Flyin' Solo

Nashville Mystery #3

by Peggy O'Neal Peden

Travel agent Campbell Hale's first boyfriend is back in Nashville for their high-school reunion - but murder, rather than love, is in the air . . .

"Fans of Diane Mott Davidson and Donna Andrews will enjoy this new series" - Booklist

Travel agent Campbell Hale might be flying solo at her twentieth-year school reunion, but that doesn't mean she's looking for love. Her almost boyfriend, homicide detective Sam Davis, has stood her up, with the terrible excuse that he has a murder to investigate.

So when she runs into her high-school sweetheart, Franklin "Fly" Young, who makes a point of telling her his marriage is in trouble, she's not interested - but she can't help but feel nostalgic. And more to the point, Fly is now a tech millionaire, and he has good he'd like her to take on his company's travel account.

But then Campbell discovers the identity of Detective Davis' murder Fly's company accountant. Was his death connected to the company, or is it a terrible coincidence? Soon Campbell is caught up in a nightmare - with her whole life on the line . . .

As well as being a twisty, tightly plotted mystery, with a warm-hearted, witty and loveable protagonist, FLYIN' SOLO is a wonderful read for anyone who's ever felt nostalgic for their first love.

Genres: Mystery

192 pages, Hardcover

Published July 5, 2022

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series, mostly for the Nashville setting. Unfortunately, I can’t seem to find any information about whether or not another book might be in the works.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A high school reunion brings travel agent Campbell back in touch with her high school sweetheart, who is now married. She doesn't want anything more than a friendship, but when he disappears, along with a lot of his software company's money, she comes under suspicion of knowing more about him than she does. The disapproval of her friend Sam, a police detective who may want to be more than her friend, makes her more determined to prove her innocence, even when the bodies start falling. As the press bays at her heels, Campbell gets strange messages on her computer and is physically attacked.

[Roberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peggy O'Neal Peden is a new author to me. I was enticed by the photo of an aeroplane on the cover, but unfortunately the book didn’t involve any flying.

This book was not really to my taste. The first half seemed to pass very slowly, and nothing much happened. The second half seemed very stressful and upsetting. Thus, as my rating is based on my enjoyment, I have only been able to give 2.5 stars (rounded up to 3).

However, the mystery plot was a good one, and the characters are realistic and well drawn, though I didn’t particularly click with any of them. I especially didn’t like Sam, who was never there for Campbell when she really needed him.

I can see how lots of people would enjoy this mystery, once it gets going, it’s quite exciting. I just prefer my crimes more cosy, and my love interests to be more kind.

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

[Cynthia Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flyin’ Solo by Peg O’Neal Peden opens with Campbell Hale reconnecting at her high school reunion with her old boyfriend. Franklin “Fly” Young has done well for himself and hires Campbell to handle all of the travel for his company through her travel agency. Is there still a spark? Fly is married and Campbell “may be” in a relationship, so she keeps things purely professional.

Campbell learns that the accountant for Fly’s company was murdered but it seems just an unfortunate occurrence until Fly disappears while sailing. The body count starts to go up and Campbell seems to have a stalker. This is a taut, action-packed whodunit that will keep you turning the pages. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.). I’m already looking forward to the next in this series.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chance romance? A murder mystery? Campbell, a travel agent, hasn't seen Fly, her high school boyfriend in years and years, They reconnect at their high school reunion and then Fly offers her a job with his company. Funny thing, though, Campbell's boyfriend Sam didn't go with her to the party because he's investigating a murder at....Fly's company! Did Fly kill his accountant? If he didn't who did, and why? This is a light cozy mystery in a delightful setting. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This might be the third in the series but it was the first one for me and it was a fine standalone.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s always fun to read a book set in my hometown. If it hadn’t been for the Nashville setting, I think this book would get two stars instead of three. But I liked the setting, the characters were ok and it’s a decent mystery. There were some weird things regarding when the book is set / it references the Christmas Day downtown bomb, yet the main character never seems to have a phone on her?

If you want a quick, easy read, this book is that.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in an excellent cozy series. It's entertaining, compelling, and gripping.
The author delivers a well plotted story and a solid mystery that kept me guessing.
I was glad to catch up with the characters and had a lot of fun.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a Nashville native and I love Peggy’s treatment of the setting. I also love her main character’s voice. She’s witty and her observations on life are spot on. These books are great cozy mysteries. Fun to read! I’m in a book group with Peggy and she says she’s working on the next one in the series! Yay!

[Shannon Easley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not stop reading!

[Amy Anguish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cute story. Made me laugh several times and kept me guessing. Did start a bit slow, but the characters were a hoot so it didn't make me want to stop reading.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

A library find. February 2026.
Fun read.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nashville setting, portrayed with a fine eye for detail added to the enjoyment of the murder investigation. Will seek out the first two books in this series.