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Ozarks Lake Mystery #3
Hook, Line and Sinker
Dubious diamond devotees and a dead loan shark. With the dad she thought dead suspected of murder, can she keep him from doing hard time?
Elizabeth Trout thinks she must have rocks in her head. After receiving a crazy call that the father she never knew is cooling his heels in the local jail, the newlywed graphic designer posts bail and invites him home. But the family reunion loses its luster when she learns her old man is under suspicion for murder after he was found near a corpse.
With the sheriff zeroing in on her dad and no other suspects on ice, Elizabeth starts her own investigation to mine for evidence. But as greedy gem hunters, fossil fanatics, and shady scammers run amok, she must race to solve the homicide before she’s the one shafted.
Can she prove her father’s innocence before a rough-cut killer makes a glittering getaway?
Hook, Line, and Sinker is the hilarious third book in the Ozarks Lake Mystery cozy series. If you like big-hearted but excitable heroines, charismatic rogues, and uproarious plot twists, then you’ll love Marc Jedel’s jaunty jewel.
Buy Hook, Line, and Sinker to get caught up in a carat of crime today!
Elizabeth Trout thinks she must have rocks in her head. After receiving a crazy call that the father she never knew is cooling his heels in the local jail, the newlywed graphic designer posts bail and invites him home. But the family reunion loses its luster when she learns her old man is under suspicion for murder after he was found near a corpse.
With the sheriff zeroing in on her dad and no other suspects on ice, Elizabeth starts her own investigation to mine for evidence. But as greedy gem hunters, fossil fanatics, and shady scammers run amok, she must race to solve the homicide before she’s the one shafted.
Can she prove her father’s innocence before a rough-cut killer makes a glittering getaway?
Hook, Line, and Sinker is the hilarious third book in the Ozarks Lake Mystery cozy series. If you like big-hearted but excitable heroines, charismatic rogues, and uproarious plot twists, then you’ll love Marc Jedel’s jaunty jewel.
Buy Hook, Line, and Sinker to get caught up in a carat of crime today!
- GenresCozy Mystery
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2022
35 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Marc Jedel
14 books70 followersMarc Jedel writes funny, feel-good murder mysteries filled with quirky characters, twisty plots, and the kind of humor that goes down easy with a cup of tea—or glass of wine.
After years writing marketing copy in Silicon Valley, Marc finally started crafting fiction people actually wanted to read. He’s the author of multiple cozy mystery series, including the Silicon Valley Mystery, Ozarks Lake Mystery, and Redwoods Country Mystery series. His books have earned thousands of glowing reviews.
Like Andy from the Redwoods Country Mysteries, Marc keeps getting older and sincerely hopes retirement doesn’t involve running a B&B. Like Marty from the Silicon Valley Mystery series, he lives in tech-heavy California, has worked in high-tech, and proudly wields bad puns. Like Jonas and Elizabeth from the Ozarks Lake Mystery series, Marc grew up in the South and spent many a summer in and around Arkansas.
He lives with his endlessly patient wife and a sweet, neurotic dog who remains deeply unimpressed by Marc’s jokes. When not writing, Marc can be found hiking, plotting murders (on the page, officer, really!), or avoiding whatever home improvement project he’s been putting off.
Visit his website, , www.mjedel.com for free content, special offers, and updates.
After years writing marketing copy in Silicon Valley, Marc finally started crafting fiction people actually wanted to read. He’s the author of multiple cozy mystery series, including the Silicon Valley Mystery, Ozarks Lake Mystery, and Redwoods Country Mystery series. His books have earned thousands of glowing reviews.
Like Andy from the Redwoods Country Mysteries, Marc keeps getting older and sincerely hopes retirement doesn’t involve running a B&B. Like Marty from the Silicon Valley Mystery series, he lives in tech-heavy California, has worked in high-tech, and proudly wields bad puns. Like Jonas and Elizabeth from the Ozarks Lake Mystery series, Marc grew up in the South and spent many a summer in and around Arkansas.
He lives with his endlessly patient wife and a sweet, neurotic dog who remains deeply unimpressed by Marc’s jokes. When not writing, Marc can be found hiking, plotting murders (on the page, officer, really!), or avoiding whatever home improvement project he’s been putting off.
Visit his website, , www.mjedel.com for free content, special offers, and updates.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 13, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Elizabeth gets a freaky call from her “old friend” Trent at the sheriff’s office. A man was found in the vicinity of a dead body and he has been detained. The crazy thing is that the man is claiming to be Elizabeth’s father. A man she believed had been dead her whole life. To add to the craziness she bails the man out and invites him into her home. Her mother, of course, is caught in her lie and wants nothing to do with the man.
Alan Azucar is a shifty individual but Elizabeth wants to get to know her father better and she can’t do that if he is in jail for murder so she starts her own investigation. She needs to dig up some evidence to clear the man and she runs into a lot of roadblocks on the way. Will she find what she needs or will the real killer get away scot-free?
The author gets this story off to a good start and then we get to Chapter 3 told from Jonas’ point of view. Jonas had gone “fishing” with his usual cohorts who get in trouble way too easily. This time they were “catfish noodling”. I had no idea what that was but the author explains it very well. So well I read the passage more than once and then shared it out loud with my husband. The words of my grandmother. “Yeah, it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.” came immediately to mind. I mean they blew up a boat in the last book, but this noodling is just too much, even though it really is an actual thing. I have the image burned into my brain and can’t get it out.
Okay now back to the rest of the story. Elizabeth and Jonas’s new home will be ready to move into in a couple of weeks and they are excited. They are also making themselves more at home in Jenkins which is home to some of the quirkiest people I have ever read about and had me laughing hardily throughout the story. But the hilarity doesn’t end there. Jonas and Elizabeth meet even more, shall I say, interesting people as they “investigate”.
The mystery in this story is full of red herrings to misdirect and distract but I had a ball following The Trouts around as they tried to pull all the clues together. Having her father as the police’s main suspect, a man Elizabeth didn’t really know, really was a wonderful idea because I felt like I as the reader wanted to know him too. Aside from the humorous theme of the story that was a serious part because I felt bad how Elizabeth’s found out about her dad and was extremely gratified by how she handled it even when it wasn’t easy.
Hook, Line, and Sinker had me laughing, cringing, shaking my head, and totally entertained. I highly recommend every book in this series. Each has been a Perfect Escape. I am excited about the next installment but please, no more noodling.
Elizabeth gets a freaky call from her “old friend” Trent at the sheriff’s office. A man was found in the vicinity of a dead body and he has been detained. The crazy thing is that the man is claiming to be Elizabeth’s father. A man she believed had been dead her whole life. To add to the craziness she bails the man out and invites him into her home. Her mother, of course, is caught in her lie and wants nothing to do with the man.
Alan Azucar is a shifty individual but Elizabeth wants to get to know her father better and she can’t do that if he is in jail for murder so she starts her own investigation. She needs to dig up some evidence to clear the man and she runs into a lot of roadblocks on the way. Will she find what she needs or will the real killer get away scot-free?
The author gets this story off to a good start and then we get to Chapter 3 told from Jonas’ point of view. Jonas had gone “fishing” with his usual cohorts who get in trouble way too easily. This time they were “catfish noodling”. I had no idea what that was but the author explains it very well. So well I read the passage more than once and then shared it out loud with my husband. The words of my grandmother. “Yeah, it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.” came immediately to mind. I mean they blew up a boat in the last book, but this noodling is just too much, even though it really is an actual thing. I have the image burned into my brain and can’t get it out.
Okay now back to the rest of the story. Elizabeth and Jonas’s new home will be ready to move into in a couple of weeks and they are excited. They are also making themselves more at home in Jenkins which is home to some of the quirkiest people I have ever read about and had me laughing hardily throughout the story. But the hilarity doesn’t end there. Jonas and Elizabeth meet even more, shall I say, interesting people as they “investigate”.
The mystery in this story is full of red herrings to misdirect and distract but I had a ball following The Trouts around as they tried to pull all the clues together. Having her father as the police’s main suspect, a man Elizabeth didn’t really know, really was a wonderful idea because I felt like I as the reader wanted to know him too. Aside from the humorous theme of the story that was a serious part because I felt bad how Elizabeth’s found out about her dad and was extremely gratified by how she handled it even when it wasn’t easy.
Hook, Line, and Sinker had me laughing, cringing, shaking my head, and totally entertained. I highly recommend every book in this series. Each has been a Perfect Escape. I am excited about the next installment but please, no more noodling.
August 16, 2022
The book opens with Elizabeth Trout getting a call from her old friend, Trent, a local deputy. He needs her to come to the station as he has her father at the jail. This is shocking and unbelievable news to Elizabeth as she was told her father was dead. She goes to the jail, and once convinced that he is her father, Alan Azucar, she posts bail for him. He not only has thousands of dollars in unpaid tickets, but was found near a dead body. Elizabeth and Jonas have been living with her mother, Mary, while their house is being built, but Mary refuses to allow Alan in her home, so they pack up a few things and decide to camp out at their almost completed home. Elizabeth convinces Jonas that they will need to investigate the dead man and his associates because the police aren't looking as they have their eyes on her father. As usual, they get themselves into all sorts of situations while they try and solve this murder.
I really enjoy Marc Jedel's books. I always know that I will laugh out loud as the adventures his characters get into, as well as the quirky and eccentric characters will be hilarious. One of the funniest parts of the book involves Jonas and his fishing buddies. Jonas is a recent transplant to Alabama from Portland Oregon, so he often gets involved in things he has no idea about, this time it is Catfish Noodling. Now, I happen to know what this is as my husband used to watch all those shows on TV about gator hunting, fishing, creatures in the rivers etc. This chapter was priceless and just reminded me about this group of townsfolk, one of which is the mayor. I have to say, I did not like Elizabeth's father. He was sneaky and dishonest and I could understand why Mary wanted nothing to do with him, I just didn't want him to hurt Elizabeth after popping into her life. This time, Elizabeth recruits her best friend Kelsey to help her investigate and again, I couldn't keep from laughing. Kelsey can't lie or tell a story if her life depended on it, so while trying to question people and get information is not as easy as Elizabeth had hoped. The mystery in this story is full of red herrings, many because of where Elizabeth's imagination takes her, but it definitely causes the reader to question their ideas. There is also a second storyline that crosses over with the initial crime that throws another wrench in the works. This was a fun story, with a mystery or two, as well as some serious family issues. Although this story can be read as a standalone, I recommend you read the series in order as you will miss a lot of characters development as well as learning about the community.
I really enjoy Marc Jedel's books. I always know that I will laugh out loud as the adventures his characters get into, as well as the quirky and eccentric characters will be hilarious. One of the funniest parts of the book involves Jonas and his fishing buddies. Jonas is a recent transplant to Alabama from Portland Oregon, so he often gets involved in things he has no idea about, this time it is Catfish Noodling. Now, I happen to know what this is as my husband used to watch all those shows on TV about gator hunting, fishing, creatures in the rivers etc. This chapter was priceless and just reminded me about this group of townsfolk, one of which is the mayor. I have to say, I did not like Elizabeth's father. He was sneaky and dishonest and I could understand why Mary wanted nothing to do with him, I just didn't want him to hurt Elizabeth after popping into her life. This time, Elizabeth recruits her best friend Kelsey to help her investigate and again, I couldn't keep from laughing. Kelsey can't lie or tell a story if her life depended on it, so while trying to question people and get information is not as easy as Elizabeth had hoped. The mystery in this story is full of red herrings, many because of where Elizabeth's imagination takes her, but it definitely causes the reader to question their ideas. There is also a second storyline that crosses over with the initial crime that throws another wrench in the works. This was a fun story, with a mystery or two, as well as some serious family issues. Although this story can be read as a standalone, I recommend you read the series in order as you will miss a lot of characters development as well as learning about the community.
August 28, 2022
Poor Elizabeth. Like every good cozy mystery heroine, she just can’t help herself when it comes to snooping around in unsanctioned investigations. And like every good cozy mystery heroine, she doesn’t always exercise the most sense when doing said sleuthing. Sometimes she ropes her good-natured husband Jonas into it (his watching YouTube videos on defensive driving came in handy!), sometimes it’s her bestie Kelsey (the tattoo parlor scene had me laughing out loud!), and sometimes she goes it alone. Even then, though, she’s sure to run into one of the colorful characters that occupy her small Arkansas town, including her ex-boyfriend who is now a deputy and her doctor mom who is a force unto herself.
This murder is personal for Elizabeth as the main suspect seems to be Alan, the father she always thought she was dead. (Nothing like getting word that your father is in fact alive and at the jail under suspicion of murder haha) Her mother Mary’s animosity toward Alan doesn’t help, and neither does her father’s tendency to leave his wallet behind when money is required. (I gave him the side-eye plenty of times in this book.) Elizabeth and Jonas make a good team, in life and in sleuthing, and even if Jonas seems reluctant to follow along don’t let him fool you. He’s doing his own investigating on the side. I loved their different personalities and the different layers each brought to the case, as well as the occasional (and humorous) tension caused by those differences. I chuckled throughout the scene near the end where Trent (deputy ex-boyfriend) and Jonas find out all that Elizabeth has been up to – it was so tightly written that I could feel each character’s reaction almost tangibly.
Bottom Line: Picking up a book by Marc Jedel always provides much entertainment, and Hook, Line & Sinker is no exception! Newlyweds Jonas and Elizabeth are so much fun to follow, and while they are working toward the same ultimate goal, they come at it with engagingly different approaches. ‘Big city Jonas meets small town Arkansas’ is also a source of many chuckles – and I could just see the catfish noodling scene, in particular, playing out in my mind. The mystery is well-crafted and layered, and it will keep you guessing until the very end. A few surprises may be in store, too, so don’t let your guard down. Another delightful visit with Jedel’s engaging characters and his quirky humor!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
This murder is personal for Elizabeth as the main suspect seems to be Alan, the father she always thought she was dead. (Nothing like getting word that your father is in fact alive and at the jail under suspicion of murder haha) Her mother Mary’s animosity toward Alan doesn’t help, and neither does her father’s tendency to leave his wallet behind when money is required. (I gave him the side-eye plenty of times in this book.) Elizabeth and Jonas make a good team, in life and in sleuthing, and even if Jonas seems reluctant to follow along don’t let him fool you. He’s doing his own investigating on the side. I loved their different personalities and the different layers each brought to the case, as well as the occasional (and humorous) tension caused by those differences. I chuckled throughout the scene near the end where Trent (deputy ex-boyfriend) and Jonas find out all that Elizabeth has been up to – it was so tightly written that I could feel each character’s reaction almost tangibly.
Bottom Line: Picking up a book by Marc Jedel always provides much entertainment, and Hook, Line & Sinker is no exception! Newlyweds Jonas and Elizabeth are so much fun to follow, and while they are working toward the same ultimate goal, they come at it with engagingly different approaches. ‘Big city Jonas meets small town Arkansas’ is also a source of many chuckles – and I could just see the catfish noodling scene, in particular, playing out in my mind. The mystery is well-crafted and layered, and it will keep you guessing until the very end. A few surprises may be in store, too, so don’t let your guard down. Another delightful visit with Jedel’s engaging characters and his quirky humor!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
July 16, 2022
I always get a kick out of reading books from Marc Jedel. His new series is clever and funny. His story telling skills create fun, and hysterical dynamics throughout the book, with a beautiful setting in the Ozark Mountain Range. The newlywed characters of Jonas & Elizabeth have perfect chemistry, who work in different directions to achieve the same goal--solving a twisty mystery. I laughed through all five books in his first series, The Silicon Mystery Series, so it's no surprise that I love these Ozarks books with the newlyweds living out in the beautiful mountains of Arkansas as much as I love the antics of Jedel's Silicon Valley protagonist, Uncle Marty.
July 14, 2022
I've been following this author since his first book in his other series. He just keeps getting better! I really enjoyed this story, the characters, and the way the author related his story -- kudos!
July 14, 2022
As one of this author's early readers, I received a free no-strings-attached copy of this book ahead of the public, for which I'm thankful. Marc Jedel has kept up his reputation for clean story lines laced with humor, murder, and relationship complications in this 3rd book of the series. Personally, I don't care for split 1st person narrative, where the author constantly switches back and forth between whose thoughts are being expressed but with a married couple with totally different views of life, maybe it was necessary. It certainly highlights their different perspectives on the murder, though it doesn't keep them from multiple collisions with danger and dire circumstances. That's okay, since as I did, you will certainly laugh your way through them. It's free on Kindle Unlimited, too, so don't miss it.
March 24, 2025
A fun cozy mystery by a new to me author. Hook, Line and Sinker by Marc Jedel stars newlyweds Elizabeth and Jonas Trout. They’ve returned to her home town in Arkansas after she inherited her grandparents house. This is the third book in the Ozarks Lakes Mystery series. They have decided to stay and build a new home on her grandparents land after the original burned down. Elizabeth gets a shock in that the dad she’s never met has returned to town. She had been told he had died. He has been arrested for old parking tickets and she is asked to bail him out. At the same time, a murder has been discovered at the state park where her dad was picked up. The deputy is her ex boyfriend who she hasn’t seen since leaving town ten years earlier. There’s lots of twists, surprises and humor. I really enjoyed this book.
August 4, 2022
If you’ve ever read a book by Marc Jedel, you know you’re in for a hilarious ride. The Ozarks Lake Mystery series stars Elizabeth and Jonas Trout who’ve moved to the small town Elizabeth grew up in after Elizabeth inherits her grandparents house. I’d highly recommend reading the first two books in this series before reading this one. You’ll understand the dynamics among the characters better and enjoy it more. Like Hook, Line, & Sinker, they’re page-turners and quick reads that you’ll really enjoy!
In this delightfully entertaining cozy mystery, Elizabeth’s father, whom she’s never known, is back in town. Needless to say, her mom isn’t happy. She knows exactly the type of man he is, but he’s great at putting up a front. Like the rest of the characters in this series, he’s very well-written. The characters are what make this series so enjoyable. They’re such an eclectic bunch. It’s so much fun seeing Jonas, who has never lived in a small town, get to know the townsfolk. That’s definitely another reason to read the first two books!
The mystery in Hook, Line, & Sinker isn’t easy to solve. Oh, you might think you know whodunit, but keep reading and you’ll find you’re most likely wrong! It’s definitely still fun following the clues and chasing down leads with Elizabeth and Jonas. They meet some very interesting characters during their “investigation.” Trust me. You’re in for a wild, crazy fun ride!
If you like your cozy mystery books with a lot of humor, quirky and eclectic characters, and a twisty mystery to solve, you’re going to love Hook, Line, & Sinker!
In this delightfully entertaining cozy mystery, Elizabeth’s father, whom she’s never known, is back in town. Needless to say, her mom isn’t happy. She knows exactly the type of man he is, but he’s great at putting up a front. Like the rest of the characters in this series, he’s very well-written. The characters are what make this series so enjoyable. They’re such an eclectic bunch. It’s so much fun seeing Jonas, who has never lived in a small town, get to know the townsfolk. That’s definitely another reason to read the first two books!
The mystery in Hook, Line, & Sinker isn’t easy to solve. Oh, you might think you know whodunit, but keep reading and you’ll find you’re most likely wrong! It’s definitely still fun following the clues and chasing down leads with Elizabeth and Jonas. They meet some very interesting characters during their “investigation.” Trust me. You’re in for a wild, crazy fun ride!
If you like your cozy mystery books with a lot of humor, quirky and eclectic characters, and a twisty mystery to solve, you’re going to love Hook, Line, & Sinker!
July 14, 2022
Elizabeth gets a call that the Dad she never knew is in jail and needs to be bailed out. Being the generous soul that she is, she bails him out, only to find out that he is a suspect in a murder! Of course, she decides to investigate to hopefully take her Dad off the suspect list. The murder occurred at a field out of town where people dig for gems, among other things, and it’s a wild and crazy place. Can she identify the killer? Like all Jedel’s books, it’s a lot of laughs and a fun read! I received an ARC from the author and write this review voluntarily.
July 23, 2022
Mystery, comedy, intrigue, complicated relationships, this book has it all! Jedel has created another clever and enjoyable murder mystery with well developed characters and fun story lines that will keep you guessing right until the end. This is the 3rd book in his latest series, allowing you to watch the characters and their relationships grow and develop. Newlyweds, mom and daughters, mother-in-law, old school friends, there is a little bit of everything. Perfect read for a day on the beach, or while sitting by a cozy fire. Enjoy!!!
July 18, 2022
Another fun mystery in the Ozarks Lake Series. Elizabeth gets a call from Trent that there is somebody in the jail that wants to talk to her. She finds out that her Dad, who she thought was dead, is alive and in jail. There is a murder at a local park and her Dad is one of the suspects. Elizabeth looks for clues and suspects and there are plenty. Enjoy the mystery as Elizabeth and Jonas, her husband, try to piece together what happened and discover who the true killer is.
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July 18, 2022Marc Jedel’s latest book, “Hook, Line and Sinker”, is his best yet. I enjoyed every page, and was sad to see it end. I got to know Elizabeth, Jonas and Mary on a more intimate level. There was a good mystery with a fine dose humor throughout story--keeping my attention. For me the test of a good book is while I’m called away from the story, I find myself musing about what is going to happen next. When this happens, I know I’ve found a winner. This winner called me back.
July 19, 2022
It’s not “Death on the Nile”, rather “Death in an Arkansas Diamond Mine” which is far more humorous than Mrs. Christie! I bet she never had one of her characters go catfish noodling or pretend to want a tattoo in order to catch a murderer. The next installment of there Ozark Lakes Mysteries introduces Elizabeth’s father and the powerful effect of instant fame and fortune from diamond hunting in an Arkansas state park. Why wouldn’t you read it?
January 23, 2024
This happens to be the third mystery set in the Orazks of Arkansas, featuring Elizabeth and her husband Jonah Trout, involving in another mystery. Elizabeth gets a call from her friend at the Sheriff's Office, that there is a murder but the man found next to the body is claiming to be her father. which happens to be a shot because for all she knows her dad is dead, turns up he's just a deadbeat. There is also more fun fishing with Jonah and his buddies in the town of Jenkins. It was a treat.
July 18, 2022
Hook, Line and Sinker
Another fun book from Marc. Elizabeth and Jonas are so much fun to read about. The things they get into, along with their friends, make very interesting reading.
Another fun book from Marc. Elizabeth and Jonas are so much fun to read about. The things they get into, along with their friends, make very interesting reading.
April 1, 2025
Always keeps you guessing till the end
This series is very entertaining, fun to review the suspect list occasionally and make your own speculation regarding the real murderer. And reading about areas of Arkansas in which I have visited often is a bonus.
This series is very entertaining, fun to review the suspect list occasionally and make your own speculation regarding the real murderer. And reading about areas of Arkansas in which I have visited often is a bonus.
April 5, 2025
Need New Titles!!
Not the book, me! I keep,saying “Another Good Read!” I loved this story, it was one of those that started moving right away! Loved it! Going in search of another if there is one in this Series!
Not the book, me! I keep,saying “Another Good Read!” I loved this story, it was one of those that started moving right away! Loved it! Going in search of another if there is one in this Series!
April 19, 2025
I love Marc’s characters! Hooked on the story line!
August 11, 2023
enjoyable cozy from 2 pov
I like how Marc Jewel writes the series from both the husband and wife’s perspective. It’s also nice to not have the simmering sexual tension hanging over the main character like it is in so many books The mystery is interesting if not a bit loose on its solution. I do enjoy the series
I like how Marc Jewel writes the series from both the husband and wife’s perspective. It’s also nice to not have the simmering sexual tension hanging over the main character like it is in so many books The mystery is interesting if not a bit loose on its solution. I do enjoy the series
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews