Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Killer Tied by Lesley A. Diehl is the sixth book in the Eve Appel Mystery series. Eve has experienced several big changes in her life. She married Sammy. She's the proud mom of three little boys they adopted. She's apprenticing to a private detective. Sammy's father is back in his life and while he adores his grandsons, it's clear he doesn't care much for her. Her life gets even more complicated when a woman shows up with the news that she's Eve's half-sister and that Eve's mother supposedly survived the boating accident that killed Eve's parents years ago. To top it off, during a trip with their grandfather, Eve's sons discover a body stabbed with a knife belonging to Eve's father-in-law, which puts the police onto his trail and sends him disappearing back into the swamps. With two mysteries to solve, she wonders if both might be connected as she turns to her usual allies and friends for help.

Another delightful mystery from Lesley A. Diehl which continues the adventures of Eve and her growing family. So much has changed since Eve's adventures started and with each new mystery comes new challenges and experiences. Though her life is busy with a husband and kids, she's never been happier, even if she struggles with her father-in-law clearly not liking her much. When her father-in-law is a suspect, she puts her feelings aside and puts her family first so she can find the real killer and clear his name. The other part of the mystery revolves around a mysterious woman and her bizarre story about how Eve's mother actually survived all those years ago and went on to have another life and another family. Eve is reluctant to believe this story and turns to her trusted sources to discover the truth.

As with previous Eve Appel mysteries, Diehl weaves in Eve's spunky personality and the depths of her loyalty toward her family which factors into how she goes about solving the mystery. The mystery is full of surprises and twists, connecting both parts together while unveiling shocking family secrets Eve didn't see coming. This mystery also sees the inclusion of favorite character Nappi who is always delightful and incorporates a fun mob connection. Diehl includes a lot of heart with plenty of sweet relationship and family moments for Eve with Sammy and the kids, which show Eve in her role as wife and mom. Her role at home strikes a fun balance with her job as a sleuth which gives her a well-rounded character with several layers. Eve goes through an emotional journey as several truths reveal themselves throughout and will change her life. Diehl hits upon all the right notes to make a compelling mystery in Killer Tied which is a surprising and emotional story about murder, family secrets, and life changes.