Final Read of 2025, First Review of 2026!

Write Way to Die – Dead in Durango – Book One

~ Nikki Haverstock

Write Way to Die – Dead in Durango is a cozy mountain escape… with a murder tossed in for good measure. This is the first book in a brand-new series by Nikki Haverstock, and I’m already eager to see where she takes it next.

After college, Jess lands a win with a startup that sells, leaving her financially comfortable and free to help her Great-Aunt Ruth recover from surgery in Durango. As an aspiring author, Jess is not-so-easily convinced to step out of the house when Ruth introduces her to a local writer’s group that meets at Martha’s Bookstore, a familiar and nostalgic spot from Jess’s childhood visits.

During her first meeting, talk turns to an upcoming book convention and the need for volunteers. Before Jess knows it, she’s talked into helping out especially since famous hometown author Cassie Fox will be attending and speaking. But when Jess finds Cassie dead on the very first day of the convention, things take a sharp turn. With motives everywhere and everyone a potential suspect, the truth may be closer than anyone expects.

This was my first read from Nikki Haverstock, and it definitely won’t be my last. I’ll happily be weaving her cozies in between my thrillers and writing time. She builds a cast of characters that feel real, layered, and emotionally grounded. Backstories unfold naturally alongside the present-day mystery, giving you a full picture of the main characters while keeping the supporting cast engaging and purposeful. Nothing feels forced or unnecessary.

The pacing is steady and engaging, pulling you in right from the start. Haverstock’s writing style is comfortable, inviting, and conversational, making this the kind of book you want to curl up with. Her descriptive details create an atmosphere that feels calm and cozy while still maintaining a sense of suspense and mystery.

If you haven’t read anything by Nikki Haverstock yet, I highly recommend starting with Write Way to Die – Dead in Durango Book One (and then, like me, diving straight into the rest of her cozies) when it releases on January 6, 2026.

Thank you to Nikki Haverstock for the opportunity to Alpha/Beta/ARC for Write Way to Die – Dead in Durango Book One. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.

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