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Sister Sleuths #3

Murder Western Style

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A day at the rodeo ends up in murder, and sister sleuths Lea and Maddy find themselves defending more than one suspect.

The weapon is a pistol belonging to Maddy’s close friend, Scott Miller, who has had run-ins with the deceased.

Maddy’s desire to defend Scott makes detective Tom jealous, but could defending Maddy’s friend prove to be deadly for our heroines?

The victim’s ranch is on a valuable piece of land.

When a developer is suspected of foul play, Lea is asked to help clear his name.

Will her snooping into the developer’s activities put the sisters in harm’s way?

The setting is a rodeo in a small beachside community, so put on your boots and saddle up. You’re in for one rough ride!

You’ll also enjoy the crazy escapades of Gracie and Spirit, Lea’s loveable canines.

While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone book. This stand-alone novel is the third in the series featuring sister sleuths Lea and Maddy.

Look for the other books in this popular mystery series including Murder at the Pier, Act Two, Three-Day Weekends are Murder, Murder After Hours, Hit and Run, Sizzling Cold Case, Deadly Deception Murder By Fire, Crime On Campus, Crime of Retribution and Crime of Desperation.

What readers are saying about Murder Western

“It moves like a sidewinder from start to finish, and sinks its teeth into you without warning, ending in an explosive conclusion.” -Charles R.

“Murder mystery, light romance and an equine setting, what more could you want? This is a fun story with a surprising ending.” -Sharon M.

“The Sister Sleuths series continues in fine fashion.” -TN

“I really enjoyed this mystery! It was well written, with well developed characters and a good story!” -E. Memel

“Very well written western murder mystery with an excellent plot and well developed characters. Twists and turns exist and has an unexpected excellent ending.” -J Phillipson

“I thoroughly enjoyed Murder Western Style from start to finish. Thanks for another great Sister Sleuths read!” -Kindle Customer

Buy Murder Western Style to continue your Sister Sleuths journey today!

If you like Carolyn Dean, Mary Hiker, Dianne Harman, B.R. Snow, Agatha Frost or Ceecee James, you’ll love Rayna Morgan.

The Sister Sleuth Mystery Series is featured in a number of Kindle categories, mystery thriller and suspense, women sleuths, cozy mystery, detective books, mystery, amateur sleuths, and cozy mystery box sets.

Catch up on all the Sister Sleuths mysteries with the Sister Sleuths Cozy Mystery Box Set at a heavy discount from their individual pricing. The Box Set includes Murder at the Pier, Act Two and Murder Western Style. Grab your copy of this entertaining series today!

180 pages, ebook

Published January 27, 2017

24 people are currently reading
26 people want to read

About the author

Rayna Morgan

36 books34 followers

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5 stars
34 (53%)
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24 (37%)
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4 (6%)
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2 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Elsbeth.
837 reviews
February 27, 2017
I really enjoyed this mystery! I hadn't read the first 2 parts of this series, but I sure will soon! There were a few hints about something which happened in one of those books. But not so much that I couldn't read and understand this story.
What I really liked was that it was not just about 1 murder, but there is also another case Tom is working on. It was well written, with well developed characters and a good story!

Thank you, Rayna Morgan, for giving me a chance to read this! I received a copy for my honest review.
Profile Image for Texas.
1,685 reviews394 followers
August 8, 2018
I was first introduced to this series with the fifth book Murder After Hours. I have since read four of the other books in the series. I enjoyed each book and chain read three since they were substantial and interesting. The sisters aren’t like other characters that do the stupid formula with their investigations, but actually help law enforcement with interviews from reluctant or missed people. The reader never knows where the path will lead since it’s definitely not straight.

The Nut Case: How It All Began – This book was a freebie offered in Murder After Hours. It was just as enjoyable as MAH. A well written, fast paced story with a well thought out plot. The characters are interesting and they have developed continuously in MAH. None of the characters acted stupidly and their dialog was realistic. I contacted the author to review her books. 4*

Murder At The Pier #1 – This picks up after The Nut Case and keeps right on going. This fast-paced, intriguing story keeps the reader glued to the pages. Just when everyone thinks the crime is solved, it gets deeper with intrigue. While the suspect isn’t a surprise, the reader gets a selection of possible criminals. The author does a great job with her descriptions, both characters and scenes. There’s a touch of possible romance; it appears in the making.

I had read the fifth book first, so I saw the growth of the characters as compared to The Nut Case and this book. The dialogue is realistic; there’s no stupid formulas; and the characters are compliment each other, both socially and as crime solving “partners”. 4*

Murder Act Two #2 – Another well-written, fast-paced story with an interesting story line and characters. This story picks up a month after Murder At The Pier stopped. There are the regular characters, as well as new ones. The characters needed for this story are developed enough to keep the reader’s interest. The regulars keep showing more facets to their personalities. Another substantial read, with an interesting plot that really kicks it into gear around the 70 percent mark of the story with autopsy findings; along with the background material that makes it easy to fall into the story. But there’s a bit of preaching when Lea and Jon are talking, not sure if chapter 18 is necessary for the story. 4*

Murder Western Style #3 – This book starts three weeks after Murder Act Two ended. Another interesting novel with our favorite characters and a few new ones. Fast paced and filled with suspense, the book is a substantial story with realistic dialog and no stupid formulas. The ladies are still working with law enforcement without doing the officers’ jobs. The author's descriptions keep the story interesting and the pages fly by quickly. 4*

Murder After Hours #5 – This is my first book by this author and I was pleasantly surprised to find this book substantial and interesting. It is well written, fast paced with a thoughtful, twisting plot. I liked the interesting characters and found them realistic and their dialog better than average. I couldn’t put the book down and finished it in one sitting. It was a pleasure to read book without profanity and sex. I loved the ending. I look forward to reading more of her books. 4*

Hit and Run #6 - Another intriguing and interesting story from one of my new favorite indie authors (a very short list). This is actually different from the previous stories concerning certain family members doing the investigation and the new locations. The sisters' retired father and Lea undertake an investigation while Lea is visiting her parents. She learns a lot of her retired chief of police dad, but still manages to get herself in trouble.

I didn't care that Lea was so free (childlike?) with her information while she was interviewing "suspects"; an example: she said her dad was retired after he said he was CoP. She trusts the word of a "suspect" and takes off flying around Mexico by herself - dumb. But that bit of idiocy aside, the rest of the story and especially the ending is worth reading and entertaining.

Well written and thought out, the story keeps the reader interested in completing the story, even with the stupidity that impulsive Lea engages in while in Mexico. I think the ending gives a good indication of the future for some of the characters and I'm looking forward to seeing more of the partnership between the sisters and their family. Warren and Barbara, the parents, were engaging and likable, and an great addition to this story. 4*

I contacted the author to review her books out of curiosity.
Profile Image for Texas.
1,685 reviews394 followers
August 8, 2018
I was first introduced to this series with the fifth book Murder After Hours. I have since read four of the other books in the series. I enjoyed each book and chain read three since they were substantial and interesting. The sisters aren’t like other characters that do the stupid formula with their investigations, but actually help law enforcement with interviews from reluctant or missed people. The reader never knows where the path will lead since it’s definitely not straight.

The Nut Case: How It All Began – This book was a freebie offered in Murder After Hours. It was just as enjoyable as MAH. A well written, fast paced story with a well thought out plot. The characters are interesting and they have developed continuously in MAH. None of the characters acted stupidly and their dialog was realistic. I contacted the author to review her books. 4*

Murder At The Pier #1 – This picks up after The Nut Case and keeps right on going. This fast-paced, intriguing story keeps the reader glued to the pages. Just when everyone thinks the crime is solved, it gets deeper with intrigue. While the suspect isn’t a surprise, the reader gets a selection of possible criminals. The author does a great job with her descriptions, both characters and scenes. There’s a touch of possible romance; it appears in the making.

I had read the fifth book first, so I saw the growth of the characters as compared to The Nut Case and this book. The dialogue is realistic; there’s no stupid formulas; and the characters are compliment each other, both socially and as crime solving “partners”. 4*

Murder Act Two #2 – Another well-written, fast-paced story with an interesting story line and characters. This story picks up a month after Murder At The Pier stopped. There are the regular characters, as well as new ones. The characters needed for this story are developed enough to keep the reader’s interest. The regulars keep showing more facets to their personalities. Another substantial read, with an interesting plot that really kicks it into gear around the 70 percent mark of the story with autopsy findings; along with the background material that makes it easy to fall into the story. But there’s a bit of preaching when Lea and Jon are talking, not sure if chapter 18 is necessary for the story. 4*

Murder Western Style #3 – This book starts three weeks after Murder Act Two ended. Another interesting novel with our favorite characters and a few new ones. Fast paced and filled with suspense, the book is a substantial story with realistic dialog and no stupid formulas. The ladies are still working with law enforcement without doing the officers’ jobs. The author's descriptions keep the story interesting and the pages fly by quickly. 4*

Murder After Hours #5 – This is my first book by this author and I was pleasantly surprised to find this book substantial and interesting. It is well written, fast paced with a thoughtful, twisting plot. I liked the interesting characters and found them realistic and their dialog better than average. I couldn’t put the book down and finished it in one sitting. It was a pleasure to read book without profanity and sex. I loved the ending. I look forward to reading more of her books. 4*

Hit and Run #6 - Another intriguing and interesting story from one of my new favorite indie authors (a very short list). This is actually different from the previous stories concerning certain family members doing the investigation and the new locations. The sisters' retired father and Lea undertake an investigation while Lea is visiting her parents. She learns a lot of her retired chief of police dad, but still manages to get herself in trouble.

I didn't care that Lea was so free (childlike?) with her information while she was interviewing "suspects"; an example: she said her dad was retired after he said he was CoP. She trusts the word of a "suspect" and takes off flying around Mexico by herself - dumb. But that bit of idiocy aside, the rest of the story and especially the ending is worth reading and entertaining.

Well written and thought out, the story keeps the reader interested in completing the story, even with the stupidity that impulsive Lea engages in while in Mexico. I think the ending gives a good indication of the future for some of the characters and I'm looking forward to seeing more of the partnership between the sisters and their family. Warren and Barbara, the parents, were engaging and likable, and an great addition to this story. 4*

I contacted the author to review her books out of curiosity.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,271 reviews98 followers
September 16, 2018
Lea and Maddy are going to the fair to watch the rodeo. This is Lea's first time there. They meet up with Scott's daughter, Katie Miller who is going to ride in the barrel competition. Her friend Lucy Benson is also riding in it. Lea and Maddy see Albert Benson and Scott Miller getting in a heated argument about Lucy and Katie's competition. Later when the announcer is doing the names, Lucy doesn't come out with her horse. Scott goes looking for her, the Lea goes looking for Scott and she finds them standing over Albert's dead body! He has been shot. That of course brings in Tom Elliot from the Police Department. Looks like Scott's gun was used to kill Albert. Lea cannot believe that Scott would do such a thing, and decides to look into the matter. Of course Maddy isn't going to be left out and together they have some close calls and told to stop snooping around. Do they listen? Ha! But they wish they had when the killer has them with a gun pointed right at them! Who is the killer and why? You will have to read the book to find out. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Bill Chee.
56 reviews
September 13, 2020
As in the previous series about two amateur sister sleuths, this story does not disappoint.

The relentless, sometimes clever but at the same time reckless in solving the crime, this author cites thought provoking advice through the characters.

Pearls of wisdom are suggested and offered by a character to help another character through a crisis.

In this book, there is the very interesting outlook offered by a native Indian chief about the relationship between dogs and humans, describing how dogs can be wise spirit guides for people if you let them.

What sets apart this author from others in my opinion is the real-life dialogue that makes you believe the characters are not fictional portrayals. There is in-depth revaluations in their personal life, personalities, nuances and habits. Interactions between characters are expertly described normally as in real life.

I thoroughly enjoy the series so far.
2,130 reviews46 followers
December 19, 2018
When Lea and Maddy visit the rodeo to see a friend's daughter compete, they don't expect to be involved in another murder investigation. These murder magnets should have known better. Maddy is deeply concerned when her good friend, Scott, becomes a person of interest. Can these Sister Sleuths help the police find the killer? Tom Elliot, head of Homicide, won't be happy. Lea and Maddy are remarkable characters. They are intelligent and have great instincts. I like to see strong female characters who are confident and capable. The plot is well written with plenty of suspects. Rayna Morgan has an easy style that pulled me in. I liked that she kept me guessing who the murderer was. In addition I enjoyed the touch of romance. Maddy deserves to find her true love. Murder Western Style hit the spot. The Sister Sleuth mysteries are an enjoyable escape.
2,648 reviews12 followers
June 1, 2019
Love the Sleuth Sisters!

Lea and Maddy cannot even go to a rodeo without stumbling into a murder. When Lea’s friend, Scott, is implicated Maddy sets out to prove his innocence but Lea is determined not to get involved this time. Lea is stunned when her husband Paul actually encourages her to help in the investigation when the investigating officer and friend, police Lieutenant Tom Elliot, says that one of Paul’s clients may be a suspect.

There are plot twists and turns and some close calls as the sisters follow the trail of evidence. This is the third book I have read in the Sleuth Sister series and I have enjoyed them all. Rayna Morgan combines humor, danger, and romance for a fun afternoon read.
Profile Image for Claudia.
2,986 reviews38 followers
August 19, 2018
This series keeps getting better and better. Once again, the sisters are involved in a murder, and the prime suspect is Maddy’s friend, Scott. From here we have another clever, quick-paced mystery that with keep you eagerly reading until the last page.

One of the best things about this books is how realistic and down-to-earth are the characters and the way the author avoids all formulaic approach to the genre. I truly enjoy them.
23 reviews
July 17, 2021
Third book in the sisters series does not disappoint! I love the way Rayna has multiple mystery lines running simultaneously so you never get bored when reading one of her books. One of the best “lines” ever in this book: “I’d rather be someone’s shot of whiskey than everyone’s cup of tea!” Loved it!
311 reviews
February 20, 2023
Murder Western Style

I love this series of books and the characters. With multiple mysteries occurring it keeps you turning the pages. I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author.
877 reviews25 followers
March 18, 2023
Murder Western Style (3)

I really enjoy this author's writing. Each of het stories are very realistic. Her characters could be your true life fried. Each mystery MS Morgan writes resonates with the way life could be lived! I highly recommend this entire series.
Profile Image for Charles Ray.
Author 557 books153 followers
February 18, 2017
It was supposed to be a nice, quiet day at a local rodeo for sisters, Lea and Maddy, but things take a turn for the worse when a local rancher who’d been in a confrontation with Maddy’s friend, Scott, is found shot to death. The murder weapon belongs to Scott, but when the investigating detective, Tom, who has romantic feelings for Maddy, focuses on Scott as the prime suspect, she’s determined to prove his innocence.
She has trouble convincing Lea to help her investigate until Lea’s husband, Paul, learns that one of his clients, a land developer, is also a suspect because the victim had been refusing to sell his land to the client’s assistant. Paul had been against Lea’s involvement in criminal investigations, but, like Maddy, he’s convinced that his client is innocent and asks her to help prove it.
With no shortage of suspects, the two sisters begin to dig into everyone’s background, and in doing so, turn over rocks, exposing many dark secrets that people would rather remain hidden. All this is happening against the backdrop of Tom trying to bring down a shadowy figure known only as the Kingpin, the boss of an extensive drug and trafficking operation in coastal California.
The disparate threads of the two cases come together in an explosive conclusion in Murder Western Style by Rayna Morgan. If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries with protagonists who are always one step ahead of the police and the bad guys, you’ll love this book. It moves like a sidewinder from start to finish, and sinks its teeth into you without warning.
I received a free copy of this book
Profile Image for Jane.
283 reviews16 followers
February 8, 2017
I really enjoyed it and that the "Kingpin" storyline showed up again as a secondary plot line. This book seemed much more introspective than the first two, which being an introspective kind of gal, I found that to be an interesting thing in a cozy mystery. As happens in series, we continue to get to know the central characters better, which is always a plus.

I thoroughly enjoyed Murder Western Style from start to finish. Thanks for another great Sister Sleuths read!

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
148 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2020
Great read!!! This book was a page turner from beginning to end with many, many surprising twists and turns. Read in one sitting.....
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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