Parks and Death: A Tegan Reese Mystery

by Shelly Nosbisch

Parks and Death is a cozy mystery that unfolds against the bluffs of the Missouri River in the northeast corner of Nebraska.

Tegan Reese, a resilient 27-year-old park ranger, is trying to leave the heartbreak of her past behind. Recently jilted at the altar by her ex-fiancé Ivan, Tegan finds solace working in the serene surroundings of Mallet State Park. But when she learns that Ivan has a new fiancée, the peaceful park becomes the setting for a mysterious death.

During a hayrack ride one evening, Tegan stumbles upon Ivan’s lifeless body near the park’s property line. The local sheriff, fueled by Tegan’s history with Ivan, deems her the prime suspect. Now Tegan must unravel the truth to clear her name before she becomes the next victim of a justice system that seems convinced of her guilt.

Amidst the bustle of the Hunter’s Moon Expo weekend, Tegan forms an uneasy alliance with Tracy, Ivan’s current fiancé. They are determined to unearth the real murderer and find justice for Ivan. Can they set aside their differences and work together to expose the secrets hidden within the park’s boundaries?

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2025

Reviews

[Cecilia Losee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the characters and I’m new to cozy mysteries. I find the reading light not in content but in spirit. The mystery without the gore. In this novel the murdered is someone who is desperate and his love takes him to a dark path. It is relatable.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fun mystery that has an interesting state park setting in Nebraska, as well as a hint of a love interest. The main character is very sympathetic, and I enjoyed how it avoided cliche by having her unite with the "other woman" to solve the mystery. I look forward to further volumes in the series!

[Melanie Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery set in small town Nebraska. Great story.

[Chris Poore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm new to the cozy mystery genre, and I picked up Parks and Death on the recommendation from a friend. Tegan Reese is a jilted lover who finds herself at the center of a murder investigation after her ex-fiancée is found dead. With a Nebraska state park playing a strong supporting character, the park ranger must investigate her way through a cast of potential suspects if she is going to save herself. The book twists and turns, as any good mystery must, and the conclusion was satisfying and kept me guessing right up to the very end. Shelly Nosbisch has delivered a great debut novel and strong female protagonist. I look forward to reading more from her.

[Mark Greenwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good cozy! Multiple well written "real" characters with enough wackiness without going overboard. The storyline was expertly developed with appropriate cliffhangers to keep the reader going. Tegan is a protagonist with brains and a heart. She's so believable! The setting and other characters are woven together with very careful thought. Cannot wait for the next book in the series.

[J. Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreak. Uneasy alliances. Miles and miles of trees. And murder. Loved this!!!!!!

[Deb Spackler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down . I loved it

[Marta Kolosso · Rating 5 out of 5]

cozy mystery escape that entertains.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good mystery book!! Had a few twists I didn’t see coming that kept me up late at night to finish!!