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A Murder in NYC: Mama & Me Mystery - Book 1
Tracy "Tiny" LeBlanc is a former Homicide Detective who decides to leave her stressful job and use her hefty inheritance to become a Travel Influencer. Traveling across the world and posting about the amazing cities and sites that she visits brings her a joy and freedom that she never knew existed. But Tiny's life takes a drastic turn when a Category 4 hurricane strikes her hometown of New Orleans and wipes out her childhood home; leaving her mother, Ida LeBlanc, homeless.
Like any good child, Tiny opens her doors to her mother. But what she thought would be a temporary living arrangement becomes permanent. Now, Ida accompanies Tiny on many of her trips and so does murder and mayhem.
Their first trip together is to New York City. While in New York, Tiny treats Ida to a book signing in Brooklyn where Best-selling Author, Mitchell Moody, will appear. Ida has stalked Mr. Moody for years; she was even banned from one of his book signings because of the way she "fan girled". Ida promises to behave herself this time and even brings Mr. Moody a peace offering...his favorite flavored coffee. Mr. Moody accepts the coffee and then dies after taking a sip. Ida is arrested for murder and any plans that Tiny made to see the city are immediately put on the backburner.
Desperate to clear her mother of all charges, Tiny is forced to tap into her investigative skills to find the real killer. But with no suspects other than her mother, this is a murder that even she may not be skilled enough to solve.
Like any good child, Tiny opens her doors to her mother. But what she thought would be a temporary living arrangement becomes permanent. Now, Ida accompanies Tiny on many of her trips and so does murder and mayhem.
Their first trip together is to New York City. While in New York, Tiny treats Ida to a book signing in Brooklyn where Best-selling Author, Mitchell Moody, will appear. Ida has stalked Mr. Moody for years; she was even banned from one of his book signings because of the way she "fan girled". Ida promises to behave herself this time and even brings Mr. Moody a peace offering...his favorite flavored coffee. Mr. Moody accepts the coffee and then dies after taking a sip. Ida is arrested for murder and any plans that Tiny made to see the city are immediately put on the backburner.
Desperate to clear her mother of all charges, Tiny is forced to tap into her investigative skills to find the real killer. But with no suspects other than her mother, this is a murder that even she may not be skilled enough to solve.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 7, 2026
Read 2/7/2026.
August 8, 2025
Once again, Brian W. Smith has drawn me into a captivating story I couldn’t put down. I love the Sleepy Carter series, and while I'm a little sad that we’re only two books away from the finale, I’m thrilled with the introduction of this new line of characters.
Mr. Smith’s gift for character development is unmatched — I’ve already fallen in love with this fresh cast. And as always, he nails the ending! The last chapter leaves you wanting more and counting down the days until the next book drops. Bravo!
This story introduces us to a burnt-out detective who trades in her gold badge for what she believes will be a more peaceful life as a travel blogger. First stop: NYC — with her hilariously sassy and salty mom, Ida — only to find herself thrust back into detective mode… and this time, her own mother is a lead suspect.
It’s a fun, fast-paced read full of sass, charm, and unexpected life lessons. The characters shine, and the dialogue is sharp and engaging.
One of my favorite parts of the book? The Message from the Author at the end. Brian W. Smith offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the who, what, when, and where of the book’s creation. His frank outlook on life is always inspiring and often eye-opening — many times it delivers a learning moment for me personally.
As a lifelong book lover, there are only a handful of authors whose storytelling has me eagerly awaiting their next release. Brian W. Smith is absolutely one of them.
Grab the book, settle into a comfy chair with your favorite drink, and enjoy the ride with Tiny and her unforgettable mother, Ida. You won’t regret it!
Mr. Smith’s gift for character development is unmatched — I’ve already fallen in love with this fresh cast. And as always, he nails the ending! The last chapter leaves you wanting more and counting down the days until the next book drops. Bravo!
This story introduces us to a burnt-out detective who trades in her gold badge for what she believes will be a more peaceful life as a travel blogger. First stop: NYC — with her hilariously sassy and salty mom, Ida — only to find herself thrust back into detective mode… and this time, her own mother is a lead suspect.
It’s a fun, fast-paced read full of sass, charm, and unexpected life lessons. The characters shine, and the dialogue is sharp and engaging.
One of my favorite parts of the book? The Message from the Author at the end. Brian W. Smith offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the who, what, when, and where of the book’s creation. His frank outlook on life is always inspiring and often eye-opening — many times it delivers a learning moment for me personally.
As a lifelong book lover, there are only a handful of authors whose storytelling has me eagerly awaiting their next release. Brian W. Smith is absolutely one of them.
Grab the book, settle into a comfy chair with your favorite drink, and enjoy the ride with Tiny and her unforgettable mother, Ida. You won’t regret it!
January 23, 2025
A Gripping Murder Mystery
I enjoyed reading this page-turner with riveting and memorable characters, descriptive settings and great dialogue. Protagonist Tiny Tara LeBlanc has inherited a large sum of money where things are not always what they appear to be. Her no filter mother, Ida LeBlanc, and the excruciating Mitchell Moody will become major players in this elaborate plot, exposing some twists and turns, secrets and lies, manipulation, deception, threats, the use of money, influence and power and betrayal, slowly building up to an ending that will leave you wanting to learn about the adventures of Tiny and Ida in Book 2.
I enjoyed reading this page-turner with riveting and memorable characters, descriptive settings and great dialogue. Protagonist Tiny Tara LeBlanc has inherited a large sum of money where things are not always what they appear to be. Her no filter mother, Ida LeBlanc, and the excruciating Mitchell Moody will become major players in this elaborate plot, exposing some twists and turns, secrets and lies, manipulation, deception, threats, the use of money, influence and power and betrayal, slowly building up to an ending that will leave you wanting to learn about the adventures of Tiny and Ida in Book 2.
March 13, 2025
Excellent start to a new series! A fun-planned mother daughter trip to The Big Apple; what could possibly go wrong? Murder! I absolutely love this duo, especially the mom, and I cannot wait for their next adventure. Mama is fun, sassy, unfiltered, and simply marvelous. Both mom and daughter have very fascinating backgrounds and I am hoping future books will delve into that and flesh them out even more. I always enjoy this author's books and true to form, the ending is ambiguous and I love it!! If you like easy mystery reads with memorable and sassy characters, quick wit, and a little murder added in, you will enjoy this book.
January 18, 2025
I Could Picture it All
One of the things I love about this book was that I could visualize every place they went. It was very well developed like I was in that jail cell or eating lobster at the market. Blend in the character development, and you have this reader waiting for the next installment.
One of the things I love about this book was that I could visualize every place they went. It was very well developed like I was in that jail cell or eating lobster at the market. Blend in the character development, and you have this reader waiting for the next installment.
January 19, 2025
Enjoyed this…
I enjoyed this introduction to a new series! I like the aspect of a mother/daughter duo related story. The mother Ida was hilarious! The mystery was interesting. Both of the FMC’s backstories are intriguing. I look forward to finding out what lies ahead both professionally and personally for Tiny and Ida.
I enjoyed this introduction to a new series! I like the aspect of a mother/daughter duo related story. The mother Ida was hilarious! The mystery was interesting. Both of the FMC’s backstories are intriguing. I look forward to finding out what lies ahead both professionally and personally for Tiny and Ida.
March 13, 2025
NYC A Great Place to Start
Brian W. Smith has done it again! Book 1 of the new Mama & Me Series is a wonderful way to start the new year. I literally took this journey with Tiny and Ida. It was worth every moment because its drama, humor, reality and love. I highly recommend it. Give it a try!
Brian W. Smith has done it again! Book 1 of the new Mama & Me Series is a wonderful way to start the new year. I literally took this journey with Tiny and Ida. It was worth every moment because its drama, humor, reality and love. I highly recommend it. Give it a try!
February 2, 2025
WOW!
True to form of what we expect from Brian W. Smith, colorful characters and unexpected twists and turns. I wasn’t ready for story to end.
True to form of what we expect from Brian W. Smith, colorful characters and unexpected twists and turns. I wasn’t ready for story to end.
February 5, 2025
Mama & Me
That was “Brian W Smith” at its finest. Awesome read with all types of twist and turns. I loved that it was her Mother on that adventure with her.
That was “Brian W Smith” at its finest. Awesome read with all types of twist and turns. I loved that it was her Mother on that adventure with her.
March 14, 2025
This was a fun read. Lots of twists and turns. I loved the dynamic between the mother and daughter and can’t wait to see them in the future as more truths are revealed.
March 14, 2026
awsome read really enjoyed reading it
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews