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Checkmate a Killer
After chess master Wilson Hopkins is found dead, the police dismiss it as an accident, but his brother Bosco is convinced it was murder.
Bosco hires Vegas to uncover the truth. With her sharp-witted mother Eleanor and the ever-loyal Bassett Hound, Buttermilk, by her side, Vegas dives into the world of competitive chess - only to discover it's more dangerous than it seems.
Navigating through dark alleys, abandoned warehouses and a chess tournament filled with eccentric players, the case grows increasingly bizarre. Does Vegas have what it takes to outwit the killer?
The stakes are high and the game is deadly in CHECKMATE A KILLER, the first book in Vegas Chantly Mysteries series by Kyle Owens.
Bosco hires Vegas to uncover the truth. With her sharp-witted mother Eleanor and the ever-loyal Bassett Hound, Buttermilk, by her side, Vegas dives into the world of competitive chess - only to discover it's more dangerous than it seems.
Navigating through dark alleys, abandoned warehouses and a chess tournament filled with eccentric players, the case grows increasingly bizarre. Does Vegas have what it takes to outwit the killer?
The stakes are high and the game is deadly in CHECKMATE A KILLER, the first book in Vegas Chantly Mysteries series by Kyle Owens.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 26, 2024
"Checkmate a Killer" is a masterfully crafted addition to the Vegas Chantly Mysteries series by the talented Kyle Owens. From the very first page, Owens captivates readers with a compelling narrative that seamlessly blends suspense, intrigue, and a touch of humor.
Owens' writing style is both engaging and accessible, drawing readers into the vibrant world of Las Vegas with vivid descriptions and well-developed characters. The protagonist, Vegas Chantly, is a relatable and resourceful detective whose journey through the twists and turns of the mystery keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The plot is intricately woven, with unexpected twists that challenge the reader's assumptions and keep the suspense alive until the very last chapter. Owens has a remarkable ability to balance tension with moments of levity, making for a well-rounded reading experience that is both thrilling and enjoyable.
What truly sets this book apart is Owens' knack for character development. Each character is richly portrayed, with their own motivations and backstories that add depth to the narrative. You find yourself invested in their journeys, rooting for their successes and feeling their struggles.
In "Checkmate a Killer," Kyle Owens has delivered a standout mystery that not only entertains but also showcases his exceptional writing talent. This book is a must-read for fans of the genre and anyone looking for a thrilling escape into the world of crime and investigation. Highly recommended!
Owens' writing style is both engaging and accessible, drawing readers into the vibrant world of Las Vegas with vivid descriptions and well-developed characters. The protagonist, Vegas Chantly, is a relatable and resourceful detective whose journey through the twists and turns of the mystery keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The plot is intricately woven, with unexpected twists that challenge the reader's assumptions and keep the suspense alive until the very last chapter. Owens has a remarkable ability to balance tension with moments of levity, making for a well-rounded reading experience that is both thrilling and enjoyable.
What truly sets this book apart is Owens' knack for character development. Each character is richly portrayed, with their own motivations and backstories that add depth to the narrative. You find yourself invested in their journeys, rooting for their successes and feeling their struggles.
In "Checkmate a Killer," Kyle Owens has delivered a standout mystery that not only entertains but also showcases his exceptional writing talent. This book is a must-read for fans of the genre and anyone looking for a thrilling escape into the world of crime and investigation. Highly recommended!
September 3, 2025
Vegas is a not-too experienced private eye living in a camper trailer. Her widowed mother, Eleanor, is lonely and decides to tag along with Vegas on her latest case: a murdered chess champion.
This is a fun cozy mystery full of hilarious moments when Vegas and her mother clash. Anybody could be the killer from the chess champ’s brother to the apartment building owner to the pet store saleswoman to even more suspects. I had it narrowed down to two at the end, but I didn’t quite solve it before Vegas, Eleanor (and Sergeant Miller) did. Great fun!
Oh, I almost forgot! There’s a dog in the story. (Every cozy mystery is better with a dog in it.) Buttermilk is a basset hound, perfect for a private eye, right? Eh, maybe. He basically just sleeps a lot, and when he’s awake, he tends to tie up Eleanor with his leash … on accident, of course … I think.
Five stars. Fun read!
This is a fun cozy mystery full of hilarious moments when Vegas and her mother clash. Anybody could be the killer from the chess champ’s brother to the apartment building owner to the pet store saleswoman to even more suspects. I had it narrowed down to two at the end, but I didn’t quite solve it before Vegas, Eleanor (and Sergeant Miller) did. Great fun!
Oh, I almost forgot! There’s a dog in the story. (Every cozy mystery is better with a dog in it.) Buttermilk is a basset hound, perfect for a private eye, right? Eh, maybe. He basically just sleeps a lot, and when he’s awake, he tends to tie up Eleanor with his leash … on accident, of course … I think.
Five stars. Fun read!
December 7, 2025
A tense, twisty mystery that kept me up way too late. Checkmate a Killer by Kyle Owens is a genuine page turner, and once I started it, I honestly could not put it down. The mix of a murdered chess master, shady suspects, and a determined investigator made every chapter feel like another move in a high-stakes game.
The pacing is tight, the clues are cleverly laid out, and the atmosphere around the competitive chess world gives the story a fresh, unique edge. The characters feel real and flawed in the best way, which makes the final reveal all the more satisfying. If you enjoy smart mysteries with a strong hook and plenty of suspense, this one is absolutely worth your time.
The pacing is tight, the clues are cleverly laid out, and the atmosphere around the competitive chess world gives the story a fresh, unique edge. The characters feel real and flawed in the best way, which makes the final reveal all the more satisfying. If you enjoy smart mysteries with a strong hook and plenty of suspense, this one is absolutely worth your time.
October 17, 2024
Family comes first even the annoying ones
The style of writing is different I felt that Vegas kept tripping over the people. Maybe it’s her way of thinking but I think I will read another story and see if I can find her style of thinking
The style of writing is different I felt that Vegas kept tripping over the people. Maybe it’s her way of thinking but I think I will read another story and see if I can find her style of thinking
November 28, 2025
Not for me
I always try to finish a book if I start one.This book took a lot of effort on my part to read .Sorry to say but I thought this was pure rubbish I will definitely not be reading the next one..
I always try to finish a book if I start one.This book took a lot of effort on my part to read .Sorry to say but I thought this was pure rubbish I will definitely not be reading the next one..
December 13, 2025
Light mystery reading. Entertaining and somewhat humorous. Worth reading for the character development and antics between Vegas (the private investigator) and her mother.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews