Courting Death: A Marnie Devlin Cozy Mystery

Marnie Devlin Mysteries

by Sloane Foster, Barbara Boguski, Mariia Uvarova (Illustrator)

Dead in the Kitchen.When a friendly rally turns fatal at a charity pickleball tournament, vintage boutique owner Marnie Devlin trades her paddle for a magnifying glass.

The victim? Arrogant instructor Clint Jamison—strangled with grip tape on Court 3, his own paddle staged in his hand like a final taunt. In Willow Springs, everyone had a reason to want him silenced.

Marnie's investigation team is her best friend Ruby with a gossip network rivaling law enforcement, a retired court reporter who catches lies like others catch colds, and her Chihuahua Taco, whose growls seem to target the guilty.

Suspects multiply faster than the humiliated ice cream shop owner whose shoes match prints at the scene, and the physical therapist Clint was blackmailing over a secret affair. But when Marnie discovers the victim was running charity scams with a local partner, the evidence points toward someone she never expected.

Now the killer knows Marnie is closing in. In a town where everyone knows your business, some secrets are worth killing to protect.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2026

Reviews

[Janel Crowe]

In "Dead in the Kitchen," vintage boutique owner Marnie Devlin investigates the murder of arrogant pickleball instructor Clint Jamison at a charity tournament. With her best friend Ruby and a retired court reporter, Marnie navigates a web of suspects, including a blackmailed physical therapist and an ice cream shop owner. The story features clever writing, engaging characters, and a surprising twist involving charity scams, making it a delightful cozy mystery.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courting Death is an utterly charming cozy mystery that feels like a warm blanket and a good cup of coffee, if that blanket also came with a side of murder. Sloane Foster balances small town charm, gentle humor, and just enough suspense to keep you turning pages without ever tipping into anything too dark or heavy. The real scene stealer is Taco, the dog, who doesn’t just exist as a cute prop but feels like a genuine character. His presence adds heart, levity, and a surprising amount of emotional grounding to the story. Every time Taco trotted onto the page, it made the book that much more delightful.

The mystery itself is satisfying without being convoluted. Clues are sprinkled in fairly, the suspects are colorful without becoming caricatures, and the resolution feels earned. What really makes the book shine, though, is the sense of community and the way Foster lets relationship take center stage. If you love cozy mysteries with lovable animal companions, low stress stakes, and a story that leaves you smiling, Courting Death is exactly that kind of comfort read. Taco alone is worth the price of admission, and the rest of the book more than lives up to him. 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.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing and puzzling murder for Marnie and Taco to piece together. This book provides well developed characters and great interactions. Marnie and Will make a dynamite couple, be it on the court, while "playing" detective, or simply existing together. In this particular case, Clint wasn't particularly liked by anyone, but the team still gave it their all to identify the culprit. That was challenging because they cared for some of the suspects and the difficulties they were experiencing as a result of the investigation. I loved Taco's involvement and contributions, he was integral in solving this case too. Kate really should look into doggy deputizing him.😆 🤣 As far as the storyline, this book killed it. The suspects and motives, coupled with actions and statements enable readers to sift through the various players until they identify the killer. Never fear though, if you struggle, Marnie will guide you through it in the end, just to be sure.

A fun, interesting and highly engaging cozy mystery. I love these complex characters and how they continue to develop as the series progresses. I was gifted a copy of this particular book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy hunting Y'all 📚

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read and totally unputdownable. Marnie's Chihuahua, Taco has done it again! Marnie Devlin and Will Harper are partners in a charity pickle ball tournament. But when the arrogant, obnoxious instructor Clint Jamison is found strangled with his own grip tape, It's time to investigate. Detective Lin is on the case and Marnie says she'll concentrate on the tournament and let Detective Kate Lin to do her thing. But when Taco uncovers some clues, Kate asks Marnie to consult. So, Marnie, with her shop assistant, Ruby and Taco investigate uncovering some incredible information about Jamison that added a bunch of potential suspects! Wow. Can Marnie, Taco and friends solve the murder so the charity event can continue? Or have they put themselves in danger and a murderer gets away with it. This is a fast paced read with great characters that keep you guessing until the ending. I highly recommend this book and can't wait for more in the Marnie Devlin series! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed her are strictly my own.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. It sort of reminded me of Murder She Wrote crossed with a heart warming Hallmark channel show. I loved the diverse characters and how they all worked together to solve a murder of a man that no one cared for. Even though they didn’t like the guy they still sought out who did him in. I totally didn’t guess who did it because there were so many people who didn’t like him, but I enjoy trying to figure it out. I thought it was cool to have the main characters who are a couple be the ones who figured it out. Loved the chihuahua Taco, the little furry detective who played his part as well. It kind of started off slow at first but once I got into it, it was hard to put down. Plus I was able to learn about pickle ball in the process.

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courting Death is a Superb story and series about Marnie Devlin who owns a Vintage Boutique and is a Part Time Sleuth and her clever Sleuthing dog Taco and her Assistant and Friend Ruby. Marnie and Will Harper are partners for Pickleball. Unfortunately at the Pickleball Charity Event someone dies on a court. Detective Kate Lin and her team come to investigate. Detective Lin asks Marnie and her friends to Consult with the mystery officially. But will they be able to discover the truth?
I enjoyed reading the story very much and I highly recommend that you read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marsha Asquith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read of this author. I loved it! The characters are likeable and the mystery had you guessing until the end.
A little romance and a lot of Pickleball.
Overbearing self appointed official USA Ambassador of Pickleball for the region, Clint was making everyone feel uneasy during the charity reception so when his body is found on the court, Detective Kate Lin has plenty of suspects.
Marnie says she will stay out of the investigation. She is participating in the tournament with Will Harper. Her sweet love interest. However as the story goes on and Taco the loveable Chihuahua and the town smallest detective, finds important clues and evidence, Der Lin asks Marnie and her crew to consult on the case.
The community still wondering if the tournament will continue or if it was completely over. With a killer on the loose and no clear suspect, everyone assumes the other one is guilty. When secrets come out that Clint had secrets of his own, the plot thickens and the paddle hits the ball.

* I loved this mystery! Kept me guessing and reguessing!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great cozy with a wonderful mix of murder, an investigation with a clue smelling chihuahua and a pickle ball Tournament. The town's investigation team gets right to work putting the clues and suspects in order to solve the murder and all that comes with it. The suspense of a murder and all its baggage made this book a pleasure to read. The characters are a page of of life, those you meet everyday and can relate to. This series is a wonderful read.

This was a free ARC that I reviewed voluntarily.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy. A review wqs not required.
Ms. Foster is a newer author for me. I have enjoyed the couple of books I have read.
While taking part in a pickle ball tournament, Marnie and her crew are asked to consult when a body shows up. The pages kept turning as the suspects puked up. Who would want him dead? Good story that moved the reader along. Best character for me was Taco, Marnie's chihuahua. I am a fan of an animal sidekick.
I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Kathy Foltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courting Death: A Marnie Devlin Cozy Mystery

I loved this series. So light and so fun. I adore Taco of course, and Marnie and the gang. I hope the series continues and maybe have a wedding coming up in the near future. There is always a lit going on. Not just a murder, but sometimes espionage or theft on a large scale. Someone's honor being smeared or even being framed. Never a dull moment.
Kathy+++++

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing cozy mystery in this series (All can be read standalone). I enjoy the small town characters with Ruby's gossip and information network and how the team works together to solve the mystery. The storyline keeps you guessing until the end. So much fun to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I really liked the characters. The story kept my interest as they searched for clues to solve the murder until the last page. I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle Custer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked the book never thought that Killer was who it was. Loved how will and marnie won both tournaments . their investigation s are now officially part of every investigation now.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Cadahia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, if you love books featuring small towns ,chihuahuas, and engaging characters then read this book. Marnie and her chihuahua Taco help investigate the murder of a pickle ball instructor. you won't be able to put it down. get the series. I definitely have her books on my TBR list now.