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Hale Mary Mysteries #1
The Trouble with Dead Bodies
Hale Mary Seton isn’t your average miracle worker. She’s a recovering world-class snowboarder who’s the hot, new sports agent in town. When it comes to the nonstop PR nightmare of wrangling megabucks sports-stars-gone-wild, Hale can fix anything. Anything except ‘dead,’ that is.
When she signed her first NFL rookie client, she knew there’d be trouble. But she never counted on her client’s murder…or her brother (the team’s super-hunky, all-star quarterback) being framed for the deed.
Now, it’s up to her to pull a real-life ‘Hail Mary’ and save both her brother and her career – while outmaneuvering the big-bucks, big-stakes, bigger-than-life egos of the professional football world’s elite.
Hale Mary may have found her client dead in his high-rise hot tub – but now, she’s the one in hot water! If you like your murder mysteries served with a twist of wit, you’re gonna love this page-turning first book in THE TROUBLE WITH series starring the tough, tenacious, true-blue Hale Mary Seton.
Please note this book was previously published as The Rookie.
When she signed her first NFL rookie client, she knew there’d be trouble. But she never counted on her client’s murder…or her brother (the team’s super-hunky, all-star quarterback) being framed for the deed.
Now, it’s up to her to pull a real-life ‘Hail Mary’ and save both her brother and her career – while outmaneuvering the big-bucks, big-stakes, bigger-than-life egos of the professional football world’s elite.
Hale Mary may have found her client dead in his high-rise hot tub – but now, she’s the one in hot water! If you like your murder mysteries served with a twist of wit, you’re gonna love this page-turning first book in THE TROUBLE WITH series starring the tough, tenacious, true-blue Hale Mary Seton.
Please note this book was previously published as The Rookie.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2012
936 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 20, 2020
Interesting mystery
As a former snowboard champion and sports agent, Hale Seton definitely knows what needs to be done. She is smart and tough and can handle herself in any situation. That was what lands her in her murder mystery.
The plot of the story was complex and the way it was weaved together by the author was interesting. Liked it.
As a former snowboard champion and sports agent, Hale Seton definitely knows what needs to be done. She is smart and tough and can handle herself in any situation. That was what lands her in her murder mystery.
The plot of the story was complex and the way it was weaved together by the author was interesting. Liked it.
October 20, 2023
This is one of those instances where I wonder if I’m the problem - this book currently has an average rating of 4.11 stars - but I can’t imagine how I’m wrong here. This is a very convoluted story with largely uninteresting characters that really *should* be interesting (there are multiple first string professional football players with baggage in this story! Make! Them! Interesting!). It’s also about 50 pages too long.
It should be a misdemeanor, if not a full felony, to name a character Hale Mary. I’m sorry, I just can’t.
It should be a misdemeanor, if not a full felony, to name a character Hale Mary. I’m sorry, I just can’t.
September 29, 2020
Excellent read!
I am a huge sports fanatic and a murder mystery buff, so this book was a delight to read! I must say that I never saw the ending coming. I would recommend this book highly!
I am a huge sports fanatic and a murder mystery buff, so this book was a delight to read! I must say that I never saw the ending coming. I would recommend this book highly!
July 11, 2025
I enjoy Hale Mary and her curiosity for solving crimes. I look forward to reading more about her next investigation.
August 26, 2020
Denver, CO. Hale Seton (narrator, Nate’s sister, professional sports management agent, ex-snowboard champ) & Norma Diaz (32, Hale’s BFF/associate) were going to meet with Bobby Ray “The Alabaminator” Smith (Colorado Rangers FB RB, client, Auburn U).
Parkdale Condos 8th floor. The meeting never occurred he was found dead in his bedroom.
Detective Pam George (40+, Denver PD) & Detective Dwayne Daley (Denver PD partner) took Hale’s statement.
Lamar Simmons (husband, client) hired Hale to look into Bobby Ray’s death.
Hale & Norma went to see Brittany Myers.
Nest stop Abelika “Abby” Raku (A/A, Crohn’s disease, Bobby Ray’s former GF, model).
Bobby Ray’s neighbor Molly was killed yesterday.
What did Hale Seton go see Frederick Raku (father)?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written sports thriller book. It was extremely easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great sports thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; St. Somewhere Books 2nd Edition; ChoosyBookworm; YourNewBooks; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Parkdale Condos 8th floor. The meeting never occurred he was found dead in his bedroom.
Detective Pam George (40+, Denver PD) & Detective Dwayne Daley (Denver PD partner) took Hale’s statement.
Lamar Simmons (husband, client) hired Hale to look into Bobby Ray’s death.
Hale & Norma went to see Brittany Myers.
Nest stop Abelika “Abby” Raku (A/A, Crohn’s disease, Bobby Ray’s former GF, model).
Bobby Ray’s neighbor Molly was killed yesterday.
What did Hale Seton go see Frederick Raku (father)?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written sports thriller book. It was extremely easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great sports thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; St. Somewhere Books 2nd Edition; ChoosyBookworm; YourNewBooks; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
February 6, 2024
Didn’t pull me in, too predicable.
June 20, 2021
For me, this was a quick read, mainly because I kept saying, ‘just one more chapter’. Before I knew it, it was the middle of the night and I should have been asleep hours ago. This book keeps you guessing right to the end. It’s a much more relaxed read that a lot of murder mysteries, which is a good thing. The characters are diverse and interesting. There are a couple of phrases that the author uses a number of times which takes this book to the next level. “Why is Leon French answering your phone?” is one of them. The placing of this each time is perfect and gives a bit of humour to the story. ‘One inch’ is the other. These two simple words, because of how often they are repeated, tells the reader a lot about the main character, her personality, her past and how she thinks and feels.
I know nothing about American football so I think I missed some things, but if you are an American football (do some countries call it gridiron?) fan or from Denver, you are going to love this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I know nothing about American football so I think I missed some things, but if you are an American football (do some countries call it gridiron?) fan or from Denver, you are going to love this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 21, 2021
I really enjoyed the premise of the story and how Hale went about sleuthing out the mystery to save her brother. Hale as a main character is tenacious and delightful and I look forward to seeing more of her. The pace of the book was great and kept me on my toes.
Without spoilers, I did feel that the climax of the story was a little too grandiose and then it didn’t exactly get resolved. She solved the murder, she let the peep know she was onto them, big crazy event happens, and everyone involved either dies or disappears into the background. I felt very unsatisfied. There were several other characters who were just kind of left hanging - what happened with the agent position? What about her rival? The story resolves with this huge tidal wave that just sort of gently slinks back into the sea like it was no big deal. Clearly it’s left open for a sequel, but not in a way that feels that this part of the story has ended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Without spoilers, I did feel that the climax of the story was a little too grandiose and then it didn’t exactly get resolved. She solved the murder, she let the peep know she was onto them, big crazy event happens, and everyone involved either dies or disappears into the background. I felt very unsatisfied. There were several other characters who were just kind of left hanging - what happened with the agent position? What about her rival? The story resolves with this huge tidal wave that just sort of gently slinks back into the sea like it was no big deal. Clearly it’s left open for a sequel, but not in a way that feels that this part of the story has ended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 7, 2022
Hale Seton is the only girl in a family of 7 children and the family screw up. The rest of the family have all been successful in whatever they do, whilst Hale seems to drift from one disaster to another. She decides to try her hand at being a Sports agent but finds it’s not all she hoped it would be.
For a debut novel this is an excellent start. I loved Hales’ character and background story. She’s strong - which you’d need to be with 6 brothers - caring and determined. Even if you know nothing about American Football (and I don’t), it’s explained well enough to make it very readable. The story is twisting and intriguing enough to keep the reader interested, and had me reading late into the night. As the first in the series it’s an excellent start, and I really want to see where Hale goes next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For a debut novel this is an excellent start. I loved Hales’ character and background story. She’s strong - which you’d need to be with 6 brothers - caring and determined. Even if you know nothing about American Football (and I don’t), it’s explained well enough to make it very readable. The story is twisting and intriguing enough to keep the reader interested, and had me reading late into the night. As the first in the series it’s an excellent start, and I really want to see where Hale goes next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 16, 2023
Washed up athlete. I don’t think the author made her likable in any way. From the first few pages I already didn’t care for Hale and had to push myself to read it to the end. THIRTEEN DAYS.
If anything, Norma sounds more of a promising character and amateur sleuth. Plus it seems like she had better contacts than Hale had throughout the book. Speaking of better contacts, Teach played a bigger role in this book than I had anticipated. Wouldn't that be a better series to read? Also add in the factor that Norma has a crush on him and it could be an amateur sleuth romance.
He may be fictional, but I feel bad for Hale’s newly adopted dog Cujo. He deserves better. I mean look how gullible Hale was being led to the alley, retrieving important information regarding her family.
I already had a feeling who did it from the time Hale went to visit Bobby Ray. All events leading to the end seemed to be pulling you towards a certain direction and not really let you conclude anything on your own.
No, I wouldn't recommend this book. I didn't enjoy the writing style or the main character.
If anything, Norma sounds more of a promising character and amateur sleuth. Plus it seems like she had better contacts than Hale had throughout the book. Speaking of better contacts, Teach played a bigger role in this book than I had anticipated. Wouldn't that be a better series to read? Also add in the factor that Norma has a crush on him and it could be an amateur sleuth romance.
He may be fictional, but I feel bad for Hale’s newly adopted dog Cujo. He deserves better. I mean look how gullible Hale was being led to the alley, retrieving important information regarding her family.
I already had a feeling who did it from the time Hale went to visit Bobby Ray. All events leading to the end seemed to be pulling you towards a certain direction and not really let you conclude anything on your own.
No, I wouldn't recommend this book. I didn't enjoy the writing style or the main character.
September 15, 2023
Hale's attempt at a career as a sports agent gets off to a rocky start when her first sign up is dead in the water (literally) and her younger brother is a suspect for his murder. She sets out to prove it was someone else who killed him and starts off a series of events which result in her second signing bailing on her as well leaving her without a client base and in hock to her aunt for the house she lives in. Luckily she proves who killed Bobby Ray (he never stood a chance with a name like that anyway, honestly) proving that she should give up her sporting aspirations and become a detective, obviously assisted by the lovely Norma her best friend and mentor in all things fashion and relationships. Fun story with a happy ending for the people that matter.
February 6, 2022
The Rookie is a fun start to the Hale Mary Mysteries. Hale is a former athlete who grew up in a family full of male athletes. After her career as a professional snowboarder comes to an end, she decides she’ll try her hand at athlete management. Then promptly stumbles upon a murder. Along with her best friend Norma they set out to solve it. Filled with fun, engaging characters and a mystery that’ll keep you guessing. I’m looking to see what Hale gets up to next!
*ARC provided by BookSirens for an honest review.
*ARC provided by BookSirens for an honest review.
February 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this. It was a light read yet I was totally hooked.
The whole premise was interesting with Hale trying to start a new career as a sports agent. When her prospective new client is found dead and her brother is a chief suspect, Hale sets out on her own investigation.
I enjoyed the Norma character also , especially her interactions with Hale. The ending took me by surprise and I look forward to reading more of this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The whole premise was interesting with Hale trying to start a new career as a sports agent. When her prospective new client is found dead and her brother is a chief suspect, Hale sets out on her own investigation.
I enjoyed the Norma character also , especially her interactions with Hale. The ending took me by surprise and I look forward to reading more of this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 23, 2021
A football/love story in Denver
This is book 1 of a series . A female member of an all sports family. Known for their integrity in the sports world, Hale doesn't quite fit the bill. Written with a was hand, the feeling of" chic flick humor" comes to mind. Yes, I'm a creaton. I enjoyed the whole story. Getting in touch with my "female side" or whatever. It's a fun read. I think you'll enjoy it.
This is book 1 of a series . A female member of an all sports family. Known for their integrity in the sports world, Hale doesn't quite fit the bill. Written with a was hand, the feeling of" chic flick humor" comes to mind. Yes, I'm a creaton. I enjoyed the whole story. Getting in touch with my "female side" or whatever. It's a fun read. I think you'll enjoy it.
May 15, 2023
Sister of a famous sports family is looking to lock down a position as a sports agent. However, when meeting her potential first client, she finds him dead. This then becomes her trying to find the killer, all while trying to secure a new job and protecting her family name. Came across this writer as she was similar to Tim Dorsey. However, she is not as whacking with the antics as Dorsey. It's still a good read. I might check out her other books.
September 25, 2023
This wasn't a bad story, and it moved along at pace, but there were a number of inconsistencies throughout it that were irritating, such as her glancing at the clock where it was 7:48, finishing a conversation with her friend, and the next time she looked at the clock it was only 7:45! The ending was a bit of a let down too, as although Hale solved it, the perpetrators apparently vanished in the melee that was the grand finale.
December 7, 2023
Hale is unlikable and whiny, and ALWAYS talking about the weather. Ive never read a book that had the weather mentioned every chapter it drove me crazy!! Honestly, who did it didnt really make any sense to me. Others had a much better motive that wouldve been more interesting in my opinion. Overall, not my favorite and hard to get through. The last maybe 4 chapters are the only things i found interesting.
November 6, 2025
interesting murder mystery
The football players were embroiled in a murder of new hire and many people were in and out of murdered man’s residence. Nate’s sister knew he would not kill someone and kept looking for the culprit. Abby, Nate’s girlfriend tried to help. Nate, Abby, his sister were kidnapped and going to be killed to get money. You really need to read this book to learn all the details and figure out who did it and why.
The football players were embroiled in a murder of new hire and many people were in and out of murdered man’s residence. Nate’s sister knew he would not kill someone and kept looking for the culprit. Abby, Nate’s girlfriend tried to help. Nate, Abby, his sister were kidnapped and going to be killed to get money. You really need to read this book to learn all the details and figure out who did it and why.
January 13, 2023
that is so strange ...i read "The Trouble with Dead Bodies" which on Amazon (Kindle Unlimited) it does say it is book 1 in the Hale Mary Mystery series. whodunit. any who ...i am not seeing that here on Goodreads, so i don't know where to review it, considering it doesn't exist over here??! weird. what a fun read. will read more.
September 24, 2023
Great read if you like football, or not!
I happen to like football so this book was perfect for me. Mystery, love story, humor, friendship, suspense, it had it all except a rather abrupt ending but it did the up loose ends so maybe I just didn't want it to end?! Norma and Hale remind me so much of me and my best friend except she is a base all fan! Enjoyed it a lot.
I happen to like football so this book was perfect for me. Mystery, love story, humor, friendship, suspense, it had it all except a rather abrupt ending but it did the up loose ends so maybe I just didn't want it to end?! Norma and Hale remind me so much of me and my best friend except she is a base all fan! Enjoyed it a lot.
September 28, 2023
A very involved murder mystery. The Seton family is very sports oriented. Hale was a former snowboard contender trying to make her way as an agent for high profile sports players. She finds her first possible client dead in a hot tub. Trying to keep her younger brother from being accused of the murder gets her involved in trying to solve it.
November 18, 2023
Excellent book. Easy reading fun.
I’ve NEVER enjoyed writing book reports, so please understand.
I’m probably not fry good at it either. My apologies.
The book was captivating and entertaining. The characters were described beautifully, the plot(s) were well thought-out.
She’s a good writer and I look forward to reading more of her work.
I’ve NEVER enjoyed writing book reports, so please understand.
I’m probably not fry good at it either. My apologies.
The book was captivating and entertaining. The characters were described beautifully, the plot(s) were well thought-out.
She’s a good writer and I look forward to reading more of her work.
March 20, 2021
The Rookie
I love a book that hooks you from the start and this book did that. It will keep you on the edge of your seat. I would recommend this book to anyone. I was upset when I came to the end. Now I can’t wait til book 2 comes out.
I love a book that hooks you from the start and this book did that. It will keep you on the edge of your seat. I would recommend this book to anyone. I was upset when I came to the end. Now I can’t wait til book 2 comes out.
September 8, 2021
I really enjoyed reading about the characters. It was well written. It has a good storyline. It was enjoyable to read. It was a page turner and kept my interested.
I read and reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I read and reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 21, 2021
A very entertaining mystery! Well-fledged characters and believable situations. So much suspense! Kept me turning the pages.I received an advanced review copy for free,and i am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 30, 2022
Very well paced, tight editing, keeps the reader engrossed. A good read for all thrill seekers. Fluent flow of ideas and writing. Doesn't let the reader relax.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 13, 2022
Great sports story
This story, besides a great mystery, gave you insight into sport agents and professional football. There was lots of action and suspense. Can't wait to read the next book.
This story, besides a great mystery, gave you insight into sport agents and professional football. There was lots of action and suspense. Can't wait to read the next book.
September 26, 2023
Light and amusing
Even though murder was involved, this was a light and amusing mystery. Hale was a relatable character. I would love a best friend like Norma. Life would never be dull. I can't wait to see what they get into in book 2 of series. I thoroughly enjoyed book1.
Even though murder was involved, this was a light and amusing mystery. Hale was a relatable character. I would love a best friend like Norma. Life would never be dull. I can't wait to see what they get into in book 2 of series. I thoroughly enjoyed book1.
October 18, 2023
A good mystery
Hale is a good sleuth for solving mysteries especially a murder. Poor Lamar for all he went through. Nate seemed like a good sport throughout this whole ordeal other than the end.
Hale is a good sleuth for solving mysteries especially a murder. Poor Lamar for all he went through. Nate seemed like a good sport throughout this whole ordeal other than the end.
October 20, 2023
There is rarely a book that keeps me reading through the night, but this one did! It was utterly fantastic! Beautiful characters, excellent plot, romance…it had it all. I’ve just discovered my newest favorite author! A must read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews