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Rocky Nelson Boxing Mystery #2
A Deadly Match
"A Deadly Match packs an Oscar-worthy punch!” —Holly West, author of the Mistress of Fortune series and Anthony Award-winning editor of Killin’ Time in San Diego
In Book 2, Raquel (AKA Rocky) investigates family secrets and murder.
Twin sisters Rocky and Bridget soon find themselves facing another shocking mystery when Hollywood visits the Sierra Foothills.
Their aunt and uncle, both famous movie stars they haven’t seen since their mother’s funeral, are in town to film a movie. Forced into family togetherness, Rocky takes them on a tour of her boxing gym, which wasn’t supposed to include a dead body.
When her beloved coach, Cutter, is arrested for the murder, Rocky refuses to believe he’s guilty. Driven to clear his name, she embarks on a dangerous investigation that leads her into a web of secrets, lies, and unexpected betrayals. As the stakes get higher and the killer’s motives become more twisted, Rocky realizes she may be fighting for more than just the truth—she may be fighting for her own life.
In Book 2, Raquel (AKA Rocky) investigates family secrets and murder.
Twin sisters Rocky and Bridget soon find themselves facing another shocking mystery when Hollywood visits the Sierra Foothills.
Their aunt and uncle, both famous movie stars they haven’t seen since their mother’s funeral, are in town to film a movie. Forced into family togetherness, Rocky takes them on a tour of her boxing gym, which wasn’t supposed to include a dead body.
When her beloved coach, Cutter, is arrested for the murder, Rocky refuses to believe he’s guilty. Driven to clear his name, she embarks on a dangerous investigation that leads her into a web of secrets, lies, and unexpected betrayals. As the stakes get higher and the killer’s motives become more twisted, Rocky realizes she may be fighting for more than just the truth—she may be fighting for her own life.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2024
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54 people want to read
About the author
Karen A. Phillips
6 books126 followersKaren A. Phillips writes the Rocky Nelson Boxing Mystery series—Mystery with a Punch! Her stories are humorous and action-packed with engaging characters. And yes, she does take boxing lessons. Visit her at KarenAPhillips.com.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 8, 2024
A DEADLY MATCH is the second book in the Rocky Nelson Boxing Mysteries by Karen Phillips. This is a wonderful addition to a terrific mystery series featuring graphic designer and amateur boxer Raquel (Rocky) Nelson. Ms. Phillips has created a worthy character in Rocky, and I love that she’s a woman of a “certain age”. Yet she doesn’t let that slow her down or stop her from achieving her goals. Joining Rocky on the page is her twin sister, Bridget. The witty repartee the two women have, along with the antic of their flirty dad, adds a layer of humor to the story. Yet, woven in is some emotional trauma and how far a parent might go to save a child. The author handles each with sensitivity and helps the reader view the characters with compassion. It lends a depth to the mystery that is often missing in the genre.
The pacing of the story and the murder mystery are spot on. Seemingly effortlessly, the author blends the characters’ development and interactions with their families, friends, and suspects alongside the clues Rocky tracks down as she tries to clear her boxing coach’s name. As the suspense increases as Rocky narrows down the list of suspects, I found myself turning the pages faster and faster. With a story that flows seamlessly, the author has excelled in creating another mystery that captured my attention and held me enthralled until I’d read the very last page. I’m hoping that there will be many more books in this series!
The pacing of the story and the murder mystery are spot on. Seemingly effortlessly, the author blends the characters’ development and interactions with their families, friends, and suspects alongside the clues Rocky tracks down as she tries to clear her boxing coach’s name. As the suspense increases as Rocky narrows down the list of suspects, I found myself turning the pages faster and faster. With a story that flows seamlessly, the author has excelled in creating another mystery that captured my attention and held me enthralled until I’d read the very last page. I’m hoping that there will be many more books in this series!
February 8, 2025
The second of Phillips' Rocky mysteries was even better than the first (A Deadly Combination). She throws many false leads in the reader's path, making for an ever-increasing puzzle. Hints of romance are just enough for this reader to take sides--sometime soon, Rocky will have to make a choice. I have my bet on...
February 1, 2025
I'm not usually a reader of cozy mysteries (more sci fi), but I've enjoyed both Rocky Nelson novels. Interesting characters, plot twists, and enough danger to keep you turning pages. Recommended.
March 7, 2025
A Fun Read
When the book ended, I felt like I wanted more. What will come next for Rocky and Bridget? I will have to wait for Book 3.
When the book ended, I felt like I wanted more. What will come next for Rocky and Bridget? I will have to wait for Book 3.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews