Occupation: Arson Investigator

Angelo Mendez here, with the El Dorado Hills Fire Department, California. Normally I investigate arson, but that day I was asked by the Fire Chief to help cover for the station as we were shorthanded due to COVID. We got the call for a man down at the Never Look Back gym in El Dorado Hills, and turns out we walked into a crime scene.

When we entered the building, the first thing I noticed was my ex-fiancé, Rocky Nelson. What the heck? I knew she took boxing lessons there, but seeing her threw me. Just last summer she’d discovered a dead body at a vintage trailerfest—whatever that is. Soon after, her dad was almost killed in an arson fire that I was called out to. That was the first time I’d seen her since we’d broken up. Or rather, since she broke off our engagement. She never explained why. So, dummy me, I pursued her, convinced I could win her back, but she was stubborn. Always has been. Must get it from her old man. Anyway, I eventually got the message and moved on. Found someone else and fell in love—or so I thought. We got married, but it didn’t last. I’m now divorced and hoping Rocky will give me another chance. To tell the truth, I never got her out of my thick skull. Her tough meets cute is hard to resist.

Despite all those thoughts running around in my head, I stayed focused on the job, and didn’t acknowledge her.

The dead guy had to be in his late seventies and in bad shape. Not healthy, in my book. What was he doing at the gym? Something was off. After years of training and experience, I knew to listen to my gut. This was no heart attack or stroke. I talked to the Fire Chief and then called dispatch. Dispatch said EDSO (El Dorado Sheriffs Office) was on their way.

When Rocky’s boxing coach was arrested for murder, she insisted on investigating to prove his innocence. And that’s how I got roped in. She asked me to help, and now that you know the backstory, of course I said yes—anything to get me in her good graces.

But, in hindsight, I should have said no.

A Deadly Match, A Rocky Nelson Boxing Mystery Book 2
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: October 2024
Format: Print, Digital
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

In Book 2, Raquel (AKA Rocky) investigates family secrets and murder.

Twin sisters Rocky and Bridget soon find themselves facing another shocking mystery when Hollywood visits the Sierra Foothills.

Their aunt and uncle, both famous movie stars they haven’t seen since their mother’s funeral, are in town to film a movie. Forced into family togetherness, Rocky takes them on a tour of her boxing gym, which wasn’t supposed to include a dead body.

When her beloved coach, Cutter, is arrested for the murder, Rocky refuses to believe he’s guilty. Driven to clear his name, she embarks on a dangerous investigation that leads her into a web of secrets, lies, and unexpected betrayals. As the stakes get higher and the killer’s motives become more twisted, Rocky realizes she may be fighting for more than just the truth—she may be fighting for her own life.

About the author
Karen A. Phillips lives in northern California and writes humorous, fun, action-packed mysteries. She has many short stories published in a variety of anthologies. Her characters are engaging and fearless. The Rocky Nelson Boxing Mystery series features an amateur sleuth who boxes . . . and yes, she does take boxing lessons. Sign up for her newsletter at: KarenAPhillips.com.