What do you think?
Rate this book
The Devil Wind Murders: A Vi Sandoval Mystery
What would you do if you inherited a beautiful villa in the desert? What if that villa was located across the street from your aging parents in a retirement village?
This is the dilemma, daytime TV producer, Vi Sandoval, faces. And it is a nice problem to have. The desert community of Shadow Palms is a historic resort property offering easy-breezy living for active adults. But Vi is not convinced her future is in the desert. First of all, Shadow Palms is too far from Los Angeles where she’s desperately trying to keep her career intact. And then there's all the old people-there’s just too many of them. And Vi’s not thrilled about the idea of living across the street from her parents, the popular socialites, Cruz and Glenda Sandoval. But Vi's plan to slap a fresh coat of paint on the villa and put it up for sale is waylaid when she finds herself entangled in an active murder investigation. Suspicions build and accusations fly in the quiet retirement community, as Vi uncovers some surprising secrets about those she trusts the most.
This is the dilemma, daytime TV producer, Vi Sandoval, faces. And it is a nice problem to have. The desert community of Shadow Palms is a historic resort property offering easy-breezy living for active adults. But Vi is not convinced her future is in the desert. First of all, Shadow Palms is too far from Los Angeles where she’s desperately trying to keep her career intact. And then there's all the old people-there’s just too many of them. And Vi’s not thrilled about the idea of living across the street from her parents, the popular socialites, Cruz and Glenda Sandoval. But Vi's plan to slap a fresh coat of paint on the villa and put it up for sale is waylaid when she finds herself entangled in an active murder investigation. Suspicions build and accusations fly in the quiet retirement community, as Vi uncovers some surprising secrets about those she trusts the most.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 13, 2025
Great mystery that keeps you glued to the page! Loved the characters and definitely hoping the author writes more in this series, I’ll be on the look out.
January 18, 2026
The Devil Wind Murders is a wonderfully entertaining blend of desert charm, family chaos, and a murder mystery that refuses to stay politely in the background. From the moment Vi Sandoval inherits a villa in Shadow Palms — a retirement community with more secrets than shuffleboard tournaments — you know you’re in for a fun, twisty ride.
Vi is such a relatable, sharply drawn protagonist. She’s juggling a demanding TV career in Los Angeles, complicated feelings about returning home, and the looming prospect of living across the street from her larger‑than‑life parents. Her reluctance to settle into a community full of “too many old people” adds a lovely thread of humour, especially as she’s pulled deeper into the lives (and dramas) of the residents.
What begins as a simple plan to renovate and sell quickly spirals into something far more dangerous. The murder investigation is cleverly woven through the story, with suspicions rising and loyalties shifting in ways that keep you guessing. Shadow Palms may look serene under the desert sun, but the secrets simmering beneath the surface give the book a delicious tension.
I especially enjoyed how the author balances mystery with warmth. Vi’s journey home — emotionally and literally — is just as compelling as the whodunnit. The family dynamics, the unexpected alliances, and the slow unravelling of trust all add depth without ever weighing down the pace.
A witty, atmospheric, and thoroughly engaging mystery set against a backdrop of heat, history, and hidden motives. Perfect for readers who enjoy character‑driven crime with a touch of humour and a whole lot of heart.
With thanks to M Ramos, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Vi is such a relatable, sharply drawn protagonist. She’s juggling a demanding TV career in Los Angeles, complicated feelings about returning home, and the looming prospect of living across the street from her larger‑than‑life parents. Her reluctance to settle into a community full of “too many old people” adds a lovely thread of humour, especially as she’s pulled deeper into the lives (and dramas) of the residents.
What begins as a simple plan to renovate and sell quickly spirals into something far more dangerous. The murder investigation is cleverly woven through the story, with suspicions rising and loyalties shifting in ways that keep you guessing. Shadow Palms may look serene under the desert sun, but the secrets simmering beneath the surface give the book a delicious tension.
I especially enjoyed how the author balances mystery with warmth. Vi’s journey home — emotionally and literally — is just as compelling as the whodunnit. The family dynamics, the unexpected alliances, and the slow unravelling of trust all add depth without ever weighing down the pace.
A witty, atmospheric, and thoroughly engaging mystery set against a backdrop of heat, history, and hidden motives. Perfect for readers who enjoy character‑driven crime with a touch of humour and a whole lot of heart.
With thanks to M Ramos, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
January 9, 2026
Set against the unsettling backdrop of a desert retirement community, The Devil Wind Murders introduces readers to Vi Sandoval, a stressed television producer whose life is already off balance when she inherits her grandmother’s villa. What should be a simple visit to prepare the house for sale quickly becomes something far more complicated. The heat, the infamous desert winds, and the tight knit community create an atmosphere where tension quietly simmers beneath the surface.
When a shocking death occurs nearby, Vi is pulled into an investigation she never wanted. The novel skillfully blends humor with unease, allowing the mystery to unfold at a steady and engaging pace. The desert setting is not just a backdrop but a living presence, amplifying paranoia, suspicion, and the sense that nothing in Shadow Palms is as peaceful as it appears.
The story stands out for its sharp dialogue, layered characters, and clever balance between light moments and darker turns. As secrets surface and loyalties are tested, the narrative keeps readers guessing while offering a fresh take on a cozy mystery with an edge. It is a great read that makes it difficult to put down once the mystery begins to tighten its grip.
When a shocking death occurs nearby, Vi is pulled into an investigation she never wanted. The novel skillfully blends humor with unease, allowing the mystery to unfold at a steady and engaging pace. The desert setting is not just a backdrop but a living presence, amplifying paranoia, suspicion, and the sense that nothing in Shadow Palms is as peaceful as it appears.
The story stands out for its sharp dialogue, layered characters, and clever balance between light moments and darker turns. As secrets surface and loyalties are tested, the narrative keeps readers guessing while offering a fresh take on a cozy mystery with an edge. It is a great read that makes it difficult to put down once the mystery begins to tighten its grip.
April 17, 2026
This one was a real treat! I don’t read a lot of cozy mysteries, but here is one not to be missed. And that cover? Gorgeous! The MC, Vi, is now one of my favorite book characters. She’s incredibly funny, sarcastic, and just a hoot! She ends up in Shadow Palms after her beloved grandmother passes and leaves her a villa. And that’s where the fun, and chaos begins. Most of the residents are folks over 55, many are friendly and some quite ornery, they start their days, and the drinking, early and zoom around in their tricked out golf carts with an endless supply of juicy gossip to spread. And be sure to watch out for The Bad Weenie Gang!
The Devil Wind Murders is a fast paced read that is truly unputdownable. As to be expected in an ARC there were some grammar and spelling errors but I enjoyed this book too much to care. I would love to see this become a series, it definitely feels like it could be so I will be keeping my fingers crossed. And maybe we will see more of Detective Cortez? One could only hope.
Many thanks to LibraryThing Early Reviewers and M. Ramos for the advanced reader copy.
The Devil Wind Murders is a fast paced read that is truly unputdownable. As to be expected in an ARC there were some grammar and spelling errors but I enjoyed this book too much to care. I would love to see this become a series, it definitely feels like it could be so I will be keeping my fingers crossed. And maybe we will see more of Detective Cortez? One could only hope.
Many thanks to LibraryThing Early Reviewers and M. Ramos for the advanced reader copy.
January 5, 2026
I came for the desert drama and stayed for the murder.
I loved this book because it had everything I want in a mystery without trying too hard. A cranky desert wind, nosy neighbors, family chaos, and a murder that turns a quiet retirement community upside down. Vi is funny, stressed, relatable, and completely in over her head, which made following her through the investigation a blast. The story moves fast, the dialogue made me laugh out loud, and the mystery kept me guessing the whole time. This is the kind of book you start thinking you’ll read a chapter or two and suddenly you’re way past bedtime. 🌵🔥
I loved this book because it had everything I want in a mystery without trying too hard. A cranky desert wind, nosy neighbors, family chaos, and a murder that turns a quiet retirement community upside down. Vi is funny, stressed, relatable, and completely in over her head, which made following her through the investigation a blast. The story moves fast, the dialogue made me laugh out loud, and the mystery kept me guessing the whole time. This is the kind of book you start thinking you’ll read a chapter or two and suddenly you’re way past bedtime. 🌵🔥
April 12, 2026
I had a hard time getting into this novel. It was unclear what it was trying to be, and the murders and mystery did not become an active part of the plot until well into it. Then it did become quite entertaining. A mystery/comedy I suppose, and not bad!
I must ask though if plethora of bad grammar, misused words and misspellings were part of the comedy. They were indeed laughable.
I must ask though if plethora of bad grammar, misused words and misspellings were part of the comedy. They were indeed laughable.
March 13, 2026
what a great read! 🤗
I found this book by accident! But now I look forward to reading much more from this author! Best book I’ve read in a while.
I found this book by accident! But now I look forward to reading much more from this author! Best book I’ve read in a while.
January 7, 2026
I read (and write) mostly nonfiction, but I still love a good story now and then. Vi Sandoval is a character I instantly connected with. There is more than a hint of Liz Lemon as well as a dollop of V. I. Warshawski in Sandoval's DNA. The result is a humorous, intelligent, no-nonsense mystery that delivers on every level. Let's hope M. Ramos keeps Vi busy for several more years!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews