Dive into the pulse-pounding world of the Nicole Graves Mystery series, where a savvy sleuth tackles danger with wit and courage! Written by Nancy Boyarsky, this thrilling collection follows Nicole Graves, a Los Angeles woman whose knack for stumbling into mysteries transforms her into a fearless amateur detective. From London’s shadowy streets to LA’s glitzy underbelly, Nicole’s adventures blend heart-pounding suspense with a dash of romance, perfect for fans of female-driven mysteries.
With a knack for unraveling secrets, Nicole’s journey captivates readers who love fast-paced plots and unexpected twists. Whether you’re a cozy mystery buff or a thriller enthusiast, this series offers a roller-coaster ride of intrigue that’s hard to put down.
How Nicole Graves Mystery Began
Nancy Boyarsky, a seasoned writer with a background in political journalism and textbooks, turned her talents to fiction with the Nicole Graves Mystery series. Inspired by her love for Los Angeles and classic detective tales, Boyarsky crafted Nicole as a relatable yet bold heroine. Her debut novel, The Swap, published in 2017, launched the series, drawing praise for its Hitchcockian suspense and fresh take on the female sleuth genre. Boyarsky’s experience as a communications director and co-author of the New York Times notable Backroom Politics infuses her mysteries with sharp dialogue and authentic settings.
The Heart of Nicole Graves Mystery
The series kicks off with The Swap, where Nicole’s dream London vacation via a house swap turns deadly when the other couple vanishes, plunging her into a web of threats and deceit. In The Bequest, Nicole grapples with a colleague’s murder and a mysterious inheritance, uncovering corruption among LA’s elite. Liar Liar tackles a high-profile rape trial, with Nicole babysitting a witness whose secrets lead to deadly consequences. The Moscow Affair, the sixth installment, sees Nicole on a Russian cruise, entangled in espionage and murder.
Boyarsky’s novels shine with themes of resilience, truth-seeking, and navigating power dynamics. Set against vibrant backdrops like Los Angeles and London, the series blends glamour with menace, earning comparisons to Mary Higgins Clark. Nicole’s evolution from office worker to private investigator captivates readers, while the standalone nature of each book makes it easy to jump in anywhere. Reviewers praise the “hold-onto-the-bar roller coaster” plots and Nicole’s “tough and likable” spirit, making the series a standout in women-driven mysteries.
Why Nicole Graves Mystery Resonates
The Nicole Graves Mystery series has carved a niche in the mystery genre, blending timely themes with gripping storytelling. Its exploration of issues like corruption and justice, as seen in Liar Liar’s nod to the #MeToo movement, earned Boyarsky a spot at the 2018 American Library Association Conference. Fans adore Nicole’s pluck and the series’ unpredictable twists, with The Swap snagging a gold medal Erik Hoffer Book Award. Its growing fanbase cherishes the blend of cozy mystery charm and high-stakes thrills, ensuring Nicole’s adventures remain a beloved escape.
- Publication Years: 2017–2021
- Number of Books: Six
- Awards: The Swap won a gold medal Erik Hoffer Book Award
Ready to unravel secrets with Nicole? Grab The Swap and step into the thrilling world of Nicole Graves Mystery today!