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Yoga Mat Mysteries
Dead Man's Pose: Yoga Mat Mysteries
Dead Man’s Pose is a tension-reliever in yoga. Not this time!
A spirited yoga teacher teams up with a dark horse partner (determined to right wrongs); and together they seek closure on the sudden and mysterious death of a friend.
Throw in a cast of quirky characters that includes a savvy outback detective, an eccentric academic, a highly observant (but sight-challenged) witness, an exotic hairdresser, a Falstaffian nomad, crooked officials, and some assorted mob thugs.
Add some heat between the investigators, plus Ric’s wry humour and Elaina’s smart dialogue, while they both tumble into chase scenes to avoid sharks, cruise through a darkened saloon and conduct late-night spying on a ‘high roller’ that floats.
Combine that with word pictures of Sydney, one of the world’s most picturesque cities (which also has sleazy backstreets and a gummy web of intrigue), and you have the cocktail mix of Dead Man’s Pose .
It’s a jigger of Agatha Christie’s compelling plotline; adding two parts of Cherringham Murder Mysteries; shake in the backdrop of Sydney, Australia which acts as another character and garnish with the mood and tempo of a Michael Connelly’s clue-packed charge. Dead Man’s Pose has all the classic hallmarks of a whodunit genre…but presented as a gin fizz romantic mystery with extra fizz.
Your Dead Man’s Pose audiobook is just a click away. Hungry for more? Dead Man’s Pose is first in the Yoga Mat Mysteries’ line-up. Second in the series (now online) is Cobra Pose . Next will be Tree Pose !
A spirited yoga teacher teams up with a dark horse partner (determined to right wrongs); and together they seek closure on the sudden and mysterious death of a friend.
Throw in a cast of quirky characters that includes a savvy outback detective, an eccentric academic, a highly observant (but sight-challenged) witness, an exotic hairdresser, a Falstaffian nomad, crooked officials, and some assorted mob thugs.
Add some heat between the investigators, plus Ric’s wry humour and Elaina’s smart dialogue, while they both tumble into chase scenes to avoid sharks, cruise through a darkened saloon and conduct late-night spying on a ‘high roller’ that floats.
Combine that with word pictures of Sydney, one of the world’s most picturesque cities (which also has sleazy backstreets and a gummy web of intrigue), and you have the cocktail mix of Dead Man’s Pose .
It’s a jigger of Agatha Christie’s compelling plotline; adding two parts of Cherringham Murder Mysteries; shake in the backdrop of Sydney, Australia which acts as another character and garnish with the mood and tempo of a Michael Connelly’s clue-packed charge. Dead Man’s Pose has all the classic hallmarks of a whodunit genre…but presented as a gin fizz romantic mystery with extra fizz.
Your Dead Man’s Pose audiobook is just a click away. Hungry for more? Dead Man’s Pose is first in the Yoga Mat Mysteries’ line-up. Second in the series (now online) is Cobra Pose . Next will be Tree Pose !
Audible Audio
First published April 18, 2023
33 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Susan Rogers
4 books8 followersSusan Rogers was a writer at age six, but as an adult, she became a commissioned naval officer. She conducted sting operations, ran extensive weapons training programs, and restored a Presidential yacht. In between, she wrote several books and managed safety operations in Abu Dhabi and the South Pacific. Susan can write braced against a sailboat’s cabin, crossing the Middle East’s empty quarter in a Mini, or in a troop carrier in Australia’s outback.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 2, 2022
A sudden death during yoga class spurs Elaina and Ric on a quest for the truth. Yoga teacher Elaina lives a calm life but that changes when she discovers one of her students, Mario, died during class. She cannot fathom who would want to hurt Mario, much less kill him. Teaming up with Ric, another of her students, they stumble upon clues that only lead to more questions. Mario was hip-deep in the criminal underworld and there are those who are desperate to keep Elaina and Ric quiet. Roving through the dark streets of Sydney, Elaina and Ric place themselves in danger, the kind that could lead to an early grave. Can they catch the killer before they become the next victims, or will they too leave the mortal coil in the dead man’s pose?
Dead Man’s Pose is a cozy mystery that’ll whisk you to Australia and stretch your imagination. I love a good cozy mystery to sink my teeth into, especially one that’s set in an exotic locale. This book is set in Australia, and I got to experience an Aussie vacation while reading. The descriptive narration is lush with its intricate knowledge of Sydney right down to the best coffee shops and the slang. The deep POV allows the reader to become a part of the story. The plot moves at a steady pace with plenty of twists and turns along the way. I connected with both Elaina and Ric while trying to solve the mystery before they did. There’s a full cast of characters to interact with which added such depth to the overall story. The yoga vernacular is 100% accurate and I liked the interesting way the authors used yoga throughout the book. If I were to sum up Dead Man’s Pose, it’s a mash-up of classic noir with cozy mystery in the heart of Australia. Brilliant and original, I can’t wait to read more from this brand-new series. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it. My thoughts are all my own.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Dead Man’s Pose is a cozy mystery that’ll whisk you to Australia and stretch your imagination. I love a good cozy mystery to sink my teeth into, especially one that’s set in an exotic locale. This book is set in Australia, and I got to experience an Aussie vacation while reading. The descriptive narration is lush with its intricate knowledge of Sydney right down to the best coffee shops and the slang. The deep POV allows the reader to become a part of the story. The plot moves at a steady pace with plenty of twists and turns along the way. I connected with both Elaina and Ric while trying to solve the mystery before they did. There’s a full cast of characters to interact with which added such depth to the overall story. The yoga vernacular is 100% accurate and I liked the interesting way the authors used yoga throughout the book. If I were to sum up Dead Man’s Pose, it’s a mash-up of classic noir with cozy mystery in the heart of Australia. Brilliant and original, I can’t wait to read more from this brand-new series. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it. My thoughts are all my own.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
August 5, 2023
"Nerdection Must Read"
In a world where hundreds to thousands of mystery books exist, it takes something exceptional to tip a story over the ledge into critical acclaim. Hand on my heart, I can honestly say I’ve never encountered a mystery book with this theme. “Yoga Mat Mysteries” snaps up a reader’s attention instantaneously. Curiosity immediately takes over when reading the title of the book and the series it belongs to. Marketing carries weight these days and an excellent way of drawing in publishers and readers would be through the invention of something completely original. Just as Susan and John have done.
If they haven’t been alerted already, someone needs to sic the New South Wales tourism board on this book. It could easily be classified as promotional material for the premier state. As a foreigner residing over ten thousand kilometers away, I got a first class guided tour, complete with historical commentary on several locations within the state. Quaint coffee shops, world class beaches, verdant hideaways and all. A connection has been sparked through the beautiful, descriptive writing in this book. Charming would be a word more closely associated with a smaller settlement, not a big city, but Susan and John’s writing has created an exception to this trend.
The composition of Sydney’s soul, everything it promises to be is represented by the inclusive and unique characters written by both authors. Race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and socio-economic background. You name it. From the first few minutes of the recording, the acknowledgment of Australia’s traditional custodians of the land, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples projects a consciousness which has historically been absent. It sets a foundational tone of respect before proceeding with the introduction of non-native characters. Australia’s status as a nation of immigrants is paid homage through the characters, and architecture, right down to the authentic cuisines served up during breakfasts out and homemade dinners. Their personalities are as varied as they would be in real life. Each character is briefly introduced before their contribution to the plot in a very natural manner. We gain insights into their likes, dislikes, quirks and ticks, and form a bond with them because of this.
In a world where hundreds to thousands of mystery books exist, it takes something exceptional to tip a story over the ledge into critical acclaim. Hand on my heart, I can honestly say I’ve never encountered a mystery book with this theme. “Yoga Mat Mysteries” snaps up a reader’s attention instantaneously. Curiosity immediately takes over when reading the title of the book and the series it belongs to. Marketing carries weight these days and an excellent way of drawing in publishers and readers would be through the invention of something completely original. Just as Susan and John have done.
If they haven’t been alerted already, someone needs to sic the New South Wales tourism board on this book. It could easily be classified as promotional material for the premier state. As a foreigner residing over ten thousand kilometers away, I got a first class guided tour, complete with historical commentary on several locations within the state. Quaint coffee shops, world class beaches, verdant hideaways and all. A connection has been sparked through the beautiful, descriptive writing in this book. Charming would be a word more closely associated with a smaller settlement, not a big city, but Susan and John’s writing has created an exception to this trend.
The composition of Sydney’s soul, everything it promises to be is represented by the inclusive and unique characters written by both authors. Race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and socio-economic background. You name it. From the first few minutes of the recording, the acknowledgment of Australia’s traditional custodians of the land, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples projects a consciousness which has historically been absent. It sets a foundational tone of respect before proceeding with the introduction of non-native characters. Australia’s status as a nation of immigrants is paid homage through the characters, and architecture, right down to the authentic cuisines served up during breakfasts out and homemade dinners. Their personalities are as varied as they would be in real life. Each character is briefly introduced before their contribution to the plot in a very natural manner. We gain insights into their likes, dislikes, quirks and ticks, and form a bond with them because of this.
June 20, 2022
“Dead Man’s Pose” is the first installment of Susan Rogers’ and John Roosen’s new murder mystery series, Yoga Mat Mysteries. Elaina Williams is a popular yoga teacher who enjoys bringing peace and balance into peoples’ lives. One day, she is horrified to find one of her yoga students, Mario Vincente, dead after attending one of her sessions. It soon becomes apparent that Mario’s death was no accident, and Elaina is determined to find out the truth. Together with her attractive friend, Ric Peters, Elaina hopes to uncover the secrets behind Mario’s murder and bring the killers to justice.
If you enjoy quirky murder mysteries with a hint of romance, you’ll definitely want to read this book. I often found myself entertained by the odd personalities and variety of unique characters. They all have unusual characteristics or behaviors that make them easy to identify and fun to read about. One of my favorites was Professor Scott; his interactions with Ric and Elaina and his note board were pretty funny. I also enjoyed the brief introduction of a young hacker near the end of the story. As for Ric and Elaina, they were a great duo. There was just enough flirtation to keep me invested in their emerging feelings for each other. I really liked that Ric is the perfect gentleman, and I enjoyed how he protected Elaina and took care of her, sacrificing his own comfort for hers. Elaina possesses a strong mind, which I really liked as well. She knows exactly what she wants and Ric is there to guide and support her perfectly.
The locations featured in the book should keep people who love boats, tropical atmospheres, lavish parties, and James Bond style espionage entertained. I don’t know a whole lot about Australia, but I never felt like I didn’t know where I was in the story or couldn’t relate to it. I really liked how they mentioned songs playing in certain places to depict the atmosphere, and I enjoyed the witty banter between the characters and being surprised by all the strange personalities. I also liked the way native birds and nature scenes were described; it made me feel like I was actually there.
There’s really nothing for me to take issue with in this book. The mystery unfolds with plenty of revelations and surprises. I will say there wasn’t a whole lot of action or imminent danger except in a few places, which might be the only detraction from the story as a whole. Most of the book involved sleuthing and undercover operations, which is more character based, and not a complaint from me, but it might be for others who enjoy this genre more for the suspense than the character development.
Ric and Elaina are a great power couple that are equally likable and balance each other well. It was especially fun to see their relationship slowly develop as their feelings grew. The content is also pretty clean with nothing offensive or too graphic to report. I probably wouldn’t recommend this book to people who like more gritty, action-oriented stories, but if meeting eccentric characters and getting swept up in exotic atmospheres appeals to you, you should give this series a try.
If you enjoy quirky murder mysteries with a hint of romance, you’ll definitely want to read this book. I often found myself entertained by the odd personalities and variety of unique characters. They all have unusual characteristics or behaviors that make them easy to identify and fun to read about. One of my favorites was Professor Scott; his interactions with Ric and Elaina and his note board were pretty funny. I also enjoyed the brief introduction of a young hacker near the end of the story. As for Ric and Elaina, they were a great duo. There was just enough flirtation to keep me invested in their emerging feelings for each other. I really liked that Ric is the perfect gentleman, and I enjoyed how he protected Elaina and took care of her, sacrificing his own comfort for hers. Elaina possesses a strong mind, which I really liked as well. She knows exactly what she wants and Ric is there to guide and support her perfectly.
The locations featured in the book should keep people who love boats, tropical atmospheres, lavish parties, and James Bond style espionage entertained. I don’t know a whole lot about Australia, but I never felt like I didn’t know where I was in the story or couldn’t relate to it. I really liked how they mentioned songs playing in certain places to depict the atmosphere, and I enjoyed the witty banter between the characters and being surprised by all the strange personalities. I also liked the way native birds and nature scenes were described; it made me feel like I was actually there.
There’s really nothing for me to take issue with in this book. The mystery unfolds with plenty of revelations and surprises. I will say there wasn’t a whole lot of action or imminent danger except in a few places, which might be the only detraction from the story as a whole. Most of the book involved sleuthing and undercover operations, which is more character based, and not a complaint from me, but it might be for others who enjoy this genre more for the suspense than the character development.
Ric and Elaina are a great power couple that are equally likable and balance each other well. It was especially fun to see their relationship slowly develop as their feelings grew. The content is also pretty clean with nothing offensive or too graphic to report. I probably wouldn’t recommend this book to people who like more gritty, action-oriented stories, but if meeting eccentric characters and getting swept up in exotic atmospheres appeals to you, you should give this series a try.
May 26, 2022
Mario went to yoga class like any other day. He definitely didn’t leave in better shape than when he arrived. Mario, as it turns out, left in a body bag. Elaina’s yoga class was certainly not the place anyone expected to find a dead body. Shortly after Mario’s fateful visit, things begin to take an even more frightening turn for Elaina. She needs answers, and she wants them quickly. When she makes up her mind, very little stands in her way. With more than a little help from a friend, Elaina sets out to solve the mystery and get her life back in order.
Dead Man’s Pose, by Susan Rogers and John Roosen, is a fantastic mystery filled with rich characters and the perfect mix of action and suspense. Set in Australia, the culture is evident and much of the dialogue includes terms and phrases specific to the setting. I enjoyed the premise of the story immensely. Rogers and Roosen have created a truly unique series of books centered around yoga studios. The Yoga Mat Mysteries are appealing on many levels.
Main characters Elaina and Ric are the perfect team. From the moment they start their mission to solve Mario’s murder, their chemistry is ideal. I enjoyed the exchanges between the two. They give readers a really wonderful pair to watch throughout the story. Rogers and Roosen provide readers with a great mix of dialogue and narrative. I am easily turned off by books that have an inordinate amount of dialogue or far too much narration. The authors have made Dead Man’s Pose a true pleasure to read with fast-paced exchanges within a great dynamic.
The whole yoga studio backdrop is actually kind of amazing to me. It provides a wonderful sense of peace and calm compared to the chaos around the main characters. I found myself breathing a sigh of relief when everything circled back to this place of zen. This is a truly unique background for a book in the mystery genre.
I highly recommend this installment of the Yoga Mat Mysteries to any readers looking for a new author to explore. I am a big fan of Agatha Christie’s work and voraciously read any mystery set outside the US, so I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Elaina and Ric and look forward to more books in this series.
Dead Man’s Pose, by Susan Rogers and John Roosen, is a fantastic mystery filled with rich characters and the perfect mix of action and suspense. Set in Australia, the culture is evident and much of the dialogue includes terms and phrases specific to the setting. I enjoyed the premise of the story immensely. Rogers and Roosen have created a truly unique series of books centered around yoga studios. The Yoga Mat Mysteries are appealing on many levels.
Main characters Elaina and Ric are the perfect team. From the moment they start their mission to solve Mario’s murder, their chemistry is ideal. I enjoyed the exchanges between the two. They give readers a really wonderful pair to watch throughout the story. Rogers and Roosen provide readers with a great mix of dialogue and narrative. I am easily turned off by books that have an inordinate amount of dialogue or far too much narration. The authors have made Dead Man’s Pose a true pleasure to read with fast-paced exchanges within a great dynamic.
The whole yoga studio backdrop is actually kind of amazing to me. It provides a wonderful sense of peace and calm compared to the chaos around the main characters. I found myself breathing a sigh of relief when everything circled back to this place of zen. This is a truly unique background for a book in the mystery genre.
I highly recommend this installment of the Yoga Mat Mysteries to any readers looking for a new author to explore. I am a big fan of Agatha Christie’s work and voraciously read any mystery set outside the US, so I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Elaina and Ric and look forward to more books in this series.
August 16, 2023
Dead Man’s Pose is the first book in the Yoga Mat Mysteries by Susan Rogers and John Roosen. Elaina Williams, a dedicated yoga instructor with her own studio, is distraught when her favorite student, Mario Vicente, succumbs to the “dead man’s pose” during a yoga class. Things get stranger when someone breaks into her apartment and trails her. After teaming up with another yoga student, the handsome and mysterious Ric Peters, Elaina learns that Mario had secret criminal dealings. Elaina rushes to find out what happened to Mario, placing Ric and herself in dangerous situations.
Susan Rogers and John Roosen have delivered a suspenseful mystery that hits all the marks and gives readers a good balance of narration and dialogue. Readers will have an in-depth look at Sydney, Australia, learning so much about the city that they could find the best coffee shop and historical sites while on vacation there. The immersive language places readers right in the action, and the extensive descriptions paint a vivid picture of the scenery that may seem exotic to most readers. Ric and Elaina’s romance is a slow burn, and Ric is chivalrous. At first, I was concerned about Elaina’s character, but she turned out to be a strong female lead. Ric’s list of contacts is extensive and varied, and the character list is richly diverse and expertly detailed, even down to their quirks. Dead Man’s Pose is a great selection for readers who enjoy mysteries with a hint of romance that are set in foreign locales.
Rupert Degas has the distinct vocal range expected of a man who has narrated over three hundred audiobooks and voiced popular characters in children’s shows. I’ve not heard many male narrators with such a deep voice who can establish the proper pitch for a woman’s speech without overdoing it, but he expertly handled switches in gender. Degas’s pacing was appropriate, and his accent and even intonation gave the novel a movie-like quality readers can appreciate. With perfectly even sound and delivery from G-EMS PTY LTD, PS LLC, readers will have smooth transitions between sections and no background interference as they enjoy Dead Man’s Pose.
Susan Rogers and John Roosen have delivered a suspenseful mystery that hits all the marks and gives readers a good balance of narration and dialogue. Readers will have an in-depth look at Sydney, Australia, learning so much about the city that they could find the best coffee shop and historical sites while on vacation there. The immersive language places readers right in the action, and the extensive descriptions paint a vivid picture of the scenery that may seem exotic to most readers. Ric and Elaina’s romance is a slow burn, and Ric is chivalrous. At first, I was concerned about Elaina’s character, but she turned out to be a strong female lead. Ric’s list of contacts is extensive and varied, and the character list is richly diverse and expertly detailed, even down to their quirks. Dead Man’s Pose is a great selection for readers who enjoy mysteries with a hint of romance that are set in foreign locales.
Rupert Degas has the distinct vocal range expected of a man who has narrated over three hundred audiobooks and voiced popular characters in children’s shows. I’ve not heard many male narrators with such a deep voice who can establish the proper pitch for a woman’s speech without overdoing it, but he expertly handled switches in gender. Degas’s pacing was appropriate, and his accent and even intonation gave the novel a movie-like quality readers can appreciate. With perfectly even sound and delivery from G-EMS PTY LTD, PS LLC, readers will have smooth transitions between sections and no background interference as they enjoy Dead Man’s Pose.
June 6, 2023
Dead Man’s Pose is an internationally award-winning and absolutely terrific Crime Noir story, superbly written with talent, wit, and humor by Susan Rogers and John Roosen. This is the first book in the Yoga Mat Mysteries series, and I can happily report that I loved every minute spent with it.
In Dead Man’s Pose we follow a spirited yoga teacher who teams up with a dark horse operator to investigate and find closure on the sudden and mysterious death of a friend. But, as it always happens in such books, and in real life, they step into a dangerous world filled with unexpected situations.
The writing is excellent, the story is captivating, and the characters are colorful, three-dimensional, real, and alive.
I especially love the vividness with which Sydney, one of the world’s most picturesque and exotic cities, is described. While listening to this extremely entertaining audiobook, I felt like I was there, seeing the action unraveling in front of my eyes, walking the streets, running away from bad guys, meeting the characters, and vicariously taking part in their adventures.
Internationally acclaimed narrator Rupert Degas, who has recorded over 400 audiobooks to date, does a wonderful job with his performance of Dead Man’s Pose. Also being British, his residence in Sydney makes him the perfect narrator for this riveting adventure, because he really sounds like a native.
Mr. Degas reads in a pleasantly mellow but deep voice, perfectly suited for this type of immersive storytelling. With his wide vocal range, he manages to successfully bring to life all the characters in the book with multiple accents and personality types.
This review was supposed to be written much later, but as I was drawn to Dead Man’s Pose I thought possible, I decided to give in and finish it as my curiosity got the better of me.
So, if you like well-written Crime Noir thrillers that have also been recognized with international awards, I highly recommend checking out Dead Man’s Pose and keeping an eye out for new releases in this extremely promising series.
In Dead Man’s Pose we follow a spirited yoga teacher who teams up with a dark horse operator to investigate and find closure on the sudden and mysterious death of a friend. But, as it always happens in such books, and in real life, they step into a dangerous world filled with unexpected situations.
The writing is excellent, the story is captivating, and the characters are colorful, three-dimensional, real, and alive.
I especially love the vividness with which Sydney, one of the world’s most picturesque and exotic cities, is described. While listening to this extremely entertaining audiobook, I felt like I was there, seeing the action unraveling in front of my eyes, walking the streets, running away from bad guys, meeting the characters, and vicariously taking part in their adventures.
Internationally acclaimed narrator Rupert Degas, who has recorded over 400 audiobooks to date, does a wonderful job with his performance of Dead Man’s Pose. Also being British, his residence in Sydney makes him the perfect narrator for this riveting adventure, because he really sounds like a native.
Mr. Degas reads in a pleasantly mellow but deep voice, perfectly suited for this type of immersive storytelling. With his wide vocal range, he manages to successfully bring to life all the characters in the book with multiple accents and personality types.
This review was supposed to be written much later, but as I was drawn to Dead Man’s Pose I thought possible, I decided to give in and finish it as my curiosity got the better of me.
So, if you like well-written Crime Noir thrillers that have also been recognized with international awards, I highly recommend checking out Dead Man’s Pose and keeping an eye out for new releases in this extremely promising series.
August 22, 2022
What a great start to a new series - I can't wait to see what the next book brings.
Initially set in Sydney, Australia, we meet Elaina, the owner of a yoga studio, and one of her students, Ric, as they quickly bond together to investigate the mysterious death of another of Elaina's students, Mario, during her class.
Several other events too close for comfort for Elaina find Ric and Elaina on a quest to discover Mario's seemingly dodgy past, in an endeavour to understand what has been going on which lead to Mario's death.
Their quest leads them north of Sydney suburbia, to the picturesque Central Coast of New South Wales. Being a Sydney local, I was thrilled with the author's ability to paid pictures with words - I could envision exactly where various events were taking place, such was the accuracy of the description given.
As we move further through the story, Ric's amazing supply of contacts continued to appear as their investigation continues - the characters through the book are many and varied and complement well the central characters and the storyline.
Definitely a page turner that keeps you enthralled to the final page - I hope we don't have to wait too long for the next instalment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Initially set in Sydney, Australia, we meet Elaina, the owner of a yoga studio, and one of her students, Ric, as they quickly bond together to investigate the mysterious death of another of Elaina's students, Mario, during her class.
Several other events too close for comfort for Elaina find Ric and Elaina on a quest to discover Mario's seemingly dodgy past, in an endeavour to understand what has been going on which lead to Mario's death.
Their quest leads them north of Sydney suburbia, to the picturesque Central Coast of New South Wales. Being a Sydney local, I was thrilled with the author's ability to paid pictures with words - I could envision exactly where various events were taking place, such was the accuracy of the description given.
As we move further through the story, Ric's amazing supply of contacts continued to appear as their investigation continues - the characters through the book are many and varied and complement well the central characters and the storyline.
Definitely a page turner that keeps you enthralled to the final page - I hope we don't have to wait too long for the next instalment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 17, 2022
Elaina owns the Yoga Boronia studio in Sydney, Australia, and holds yoga sessions outside on the grass. After one of her beginning yoga classes, Mario Vicente, a student for 10 months, is found dead on his mat, no cause of death apparent. Ric, another student in the class, responds to the death, and the police and paramedics are called. Elaina is distraught, because Mario asked to speak to her before the class, but she told him they’d talk over tea after the class. Ric and Elaina decide to try and figure what Mario was so desperate to tell her. When both her apartment and yoga studio are broken into and ransacked, she realizes that someone was looking for something, but obviously hadn’t found it. A very complex trail with plenty of twists and some personal danger ensue. It will keep you avidly reading until the finale! I received a free copy of this book from BookSirens and the author and write this review voluntarily.
August 6, 2022
Yoga Boronia studio in Sydney, Australia, is owned by Elaina Williams. Mario, one of her students, asks to speak to her about a matter after class. Alas, Mario "dies" during class. Elaina teams up with Ric Peters, a student and who happens to be somewhat "mysterious" in addition to being handsome to solve Mario's murder. Together, this duo travels into the seedy areas of Sydney trying to solve Mario's death.
This is the first book in the series by Susan Rogers and John Roosen. It is well written, fast paced, some humor, has a great cast of supporting characters and the location of Sydney. This is an entertaining book.
I look forward to reading more of Elaina and Ric.
Thank you to BookSirens for an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the first book in the series by Susan Rogers and John Roosen. It is well written, fast paced, some humor, has a great cast of supporting characters and the location of Sydney. This is an entertaining book.
I look forward to reading more of Elaina and Ric.
Thank you to BookSirens for an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 22, 2024
Set in Sydney, Australia with a well-detailed and immersive setting, this blend of cozy mystery and noir takes you on a suspenseful and dangerous journey as Elaina and Ric work to discover who murdered their friend Mario. As they delve into Mario's life, it becomes clear he's gotten himself mixed up with some dangerous people. And by investigating his past, Elaina and Ric are placing themselves in danger. The high stakes build intrigue and wonderful tension to keep you glued to the page. I also liked the distinctive cast of secondary characters whose expertise become useful along the way and provide some comedic relief and insight into the investigation. All in all, I highly recommend this book for fans of mystery and yoga.
April 10, 2024
The story is set in Sydney and the author’s have written lovely descriptions of some of the sites in the surrounding area. At an outdoor yoga class, a man is found to be dead after the final relaxation pose. The teacher Elaina Williams feels that she is entitled to know what happened, no matter the risk. Fortunately for her, she has a friend Ric, who has a circle of contacts each of whom has a superpower – not the comic book kind, but formidable powers of mind. The plot depends upon a quite unbelievable level of corruption and incompetence on the part of the Sydney police force.
March 11, 2025
AUDIO. 4 1/2 almost 5 stars. Mystery, murder, mayhem, hint of romance, hero who cooks, good story, intriguing plot, creative cast of characters -- all in the first book of a new series. Reader did a great job with this and caught both the action/tension and added to whole package. Why a 1/2 star off, I realize a first book in series has to introduce characters who play minor roles in this book, but who will be coming up in later books. It was a lot to sift thru. Ambiguity on some things are draw to Book 2.
September 1, 2022
I found this an enjoyable light read and full of quite quirky characters. It felt a bit cozy yet not all the time so I found it a different sort of read. I enjoyed the vivid way it brought Sydney to life and it brought back some good memories of my one and only visit.
I'm curious as to what the second book will involve.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'm curious as to what the second book will involve.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 3, 2025
Thrilling to the end.
An interesting view of Sydney and surrounding Australia, is the backdrop for a mild-mannered yoga teacher and her world-wide photographer as they hunt down the killers of another of her yoga students who never lived through his downward dog.
If I were to suggest one problem, it’s that the female lead is being cared for by the leading male. He was the one caring for her throughout the book.
An interesting view of Sydney and surrounding Australia, is the backdrop for a mild-mannered yoga teacher and her world-wide photographer as they hunt down the killers of another of her yoga students who never lived through his downward dog.
If I were to suggest one problem, it’s that the female lead is being cared for by the leading male. He was the one caring for her throughout the book.
December 20, 2025
Dead Man’s Pose is a fun, fast-paced cozy mystery with plenty of charm. The blend of suspense, humor, and romance works beautifully, and the Sydney setting feels vivid and alive. With quirky characters, clever dialogue, and a mystery that keeps you guessing, this is an entertaining read that delivers both intrigue and heart.
June 19, 2022
This was an interesting murder mystery with an engaging and different set up. I enjoyed the pacing of the book and how we got to see all the different characters and their thoughts.
Thank you NetGalley for this copy of "Dead Man's Pose".
Thank you NetGalley for this copy of "Dead Man's Pose".
May 19, 2022
This is the first book of a new series. This fast paced murder mystery kept my interest from start to finish. I am excited to read more in the series.
February 2, 2024
fast-paced thriller with good characters. Set in Australia. Foodie yoga people don't make too much sense to me, but you do you.
March 26, 2025
I liked it well enough to read the next one. Some of it was hard to take at face value.
May 3, 2025
This should also be called an action story. Unbelievable experiences in such a short time with key characters.
May 14, 2025
An amazing tale
The author has created an extensive and unique plot to go with an imaginative group of characters making this hard to put down
The author has created an extensive and unique plot to go with an imaginative group of characters making this hard to put down
July 7, 2025
DNF got to page 58 and really just didn’t care what happened to the victim or why
August 10, 2025
metaphor rich
November 18, 2025
Very fun listen. A man turns up dead on a yoga mat and Elena and Rick attempt to find out what happened and why as they wend their way around Sydney, Australia.
January 17, 2024
Needs more yoga. Well romanced food and locations. There were a lot of sleazy men commenting on women’s bodies that felt ick. Ric is a bit Michael Scarn (was this written by Michael Scott), the masculine “ideal” protecting the weepy woman who never really felt like a complex character.
Read
November 30, 2025Audio was hard for me to hear/understand at about the 4 th chapter.
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