Nest Egg

🔍 The Plot:

After a major life detour and a failed relationship, Ari Araza retreats to the Arizona desert to start over. Her new life plan? Keep things simple. Live quietly. And absolutely avoid drama. So she takes a job as the resident manager of a sleepy senior condo complex, where the biggest excitement is supposed to be bingo night or the occasional cactus bloom.

But Ari’s hope for a low-stress lifestyle goes up in flames when a grumpy tenant keels over—dead—and the cause is anything but natural. Suddenly, the condos become a crime scene, and Ari is caught between a growing list of suspects, a nosey neighbor with a black belt in gossip, and her own secret past she’d rather not reveal.

The local police seem more interested in brushing the case under the (very beige) rug than solving it. Which means it’s up to Ari—armed with a sarcastic wit, a skeptical cat, and zero investigative experience—to find the truth. Because someone at the condo has been hiding more than an extra set of keys… and if Ari’s not careful, she might be next.

🧨 The Hook:

Imagine escaping to a sun-soaked desert paradise only to find yourself knee-deep in murder, secrets, and nosy neighbors with killer instincts. Nest Egg is a cozy mystery with bite—full of heart, humor, and more than a few cacti.

Josi Avari delivers a tightly woven whodunnit with the charm of a community mystery and the edge of a desert thriller. Ari’s fresh start quickly turns into a full-blown investigation, and readers will love every twist, turn, and sun-scorched clue.

3 Reasons To Bump This to the Top of Your TBR:

1. A Witty, Refreshingly Real Amateur Sleuth
Ari Araza isn’t your typical small-town detective. She’s modern, flawed, funny, and wholly relatable. Whether she’s navigating HOA drama or dodging danger, she brings a voice that’s equal parts sharp and heartfelt.

2. A Desert Setting That Pops Off the Page
From prickly pears to porch chairs, the Arizona desert isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a living, breathing part of the mystery. Avari paints it vividly, mixing sun-drenched serenity with a strong sense of unease.

3. Senior Citizens, Secrets, and Suspense
This condo complex is anything but sleepy. Packed with eccentric retirees, whispered rumors, and complex relationships, it’s the perfect setting for a mystery where anyone could be the killer—and everyone has something to hide.

Click here to get your copy.

Once you’ve soaked in the desert drama, share your thoughts, tag a fellow cozy mystery fan, or recommend it to someone who’d love the Getaway to Murder community. Because you’ll want company when the gossip turns deadly.

Check below to see if there are any library copies available for quick reading. 🔪 #getawaytomurder

Audiobook