Networking Nightmare

by Craig W. Turner

Eli Ramsey has a knack for solving problems – just not murders. The semi-successful private investigator is used to chasing workers’ comp fraud and philandering spouses, not navigating small-town politics at the West Sparta Chamber of Commerce. Eli’s a good chamber member, but he prefers to keep a low profile - until a young attorney with a reputation for loose lips seeks him out at a crowded networking event, urgently requesting a meeting. Red flags are hushed whispers, curious glances, and blatant warnings to steer clear. Which only makes Eli want to know more. But before he can learn what’s so important, the attorney turns up dead.

Recruited by the chamber to help unravel the mystery, Eli is pulled into an array of personal agendas – some as out-of-touch as he is. From trading business cards with suspects to a tangled web of Pittsburgh political posturing and social maneuvering that even the community’s best gossips never saw coming, Eli must rely on instincts, charm and sheer luck to uncover the truth. With zero experience investigating murder, and an uncanny propensity for finding his way into awkward situations, Eli’s journey is as baffling as it is rewarding.

346 pages, Paperback

Published March 17, 2025

About the author

Craig W. Turner is the author of ten (10) books, including his political thrillers, the THE CAMPaiGN and THE KINGMAKER, and his non-fiction books on running effective local political campaigns. With more than 25 years’ experience in media, PR, economic development, campaign management and government relations, his newest novel, THE INFAMOUS JERSEY SHORE PICKPOCKET RING OF 1979 pulls directly from his experiences in recognition that often real life can be even more interesting than fiction.

Craig is founder and president of Momentum Public Affairs, a public relations and marketing firm headquartered in Western New York. A veteran political consultant, Craig also founded The Campaign Coach, a national campaign management and training program for first-time local candidates, in 2015.

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely! Eli Ramsey, the main character and sole owner and operater of a private investigative service, is called into action to look into the death of what most people are considering a shady character. The Chamber of Commerce in W. Sparta (Pittsburgh) is very invested in this death as they are afraid it will affect their operations. I loved Eli, who admits he's not a great investigator and certainly not experienced in murder situations. He has this quirky and rather endearing additction to self help business books and I found myself wanting to read them as well, even though that is one genre I avoid like the plague.

However, there are way too many characters and the plot gets confusing at times. I think this story could be tightened up quite a bit with a slightly smaller crew and the story wouldn't suffer at all. That said, I am anxiously awaiting the next installment of this series.

This ARC was provided by BookSirens and the publisher; the opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.

[Greg Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craig Turner delivers! I’m a voracious reader, especially since a colleague gifted me a Kindle years back. While I steer clear of most business books (they tend to be more chore than charm), I’ve got a soft spot for murder mysteries—especially those laced with wit and written with a wink. Think British authors like Rhys Dylan and Jack Cartwright.

So I downloaded Networking Nightmare out of curiosity—and was genuinely entertained. The Chamber backdrop hit close to home (I attend and speak at plenty of industry networking events), the plot moved, the characters rang true, and the tone had just enough playfulness to make the darker moments land. Well done. Looking forward to Book Two—hoping Eli Ramsey returns (a character worth rooting for)!

[Kathryn Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chamber of commerce might seem an unlikely setting for a twisty murder plot, but this actually worked really well although I wasn't sure what to expect at first.

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

Chamber of Commerce membership is compulsory here in Austria, so the dynamic is slightly different, but the same kinds of characters are still to be found…& that made me chuckle a few times even in the midst of an investigation.

I think this could be a great series, as I like the premise of a PI in the CofC - got to see how the storylines will unfold and whether the plots get "too clever" or not though

[Lynseygibs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to BookSirens, publishers, and author for an ARC of Networking NightmareThe Chamber of Commerce Mysteries: Book 1.

I didn't love this book, unfortunately. I found it to be slightly longer than needed, too many characters, and several of the characters had similar sounding names. This confused me, and I lost track of the plot more than once.

[Susanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining. A PI who admits he's not very good at his business, a Chamber of Commerce where everyone lies or has something to hide, and politicians who'll stop at nothing to gain an advantage over their opponents. Welcome to suburban Pittsburgh!

I received a free advance review copy, and I'm glad I had a chance to read this first-in-series by an author who's new to me.

[Kathy Pfister · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am very active in the local Chamber of Commerce. I have met and spoken to the author many times and the title, Networking Nightmare was intriguing to me. Great story line and many asides about how walking into a networking event can feel awkward. I highly recommend, it’s an enjoyable read!