Scarlet Oaks and the Serial Caller

Scarlet Oaks Mystery Series, Book 1

By: Michaela James

Narrated by: Kimberly M. Wetherell

Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Is it possible Scarlet Oaks, the reluctant new host of a men’s call-in show, inspired the first serial killer San Francisco’s seen in some 40 years?

Struggling to pay the rent after her boyfriend’s sudden departure, continue her role as mediator in an unconventional family, and feed a micro pig who appears less micro by the day, Scarlet’s life is far from perfect. But when an eerie sounding caller is identified as the bay area’s latest serial killer, it appears her life will never be same.

With the killer continually calling into Scarlet’s show, while managing to stay one step ahead of the San Francisco police, Scarlet begins to fear she’s his next victim. Enlisting best friends Niles and Tom and their often-hilarious help, Scarlet sets out to find the elusive Serial Caller...before he finds her.

Root for Scarlet during this heart-pounding and alternately humorous mystery thriller. Fall in love with unforgettable characters, recognize familiar family members, and hold on tight for an adrenaline-filled ride.

If you’re a Stephanie Plum fan, make room for Scarlet Oaks!

This is the first book in the Scarlet Oaks series.

©2017 LW Media Group Ltd (P)2019 LW Media Group Ltd

On balance, I enjoyed the story.

Great premise and setting, but it feels more like a draft than a finished book. It needs to be edited for content to make the story tighter and more concise. That said, I did just buy the second book to listen to.
She has some great bones here and there were some gripping scenes. I just feel that she could have this edited for content and it would be so much better.

Scarlet Oaks

Michaela James has succeeded in pulling me in with Scarlet Oaks and the Serial Caller. I loved the quirky characters and the clean romance with mystery in this book. Kimberly M. Wetherell brought the characters to life.

characters you want to get to know more of

Book 1 in this series that revolves around Scarlet Oaks who is just an absolute brilliant character. Always positive in every situation but it doesn't come off as fake. The characters that surround her - friends and family are just as fun and lovable as Scarlet is and her pet pig - OMG! A fun mystery that will have you guessing if you really know who may be the murderer and why and what he really wants with our dear sweet heroine Scarlet. Well written with fabulous characters that you just want to get to know more about. Narration was spot on and well done! Great storyline that flowed well through out the entire read / listen!

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

Non-Gruesome Serial Killer Story

Kind of refreshing. I was actually scared in a couple of parts, like when the lights go out......

If you know San Francisco, the setting, she creates detailed images of many parts of that area.

A promising start to a new cozy series............

Scarlet Oaks and the Serial Caller is the start of what promises to be a fun cozy mystery series. As with all cozies, the story is definitely character driven, and much more of the story focuses on Scarlet, her friends and her family than the mystery portion. The author does a fantastic job of describing the various characters, and I loved the diversity of these characters' personalities. She has her two male best friends, divorcing parents with all their drama, a spunky grandmother, and her fellow radio station employees. Scarlet herself is always positive and optimistic despite several extremely embarrassing situations as she tries to find her mister right, and several dangerous situations as she attempts to unmask the identity of a serial killer calling her radio show. I recommend this book to all fans of the cozy mystery genre.

Kimberly M Wetherell's narration is excellent. She has a light, almost bouncy voice that is perfect for Scarlet's bubbly personality. She differentiates subtly but well between characters, and her delivery was flawless. I am looking forward to hearing future collaborations between this author and narrator soon.

I received a copy of this audiobook at my request in exchange for this honest review.

Great book - even better in Audible

Been reading and loving the Scarlet Oaks series for several years. So glad this one is on Audible and the narrator made it really come to life!

A perfect cosy mystery with an original premise

As a fan of cosy mysteries, I had an inkling that I was going to enjoy this audiobook. I was right ;)

Firstly, what a great title - perfect for a cosy. It was off to a great start. Secondly, Scarlet is a DJ, now that's original. Even more so when she's taken off her successful Top 40 show and given a new slot hosting  "Mending Men", a late-night show for men. Most have sporting stories and gripes to share, but occasionally a caller is looking for advice. Scarlet is well out of her comfort zone, and the building is an eerie place at midnight when she finishes her shift.  Thirdly, and here's where the mystery kicks in - a caller with the slowest of slow drawl has a problem with his wife. He likes Scarlet's suggestion, and calls back a few days later to thank her and let her now he is much happier now. Yeah! Read into that what you will; don't dismiss him too easily. The narrator is fabulous, especially with this caller.

Outside of her job, Scarlet has a dysfunctional family whom she adores, but who bring a plethora of drama to her life. Her best friends are a marvellous gay couple who care a lot about her, and enjoy entertaining. But the absolute star of Scarlet's household cavalry is Prudence her not-so-micro micro pig.

Back at work, Scarlet finds flowers on her car windscreen. The same flowers found at the scene of a murder. Are they connected? Is Scarlet in danger? When Stu, the slow drawl caller, rings again, his messages seems more threatening and infinitely personal. But as she hasn't seen him, only ever heard his voice, she has nothing to go on in terms of tracking him down.

Until ...it's apparent that he has been watching her, and together with her friends she builds a picture of him. But the police can't find him, and the man's wife has been murdered. See! Don't say I didn't warn you!

As New Year's Eve approaches, Scarlet's friends decide to hold a masquerade ball ... Uh oh - you can see where this is going, right? Well, now might be the time to get the book and see if your hunches are correct ;)

This is a hugely entertaining story. The narrator, as I said previously, is wonderful. She injects great personality into the characters, and it's very easy to follow ...and get totally drawn in.
As the end approaches, there are some tense moments, but the resolution of the mystery falls a little flat in its delivery. Overall, though, a great story with highly likeable characters and plenty of scope for more mayhem. I'm ready for more from Scarlet Oaks. Bring it on!

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Michaela James. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

Great listen!

When you find a great book paired with a great narrator it's like winning the audiobook lottery. There is mystery, intrigue, plot twists, humor, and some clean romance... all of this with stellar narration. If you are looking for a nice and easy listen without any real angst or heartbreak, I highly suggest this.

Mystery

Scarlet Oaks and the Serial Caller is a good book full of intrigue, suspense, laughs and a cute little pig. I loved the storyline but sometimes it has too many storylines running together. I loved the quirky characters and the banter that goes on between them. I received this audio book at my request. I am leaving my honest review here voluntarily of my own volition.

A Slow Burn

The cover immediately drew me to this story. Prudence the pig completely steals the show anytime she is mentioned. However, aside from those moments, the storyline was long and drawn out. I felt that the author could have cut several chapters from the story. The arrest of the "bad guy" was done without any fanfare. The heart of the plot is good and I do plan to check out additional stories from this author. Why? Because there is a diverse and fun cast of characters. Niles and Tom are delightful in their doting on Scarlett. And hello, a pig!

Narrator Kimberly M. Wetherell was brilliant. She lent a great voice to each character.