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Nikki Hunter #8
Murder Served Cold
PI Nicoli 'Nikki' Hunter is blindsided when someone close to her is murdered, and their body dumped in an alley. Detective Bill Anderson catches the homicide and, knowing Nikki, doesn't even attempt to discourage her from conducting her own investigation, which, in this case, takes a village. Nikki enlists the aid of her friends and the marina community to unravel the complicated web of events that led to murder, served cold.Murder Served Cold is the 8th book in award winning author Nancy Skopin's Nikki Hunter mystery series.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2017
485 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Skopin
9 books62 followersAward winning author, Nancy Skopin, is a native of California who currently lives on the Oregon coast with her husband, Max Ferry, and their dog, Turq. An avid student of human nature, Nancy is happiest spending her days imagining the best, and the worst, that we are capable of, and translating those ideas into her Nikki Hunter mystery novels.
As does her central character, Nikki, Nancy lived aboard a yacht in the San
Francisco Bay Area for thirteen years, though she has recently settled on solid ground.
While researching her quirky serial killer mystery series she worked for two years with a private investigator, learning the intricacies of the business and, specifically, the art of bar and restaurant “mystery shopping.”
As does her central character, Nikki, Nancy lived aboard a yacht in the San
Francisco Bay Area for thirteen years, though she has recently settled on solid ground.
While researching her quirky serial killer mystery series she worked for two years with a private investigator, learning the intricacies of the business and, specifically, the art of bar and restaurant “mystery shopping.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
October 18, 2018
Sam's farewell
Wonderful. A great plot that manages to be both poignant and heartwarming in fast actioned story. Great portrayals of the loss death brings.
She has been filling her days and nights with her normal cases to return one nights to a message from Sam asking her to help on one of his cases. It is only later that she is told that Sam has been murdered and his body left by a dumpster. When the cause of death comes back, it causes confusion. He was poisoned, tasered, hit on the back of his head and injected with n air bubble. Now with his widow asking for help, she asks Jim to take over her current business to look into the death only to discover Sam's office trashed and most of his records shredded. With help she finds out the case he was pursuing on that fateful night. Will she be able to track down his killer? Terrific read that tracked how from simple clues they managed to get the information needed to close the case. However it appears that Nina is back and still working to stop abusers and rescue the children if she can!
Wonderful. A great plot that manages to be both poignant and heartwarming in fast actioned story. Great portrayals of the loss death brings.
She has been filling her days and nights with her normal cases to return one nights to a message from Sam asking her to help on one of his cases. It is only later that she is told that Sam has been murdered and his body left by a dumpster. When the cause of death comes back, it causes confusion. He was poisoned, tasered, hit on the back of his head and injected with n air bubble. Now with his widow asking for help, she asks Jim to take over her current business to look into the death only to discover Sam's office trashed and most of his records shredded. With help she finds out the case he was pursuing on that fateful night. Will she be able to track down his killer? Terrific read that tracked how from simple clues they managed to get the information needed to close the case. However it appears that Nina is back and still working to stop abusers and rescue the children if she can!
January 21, 2019
Now this is better than the 7th book - more murder investigation and less restaurant reviews.
However, I found some things inconsistent and others just too convenient. After having that 'really bad feeling' and receiving a call from her mentor Sam requesting help - why couldn't Nikki put two and two together sooner about his death? I mean, the reader could guess it almost immediately. Also, she had only two suspects throughout the entire case, and it was just a matter of sending photos and fingerprints off to her friend Michael who is conveniently a computer wizz to give her the go ahead nod. That's not much sleuthing, if you ask me.
The ending was I think my favourite part - Nina is back!
However, I found some things inconsistent and others just too convenient. After having that 'really bad feeling' and receiving a call from her mentor Sam requesting help - why couldn't Nikki put two and two together sooner about his death? I mean, the reader could guess it almost immediately. Also, she had only two suspects throughout the entire case, and it was just a matter of sending photos and fingerprints off to her friend Michael who is conveniently a computer wizz to give her the go ahead nod. That's not much sleuthing, if you ask me.
The ending was I think my favourite part - Nina is back!
January 10, 2019
Fantastic as usual. It is always a pleasure to read a well thought out story.
Was exceedingly sorry to see Sam leave the venue via murder. But, what bothered me the most, was that Nikki didn't prod Lyndon (and selfishly he wouldn't think) to open his overflowing coffers and tender some compensation to Becca either by a direct gift or a trust-type fund so that she would never become destitute. After all, had he not pursued Lydia, her past and intentions, Lyndon, more than likely, would have been dead husband #4. It cost Sam his life, all it would cost Lyndon would be money, of which he is more than overwhelmed.
Happy to see Nikki finally coming around to the idea of marriage. After all, marriage is, basically, what you make it, and they are not rushing into it without logical thought and in the heat of passion (which is one of the deterring factors to a good marriage), but have had sufficient time to weigh it merits and from here, it looks good.
Also, as I thought, welcome back Nina.
Now, after all the glowing rhetoric, I have to say that I was disappointed in finding several grammatical errors, via missed words. I am a severe critic when it comes to the proper grammatical presentation of a book, and if it was anything other than the Nikki Hunter series, I would not have given it 5 stars, but, even with the errors the book rated it. But I hope Nancy takes better care and more pride in her future books than to present them in an unfavorable light ever again.
Was exceedingly sorry to see Sam leave the venue via murder. But, what bothered me the most, was that Nikki didn't prod Lyndon (and selfishly he wouldn't think) to open his overflowing coffers and tender some compensation to Becca either by a direct gift or a trust-type fund so that she would never become destitute. After all, had he not pursued Lydia, her past and intentions, Lyndon, more than likely, would have been dead husband #4. It cost Sam his life, all it would cost Lyndon would be money, of which he is more than overwhelmed.
Happy to see Nikki finally coming around to the idea of marriage. After all, marriage is, basically, what you make it, and they are not rushing into it without logical thought and in the heat of passion (which is one of the deterring factors to a good marriage), but have had sufficient time to weigh it merits and from here, it looks good.
Also, as I thought, welcome back Nina.
Now, after all the glowing rhetoric, I have to say that I was disappointed in finding several grammatical errors, via missed words. I am a severe critic when it comes to the proper grammatical presentation of a book, and if it was anything other than the Nikki Hunter series, I would not have given it 5 stars, but, even with the errors the book rated it. But I hope Nancy takes better care and more pride in her future books than to present them in an unfavorable light ever again.
December 18, 2021
free ebook
i like this series. shes a pi , kind of like sue grafton
she has a dog and her boyfriend cop lives with her on her boat in n calif
her mentor was murdered after he left her a vm saying he needed help in a case
he was following a woman his rich client had been seeing for a month
he was poisoned in tea in a sushi restaurant, and killed behind it in the alley
her cop husband is also looking into the case
she has cases where she checks out servers in restaurants, eats and tells the client about the food and service. she checked into a doggy daycare one client wanted to buy, but the owners dog attacked her dog, but he only got a scratch on his nose. the client did not buy the doggy day care
she had a visit from a boy who had hired her to find who killed his mom and she got him to live with his uncle. things are going well for both of them
i like this series, i would like to read more
she figured out who killed her friend and another friend of hers arranged for the proof to be found by the police so she didnt get in trouble with her husband. i would like to read the next book to find out what happens, she doesnt want to get married and her mom is pressuring her
i like this series. shes a pi , kind of like sue grafton
she has a dog and her boyfriend cop lives with her on her boat in n calif
her mentor was murdered after he left her a vm saying he needed help in a case
he was following a woman his rich client had been seeing for a month
he was poisoned in tea in a sushi restaurant, and killed behind it in the alley
her cop husband is also looking into the case
she has cases where she checks out servers in restaurants, eats and tells the client about the food and service. she checked into a doggy daycare one client wanted to buy, but the owners dog attacked her dog, but he only got a scratch on his nose. the client did not buy the doggy day care
she had a visit from a boy who had hired her to find who killed his mom and she got him to live with his uncle. things are going well for both of them
i like this series, i would like to read more
she figured out who killed her friend and another friend of hers arranged for the proof to be found by the police so she didnt get in trouble with her husband. i would like to read the next book to find out what happens, she doesnt want to get married and her mom is pressuring her
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2019
Murder Served Cold: The 8th Nikki Hunter Mystery
by Nancy Skopin
Skopin delivers her 8th winner in a row! One again, Nancy Skopin has published a rollicking good mystery that is excellent+! Vibrant and relatable characters, lots of action, tension, angst, and danger, perfect plotting and pacing, stellar proofing and editing, and an ending that leads seamlessly to the next in the series, without being a cliffhanger.
In this episode, Nikki loses someone close to her and well-known to the readers. Skopin is definitely following the "kill your darlings" tip for authors. Nikki is driven to catch the killer, but at how much cost to herself and those around her? In this double mystery tied into one, everyone and everything is at risk.
And that non-cliffhanger ending that leads to the 9th book? It's a great one!
by Nancy Skopin
Skopin delivers her 8th winner in a row! One again, Nancy Skopin has published a rollicking good mystery that is excellent+! Vibrant and relatable characters, lots of action, tension, angst, and danger, perfect plotting and pacing, stellar proofing and editing, and an ending that leads seamlessly to the next in the series, without being a cliffhanger.
In this episode, Nikki loses someone close to her and well-known to the readers. Skopin is definitely following the "kill your darlings" tip for authors. Nikki is driven to catch the killer, but at how much cost to herself and those around her? In this double mystery tied into one, everyone and everything is at risk.
And that non-cliffhanger ending that leads to the 9th book? It's a great one!
December 2, 2017
Totally Delicious!
What’s not to love? Murder Served Cold is a delectable concoction of laughter, tears, intrigue, & a splash of romance. It was well plotted with unexpected twists that offered me an escape into a suspenseful world Nancy Skopin creates. I always look forward to each new adventure in P.I. Nikki Hunter’s life & this one did not disappoint. I will admit this particular book touched a personal note with me that will forever make it my favorite. You can actually read this story as a stand-alone, but do yourself a favor & read the entire series. I promise you will find it an irresistible page turner!
What’s not to love? Murder Served Cold is a delectable concoction of laughter, tears, intrigue, & a splash of romance. It was well plotted with unexpected twists that offered me an escape into a suspenseful world Nancy Skopin creates. I always look forward to each new adventure in P.I. Nikki Hunter’s life & this one did not disappoint. I will admit this particular book touched a personal note with me that will forever make it my favorite. You can actually read this story as a stand-alone, but do yourself a favor & read the entire series. I promise you will find it an irresistible page turner!
April 20, 2019
I'll be honest, I read this mostly because it had a ridgeback on the cover. Except, unlike every ridgeback I've ever known, this one actually goes on multiple walks a day. I just couldn't suspend my disbelief that a 100 lb dog would need that much exercise. Also, she did this annoying thing where charcters, especially women, were described by height and weight. Eeeeh! The story wasn't bad, but the whole thing was pretty clinical, and, well, a bit tedious, which I imagine is what PI work is really like, but, it comes across as a woman who takes herself waaaaay to seriously. There was no humor, no fun, and frankly, no real suspense.
August 24, 2022
I agree somewhat with a review written by some who liked this book less than me. -The book does go into extreme detail of each character’s physical appearance &…even to the point of common items in a desk drawer. The other review also mentions the numerous times of waking the dog as being unrealistic. I agree this seemed to take a lot of time in the story; however, a dog that size who is kept on a boat would require even more walking than one who has access to a backyard. My main criticism is that the character doesn’t appear to be very efficient at her job. She constantly require the assistance or more experienced PIs. That is the reason I will not be reading further books in this series.
July 18, 2018
Very good
Good mystery. This is the first book of the series I have read and I will certainly read the ones I have missed. The story is interesting and I like the protagonist. It is a bonus that her dog is a big part of her life and the care she exercises in his well-being. The cliffhanger ending is the only thing I object to at all and then only in a minor way. The story of this book is wrapped up and the cliffhanger is a different story. Good writing, good characters, and good book.
Good mystery. This is the first book of the series I have read and I will certainly read the ones I have missed. The story is interesting and I like the protagonist. It is a bonus that her dog is a big part of her life and the care she exercises in his well-being. The cliffhanger ending is the only thing I object to at all and then only in a minor way. The story of this book is wrapped up and the cliffhanger is a different story. Good writing, good characters, and good book.
September 22, 2018
A fitting end
What a satisfying eight books! I’m hoping there is a ninth book in the offing.
Nikki Hunter is both smart and beautiful. She listens to her intuition as well as the feelings in her gut and, thus, is well suited to be a P.I.
I feel as if I know Nikki and her loved ones. I like her. I have enjoyed each adventure with her. To make another’s world so real to me is the mark of a good writer.
I highly recommend this series. I also recommend these books be read in order. They build nicely on each other.
What a satisfying eight books! I’m hoping there is a ninth book in the offing.
Nikki Hunter is both smart and beautiful. She listens to her intuition as well as the feelings in her gut and, thus, is well suited to be a P.I.
I feel as if I know Nikki and her loved ones. I like her. I have enjoyed each adventure with her. To make another’s world so real to me is the mark of a good writer.
I highly recommend this series. I also recommend these books be read in order. They build nicely on each other.
April 25, 2019
This is my second or third book of the series. I enjoy the quirky work Nikki does and her developing romantic life. A few complications with her romantic interest who is a policeman. Different setting and living arrangements which add to the story. This is not a procedural mystery and you need a bit of an imagination but the book is an enjoyable read with a satisfying conclusion. Interesting connections between the crimes. It helps to have read previous books but not essential. I am on to the next book today.
July 15, 2018
Can't put the book down
Excellent series and i have spent this weekend binge reading. I bought one and had to keep getting the others because the storyline and characters draw you in. I have laughed and cried and enjoyed every story. The way the characters are interwoven into the story makes you feel like they are people you could be friends with. This author is talented and amazing.
Excellent series and i have spent this weekend binge reading. I bought one and had to keep getting the others because the storyline and characters draw you in. I have laughed and cried and enjoyed every story. The way the characters are interwoven into the story makes you feel like they are people you could be friends with. This author is talented and amazing.
October 1, 2018
I love all the Nikki Hunter series. This one is sad as her mentor was murdered by 2 different killers each with their own reason. The story moves along nicely keeping your interest. I read this book in one sitting. Can't wait to read the next book as I think Nikki is finally ready to tell Bill yes. Always glad to read about whats happening with J. T. and Scott. Also love all the animals in the story.
October 15, 2018
This book catches your attention immediately and doesn't let go. I'm the past eight days I've read all eight books. They flow seamlessly, one into the other. I really hope there will be more. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes to read a good suspense mystery.
I enjoyed this series because it kept my attention without using EXPLICIT sex and copious amounts of cursing. That seems to be an issue in books these days.
I enjoyed this series because it kept my attention without using EXPLICIT sex and copious amounts of cursing. That seems to be an issue in books these days.
December 27, 2018
For Nikki Hunter, it's another day, another murder mystery. This time it's someone she knows. Nikki is devastated by the loss then determined to discover how and why. This reader felt every bit as heartbroken as Nikki. The killer isn't hard to figure out. Interesting twist at the end (of course). I hope this isn't the last of the Nikki Hunter books. I like her character and while her aversion to marriage is understandable, I hope she and Bill make it to the altar some day.
May 7, 2019
Lots of heartbreak in this book, murder hits too close to home for Nikki! Can she solve the mystery, find the killer, before someone else dies? Full of tears, terrible heartache, unpredictable twists and turns, an evil and betrayal! Lots of drama, but also closure and happiness, as life goes on! Will she find the murderer before it’s too late? Is she ready to marry Bill? May be the best story yet, the grief is so real you feel it! Loved it!
December 31, 2019
😍 ALL I MUST SAY IS, BUY THIS WONDERFUL BOOK NOW!😍
Here is a great written mystery story that will captivate you right from the start! The characters were brought to life and the descriptions BUY THIS BOOK!😍 of each area mentioned in this book sweeps the reader away. Any person who enjoys amazingly beautiful written mystery stories, will love 💘 this author and breathtaking book!
Here is a great written mystery story that will captivate you right from the start! The characters were brought to life and the descriptions BUY THIS BOOK!😍 of each area mentioned in this book sweeps the reader away. Any person who enjoys amazingly beautiful written mystery stories, will love 💘 this author and breathtaking book!
July 14, 2025
Niki Does It Again
Niki Hunter mysteries are fast paced and worth the reading. Skopin gives her stories authenticity by using real places, naming real products, and everyday life.
Niki has an interesting job and life. It invites the reader in. As a PI, Niki doesn't face danger by doing mystery shopper surveys at restaurants. But somehow there is usually a murder hiding in the alley for her to solve.
Niki Hunter mysteries are fast paced and worth the reading. Skopin gives her stories authenticity by using real places, naming real products, and everyday life.
Niki has an interesting job and life. It invites the reader in. As a PI, Niki doesn't face danger by doing mystery shopper surveys at restaurants. But somehow there is usually a murder hiding in the alley for her to solve.
July 4, 2018
Murders, great characters, romantic tension, WOW!
Seldom have I read my way through a series as quickly as this, unputdownable! Ms Skopin makes even some of the bad guys sympathetic and her descriptions of various dogs, especially Buddy, warmed my heart. This series is a definite must read IMHO.
Seldom have I read my way through a series as quickly as this, unputdownable! Ms Skopin makes even some of the bad guys sympathetic and her descriptions of various dogs, especially Buddy, warmed my heart. This series is a definite must read IMHO.
July 10, 2018
Nikki, a private detective living on a boat in Northern California, finds herself investigating a case of murder—the victim was her mentor and friend. I enjoyed these characters, both two and four legged, and the plot kept my interest--this Kindle freebie was definitely entertaining. I was disappointed at the very end, however, because I resent cliffhanger endings.
July 28, 2018
Murder Served Cold
Very interesting and entertaining storyline about a female private investigator and her police officer boyfriend as they work together and separately to solve a murder. All murder investigations are difficult but when the victim was a close friend it becomes even more important to the investigator.
Very interesting and entertaining storyline about a female private investigator and her police officer boyfriend as they work together and separately to solve a murder. All murder investigations are difficult but when the victim was a close friend it becomes even more important to the investigator.
September 13, 2018
This one tugs at your heart
Nikki has a very close person in her end up murdered and there’s nothing she won’t do to find the killer. For once, she’s not on the suspects hit list but it a tear jerker since she loved this person and it gets personal. A great mystery and never a dull moment!
Nikki has a very close person in her end up murdered and there’s nothing she won’t do to find the killer. For once, she’s not on the suspects hit list but it a tear jerker since she loved this person and it gets personal. A great mystery and never a dull moment!
October 22, 2018
Her friend is thinking of investing in a doggie day center,and wanting Nicoli and her dog Buddy to investigate. She loves her dog to much to risk it, can’t use any other dog, for have to show ownership. Buddy suffers from separation issues or is it Nicoli. News of Sam her mentor had been killed, which devastates her.His wife Becca wants her to find the killer, and take over his clients. A surprised birthday gift from Bill, which over whelms her. A lot happens, a lot of emotion, which will keep you to the end.
October 28, 2018
My Mentor
Nikki Hunter is having a bad day. Someone murdered her former boss and mentor, Sam Pettigrew. He was like a father to her. More so than her own. Of course, with the approval of Sam's wife, Rebecca, Nikki sets out to find the killer. I am truly enjoying this whole series. Fantastic story-telling!
Nikki Hunter is having a bad day. Someone murdered her former boss and mentor, Sam Pettigrew. He was like a father to her. More so than her own. Of course, with the approval of Sam's wife, Rebecca, Nikki sets out to find the killer. I am truly enjoying this whole series. Fantastic story-telling!
May 5, 2019
Very good book
,I enjoyed reading this book very much. It was fun , the characters were believable and cute. That being said, there. Is always room for improvement, at times I felt like I was reading a to do list, especially when shent anyhere. Also there were some raunchy parts beneath the writing I would not stop that for! Reading another bok
,I enjoyed reading this book very much. It was fun , the characters were believable and cute. That being said, there. Is always room for improvement, at times I felt like I was reading a to do list, especially when shent anyhere. Also there were some raunchy parts beneath the writing I would not stop that for! Reading another bok
January 6, 2021
Good
Good writing style. Dimensional characters. Entertaining. Part of a series although stand alone. I liked that you get the gist of the characters placement in the main characters life without a lot of explanation. It's the first I've read from this series so that might change in the next book I read. It finished with a little baited hook for the next book.
Good writing style. Dimensional characters. Entertaining. Part of a series although stand alone. I liked that you get the gist of the characters placement in the main characters life without a lot of explanation. It's the first I've read from this series so that might change in the next book I read. It finished with a little baited hook for the next book.
January 30, 2022
Easy to follow story
I enjoyed the mystery in this book even though it's a sad story. Nikki is determined to solve the who and why of the murder and does so with the help of her friends and her boyfriend Bill the police detective. The ending was a bit of a cliff hanger but it does set up for future stories. I certainly hope book 9 answers the questions.
I enjoyed the mystery in this book even though it's a sad story. Nikki is determined to solve the who and why of the murder and does so with the help of her friends and her boyfriend Bill the police detective. The ending was a bit of a cliff hanger but it does set up for future stories. I certainly hope book 9 answers the questions.
July 16, 2018
I love this series
I love this author. Her books keep me wanting more. Very good and never know what will happen. Unfortunately I have read them out of order. Time to start with number one. Keep em coming Nancy.
I love this author. Her books keep me wanting more. Very good and never know what will happen. Unfortunately I have read them out of order. Time to start with number one. Keep em coming Nancy.
September 23, 2018
Loved the book
Storyline held my interest. Love her friend s hips and love of her dog. Great to hear how past characters are doing and adding new ones that might pop up again. Really like the ending.
Storyline held my interest. Love her friend s hips and love of her dog. Great to hear how past characters are doing and adding new ones that might pop up again. Really like the ending.
December 16, 2018
Unfinishable
I barely made it through ch 1 but pushed myself up to ch 12. It's just too many infodumps and uninteresting scenes to be worth reading. The beginning of ch 1 is an excellent lesson in how not to start a novel.
I barely made it through ch 1 but pushed myself up to ch 12. It's just too many infodumps and uninteresting scenes to be worth reading. The beginning of ch 1 is an excellent lesson in how not to start a novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews