I have not read any other book in this series. This book was an interesting mystery and I really enjoy the books that have me think. It, for me, had some turns and twists and I enjoyed the plot very much. I was glad to get a chance to read this book and try a different author I have not read before. I will look into more books from this author. In my opinion, this book did well for me to follow since I have not read the rest of the books in this series. I did not feel lost. *This book was given to me for free at my request from NetGalley and I provided this voluntary review.*

FATAL SCORES by Mark de Castrique is another title in the Sam Blackman and Nakayla Robertson mystery series set in Asheville, North Carolina. De Castrique often incorporates aspects of Asheville's history and in this newest title, he blends the music contributions of Bela Bartok and Robert Moog's synthesizer, plus, a sporting exhibition by Babe Ruth, and environmental activism due to past concerns related to runoff from local paper factories. A couple of generations and numerous intertwined characters are involved which makes for a complex set of suspects. Until the very end, I was as bewildered as Nakayla and Sam who says, "This whole case has been one of conflicting actions. Like pieces from multiple puzzles dumped from the same box." Eagerly anticipated by series fans, FATAL SCORES is also captivating as a stand-alone.

This title is the eighth in De Castrique’s series featuring Sam Blackburn. In this entry he and his P.I. agency partner, Nakayla Robertson are dealing with a case that may involve industrial pollution. An environmentalist has died and his widow seeks the pair’s help. Was his murder related to the paper mill’s owners or to something else?

This title is set in North Carolina where the author grew up. The setting is almost a character in its own right here.

Readers of this series will, no doubt, be excited about this latest title. It can also be read by those who have not read the other entries in the series (yet).

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

Ready for some down home Southern country charm? The setting of Asheville NC seems almost like a character in the latest Blackman Agency mystery, Fatal Scores.

The Blackman Agency is composed of two private detectives, Sam and Nakayla, who also live together. When a young paper mill heir, Luke, is found dead. The Agency is hired to find the killer. Could it be local contractor and budding environmentalist, Ken? Ken did have a physical altercation with Luke a day before Luke’s death in front of dozens of witnesses. Or could it have been Luke’s own father, Ted?

The small town setting, atmosphere, and real historic facts brought this book to life for me. Who knew so many famous people could be born or visit such a small town?

While I loved the history, following the twists and turns of the PIs’ thoughts regarding who committed the crime was a challenge. Sam and Nakayla seemed to pick every possible person at some point. They would have a suspect in their sights and then they would suddenly run off after another shiny new suspect they saw on the horizon. Other than that, Fatal Scores was very satisfying. 3 stars.

Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Sam Blackman and Nakalya Robertson find themselves draw into a murder case that circles around poisoning of the environment in this latest installment in a series which is both accessible and enjoyable as a standalone. They overhear an argument between Ken Stokes, an activist, and Luke Kirkgate, wh0se father runs the paper mill, and, when Stokes is murdered, find themselves investigating. Kirkgate is the main suspect, given their disagreement, but then he's killed as well. There's all sorts of threads here, some of which are obviously red herrings which helped to raise this above the usual murder mystery involving the environment. I liked the interaction between Sam and Nakalya as well as the setting. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Mark de Castrique's new Blackman Agency adventure is both intriguing and informing. Please see the complete review on www.reviewingtheevidence.com.

It's always a pleasure to see another entry in this entertaining and intelligent series. Featuring ex-military Sam Blackman and his business and personal life partner Nakayla Robertson as private investigators. Their personal relationship is equitable and blessedly angst free and their business skills and working style complement each other.

This time out, a young contractor who is working on Nakayla's house is found dead by a river. The victim is also an outspoken critic of the paper company polluters who despoiled the river a generation earlier and was in a confrontation earlier with the son of the plant owner.

Meanwhile, the local community is also hosting an event to honor some of the famous people who lived and worked there, including composer Bela Bartok, baseball player Babe Ruth, and the inventor of the Moog synthesizer.

The more Sam and Nakayla investigate the death to try and discover if it was murder or an accident, the more hidden past ties they find between the cast of characters. These books are well plotted with lots of interesting historical information about the North Carolina setting. An enjoyable read. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have only read one other book by this author and I enjoyed it very much. After reading this series addition I think I will go back and pick up some more. A good story line, believable characters and a great location. Perfect for those who enjoy their mysteries with depth.