Dead End

Kaitlyn Willis Road Signs #1

by Leslie J. Hall

Kaitlyn Willis’s job as a Code Enforcement Officer usually involves writing tickets for untrimmed trees and cars parked on the suburban lawns of Cedar Grove, Washington. But when she finds a dead body in the backyard of a perfect-on-the-outside neighborhood, her safe and stable world is turned upside down.

Everyone – including the sexy, serious homicide detective investigating the case – tells her to stay away from the tragedy and let the police do their jobs. But how can Kaitlyn ignore a murder in her own town, especially when she’s sure she’s on the police’s list of suspects?

Despite the distractions of her best friend’s dramatic love life and the enormous cat who’s determined to become Kaitlyn’s new sidekick, this dedicated public servant can’t seem to steer her city pickup truck away from “Death Street,” where every family seems to hide secrets behind their neatly trimmed hedges.

If she’s not careful, code enforcement might get her killed.

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Cozy, Cozy Mystery, Amazon, Thriller

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2021

About the author

Leslie J. Hall writes humorous, PG-rated, amateur sleuth mysteries. She is also a well-known writing instructor at colleges and writers' conferences around the Pacific Northwest—she loves to support and encourage new writers. She also teaches basic writing skills to businesses.

Leslie is a member of Sisters In Crime and Mystery Writers of America. Leslie loves words, books, writing, and sharing that passion with others. Leslie has wanted to write for as long as she can remember—ever since she co-wrote a story with a friend in elementary school titled "How to Wash a Ghost."

Find out more about her books and classes at www.lesliejhall.com

Reviews

[katsn52]

I hate amateur sleuths

And this is the worst of them. She's threatened, attacked, her driveway is set on fire, and she continues to investigate a situation that has totally nothing to do with her. She claims she wants people to look up to her and that she lacks confidence, but she has a good job that she does well, and came from a stable, loving family, so where does this lack of confidence come from? Deadbeat husband, but she coped with that and got rid of him quickly instead of enduring years of problems. Author seemed to want one type of character but didn't know how to write it. The main character is intelligent, but simply doesn't have the sense to stay away when she is threatened and attacked over a situation that is none of her business! I've got to stop reading cozy mysteries. The people are just too stupid.

[Evelyn]

profanity of the worst kind

Didn’t even make it to 10% before the profanity began. Small mind,small vocabulary, can’t write without filling up the page with profanity. Not going to read it , but taking God’s name is vain is way over the top. Deleted!

[Christine Rains]

As a Code Enforcement Officer, Kaitlyn Willis' job isn't glamorous and mostly involves complaints about garbage in yards and uncut lawns. When she discovers a dead body, she's thrown into a messy situation of another kind. Kaitlyn just can't let it go and allow the police to do the investigation. Even with her ex causing her financial troubles and threatening messages from the killer. Yet will her snooping around make her the next victim?

This is a fun mystery that has a cozy feel. It's a wonderful and realistic peek into a northwestern town with its nosy neighbors and politics. There are a lot of suspects, and it kept me guessing until the end. Kaitlyn has a good heart, and she can't just let the murder along with the animal hoarding go. She needs closure, and this leads her to keep investigating when she shouldn't. She is adopted by a big white cat she names Wally, and I do wonder if there's something supernatural about him. Kaitlyn has problems with her ex and her best friend is stalking her own ex, and to top it off, the detective investigating the case is gorgeous. Lots of layers and nicely woven together. There are giggle worthy moments too.

[Constance]

Suburban Seattle “Cozy” Charms

Seattle-area author and writing instructor, Leslie Hall, charms with her first in a promised series. Her lead character Kaitlyn, is a sympathetic everywoman, who has more curiosity than sense of self presentation, and finds herself investigating a murder.

The suburban city setting, with nosy neighbors, beautiful yard envy, and overweening local politicians both sets the stage and imperils Kaitlyn’s amateur investigations.

Local readers will want to figure out which suburban city Road Signs is set in and others will get an authentic taste of the PNW.

[Susan]

A code enforcement officer who discovers the body and meddles in the investigation. Too many characters and too much wrap up at the end. Our code officer happens to be a female always relating people around her to reactions to her large bust, which became annoying. The mystery itself was actually decently written there was just so many side lines.

[Pamela Frankowski]

I liked the idea of the main character, but she became annoying. Her obsession with the death of someone she had no connection too was not really believable. Too many characters with not enough substance.
I will try her next book to see if there is a better story line, and that will determine if I follow the series.

[Sara]

Dead End

Really, a dead end. Well written with very few editing errors. Definite problems with the story itself, however. In my opinion, anyway. I won't go into detail because that would mean spoilers.

[Julie Vandewiele]

Very good read.

I thought the characters were well defined and interesting. I have never read a book with this setting. Kaitlyn was a little frustrating with her inclination to ignore advice. I enjoyed this book .

[Karin]

Who killed Carlos and why??? Kaitlyn will figure things out though, won't she??? How does Wally get around like that??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.

[Jackie Simons]

Read 4/25

[Evelyn]

Great

Such a good book. It has its funny moments! Loved reading it! Love the characters, how the murder was solved but had no idea who the murderer was!

[Carol Filipow Pigg]

Liked the characters. Enjoyed Wally’s appearance.
Just bought the second book in the series.

[Jackson]

I like reading about regular working people

[Leslie Hall]

Love it!

[Karin Tillotson]

Who killed Carlos and why??? because he was trying to get him to leave her??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.