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One of Us

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At 35, children’s book author Roxi Carlucci finds herself starting over again after her publisher drops her book series. With no income, she has to pack up her life on the California Coast, along with her pet rat Merlin, and move in with her cousin, P.I. Stephen Carlucci, who lives in Fresno, CA. The one redeeming factor is that Stephen lives in the Tower District—the cultural oasis of Fresno.

Stephen talks Roxi into helping out with a community theatre production, which is also a fundraiser for a local animal rescue. Little did she know that someone would be murdered during a rehearsal, and that she and Stephen would be hired to find the killer. The killer has to be one of Roxi’s new acquaintances since the theatre was locked at the time of the murder, but no one seems to have a motive. How can they solve a murder without a motive? Could the local gossip website hold any clues? Can they stop the killer before they strike again?

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2021

6 people are currently reading
50 people want to read

About the author

Lorie Lewis Ham

2 books89 followers
Lorie Lewis Ham lives in Reedley, California and has been writing ever since she was a child—her first stories were about her stuffed animals. Her first song and poem were published when she was 13, and she has gone on to publish many articles, short stories, and poems throughout the years, as well as write for a local newspaper. Four out of 5 of her previously published mystery novels feature gospel singer Alexandra Walters and are set in the San Joaquin Valley. Those books were inspired by the many years she spent traveling and singing gospel music with her family. "One Of Us" was the first in a brand new mystery series set in the Tower District of Fresno, California featuring podcaster and part-time detective Roxi Carlucci. "One of You" is book 2. Lorie has also been the publisher of the online magazine Kings River Life for the past 14 years (kingsriverlife.com), and of its sister website KRL News & Reviews (krlnews.com). She also launched a mystery podcast called Mysteryrat’s Maze (mysteryratsmaze.podbean.com) 5 years ago which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors, including the first chapter of this book. You can find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and all of the other usual places. You can learn more about Lorie on her website mysteryrat.com and find her on Twitter @mysteryrat and Facebook. Another way to keep up with Lorie’s writing is to subscribe to her newsletter—you can find info on doing that on her website.

Lorie has been married to Larry for over 30 years and they have 2 grown children—Jayce and Joseph Ham, and grandson Joel. She currently has 5 cats (Merlin, Sam, Dean, Sidney, and Willow), 4 dogs (Lestat, Huey, Xander, and Phoebe), 2 pet rats (Shoto and Mookie), and a pet dwarf rabbit (Sherlock). For many years, she worked in pet rat rescue, and has had many pet rats of her own over the years.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Carol.
1,643 reviews67 followers
January 13, 2022
Roxi Carlucci is starting over by moving in
with her cousin, Stephen in Fresno, California.
Roxi is the daughter of a mafia don. She has
a pet dumbo rat named Merlin and has just
lost the publisher for the children’s book she
has been writing.
Stephen owns and runs a private investigation
business. He is also very involved in the
community. Stephen gets Roxi involved in a
theater group he supports.
When the quiet, mousy stage manager is
found dead, Roxi and Stephen start their
investigation. Who would have killed the
almost invisible woman?
This was an uniquely plotted mystery with a
artfully created cast of diversely written
characters. Each character has a well defined,
well backstory that blends into the mystery.
I was engrossed in this story from page one
until the final word. The story also shared the
power of website gossip on peoples lives.
I am looking forward to more stories in the
Tower District Mysteries series. As well as
seeing what becomes of Roxi, Merlin, Stephen
and his new cat, Dan.
A Highly Recommended Read!!
I volunteered to read One of Us. Thanks to
the Cozy Mystery Review Crew for the opportunity.
My opinion is voluntary and my own.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,209 reviews61 followers
August 13, 2021
“One of Us” Earns 5/5 Excaliburs…Engaging Mystery & Rich Characters!

When it rains, it pours: roommate moves, mortgage too expensive, animal rescue defunct, podcast not lucrative, and publisher says goodbye. This forces Roxi Carlucci to take cover and pack up her belongings along with her Excalibur replica sword, her well-worn copy of “The Once and Future King,” and her blue dumbo rat named Merlin and move to Fresno, California. She at least has an open invitation from her cousin and private investigator Stephen Carlucci along with a job if she wants, but to her this is ten steps backwards with an uncertain future and heat that would literally fry an egg in the shell. “Life sucked.” However, things are looking up since Stephen’s house is within a nice walk to the art center of Fresno, christened the Tower District, and she meets some friendly business owners and residents of the area; her cousin has even suggested she accompany him to the local theater and seriously consider getting involved with their new production. She isn’t new to the theater, but “involved” takes on criminal overtones when she discovers the dead body of one of the crew in a locked-room style mystery, and due to the preliminary evidence pointing to the handsome playwright, she joins her cousin in the official investigation…business cards and all. This valley town has a big city dark side.

Thumbs Up! Lorie Lewis Ham has rejoined the world of authors with the first book in her Tower District Mystery series using the common advice given to authors to “write what you know.” This does not necessarily mean criminal behavior, but setting, characters, and sidekicks are all areas one should have some familiarity. Lorie has set her edgy cozy in the Central Valley city of Fresno, near where she herself lives, with its diverse culture, its big city vibe and small town surprises, and in the summer, its extreme temperatures. All of this she describes well giving the reader an intriguing place in which to explore small businesses, family dynamics, mental health issues, social media, and murder. Roxi Carlucci is a delight with a clever perspective and an inspiring background of reinventing or relocating herself, but maintaining her true sense. She has endearing relationships with her cousin, her quirky friend Lucas Shum, and her new theater friends, and her passion with all things King Arthur is unique and sent me off to google the lore of Camelot. However, she has some issues that make her realistic from a family with criminal connections she wishes to avoid to the death of her parents at an early age and the suicide of her brother still raw even with years since his passing. She’s quirky in her own right with a pet rat Merlin, something else Lorie has familiarity, and the fascinating details about the domesticated blue dumbo rat also sent me to explore more about the breed and, although Merlin doesn’t hold true “sidekick” status, he is definitely fun! Lorie’s first book is a well-written, first-person narrative with entertaining twist and turns and a nail biting conclusion to keep readers engaged in the drama. Complex characters. Rich environment. Well-worth reading.

Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
181 reviews6 followers
October 28, 2021
One of Us introduces readers to Roxi Carlucci. Roxi’s life has taken an unexpected turn, which is the motivation for adjusting her lifestyle. So, she moves from a Northern California coastal town to the Tower District neighborhood in Fresno to live with her cousin, Private Detective Stephen Carlucci. The move marks the beginning of a new phase in Roxi’s life. She volunteers to help at a community theatre production. When the stage manager dies in a criminal homicide, Stephen and Roxi are pulled into the case. The detective in charge of the homicide case and the Carlucci’s run parallel investigations. Both the police and the Carlucci’s find the case extremely challenging. No one seems to have a grudge against the victim. But the more digging the Carlucci’s do, the more they realize all is not as it appears. Will the Carlucci’s figure out who wanted the victim dead and why?

The exciting opening to One of Us grabs readers’ attention, and skillfully written scenes by Lorie Lewis Ham keep readers turning the pages until they reach the end of the book. Family ties, as well as supportive and budding friendships, play pivotal roles in the storyline. Well-placed and well-written red herrings heighten the story’s suspense and add a greater challenge for public and private investigators to solve the crime. The sprinkling of expletives fits the characters who use them. A pet rat is a fun addition to the story.

One of Us is book one in A Tower District Mystery series. It is an excellent mystery that benefits from a great combination of compelling and multi-faceted characters, a winning plot, a puzzling mystery to solve, and dialogue that naturally flows back and forth between characters, just like a real-life conversation. The author does a good job of keeping readers guessing about the reason behind the victim’s demise and the person responsible for cutting their life short. The introduction of a new mystery series by Lorie Lewis Ham gets off to a great start, and I look forward to more adventures of Roxi Carlucci.
Profile Image for Cozy Reader Lady.
1,171 reviews130 followers
July 7, 2024
"One of Us (A Tower District Mystery #1)" by Lorie Lewis Ham is the first book of in this mystery series that's all cozy with a little bit of private detective touch to it. Roxi and her cousin, that she now lives with, are working on a new play production when Roxi first moves to town and needing something to keep her busy. She's between writing jobs and living situations but takes on props duties for the play. While leaving one night, she and the director find the stage manager with a dog leash where it does NOT belong. One thing leads to another and now Roxi is stage manager and helping her PI cousin run an investigation.

There were several people that would have made a plausible culprit. I didn't really have one specific person in mind. There were a few a ruled out but in the end the culprit made sense.

It'll be interesting to see where this series goes as Roxi's new life gets figured out. I hope there is more about her animal interests and her pet rat. I was a tiny bit surprised that with Roxi's Camelot and King Arthur fixation that Camelot or Spamalot weren't her one of her favorite musicals. Maybe a bit outdated or a bit too camp.
Profile Image for Kathy.
77 reviews
October 11, 2021


I really liked this book. One Of Us was a quick and fun read with a lot of detail on the setting that made you feel as if you were there.
Most of the characters were very likeable. So much so that when I thought I knew who the killer was I kept hoping that I was wrong.

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Bobbi.
441 reviews10 followers
April 26, 2023
This was a fun, quick and easy read! I thoroughly enjoyed it. The little nuances that were thrown in were great. Like Stephen always brushing his hair out of his face, or how hot it was and how Roxi couldn't stand the heat.

In this first installment we find Roxi moved from Ayr to the Tower District in Fresno. She's living with her cousin Stephen who has his own PI business. Her first night there they go to the rehearsal of the play, where we meet most of the characters in the book. I don't want to give too much away, you just need to read this one. It's REALLY good!!

I loved all the movie and play references, that was fun to read. I think the book wrapped up nicely in the end. We found out who the killer was, what Roxi started doing (Podcast) and of course working for Stephen. They work so good together and I can't wait to see what happens next. I would've liked to know if they kept Dan and what happened to Bogie, other than that it was perfect.
Profile Image for Amy Green Tea .
79 reviews
June 17, 2025
Honestly refreshing to see someone genuinely writing about Fresno in a positive way
Profile Image for Maggie.
Author 41 books403 followers
September 29, 2021
One of Us is a lively theater-based PI novel set in Fresno, CA, featuring Roxi Carlucci at a turning point in her life. Roxi and her cousin get tapped to find the stage manager’s killer. This first-in-series weaves fine actors, decadent coffee, pet fun, and cagey suspects in a fast-paced, light-hearted read.
Profile Image for Katreader.
962 reviews50 followers
September 26, 2021
ONE OF US by Lorie Lewis Ham
The First Tower District Mystery

At 35, Roxi Carlucci is forced to start over. Her publisher dropped her and her roommate got married leaving her unable to afford the mortgage on her coastal home. She's moved to Fresno to live with her cousin, Steven, while she considers her options. He's made her an offer to join the family business, though not the Family business; rejecting the Mafia life, Stephen runs a private investigations agency. While not immediately taking him up on his job offer, she does agree to get involved in the theatre he supports. When the mousy stage manager is murdered, however, Roxie's curiosity is piqued and she joins Stephen's investigation.

Animal rescue, a pet rat, and theatre! That's a combination I can't resist. Three things dear to my heart combine in a smart and fun mystery. I was so thrilled to finally discover a mystery whose protagonist had a pet rat. Rats are wonderful companions, although generally best kept with other rattie buddies not alone, and I hope we see even more of Merlin in future books. I love that often maligned animals such as rats, black cats, and pit bulls are showed in a positive light, hopefully changing perceptions of some readers. The same goes for mental illness which is also touched on and is another topic dear to my heart. I also love that so many of the characters' interests are aligned with mine (can we say Camelot and Star Trek, and although I dislike Rent, like Stephen, love opera!).

I love that fact that while Roxi is technically an amateur sleuth, she has a savvy background, being the daughter of a Mafia Don, and is working in conjunction with a legitimate PI business. She's not your typical shop owner who inserts herself in a murder investigation. There's also a positive working relationship with the local police, which is nice to see. The mystery itself is complex. A mousy stage manager is a bit of an oxymoron (I know, I was one.) but vital since no one can imagine a motive. Why kill an invisible person? There are also plenty of surprises.

An utter delight, ONE OF US captures a unique neighborhood and introduces us to interesting well developed characters while providing an eminently intelligent and enjoyable mystery.
Profile Image for Lelia Taylor.
872 reviews19 followers
November 24, 2021
More years ago than I care to think about, I first “met” Lorie Lewis Ham and her Alexandra Walters mystery series featuring a gospel singer. The last volume came out in 2010 and I’ve frequently thought about those books, wishing there were more, but that wasn’t to be.

Then, one day earlier this year, Lorie let me know that she was starting a new series and I could not have been happier with the news. One of Us is very different and Roxi Carlucci is not Alexandra Walters but Lorie‘s touch is still there, very evident in her character building and her creation of a cracking good mystery.

Roxi experiences what too many authors do in having her publisher drop her and it only adds insult to injury when other circumstances pile on and force her to give up her home. Luckily, Roxi’s cousin, private investigator Stephen Carlucci, offers her a new place to live and so Roxi’s reinvented life begins. She could not have known that getting involved with a theater production would lead to her setting out on a new career as a private detective alongside her cousin but that sort of thing tends to happen when (1) you find a murder victim and (2) you have a naturally sleuth-y mind.

I’m so glad that Ms. Ham is publishing again and to find that she still has a fine hand with crime fiction, keeping the tension high and offering all sorts of red herrings and nuggets of potential leads. I also enjoyed meeting Roxi and Stephen again since they were both characters in the prior series. One of Us is a terrific start to this new venture and I can’t wait to see what will happen next in Roxi’s life…and to see more of a charming little pet rat named Merlin😄.
Profile Image for K.A. Davis.
Author 4 books504 followers
August 18, 2021
ONE OF US is the first book in the brand-new Tower District Mysteries by Lorie Lewis Ham. A strong start in the series, this book evokes an edgy cozy mystery feel with the protagonist, children’s book author Roxi Carlucci turned private investigator, working with her cousin, Stephen. Ms. Ham has developed a strong set of core characters, from Roxi and her cousin (a bonus: they’re both children of mobsters!), to Roxi’s great friend, Lucas, and her pet named Merlin, who just happens to be a blue dumbo rat. I loved their interaction with each other and the flow of their relationships. The author also tackles a number of social issues with sensitivity, without detracting from the mystery. Set in the big city of Fresno, California, the action is based in the artsy Tower District. This brings a small community vibe to the story and allows the investigation in the closed-room style murder at the community theater, to be kept local.

The author does an admirable job of setting the stage (pun intended) for the mystery and dishing out the clues. To complicate matters, the victim was a very shy, very private, person and almost no one knows anything about her. Was it a robbery gone bad? Or had the unassuming young woman made an enemy? Ms. Ham answers those questions, and more, while providing an engaging read.
1,056 reviews12 followers
October 12, 2021
I like cozies. I like the quirky people in them. I like the sometimes unbelievable story lines. I'm not averse to swearing, even in a cozy. Unfortunately, this book was way too wordy and it had way too many over the top descriptions of homes, restaurants, menus, what have you.

The story has good bones. A children's book author has her series shut down by the publisher. She lives on the California coast in a house that is now not affordable for her, so she rents it and moves to Fresno, to live with her cousin and work at his detective agency. She brings her pet rat, Merlin with her. She decides to volunteer with a community theater group, where one of the players takes an eternally final curtain call.

The mystery was tight and I kept moving from one suspect to another, trying to figure out who done it! I just wish the author would have paid more attention to the mystery than to where they were dining or what the house/apartment/theater looked like. I get that this is the first book in the series and needed a bit more of a descriptive flavor since the scene needed to be set, but this went way beyond scene setting. The extraneous details took me out of the story more than once.

Three stars since the author did publish and that in and of itself is a great achievement. I hope the next in this series will be a bit meatier, with fewer pages of fluff.

Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,639 reviews25 followers
October 28, 2021
With her children's book series dropped by her publisher, her roommate getting married and moving out, Roxi Carlucci, daughter of a mafia don, is without a job and now can't afford to live in her home. What is she to do? This is a wonderful first book in the Tower District Mystery series has you turning pages until the end. Her cousin, Stephen invites her and her pet rat to move in with him until she can find what she wants to do. Stephen has shunned the "family" business and is a legit private investigator in Fresno. With no where else to go, she takes him up on the offer to move into his place in the artsy community of the Tower District. He also asks her to get involved in the local theater that he supports. When the unassuming director is found dead, Stephen and Roxi investigate. Why would anyone want to kill this private, quiet person? With no known or possible motive, Roxi and Stephen have their work cut out for them. Could it be the playwright? Stage hands? Who? This first book is a must read. We are given lots of twists and turns in a locked room type mystery as well as real characters with baggage of their own. The descriptions the author provides keeps the smooth flow and has you visualizing what she describes. I am looking forward to more of this series from the author. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
68 reviews
January 22, 2022
This is a great way to start a new series. Roxie has just lost her roommate who helped cover the mortgage on her house in Ayr and her book series about a rat has just be cancelled so she has no choice except to accept the generosity of her cousin Stephen and move in with him in the Tower District of Fresno, far from her beloved coast.
Stephen and Roxie grew up together and spent as much time as possible together so living together is not a problem. It doesn’t hurt that Stephen has a large home with plenty of room for her and her rat to be more than comfortable. Since Roxie has had to make the move and no longer has her book series or podcast that she was doing Stephen suggest she join him at a charity play rehearsal which he is financing. She reluctantly agrees. Roxie meets many of the actors and finds herself volunteering to help the stage manager Teresa. After a future rehearsal Teresa is found dead. The director of the play, Alec, hires Stephen, who owns a Private Investigation Agency, to find out who killed his best friend Teresa.
Previously Roxie has worked with Stephen in the agency and she joins him in solving the murder. Together they work the case and discover the murder. In addition to working the murder they are also trying to find out who is the webmaster of Tower Gossip Webpage that is full of gossip that many people did not want shared with anyone who wants to read it.
This first boon in the new series has theater, children of the mafia, new person in town and a couple of mysteries. It will be good to see what the next one in the series has to offer.
1,596 reviews12 followers
October 28, 2021
What a great must-solve mystery and wonderful introduction to the Tower District Mysteries by new-to-me author Lorie Lewis Ham that had me completely engrossed as soon as I started reading and I couldn't put the book down until I read the last word. I love Roxi Carlucci and enjoy her dynamic with the wonderful cast of characters from the Tower District, the cultural oasis of Fresno, CA. If you enjoy twisty mysteries that you can't put down, don't miss "One of Us". I can't wait to see what Roxi, her cousin Stephen and the rest of the Tower District get involved in next. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Lizz.
49 reviews10 followers
September 4, 2021
Lorie Lewis Ham hits one out of the park with her first book in the new Tower District Mysteries series. Roxi Carlucci is a strong and bright character with just enough whimsey to soften the edges, and her co-horts are equally as interesting. This installment had everything that interests me, such as theatre, literature, pets, and of course, mystery. The dialogue is stunning, as I felt like I was a fly on the wall throughout the story. Fun to read and with easy flow, I highly recommend this cozy.

I received an ARC for an objective review.
Profile Image for Amanda Wilcox.
176 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2021
This is a super awesome but pretty quick read. I loved the detail in describing the setting and feeling like you're really getting to know the characters. I love the back stories that are revealed and how everything ties together. Definitely recommend and look forward to more in this series.
24 reviews
November 27, 2021
I received a free copy from Voracious Readers and I definitely recommend this book. It was a quick, fun read with a great cast of characters. The writer created a community that feels real and engaging. I look forward to visiting again.
Profile Image for Jan.
Author 23 books70 followers
August 8, 2021
An intriguing puzzle mystery, One of Us by Lorie Ham is a page-turner. Loved all the characters, and didn't guess who the murderer was. Of course, I had suspicions, but I suspected some others, as well.
Profile Image for Tracy Condie.
748 reviews5 followers
October 2, 2024
I have never had a desire to visit Fresno, even when I lived in the Sacramento area and was somewhat close to the town. After I finished the book I went and looked up the Fresno Tower District and now I am considering adding it to my “cozy mystery destination” list. The food and art deco buildings are just a small part of what makes this mystery so good. The main character, Roxie is a children’s book author who has been dropped by her publisher. Unable to afford the California coast she concedes to move to Fresno and live with her cousin Stephan. Roxie and Stephan are family lower “f” and they are part of a Family with a capital “F” (as in Mob Family). Stephan, having turned his back on the Family business, has his own investigation business and happily extends an offer of employment. In addition he also gets Roxie a volunteer position at the local theater. Roxie has back stage access to the show and the drama but a front row seat to the murder, a most mysterious murder because the victim was so quiet and unassuming that no one could have possibly had a motive for murder.

Roxie is inquisitive, smart, sassy, sensitive, relatable, and perfect for the role of amateur sleuth. Did I mention that she has a unique pet, a Dumbo rat (yep had to look that up as well). Another unique aspect to this story is the Tower Gossip website and Tower Gossip Twitter account. Tower Gossip parallels the once popular TV series Gossip Girl, complete with a mysterious figure who seems to know all and teases with bits of details to create gossip and drama. Slightly less mysterious is the cast of suspects who have something to hide. There is a director who is regular Jekyll & Hyde during rehearsals, a dark and complicated writer, the dog walker has to be included because of the murder weapon, a leading man who is too perfect, and an art academy owner who may be in financial turmoil. In between trips to wonderful sounding eateries

The story draws you in and includes real emotions and real family crisis subjects such as being bipolar and suicide. The clues are easy enough to follow and the red herrings are convincing enough to lead you astray. This is an excellent start to a new series.
Profile Image for JoAnne.
3,171 reviews32 followers
July 1, 2024
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.

https://novelsalive.com/2024/07/01/4-...

One of Us by Lorie Lewis Ham is the first book in A Tower District Mystery series, and I look forward to returning to Fresno many more times. This mystery has a lot of depth with likable characters with a lot in common. A pet rat gave me pause while everyone else seemed to take it in stride.

Roxi moves to Fresno from the coast when her cousin Stephen offers her a place to stay and a job as a PI in his business while she regroups after the life she knows gets derailed. There are a lot of movie, play, and book references, as well as movie actors and their roles mentioned. There is an community theater production that Roxi gets involved with behind the scenes, as well as a murder that her cousin’s firm is hired to solve.

Roxi and Stephen work closely with the police to try and solve the murder and whodunnit while figuring out some other anomalies. There are a lot of clues and initially many suspects, but Roxi and Stephen’s methodical and meticulous approach to this case held my interest throughout.

There are twists and turns as suspects are ruled out and then sometimes added back to the list, only to be ruled out again. Multiple stories are relayed and woven together, and we learn a lot about Fresno—the heat, the many small businesses, how the characters fit in, as well as some of its quirks.

Secrets are uncovered, family and friend relationships are examined, and food plays a central role. There is closure in solving the murder, and a cold case getting solved. The whodunnit wasn’t unexpected since there were hints with the clues. The epilogue was not what I had expected, but it gave hints of new friendships but ended abruptly.

I look forward to starting the next book, One of You, later tonight to see what everyone is up to next.

One of Us is a mystery with some quirks but also a lot of depth, with so many details being revealed. I kept turning the pages to find out whodunnit and to get to know the characters better.
Profile Image for Coralee Hicks.
569 reviews8 followers
January 26, 2022
A new amateur sleuth, a new series, from Lorie Lewis Ham, make for a great beginning for the cozy mystery reader. Ham is a west coast author who caught the writing bug at an age when her stuffed animals were the first audience. She has published numerous short stories, articles, as well as written for newspapers.

The new series is set in Fresno California. When the book opens, our sleuth, Roxi Carlucci, has nothing. Her writing career as a successful children's book author is over. No job, no income means no home. She relocates to Fresno to share a house with her cousin Stephen, a detective living in Fresno's Tower District. Both cousins share a love of pop culture, as well as a shared connection to the mafia. Roxi's dad was a member of that notorious organization. Stephen, a P.I. helps Roxi find a job as a stage manager for a local theater company. More than drama, the cast and crew also have a dead body. One of us is dead, and as all building exits are sealed, one of us might be a killer. Roxi joins Stephen to solve the crime.

I like Roxi. She is quirky, owns a pet rat, is observant, and willing to take direction as well as willing to go on in life in spite of a major set back. The plot moves along smoothly, with enough suspects to keep the reader guessing. Ham has a simple writing style making this series ideal for the high low reader collections. Ham's love of animals comes through. The pets are fully developed secondary characters. I hope Merlin, the rat, will appear in future books.

Highly recommended for YA readers through adults, especially cozy mystery lovers.
Profile Image for Sharon.
Author 15 books118 followers
January 16, 2022
I received a free copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review, and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to read this first book in a promising new cozy series. As an animal lover, I loved the fact that most of the characters owned pets, and the play they were rehearsing was to be a fundraiser for an animal rescue.
I also liked learning more about the setting. Although I lived in Southern California for 10 years, I'd only driven through Fresno, and I'd never heard of its Tower District, an artsy, hip community.
The story is told in first person from the point of view of the likable protagonist, Roxi Carlucci. She's new in town, unemployed, and at a crossroads in her life. Her cousin, P.I. Stephen Carlucci, gives her a place to stay and gets her involved in a local stage production in the Tower District. And then there's a murder during rehearsal in a locked theater. Stephen enlists Roxi's help in the investigation; their main dilemma is that none of the suspects who had an opportunity also had a motive. Until they discover an online gossip site.
I was a little surprised at how quickly Stephen and Roxi were hired and allowed to investigate, even before the local police could examine the crime scene. In most cozies I've read, there are more territorial conflicts with law enforcement. But in this story, they all shared information amicably.
There was a little repetition as they rehashed the clues, but the author did a good job of keeping the reader guessing.
I enjoyed the read and am happy to recommend it!

Profile Image for J.R..
Author 44 books174 followers
October 26, 2024
Economics, not desire, forces Roxie Carlucci to move from her beloved California coastal town. But she's grateful to her cousin Stephen Carlucci who extended a welcome for her to stay with him in the artsy Tower District of Fresno until she gets back on her feet after losing her contract as a writer of books for children. Stephen, a private investigator, even offers her a job as his assistant until she decides what to do about her future.
Roxie and her pet rat Merlin are barely settled in before Stephen talks her into getting involved in a community theatre production that is intended to raise funds for a local animal rescue.
When a member of the production crew is murdered, Stephen is hired to investigate and Roxi, his new assistant, gets busy looking for a motive. The victim is a mousy young woman with what appears to be a bland background. Nothing is as it appears, though, and multiple suspects begin to turn up as Roxi tunes into local gossip on a podcast that appears to know everything about everyone involved.
I doubt the police would allow a private detective and his amateur sidekick as much involvement in a case. But hey, this is fiction, right? This is a delightful cozy mystery with a host of quirky characters, an intriguing plot, and—as a side dish—a tour of an area of California new to me.
A second book featuring Roxie and Stephen in another adventure is now out. Reading this first book should whet any reader's appetite for more.
Profile Image for Tam Sesto.
790 reviews16 followers
January 11, 2022
Roxi Carlucci and her pet rat, Merlin, move to Fresno, California to live with her cousin, Stephen. Stephen convinces her to help out at the local community theatre. When the stage manager is murdered, Roxi and her PI cousin step in to solve the case. This is One of Us (A Tower District Mystery #1) by Lorie Lewis Ham

The characters were a nice mix of creative types. The protagonist, Roxi, was an interesting lead. Her cousin, Stephen, was a PI and he hires Roxi to work in his business. They are mafia kids which put an unusual spin into their work and history. The supporting characters were quirky, creative, and each with an agenda of their own.

The plot was entertaining, and the author wrote realistically about solving the crime. I loved how she built up the mystery in segments of clues and let the reader reach a conclusion as to who the murderer was. I didn’t figure out the killer, which is always a bonus in my book.

The author writes with a descriptive flair that is just the right amount to give the reader a rolling movie in their head without going over board to the point of boring. I loved the Tower area, and would want to live there myself. I enjoyed the author’s references to old movies and good restaurants. I can’t wait for the series to continue.

My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Short, Sweet and Cozy.
1,520 reviews
June 15, 2024
One of Us (A Tower District Mystery) by Lorie Lewis Ham is a great new cozy mystery with likable characters and an interesting cozy mystery. Roxi Carlucci moves to the Tower District area of Fresno, CA and is living with her cousin Stephen who is a Private Investigator. Roxi has had a variety of jobs including being a children's book author, a podcaster, and as a stage manager. Stephen talks Roxi into going with him to a play rehearsal. Someone involved with the play ends up dead. Stephen is hired to investigate the case and Roxi helps him. It is a locked room style of mystery and the people at the play rehearsal are the suspects. I really like their connections and how they are able to get info to find the killer, which wasn't who I expected. The book moves along at a good pace and although it often has detailed descriptions, it kept my interest. The book was described as a cozy mystery with an edge but it wasn't suspenseful, gory or anything like that. It is a more modern cozy mystery and it mentions bipolar disorder and gay relationships. It is still a cozy with no swearing or sex and has a small town vibe. I enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series. #OneOfUs #ATowerDistrictMystery #KingsRiverLife
Profile Image for Cozy Champagne.
165 reviews6 followers
November 9, 2024
One of Us is the first book in the Tower District Mysteries by Lorie Lewis Ham. The amateur sleuth is Roxi Carlucci, a mid-30s children's author forced to move and start over after losing her book contract. She is invited to stay with her cousin Stephen, a private investigator who lives in the artsy Tower District of Fresno, California.

Roxi is a very unique protagonist. She is the daughter of a mafia don, has a love of all things King Arthur, and has a pet dumbo rat named Merlin. She is very resourceful and even knows how to wield a sword. Roxi isn't the only interesting character--the book is filled with quirky individuals who make the story a fun and delightful read.

Stephen introduces her to the local theatre community, a fun bunch who really add to the story. Roxi ends up helping Stephen investigate when someone in this community is murdered. The mystery plot is well done and has a satisfying conclusion.

I enjoyed this book's dialogue, pacing, and clue drops and was very eager to read the second book, One of You. Anyone who likes amateur sleuths and traditional mysteries with unique spins will enjoy reading One of Us.
Profile Image for Susie Black.
Author 8 books96 followers
August 18, 2024
Children’s book author Roxi Carlucci’s life goes off the rails when her publisher drops her series. Unemployed, she leaves her coastal California home and heads inland to Fresno’s hip cultural Tower District to live with her Private Investigator cousin Stephen. Stephen convinces Roxi to help at a Community Theater production. When the stage manager is murdered, Stephen and Roxi are hired to solve the crime.
Prolific mystery author Lorie Lewis-Ham has penned a rip-snorter of a series debut. As a long-time San Joaquin Valley resident, Ham’s detailed descriptions of the Fresno art district, local foods, and an inside peek at local theater production all provide readers a front-row seat to life in Central California and gives this sophisticated mystery an authenticity that permeates the tale.
Crackling dialog, quirky, interesting characters, and a fast-paced plot with a touch of romance and humor woven in make One of Us a delightful page-turner that will leave readers looking forward to the next book in the Tower District series.
Profile Image for Kate Thornton.
Author 9 books9 followers
September 12, 2021
Roxi Carlucci, a children's book writer, loses her publishing contract and moves from her quaint California coastal town to stay with her cousin in Fresno. Her charming – and handsome – cousin Stephen is a private investigator who offers her and her pet rat Merlin not only a place to stay, but a new life in Fresno's arts district, The Tower. But The Tower harbors more than art galleries, bookshops, and hip cafes as murder strikes the company of a theater production and Roxi is drawn into a world of gossip, blackmail, and lies. Sherlock Holmes, Excalibur, old movies, and quirky actors keep things interesting in this latest fun read by Lorie Lewis Ham. Let's hope we see more of Roxi in books to come. And yes, more of Fresno!
Profile Image for Susan Reads Cozies.
353 reviews19 followers
July 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I love that the play in the story was supporting animals. I am an animal lover and even though this was just a story, it made my heart happy. I also now want a dumbo rat like the MC’s Merlin.
 
I like how Stephen and Roxi phrase the questions they ask. It’s asking for more information and yet it’s very conversational at the same time. It does not feel threatening. They make a great team.
 
The Supernatural reference was a plus! The Tower Gossip site and Twitter gave me Gossip Girl vibes. I loved how everything unfolded. I did not suspect the murderer at first but once it all came together it made sense.
 
Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for my review.
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