Stilettos & Whiskey

Deputy Gemma Stone #5

by Gail Koger

My name may be Julie Garza, but I’m a member of the Stone family through and through. I was only eight years old when my parents were murdered and I came to live with them. It was then I vowed to make law enforcement my life’s work and bring my birth parents’ killer to justice. But I’ve been a Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputy for five years now, and so far, that hasn’t happened.

My personal life isn’t much better. I’ve been in love with my adopted brother, Lucas Stone, since I was thirteen, but he thinks of me more like an annoying kid sister than a full-grown woman, but what can I do? I had gotten good at suppressing my feelings until the kiss. For a brief moment, I thought he had feelings for me too, until he puked on my sneakers.

Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse. I find myself in the crosshairs of a murderous deputy and my estranged grandfather gets released from prison and promptly sues for custody of me. Hello? Did he forget I’m an adult?

Law enforcement isn’t for the fainthearted. Are you brave enough to enter my world? This time Armageddon is coming to Arizona.

#1 Amazon Best Seller in police romance!

125 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 13, 2025

About the author

I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher for thirty-one years and to keep insanity at bay, I took up writing. Not to worry. The insanity isn’t catching – much. Other than the addiction to chocolate and the twitch in my left eye, I’m good. I just finished, Stilettoes and Gunpowder book #3 in the Gemma Stone series.

Reviews

[Sophia]

Her best bud and adopted sister has been her ‘ride or die’ partner in the sheriff’s department and with Gemma away and the family enemies in jail, Julie expects a day on patrol with only the usual callouts coming her way, but, no, a sociopath and his militant home-grown militia family have her in their sights and it will take all her adopted family and friends in law enforcement backing her up- oh, and a stiff shot of whiskey.

My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About on 10.23.25.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great ride through the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputies lives.

This time its Julie Garza, who was adopted by the Stones' when she was 8 yrs old following a fire which took out her parents.

Usually its the dynamic duo, Gemma Stone & Julie Garza, both deputies, causing the mayhem, but as Gemma is in Hawaii, its left to Julie to create havoc, or should that be Julie is the innocent victim of the havoc.

Loved it once again!!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

and another great story!

The tales of the Stone family and surrounding characters in Maricopa County, Arizona are a hoot as always. Somehow, Ms. Koger manages to include truly unusual animals with her tales of murder, mayhem, geriatric shenanigans, young love and elder lusts. More please?

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As expected there were bullets flying everywhere. Which is to be expected in a Gail Koger book and really any book set in the US where they value the right to own over powered guns more than they value the lives of their children.

The shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis happened recently and my review is coloured by this.

[Gskm · Rating 5 out of 5]

adored this story

I so enjoyed this story. I have been wanting to learn more these characters especially the adopted daughter. This family is dangerous, loving and crazy (in a good way). Highly recommend this book and the series. Enjoy!

[Michelle Rapley · Rating 5 out of 5]

laugh out loud

Love the series full of action from the main characters and story as well as laughs from the author from the scenes

[chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gail Koger, did it again!

This book is sooo good! I couldn't stop laughing, she killed it with the humor. Armageddon was the best, the whole series was great, a must read.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

Anther great fun story! Gave me a good laugh a quick read hope for here will be more Stories to come!