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Of Hearts and Murder: A Cascade Shadows Mystery
Someone in the town of Marion is sitting on a secret worth killing for.
When Cal Walker returns to Marion, a small town nestled in the Cascade Mountains, he's just trying to settle family affairs and leave quietly. But when a local developer turns up dead and a reformed criminal vanishes without a trace, Cal is pulled into an investigation that threatens to unravel the town's carefully hidden past.
Teaming up with Officer Inga Wells, Cal uncovers whispers of a chilling Cold War–era artifact as dangerous as anything ever devised. As more clues emerge—secret phone calls and tripwires, dangerous, long-forgotten laboratories and exotic poisons—Cal is entangled in a mystery where the past never stays buried.
With a blend of suspense, emotional depth, and wry humor, *Of Hearts and Murder* is a character-driven mystery that explores love, legacy, and the price of second chances.
Fans of Richard Osman and Louise Penny will love this cozy mystery!
When Cal Walker returns to Marion, a small town nestled in the Cascade Mountains, he's just trying to settle family affairs and leave quietly. But when a local developer turns up dead and a reformed criminal vanishes without a trace, Cal is pulled into an investigation that threatens to unravel the town's carefully hidden past.
Teaming up with Officer Inga Wells, Cal uncovers whispers of a chilling Cold War–era artifact as dangerous as anything ever devised. As more clues emerge—secret phone calls and tripwires, dangerous, long-forgotten laboratories and exotic poisons—Cal is entangled in a mystery where the past never stays buried.
With a blend of suspense, emotional depth, and wry humor, *Of Hearts and Murder* is a character-driven mystery that explores love, legacy, and the price of second chances.
Fans of Richard Osman and Louise Penny will love this cozy mystery!
- GenresContemporary
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2025
2 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
R.K. Benton
1 book6 followersR. K. Benton has been a storyteller all her life. Her experiences are reflected in characters who navigate friendship, love, and loss with resilience and curiosity. Her favorite things to write are heartfelt small-town mysteries with wit, warmth, and a hint of espionage.
In addition to novels, she has penned plays and live-audience interactive experiences (Noel Caribou Reluctantly Saves Christmas), composed scripts for video games, written operatic librettos and stories in every genre, ranging from darkly serious to delightfully chucklesome.
A former writer and Associate Editor for The Comical, she has also contributed many articles to The Native. She is a co-founder of Write Club, based in Leavenworth, Washington.
In addition to novels, she has penned plays and live-audience interactive experiences (Noel Caribou Reluctantly Saves Christmas), composed scripts for video games, written operatic librettos and stories in every genre, ranging from darkly serious to delightfully chucklesome.
A former writer and Associate Editor for The Comical, she has also contributed many articles to The Native. She is a co-founder of Write Club, based in Leavenworth, Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 22, 2025
This is by far one of the warmest yet diabolical mysteries I’ve ever read! It’s so full of a sense of right yet filled with so many questions of life itself. I believe I could literally walk into Dottie’s right now and set down across from a one of a number of heartwarming characters and enjoy a good meal and a bit of scandal.
This book is truly an adventure and yet wraps you up like a warm hug. I LOVED IT!!!
This book is truly an adventure and yet wraps you up like a warm hug. I LOVED IT!!!
October 16, 2025
Fantastic read. A comfortable, easy and witty voice from a promising new author with an imagined town so real you’ll want to visit it yourself. A first-rate mystery/thriller with wonderfully relatable characters and a pitch-perfect PNW vibe. It may also make you hungry at times.
Let’s hope we get to see more stories from this town and its characters.
Let’s hope we get to see more stories from this town and its characters.
October 22, 2025
Murder in cold blood? Check! A jewel theft from a REAL train disaster nearly a century ago? Yep. A hero who needs a hearty breakfast and maybe a chance at love? Oh yes! Did I laugh throughout the book and cry more than once? I did! Personally, this was a long-overdue return to reading a good murder mystery. Having read some Carl Hiassen (Bad Monkey, Razer Girl) and more recently Richard Osman (Thursday Murder Club), I was turned on to this author by a friend, and BAM, I fell in love! The characters in the town of Marion are wholesome, believable, but each with just a touch of mystery, so I was wondering, "Did they do it?" Come for the cozy mystery, stay for the uplifting writing, and don't leave until you've experienced the end!
I am a fortunate reader of an advanced copy of the ebook. I'll be buying a paperback when it's released in print!
I am a fortunate reader of an advanced copy of the ebook. I'll be buying a paperback when it's released in print!
October 24, 2025
A cozy mystery with a big heart and an even bigger omelet. Cal returns to his hometown to pack up the family house and immediately runs into old friends, old wounds, and a murder plot lurking behind the tourist-town charm. The setting is the true star here. Marion feels like a place you’ve driven through on vacation: kitschy storefronts, local gossip, and a diner that could solve most world problems with a stack of pancakes.
Cal is easy to root for, and Liv adds a spark I wanted more of. The story has warmth, humor, and just enough suspense to keep the pages turning. I did feel the mystery sometimes got lost in nostalgia and side conversations, so the tension didn’t always hit as hard as it could.
Still, the characters won me over. Good, not great, but enjoyable enough that I’d happily come back for the next chapter in Marion’s drama… preferably with a fork in hand.
Cal is easy to root for, and Liv adds a spark I wanted more of. The story has warmth, humor, and just enough suspense to keep the pages turning. I did feel the mystery sometimes got lost in nostalgia and side conversations, so the tension didn’t always hit as hard as it could.
Still, the characters won me over. Good, not great, but enjoyable enough that I’d happily come back for the next chapter in Marion’s drama… preferably with a fork in hand.
October 30, 2025
I enjoyed my visit to this quaint small town, and the numerous memorable characters in it. Liv eats her way into your and Cal's heart as they pursue clues to whodunit and who has it. Lol. It was a small budding romance amidst the hardships of looking for long buried secrets that could destroy. How could you think anyone in this small sweet town complicit with crime, but look to the most innocent looking of them all. Lol! What a journey of emotions, raw, savage, sweet,and pure in its' nature, that the four some that ended in a heartbreaking three some loyal to their cores. Come laugh, love, and cry along with these characters,as they hunt for the truth. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
November 1, 2025
This was a strong start to the Cal Walker Mysteries series, it had that cozy mystery element that I was looking for and was engaged with what was happening. I enjoyed this as a opening chapter and am excited to read more in this universe. The characters had that overall feel that I was wanting and enjoyed the concept. R. K. Benton wrote this well and was engaged from the first page, it had that mystery element that I wanted and enjoyed in this type of book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 20, 2025
This was an excellent read. It was much more than just a murder mystery, though there was a murder mystery at its heart.
It was a poignant, heart-warming and compelling read.
The characters were interestingly deep, three dimensional and sometimes surprising.
I look forward to reading another book by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It was a poignant, heart-warming and compelling read.
The characters were interestingly deep, three dimensional and sometimes surprising.
I look forward to reading another book by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 27, 2025
I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. I enjoyed this book. It's longer than I first anticipated because there were more twists to the story than expected. When Callum Walker returns to his home, a Small town founded on mining but now making its living pretending to be the Old Wild West, his plans to arrive, see to his business and leave are seriously hijacked. It seems to me that in every small town America book I've read, everyone knows everyone or is related to everyone and nobody's business is private. This book is no exception. There is intrigue to spare, romance, vile characters and more than enough murders. It's a good read.
October 24, 2025
I loved this book! Great characters, the setting, the plot, the mystery, the ending...all of it. Give me more by this author!
Thank you to Book Sirens and the author, I received an ARC in exchange fir my honest review.
Thank you to Book Sirens and the author, I received an ARC in exchange fir my honest review.
November 21, 2025
Murder in cold blood? Check! A jewel theft from a REAL train disaster nearly a century ago? Yep. A hero who needs a hearty breakfast and maybe a chance at love? Oh yes! Did I laugh throughout the book and cry more than once? I did! Personally, this was a long-overdue return to reading a good murder mystery. Having read some Carl Hiassen (Bad Monkey, Razer Girl) and more recently Richard Osman (Thursday Murder Club), I was turned on to this author by a friend, and BAM, I fell in love! The characters in the town of Marion are wholesome, believable, but each with just a touch of mystery, so I was wondering, "Did they do it?" Come for the cozy mystery, stay for the uplifting writing, and don't leave until you've experienced the end!
November 12, 2025
Of Hearts and Murder has a bit of everything- humor, mystery, self-discovery, and a side dish of romance. Received an advance reader copy and enjoyed getting to know the characters of this book. Would recommend for those looking for a feel good who dunnit story.
November 2, 2025
What a joy to find a friendly small town full of quirky characters, deep communal roots, and delicious smells from the diner. There is comfort a murder mystery formula, especially when it holds the reader's attention between tangled family webs, nefarious goings on, and corporate intrigue, and only leaves us wanting more. And there are recipes!
November 25, 2025
A fun, engaging, and interesting mystery. It was challenging and intriguing to try to figure out "whodunit" as the story progressed. The book had a great small town and Pacific Northwest feel. But for me the characters were the best part - they were deep and nuanced. I think the reader will quickly find themselves wanting to learn more about them.
Personally, I can't wait to read what Callum gets into next!
Personally, I can't wait to read what Callum gets into next!
January 1, 2026
Thank you Reedsy and RK Benton for providing me with an advanced copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.
The main story follows Callum Walker, a detective who returns to a small town called Marion in Washington state after a prolonged absence due to a mysterious event. This event joins a series of lingering side plots throughout the story that may have harmed its pace rather than enhances it - but more on this later.
Its central mystery revolves around the murder of a notorious tycoon who is heavily disliked by the community, and being in such a small town, creates an opportunity for everybody to be a suspect in his murder. I LOVE how this mystery unravel - where it started off as a seemingly unsuspicious death, which led to the death being tied to multiple different events in the novel. I think the way these events are threaded is ingenious and I applaud the author for the way she plots these. I think the strength of this novel roots in its slow-paced investigation, where we are guided through the meticulous clue-finding and unraveling suspicious testimonies through the eyes of Cal’s partner, Inga - a rookie cop who is hoping to become a detective through the mentorship of Cal. The purpose of Igna is again, ingenious, where we are given a sounding board for Cal to lay out his thinking process behind his investigation. The author definitely does not jump the shark, where clues are not always readily available at every turn. We see our protagonists fail and the clues that they uncover go nowhere, so they have to go back to square one to rethink their process again. I LOVE this aspect of the investigation, because just like real-life, it is not always linear.
But I think in doing so, in heeding to the realism of it all, the author unfortunately strays in the moments where there is narrative breathing room and thus she is forced to pepper in some unrelated subplots. For one, we are pulled into this side-quest, where the founder of the town reveals the mystery of his enormous wealth and Cal is unwittingly dragged into a scheme to help him uncover a certain thief who is trying to steal the source of his wealth. I’m not going to lie, I question the purpose of this subplot and find its resolution less than satisfying. Whenever we stray from the main mystery to go on these tangents, I find myself looking forward to going back to our central mystery. There is also a subplot about our protagonist finding love which is meant to be a red herring? because the lover is actually the murdered victim’s daughter, but that sort of resolves itself fairly quickly so the tension of whether she is or isn’t a suspect was not present for long.
I think it is a very interestingly plotted murder mystery that may be a few pages too long - padded with subplots that are unfortunately less interesting to read than the main mystery itself. I think if we trim it down to just the central mystery, it will be a winning novel. Unfortunately, in its current form, it’s a mixed bag for me.
The main story follows Callum Walker, a detective who returns to a small town called Marion in Washington state after a prolonged absence due to a mysterious event. This event joins a series of lingering side plots throughout the story that may have harmed its pace rather than enhances it - but more on this later.
Its central mystery revolves around the murder of a notorious tycoon who is heavily disliked by the community, and being in such a small town, creates an opportunity for everybody to be a suspect in his murder. I LOVE how this mystery unravel - where it started off as a seemingly unsuspicious death, which led to the death being tied to multiple different events in the novel. I think the way these events are threaded is ingenious and I applaud the author for the way she plots these. I think the strength of this novel roots in its slow-paced investigation, where we are guided through the meticulous clue-finding and unraveling suspicious testimonies through the eyes of Cal’s partner, Inga - a rookie cop who is hoping to become a detective through the mentorship of Cal. The purpose of Igna is again, ingenious, where we are given a sounding board for Cal to lay out his thinking process behind his investigation. The author definitely does not jump the shark, where clues are not always readily available at every turn. We see our protagonists fail and the clues that they uncover go nowhere, so they have to go back to square one to rethink their process again. I LOVE this aspect of the investigation, because just like real-life, it is not always linear.
But I think in doing so, in heeding to the realism of it all, the author unfortunately strays in the moments where there is narrative breathing room and thus she is forced to pepper in some unrelated subplots. For one, we are pulled into this side-quest, where the founder of the town reveals the mystery of his enormous wealth and Cal is unwittingly dragged into a scheme to help him uncover a certain thief who is trying to steal the source of his wealth. I’m not going to lie, I question the purpose of this subplot and find its resolution less than satisfying. Whenever we stray from the main mystery to go on these tangents, I find myself looking forward to going back to our central mystery. There is also a subplot about our protagonist finding love which is meant to be a red herring? because the lover is actually the murdered victim’s daughter, but that sort of resolves itself fairly quickly so the tension of whether she is or isn’t a suspect was not present for long.
I think it is a very interestingly plotted murder mystery that may be a few pages too long - padded with subplots that are unfortunately less interesting to read than the main mystery itself. I think if we trim it down to just the central mystery, it will be a winning novel. Unfortunately, in its current form, it’s a mixed bag for me.
December 1, 2025
Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the town of Marion seems quiet on the surface—but Benton quickly reveals that its secrets run deep, and some are worth killing for. When Cal Walker returns home to settle family affairs, he expects a brief visit. Instead, he’s drawn into a mystery that entwines past and present: a murdered developer, a vanished ex-criminal, and whispers of a Cold War-era artifact that could change everything.
What makes this novel so engaging is its balance of suspense and heart. Cal is a wonderfully layered protagonist—world-weary yet deeply human—and his partnership with Officer Inga Wells adds both grit and warmth to the investigation. Benton’s prose carries a wry humor that lightens the tension, while the unfolding clues—secret phone calls, trip-wires, forgotten laboratories—keep the pages turning with urgency.
At its core, Of Hearts and Murder is more than a mystery; it’s a story about legacy, second chances, and the cost of uncovering truths long buried. The atmosphere of Marion is vividly drawn, the stakes feel personal, and the resolution is as satisfying as it is thought-provoking.
Fans of Richard Osman and Louise Penny will find themselves right at home here: a cozy mystery with sharp edges, emotional depth, and characters you’ll want to follow beyond the final page.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What makes this novel so engaging is its balance of suspense and heart. Cal is a wonderfully layered protagonist—world-weary yet deeply human—and his partnership with Officer Inga Wells adds both grit and warmth to the investigation. Benton’s prose carries a wry humor that lightens the tension, while the unfolding clues—secret phone calls, trip-wires, forgotten laboratories—keep the pages turning with urgency.
At its core, Of Hearts and Murder is more than a mystery; it’s a story about legacy, second chances, and the cost of uncovering truths long buried. The atmosphere of Marion is vividly drawn, the stakes feel personal, and the resolution is as satisfying as it is thought-provoking.
Fans of Richard Osman and Louise Penny will find themselves right at home here: a cozy mystery with sharp edges, emotional depth, and characters you’ll want to follow beyond the final page.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 22, 2025
Step into the small northwest town of Marion. A crime has been committed and it’s up to Cal, a seasoned lawman, with the help of a rookie detective, to solve the case and put order and peace back to the community. Along the way, meet some local legends, a quirky chef, and a matronly diner owner that flesh out the town’s colorful history and give it the charm that tourists love. Past grievances and current events make for a puzzling mystery that keeps Cal intrigued as he revisits his childhood home, stitching together past threads with amorous new ones. It’s a fast-paced read that not only keeps the reader guessing but also fulfills their gastronomic interests with mouth-watering descriptions of dishes produced from the town’s iconic eatery, which is also the investigation’s headquarters!
Although a debut by the author, it reads like a well-seasoned mystery with all the elements a discerning mystery reader craves. Don’t hesitate to get hooked as more fun and folly are sure to come.
Although a debut by the author, it reads like a well-seasoned mystery with all the elements a discerning mystery reader craves. Don’t hesitate to get hooked as more fun and folly are sure to come.
October 18, 2025
Grab this book, curl up by the fire, and get ready for a thoroughly enjoyable read. Set in a fictional town nestled in the central Washington Cascades—think Leavenworth, but with all the charm and none of the Bavarian kitsch—it’s a place complete with a diner, a small museum, and a cast of quirky, endearing characters who bring the story to life.
Add in a murder, a disappearance, and a prodigal son returning home to confront old traumas and unearth long-buried truths—both his own and the town’s—and you’ve got a compelling mystery and a budding love story that’s as heartfelt as it is suspenseful. The author’s brilliant turns of phrase and vivid descriptions of people, places, and mouthwatering food make this book a feast for the senses.
I am a lucky reader of an advanced copy. You will be a lucky reader when you pick one up for yourself.
Add in a murder, a disappearance, and a prodigal son returning home to confront old traumas and unearth long-buried truths—both his own and the town’s—and you’ve got a compelling mystery and a budding love story that’s as heartfelt as it is suspenseful. The author’s brilliant turns of phrase and vivid descriptions of people, places, and mouthwatering food make this book a feast for the senses.
I am a lucky reader of an advanced copy. You will be a lucky reader when you pick one up for yourself.
January 15, 2026
*Of Hearts and Murder* combines romance and mystery in a way that offers both emotional moments and a touch of suspense. The premise is appealing, and the story does a nice job of blending personal relationships with a darker mystery, creating several engaging and heartfelt scenes along the way.
While the overall idea is strong, some of the plot developments are fairly predictable, and a few characters could have been more fully developed to make their actions and motivations feel richer. The romance has sweet moments, but it doesn’t always feel as compelling as it could, especially when set against the mystery elements.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read for fans of romantic mysteries or cozy suspense. It may not leave a lasting impression, but it delivers a pleasant mix of heart and intrigue that earns it a solid 3-star rating.
While the overall idea is strong, some of the plot developments are fairly predictable, and a few characters could have been more fully developed to make their actions and motivations feel richer. The romance has sweet moments, but it doesn’t always feel as compelling as it could, especially when set against the mystery elements.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read for fans of romantic mysteries or cozy suspense. It may not leave a lasting impression, but it delivers a pleasant mix of heart and intrigue that earns it a solid 3-star rating.
November 28, 2025
"Of Hearts and Murder" is an immensely enjoyable mystery novel. R. K. Benton masterfully weaves a tantalizing plot set in a richly detailed and fascinating world, filled with unforgettable characters. It’s captivating from the first page to the last.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 30, 2025
This is a convoluted story of love and tragedy. I couldn't keep up with the unusual story. It was confusing. I can't imagine how it would end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 2, 2025
I really enjoyed this book with its quirky and endearing characters. Small town murder mystery, gastronomic forays, and new love. What could be better. Grab that hot chocolate and snuggle up with this book!
December 10, 2025
Can one ever go home again? That is the question Cal has to answer as he returns to Marion, a town he left years before after a tragedy. A retired police detective and insurance investigator he came to town to ready his retired parents former home for sale. As he reconnects with familiar friends, sights and foods, and he wonders about second chances. Food becomes as familiar touchstone Along the way he meets a quixotic local artist, Liv, with a voracious appetite and boundless energy. Cal, despite his resolven soon becomes smitten.
Soon, a suspicious death compels the police chief to call in Cal as a consultant and mentor to one of her young officers Along the way they meet a quixotic Brit and an eccentric billionaire. Doggedly, they resolve the issues while meeting with unexpected danger.
The forests of the Northwest are an important backdrop and integral to solving the mystery. The cast of characters are robust and are not always what they seem to be.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to more books in this series.
The book is well written, although the prose is occasionally florid. The character of the billionaire did not seem to add to the story, although it proved a historical context.
I received an ARC and have reviewed this freely.
Soon, a suspicious death compels the police chief to call in Cal as a consultant and mentor to one of her young officers Along the way they meet a quixotic Brit and an eccentric billionaire. Doggedly, they resolve the issues while meeting with unexpected danger.
The forests of the Northwest are an important backdrop and integral to solving the mystery. The cast of characters are robust and are not always what they seem to be.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to more books in this series.
The book is well written, although the prose is occasionally florid. The character of the billionaire did not seem to add to the story, although it proved a historical context.
I received an ARC and have reviewed this freely.
December 1, 2025
A fun read and a great start to a new series. Has all the right elements, quirky characters, prime location and a murder! Can't ask for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 25, 2025
Great murder mystery set in a small town
I loved this book - what a debut novel! This had good character development, great pacing, and was overall a fun read. More Cal Walker please!
I loved this book - what a debut novel! This had good character development, great pacing, and was overall a fun read. More Cal Walker please!
October 20, 2025
Very well constructed mystery set in fascinating historical events. The story takes place in a charming, inviting town with well developed characters. A great read that you won’t want to put down!
December 13, 2025
What a great read, with an engaging plot, twists and turns, and well developed characters. When I put it down each night, I continued to think about what was going to happen next.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews