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Number 1 with a Bullet
Every Sherlock needs his Watson, every Hercule Poirot his Captain Hastings. Who else could tell their stories that we might share in their adventures?
Meet Simon Fletcher, a recently (and reluctantly) retired Marine, at present the facilities and security manager for Lake Tahoe’s exclusive Bright Star Summer RV Residence. Enter Miss BD Finch, who shortly embroils Simon Fletcher in mystery, mayhem and . . . murder.
Indeed, life at Bright Star takes several left-hand turns when the diminutive and enigmatic Miss Finch, driving a restored classic panel wagon and towing a seventeen-foot travel trailer, attempts to check in. In addition to her nonexclusive and somewhat unusual “rig,” Miss Finch herself is never what people expect. Those around her generally find themselves knocked off-kilter, including and especially those she’s scrutinizing—because although our delightfully unpredictable Miss Finch has many talents, she is also an investigator. The private kind.
And when Miss Finch arrives on the south shore of Lake Tahoe for a summer of rest and recuperation, her R&R does not go as planned. Rather, “things” go oddly awry. Dangerously awry.
Prepare yourself for . . . The Tahoe Mysteries.
Book 1: Number 1 with a Bullet
Book 2: Be Quick or Be Dead, 2025
Book 3: Death on the Big Blue, 2026
Murder by Accident, A Miss Finch Prequel, 2025
Meet Simon Fletcher, a recently (and reluctantly) retired Marine, at present the facilities and security manager for Lake Tahoe’s exclusive Bright Star Summer RV Residence. Enter Miss BD Finch, who shortly embroils Simon Fletcher in mystery, mayhem and . . . murder.
Indeed, life at Bright Star takes several left-hand turns when the diminutive and enigmatic Miss Finch, driving a restored classic panel wagon and towing a seventeen-foot travel trailer, attempts to check in. In addition to her nonexclusive and somewhat unusual “rig,” Miss Finch herself is never what people expect. Those around her generally find themselves knocked off-kilter, including and especially those she’s scrutinizing—because although our delightfully unpredictable Miss Finch has many talents, she is also an investigator. The private kind.
And when Miss Finch arrives on the south shore of Lake Tahoe for a summer of rest and recuperation, her R&R does not go as planned. Rather, “things” go oddly awry. Dangerously awry.
Prepare yourself for . . . The Tahoe Mysteries.
Book 1: Number 1 with a Bullet
Book 2: Be Quick or Be Dead, 2025
Book 3: Death on the Big Blue, 2026
Murder by Accident, A Miss Finch Prequel, 2025
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2024
6 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Vikki Kestell
53 books210 followersVikki Kestell’s passion for people and their stories is evident in her readers’ affection for her characters and unusual plotlines. Two often repeated sentiments are, "I feel like I know these people," and "I'm right there, in the book, experiencing what her characters experience."
Vikki holds a PhD in organizational learning and instructional technologies. She left a career of twenty-plus years in government, academia, and corporate life to pursue writing full time. "Writing is the best job ever," she admits.
Also an accomplished speaker and teacher, Vikki and her husband, Conrad Smith, make their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Want to be notified of new book releases? Sign up for Vikki's newsletter on her website, http://www.vikkikestell.com/, or connect with her on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/TheWritingOfV..., or follow her on BookBub, https://www.bookbub.com/authors/vikki..., or right here on Goodreads.
Vikki holds a PhD in organizational learning and instructional technologies. She left a career of twenty-plus years in government, academia, and corporate life to pursue writing full time. "Writing is the best job ever," she admits.
Also an accomplished speaker and teacher, Vikki and her husband, Conrad Smith, make their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Want to be notified of new book releases? Sign up for Vikki's newsletter on her website, http://www.vikkikestell.com/, or connect with her on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/TheWritingOfV..., or follow her on BookBub, https://www.bookbub.com/authors/vikki..., or right here on Goodreads.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 6, 2024
I loved this book - different from any of Vikki's other books. Shows again what a multi-talented author she is.
the characters are well drawn - I can see each one in my mind, and I cared about them! I loved the scintillating conversation between Miss Finch and Fletch. And the scenes with Skipper always tugged at my heart. How many nicknames can you make out of Skipper?
This book not only weaves a good mystery with unexpected twists and turns, it is also about life lessons. A strong message of grace, but also of responsibility. Never preachy, always full of faith.
I highly recommend 'Number 1 With a Bullet' by Vikki Kestell. My only complaint is the wait time for the next book in the series...LOL
the characters are well drawn - I can see each one in my mind, and I cared about them! I loved the scintillating conversation between Miss Finch and Fletch. And the scenes with Skipper always tugged at my heart. How many nicknames can you make out of Skipper?
This book not only weaves a good mystery with unexpected twists and turns, it is also about life lessons. A strong message of grace, but also of responsibility. Never preachy, always full of faith.
I highly recommend 'Number 1 With a Bullet' by Vikki Kestell. My only complaint is the wait time for the next book in the series...LOL
October 8, 2024
Wow! That was excellent!
When this new series was announced I was excited to read the first book. I live near this area so I have a secondary interest. But my primary interest is that I've read all of Kestell's books and was excited to start the new series.
This first volume in "The Tahoe Mysteries" series does not disappoint! The characters are compelling and the storyline draws you in right from the start. The introduction to the characters and setting for the series takes several chapters but that is to be expected from a new series.
Readers familiar with Lake Tahoe will immediately recognize the setting and will find the "luxury camp" very believable. Overall an excellent story and a wonderful start to a new series! I anxiously await the next volume.
When this new series was announced I was excited to read the first book. I live near this area so I have a secondary interest. But my primary interest is that I've read all of Kestell's books and was excited to start the new series.
This first volume in "The Tahoe Mysteries" series does not disappoint! The characters are compelling and the storyline draws you in right from the start. The introduction to the characters and setting for the series takes several chapters but that is to be expected from a new series.
Readers familiar with Lake Tahoe will immediately recognize the setting and will find the "luxury camp" very believable. Overall an excellent story and a wonderful start to a new series! I anxiously await the next volume.
October 24, 2024
I have read and loved everything Vikki Kestell has written, so I eagerly awaited this one. As always, I loved it. She just has this wonderful way of bringing characters to life; and in this case, they were engaging, interesting (actually fascinating), funny, and sometimes a little delightfully quirky. I have always loved a good mystery, and this is a dandy. When you combine the awesome characters, with a great mystery, lots of humor, and the wonderful element of faith woven throughout, you have a winner. Number 1 with a Bullet is a winner! I can't wait for book two in this series.
March 31, 2025
You're going to love this book!
What happens when a crusty ex marine.... oops, once a marine; always a marine... anyway... when he encounters a diminutive and fascinating woman driving an old Woody? Oh, and she's also towing an old travel trailer about to settle into an exclusive RV park where he works.
The dialog is entertaining, the mystery is intriguing, much happens as you follow the exploits of Miss Finch and Mr Fletcher. Plan on not getting much done after starting the book because you won't want to put it down.
What happens when a crusty ex marine.... oops, once a marine; always a marine... anyway... when he encounters a diminutive and fascinating woman driving an old Woody? Oh, and she's also towing an old travel trailer about to settle into an exclusive RV park where he works.
The dialog is entertaining, the mystery is intriguing, much happens as you follow the exploits of Miss Finch and Mr Fletcher. Plan on not getting much done after starting the book because you won't want to put it down.
November 22, 2024
Hurray!
I finally get something new from Vikki Kestell, having read all her works, I agitated a great glimpse into this new series that I have not doubt will grow. The characters are excellent even with what they don’t know about each others. It seems everything is a surprise so I can’t say anything without giving the plot away. A BEST read from a Best of the Best authors.
I finally get something new from Vikki Kestell, having read all her works, I agitated a great glimpse into this new series that I have not doubt will grow. The characters are excellent even with what they don’t know about each others. It seems everything is a surprise so I can’t say anything without giving the plot away. A BEST read from a Best of the Best authors.
October 6, 2024
A very good read.
If Vikki Kestell is the author then the book is for me. She has done it again, another can't stop reading book. Miss Finch has a couple of things in common with Vikki. I loved the book, Vikki. God bless you.
If Vikki Kestell is the author then the book is for me. She has done it again, another can't stop reading book. Miss Finch has a couple of things in common with Vikki. I loved the book, Vikki. God bless you.
October 8, 2024
I loved it!
It’s one in the morning and I’m still up because I just had to finish. What a fun story with very interesting characters, a good, complicated mystery, and humor. It’s going to be hard to wait a whole year until the next book comes out.
It’s one in the morning and I’m still up because I just had to finish. What a fun story with very interesting characters, a good, complicated mystery, and humor. It’s going to be hard to wait a whole year until the next book comes out.
October 29, 2024
Twists and turns !
I love the character development. I love the fun and quirky entertainment. Most of all, thank you for sharing Christian themes.
Thank you for this exciting page-turner!
I love the character development. I love the fun and quirky entertainment. Most of all, thank you for sharing Christian themes.
Thank you for this exciting page-turner!
October 11, 2024
Great book! Kestell never disappoints! I really enjoyed the characters....going to be hard to wait for book 2.
March 29, 2025
Love these characters, but feel it has some plot holes.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews