The mystery wasn't really engaging, I didn't really feel the suspense or high stakes. I can't say that I found the conclusion all that satisfying. The romance was entirely without tension. The book takes place in the span of a week and in that time both characters decide that the other is the person they're going to spend the rest of their lives with.

this was a 3 star read for me, and i had a lot of mixed feelings. first off, i didn’t realize going in that this book is part of a series, and it became pretty clear early on that there were connections and backstory i was missing. it’s actually the fifth book in the series, which left me feeling a bit out of the loop when it came to the characters’ dynamics and pasts.

the premise itself is intriguing—bailey evans, a small-town nurse, gets caught up in a sinister game of solving cold cases when someone starts targeting her personally. things spiral when she receives threats, an unexpected inheritance, and a mysterious necklace. she teams up with dom lucier, a suave appraiser with a romantic interest in her, to solve the mystery before it’s too late.

i thought the mystery was solid, with well-paced reveals and twists that kept me guessing. the small-town setting of pike, wisconsin, added a nice atmosphere, even if it seems oddly cursed with constant murder. bailey was a likable protagonist with a good mix of vulnerability and determination.

where the book fell flat for me was the romance. dom’s overprotectiveness bordered on overbearing, and his insta-love vibes—talking about kids after one night together—felt rushed and unnecessary. their dynamic had potential but ended up being more frustrating than endearing.

overall, while the mystery was engaging, the book didn’t fully work for me as a standalone. i’d recommend it to fans of the series or those who enjoy romantic thrillers, but i won’t be revisiting pike, wisconsin, anytime soon.

I'm a big fan of crime books- especially murder mysteries- so I was super excited to read this book. It is quite gripping from the start and I can tell this is going to keep me on my toes.

I don't know if my 3 star rating is fair but when I found out this was book 5(?) I had to DNF to read the other ones first.

The suspense of the mystery drew me in but the romance part was very unbelievable. It got a little slow in the middle but overall a decent mystery. Thank you Net Galley for the ARC!

#TheMurderClub #NetGalley
Awesome.
An online crime-solving group is just the kind of adventure Bailey Evans needs. She loves her nursing career and small-town life, but her days are predictable. Her confidence bolstered by having her sheriff cousin Zac nearby, Bailey’s up for some innocent fun and intrigue… Until she starts receiving unnerving warnings: Once the game begins, there’s no backing out of The Murder Club. Then the game gets real… First, Bailey is shut out at work after an elderly patient dies and leaves her a shocking inheritance. Then a priceless necklace from an anonymous source arrives in her mail—along with a bone-chilling threat. Determined not to involve expectant father Zac, Bailey contacts an expert appraiser: the charming Las Vegas businessman who’s never left her mind… Dom Lucier knows real gems—and Bailey is the most precious thing he’s seen since they met at her best friend’s wedding. Returning to Pike to trace the jewelry’s bloody history, Dom helps Bailey kick open a murderous cold case. But as death and disaster escalate, they’ll need a new strategy to escape a killer who won’t be satisfied until the streets of Pike are soaked in blood…
Enjoyed it thoroughly.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for giving me an advance copy.

The fifth Pike Wisconsin mystery centers around a club that investigates cold cases online. Bailey is a member and finds herself embroiled in more than she planned for.

I thought this one was ok. It took a while to get into with regard to the mystery and intrigue. I think if it had been more fast paced I would have enjoyed it more.

Bailey, a timeless denizen of Pike, has witnessed the dark shadows cast by the serial killers haunting their town. Seeking solace from the ennui of everyday life, she finds herself entwined in a Murder Club, dedicated to unraveling mysteries of the past. Yet, a sinister presence lurks in the shadows, drawing her into a deadly dance where the line between investigator and prey blurs.

Pike is a dangerous city. A lot of bad things happen there. I loved this suspenseful plot and all of the twists and turns that it took. And there is a little romance….This was a great addition to the series.
Many thanks to Kensington and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I love the Pike Wisconsin series with it's mix of just the right amount of romantic suspense with the mystery to solve wrapped into one! I had started in the middle of the series by chance when I had seen Unstable first come out and it sounded good so I gave it a shot and that is where it began. I like that while the series overlaps with the characters you can still read them as a stand-alone. I like Ivy's writing style and loved this book just as much as the others I have read so far.
Small town Pike, Wisconsin where you wouldn't think there is this much murder and mayhem lies so many secrets that are bound to surface usually in murder! Also, a small town with not much to do so Baily Evans decides to fill her spare time apart of an online crime solving group called "The Murder Club." It's all fun and detective games until Bailey receives text messages that she is invited to a private murder club case and she seems to be the star of this case. Bailey is thrown into a multiple murder investigations and trying to solve how she is being threaded into each case so intricately and who is behind these murders. Why did they pick Bailey? What do they want from her? What do these murders have to do with her and her being a part of The Murder Club??
Within all the suspense and mystery that is happening Bailey gets an unexpected romance that heats up the whole investigation when Dom Lucier strolls back in to town becoming Bailey's partner in more ways than one! Dom has this fierce protectiveness to protect Bailey at all costs while dealing with his own past and his own demons.
I'm ok with predictable when it comes to some things in stories because it gives you something to root for. I like knowing that all this intensity was leading to Bailey and Dom making a forever romance. I liked how it all came together and it was an interesting plot with the club and so many suspects. I will keep reading the Pike series if it keeps being written. Thank you NetGalley for a gifted copy to read and review with my own opinions.

Great build up and suspense. The book kept me guessing about who could be behind everything throughout. Loved Bailey and Dom.

The Pike Wis series have so far been one of my favorites in Alexandra Ivy series. It could be because I used to live in Minnesota and traveled to Wisconsin many times. The town, characters come to life as they struggle to find the killer and why things are happening in this town. Readers will not be able to put down the story afraid of what might happen to their favorite character's.

I thought this was really well written and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I think it will find readers at our library, so we will definitely be purchasing for the collection.

I'm sorry I just couldn't get through the first half. It was very slow paced for a thriller for my liking. Thank you so much for this arc! I may give it another chance in the future.

"The Murder Club" by Alexandra Ivy is an enthralling ride through the shadowy corners of Pike, Wisconsin, a town with a dark reputation for murder and mystery. The story's blend of high-stakes intrigue and romance completely captivated me, making it hard to put down. Bailey Evans, a sharp-witted nurse and amateur sleuth, finds herself at the heart of a dangerous plot after receiving an unexpected inheritance and terrifying threats.

Dom Lucier, a charming Las Vegas businessman who re-enters Bailey’s life with perfect timing, brings an extra thrill to the narrative. Their chemistry is palpable, adding a delightful layer of romance to the suspenseful plot. Together, they delve into a series of chilling incidents that suggest a deeper malice at work in Pike.

While the novel delivers plenty of suspense and romantic moments, some of the twists felt a bit predictable, and the pace occasionally wavered. However, Ivy’s skill at crafting relatable characters and tense scenarios shines through, making this a solid entry in the Pike Wisconsin series. I give "The Murder Club" a well-deserved 4 stars for its engaging blend of mystery and romance, ensuring that fans of the genre will find plenty to enjoy.

Another amazing addition to the Pike, Wisconsin series. I loved everything about it. The story has great twists and turns, the characters are amazing (as always), and the suspense is top notch! I enjoy that each book is not dependent on the rest of the series. I think it keeps the series fresh and interesting. Yes, you run across people you 'know", but you don't need to read the other books to enjoy the rest of the series. I cannot wait for the next one.

Bailey was just passing time when she joined the Murder Club trying to solve old cold cases. When she decides that she no longer wants to continue to be in the club she removes her profile. But someone doesn't want her to leave and is now sending her threatning texts to continue. Dom met Bailey at his best friends wedding and has wanted to come back to Pike to see if maybe there is something to build on with her. When she shows him the texts he start helper her try to figure out who it is send the messages but until they figure it out bodies keep showing up.

Gah. Once again a miss for me in this series. I really don't know why I bother as normal people just don't go around trying to solve murders. Glutton for punishment.

It started off strong and then once again a long the way it became lacking. The H is all in and overprotective which is too much for the short period of time that they have known one another.

The story was interesting and attention grabbing. Tough is keep up with at times. Its my first mystery thriller book and it's not my usual genre but I liked it. May even revisit this genre again some time later.

I love this series. It is so good and it is the perfect escape book. I loved this thriller. It is so good!! I could not put it down. Absolutely love Bailey and the mystery is perfect!! Thos kept me up all night finishing it!!! I can't wait for more in this amazing series!!
I just reviewed The Murder Club by Alexandra Ivy. #TheMurderClub #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

The Murder Club by Alexandra Ivy
Pike Wisconsin series #5. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Over the years, Pike, Wisconsin has become famous for its murders and serial killers. Bailey Evans has enjoyed helping solve cold cases online. She’s good at the detail, and being a nurse, has a vast knowledge of medical issues. But when she’s invited to a Murder Club, it’s a bit too much and she declines. One of the elderly women at the nursing home where Bailey works, dies and Bailey is surprised that she is included in the inheritance. The family protests and threatens and Bailey ends up on an unpaid leave. Another elderly person in town dies and Bailey is getting threats from someone. Dom Lucier is in town and having met Bailey at a wedding, jumps in to protect Bailey from whatever threat exists. Now they have to discover who this newest killer is before Bailey is the next victim.

You’d think having a relative as the sheriff in town would make a person safe. Not in Pike. Twists and clues make this adventure gripping and thrilling. You know Dom and Eric will try to keep Bailey safe, but a determined threat will find a way.
This series is intense. You’ll want to read every one. But stay out of Pike! I’m thinking not all the killers have been revealed.
4.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.