If you want a surprise ending, this the book to read! I was blown away by the twist at the end. Never even on my radar as I was trying to figure out who was killing the lawyers.

This series intrigues me because of the astrology aspect and houses that the sun and moon and all that are in at different times and how that might affect your life. Granted I didn't understand a word of what was written, but I know there is a lot of truth to the charts, sun signs, etc.

It was nice to see that Julia perhaps received a little closure to how her fiance died. The case is still unsolved, but there is a small movement forward from a neighbor. Perhaps this will let her find love again with someone new and there is some chemistry with Adam.

The mystery is well written because while the "evil" character was a small blip on my radar, there was not a lot of revealing clues to let me figure out the mystery. There are a lot of hypotheses thrown out there as to why the lawyers were being murdered but which one is the right one?

Great series and I can't wait to read the next book.

TAIL OF THE DRAGON by Connie di Marco
The Third Zodiac Mystery

Office drama is one thing, but people are getting death threats at Meyers, Dade, & Schultz, LLP!

Julia Bonatti gets more than she bargained for when she agrees to help out her former boss by filling in as his secretary for a week. From his astrological chart she knew things at the office were bad, but she never dreamt they were this bad! Her first day on the job one of the lawyers is found murdered in his office. Now Julia's using her skills to discover what exactly is going on and if more people are in danger. Will the stars align to help Julia solve the murder or will she wind up another victim?

Connie di Marco pens a great traditional mystery. A sense of danger permeates the book along with a lot of subterfuge which masks the killer. There are so many suspects, so many motives, and lots of suspicious activities that muddy the waters. So many characters are guilty of so many things, but what impact, if any, does it have on the murder? Yet the author brings everything together to in a remarkable conclusion.

I love the astrological details found in the Zodiac series. I was close when I had an idea as to why Julia kept seeing dragons...I was wrong, but I was close! This series always makes me want to learn more and study my own astrological chart in depth. But the beauty of these books is that you don't need to know anything, or even care about astrology, to enjoy a deftly plotted, sitting on the edge of your seat mystery. Wonderfully drawn characters enrich the story as does the ongoing drama of the loss of Julia's fiance. Indeed that death colors the series and in TAIL OF THE DRAGON we find ourselves one step closer to closure.

TAIL OF THE DRAGON is an edgy mystery that combines astrology and murder to create an engrossing, pulse pounding tale.

Protagonist Julia Bonatti has been invited back by her old boss to cover for his assistant while she is on vacation. There have been death threats to three partners. Her former boss, David, is aware of her astrology expertise and has used her services before. He levels with her that he is more interested in her snooping and studying signs than he is the administrative work. He also hired a security firm and she is introduced to Adam Schaffer, a private investigator. Her first hour back on the job, however, sees the first casualty.

The author throws out some seriously detailed astrology lingo and appears to know the subject very well. Julia secures birth date and hour to generate her natal charts and transiting findings. She is single, competent, lives in the heart of San Francisco, and knows and loves her city. She has a solid network of friends and is acquainted with the art community. Support characters are fleshed and add interest. Descriptions of the city leave you with a smell of ocean air mixed with chilling fog obscuring high rises.

But...there were a few things I did have a problem with.

The first murder happens almost too abruptly into the story. Red herrings thrown in, background history regarding Julia's deceased fiancé (derailing the plot), peripheral characters with little purpose, and credibility gaps. Julia falls almost instantly for Adam (gimme a break), and before you know it they are making plans for when the case is over. Huh?! Worse, she tends to shun the police, even when she should be reporting suspicious and serious threats to her own safety.

The protagonist is unique, however, and the plot is three-dimensional. The antagonist(s) were fairly obvious, although one of the red herrings may throw you off temporarily. The conclusion pushed disbelief. Still, the author wraps most loose ends up very neatly, while dismissing anything irrelevant.

I was granted this uncorrected proof by the publisher and NetGalley for the purpose of a book tour and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Recommended for those interested in astrology or who love a cozy mystery with a unique plot device, sans recipes. 3.5/5 stars

Julia Bonatti is back and undercover. I love that she is able to bring her passion for study the signs to her solving of mysteries. In this book she goes back to an old stopping ground and it lets just say the clues swirl around in the mystic universe. I really noticed and enjoyed the side characters in this book, Googie, a friend that sure knows how to find out some interesting and juicy details on a person and of course Wizard the delightful cat.

Choosing one moment that I loved is hard, but I do have to say the first few paragraphs were certainly made to make a reader fly through this book for the answers. I was quickly wanting to solve the mystery after that.

Synopsis:

San Francisco astrologer Julia Bonatti never thought murder would be part of her practice, but when her former boss and current client asks for help she agrees to go undercover at his law firm. Three people have received death threats and the only common denominator between them is a case long settled--the infamous Bank of San Francisco fire. Julia’s astrological expertise provides clues but no one wants to listen. Before she can solve the mystery, two people are dead and her own life is in danger. Julia must unmask the killer before he, or she, takes another life. (Goodreads)

Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. Julia is a smart, hardworking and caring woman. She has a lot on her plate but she is willing to help out her old boss when he asks her to. That leads to murder and mayhem that she must try to get under control. It will not be easy and she finds herself in some dangerous situations. Will she be able to solve the mysteries and keep herself safe, or will she become a victim?

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. It is written in a such a way that the reader cannot help but be pulled into the story. I found myself reading much later into the night than I had planned. The author’s story telling and descriptive writing made me feel like I was right there, watching all of the action taking place and eavesdropping on conversations.

The mystery was well plotted and not easy to solve. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through. With the twists and turns and red herrings thrown in, you have to be on top of your game if you hope to solve it.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. The subject of astrology is not the usual occupation of cozy protagonists and that made the book even better.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Midnight Ink, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

I've read one previous installment in this series (although I can't remember if it was the first or second). I remember Julia and her astrology, which she uses to great effect to solve mysteries in the lovely city of San Francisco.

In this, the third in the series, Julia helps to figure out who is killing attorneys at the legal offices where she worked briefly before becoming a full-time astrologer. Her old boss, David, has asked her back for a week to cover his secretary's holiday - but he doesn't tell her until she arrives that he wants her assistance with solving the issue of who is sending death threats to some of the attorneys on the litigation team. Moments into their conversation, the body of one of their least-liked litigation lawyers is found in his office, murdered sometime over the weekend.

The connection with the death threats appears to be a bank fire that had happened a number of years previously and in which a janitor died. Three of the lawyers who work at David's firm were involved in that case and Julia pursues that as a potential lead.

Overall, I enjoyed the book but found myself frustrated by various 'disappearing threads/characters' and the implausibility of rather large parts of it: not calling the police and reporting either the break-in at her apartment or the incident where she is pushed into traffic, neither of which seemed to traumatise her all that much. In fact, she simply wanders off after the traffic incident and goes home and has a bath. Several characters simply disappeared (the young lady who found the first body and the woman hired to do PR after this first murder), or served no real purpose (art collector Henry Gooding). I also struggled with Julia simply taking herself off to question people, more or less inviting herself into their homes or places of business, and then questioning them about the victims. She literally has no authority to do this.

I also struggled with some of the conversations feeling a bit awkward and clunky.

Still, I like this series. The setting is wonderful (San Francisco is beautifully described and rendered by someone who obviously knows and truly loves the city), the characters are pretty interesting and the reason for the murders was quite good. I did suspect the murderer, however, but enjoyed the story to its end when it was very neatly tied up.

Despite my niggles, this is a series I'd like to continue as it is enjoyable and I love the astrological aspect of it.

This is Connie di Marco’s third Zodiac Mystery and it’s a humdinger.

Julia Bonatti, consulting astrologer, agrees to substitute for David Meyers’ vacationing secretary for one week. She worked at his law firm after her fiancé had been killed and she needed a job while she recovered from her loss. When she goes to work Monday morning, the litigation practice is shocked to find Jack Harding dead in his office.

She does a reading for David and finds there are challenging transits fast approaching. In the office the next day she asks David for the personnel records of the litigation staff, so she can check out everyone’s astrological chart. Julia also meets Adam Schaeffer, a private investigator, retained to provide increased security for the office.

Just as she begins checking out the most obvious suspects, Harvey Walstone, another partner, is murdered in the office building garage. Again, obvious suspects are explored including a high-profile case that Harvey, Jack and Suzanne all worked on together before joining the current practice. There is also a report that one of the attorneys was observed meeting with the opponents in a major litigation case, an obvious conflict of interest.

Outside of the activities involving the law firm Julia is notified by her fiancé’s sister that a photo of the accident has been found in the estate of a dead neighbor which may provide answers about who killed Michael, her intended husband. Julia is also concerned about a possible scam by the artist that her friend Gayle has been helping get more exposure to art collectors.

Good mystery, lots going on. Ms. Di Marco pulls it all together neatly in the end, but with one heck of a twist that is totally unexpected. Masterfully executed slight of hand regarding who-did-it.

Set in San Francisco, which I must say goes very well with the Zodiac/astrology twist to this story. It was different and a little confusing as to the vocabulary but made for an interesting thread weaved throughout the story. I enjoyed reading along as Julia, our intrepid astrologer was able to figure out "who done it" as well as the side mysteries while looking out for her friend Gale. I was a little disappointed that there wasn't more of a romance angle or rather that the angle was obtuse rather than right. I have always felt that our dreams having meaning and Julia's certainly did. Looking forward to the next installment!

I think this third installment in the Zodiac Mysteries is the most fluid and felt like falling into a familiar setting and characters. Very enjoyable story. I would add this one to my permanent collection. Looking forward to the next.

Received ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my personal thoughts on the book.

I can't wait for the next in this series! It is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. So different than many, with the astrology. With the astrology it isn't flighty and weird. The main female character is very grounded with it. I'm finding it very interesting.

I loved this book. Its a fantastic read and reminded me of black and white murder mystery films. The way the story unfolded and the characters developed was brilliant.

I liked how it twisted and turned, the characters interacted really well and developed over the book.

I would definitely recommend to everyone.

I have to say I like this series. A witty mystery, beautifully written and emotional. Thank you.

Tightly woven mystery with vivid descriptions that enable your imagination to fly. Strong characters and detailed places pepper the pages.
Astrologer Julia Bonatti is popular for analyzing astrological charts for her clients and being amazingly accurate at it. She also had a popular astrology column.
When a former boss from her previous career as a legal secretary called her for help when his current secretary was out, she went as she had read his chart and had planned to call on him anyway. He had undercurrents at the office that troubled him.
Her first day brings a corpse at the office and then another later. Julia snooped and became a target for the killer. Julia solves the case and almost dies doing it.
I loved the settings and characters and I am not a fan of astrology, but the mystery......loved the way the story developed.
I requested and was granted an ARC from NetGalley. Much to my delight

I really enjoyed this book. I'm new to the series but I had no problem getting into the storyline. Excellent plot and character development. I love the protagonist and the way she handled herself throughout the story. I really enjoyed the book and had a hard time putting it down! Loved it so much that I've downloaded books 1 and 2 of the series to get caught up.

*I'd like to thank the author/publisher/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review*

Awesome mystery. The astrology part is confusing but interesting. Didn't see the end coming. Great read!

I have enjoyed this series in the past, but this new one really strains credibility. Would an attorney call in his astrologer who had worked at his office 2 years ago to sub for a vacationing secretary, and then task her with finding out why someone was murdered? Would the security firm he hired after the murder send one of their men, with Julia, to the dead man’s place? Why would a woman who comes home to find her apartment trashed call her best friend instead of the police? And when she’s pushed into traffic and injured, would she not report it? I did like the San Francisco setting, the characters, and the astrology theme, though.

I was disappointed in this book. I found the transition into the murder very abrupt & the conversations stilted. The main character Julia is supposed to be filling in as an legal secretary for an old friend but get caught up instead with investigating a murder at the office. Everyone seems to think that this is normal, including the private investigator/security guy that is hired. I also found the romance part of the book to be unbelievable, as Julie has only meet Adam twice & all of a sudden they're kissing & talking about taking it further. The zodiac information was a bit off-putting as I had no clue what she was talking about. #TailOfTheDragon #NetGalley

This series is so tragically beautiful. There is such sadness that is weaved into such a wonderfully written mystery. The way the author writes makes you really feel for the characters, they have such depth and emotion. The mystery itself was written to perfection, there is such a twist that you find yourself gasping when it comes up. A great series, a great story, and I cannot wait for the next!

The twists and turns keep coming in this third installment of the Zodiac Mystery series. I intended to read a few chapters curled up on the sofa, but a few chapters quickly become half the book, then three-quarters and then, before I knew it, I had completed the entire book! I did not want to put it down. It held my interest the entire time. The cast of suspects was wonderfully done and the description was captivating at times. This is the first in the series I have read, but it won’t be my last! On a side note, there is a little harsher language than in typical cozies, but it is minimal. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my rating. I have provided an unbiased and honest review.