Five Stars for Foul Play

Detective Sam Mysteries, Book 3

De: Elle Kleos

Narrado por: TJ Clark

Detective Sam is here, they’re queer, and they could really use a vacation.

Nonbinary Detective Sam is living the dream. A new home with their amazing partner, loyal friends they can count on, and a true crime podcaster intent on dredging up the past. OK, maybe that last part’s not so ideal . . .

Kaitlin Riley was a major voice in the true crime podcasting scene until her sudden disappearance. After a storm washes her body ashore alongside some unnerving clues about what she was working on, our favorite detective is called in to untangle the truth. Only, that’s easier said than done when Sam is being torn between what they want for their future and all the baggage of their complicated past.

©2025 Leah Kleynhans (P)2025 Leah Kleynhans

This was a fun surprise

This is book three of the series, but I absolutely enjoyed it as a standalone. Tape recorder carrying, nonbinary Detective Sam is called to the scene of a body washed ashore. It turns out to be the true crime podcaster digging into Sam’s past cases. The twists and turns just kept coming the further along Sam’s investigation went and I loved it.

This was the first book I’ve read where the MC was nonbinary. I enjoyed it (and it only took me a minute to get used to the pronouns and figure out there weren’t so many people in the room). Sam is a complicated character, and I liked watching them develop as they learn things about themselves as the story went on. I loved the pure adoration and affection between Sam and their partner, the lovable, golden retriever artist Teddy. The loyalty and camaraderie between Sam and ‘rookie’ partner Noah had me smiling.

Single narration by TJ Clark and he was amazing. Not every narrator can carry an entire book and cast of characters, but TJ did a great job. The pacing was perfect and there was great distinction between the MANY characters, and he hit all levels of emotion needed.

This book had the suspense, but was funny with well-developed characters, plenty of heart and a little spice thrown in. I finished it and grabbed book one immediately.

Fun title

The story continues to follow nonbinary detective Sam and his partner, Teddy. This case takes Sam back to their past, and we even get to see their former mentor, Wolfe. This is an interesting police procedural that goes back several decades to an old investigation that ties into their current investigation. It also delves into Sam and Teddy’s relationship. I’m honestly not sure how I feel about their relationship. I feel like there’s a bit of trust and disgruntled feelings when it comes to Sam’s job. I have mixed feelings and I’m not completely on board but it’s a new relationship. While the story was interesting, I also found myself not engaged with the story as I had hoped.

The narrator, TJ Clark did a good job portraying Sam, and several of the other characters in the book. There are quite a few characters in this one, and while I didn’t have all of them memorized, I still really enjoyed the narration. I will say, don’t expect perfect Spanish with a certain character. I’m a native Spanish speaker, and while the narrator does their best, some pronunciations pulled me out of the story a bit. That being said, I did enjoy hearing Spanish words.

If you’re looking for a police procedural murder investigation with a nonbinary character be sure to check this one out.