Jammed with Secrets
A Festival Mystery, Book 1
by Selina Hill
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date 13 Jan 2026 | Archive Date 6 Jan 2026
ARC provided by Selina Hill Publishing | Selina Hill Publishing
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Description
A Disgraced Iron Chef, a Boy-Band Star Found Dead, and a Sheriff Ex Hell-Bent on Sabotaging Her Investigation
Sadie Cruz, once an Iron Chef champion, watched her career implode overnight when a scandal turned her into an industry pariah. With nothing left, she returned to her hometown, scraping by on a handful of food trailers with only one tenant left to keep her afloat.
That fragile peace shatters when a member of the legendary ’90s boyband BoyzTone is found dead inside the trailer. Overnight, the spotlight swings back to Sadie—and this time it’s aimed squarely at her as the prime suspect.
Making things worse, that one rented trailer is immediately seized by the town sheriff, Lex Hayes—the man whose ring she refused ten years ago. He now seems determined to block her at every turn.
With her reputation ruined and her livelihood locked behind crime-scene tape, Sadie has no choice but to investigate the murder herself. The sheriff may stand in her way, but if she wants to clear her name—and salvage her last chance at a life she can live—she’ll have to uncover the truth before her life is burnt to a crisp for good.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9696664560492 |
| PRICE | $3.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 270 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 12 members
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 1787428
I really enjoyed Jammed with Secrets! Sadie was likeable and relatable, a character that you want to root for. I liked that upon her return she made friends with someone new, not reuniting with an old high school best friend like what often happens in cozies. Sheila was a fun sleuthing partner and I also hope we see more of Josh in future books. I also enjoyed the Lex storyline and can't wait to see where that goes.
The story was well written and fast paced. The suspects were plentiful and keeps you guessing the whole way through. I read it through in one day because I didn't want put it down. I hope to see more of Sadie, Lex, and everyone else in Sunmeadow.
Thank you to NetGalley and Selina Hill Publishing for the ARC.
Lisa C, Reviewer
I was excited to see a first in a new series on NetGalley. I am always happy to discover a new author, and Jammed with Secrets is a good start to this series.
Sadie Cruz was once an iron chef who was a wonder in the kitchen. Until one night when a customer died after eating her Heavenly Duck.
Sadie's life was shattered so she went back home to try and get her life back on track.
Sadie had a few food trucks and was excited to be part of a festival where a 90's boy band was reuniting for another concert.
Things go tragically wrong and Sadie finds herself wrapped up in a murder investigation.
With the help of a Podcaster, Sheila, Sadie is going to fight to uncover all the dirty little secrets the band members are hiding.
Anna L, Reviewer
"Jammed with Secrets" by Selina Hill is a delightful and intriguing mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end! 🕵️♀️ The story follows a charming and determined protagonist as she navigates a web of secrets and lies in a small town's music festival.
Hill's writing is witty and engaging, perfectly capturing the vibrant atmosphere of the festival. The characters are complex and nuanced, with motivations that are both believable and entertaining. The plot twists are clever and surprising, keeping you on your toes as you try to unravel the mystery.
One of the standout aspects of this book is Hill's ability to balance humor and suspense, creating a story that's both entertaining and engaging. The setting is vividly described, making it easy to imagine yourself at the festival.
The pacing is expertly managed, with a steady build-up of tension that culminates in a satisfying and surprising climax. The protagonist's journey is both fun and thought-provoking, making this a great read for fans of cozy mysteries.
Overall, *"Jammed with Secrets" is a charming and engaging read that will appeal to fans of mystery and cozy mysteries*. If you're looking for a book that's a little bit quirky, a little bit fun, and a lot of suspense, look no further! 👍
Rating: 5/5 stars
Debbie A, Reviewer
This was definitely a good start to a new series, especially if you are a foodie! Sadie Cruz is heading back to her hometown of Sunmeadow, CA, her life in shambles. When she left ten years ago, she had so many dreams and was able to accomplish so many of them, including winning on Iron Chief! She had her own well-regarded restaurant until a food critic dropped dead in her place. Even though she, her food, and the restaurant were cleared, her life was in shambles. Returning to her hometown, where she was raised by her Aunt and Uncle, she still has five food trucks she had bought after her win that her aunt and uncle managed for her. Unfortunately, with the fallout, she is down to one tenant, and she is determined to keep him, although Josh is barely holding on . Determined to help drum up some business, she gets him into the Sunmeadow 90's Music Festival, and things start out very promising the first evening. Unfortunately, when they arrive in the morning to set up, they find the body of one of the 90's boy band members dead in the trailer. What follows is an interesting mystery, as Sadie makes new friends, finds old ones, and works to find answers and stop her world from imploding again! I really enjoyed the potential here, only one TSTL moment for our heroine, but I definitely enjoyed the world and business, Sadie is growing. Thanks to #Netgally, #CrookedLaneBooks, and the author for an opportunity to discover! #JammedwithSecrets #AFestivalMystery #SelinaHill #bookreview #bookideas #retired readers
Reviewer 1651323
Jammed With Secrets is a sharp, fast‑paced mystery with a deliciously messy heroine at its centre. Sadie Cruz—once an Iron Chef darling, now a disgraced culinary outcast—returns to her hometown hoping for anonymity and a quiet restart. Instead, she walks straight into a murder scene, a media frenzy, and the unwelcome glare of her past.
The premise is instantly addictive: a ’90s boy‑band star found dead in Sadie’s last remaining food trailer, a sheriff who also happens to be the ex‑fiancé she left behind, and a town all too ready to believe the worst. The author balances humour, tension, and emotional grit beautifully, giving Sadie a voice that’s equal parts vulnerable, stubborn, and fiercely determined.
What really makes the story sing is the dynamic between Sadie and Sheriff Lex Hayes. Their shared history adds a crackling undercurrent to every confrontation—equal parts resentment, unfinished business, and reluctant chemistry. Watching them circle each other while the stakes climb higher is half the fun.
The mystery itself is tightly plotted, with plenty of twists, red herrings, and small‑town secrets simmering beneath the surface. As Sadie digs deeper, the narrative blends culinary flair with crime‑scene chaos in a way that feels fresh and genuinely entertaining. By the time the truth comes out, you’re fully invested in her fight to reclaim her life.
A lively, engaging, and compulsively readable mystery perfect for fans of character‑driven whodunits with a dash of humour and heart. Sadie Cruz is the kind of flawed, fiery protagonist you can’t help rooting for.
With thanks to Selina Hill, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Really enjoyed this one!
I read this in basically one sitting. Sadie is a disgraced Iron Chef trying to start over with food trailers when a dead boyband member turns up in one of them.
The best part? Her ex-fiancé is the sheriff investigating her.
The tension between them was perfect, and I couldn't tell if he was being difficult because of their past or if he genuinely suspected her.
The mystery kept me guessing and the '90s boyband angle was fun.
Overall this was a solid cozy mystery with good romance and humor.
Already looking forward to book two!
⭐⭐⭐⭐