Charm City Spouse’s Club (A Charm City Mystery)
by Pamela Kyel
About Charm City Spouse’s Club
Charm City Spouse’s Club (A Charm City Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Baltimore, Maryland
Publisher : Wild Rose Press (April 2, 2025)
Paperback : 254 pages
ISBN-10 : 1509260013
ISBN-13 : 978-1509260010
Digital ASIN : B0DTKQ8L8W
Special Agent Laci Duvall, AFOSI,thought it was supposed to be a lighthearted baseball game between the Air Force and Army Special Investigative Teams. But things took a deadly turn when the president of the local military spouse’s club was found dead in the women’s bathroom—stabbed with a plastic pink flamingo.
Now, Laci will work with the Army Criminal Investigative Division to find who hated the woman enough to leave her in a public restroom. Was it the spouse who ran against her for the presidency or a fellow club officer sick of her cruelty? The list of suspects increases by the minute, and Laci learns there is no loyalty when it comes to social climbing—military spouse’s style.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The Special Investigative Teams from the Army and the Air Force come together for an annual baseball game. Special Agent Laci Duvall, AFOSI, never imagined the day would have a tragic twist. The President of the Charm City Spouse’s Club was murdered in the women’s bathroom. She is found with the metal stakes from a plastic pink flamingo impaled into her chest.
Laci now has a new case, but she will have help from the Army Criminal Investigative Division and Baltimore Police Detective, Antonio Desio, to work through a long list of suspects. Surprisingly, she has someone from her own office trying to insert themselves into the investigation and adding unneeded tension and confusion to the case.
Who wanted Jill Westfall dead so badly that they would murder her in such a public place? Laci quickly learns that the military spouses are a catty bunch and most are on a mission to increase their social status and to help their better halves move up quickly in the ranks, too. Can she wade through all the drama to find Jill’s killer before any more people are hurt or killed?
I have not read Charm City Crab Puff, but I was able to get a good grip on the characters thanks to the author giving enough background in this story. Special Agent Laci Duvall, AFOSI, is serious about her iced tea; she likes it sweet, strong, and someone better not put a lemon anywhere near it. Her ex-husband was murdered in book one. His wife, Sammie, and their twins have moved in with her. Former local policewoman, Cassy, also lives with them. Laci has a past with Detective Antonio Desio that evolves with some bumps in the road throughout this story. We meet Rev in this story; he runs a ride-sharing business and comes to the girls’ rescue more times than I could count. Riding with him takes a wild ride to a whole new level. The cast is rounded out by several supporting characters and suspects. I love the strong friendship that Laci, Sammie, and Cassy have built.
Laci knows how to run an investigation. She follows procedures and is methodical in her thinking. If she could just get a certain Captain to respect her rank and instructions and stay out of her case. Also, if among the 3 roommates, they could keep one of their cars running, but adding Rev to the mix brings hilarity and laugh-out-loud moments. He also really likes the girls and played a bigger part in the story than I thought he would at first. The case was full of twists and turns, with more victims. I was delighted to follow along every step of the way until all was revealed, and that was twisty too.
I am so happy to have found this author who calls Wisconsin home. Charm City Spouse’s Club is a page-turner. I found it impossible to put down. It is fast-paced, filled with strong women, and a well-plotted mystery that will make you think. It is packed with humor and the perfect amount of romance. I am keen for this series to continue. I already have the first book, Charm City Crab Puff, waiting impatiently on my Kindle Paperwhite and plan to squeeze it into my schedule soon. I know it will clarify some details and have me ready when the author releases book three.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent
About Pamela Kyel
Pamela Kyel was born and raised in Edgewood, Maryland—north of Charm City. It’s a running joke when you live near a large, well-known city—you tell people that’s where you’re from. So, unofficially, she’s from Baltimore! Since her spouse’s retirement from the military, they call Wisconsin home, where they have two daughters and two cats, Daisy and Ernie. You can follow along with her on her website, www.pamelakyel.com.
Author Links
Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Goodreads TikTok Website YouTube
Purchase Links –
Amazon B&N Kobo Apple Books Alibris Bookshop.org
TOUR PARTICIPANTS – Please visit all the stops.
June 2 – Infinite House of Books – SPOTLIGHT
June 3 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT
June 4 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT
June 4 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – CHARACTER GUEST POST
June 5 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT
June 6 – Frugal Freelancer – AUTHOR GUEST POST
June 6 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 7 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW
June 8 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
June 9 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 10 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
June 10 – Novels Alive – REVIEW
June 11 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST
June 11 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 12 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
June 13 – Deal Sharing Aunt – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
June 14 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
June 14 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW
June 15 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?
Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!
Want to Book a Tour?
Click Here
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.”