R.E. Markland II’s The Sole Sisters is a cozy crime novel wrapped in the warmth of community and the grit of old-school detective work. It’s a story about Kate Elder, a retired defense attorney whose peaceful life is shattered when her husband, Tom, is shot on a golf course by an unknown sniper. What begins as a tense crime mystery soon blossoms into a charming narrative about friendship and second chances, as Kate teams up with a quirky group of women who call themselves The Sole Sisters. Each member brings her unique talents to the table, forming an unofficial, wine-fueled investigative team determined to crack the case that law enforcement has all but given up on.

The pacing here is tight. Markland wastes no time in throwing us into the heart of the action, and the emotional shock Kate experiences is palpable. What I really appreciated was how grounded the story felt despite the high stakes. The details, Kate’s sarcastic internal dialogue, the way her friend Jackie tries to keep her calm, even the ambulance tearing through sleepy neighborhoods, all felt painfully real and wonderfully human.

As the story unfolds, the true heart of the book is revealed in the bond between the women. The Sole Sisters are hilarious, heartfelt, and so authentically drawn that I felt like I’d known them for years. Their decision to start investigating on their own is both noble and chaotic, there’s this brilliant scene where they’re drinking wine and renaming their club, and it had me laughing. But there’s more than humor here. Crystal, the forensic psychologist, brings genuine insight, while Rita’s cop instincts give the group backbone. These women aren’t caricatures, they’re layered, vulnerable, and brave. Watching them work around Lt. Brady’s constraints, using everything from AI tech to homemade tip lines, felt like watching a master class in amateur sleuthing with heart.

The writing can be overly expository at times, especially during flashbacks. And sometimes the dialogue veers into the melodramatic. Still, the charm of the characters and the clever layering of clues pulled me right back in every time. By the end, I found myself completely attached to these women. I cheered when they got closer to the truth, and I worried for their safety. Markland balances suspense with warmth, crafting a story that’s not just about solving a crime, but about reclaiming purpose after loss. That’s what stayed with me the most: the emotion, the friendships, and the quiet strength of women who refuse to be sidelined.

I’d recommend The Sole Sisters to fans of cozy mysteries, especially those who love character-driven stories with strong female leads. Think The Thursday Murder Club meets Golden Girls, with a little more heart and a lot more sass. It’s not just a mystery, it’s a reminder that it’s never too late to matter, to make a difference, or to find your tribe.

Pages: 338 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CGQ5SL2B