Arc Review: The Magnolia Murders - Aimee Nicole Walker (today)

Locke and Key return with new murder investigations, familiar cast of characters and all the steam two men in love can handle

From The Magnolia Murders blurb:

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 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+

SNik's Review:

First in new series (Sawyer and Royce: Matrimony and Mayhem), which is a continuation of an established couple from the author’s previous series (Zero Hour). 

A welcome return to detectives Sawyer Key and Royce Locke’s lives, their loving and steamy relationship, their dedication to their jobs and the familiar family of secondary characters that really round out the story. Delving into new job responsibilities, Sawyer and Royce are pulled together into investigating a murder that may or may not be related to a cold case series of murders. 

So thoroughly enjoyed all the time spent with Royce and Sawyer during their investigations but also every single moment they are alone with each other as they further solidify their loving relationship, with steamy times and communication as they discuss their full commitment to a future together. The romance and the suspense of the murder investigations were equally satisfying and Royce and Sawyer are one of my all time favorite couples. So glad to be able to revisit Royce and Sawyer and I am fully on board for this continuing series.

Rating: 5 Stars

The Magnolia Murders is available on Amazon as a Paperback and an ebook and is available to read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription