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Kicking up a fuss

When Jayme Ziccardi, a promising young artist, is accosted by the wife of comic book legend Dave James and accused of having an affair with the man, she is at first shocked, then anxious about losing her scholarship. So she enlists Odelia’s assistance in dealing with this matter. Only before too long Dave James is found murdered, and Jayme arrested for the crime. Now Odelia finds herself in a race against time to find out who wanted Dave dead.

Meanwhile Harriet comes up with the bright idea to create a comic featuring herself. Gran and Scarlett will be the designated artists, Brutus the love interest, and Dooley and I the funny sidekicks. The trouble is that Brutus takes the word ‘sidekick’ a little too literally and soon gets a taste for his new role, kicking us daily and twice on Sunday.

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 8, 2021

135 people are currently reading
140 people want to read

About the author

Nic Saint

278 books319 followers
Sign up for Nic's newsletter for news, releases and giveaways: nicsaint.com/newsletter

Nic has a background in political science and before being struck by the writing bug worked odd jobs around the world (including but not limited to massage therapist in Mexico, gardener in Italy, restaurant manager in India, and Berlitz teacher in Belgium).

When he’s not writing he enjoys curling up with a good (comic) book, watching British crime dramas, French comedies or Nancy Meyers movies, sampling pastry (apple cake!), pasta and chocolate (preferably the dark variety), twisting himself into a pretzel doing morning yoga, going for a run, and spoiling his big red tomcat Tommy.

He lives with his wife (and aforementioned cat) in a small village smack dab in the middle of absolutely nowhere and is probably writing his next ‘Mysteries of Max’ book right now.

www.nicsaint.com
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Community Reviews

5 stars
298 (67%)
4 stars
105 (23%)
3 stars
29 (6%)
2 stars
9 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
442 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2021
Max and family save an old turtle named Tollie

Max and friends are hijacked by Vesta and Scarlet to perform in her photo comic. At the same time Odelia is approached by a Jaimie Zicardo and her grandmother Hester. Jaimie has been accused of murdering her mentor Dave James. Max has his work cut out for him. Another great book about Max and friends. Cannot wait until the next book.
Profile Image for Sandy Van domelen.
143 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2024
A Turtle Disappears Leading Max To Killer!

Tollie the Turtle loses his creator through a murder. It takes Max to once again figure out who indeed was guilty. A young talented teen? Max struggles to decide what is true. Meanwhile gran and her bestie, Scarlett begin a new project that leads to some laughs but also helps Max discover the truth. Add some laughs and other interesting side stories, this book is simply great!
180 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2021
Love MAX, DOOLEY, HARRIET, AND BRUTUS AND CLARISA

Have read all of The Mysteries of Max books. Enjoyed every one of them. Max and friends help Odelia, Chase, catch the killers, Odelia, her Mother and Grandmother can understand Max and friends when they talk ,which helps catch the bad guys or girls.
287 reviews
July 11, 2023
I would have given this book a higher rating if I wasn't so disappointed with Danny's bullying and the fact that there were no repercussions. At least in my state, there are consequences for bullying, and educators are being taught to watch out for it and to nip it in the bud if possible.
I'm happy that there was a happy ending for Jayme and Hester and Tollie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,392 reviews13 followers
July 29, 2021
A fantastic addition to the Max mystery series!

Max saves the day again! A really great story
line and characters. I enjoyed this newest
mystery so much I couldn't put it down! Can't
wait for the next one!!
214 reviews
January 16, 2025
Tollie the Turtle

A murder mystery about a comic strip artist. Who did it? Who solved the case? All about the usual gang. And Gran has another plan! An enjoyable read. Read and find out for yourself!
Profile Image for Mary Baker.
633 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2021
Cartoonist murder

A famous cartoonist is murdered and Max must find the killer before a young artist's life is ruined by being convicted of the death.
1,681 reviews11 followers
August 8, 2021
Max does it again

This is an intriguing murder mystery that has the crew stumped until Max manages to put the clues together and find the killer. Really enjoyed this one.
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,014 reviews6 followers
January 3, 2022
I love this series; great cast of characters!!
589 reviews
May 30, 2024
Another great addition to the series.

The characters are fantastic and quirky. The plot is twisty and interesting. The world building is good. The humor is wonderful.
412 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2024
I loved this book, starring of course the cats. This time Gran tried to write a comic starring Harriett, but it didn’t work out. Instead Max figured out who was the suspect in a murder investigation.
Profile Image for Charline Bonham.
638 reviews
January 24, 2025
Max

Max helps find the real killer and release an innocent young girl. They finally find the kidnapped turtle that was stolen when Dave was killed.
Profile Image for Nadine.
843 reviews9 followers
November 22, 2025
I feel like these just keep getting better and better!!!! Love them!!! Happy Reading :)
1,056 reviews4 followers
January 22, 2026
Stories of Max are always a comfort read. The killer was not exactly a surprise, but there were enough other unexpected details to still make a thoroughly enjoyable read.
36 reviews
February 16, 2026
A turtle, comic strip, murder and money…

Did 17 year old Jayme kill Tollie the Turtle creator?
All fingers point to her unless other ideas can bring out the possible truth.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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