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Sawyer and Royce: Matrimony and Mayhem #1
The Magnolia Murders
Everything old is new again in love and murder.
Work together, live together, and play together is the name of the game for Royce Locke and Sawyer Key. But one of those things changes when Chief Mendoza taps Sawyer to lead the newly formed cold case unit. His first task: solve the Magnolia Murders that spanned three decades and suddenly stopped in 2000.
Chaos ensues when a fourth Magnolia Queen contender is murdered during a preliminary round. With the pageant's one hundredth anniversary looming, the pressure is on to produce results. Royce and Sawyer, along with their new partners, have to team up to solve the Magnolia Murders--old and new.
As the investigation continues, a surprise visitor and an unexpected phone call force the men to face painful things from their pasts. The future Royce and Sawyer dream of is within their grasp, but first, they'll need to uproot the seeds of discontent they've buried deep.
The Magnolia Murders is the first book in the Matrimony and Mayhem trilogy, the second story arc for Royce Locke and Sawyer Key. ** New readers should start with the Zero Hour trilogy before reading Matrimony and Mayhem. ** The Magnolia Murders/i> is a continuation of Royce and Sawyer’s happily ever after as they move into the next phase of their lives—professionally and personally. Though some storylines span the trilogy, this book does not end in a cliffhanger. Heat, humor, heart, and homicide abound. You have been warned. 18+
Work together, live together, and play together is the name of the game for Royce Locke and Sawyer Key. But one of those things changes when Chief Mendoza taps Sawyer to lead the newly formed cold case unit. His first task: solve the Magnolia Murders that spanned three decades and suddenly stopped in 2000.
Chaos ensues when a fourth Magnolia Queen contender is murdered during a preliminary round. With the pageant's one hundredth anniversary looming, the pressure is on to produce results. Royce and Sawyer, along with their new partners, have to team up to solve the Magnolia Murders--old and new.
As the investigation continues, a surprise visitor and an unexpected phone call force the men to face painful things from their pasts. The future Royce and Sawyer dream of is within their grasp, but first, they'll need to uproot the seeds of discontent they've buried deep.
The Magnolia Murders is the first book in the Matrimony and Mayhem trilogy, the second story arc for Royce Locke and Sawyer Key. ** New readers should start with the Zero Hour trilogy before reading Matrimony and Mayhem. ** The Magnolia Murders/i> is a continuation of Royce and Sawyer’s happily ever after as they move into the next phase of their lives—professionally and personally. Though some storylines span the trilogy, this book does not end in a cliffhanger. Heat, humor, heart, and homicide abound. You have been warned. 18+
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First published February 14, 2022
201 people are currently reading
1376 people want to read
About the author
Aimee Nicole Walker
71 books2,007 followersI'm a wife and mother of three teenage kids. I've been married to the same wonderful man for twenty years. I've decided that if I can survive raising three kids then I can survive anything!! I haven't uttered the Mama's curse yet, but it could happen any day now. You know the one..."I hope you have a child just like you someday."
I'm an avid reader and lover of all things romance. I've spent my entire adult life waiting to follow my dreams of becoming a writer. One day this past summer, I decided to just do it. No more wishing and hoping. I haven't quit my day job, but that is my ultimate goal...make a living telling stories of love.
I write contemporary gay fiction. I hope you will love reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.
I'm an avid reader and lover of all things romance. I've spent my entire adult life waiting to follow my dreams of becoming a writer. One day this past summer, I decided to just do it. No more wishing and hoping. I haven't quit my day job, but that is my ultimate goal...make a living telling stories of love.
I write contemporary gay fiction. I hope you will love reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
February 14, 2022
It's always a risk going back to a beloved pairing but Aimee Nicole absolutely nails this return to the world of Royce Locke & Sawyer Key.
Fear not, there's no messing about with their happy, other than the usual dilemmas about the next steps to take and worries about whether they're good enough for the other.
The narrative which surrounds their relationship is a beautiful one, filled with the love that oozes between the two men and with declarations of pride and happiness.
But what I adore the most about this Savannah based series, is just how much work Aimee puts into making the mysteries top quality. You could take out the romance elements of the Locke & Key stories and still have a 5* murder mystery read.
Of course, it wouldn't have the delicious relationship at its heart which makes these books so special. On top of that, we also get a secondary thread with Royce trying to reconnect to his sister and her kids which is played alongside the investigation.
What I really loved about Magnolia Murders is that we get two cases. Sawyer is promoted and put in charge of a Cold Case Team, looking into the deaths of three beauty queen pageant winners spanning back 38 years.
While Royce is offered a new job running a team working with teenagers interested in joining law enforcement, he's still working fresh murders and there's been a new Magnolia murder.
The clever way the cases unwind is brilliantly done, and there'll be no spoilers here, suffice it to say, I was enthralled throughout as the twists and turns wrap around both the cold cases and the latest killing.
With the stakes getting higher, Royce and Sawyer work every angle to try and bring resolution to families who've been dealing with the loss of their daughters for decades while also bringing the heat to their own relationship.
The way they love each other is palpable, they're both nurturing but also capable of stoking the fires of passion high and this book is explosively hot!
I'm so happy Aimee went back to this world, I'd happily read a bajillion more stories with this bunch of characters. I will say, you do need to read the Zero Hour Trilogy before these if you want to get the full depth of Royce & Sawyer's love affair.
The Magnolia Murders also lays down some new story threads which I suspect are going to be running through the next two books as well and all I can say is bring it on!
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours in return for an honest and unbiased review
Fear not, there's no messing about with their happy, other than the usual dilemmas about the next steps to take and worries about whether they're good enough for the other.
The narrative which surrounds their relationship is a beautiful one, filled with the love that oozes between the two men and with declarations of pride and happiness.
But what I adore the most about this Savannah based series, is just how much work Aimee puts into making the mysteries top quality. You could take out the romance elements of the Locke & Key stories and still have a 5* murder mystery read.
Of course, it wouldn't have the delicious relationship at its heart which makes these books so special. On top of that, we also get a secondary thread with Royce trying to reconnect to his sister and her kids which is played alongside the investigation.
What I really loved about Magnolia Murders is that we get two cases. Sawyer is promoted and put in charge of a Cold Case Team, looking into the deaths of three beauty queen pageant winners spanning back 38 years.
While Royce is offered a new job running a team working with teenagers interested in joining law enforcement, he's still working fresh murders and there's been a new Magnolia murder.
The clever way the cases unwind is brilliantly done, and there'll be no spoilers here, suffice it to say, I was enthralled throughout as the twists and turns wrap around both the cold cases and the latest killing.
With the stakes getting higher, Royce and Sawyer work every angle to try and bring resolution to families who've been dealing with the loss of their daughters for decades while also bringing the heat to their own relationship.
The way they love each other is palpable, they're both nurturing but also capable of stoking the fires of passion high and this book is explosively hot!
I'm so happy Aimee went back to this world, I'd happily read a bajillion more stories with this bunch of characters. I will say, you do need to read the Zero Hour Trilogy before these if you want to get the full depth of Royce & Sawyer's love affair.
The Magnolia Murders also lays down some new story threads which I suspect are going to be running through the next two books as well and all I can say is bring it on!
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours in return for an honest and unbiased review
May 21, 2022
Loved, loved, loved this. Love Sawyer and Royce.
June 22, 2022
3.5 Stars.
Although it took me a while to get into the swing of things revisiting known characters from two previous series, I soon cozied up to Sawyer and Royce again.
Great mystery and fun sexy times.
Watch Royce get his nerve up to propose to Sawyer!
Although it took me a while to get into the swing of things revisiting known characters from two previous series, I soon cozied up to Sawyer and Royce again.
Great mystery and fun sexy times.
Watch Royce get his nerve up to propose to Sawyer!
February 17, 2022
4.5 stars!
Ngl, this author could write 20 books about Royce and Sawyer and it still wouldn't be enough!
This was just the perfect dose of our lovely domesticated detectives (oh yes, and Bonesington the cat, of course), and that overarching murder mystery that Aimee Nicole Walker writes so well! I am typically not a fan of these types of stories but something about this couple has me hooked 😩 and the murder mystery part? *chef's kiss*
I'll be the first to admit (probably not tbh 😂) that at the beginning of the Zero Hour trilogy (which you have to read first before this one), I really didn't like Royce, but he had the best character development I've read in a while. And seeing him come to himself in this book, made my heart so happy. And of course Sawyer relentlessly being his quiet strength and fighting for both of them throughout...ugh, they deserve all the HEAs.
“I fucking love you,” Royce said.
“Because you didn’t think of the idea first?”
“No, because you take my dreams and make them your own.”
And that ending was perfect. Some may say it feels rushed, but to me, it was absolutely perfect and just so Locke and Key 🥰
Ngl, this author could write 20 books about Royce and Sawyer and it still wouldn't be enough!
This was just the perfect dose of our lovely domesticated detectives (oh yes, and Bonesington the cat, of course), and that overarching murder mystery that Aimee Nicole Walker writes so well! I am typically not a fan of these types of stories but something about this couple has me hooked 😩 and the murder mystery part? *chef's kiss*
I'll be the first to admit (probably not tbh 😂) that at the beginning of the Zero Hour trilogy (which you have to read first before this one), I really didn't like Royce, but he had the best character development I've read in a while. And seeing him come to himself in this book, made my heart so happy. And of course Sawyer relentlessly being his quiet strength and fighting for both of them throughout...ugh, they deserve all the HEAs.
“I fucking love you,” Royce said.
“Because you didn’t think of the idea first?”
“No, because you take my dreams and make them your own.”
And that ending was perfect. Some may say it feels rushed, but to me, it was absolutely perfect and just so Locke and Key 🥰
March 3, 2023
It's been three long years since I last visited with Royce and Sawyer. I was so happy when I found that there was a new trilogy and bought the 3 books right away. I missed these two guys and was so excited to see how life had been treating them and where they were at in their lives now...especially as a couple. Glad to see they are still going strong, and that Royce has mellowed a great deal. Things seem to be going to change for the better. Sawyer has found a ring in Royce’s drawer and is waiting for him to pop the question. On the other hand, poor Royce’s proposals keep getting spoiled and murder and other aspects of their jobs and lives keeps putting the proposal on the backburner...again. If things weren't topsy-turvy enough...we get to meet Royce’s family and see all the dirt and discontent, they bring along with them. Then the guys learn that they are being split up at work. Royce to head a troubled teen program and Swayer to head a newly formed cold case team. The first case for the new team is "The Magnolia Murders". The case is that there were three winning beauty queens that were murdered after they won the crown. The Pageant is getting ready to celebrate its 100th anniversary, so a fresh look at the cases is needed. The investigation kept me glued right to the end and when everything is solved it all makes perfect sense. A few roadblocks in their paths, from not so co-operative retired detectives, to witnesses that are either dead or can’t be spoken to. It's always good when we are allowed along for the ride and not just told what happens. This author is never a disappointment when it comes to writing a believable detective story. There is always just the right mix of love and murder.
March 19, 2022
5 Murder & Mayhem Stars!! 🤩 Absolutely loved it!! Lock & Key to the rescue!. Loved seeing Sawyer and Royce living in domesticated bliss (but not married or even engaged yet... more to come on that 😉) They are still up to their antics and murderous criminals in the Savannah area are not safe. With their office now opening and re-investigating some of the most notorious cold cases, I bet we will have more thrill and action to look forward to.
The plot in this one seemed like something out of the Jonbenet Ramsey case files.. but it was much much different.. still intriguing though. But I wasn't there just for the mystery; I loved Royce and Sawyer's original series and wanted to see what their "happily-ever-after" looked like.. and they are still giant goof-balls.. and I still love them and love reading about them. ❤️
Highly recommended to all fans of the Lock and Key series and the Sinister in Savannah series!! I know I'll be back for more.. 😍 👍
The plot in this one seemed like something out of the Jonbenet Ramsey case files.. but it was much much different.. still intriguing though. But I wasn't there just for the mystery; I loved Royce and Sawyer's original series and wanted to see what their "happily-ever-after" looked like.. and they are still giant goof-balls.. and I still love them and love reading about them. ❤️
Highly recommended to all fans of the Lock and Key series and the Sinister in Savannah series!! I know I'll be back for more.. 😍 👍
June 27, 2022
3.5 stars. I think if Royce and Sawyer hadn't left their b@lls in the previous book and stopped bloody tiptoeing around the whole "ring" thing that went on and on and ON I might've enjoyed this one more. Instead it took me almost a week to finish.
August 18, 2025
“Sometimes the good, the bad, and the ugly become so entwined we have a hard time remembering the good even existed. There’s a big difference between accepting what could’ve been and pining for what will never be.”
3.75⭐
I don’t remember how far ahead in the future we are — I’m thinking around 3 years — but we are back with Locke and Key, and they are ready to take the next step in their relationship and, it seems, their careers. The Magnolia Murders is a new stepping stone for these two, as they separate as partners in the field and dream of becoming husbands. Sawyer is put in charge of a Cold Case team, while Royce is set out to be in charge of a group who help teens become cops.
I was interested in continuing because I do love a cold case — listen, I used to watch the Cold Case TV show all the time. So I was piqued to continue with the boys because, even though they have yet to reach 4 stars or higher on my list, I still enjoy them as characters.
The entire thing on why they aren’t 4 stars continues in this series, so I won’t go over it again since I talked about it in the last 3 books. Either way, it’s good to see so much reconnection and relationship building out of bed between Locke and Key and the other characters.
The mystery was pretty easy to solve — well, considering I have 1 brain cell and I was like I think it’s this person as soon as we met them. But hey, I don’t care. It’s not really the “WHO DID IT” for me, it’s the “HOW WE FIGURE IT OUT” that sparks my personal interest in mystery books, and with this one I had a good time.
I’m happy to continue and see how they grow as characters through this series.
3.75⭐
I don’t remember how far ahead in the future we are — I’m thinking around 3 years — but we are back with Locke and Key, and they are ready to take the next step in their relationship and, it seems, their careers. The Magnolia Murders is a new stepping stone for these two, as they separate as partners in the field and dream of becoming husbands. Sawyer is put in charge of a Cold Case team, while Royce is set out to be in charge of a group who help teens become cops.
I was interested in continuing because I do love a cold case — listen, I used to watch the Cold Case TV show all the time. So I was piqued to continue with the boys because, even though they have yet to reach 4 stars or higher on my list, I still enjoy them as characters.
The entire thing on why they aren’t 4 stars continues in this series, so I won’t go over it again since I talked about it in the last 3 books. Either way, it’s good to see so much reconnection and relationship building out of bed between Locke and Key and the other characters.
The mystery was pretty easy to solve — well, considering I have 1 brain cell and I was like I think it’s this person as soon as we met them. But hey, I don’t care. It’s not really the “WHO DID IT” for me, it’s the “HOW WE FIGURE IT OUT” that sparks my personal interest in mystery books, and with this one I had a good time.
I’m happy to continue and see how they grow as characters through this series.
February 19, 2022
I hate to express unpopular opinion, but I struggled with this one. The mystery while started good turned very predictable. One could see a mile away who did it and why. I like to be kept guessing and finish with "Wow, I so didn't see it coming" kind of feeling. I didn't get that rush here.
The romance was so sugary sweet and some wording during intimate scenes was a bit cringe for me, so that diminished my enjoyment a bit. I liked Royce's internal struggle, but overall physical perfection and constant I love yous got old real quick. I finished it but at times it was a chore. Sorry for being an oddball here, folks. Others loved it, it just didn't click with me much.
The romance was so sugary sweet and some wording during intimate scenes was a bit cringe for me, so that diminished my enjoyment a bit. I liked Royce's internal struggle, but overall physical perfection and constant I love yous got old real quick. I finished it but at times it was a chore. Sorry for being an oddball here, folks. Others loved it, it just didn't click with me much.
May 13, 2025
Just adore Locke and Key
April 9, 2022
Royce Locke and Sawyer Key are the kinds of characters that will make you want to read every book centered in their same universe in hopes of getting even the smallest cameo. They're the reason I read the Sinister in Savannah series (which I'm so glad I did!), so to say I was excited that there would be a continuation of their story would be putting it mildly and this first book in their new series did not disappoint. As usual, the mystery was engaging and well thought out. All of the side stories created the beginnings of much larger stories in the future. And, of course, Royce and Sawyer were as supportive of and in love with each other as ever. I can't wait for the next book to come out. I'm hoping for a ton of cameos and maybe a little more of Mr. "I-Don't-See-A-Ring" Julian.
February 18, 2022
Chapters
“You’re all the magic I need.” How I’ve missed the wickedly clever duo of Royce and Sawyer. I love their snarky repartee, and will never tire of their nicknames for each other, but it’s the unshakable and irresistible bond they’ve developed throughout the years that holds a special place in my heart. I fell in love with these two from the very beginning and I’m so happy to be back solving new and old mysteries along with the requisite mayhem if Royce is involved. The case was extremely engrossing but I really liked that Royce and Sawyer had to solve parts of it separately, as I liked learning more about the side characters in this new chapter of their lives.
Catching up with them and seeing how though many things have changed, the important things, the essentials that make Sawyer and Royce, Sawyer and Royce, have only grown deeper and more grounded made my heart happy. I can’t wait for more amazing adventures as I have a feeling things are really going to heat up in Savannah, more ways than we can foresee. Be prepared to laugh, cry and fall ever more in love with Locke and Key.
“You’re all the magic I need.” How I’ve missed the wickedly clever duo of Royce and Sawyer. I love their snarky repartee, and will never tire of their nicknames for each other, but it’s the unshakable and irresistible bond they’ve developed throughout the years that holds a special place in my heart. I fell in love with these two from the very beginning and I’m so happy to be back solving new and old mysteries along with the requisite mayhem if Royce is involved. The case was extremely engrossing but I really liked that Royce and Sawyer had to solve parts of it separately, as I liked learning more about the side characters in this new chapter of their lives.
Catching up with them and seeing how though many things have changed, the important things, the essentials that make Sawyer and Royce, Sawyer and Royce, have only grown deeper and more grounded made my heart happy. I can’t wait for more amazing adventures as I have a feeling things are really going to heat up in Savannah, more ways than we can foresee. Be prepared to laugh, cry and fall ever more in love with Locke and Key.
Read
March 11, 2025dnf @ 20%
i actually read the synopsis for once and was really interested in the magnolia murders and the lore behind them, but i just couldn’t stay engaged with this book. i’m 20% in, and they’re still setting the scene—it feels like we’re still ages away from the actual investigation, let alone finding out who did it.
and for the life of me, i keep forgetting which character is which and whose backstory belongs to who. on top of that, character development feels like a huge part of the story, yet i just feel completely lost 💔
i actually read the synopsis for once and was really interested in the magnolia murders and the lore behind them, but i just couldn’t stay engaged with this book. i’m 20% in, and they’re still setting the scene—it feels like we’re still ages away from the actual investigation, let alone finding out who did it.
and for the life of me, i keep forgetting which character is which and whose backstory belongs to who. on top of that, character development feels like a huge part of the story, yet i just feel completely lost 💔
February 18, 2022
More, more, more
I loved the Zero Hour trilogy and was eager to see how everyone was doing. I don't often care for series featuring the same couple, but I loved this as much or more than the Curl Up and Dye series.
Just the right balance of mystery, relationship, and hot sex. I can't wait for the next installment!
I loved the Zero Hour trilogy and was eager to see how everyone was doing. I don't often care for series featuring the same couple, but I loved this as much or more than the Curl Up and Dye series.
Just the right balance of mystery, relationship, and hot sex. I can't wait for the next installment!
February 4, 2023
I loved reading about Royce and Sawyer again, getting a glimpse into their everyday lives. Still, it took me what felt like forever to read this book. It dragged on until it finally picked up speed in the last third. From then on, the story was so good again that I would love to start reading the next book in the series right away. :)
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
March 11, 2022
Those who've not read the author's Zero Hour and Sinister in Savannah books should heed the warning to read the first mentioned (at the very least) as they may experience some confusion as secondary characters are introduced; not an insurmountable problem but having the backstories will explain much regarding the relational strain and tensions exhibited.
Sawyer and Ro are finally on the way to getting 'hitched' - almost but not quite, and despite having a cold case serial killer as well as a new murder to investigate, enough plot has been allocated to resolving this 'hiccup' to please those wanting some M-M romance in the mix. I'm a little puzzled though with the boys being professionally split up to head two new divisions - there's not much focus given to Royce's division (perhaps there'll be more in the next book). I am just grateful Evangeline makes some appearances in this book! 3.5 stars.
Sawyer and Ro are finally on the way to getting 'hitched' - almost but not quite, and despite having a cold case serial killer as well as a new murder to investigate, enough plot has been allocated to resolving this 'hiccup' to please those wanting some M-M romance in the mix. I'm a little puzzled though with the boys being professionally split up to head two new divisions - there's not much focus given to Royce's division (perhaps there'll be more in the next book). I am just grateful Evangeline makes some appearances in this book! 3.5 stars.
May 4, 2025
Re-read May 3, 2025
Original Review- December 25, 2022
4.5 stars
Any chance I get to spend more time with Royce and Sawyer I'll take. They are still very much in love. In fact, Royce is desperately trying to find the right time to ask Sawyer to marry him. But in the meantime there are murders to solve. I love seeing all the gang, especially Sawyer's mom Evangeline. She is a strong, determined woman who loves her son and his man fiercely.
Original Review- December 25, 2022
4.5 stars
Any chance I get to spend more time with Royce and Sawyer I'll take. They are still very much in love. In fact, Royce is desperately trying to find the right time to ask Sawyer to marry him. But in the meantime there are murders to solve. I love seeing all the gang, especially Sawyer's mom Evangeline. She is a strong, determined woman who loves her son and his man fiercely.
May 16, 2022
I DIDN'T KNOW THIS WAS A THING. WHY DIDN'T I KNOW AHHHH. I need more Locke and Key I am SO HYPED to have more of them <3<3
Also I finished this weeks ago and forgot to shelve it.
Also I finished this weeks ago and forgot to shelve it.
February 12, 2022
I love Royce and Sawyer so much…these guys are amazing and are up there with Gabe and Josh (Curl Up and Dye Series) on my list of favorite couples in fiction. (No real surprise since they come from the same author’s imagination.) This is a series about the good guys and I love how the author writes these characters. They are extremely believable and relatable. It is so easy to get lost in the book. We get to watch as these two start to navigate the new trajectory for their careers with the SPD, Royce as the head of the Explorer program for teens and Sawyer as the head of the new Cold Case Unit. Stuff Sawyer thought he left behind though starts following him again and I see some major nastiness coming their way soon….and Felix….I love ya man, but you need to learn when to shut up. I love watching these guys work together even though they aren’t partners at work anymore (sigh.) Bones is still the best feline. No spoilers given here but things get a little sticky when their cases collide. I love how in love these two are. Someday Royce will believe he is worth Sawyer’s love and Sawyer will definitely help him get there.
“Or we could recreate our favorite pasta dishes at home after your fitting. I don’t need expensive restaurants, linen tablecloths, or wine. I just want you.” Royce’s eyes darkened, and he ignored his sandwich to kiss Sawyer’s mouth. “But you already have me.” “And you’re all the magic I need.”
“Or we could recreate our favorite pasta dishes at home after your fitting. I don’t need expensive restaurants, linen tablecloths, or wine. I just want you.” Royce’s eyes darkened, and he ignored his sandwich to kiss Sawyer’s mouth. “But you already have me.” “And you’re all the magic I need.”
October 24, 2022
Locke and Key are back!! And what a great comeback!!!
Sawyer and Royce were dreading the day Chief Mendoza would separate them, but when that day finally came it brought so many opportunities for them as career wise.
Key takes the helm of the newly opened Cold Case unit starting with Magnolia Murders case, while Locke leads the Explorer program, which will open for young people considering a law enforcement career.
As is evident from the series name, second chapter of Locke and Key's story has a marriage theme!! We are going to get a HEA!!!
Sawyer and Royce were dreading the day Chief Mendoza would separate them, but when that day finally came it brought so many opportunities for them as career wise.
Key takes the helm of the newly opened Cold Case unit starting with Magnolia Murders case, while Locke leads the Explorer program, which will open for young people considering a law enforcement career.
As is evident from the series name, second chapter of Locke and Key's story has a marriage theme!! We are going to get a HEA!!!
February 17, 2022
Loved catching back up with Royce and Sawyer. I could read about those two any day of the week. It was so sweet seeing them still going strong and so much in love. I forgot about their unusual pet names for each other and it gave me a good laugh. The case was definitely an interesting one and moved at a fast pace. However, as is usual to Aimee Nicole Walker, the romance was the major focus front and center which is another thing I love about this series. Big changes are coming in the lives of Royce and Sawyer and I cannot wait to see where book 2 takes them next! 4.5 stars
August 1, 2022
Good mystery and incredible relationship/romance balance. Sawyer and Royce being all domestic and taking the next step in their relationship was a delight to read.
February 16, 2022
4 Stars
MM Romance-Police Procedural-Contemporary-Established Couple - Med Heat- Kindle Unlimited
MM Romance-Police Procedural-Contemporary-Established Couple - Med Heat- Kindle Unlimited
April 1, 2023
Life in the Lock&Key residence is good, both romantically and professionally. But Royce has something up his sleeve and unbeknownst to him, Sawyer has stumbled on it.
But Chief Mendoza is about to stir things up with a promotion for both of them, complying to fraternization rules.
Sergeant Locke is to set up and run the Explorer program for teens thinking about a career in law enforcement.
Newly appointed Sergeant Key will be the head of the new Cold Case Unit with his first task to solve the thirty-eight years old Magnolia Murders.
But when Sawyer's cold case collides with Royce's new case of a new Magnolia Murder the partners in life and work, team up to catch the old and new killer.
In between all this Royce is trying to reconcile with his sister and her children and he is struggling with his desire to commit to a life with Sawyer but is unable to bring it to fruition.
I was very annoyed over Royce’s inability to propose, to me that was unnecessary white noise that took away my absorption of the murder investigation, I enjoyed how the team researched the old, investigated the new and be able to unravel the truth of the Magnolia Murders.
Buddy read with the gals from Turning Pages At Midnight
Part of the Matrimony and Mayhem Series, the continuation of Royce and Sawyer’s happily ever after as they move into the next phase of their lives.
For the full experience start with
February 27, 2022
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
THE MAGNOLIA MURDERS if the first book in the Sawyer and Royce: Matrimony and Mayhem series which is a spin off the Zero Hour trilogy. I was thrilled Sawyer and Royce were getting another series and I couldn’t wait to read THE MAGNOLIA MURDERS.
For the first time in three years Royce and Sawyer will no longer be partners. Royce is given the opportunity to run a program that helps teens and Sawyer is promoted and made head of a cold case team. HIs first job is to reinvestigate the Magnolia Murders and find out who killed three young women. When a fourth woman murdered Royce is called in to join the hunt for the killer.
This story perfectly blends the romance and personal dramas with the couples professional life where they are hunting a killer. On the personal front Sawyer and Royce are blissfully happy but Royce is trying to propose and life and his own fears keep getting in his way. This couple is so fun and sexy and you can really feel how crazy in love with each other they are. It just makes their stories so good to read.
On the crime front the hunt for the killer is fast paced. A few new cop faces are added to the team that works tirelessly to work out who killed these women and why. There are lots of clues and different threads to the mystery and it was so satisfying to watch them all come together.
THE MAGNOLIA MURDERS is exactly the kind of story that I love to read - crime solving by a couple whose lives and loves I can completely immerse myself in. I don’t know how many books the author plans to write in this series but as long as they keep writing them, I’ll keep reading them.
THE MAGNOLIA MURDERS if the first book in the Sawyer and Royce: Matrimony and Mayhem series which is a spin off the Zero Hour trilogy. I was thrilled Sawyer and Royce were getting another series and I couldn’t wait to read THE MAGNOLIA MURDERS.
For the first time in three years Royce and Sawyer will no longer be partners. Royce is given the opportunity to run a program that helps teens and Sawyer is promoted and made head of a cold case team. HIs first job is to reinvestigate the Magnolia Murders and find out who killed three young women. When a fourth woman murdered Royce is called in to join the hunt for the killer.
This story perfectly blends the romance and personal dramas with the couples professional life where they are hunting a killer. On the personal front Sawyer and Royce are blissfully happy but Royce is trying to propose and life and his own fears keep getting in his way. This couple is so fun and sexy and you can really feel how crazy in love with each other they are. It just makes their stories so good to read.
On the crime front the hunt for the killer is fast paced. A few new cop faces are added to the team that works tirelessly to work out who killed these women and why. There are lots of clues and different threads to the mystery and it was so satisfying to watch them all come together.
THE MAGNOLIA MURDERS is exactly the kind of story that I love to read - crime solving by a couple whose lives and loves I can completely immerse myself in. I don’t know how many books the author plans to write in this series but as long as they keep writing them, I’ll keep reading them.
July 25, 2025
these books arent good but i just keep reading them. i need to be stopped
February 18, 2022
I love this partnership. A beautiful, romantic and action packed continuation of the romance between Sawyer and Royce . Despite changing lanes in the work place, their love only gets stronger and truer. Great story and well written. Looking forward to the next book already.
February 16, 2022
What a book! I loved this so much, so so good! I love Royce and Sawyer more and more after reading their story. I missed them so much and I’m glad they got three more books coming, well two now since this one’s out. The book was full of suspense, love, steam and banter, I savoured reading this book making sure I didn’t miss a thing. I loved the ending hard and so can’t wait for next book! A Must Read but you have to read The Zero Hour Series first.
February 20, 2022
I apparently liked the prior series this is a spin off off but I can’t fathom why. I DNF’d this at around 40% but I’d started skimming much earlier. The writing is… not good. It’s overly wordy and cheesy (this author is a fan of saying things like “lobes” instead of ears, etc.) and there is no subtlety anywhere to be found. I believe that a very good editor may have helped some (e.g there are sentences that could be reduced by more than half and be neater, more effective and engaging) which may have made certain parts more easy to read without cringing. The dialogue is some of the least realistic and believable I’ve seen and the mystery was boring.
February 28, 2022
Check out our full post for THE MAGNOLIA MURDERS on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Veronica – ☆☆☆☆☆
THE MAGNOLIA MURDERS is the first book in the Sawyer and Royce: Matrimony and Mayhem series, which is a spin off the Zero Hour trilogy. I was thrilled Sawyer and Royce were getting another series and I couldn’t wait to read THE MAGNOLIA MURDERS.
For the first time in three years, Royce and Sawyer will no longer be partners. Royce is given the opportunity to run a program that helps teens, and Sawyer is promoted and made head of a cold case team. His first job is to reinvestigate the Magnolia Murders and find out who killed three young women. When a fourth woman is murdered, Royce is called in to join the hunt for the killer.
This story perfectly blends the romance and personal dramas with the couple’s professional life where they are hunting a killer. On the personal front, Sawyer and Royce are blissfully happy but Royce is trying to propose, and life and his own fears keep getting in his way. This couple is so fun and sexy, and you can really feel how crazy in love with each other they are. It just makes their stories so good to read.
On the crime front, the hunt for the killer is fast paced. A few new cop faces are added to the team that works tirelessly to work out who killed these women and why. There are lots of clues and different threads to the mystery and it was so satisfying to watch them all come together.
THE MAGNOLIA MURDERS is exactly the kind of story that I love to read – crime solving by a couple whose lives and loves I can completely immerse myself in. I don’t know how many books the author plans to write in this series but as long as they keep writing them, I’ll keep reading them.
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first book in a new series, but follows on from the Zero Hours series – which you really should read before starting this one. There you will meet Royce and Sawyer, and find out how they ended up together – I highly recommend this wonderful and unexpected love story.
We rejoin the guys happily living together... and thankfully they are truly solid. Inevitably there are ongoing discoveries and decisions to be made, but the joy of this book is that we do not need to worry about that side of things, so can relax on that score... and just get really involved in the crime solving.
I loved that the chief knows how best to give the guys a new challenge, and an opportunity to be more open at work about their relationship. Sawyer is going to lead a cold case team – and start with the Magnolia Murders. Royce is offered a youth project, and whilst doing the training, he gets called to lead on a new Magnolia Murder. So they manage to have to work together, even when no longer partners. I love this clever twist, which keeps them both in our line of sight.
Such a great cast of characters, inventive plots, and lots of soul searching make this an incredibly enjoyable read – and I am very excited to think that we will get to spend time with these guys again soon!
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
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