Jones by Gerri Hill is a captivating mix of crime thriller and slow-burn romance set against the scenic shores of Port Aransas. When a weekend reunion among friends turns tragic with a sudden murder, ex-detective Quinn Stewart is pulled back into investigative work, despite her attempts to distance herself from her past career. Her role in the case brings her closer to Nina Evans, one of the victim’s friends, sparking an unexpected friendship that grows during the investigation.

I am a huge fan of Gerri Hill, mainly due to her skill in developing character-driven romance. Quinn and Nina move from tentative allies to something much more in such a fluid, organic manner. The romance unfolds slowly, allowing the connection between them to develop naturally, grounded in mutual respect and understanding. I liked watching their romance group while also following along with the investigation.

While the mystery itself is less complex than in some of Hill's other works, the interactions between Quinn and Nina, coupled with the novel’s well-described beach town setting, create a compelling atmosphere. Secondary characters, including Quinn's family and her lovable dog, Willi, add to the charm of the story. Though predictable in parts, Jones is another great read from Hill, especially for fans who enjoy romance with a side of intrigue.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Another excellent one by Gerri Hill.
I figured it out about halfway through but it still held my attention enough to finish.

In Jones by Gerri Hill, a weekend getaway among childhood friends takes a dark turn when one of them tragically dies, unraveling a web of secrets and testing their bonds in unexpected ways. The mystery surrounding the death keeps readers on edge, while the evolving relationship between Nina and Detective Quinn adds an engaging layer of trust and vulnerability amidst the chaos. Set against the stunning backdrop of Port Aransas, Hill masterfully contrasts beauty with underlying danger, delivering a gripping romantic thriller packed with tension, emotional depth, and unexpected twists. This page-turner is a must-read for fans of captivating mysteries intertwined with complex relationships.

I don't read mysteries too often; they're just not the kind of book I enjoy. "Jones" is the exception.

The plot was twisty, but not to where it couldn't be understood. The main characters were fleshed out and believable.

Throughout, I had ideas of who the murderer was, but there were, rightfully, never enough clues to nail it down until the end, which is how it should be.

Highly recommended to those who love mysteries and for those who's first Gerri Hill book is this one. Either way, this is a really good book.

Gerri Hill is one of those authors whose books are an automatic read for me. I don’t need to know the details because she never fails to deliver a great book, whether it be a suspense novel, a murder mystery, or a fluffy romance. Jones is a bit of a combination of all three, with a plot that kept me guessing until the end, and a romance that tied the story up perfectly.

Nina is on an annual girl’s trip with her childhood friends when Jones is found murdered. It’s only as Quinn, the detective who turns up to investigate, asks questions, that Nina realises she doesn’t know the adult Jones.
Quinn has moved from the city to the small beach town because major crimes were not her thing. Finding Jones’ killer is her responsibility though, and when Nina inserts herself into Quinn's life, she is pleasantly surprised. As the two get to know each other, and facts about Jones’ life are brought to light, they bounce ideas off each other to solve the mystery while slowly falling in love.

Even as it resolves around a murder, Jones still has laid-back vibes. Maybe it’s the beach setting, and Hill’s ability to immerse the reader in the details. Both MCs are relatable and flawed, and it’s impossible not to become invested in their journey, both as individuals and as they find meaning in life together. Don’t miss this one!

I received an ARC from Bella Books via NetGalley and am leaving a voluntary review.

Secrets and plot twists abound in this new Gerri Hill story. It definitely kept me guessing.

Hill develops interesting and complex characters as she weaves romance within a mystery. I can’t say I felt deep chemistry between the characters of Quinn and Nina, but I enjoyed their story, nonetheless.

I think I got bogged down some here and there, unsure of who was speaking in dialogue. But the story moved forward at a good pace, and it didn’t change the plot, so it was acceptable to me. I’d say it’s an enjoyable story, not necessarily her best, but worthy of a read. Just sayin’.

Thank you Net Galley and Bella Books. Thoughts and opinions here are exclusively mine.

When you want a fast paced crime story that you absolutely can't put down, Gerri Hill always hits the spot. Nina is on a girls trip with all her married friends and not entirely enjoying her role as designated adult whilst they get drunk and let off steam. When she stumbles upon a dead body, she then meets Quinn, an experienced detective who retired from the busier stressful city to be an officer on Beach Patrol. Their friendship builds even though Quinn jarringly overshares details of the case, I guessed the murderer as soon as he was introduced and there are other perhaps unethical pairings by the end of the book. It's a gripping read, the characters are believable and well written, there's even a cute dog, perfect for cooler autumnal nights.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC inn exchange for an honest review.

Another Good book by Gerri Hill. A friend is murdered and during the course of the investigation many things are discovered about the victim that are unknown to her friends. It just shows how someone can have a secret life that goes undetected by those around.

Since they were young girls Nina’s friend always got together, hopefully to reconnect with each other. Five women who spent their yearly visits drinking and having a good time dancing, along with anything else going. All of the women were married, with children the exception being Nina. It was left up to Nina to plan the get together and this year she decided on a hotel, close to the ocean.
Everything is going well but on the second night ‘Jone’s’ was murdered. Jones was a party girl and since her marriage she’s had many affairs/ one night stands, so when she left the club with some guy no one thought anything about it. That was until Nina decided she’d better make sure she was okay. She found her off the boardwalk murdered.
Detective Quinn Stewart had her dream job. For years she was a city cop but as she aged she started looking for something she could do and when she got the chance she applied for a position with the beach cops. Great job, few tickets, quieting any disturbance all while wearing a uniform that consisted of shorts and T-shirt. Then she gets a call about a murder on her beach.
Been a while since she’d worked a murder but when she meets Nina the sparks fly. She has never been in a relationship, while Nina is ending her friendship with benefits. Nina is every bit interested in Quinn too. While Quinn worked the murder she also found time to get together with the lovely Nina. Ms Hill has never written a book that I didn’t love. She knows how to tell a story. Very, very enjoyable.
ARC via NetGalley/Bella Books

12/10. Gerri Jones delivered yet again. Amazing. So fun! I finished it in like 2 days, because it reads super smooth and the mystery keeps you turning pages. And the romance on top? Wonderful as always.

Jones is an intriguing, well-crafted mystery novel with its clues methodically revealed right up to a satisfying ending.
What kept me glued to the pages, though, was the tentative friendship between Quinn and Nina, the slow, careful twining of thoughts and confidences until attraction bloomed into more.
This was the first book I'd read from Gerri Hill. I'm off to find more.

I enjoyed this thoroughly, I absorbed this book nearly in one sitting, Its gripping. I really enjoyed all aspects, the side of romance and the storyline itself. It has lead to some hilarious conversations as I have asked people about the ending if it was real life.. I enjoyed the way the romance bloomed and the story line and I was certain I knew who did it at first and then I was like oh it cant be then! I really enjoyed this book. A yearly group of childhood friends reunite for a weekend of drinking, Nina is starting to feel like she doesn't want to be a part of these groups anymore as she always ends up acting like the grownup. 6 Friends go on this weekend away however only 5 survive. Nina discovers her childhood friend Jones murdered, Detective Quinn Stewart arrives to take over the scene. Whilst Nina deals with her grief she has nowhere to turn to so arrives at Quinn's house as the investigation progresses and more about Jones real life is brought to light through the investigation these are not the only developments taking place as we see a relationship of trust build between Quinn and Nina.

This is my first Gerri Hill book and I’m hooked! I’m usually able to solve mysteries but this one got me. It is very well written, the conversation feels really natural, and the romance was so sweet. I loved that combo of thriller and romance - it was amazing! Nina and Quinn are great MC’s and so are the side characters. Highly recommend!!

Honestly this was one of the most incredibly run of the mill detective novels I've read. I struggled to find much intrigue in it at all. None of the characters were particularly well fleshed out, except through a romance that kills any momentum. Worst of all, it was pretty obvious who did it halfway through for me.

The romance is actually sweet but it felt shoehorned for this story. A seperate book for them with their jobs at the periphery might have worked better.

Gerri Hill is very good at writing a police originated thriller, and to be fair this is a good one.

Quinn and Nina meet during an investigation into a friends murder, they are both likeable characters and there is a mutual attraction.

A book of mystery, secrets and new romance, It has it all

Would I recommend: If you're looking for a 'who done it' with a slow burn romance then Yes this is for you

Another solid book by Gerri Hill but definitely not her best. It was a easy read with likeable characters and adorable four legged friend, the romance was slow but mature and healthy, the mystery on the other hand felt a bit.... flat? It was quite easy to figure out when that character was first introduced. Overall another must read from Hill but sadly not her best. Cj and Riley series and Ross and Sullivan series were still my favorite

This is a story about Nina and her girlfriends who take a girls trip on the beach at Port Aransas TX. Their friend Jones is murdered outside of a nightclub. Quinn is the beach patrol officer and detective assigned to the case. During the investigation Quinn is drawn to Nina and starts telling her about the investigation. And they become friends.

I liked the slow burn romance between Nina and Quinn. They were both mature adults, each had troubled pasts and they found comfort and a true companionship with each other. And the beach scenes made me happy since it’s my favorite place.

As to the mystery, Quinn was very unprofessional in all that she shared with Nina. I thought that was odd. And Quinn left a lot of the legwork to others, relying on her old coworkers at CCPD to assist her.

But Hill is such a great writer it didn’t matter to me in my rating. The romance was excellent. I really liked both characters. And it was fun seeing old characters from previous books put in an appearance.

Thanks to Bella Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

More, more, more...detail about the characters. I know there a few of them but that made me feel like something was missing. I realize it is mystery but, just saying. It is a weekend getaway which has been happening for many years. Sounds like a good thing to do especially as they age and want to stay in touch. This time, things take a unfortunate turn when one of women is found dead. Shocking to her friends. During the murder investigation, Detective Quinn Stewart and Nina Evans make a connection, possibly romantic.

As the investigation unfolds, more unsettling information comes to light about their friend, Jones. She has secrets that no one knew or did someone know. I like how the slow burn romance develops between Nina and Quinn. I also thought the mystery was interesting and twisty as well as unsettling. Quin is easy going yet focused on getting the case solved. I liked the self-reflection by both women and Beth too.

Jones is yet another addition to Gerri Hills collection of must read well written stories. I enjoyed it tremendously and loved the characters. I was invested from the start to finish.



Thank you NetGalley and Bella Books for this ARC copy.

A group of old high school friends reunite once a year. Now at 32, they seem to be drifting apart due to adult obligations. Regardless, they meet once again for a weekend of fun and sun in the Mustang Island/ Padre Island area in Texas. Then Jones, the most boisterous of the women, gets murdered. Nina, one of her friends, finds herself involved in the investigation.

The book starts slowly. But then as soon as the detective, Quinn Stewart, begins the legwork and knocks on doors, the story gets into its groove. Quinn’s backstory adds good depth and I’d be interested in reading the stories of when she was a Corpus Cristi detective. Nina is also a solid character and her relationship with Quinn adds heat. I’m never good at solving the mystery but I almost did this time. My favorite parts of the book are the Gulf setting, Quinn and her internal struggles, and Willie the dog.