Hollis had a game plan, but then everything changed. She was supposed to be a crime reporter in her hometown of Chicago. She was supposed to marry her long-time boyfriend, Trace, and probably live happily ever after. Instead, a shrinking job market drove her to the small town of Parkwood. Trace would not follow her, so they broke up. Now, she reports on the new giblet gravy at the local diner and the new hot dog roller at the football stadium ‘Snack Shop.’ That is, until the homecoming football game is followed up by a deadly hit-and-run. Hollis is suspicious of the shoddy police investigation, unsure whether the chief is complacent or involved in a cover-up. So, she sets to task investigating it herself.

Hollis is joined by her neighbor and new best friend, Daisy—a busy mom and fantastic baker. As the two work together on their new podcast (Knock ‘em Dead—'where murder and muffins meet’), they also begin to track down clues about whodunnit and why. The author, Jennifer Brown, does a fantastic job of presenting several viable suspects. As a reader, it was easy to follow along with the investigation, spotting clues along the way. Just as I would want to, I was able to figure out the real culprit just before Hollis and Daisy did. This made it perfect—not predictable at all, but nicely well-paced.

There was really a lot to like about this book. Hollis is an interesting, modern, and relatable character. For readers who cannot relate to single-gal Hollis, Daisy is also fun. She reads like a well-organized mother (perhaps inhumanly “perfect” through Hollis’s narration); however, she is snarky enough that her practically perfect nature is not at all off-putting. I really liked their friendship because the dynamic felt very real, rather than contrite, as can sometimes be the case in cozy mysteries. With this being the first in a series, Brown also did an excellent job setting up Hollis’s life in Parkwood. She introduced a romantic interest and left a bit of a cliffhanger to build my interest for the next book in the series.

This is a straight-forward, quick, and light read (as light as a murder mystery can be), so I was not expecting a masterpiece. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the book and how disappointed I was to reach the end, because I really wanted to continue with Hollis and Daisy on their next adventure. No book is perfect, so I suppose I do have a few critiques of The Game Changer. The book did follow a common issue I see in books—the male characters were given more physical description than the female ones. I did not even have a clear view of Hollis in my mind by the end. The book also includes a heavy food theme and Hollis makes mental note, several times, of her weight gain from all the diner food and baked treats she had been eating. She was generally accepting of her weight gain, so it did not feel overly body shaming, but it could be triggering for those with a history of body image problems or disordered eating behaviors. There were also a few typos in the latter half of the book, but with this being an ARC, I imagine they will get ironed out in the editing process.

Thank you to Hallmark Publishing and NetGalley for an Advanced Readers Copy of The Game Changer. In return, I am submitting this unbiased review and opinion. I will post a review to Goodreads and Amazon closer to the date of publication. I am also developing my own book blog and bookstagram, where I will be happily posting a review for this book. I also plan to look out for the rest of the series!

Jennifer Brown wrote a sweet romance mystery in The Game Changer. When a football coach from a rival team is a victim of a fatal hit and run, Hollis Bisbee (a Chicago-turn- small-town-reporter) is quick to jump on the case. She and her best friend, Daisy, investigate clues despite multiple warnings to back off. They even create a baking/murder podcast to discuss the case. Eventually they solve the mystery, although it was pretty obvious who did it about halfway through the book.
I did not fall in love with this book but it was cute. The characters and town were quirky, adding to the storyline’s charm. I wish there was more of a story line between Hollis and Officer Brooks, however. Overall, it was a cute, easy read.

This was my first book by this author, It was pretty enjoyable. I would give this book a 4.5 star rating! It was a pretty Quick and easy read!

There was nothing I didn't love about this (gratefully) first in a new series by Jennifer Brown. 'The Game Changer' is filled with wonderful characters, a charming location and an expert mystery. I laughed out loud as I read some of the exchanges between Hollis and Daisy, as well as between Hollis and her mother and aunt. I didn't want this book to end - it was so much fun! I anxiously look forward to many more to come about the 'speck' that is Parkwood.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Cozy mysteries are a popular genre. If you are not convinced of that, then this is the book that will win your heart. The Game Changer is the first in a new series. Good thing, because this book ended far too soon. The characters in this book are delightful, the town of Parkwood is delightful, and the writing is…delightful!

Parkwood is a small, but proud town and football is a big deal, especially when there’s a homecoming game and Parkwood is playing it’s biggest rival. When the visiting coach dies in the parking lot, the book blurb says, “the whole town is on edge.” But, really, none of the townsfolk are bothered at all. They are much more focused on the new giblet gravy at the local Hibiscus café or the opening of a second bank branch in town. Even the police chief is convinced there’s been no crime.

Enter Hollis and Daisy. Hollis was an up-and-coming crime reported who moved to Parkwood after breaking up with her boyfriend. She now works for the local paper and her biggest story has been her scintillating article about the new hotdog roller machine at the stadium concession stand. Daisy is her neighbor, the ever-bouncy mother of 4 wild children, who gets nine minutes of free time a day. Hollis and Daisy decide to start a real-life crime and baking podcast, and when they learn of the death of the coach they appoint themselves to solve it.

A handsome police officer tries to keep tabs on them. Hollis’ ex-boyfriend shows up. Hollis’s zany mother and aunt call her all the time. Daisy’s husband is a big kid hiding in a box fort. But Hollis and Daisy keep on with their podcast, baking, crime solving and friendship.

I laughed with and loved the characters. The dialogue and descriptions are hilarious, and there is a good heart to this story. The mystery was fun to unravel. The book ends with Hollis in pursuit of a breaking news story- something about a “hullabaloo”- so I hope that’s going to be the start of book 2 in the series. Thanks to Net Galley and Hallmark Publishing for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.

Love this mystery. Loved the premise and the characters. Looking forward to reading more from Jennifer Brown and more about the characters.

Game Changer by Jennifer Brown is a cozy mystery that is the first in a new cozy series.

The plot is quickly paced and there were several suspects that often stood out thanks to red herring clues. Hollis is new to Parkwood and hasn't adjusted yet to living in a small community after leaving Chicago. Her thoughts were often on her past as an investigative reporter in Chicago and the ex-boyfriend that she left behind. Daisy is a native of Parkwood and the mother of several children. The podcast that Hollis and Daisy start, Knock 'Em Dead, is supposed to be about cold murder cases but often turned to baking tips from Daisy instead. Frankly, I found the podcasts to be more of a distraction rather than adding anything to the story. A pleasant read with likable characters.

When I see the Hallmark logo or as listed publisher, I know the book will be clean, enjoyable and a pleasure to read. Jennifer Brown's The Game Changer meets all those criteria. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a series for the main characters, who are both complex and delightful. The twisting story of suspense is cozy and a page-turner that will keep you guessing and entertained. I look forward to more from this author, the small town and Hallmark.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

Quick, witty, conversational and entertaining! A Parkwood Mystery from Hallmark Publishing Is an enjoyable start to a new cozy mystery series. I can't wait to see what else is in store for podcast duo and amateur sleuths Daisy and Hollis.

The Game Changer starts slow and just chugs along,. For me it had way too much dialogue and unimportant details that clouded the story.

The Game Changer by Jennifer Brown is the first in a new series of a delightful cozy mysteries called A Parkwood Mystery ( I am hopeful there will be more).

This is a quick, witty, hilarious read that I truly enjoyed. I liked Hollie and I liked her even better when she joined forces with her side-kick Daisy. Their chemistry, banter, and interactions awesome.

I enjoyed the plot line, the murder/mystery component, and I felt that every aspect was realistic and plausible.

I truly enjoyed the start of this series.

5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this to my GR account immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Bookbub, and B&N accounts upon publication.