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The Slater Mysteries #1

My Sister's Detective

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A wry tale of Murder, Suspense, and two people that can't help Falling in Love. Slater's best friend's been murdered, an old flame needs his help, and her little sister has definitely grown up! Point Road, home of the beautiful and obscenely wealthy Angela Jeffries. When their childhood friend is murdered, Angela begs Slater to take the case. Maggie, the little sister he barely remembers, offers to help. Turns out the sarcastic redhead is one hell of an investigator! As their feelings turn romantic, Maggie and Slater follow a trail of deception and lies, hoping to prove their dead friend innocent of what they fear most. No one is safe, and the men involved will stop at nothing to cover their tracks, tracks that will lead the pair into the grim world of human trafficking and expose the darkest secrets of Point Road and the Jeffries' family. "Excellent mystery! Perfectly paced and nuanced. Loved every minute of it!""Slater and Maggie are two of my favorite characters of all time! Highly recommend this series and this author.""A fresh take on the detective genre that will have you cheering out loud for Maggie and Slater.""Loved these characters. Just finished the fourth book and I loved them all. I've fallen in love with Maggie and Slater. You will too.""Wild! Suspenseful, romantic, funny, and heart-warming, sometimes all at once.""A must read. Great job of character building, suspense, details, and fun!""Unique, quirky, funny mystery.""T.J. jones is a wicked good writer, you're in for a rockin' good time" says Rodman Philbrick, best-selling author of "Freak the Mighty and We Own the Sky"."The best! Absolutely loved it!"(Also available in large print paperback.)

374 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 25, 2018

814 people are currently reading
245 people want to read

About the author

T.J. Jones

14 books27 followers
T.J.Jones is a Minnesota Author with a growing number of novels in the Mystery, Romance, and Fantasy genres. He write character-driven stories with humor and heart. He is also a fan of happy endings!

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5 stars
688 (55%)
4 stars
379 (30%)
3 stars
130 (10%)
2 stars
26 (2%)
1 star
13 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Rellim.
1,676 reviews44 followers
January 9, 2021
This was my first experience with author T.J. Jones. While it took me a bit to click with the writing and Eric as a character – overall this was an enjoyable listen. This story is unique in that while there is a romantic element, it’s at the very beginning stages and never culminates in more than a few kisses. Perfect for folks who prefer the focus be heavier on the mystery/suspense aspects than on relationship. That said, the relationship and banter between Eric & Maggie is truly delightful. Jones writes an intelligent, competent, and independent Maggie who charms the older and sometimes myopic Eric.

I also enjoyed Eric’s growth as a character throughout the book and appreciated that while Eric is former military, he’s not presented as this perfect infallible super-soldier. He needs and accepts (albeit sometimes begrudgingly) Maggie’s help and acknowledges his shortcomings. Eric mentions his love of the series, Magnum P.I. and the book/perspective definitely has that feel to it – though incorporating more grit.

Sensitive readers/listeners need to be aware that mention of human trafficking in the blurb is something to take notice of. The harsh realities of this issue run throughout the book and the topic is discussed fairly graphically. Jones is respectful of the ramifications on the victims and this gives depth and realism to the story.

While an enjoyable and full book, I would consider this a cliffhanger – not only is Davey’s exact cause of death still unknown at the end, there are a lot of further mysteries and questions uncovered during the investigation. I am looking forward to book 2, My Sister’s Fear.

This was my first time listening to narrator Tom Jordon. He gave characters unique voices and personalities. There were a LOT of emotions by numerous characters and he pulled them off well. I especially appreciated performance of the verbal sparring between Eric & Maggie.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from Audiobooks Unleashed and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews131 followers
Want to read
July 5, 2021
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/5/2021)! 🎁
Profile Image for Nancy.
25 reviews
August 30, 2020
Jolly good story!

This is a good mystery with enough twists and turns to satisfy anyone. Then, the plot resolves in a good way, with just enough mayhem!
26 reviews
January 22, 2019
My sister’s detective follows Eric Slater, a retired Navy officer who, along with Maggie and Angela Jeffries –his childhood friends- tries to discover if their mutual friend suicide was, in reality, a murder; upon untangling the mystery they realize the subject goes into deeper and darker matters involving child prostitution. At the same time, Eric, who’s always been hopelessly devoted to unattainable Angela, finds himself attracted to the witty, sassy younger sister, who has grown into a beautiful, outspoken woman.

Once you pick this book up it will become hard for you to put it down. The detective/thriller case is engaging and the love story is anything but ordinary, filled with cleverly fun dialogues and relatable issues such as teenage crushes, deceive, sibling rivalry etc.

I was also surprised to learn this book is based on true facts, which makes it even more interesting. 100% recommended.
Profile Image for Priyanka Athavale.
17 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2019
My Sister's Detective is a well-written story that will engage you from the start. Author T.J. Jones has a natural knack for storytelling, and the story flows quite effortlessly. The writing is crisp and brisk, and manages to keep the same pace throughout. There is not a dull moment, and the plot becomes more interesting as it thickens, getting murkier and murkier as our protagonists determinedly dig deeper.

It starts off as a simple whodunnit, when doubts crop up regarding a suicide. Eric Slater begins to believe that it's not as simple as it looks and lo and behold! it isn't. Investigations lead him and the witty and stunning Maggie Jeffries into something much darker than they had bargained for. This book is a classic mystery blended with romance and some haha moments to lighten the mood.
Profile Image for Chelseyam.
198 reviews
January 22, 2019
This novel has a lot going for it, so it is bound to appeal to a wide number of readers. If you’re looking for suspense, then you’re certain to find it here as the pages will fly as soon as the mystery reveals itself to readers. The romance is also another amazing element that flows along beautifully and helps the reader to feel butterflies even when things get a bit dodgy. On top of that, there is the mystery to solve, which is actually quite complexing. Although these elements are amazing, the author’s wonderful flow of words is the true highlight of the story. You will love relishing sentence after sentence. Without a doubt, this novel is bound to please and has made me excited to see what else the author has up their sleeve.
3 reviews
January 23, 2020
My Sister's Detective by T.J. Jones is an excellent read from the very beginning. Found it difficult to put it down when work had to come first. A mystery with suspense and love a well balanced mix. The rich, the poor, childhood friends and how complex the lives became with loss and love. Got to know Eric Slater, Maggie, Angela and even David as if they were right here along side. A real eye opener in the child trafficking and prostitution. Looking forward to reading "My Sister's Fear" next. A job well done T.J. Jones.
Profile Image for K Puck.
48 reviews1 follower
January 22, 2019
I was immediately drawn into the story. It's funny and quirky and a very enjoyable story. Once you start you can't stop reading it. The flirtations back and forth are fun to read. Eric Slater gets talked into investigating the suicide of his childhood friend by the girl he had the worst crush on back then. Right after beginning the investigation, he starts to see reasons why it may not have been a suicide after all. I couldn't put the book down and will be recommending it to my friends. Enjoy.
3 reviews
May 6, 2019
Definitely a good read!

Normally when I choose a book it's written by a female author or it has a female lead. I am so glad that I chose this book and enjoyed it completely. It was well written and the characters were nicely fleshed-out. I am looking forward to the next book by this author!
11 reviews
December 31, 2019
Intriguing

Good in-depth descriptions of all of the characters. I liked how you start to believe one way about the interpersonal relationship among the characters. However I did have a hunch that the relationship between Angela and her father was not normal and that Angela was trying to protect Maggie from their father’s unsavory sexual attention.
Profile Image for Mary Stenvall.
Author 14 books8 followers
January 20, 2019
This one was pretty good. Liked the story, the characters were believable and all the other checkpoints. The many endings? Not so much. Will definitely put this author on my list. Well written and carried the reader along.
84 reviews
February 24, 2019
Loved it

There is truth in the saying about what goes on behind closed doors. Maggie and Eric have opened a lot of them trying to get at the truth of their friends supposed suicide.
Great story and am looking forward to the next.
36 reviews
August 25, 2019
Intriguing

Good mystery that sucks you in, and keeps you guessing . Slater is ex navy, looking into a childhood friend,s suicide.as he reconnects with people from his past, the mystery deepens. I couldn’t put it down.
Profile Image for Jamie Lipke.
3 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2020
This was a fantastic book! I’m not a fast reader but could not put this book down. The story, the plot twists and characters were all so great! I am ordering the 2nd book and can’t wait to read it! TJ Jones surprised me and kept me on the edge of my seat! Great Read!!!
497 reviews
October 12, 2019
Excellent

I recalled liked this book. It was very emotional. There were a lot of twists and turns and a lot of action. Can’t wait to read the second one.
58 reviews
February 11, 2020
Great book!

This story is very entertaining. It keeps your interest until the end. I really enjoyed it and I would recommend it to others to read.
Profile Image for Marci Delaney.
85 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2020
Whew....this one is a can’t -put-it-down read

You never know who is going to turn up on what list? Who is the bad guy? If you like excitement, this book is for you
Profile Image for Ashley.
150 reviews
January 23, 2019
There are a lot of elements to this story. It follows an ex-Navy man who meets up with an old crush from high school, as well as her sister. The years have changed his opinion on things and people but it doesn’t stop him from looking into an old friend’s death. At the same time, there is a bit of romantic cat and mouse going on. The mystery solving aspect of it is spot on and really keeps you guessing and interested. There is just the right amount of suspense and danger. The back and forth that occurs between Angie and Slater, Maggie and Angie, and Maggie and Slater are quite entertaining as well. Who said sisters always get along? There is also enough back-story shared so you feel like you can understand each character. Check this one out if you are a fan of detective novels, with a little love scattered in for good measure.
Profile Image for Courtney Hudson.
50 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2019
Fiction based on reality and that thought that some of these dark elements are so very real made this book a touch scary for me. This book has it all... romance, suspense, mystery, thrill, a touch of horror, even a touch of comedy there is literally something to appeal to every reader that I know. This book is a nice one day read, reading it in just a few hours, so it's perfect for a day trip or a short weekend getaway. This has all the makings of great book, filtering through emotions as you quickly enjoy the reader-friendly writing style. You get pulled into the story quickly and you won't want to put it down until you're finished; and since it's not very long, it's a pleasure to go through the story in one day. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking at it, you won't regret it.
Profile Image for Mia C..
1,088 reviews25 followers
January 22, 2019
“My Sister’s Detective” is a novel written by T. J. Jones. This is the author’s first book based on reality as the previous ones were about fantasy (Callie's Secret and Magic of the Stones). It’s the first book I read from this author and I was happily pleased once I finished reading it. I liked the central idea and how characters and scenes were described and developed. It’s intriguing, suspenseful and romantic; a perfect mixture.
Moreover, it’s an easy read; without difficult vocabulary and or a difficult to follow plot. I read it in a week or so as it has got almost four hundred pages. I would certainly recommend reading it to all, but especially to young adult reader.
Profile Image for Reggie.
2,887 reviews
December 13, 2020
Witty mystery...

Retired Navy investigator, Eric Slater is dragged into the PI business when his childhood best friend commits suicide. His friend’s mother and his hs crush both believe that Davy was murdered. Now Slater and his crush’s little sister, Maggie, find themselves digging into human trafficking. Maggie also browbeats Slater into rescuing a 17 yo from her much-older-biker boyfriend. Although this story addresses the serous topic of human trafficking, the witty banter between Slater and Maggie, as well as Slater’s internal snarky monologue, make it hilarious and so worth the read or listen! Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Mary Rowe.
2,618 reviews8 followers
May 17, 2025
nice reading

Before Amazon and its Kindle Unlimited, it was the public library, where my love of reading was cultivated.

Now, with ebooks and then independent authors, so many more deserving writers are accessible to readers.

Eric Slater has retired from the military, returning home to rehab his inherited house and unexpectedly get pulled into investigating the reported suicide of a childhood friend.

Emotional stresses and strains beset the entire cast of characters, making a solid foundation for the subsequent volumes.

Onward to Book 2!

1 review
July 6, 2025
This is one of the first books since Sue Grafton books that is filled with suspense, romance and humor that is so well written!. Sadly some stories involves truth in some crimes today that hit home for anyone paying attention. This book is so well written with the romance, humor and suspense that it educates the reader without a reader realizing there is so much truth behind the crimes. I really enjoy this writer and he is right in my Minnesota neighborhood. Thank you Thomas Jones. I am looking forward to continuing the whole series.
735 reviews
January 2, 2021
Great book. I loved the characters and the plot. It was funny with just enough mystery to keep me interested. The book is about a dark subject and might trigger some people who are survivors of assault. It does not go into detail though. I highly recommend it and am looking forward to the next one in the series.

"I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
Profile Image for Laura Radniecki.
Author 1 book10 followers
February 24, 2022
Just like T.J. Jones' book "The Gypsy" - it took only a few pages before I was hooked on the characters and storyline in this book. The dialogue and characters are fantastic, and the book came to life for me very fast. I read the entire book in a day; reading every chance I got. Once I finished, I immediately began the next Slater Mystery, until I had read all four in less than a week. A gripping, suspenseful storyline, and relevant to today's world. Highly recommend this book and this author!
Profile Image for Sandra.
3,341 reviews12 followers
November 7, 2022
This was a very enjoyable mystery that perfectly balances a good plot, great characters, humour and an element of romance. I loved the chemistry between Slater and Maggie and their banter and developing relationship. There were plenty of twists and turns and complicated relationships and history to unravel as Slater, with some help from Maggie sets out to find out if his old friend Davey really killed himself or if it was murder.
5 reviews
January 5, 2019
Great book.

I enjoyed this mystery that was set in my home town. I look forward to Eric and Maggie's next investigation. There were a few grammar/spelling errors that the editor should have caught that interrupted the flow a bit, but the quality of the story made the errors easy to overlook.
5 reviews
May 3, 2020
All the elements

I’ve read a lot of mysteries over the years and written one as well. It is a lot harder than it seems to get a mixture of romance and mystery and humor as well. TJ Jones found a good balance! I enjoyed the dialogue in this— witty, real— and the relationship between Slater and Maggie has real chemistry. Looking forward to the next one.
715 reviews7 followers
July 5, 2021
That was fun. Light reading even though the underneath topic was no fun for anyone. The characters were well drawn and believable. And it was nice for a change to see some light-hearted sexual playfulness without having to participate in bedroom antics. The perpetrators, as it turns out, were a surprise, and the worst one never found. Maybe in book two.
Profile Image for PWA Allen .
423 reviews6 followers
November 28, 2021
What started out as to who killed his friend, turned dark, ugly and so very wrong. Slater doesn't realize what he's getting in to, but he's determined to find out who killed Davey with Maggie's help. Some answers are closer than he knows. I'm downloading the next in this series as I want to see what happens to Slater and Maggie.
Very well written and well worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

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