: must I imagine the two characters have really long pauses between eveything they say?
I also didn’t particularly care for the scenes with Doña Isabella. She died long before New Mexico joined the federation, yet speaks modern slang; she could have chosen any embodiment, yet prefers to be an old woman. I can only think this is to keep with the wise old woman characature.
The author may concider getting a sensitivity reader to prevent being unintentionally offensive.
I read an ARC through NetGalley.
May 21, 2025
Literary Review: Scent of Murder by Carolina Dow
Book Description
Scent of Murder follows Isabel “Issy” Castillo, an amateur sleuth embroiled in a murder investigation after her friend’s death. Blending cozy mystery tropes with darker themes of organized crime, the novel balances small-town charm with moral ambiguity. Issy’s tenacity and wit drive the plot, though her impulsiveness occasionally strains credibility.
Key Analysis
Structure & Flow:
-Pacing: Fast-moving with dialogue-heavy scenes, though some twists rely on convenience.
-Tone: A quirky, cozy facade masks gritty undertones (e.g., grief, revenge).
Characters:
-Issy: A compelling protagonist with authentic flaws; her emotional arc (grief, justice) anchors the story.
-Supporting Cast: Underdeveloped outside Issy’s perspective; the villain’s motives feel predictable.
Style:
Dow’s prose is accessible and humorous, but clichés (“her gut screamed danger”) and uneven tension occasionally detract.
Audience Fit
-Ideal Readers: Fans of lighthearted mysteries (Thursday Murder Club) or character-driven whodunit.
Poor Fit: Readers seeking hardboiled realism or intricate psychological depth.
Star Ratings Summary
Originality: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) — Familiar cozy framework, elevated by Issy’s voice.
Plot Complexity: ⭐⭐✨ (2.5/5) — Straightforward with transparent red herrings.
Character Depth: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) — Issy shines; others fade.
Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) — Vivid small-town quirks.
Emotional Payoff: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) — Grief resonates; romance feels tacked-on.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) — A fun, flawed debut with series potential.
Reviewer Remarks
-Issy Castillo is the sleuth we’ve been waiting for—equal parts vulnerability and vinegar.
-A cozy mystery with teeth—Dow’s humor and heartache hit the mark.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley and Schiffer Publishing for the ARC. This review reflects my honest critique.
Final Thought
Like a shot of espresso laced with cyanide, Scent of Murder delivers a jolt of entertainment—flaws and all. Issy’s journey leaves a trail worth following.
Book Description
Scent of Murder follows Isabel “Issy” Castillo, an amateur sleuth embroiled in a murder investigation after her friend’s death. Blending cozy mystery tropes with darker themes of organized crime, the novel balances small-town charm with moral ambiguity. Issy’s tenacity and wit drive the plot, though her impulsiveness occasionally strains credibility.
Key Analysis
Structure & Flow:
-Pacing: Fast-moving with dialogue-heavy scenes, though some twists rely on convenience.
-Tone: A quirky, cozy facade masks gritty undertones (e.g., grief, revenge).
Characters:
-Issy: A compelling protagonist with authentic flaws; her emotional arc (grief, justice) anchors the story.
-Supporting Cast: Underdeveloped outside Issy’s perspective; the villain’s motives feel predictable.
Style:
Dow’s prose is accessible and humorous, but clichés (“her gut screamed danger”) and uneven tension occasionally detract.
Audience Fit
-Ideal Readers: Fans of lighthearted mysteries (Thursday Murder Club) or character-driven whodunit.
Poor Fit: Readers seeking hardboiled realism or intricate psychological depth.
Star Ratings Summary
Originality: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) — Familiar cozy framework, elevated by Issy’s voice.
Plot Complexity: ⭐⭐✨ (2.5/5) — Straightforward with transparent red herrings.
Character Depth: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) — Issy shines; others fade.
Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) — Vivid small-town quirks.
Emotional Payoff: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) — Grief resonates; romance feels tacked-on.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) — A fun, flawed debut with series potential.
Reviewer Remarks
-Issy Castillo is the sleuth we’ve been waiting for—equal parts vulnerability and vinegar.
-A cozy mystery with teeth—Dow’s humor and heartache hit the mark.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley and Schiffer Publishing for the ARC. This review reflects my honest critique.
Final Thought
Like a shot of espresso laced with cyanide, Scent of Murder delivers a jolt of entertainment—flaws and all. Issy’s journey leaves a trail worth following.
August 16, 2024
BIPOC Paranormal Cozy-ish Mystery that features a psychic Colorado Spanish professor and amateur aromatherapist turns sleuth after being found with the strangled theater professor's body.
3/5 stars: This is the first entry in Dow's Issy Castillo Murder Mystery series, which is a BIPOC Paranormal Cozy-ish Mystery that takes place in Colorado and features a psychic Spanish professor and amateur aromatherapist who turns sleuth after being discovered with the strangled theater professor's body. She'll have to navigate academic and campus politics and romantic relationships to uncover the killer. With plenty of twists and turns, Dow has crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. I really appreciate how Dow's plot unfolds and the way the investigation's resolved. Told non-linearly with wit and humor, Dow's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Issy's great and love getting to know her and her family and new friends. The paranormal elements are pretty significant. Issy has intuitive dreams and speaks to the spirit of her six-time-great-grandmother, Dona Isabella, who manifests “in person” and as a hummingbird. Additionally, I enjoyed all the info about Latin and Native American culture and traditions and aromatherapy practices. Oh and don't miss out on the aromatherapy and culinary recipes included. Dow touches on some sensitive topics, so take care and the CWs. Overall, this is an interesting start to a new series and I look forward to reading more.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Level Best Books | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
3/5 stars: This is the first entry in Dow's Issy Castillo Murder Mystery series, which is a BIPOC Paranormal Cozy-ish Mystery that takes place in Colorado and features a psychic Spanish professor and amateur aromatherapist who turns sleuth after being discovered with the strangled theater professor's body. She'll have to navigate academic and campus politics and romantic relationships to uncover the killer. With plenty of twists and turns, Dow has crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. I really appreciate how Dow's plot unfolds and the way the investigation's resolved. Told non-linearly with wit and humor, Dow's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Issy's great and love getting to know her and her family and new friends. The paranormal elements are pretty significant. Issy has intuitive dreams and speaks to the spirit of her six-time-great-grandmother, Dona Isabella, who manifests “in person” and as a hummingbird. Additionally, I enjoyed all the info about Latin and Native American culture and traditions and aromatherapy practices. Oh and don't miss out on the aromatherapy and culinary recipes included. Dow touches on some sensitive topics, so take care and the CWs. Overall, this is an interesting start to a new series and I look forward to reading more.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Level Best Books | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
September 21, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Carolina Dow for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Scent of Murder, which was released on August 20, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Issy Castillo is overjoyed to land her first job teaching Spanish at a small university in her Boulder, Colorado hometown. Here she can pursue her academic dreams, reconnect with her Hispanic roots, and—who knows?—find true love.
But her life takes a decided downturn when she finds her chief romantic interest, the witty and personable theater professor, strangled in his office with her scarf. Discovered kneeling over the body, she becomes a prime suspect in the murder. Driven to clear her name and ferret out the killer’s identity, Issy becomes entangled in a sticky web woven from the threads of passion and pundonor, the Latino interpretation of honor and integrity.
Will Issy find the murderer before a second victim, possible Issy herself, succumbs to the killer’s devious plot?
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I really love cozy mysteries and I was excited this one featured a Latina heroine. I’m not Latina, but I speak Spanish so I love the culture. I think the fact that she was a Spanish professor was unique to most cozies. I think her psychic abilities were fun. I loved the setting in the mountains. The mystery was very cozy and fun for me! I would definitely check out more books by this author!
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves cozy mysteries!
Issy Castillo is overjoyed to land her first job teaching Spanish at a small university in her Boulder, Colorado hometown. Here she can pursue her academic dreams, reconnect with her Hispanic roots, and—who knows?—find true love.
But her life takes a decided downturn when she finds her chief romantic interest, the witty and personable theater professor, strangled in his office with her scarf. Discovered kneeling over the body, she becomes a prime suspect in the murder. Driven to clear her name and ferret out the killer’s identity, Issy becomes entangled in a sticky web woven from the threads of passion and pundonor, the Latino interpretation of honor and integrity.
Will Issy find the murderer before a second victim, possible Issy herself, succumbs to the killer’s devious plot?
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I really love cozy mysteries and I was excited this one featured a Latina heroine. I’m not Latina, but I speak Spanish so I love the culture. I think the fact that she was a Spanish professor was unique to most cozies. I think her psychic abilities were fun. I loved the setting in the mountains. The mystery was very cozy and fun for me! I would definitely check out more books by this author!
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves cozy mysteries!
October 31, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
I updated my rating to 5 stars after reading it a second time, you can just tell that this book was a labor of love for the author, it is clever, intelligent and captivating. The author begins each chapter with a quote related to the contents, and this book as a whole is a truly impressive and enjoyable read.
Carolina Dow’s Scent of Murder is a delightful entry into the world of cozy mysteries, blending paranormal elements with a rich cultural backdrop.
This debut novel introduces readers to Issy Castillo, a psychic Spanish professor and amateur aromatherapist, who finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation that is as puzzling as it is dangerous.
The story begins with Issy discovering the body of a theater professor, strangled with a scarf, and quickly becoming the prime suspect. Determined to clear her name, Issy uses her unique abilities and keen intellect to unravel the mystery. The plot is a carefully crafted puzzle, filled with red herrings and unexpected twists.
Issy Castillo is a standout protagonist—spunky, resourceful, and deeply connected to her cultural roots. Her interactions with her six-times-great-grandmother, who appears from the spirit world to offer advice and clues, adds a compelling aspect to this story.
The supporting cast, including quirky colleagues and potential suspects, are well-developed and contribute to the story’s vibrant atmosphere.
Scent of Murder explores themes of honor, integrity, and the complexities of human relationships. Dow’s writing is engaging and witty, with dialogue that sparkles and scenes which are vividly described.
Carolina Dow has crafted a cozy mystery that is entertaining and thought-provoking. Scent of Murder is a refreshing addition to the genre, offering a unique blend of paranormal intrigue and cultural richness. Issy Castillo is a memorable heroine, and her debut adventure is sure to captivate readers who enjoy a good mystery with a touch of the supernatural.
Highly recommended for fans of mysteries, paranormal elements, and strong, culturally rich narratives.
I updated my rating to 5 stars after reading it a second time, you can just tell that this book was a labor of love for the author, it is clever, intelligent and captivating. The author begins each chapter with a quote related to the contents, and this book as a whole is a truly impressive and enjoyable read.
Carolina Dow’s Scent of Murder is a delightful entry into the world of cozy mysteries, blending paranormal elements with a rich cultural backdrop.
This debut novel introduces readers to Issy Castillo, a psychic Spanish professor and amateur aromatherapist, who finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation that is as puzzling as it is dangerous.
The story begins with Issy discovering the body of a theater professor, strangled with a scarf, and quickly becoming the prime suspect. Determined to clear her name, Issy uses her unique abilities and keen intellect to unravel the mystery. The plot is a carefully crafted puzzle, filled with red herrings and unexpected twists.
Issy Castillo is a standout protagonist—spunky, resourceful, and deeply connected to her cultural roots. Her interactions with her six-times-great-grandmother, who appears from the spirit world to offer advice and clues, adds a compelling aspect to this story.
The supporting cast, including quirky colleagues and potential suspects, are well-developed and contribute to the story’s vibrant atmosphere.
Scent of Murder explores themes of honor, integrity, and the complexities of human relationships. Dow’s writing is engaging and witty, with dialogue that sparkles and scenes which are vividly described.
Carolina Dow has crafted a cozy mystery that is entertaining and thought-provoking. Scent of Murder is a refreshing addition to the genre, offering a unique blend of paranormal intrigue and cultural richness. Issy Castillo is a memorable heroine, and her debut adventure is sure to captivate readers who enjoy a good mystery with a touch of the supernatural.
Highly recommended for fans of mysteries, paranormal elements, and strong, culturally rich narratives.
July 18, 2025
DNF at 13%
I really wanted to like this book. But it just didn't gel with me! The writing is a bit patchy and whilst the setting of a Latina professor solving the murder of a fellow colleague at a University where she is the chief suspect is an interesting premise, I just couldn't get sucked into this book as much as I thought I would. Reading this book, personally, felt like a slog to me. This is no way testament to the writing skills of the author (which are good). But the main character is a little jarring. As a female professor, you'd expect she'd know more than anyone about the glass ceiling women are up against and here she is always having some sort of issue with other women. This is not overt but quite subtle. Other women are always described as giving her the cold shoulder, ignoring her, acting like they're better than her, jealous because a male colleague gave her attention etc. And yet the contradiction is that the main character is constantly frustrated with her family because she's capable of more than their dreams for her which include marriage and babies. I couldn't help but only notice this theme and it really took me out of the book. I hope, if this book does turn into a series, that the main character evolves and sees the sisterhood as being beneficial rather than a hindrance.
2 stars/5
I really wanted to like this book. But it just didn't gel with me! The writing is a bit patchy and whilst the setting of a Latina professor solving the murder of a fellow colleague at a University where she is the chief suspect is an interesting premise, I just couldn't get sucked into this book as much as I thought I would. Reading this book, personally, felt like a slog to me. This is no way testament to the writing skills of the author (which are good). But the main character is a little jarring. As a female professor, you'd expect she'd know more than anyone about the glass ceiling women are up against and here she is always having some sort of issue with other women. This is not overt but quite subtle. Other women are always described as giving her the cold shoulder, ignoring her, acting like they're better than her, jealous because a male colleague gave her attention etc. And yet the contradiction is that the main character is constantly frustrated with her family because she's capable of more than their dreams for her which include marriage and babies. I couldn't help but only notice this theme and it really took me out of the book. I hope, if this book does turn into a series, that the main character evolves and sees the sisterhood as being beneficial rather than a hindrance.
2 stars/5
September 4, 2024
Isabel Castillo has just started her new job as a professor in the Spanish Department of Brownell University. But she quickly discovers that the problems in academia aren’t limited to jealous colleagues and troublesome students. If you don’t watch your back, you might end up strangled by a scarf or framed for a murder.
Carolina Dow’s Scent of Murder is a carefully crafted puzzle, rich with witty dialogue and colorful characters, including her spunky Latina protagonist. I especially liked Isabel’s six-times-great-grandmother, who periodically makes an appearance from the spirit world to offer sage advice and clever clues. I also enjoyed how Dow weaves information about aromatherapy into the plot. Her descriptions of Colorado make you feel like you’re right there––or should take a trip to visit the Centennial State soon. This engaging read––Dow’s first murder mystery––kept me turning the pages and guessing whodunit right to the end. –– Skye Alexander, author of the Lizzie Crane Jazz Age mystery series
Carolina Dow’s Scent of Murder is a carefully crafted puzzle, rich with witty dialogue and colorful characters, including her spunky Latina protagonist. I especially liked Isabel’s six-times-great-grandmother, who periodically makes an appearance from the spirit world to offer sage advice and clever clues. I also enjoyed how Dow weaves information about aromatherapy into the plot. Her descriptions of Colorado make you feel like you’re right there––or should take a trip to visit the Centennial State soon. This engaging read––Dow’s first murder mystery––kept me turning the pages and guessing whodunit right to the end. –– Skye Alexander, author of the Lizzie Crane Jazz Age mystery series
April 23, 2025
I read this book as a free review copy and this review is based on my reading the story and is my honest feedback about the story.
The idea of the story is quirky and interesting. The cultural references of Latin-American values make for interesting reading. As a cozy mystery book Carolina has done well with the story. Issy as the protagonist is spunky and has a style that brings a smile to the readers face and has some lovely interests in her resume. Spanish language teacher who is psychic and also dabbles in aromatherapy, the reader feels for Issy and connects with her.
Carolina has put in a lot of hard work into the story and her effort shows. The prose is also decently witty and she is able to create candid visuals in this mystery. The story is a simple murder mystery with paranormal elements.
Cozy is not something I relish being a more hard-core thriller reader but the story was easy going and had its moments.
Recommend the story.
The idea of the story is quirky and interesting. The cultural references of Latin-American values make for interesting reading. As a cozy mystery book Carolina has done well with the story. Issy as the protagonist is spunky and has a style that brings a smile to the readers face and has some lovely interests in her resume. Spanish language teacher who is psychic and also dabbles in aromatherapy, the reader feels for Issy and connects with her.
Carolina has put in a lot of hard work into the story and her effort shows. The prose is also decently witty and she is able to create candid visuals in this mystery. The story is a simple murder mystery with paranormal elements.
Cozy is not something I relish being a more hard-core thriller reader but the story was easy going and had its moments.
Recommend the story.
May 1, 2025
Scent of Murder by Carolina Dow is a light, quirky, cosy murder mystery that has a little of everything: a dead friend, organised crime, workplace romance, questioning best friends, politics, some cultural stuff and the gay card is played as well.
A Spanish language professor, Isabella Castillo, is returning to work in her hometown in Colorado. She is not just a professor; she is psychic and an amateur aromatherapist. Life is good until she finds her romantic interest, the theatre professor Eddy, strangled in his office with her scarf. Issy is quickly becoming the prime suspect. Determined to clear her name, Issy uses her unique abilities to find who is guilty before the police come for her.
I wanted to like this story, but I didn’t; I couldn’t get into this story. The idea of the story is quirky and interesting, and it's a good story, just not for me.
A Spanish language professor, Isabella Castillo, is returning to work in her hometown in Colorado. She is not just a professor; she is psychic and an amateur aromatherapist. Life is good until she finds her romantic interest, the theatre professor Eddy, strangled in his office with her scarf. Issy is quickly becoming the prime suspect. Determined to clear her name, Issy uses her unique abilities to find who is guilty before the police come for her.
I wanted to like this story, but I didn’t; I couldn’t get into this story. The idea of the story is quirky and interesting, and it's a good story, just not for me.
July 9, 2025
The new professor in the office with her own scarf. Or not. Accused and humiliated, Issy undertakes a new task: murder investigation with more than a little psychic help (which she was not quite prepared for). Great summer afternoon read with lots of new things to learn!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Level Best Books | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles via NetGalley. Pub Date Aug 20, 2025
#ScentofMurder by Carolina Dow #IssyCastilloMurderMysteriesBk1 @levelbestbooks #NetGalley
@ibpalovesindies **** review #goodreads #bookbub #librarything #storygraph #newseries
#cozymystery #aromatherapy #recipes #Spanishheritage #professor #supernatural #urbanfantasy
#family #friends #localcops #psychic #murder #investigation #amateursleuth
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Level Best Books | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles via NetGalley. Pub Date Aug 20, 2025
#ScentofMurder by Carolina Dow #IssyCastilloMurderMysteriesBk1 @levelbestbooks #NetGalley
@ibpalovesindies **** review #goodreads #bookbub #librarything #storygraph #newseries
#cozymystery #aromatherapy #recipes #Spanishheritage #professor #supernatural #urbanfantasy
#family #friends #localcops #psychic #murder #investigation #amateursleuth
August 31, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars for Scent of Murder! This light, cozy whodunnit follows professor Issy Castillo through the murder of a colleague in picturesque Boulder. This book has a little of everything: a scandalous workplace romance, a peek into the social politics of academia as a WOC, some supernatural elements, and organized crime. I appreciated the references to Spanish literature, art, and theater throughout the text as well as the numerous words of wisdom/proverbs/saying shared by the characters during Issy’s journey. This story will keep you guessing right until the very end. Kudos to Carolina Dow! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
August 16, 2025
Only 2 stars for me. The book is about Issy Castillo who gets her first job teaching Spanish at a small university in her hometown. Nothing prepare her to find a dead body of her colleague theater professor Eddy. Discovered beside the body make her prime suspect in the murder. Not much choice here, Issy need to find the killer.
It took me long to get into the story,sadly it didn't hold my interest and I could not connect with Issy.While a lot will probably find it a enjoyable cozy mystery ,it was not for me,2 stars as I liked the cover and promise of the book.
Thank you netgalley and publisher for arc.
It took me long to get into the story,sadly it didn't hold my interest and I could not connect with Issy.While a lot will probably find it a enjoyable cozy mystery ,it was not for me,2 stars as I liked the cover and promise of the book.
Thank you netgalley and publisher for arc.
September 23, 2025
I had mixed feelings about this book. While I appreciated the unique blend of Latino culture, I found the book to be a little all over the place and lost interest quickly. I’m not one to DNF books because some can turn themselves around, but this one I had a hard time finishing.
Issy Castillo is a relatable and likable character but she didn’t seem to have much drive in her investigations. I did take a liking to her six-times-great grandmother who offered sage advice and clues from the spirit world.
Overall, I would recommend this book to lighthearted mystery lovers, or teens new to the mystery realm. However, readers seeking a more complex or more suspenseful mystery may look elsewhere.
Issy Castillo is a relatable and likable character but she didn’t seem to have much drive in her investigations. I did take a liking to her six-times-great grandmother who offered sage advice and clues from the spirit world.
Overall, I would recommend this book to lighthearted mystery lovers, or teens new to the mystery realm. However, readers seeking a more complex or more suspenseful mystery may look elsewhere.
September 2, 2024
Thanks netgalley for this ARC.
I really enjoyed this book. I like a murder mystery from time to time. Liked the setting and the characters, didn't always like some of them tho. Also i did like them but didn't necessarily connect with any of them. The storyline was good, for me at least it wasn't predictable. I had no clue who did it until the very end when she figured it out. The book for me also felt a little slow, idk, but it was fine. Curious to how the story will continue.
I really enjoyed this book. I like a murder mystery from time to time. Liked the setting and the characters, didn't always like some of them tho. Also i did like them but didn't necessarily connect with any of them. The storyline was good, for me at least it wasn't predictable. I had no clue who did it until the very end when she figured it out. The book for me also felt a little slow, idk, but it was fine. Curious to how the story will continue.
December 12, 2024
I can honestly say that this book was not for me and it's okay. It was too confusing for me. I like to give a book a good 50 pages to help me understand how the story is going to flow. There were too many characters for me to keep up with and I thought that with the way the story had begun, it would be along those lines as the book went on. But it seemed as though it was on the opposite side that I could not get to. Hopefully someone else likes this story more than me.
May 18, 2025
Got this as an ARC. I love cozy mysteries and this was right up my alley, I devoured this book in two days. Love the quotes and proverbs at the beginning of each chapter and the aromatherapy tips and recipes were great. Honestly would love to see more of this series as I love the characters and overall feel of it. Would definitely buy this.
March 8, 2025
I DNFed this about 31% through the book. Don't get me wrong, I just didn't really care for the book. The characters are pretty cool, but I felt like I was bored while reading the book, so I unfortunately decided to DNF the book.
August 31, 2024
3 stars
This was fun, and the mystery was interesting, yet what I live the most about this book was the way our fmc's latinidad was shown. I love it!
I'm definitely reading more from this series.
This was fun, and the mystery was interesting, yet what I live the most about this book was the way our fmc's latinidad was shown. I love it!
I'm definitely reading more from this series.
October 7, 2024
I liked the idea of a college campus in Colorado as a setting but I couldn’t get into this story. The writing was all over the place for me and just wasn’t my speed, making it difficult for me to get immersed in the story.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
September 27, 2024
'Scent of Murder' is a cozy mystery about a new professor, Isabella Castillo, returning to work in her hometown in Colorado. Issy's imaginative view of the world and study into her Latino heritage drew me in. Carolina Dow certainly put together a creative story here.
Issy spends much of the story guided and counseled by ancestral spirits. As a Christian, I don’t prefer to read these mystical or psychic elements in stories, so I likely won’t continue this series. However, if you are looking for a unique new mystery series, then consider this book.
Special thanks to the Publisher, Level Best Books, and Net Galley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Issy spends much of the story guided and counseled by ancestral spirits. As a Christian, I don’t prefer to read these mystical or psychic elements in stories, so I likely won’t continue this series. However, if you are looking for a unique new mystery series, then consider this book.
Special thanks to the Publisher, Level Best Books, and Net Galley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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