Black Friday should be all about shopping and discounts, but when Sean and Sara only have a few more items left to buy, screams fill the mall—and for good reason. A man has fallen to his death from the second level. 

But what exactly happened isn’t that straightforward, and normally, Sean and Sara would leave this matter to the police, but the widow was a childhood friend of Sara’s. While the police are leaning toward the belief the man intentionally took the leap, the widow is adamant her husband would never jump and asks Sara for her help. 

Despite the fact there is an unresolved past between the friends—in which Sara feels she let her down—Sara can’t turn her back on her now. Fueled by guilt and the need to find answers, Sara convinces Sean they should look into the man’s death. 

But the answers aren’t all coming quickly. Mall security has dropped the ball and there’s no seeming motive for murder. To find out the truth will take unconventional means, a little undercover work, and the help of their friend Jimmy. And if it all comes together, they just might have this case wrapped up in time for the holidays. Maybe even with a pretty little bow.

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My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Sean and Sara McKinley used to be detectives in New York but they were able to quit their jobs after Sean received a windfall. Now it seems that murder mysteries fall into their laps and, of course, they can’t help themselves but to try to solve them.

Even though Sean and Sara could have someone do their Christmas shopping for them, they want the gifts to be personal, so they go to the mall on Black Friday. Suddenly, someone goes over the railing and the distressed widow turns out to be an old friend of Sara’s. Even though Sean thinks they shouldn’t get involved, once they talk to the widow, they decide to look into it. It takes some problem solving and a little help from their friends, but they find themselves on the right path but with a twist at the end.

The McKinley Mysteries are cozy mysteries which is a little different from Carolyn Arnold’s other series. Shopping is Murder is a quick and fun read that does stand alone. I like Sean and Sara’s relationship and their friends who help them out on cases. I’m looking forward to reading more of these.

About the Author

CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international best-selling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has four continuing fiction series—Detective Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher FBI, McKinley Mysteries, and Matthew Connor Adventures—and has written nearly thirty books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy to hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures.

Both her female detective and FBI profiler series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining, leading her to adopt the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™. Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.

She currently lives just west of Toronto with her husband and beagle and is a member of Crime Writers of Canada.

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