A Stone Cold Murder: A Paranormal Murder Mystery with Psychic Sleuth

Reluctantly Psychic #1

by Kris Bock

She hates her gift – but it just might save her…

Geologist Petra Cloch can touch an object and sense the emotions of the people who’ve held it. It’s a miserable way to live. She studied rocks because they rarely ‘talk’ to her and she’s dodged friendships so she won’t need to explain her gift or feel like a voyeur. But when she takes a job as the rock and mineral curator at an unusual western history museum and picks up a jagged crystal in her new office, flashes of rage, fear and death hit hard.

Everyone says her predecessor died in a car crash, but what if he was murdered? Under normal circumstances, Petra would never become involved, but what if the previous curator died because of something he did on the job? She could be next. Petra knows she’ll need evidence, not her psychic sense she hides. Can she trust her chatty colleagues who invite her to lunch and to join a book club? And what about the far too watchful Sheriff who keeps showing up unexpectedly…

If you love mysteries with a paranormal twist, smart heroines, and small-town intrigue, A Stone Cold Murder will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, Cozy Mystery

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2025

About the author

Be sure to follow Kris on BookBub for the latest releases and sales: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kris-...

Kris Bock writes novels of mystery, suspense, and romance, many with outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. In the Accidental Detective series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. This humorous series starts with Something Shady at Sunshine Haven. Get a free Accidental Detective short story and bonus material when you sign up for her newsletter: https://sendfox.com/KrisBock

Her Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats. Get a free 10,000-word story set in the world of the Furrever Friends cat café when you sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter: https://sendfox.com/lp/1g5nx3 You’ll also get a printable copy of the recipes mentioned in the cat café novels.

Kris Bock also writes novels of suspense and romance with outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. Whispers in the Dark features archaeology and intrigue among ancient Southwest ruins. What We Found is a mystery with strong romantic elements about a young woman who finds a murder victim in the woods. In Counterfeits, stolen Rembrandt paintings bring danger to a small New Mexico town.

“Smart romance with an 'Indiana Jones' feel,”

Kris's Southwest Treasure Hunters novels each stand alone and are complete, with no cliffhangers. This series mixes action and adventure with romance. The stories explore the Southwest, especially New Mexico. Desert Gold follows the hunt for a long-lost treasure in the New Mexico desert. In Valley of Gems, estranged relatives compete to reach a buried treasure by following a series of complex clues. In Silver Canyon, sparks fly when reader favorites Camie and Tiger help a mysterious man track down his missing uncle.

Fans of Mary Stewart, Barbara Michaels, and Terry Odell will want to check out Kris Bock’s romantic adventures. “Counterfeits is the kind of romantic suspense novel I have enjoyed since I first read Mary Stewart’s Moonspinners.” 5 Stars – Roberta at Sensuous Reviews blog

Read excerpts at www.krisbock.com or visit her Amazon page at https://www.amazon.com/author/krisbock

Ms. Bock also writes for young people under the name Chris Eboch. The Eyes of Pharaoh is an action-packed mystery set in ancient Egypt. In The Well of Sacrifice, a Mayan girl in ninth-century Guatemala rebels against the High Priest who sacrifices anyone challenging his power. The Haunted series follows a brother and sister who travel with their parents’ ghost hunter TV show and try to help the ghosts while keeping their activities secret from meddling grownups. It begins with The Ghost on the Stairs.

Read excerpts at www.chriseboch.com.

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this one, a mystery to get your brain thinking as Petra Cloch arrives in Bonneville New Mexico to start her new job as Geological curator at The Bandit Museum on Route 66, Petra was really looking forward to this new job and home, a place that she is happy to bring her ten pets, a place that she can keep to herself because of her gift that enables her to see into people’s lives, but her first day changes all that when she picks up crystal in her office and feels the rage of murder.

What is Petra to do now, tell the Sheriff or police what she has seen, of course not no one will believe her, she has no choice but to find the answers herself, she must find out the truth about her predecessor’s death because it may very well involve her job and she must keep herself safe and before she knows it she has friends and an ally in one of her new workmates, Liberty, will she find the truth about what really happened here at the museum and Reggie?

This is a fast paced mystery that had me thinking, it is fun and riveting as we get to know Petra and her wonderful menageries of pets, it is a great start to a new series and I am looking forward to more visits back to The Bandit Museum and Petra and her new friends. I do recommend this one to any lover of a good mystery.

My thanks to Tule Publishing for my digital copy to read and review.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Geologist Petra Cloch has come to Bonneville, New Mexico, for her new job as the geological curator at the Bandit Museum on Route 66. No one there knows about her special gift. When she touches an object, she can get vivid images about the object’s history and the last person to touch it. She can touch an object like a watch or a ring while the person is wearing it, and get the same images. She doesn’t know why she has this ability, or even all its capabilities, but it has adversely affected her life since she was a small child. So, for now, it is best to keep it a secret.

The previous rock and mineral curator had died in a car accident, but when Petra picks up a fluorite crystal from a shelf in her new office, the powerful images she sees lead her to believe the man was murdered. Was he killed for something he did in the museum? Or did something in his personal life bring about his murder? Being new in town, she doesn’t know whom she can trust. Could someone at the museum be involved? What about the Sheriff who keeps showing up to flirt with her? Could her landlady have had a reason to want her former tenant dead? This special gift she has may help her to get to the truth, or it may get her killed. Maybe it was really just an accident . . .

Petra Cloch is a unique protagonist with psychometry, a form of extrasensory perception characterized by the claimed ability to glean accurate knowledge of an object’s history by making physical contact with that object. It has not served her well over the years, and she hoped she could get a new start in Bonneville. She keeps to herself and dotes on her 10 animals: cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, and rats, all named after minerals and gemstones. The author did a wonderful job explaining Petra’s gift and included ways it shook up her life. I became invested in her life easily. Her inner dialogues touched my heart, she isolated herself to protect herself.

Bonneville is a small town with about 2000 residents, and Ms. Bock has surrounded Petra with a well-crafted, quirky cast of characters. The eclectic museum is family-owned by the Babbitt family, Peyton, Gloria, and their son Kit. It is filled with Wild West memorabilia, an alien wing, including myths about Roswell, gems and minerals, and numerous other items that Peyton finds. Liberty and Haven work at the museum and introduce Petra to the members of their “book club”. The town is also served by both a police department and a sheriff’s department, bringing more people into Petra’s life.

Ms. Bock penned a complex mystery with many layers. With Petra taking over not only the deceased’s office but his rental home as well, she is immersed in the mystery of his death. She knows there is more to his story, but can she find the truth? I appreciated the pace that was set for this story. Time was allowed to introduce the characters while Petra debated how to move forward. This draws readers in, then the twists start to happen. A wanted man, an important object or two in the museum, a crazy filing system, an unexpected visitor, a new friend with a gift of their own, all come together as Petra follows clue after clue and learns something surprising about her gift. This culminates in an exciting chase and takedown that will have readers on the edge of their seats.

A Stone Cold Murder is an excellent start for this series. Petra Cloch is a character that will stick with you. The author’s detailed depictions will put you right on the scene of everything that happens. Petra has come a long way within these pages, but the progress is still new. I am excited to see her journey continue. Death at Rock Bottom will be released on July 30. I have saved a spot on my calendar.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.

[Jeanne Adamek · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her uncomfortable psychic ability puts her on the trail of a killer.

A Stone Cold Murder is the first book in author Kris Bock's cozy new Reluctantly Psychic Murder Mystery series featuring a young woman with a touchy ability. When Petra Cloch relocates to Bonneville, New Mexico, to take a job as the curator of the rock and mineral section of the Banditt Museum, she expected it to be a fun but out-of-the-way spot to put her interest in geological specimens to use and make a living. But on her very first day, she discovers her predecessor may have been murdered right there in her new office and not from the reported car accident following an unexpected heart attack.

Petra is a nice young woman with a burdensome secret; she can feel someone's past emotions when touching their belongings. While this particular psychic ability is not unheard of, this is the first book that really considers how this would actually affect its bearer's practical daily life, both positively and negatively. I swiftly became sympathetic to Petra's uneasy adaptations and her sad and lonely past.

The plot is well-paced, and Petra's reaction to her first handling of potential evidence of murder reveals her startling ability very effectively. Her new coworkers were quite a quirky group of individuals, and I was progressively more hopeful she would find an ally and friend among the bunch. I enjoyed her menagerie of cats, ferrets, and rats, and my mind immediately jumped to where in the world she would find a landlord who would tolerate so many pets without bankrupting her. Her reason for keeping her ability to herself was reasonable, and I understood her reason for personally investigating Reggie Heap's death on her own. The author includes fun bits about the mineral samples and the museum as well. The author's writing is easy to read, and I was so engaged with the story that I read it from start to finish one evening.

I recommend A STONE COLD MURDER to cozy mystery readers, especially those interested in psychic elements, museum settings, rocks, and minerals.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars: Recently graduated Petra Cloch has a gift. When she touches objects, she is able to sense and sometimes picture the emotions of the people who held or wore the item. She hates her gift, psychometry. It can make her physically ill and she has been miserable for most of her life. She has no friends and is estranged from her family. When she is offered a job and the rock and mineral curator at the Banditt Museum in New Mexico, she accepts, packs her bags and heads south. She chose to study rocks because they rarely ‘talk’ to her. She has kept her gift a secret since high school so she won’t need to explain her gift or feel like a voyeur. On her first day at her new job, she picks up a large rock/mineral on a shelf in her office and has flashes of rage, fear and death. Was her predecessor killed? She was told that he died in a car accident. What does she do with this information? Who will believe her? Maybe his death was caused by someone because of what he was involved in? Petra has lots of questions, but doesn't know who she can trust.

This was an interesting introduction to a new cozy mystery series by Kris Bock. Although psychometry is a claimed paranormal ability, there is research and many claims from those who have this ability. I had never heard of it before, but it makes a great story. I liked Petra and felt bad for her. It would be hard to be afraid to tough things because of how they make you feel. I really liked how her pets were her life. I don't know anyone who has had such a variety, cates, ferrets, a rat and guinea pig, but she loved and cuddled them all, especially when she was anxious and upset. Settling in to a new place when you are alone would definitely be hard. The staff at the museum was quite eclectic and I was hoping she would make some friends. The mystery was very interesting. I liked how she went about solving the mystery, especially as she didn't really know what the crime was until much later in the story. Overall, I found this an intriguing story with great characters and an interesting plot. I liked how it all wrapped up and that Petra is settling in nicely and does finally have some friends and people she feels comfortable with. I am looking forward to the next book in this series, Death at Rock Bottom.

[Caitlin C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I really liked the premise of this. The setting was great. I could feel the old west vibes and small town scene.

I did struggle with getting through it. I’m not sure why, exactly, but I did. It was slow going, but I don’t really have anything negative to say.

I found it fascinating that Petra’s reaction to items was so strong. I never really thought through what it would be like to be that sensitive, to not be able to use anything second hand for fear of reliving the previous owners life.

The murder was interesting, but it was almost like a cold case, in that Petra was not there when it happened, but instead has to rely on her abilities to connect to the murder victim.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Stone Cold Murder is the first book in Kris Bock’s thrilling new series, Reluctantly Psychic Murder Mystery. The book introduces us to Petra Cloch, a geologist with an unusual skill. She has a psychic ability that when she touches objects she can sense the emotions of the people that touched it in the past. To her, this is a curse and in the past she shied away from making friends because of this ability. Petra has taken a new job working as a curator in the rocks and minerals department of an eclectic western museum in New Mexico. It is set in a small town and when she reports to work, she is introduced to the others who work there. Her predecessor died of a heart attack and crashed his car in the mountains. Her work rooms are a mess and she starts to get acclimated to her exhibits and to clean things up. When she moves a large rock she senses anger, violence and death attached to it. It makes her wonder what happened to the guy before her and who she can trust in the museum staff.

Petra is renting a house and her belongings have not yet arrived. She has her beloved animals with her that she takes great care of; cats, guinea pigs, rats and ferrets. She learns that her new home is the same place where her predecessor lived. She looks around to see if she can discover anything about him. Initially she thinks he was murdered. After discovering his laptop in a high cabinet, she struggles to find the charger cord. One of her coworkers has a stash of cords and she gets one from her and then figures out the password. There are pictures of young girls on it and she tries to paint a picture of what might have really happened. As she doesn’t know the others she works with, she isn’t sure if they could be involved. Petra decides to turn the laptop into the sheriff and happens to see the wanted posters in the jail. She believes she saw one of the men in the museum and mentions it to the sheriff.

One of her coworkers invites her to the book club and she decides to go. In the past she avoided making friends due to her psychic abilities. While there, she gets a call from her landlord alerting her that there were two strangers in her house. They call the police and all head to her house. They don’t catch the intruders but end up continuing the evening at her home. Now Petra is even more concerned about her safety and is suspecting that perhaps the former guy was the murderer and not the victim. She doesn’t know what the intruders were looking for and who might be involved from the museum. There’s quite a bit of suspense, excitement and mystery.

Initially I was hesitant to read a book that sounded like it might have paranormal elements. However I have read all the books in Kris’s other two Tule series and loved her work. I’m so glad that I read this book as again, Ms. Bock did not disappoint. This book was very well written. She provided great details about this psychic skill the heroine has. The descriptions of the people and the museum were excellent. I was very sympathetic to Petra’s tragic past and have high hopes for her finding happiness and friendship among the people in her new town. There is quite a unique group of people that were genuine and very likable(except of course for the criminals). It was fun to include such a varied group of animals that Petra had and cared for. I learned the museum is based on the Billy the Kid Museum and it is now on my bucket list of places to visit. This is a five star book that I highly recommend.

I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

[A Look Inside: Reviews and Interviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kris Bock opens A Stone Cold Murder with a voice so honest, snarky, and strangely endearing, you can’t help but get pulled in. Petra Cloch’s first-person narration is equal parts self-deprecating humor and haunted introspection, which gives the story an immediate emotional depth—and makes you want to follow her anywhere, even into the dusty corners of a museum filled with secrets.

Petra isn’t your average amateur sleuth. She’s a reclusive geologist with a psychic curse—she can read emotions from objects. It sounds like a cool party trick, but Petra makes it clear: psychometry is a curse she’s managed, not mastered. It’s a sensory overload that has made her life painfully isolating. That isolation becomes the heart of the story. Petra isn’t just trying to solve a murder—she’s figuring out how to exist in a world that overwhelms her senses and mistrusts her intuition.

The plot centers around her new job at a quirky western history museum in a small New Mexico town. From the moment she picks up a jagged crystal in her office and experiences a blast of rage, fear, and death, we know this isn’t just a tale of old rocks. What follows is a cleverly layered mystery that unfolds with subtle suspense, interwoven with workplace quirks, awkward social entanglements, and a growing sense of unease. Was the former curator really the victim of a heart attack—or was he murdered? Petra’s instincts—and the emotionally charged artifacts—suggest the latter.

Bock’s pacing is sharp but never rushed. The mystery slowly tightens its grip as Petra unearths unsettling truths, all while trying to blend in with coworkers who genuinely want to befriend her. The museum setting is richly imagined—a character in its own right—and the details about rocks and minerals add authenticity without ever feeling like a lecture. There’s also a flirtatious (and possibly suspicious) presence in Kit Carson Banditt, the museum owner’s overly friendly grandson, whose charm Petra meets with dry skepticism.

What makes the novel shine is Petra herself. She’s an unusual protagonist: deeply private, a little damaged, and fiercely intelligent. Her inner dialogue is filled with wry observations, unexpected vulnerability, and emotional truths that hit hard. Readers will find themselves rooting for her not just to solve the crime, but to find a life beyond the limits she’s set for herself.

Fans of cozy mysteries with a twist, introverted heroines, or subtle supernatural elements will be delighted. A Stone Cold Murder is perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries where intuition is just as important as evidence. Think The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency meets The Gifted with a Wild West flair.

Overall, Kris Bock has delivered a smart, layered, and surprisingly heartfelt start to the Reluctantly Psychic series. Petra Cloch may be reluctant, but readers won’t be—they’ll eagerly sign on for the next chapter in her life.

[Martin Pasula · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that entertain, but then there are books that have the power to change you. This one falls into the latter category, and it does so effortlessly. From the moment I began reading, I could tell that this wasn’t just a story—it was an experience. The emotions portrayed in the book were so raw, so real, that I felt them in my very bones. The author has a remarkable ability to capture the intricacies of life, both the beautiful and the painful, with such clarity that it feels like you're living through the characters' journeys right alongside them. The way the complexities of human nature and relationships are explored is nothing short of genius, and the impact it leaves on you is profound.

What makes this book stand out is the storytelling. It’s not flashy or over-the-top; it’s deeply reflective, yet effortless in its delivery. There are no unnecessary flourishes or distractions—just pure, unfiltered emotion and insight. The writing is simple in the best way possible, allowing the story to unfold naturally and drawing you into its world with every page. I found myself completely absorbed in the narrative, unable to put the book down as it pulled me further into the lives of its characters. Every twist and turn felt significant, and the pacing was perfect—neither too slow nor too fast. The author’s ability to make the story feel so real and so relevant to my own life was truly remarkable.

By the time I reached the end, I was left reflecting deeply on my own experiences, choices, and the messy beauty of life itself. This is one of those books that lingers long after you’ve finished reading it, constantly nudging you to think, to feel, to grow. It speaks directly to the soul in a way that few books can, and it reminds you of the complexity and depth of human emotions. If you’re looking for a read that will leave you thinking about it for days, one that will stir something deep inside you, then look no further. This book is a true literary masterpiece—a work of art that resonates in a way that few others do.

[Kendra M Layden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book more, but I couldn't. The premise was intriguing, the reluctant psychic stumbling upon a murder, but it lacked a certain depth for me. Even though it was a short read, it was hard to get through. The plot seemed to be stretched thin even for under 300 pages. I might come and update my review later because it is missing something I can't quite put my finger on. Finding out who dun it was lack luster and not very much of a reveal of details about why. I wish there was more psychometry stuff. Her ability seemed confusing. for over half the book, she only used it twice, I think, and couldn't get much detail. Then, all of sudden, she knew everything that went down in the situation close to the end of the book by touching something else? Idk seemed bizarre that the plot was stretched out, but then everything at the end was rushed. There is no real plot twist either, and there is not enough anticipation for me to keep reading. The whole book takes place in a week, and the character building seemed really rushed because of it. It also has cozy mystery vibes. I don't know if that was the goal, but I might have looked at it differently if I knew going into it. Like I said, it lacked a certain depth, and I'm a little disappointed because the premise was interesting, and the main characters' thoughts were funny and relatable.
I also liked most of the characters but really didn't like the timeline, as I said before, as the relationships seemed rushed with the unrealistic timeline it would take to develop some of the relationships that were made. Like I said, though, if I had a different perspective, start reading it like a cozy mystery it might have been different. It wasn't a bad book, just not what I was expecting.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Stone Cold Murder by Kris Bock
Reluctant Psychic Murder mystery #1

Great start to a new cozy murder mystery with Paranormal Psychometry gifted Petra Cloch moving to fictitious Bonneville, New Mexico where she uses her abilities to solve a crime.

What I Liked:
* Petra: geologist, psychometry-gifted, leery of touching things, tries to hide her abilities, trust issues, difficult childhood, hoping her new job at the Banditt Museum will be a good fit
* The women that will probably be her support system in the future books of the series: Liberty, Haven, Elena, Wilma, Ann Marie, Jenny, and Shelley – like the bonds developing between the women
* The Banditt Family: supportive, accepting, a bit eccentric, fodder for future stories
* Petra’s ten pets: three cats, 3 ferrets, 2 rats, and 2 guinea pigs…waiting to find out the rest of the names of them all as I’ve counted only six so far
* The way Petra found out a murder was committed through touching a chunk of fluorite crystals
* The way Liberty and Macario seemed to accept Petra’s psychometry
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* Thinking about what it would be like to live in Bonneville, to have a paranormal ability like Petra’s or Liberty’s, and wondering if anyone else will have abilities in future books of the series
* That the criminals were revealed and all threads of the story were tied up at the end of the story
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* That both Liberty and Petra had been taken advantage of in the past when others found out about their paranormal abilities

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? If the synopsis sounds interesting, I would

Thank you to Book Sirens, Tule Publishing, and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 Stars

[Lauren Marks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not exaggerating when I say A Stone Cold Murder is one of the most vivid books I’ve ever read. Kris Bock doesn’t just tell a story—she immerses you in it. From the dusty, claustrophobic halls of the Banditt Museum to the eerie silence of Petra’s new home (which may or may not be haunted by a dead man’s secrets), every setting pulses with life.

And Petra? God, what a character. Her psychic ability isn’t some glamorous superpower—it’s a burden. The way Bock describes her exhaustion from touching objects, the way she braces herself before every handshake, the way she longs for silence but is constantly bombarded by echoes of violence… It’s heartbreaking. I’ve never read a psychic protagonist who felt this real.

The murder mystery itself is brilliantly layered. Reggie Heap’s death seems straightforward—until Petra picks up that fluorite crystal and feels his murder. The way Bock slowly unravels the truth—through missing keys, a hidden laptop, and a wanted criminal lurking in the museum—had me flipping pages like a madwoman. And the small-town dynamics? Perfection. Everyone knows everyone, secrets simmer beneath polite smiles, and Petra’s outsider status makes every interaction deliciously tense.

What wrecked me emotionally was Petra’s struggle with trust. She’s spent her life pushing people away to protect herself, but now she has to rely on others to solve this murder. That slow, painful opening-up? The tentative friendships with Liberty and Elena? I felt every second of it.

Kris Bock, you’ve created something special here. The prose is sharp, the mystery is addictive, and Petra’s journey is one I won’t forget. If you love atmospheric thrillers with a deeply human core, you need this book.

[Aylin Wynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book transcends the boundaries of a typical narrative—it’s not just a story to be consumed but a deeply immersive experience that lingers long after the final page. The author’s prose is visceral and intimate, pulling you into the emotional core of every scene with an almost cinematic intensity. The writing doesn’t just describe feelings; it evokes them, making the reader’s heartbeat sync with the characters’ joys, sorrows, and quiet revelations.

The characters are crafted with such authenticity that they cease to feel fictional. Their struggles mirror real-life complexities—love that feels like both a balm and a wound, grief that doesn’t follow linear stages, and personal growth that comes in fits and starts. You’ll find yourself underlining passages that articulate emotions you’ve felt but never quite named, as if the author has reached into your soul and given shape to your unspoken thoughts.

The book’s pacing is deliberate, allowing space for the reader to sit with pivotal moments. There are scenes so achingly tender or brutally honest that you’ll pause, staring at the wall, just to process them. The humor, when it comes, feels organic—like the kind of laughter that bubbles up in the middle of hardship, reminding you that life is never just one thing. And then there are the lines that strike like lightning, leaving you breathless with their truth.

[Lesa Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kris Bock has crafted a story that’s equal parts murder mystery, psychological deep-dive, and small-town gothic horror (in the best way).

Petra’s psychometry is such a fresh take on psychic abilities. It’s not about predicting the future—it’s about being drowned in the past. The scene where she touches the fluorite crystal and is flooded with the victim’s terror? I had chills. Bock doesn’t shy away from the ugliness of this ""gift""—the way it isolates Petra, the way it makes her question every interaction. It’s brilliant character work.

And the murder plot? So clever. Reggie’s death is ruled an accident, but Petra’s ability tells her otherwise. The way she pieces together clues—through objects, through hesitant conversations with coworkers, through that creepy hidden laptop—is masterful. And the fact that the killer might still be in the museum? I was looking over my shoulder while reading.

What destroyed me was Petra’s loneliness. Her menagerie of pets (ten of them! I love her) is her only comfort, and her fear of human connection is so raw. Watching her tentatively bond with Liberty and Elena—women who see her in a way no one else has—was everything. That moment she realizes she likes being welcomed? I teared up.

[Katreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A STONE COLD MURDER by Kris Bock
The First Reluctant Psychic Mystery

Petra Cloch has the gift of psychometry. By touching objects she can discern the feelings and even some basic thoughts of whoever previously held the items. Sometimes a gift is more like a curse. Not having complete control of the ability, nor wishing others to think she's crazy, Petra prefers to keep to herself, enjoying the company of her animals rather than trying to form friendships. But when she moves from Seattle to New Mexico to work in the Banditt Museum, replacing their recently deceased geologist, things change. While cleaning her new office she picks up a crystal specimen and is flooded with images and feelings...all negative. Perhaps her predecessor's death wasn't so natural after all. Performing his job, living in the house he rented, is it possible she could be in danger? Compelled to find out more about the man, Petra starts to wonder about new co-workers. Could these friendly people actually become friends or is one of them a killer?

Petra inherits a lot from her predecessor, mainly a lot of problems. Getting a fresh start, but not wanting to get close to others, unless maybe she does, it's no wonder Petra has doubts about her new job. Add to that her new co-workers, well, pretty much everyone she meets in town, is a bit...different. But so is Petra. Her special ability is fascinating. I love her menagerie of pets, and yes, rats are wonderful pets. I appreciate how she prefers to keep to herself and I love how the others intend to draw her out and make her part of the group.

The mystery was unique and so well done. Her psychometry gives her clues, but not enough to know what exactly is going on. I love how she slowly investigates, how she slowly begins to trust, and how she gradually starts to accept her gift. Plenty of suspicious characters and red herrings keep readers on their toes.

Quirky characters in an unconventional museum pulled me in to this captivating mystery. I loved this series debut and I can't wait to return to the Banditt Museum!

[Kora Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Stone Cold Murder by Kris Bock isn’t just a murder mystery—it’s a haunting, immersive experience that blends the supernatural with raw human emotion. As someone who adores crime fiction with a twist, this book grabbed me from the first page and refused to let go.

Petra, our reluctant psychic protagonist, is a revelation. Her ability to sense emotions and histories from objects (psychometry) isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a curse she’s spent her life running from. And now, as she steps into her new job at the Banditt Museum, she stumbles upon a murder weapon that screams violence. The way Bock writes Petra’s internal struggle—her exhaustion from sensory overload, her fear of being exposed as a ""freak,"" her desperate need for solitude—felt so real. I’ve never related to a character’s isolation more.

And the murder mystery? Chilling. The idea that a man’s death was staged as a heart attack, but Petra knows he was bludgeoned with a fluorite crystal? The tension is palpable. Every interaction Petra has—with the overly friendly Kit, the enigmatic Liberty, the bubbly Haven—feels loaded with suspicion. Who can she trust? Who else knows the truth?

[Nahla Wilkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Stone Cold Murder is exactly the kind of book I crave—tightly plotted, emotionally rich, and impossible to put down. Kris Bock blends murder, mystery, and psychic suspense seamlessly, and I’m obsessed.

Petra is such a compelling lead. Her psychometry isn’t just a plot device—it’s a curse that’s shaped her entire life. The way she flinches at touch, the way she calculates every interaction to avoid revealing her secret… It’s heart-wrenching. And her journey from isolation to finally letting people in? Perfection.

The murder mystery is fantastic. The idea that a museum curator was killed with a rock (how chillingly ironic) and that Petra is the only one who knows? Genius. The slow unraveling of Reggie’s secrets—his disturbing laptop, his missing keys, the wanted criminal lurking in the museum—had me hooked. And the small-town setting? So atmospheric. The Banditt Museum feels like a character itself, full of hidden corners and whispered history.

What got me was how human this story is. Petra’s fear of connection, her reluctant friendships, her need to do the right thing even when it terrifies her… It’s so relatable. And that ending? I need the next book yesterday.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Stone Cold Murder is the first book in what I hope will be a new long running cozy mystery series by Kris Bock. The socially awkward, animal-loving sleuth wanted just to be normal. Touching a physical object causes geologist Petra Cloch to sense the emotional past of the person who had held or used it. As you can imagine this made her early life difficult in more ways than one. Rocks were an exception to that rule until moving to work at a small New Mexico museum.

This story has a slower beginning as the reader needed to settle into the new town with all new characters along with Petra. Like her I wasn’t sure if any of the museum staff were capable of murder in the beginning. By the end the guilty are caught with a surprise villain among them. Leave it to Kris Bock to have some unusual twists in the story but to also give a clue or two to those readers observe enough to catch them. Best of all Petra finds a place to belong as well as a place this reader wants to visit again soon. A Stone Cold Murder, Reluctantly Psychic Murder Mystery Book 1, is one great start to the new series by this unique top-notch writer.
4.5 Stars

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 in the Reluctantly Psychic Murder series. It was a good beginning, introducing some interesting characters and an unusual setting and profession. Looking forward to book 2. I enjoy Kris Bocks other series also. Geologist Petra Cloch can touch an object and sense the emotions of the people who’ve held it. It’s a miserable way to live. She studied rocks because they rarely ‘talk’ to her and she’s dodged friendships so she won’t need to explain her gift or feel like a voyeur. But when she takes a job as the rock and mineral curator at an unusual western history museum and picks up a jagged crystal in her new office, flashes of rage, fear and death hit hard.
Everyone says her predecessor died in a car crash, but what if he was murdered? Under normal circumstances, Petra would never become involved, but what if the previous curator died because of something he did on the job? She could be next. Petra knows she’ll need evidence, not her psychic sense she hides. Can she trust her chatty colleagues who invite her to lunch and to join a book club? And what about the far too watchful Sheriff who keeps showing up unexpectedly…

[Lexie Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while, a book comes along that is so profound, so beautifully written, that it demands to be shared. This is one of those books. The author masterfully intertwines emotions, experiences, and life lessons in a way that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable. From the first page to the last, I was captivated by the honesty and depth of the characters.

Each chapter unfolded like a perfectly crafted scene, drawing me in deeper and deeper. The highs and lows, the joys and heartbreaks, all felt incredibly real. The way the author brings even the smallest moments to life with vivid descriptions and layered emotions is truly a testament to their writing talent.

This isn’t just a book—it’s an emotional journey that will make you see life differently. It’s a story that reminds us of our own vulnerabilities, our own dreams, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward. A brilliant, breathtaking read that will leave you forever changed, urging you to pick it up again just to relive its magic.

[Sarah Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The depiction of the small-town environment is so vivid that I could almost sense the dust in the museum and feel the heat of the desert. The mystery itself is exceptionally well-crafted. Petra’s investigation into Reggie’s death—through her visions, the objects she encounters, and the murmurs of the town—is executed with great skill. The moment she discovers the laptop concealed above the refrigerator had me on the edge of my seat.

However, what truly resonated with me was Petra’s emotional journey. Her anxiety about being discovered, her cautious approach to forming friendships, and her affection for her pets (the cats! the ferrets! my heart!) made her character incredibly relatable. I found myself laughing, gasping, and perhaps shedding a tear or two.

Kris Bock, you have created a novel that is both heartwarming and suspenseful. For those who appreciate mysteries that offer depth, a distinctive supernatural element, and a protagonist to cherish, A Stone Cold Murder is an essential read. Well done!

[Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some books you simply read, while others seem to peer into your soul. This one falls firmly into the latter category. From the opening sentence, I was captivated, the words leaping from the page and drawing me into a realm that felt both foreign and deeply familiar.

The author’s skill in conveying raw, unvarnished emotion is nothing less than astonishing. Each scene, conversation, and passing character thought acted like a mirror, reflecting pieces of my own journey. At times, I had to pause, setting the book aside to absorb the profound weight of what I’d just encountered.

More than just a narrative, this book showcases the transformative power of language. It reminds us that our struggles don’t isolate us, that light can pierce even the bleakest moments, and that life—chaotic as it may be—holds an exquisite beauty.

If you’re on the fence about picking this up: take the plunge. You’ll find yourself laughing, shedding tears, and, above all, emerging from the experience forever altered.

[Carlo Canna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not merely a book to be read—it is an emotional odyssey that etches itself into the very fabric of your being. The author’s masterful craftsmanship in interlacing the raw intricacies of human existence into the narrative is a stroke of brilliance, transforming each page into a mirror of life’s most profound truths.

Every chapter unfolds like an intimate dialogue with a confidant, brimming with warmth, familiarity, and vulnerability. The narrative invites readers to confront their own reflections—echoes of their fears, quiet triumphs, and unspoken aspirations—rendered with such clarity that the line between fiction and reality blurs. The dialogue is nuanced and authentic, while the prose flows with a quiet intensity, making it irresistibly compelling.

Beyond storytelling, this work is a meditation on life itself. It is an elegant exhortation to cherish imperfection, to love with abandon, and to uncover grace in the mundane. The book’s power lies in its quiet revelations, urging readers to pause and recognize the poetry hidden in everyday moments.

[Anna Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I genuinely did enjoy this book! My first read by this author.

Thank you to book sirens and the author for the advanced copy for my review!

I was expecting there to be more in the way of “paranormal” when selected, as that was a category highlighted for me, and I can see to someone that would not want any part of the category would see the flag, but it just did hit that mark for me. I wanted more from that aspect.

The slow burn was so necessary but it was infuriating all in one. It told the story perfectly and I’m glad the author chose this was of telling the story, without a whole bunch of other twists to sidetrack you. This was a great way to introduce Petra and her powers as well as her coworkers at the museum. I hope to see more of them.

The twist was a bit predictable and I think that might be my only other complaint. It played out well and the author told the story well. I was hooked and still found it necessary to finish the book to figure out the end just to make sure :)

[Denise Schenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geologist Petra Cloch has moved to a new town for a job at a museum. Petra can touch an object and know things about the person. When cleaning up her new office she picks up a rock and sees a murder has taken place recently using the rock. Her predecessor died in a wreck due to heart attack; but now she is wondering if it was a murder instead. Petra has always had a problem letting people get close to her since she doesn't want them to know of her talent. She goes to the sheriff when she finds a laptop that belong to the dead man and starts asking him questions about the car wreck. She really doesn't know who to trust since she is new in town.
There are a lot of good characters in this book and the twist and turns of what is involved in the death of someone in her office. Looking forward to more of this murder mystery series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[ROSELLE FRAYE · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a masterpiece—not because of an elaborate plot or grand twists, but because of its sheer honesty. It is a love letter to the messiness of life, to the beauty found in imperfection, and to the resilience of the human heart.

What makes this book truly special is how it doesn’t sugarcoat reality. It acknowledges pain without glorifying it, celebrates happiness without making it feel fleeting, and portrays relationships in their most raw, imperfect, yet beautiful form. The writing is stunning, filled with poetic grace and an undeniable warmth that makes you feel safe within its pages.

Reading this book felt like a deep conversation with a wise old soul—one that makes you rethink your priorities, appreciate the people around you, and embrace life with all its unpredictability.

To the author: thank you for this gift. To the readers: you’re about to embark on an unforgettable journey.

[Julian White · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC - on Kobo (EPub 2 DRM-Free) 211 pages (Free review copy via BookSirens)

An intriguing concept here - Petra (great name for a geologist!) has psychometry as her talent (gift/curse): she can feel emotions about people from objects they have touched. As such she prefers to handle rocks (which don't have emotions) and has a limited social life. A move to a small rural museum as resident geologist seems ideal - but on her first day she experiences a violent emotion from one of the rock samples in her new office. That leads to an investigation that allows her to use her talent while finding her way around her new environment.

A low-key series opener but with a number of twists along the way that aren't all that obvious. We learn a lot about Petra as she finds her way round the new location - and it is good that she seems able to break out of her protective isolation (with her animals as company).

I enjoyed this book - not entirely sure if I'll follow up on further books if this continues as a series.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book, I have a whole new respect for people with paranormal abilities. Petra has psychometry, the ability to receive visions from articles belonging to a person. She had a rough childhood. She had parents who resented her gift going so far as to send her to live with her grandmother so they did not have to worry about what she might see. Then in school, people were her friend for all kinds of reasons. Soot was no wonder she had trust issues with people. I cannot imagine the horror she must have went through when she touched the rock and saw such awful visions. Her distrust of people only created more confusion because she felt people were only trying to find out things rather than help her find out who had been killed. The way the author described Petra’s thought process was so interesting. I could understand her thought process as she began to unravel the mystery. I will gladly read more of this series.

[Cade Mcneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I approached this book with the anticipation of an engaging supernatural mystery, but instead, I encountered a profound and deeply personal exploration of self-acceptance. Petra, endowed with her psychometric gift, is not merely investigating a crime; she is also delving into her own identity.

The author’s portrayal of Petra’s isolation resonated with me profoundly. Haven’t we all experienced moments of feeling like outsiders, weighed down by burdens that only we comprehend? The story's tension extends beyond the mineral sample and the looming crime; it centers on Petra’s struggle with her own reality. The writing is intimate, enveloping the reader like a soft confession, allowing one to feel every moment of uncertainty, every flicker of doubt, and every pang of yearning.

This novel transcends the mere act of solving a mystery; it is about discovering a sense of belonging within oneself. And that essence is what renders this book truly memorable.

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The curse of Petra's psychometric ability has taught her to live her life alone and avoid the intricacies of friendship. That is until she arrives at the small, quirky town of Bonneville.

When you're new to town and discover your predecessor may have been murdered everyone becomes a suspect. Trying to follow the clues gained via your ability is especially difficult when your life so far has left you somewhat socially inept.

It took me a couple of chapters to connect with Petra but then I was absolutely invested in finding out what happened. It was a delight reading about her making friends and realising she had found a place to call home.

A thoroughly enjoyable, fast paced mystery, intriguing plot twists and plenty of likeable, interesting characters. I'm off to download the rest of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.