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Sadie Sexton Hoochville Mystery #4
Dyes and Deadbeats
Trouble is blowing up all over Hoochville.
In the aftermath of the Founder’s Day parade explosion, weird things keep happening that parallel events in Deana Marie’s new unpublished whodunit. Coincidence? Sadie doesn’t think so. And when a body turns up in the storage shed at River Rats Tavern, all eyes are on Deana Marie as the source of all the shenanigans.
While Sadie’s focus is on finding Deana Marie’s manuscript copycat, most everyone else in town is too enamored with Hoochville’s new roller derby team, the Intoxiskaters, to even care. As Sadie’s investigation starts to heat up, suddenly the coach and some of the players of the newly formed team aren’t looking so innocent. But it appears Sadie’s going to have to jam her way through an entire roller derby team to find out the truth.
Can Sadie block the murderer’s game plan and whip up enough evidence to take the heat off Deana Marie and put the killer in the penalty box?
"Nothing beats small towns for good friends, good times, and secrets. You’ll get all of them in the Sadie Sexton Hoochville Mysteries. Come join the fun." ~ New York Times bestselling author, Jana DeLeon
“Sadie and her crew are hysterical, adventurous, and get into some crazy shenanigans... Fans of Jana DeLeon and Angie Fox will find this series as addictive as theirs. The southern references are comical, and the age range for the cast of characters make this likable for all generations. Can't wait for the next adventure!!!!” ~ Goodreads Reviewer
· Multi-generational cozy murder mystery
· Quirky Southern small-town shenanigans
· Ride-or-die female friendships
· Adorable pets and cozy crafts
Dyes and Deadbeats is a craft and hobby cozy mystery full of humor, friendship, beloved pets, and found family. Join Sadie Sexton as she takes over her grandmother’s yarn shop and reluctantly becomes an amateur sleuth, determined to defend her loved ones and neighbors against false murder charges in her small Southern hometown of Hoochville, Tennessee.
In the aftermath of the Founder’s Day parade explosion, weird things keep happening that parallel events in Deana Marie’s new unpublished whodunit. Coincidence? Sadie doesn’t think so. And when a body turns up in the storage shed at River Rats Tavern, all eyes are on Deana Marie as the source of all the shenanigans.
While Sadie’s focus is on finding Deana Marie’s manuscript copycat, most everyone else in town is too enamored with Hoochville’s new roller derby team, the Intoxiskaters, to even care. As Sadie’s investigation starts to heat up, suddenly the coach and some of the players of the newly formed team aren’t looking so innocent. But it appears Sadie’s going to have to jam her way through an entire roller derby team to find out the truth.
Can Sadie block the murderer’s game plan and whip up enough evidence to take the heat off Deana Marie and put the killer in the penalty box?
"Nothing beats small towns for good friends, good times, and secrets. You’ll get all of them in the Sadie Sexton Hoochville Mysteries. Come join the fun." ~ New York Times bestselling author, Jana DeLeon
“Sadie and her crew are hysterical, adventurous, and get into some crazy shenanigans... Fans of Jana DeLeon and Angie Fox will find this series as addictive as theirs. The southern references are comical, and the age range for the cast of characters make this likable for all generations. Can't wait for the next adventure!!!!” ~ Goodreads Reviewer
· Multi-generational cozy murder mystery
· Quirky Southern small-town shenanigans
· Ride-or-die female friendships
· Adorable pets and cozy crafts
Dyes and Deadbeats is a craft and hobby cozy mystery full of humor, friendship, beloved pets, and found family. Join Sadie Sexton as she takes over her grandmother’s yarn shop and reluctantly becomes an amateur sleuth, determined to defend her loved ones and neighbors against false murder charges in her small Southern hometown of Hoochville, Tennessee.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2025
115 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 4, 2025
I have really enjoyed the Sadie Sexton series, they are so well written! Ramey James has continued to write the friendships that you need in your life, regardless of age or location...
In this book, one of Sadie's besties Deeana Marie writes a book. However, something goes wrong on the way to the wonderful world of editing and publishing...and her book sparks a mini-crime wave. While trying to keep her bestie out of jail, Sadie is then introduced to the wonderful world of roller derby, while she is leery of donning the microminis, pads, and total disregard for personal safety.... It seems another one of her besties has become the alternate for the brand new squad...
This addition is just... perfection, the Derby ladies capture the spunk and verve that I have come to expect from this series! They steal each scene they are in and brought a whole new level of chaos.
As Sadie follows the clues down the rabbithole, she is confronted by her ever deepening feelings for another man in uniform. Honestly, this is one my of least favorite tropes, because life is just too short to hide from love... However, Ramey James does a masterful job managing the love triangle between Sadie, her dead hubbie, and the handsome sherriff...
I can't wait to see where the author takes us next!
In this book, one of Sadie's besties Deeana Marie writes a book. However, something goes wrong on the way to the wonderful world of editing and publishing...and her book sparks a mini-crime wave. While trying to keep her bestie out of jail, Sadie is then introduced to the wonderful world of roller derby, while she is leery of donning the microminis, pads, and total disregard for personal safety.... It seems another one of her besties has become the alternate for the brand new squad...
This addition is just... perfection, the Derby ladies capture the spunk and verve that I have come to expect from this series! They steal each scene they are in and brought a whole new level of chaos.
As Sadie follows the clues down the rabbithole, she is confronted by her ever deepening feelings for another man in uniform. Honestly, this is one my of least favorite tropes, because life is just too short to hide from love... However, Ramey James does a masterful job managing the love triangle between Sadie, her dead hubbie, and the handsome sherriff...
I can't wait to see where the author takes us next!
August 19, 2025
Criminal Chaos . . .
Sadie Sexton starts us off with an explosion that leaves her unconscious. She does enjoy the blissful dream that has her walking in Central Park with her deceased husband, Alex. As her friends try to revive her and in a neck brace, a blast of ammonia does the job immediately. She is told that a parade float blew up as she was crossing the street. While the fire department hosed down the parade float, EMTs dealt with a dozen injuries. Not long afterward, crimes begin happening that appear to copy those in Deana Marie Barnes' unpublished book! A body found in River Rats Tavern has everyone assuming bartender Deana Marie has to be the one responsible! Sadie doesn’t believe it and tries to figure out who is copying Deana Marie’s book which is discovered on a pirate site. Could it be someone in the recently formed roller derby team? With Sadie’s friends joining her, will they figure this out and take the suspicion off Deana Marie while tracking down the killer?
Sadie Sexton starts us off with an explosion that leaves her unconscious. She does enjoy the blissful dream that has her walking in Central Park with her deceased husband, Alex. As her friends try to revive her and in a neck brace, a blast of ammonia does the job immediately. She is told that a parade float blew up as she was crossing the street. While the fire department hosed down the parade float, EMTs dealt with a dozen injuries. Not long afterward, crimes begin happening that appear to copy those in Deana Marie Barnes' unpublished book! A body found in River Rats Tavern has everyone assuming bartender Deana Marie has to be the one responsible! Sadie doesn’t believe it and tries to figure out who is copying Deana Marie’s book which is discovered on a pirate site. Could it be someone in the recently formed roller derby team? With Sadie’s friends joining her, will they figure this out and take the suspicion off Deana Marie while tracking down the killer?
September 26, 2025
I always find myself enjoying the Sadie Sexton series and this one didn’t disappoint. I laughed way too much at the shenanigans that Sadie and her friends kept finding themselves in. Deeana Marie has found herself in a pickle when she discovers that parts of her book are actually happening in Hoochville. It’s up to Sadie to figure out who has gotten a hold of Deeana’s book. What happens next is filled with protests, roller derby, and food fights. Poor Reed has his hands full in this installment. I really enjoyed the roller derby scenes in this one. They were hilarious and their outfits were easy to picture. I can’t wait to see what happens next after that hook at the end.
The narrator, Tiffany Morgan does a great job portraying all of the characters. The tones and inflections used are spot on. I also appreciated the protests and food fights. The exasperation could be felt by poor Sadie.
A very special thanks to the author for the gifted audiobook.
The narrator, Tiffany Morgan does a great job portraying all of the characters. The tones and inflections used are spot on. I also appreciated the protests and food fights. The exasperation could be felt by poor Sadie.
A very special thanks to the author for the gifted audiobook.
January 3, 2026
I have been thoroughly enjoying this series, and Dyes and Deadbeats was no exception! It’s a very cute, cozy mystery that served as a perfect, fast read.
What I Loved:
The Pacing & Plotting: The book did an excellent job of introducing a solid pool of potential suspects right from the beginning, which kept me guessing.
A Realistic Protagonist: I really appreciated the more grounded approach to Sadie’s character. It felt refreshing that she didn't always beat the police to the punch; it made the mystery feel more authentic and less "super-sleuth."
Character Growth: The development of the cast is coming along nicely, and the epilogue does a fantastic job of showing how the events of book one are flowing seamlessly into the next installment.
If you're looking for a charming, quick mystery with a relatable lead, definitely pick this series up. I'm excited to see where Ramey James takes Sadie next!
What I Loved:
The Pacing & Plotting: The book did an excellent job of introducing a solid pool of potential suspects right from the beginning, which kept me guessing.
A Realistic Protagonist: I really appreciated the more grounded approach to Sadie’s character. It felt refreshing that she didn't always beat the police to the punch; it made the mystery feel more authentic and less "super-sleuth."
Character Growth: The development of the cast is coming along nicely, and the epilogue does a fantastic job of showing how the events of book one are flowing seamlessly into the next installment.
If you're looking for a charming, quick mystery with a relatable lead, definitely pick this series up. I'm excited to see where Ramey James takes Sadie next!
August 4, 2025
Sadie and Rollerderby - what could go wrong
Sadie is at it again solving a mystery that is impacting her friends. This time though the crime directly impacts Sadie when the town float explodes and the fallout knocks Sadie unconscious. Then there are crimes happening, including murder, that mimic Deanna Marie's book that only two people have read. Through out the investigation Misty Dawn joins a rollerderby team, Reed and Zeus help Sadie and Peaches, and Clem and Dot are up to some mischief as usual. It takes the whole gang to solve the mystery and save the day.
I just love the entire series and the sprinkling in of crafts in the entire storyline. The characters are loveable, the mysteries twisted, and the antics laughable. Add in the under current of romance and the makings are there for a perfect story.
Sadie is at it again solving a mystery that is impacting her friends. This time though the crime directly impacts Sadie when the town float explodes and the fallout knocks Sadie unconscious. Then there are crimes happening, including murder, that mimic Deanna Marie's book that only two people have read. Through out the investigation Misty Dawn joins a rollerderby team, Reed and Zeus help Sadie and Peaches, and Clem and Dot are up to some mischief as usual. It takes the whole gang to solve the mystery and save the day.
I just love the entire series and the sprinkling in of crafts in the entire storyline. The characters are loveable, the mysteries twisted, and the antics laughable. Add in the under current of romance and the makings are there for a perfect story.
August 4, 2025
Dyes and Deadbeats is a twisted, fun, engaging, cozy mystery. This mystery starts where the previous one ended when the parade float explodes and Sadie is knocked unconscious. Even though the manuscript has supposedly only been shared with Sadie, the author and the librarian editor, it is found on a pirated book website. Someone is using Deana Marie's manuscript to copycat the mischief and murder in the book. Of course Sadie ends up investigating to make sure that Deana Marie is not arrested for murder. Everyone in town seems obsessed with the roller derby and the Intoxiskaters who may be involved in this murder. Misty Dawn is an alternate for the team. Could someone on the team be involved? The authors do a magnificent job with red herrings, a ton of suspects and more, then bring everything to a very satisfying conclusion.
August 10, 2025
Well, this storyline started off with a big bang! Sadie soon realises that the latest batch of mishaps to plague Hoochville are straight out of her besties debut book. Deeana Marie wrote all manner of murders into her book but she never imagined that they'd be played out in real life...or that she'd be implicated!
When you add in a not so subtle player rivalry in the local roller derby team and a heap of small town politics, Sadie her hands full.
As much as I love the camaraderie of Sadie and her friends, I loved the addition of the roller derby team. Some of those player names left me in stitches. It was lovely to have a cosy crime book set amongst the world of publishing and writing too. There are more chinks in Sadie's "no men in uniform" armour however. Reed and Zeus are definitely breaking through! As always Charmayne makes it really hard to like her sometimes and poor Bernie still resides in his bubble of his own importance, lol.
Roll on our next adventure in Hoochville.
When you add in a not so subtle player rivalry in the local roller derby team and a heap of small town politics, Sadie her hands full.
As much as I love the camaraderie of Sadie and her friends, I loved the addition of the roller derby team. Some of those player names left me in stitches. It was lovely to have a cosy crime book set amongst the world of publishing and writing too. There are more chinks in Sadie's "no men in uniform" armour however. Reed and Zeus are definitely breaking through! As always Charmayne makes it really hard to like her sometimes and poor Bernie still resides in his bubble of his own importance, lol.
Roll on our next adventure in Hoochville.
July 27, 2025
I usually only read paranormal books, but since I really like this series, I made an exception. In this latest, which starts almost immediately after the end of the previous one, Sadie is knocked out and comes to and that’s only the beginning. Her friend’s book manuscript seems to be a chaos and murder book for someone, and she is on the case to make sure more of her friend’s fiction doesn’t become nonfiction. This is the same fun and great writing I’ve come to expect from this author duo, and I enjoyed every minute. Fans of previous books will definitely enjoy this newest addition. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
August 4, 2025
Another excellent story from the Sadie Sexton Hoochville series!
The story was interesting and it kept my attention. The story started up where the last book left off with the explosion at the parade and Sadie being unconscious. And it didn't slow down one bit. Sadie and the girls have their work cut out for them in Dyes and Deadbeats. Nonstop investigating by Sadie even though she denies it. We have a manuscript written and an eerie coincidence that someone is acting the manuscript out. But who??? Only 2 people besides the author has read the manuscript.
The author did an excellent job keeping the story interesting and flowing so that you didn't want to put the book down. The characters are well thought out and give the story life. I laughed a lot reading this one and I was surprised on the ending. Can't wait for the next book.
Highly recommend!
The story was interesting and it kept my attention. The story started up where the last book left off with the explosion at the parade and Sadie being unconscious. And it didn't slow down one bit. Sadie and the girls have their work cut out for them in Dyes and Deadbeats. Nonstop investigating by Sadie even though she denies it. We have a manuscript written and an eerie coincidence that someone is acting the manuscript out. But who??? Only 2 people besides the author has read the manuscript.
The author did an excellent job keeping the story interesting and flowing so that you didn't want to put the book down. The characters are well thought out and give the story life. I laughed a lot reading this one and I was surprised on the ending. Can't wait for the next book.
Highly recommend!
July 28, 2025
This is the best book in the series so far and they’ve all been pretty great. This author has found the perfect formula for a great storyline, two sisters that have to work together that are as different as night and day, a bunch of gal pals always ready to be wingman, and a couple of senior citizens who always find trouble. Add a well plotted mystery and some great dialogue, a hint of romance, and you have that magic formula for an entertaining read.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
July 30, 2025
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review. A great fun loving series that has Sadie and friends needing to solve a murder. When a explosion, murder and other things happen that mimic Deana Marie's manuscript she becomes a suspect. Sadie decides to help her friend and funny chaos events ensues. This is a great series that always leaves me anxiously waiting for the next. I just love Elvis the opossum and also the softening of Charmayne's feelings towards Sadie. The roller derby ladies are wonderful.
September 29, 2025
I have been provided with a review copy of Dyes and Deadbeats from the author and I am voluntarily leaving an impartial review. Dyes and Deadbeats is the fourth book in the brand-new A Sadie Sexton Hoochville Mystery series and I just loved getting to reenter this amazing world. Oh my goodness what a story. This was just such an easy read. I was just immediately in the action with everyone. Just when you think this series can’t get any better it totally does. I was just totally transfixed with everything going on. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this series.
July 31, 2025
Sadie is back with another cosy mystery. Though she doesn’t intend to get involved, she gets drawn into another investigation. That involves familiar details from her friend’s novel.
It’s such an easy read. I did figure out the murderer very early on but it didn’t ruin my enjoyment. The story moves along well and there’s some really funny and quirky bits. Definitely recommend if you like a cosy mystery that isn’t boring in the slightest!
It’s such an easy read. I did figure out the murderer very early on but it didn’t ruin my enjoyment. The story moves along well and there’s some really funny and quirky bits. Definitely recommend if you like a cosy mystery that isn’t boring in the slightest!
August 4, 2025
DYES AND DEADBEATS BY RAMY JAMES 5 pub 8/4/25
It's not just dead bodies – at least not to start. However, when the “accidents” start matching the happenings in one of the friend's first books, the besties jump in. The problem is too many suspects but with alibies.
Our friends make good characters again, but add a long feud. And much more, there are ongoing incidents, and it isn't easy to figure out WHO DONE IT. But it is easy and fun to read.
It's not just dead bodies – at least not to start. However, when the “accidents” start matching the happenings in one of the friend's first books, the besties jump in. The problem is too many suspects but with alibies.
Our friends make good characters again, but add a long feud. And much more, there are ongoing incidents, and it isn't easy to figure out WHO DONE IT. But it is easy and fun to read.
September 22, 2025
Fun and enjoyable cozy mystery. The characters are likable, relatable, and entertaining. The shenanigans and banter made for an enjoyable listen. The fight in the bleachers had me laughing out loud. The book ends on a hook. Looking forward to the next adventure. The narrator did a good job with bringing the story to life. I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
July 30, 2025
Sadie and gang are deep in it again! When the parade float blows up and all winds seem to blow towards Deana Marie, Sadie is there, behind the scenes, doing what she can. Her keen eye and willingness to do whatever it takes for her friends is always her ally. Another fantastic read from the Hoochville gang!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2025
This series is like coming home to your favorite jammys with a favorite beverage in hand and relaxing after a long day! Sadie and crew are always up for just about anything! This time roller derby’s and Writing. The characters are family you can’t wait to catch up with! Nurse Ratched With A Hatchet rules!!!
August 5, 2025
Another entertaining novel in the Sadie Sexton series. Deanna Marie is writing a book, and someone gets a hold of a copy and starts imitating the prank scenes in the book in real life. In the meantime, Otis Tuttle is murdered. Are they connected? or is someone out for revenge on Otis? Engaging, cute story!
August 7, 2025
I loved this book, like I did the first three. These books show women who are a little older having such deep friendships. I would read the books just for the friendship, but it also has so much more. Like there is always a mystery, and the friends always solve the mystery. I loved it so much I was hoping there was a pre-order for book five up. Sadly it isn't. But I can't wait for it!
August 25, 2025
Very good and quite entertaining. I just love the characters and their interactions. The dialog is witty and the strength of the relationships comes through. There is a slow burn romance brewing throughout the books that is just starting to heat up. Note - these books are clean reads, cozy mysteries with a lot of heart.
September 23, 2025
Welcome back to Hoochville! This book has it all, friends who are always there for each other, adorable fur babies, a handsome sheriff, and now a roller derby team. I love following Sadie and her friends as they try to find out "who done it", while trying to stay under Sheriff Reed's radar. This book will make you laugh, sigh happily, and keep you guessing throughout. Definitely worth the read!
November 12, 2025
Fiction becomes a real life mystery
Another great addition to the Sadie Sexton series. A quick read with enough antics to keep you giggling throughout.
When the events chronicled in Deana Marie's unpublished mystery novel become reality, Sadie is determined to find the culprit.
I am eagerly waiting for the next Hoochville mystery.
Another great addition to the Sadie Sexton series. A quick read with enough antics to keep you giggling throughout.
When the events chronicled in Deana Marie's unpublished mystery novel become reality, Sadie is determined to find the culprit.
I am eagerly waiting for the next Hoochville mystery.
July 29, 2025
I absolutely loved this book!! It just sucks you in from the beginning. Sadie and friends are at it again, trying to find who did it. It will keep you guessing on how did it. It had me laughing in certain parts too. I highly recommend it!
August 5, 2025
My favourite of the series so far.
I enjoyed the characters as always they are engaging, funny and entertaining. The plot was intriguing and definitely kept me guessing from beginning to end.
This really is a wonderful cozy mystery series.
I enjoyed the characters as always they are engaging, funny and entertaining. The plot was intriguing and definitely kept me guessing from beginning to end.
This really is a wonderful cozy mystery series.
August 8, 2025
It's like reading two books at the same time!
Sadie will do whatever is necessary to clear her friend of a murder charge -- But Roller Derby? Let the games begin! The fun starts at the beginning and leaves you wanting more at the end. Enjoy!
December 7, 2025
I enjoy this series, it's actually the names of the characters I struggle with, too many double barral, I forget who's got the dogs and who runs the bar! However fun little detective series. I do recommend
August 4, 2025
Wowza. Dog shows, bar fights, roller derby with some really fun names. Each book I wonder how they will top the last and each one jumps to another milestone. Laugh out loud, great weekend read.
August 4, 2025
This read is funny and very entertaining.
As we are taken on the journey of Sadie and gang
try to solve the mystery it was a real fun read.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
As we are taken on the journey of Sadie and gang
try to solve the mystery it was a real fun read.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
August 4, 2025
This book was such a hoot I could not put it down. The story is engaging, fun, and so much more. I enjoy these characters as they feel like friends. I look forward to what happens next.
August 13, 2025
I love this series, its one my favorites. The storylines just keep getting better. I can't wait for the next book. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews