Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Lindy Johnson #1

Caskets & Conspiracies

Rate this book
A favor for her quirky aunt unleashes a dangerous conspiracy. Can she survive their deadly attempt to silence her forever? 

Lindy Johnson, private investigator, has always had the insatiable desire to solve puzzles. But while she's quick to learn everyone else's secrets, she's careful to keep her own private life guarded.

Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis five years ago, she does her best to keep that side of her life concealed, unwilling to let others see her internal weaknesses. It makes for a lonely life, but isolation has never been something that bothered her-- at least it didn't used to.

When her Aunt Stella asks her to look into yet another outandish conspiracy, Lindy expects an easy weekend wrap-up. Last time, the case of the supposed serial killer was just Stella's neighbor making a compost pile.

But when death after death starts moving closer to the people she loves, Lindy can't ignore the danger. The deeper she dives into the case, the closer she draws to her unseen adversary.

Complicated by emotions she has avoided, and with help from an unlikely and far too handsome source, can she unwind the web of lies before it is too late?

Does she stand a chance against the evil that lurks in the shadows, or will they bury her alive with the secrets they can't afford to reveal?

•   •   •   •   •

Grittier than Sue Grafton, but just as sarcastic as Veronica Mars, The Lindy Johnson Mystery Series will leave you breathless.

•   •   •   •   •

The series follows a female private investigator through the hardest year of her life. From searching out conspiracies, to going undercover in a cult, Lindy doesn't back away from a challenge, even when she should.

•   •   •   •   •

The Lindy Johnson series is a clean mystery romance. There is no explicit language or scenes, but the mysteries can be gritty and bone-chilling. If these were made into books, they would be rated PG-13. Each book contains one mystery that will be solved by the end of the novel. There is an underlying mystery from Lindy's past that stretches throughout the entire series. The romantic side of Lindy's life also continues throughout the entire series as well.

Click Buy Now or Read Now to join Lindy on her next case!

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 9, 2016

53 people are currently reading
115 people want to read

About the author

Nellie K. Neves

30 books82 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
57 (52%)
4 stars
35 (32%)
3 stars
12 (11%)
2 stars
3 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Annette Spratte.
Author 62 books37 followers
June 30, 2019
This book is awesome. The tension is strong enough to make me need a break from reading, though I'm dying to know how the story goes on.
The characters are fantastic, multi-layered and developing - not always the way you want them to, but that makes the story even more plausible and exciting.
In addition to a great mystery which is solved at the end of the book, there's an aspect you don't often find: The main character Lindy suffers from MS and all the ugly depths of this disease and how it affects everyday life is inherent in the story.
Overall a fascinating, well-told story that deserves all the stars there are.
Profile Image for Caroline Noe.
Author 9 books80 followers
August 24, 2019
Lindy Johnson is a private investigator traumatised by the past death of her sister and the future spectre of multiple sclerosis. When her Aunt Stella concocts another of her far fetched conspiracy theories, Lindy agrees to look into it and finds far more than she bargained for.

This detective drama is a delight, peopled by compelling characters, boasting suitable shocks and rattling along at a decent pace right up to its impossible choice ending. It also boasts one of the most adorable love interests I've read in Ryder and a suitably complex main character in the conflicted Lindy, both of which have considerable mileage for further books. A wonderful pageturner.
14 reviews
May 15, 2023
Frankly, I didn't like this story! The protagonist is headstrong and compulsive to the point of self destruction and getting everyone around her killed or seriously injured! It's a miracle anyone survives! Additionally she is so negative that I personally couldn't stand to be around her! Granted, she does have a major problem, but still...! To me... 9/10th downer!
Profile Image for Christine Rains.
Author 58 books245 followers
February 27, 2024
Lindy Johnson pushes people away, and it doesn't help in making friends that she's a private investigator dealing in people's secrets. Her Aunt Stella asks her to look into some mysterious deaths of fellow churchgoers, and what might have seemed natural deaths turn out to be something much bigger. Bigger than what Lindy can handle alone. Yet can she let the handsome Ryder into her life and her case without getting emotionally attached?

This is a great start to a mystery series with a strong female protagonist. Lindy has a lot of trauma with her family, and on top of it, she has multiple sclerosis. She thinks it best to save everyone the heartache and not get attached to people. Yet Ryder makes that difficult for her. He's persistent and just as daring as she is. There's a lot of push and pull there (more push!) but they're good together. I love the fact Ryder lives in a lighthouse. The antagonists are clear from the start, but it's wonderful to see how the plot comes together and how it grows into this grand conspiracy.
2,093 reviews9 followers
January 21, 2024
Audiobook: This was my first experience with Nellie K. Neves' work, and it was thrilling. Once the audiobook started, I had to listen until the end as I was so absorbed by the story. Lindy Johnson was a private investigator. Her aunt insisted that someone was murdering senior citizens, but the police weren't taking an interest as everyone was dying from natural causes. Lindy agreed to look into the matter for her aunt. There were several twists and turns. Although several of the themes were dark, the descriptions were not graphic. I liked the slow burn romance that was percolating throughout the story. I admired Lindy as she was independent and determined. Jessica Renee Ryan's narration was good, and her performance kept my attention. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
476 reviews5 followers
December 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! Lindy Johnson is such a compelling protagonist, smart, resourceful, and layered with her own secrets, including living with multiple sclerosis. The story starts off a bit slow, with some character-building and setup, but it quickly ramps up into a suspenseful, page-turning thriller I couldn’t put down.

Listening to the audiobook made the experience even better, Jessica Renee Ryan was phenomenal. She instantly became Lindy’s voice in my head, giving the character so much personality and nuance. The tension, the twists, and the chemistry with the unlikely, handsome helper kept me hooked until the very end.

This one went from a curious start to a full-on five-star experience for me. Clever plotting, strong characters, and a narrator who nails it, definitely a winner for anyone who loves a smart, suspenseful mystery with heart.
Profile Image for Jacci.
Author 21 books136 followers
January 31, 2023
This b00k grabbed my attention and didn't let go. It was a fast-paced detective novel with a strong female lead.
I would highly recommend it. I did have trouble when the detective continued to make decisions that put herself in terrible danger and I found myself yelling at the audio "Call the police already! Ask for help!"
But that happens a lot with this genre so I think it's acceptable. The only real problem I had with this book was the cover. It's a beautiful book and deserves a beautiful cover. But the cover is so dark I can't tell what it's supposed to be. Other than that I highly recommend it.
160 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2024
Really Good

Lindy is definitely a character that if she was real I would always try to stay on her good side like Kip. Though he has moved on he is still there for her when she needs him. Ryder is different with the temperament of an artist. Will he still be there as Lindy battles her demons and continues the search for her long lost sister whom she thought had drowned when they were children? Guess we'll find out in the rest of the series.
2,123 reviews20 followers
February 7, 2020
Full on

If you like strong, independent, feisty, unconventional characters who won't give up in the face of great danger, you will love this book. Real bad bad guys, a lot of angst from past trauma coupled with a progressive debilitating disease, a strong connection with a determined guy, means you can't put the book down! It definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat.
626 reviews4 followers
March 21, 2023
Intrigue and conspiracies, add in the daily hardship of a chronic disease like MS, and it creates a very interesting story. The characters are relatable, and have their own quirks and weaknesses. Good pace to the story, well developed, and entertaining. Overall, this is a good read (or audio-listen). I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving my review.
567 reviews
July 27, 2024
Fun, flirty and dangerous. Lindy puts more than her job on the line, and loses so much, but soo much to gain.Twists and turns made you feel you were there and the ending well you know which direction you want her to take, Well written and I'd love to follow this series. Look forward for the next one.
Profile Image for Jettiep Parrish.
285 reviews
May 25, 2020
Very well written and very much a book I could not put down, I read this, and 2 other of her books in the last week, and now I need to get the last in this series. What I like about these books is that the heroine is broken a bit just like most of us in real life.
Profile Image for Nathan Bush.
Author 9 books30 followers
February 10, 2021
Great read

Loved this book. Lively characters, real and raw emotion, great storyline. Got so immersed in the emotion I actually found myself breathing shallow as Lindy fought for survival in one scene. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
29 reviews
November 23, 2022
Excellent characters. Exciting Twists!

I really enjoy the well drawn characters, the references to the Pacific NW and the suspenseful story line. I hope it is the first of a very long series.
52 reviews
December 5, 2022
Fun read

The book was a fun read with many twists. One warning... The way churches are portrayed is completely inaccurate. They are not owned by the pastors or by companies generally. Other than that, quite a good book.
Profile Image for Trisha Kelly.
Author 32 books93 followers
June 26, 2019
Compelling

I saw great comments about this book and after reading the look inside, I had to read it in one sitting. I'm hooked and going to grab book two.
Profile Image for Laverne Hankins.
83 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2021
Interesting story.

Too much emphasis on her disease. Not enough about murders. This was more of a romance,I think. Good,but not great.
722 reviews7 followers
February 19, 2025
What a good writer! And to pick a disease that allows Lindy to function in the world before it becomes debilitating, and to educate the public at the same time. I already clicked on book two.
11 reviews
February 10, 2016
Mystery novel that's totally worth read!

I loved this book! This author always writes really good, exciting, romantic, but clean novels that engage and totally immerse the reader in the characters and stories. The main character is this book has a bit of an edge on her, but she totally steals your heart away. The storyline is fast paced, exciting, full of mystery, and a little bit of romance. Totally worth a read, or two!
Profile Image for Gayla Glass.
282 reviews
April 10, 2016
More like 1.5 stars. Love that she fights her disease but she treats "love interest like crap. I might end up trying another to see if she learns a lesson about being selfish, but I think she really should have learned that with him already.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.