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Crack the Case Series

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Cristina Matta

Turning seismic moments into killer mysteries.

Mystery with a Twist

Hi, I’m Christy Matta, a mystery author with a love for adventure, satire, and all things unexpected. Whether you enjoy unraveling a classic whodunit or diving into a suspenseful journey, you’ll find something intriguing here.

What You’ll Find on This Site

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Books

Explore my two distinct mystery series: Detective Ned’s satirical, choose-your-own-ending cases and Tamara’s gripping investigations in Peru.

🔍 Crack the Case Books – Satirical, Interactive Mysteries

Available in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook—grab your copy!

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Pairs: This Dating Site Will Be the Death of You
Love can be murder—especially online. When a woman turns up dead at the Tampa Aquarium, Detective Ned investigates seven bizarre dating app suspects. Choose your ending, or write your own!

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Mishaps: These Accidents Will Be the Death of You
Some people are accident-prone. Others are murder-prone. A tangled web of misfortunes has Detective Ned looking for the truth behind ten unlucky suspects’ injuries.

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Wrecks: These Driving Disasters Will Be the Death of You (Coming 2025)

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Critters: These Animals Will Be the Death of You (Coming 2025)

And stay tuned for two more in 2026!

🌎 Quakes & Secrets: The Tamara Mysteries

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Tremor in the Hills (New and Improved Version Coming Fall 2025)
After surviving a devastating earthquake, Tamara returns to Peru to find her missing best friend—only to become tangled in a murder investigation. Is she ready to face the dangers hidden in the shadows of Manchay?

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Tremor on the Pyramid (Coming 2026)
Tamara’s search for answers takes her to the ancient ruins of Caral, where secrets, deception, and danger await.

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Interactive Mysteries

In the Crack the Case series, you don’t just read the mystery, you solve it! Choose from three endings, or submit your own for a chance to have your writing featured here.

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Behind the Stories

From surviving an 8.1-magnitude earthquake in Peru to my passion for travel and storytelling, get a glimpse into the real-life adventures that inspire my books.

About Me

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I survived an 8.1-magnitude earthquake in Peru, and the experience inspired me to write. Since I’ve always loved mysteries, that’s exactly what I create: stories filled with suspense, humor, and unexpected twists.

My favorite authors? Agatha Christie, Dick Francis, and Sara Paretsky. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me learning languages, traveling, or spending time with dogs.

Ned’s Notes

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