✰ 2.75 stars ✰

“It was certainly the sort of case they would investigate in the old Murder Club. A tragic death that had been ruled an accident. There didn’t seem to be anything special about it.

Whoever was pestering her was obviously hoping to create an intimate relationship using their mutual interest in solving crimes. It was only her raw nerves making it feel ominous.”

So, when I requested to read The Murder Club, I wasn't quite aware that it was actually part of an ongoing series. It was only when I started seeing callbacks to various characters' interactions and relationships, did I bother to investigate, only to discover that it was actually the fifth book in an ongoing murder mystery series! Well, wonders never cease? 🙃

“They sounded like the words of a stalker.

Leave me alone, she texted back.

I can’t. You’ve been chosen.

Unchoose me.

Too late. I have created our first case. Solve it quick or else.”

Add to the fact that most of the crime takes place in one city, Pike, Wisconsin, you would think that there's something cursed about this city that has the ability to attract so much murder and mayhem; much, in the way, the main character in this story, Bailey, hints to multiple times. 'You know, even after all the terrible things that have happened, I wanted to believe that Pike is a good place to live. And that my neighbors are decent people.' But, it's also in the reassuring way, her love interest and partner-detective, handsome Dom Lucier, a pawnshop owner, reminds her that 'It’s like any town: good guys and bad guys and lots of guys in between.' 🥺 And so in this case, I didn't mind being a spectator to the crime that was afoot, because despite how I felt that the relationship between the two main characters was moving at the speed of light, I still did feel that the mystery was a compelling one.

The idea was an intriguing one that immediately piqued my interest. Bailey Evans has had her fair enjoyment of being part of an online murder club - 'average citizens who investigate cold cases - or suspicious deaths'. But, when she's wrongfully fired from her job at a nursing home, simply because one of the recently murdered residents left their entire saving inheritance in her name, things take a turn for a worse, when she starts receiving anonymous text messages from an unknown caller, enticing her that the murder game is afoot - and she has to solve it, if she wants to live to see another day. 😮 Throw in Dom, a handsome stud, who's already set his eyes and heart on her from way back, the duo make for an interesting and dynamic duo who take it upon themselves to solve the mystery behind these unexpected murders and threatening texts - before it's too late.

And I was intrigued - once I got over the annoyance that this was actually part of the series, I got into the swing of it. The writing was engaging, the clues were naturally and gradually unfolding, and I liked being along for the ride. It is, of course, not so satisfying when characters don't really require introduction and there's already a general connection and familiarity between them, but for what it's worth - it allows the story to progress at a solid and steady pace. Even though Bailey and Dom were figuring out things a lot faster and more conveniently than the local sheriff, Zac, Bailey's cousin, it still was fun, being the third wheel to their adventures. 😅

“Coming here wasn’t just about getting away from work, but an opportunity to spend time with the new friends I met during Kaden’s wedding.”

He paused, his thumb continuing to brush over her lips. “One friend in particular.”

Her lips parted as she sucked in a sharp breath. “Me?”

“Yes, you. I thought about you every day.”
“I . . . you can’t be serious.”

“Why not?”
“I’m not very memorable.”

I didn't quite appreciate, though, the love connection between Dom and Bailey. There were enough context clues to make me aware that they've already been acquainted from the fourth book's story, but sometimes Dom treated Bailey like she was this damsel in distress; maybe it wasn't intentional and it really showed his concern and care for her, but there was something a little old-fashioned about his approach to Bailey that didn't quite appeal to me. Not to mention that right after one night in the sheets, he's already talking about having children together??!! Talk about moving fast! 😆 Then again, I can't exactly fault it for being too insta-love for my liking, since their relationship has already had the chance to grow in the previous installments. Still, I liked their interactions; they were a good solid team and I liked how their minds played off each other. He was a confidant and a support that she needed at her moment of weakness, and I appreciated that.

I also enjoyed that the mystery wasn't such an easy reveal or guess. The author wove the story in an impressive way that had me guessing who would be the actual culprit till the very end. The characters were well-developed and interesting enough to gauge my interest, as well. Some were absolutely detestable, some actually pleasant enough, but it was how their personalities interacted with either Bailey or Dom that kept the momentum going. 👌🏻👌🏻 There were some unique unexpected twists, and as much as there were many plot lines, how they all tied up to one thread was cleverly done.

“Or else what? Was he—or she—talking about losing the game? Or threatening her?

Bailey’s mouth was dry, but she shook her head.

I’m not interested.

You will be.”

I didn't quite feel a lull in the story at any moment, but again, Dom's constant outpouring of affection for Bailey kinda threw me off, from time to time. I know he was being protective, and he's got his own personal issues that makes him so very drawn to her kind and demure demeanor, but Bailey, someone with 'a big heart that’s easily wounded' had plenty of backbone on her own. She was someone who was innately good, but somehow was being targeted again and again, for things completely out of her control. So, I don't think it was necessary for him to constantly be worried about her because it became a tad annoying to me. He started off as an okay guy; I was rooting for him and her to get together - but, after a while, my respect for him started falling... 🙄

So, if not for Dom irritating me from time to time with his overly zealous concern and the fact that it wasn't exactly a standalone mystery, it was not that bad of a read. Just not quite enough to make me want to revisit Pike, Wisconsin any time soon. ☺️

*Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

This murder club definitely has you gripped. Absolutely enjoyed the sweet slow build between Dom & Bailey. The laugh out moments and the super sweet moments. The absolutely alpha protectiveness that Dom portrayed was done so well. The suspense was done well and kept intriguing. A definite entertainer!

An Agatha Christie type murder club? How fun! Oh wait, it is a group of online cold case enthusiastic trying to solve murders based on the evidence they are able to review. This is a cool premise and I have heard of groups like this in real life. Having a medical knowledgeable amateur sleuth sounds like a great idea too. Insert Bailey a nurse working at a nursing home in her hometown. Her pay sucks and her boss is even worse, but her patients are worth it. I like Bailey.

Having several friends in the nursing field, I understand Bailey's drive and it is admirable. Her personal life is a bit sadder and it's clear that she is stuck in a rut. This online club seemed fun at first but then turned weird and dark. That is the thing with online interaction. One never knows who is at the other end of the line.

I liked the tie in from secondary characters in previous books. Whilst this book is in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Ms. Ivy provides enough context to get up to speed on how Dom initially met Bailey and why he would look her up when she's in town. Their romance is sweet but not the focal point of this book and for that, I'm grateful. I prefer the plot over the romance and Ms. Ivy keeps me guessing.

I liked this kind of whodunnit tale where the creepiness factor increases with each interaction. I liked how Bailey and Dom team up to try and figure out the case. They are also bright enough to loop in the cops and keep them updated. It probably helps that the main cop is Bailey's cousin. I hesitate to reveal too much about the plot because I don't want to give any spoilers. What I can say with confidence is that dysfunctional families frequently beget mentally disturbed children. This is a sad vicious cycle.

This suspense/thriller is recommended to readers who like a little romance to go with their murder case.

The Murder Club by Alexandra Ivy starts with Baily a nurse deciding to drop out of the online Murder Club after she starts getting some weird creepy messages. The messages don't stop after she drops out but instead start to increase and are connected to real life murders happening around her. Add in Dom Lucier is back in town to house sit for their friends. He also wants to see if the sparks between him and Bailey will lead to anything. Bailey and Dom work together to figure out what is going on in Pike, WI before something happens to Bailey. This book was a quick fast paced read that was enjoyable.
I want to thank #NetGalley and Kensington Books for the advanced reader copy of the book in exchange for my review.

Good read. Started off slow but picked up. I really liked the main character. She was strong and resilient. Will definitely recommend.

Bailey had joined a murder club online. The club tried to solve cold cases. When Bailey becomes uncomfortable with the club she quits but someone is determined to keep her in the club. All of a sudden the cases aren’t cold cases, they are real. I enjoyed the story and the twist at the end, didn’t expect it. This book is part of a series but could be read as a stand alone. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

How do all these murders keep happening in Pike? Its such a small town. But the serial killers keep coming. Enjoyed the twists and turns in the story as usual.

Bailey is invited to join an online murder club solving cold cases. But the club takes a sinister turn when they expect her to solve current murders. Luckily Dom was there to help and to provide a little romance. I enjoyed the story but it drug a little in the middle for me.

I really enjoyed reading The Murder Club! The secrets that some of the characters hold and their stories are believable enough that this could be a true story about a small town. I think that maybe the town was described as too small if a town, but still believable. The female main character was annoying or repetitive. The male main character was a little overbearing but protective. The story was great and I can’t wait to read more by Alexandra Ivy!

I enjoy this series and this book shows why. The mystery keeps you guessing and interested. The characters are relatable. The romance made me smile. The community is a character unto itself. I love visiting this crazy town. What a page-turner!

Wow!!! This is an electrifying rollercoaster of suspense and romance that had me utterly engrossed from start to finish. I simply couldn't put it down!

Bailey Evans, a nursing professional seeking excitement, stumbles into an online crime-solving group for some harmless diversion. However, what begins as an innocent adventure takes a sinister turn as Bailey receives chilling warnings, setting off a chain of events that become all too real.

I was drawn into Bailey's world, her small-town life, and her intriguing connection with the charming Dom Lucier. Ivy masterfully weaves together suspense, romance, and mystery, making every twist and turn in the plot utterly captivating. The tension escalates, and the stakes rise with each passing chapter, leaving me on the edge of my seat.

What makes 'The Murder Club Only' stand out is the dynamic chemistry between the characters and the gripping narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end. Alexandra Ivy has created a spellbinding tale that seamlessly blends romance and suspense, making it a must-read for fans of Allison Brennan, Lisa Jackson, and Karen Rose. My experience reading this book was nothing short of thrilling, and I couldn't get enough of the adrenaline-pumping action and the intriguing puzzle at its heart. Alexandra Ivy has delivered a winner that will leave readers eagerly awaiting her next literary adventure.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
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This was my first read by Alexandra Ivy and my first ARC! ☺️ This book is a murder mystery and the main character gives me girl next door vibes. She’s extremely likable! It’s a bit of a slow burn before getting into things. It also has a hint of romance in it with some added spice. For me, I could do without the romance part. It’s just not my cup of tea anymore. I don’t mind a little bit of it but this book had more of than I’d like. Overall, if you like a good murder mystery with some romance, this book is for you.
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Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and Alexandra Ivy!

This is the 5th in the Pike, Wisconsin series. This was the first book that I read in the series, and it really pulled me in, so now I want to pick up and read book 1. All the characters in this book are well-developed and they come alive through the pages of the story. This had suspense, murder, romance, plenty of red herrings, and twists to keep you from putting down this book. Pike, Wisconsin has been called the murder capital because of the many killers and serial killers who come to this small town. The story opens with Bailey getting frustrated that someone keeps texting her to solve a mystery and to come back to The Murder Club which she dropped out of because of the creepy texts. She joined an online Murder Club last winter because she was bored and she was being encouraged by a co-worker, Erik at the nursing home that they worked at. That morning she decides to confront Erik to see if he is the one sending her the texts and he denies it. The game then becomes real when some accidental deaths might be murder and Bailey can be connected to all of them. In the meantime, she bumps into Dom, and he has come to town to get to know Bailey since he fell for her when they met at her best friend’s wedding. This is when things start to get interesting, and both Dom and Bailey could be the next victim. Pick up this book and find out what is going on with this Murder Club and will Dom and Bailey survive and fuel their romance. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Definitely one of the best books this year.

As a lover of solving cases, I was really excited about this book. It started out great and I was excited to see how Bailey and Dom would partner up (in more ways than one!) After the first few chapters, I really struggled to keep reading. The concept of the Murder Club Game was also interesting at first but then it became creepy and stalkerish. Maybe that was the point… but it just didn't resonate with me or keep me motivated.

There were a decent amount of characters to keep track of and as murders continued, it was hard to follow the patterns and how all of the potential suspects could fit in. That could completely be my fault since I started skimming some chapters just to finish!

The "romance" between Bailey and Dom fell flat for me. Forehead kisses just don't get me going! I feel like there was a lot of potential with this book but it just didn't hold my interest. I would still recommend it for those who love true crime and solving crimes- especially since it is a series. I plan to try another one from this author- maybe this particular book just wasn’t for me.

Love the Pike, Wisconsin series and this newest one didn't disappoint. Loved the characters and the story. Fast paced I read this one from beginning to end in just one day. These can be read as stand alones but why would you? :-)

Thank you #netgalley and #kensingtonbooks #zebra for the eARC.

Bailey is a nurse who is invited by a colleague at the nursing home she works at to join a fun online murder club that works on solving cold cases. She also is the recipient of a resident’s will which results in her being fired after the deceased’s son takes action. All this comes to a head when the murder club takes a sinister turn, starting with creepy messages and escalating into murder.

I really loved the premise of this book, the murder club is actually really fascinating, and a thrilling plot idea. I haven’t read the previous books but I don’t think you need to, the background is explained well. The only downside for me was really the romance, I didn’t feel that it worked, and there wasn’t any chemistry between the leads. It felt a bit shoe horned into what was already a crowded plot.

Thanks to NetGalley and kensington books for the advance copy.
3 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

Alexandra Ivy does an excellent job writing about Bailey Evans, a nursing home RN who initial joins an online Murder Club, compromised of a group of amateurs who investigate cold cases. When Bailey attempts to drop from the group , she begins receiving direct text messages (sent from a burner phone) that almost forced to participate in attempting to solve the murder of some of her former patients as well as others in town.

This novel also has a bit of romance for Bailey (in the guise of a heroic old crush).

Personally romance is not my cuppa, but it might well be yours.

Regardless, an entertaining mystery that is well-written with a solid storyline

This was a wonderful thriller. Lots of twists and turns. There were a few surprises. I really liked Bailey. She’s such a sweet person. There are quite a few characters who were not nice. The book kept my interest and I enjoyed it a lot. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through Net Galley.

This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. The story was fast paced and kept my interest with plenty of twists. Thanks Netgalley for this arc.