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Southwest Exposure Mysteries #1
The Killer Outdoors
Welcome to Bushwhack, New Mexico: home to tourists, the great outdoors, and murder…
Tourist season has hit Bushwhack and Andie Sullivan—owner of Sullivan’s Adventure Company—is ready for her town to fill up with city slickers, snotty teens, and the dollars she needs to keep her business afloat after her messy divorce from Bucky Gunn—local celebrity rafting guide and Sullivan’s main competition. With all her guided tours booked, it finally seems lady luck is on her side.
But then Bucky is found dead. Not great.
And she’s the prime murder suspect. Double not great.
Being framed for murder sucks worse than a rabid chipmunk bite. Andie’s determined to clear her name, and this time her survival training skills won’t be used to fetch an ice pack. But how long can she stay one step ahead of a killer before she becomes the final victim?
Tourist season has hit Bushwhack and Andie Sullivan—owner of Sullivan’s Adventure Company—is ready for her town to fill up with city slickers, snotty teens, and the dollars she needs to keep her business afloat after her messy divorce from Bucky Gunn—local celebrity rafting guide and Sullivan’s main competition. With all her guided tours booked, it finally seems lady luck is on her side.
But then Bucky is found dead. Not great.
And she’s the prime murder suspect. Double not great.
Being framed for murder sucks worse than a rabid chipmunk bite. Andie’s determined to clear her name, and this time her survival training skills won’t be used to fetch an ice pack. But how long can she stay one step ahead of a killer before she becomes the final victim?
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2020
About the author
Jodi Linton
21 books974 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Jodi Linton pens funny, romantic, whodunnits. She is the author of the Southwest Exposure Mysteries and various romances. To keep up with her new releases and sales follow her at any of the sites below.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 26, 2020
I didn't like it as much as I expected to like it which was mostly due to the fact that I couldn't connect with the Andie, the main character. Half the time I couldn't even remember her name.... Other than that it was a good mystery and I will hope that my issues resolve in the next installment. I love the outdoor element in this series and look forward to read more in this series.
January 24, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Bushwhack, New Mexico is home to Sullivan’s Adventure Company. Andie Sullivan has taken the helm of the company after her father’s passing. She is also trying to move forward after her divorce from rafting guide Buddy Gunn. The man has now opened his own place and is competing with her for tourist dollars. If that isn’t bad enough he now wants the house she won in the divorce but she refuses to even entertain his offer to purchase.
When Buddy is killed, the evidence points directly at Andie. Someone has done a great job setting her up and she is not going to let them get away with it. Sadly she may become the killer’s next victim if she isn’t careful. It may take all the survival skills she has learned over the years to save her this time and catch the killer.
______
I devoured this story. I was engaged by Andie Sullivan immediately. She tough and smart and she has to be to make it in the adventure world. Buddy was a real piece of work and I was impressed by the way Andie stood up to him. There is a ton of romantic tension between Andie and Sherrif Zac Mars but she is crushing on Park Ranger Mike right now. She has known Zac her whole life, he is a friend of her brother and she even used to babysit him. It may be hard to move him out of the friend zone. Ms. Linton has done an excellent job of introducing her cast of characters.
At just 162 pages the story has a fast pace and while Zac asks Andie to leave the investigation to him she dives in anyway. I was totally blindsided by the big reveal. The exciting action brought me to the edge of my seat. All the clues wrapped up nicely but the killer wasn’t even on my radar. I loved the epic twist.
The Killer Outdoors was a gripping read while keeping true to all the cozy elements. This series is off to an exceptional start and I can’t wait to read the next book, The Hiker’s Guide To Murder will be out February 1, 2021. I am excited for my next visit to Bushwhack.
Bushwhack, New Mexico is home to Sullivan’s Adventure Company. Andie Sullivan has taken the helm of the company after her father’s passing. She is also trying to move forward after her divorce from rafting guide Buddy Gunn. The man has now opened his own place and is competing with her for tourist dollars. If that isn’t bad enough he now wants the house she won in the divorce but she refuses to even entertain his offer to purchase.
When Buddy is killed, the evidence points directly at Andie. Someone has done a great job setting her up and she is not going to let them get away with it. Sadly she may become the killer’s next victim if she isn’t careful. It may take all the survival skills she has learned over the years to save her this time and catch the killer.
______
I devoured this story. I was engaged by Andie Sullivan immediately. She tough and smart and she has to be to make it in the adventure world. Buddy was a real piece of work and I was impressed by the way Andie stood up to him. There is a ton of romantic tension between Andie and Sherrif Zac Mars but she is crushing on Park Ranger Mike right now. She has known Zac her whole life, he is a friend of her brother and she even used to babysit him. It may be hard to move him out of the friend zone. Ms. Linton has done an excellent job of introducing her cast of characters.
At just 162 pages the story has a fast pace and while Zac asks Andie to leave the investigation to him she dives in anyway. I was totally blindsided by the big reveal. The exciting action brought me to the edge of my seat. All the clues wrapped up nicely but the killer wasn’t even on my radar. I loved the epic twist.
The Killer Outdoors was a gripping read while keeping true to all the cozy elements. This series is off to an exceptional start and I can’t wait to read the next book, The Hiker’s Guide To Murder will be out February 1, 2021. I am excited for my next visit to Bushwhack.
October 5, 2020
I wish to thank the author for this first book in a new series. I truly loved it. This is a fast-moving book that never lets up on the mystery and adventure. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
October 18, 2020
This shorter cozy packs a punch when it comes to characters and murder.
Andie Sullivan has taken over her father's adventure shop after his passing but things aren't great and to top it off she has to compete with her ex-husband's adventure company and let's just say he is quite an interesting person. When we meet him he continually refers to himself in the third person. Very odd. And then he has questionable motives when it comes to the house that they once shared even though Andie's father helped her purchase it initially. But then he ends up dead and Andie is the primary suspect. She decides to take matters into her own hands to prove her innocence despite Sherrif Zac Mars wanting her to stay out of the situation. But does he want her to stay out because she is not on the police force or was it for something more? Like his interest in her?
Apparently, when something is suspicious, Andie's nose itches and she seems to have a positive track record when it comes to helping solve crimes. Let's just say her nose itches a lot in this book! She reminds Zac of this often much to his chagrin. But when it all boils down to is that she is a knack for putting clues together and uncovering secrets.
I was quite surprised when the murderer was revealed and the whole reason why things happened as they did. I shouldn't have been shocked at the reveal because the cast of characters is limited, but for some reason, this character wasn't on my radar.
There is a couple of potential love interests for Andie. There is the Park Ranger, Mike, and of course Zac. I think Andie resists against becoming involved with Zac because she watched him when they were younger (she is 5 years older than him) and he is her brother's best friend. But only time will tell who will win out in the end.
This is the first book in the series but there are a lot of references to past crimes that Andie helped solved. I don't think this is a spin-off series, so I was surprised at the number of references to the past when it wasn't tied to another book. But it does set up Andie's ability to uncover clues and suspects.
This is a solid start to a new series and I'll be interested in how the next books continue this story. We give this 4 paws up.
Andie Sullivan has taken over her father's adventure shop after his passing but things aren't great and to top it off she has to compete with her ex-husband's adventure company and let's just say he is quite an interesting person. When we meet him he continually refers to himself in the third person. Very odd. And then he has questionable motives when it comes to the house that they once shared even though Andie's father helped her purchase it initially. But then he ends up dead and Andie is the primary suspect. She decides to take matters into her own hands to prove her innocence despite Sherrif Zac Mars wanting her to stay out of the situation. But does he want her to stay out because she is not on the police force or was it for something more? Like his interest in her?
Apparently, when something is suspicious, Andie's nose itches and she seems to have a positive track record when it comes to helping solve crimes. Let's just say her nose itches a lot in this book! She reminds Zac of this often much to his chagrin. But when it all boils down to is that she is a knack for putting clues together and uncovering secrets.
I was quite surprised when the murderer was revealed and the whole reason why things happened as they did. I shouldn't have been shocked at the reveal because the cast of characters is limited, but for some reason, this character wasn't on my radar.
There is a couple of potential love interests for Andie. There is the Park Ranger, Mike, and of course Zac. I think Andie resists against becoming involved with Zac because she watched him when they were younger (she is 5 years older than him) and he is her brother's best friend. But only time will tell who will win out in the end.
This is the first book in the series but there are a lot of references to past crimes that Andie helped solved. I don't think this is a spin-off series, so I was surprised at the number of references to the past when it wasn't tied to another book. But it does set up Andie's ability to uncover clues and suspects.
This is a solid start to a new series and I'll be interested in how the next books continue this story. We give this 4 paws up.
June 12, 2021
I loved it, nothing like a good "who done it" with a smart, zany female, Andie, who can teach the guys a thing or two, even the hunky Sheriff, Zac, that she use to babysit, yes that's what I said, babysit (course he wasn't really a baby at the time). The author's heroine is snarky, no prisoners taken female in a man's world, in the manner of the old Mickey Spillane books and Humprey Bogart movies, but with humor thrown in. We have the regular good and bad guys, but which is which; and let's not forget that women can be in that same category. I can't wait to see what Andie gets herself into next and, of course, I'm wondering when Zac is going to get "into" you know who in the next book in this humorous, adventurous, and thrilling new series. I can picture this book on the big screen in Black and White; now who would I pick for the female lead?
March 6, 2021
3 stelle e mezza
La storia non è male, il problema è che non sono riuscita ad apprezzare la protagonista, in più di una occasione mi è sembrata un po' troppo saccente. Forse darò una seconda occasione a questa serie perché mi piace l'ambientazione.
La storia non è male, il problema è che non sono riuscita ad apprezzare la protagonista, in più di una occasione mi è sembrata un po' troppo saccente. Forse darò una seconda occasione a questa serie perché mi piace l'ambientazione.
October 18, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
A solid start to a new cozy mystery series. We met And our who runs s here families adventure company. Due to back taxes her dad never paid she is in a bit of a pickle when time starts running out for her to think of a fix. As if that is it bad enough her ex husband starts popping up pushing for her to sell the house she got in the divorce to him. Since he always hates the place she can't help but to wonder what he is really up to. After a co!e of minor fights with him he turns up dead with her with her as the main suspect according to her male best friend who just happens to be the Sheriff. He imp!pres her to stay out of it but of course she doesn't listen until she solves it only to be find herself in danger. Set in a small well described town that is full of a wide range of characters that you can picture in your mind. Then you get the tours with their beautiful settings that make you wish you were there. Overall a fun read that cozy fans are sure to enjoy. I really liked so I give it 4/5 stars.
A solid start to a new cozy mystery series. We met And our who runs s here families adventure company. Due to back taxes her dad never paid she is in a bit of a pickle when time starts running out for her to think of a fix. As if that is it bad enough her ex husband starts popping up pushing for her to sell the house she got in the divorce to him. Since he always hates the place she can't help but to wonder what he is really up to. After a co!e of minor fights with him he turns up dead with her with her as the main suspect according to her male best friend who just happens to be the Sheriff. He imp!pres her to stay out of it but of course she doesn't listen until she solves it only to be find herself in danger. Set in a small well described town that is full of a wide range of characters that you can picture in your mind. Then you get the tours with their beautiful settings that make you wish you were there. Overall a fun read that cozy fans are sure to enjoy. I really liked so I give it 4/5 stars.
April 21, 2021
Truly enjoyed this book
Anyone who enjoys the outdoors will enjoy this book. I love the characters and the twists!! Read on people, you won't regret it!
Anyone who enjoys the outdoors will enjoy this book. I love the characters and the twists!! Read on people, you won't regret it!
October 5, 2020
I am in love with cozy mysteries right now. I just enjoy everything about them. And Linton's first book in her new cozy mystery series has all the good stuff:
1) plucky amateur sleuth
2) fun supporting characters
3) interesting location(s)
4) fun and intriguing mystery
5) kept me glued to the pages
I'm excited about this series and can't wait to read more.
1) plucky amateur sleuth
2) fun supporting characters
3) interesting location(s)
4) fun and intriguing mystery
5) kept me glued to the pages
I'm excited about this series and can't wait to read more.
September 21, 2020
This was a quirky mystery book...you easily get attached to the characters. I can't wait to read more in this series...you will fall in love with this book. A must read in my opinion.
October 4, 2020
I truly enjoyed following Andie Sullivan and her friends around Bushwhack, New Mexico. I have never been to New Mexico myself but a part of me wants to head to west to find it. Andie Sullivan is independent; some out of necessity and part as that's the way she is. I love to read about strong heroienes. Andie is also spunky which makes the book funny and what I consider an easy read.
Once you are introduced to other characters of the book, you quickly fall for them. Some you fall for their make the girls weak ability, others their easy going and sometimes quirky demeaner.
Killer Outdoors is a great cozy mystery and highly recommend. Time flew by and was ready for the next adventure in Bushwhack.
Once you are introduced to other characters of the book, you quickly fall for them. Some you fall for their make the girls weak ability, others their easy going and sometimes quirky demeaner.
Killer Outdoors is a great cozy mystery and highly recommend. Time flew by and was ready for the next adventure in Bushwhack.
July 21, 2022
This is the 1st in the series. The main characters are Andie and Zac. Andie is divorced but her ex wants to buy the house she was awarded in the divorce. She isn't going to sell to him but he plans to get the house any way he can. When the ex ends up dead, they start looking at Andie. Andie starts looking into what is going on and Zac is the Sheriff looking into to everything. Can Andie figure out what is going on and who is behind it all before it's too late ?
Read
March 8, 2024Not an easy read
Had a good story plot for who was the killer. But you had to decipher the writing. And it was all over the place with the corny punch lines I didn't get and touch and go hated relationship between the babysitter and the sheriff just didn't mesh well together. Not a book I would prefer to anyone to read
Had a good story plot for who was the killer. But you had to decipher the writing. And it was all over the place with the corny punch lines I didn't get and touch and go hated relationship between the babysitter and the sheriff just didn't mesh well together. Not a book I would prefer to anyone to read
January 7, 2021
Great
This is a new to me author, but is won't be my last book of hers I read by a long shot. I love the outdoorsy feel of this book very refreshing. The ending surprised me and that dosent happen often. I've preordered her next book.
This is a new to me author, but is won't be my last book of hers I read by a long shot. I love the outdoorsy feel of this book very refreshing. The ending surprised me and that dosent happen often. I've preordered her next book.
January 20, 2021
Andie
I enjoyed this story by a new to me author. I liked the storyline, characters and the exciting action at the end. I am now going to read the next book in this series and am excited to see what kind of trouble Andie gets herself into next.
I enjoyed this story by a new to me author. I liked the storyline, characters and the exciting action at the end. I am now going to read the next book in this series and am excited to see what kind of trouble Andie gets herself into next.
February 1, 2021
The Killer Outdoors is everything I was looking for in a book this weekend. A feisty, smart heroine in Andie, a funny, fun beginning that shifts quickly into a who-done-it page turner.
Then there’s Zac, an interesting maybe in the future.
I can’t wait to read more of this series.
Then there’s Zac, an interesting maybe in the future.
I can’t wait to read more of this series.
April 21, 2021
Great outdoor adventure
I loved the riverside setting of this story. Very believable characters in a real world setting. Some surprising and unexpected twists in the mystery. I enjoyed Andie's strong character and don't give up attitude.
I loved the riverside setting of this story. Very believable characters in a real world setting. Some surprising and unexpected twists in the mystery. I enjoyed Andie's strong character and don't give up attitude.
May 26, 2021
Enjoyable, hope it continues
Really enjoyed the small town vibe with the added "outdoorsiness"
Perhaps a bit too much alluding to previous events that don't 💯 line up with current personalities/actions until plot appropriate, but definitely look-pass-able 🙂
Really enjoyed the small town vibe with the added "outdoorsiness"
Perhaps a bit too much alluding to previous events that don't 💯 line up with current personalities/actions until plot appropriate, but definitely look-pass-able 🙂
March 21, 2022
Andy's adventure
Andy's adventure as a rafter gets targeted as a detective slueth.she is adventurous and
Her brother Kyle has failed the Ranger test Andy encorurages him to try again.
Andy's adventure as a rafter gets targeted as a detective slueth.she is adventurous and
Her brother Kyle has failed the Ranger test Andy encorurages him to try again.
May 20, 2023
An engaging murder mystery that will keep you guessing. I did guess the murderer early on but then changed my mind a couple of times. I loved the quirky sayings, but was not so fussed on the editing errors.
October 5, 2020
What a ride! This is a fabulous series starter that hooks you and doesn't let you come up for air until you finish! Can’t wait to see what Andi and Zac get up to next!
March 25, 2024
wow
Great story. Fantastic characters and wonderful setting. Puzzling mystery that has a shocking ending. I love the whole thing. Great job.
Great story. Fantastic characters and wonderful setting. Puzzling mystery that has a shocking ending. I love the whole thing. Great job.
September 2, 2020
Engaging cozy with awesome characters and a dash of humor. Strong storytelling! You won’t want to miss this one!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews