Riddles, Rogues, and Murder
Series: Stacie Maroni Mystery #12
Author: Christa Nardi
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Setting: Virginia
Release Date: February 23, 2026, by Independently Published
Pages: 230
Summary:
What begins as a blissful ladies’ spa day meant for rest and renewal turns deadly when a striking young model is found murdered in the parking lot. Amateur sleuth Stacie Maroni is the one who discovers the body, notifies the police, and studies the woman and her jewelry. A bit obsessive about things matching, Stacie wonders at the silver earring mixed with everything else gold. Little does she know someone nearby is filming her. As rumors swirl and clues surface, Stacie notices unsettling details: two men of average build, both wearing dark wedding bands, and threats against her and Jasper—someone believes she has something worth killing for.
With a brash, womanizing FBI agent jumping to dangerous conclusions and pressure mounting from all sides, Stacie finds herself pulled deeper into a mystery she never intended to solve. As tensions rise and threats close in, she must rely on her instincts and her friends to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again or the FBI agent arrests her for the murder. In this seemingly cozy town, even with her police connections, danger lurks around every corner.
A twisty tale for cozy mystery fans.
Character Interview with Stacie Maroni
How did you and your author meet?
Hi, I’m Stacie Maroni. When Christa and I met, I’d just discovered my husband Ted cheating on me, moved out, and filed for divorce. She found me as I went to a local club that catered to professionals. Nervous, I compared the guy who expressed interest in me to Ted and then fell apart. Little did I know that guy would be on my doorstep the next morning, in uniform, to notify me Ted had been killed. Talk about awkward.
Why did this writer decide to feature you in a whole series of books?
Well, she never told me why, but I think it had to do with two things. First, at that point in my life – and through most of the first several books – the changes in my life, starting over, and figuring out future goals once not under the direct control of my powerful in-laws – caused a lot of havoc. And my job as an HR Specialist and my volunteer work as a trauma counselor provides a lot of possibilities for conflicts.
Do you have any friends or family helping you out?
More than I need sometimes. From the beginning when Ted was killed and it looked like I might be the next victim, my dad, who lives in New York, and his best friend, Nate, who lives in Beckman Springs, VA near me, showed up and installed cameras and motion-detectors. My dad also arranged for a full security system though Reston Security.
My closest friends are Jillian and Trina. Rick (that guy from the bar and with the Beckman Springs PD) calls us “the trouble trio.” I also count Ronnie as a good friend and she’s trying to teach me to make cookies – my cooking skills are almost non-existent. You might pick that up from this excerpt from Riddles, Rogues & Murder:
I found O’Hare in the kitchen, making us a lunch of tuna cheese melts, with a side salad. He shifted long enough to give me a kiss.
“Can you grab the salad dressings from the fridge? These are about done.”
“Sure.” I took care of that and got forks for both of us. He joined me at the table with the sandwiches and salads. We ate and I sat back and smiled.
“That was great, Michael.”
He chuckled. “You do realize that if you can make a grilled cheese sandwich and you can make tuna fish salad, you can create this in your kitchen, right?”
I play-punched him. He was always trying to extend my cooking skills and in the process, my diet. I handed him half the cinnamon roll and kept half. “Dessert.”
Do you have a regular job and investigate on the side or are you a full-time detective?
I have a full-time job in HR at a large insurance company and serve as a trauma counselor or crisis counselor to the employees when needed. I also volunteer at a women’s shelter. Honestly, I don’t know how I end up involved in murders. Thankfully, Jasper, my Maltese, is quick to alert me to danger and I have Rick and Detective O’Hare on speed dial.
What is the funniest thing that happens to you or another character in this story?
Some might not call it funny, but it is ironic. In this story, the victim had a Tarot card in her boot. Trina arranged for Jillian and I to have our cards read so I could see if she knew the victim. My reading indicated I was in danger from some big man, but two other men would protect me and I needed to let them. I wasn’t too sure about the threatening man, but the other two? O’Hare and my dad, for sure. The good news? Genie did recognize the victim, only she hadn’t seen her in months.
Have you solved other cases or is this your first one?
Riddles, Rogues & Murder is the 12th murder I’ve encountered, well unless you count one I didn’t end up involved in. Then again, I had no intention of getting involved in this one. After enjoying a ladies’ spa day, my friends and I stumbled on a dead model in the parking lot. I stayed with the body to wait for the police and paramedics. Someone filmed me standing there, sent the video to the media, and they called me “a person of interest.” Things went downhill from there.
Do you have a gift or a special talent?
Does strong curiosity and the ability to read people count as a “talent?” My dad, and even O’Hare, seem to think my curiosity and determination (otherwise called stubbornness) are more of detriments to my safety. I’m also a bit detail-oriented and set in my ways. For example, all my clothes have to match, even the ones no one is supposed to see, and everything has its place. I pick up on stuff others don’t notice, like earrings that don’t match.
Who is the most important individual in your life?
Not sure I can pick one… Michael O’Hare, my dad, Jillian, and Jasper would be at the top of the list. They all support me and let me be me.
What is your ideal vacation?
Michael and I tried to take a vacation not too long ago. We rented a cabin next to a state park, surrounded by natural beauty. We both like the outdoors, and unlike our visits to my dad and his new wife, Jasper could come along. It was beautiful and quiet. Only, we decided to try one of the longer hikes into the park and up on a mountain. When Jasper growled and pulled at his leash, we followed him into a cove. As we entered, a large man knocked Michael down and tossed me into the air. We got lucky and Jasper found Sheridan Hendley and Detective Brett McMan and led them to us. Of course, Michael or I couldn’t help much with the case due to our injuries. We stay in touch with Sheridan and Brett, though.
If you could change anything about your life what would it be?
Hmm. That’s a hard one. I always wanted to get my certification and graduate degree in social work and trauma. I did finish the program and I continue with my volunteer work, but I’ve come to realize I’m not cut out to deal only with trauma every day. Besides that, I never learned to cook and my eating habits as a once-again-single woman left much to be desired. Rocky road ice cream, PB&J, and the occasional grilled cheese do not make for a great diet. I’m working on changing that with a little help from my friends. But no way I’m giving up my skinny mocha latte.
About the Author
Christa Nardi is an avid reader with her love of mysteries beginning with Nancy Drew and other teen mysteries. Her protagonists are smart, intelligent women sleuths. She authors four mystery series; Stacie Maroni Mysteries, Izzie Di Sante Mysteries, Sheridan Hendley Mysteries, and Cold Creek Cozy Mysteries. Her writing is best characterized as cozy mysteries with an edge. The stories do address negative issues, but consistent with the cozy genre, there’s no graphic violence or sex on the page, and no profanity. Characters may get knocked down or shot at and there are murders. Christa is a member of Sisters in Crime. When not reading or writing, Christa and her husband live in Texas. Christa enjoys traveling and playing with her dogs and granddaughters. She supports animal rescue and other efforts to help others.
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Giveaway
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