An Inkling of Evil

A Kalli Ballas Mystery #4

by Kari Lee Townsend

The holiday season is a big deal for both OCD introverted fashion designer, Kalli Ballas, and boisterous extroverted Detective Nik Stevens. Their families go all out, but this is the first time Kalli and Nik will be spending it together as an official couple, despite their differences. The Plate Smashing Festivities get out of hand when Nik’s Casanova Cousin arrives in town and crashes the party, giving a whole new meaning to the gift of giving.

Casanova charms his way around town, making as many enemies as he is friends. Detective Stevens has all he can do to keep the peace and keep his cousin out of trouble. When the local party planner winds up dead, Casanova becomes the number one suspect, and suddenly the new year isn’t looking very bright. Kalli has to put any resolutions she made with Detective Dreamy on hold while she uses her mind-reading ability to help clear his cousin’s name. But how long is Nik willing to wait this time?

Genres: Cozy Mystery

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 18, 2023

About the author

National Bestselling Author, Agatha, RT Reviewer's Choice & Golden Duck Award Nominee. Kari lives in Central New York with her husband & Samoyeds. She's a lover of wine & travel, obsessed with reality TV, and loves a good book with mystery, romance & humor. Inspired by TV shows like SMK, Moonlighting, Bones & Castle, she writes paranormal and fantasy cozy mysteries, historical mysteries & upper Middle Grade as Kari Lee Townsend, romantic suspense, romantic comedy & women's fiction as Kari Lee Harmon.

Reviews

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the holidays and it's also the first one as an official couple for Kalli and Nik. The celebrations promise to be lively since they are both from very large Greek families who stick to old traditions. What's not to love about plate smashing, mischievous Greek goblins, and tons of traditional Greek food! But into all the fun, Nik's estranged cousin appears, stirring up all kinds of havoc and is promptly determined to be the prime suspect in the murder of the party planner. Did he really do it? Kalli is determined to find out! Wonderful addition to this series! Kalli's germophobia will keep you in stitches!

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and cozy mystery is solved as Kalli Ballas and her boyfriend detective Nik entertain readers. This big Greek community is full of wonderful characters. With murder, robberies and general mayhem this is another book in this series that is well worth reading.

[Melanie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe that 5 star reviews should be harder to come by. In this case it is super well deserved. As is the case sometimes, I jumped into this book with both feet without reading books 1-3. With that said, I had no problems following the story. Kari does a nice job of introducing the characters in this book without adding so much information that it overwhelms if you read the other books. Kalli and Nik are awesome main characters. She is quirky and fun which makes sense with her adopted family. His family is big and bold and would probably be a blast to be around. The family is well described and interesting.
As a fan of all books that include Greek mythologies. The references to the mythology such as Hera's Halo were amusing. More books please in this series. Kalli has a big family so there would be lots of stories to tell. I enjoyed the other character's stories like Jaz's engagement and would like to continue seeing the characters grow.
While the book seems to be standalone, I think my enjoyment would be enhanced. I do plan to buy the first 3 books in the series.
The mystery was light and kept me guessing. I really did not like Viggo because he was too smooth and sneaky.
Overall, this books is highly recommended. it is an easy book with fun characters and a nice light mystery. It is a quick and easy read.

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

[Tarri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't mess with a Greek mama

Likeable characters, supportive friends and family, dogs behaving badly, wedding plans, and murder.

Kalli and Nik are getting closer to moving their relationship to the next level and their best friends are planning their wedding. Nik's cousin Viggo is in town and it is looking like he may have killed someone. It's up to Nik and Kelli to untangle all the clues and solve the mysteries. Luckily I all I has the ability to read minds.

[Dawn Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great novel

I look forward to reading more Kalli Ballsa mysteries in my future as it is a great way to relax and unwind. With great characters that suck you in and made you wish that I had a large Greek family too!! Wish a dash of mystery and a murder or two spices everything up.

[Debbi S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

What a rollercoaster! Great fun with all the twist and turns. Sometimes it makes me wish I was part of a big Greek family!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Kalli and Nik's first holiday as an "official" couple. They should be happy and celebrating and spending some quality time together. Unfortunately, there's been a murder and Nik's Viking cousin is the prime suspect. Can they find out whodunit? Maybe Viggo really is capable of murder. Or maybe all the chaos is caused by those pesky Greek holiday goblins. Wonder if the burning of stinky shoes is really gonna help?

I love this series so hard! It's fun and funny and interesting. The mysteries keep me guessing, and the characters are "real". Those Greek ma's and aunties are the best (and an endless source of head-shaking for the younger crowd, I'm sure). Once I started reading, I didn't want to stop.
Highly recommend.

Many thanks to Oliver Herber Books and Booksprout for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.