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High Heels #5.75
Sweetheart in High Heels
Being the wife of a cop isn't all it's cracked up to be. Especially when dead bodies keep ruining your romantic dinner plans. But fashion designer turned amateur sleuth Maddie Springer is determined that her husband's latest case, dubbed the "Sex Shop Murder", will not keep him from celebrating their first anniversary together, which just happens to fall on the most romantic of all holidays, Valentine's Day. She's ready to do whatever it takes to make this night special and distraction-free - even if it means solving his case herself!
57 pages, ebook
First published January 23, 2011
228 people are currently reading
1399 people want to read
About the author
Gemma Halliday
95 books1,892 followersGemma had a hard time figuring out what she wanted to be when she grew up. She worked as a film and television actress, a teddy bear importer, a department store administrator, a preschool teacher, a temporary tattoo artist, and a 900 number psychic, before finally selling her first book, Spying in High Heels, in 2005 and deciding to be a writer.
Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader's Choice award and three RITA nominations. Her books have hit both the USA Today and the New York Times Bestseller lists.
Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.
Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader's Choice award and three RITA nominations. Her books have hit both the USA Today and the New York Times Bestseller lists.
Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
December 17, 2016
A short fun entry in the series. The story contains a guest shot by a famous celebrity. Of course there is a dead body discovered by Maddie and her BFF Dana.
March 12, 2013
I think this was the best of the short novellas. It tied up rather tidily and kind of abruptly, but it is a shortened version of the series. I like that, while Maddie and her friend investigated the murder, she passed on her epiphany of what happened to her husband, the police detective, so that it ended a bit more realistically.
Also the celebratory guest appearance was hilarious.
I also noticed that I seem to be slowing down on my reading of this series, I started out just zipping through them and now not so much. Coincidence that this happened right after Maddie and Ramirez got married? Maybe, or maybe not. =P
Also the celebratory guest appearance was hilarious.
I also noticed that I seem to be slowing down on my reading of this series, I started out just zipping through them and now not so much. Coincidence that this happened right after Maddie and Ramirez got married? Maybe, or maybe not. =P
April 26, 2021
Earns 5/5 Hearts & Homicides...Entertaining Fun!
Cheers to Gemma Halliday! “Sweetheart in High Heels” is an entertaining short story perfect for that lazy afternoon. Maddie Springer Ramirez is enjoying the ambiance, the aroma, and the anticipation of a romantic evening. Just one thing...her husband, LAPD homicide Detective Jack Ramirez, is late...again! The phone call and the apology was a nice gesture, but she was tired of dead bodies interfering with her married life. She decided to make their upcoming first anniversary, appropriately on Valentine’s Day, something for which he wouldn’t dare be late. A few intimate trinkets, suggested by Dana her quirky best friend, at the Peach’s Pleasure Den might be the incentive. Except Peach’s dead body in the store room wasn’t going to make matters better...unless, of course, she can “solve this case for him.” Gemma Halliday’s mystery with all its clever twists, witty humor, and fun characters made for an engaging story. Engaging mystery. Entertaining narration. Marvelous respite.
Cheers to Gemma Halliday! “Sweetheart in High Heels” is an entertaining short story perfect for that lazy afternoon. Maddie Springer Ramirez is enjoying the ambiance, the aroma, and the anticipation of a romantic evening. Just one thing...her husband, LAPD homicide Detective Jack Ramirez, is late...again! The phone call and the apology was a nice gesture, but she was tired of dead bodies interfering with her married life. She decided to make their upcoming first anniversary, appropriately on Valentine’s Day, something for which he wouldn’t dare be late. A few intimate trinkets, suggested by Dana her quirky best friend, at the Peach’s Pleasure Den might be the incentive. Except Peach’s dead body in the store room wasn’t going to make matters better...unless, of course, she can “solve this case for him.” Gemma Halliday’s mystery with all its clever twists, witty humor, and fun characters made for an engaging story. Engaging mystery. Entertaining narration. Marvelous respite.
March 8, 2025
maddie, how can you stay with this man after he tells you that celebrating valentine’s day/anniversary isn’t important, you have solved ALL of his cases, and he’s missed not one, not two, but THREE of your birthday celebrations?
February 17, 2017
What I liked about this short story was the characters. This was a taster of the type of writing I will find in the longer books with the Maddie Springer series (I have a bunch on my NOOK that I plan to get to this year). I liked Maddie and her BFF Dana; they work well together as amateur sleuths, but they also had day jobs to attend to. The mystery was almost non-existent. This seemed to be a gift to Maddie Springer fans rather than a way to move the series forward in between the full length books.
July 26, 2013
I haven't read the previous books. This one was nice but I am not sure about Ramirez. I cannot put myself in his shoes or even try to understand him. He should have tried to make more time for him and Maddie.
April 3, 2021
I got this book free on a promotion, in which it was categorised as a “Cozy Mystery”. I’m not entirely sure that this is the best category for this story, but it's hard to work out a category which might be better. It’s certainly a mystery, and the detective is an amateur who stumbles onto the case and solves it using a technique which is as much luck as it is rigorous detective work. However, the whole thing felt a bit more raunchy than what I would expect from a more traditional cozy mystery. A murder in a sex shop full of fetish gear is just the start of the story, and later we get the implication of a steamy night in a hotel room with the hot cop who has lagged behind her on the case since the start.
Ignoring the sexual aspects of the tale, it’s competent enough. Our main character, Maddie, is trying to find a Valentines present for her busy husband, and her best friend talks her into shopping for provocative lingerie run by someone she knows. Unfortunately, by the time they get there the owner, Peach, is dead. The police are too busy and it looks like Maddie won’t be able to celebrate until the murder is solved, so the two friends set out to investigate.
The book has some investigating and some interviewing, but mostly it’s a snapshot of the glamorous life of Maddie, a high-end fashion shoe designer, and her friend Dana, who is married to a Hollywood star, and their days of makeovers, limos and expensive dresses.
I enjoyed the story, but as I said at the start, it doesn’t quite fit as a cozy mystery for me.
Ignoring the sexual aspects of the tale, it’s competent enough. Our main character, Maddie, is trying to find a Valentines present for her busy husband, and her best friend talks her into shopping for provocative lingerie run by someone she knows. Unfortunately, by the time they get there the owner, Peach, is dead. The police are too busy and it looks like Maddie won’t be able to celebrate until the murder is solved, so the two friends set out to investigate.
The book has some investigating and some interviewing, but mostly it’s a snapshot of the glamorous life of Maddie, a high-end fashion shoe designer, and her friend Dana, who is married to a Hollywood star, and their days of makeovers, limos and expensive dresses.
I enjoyed the story, but as I said at the start, it doesn’t quite fit as a cozy mystery for me.
April 26, 2021
Earns 5/5 Hearts & Homicides...Entertaining Fun!
Cheers to Gemma Halliday! “Sweetheart in High Heels” is an entertaining short story (audio 1:21) narrated by the talented Caroline Shaffer. Maddie Springer Ramirez is enjoying the ambiance, the aroma, and the anticipation of a romantic evening. Just one thing...her husband, LAPD homicide Detective Jack Ramirez, is late...again! The phone call and the apology was a nice gesture, but she was tired of dead bodies interfering with her married life. She decided to make their upcoming first anniversary, appropriately on Valentine’s Day, something for which he wouldn’t dare be late. A few intimate trinkets, suggested by Dana her quirky best friend, at the Peach’s Pleasure Den might be the incentive. Except Peach’s dead body in the store room wasn’t going to make matters better...unless, of course, she can “solve this case for him.” Gemma Halliday’s mystery with all its clever twists, witty humor, and fun characters made for an engaging story, and Caroline Shaffer’s narration enriched my experience. She went beyond a traditional out loud reading performing extremely well varied tones to portray several character and their personalities and doing well with her effort to depict age and gender. Engaging mystery. Entertaining narration. Marvelous respite.
Cheers to Gemma Halliday! “Sweetheart in High Heels” is an entertaining short story (audio 1:21) narrated by the talented Caroline Shaffer. Maddie Springer Ramirez is enjoying the ambiance, the aroma, and the anticipation of a romantic evening. Just one thing...her husband, LAPD homicide Detective Jack Ramirez, is late...again! The phone call and the apology was a nice gesture, but she was tired of dead bodies interfering with her married life. She decided to make their upcoming first anniversary, appropriately on Valentine’s Day, something for which he wouldn’t dare be late. A few intimate trinkets, suggested by Dana her quirky best friend, at the Peach’s Pleasure Den might be the incentive. Except Peach’s dead body in the store room wasn’t going to make matters better...unless, of course, she can “solve this case for him.” Gemma Halliday’s mystery with all its clever twists, witty humor, and fun characters made for an engaging story, and Caroline Shaffer’s narration enriched my experience. She went beyond a traditional out loud reading performing extremely well varied tones to portray several character and their personalities and doing well with her effort to depict age and gender. Engaging mystery. Entertaining narration. Marvelous respite.
February 10, 2022
Seeing Gemma Halliday's books in the same genres of which I like, funny and mystery, I picked up this freebie cause it was short and I wanted to know what the author's writing was like.
I was not disappointed. The author did a great job in writing a short story mystery with just the right amount of humor involved. A wife, waiting and getting disappointed as her cop husband always is late or has to cancel because of his work, tells of her plan to give him the best Valentine's Day present she could come up with.
If you like a mystery and humor, Gemma Halliday provides it in this short 43 page story. A little bit of a cross between Fletch, Stephanie Plum, and Carlotta Wren.
I was not disappointed. The author did a great job in writing a short story mystery with just the right amount of humor involved. A wife, waiting and getting disappointed as her cop husband always is late or has to cancel because of his work, tells of her plan to give him the best Valentine's Day present she could come up with.
If you like a mystery and humor, Gemma Halliday provides it in this short 43 page story. A little bit of a cross between Fletch, Stephanie Plum, and Carlotta Wren.
July 6, 2022
free ebook
way too short! read in less than a hr
she is the shoe designer
she is married to the cop. he missed her birthday as he works homicide and has to go to cases
her and her friend found a dead body in a sex shop where she went to find him a present for valentines day which is also their first anniversary. she didnt want to go there, but her friend persuaded her
she decided to solve the case so her husband would get the day off
the lady had the latex body suit on and suffocated, the co owner didnt want their products to look bad so he stabbed her after she was dead
she figured it out so he did get the day off
it was good, just too short!
way too short! read in less than a hr
she is the shoe designer
she is married to the cop. he missed her birthday as he works homicide and has to go to cases
her and her friend found a dead body in a sex shop where she went to find him a present for valentines day which is also their first anniversary. she didnt want to go there, but her friend persuaded her
she decided to solve the case so her husband would get the day off
the lady had the latex body suit on and suffocated, the co owner didnt want their products to look bad so he stabbed her after she was dead
she figured it out so he did get the day off
it was good, just too short!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2022
In my opinion (and my wife's too) Valentine's Day is a Hallmark holiday designed to sell overpriced candy, flowers, cards, and lingerie. However, it is also a time for romance and that is what Maddie wants for her and Jack's first V-Day together. But, as expected a murder interrupts their alone time. Based on past events were they seriously expecting anything else? LOL. So, Dana talks Maddie into going to an adult toy store and then.... okay just read this story. It is a very quick and funny read; plus it has American celebrity icon Betty White in it.
Narrator Caroline Schaffer does another excellent job.
Narrator Caroline Schaffer does another excellent job.
Read
April 23, 2021This is a fun and funny little novella. But I felt like I missed some things. For me, it seemed this novel was misplaced in the series and it should come a little later. We’re about a year since the wedding and honeymoon book; usually it's 3-6 months between timelines in novels.
The red carpet incident with Betty White made me squeal with laughter! You can just see it unfolding before your eyes. Poor Betty White oh and Maddie I guess lol
No rating as it's short. A one day read. NOOK has it at 41 pages.
The red carpet incident with Betty White made me squeal with laughter! You can just see it unfolding before your eyes. Poor Betty White oh and Maddie I guess lol
No rating as it's short. A one day read. NOOK has it at 41 pages.
February 16, 2025
High Heels and Mystery
What a cute short story - just perfect for a quick read on Valentine’s Day (or any day). Maddie is tired of her husband (homicide detective) cancelling their plans at the last minute so she plans a special night just for them - but she has to help solve the death of Dana’s friend Peach before Maddie’s husband can get the night off. And it turns out to be a lot different than she thought!
Recommended.
What a cute short story - just perfect for a quick read on Valentine’s Day (or any day). Maddie is tired of her husband (homicide detective) cancelling their plans at the last minute so she plans a special night just for them - but she has to help solve the death of Dana’s friend Peach before Maddie’s husband can get the night off. And it turns out to be a lot different than she thought!
Recommended.
December 14, 2019
Wonderful Read!
Lovd everything about this short story. I'm not giving spoilers. Maddie and Ramirez make a great couple. Whether ne wants her help or not solving homicides , Ramirez gets it. I'd recommend this book for anyone who likes cozies...important with this series, to read in order...at least these shorter "in between books."
Lovd everything about this short story. I'm not giving spoilers. Maddie and Ramirez make a great couple. Whether ne wants her help or not solving homicides , Ramirez gets it. I'd recommend this book for anyone who likes cozies...important with this series, to read in order...at least these shorter "in between books."
February 21, 2020
Sweetheart in High Heels
This is a quick read and good cozy mystery. It is about a couple who will soon be celebrating their first anniversary. There is a murder,mystery,friendship and love....and it's almost VALENTINE'S day. I give it 5 stars and recommend it to adults who like cozy mysteries.
This is a quick read and good cozy mystery. It is about a couple who will soon be celebrating their first anniversary. There is a murder,mystery,friendship and love....and it's almost VALENTINE'S day. I give it 5 stars and recommend it to adults who like cozy mysteries.
March 1, 2020
Sweetheart in High Heels
A cop and a shoe designer makes a lovely couple especially when their anniversary is Valentines Day. Only problem is something comes up at times for celebration of birthdays and anniversary. This time she decides to help settle the death investigation so they can have their anniversary date. This is a great read which I recommend highly!
A cop and a shoe designer makes a lovely couple especially when their anniversary is Valentines Day. Only problem is something comes up at times for celebration of birthdays and anniversary. This time she decides to help settle the death investigation so they can have their anniversary date. This is a great read which I recommend highly!
April 16, 2020
A funny sleuthing story of Maddie and her trials of being a wife to a homicide detective. With all the murders, she has a hard time even having dinner with her new husband. So she thinks, she’ll help him out so they can keep they’re anniversary/Valentines day celebration. She ends up at a murder scene!
February 10, 2021
This was such a fun novella to read, as all of Gemma Holiday's books.
It was quick, hilarious, and laugh out loud silly. I love our main character, Maddie Springer. She always seems to solve a horrific crime, faster and often more dangerous, than her husband, Jack Rameriz, a detective.
Highly recommended....👙 👠 👜 🛍👗💄
It was quick, hilarious, and laugh out loud silly. I love our main character, Maddie Springer. She always seems to solve a horrific crime, faster and often more dangerous, than her husband, Jack Rameriz, a detective.
Highly recommended....👙 👠 👜 🛍👗💄
August 31, 2024
When a murder isn't a murder
Gemma does it again, Maddie and Dana are getting gift ideas for Valentine's day. Of course they stumble across a body in, of all places, a sex store. Maddie decides that she is going to solve the case in order to spend Valentine's day with her cop husband. She does and they do. This is a very good short story in the Sweetheart in High Heels series.
Gemma does it again, Maddie and Dana are getting gift ideas for Valentine's day. Of course they stumble across a body in, of all places, a sex store. Maddie decides that she is going to solve the case in order to spend Valentine's day with her cop husband. She does and they do. This is a very good short story in the Sweetheart in High Heels series.
March 8, 2021
High heel short story!
Charming characters, good story, happy ending so
!!! The main character was very human and sweet! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a quick mystery!
Charming characters, good story, happy ending so
!!! The main character was very human and sweet! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a quick mystery!
February 15, 2022
Quick and fun read
The High Heel mysteries always may me smile while I read them. This short tale is just as delightful as any of the full length books. Maddie just can't stay out of trouble, but she's always entertaining. Love the story.
The High Heel mysteries always may me smile while I read them. This short tale is just as delightful as any of the full length books. Maddie just can't stay out of trouble, but she's always entertaining. Love the story.
February 15, 2020
Fun short story!
This was a great short story! A great way to finally getting a date with your husband by solving the crime! Enjoyable and a good mystery!
This was a great short story! A great way to finally getting a date with your husband by solving the crime! Enjoyable and a good mystery!
February 29, 2020
Gemma Halliday Rocks
Have read this series from the beginning, great fun, awesome characters and the humor is great also. One of my favorite Author's.
Have read this series from the beginning, great fun, awesome characters and the humor is great also. One of my favorite Author's.
March 30, 2020
Sweetheart
Cute short story in the Maddie Springer world of fashion and murder with comedy thrown in. I like this series
Cute short story in the Maddie Springer world of fashion and murder with comedy thrown in. I like this series
April 15, 2020
A good story. A case solved quickly. A few delicious cameos.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Wonderful characters.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Wonderful characters.
September 7, 2020
Loved like all her books
Hooked on series looking forward for next one.
Quirky characters that make you laugh cheer you up especially if been stuck indoors
Hooked on series looking forward for next one.
Quirky characters that make you laugh cheer you up especially if been stuck indoors
February 16, 2021
Fun and stress free mystery novella. Enjoyable series.
February 28, 2021
Loved all of the High Heel Books. Just finished the short story last night. Thanks for making the pandemic easier! Suz
March 17, 2021
Cute
Great if you like them quick and funny. I think I have read another book with these characters. She designs shoes and her husband is a police detective in Los Angeles.
Great if you like them quick and funny. I think I have read another book with these characters. She designs shoes and her husband is a police detective in Los Angeles.
April 28, 2021
2 1/2 stars. Some very funny scenes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews