As a Maryland native and a lover of a good murder mystery, I’ve been eagerly anticipating reading Judy L. Murray’s series set along the Chesapeake Bay. Over a year ago, I picked up the first book in the series, Murder in the Master, while building an extensive TBR list. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet Judy at an event at the Northeast Library, and I couldn’t resist buying the second book in the series. My plan was to track down my copy of the first book when I got home, but I still haven’t found it. Rather than wait any longer (I was too excited after meeting her), I grabbed a digital copy for my Kindle and settled in for a night of reading. I’m so excited to share just how much I enjoyed this book!

The story unfolds in picturesque Kent County, right on the water, and I absolutely loved the details that highlight Maryland’s unique culture (like crabcakes in local restaurants). As a Marylander, it’s always a pleasure to see how local authors incorporate the state’s culture into their storytelling. Judy does a fantastic job of weaving the Old-Line State’s vibe into the narrative, making it feel both authentic for locals and educational for readers looking to explore a new place through books. Her attention to detail really brings Maryland to life!

The book features a relatable protagonist, Helen Morrisey—a real estate agent and mystery novel enthusiast. I particularly enjoyed the nods to classic female sleuths from literary history. Murder in the Master is full of twists and turns, and I never saw the ending coming. Spoiler alert: there are multiple murders in this one, and throughout the book, I couldn’t quite figure out who the killer was. The plot is packed with well-developed suspects, including Helen’s childhood best friend, who had an affair with the first victim. The first murder happens early on, which I appreciated—it really set the stage for a fast-paced, gripping story.

This book also explores a real estate empire, corruption, and wrongful accusations (someone’s been framed!). The most surprising twist for me came late in the book (skip to the next paragraph if you really want to be surprised), when Helen uncovers the truth behind her husband’s death. I won’t spoil it further, but trust me, it’s a revelation you won’t want to miss!

This is the kind of book that belongs in local bookstores and libraries all around Maryland, and it would make a perfect summer read for anyone visiting the Chesapeake Bay. You could even download a digital copy to a waterproof e-reader and take it with you on a boat, to further immerse yourself in the story (Helen has a sailboat!). Judy L. Murray does an excellent job of showcasing Maryland’s charm through this exciting murder mystery. I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the series!

On a personal note, Judy was incredibly friendly when we met, and she gave me some great advice as a fellow writer, which I really appreciated. She’s a very genuine person with a great talent for storytelling, and you have to pick up one of her books! Trust me, this book has something for everyone in it, and I’m so lucky to have made her acquaintance!