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A Stacie Maroni Mystery #2
Foundations, Funny Business & Murder
The best of intentions shouldn't include murder.
An HR specialist and trauma counselor, Stacie is on the board of a fledgling non-profit foundation set up to benefit victims of domestic violence. After a slashed tire, attempted break in, and a murder, Stacie isn’t buying coincidental bad karma. Someone wants her off the board - at any cost. Her fancy surveillance equipment, impressive alarm system, and a ferocious Maltese dog offer only so much protection. Enter Kevin McNair, a smooth talker with piercing blue eyes. Can she trust him with her heart or her life?
An HR specialist and trauma counselor, Stacie is on the board of a fledgling non-profit foundation set up to benefit victims of domestic violence. After a slashed tire, attempted break in, and a murder, Stacie isn’t buying coincidental bad karma. Someone wants her off the board - at any cost. Her fancy surveillance equipment, impressive alarm system, and a ferocious Maltese dog offer only so much protection. Enter Kevin McNair, a smooth talker with piercing blue eyes. Can she trust him with her heart or her life?
- GenresMysteryMystery Thriller
151 pages, ebook
Published September 24, 2018
59 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Christa Nardi
65 books311 followersFrom childhood, as a fan of Nancy Drew, Dana Girls, Perry Mason, and the Hardy Boys, it was inevitable that Christa Nardi would continue her love of books and particularly mysteries. With a career in technical/nonfiction writing (under real name), it is not surprising that her love of mystery transformed into not only reading but writing mysteries. Christa combines her love for reading and writing on her blog.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 25, 2018
Stacie Maroni is trying to get back on her feet after the tragic murder of her soon-to-be-ex-husband. His will left a sizeable donation for the establishment of a foundation to prevent and address domestic violence, and appointed Stacie as one of the board of directors. Strange things start happening to her and other board members, and soon people start dropping dead. Because she’s inquisitive by nature, and wants to help people, she starts digging around to protect the foundation and find out who is killing board members.
I very much enjoy this series. I always advocate for reading in order (I’m kind of compulsive), but the author does a skillful job of weaving events from the first book into this story, so readers won’t feel lost or left out if they start with this one. The Virginia setting is well-described, the dialogue tight, and the characters (even the minor ones) fleshed out. Stacie feels very real to me.
I am enjoying watching Stacie figure out who she is after losing herself in a marriage to a powerful, politically-connected family. I like her caring nature, her dogged determination to solve the puzzle, and her ability to connect with people in crisis. In book one, she was dating a police officer, but he was much more interested in being serious than she was, and in this book, they are trying to navigate the “friendship zone.” There’s some nice romantic tension with a board member who seems almost too good to be true, but who in the end is there when she needs him.
I finished this book in a couple of days – the plot was good, and the ending a surprise. This is a “clean” mystery in that the violence occurs off-screen, there’s no profanity, and while couples are getting busy, there isn’t an excessive amount of detail. Normally run the other way from “clean” mysteries because the plots bore me and I find the characters wooden. This series, however, is just good entertainment with likeable characters, interesting plots, and good writing.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author, but I purchased my own as soon as it was published. I like Stacie and her friends, and I hope to see more books featuring them.
I very much enjoy this series. I always advocate for reading in order (I’m kind of compulsive), but the author does a skillful job of weaving events from the first book into this story, so readers won’t feel lost or left out if they start with this one. The Virginia setting is well-described, the dialogue tight, and the characters (even the minor ones) fleshed out. Stacie feels very real to me.
I am enjoying watching Stacie figure out who she is after losing herself in a marriage to a powerful, politically-connected family. I like her caring nature, her dogged determination to solve the puzzle, and her ability to connect with people in crisis. In book one, she was dating a police officer, but he was much more interested in being serious than she was, and in this book, they are trying to navigate the “friendship zone.” There’s some nice romantic tension with a board member who seems almost too good to be true, but who in the end is there when she needs him.
I finished this book in a couple of days – the plot was good, and the ending a surprise. This is a “clean” mystery in that the violence occurs off-screen, there’s no profanity, and while couples are getting busy, there isn’t an excessive amount of detail. Normally run the other way from “clean” mysteries because the plots bore me and I find the characters wooden. This series, however, is just good entertainment with likeable characters, interesting plots, and good writing.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author, but I purchased my own as soon as it was published. I like Stacie and her friends, and I hope to see more books featuring them.
October 12, 2021
I enjoyed this book. This is the second book in the series and is just as good and captivating as the first book. There is so much going on in this story that the blurb just doesn't do it justice. There are a lot of characters, many of whom we have already met if you have read or listened to the first book, but you don't need to have to enjoy this book. The author weaves background information nicely into the story, as well as fleshing out the characters, making them likeable and human. I liked the fact that the main character didn't come across as a hopeless female but was capable, despite still needing help from her over protective friends. The mystery was interesting and took lots of twists and I look forward to the next book.
Stacie is called to an emergency meeting for the non-profit foundation her deceased husband set up for women of domestic violence. It seems The board has to many members and after a mix up with email address nobody knows who should actually be on the committee or even who is in charge. Before the meeting can get under way the man who called the meeting is attacked. Then Stacie herself is shot at, her tires slashed and a tracker placed on her car. The press also seem to be doing there best to cause trouble for the foundation by interviewing some of the members, including a sports star and two opposing politicians. Can Stacie, her friends and the police get to the bottom of what is going on before somebody else gets hurt? Her love life despite all her friends attempts at getting her back out on the scene might just have to be put on the back burner, especially when she doesn't know who to trust.
I like the narrator, she has a special way of bringing the story and characters to life.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
Stacie is called to an emergency meeting for the non-profit foundation her deceased husband set up for women of domestic violence. It seems The board has to many members and after a mix up with email address nobody knows who should actually be on the committee or even who is in charge. Before the meeting can get under way the man who called the meeting is attacked. Then Stacie herself is shot at, her tires slashed and a tracker placed on her car. The press also seem to be doing there best to cause trouble for the foundation by interviewing some of the members, including a sports star and two opposing politicians. Can Stacie, her friends and the police get to the bottom of what is going on before somebody else gets hurt? Her love life despite all her friends attempts at getting her back out on the scene might just have to be put on the back burner, especially when she doesn't know who to trust.
I like the narrator, she has a special way of bringing the story and characters to life.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
November 4, 2021
Loved it, a great story full of suspicious happenings and accidents,, intrigue and double dealing, dodgy characters and murder. Stacie is on the board of a new non profit organisation set up to help victims of spousal abuse, when she arrives for an emergency meeting a body is discovered. I loved the story, the main characters, the dodgy politicians and the pets. Great characters, intelligent and involving mystery with a suitable convoluted ending. The narration is excellent well performed and easy to listen to. I devoured it in one session and am looking forward to the next one. I received a complimentary copy from the Author and am leaving a honest voluntary review
October 20, 2021
Foundations, Funny Business & Murder is the second installment in the Stacie Maroni Mystery series by Christa Nardi. I listened to an audio version of the book.
So, who is taking the members of the board out and why? I found this well-written, well-narrated, and entertaining. I found it interesting how emails went to some members and not others of the board and how there were more people invited to the board then there were slots.
Lots of twists and turns. Looking forward to installment number three.
So, who is taking the members of the board out and why? I found this well-written, well-narrated, and entertaining. I found it interesting how emails went to some members and not others of the board and how there were more people invited to the board then there were slots.
Lots of twists and turns. Looking forward to installment number three.
November 11, 2021
I enjoy Christa Nardi's tales featuring Stacie Maroni. Stacie is intelligent, independent, and passionate about her causes. She is a board member of a foundation that helps victims of domestic violence. In this book, someone is working to have her removed from the board. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I recommend this series to others who enjoy this genre. Naomi Rose-Mock's narration is great and adds to the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.
December 22, 2021
One would think, or at least hope, that non profits were trust worthy--especially one that was created for victims of abuse! This one was a mess and it hadn't even quite started yet. The board of directors was supposed to be 1/2 male and 1/2 female from specific industries. And why were people being murdered after speaking with the head of the board. And why were all those mishaps happening to Stacie? You will love her vicious dog!!
This book will keep you reading until you find out the answers to the above--I know it did me!
This book will keep you reading until you find out the answers to the above--I know it did me!
October 12, 2021
Christa Nardi did it again with Foundations, Funny business, and Murder. Stacie Malroni’s husband had died and his huge insurance policy was dedicated to building a Domestic Violence charity. Sounds ideal, but with his choice of a politician to lead it, the added complexity of manipulating the board and a murder, cut tires, gunshots, and dark men sneaking about. A real thrill to read, with so many possibilities. For everyone that likes a mystery, this is a keeper.
February 22, 2022
Someone has slashed Stacie’s tire and someone tried to break into her house. This and a murder that happened are making her nervous. It’s beginning to feel like someone is sending her a message. I enjoyed the characters in this mystery, especially Stacie. There’s some humor throughout the story. And there’s even a possible romance with a certain good looking man involved with the case. I listened to the audiobook and the narration was easy to listen to.
August 25, 2024
Great series
This is the 2nd book in the Stacie Maroni series. I highly recommend starting with the first book, as many characters were introduced and reappear in this one. Stacie is on the board for the foundation set up in her almost ex-husband's will to help victims of domestic violence. But there are a lot of things going on within the board, a murder, some shady politicians, and too many close calls.
This is the 2nd book in the Stacie Maroni series. I highly recommend starting with the first book, as many characters were introduced and reappear in this one. Stacie is on the board for the foundation set up in her almost ex-husband's will to help victims of domestic violence. But there are a lot of things going on within the board, a murder, some shady politicians, and too many close calls.
March 17, 2021
Very Unusual!
Interesting situation in this book. Staci serves on the board of the foundation formed through her estranged husband’s will. Lots of problems caused by politicians on the board who are not honest—- what a surprise! Many new characters introduced and the investigation is complicated by aforementioned politicians! Good wins out finally.
Interesting situation in this book. Staci serves on the board of the foundation formed through her estranged husband’s will. Lots of problems caused by politicians on the board who are not honest—- what a surprise! Many new characters introduced and the investigation is complicated by aforementioned politicians! Good wins out finally.
November 1, 2021
This was entertaining and I am starting to really engage with the series as this is my second. Again I learnt a lot regarding how foundations work plus gambling addictions, not forgetting the love life.
The narration fully suited the story.
I was given a free copy by the author but this in no way influenced my decision.
The narration fully suited the story.
I was given a free copy by the author but this in no way influenced my decision.
February 8, 2022
This is a cozy mystery with a few twists and a romantic touch. Stacie is having some problems, especially when a body shows up barely alive. Later the man dies and a mystery unfolds. The author writes a no-nonsense book, which I really like. She gets to the point and tells a tale that is a quick, interesting read. That is refreshing and intriguing. Grab this one.
January 8, 2023
Foundations, Funny Business & Murder (2)
This another great story. It's actually a good deal different from the first story. I am glad to read series sets when each story is rather different from the others. The story plot and characters are very well rounded. I liked this story a great deal and am happy to recommend it to other readers
This another great story. It's actually a good deal different from the first story. I am glad to read series sets when each story is rather different from the others. The story plot and characters are very well rounded. I liked this story a great deal and am happy to recommend it to other readers
September 27, 2018
A real page turner
I couldn't put the book down. I have read all of Christa's books. The twists and turns make the book interesting. The characters are multi-faceted. I can't wait for her next book
I couldn't put the book down. I have read all of Christa's books. The twists and turns make the book interesting. The characters are multi-faceted. I can't wait for her next book
April 27, 2019
HIGHLY ENTERTAINING AND GREAT ADVENTURE
In this second adventure several new characters have been added that compliment the storyline as it develops this new series. The new characters being heightened intrigue to Stacie's new adventure and potentially new relationship.
In this second adventure several new characters have been added that compliment the storyline as it develops this new series. The new characters being heightened intrigue to Stacie's new adventure and potentially new relationship.
July 20, 2019
Good, enjoyable and interesting.
I find the two books so far in this series to be good, well-written, and interesting from start to finish. Characters are interesting. I will definitely read more books by this author.
I find the two books so far in this series to be good, well-written, and interesting from start to finish. Characters are interesting. I will definitely read more books by this author.
October 25, 2021
Power corrupts.
A new charitable foundation's first meeting turns up a corpse, irregularities with foundation set up and too many coinsidences all kept my interest throughout. New author for me and looking forward to more of her books.
A new charitable foundation's first meeting turns up a corpse, irregularities with foundation set up and too many coinsidences all kept my interest throughout. New author for me and looking forward to more of her books.
June 11, 2023
book 2 in the series
Book 2 in the series and I enjoyed it as much as book 1. This series is rare in that while it is a great cozy mystery there is no heroine putting herself in constant danger trying to prove she’s smarter than the police even without any training!
Book 2 in the series and I enjoyed it as much as book 1. This series is rare in that while it is a great cozy mystery there is no heroine putting herself in constant danger trying to prove she’s smarter than the police even without any training!
September 12, 2023
Overall I did enjoy this sequel. It just touched on politics and fundraising a little too much for me. Again well written with good characters even though I didn't care for Kevin. Hopefully in the next book or two Stacie and O'Hare will finally get together.
October 6, 2018
Great read
OK book two and I can't wait till the next to find out what Stacie gets into next if you love a great cozy then this one by Christa Nardi is a must read
OK book two and I can't wait till the next to find out what Stacie gets into next if you love a great cozy then this one by Christa Nardi is a must read
August 26, 2021
Much intrigue
A pretty interesting story with loads of questions to be answered. Pretty easy reading and the book kept you interested in findin* out the answers.
A pretty interesting story with loads of questions to be answered. Pretty easy reading and the book kept you interested in findin* out the answers.
December 5, 2021
Good
this book is part of a series where young woman who is the widow of a very wealthy man and
this book is part of a series where young woman who is the widow of a very wealthy man and
June 9, 2022
Great book. Love how a book can keep your attention. Now on to the next one.
September 1, 2022
Who is after Stacie and why??? Who killed Ned and why??? AND who is causing all the problems with the Foundation??? I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
July 28, 2024
Exciting happenings in this book. It caught my attention from the beginning and had to keep reading until I finished. Good story, great characters. Recommend reading.
August 5, 2024
Maroni Drama x 10
The life of Stacie Maroni is very stressful. She is lucky to be alive. And the woman is a Hunk magnet. I cannot wait to see who she is with in book 3.
The life of Stacie Maroni is very stressful. She is lucky to be alive. And the woman is a Hunk magnet. I cannot wait to see who she is with in book 3.
January 22, 2025
Another wonderful book by Ms. Nardi. I am enjoying Stacie and her friends and associates very much!
October 5, 2022
In this, book 2 of the Staci Maroni Mystery series, the investigation into issues surrounding the murder of Staci's husband, which happens in book 1 continues. This book happens six months after book 1. Very good. I recommend reading book 1 (Prestige, Privilege and Murder) first.
Narrator (Naomi Rose-Mock) is great. A true professional whose enunciation is good enough to allow increasing the speech rate. Additionally, she seems to be the age and type of the main character, from whose perspective the book is written.
Narrator (Naomi Rose-Mock) is great. A true professional whose enunciation is good enough to allow increasing the speech rate. Additionally, she seems to be the age and type of the main character, from whose perspective the book is written.
February 19, 2022
This is the second book in the Staci Maroni Mystery Series, a cozy mystery. Staci’s adventures are captivating! The story has a well crafted plot, fast-paced, and entertaining. I liked the characters, the mystery, the intrigue, and the suspense. Naomi Rose-Mock did a great job with the narration. Looking forward to listening to the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews