Molten Mud Murder

Alexa Glock Forensics Mysteries, Book 1

By: Sara E. Johnson

Narrated by: Sarah Naughton

When a body is found half-submerged in a molten mud pot in one of Rotorua's famous geothermal wonderlands, forensics expert Alexa Glock spots a way to prolong her stay in New Zealand, which she has been visiting for work. Teeth are her expertise, and the investigation needs her help, as other ways of identifying the body may have...melted away.

Joining Detective Inspector Bruce Horne and his team, Alexa discovers that the murder victim, a city councilman, had trespassed on an island sacred to the Maori. The ancient punishment for such a transgression is disaster, demonic possession, or death...and when she visits the island to investigate, the same outcome is promised for her. Alexa doesn't believe in ancient spirits returning to exact revenge, but then another victim turns up dead, and she begins to wonder whether the real threat is something - or someone - much closer to home.

©2019 Sara E. Johnson (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Steel yourself. Narration is pretty bad.

Alexa is obnoxious and not a likable protagonist. In fact, none of the characters are. Between the characters, the abysmal narration and the constant technical lectures, I doubt if I’ll make it through this book. If there is another ‘Scottish’ accent … I know I’ll quit!

Such a Smart Mystery

I loved learning about New Zealand and the indigenous people there. Alexa was interesting, easy to like and relatable. I had questions as I read, and author Sara explained every one! I am going to move right on the the next book in her series! Also, this reader is amazing!!! She captured all the accents so well. I have actually listened to this twice to be ready for our book club discussion, and am so happy to see she reads the 2 nd book!

New Zealand!

procedural, law-enforcement, New Zealand, cultural-exploration, culture-shock, forensics, romantic, murder-investigation, Maori

***** As an exploratory into Maori customs and the lack of respect from non-Maori locals and tourists I found it to be quite well done. As an introduction to forensic sciences I felt it was also quite well done. As a cosy mystery I really enjoyed it! Lots of misdirection, plot twists, and red herrings along with some really great imagery of a land I will never be able to visit. Personally, I could have done with less romantic obsessing by forensic odontologist Alexa over Senior Constable Horne but I suppose it sells. Nevertheless, I highly recommend it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
I liked it so well that I wanted a permanent copy and hoped for some good pronunciations--that part didn't happen.