Oregano and Outrage

Heywood Herbalist Cozy Mysteries #9

by Carly Winter

Her past has come back to haunt her—and now she's accused of murder.
When disgraced soap opera queen Sam Jones comes face to face with her former co-star, Bradley Bass, he threatens to destroy the quiet, simple life she's built in Heywood. As he spreads lies about her Hollywood past, Sam's reputation begins to crumble… until Bradley turns up dead behind a local bar.
No one had a reason to want the man gone—except Sam.
With a bloody gun planted in her car, a blackmail letter in her mailbox, and a reporter determined to convict her in the press, Sam realizes she's not just a suspect. She's a target.
Someone is pulling strings from the shadows, and they won't stop until Sam loses everything.
Will she unmask the real killer before her past destroys her future?

Genres: Cozy Mystery

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 19, 2026

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Carly Winter writes fun, small town cozy mysteries, always with a dash of humor and quirky characters. When not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, on a Pilates reformer or enjoying the fantastic Arizona weather (except summer - she doesn't like summer). She does like dogs, wine and chocolate and wishes Christmas happened twice a year.

Reviews

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam's a suspect in a murder!!!! I did like how Jordan supported her and wanted to protect her. This was a spicy whodunit. . The evil tentacles were far reaching. . You never know if someone is friend or foe, just because they smile and seem helpful and friendly. Danger and traps could be where you least expect them. I felt overly cautious and vigilante for Sam's safety, as I read. The culprit made me furious. No one has a good reason to ruin another person's life!!! Dramatic and suspenseful. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[Estelle Bouldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun installment in the Heywood Herbalist series! I blazed through this one in basically one sitting.

Sam's past literally shows up on her doorstep when her former soap opera co-star Bradley Bass rolls into Heywood with an axe to grind. Of course, because this is a cozy mystery, he ends up dead and Sam becomes suspect #1. The whole setup with the planted gun and blackmail letter kept me guessing about who was really pulling the strings.

I really love Sam as a protagonist - she's got that great mix of trying to put her Hollywood past behind her while constantly getting dragged back into drama (literally and figuratively). Her relationship with Jordan is sweet without being too sappy, and I appreciated that the romance took a backseat to the actual mystery. The small-town vibe of Heywood is cozy without feeling too quaint, and I'm here for Sally and her restaurant being the center of town gossip.

The pacing was excellent - no dragging middle sections, just a steady stream of clues, red herrings, and revelations. I had my suspicions about who the real killer was but wasn't 100% sure until near the end, which is exactly what I want from a cozy mystery.

Perfect for a lazy afternoon or evening read. If you like your mysteries with a side of herbs, small-town charm, and a dash of Hollywood scandal, definitely pick this one up!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Julie Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book but how Sam didn't end up arrested I don't know, some of the things she did was just asking for trouble and had me rolling my eyes. I know she was trying to clear her name but as the men in her life who are in fact in law enforcement and were on her side, did she really need to go it alone or with hold evidence? Okay the story might not have been as long or as entertaining if she had listened but still. The characters are fun and a lot has been made of Sam's past, which is so unusual for a cosy mystery amateur sleuth, so it was fun that once again that side of her life came back to haunt her. I had guessed who the killer was but it was fun seeing how Sam put all the pieces together. Looking forward to the next book.

When Sam's former co star turns up in town, she already knows he is going to bring nothing but trouble, especially in his drunken state. Then he is found dead behind Hold your Horses and Sam as the only person known in town with a grudge against is the prime suspect. Against he advice of Her lawyer and boyfriend Sam can't help but get involved. Can she clear her name before she is arrested? With the killer set to see her go down for the crime, Sam will have to act fast and hide her own secrets if she wants to stay one step ahead.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Rachel Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is a pretty good cozy mystery series. Sam has moved away from her glamorous Hollywood life to settle down and escape her famous past. But, it seems that past keeps following her when a former co-star shows up in Heywood. When Sam finds herself in the center of a mystery, she works hard to clear her name.

I like Sam- she is driven, intelligent, kind, and down-to-earth. I love her shop! It sounds like such a divine place. I do wish Annabelle had been more involved in this book; she is such a character.
Sam is surrounded by good friends so I was a little annoyed to see her not lean on them when needed. She tends to go rogue and it's my least favorite part of the story. It's always dangerous and sure, it provides some drama to the book, but I wish she was smarter about it. I love a smart sleuth that knows when to seek assistance so they can stay safe.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. The small town and characters feel like old friends, at this point. The story was interesting, especially learning more about Sam's past. I thought the ending was well done. I was leaning toward the culprit being such, but I was only disappointed because I wanted the culprit to be a genuinely good person. The ending played out perfectly. I'm excited to see what is next for Sam.
I did receive an advanced copy of the book and am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Lise · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her previous glamorous life, Sam Jones was soap queen Samantha Rathbone, who found herself dealing with the machinations of Hollywood, which included an often drunk and belligerent co-star. Fast forward to today, and Sam is once again pitted against the man who seems to have a vendetta against her. That's okay, Sam can ignore him. But then he's murdered, and she was overheard wishing him dead...

I wish I could have paced myself. This series is just so compelling that I sat down and read Oregano and Outrage in one sitting. (Not a recommended practice when you have a meeting this next morning, by the way.) Sam led me through a whirlwind investigation that had my heart in my mouth and left my nails bitten.

As a long-time fan of this series, this story was the one I'd been holding my breath for. I cannot wait to see where Carly Winter takes Sam next.

I highly recommend reading the previous books before cracking this one open; it will heighten the experience significantly.

Thank you to Carly Winter and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.

[Carole Craddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former soap opera star Samantha Rathbone (aka Sam Jones) left Hollywood and has been enjoying a peaceful life in the little town of Heywood, Arizona, very different from the scandals and fast life of Hollywood. But then one day her former costar shows up out of the blue in Heywood and is publicly spreading all kinds of lies about Sam. She lost her temper one day and threatened him, a reporter overheard, and when the costar was found dead later that night suddenly Sam becomes the prime suspect! As she investigates things just didn't add up, and it becomes obvious to Sam that someone from her past is out for revenge and framing her for murder. All kinds of interesting things are going on here as Sam struggles between trust and deception as she digs into her past to learn the truth. I really enjoyed this one, the characters are likeable, and the storyline really lets you get to know Sam, past and present. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kay Cobbold · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Oregano and Outrage” is a wonderfully written and thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery. This was my first visit to the "Heywood Herbalist" series, but it certainly won’t be my last.
The protagonist, Sam Jones, a former soap opera star, is an incredibly likeable character. I truly felt for her as her peaceful new life was shattered by the murder of her ex co-star, Bradley Bass. The author does a fantastic job of making you empathize with her predicament.
The plot is exceptionally well-constructed and paced perfectly. I loved the multitude of suspects, and Sam’s fierce determination to clear her name—both to avoid being the main suspect and to stop being a target—kept me turning the pages. The supporting characters are equally well-written and complement Sam’s storyline beautifully.
Did I guess the murderer? No. Did I figure out the subtle twist behind why Sam herself was a target? Absolutely not. For me, being suspicious without being certain is the hallmark of a perfect read. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series.

[Bart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oregano and Outrage is a lively and engaging ninth entry in the Hollywood Herbalist series, and it delivers exactly the blend of charm and chaos fans expect. This time, former soap star Sam Jones can’t outrun her past—especially when her old co‑star Bradley Bass shows up in Heywood determined to stir trouble. The tension between Sam’s quiet new life and Bradley’s Hollywood gossip creates a fun, dramatic setup, and the small‑town reactions feel both believable and entertaining.

When Bradley turns up dead, the story shifts gears into a classic cozy mystery, with Sam scrambling to clear her name as suspicion closes in. The pacing is brisk, though a few emotional beats could have used more depth. Still, the mystery is satisfying, the stakes feel personal, and Heywood remains a delightful backdrop.

A strong, spicy addition to the series that keeps the drama simmering.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teri Radogna-linquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful next chapter for Sam and Jordan and her friends in Heywood. Sam's past catches up to her and her former co-star is out to get revenge for her leaving the show. Whats starts out as revenge quickly turns to murder and Sam once again is in the thick of it. She becomes the prime suspect and works behind the scenes to clear her name. Great little cozy mystery although it was a bit disappointing that Travis, Gina, Annabelle and other characters were so limited in their within this story. Hoping in future adventures they take a more prominent part. Despite that it was a nice read and escape from everyday life. Thank you to the author and BookSirens for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda K Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh Oregano is like natures own antibiotic. Too bad there isn't one that protects from rudeness, hatred or death.

Very much enjoy Carly Winters stories. Enjoy Sam and all her antics and her partner in business, Annabelle. Great personalities.

Here her former co-star is found dead… he was not a good personality, but one that thought the world should have revolved around him.

Love the descriptive words Carly uses, like "Scavengers trying to pick over your carcass" "bikers, ex-cons and various other misfits" and "She reminded me of a cat - a little cute on the outside, sometimes nice, but capable of striking at any moment to draw blood."

Just pure enjoyment reading this refreshing story!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the ARC of this book.

I loved this one. It reminded my of why I fell in love with this series.

I'm glad we got see some more of Gina in this book and of course Annabelle will always be my favorite character.

Even though I had my suspicions about who the murdered was the book had me questioning myself quite a few times. I feel like the tensions where a little higher in this one and you could feel the toll it was taking on Sam.

Trevor was also shown as more competent in this book which I was thankful for.

The pacing felt a lot better and kept me wanting to turn the pages. I hope there will be more books in this series because I love the town of Heywood.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There are too many pieces and none of them fit together."

Samantha Jones and her "friend" Jordan are in another pickle when Sam's former co star is killed in Heywood. But why was he there in the first place and is why is Sam suspected of doing the deed?

it's always interesting to see Sam's past and present come crashing into each other and when Brad is seen in Heywood and then shot why is Sam considered a suspect? Sure she hated him and he blamed her for the soap being cancelled. But why did he come to Arizona in the first place?

My favorite character of all of Carly Winters has got to be Samantha Jones and this ninth book lives up to its predecessors. Highly Recommended 5/5

[ Disclaimer: I received this book from Book Sirens. However it didn't affect my reading or review]

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always fun!!

I haven't read a book by this author that I haven't loved.

When Sam's former costar, Bradley Bass who's shown up in Heywood trashing Sam, is found dead outside a bar, Sam's the main suspect, and someone's trying to frame her...and threaten her, too.

Despite being told not to investigate, Sam feels she HAS to find out the real murderer. I did not guess who it was until that person was revealed.

Great characters, a well written story that flows smoothly, and an interesting mystery are hallmarks of Carly Winter's book. This lived up to my expectations, and I didn't want to put it down. Ready for more, please!!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dave Measner]

A literal shot from the past.
When Sam's former co-star from her soap opera days shows up in Heywood drunk, belligerent, and announcing that she was responsible for his problems she knew nothing good was coming. Having words with the deceased and being overheard wishing he was dead land Sam at the top of the suspect list. Not trusting Sheriff Trevor to find the killer quick enough, and needing to clear her name, Sam enlists her friends Annabelle and Gina to help find the killer. A fine read with very engaging characters make this a good addition to this series. It can be read as a standalone but you will want to read the rest of the series to get to these people better.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oregano and Outrage is Book 9 in the Heywood Herbalists Cozy Mystery by Carly Winter. In my opinion, this series is excellent. I love Sam and her growth from disgraced soap star to successful business owner. In book 9, her past comes back to threaten her new life. Bradley is out to spread lies and he is now dead. Someone is framing Sam and the story flyers off the page. I felt that the author sore of completed the series with this book. I hope there us another story because I am not ready to say goodbye to these characters and series. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Kymm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I think Sam has left her past in the past something happens to drag her right back in. When her former co-star shows up ready to make her "pay" for his now failing career then ends up dead outside the local dive bar Sam springs into action to figure out who killed him. Problem is Sam was overheard saying she wanted him dead and with someone trying to frame her by planting evidence she quickly becomes the prime suspect in this fun and exciting cozy mystery that brings back all the characters we've all come to love. I can't believe this is book 9 and each one is still more exciting than the one before. This is such a fun series I recommend it to all cozy fans. Happy Reading!

[Geraldine Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read from one of my favourite authors.
I have always been intrigued by the backstory of Sam Jones, a business owner and amateur sleuth.
She used to be a famous soap opera star and came to Heywood, a small town after some personal disasters though none of this knowledge is necessary to enjoy this fraught, edge of your seat mystery with many suspects and red herrings.
I really enjoyed Sam's interactions with some of the other characters in Heywood who have been in other stories.
I look forward to my next outing in Heywood.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[G.Terenzio]

Sam has built a new life in Heywood, far away from her Hollywood stardom but the past doesn't let her go that easily.
Her co-star Bradley Bass feels that Sam is to blame for his fall from fame and it seems others do the same.
Brayley comes to Heywood, badmouthing Sam to everyone who will listening and gets himself killed behind a sleazy bar.
Sam seems to be the only suspect and so she takes the investigation into her own hands. Very much to the dismay of everyone close to her because het action put her in grave danger.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hollywood ghosts.

Sam's former co-star, Bradley Bas, shows up in Heywood with vengeance on his mind. When he is murdered, a careless comment made as she vents to Jordan in a restaurant comes back to haunt her and makes her a prime suspect. Sam decides she is being framed when she finds a bloody gun in her car. To preserve her reputation and not be arrested, she is going to have to solve the case herself.

This is a good mystery, with clues to follow and red herrings that kept me guessing. I received a free copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Jane Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I like the characters in this series, although I miss Daisy the talking dog. Sam is back in Heywood with Jordan, when a former actor she worked with threatens her and then turns up dead.

I just hate it when the main character does incredibly stupid things, like hiding a gun planted in her car, instead of telling her lawyers, boyfriend or friendly Sheriff. Just makes me doubt her brains but it does allow her to proceed with her own investigations to clear her name.

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam is trying to live her best life out of the limelight when the past comes calling. A former colleague full of bitterness arrives in town to cause problems. When his body is found, Sam becomes a person of interest. Who is trying to frame her and why? She investigates at the risk of burning bridges in her new life. This is my favorite book in the series so far. Each book can be read as a standalone.

[Sandy T · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say I was disappointed in this story. I have read the series from the beginning and have rated each book 5 stars. Yet in this story, Sam makes the worst decisions constantly and then justifies each bad decision rationally since she is the main suspect. She even comprises evidence. I hope this type of behavior from her is an anomaly.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS STORY. I love Sam and find she is super strong and smart. I love how she doesn't give up no matter how bad things look. I like how Gina and Annabelle always have Sam's back, they are great friends to have. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I can't wait for the next story by Carly Winter. I love all of her series that she writes.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for my honest review. This is part of a series and it can be read as a standalone, however it is better to have the background knowledge about the characters. This was an intriguing mystery! I read it in one sitting. There are many suspects and motives. I am looking forward to reading more about Sam Jones and the town of Heywood.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and it's another great story of Sam and her life in Heywood, but this time Sam feels she's on her own when her past, in the shape of an ex colleague, turns up threatening her future. Can she figure out who's out to get her before she ends up in jail? Plenty of intrigue to keep you guessing, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This entry in the Heywood Herbalist cozy series has Samantha circumstantially linked to a murder victim who was recently in town and known from her past life in Hollywood; with potentially incriminating evidence and a publicly exposed motive putting her in the cross-hairs of the investigation. Thanks to Book Sirens for the opportunity to read this advanced readers copy of the book.

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good addition to the Heywood Herbalist series by Carly Winter.
Sam’s former co-star arrives in town and threatens to ruin her. She’s overheard saying she wished he would drop dead. When he’s found dead and she has no alibi, things get complicated.
Sam is told not to investigate, but that’s just not in her nature.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[MB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story with Sam and Jordan in Heywood. Poor Sam continues to be in the middle of small town murders.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone killed the actor who blamed Sam for his downfall. Was it his ex wife or someone who had a reason to hate Samantha? This is a great book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mickey Kay Troxell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! I struggled to put it down. I hope for more in the series. Such wonderful characters and a quick read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.