It all started with a fateful camping trip . . .
Sometime in the night, a scream woke me. I groaned in frustration. Not again.
“Rocky,” Bridget whispered. “Did you hear that?”
“It’s probably those darn boys. If they don’t knock it off, I’m going to read them the riot act.”
She nudged my shoulder. “I don’t think it was them. Come on, get up.”
“Okay. Okay.” I wriggled free from the sleeping bag and threw on my shoes. I grabbed my Leatherman and shoved it in my pants pocket. It was the only weapon I had, other than my fists. I slipped on my headlamp, unzipped the tent, and stuck my head out.
Angelo was already outside.
Bridget and I scrambled from the tent to join him.
“Was it the Rangers?” I asked.
Angelo’s face registered concern. “Maybe, but it didn’t sound like they were messing around this time.”
“Where’s Jeff?” Bridget asked. She looked around. “Jeff!” she called out.
I sensed movement before Jeff suddenly burst from the underbrush, running toward us from the opposite direction of the Divide Ranger camp. He held the FLIR imaging camera. All three of us turned to him, our headlamps illuminating his face. He looked excited, not frightened, or worried.
“I’m here,” he said, then took a moment to catch his breath. “I was looking for any signs of cryptid activity when I heard the scream.”
Bridget rushed to him. “Thank goodness. I was worried.”
Jeff put his arm around her and kissed her on the forehead.
I looked at Angelo. “Was it a mountain lion? I’ve heard they scream like a woman.”
I knew, if we encountered a lion, to make myself look big and create a lot of noise to scare it away. I didn’t want Angelo to have to use his gun.
Angelo shook his head. “I don’t think it was a lion. I’m thinking one of the boys might be in trouble.”
“We’d better check,” I said. “Someone could be hurt.”
A DEADLY HOOK
Series Name: A Rocky Nelson Boxing Mystery, Book 3
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: February 2026
Format: Print, Digital
Purchase Link
What do Bigfoot and boxing have in common? Meet Raquel (AKA Rocky) Nelson, a retired single woman with a big heart and a deadly punch!
Rocky was looking forward to a carefree camping trip in the Sierra Nevada Mountains with her fraternal twin sister, Bridget, and their two favorite men. A recent Bigfoot sighting lures Bridget’s new boyfriend, Jeff, into a search for the elusive beast, but the weekend turns deadly. When Jeff becomes the prime suspect, Bridget pleads for Rocky’s help. Reluctantly, Rocky is pulled back into the role she thought she’d left behind, and once more heads back into the wilderness—this time hunting not a myth, but a murderer.
About the author
Karen A. Phillips lives in northern California and writes humorous, fun, action-packed mysteries. She has many short stories published in various anthologies. Her characters are engaging and fearless. The Rocky Nelson Boxing mystery series features an amateur sleuth who boxes. Karen is a past president of Capitol Crimes, the Sacramento chapter of Sisters In Crime, and is a member of many other writing organizations.
. . . and yes, Karen does take boxing lessons. Sign up for her newsletter at KarenAPhillips.com.
Don’t get me wrong — I love librarians but a boxing sleuth! How wonderful. and it takes me back to listening to my Dad talk about Golden Gloves in the 1930’s!
Hi Maren – that’s so fun to know your Dad was a boxing fan!
Looking forward to reading this! So fun!
Tank you for commenting, Laura!
Also, Book 1, A Deadly Combo, is ON SALE for 99¢ on ALL platforms through March 1st.
Not only is the premise entertaining, the protagonist has a witty sense of humor that keeps you turning pages. The author knows her craft.
Hi Rae – thank you for the compliment! It does help that you are one of my critique partners! Just saying . . .
Well, this sounds amazing–and so much fun. Congratulations!!!
I love this series and A DEADLY HOOK is a great addition. Congratulations to Karen.
Thanks for stopping by, Cindy Sample!
Thank you, Connie!
Karen, I fondly remember being at Face in a Book for the launch of your first book in this series and meeting your boxing coach! So glad there is a new entry into this fun series.
Hi Margie – I am so glad you could be there for the book launch of A Deadly Combo! That was one of the best days in my life!
Karen, A DEADLY HOOK was so well written, I can hardly wait for the next HOOK. When can we expect it.
Hi George – you slay me with your wit! Thank you for asking. I better write faster! And right back atcha – when is YOUR next book coming out?
A perfect third helping of the twins. Congrats Karen! And thanks Dru Ann for posting.
Dan the man! Nice to see you!
I hope they see a Squatch!! So excited for Rocky!!
LOL! No spoilers! You’ll have to read the book . . . (wink, wink)
Great first page, Karen! You can always surprise me.
Thank you for visiting, Chris!
Oh boy, Bigfoot! Can’t wait to visit with Rocky and Bridget again. This is one of my favorite series and I’ve been waiting anxiously for this new installment. Just started A Deadly Hook, so I’ll be ready for the next one soon. Get writing, Karen.
Hi Malena! Thank you for commenting. I’m so glad you enjoy the series!
Sounds great. Can’t wait to dive in
Thank you, Ellen!
I’m all for Bigfoot and his friends. Sounds like a fun book. Best of luck with it.
You would enjoy it, Glenda!